Author: Mick

  • Thoughts on 2025 04-16 Wall Street Journal

    Mick

    This article OH MY GOD: https://www.wsj.com/politics/elon-musk-children-mothers-ashley-st-clair-grimes-dc7ba05c?mod=hp_lead_pos7 Phenomenal reporting. Separately, Dear Mike Gallagher, didn’t you used to have a job where you could have done something about this? Like, very recently? https://www.wsj.com/opinion/time-for-accountability-on-the-covid-lab-leak-coverup-fauci-gain-of-function-194730d4?mod=opinion_lead_pos6 Read more

  • Thoughts on: some spot-on commentary

    Mick

    David Wallace-Wells has a fantastic and nuanced look back on the pandemic. This seems 100% in line with my feelings and memories, but most media figures forget what’s uncomfortable and remember only what they can use as a cudgel against their political foes. Speaking on the Know Your Enemy Podcast: This is based on a… Read more

  • Clearing brush

    Mick

    I have really neglected to keep brush in check for the last several years. This strand of willow saplings has always bothered me – it’s too dense to be useful for anything and blocks the view of a good chunk of the hill behind it. A mild February and better work-life-balance was a nice opportunity… Read more

  • Thoughts on: The Dispatch Podcast 2025 03-10 with Brianna Wu

    Mick

    Somebody from the Dispatch I have never heard of interviews frequent Free Press contributor Brianna Wu. Wu is an interesting person, and the Free Press (specifically Bari Weiss in round table podcasts*) typically present her as an “in the room” Democratic donor and strategist who is disaffected with the direction of the party. I am… Read more

  • Seed Starting: first seeds of 2025

    Mick

    First seeds in soil for 2025. The pots have seeds planted several weeks ago now in potting soil, and so far I only have a few tiny basil sprouts. Old seeds and perhaps a too-cold room. The trays were planted March 1: old onion seeds two weeks late and old lettuce seeds two weeks early.… Read more

  • RIP Capital City Sunday

    Mick

    Sad to hear — Capital City Sunday was one of the few outlets that seemed to get a good cross-section of state legislators for interviews. They were never particularly incisive interviewers, but it was one of the few places to hear Vos directly without tuning into talk radio bullshit. Not surprising, of course. We’ve heard… Read more

  • Thoughts on: John Carreyrou’s latest investigative report in NYT

    Mick

    Amazing reporting, as to be expected from this guy. This is why I subscribe to newspapers! I got some hobbying done — or more accurately, partially completed — over the holiday break. I’m really hoping to use this blog as motivation for that. However, I have busied myself with tying up loose ends in my… Read more

  • Thoughts on: Honestly with Bari Weiss 2025 01-09 Podcast on England’s Rape Gangs

    Mick

    https://www.thefp.com/p/the-uk-grooming-gangs-and-the-cowardice-05e Bari Weiss moderates a discussion between Julie Bindel and Ayaan Hirsi Ali. Bindel is a journalist and advocate that relates an account of the events that is largely in line with what I recall of the coverage at the time. Hirsi Ali is, as I understand, more broadly an anti-Islamicist and critic of immigration… Read more

  • Thoughts on: Our Willful Disinformation Ecosystem

    Mick

    Frank Bruni’s recent column (which I thought was the past Sunday, but is dated December 19) is dead on. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/19/opinion/donald-trump-promises.html Donald Trump and Republicans simply will not, and cannot, be ‘held to account.’ These are people who believe verifiably false information. Trump will claim victory no matter what the actual conditions or consequences of his… Read more

  • Hobby Progress: 2024 12-26 New Space Orks

    Mick

    Things have slowed down in the lab over the holidays, and I didn’t even bother to confirm that last night’s conference call was cancelled for Christmas. A friend has re-sparked my interest in 40k and I have returned to my pile of shame. A full weekend at home followed by two days off with just… Read more