Silicon Valley’s entry into defense contracting is often framed as a long-overdue modernization of a bureaucratic Pentagon. This article argues that the venture capital model is structurally misaligned with the requirements of strategic defense systems engineering. The rise of a Military–Industrial–Venture Complex risks collapsing governance into product design, accelerating technological deployment without corresponding institutional capacity, and increasing escalation and democratic accountability risks.
Tuesday, January 27, 2026
Retro Fever: Cranking Back the Years
From Trump on down, the US is particularly keen on the retrograde.
German Economists Call For Full Repatriation of Germany’s Gold Held in US Amid Colossal Loss of Trust
The US’ gold holdings, allegedly the largest on the planet, have not been subjected to a comprehensive audit since the 1950s.
Trump Does a Soft TACO as Republicans, NRA and Law Enforcement Officers Oppose ICE Thuggery. A Gambit or a Real Climbdown?
Trump for the moment is signaling a climbdown on his hyper-aggressive ICE tactics. But how long will this show of contrition last?
Geopolitics as a Monetary Shock: The ‘Silent Tightening’ in the European Banking System Due to Sanctions Against Russia
Another example of Ukraine war blowback on the West: banking costs rose and lending tightened due to the sanctions on Russia.
Coffee Break: Oracle Debt and TikTok Transition Troubles Vex the Ellison Media Empire
Oracle has financial problems that threaten the Ellison media empire, while technical problems at TikTok complicate the transition to total info control.
Is Being Virtuous Good for You – or Just People Around You? A Study Suggests Traits Like Compassion May Support Your Own Well-Being
Is being virtuous more than just its own reward?
Washington Reactivates ISIS
The U.S. abandons the Kurds—again—while ISIS prisoners are released in Syria and others are transferred to Iraq where a major clash is brewing.
Ukraine Hoist on Its PR Petard? Bizarre Media and Official Silence Over Humanitarian Crisis From Russian Grid Attacks, Extreme Difficulty of Rebuilding
The damage to Ukraine’s grid is already so serious and hard to remedy that its future as a failed state is close to certain.
Blue Monday Isn’t Real, but Sadness Is – And It Plays a Vital Role in Children’s Development
Examining the commercial interests surrounding the concept of sadness.
ICE Execution in Minneapolis
ICE repeatedly shot and killed Alex Pretti who posed no threat to anyone. The US we once knew is over.
The Sunday Morning Movie Presents: 101 REYKJAVÍK (2000) Run Time: 1H 24M
Greetings gentle readers and welcome to the Sunday Morning Movie. Today, it’s a twisted rom-com from Iceland: 101 REYKJAVÍK. 101 Reykjavík (2000) and next week’s film Lilya 4-Ever (warning, disturbing content): https://youtu.be/zbkBesAWFXM?si=OSjXF2FBT00DVLjm Reviews of 101 REYKJAVÍK: Letterboxd says: Icelandic version of The Graduate situation but for lesbians and the victim of the love triangle is […]
