Monday, September 08, 2025
There are, in fact, MI1 to MI 25--cool. But the more there are, the more danger of leakage and
problems of co-ordination, think 9/11 and trump's horrendous "executive orders."
https://www.theguardian.com/notesandqueries/query/0,5753,-20949,00.html
Interesting--Medium vs Substack--I think Substack is more "alive" and political--and also more competitive.We will see.
AI Summary
To understand the similarities and differences between Medium and Substack, consider the following points:
Both platforms allow writers to publish content directly to their audience.
Medium focuses on a wide range of topics and has a built-in audience for discovery.
Substack is primarily centered around newsletters, allowing writers to build and monetize their subscriber base.
Medium offers a partner program that pays writers based on engagement metrics.
Substack allows writers to charge for subscriptions, providing a direct revenue stream. Medium emphasizes community engagement through comments and claps, while Substack focuses on email interactions.
Sunday, September 07, 2025
Trump used guided missile to attack "drug boat." Making drug war a real war.
AI Overview
In early September 2025, the U.S. military used a guided missile in the Caribbean Sea to strike and sink a boat allegedly originating from Venezuela and carrying narcotics
. This action is part of a U.S. counter-narcotics and counter-terrorism operation against designated cartels linked to the Venezuelan government.
Details of the strike
Target: A speedboat that U.S. officials identified as belonging to the Tren de Aragua gang, a group designated by the U.S. as a foreign terrorist organization.
Casualties: U.S. officials, including President Donald Trump, stated that 11 individuals were killed in the strike, and there were no U.S. casualties.
Location: The strike took place in international waters.
Proof: President Trump posted video footage of the strike on his social media account. BBC Verify and other outlets reported that the footage did not appear to be fake.
Legal questions: The strike's legality under international law has been questioned by legal experts, who have argued that the use of lethal force in this context is dubious.
Broader context of U.S. military presence
Military buildup: The strike occurred amid a significant U.S. military buildup in the Caribbean. This includes the deployment of multiple guided-missile destroyers, other warships, an attack submarine, and several thousand military personnel.
Escalating tensions: Tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela have heightened since the strike. Venezuelan military aircraft have since conducted provocative flights near a U.S. Navy vessel in international waters, and the U.S. has responded by deploying F-35 fighter jets to the region.
Further actions: The Trump administration has indicated that more strikes may occur as part of its ongoing campaign. It is also reportedly weighing the possibility of strikes against drug cartel targets inside Venezuela itself.
This one is really good--fake husband--nurse--The actress looks a lot like Goldie Hawn--the actor is very good.
Overboard!Look for it youself. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overboard_(2018_film) Who cares if the critics don't like it.
Saturday, September 06, 2025
The Atlantic--anti-Trump strategy is working.
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2025/09/trump-legal-resistance-lawsuits-norm-eisen/684071/
Water novels--I have read Flood by Stephen Baxter--very good and an early novel by Bacigalupi--but not this one.
AI Overview
+9
Science fiction novels centered on water include the near-future dystopian The Water Knife by Paolo Bacigalupi, which explores a water war in a drought-ravaged Southwest, and the flooded-world thriller All the Water in the World by Eiren Caffall. Classic works such as Jules Verne's Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seas explore underwater adventure, while works like Arthur C. Clarke's The Deep Range and John Wyndham's The Kraken Wakes deal with deep-sea life and threats from the ocean depths.
Dystopian and Climate Change Stories
The Water Knife by Paolo Bacigalupi
.
is a near-future thriller where extreme drought leads to paramilitary battles over dwindling water sources in the American Southwest.
All the Water in the World by Eiren Caffall
.
depicts a world where glaciers have melted, causing massive flooding, and one family tries to survive on a flooded New York City.
Dry by Neal and Jarod Shusterman
.
is a young adult dystopian novel about a severe drought in California that transforms people into "water-zombies".
Underwater and Oceanic Settings
Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seas by Jules Verne
.
is a classic that features Captain Nemo and his submarine, the Nautilus, exploring the deep ocean.
Sphere by Michael Crichton
.
is a thrilling story set underwater, where a mysterious object is discovered at the bottom of the ocean.
The Deep Range by Arthur C. Clarke
.
explores a future where humanity relies on the sea for food and features a space engineer who becomes a whale hunter.
Other Water-Related Themes
The Kraken Wakes by John Wyndham
.
is a science fiction novel about extraterrestrial creatures emerging from the depths of the ocean.
Startide Rising by David Brin
.
is an Uplift novel that involves an intelligent species on an ocean planet.
Flood by Stephen Baxter
.
is a science fiction novel that deals with a global flood and its impact on human civilization.
Baltimore Aquarium is a wonderful place to visit. It now has jellyfish--which have
been renamed "jellies" because they are not really fish.
Our tour group leader and I had a wonderful short conversation with an intern who looked Asian.
Among all the wonderful places to visit, but now no one wants to come to visit the USA.
***
Fish and frog reproduction--
Fish and frogs primarily reproduce by external fertilization, spawning large numbers of eggs in water that are fertilized by sperm from the male. They then abandon their offspring, relying on sheer numbers for survival, and the young develop into larvae (like tadpoles) with gills before metamorphosing into their adult forms. While most fish and frogs are oviparous (egg-laying), some species, like certain fish and toads, give birth to live young instead.
Fish Reproduction
External Fertilization:
Most fish use external fertilization, where the female releases eggs into the water, and the male then sheds sperm (milt) over the eggs. Mass Spawning: Fish lay hundreds or thousands of eggs because many will be eaten by predators, and only a few need to survive to maintain the population. Egg Characteristics: Fish eggs have a jelly-like coating to protect them from dehydration and pathogens, and they lack the hard shells found on bird or reptile eggs. Livebearers:
Some fish, such as guppies and mollies, have internal fertilization and give birth to live young, a process that provides the offspring with a head start. Frog Reproduction External Fertilization: . The typical frog reproductive strategy involves external fertilization, with the male embracing the female to fertilize eggs as they are released. Larval Stage: . Frog eggs hatch into tadpoles that live in the water and breathe with gills. Metamorphosis: . The tadpoles then undergo a metamorphosis, developing limbs and lungs to become adult frogs capable of living on land, though they still need water to live.
Internal Fertilization & Live Birth: . A few frog species, like the Tailed Frog, perform internal fertilization before laying eggs, and some toads are viviparous, giving birth to live young instead of laying eggs.
AI--warning graphic--Whale sex and shark sex.
AI Overview
Whales and whale sharks (a type of shark) have very different reproductive processes. Whales, like humpback whales, are mammals and reproduce sexually, sometimes in groups and even between males, while the much larger whale shark is a fish that reproduces via internal fertilization and live birth, similar to other sharks. Key differences include the presence of claspers in male sharks for sperm transfer and the absence of them in whales.
Whales (e.g., Humpback Whales)
Mammalian Reproduction:
.
Whales are mammals and give birth to live young, which are nourished with milk.
Sexual Behavior:
.
Humpback whales have been observed engaging in sexual activity, including between males.
External Genitalia:
.
Whales possess an external genital opening located on their abdomen, which can be used to determine sex by its relative position to the tail, according to Pacific Whale Foundation.
Whale Sharks
Fish Reproduction:
.
Whale sharks are fish, not mammals.
Internal Fertilization:
.
Males transfer sperm to the female's body, where the eggs are fertilized internally, says Three Islands Whale Shark Dive.
Male Claspers:
.
Male whale sharks have modified pelvic fins called claspers, which are specialized organs used to transfer sperm into the female's cloaca.
Live Birth (Ovoviviparous):
.
Whale sharks are ovoviviparous, meaning the young develop inside the mother's body using a yolk sac and are born live.
Courtship and Mating:
.
While still largely a mystery, mating behaviors are believed to involve slow movements and biting, with males using their claspers to stay secure and deliver sperm to the female's belly, notes Shark Angels.
end
This time when I asked Google--it said--"thinking"--I asked for novels about Renaissance Women.
Novels about Renaissance women
Thinking
Putting it all together
Many compelling historical novels highlight the lives and experiences of women during the Renaissance, including powerful queens, influential artists, and everyday people
. Authors such as Philippa Gregory and Sarah Dunant are well-known for their popular historical fiction exploring this era.
Novels featuring prominent historical women
The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory: This popular novel explores the complex lives of sisters Mary and Anne Boleyn, who competed for the affection of King Henry VIII of England.
The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O'Farrell: This book tells the story of Lucrezia de' Medici, who was a child bride in the 16th century. The novel offers a fictionalized account of her life, capturing the claustrophobic and dangerous world of the court.
The Pope's Daughter by C. W. Gortner: Based on the life of Lucrezia Borgia, this novel delves into the scandalous and treacherous world of Renaissance Italy's Borgia family.
Innocent Traitor by Alison Weir: This novel dramatizes the life of Lady Jane Grey, the young "Nine Days' Queen" of England, and the political machinations that led to her tragic downfall.
The Poison Keeper by Deborah Swift: Set in 17th-century Renaissance Italy, this historical novel is inspired by the real story of Giulia Tofana, a professional poisoner.
Novels exploring the lives of female artists and muses
The Passion of Artemisia by Susan Vreeland: This biographical novel brings to life the story of Artemisia Gentileschi, a talented painter who fought for recognition and justice in the male-dominated art world of 17th-century Italy.
Girl with a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier: This novel imagines the story of Griet, the young maid who becomes the muse for the Dutch master painter Johannes Vermeer. The book offers a glimpse into the art world and daily life in 17th-century Netherlands.
The Most Beautiful Woman in Florence by Alyssa Palombo: This novel focuses on Simonetta Cattaneo Vespucci, a celebrated beauty who served as a muse for artist Sandro Botticelli during the Florentine Renaissance.
Lady in Ermine: The Story of a Woman Who Painted the Renaissance by Donna DiGiuseppe: This biographical novel details the life of Sofonisba Anguissola, a brilliant painter who defied convention to become a respected artist.
Novels featuring fictional and lesser-known women
The Birth of Venus by Sarah Dunant: Set in 15th-century Florence, this novel tells the story of Alessandra Cecchi, a young woman who uses her talent for painting as a form of rebellion in a city gripped by religious fanaticism.
The Weight of Ink by Rachel Kadish: This novel tells two parallel stories: one following a Jewish scribe in 17th-century London, and another following a modern-day historian piecing together her story.
Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell: A powerful story of love and grief, this novel imagines the life of Agnes Hathaway, William Shakespeare's wife, and the devastating loss of their son, Hamnet.
AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more
Robert J.Lifton just passed away--author of The Nazi "doctors" , Hiroshima Survivors and other books.
https://www.amazon.com/Nazi-Doctors-Medical-Psychology-Genocide/dp/0465093396
See write-ups in Books section of Wall Street Journal and New York Times.
Rest in Truth.
Thank you.
Joseph Torigian--The Life of Xi Sr. Xi Jinping's Father--
https://www.amazon.com/Partys-Interests-Come-First-Authoritarianism/dp/1503634752?asin=1503634752&revisionId=&format=4&depth=1
Friday, September 05, 2025
Thursday, September 04, 2025
AI overview--Literary agents accepting political non-fiction.
AI Overview
Literary agents in the USA who represent political non-fiction and current affairs include Henry Thayer at Brandt & Hochman Literary Agents, Erik Hane at Red Sofa, Howard Yoon at Ross Yoon Agency, and Cristina Concepcion at Don Congdon Associates. To find more agents, use the Manuscript Wish List website or AgentMatch to filter by genre and use other detailed search criteria, and always check an agency's website for submission guidelines before querying.
Specific agents accepting political non-fiction:
Henry Thayer
at Brandt & Hochman: Represents current affairs, politics, and international relations, seeking engaging stories that challenge conventional wisdom.
Erik Hane
at Red Sofa: Interested in contemporary political writing, critiques of capitalism, and analyses of power, particularly from leftist and class-conscious perspectives.
Howard Yoon
at Ross Yoon Agency: Specializes in nonfiction, including current affairs and politics, and helps both new and established authors.
Cristina Concepcion
at Don Congdon Associates: Represents current events and narrative non-fiction.
Deborah Schneider
at gelfman schneider literary agents: Represents a range of non-fiction, including political and current affairs.
Karen Gantz
at Karen Gantz Literary Management: Has a specific interest in books on current affairs and history.
Massie McQuilkin
at Massie McQuilkin & Altman Literary Agents: Open to queries for politics and narrative nonfiction.
Cecilia (“CeCe”) Lyra
at P.S. Literary Agency: Open to non-fiction in categories including current affairs and politics.
How to find more agents and submit your work:
1. Use specialized databases:
Use resources like Manuscript Wish List to see what agents are actively seeking, or AgentMatch on Jericho Writers, which lets you filter by genre, experience, and other criteria.
2. Check individual agency websites:
Always visit the agency's website to find their specific submission guidelines, which may include preferred query methods (email, form).
3. Research an agent's interests:
Read an agent's profile to see if your project aligns with their interests, such as history, politics, international relations, or specific types of narrative non-fiction.
4. Craft a compelling query:
Ensure your book proposal or query letter has a strong, clear voice and a unique point of view.
Movie version The Odyssey Part 1 of 2
https://www.google.com/search?q=the+odyssey+%281997+full+movie%29&client=firefox-b-1-d&sca_esv=a46a1b8edd07c513&sxsrf=AE3TifPbhGnZxQjD-BLRV0pdiAP0b5xM_w%3A1756970835201&ei=Uz-5aPiKDISv5NoPv_bhMA&oq=movie+version+of+the+odyssey&gs_lp=Egxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAiHG1vdmllIHZlcnNpb24gb2YgdGhlIG9keXNzZXkqAggBMgoQABiwAxjWBBhHMgoQABiwAxjWBBhHMgoQABiwAxjWBBhHMgoQABiwAxjWBBhHMgoQABiwAxjWBBhHMgoQABiwAxjWBBhHMgoQABiwAxjWBBhHMgoQABiwAxjWBBhHSKcZUABYAHABeAGQAQCYAQCgAQCqAQC4AQHIAQCYAgGgAgyYAwCIBgGQBgiSBwExoAcAsgcAuAcAwgcDMy0xyAcI&sclient=gws-wiz-serp#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:26071527,vid:VRUGgqymvUM,st:0
According to AI--
AI Overview
There isn't one definitive "best" love story, as opinions vary, but frequently cited classics include William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights, and Leo Tolstoy's Anna Karenina. Other highly regarded stories span different genres and time periods, such as Zora Neale Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching God, Jane's love with Mr. Rochester in Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre, and the epic romance in Diana Gabaldon's Outlander.
Classic Tragic Love Stories
Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare:
.
A timeless tale of doomed, passionate young love against a backdrop of family feuds.
Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë:
.
Explores the consuming, destructive passion between Heathcliff and Catherine.
Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy:
.
A powerful story about forbidden love and its tragic consequences within Russian high society.
Classic Enduring Love Stories
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen:
Celebrated for its wit and the eventual romance between the strong-willed Elizabeth Bennet and the proud Mr. Darcy.
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë:
A compelling story about the strong bond between the independent Jane and her brooding employer, Mr. Rochester.
The Odyssey by Homer:
The enduring loyalty and love between Odysseus and Penelope, who await his return for twenty years.
Other Noteworthy Stories
Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston: A vital story about finding love and self-assurance, filled with raw emotion and cultural depth.
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon: An epic tale of love, adventure, and time travel.
Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel GarcÃa Márquez: Follows a man who waits for decades to be with his first love.
Literary agents accepting romance submissions--I think it's best to query the agent of your
https://blog.reedsy.com/literary-agents/romance/
favorite author or authors but only when you have a finished manuscript and follow the guidelines on their websites punctilously.
kmk
Wednesday, September 03, 2025
Tuesday, September 02, 2025
Japanese black seaweed products--
AI Overview
The black seaweed product that looks like rice is
hijiki. This Japanese seaweed, also called hijiki or tot in Korea, resembles small grains or tea leaves when sold dried. After being rehydrated, it develops a firm, chewy texture.
Common uses for hijiki include:
Mixed with rice: It is a key ingredient in hijiki takikomi gohan, a Japanese mixed-rice dish.
Side dishes and salads: Hijiki is often simmered with other vegetables like carrots and fried tofu to create a savory side dish. Stir-fries and soups: The earthy, slightly briny flavor makes it a versatile ingredient for adding flavor and nutrients to many dishes. Potential confusion with other black seaweeds Other varieties of black seaweed are different in texture from rice: Nori: Best known for being pressed into thin, flat sheets used to wrap sushi and onigiri. Arame: A type of kelp that comes in thin, dark brown strands with a milder, sweeter flavor than hijiki. Fat choy: This terrestrial black moss, or blue-green algae, is used in Chinese cuisine. When dried, it looks like fine black hair, not grains.
The only love affair Helen Keller is known to have had.
AI Overview
The novel about Helen Keller and Peter Fagen (Fagan) is Helen Keller in Love by Rosie Sultan. Published in 2013, the novel tells the story of the romantic, and ultimately clandestine, affair between Helen Keller and Peter Fagan, her private secretary and a journalist, when Keller was in her thirties. The story was inspired by a little-known period in Keller's life, as detailed in the biography Helen Keller: A Life by Dorothy Herrmann, and explores the potential details of their relationship and its impact on Keller.
What the novel is about:
The historical basis:
.
The novel is based on the real-life relationship between Helen Keller and Peter Fagan, a journalist who served as Keller's private secretary when her longtime teacher, Anne Sullivan, was ill.
The romance:
.
The story depicts the development of their passionate connection, which involved communicating through finger-spelling.
The family's disapproval:
.
The relationship was met with stern opposition from Keller's family and Sullivan, who believed that women with disabilities, particularly deaf-blind women, should not marry.
A "might-have-been" story:
.
Sultan's novel brings a "grown-up Helen" to life, imagining the events and feelings during this time, which Keller herself rarely wrote about.
Helen Keller--I met her when I was somewhere between the ages of 7 and 8 or 9.
My father Sithu U Kaung took my sister and me onto the stage where PM U Nu was standing with Helen Keller.
She touched my sister's head with her hand and said, "Isn't this rather too late for you?"
The event was at the open space on U Wisara Road below the West? moat of the Shwedagone Pagoda.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helen_Keller
Novels about blind female musicians--AI
AI Overview
Novels focusing specifically on blind female musicians are relatively niche, but examples include Alicia Beckman's Blind Faith and Nikita Slater's dark romance Fear in Her Eyes, featuring a cellist. For historical contexts, there's the novella Pegasus the Pianist in the Dark by Michele Halberstadt and the YA novel The Transcriber by Kristen Witucki, where a blind musician is a main character.
Historical and General Fiction:
Blind Faith
.
by Alicia Beckman: A novel about a woman who is blind and possesses musical talent, though further details about the musical aspect are not provided in the search results.
Pegasus the Pianist in the Dark
.
by Michele Halberstadt: A historical mystery novella featuring a blind pianist, set in 18th-century Vienna.
The Transcriber
.
by Kristen Witucki: A young adult novel where one of the main characters, Emily, is blind, smart, musical, and artistic, with her brother Louis's perspective on her life as the narrator.
Romantic and Dark Romance:
Fear in Her Eyes
.
by Nikita Slater: A dark mafia romance novel about Addison, a blind cellist whose ordered world is disrupted by an obsessive stalker and a dangerous mercenary.
The Idol of the Blind
.
by Tom Gallon (1899): Features a blind musician named Dora who becomes entangled with a manipulative man while trying to find fame in London.
Other Relevant Works:
A Song in the Dark: by Kimberley Woodhouse: An inspirational historical romance about a blind virtuoso pianist set in World War II Europe.
Monday, September 01, 2025
Detailed review of Findlay and O'Rourke: The Power of Plenty.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/4958285_Power_and_Plenty_Trade_War_and_the_World_Economy_in_the_Second_Millennium_Ronald_Findlay_Kevin_H_O%27Rourke_Princeton_University_Press_2007
Note the remarks about import tariffs and protectionism.
Sunday, August 31, 2025
Why the arts matter.
AI Overview
Art matters because it fosters self-expression and empathy by providing a universal language for emotions and experiences, serves as a vital historical record, sparks creativity and critical thinking, and can drive social change by giving voice to silenced communities and promoting unity across diverse groups. Art helps people make sense of a complex world, offers solace and beauty, and connects individuals to a deeper understanding of themselves and society.
Economics 1--suppy and demand determine prices.
AI Overview
The price of goods and services is determined by the interaction of supply and demand in a market. When the quantity of a product that producers are willing to sell (supply) meets the quantity consumers want to buy (demand), an equilibrium price is reached, where buyers and sellers agree on an exchange. Factors like changes in consumer willingness to buy or producer ability to supply can shift these curves, causing prices to rise or fall accordingly
According to these soap operas--Chinese society is full of shrill bullies--class conscious--from what I know of half Chinese--it's not such a stretch.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSaFkRKU5JA
Nice concept but over-worked--same thin actress plays horrible mother.
***
Saturday, August 30, 2025
Friday, August 29, 2025
Detainies report uprising at Aligator Alcatraz brutally suppressed.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/aug/29/alligator-alcatraz-uprising-florida-immigration?utm_source=firefox-newtab-en-us
Thursday, August 28, 2025
The Angel Michael--head of God's Forces against evil (Satan)--prayer from wikipedia
Main article: Prayer to Saint Michael § In the Leonine Prayers
Sancte MÃchael Archángele, defénde nos in próelio; contra nequÃtiam et insÃdias diáboli esto praesÃdium. Imperet illi Deus, súpplices deprecámur,
tuque, PrÃnceps milÃtiae caeléstis, Sátanam aliósque spÃritus malÃgnos, qui ad perditiónem animárum pervagántur in mundo, divÃna virtúte, in inférnum detrúde.[49] Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray,
anddo thou, O Prince of the heavenly hosts, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan, and all the evil spirits, who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls.[50] ***
Oh My Emperor summary--yes--I also prefer the other Male Lead--Lord Chen--more sensitive face--more emotional.
https://mydramalist.com/26812-oh-my-emperor
The Emperor was rather stiff.
Wish Lord Chen got the girl.
The actress is very popular and is in everything--so much to extent one might get tired of seeing her, but she does deliver.
That said I like story lines of Romance of Tiger and Rose better
as well as Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka's play, Death and the Kind's Horseman.
Sci fi is sci fi, but the logic of the story needs to hang together.
This one does not quite do so.
Kyi May Kaung
8-27-2025
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
Tuesday, August 26, 2025
Chinese drama--little too many bitches in here--acting really too much.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buKylSlG3T0
The poor dubbing done by Western voices makes it worse.
Ostrich Effect--
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ostrich_effect
Personally I think people avoid or deny things because if they believe it
e.g, global warming, danger--they will have to do something and they are afraid to, or don't want to--sothey withdraw--say in religion.
I see it all the time,particularly among Burmese.
Monday, August 25, 2025
Who owns largest % of US National Debt? AI answer from Google--
AI Overview
As of mid-2025, the largest holder of U.S. debt is Japan, followed by the United Kingdom and China. These foreign countries invest in U.S. Treasury securities to manage their foreign currency reserves and for stable interest income.
Here's a closer look at the top foreign holders of U.S. debt, according to recent data:
1. Japan:
.
Holds the most U.S. debt, with over $1.1 trillion in Treasury securities as of July 2025.
2. United Kingdom:
.
Has become the second-largest holder, with over $807 billion in holdings as of April 2025.
3. China:
.
Formerly the second-largest holder, China has been decreasing its holdings and now holds approximately $757 billion as of April 2025.
Why Countries Hold U.S. Debt
Reserve Management:
.
Countries buy U.S. Treasury securities to hold as foreign currency reserves, which are seen as safe and stable.
Exchange Rate Management:
.
Holding U.S. debt can help countries manage their own currency's exchange rates.
Interest Income:
.
U.S. Treasury securities offer a reliable source of interest income for investors.
The Federal Government Has Borrowed Trillions. Who Owns All ...
May 13, 2025 — Investors in Japan and China remain the largest foreign holders of Treasury debt. Foreign ownership of U.S. debt can h...
Peterson Foundation
The US has $36 trillion in debt. What does that mean, and who owns it?
May 20, 2025 — $15.16 trillion (42 percent) is held by US private investors and entities, mostly in the form of savings bonds, mutual...
Al Jazeera
5 Foreign Countries That Own the Most U.S. Debt - Investopedia
* Japan. Japan held $1.13 trillion in Treasury securities as of July 2025, beating out the U.K. as the largest foreign holder of ...
Investopedia
Show all
Dive deeper in AI Mode
AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more
The Federal Government Has Borrowed Trillions. Who ...
Peter G. Peterson Foundation
https://www.pgpf.org › article › the-federal-governmen...
May 13, 2025 — The largest holder of intragovernmental debt is the Social Security Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund, which holds $2.5 trillion, or 33 ...
People also ask
Who is America's biggest debt holder?
US National Debt--AI
AI Overview
The total U.S. Treasury debt outstanding was approximately $37.21 trillion as of August 22, 2025, according to the U.S. Treasury. This "national debt" represents the total money borrowed by the U.S. government throughout its history to cover deficits, where spending exceeds revenues. The debt consists of funds held by the public and intragovernmental holdings, and it grows each year as annual deficits add to the outstanding balance.
What is the National Debt?
It is the total amount of money the U.S. federal government owes to individuals, corporations, other governments, and its own accounts.
The debt accumulates each year when the government spends more money than it takes in through taxes and other revenues.
How is the debt broken down?
Debt Held by the Public:
.
This is the portion of the national debt held by entities outside the U.S. government, such as investors and foreign governments.
Intragovernmental Holdings:
.
This is debt held by government accounts, such as trust funds like the Social Security trust fund.
Why is the debt important?
The increasing national debt can lead to higher interest payments, which can take up a larger portion of the federal budget.
It is a result of structural factors like an aging population, rising healthcare costs, higher interest rates, and a tax system that generates insufficient revenue to cover promised government services. Where to find the most up-to-date information: For daily updates, visit the U.S. Treasury Fiscal Data website, which provides access to the "Debt to the Penny" dataset.
AI answer to Is it advisable to invest in US T-bills under Trump 2.0
AI Overview
Advising whether to invest in Treasury Bills under a potential Trump 2.0 administration is complex due to the significant market uncertainty surrounding his proposed policies. While T-Bills are considered among the safest investments, his fiscal plans could influence interest rates, inflation, and investor confidence in ways that affect their appeal
.
Here is a summary of the potential impacts on T-Bills under a possible Trump presidency.
Key factors influencing T-Bills 1. Fiscal policy and debt Larger budget deficits: Proposals like extending the 2017 tax cuts and increasing military spending could substantially increase budget deficits. Increased Treasury issuance: To finance a larger deficit, the government would need to issue more Treasuries, including T-Bills. Increased supply can put upward pressure on yields (meaning T-Bill prices could fall).
Eroding confidence: Continued large deficits could cause international and domestic investors to lose confidence in U.S. fiscal management. This has historically led to demands for higher yields to compensate for perceived risk. 2. Inflation Trade tariffs: Proposed tariffs on imports are a key part of the Trump 2.0 agenda. These tariffs could raise import costs, leading to higher inflation as businesses pass those costs to consumers. Reduced labor supply: Stricter immigration policies could tighten the U.S. labor market, potentially putting upward pressure on wages and, consequently, inflation. Inflation risk for investors: Higher-than-expected inflation erodes the purchasing power of the fixed interest payments from T-Bills. This makes longer-duration bonds less attractive and may push investors toward shorter-term assets. 3. Federal Reserve policy Central bank independence: Concerns have been raised over potential political pressure on the Federal Reserve to lower interest rates to make government borrowing cheaper. Market volatility: Any perceived threats to the Fed's independence could undermine investor confidence and add a "risk premium" to U.S. Treasuries, pushing yields higher. Investment considerations for T-Bills Advisable for liquidity and safety Short-term safety: T-Bills, with maturities of one year or less, are still considered a safe bet for parking cash and preserving capital in the short term. They offer stability in volatile markets. Higher yields: If Trump's policies lead to higher inflation and larger deficits, yields on shorter-term assets like T-Bills could rise, potentially offering a more attractive return. Less advisable for long-term hedging Inflation risk: If inflation is a persistent issue, T-Bills and other fixed-income securities may offer negative real returns after accounting for the loss of purchasing power. Uncertainty with longer-duration bonds: Given the potential for fiscal and inflation-related risks, many analysts are skeptical about longer-duration Treasuries acting as a reliable hedge against economic weakness. Short-term versus long-term investing Short-term focus: Investment managers like T. Rowe Price suggest preferring shorter-duration assets and inflation-protected securities (TIPS) in a Trump 2.0 scenario. Shorter-term investments are less sensitive to interest rate changes.
Long-term complexity: The advice for longer-term investors is more complex. While some may find bargains when yields spike, others may wish to reduce exposure to longer-duration assets due to increased risk.
I am now rather estranged from all groups and clubs and classes--
But Nine Parts of Desire was in group run out of a local bookstore
and Horse, I saw on the notice board--was one read by group based in our building about 2 years ago.
But I am my own "club" or "Group."
I don't like the dominant personalities who run groups--
For the same reason I don't like guided tours in museums
I like to wander around on my own.
I like to form my own thoughts and impressions--not so sure I will like some books.
Sometimes I buy them based on samples--then don't finish reading them.
My friend used to toss books she didn't like across the room.
The books I like I keep lined up beside my bed.
Maybe best to die in my own bed.
Kyi May Kaung
8-25-2025.
Sunday, August 24, 2025
Why you should not reheat cooking oil. My surgeon brother in law told me this years ago.
I had 4 in laws who were medical doctors= 2 couples.
1st couple--patholgist & radiologist.
2d couple --FRCS surgeon and wife who never practiced.
AI Overview
Reheating cooking oil, especially for deep frying, can be detrimental to your health due to the formation of harmful compounds and the degradation of the oil's quality. Repeatedly heating oil can lead to the development of rancidity, free radicals, and carcinogenic substances, all of which pose potential health risks.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
Rancidity:
Reheating oil can cause it to become rancid, meaning it develops an unpleasant taste and odor. This happens because the chemical structure of the oil degrades, leading to the formation of undesirable byproducts.
Free Radicals:
When oil is heated, it can break down and produce free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can damage cells and contribute to inflammation. Repeatedly heating oil increases the formation of these harmful compounds.
Carcinogenic Properties:
Some studies suggest that reheating oil can lead to the formation of carcinogenic substances, which are compounds that can potentially cause cancer.
Altered Fat Composition:
Reheating oil can change its chemical structure, potentially increasing the levels of trans fats and other unhealthy components.
Loss of Nutrients:
Reheating oil can also degrade its nutritional value, meaning it loses some of its beneficial components, like antioxidants.
While it might seem convenient to reuse cooking oil, it's generally recommended to avoid reheating it, especially for deep frying. If you choose to reuse oil, do so sparingly and be mindful of the potential risks. Using fresh oil for each cooking session is the best way to minimize potential health hazards
Food--Origins of the Bloomin' Onion--
https://getpocket.com/explore/item/who-really-invented-the-blooming-onion-peeling-open-the-world-s-greasiest-mystery?utm_source=firefox-newtab-en-us
It's deep fried in a batter--I suggest you make the batter of besan (check pea flour) rather than white flour--or whole wheat flour (atta).
Uses a lot of cooking oil which you can reuse to cook with--but do not refry it--that would make it trans fat--see above.
Saturday, August 23, 2025
That's all for today--have a nice day or evening--wherever you are--on this beautiful earth of ours.
Read this from the bottom up please.
Or you can stand on your head.
kmk
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