A good read.

Spaceman Spiff- I have no idea what is going on

Most of what we see, including apparent populism, is theatre. Decisions are typically made by elites. The rest is scenery and furniture to maintain the illusion of democratic controls.

When we think of elites we imagine wealthy powerful people, an aristocracy who constitute a ruling class. But the reality is more diffuse, with layers of people exerting control representing something closer to an elite hierarchy.

The Spectator- Meet the Stepford Employees

The Stepford Employee is characterised by their conformity and submissiveness. Named after the Ira Levin novel and film adaptations The Stepford Wives – in which men in a suburban American town are married to docile female robots – these corporate drones have seemingly abandoned independent thought or action. Their passivity makes them afraid to speak up or offer any opinion. They suppress their individuality to fit in and avoid conflict or disapproval. As for banter, forget it – the office is now a fun-free, Puritan-like environment.

Great moments in radio news copy writing: “the suspect is recovering in hospital after being struck in the torso* with ammunition”.

(Police involved shooting report, overheard this morning on Saskatchewan AM radio).

Check out the pictures.

BBC- Man in Norway wakes to find huge container ship in garden

BBC- Watch officer of ship that crashed into garden fell asleep, police say

Curious about how the rebuilding in Southern California is going? Well, not so much rebuilding yet, but the clearing/cleaning of the lots is progressing. Here’s a video featuring Adam Carolla talking with Glenn, of American Wrecking.

Matt Gurney- Canada doesn’t lead

In almost every field of geopolitical endeavour, Canada has, at most, aspired to be a loyal and reliable mid-ranked contributor. And even that has largely proven aspirational.

Globe and Mail- Mark Carney to visit Europe next week on first official trip as prime minister

This would never work in Los Angeles. Where would they get the water? From the ocean?

Francisco- And lets not bring up Jasper while we’re at it.

JD Vance shows how to make great Southern biscuits.

Because we know you’re curious, we have it on good authority that there is currently no word on whether Tim Walz will be providing an instructional video for boys on how to use tampons.  But 2024 is not over yet, so you never know!

A veteran owned pizza place in Baltimore called Tiny Brick Oven is facing closure. Dave Portnoy has come to the rescue!  Heartfelt love is coming in from all over!

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