While the World ...

 ... goes to hell or out of it (pay attention to this qualifier), because it is Friday, let me remind you why I abhor these urban so called "intellectuals", intellectuals they are not and never have been. They also always lacked the sense of beauty and artistic vision. Behold Lester Bangs and the Rolling Stone magazine--a collection of talentless scumbags. They didn't like ELP.  

I caught myself yesterday being emotionally involved in this magnificent prom when British musical genius exploded through Prog Rock. 

They couldn't fit all of them (I missed Jethro Tull) but was immensely gratified listening to Soft Machine. I wondered how was it for Karl Palmer playing to the music of his now deceased two geniuses and friends Keith Emerson and Greg Lake. 

Rettendon Mysterious Explosion ...

 ... there was fire. BBC reports it as major incident. Here how it looked like:

Whatever was produced there certainly was very flammable and  ... explosive. 

Firefighters promised updates later, will have to wait. 

I Am Shocked, Shocked ...

 ... I am telling you. 

Russia has no warships deployed in the Mediterranean Sea for the first time in a decade, the latest example of how much Moscow is exerting itself after almost four and a half years of full-scale war in Ukraine. The last two Russian military ships in the Mediterranean Sea left the area on June 26, 2026, a NATO official told Newsweek, speaking on a condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the subject matter. The ships’ exit marks the first time since 2016 that Russia’s military hasn’t had a naval presence in the Mediterranean, and it points to the strain Moscow is under with its bruising war effort in eastern Europe, as the conflict churns on with no end in sight.

Of course this "anonymous NATO official" is some BSer who wouldn't know shit from shinola or maybe some staff BSer from Newsweek pulling a nothing (shit) burger out of his (her) ass. The explanation is simple and rather trivial--Russian Navy is actively involved in escort operations for Russia's tankers and it is in and out of Med. But desperate losers in NATO grasp even at non-events trying to cover up NATO being exposed as a paper tiger and combined West as an obsolete military force. 

Which really corresponds well to this: 

European countries intend to dispose of the seized Russian oil without transferring the proceeds to its owners, the corresponding decision was published in the official journal of the European Union, RIA Novosti reports. Prior to the adoption of a new package of sanctions, the embargo prohibited the purchase, import and transportation of Russian energy resources, but there was no mechanism for selling goods without transferring profits to the owner. The new amendments introduce this possibility for the first time. The mechanism will allow European countries to withdraw confiscated products from the ban, sell them to third parties and keep the proceeds for themselves.

Here it is--thievery, they always were like this. I mean Europe. Robbery for weak, thievery from strong. That is why Russian Navy is constantly on the move, because Euro cowards dare only to stop civilian vessels. Which also brings one of the most critical naval tasks--escort and convoy operations--to the fore. 

Garland And Yours Truly ...

 ... live at 18-00 (6-00) PDT))

No Black Sea ...

 ... for 404 and NATO anymore. 

A Very Symptomatic Exchange.

Both have no comprehension of what "troops' protection" in modern war is, because both do not understand what modern air defense is. 

Waltz, a devout neocon is a graduate of Virginia Military Institute and had a military career which was largely in special forces--hardly an environment where serious operational and strategic thinking is developed. Liu, however, has a STEM education--but obviously it is all about party politics and of very little if any substance, because the US military has NO force protection capability against serious enemy. It simply has no TOE and expertise. 

Hence, the accusation of Russia for providing Iran with intel and targeting, which, among other things, allowed Iran to hit some very sensitive CIA facility. Don't ask me--I merely state all the time that two can play the game. And Lavrov's statement yesterday about the US targeting Russia and Russia's civilians is not accidental before meeting (very briefly--35 minutes) Marko Rubio. Keep in mind, American situation with Iran is, for the lack of better word, dire. And even speculators do not buy this Trump's BS about oil anymore. I speak about it and more in my today's video. 

Open Thread.

Very busy today.