Daily Tech News 4 February 2026

Top Story

How it started: Europe shrugs off tariffs and plans to end its complete reliance on America for all its technology. (The Register)

Except for ASML, anyway.
Forrester frames much of this as a sovereignty play, and it is hard to argue otherwise. Across Europe, money is going into sovereign cloud platforms, AI-ready infrastructure, and tighter rules on where data lives and who can access it.
This is not a privacy question. It is a control question.
How it's going: Amazon is finding that Europe is not exactly a powerhouse when it comes to, well, power. (The Register)
AWS has moved quickly to flood the European continent with its elastic compute fabric, but while it may take two years to bring a new datacenter online, securing power for the facilities can take up to seven years, Pamela MacDougall, who heads energy markets and regulation for AWS EMEA, said in an interview with Reuters this week.
I can fit you in at 2PM on the eleventh of Never.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), in some European datacenter meccas, like Frankfurt, London, Amsterdam, Paris, and Dublin, this wait can extend to as much as a decade.
I'm not sure this is going to work as you planned, guys.

Tech News

China's latest Loongson 3B6000 twelve core CPU is about as fast as a two-core AMD processor. (Tom's Hardware)

At that the 3B6000 is a big advance over the 3A6000, which is about as fast as a two-core AMD processor from 2011.
Western Digital plans to introduce 40TB hard drives later this year. (Tom's Hardware)

And 100TB models by 2029.
ChatGPT went down. (9to5Mac)

I asked ChatGPT about this and it confirmed the incident, which is a major advance over even a year ago.
Vibe coding kills open source. (Arxiv) (PDF)

AI coding tools just grab the code and make no contributions of any kind.
Well, that's not entirely true: AI tools are overwhelming GitHub with slop. (The Register)

Slop that GitHub's parent company Microsoft spent billions to help foster.
Yet another Forbes 30 Under 30 star has been indicted for fraud. (Tech Crunch)
The government also accuses Güven of having kept two separate sets of financial books. One of those sets included "false and inflated numbers," and was presented to investors or potential investors to hide the "true financial condition of the company," the government claims. The DOJ also alleges that Güven used lies about Kalder as well as forged documents to obtain a category of visa reserved for individuals of "extraordinary ability," that would allow her to live and work in the United States.
I am shocked, shocked, to find fraud going on in this fraud farm.

Musical Interlude

Disclaimer: 3.

Posted by: Pixy Misa at 04:00 AM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 w00t

Posted by: m at February 04, 2026 04:00 AM (SSiCQ)

2 Morning!

Posted by: Pixy Misa at February 04, 2026 04:01 AM (BLOW1)

3 Morning all.

Posted by: Tuna at February 04, 2026 04:02 AM (lJ0H4)

4 Video unavailable in the U.S.

Posted by: Tuna at February 04, 2026 04:02 AM (lJ0H4)

5 Poot. Hang on...

Posted by: Pixy Misa at February 04, 2026 04:03 AM (BLOW1)

6 That should work. Video quality isn't as good, but the sound is fine.

Posted by: Pixy Misa at February 04, 2026 04:05 AM (BLOW1)

7 How it's going: Amazon is finding that Europe is not exactly a powerhouse when it comes to, well, power.

Love how they thought cutting off power to the lesser people wouldn't affect the eminence grise.
* chef's kiss. And, F' those 'tards.

Posted by: weft cut-loop at February 04, 2026 04:08 AM (diia5)

8
Today is Wednesday, right?

The ONT title is Thursday Night ONT, lol.

I'm confused, lol

Posted by: fourseasons at February 04, 2026 04:11 AM (3ek7K)

9 Nice band name.

Posted by: zombie Al DeSalvo at February 04, 2026 04:13 AM (yTfX1)

10 The ONT title is Thursday Night ONT, lol.

I'm confused, lol

Posted by: fourseasons

It does say Thursday doesn't it. Lol. I think you're the first to notice that.

Posted by: Tuna at February 04, 2026 04:13 AM (lJ0H4)

11 315 Today is now Wednesday but it's the Thursday ont? When do we get the Tuesday ONT? Next Monday?

Not criticizing, just asking!???!
Posted by: Will Robinson at February 04, 2026 01:48 AM (FEXGh)

Posted by: m at February 04, 2026 04:14 AM (SSiCQ)

12
Lol

Posted by: fourseasons at February 04, 2026 04:16 AM (3ek7K)

13 With even the most optimistic SMR roadmaps pushing mass production out to the 2030s, a seven-year lead time on grid connections is probably the better deal for now.
================
NG and coal to the resue

Posted by: Huck Follywood at February 04, 2026 04:16 AM (yTfX1)

14 "rescue"

Posted by: Huck Follywood at February 04, 2026 04:16 AM (yTfX1)

15 G'Day everyone
not started work until 8 o'clock, so didn't plan on getting up for another hour. I knew that wouldn't happen

Posted by: Skip at February 04, 2026 04:18 AM (Ia/+0)

16 Disclaimer: 3.

That's how many times you have woken up and prayed for the rain?

Posted by: m at February 04, 2026 04:21 AM (SSiCQ)

17 Dang. Just had a power fluctuation here. Pixy, what did you do?!

j/k LOL

Posted by: JQ at February 04, 2026 04:22 AM (rdVOm)

18 17 Dang. Just had a power fluctuation here. Pixy, what did you do?!

j/k LOL
Posted by: JQ at February 04, 2026 04:22 AM (rdVOm)

; )

bzzzt

Posted by: m at February 04, 2026 04:25 AM (SSiCQ)

19 Over the last eight years New Jersey has (forcibly) retired more than 1.5 GW of electrical generation capacity from seven plants, because NG, coal, and nuclear are evil and bad. But that's OK, because electricity is now being magicked, which is a much cleaner generation method.

Posted by: Huck Follywood at February 04, 2026 04:26 AM (CgfUU)

20 ; )

bzzzt
Posted by: m
------

OW! Stop it!

Hahaha

Posted by: JQ at February 04, 2026 04:27 AM (rdVOm)

21 The Stranglers - Always the Sun (1986)

How many times have you woken up and prayed for the rain?
How many times have you seen the papers apportion the blame?
Who gets to say?

In that second line, I can't help but hear "abortion." Which kind of changes the theme.

Posted by: m at February 04, 2026 04:27 AM (SSiCQ)

22 willowed:

379 I replaced my burned out 30 year old electric coil Jenn Air stovetop with a budget glass top.

I have a set of cheap cheap Wally World aluminum Teflon pots and pans with shiny bottoms.

40 min. on high, stock pot had reached 195, barely boiling. Spray Painted the bottom black with some high heat automotive paint.

13 minutes to a full rolling boil.

I have video.

The problem is shiny reflective metal bottoms REFLECTING the radiant heat. 10 buck can of flat black exhaust manifold paint for the whole set, and Bob's My Uncle.

Posted by: retropox at February 04, 2026 04:37 AM (0JEjf)

23 10 The ONT title is Thursday Night ONT, lol.

I'm confused, lol

Posted by: fourseasons

It does say Thursday doesn't it. Lol. I think you're the first to notice that.
Posted by: Tuna at February 04, 2026 04:13 AM (lJ0H4)

Guess again

Today is now Wednesday but it's the Thursday ont? When do we get the Tuesday ONT? Next Monday?

Not criticizing, just asking!???!
Posted by: Will Robinson at February 04, 2026 01:48 AM (FEXGh)

Posted by: Will Robinson at February 04, 2026 04:38 AM (FEXGh)

24 You can build what they will approve:solar and wind.
Might not solve the problem

Posted by: Accomack at February 04, 2026 04:38 AM (oERdd)

25 Andrew Windsor, formerly known as Prince, moved out of his house last night, and now lives in a house his brother leant to him at another location.

The former prince, 65, had hoped to stay at Royal Lodge, his Windsor home of decades, for longer, the Sun newspaper said, but he was moved under the cover of darkness on Monday and driven to a cottage in Sandringham, the king's Norfolk estate.

No American has been punished at all, except for maybe Jesse Staley. But Bill Clinton or Gates? Bill Richardson is dead, so they can't go after him. Larry Summers is laying low. Leon Black and Josh Harris are similarly staying away from the news.

Criticize the Brits, but at least they rubbished Andrew's reputation, which the Democrat Party hasn't managed for any of its guilty parties.

Posted by: Huck Follywood at February 04, 2026 04:41 AM (vzudA)

26 Nice work, retropox!

I replaced my glasstop stove because the control board was fried & obsolete. Cooktop still worked but not the oven.

Nope. 'bye 'bye... Went back to standard coils. (because gas isn't an option at this house)

Posted by: JQ at February 04, 2026 04:41 AM (rdVOm)

27 Golden Brown was maybe the only song I had associated with The Stranglers.

Posted by: m at February 04, 2026 04:43 AM (SSiCQ)

28 @18/m: "bzzzt"

https://youtu.be/GMbN9nb3qyk

Mornin' Horde.

Posted by: Grumpy and Recalcitrant at February 04, 2026 04:48 AM (O7YUW)

29 19 Over the last eight years New Jersey has (forcibly) retired more than 1.5 GW of electrical generation capacity from seven plants, because NG, coal, and nuclear are evil and bad. But that's OK, because electricity is now being magicked, which is a much cleaner generation method.
Posted by: Huck Follywood at February 04, 2026 04:26 AM (CgfUU)

Halp! What does "magicked" mean in this context?

Posted by: m at February 04, 2026 04:49 AM (SSiCQ)

30 Criticize the Brits, but at least they rubbished Andrew's reputation, which the Democrat Party hasn't managed for any of its guilty parties.
Posted by: Huck Follywood at February 04, 2026 04:41 AM (vzudA)

Well, he's white, so he deserves it.
Get back to me when the Brits do something about the Muslim rape gangs and their enablers.

Posted by: Fail Brittania! at February 04, 2026 04:51 AM (8vyLI)

31 It means the state plans to rely on magic for electricity generation.

Posted by: Huck Follywood at February 04, 2026 04:51 AM (vzudA)

32 A magazine of ten rounds for a wonder-nine ( to achieve regulatory compliance ) would be called a “Swineberger” magazine?

Posted by: Fenderbender at February 04, 2026 04:52 AM (1FEc1)

33 28 @18/m: "bzzzt"

https://youtu.be/GMbN9nb3qyk

Posted by: Grumpy and Recalcitrant at February 04, 2026 04:48 AM (O7YUW)

Haha! The comments are fun.

Posted by: m at February 04, 2026 04:52 AM (SSiCQ)

34 In conservathot news, Sarah Stock just got busted cheating on her boyfriend with her (married) boss. There was drama back when she got engaged to her cuck bf and showed off her heckin' trad engagement ring.
So now we get poasts like this
x.com/pearlythingz/status/2018849109516439757

Posted by: gKWVE at February 04, 2026 04:52 AM (gKWVE)

35 @29/m: { Halp! What does "magicked" mean in this context? }

Purchased from other neighbouring states or provinces, and hoping that they'll be always be able to provide what you need at an affordable (for you) price. Magical (highly immature or insane ) reasoning.

Posted by: Grumpy and Recalcitrant at February 04, 2026 04:52 AM (O7YUW)

36 31 It means the state plans to rely on magic for electricity generation.
Posted by: Huck Follywood at February 04, 2026 04:51 AM (vzudA)

Thank you!

Posted by: m at February 04, 2026 04:53 AM (SSiCQ)

37 Posted by: Grumpy and Recalcitrant at February 04, 2026 04:52 AM (O7YUW)
===============
much better answer

Posted by: Huck Follywood at February 04, 2026 04:54 AM (vzudA)

38 25 Criticize the Brits, but at least they rubbished Andrew's reputation, which the Democrat Party hasn't managed for any of its guilty parties.
Posted by: Huck Follywood at February 04, 2026 04:41 AM (vzudA)

We are still pre-trial, I believe?

Posted by: m at February 04, 2026 04:54 AM (SSiCQ)

39 Not knowing who Sarah Stock is, I asked the internet. A Canadian professional wrestler?

Posted by: Huck Follywood at February 04, 2026 04:56 AM (vzudA)

40 I get the feeling that the article on "vibe coding" and open source is an AI generated joke. Or is that what really passes for academic research these days?

(Damn, I old at some point.)

Posted by: Raoul Ortega at February 04, 2026 05:00 AM (tTOI+)

41 34 In conservathot news, Sarah Stock just got busted cheating on her boyfriend with her (married) boss. There was drama back when she got engaged to her cuck bf and showed off her heckin' trad engagement ring.
So now we get poasts like this
x.com/pearlythingz/status/2018849109516439757
Posted by: gKWVE at February 04, 2026 04:52 AM (gKWVE)

As Suetonius observed in his Lives of the Caesar Salads, "Bitches be crazy!"

Posted by: Roman Herstory 101 at February 04, 2026 05:01 AM (uBR3V)

42 The last time I bought a laptop I looked at an expensive Dell my company suggested and instead bought an inexpensive Asus with a Ryzen 3 processor for half the price. I use a Windows 11 Pro license from my office, which has been OK. Since all I do is work tasks, mostly financial and writing, or hang around here, the inexpensive route has been excellent. I am thinking I might follow the same route to replace this machine. Any suggestions?

Posted by: Huck Follywood at February 04, 2026 05:06 AM (Mssa9)

43 40 I get the feeling that the article on "vibe coding" and open source is an AI generated joke. Or is that what really passes for academic research these days?

(Damn, I old at some point.)
Posted by: Raoul Ortega at February 04, 2026 05:00 AM (tTOI+)

This comment encourages me to go read the article. Will report back.

Posted by: m at February 04, 2026 05:09 AM (SSiCQ)

44 43 40 I get the feeling that the article on "vibe coding" and open source is an AI generated joke. Or is that what really passes for academic research these days?

(Damn, I old at some point.)
Posted by: Raoul Ortega at February 04, 2026 05:00 AM (tTOI+)

This comment encourages me to go read the article. Will report back.
Posted by: m at February 04, 2026 05:09 AM (SSiCQ)

It's way above my head--and 31 pages long.

Posted by: m at February 04, 2026 05:11 AM (SSiCQ)

45 Mornin'

Posted by: Puddleglum, cheer up for the worst is yet to come at February 04, 2026 05:11 AM (sAmhv)

46 Said for awhile I should get a cheap laptop, nothing for work just playing here and keep files

Posted by: Skip at February 04, 2026 05:11 AM (Ia/+0)

47 After an offseason of training, Vonn — whose 84 career World Cup wins are third on the career list, behind only American Mikaela Shiffrin (10 and Sweden’s Ingemar Stenmark (86) — has been stellar this season. Vonn has won two downhills, including the season opener in St. Moritz, Switzerland, and has finished in the top four in all eight of her completed World Cup races. If she’s able to compete, she’ll be a gold-medal contender across all three of her Olympic events.
=================
41 years old, injured, and still planning to compete.

That's one helluva woman.

Posted by: Huck Follywood at February 04, 2026 05:13 AM (eK/uX)

48 The gym calls, even with my replacement knee, so catch y'all on the MR.

Posted by: Huck Follywood at February 04, 2026 05:15 AM (eK/uX)

49 The vibe-coding article at least provides a definition of vibe-coding:

AI-mediated software development, or “vibe coding”

Posted by: m at February 04, 2026 05:17 AM (SSiCQ)

50
g'mornin', 'rons

Posted by: AltonJackson at February 04, 2026 05:17 AM (tljrc)

51 @42/Huck: "I am thinking I might follow the same route to replace this machine. Any suggestions?"

If the goal is "inexpensive", grab Ace's time machine and purchase one 6 months ago.

Honestly, I'd pay to have that one professionally cleaned and new thermal paste applied to heatsinks. Things are ... not good out there right now.

Posted by: Grumpy and Recalcitrant at February 04, 2026 05:18 AM (O7YUW)

52 Local school district voters turned down the latest vote (keep voting until it passes) to get two electric school buses from the state at a reduced price. One bus 3X more than a diesel bus. What to do, the NYS mandate is real and likely the state will say buy EV or else. Huge number of voters say no. But a mandate is a mandate and Kathy Hochul says all buses must be EV by 2035 come hell or high water. We must save the planet starting now, cold now but the future will bring hot temp even in the winter, so the say. Power for the buses pixie dust.

Posted by: coliin at February 04, 2026 05:21 AM (e8qy3)

53 Curt Jaimungal Jan 10

"Rudeness is the weak man's imitation of strength." This single quote by American philosopher Eric Hoffer explains so much of online discourse.

@TOEwithCurt

Posted by: m at February 04, 2026 05:21 AM (SSiCQ)

54 Evening and morning, late toilers and early risers. Woden's Day is here yet again, innit?

We have light rain and temps in the mid-50s. The rain should blow out around eight am, and Miss Linda and I are not setting out for the aquarium until after nine, so that's all right.

In other news, I accidentally locked Stirling in the kitchen closet. All night. Well, five hours and a bit. Both cats love to go into the closets while I have the door open, and they have never learned they can get shut in when their manservant doesn't notice. I try to check on them before I leave the house or go to bed. But last night I missed. He didn't do any damage, and I'll feed them a little early, so I guess it's no problem.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 04, 2026 05:24 AM (wzUl9)

55 Morning, 'rons and 'ettes.

Posted by: olddog in mo at February 04, 2026 05:26 AM (bQ4nt)

56
https://curtjaimungal.substack.com

Posted by: m at February 04, 2026 05:27 AM (SSiCQ)

57 Pixy, your comment last night on Elon being DD Harriman is spot on. Saw it this morning and went down a Heinlein rabbit hole. Been quite awhile since I've read anything by him. A chunk of my Heinlein books disappeared from my library. Mysteriously my daughter has a good Heinlein selection in hers. Found a set of 22 paperbacks on Ebay. Probably paid more than I should have. Oh well. Thanks.

Posted by: Sock Monkey * sporting my Andrew Breitbart attitude at February 04, 2026 05:29 AM (PlpaN)

58 I do wonder if Elon will ever fly on one of his own rockets.

DD Harriman eventually did, much later on.

Posted by: Pixy Misa at February 04, 2026 05:32 AM (BLOW1)

59 @42

>> Any suggestions?

Well, the first question is, why are you replacing the machine?

Posted by: Thomas Bender at February 04, 2026 05:33 AM (XV/Pl)

60 58 I do wonder if Elon will ever fly on one of his own rockets.

DD Harriman eventually did, much later on.
Posted by: Pixy Misa at February 04, 2026 05:32 AM (BLOW1)

I bet he'll want his remains to be sent out there.

Posted by: m at February 04, 2026 05:35 AM (SSiCQ)

61
Amazon AI goes to the EU with its electrical plug in its hand

EU: "Oooooh, icky!"

Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) Imprison! Imprison! Imprison! at February 04, 2026 05:37 AM (xG4kz)

62 Comedian does a short bit on Abraham and Issac . It's cute Scroll down for video. Faithpot site;:

https://tinyurl.com/hxx2d75a

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at February 04, 2026 05:38 AM (AphQx)

63 13 year old Australian boy swims fir house to save family.

https://tinyurl.com/jxambhwd

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at February 04, 2026 05:40 AM (AphQx)

64
In other news, I accidentally locked Stirling in the kitchen closet. All night. Well, five hours and a bit. Both cats love to go into the closets while I have the door open, and they have never learned they can get shut in when their manservant doesn't notice. I try to check on them before I leave the house or go to bed. But last night I missed. He didn't do any damage, and I'll feed them a little early, so I guess it's no problem.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere

That knocking sound on your door is Feline Protective Services.

Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) Imprison! Imprison! Imprison! at February 04, 2026 05:40 AM (xG4kz)

65
"Our Minds Could Be Running on Virtual Machines"

Jaimungal/Hahn 2024

https://youtu.be/xr4R7eh5f_M

Posted by: m at February 04, 2026 05:41 AM (SSiCQ)

66 Post 63. Typo. Bah! Swims "four hours"

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at February 04, 2026 05:43 AM (AphQx)

67 Belated BOING!

Working, shopping and exercising. Maybe l8r.

Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at February 04, 2026 05:46 AM (Ippjd)

68 I do wonder if Elon will ever fly on one of his own rockets.

DD Harriman eventually did, much later on.
Posted by: Pixy Misa

You know he wants to.

Posted by: Sock Monkey * sporting my Andrew Breitbart attitude at February 04, 2026 05:47 AM (PlpaN)

69 Man writes Christian devotional on 1st Timothy 6:6-12, 17-19 and "Treasures in heaven":

https://tinyurl.com/2vwj3mru

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at February 04, 2026 05:48 AM (AphQx)

70
(Damn, I old at some point.)
Posted by: Raoul Ortega

I told a "granddad joke" at the Cub Scout meeting last evening regarding the sled dog Balto, the famous sled dog -- one among any -- having delivered vital medicine to Nome, AK about one hunnert years ago.

The punch line, "He was fed nothing but Balto meals" was met with blank looks all around. I sighed.

Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) Imprison! Imprison! Imprison! at February 04, 2026 05:48 AM (xG4kz)

71 I accidentally locked Stirling in the kitchen closet. All night. Well, five hours and a bit. . .

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere
*
That knocking sound on your door is Feline Protective Services.
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) Imprison! Imprison! Imprison! at February 04, 2026

***
"But, but, but Your Honor . . ."

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 04, 2026 05:50 AM (wzUl9)

72
And here I was about to inquire whether "fir houses" were made of ticky tacky

Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) Imprison! Imprison! Imprison! at February 04, 2026 05:51 AM (xG4kz)

73 Had French Toast and sausages, lunch packed and still don't have to leave for over a hour

Posted by: Skip at February 04, 2026 05:51 AM (Ia/+0)

74
Top 10 commenters:
1 [479 comments] 'TheJamesMadison, searching for twisted thrills with Park Chan-wook' [68.02 posts/day]
2 [409 comments] 'Sponge - F*ck Cancer'
3 [358 comments] 'whig'
4 [349 comments] 'Bulg'
5 [347 comments] 'Joe Mannix (Not a cop!)'
6 [312 comments] 'Skip'
7 [280 comments] 'Aetius451AD work phone'
8 [252 comments] 'man'
9 [245 comments] ' Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _'
10 [244 comments] 'FenelonSpoke'

Posted by: m at February 04, 2026 05:52 AM (SSiCQ)

75 Yep; I plan to spend much less time here this week.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at February 04, 2026 05:53 AM (oT1li)

76 “ For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God—”

Ephesians 2:8

Posted by: Marcus T at February 04, 2026 05:53 AM (VnVVA)

77 David Suchet reads Psalm 40:

https://tinyurl.com/5ahn2uwr

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at February 04, 2026 05:53 AM (oT1li)

78 Lead balloon punchlines? LOL. We used to stay up late on Friday night and watch Johnny Carson. His Friday night monologues were hilarious for how badly he bombed.

Bob Hope was doing a USO show in Lebanon. "And you see those kids fighting over Cabbage Patch dolls."

The Marines had no clue what he was talking about.

Posted by: no one of any consequence at February 04, 2026 05:56 AM (qFwJc)

79 LOL Doof

Doof Enterprises, LLC would like to offer a land acknowledgement. We acknowledge the existence of land. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Thursday Overnight Open Thread - February 3, 2026 [Doof]

Posted by: m at February 04, 2026 05:58 AM (SSiCQ)

80 G'mornin' everyone!

Posted by: sock_rat_eez at February 04, 2026 05:59 AM (Cjt/F)

81 I always thought being on the Top 10 Commenters list was an accolade, not a condemnation. Once or twice during the Sniffle Scare I managed it and was rather proud. To me it's evidence of a bright, sharp intellect (and maybe superior typing skills and speed too).

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 04, 2026 05:59 AM (wzUl9)

82
The DOJ also alleges that Güven used lies about Kalder as well as forged documents to obtain a category of visa reserved for individuals of "extraordinary ability," that would allow her to live and work in the United States.

Judge: "And what, may I ask, is your extraordinary ability?"

Güven: "I am aces at conducting fiscal fraud, Your Honor."

Judge: 'I see." * approves application *

Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) Imprison! Imprison! Imprison! at February 04, 2026 06:00 AM (xG4kz)

83 Good morning to all. A balmy 30 degrees in western NC going up to 50 today. Seems a warming trend is heading in for the next week. Be well.

Posted by: Rufus T. Firefly at February 04, 2026 06:01 AM (1vclW)

84
Has Billie Ellish called her movers to come pack up her stuff yet?

Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) Imprison! Imprison! Imprison! at February 04, 2026 06:03 AM (xG4kz)

85 Times of grace yesterday, or what nice thing God showed me yesterday:

There was a nice ,young ( well, young to me, maybe late 30's ?) with her two girls who were 3 and 5 in the coffee shop. They were adorable and smiling . One was making a snow man with play doh. For some reason she thought I could blow up balloons. It made me laugh. The mother also had two little boys in school/ one so not there. They are 10 and 11. She is doing her part to help the population.

Had a lovely Bible study at the senior center.

And finally, I had a laugh when I went out for.a burger. There was a man there with his siding crew and I asked if he could twist the cap off my iced tea He said, "My wife loves me for doing this for her ." I said, "Sir, I'm sure your wife loves you for many other reasons than that, but this is a nice quality husbands have." He laughed. It's good to laugh.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at February 04, 2026 06:04 AM (oT1li)

86 84 Has Billie Ellish called her movers to come pack up her stuff yet?
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) Imprison! Imprison! Imprison! at February 04, 2026 06:03 AM (xG4kz)

How cool would it be if she did?!

Posted by: m at February 04, 2026 06:04 AM (SSiCQ)

87 Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 04, 2026 05:59 AM (wzUl9

Wolfus, I don't know about my intellect, ( not as sharp as I used to be) but my typing skills and speed stink.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at February 04, 2026 06:06 AM (oT1li)

88 Has Billie Ellish called her movers to come pack up her stuff yet?

Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) Imprison! Imprison! Imprison! at February 04, 2026 06:03 AM (xG4kz)
-

You can forget about it. Eilish converted and joined the tribe.

Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at February 04, 2026 06:10 AM (Ippjd)

89 Socialism is the cudgel to beat the masses with not for Socialists to abide by.

Posted by: Skip at February 04, 2026 06:10 AM (Ia/+0)

90 I have heard the name of this Christian group, "Selah" but not their music . Here is "Selah"- " You don't leave me." I like it:

https://tinyurl.com/mt4kjnbb

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at February 04, 2026 06:11 AM (oT1li)

91 my grocer wants $7.50/lb for 80/20 ground beef

we need more cows

Posted by: Don Black at February 04, 2026 06:14 AM (ZxPkt)

92
Wolfus, I don't know about my intellect, ( not as sharp as I used to be) but my typing skills and speed stink.
Posted by: FenelonSpoke at February 04, 2026]

***
Fen, I doubt that about your intellect. But remember: Enthusiasm counts!

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 04, 2026 06:14 AM (wzUl9)

93 If your power isn't coming from coal or natural gas, 24/7, you might consider getting a generator.

The greenies are creating chaos, and they've lost their minds.

Posted by: Rev. Wishbone at February 04, 2026 06:15 AM (TOSLe)

94 @54/Wolfus: If Stirling leaves a crunchie on your pillow today, you will know he was displeased with his accommodations.

Posted by: Grumpy and Recalcitrant at February 04, 2026 06:15 AM (O7YUW)

95 Our people used all the parts of the LA mansion.

Posted by: sad redskin at February 04, 2026 06:17 AM (oK6Zy)

96 Thanks, Wolfus. Enthusiasm I mostly have, and I hate typing on whatever the new lap top keyboard is that is flat. That makes it even harder to type, so I mostly type on the phone for ASHQ.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at February 04, 2026 06:17 AM (oT1li)

97 Last night I saw a PSA for the American Heart Association (I think it was) with Amy Grant, who was a star in the '90s in the contemporary Christian music scene. She tells us of her heart surgery and urges us to get tested. She did not look like the '90s Amy Grant . . . but she looked absolutely fantastic. Would that we could all age as well.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 04, 2026 06:17 AM (wzUl9)

98
"As AI continues to reshape software development workflows and the nature of open source collaboration, I want you to know that we are actively investigating this problem and developing both immediate and longer-term strategic solutions."

Translation: "We're drowning in this shit, and we can't find the little monkey to shove the cork back in the elephant's ass"

Posted by: Just the Punchline at February 04, 2026 06:18 AM (xG4kz)

99 Okay m, take your shot!

Posted by: Grumpy and Recalcitrant at February 04, 2026 06:18 AM (O7YUW)

100 100

Posted by: m at February 04, 2026 06:18 AM (SSiCQ)

101 Hah!

Posted by: Grumpy and Recalcitrant at February 04, 2026 06:19 AM (O7YUW)

102 I'd like to thank Grumpy and Recalcitrant at February 04, 2026 06:18 AM (O7YUW)

Posted by: m at February 04, 2026 06:19 AM (SSiCQ)

103 @54/Wolfus: If Stirling leaves a crunchie on your pillow today, you will know he was displeased with his accommodations.
Posted by: Grumpy and Recalcitrant at February 04, 2026

***
He seems utterly unfazed by it all. He ate his breakfast with the zest you'd expect, as always, and has curled atop the back of the sofa with me, as he often does.

Both cats have gotten themselves locked up for a couple hours at a time, and neither seems to hate me.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 04, 2026 06:19 AM (wzUl9)

104
Ah, refreshing!

Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) Imprison! Imprison! Imprison! at February 04, 2026 06:20 AM (xG4kz)

105 95 Our people used all the parts of the LA mansion.
Posted by: sad redskin at February 04, 2026 06:17 AM (oK6Zy)

"How"?

Posted by: m at February 04, 2026 06:20 AM (SSiCQ)

106 G'morning, all!

A rather balmy 48.2 degrees out this morning.

Posted by: Village Idiot's Apprentice at February 04, 2026 06:21 AM (iMotb)

107 @96/FenelonSpoke: "... Enthusiasm I mostly have, and I hate typing on whatever the new lap top keyboard is that is flat. That makes it even harder to type, so I mostly type on the phone for ASHQ."

https://youtu.be/JsI570znqcg

(Because it sounds like you needed the laugh.)

Posted by: Grumpy and Recalcitrant at February 04, 2026 06:22 AM (O7YUW)

108 Over the last eight years New Jersey has (forcibly) retired more than 1.5 GW of electrical generation capacity from seven plants, because NG, coal, and nuclear are evil and bad. But that's OK, because electricity is now being magicked, which is a much cleaner generation method.

Posted by: Huck Follywood at February 04, 2026 04:26 AM (CgfUU)

My power bill has gone up about 75%.

Posted by: William Jefferson Clinton at February 04, 2026 06:24 AM (n9ltV)

109 99 Okay m, take your shot!
Posted by: Grumpy and Recalcitrant at February 04, 2026 06:18 AM (O7YUW)

100 100
Posted by: m at February 04, 2026 06:18 AM (SSiCQ)

101 Hah!
Posted by: Grumpy and Recalcitrant at February 04, 2026 06:19 AM (O7YUW)

And gentlemen in England now a-bed
Shall think themselves accursed they were not here,
And hold their manhoods cheap

Posted by: zombie henry v at February 04, 2026 06:27 AM (oK6Zy)

110 Posted by: Grumpy and Recalcitrant at February 04, 2026 06:22 AM (O7YUW)

Thanks. That was funny🙂. Even cats type more quickly than I do.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at February 04, 2026 06:27 AM (D+BhG)

111 I look at the Food Lion ad online and stock up when stuff is on sale. Pork loin was $1.99 last week. Chuck roast was $5.99. Chicken thighs were $0.99 .

Pay attention to what is "on sale" and stock up.

Posted by: no one of any consequence at February 04, 2026 06:30 AM (qFwJc)

112 It's important not to conflate rudeness and disdain.

Posted by: Warai-otoko at February 04, 2026 06:30 AM (06Hmj)

113 @91

>>we need more cows

Go to Costco, you can pick up 80/20 for under 5 bucks a lb in bulk.

Posted by: Thomas Bender at February 04, 2026 06:30 AM (XV/Pl)

114 And hold their manhoods cheap
Posted by: zombie henry v at February 04, 2026 06:27 AM (oK6Zy)

I'll hold your manhood too, but there better be a nice new job title involved.

Posted by: Kamala Harris at February 04, 2026 06:32 AM (06Hmj)

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