David Passmore
@davidpassmore.bsky.social
Distinguished Professor, Emeritus, Penn State University, https://davidpassmore.net; live in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; a Niagara Falls native.
“There is infinite hope,” Franz Kafka tells us, “only not for us.”
~ imprecisely translated
~ imprecisely translated
November 25, 2025 at 4:24 PM
“There is infinite hope,” Franz Kafka tells us, “only not for us.”
~ imprecisely translated
~ imprecisely translated
November 25, 2025 at 1:17 PM
November 24, 2025 at 2:21 PM
Like a ship that's tossed and driven
Battered by an angry sea
When the storms of life are raging
And the fury falls on me
I wonder what I have done
To make this race so hard to run
— Thomas Dorsey (1899-1993)
Battered by an angry sea
When the storms of life are raging
And the fury falls on me
I wonder what I have done
To make this race so hard to run
— Thomas Dorsey (1899-1993)
November 22, 2025 at 9:46 AM
Like a ship that's tossed and driven
Battered by an angry sea
When the storms of life are raging
And the fury falls on me
I wonder what I have done
To make this race so hard to run
— Thomas Dorsey (1899-1993)
Battered by an angry sea
When the storms of life are raging
And the fury falls on me
I wonder what I have done
To make this race so hard to run
— Thomas Dorsey (1899-1993)
WHAT A SUCKER
“I could never lend myself to any transaction, however respectable, that would commercialise the prestige and dignity of the office of the presidency,” said Harry Truman after exiting presidency.
bit.ly/48bpLFR
The buck stopped right there.
Give 'em hell, Harry!
“I could never lend myself to any transaction, however respectable, that would commercialise the prestige and dignity of the office of the presidency,” said Harry Truman after exiting presidency.
bit.ly/48bpLFR
The buck stopped right there.
Give 'em hell, Harry!
November 21, 2025 at 11:38 AM
WHAT A SUCKER
“I could never lend myself to any transaction, however respectable, that would commercialise the prestige and dignity of the office of the presidency,” said Harry Truman after exiting presidency.
bit.ly/48bpLFR
The buck stopped right there.
Give 'em hell, Harry!
“I could never lend myself to any transaction, however respectable, that would commercialise the prestige and dignity of the office of the presidency,” said Harry Truman after exiting presidency.
bit.ly/48bpLFR
The buck stopped right there.
Give 'em hell, Harry!
21 NOVEMBER 1787
On this day in history, the Treaty of Versailles of 1787 was signed to establish an alliance between France and Vietnam.
Yes, friends, other subsequent treaties were signed in Versailles.
Remember, in the U.S., "Le peuple est l'État, et ce n'est pas une déclaration séditieuse!"
On this day in history, the Treaty of Versailles of 1787 was signed to establish an alliance between France and Vietnam.
Yes, friends, other subsequent treaties were signed in Versailles.
Remember, in the U.S., "Le peuple est l'État, et ce n'est pas une déclaration séditieuse!"
November 21, 2025 at 11:30 AM
21 NOVEMBER 1787
On this day in history, the Treaty of Versailles of 1787 was signed to establish an alliance between France and Vietnam.
Yes, friends, other subsequent treaties were signed in Versailles.
Remember, in the U.S., "Le peuple est l'État, et ce n'est pas une déclaration séditieuse!"
On this day in history, the Treaty of Versailles of 1787 was signed to establish an alliance between France and Vietnam.
Yes, friends, other subsequent treaties were signed in Versailles.
Remember, in the U.S., "Le peuple est l'État, et ce n'est pas une déclaration séditieuse!"
"A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention webpage that previously made the case that vaccines don’t cause autism now says they might."
bit.ly/48n1iyl
“I don’t think…” said Alice. “Then you shouldn’t talk,” said the Hatter.
bit.ly/48n1iyl
“I don’t think…” said Alice. “Then you shouldn’t talk,” said the Hatter.
November 20, 2025 at 11:38 AM
"A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention webpage that previously made the case that vaccines don’t cause autism now says they might."
bit.ly/48n1iyl
“I don’t think…” said Alice. “Then you shouldn’t talk,” said the Hatter.
bit.ly/48n1iyl
“I don’t think…” said Alice. “Then you shouldn’t talk,” said the Hatter.
SEEMS LIKE POPE LEO'S TEACHINGS ARE RESONATING THOUGH ACTIVE CATHOLICS
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/20/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/20/u...
November 20, 2025 at 11:20 AM
SEEMS LIKE POPE LEO'S TEACHINGS ARE RESONATING THOUGH ACTIVE CATHOLICS
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/20/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/20/u...
WALL STREET JOURNAL, NEWS THAT SUPPLY CHAIN WEAK TO CHINESE?
“U.S. policymakers still lack transparency around the scope of these vulnerabilities as well as a broader appreciation of what could happen if Beijing ever chose to weaponize these economic dependencies in a conflict scenario."
“U.S. policymakers still lack transparency around the scope of these vulnerabilities as well as a broader appreciation of what could happen if Beijing ever chose to weaponize these economic dependencies in a conflict scenario."
November 18, 2025 at 3:29 PM
WALL STREET JOURNAL, NEWS THAT SUPPLY CHAIN WEAK TO CHINESE?
“U.S. policymakers still lack transparency around the scope of these vulnerabilities as well as a broader appreciation of what could happen if Beijing ever chose to weaponize these economic dependencies in a conflict scenario."
“U.S. policymakers still lack transparency around the scope of these vulnerabilities as well as a broader appreciation of what could happen if Beijing ever chose to weaponize these economic dependencies in a conflict scenario."
Nov 17 median estimate by Metaculus market participants of likelihood of the U.S. carrying out military attack against Venezuela's territory or military forces by 1 January 2026:
50% <--- up 5% in the past week.
Variation of estimates appended.
www.metaculus.com/questions/39...
50% <--- up 5% in the past week.
Variation of estimates appended.
www.metaculus.com/questions/39...
November 17, 2025 at 2:22 PM
Nov 17 median estimate by Metaculus market participants of likelihood of the U.S. carrying out military attack against Venezuela's territory or military forces by 1 January 2026:
50% <--- up 5% in the past week.
Variation of estimates appended.
www.metaculus.com/questions/39...
50% <--- up 5% in the past week.
Variation of estimates appended.
www.metaculus.com/questions/39...
SUSPICIOUS COINCIDENCES?
On this day in history, Actor Danny DeVito was born (1944); the first known case of COVID-19 was traced to a man who visited Wuhan, China (2019).
Think it over, you sheeples!
On this day in history, Actor Danny DeVito was born (1944); the first known case of COVID-19 was traced to a man who visited Wuhan, China (2019).
Think it over, you sheeples!
November 17, 2025 at 1:42 PM
SUSPICIOUS COINCIDENCES?
On this day in history, Actor Danny DeVito was born (1944); the first known case of COVID-19 was traced to a man who visited Wuhan, China (2019).
Think it over, you sheeples!
On this day in history, Actor Danny DeVito was born (1944); the first known case of COVID-19 was traced to a man who visited Wuhan, China (2019).
Think it over, you sheeples!
ALL IN FINANCIALLY FOR DATA CENTERS
World oil-and-gas industry borrowing, 2012-2015, $1 trillion; few AI tech giants, roughly $1.2 trillion, 2025-2028.
Meta's Hyperion project is bigger than Midtown Manhattan.
AI infrastructure deals sure are lucrative for money managers.
on.wsj.com/49oB9jS
World oil-and-gas industry borrowing, 2012-2015, $1 trillion; few AI tech giants, roughly $1.2 trillion, 2025-2028.
Meta's Hyperion project is bigger than Midtown Manhattan.
AI infrastructure deals sure are lucrative for money managers.
on.wsj.com/49oB9jS
November 17, 2025 at 1:14 PM
ALL IN FINANCIALLY FOR DATA CENTERS
World oil-and-gas industry borrowing, 2012-2015, $1 trillion; few AI tech giants, roughly $1.2 trillion, 2025-2028.
Meta's Hyperion project is bigger than Midtown Manhattan.
AI infrastructure deals sure are lucrative for money managers.
on.wsj.com/49oB9jS
World oil-and-gas industry borrowing, 2012-2015, $1 trillion; few AI tech giants, roughly $1.2 trillion, 2025-2028.
Meta's Hyperion project is bigger than Midtown Manhattan.
AI infrastructure deals sure are lucrative for money managers.
on.wsj.com/49oB9jS
CRYPTO ON YOU
"At least $28 billion tied to illicit activity has flowed into crypto exchanges over the last two years." Yet, the DOJ deleted its crypto enforcement team.
Ever been "pig butchered" for your funds? Has a "money mule" ever picked up cash from you? Embarrassed? Angry?
bit.ly/4piOhvC
"At least $28 billion tied to illicit activity has flowed into crypto exchanges over the last two years." Yet, the DOJ deleted its crypto enforcement team.
Ever been "pig butchered" for your funds? Has a "money mule" ever picked up cash from you? Embarrassed? Angry?
bit.ly/4piOhvC
November 17, 2025 at 11:36 AM
CRYPTO ON YOU
"At least $28 billion tied to illicit activity has flowed into crypto exchanges over the last two years." Yet, the DOJ deleted its crypto enforcement team.
Ever been "pig butchered" for your funds? Has a "money mule" ever picked up cash from you? Embarrassed? Angry?
bit.ly/4piOhvC
"At least $28 billion tied to illicit activity has flowed into crypto exchanges over the last two years." Yet, the DOJ deleted its crypto enforcement team.
Ever been "pig butchered" for your funds? Has a "money mule" ever picked up cash from you? Embarrassed? Angry?
bit.ly/4piOhvC
I am not sure how this happened, but I missed the anniversary of Laika’s death on 3 November. She died in 1957 of hypothermia in low space.
November 13, 2025 at 4:50 PM
I am not sure how this happened, but I missed the anniversary of Laika’s death on 3 November. She died in 1957 of hypothermia in low space.
November 13, 2025 at 11:33 AM
What would you do with a Pittsburgh turnip?
November 10, 2025 at 7:33 PM
What would you do with a Pittsburgh turnip?
Dove who sits most days with 3 others on my windowsill in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
November 10, 2025 at 6:54 PM
Dove who sits most days with 3 others on my windowsill in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
The color out my window wanes. Someone reported snow in Pittsburgh this morning. I will miss Fall. Winter better to be good to us.
November 10, 2025 at 6:00 PM
The color out my window wanes. Someone reported snow in Pittsburgh this morning. I will miss Fall. Winter better to be good to us.
COURAGE?
"Each one hopes that if he feeds the crocodile enough, the crocodile will eat him last. All of them hope that the storm will pass before their turn comes to be devoured."
~ Winston Churchill, BBC, 20 January 1940, when he was First Lord of the British Admiralty.
"Each one hopes that if he feeds the crocodile enough, the crocodile will eat him last. All of them hope that the storm will pass before their turn comes to be devoured."
~ Winston Churchill, BBC, 20 January 1940, when he was First Lord of the British Admiralty.
November 10, 2025 at 1:58 PM
COURAGE?
"Each one hopes that if he feeds the crocodile enough, the crocodile will eat him last. All of them hope that the storm will pass before their turn comes to be devoured."
~ Winston Churchill, BBC, 20 January 1940, when he was First Lord of the British Admiralty.
"Each one hopes that if he feeds the crocodile enough, the crocodile will eat him last. All of them hope that the storm will pass before their turn comes to be devoured."
~ Winston Churchill, BBC, 20 January 1940, when he was First Lord of the British Admiralty.
ADELITA S. GRIJAIVA....NOW?
thehill.com/homenews/hou...
A chance to fix an obstruction "a falsis principiis proficisci"?
For the real deal, see Cicero, "De Finibus Bonorum et Malorum", 4.53, bit.ly/Cice
thehill.com/homenews/hou...
A chance to fix an obstruction "a falsis principiis proficisci"?
For the real deal, see Cicero, "De Finibus Bonorum et Malorum", 4.53, bit.ly/Cice
November 10, 2025 at 1:13 PM
ADELITA S. GRIJAIVA....NOW?
thehill.com/homenews/hou...
A chance to fix an obstruction "a falsis principiis proficisci"?
For the real deal, see Cicero, "De Finibus Bonorum et Malorum", 4.53, bit.ly/Cice
thehill.com/homenews/hou...
A chance to fix an obstruction "a falsis principiis proficisci"?
For the real deal, see Cicero, "De Finibus Bonorum et Malorum", 4.53, bit.ly/Cice
A Portrait of Leadership:
November 10, 2025 at 12:53 PM
A Portrait of Leadership:
TRUST IS SO SIMPLE TO LOSE
"Five Eyes officials have watched with alarm as Mr. Patel has fired agents who investigated President Trump and invoked his powers to investigate the president’s perceived enemies."
bit.ly/484AsLj
"Five Eyes officials have watched with alarm as Mr. Patel has fired agents who investigated President Trump and invoked his powers to investigate the president’s perceived enemies."
bit.ly/484AsLj
November 10, 2025 at 12:05 PM
TRUST IS SO SIMPLE TO LOSE
"Five Eyes officials have watched with alarm as Mr. Patel has fired agents who investigated President Trump and invoked his powers to investigate the president’s perceived enemies."
bit.ly/484AsLj
"Five Eyes officials have watched with alarm as Mr. Patel has fired agents who investigated President Trump and invoked his powers to investigate the president’s perceived enemies."
bit.ly/484AsLj
November 10, 2025 at 11:27 AM
One comment on NYTimes article:
November 10, 2025 at 11:11 AM
One comment on NYTimes article:
ELECTRICITY PRICES INCREASE IN U.S. DUE TO POLES AND WIRES, NOT GENERATION?
Since 2005, utilities have nearly tripled the amount they spend annually on the network of poles, wires, substations, and transformers that deliver power to customers.
bit.ly/3Xgcarz
Since 2005, utilities have nearly tripled the amount they spend annually on the network of poles, wires, substations, and transformers that deliver power to customers.
bit.ly/3Xgcarz
November 7, 2025 at 11:27 AM
ELECTRICITY PRICES INCREASE IN U.S. DUE TO POLES AND WIRES, NOT GENERATION?
Since 2005, utilities have nearly tripled the amount they spend annually on the network of poles, wires, substations, and transformers that deliver power to customers.
bit.ly/3Xgcarz
Since 2005, utilities have nearly tripled the amount they spend annually on the network of poles, wires, substations, and transformers that deliver power to customers.
bit.ly/3Xgcarz