Cutting the (ac)Cord

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Fish or cut bait, America!

Either live up to your agreement or give ’em back their nukes.

Putin’s Nightmare: If Ukraine Still Had Nuclear Weapons [from National Security Journal]

After the Soviet Union’s 1991 collapse, Ukraine inherited the world’s third-largest nuclear arsenal (appx 1,900 warheads, ICBMs, bombers).

-Despite desires by some to retain them for deterrence against Russia, Ukraine relinquished these weapons by 1994 under international pressure (nonproliferation concerns) and due to practical challenges: lack of funds, operational control (held by Russia), and maintenance expertise.

In return, Ukraine received “security assurances” via the Budapest Memorandum from Russia, the US, and UK.

[…]

The Budapest Memorandum of 1994

Nevertheless, Ukraine finally agreed to give up the weapons for “security assurances” from leaders in Moscow, Washington, and London. The warheads were sent back to Russia and the missiles were taken apart and rendered to scrap metal. Ukraine joined the Budapest Memorandum of 1994 and hoped this agreement would maintain its sovereignty and secure its borders to protect against a future attack from Russia.

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50 thoughts on “Cutting the (ac)Cord”

  1. https://edition.cnn.com/2025/05/27/europe/germany-ukraine-russia-long-range-missile-intl-hnk

    Germany confirms restrictions lifted on Ukraine firing long-range missiles as Russia launches record aerial assault

    Germany and other Ukrainian allies have lifted restrictions on Kyiv firing long-range missiles into Russia for the first time, the German chancellor said Monday, after days of Russia bombarding the capital and other regions with massive aerial attacks.
    It marks a significant change in approach from key allies, which had largely resisted Ukraine’s requests to use Western-supplied weapons deep inside Russia.
    “There are no longer any range restrictions on weapons supplied to Ukraine,” German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said at a European forum in Berlin on Monday. “Neither from the British, nor from the French, nor from us. Nor by the Americans.”
    “In other words, Ukraine can now also defend itself by attacking military positions in Russia, for example,” he added.
    The announcement comes in the wake of record-breaking drone and missile attacks on Ukraine over the weekend. Russian President Vladimir Putin is facing international pressure to accept a ceasefire deal, including from US President Donald Trump, who has grown increasingly frustrated by the slow progress.
    However, Merz did not say whether Germany would supply Ukraine with its powerful long-range Taurus missiles – something he had supported when Scholz was still in power, Reuters reported.
    The United States lifted its restrictions last November, with former President Joe Biden authorizing Ukraine to use the US-supplied long-range Army Tactical Missile Systems, or ATACMS, inside Russia.
    But that, too, was a controversial decision that took months of discussion to reach. The US refused to even provide ATACMS to Ukraine for the first two years of the war, only delivering the missiles for the first time in April 2024. Some American officials worried about escalating the war, now in its fourth year, while others worried about the Pentagon’s dwindling weapons stockpiles.
    Russia has openly threatened that any lifting of restrictions on long-range weapons would mean war with NATO. Putin has warned the West that Moscow would consider any assault supported by a nuclear power to be a joint attack – and that Russia could use nuclear weapons if it was struck with conventional missiles.
    Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov slammed Merz’s announcement on Monday, saying the lifting of restrictions was “rather dangerous,” according to Russia’s state-owned news agency TASS.
    “If such decisions are made, they will absolutely go against our aspirations to reach a political settlement and the efforts being made within the framework of the settlement,” he said, according to TASS.
    Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to visit Berlin on Wednesday, Reuters reported, citing several sources.
    Russia’s attacks over the weekend killed more than two dozen people, including children, as Ukraine urged Western allies to continue pressuring Moscow to end the war.
    “Without really strong pressure on the Russian leadership, this brutality cannot be stopped,” Zelensky said on Sunday.
    Trump on Monday voiced increasing frustration with Putin, saying the Russian leader had “gone absolutely crazy” – while also criticizing Zelensky’s statements as causing “problems.”
    Pressure is also building from within Trump’s Republican base, with a number of congressmen – including Sens. Chuck Grassley and Lindsey Graham, and Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick and Don Bacon – urging the president to impose stringent sanctions on Russia.
    “It is a time for honesty. Peace talks are having zero effect on Putin,” Bacon wrote on X. “The US and allies must arm Ukraine to the teeth.”

  2. lil Marco when he was Sen. Rubio just a few months ago spoke of threatening the loss of the world’s trust in America

    Rubio’s explanation of the Budapest Memorandum

  4. in case you’ve missed hearing from niece Mary

    May 23, 2025 The Daily T Podcast
    Mary Trump on Donald Trump: “Narcissist” and “The World’s Most Dangerous Man” — Exclusive Interview with The Daily T

    In Part 2 of The Daily T’s exclusive deep-dive into the controversial legacy of Donald J. Trump, host Kamal sits down with Dr. Mary L. Trump — psychologist, best-selling author, and outspoken critic of her uncle, the 47th President of the United States.

    Mary Trump, daughter of Fred Trump Jr. (Donald Trump’s older brother), offers a rare, insider perspective on the deeply dysfunctional Trump family dynamic. She describes a toxic, misogynistic household where, as she puts it, “cruelty was currency.” Her insights shed light on the psychological forces that have shaped Donald Trump’s personality, leadership style, and political strategy.
    Labelling her uncle a “narcissist” and “the world’s most dangerous man,” Mary Trump delves into the lasting impact of generational trauma, emotional neglect, and the ruthless ambition that defines the Trump family legacy.

    This powerful conversation also shifts to current political fallout, including Vice President Kamala Harris’s stunning loss in the 2024 U.S. presidential election. Mary Trump weighs in on President Joe Biden’s declining health, the disastrous debate performance that rocked the Democratic Party, and the path forward for Democrats hoping to reclaim the White House in 2028.

    Whether you’re a political analyst, psychology enthusiast, or just trying to make sense of America’s tumultuous political landscape, this episode provides a compelling look at one of the most polarising figures in modern history—from the family member who knows him best.

  5. Craig – U.S. support for Ukraine was restarted after DUI Hegseth stopped it. I think what is being sent is from a Biden agreement. I have not seen the current, last week’s, agreement yet, but there have been hints that after sfb realized he was being played by puttie he was upping the amount being sent. Also, the U.S. is going along with the EU and UK agreements to remove the strike limits on Ukraine, i.e. allowing the bombing of Moscow.

  7. We tend to ignore our responsibilities under old agreements. Under this administration, Dodo diddled, humiliated Zelensky because he wasn’t sufficiently thankful for US assistance, threatened to withhold military assistance while Russia has bombed the shit out of the Ukrainian people – including as far away from the battle lines as Kiev. It’s happened before under the Obama admin – remember Crimea?

    Even Lindsay has had enough and has introduced a bill with 82 sponsors to stop this crap. I’m sure Dodo’s supplicants in the house won’t pass it, but it’s a chink in the armor of the FFDA.

  8. RIP, Charlie. From WaPo.

    Charles Rangel, powerful voice for Harlem in Congress, dies at 94
    He became the first African American chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee but was forced to relinquish that coveted position because of financial transgressions.

  9. You know who would have been a maggot?

    Robert E. Lee “Bob” Ewell.

    It’s like the maggots read that book and immediately identified with that character.
    Ok the reading a book part is problematic, so it’s obvious Ms Lee took that character from having known him in real life.

  10. This morning National Public Radio filed a First Amendment lawsuit against the Trump admin, alleging that the president’s order telling the Corporation for Public Broadcasting to defund NPR is a “clear violation of the Constitution.”

    The lawsuit says Trump’s order violates both “the expressed will of Congress and the First Amendment’s bedrock guarantees of freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and freedom of association.” Moreover, it “threatens the existence of a public radio system that millions of Americans across the country rely on for vital news and information.”

  13. Dodo presides over the wholesale dismantling of his own country. Why would he give a crap about anyone else’s?

  16. I added Jack’s Sunday feature to Trail Mix Live. Cool part is you can hit Play All and let them roll. Wrote this description for the playlist:

    Sunday Serendipity
    Each Sunday, our resident conductor whskyjack opens the musical gates and lets the unexpected in. From soaring orchestral gems to obscure back-alley grooves, this playlist is a hand-curated ritual of surprise—meant to soothe, stir, and sometimes startle.

    Drawn from his weekly offerings on TrailMix.cc, these selections aren’t just songs—they’re moments. Tiny symphonies of serendipity to carry you through whatever the week left behind.

    Come for the melody. Stay for the mystery. New music, every Sunday.

  18. This is in the bug, awful budget bill:

    “No court of the United States may use appropriated funds to enforce a contempt citation for failure to comply with an injunction or temporary restraining order if no security was given when the injunction or order was issued.”

    This would make tRUMPsky and his band of n@zis immune from contempt of court and allow them to ignore court rulings.

    Please, contact ALL Senators to get this removed! 202-224-3121 or email them via the contact button their official website.

  20. https://www.thedailybeast.com/bezos-wapo-gives-staff-ultimatum-as-it-pushes-them-out/

    Jeff Bezos’ Washington Post wants to push dozens of staffers out the door, offering opinion staffers, staffers with 10 years’ experience, and some desks buyout packages to leave the paper. “Like the rest of our industry, we are adapting to changing habits and new technologies that are transforming news experiences,” executive editor Matt Murray told staffers in a memo obtained by the Daily Beast. “Even as we have begun creating new departments and welcoming new colleagues, to reach new audiences we must increase our staffing flexibility and expand in areas such as audience data and social video.” The entire video desk, the copy desk, and the sports copy desks were also offered buyout packages, which Murray stressed were voluntary. Staffers will have until July 31 to make a decision, and the Post does not have a specific target it needs to reach. The opinion desk was told the buyouts were meant to let staffers “make a clear-eyed decision on whether they want to be part of the new direction for Post Opinion,” according to The New York Times, after Bezos announced his plans to lean into the traditionally conservative values of “free markets and personal liberties.” In a statement, a Post spokesperson said, “The Washington Post is continuing its transformation to meet the needs of the industry, build a more sustainable future and reach audiences where they are. This voluntary program is part of our ongoing efforts aimed at reshaping how we deliver world-class news experiences and expand our reach to serve all Americans.”

  22. if you gave Ukraine nukes, Putin could rationalize a nuclear assault on Ukraine as a preemptive action

    Come on, let’s use our heads people

  24. Anon,

    if you gave Ukraine nukes, Putin would rationalize a nuclear assault on Ukraine as a preemptive action

    Fixed it – removed any doubt.

  25. CHEESE on SEAFOOD?
    Julia Child says YES.
    Traditional chefs say NEVER.
    I say… the oven’s already on.

    Tomorrow I’m cooking up Julia’s famous scallops gratineed—with Gruyère cheese baked right on top.
    Some call it a masterpiece.
    Others call it a war crime.

    Where do you land in the great Seafood & Cheese Debate?

    A) Yes please, pass the Gruyère
    B) No way, keep ‘em divorced
    C) Only if Julia says it’s okay
    D) What if I pretend it’s fancy mac and cheese?

    Let the arguments begin. I’ll be reading the best comments while the cheese melts.

  26. Ukraine nukes are all water under the bridge.
    What Biden should have done was put a troop presence in Ukraine. But he got bluffed out. Not fighting, but maybe a few missile defense units, for Poland and western Ukraine, maybe a few trainers well away from the fighting. It would be safe, unlike Afghanistan they know how to fight and will.
    The nuclear math says it is safe too. Russia is no more going to engage in a nuclear war over Ukraine then we are. Without our presence in Ukraine if we were to arm Ukraine to where they could roll Russia back, Putin would be tempted to use tactical nukes and it would be safe because we wouldn’t retaliate. But since Biden got punked that is all water under the bridge too.

    Jack

  27. What Ukraine needs is for somebody to open up a new front against Russia.
    The Taliban have a lot of freedom fighters laying around , no doubt, causing no end of trouble. The Taliban would probably be willing to drive them north to the border and suggest it might be safer to liberate their poor oppressed Muslim brothers.
    It probably wouldn’t cost much.
    Jack

  28. Ah the great cheese on things that come out of the water debate.

    It depends.

    Julia’s scallops with Gruyère, excellent. But with other dedicates, such as flounder or shrimp, the cook time is critical as cheese may cause under-cooking or overcooking. The cook must master timing with these.

    Certain dishes are wonderful with cheese, some are wonderful with a small amount of cheese and many dishes are horrendous with cheese of any kind.

    I checked with a good search program and have this response to my asking about Georges Auguste Escoffier and if he had any fish dishes with cheese.

    In traditional French cuisine, fish and cheese are rarely paired due to a few key culinary principles:

    1. **Delicate vs. Bold Flavors** – Fish, especially white fish, has a delicate taste, while cheese often has strong, pungent flavors. French chefs historically avoided overpowering the natural taste of seafood with cheese.

    2. **Texture Contrast** – Many French fish preparations focus on light, flaky textures, whereas cheese can be rich and creamy. The contrast was often seen as undesirable.

    3. **Regional Influence** – French coastal regions, where seafood is abundant, traditionally relied on lighter sauces like beurre blanc or hollandaise rather than cheese-based sauces.

    That said, there are exceptions! **Soupe de poisson**, a classic French fish soup, is traditionally served with croutons, grated cheese, and rouille. Some gratins, like **seafood gratin with Emmental cheese**, also break the rule.

  29. BB I’m scripting this into the video, more words for me to mispronounce:
    “Over on Trail Mix, BlueBronc reminded us that Julia’s scallop-and-cheese combo isn’t exactly heresy—but it’s walking a fine line. Escoffier wouldn’t necessarily approve, but Soupe de poisson says hey, rules were made to be melted.”

  31. Actual Memorial Day is May 30, so we’re still observing and remembering.

    So, quite obviously, as a fact, we in America are now living through our very own nazi-times, as my distant German relatives did, the ones who stayed behind when our grandfather emigrated alone because his mother sent him away from the clutches of the German military. My question is, maybe not answerable at this time, did they become as pissed off about it, being stuck in nazi-times, as at least half of America is now? I sure as hell hope so.

    PS: my grandfather was over 50 years old when U.S. entered the war, a German expat and likely a US citizen by then, and he had to register for the draft. I found his draft card. He spent the war years as manager of a bomb factory. Bombs that perhaps were dropped on his homeland where his siblings still lived.

  33. Haven’t had one in 15 years, but a Filet O’ Fish has cheese. Fish & cheese ain’t boujie.

  35. “Barron did not apply to Harvard, and any assertion that he, or that anyone on his behalf, applied is completely false,” said [Melania’s] communications director.

    Neither was he a sex-selective IVF because the name Barron had already been picked out.

  36. Bid, being a vegetarian, You may not realize the fastfood world puts cheese on everything and you have to tell them not to. Even then it is there half the time any way. Another thought, they used to charge extra for cheese but now you pay for the cheese if you eat it or not.
    I will save my opinions about cheese and sea food for later on youtube

    Jack

  37. I don’t mind cheese on stuff but I do kinda like it to be cheese.
    One of my favorite Christmas dinners with Mrs Jack folks was when I recreated their traditional family fruit salad. They liked it and it had good memories.
    It was a fruit salad with chunks of velvetta and tiny marshmallows. I threw what was left of the velvetta away.
    Jack

  38. One of my ex-coworkers had a friend visit from Australia. The two things that made an impression on him were:
    1) Guns (They had a lot of them including ARs, and he took a picture holding guns and wearing a sling around him that had bullets in it…a bullet holster, I guess.)
    2) Cheese on everything, and so much of it.

  39. Watched a cooking show the other night, and they made candied asparagus. I love sugary stuff, and wish I didn’t, but I can not even imagine what that would taste like. I wouldn’t waste an asparagus spear trying it, either.

    Craig – The bok choy seedlings are taking off, but I found a grub worm today.

  40. Yes, whiskeyjack, there’s nothing like some of those Midwestern salads. The jello salad with the pretzel crust underneath always confused me. Snickers salad just makes me giggle. Sure, it’s a salad.

  41. Fancy salads go back a hundred years.

    Sometimes recipe titles in old cookbooks do not provide much information about a recipe. For example, I recently came across a recipe for Surprise Salad in a hundred-year-old church cookbook. When I read the recipe, I was surprised to discover (maybe that’s why it’s called Surprise Salad) that it was a fruit salad that called for canned pineapple slices, canned peach halves, and fresh strawberries with marshmallows and a dollop of whipped cream for good measure. The salad is served on lettuce leaves. The ingredients are stacked with a focus on presentation.

    https://ahundredyearsago.com/

  42. Craig, loving the new You Tube incarnation. Also I’m a cheese addict particular extra sharp bite you back cheddar and feta.

  44. Ivy – That reminds me of the candlestick salad we had at Christmas. A leaf of iceberg lettuce, a pineapple ring on top, a half of a banana sticking out of the pineapple ring, a maraschino cherry on top (for the flame), and a drizzle of Miracle Whip diluted with half-and-half and some sugar for the dressing. It seems kind of pornographic now. Simpler times, I guess.

  49. Speaking of food – The foods, including industrial foods such as Campbell’s soups, are not the same today was when I grew up in the nineteen fifties. Much was the same as my parents and grandparents ate in the thirties and forties. But, it was also the time of change as homes had electricity which meant refrigeration and freezer space. Televisions showed commercials and programs showed the newest of dishes. New cookbooks brought new tasty delights to the average home. WWII brought changes to logistics so instead of oranges at the new year, oranges could be had year around. GI’s brought home tastes from around the world. Pizza for pick up and delivery started (the first Little Ceasar’s was down the street from our house). As with America in many ways, what we were in 1949 is not where we were in 1960.

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