US Travel Association has already forecast a decrease of 6.3% in international visits and $5.7B in spending by international visitors in 2025
If this proposal is implemented it’s going to be difficult, even with the World Cup, to turn things around in 2026
Other countries/ people have agency too
If this proposal is implemented it’s going to be difficult, even with the World Cup, to turn things around in 2026
Other countries/ people have agency too
U.S. Plans to Scrutinize Foreign Tourists’ Social Media History
www.nytimes.com
December 10, 2025 at 4:10 AM
US Travel Association has already forecast a decrease of 6.3% in international visits and $5.7B in spending by international visitors in 2025
If this proposal is implemented it’s going to be difficult, even with the World Cup, to turn things around in 2026
Other countries/ people have agency too
If this proposal is implemented it’s going to be difficult, even with the World Cup, to turn things around in 2026
Other countries/ people have agency too
Leaving aside the fonts are gay or whatever nonsense from Rubio, there is some world-class both-sides pablum in this piece from the NY Times.
At State Dept., a Typeface Falls Victim in the War Against Woke
www.nytimes.com
December 10, 2025 at 3:09 AM
Leaving aside the fonts are gay or whatever nonsense from Rubio, there is some world-class both-sides pablum in this piece from the NY Times.
Since at least the mid 19th century the US has integrated people from failed or failing societies over and over again
And with each successive wave there is always a reactionary like Miller fear-mongering about threats to America
Miller view of America as a weak state is both ahistorical and wrong
And with each successive wave there is always a reactionary like Miller fear-mongering about threats to America
Miller view of America as a weak state is both ahistorical and wrong
Stephen Miller: "If Somalia keeps failing, if these societies all over the world continue to fail, you have to ask yourself if you bring those societies into our country & then give them unlimited free welfare, what do we think is going to happen? You're going to replicate the conditions they left"
December 10, 2025 at 2:35 AM
Since at least the mid 19th century the US has integrated people from failed or failing societies over and over again
And with each successive wave there is always a reactionary like Miller fear-mongering about threats to America
Miller view of America as a weak state is both ahistorical and wrong
And with each successive wave there is always a reactionary like Miller fear-mongering about threats to America
Miller view of America as a weak state is both ahistorical and wrong
Wait, thought this was one of those conflicts that had been resolved?
US President may have to take this one out of the win column.
US President may have to take this one out of the win column.
Thailand-Cambodia fighting spreads along border as death toll rises
At least six people have been killed in the most serious confrontation between both sides since a ceasefire was brokered by US President Donald Trump in July.
www.bbc.com
December 9, 2025 at 5:19 AM
Wait, thought this was one of those conflicts that had been resolved?
US President may have to take this one out of the win column.
US President may have to take this one out of the win column.
Views from Canada and US businesses on CUSMA.
A former Canadian diplomat “believes Trump’s position on the agreement is not motivated by an economic rationale but by a desire to wield power over nations he perceives as vulnerable to U.S. influence.”
A former Canadian diplomat “believes Trump’s position on the agreement is not motivated by an economic rationale but by a desire to wield power over nations he perceives as vulnerable to U.S. influence.”
ANALYSIS | U.S. industries love CUSMA. So why is Trump threatening to kill it? | CBC News
Over three days in Washington, nearly 150 American industry leaders representing every major sector of the economy depicted the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement as essential to their success. Yet the Trum...
www.cbc.ca
December 9, 2025 at 1:21 AM
Views from Canada and US businesses on CUSMA.
A former Canadian diplomat “believes Trump’s position on the agreement is not motivated by an economic rationale but by a desire to wield power over nations he perceives as vulnerable to U.S. influence.”
A former Canadian diplomat “believes Trump’s position on the agreement is not motivated by an economic rationale but by a desire to wield power over nations he perceives as vulnerable to U.S. influence.”
Trump 1 - Paid more than $60b* in bailouts to farmers.
(*About half trade / half pandemic related.)
Trump 2 - Paying $12b in initial bailouts to farmers, with billions more likely needed to counter the effects of trade policy.
@nytimes.com: Few people use the word "levy", just call it a TAX.
(*About half trade / half pandemic related.)
Trump 2 - Paying $12b in initial bailouts to farmers, with billions more likely needed to counter the effects of trade policy.
@nytimes.com: Few people use the word "levy", just call it a TAX.
Trump Promises Farmers $12 Billion to Blunt Fallout From His Trade War
www.nytimes.com
December 8, 2025 at 10:54 PM
Trump 1 - Paid more than $60b* in bailouts to farmers.
(*About half trade / half pandemic related.)
Trump 2 - Paying $12b in initial bailouts to farmers, with billions more likely needed to counter the effects of trade policy.
@nytimes.com: Few people use the word "levy", just call it a TAX.
(*About half trade / half pandemic related.)
Trump 2 - Paying $12b in initial bailouts to farmers, with billions more likely needed to counter the effects of trade policy.
@nytimes.com: Few people use the word "levy", just call it a TAX.
Comrades, tractor production is....too expensive.
Trump on John Deere: "We're gonna say, 'you're gonna reduce the prices.' They're gonna have to reduce their prices. Because farming equipment has gotten too expensive ... in many cases, you need about a 185 IQ to turn on a lawnmower."
December 8, 2025 at 8:23 PM
Comrades, tractor production is....too expensive.
He's only gone and done it!
Bookies didn't fully rate his chances, but plucky DJT pulls-off entirely expected win.
Though usually magnanimous, Trump will savor the victory and be contemptuous of the competition.
Putin, MBS, and Ming the Merciless left to wonder where it all went wrong.
#WorldCup
Bookies didn't fully rate his chances, but plucky DJT pulls-off entirely expected win.
Though usually magnanimous, Trump will savor the victory and be contemptuous of the competition.
Putin, MBS, and Ming the Merciless left to wonder where it all went wrong.
#WorldCup
December 5, 2025 at 6:06 PM
He's only gone and done it!
Bookies didn't fully rate his chances, but plucky DJT pulls-off entirely expected win.
Though usually magnanimous, Trump will savor the victory and be contemptuous of the competition.
Putin, MBS, and Ming the Merciless left to wonder where it all went wrong.
#WorldCup
Bookies didn't fully rate his chances, but plucky DJT pulls-off entirely expected win.
Though usually magnanimous, Trump will savor the victory and be contemptuous of the competition.
Putin, MBS, and Ming the Merciless left to wonder where it all went wrong.
#WorldCup
Polymarket has odds of Trump winning inaugural FIFA Peace Prize (not fake award) at only 97%, so all still to play for.
Do not know who is capturing the other 3%, but knowing FIFA its probably split between Putin and MBS.
The tension and drama are just too much...its the beautiful game.
#WorldCup
Do not know who is capturing the other 3%, but knowing FIFA its probably split between Putin and MBS.
The tension and drama are just too much...its the beautiful game.
#WorldCup
December 5, 2025 at 5:24 PM
Polymarket has odds of Trump winning inaugural FIFA Peace Prize (not fake award) at only 97%, so all still to play for.
Do not know who is capturing the other 3%, but knowing FIFA its probably split between Putin and MBS.
The tension and drama are just too much...its the beautiful game.
#WorldCup
Do not know who is capturing the other 3%, but knowing FIFA its probably split between Putin and MBS.
The tension and drama are just too much...its the beautiful game.
#WorldCup
FIFA should take similar approach for awarding its "Peace Prize" (not fake award) as used for World Cup draw:
All competitors (DJT, Putin, Ming the Merciless, etc.) go in different pots based upon 'peace game' rankings, AI then runs a straight knock-out competition to determine who wins.
#WorldCup
All competitors (DJT, Putin, Ming the Merciless, etc.) go in different pots based upon 'peace game' rankings, AI then runs a straight knock-out competition to determine who wins.
#WorldCup
December 5, 2025 at 5:14 PM
FIFA should take similar approach for awarding its "Peace Prize" (not fake award) as used for World Cup draw:
All competitors (DJT, Putin, Ming the Merciless, etc.) go in different pots based upon 'peace game' rankings, AI then runs a straight knock-out competition to determine who wins.
#WorldCup
All competitors (DJT, Putin, Ming the Merciless, etc.) go in different pots based upon 'peace game' rankings, AI then runs a straight knock-out competition to determine who wins.
#WorldCup
Glad they arrested this suspect, but wonder how long before he is granted a pardon as one of the "January 6 Patriots".
Patel offering "ritualized political flattery" has to be the defining skill of members of this Admin.
Question 1 of any Admin job interview:
Are you an obsequious ass-kisser?
Patel offering "ritualized political flattery" has to be the defining skill of members of this Admin.
Question 1 of any Admin job interview:
Are you an obsequious ass-kisser?
Suspect Arrested in Inquiry Into Pipe Bombs in D.C. Ahead of Jan. 6 Riot
www.nytimes.com
December 4, 2025 at 9:41 PM
Glad they arrested this suspect, but wonder how long before he is granted a pardon as one of the "January 6 Patriots".
Patel offering "ritualized political flattery" has to be the defining skill of members of this Admin.
Question 1 of any Admin job interview:
Are you an obsequious ass-kisser?
Patel offering "ritualized political flattery" has to be the defining skill of members of this Admin.
Question 1 of any Admin job interview:
Are you an obsequious ass-kisser?
The Nobel Peace Prize - Participation Trophy
December 4, 2025 at 4:09 AM
The Nobel Peace Prize - Participation Trophy
Man who started war in Europe states he is ready for war with Europe.
While not wanting conflict with Ukraine to expand across the continent, hopefully Europeans know Putin's sabre rattling is not coming from position of strength and should continue to maintain strong, united position against him.
While not wanting conflict with Ukraine to expand across the continent, hopefully Europeans know Putin's sabre rattling is not coming from position of strength and should continue to maintain strong, united position against him.
If Europe wants war with Russia, 'we are ready,' says Putin
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, the Russian president accused the continent's leaders of trying to sabotage a deal on the Ukraine conflict before he met with US envoys.
www.lemonde.fr
December 2, 2025 at 6:48 PM
Man who started war in Europe states he is ready for war with Europe.
While not wanting conflict with Ukraine to expand across the continent, hopefully Europeans know Putin's sabre rattling is not coming from position of strength and should continue to maintain strong, united position against him.
While not wanting conflict with Ukraine to expand across the continent, hopefully Europeans know Putin's sabre rattling is not coming from position of strength and should continue to maintain strong, united position against him.
Leaving aside NYT’s questionable use of 5 anonymous sources to bolster Hegseth’s claim, appears Hegseth & Co. are doing “the old Potomac two-step” on Admiral Bradley.
If we had a functioning Article 1 branch of government, investigation hearings by oversight committees would have already started.
If we had a functioning Article 1 branch of government, investigation hearings by oversight committees would have already started.
Hegseth Ordered a Lethal Attack but Not the Killing of Survivors, Officials Say
www.nytimes.com
December 2, 2025 at 4:54 AM
Leaving aside NYT’s questionable use of 5 anonymous sources to bolster Hegseth’s claim, appears Hegseth & Co. are doing “the old Potomac two-step” on Admiral Bradley.
If we had a functioning Article 1 branch of government, investigation hearings by oversight committees would have already started.
If we had a functioning Article 1 branch of government, investigation hearings by oversight committees would have already started.
The mess that is minor league football at America's public universities is a collective action problem
State governments should construct an interstate compact to regulate it
For example, states could agree no public employee earn a salary more than 10x the state's governor, w/ no 8 figure buyouts
State governments should construct an interstate compact to regulate it
For example, states could agree no public employee earn a salary more than 10x the state's governor, w/ no 8 figure buyouts
Lane Kiffin makes stunning Ole Miss-to-LSU exit official, leaving Rebels before CFP
Kiffin’s future has been a lingering, high-profile drama throughout the season.
www.nytimes.com
December 1, 2025 at 5:55 PM
The mess that is minor league football at America's public universities is a collective action problem
State governments should construct an interstate compact to regulate it
For example, states could agree no public employee earn a salary more than 10x the state's governor, w/ no 8 figure buyouts
State governments should construct an interstate compact to regulate it
For example, states could agree no public employee earn a salary more than 10x the state's governor, w/ no 8 figure buyouts
From Abraham Lincoln’s declaration in October 1863 for a national day of Thanksgiving.
In the midst of bloody civil war he called upon the country to acknowledge its sins and be thankful for its blessings with “one heart and one voice by the whole American people”.
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!
In the midst of bloody civil war he called upon the country to acknowledge its sins and be thankful for its blessings with “one heart and one voice by the whole American people”.
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!
November 27, 2025 at 3:17 PM
From Abraham Lincoln’s declaration in October 1863 for a national day of Thanksgiving.
In the midst of bloody civil war he called upon the country to acknowledge its sins and be thankful for its blessings with “one heart and one voice by the whole American people”.
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!
In the midst of bloody civil war he called upon the country to acknowledge its sins and be thankful for its blessings with “one heart and one voice by the whole American people”.
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!
Quite an amazing, well-detailed, and hopeful story from the BBC about the gene therapy treatment for a rare, devastating disease.
Science!
Science!
Hunter syndrome: Boy with rare condition amazes doctors after world-first gene therapy
Oliver has an inherited condition called Hunter syndrome, which causes progressive damage to the body and brain.
www.bbc.com
November 24, 2025 at 8:07 PM
Quite an amazing, well-detailed, and hopeful story from the BBC about the gene therapy treatment for a rare, devastating disease.
Science!
Science!
Marco Rubio should organize a meeting with all the other Marco Rubios and see if they can get their stories straight.
Probably need to get Marco Rubio, Archivist of the United States, to stay in his lane and stop trying to do foreign policy.
Probably need to get Marco Rubio, Archivist of the United States, to stay in his lane and stop trying to do foreign policy.
November 23, 2025 at 4:55 AM
Marco Rubio should organize a meeting with all the other Marco Rubios and see if they can get their stories straight.
Probably need to get Marco Rubio, Archivist of the United States, to stay in his lane and stop trying to do foreign policy.
Probably need to get Marco Rubio, Archivist of the United States, to stay in his lane and stop trying to do foreign policy.
The Mayor of Boston.
An honor and dream come true to perform alongside Yo-Yo Ma, presented by Celebrity Series at Boston Symphony Hall. 💜
🎼Ave Maria (Bach/Gounod)
🎼Ave Maria (Bach/Gounod)
November 23, 2025 at 4:33 AM
The Mayor of Boston.
Point 1 of Former Finnish PM's '1 Point Plan' for ending the Russia-Ukraine War.
Former Finnish PM Sanna Marin put it bluntly: “To end the conflict, Russia must leave Ukrainian territory.”
Just one point. Nothing more to discuss.
Just one point. Nothing more to discuss.
November 21, 2025 at 8:35 PM
Point 1 of Former Finnish PM's '1 Point Plan' for ending the Russia-Ukraine War.
From what has been made public, this US "plan" feels like the invitation delivered to France in 1940 for talks in a railway car near Compiègne.
Think this is Put Up or Shut Up time for the Europeans and they too needs to make a choice between "the loss of dignity...or the [loss] a key partner."
Think this is Put Up or Shut Up time for the Europeans and they too needs to make a choice between "the loss of dignity...or the [loss] a key partner."
Zelensky pushes back on US plan to end war, says won't 'betray' Ukraine
In an address to his nation, Volodymyr Zelensky said that Ukraine faces one of the most challenging moments in its history and that he would propose 'alternatives' to Donald Trump's 28-point plan.
www.lemonde.fr
November 21, 2025 at 6:51 PM
From what has been made public, this US "plan" feels like the invitation delivered to France in 1940 for talks in a railway car near Compiègne.
Think this is Put Up or Shut Up time for the Europeans and they too needs to make a choice between "the loss of dignity...or the [loss] a key partner."
Think this is Put Up or Shut Up time for the Europeans and they too needs to make a choice between "the loss of dignity...or the [loss] a key partner."
From the ‘People have Agency to Make Their Own Choices Department’:
US policies and rhetoric taking a toll on US tourism, forecast to be down by $5.7B in 2025.
Also from the Department:
Canadian tourism over the summer “increased by an unprecedented $3.3 billion”.
US policies and rhetoric taking a toll on US tourism, forecast to be down by $5.7B in 2025.
Also from the Department:
Canadian tourism over the summer “increased by an unprecedented $3.3 billion”.
ANALYSIS | Canadians are shunning U.S. travel — and reaping the rewards | CBC News
U.S. President Donald Trump’s divisive politics, tariffs and heightened border security have helped drive a decline in international tourism spending in the U.S. Meanwhile, polls and industry experts ...
www.cbc.ca
November 21, 2025 at 4:43 PM
From the ‘People have Agency to Make Their Own Choices Department’:
US policies and rhetoric taking a toll on US tourism, forecast to be down by $5.7B in 2025.
Also from the Department:
Canadian tourism over the summer “increased by an unprecedented $3.3 billion”.
US policies and rhetoric taking a toll on US tourism, forecast to be down by $5.7B in 2025.
Also from the Department:
Canadian tourism over the summer “increased by an unprecedented $3.3 billion”.
US Amb. to 🇨🇦 Pete Hoekstra is still confused why threatening to end a country’s sovereignty might be upsetting to that country:
“I go around the country and people will say, Pete you just don't understand why we're so mad about the 51st state and it's kind of like, yeah, you're right, I don't”
1/2
“I go around the country and people will say, Pete you just don't understand why we're so mad about the 51st state and it's kind of like, yeah, you're right, I don't”
1/2
Hoekstra accuses Canada of meddling in U.S. politics, says restarting trade talks 'not going to be easy' | CBC News
U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra continued to lash out against the ad campaign that infuriated his president and abruptly ended trade negotiations while on stage in Ottawa Wednesday, accusing C...
www.cbc.ca
November 20, 2025 at 5:18 AM
US Amb. to 🇨🇦 Pete Hoekstra is still confused why threatening to end a country’s sovereignty might be upsetting to that country:
“I go around the country and people will say, Pete you just don't understand why we're so mad about the 51st state and it's kind of like, yeah, you're right, I don't”
1/2
“I go around the country and people will say, Pete you just don't understand why we're so mad about the 51st state and it's kind of like, yeah, you're right, I don't”
1/2
Quite an extraordinary hearing today in Comey case.
Does not appear DOJ has the A Team on the case.
Also, Comey has access to extraordinary legal resources to fight this kangaroo court prosecution. Unlikely vast majority of people would be able to fend off full weight of the Department of Justice.
Does not appear DOJ has the A Team on the case.
Also, Comey has access to extraordinary legal resources to fight this kangaroo court prosecution. Unlikely vast majority of people would be able to fend off full weight of the Department of Justice.
Trump Loyalist Admits Grand Jury Never Saw Final Comey Indictment
www.nytimes.com
November 19, 2025 at 9:47 PM
Quite an extraordinary hearing today in Comey case.
Does not appear DOJ has the A Team on the case.
Also, Comey has access to extraordinary legal resources to fight this kangaroo court prosecution. Unlikely vast majority of people would be able to fend off full weight of the Department of Justice.
Does not appear DOJ has the A Team on the case.
Also, Comey has access to extraordinary legal resources to fight this kangaroo court prosecution. Unlikely vast majority of people would be able to fend off full weight of the Department of Justice.
Not nearly enough skepticism being expressed about Saudi's $1 Trillion investment commitment into the US
Absent details and a timeline, its just a made up number
Total 2025 expenditures of the Saudi government are ~$342B
$1T represents ~3 years total expenditures of the entire Saudi government
Absent details and a timeline, its just a made up number
Total 2025 expenditures of the Saudi government are ~$342B
$1T represents ~3 years total expenditures of the entire Saudi government
From $1 trillion spending to F-35s, U.S.-Saudi pledges aren't done deals yet
The leaders signed a defense cooperation pact and held discussions about the sale of American F-35 fighter jets to the kingdom.
www.cnbc.com
November 19, 2025 at 6:28 PM
Not nearly enough skepticism being expressed about Saudi's $1 Trillion investment commitment into the US
Absent details and a timeline, its just a made up number
Total 2025 expenditures of the Saudi government are ~$342B
$1T represents ~3 years total expenditures of the entire Saudi government
Absent details and a timeline, its just a made up number
Total 2025 expenditures of the Saudi government are ~$342B
$1T represents ~3 years total expenditures of the entire Saudi government