Open thread 2/25/2026
Answering the important questions:
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Trump’s SOTU speech
It’s tonight at 9 PM Eastern Time.
Continue reading →Avalanches and risk
I have long been afraid of avalanches. I don’t ski at all and never have, so my danger from the phenomenon is basically nil. But it’s a primal fear nonetheless, perhaps from movies. That’s one of the reasons the news … Continue reading →
Our men’s and women’s ice hockey teams reflect a larger political divide
The US women’s hockey team won gold at the 2026 Olympics. The US men’s hockey team won gold at the 2026 Olympics. Both were invited by Trump to attend the SOTU speech. And there the resemblance ends. The women declined; … Continue reading →
Open thread 2/24/2026
Singapore Airlines, if you pay enough:
Continue reading →Mexico: the cartels take revenge
What a mess: The deadly violence sparked by the military killing of an infamous cartel leader has now spread widely across Mexico, as American citizens near the border were warned to shelter in place. At least 20 of Mexico’s 31 … Continue reading →
The US wins ice hockey gold
The win is a big deal, because it’s been 46 years since the US last won – although it’s often been in the running. Back then – 1980 – the contest had Cold War implications, because the Soviet team was … Continue reading →
Is it a blizzard or just a snowstorm?
I don’t care what they call it, as long as (a) I’ve got food in the fridge, (b) I don’t lose power, and (c) I don’t have to drive anywhere. So far all three conditions are being met. But it … Continue reading →
Open thread 2/23/2026
What is it about Alysa Liu?
Commenter “RigelDog” has this request: Neo, have you seen the video of Alysa Liu’s skating at the Olympics? I am so impressed by her dance/ movement, and I can’t describe why it seems different, and wonderful. I would be interested … Continue reading →
Trump has other tariff tricks up his sleeve
After the SCOTUS decision against Trump’s tariffs comes this: Among the options he mentioned were parts of some existing laws, and hinted that he would “sign an order later today to impose a 10% global tariff over and above our … Continue reading →
Spain, the end of nationhood, and the wonderful migrants
In Spain: A remarkably candid column appeared in the New York Times this week by Spain’s left-wing Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who recently announced his government would grant amnesty to half a million illegal immigrants living in Spain. Framed as … Continue reading →