Saturday, May 9, 2026

Links 5/9/2026

Iran War: Iran Yet to Answer US Proposal as Recent Exchange of Fire in Gulf Exposes US Weapons Shortages; More on Poor Prospects for Global Economy, Resumption of Old Normal Gulf Traffic Levels

Today’s Iran war news: Iran keeps Trump angrily waiting as recent skirmishes in the Gulf reveal critical US weaknesses.

When Poverty Makes You Sick: The Hidden Cost of Neglecting Youth Health

A detailed look at some of the many mechanisms that translate poverty into sickness and shorter lifespans.

Coffee Break: Counterfeit Scientific Papers, Deep Fakes, CDC on the Ropes, MAHA, and Hope from the Middle of the Country

Part the First: Paper Mills and the Corruption of Research.  No not Hammermill.  I don’t think I have actually known of someone buying a “scholarly” paper for publication, and I remember reading (a few paragraphs) only a few that seemed to be purpose built.  But following up on The Credibility Crisis in Science from earlier […]

England Is Splitting Apart as Labour Collapses

Labour, as many anticipated, is suffering an epic wipeout per early UK elections results. What might come next?

Links 5/8/2026

Are the US and Israel Planning to Use Morocco As a Weapon Against Spain?

If Trump was hoping his threats against Spain would trigger a shift in policy in Madrid towards the US-Israel war against Iran, he must be disappointed.

Iran War: Lull Before Expected Big Strikes or Is Trump Stuck?

Today’s Iran war news: More dithering and skirmishes. The calm before a big storm or a move to an end with a whimper, not a bang?

Who Gives a Hug – China Changes Its Position Towards Iran, US

China has revised its conditions for a Xi-Trump meeting. China will not be seen as backing US escalation v. Iran and requires negotiations.

Musk vs. Altman: The Feud of a New Elite Bidding for Power

As the new elite is merging with the power structure, expect more feuds; if they stop being public, then we should know why.

Russia’s Threat of a Massive Retaliatory Strike on Kiev Likely Isn’t A Bluff

Putin may be ready to act on a Zelensky assisted suicide request and hurl Oreshniks on Kiev if Zelensky defies Russia’s threat to retaliate.

Links 5/7/2026

Iran War: Iran Pushes Back Against Trump “Deal Is Nigh” as More Evidence of US Failure Emerges, Including Gulf State Mini-Revolt, Even More US Base Destruction, Jet Fuel Price Rise Damage, Conservative Opposition to Trump Climbdown

Today’s Iran war news: The US again engages in market-manipulating deal head-fakery as more evidence of its weak position accumulates.

Understanding the Rise in CEO Age

Just like government leaders, the CEO class is becoming more of a gerontocracy. What gives?

Heartland Institute Podcast Questions Whether All Americans ‘Should Have the Right to Vote’

Heartland Institute, an ultra-conservative, climate-denialist, Trump-adjacent think tank, questions whether all adults should vote.