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Created
Thu, 22/08/2024 - 23:35

One of the nation’s best-known Black Republicans is former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. In the twenty-first century (and perhaps ever), no African American woman rose higher in Republican politics than Rice, who served as President George W. Bush’s national security adviser and then his secretary of state, both firsts. Like her or not, agree with her politics or not, she brought significant experience, knowledge, and professionalism to those positions. Donald Trump’s first public words about Rice date back to 2006 when he labeled her with a vile term. In a speech before 8,000 people in New York City, he said, “Condoleezza Rice, she’s a lovely woman, but I think she’s a bitch. She goes around to other countries and... Read more

Created
Thu, 22/08/2024 - 22:00

“Pro-Trump activists’ attempt to infiltrate DNC goes hilariously awry. Far-right commentators Jack Posobiec and Charlie Kirk went to the DNC. It did not go well for them.” — The New Republic

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ABBOTT: He’s a great second baseman.

COSTELLO: And what a home run yesterday!

CHARLIE KIRK (interrupting): What is a woman?

COSTELLO: Excuse me?

KIRK: What is a woman?

ABBOTT: What is a man.

KIRK: I asked you guys first.

ABBOTT: Oh, then, Who is a man.

KIRK: I’m a man! What is a woman?

ABBOTT: What is a man.

KIRK: Fine, I’ll go first. A man has a penis.

ABBOTT: Like Who.

Created
Thu, 22/08/2024 - 21:46
How Europe Could Reinvigorate Their Economy

Every once in a while it’s important to do a policy piece, to show how society could work if we wanted to do the right things. Not because I think anyone in the West will implement enough good policy to matter, but to show that it is possible.

Back at my last corporate job I did a major workflow redesign. In the notes to management, along with the technical details were two highlighted lists. I noted that in order to receive the benefits of the change:

Created
Thu, 22/08/2024 - 18:00
Krishan Shah, Phil Bunn and Marko Melolinna An important way in which monetary policy impacts the economy is through its effects on the capital expenditure of firms. When policy rates are raised (and as long as risk-premia remain unchanged) firms’ cost of capital increases. A higher cost of capital should lead firms to increase their … Continue reading High hurdles: evidence on corporate investment hurdle rates in the UK
Created
Thu, 22/08/2024 - 17:33
Earlier this week, the German statistical agency, De Statis released – Press release No.316 of 19 August 2024 – which confirmed that Germany continues to run policy settings that undermine the viability of the common currency. During the pandemic, Germany’s trade surplus declined significantly and the mainstream commentariat all pronounced that Germany had shifted direction…
Created
Thu, 22/08/2024 - 09:47
Preparation time: 20 mins. This makes a nice change from the regular shrimp cocktail version, and is a great first course for an elegant dinner. For 4 servings you will need:1 lb. cooked shrimp; shelled and deveined. Sauce:½ cup sour cream4 Tbsp. mayonnaise½ Tbsp. lemon juice2 Tbsp. chili sauceDash sugar and paprikaSalt and black pepper […]
Created
Thu, 22/08/2024 - 08:00
The fact checkers at the NY Times actually thought it was important to ding JB Pritzker for that joke: I just don’t know what to say anymore about what’s happening at the NY Times. They have totally lost their way. Other fact-checkers have had a different impression: Meanwhile, here’s the latest on Trump’s tremendous billionaire business savvy from Michael Hilzik in the LA Times: Hiding in plain sight in the first annual report issued by the parent company of Donald Trump’s Truth Social platform was a statement of inescapable, well, truth. Issued, perhaps appropriately, on April 1 by Trump Media and Technology Group, the report said: “The value of TMTG’s brand may diminish if the popularity of President Trump were to suffer.” This was cited as a “risk factor” in holding the company’s stock. So here we are. Since July 21, when President Joe Biden ended his campaign for reelection and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to run against Trump, the stock has been spiraling toward oblivion. TMTG may lack any meaningful remedy if President Donald J. Trump minimizes his future use of Truth Social.
Created
Thu, 22/08/2024 - 06:30
Tim Walz spent 24 years in the Army National Guard. He retired to run for congress. Now they are swiftboating him which is totally expected. It’s what they do. But now they’ve exposed their own military lies. Vote Vets tweeted this: 🚨If you’re looking for a textbook example of Stolen Valor, look no further than Donald Trump’s campaign and the 50 Veterans who signed this letter. 29 of the signatures come from Republicans who falsely claim they retired from military service. The most egregious example is Ronny Jackson, the former Navy officer reduced in rank from Rear Admiral to Captain after retirement: Vote Vets sets the record straight: @RonnyJacksonTX – you were demoted from Rear Admiral to Captain – why are YOU committing stolen valor for claiming you’re a retired flag officer?  And that’s not the only indictment of Jackson. He was busted down in rank because of sexual harassment, drunken behavior and inappropriate distribution of narcotics. He really should shut his pie hole. How about the rest of these liars?