@Bix

@Bix Bluechecks are meaningless.

Use of "the Ukraine" implies disregard for Ukraine's sovereignty. It's interesting to see it used in the article.

Ukraine left in security limbo with Zelensky U.S. trip results unclear
...
the victory plan ... likely hinges on either accelerated NATO membership or binding security guarantees from the Ukraine’s Western partners.
...
At issue for Ukrainian officials is that the looming U.S. presidential election — and a new administration regardless the outcome — puts future security assistance to Ukraine in doubt.

#Ukraine #NATO #Politics

"Gift" article
https://wapo.st/3XM2FAk

@Gladari I believe they can also get straight Medicare and a Medigap plan, without the usual problems when going from Advantage to a Medigap plan, because their Advantage plan has ceased to exist.

@peeppeepcircus @TheLegend_AZ My guess: He's unstable and abusing drugs.

@ColtSTaylor "When facism comes to America it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying a cross." -Sinclair Lewis

@kayleenmeow Same here with pizza.

When Amazon first came out with Alexa the voice recognition capabilities were amazing and, when combined with the ability to control household appliances, really useful. Unfortunately, it doesn't really seem to have advanced much since.

Does anyone have good experience with possible replacements?

@danialexis Seems a bit extreme. I can see confiscating a phone for the day, or perhaps detention, but most extracurricular activities have educational value. It's like suspending a student for playing hooky.

@johnldeboer Trump played politics with the pandemic -- for example withholding N95 respirators.

Rationing is the controlled distribution of scarce resources, goods, or services, or an artificial restriction of demand.

Would a different administration institute rationing (or other governmental action) if there were a months-long strike that resulted in shortages of necessities? I would hope so.

Rationing remains a valid option for emergencies, such as in the 1973 oil embargo.

@hanse Ironically, glasses, including smart glasses, can hinder facial recognition.

@SentinelOfTruth As if Trump would get his feet wet. TFG blew off a ceremony commemorating American servicemen killed in France during WWI because it was raining.

@jjGravitas It's one of the conspiracy theories being promoted in the fever swamps.

@carmen He'll always have Kid Rock.

According MTG, space lasers cause California wildfires and "they" are controlling the weather to affect the election.
#MarjorieTaylorGreene #Election2024 #WeatherControl

@johnldeboer Government agencies can and have. Rationing isn't perfect, but it works.

It doesn't have to be as extreme as wartime rationing, but there is a strong public interest in ensuring that people have access to basic necessities.

https://www.britannica.com/money/rationing

@johnldeboer Human nature is why we have governments with agencies, laws and regulations. This sort of problem cannot be solved by mere admonition.

@johnldeboer It's panic buying, but panic buying based on experience. (Also, there's profiteering.) There's no effective mechanism to prevent shortages and those who don't buy early often end up without. Reminder the toilet paper shortages during the pandemic?

At an individual level, panic buying and hoarding are a rational response. That's why basic items such as milk, bread, toilet paper and diapers often disappear from store shelves before a major storm.