vxbush 2/7/2023 6:09:18 AM

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So we theoretically have more explanation for the reasons why the balloon wasn't shot down over CONUS:

The NORAD/NORTHCOM commander explained it was his "assessment that this balloon did not present a physical military threat to North America...and therefore, I could not take immediate action because it was not demonstrating hostile act or hostile intent."
So, a Chinese spy balloon with unknown intentions and capabilities entering U.S. airspace doesn't constitute hostility? I'm sure Beijing will be thrilled to learn this. 

We don't protect our borders, we don't protect our skies

We don't protect our people from government's cruel lies

We don't protect our children from the trannies or the drugs

But one thing is for sure: we'll have to eat our bugs. 

Occasional Reader 2/7/2023 7:37:44 AM

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Reply to vxbush in 1:

but but but TRUMP DID THIS, TOO!  LIKE, MANY MANY TIMES!!!!

/only this story is already falling apart

JCM 2/7/2023 7:56:47 AM

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The ChiCom ballon got me thinking. Dangerous I know.

Why a balloon? Everybody who is anyone uses satellites for intel, sigint, photos, etc.... A balloon even with some motive power like this one apparently had. There is no control over it's flight path.

The takeaway I get is their intel sats are not giving them the intel they want. That's and encouraging thoughtl

Occasional Reader 2/7/2023 8:00:15 AM

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In #3 JCM said: Why a balloon?

The speculation I've seen; much longer loiter time, and an ability to "ping" electronics on the ground.  [shrug]

Supposedly this thing was at least somewhat steerable, as well. 

JCM 2/7/2023 8:12:25 AM

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Reply to Occasional Reader in 4:

I hope we at least zorched the dang thing, high power jamming to damage the electronics.

JCM 2/7/2023 8:33:48 AM

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Occasional Reader 2/7/2023 8:44:58 AM

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Reported death toll from Turkey and Syria from twin quakes has now passed 5,000

It will wind up in five figures, I'm afraid.

Lots of reports of hearing people trapped under rubble, signaling for help... and no way to get to them, not nearly enough heavy-lift equipment.

Horror. 

JCM 2/7/2023 9:13:52 AM

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Reply to Occasional Reader in 7:

The construction in the area, lot of concrete with little reinforcement in the towns, in the villages the construction is mud. It happened early morning local time, so everyone was at home in bed.

All the local emergencies services are taken out in the quake so help has to come from out of the area. And the roads will be damaged.

Just bad, all around.

JCM 2/7/2023 11:37:12 AM

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Seattle violent crime hits 15-year high, other takeaways from new report

Not a city report.

Occasional Reader 2/7/2023 11:46:56 AM

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Reply to JCM in 9:

I have trouble taking seriously anyone who uses the term "gun violence". 

Occasional Reader 2/7/2023 12:34:33 PM

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KJP: There was a TikTok sent by the National Security Council explaining that whole Chinese spy balloon thing.

Wow. 

buzzsawmonkey 2/7/2023 12:43:10 PM

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Reply to Occasional Reader in 11:

So the administration is using Chinese spyware to explain its "response" to the Chinese spy balloon?

Isn't that special?

Occasional Reader 2/7/2023 12:52:26 PM

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Reply to buzzsawmonkey in 12:

Ayup. And they (or she) seemingly are unaware of the irony.

Say, that was quite the trip down non-sequitur lane with "Feinting Couch" at Insty, wasn't it? 

vxbush 2/7/2023 1:00:03 PM

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In #11 Occasional Reader said: KJP: There was a TikTok sent by the National Security Council explaining that whole Chinese spy balloon thing.

Actually, that might actually mean "tick tock", meaning a timeline of the events, not TikTok as in the software. Why they don't say "timeline" I have no idea, but I've seen that usage before. 

Occasional Reader 2/7/2023 2:24:09 PM

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In #14 vxbush said: that might actually mean "tick tock", meaning a timeline of the events

I have never, in my life, as far as I can recall, heard anyone use that expression in that way.  

buzzsawmonkey 2/7/2023 2:59:36 PM

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Reply to Occasional Reader in 13:

Hey, OR---sorry for the delayed reply, but I've been schlepping boxes as part of the Great Pre-Nuptial Move.

Yes, it was a surreal experience; it's always weird to find someone previously regarded as reasonably-sensible suddenly behaving like an apologist for creeps.

Occasional Reader 2/7/2023 4:08:43 PM

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In #16 buzzsawmonkey said: it's always weird to find someone previously regarded as reasonably-sensible suddenly behaving like an apologist for creeps.

And it seemed to be out of pure stubbornness. 

Kosh's Shadow 2/7/2023 4:55:39 PM

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So with all the Verizon Wireless problems - it took them three tries to activate a device, so I got charged three times - and they could not take it off for the current bill ---

I complained to the FCC Saturday.

Verizon called me today. They are giving most of the credit towards the current bill, with the rest the already credited amount to the next bill. The government is good for something here.

I am quite polite about it, and reasonable with the agents. But don't mess with me.

Kosh's Shadow 2/7/2023 5:52:28 PM

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Apparently, Biden will be saying how good the economy is in tonight's speech.

So SOTU must stand for "State of the Other Universe" (the one in which Trump won)

Occasional Reader 2/7/2023 6:15:37 PM

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Reply to Kosh's Shadow in 19:

I'm skipping it. 

Kosh's Shadow 2/7/2023 6:23:02 PM

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Reply to Occasional Reader in 20:

VodkaPundit will watch it and drunkblog it. Link

Kosh's Shadow 2/7/2023 6:24:24 PM

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In #21 Kosh's Shadow said: VodkaPundit will watch it and drunkblog it. Link

A gem:

I don't usually praise this White House staff, but it was a genius move bringing Madame Tussauds on board.

Kosh's Shadow 2/7/2023 6:27:58 PM

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