Althouse: Sunrise.

June 15, 2026

Sunrise.

Talk about whatever you like in the comments.

97 comments:

Mason G said...: From The Last Refuge:

The Grievance Industry in America Has a World Cup Problem

The professional grievance industry embedded within media, podcasting and punditry in America has a problem; a World Cup problem. Hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world are discovering just how amazing the United States is, and they can’t stop raving about it on social media.

The grievance class are being forced to take a break as their normally loud, shrieking voices are being drowned out by happy sounds, songs of joy, jubilance even. Flags are waving, people are smiling and that pesky American exceptionalism is visible all over the place.

Yup, there’s visible patriotism everywhere and its being compounded by Freedom 250 events, celebrating 250 years of just being awesome America.

Not only is the American flag being celebrated, but ironically European national flags are being waved everywhere in celebration of nationalism – and the people waving them don’t have to worry about being harassed by police or being arrested for it.

This is a new experience for young Europeans and they are overwhelmed. The joy is evident and it’s more than a little awesome to see all of the videos capturing the thrill of it all.

There are a number of embedded videos from "X" (check the comments, there are more there), go and watch them (some are longer, save those for when you need a break from the unrelenting negativity of the left). If you can watch those videos and come to the conclusion that the USA sucks, you might just be a progressive.

Brussels bureaucrats will never again allow a World Cup in America after this year.

If you want to see more videos, go here.

Really- go and watch Americans and people from around the world, without politicians and their lapdog media getting in the way.; 6/15/26, 8:28 PM
Chuck said...: I counted five Althouse posts on the immediate lead-up to, and conduct of, the UFC/whatever event on the South Lawn of the White House.

Of course not one of those posts have addressed the shouting on live television by one victorious UFC fighter (after parising Trump for hosting the event) “And lastly, Michelle Obama is a man. Am I right, America?”

This subject has everything for an Althouse post. The guy interviewing the UFC fighter was Althouse favorite Joe Rogan, who smiled dumbly throughout the outrage.

There's the White House, which hasn't condemned or even distanced itself from the disgusting comment. The is the Trump White House that never apologizes; never self-corrects; has no introspection; and of course -- as Jeffrey Epstein once said of Donald Trump personally -- has "not one decent cell in [its] body."

And there's the Althouse MAGA commentariat, which no doubt has lots of members who totally LOVE the idea of slurring Michelle Obama as a man, and who are the target audience in fact for the Trump White House's saying nothing about the comment. Meanwhile, adding to the bloggability, the wildly awful slur has drawn criticism from almost everywhere else including such woke commies as Dana White, Dave Portnoy and Shane Gillis. No matter how despicable their deplorables are, neither Trump nor Althouse want to offend them.; 6/15/26, 8:49 PM
Aggie said...: That's interesting Chuck - say, why don't you give us a few examples of when somebody corrected a diatribe of, I dunno, Robert DeNiro saying vile things about Trump, or maybe the ladies on the View, or maybe dozens of other people representing themselves at Progressive events, news conferences, so forth, dumping on Trump and on Republicans and their women, using the vilest terms imaginable, show how these cases have been walked back. C'mon, show us how it's been done by your leaders. Anything come to mind? No?

But the Republican party and commenters on this blog are supposed to prostate themselves over something some jerk said on the air yesterday? Because you're triggered.

Poor thing. Poor, poor thing.

Hey Chuck: Oil is down around $80 a barrel and SpaceX closed up over $190 today. So there's that.; 6/15/26, 8:57 PM
Michael Fitzgerald said...: I just came from the links provided by Mason G and watching the videos of foreigners joyously singing the praises of our country and our people, and it was heartwarming and gave me a sense of pride and appreciation for what I take for granted.
Then I click back to Althouse to read this Chuck chickenshit libtard griping and whining like a fucking spoiled bitch about the UFC event at the White House because someone made a joke about a former First Lady, one of the most undeservedly privileged people this nation has ever seen, who never misses an opportunity to complain about America and put down its history, its people, and its culture.
I don't think I can have any more contempt for Democrat Party members than I do right now, ungrateful despicable assholes. They really don't deserve to live here. I wish ICE was targeting Democrat Party members too, and replacing them with so many of those grateful and appreciative foreigners who love our country more than the spoiled, disgraceful, deranged and hateful leftist libtard democrats.; 6/15/26, 9:14 PM
Indefinitely Extended Excursion™️ said...: Whether it's Bill Clinton giving $200K to a developer for some land in Arkansas or Donald Trump giving $300 billion to Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz, both presidents made questionable financial decisions; 6/15/26, 9:15 PM
Quayle said...: America is really divided, and it couldn’t be a more star contrast. On the one hand you have people who just want to fight about everything and spend their days battling all their adversaries. On the other hand you have people that just want to get along with other people, and they do.; 6/15/26, 9:15 PM
Mason G said...: "I wish ICE was targeting Democrat Party members too, and replacing them with so many of those grateful and appreciative foreigners who love our country more than the spoiled, disgraceful, deranged and hateful leftist libtard democrats."

If this country was as bad as the left insists it is, they'd be volunteering to go.; 6/15/26, 9:18 PM
Indefinitely Extended Excursion™️ said...: Whether it's China developing an electric car that can charge in 5 minutes or Donald Trump keeping Washington's reflecting pool algae-free for nearly 48 hours, both countries have pushed the limits of their technological capabilities.; 6/15/26, 9:22 PM
Lem Vibe Bandit said...: Fox video: "Robert De Niro claims he can't love a country led by President Trump"

The whole point of the USA was that it's people would be greater than any one leader.
De Niro does characters for a living. Trump has given him a character. De Niro should actually thank Trump for making him feel relevant, at a time when and if predictions pan out, ai is going to do De Niro shtick better than the original.; 6/15/26, 9:25 PM
FullMoon said...: What that MMA guy said about Mrs. Obama was a joke, and probably not true.; 6/15/26, 9:31 PM
Achilles said...: FullMoon said...

What that MMA guy said about Mrs. Obama was a joke, and probably not true.

She is probably a woman.

She also gave Barrack a beard.; 6/15/26, 9:38 PM
Lem Vibe Bandit said...: Fox News: "Jim Acosta ruthlessly mocked for comparing removal of Trump’s name from Kennedy Center to fall of Berlin Wall"

"This is very much like watching the Berlin Wall coming down,"
"It is a sign that mankind, that human kind can stand up against tyranny," he continued. "As long as it took, we pledged to continue to have this coverage going, and by golly, we did, because we knew how much this meant to a lot of people out there, and we know how important this was."; 6/15/26, 9:43 PM
Aggie said...: While I am entertained by the Freddys and other visitors from overseas, enjoying the friendly reception from regular Americans, I am also mindful that all of these posts are on Social Media platforms, where at least part of the purpose is in getting the most clicks.

Freddy's wonder and disbelief as he proceeds on his odyssey is a genuine reaction I think. He's become an American sensation, and that's cool. Today, he met the Mayor of Houston at an Astros game and had lunch with the HPD.

Some of the others are waxing a little too enthusiastic about the amazing wonders and splendors of.... Taco Bell. If you know what I mean. It's a little hard to believe all the lip-smacking 'OhMiGod I can't believe how delicious' corn ball hamming.

However I genuinely hope all of them have a great experience. If nothing else, I'm encouraged that this is what is attracting clicks these days, instead of people getting mugged or something.; 6/15/26, 10:01 PM
Indefinitely Extended Excursion™️ said...: Trump promised an unconditional surrender in Iran. Today, he delivered on that promise. The art of the deal is to start a war of choice and lose.; 6/15/26, 10:09 PM
Original Mike said...: Hi, Ronald.; 6/15/26, 10:11 PM
Indefinitely Extended Excursion™️ said...: Other than its failure to address the nuclear program that was the reason for the war, Trump's deal with Iran is a big winner.; 6/15/26, 10:12 PM
Jim at said...: Well, if you think Iran won you should be happy. It's what you wanted.; 6/15/26, 10:22 PM
Maynard said...: Either Chuck is out of rehab or they have given him internet privileges back.

Stay chilled, dude.; 6/15/26, 10:33 PM
Political Junkie said...: Any non soccer folks or casual soccer folks watching the World Cup?
Great games, packed stadiums, lovely colors and presentation.
Bravo organizers.
Iran vs New Zealand tied 2 to 2 in Los Angeles - I hate to say it, but Iran was more fun to watch than the plodding Kiwis. I was pulling for the feisty Iranians at the end.; 6/15/26, 10:46 PM
hawkeyedjb said...: Mrs. Hawkeye and I are on a cruise in Norway, sponsored by Hillsdale College. Someone in the USA has apparently paid a few local scruffs to come out and point middle fingers and shout at us, as we have been designated a ‘fascist boat.’ Not sure what that means, and I’m pretty sure nobody in Norway has ever heard of Hillsdale, a tiny college in Michigan.

Anyway, it’s 54 degrees during the day, and it never gets dark.; 6/15/26, 11:04 PM
hawkeyedjb said...: Norway is well along in its project to replace all gas cars with electric, which makes great sense as Norwegians rarely use cars to travel long distances. A tour guide told us that 95 percent of cars sold in the country last year were electric.; 6/15/26, 11:07 PM
hawkeyedjb said...: All our land tour guides have been non-Norwegian. So far the Italian and the Ukrainian have spoken the best English.; 6/15/26, 11:12 PM
hawkeyedjb said...: The boat is really swanky, featuring more free alcohol than I can possibly drink. We will have to watch out for marauding Norwegians, who apparently have a big alcohol problem. I would too if I lived in drizzly darkness for 8 months a year.; 6/15/26, 11:16 PM
hawkeyedjb said...: Norway joke: A man arrives in Trondheim and asks a young boy, “When did it start raining?” The boy answers, “I don’t know, I’m only seven.”; 6/15/26, 11:19 PM
Wa St Blogger said...: Whether it's Bill Clinton giving $200K to a developer for some land in Arkansas or Donald Trump giving $300 billion to Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz, both presidents made questionable financial decisions

Tell ,me you are a lying POS mouthpiece intent on destroying America with out saying you are a lying POS mouthpiece intent on destroying America

From Grok:
No, Trump didn't "cave" and hand Iran $300 billion in US taxpayer money. That's a distorted or exaggerated claim circulating in headlines and social media, often pushed for political effect.

This is classic spin: Opponents frame any negotiation involving economic incentives as "caving". In reality, it's high-stakes diplomacy after military pressure, with big caveats and no blank check. Always check primary sources or multiple outlets — numbers like this get inflated fast on social media.

But we know you know. And we know your intent is not truth but destruction. Deception is your stock and trade.; 6/15/26, 11:26 PM
gadfly said...: "Michelle Obama is a man. Am I right, America?"
-- UFC fighter Josh Hokit, after winning bout in front of White House; 6/16/26, 12:48 AM
wendybar said...: Communists always take credit for the work of others....

PunishedNixon🚁🇺🇸
@NixonPunished
·
Follow
When Trump secured the World Cup during his first term:

—Mikie Sherrill was a random lawyer running for Congress

—Kathy Hochul was Lt. Governor under Andrew Cuomo

—Zohran Mamdani wasn’t even an American citizen

Governor Kathy Hochul
@GovKathyHochul
Dream. Team.  After years of planning, the World Cup is finally here.  What a day.

https://x.com/NixonPunished/status/2066535499419005088?s=20; 6/16/26, 2:28 AM
wendybar said...: Typical of Communists.....
@amuse
@amuse
DEI: Only black contractors were allowed to work on Obama’s billion dollar boondoggle in the name of equity, Obama is stiffing them in the name of reality.

https://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2026/06/obama_fails_to_pay_the_help.html; 6/16/26, 3:18 AM
Clyde said...: I read recently that this is the one of the best times of year to view the Milky Way, if you can find a dark sky site, since the moon is in the new moon phase, and today it doesn't even rise until 7:56 a.m. local time. I went outside, drove a mile down the road and turned east onto a rural road and drove down it a little ways, hoping to find a dark site looking south. I had never been down this road before, and it narrowed to just a single lane wide. I drove about a half-mile and saw a sign that said "County Maintenance Ends." The road quickly turned to washboard with potholes, and I decided this wasn't the best choice after all. I drove until I found a couple of fenced entrances to private roads, turned around then got out to see what the sky looked like. No luck with the Milky Way. There were some trees to the south, and light pollution beyond that. I have scratched that road off my potential dark skies list.; 6/16/26, 3:55 AM
Big Mike said...: @garfly, so you believe there’s something wrong with being transgendered?; 6/16/26, 4:35 AM
Leland said...: I notice the same people upset that some guy that don’t even know called Michelle Obama a man, they are the same people that thought it fine to spy on and investigate Trump’s 2016 campaign on the basis Trump was a Russian asset. That was a notion put forth in a document paid for by Hillary Clinton’s campaign. Hillary was also the first political figure to question publicly Obama’s origin of birth.; 6/16/26, 5:02 AM
Humperdink said...: So Gov. Gavin von Slick is yapping about the DOJ investigating him and Mrs. Slick. Apparently a tax issue.

Need a few well placed leaks.; 6/16/26, 5:27 AM
Jamie said...: We're in Toronto and have been watching as many games as we can, despite having pretty much no interest in soccer, because we have a lot of interest in those who come out to watch it. We've had some great conversations. Ordinary Canadians are lovely.

It doesn't seem to be a yuuuge soccer country, though. A lot of the spectators we're running into are from elsewhere but live here now, which is also fun.; 6/16/26, 5:32 AM
rehajm said...: In Boston last week Mrs. rehajm observed many kilts. Our staff is having fun with the fans. A staffer from Ireland built our WC pool and came to town definitely not because the games were here…well definitely not only because…; 6/16/26, 5:42 AM
wildswan said...: Death to The Narrative; 6/16/26, 5:45 AM
rehajm said...: The problem for gavin is he’s guilty of real crimes not the invented we’re just abusing the justice system to harass Trump crimes. related: I have no problem with these disclosures of Democrats and their crimes coincidentally occurring during election year summer. Soon Democrats and their media allies will be dismissing the investigations as political which hunts just like the kind we do against Repub…well, never mind…; 6/16/26, 5:47 AM
rehajm said...: …is it midsommer yet? man that movie was creepy…; 6/16/26, 5:48 AM
Mike (MJB Wolf) said...: Regarding Greenland and my opinion we should own it, I see Tim-ay twisted my simple statement and sneered about “taking” land or some such nonsense. Trump has been openly NEGOTIATING and discussing terms of acquisition. Poor reading comprehension or ill intent on Timay’s part? You decide.; 6/16/26, 5:51 AM
rehajm said...: My parent's moved to Chelan Washington in the ‘90s and they have the darkest skies I’ve ever seen. The time of Hale-Bopp what came real close to earth and had an almost cartoonish quality to it’s tail. I recall riding in the car late at night with headlights on yet the milky way, comet and the little line of satellites all quite vivid and amazing through the windscreen, then a meteor…; 6/16/26, 6:05 AM
rehajm said...: We should acquire Greenland then Trump should declare it a continent…; 6/16/26, 6:05 AM
Mike (MJB Wolf) said...: Is Michelle more manly than average in the same way Trump is said to be more Nazi than most? Has chuck thrown a spaz over all the smears calling Trump a pedophile? And finally why no angst over the same fighter praising Jesus before his Michelle joke?

One would expect that claiming Jesus at such a high profile event would be more triggering to the godless commies who hate Trump.; 6/16/26, 6:12 AM
rcommal said...: Hawkeyejdb: Interesting! I have been following on Facebook a high school classmate who's been on cruise in Scandinavia with her husband (also a classmate). She's been describing places and experiences very similar to what you just described. She and her husband live in Michigan. Wouldn't it be just a "it's a funny old world, isn't it?" thing if you were on the same trip? I got a kick out of it when the thought crossed my mind.

As I wrote on her page, I had a Norwegian great-grandmother (whom I actually did meet a few times, in the '60s, when a was a little girl and she was in her 80s and so). She was from Bergen, and she ran off to marry my English great-grandfather (Yorkshireman), who was a sailor (later a captain, who eventually ended up first briefly in Canada and then the United States). I have somewhere in my possessions a box of postcards she had received over the early years from relatives in Norway. Someday I need to get those translated! They date from the late 1890s well into the early 20th century.

Anyway, I have enjoyed following my classmates' journey, and now I get some snippets of your trip (unrelated or not, probably not, of course). It's motivating.

I've always wanted to visit that part of the world. I likely never will. But I do enjoy vicariously the trips of others! So, thank you.; 6/16/26, 6:15 AM
rcommal said...: That grandfather ran off to sea as a young teen, to be a cabin boy, and then worked his way up. He ended up his career as a captain of a pleasure boat that went between the United States and Cuba (obviously pre-revolution). Before that, he captained ships for Dole Fruit for a while.

I've ended up with various items of his from his career life. I treasure them. I feel like that when I'm gone, those passed-down memories will probably be gone, too. Makes me wistful.; 6/16/26, 6:19 AM
Not an oldster. said...: Pretty sure Mike the land grabber is a jew...nttawwt.
Hush with your objections to Jesus, jew.; 6/16/26, 6:21 AM
rcommal said...: I have some pictures, a personal ship hygiene kit, a little writing kit, etc., and a whole collection of "sailor sized" books, the individual ones of which he would take with him on his adventures. I treasure them. I've been thinking of trying to find some sort of museum that might be interested in them when I die.; 6/16/26, 6:22 AM
rcommal said...: Now, my grandfather lucked out as far as WWI goes. He was Lead Boy of all the boys being trained to serve at his school in Yorkshire. The war ended just before he turned the requisite age, when his plan was to go fight. His father, though obviously not young, did participate. He survived, but his ship was lost.

Again, it's a funny old world, isn't it?; 6/16/26, 6:26 AM
Dave Begley said...: FBI arrests 5 in explosive drone and sniper plot on UFC fight at WH. Probably terrorists that Biden let in.; 6/16/26, 6:28 AM
Jaq said...: Speaking of the constant repetition of lies as propaganda technique, this morning in the news was a story that cottonwood fluff is worse than in past years, and it is due to “climate change.” Maybe the cottonwoods around your office or home have, you know, gotten bigger? Or maybe the whole thing is a crock, that’s not important, what is important is proof by repetition.; 6/16/26, 6:29 AM
Rocco said...: rcommal said...
“I have somewhere in my possessions a box of postcards she had received over the early years from relatives in Norway. Someday I need to get those translated!”

Have you tried the “Images” feature on translate.google.com? It works well for printed material; not sure how well it would translate handwritten material though.; 6/16/26, 6:34 AM
Rustygrommet said...: Not to change the subject.
I installed a new garage door opener yesterday. Genie makes it easy. It doesn't use a chain. It uses a belt instead. Very quiet compared to the old one.; 6/16/26, 6:37 AM
rehajm said...: I share similar emotions about the preservation of artifacts. My parents the same. As they downsized over the years instead of passing such ephemera down to children and grandchildren they sought out institutions to give them away. They gave away a treasure trove of civil war letters and photos of my direct descendants who fought with the green mountain boys. A soap box full of letters what told the day to day they experienced. Read consecutively they are a band of brothers tale of their little corner of the war. I suggested collectors would treasure them and at auction they would command a good price. Big mistake to mention the economics. Instead they were donated to the state library where they received one brief and vague mention of the addition to the library’s catalog. They sit in a folder in a file box in the basement, waiting for the day the next radiator pipe leaks and floods the basement again…; 6/16/26, 6:39 AM
Not an oldster. said...: Peacetime e!
Ann and meade are sleeping in...trying to start a post war baby boom. Lol; 6/16/26, 6:43 AM
rehajm said...: Vintage watches at auction are new life to such ephemera, dedication watches are common, boys receiving the gift and inscription from loving mom and dad when they become adults, stuff like that. I restored the grubbiest Smiths W10 military watch some bloke wore and kept going as long as the money to do so ran out. worn on the underside of his wrist, the leather strap hand stitched on to the fixed lugs a few times. They do tell a story. And now I do…; 6/16/26, 6:45 AM
gilbar said...: i see oil is at $78/bbl this morning..
what's gas in Madison today? $3.79?

guess it's time for the lefties here to find a new thing to complain about?; 6/16/26, 6:46 AM
Not an oldster. said...: Why dont you go read them rejahn?
You might learn the difference between an ancestor and a decendant. If you're not interested in learning about your relations, why would others read that personal gush?; 6/16/26, 6:46 AM
Not an oldster. said...: Did the dead schoolgirls pop back to life, gilbar?
This unjust war cost a lot more than dollars at the pump...but it exposed Israel, so there's that...
Not everything valuable is measured in dollars and sense as all those here from failed marriages and families with broken homes and do over families could likely tell you...; 6/16/26, 6:50 AM
Not an oldster. said...: Can we trade in angry hateful Mike fitz for some of 5hose joyous foreigners maybe??; 6/16/26, 6:51 AM
Jaq said...: Here is an interesting test case for who is actually lying. The Vermont Air National Guard runs a squadron of F-35s, deployed to Jordan. Iran claims, and Russian sources also say that 12 F-35s were destroyed by a missile strike in Jordan. I will be relieved when I see these planes buzzing around, more like thundering around, and to see that my government is not lying to me.; 6/16/26, 6:55 AM
Humperdink said...: I inherited a gold (plated, I presume) postal watch. It now rests comfortably in my safe. I’ll probably give it quietly to one of the my 13 grandchildren. Who will probably sell it anyway.; 6/16/26, 7:00 AM
Jersey Fled said...: “ guess it's time for the lefties here to find a new thing to complain about?”

Don’t worry. They will.; 6/16/26, 7:05 AM
rehajm said...: …well that’s the thing- if the youngsters sell the watch it will likely go to someone who will appreciate it for the artifact it is…unless it’s gold and they melt it for beer money 🧐…; 6/16/26, 7:12 AM
Eva Marie said...: This is scary:
Five people were in custody as of Monday, and investigators identified 23 people as part of a potential network of plotters. The alleged plan involved using explosive-laden drones to hit buildings near the event, force a mass evacuation and steer crowds toward a pre-staged sniper team, officials said.
A "second wave" was then allegedly planned to storm the White House gate, according to officials.

https://www.foxnews.com/politics/fbi-disrupts-alleged-explosive-drone-plot-targeting-white-house-ufc-event-officials-say; 6/16/26, 7:13 AM
Jamie said...: Huh. I just looked at the Wisconsin congressional district map and it doesn't look gerrymandered - it looks like pretty tight, contiguous blocks to me.

So then I looked at party affiliations and found that Wisconsin has one Republican and one Democrat senator, which also doesn't seem gerrymandered to me. It's true that six of 8 seats in Congress are held by Republicans, 75%, so what happened there? I don't know, but I did discover that models indicate about 39% of the population votes Republican, and 30-31% each vote Democrat and independent (since you don't list your party affiliation on your voter registration, the percentages are done by models rather than simple counting, I take it). I haven't delved into session-by-session numbers to see whether those independents swing from one session to another in their congressional voting, but it's certainly not a stretch to imagine that if, say, 2/3 of independents tend to vote Republican (or did this last time), that gets you up to about 60% Republican overall, which, in a state of only 8 districts, makes a 75% Republican congressional delegation pretty par for the course, doesn't it?

I'd say the vicious gerrymandering is being done elsewhere.; 6/16/26, 7:23 AM
Jamie said...: 🙄 Of course I meant 6 of 8 seats in the House.; 6/16/26, 7:24 AM
Humperdink said...: One adage I’ve learned in life: You can’t give a gift with conditions. If you do, it’s not a gift. Gifts are condition free.; 6/16/26, 7:34 AM
Mike (MJB Wolf) said...: Zero F-35 have been destroyed by Iran or any other foe.; 6/16/26, 7:35 AM
wendybar said...: Gene Parmesan
@dsonoiki
·
16h
you have to think of the “Michelle Obama is a man” as a meme

it’s not serious

think of it as something harmless like posting videos of a guy getting shot to death on a college campus in the replies of the tweets of his widow

https://x.com/dsonoiki/status/2066617229261914309?s=20; 6/16/26, 7:36 AM
narciso said...: 'All our bases have been destroyed' sigh; 6/16/26, 7:44 AM
Humperdink said...: Tim in Vermont posted: “Iran claims, and Russian sources also say that 12 F-35s were destroyed by a missile strike in Jordan.”

There are more than enough Trump haters in the media to confirm this. Zero so far, other than Jaq’s go to source for news: Iran and Russia.; 6/16/26, 7:56 AM
hanuman_prodigious_leaper said...: Would that not make Barack Obama first trans-adjacent President; 6/16/26, 8:02 AM
Rustygrommet said...: Mike (MJB Wolf) said...
"Zero F-35 have been destroyed by Iran or any other foe."

I learned some things on the innertubes recently. An F22 has a radar signature of a bumble bee. Russias new Su 57 has a stealth signature of an F16. Chinas much vaunted stealth J20 and J35 have a radar cross section of a Mig 29; 6/16/26, 8:56 AM
Original Mike said...: "There are more than enough Trump haters in the media to confirm this. Zero so far, other than Jaq’s go to source for news: Iran and Russia."

Tim might want to reconsider some of the other things he "knows".; 6/16/26, 9:05 AM
Original Mike said...: Clyde said..."I read recently that this is the one of the best times of year to view the Milky Way, if you can find a dark sky site,"

The viewing gets better later in the summer and early fall, when it will be higher in the sky earlier in the evening.

You don't need it all that dark to detect the Milky Way; I can from my City of Madison backyard. But just barely, and I know where to look and what to look for. The darker the skies the better to see its beauty. I drive 1-1/2 hours out of town to my current dark site, but that's to reach skies that are quite dark.

One other thing; you need to dark adapt your eyes. Don't expect to step out of the car, with all the lights, and see much, no matter how dark the skies. At least half-an-hour with no lights. An hour is even better.; 6/16/26, 9:17 AM
Original Mike said...: And use averted vision. Don't look directly at it, but rather a little to the side (it's an acquired skill). The eye is more sensitive to dim light to the sides of its optical axis. Presumably better to see the approaching tiger in the dark.; 6/16/26, 9:20 AM
Indefinitely Extended Excursion™️ said...: The upside of not publicly releasing the terms of the Iran deal: harder to say it’s bad if you don’t know what it is.; 6/16/26, 9:30 AM
Eva Marie said...: @IEE: when has ignorance ever stopped you from hating on anything Trump.; 6/16/26, 9:37 AM
Big Mike said...: @Hawkeyejdb, last summer the wife and I took a Windstar cruise into and out of the Norwegian fjords. Very delightful! Since the cruise ended in Bergen we toyed with using the train to get to Oslo and fly home from there — supposedly it is the most scenic train ride in Europe — but we just flew home from Bergen. I might add that Windstar is pricy because the ships are small (300 passengers) but they are not the only line offering a fjords itinerary.

@rcommal, besides the fjords cruises you can also do Northern Lights cruises from fall through early spring on Viking and on Hurtigruten, and perhaps others. Dress warm if you go sailing above the Arctic Circle in winter!; 6/16/26, 9:37 AM
Leland said...: you can also do Northern Lights cruises

That's on the list for us. Either that or a trip to Alaska. We've done Alaska in November, but it only got to -40 while we where there, and we didn't see any lights (solar minimum year).; 6/16/26, 9:39 AM
Big Mike said...: I’m still shaking my head at home many Lefties have been triggered over that UFC fighter’s remarks regarding Michelle Obama. I always suspected that gadfly was transphobic, but so many of his Lefty extremist co-conspirators? Wow.; 6/16/26, 9:40 AM
Indefinitely Extended Excursion™️ said...: @ Wa St Blogger -- gift link 💰Trump’s learning curve is awfully expensive.

Trump administration considers $300bn fund for Iran if deal is upheld ~ FT https://giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/actions/redeem/fdcaba76-782b-4bca-92da-194c002159b8
"The Trump administration is prepared to allow the establishment of a $300bn investment fund for Iran if Tehran agrees to a final settlement to end the war that includes a nuclear deal."

"A person briefed on the talks said the establishment of the fund would be contingent on a final settlement that is part of the MoU and would follow an extension of the ceasefire by 60 days, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and further negotiations on a nuclear deal."

Vance: Iran ‘could have access to’ $300B reconstruction fund ~ The Hill

"O’Keefe asked JD Vance about Iranian claims: “The Iranians are saying that they’re gonna have access to a $300 billion reconstruction fund, true or false?”

“Well, Ed, that’s the sort of thing they could have access to, funded by the Gulf coast coalition, so long as they honor their end of the obligation.”; 6/16/26, 9:51 AM
Big Mike said...: @Leland, do take a look at the Viking Northern Lights cruise itinerary. It’s pricy, but starts in London, which is convenient for flights, and ends north of the Arctic Circle in Tromso (ehich is not so convenient). Hurtigruten is cheaper but seems more a coastal ferry than a cruise ship. Also consider doing a one week circumnavigation of Iceland cruise, Iceland being adjacent to the Arctic Circle.; 6/16/26, 9:52 AM
Original Mike said...: "Since the cruise ended in Bergen we toyed with using the train to get to Oslo and fly home from there — supposedly it is the most scenic train ride in Europe — but we just flew home from Bergen."

We did that train trip. Enjoyed it, but the large number of electric transmission lines, associated with hydropower generation, kind of marred the beauty. For beauty, we enjoyed the Oslo to Alesund train more, especially the northern end for mountain terrain.; 6/16/26, 10:05 AM
Original Mike said...: This is supposed to be the entire trip from Bergen to Oslo. Haven't watched it myself, but intend to someday to reminisce.

Scenic train ride from Bergen to Oslo; 6/16/26, 10:15 AM
Original Mike said...: As I think about this some more, I'd have to say train trips we took in the Swiss Alps were more beautiful. The Bergen-Oslo trip is high alpine terrain, but there weren't dramatic alpine vistas.; 6/16/26, 10:19 AM
Jamie said...: IEE is unfamiliar with the concept of carrot and stick, it seems. Also, the conditional mood.; 6/16/26, 10:22 AM
Jamie said...: Bit of a change from, "We'll give you cash now in anticipation of your honoring your promise not to enrich uranium beyond what is needed for power generation... for a few years. Oh, and we'll take your word for it most of the time, and announce our inspections in advance the rest of the time."; 6/16/26, 10:24 AM
Original Mike said...: This is the left.
We are not the same.

FBI arrests 5 people in connection with drone attack plot against White House UFC Freedom 250 event

"The multi-phase terror attack allegedly involved using explosive-laden drone aircraft to strike buildings in the vicinity of the event, sparking mass panic and driving the fleeing crowd toward a sniper team poised to pick victims off, the officials said.

A “second wave” of attackers then allegedly planned to storm the White House gate, the officials added. "

"A suspect told investigators the goal of the attack was to target “capitalist elites,” “billionaires” and politicians who received money from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), officials also said."; 6/16/26, 10:25 AM
Leland said...: Big Mike, I'll take your advice with Viking. I often follow this lady on YouTube but her trip didn't seem quite as fun with the weather.; 6/16/26, 10:25 AM
Original Mike said...: More left: SPLC boss funneled $1.2 million to lover in neo-Nazi group — pair even had joint bank account; 6/16/26, 10:32 AM
Michael McNeil said...: I've really enjoyed driving around Norway. That's how I recommend seeing the country. We were there in July (for an IETF conference many years ago). I'd hoped to see, not the Milky Way, but the North Star—but fat chance that time of year!; 6/16/26, 10:43 AM
n.n said...: Red dawn.; 6/16/26, 10:45 AM
Original Mike said...: We were in Norway in August. Made a point of checking out the elevation of Polaris. Dramatic difference from Wisconsin.; 6/16/26, 10:48 AM
FullMoon said...: "The multi-phase terror attack allegedly involved using explosive-laden drone aircraft to strike buildings in the vicinity of the event, sparking mass panic and driving the fleeing crowd toward a sniper team poised to pick victims off, the officials said.

A “second wave” of attackers then allegedly planned to storm the White House gate, the officials added. "

Any drones and bombs seized?; 6/16/26, 10:50 AM
Leland said...: Just curious how that broken three legged stool model of economics is working out?; 6/16/26, 12:05 PM
Narr said...: Scandinavia is still on our list, but we railed through Switzerland and Northern Italy, and from Venice up to Vienna back in '78. Those trips set my standard for beautiful scenery.; 6/16/26, 1:22 PM
TwoAndAHalfCents said...: It’s surprising how many Althouse readers have traveled to Norway. Maybe it’s the Nordic influence in Wisconsin and Minnesota?; 6/16/26, 1:58 PM
Rustygrommet said...: If you drive to the tip of the Keweenaw peninsula in the UP its pretty damn dark.; 6/16/26, 2:09 PM