Just like their noisy cicada cousins, the Ladies of the Invisible have completed their dormant cycle and, sadly, reemerged on the Greenwich/Stamford border.

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Remember the “non-partisan” Belle Haven ladies group, Greenwich Invisible*, that swarmed out from behind the gates after the 2016 election to take on Trump in the Town’s RTM? Well, they’re still around — who knew? — and now they’re having a hissy fit over Trump Elon Musk’s threat to stop funding for the Ukrainian bloodbath. What Mr. Musk’s role in stopping that slaughter is unclear, at least to any sentient being, but then, we’re talking about Greenwich Invisible here.

Anyway, they’re out, and boy, are they angwy! No Teslas for you!

will work for orthodontia

Not surprisingly, the Ladies, although not the charmer pictured above, are also celebrating National Hijab Month, to show solidarity with their Muslim sisters across the world who are being so cruelly oppressed by westerners like The Orange Man and his fellow Russian collaborators.

Or something.

Meanwhile, up in Ski Country, the Invisibles — oh, if they only were — dispatched their domestics from slopeside condominiums to the streets of Waitsfield to protest JD Vance and his family, there for a brief ski vacation at Mad River Glen. “I couldn’t attend myself”, Greenwich resident Penelope Greensward told FWIW during a cellphone conversation conducted while Penelope was nearing the summit in her private gondola, “but I felt it important enough to show a presence that I told Consuela that she could save the toilet cleaning for the evening, and go wave angry signs in the air down in town. I’ll text you a picture: she’s in full regalia, what with the keffiyeh, rainbow flag, and, of course, swastika. Quite the look, isn’t it? Sooo positive, So empowering!”

*Officially, “Indivisible”, an ironic twist to what they see as their actual role: dividing the country by race, gender, economic status and political party. One ring to bind them all.

This is what Murphy and his fellow warmongers are demanding more of:

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“Body parts! I wanna see body parts!”

Murphy on Ukraine: “The fate of the free world is at stake”. He’s just dumb enough to believe that (although he probably doesn’t, he just likes the sound of air whistling through his empty skull.)

I pointed this out yesterday, but it deserves to be hammered home:

They — U.S. Democrats, Neo-cons, Europeans, and the British, want WW III; I’m not sure why, except that it would take the minds of the masses off the ongoing destruction being brought upon the countries by their own politicians.

Say WHAT? British PM Starmer Vows to Put 'Boots on the Ground' in Ukraine

First, he relied on the Democrats to support his endless ground war, now he's trying to enlist who, the King’s Cavalry? Two poor choices in three days. (Updated)

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In August 1898, British General H.H. Kitchener reached Omdurman. The stage was set for the last cavalry charge in British military history.

who’s gonna tell him?

“Tally ho, boys! We’ll give the Kaiser and Putin a through drubbing!” (Then the maxims opened up)

UPDATE: Related?

What can you do with GROK for simple household questions? This:

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it’ll even help you gather the ingredients!

So, I found myself with a bag of frozen corn, an onion on the counter, some potatoes in the cupboard, and bacon in the fridge. Cold and windy this day, so a chowder seemed like a good idea. Rather than scour the internet and wade through various recipes, I went the easy route, and just asked Xi/Grok. In, literally, two seconds, back came an ingredient list, prep instructions, and even a calorie count. I just made and had a bowl of it; it was delicious.

I certainly know how to make a simple chowder, but it was handy to have a checklist on my notebook perched on the counter, just to ensure that I had the rough proportions/ratios of ingredients and didn’t forget to add anything.

Q: devise a recipe for corn chowder, including frozen corn, chicken stock, potatoes and anything else that might sound good. A general calorie count would be useful

A: Here’s a hearty recipe for corn chowder using frozen corn, chicken stock, potatoes, and a few extras to make it delicious. This version includes bacon for smoky flavor, cream for richness, and some seasonings to tie it all together. I’ll also provide a rough calorie estimate based on typical serving sizes.

Corn Chowder Recipe

Serves: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 4 slices bacon, chopped (optional, but adds great flavor)

  • 1 medium onion, diced (about 1 cup)

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced (about 3 cups, Yukon Gold or russet work well)

  • 4 cups chicken stock (low-sodium preferred)

  • 2 cups frozen corn kernels

  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)

  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for depth)

  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (if skipping bacon)

  • Optional toppings: chopped green onions, shredded cheddar cheese, or fresh parsley

Instructions:

  1. Cook the Bacon (if using): In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pot. If not using bacon, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in the pot instead.

  2. Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion to the bacon drippings or melted butter. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

  3. Add Potatoes and Stock: Add the diced potatoes, chicken stock, smoked paprika, and thyme to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

  4. Incorporate Corn and Thicken (if desired): Stir in the frozen corn and cook for another 5 minutes to heat through. For a thicker chowder, whisk the flour into 1/4 cup of the cold cream until smooth, then stir this slurry into the pot. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.

  5. Finish with Cream: Stir in the remaining heavy cream and heat through, about 2-3 minutes. Avoid boiling after adding the cream to prevent curdling. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper.

  6. Serve: Ladle into bowls and top with the crispy bacon (if using), green onions, cheddar cheese, or parsley as desired.

Tips:

  • For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though it won’t be as rich.

  • Add diced carrots or celery with the onions for extra veggies.

  • For a spicy kick, toss in a pinch of cayenne or a chopped jalapeño.

Calorie Count (Approximate)

Based on 6 servings, here’s a rough breakdown per serving:

  • Bacon (4 slices, divided): ~70 calories

  • Onion (1 cup): ~40 calories

  • Potatoes (3 cups): ~240 calories

  • Chicken stock (4 cups): ~50 calories

  • Frozen corn (2 cups): ~160 calories

  • Heavy cream (1 cup): ~800 calories

  • Flour (2 tbsp, optional): ~60 calories

  • Butter (2 tbsp, if no bacon): ~200 calories

  • Total (with bacon, no toppings): ~1,420 calories for the pot, or ~235 calories per serving

  • Total (with butter, no bacon): ~1,550 calories for the pot, or ~260 calories per serving

Notes on Calories:

  • Toppings like cheese or extra bacon will add 50-100 calories per serving depending on amount.

  • Using half-and-half instead of cream cuts the total by 300-400 calories (50-65 calories less per serving).

Enjoy your warm, comforting corn chowder! Let me know if you’d like any tweaks.

What would we do without experts?

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JOSEPH CAMPBELL:  ‘The Internet? Bah!’ Remembering 1995, the year of the world wide web.

Skeptics scoffed that the “massive seething monument to human expression” was little more than a fad. No contrarian was more insistent than Clifford Stoll, an astronomer who in 1995 brought out the book, “Silicon Snake Oil: Second Thoughts on the Information Highway.” It makes for entertaining reading — if mostly for its jaw-dropping assortment of misguided predictions. Stoll, who said he been online for years, wrote, for example:

“Video-on-demand, that killer application of communications, will remain a dream.”“I don’t believe that phone books, newspapers, magazines, or corner video stores will disappear as computer networks spread. Nor do I think that my telephone will merge with my computer, to become some sort of information appliance.”“What will the electronic book look like? Some sort of miniature laptop computer, I’d guess. We’ll download selections and page through them electronically. Try reading electronic books. They’re awful.”

Stoll previewed his book in an essay in Newsweek on Feb. 27, 1995, that has become something of a cult classic, which is frequently rediscovered online. The essay, in which Stoll dismissed the online world as a “most trendy and oversold community,” appeared beneath the headline, “The Internet? Bah!”

Color me skeptical

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The unique charm of rowhouses, Craftsman-style homes, and Victorians is fading beneath a coat of gray in gentrifying neighborhoods across the US.

In some areas, the rapid 'grayification' of homes is dramatically transforming the visual landscape. In Washington, DC, for instance, red-brick rowhouses and colorful murals have steadily been replaced by monochromatic facades.

A Washington Post analysis found that gray homes are increasingly common in gentrifying DC neighborhoods, coinciding with rising home prices, noise complaints, and the displacement of Black residents.

Newly built or renovated homes are replacing vibrant shades of red, yellow, and brown with muted tones like Shark Fin and Deep Space. 

The study, which used Google Street View, grouped exterior colors into broader categories to track the shift.

Academics note that gray, modern homes often signal wealth and luxury. These neutral tones are seen as status symbols, reflecting both meticulous upkeep and an appeal to specific buyers.

'It all comes down to this perception of wealth and luxury, this idea that neutrals indicate status - painted brick takes more to upkeep than regular brick,' Libby Rasmussen, a color enthusiast who lives in DC and owns a home decor company, told the Post.

'If you have a light-gray or white house, it signals you can afford to keep it clean.'

'But when you create an aesthetic that is supposed to be minimalist and monocultural, it extinguishes difference. It doesn't allow different people from different cultures to actually be different.' 

DC's real estate market has embraced the trend, with agents advising sellers to repaint their homes in neutral tones to attract buyers. 

Sales analyses reveal that homes with the updated gray aesthetic often sell for significantly higher prices than those with original colors and designs.

Nationwide, the preference for darker, muted exteriors has been growing, according to surveys from platforms like Zillow. 

This shift accelerated during the pandemic, as buyers increasingly sought homes as retreats. In DC, noise complaints in gentrified neighborhoods highlight a preference for quieter, more controlled environments.

Still and all, if you disregard the social blather, it is true that monochromatic tones are the new black in Greenwich homes, and new and renovated houses generally cost cost more than the old and dilapidated. Cause and effect? No more than wet streets cause rain, I suspect.

Huh — reading this, I may have been wrong about Zelinsky's being a dupe: he may just be desperate, clinging to the only raft left in the water

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In his dreams — in reality, Chris and Chuck will be way behind, toasting him from a cozy K Street bar.

By throwing in with the Democrats last year, even campaigning with them, Zelenski gambled everything on a Democrat win. He lost that bet, but, desperate, he’s listening to their promises that they will control our country’s foreign policy and keep his war going. He’s doubled-down — a sign of desperation — but perhaps the only move he has left.

1) He will lose power. Zelensky cancelled elections in Ukraine and remains in power through martial law. Despite what USAID propaganda polls may claim, Zelensky is unpopular in Ukraine and would likely lose a fair election. That could leave him vulnerable to retaliation from political opponents he has imprisoned or seized assets from. In short, Zelensky needs the war to justify his continued rule.

2) The gravy train will end. Ukraine was widely acknowledged as the most corrupt country in Europe before the war, and there is abundant evidence that Ukrainian elites have been hugely profiting from the billions in Western aid. If the war ends, so does the gravy train. A post-war audit of where the money went would also be disastrous for Zelensky’s supporters.

3) He fears the ultra-nationalists. Most Ukrainians say they want the war to end, but the ultra-nationalist faction (a relative minority but well-armed and willing to use violence to achieve their ends) refuses to accept any territorial concessions to Russia. If Zelensky signs such a deal, he has reason to fear for his safety.

4) He’s psychologically committed. Zelensky’s belief in ultimate victory over Russia has “hardened into a form that worries some of his advisors,” according to a report by TIME Magazine, which described Zelensky’s faith as “immovable, verging on the messianic.” According to one of Zelensky’s aides, “He is delusional. We’re out of options. We’re not winning. But try telling him that.” Zelensky may be in too deep to see the situation objectively.

5) History will judge him harshly. Zelensky could have accepted a draft peace deal signed in the first month of the war, the Istanbul Accords, under which Ukraine would have kept all of its territory in exchange for neutrality. A deal now will likely be modeled on Istanbul but require Ukraine to recognize realities on the ground (ie loss of territory). Acknowledging that hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians have died only to get a worse deal may be too bitter a pill for Zelensky to swallow, now or ever.

In summary, Zelensky has powerful motivations to reject a deal, no matter how bad the battlefield realities get. His incentive is to continue a doomed war even if it leads to the complete destruction of Ukraine.

If he only knew how profoundly stupid Chris Murphy is; stupid, self-serving, and manipulative, Zalensky wouldn't have made this very wrong, doomed move

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Murphy and his crowd of Democrats actively interfered with and sabotaged our foreign policy peace initiative (is that unprecedented? I have a feeling it might be) for their personal and their party’s political advantage, not Ukraine’s. Zelensky’s a chump for not understanding that.

Here’s Michael Goodwin:

Disaster in the Oval Office: Dems lead Zelensky, Ukraine off a cliff with pressure to reject mineral deal

A common criticism of Volodymyr Zelensky’s disastrous Friday performance in the Oval Office is that he failed to read the room.

Actually, the Ukrainian president did read a room — but it was the wrong room.

Before meeting Trump, Zelensky met with anti-Trump Democrats who advised him to reject the terms of the mineral deal the president was offering, according to Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.).

“Just finished a meeting with President Zelensky here in Washington. He confirmed that the Ukrainian people will not support a fake peace agreement where Putin gets everything he wants and there are no security arrangements for Ukraine,” Murphy’s office posted on X at 11:15 a.m. Friday.

He attached a picture of Zelensky at a conference table, with Murphy seated on the opposite side.

Forty minutes later, Zelensky arrived at the White House, where Trump met his car, smiled, shook his hand and walked him into the Oval Office.

Arrogant ingrate

The meeting, as the world now knows, quickly went off the rails and ended with Trump angrily ejecting the arrogant ingrate from the White House.

The earlier meeting with Dems undercuts wild claims that Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance staged an ambush. In fact, it was Zelensky who came with an ulterior motive.

The purpose of the meeting was to sign the mineral agreement he and Trump representatives had negotiated. He had twice refused to sign it after promising to, and thanks to Murphy, we now know he had no intention of signing it Friday.

By listening to the nakedly partisan advice of Dems instead of dealing forthrightly with the current president, Zelensky betrayed his countrymen and, for now at least, leaves them without the military and diplomatic protection that only America can provide.

Good luck counting on Britain, France and the rest of Europe to save Ukraine. Maybe the Germans will send strudel.

In a perverse way, Murphy and other Dems got the outcome they wanted. The fireworks at the White House gave them an excuse to replay their Russia Russia Russia hoax.

Once again, they and their media handmaidens are dishonestly insisting that Trump is in Vladimir Putin’s camp.

Like the original Russia hoax that consumed much of Trump’s first term, Russia 2.0 is born of political desperation. After months of not knowing how to respond to Trump’s fast, populist start to his second term, Dems up and down the food chain decided that the president’s refusal to write a blank check to Zelensky and pledge a military guarantee amounts to a gift to Putin.

Desperate for relevance

The logic is twisted beyond description, but any port in a storm will do. And with Trump off to the fastest start of any president in modern history, Dems are desperate to be relevant.

It’s a mark of their bad judgment that Zelensky is their new hero. He and they have zero chance of persuading tapped-out Americans that an open-ended commitment of their tax dollars and possibly sending troops to Ukraine is sensible.

Certainly Trump supporters didn’t vote for that, and the president himself campaigned on bringing the war to a fast end, not sending our army to fight Russians.

He made it repeatedly clear for three years that he viewed Joe Biden’s strategy of providing just enough support for Ukraine to keep the war going without any plan for victory as a fool’s errand. He has also been consistent about his desire to stop the enormous loss of life on both sides and the destruction of Ukrainian cities and towns.