Odds and Ends — 29 July 2026

@preparedwombat 79

about 8 hours ago

oddsandends

Cryptocurrency, Investing, Money, Economy, Business, AI, and Debt:

https://x.com/RaoulGMI/status/2081807030826705146

Artist sues AI meme generator for selling deeply personal comic as ad template

https://x.com/historyinmemes/status/2082020737607409804

Coronavirus and Public Health:

Fauci to Invoke Fifth Amendment in Hearing

Anthony Fauci said he planned to invoke the Fifth Amendment during a Senate hearing Wednesday where Republicans plan to press the retired government scientist on whether he was sufficiently truthful in past testimony about the covid-19 pandemic.

“Fauci’s decision will inevitably be portrayed as evidence of guilt. But when the senator questioning you has repeatedly said you belong in prison, declining to participate in the spectacle may simply be the most rational legal strategy.” — Taegan Goddard

Iran:

Amazon Data Centers Hit in Iran Strikes

Satellite imagery shows damage to two Amazon.com Inc. data centers in Bahrain, supporting Iran’s claims last week that it struck the sites with missiles.

Trump Vows to Deliver ‘Beating’ to Iran

Said Trump: “We’re going to beat the fucking shit out of them.”

https://x.com/HormuzLetter/status/2082398608708526086

https://x.com/adamemedia1/status/2081933144614171026

Politics:

Germany wants combat drones. Government officials can’t agree where to get them.

Internal divisions over whether to buy Boeing Australia’s Ghost Bat or wait for European alternatives could delay Germany’s plan to field a new combat drone.

US walks out of UN Security Council meeting during France's remarks

Trump’s Waning Sway Over the World

Donald Trump had claimed to amend a U.S.-Saudi nuclear deal on his Truth Social site the day after it was signed. That the deal was controversial is one thing. That he thought he could change it without asking the Saudis was another. Trump keeps making fantasy announcements. His grip on power is suffering as a result.
That might seem paradoxical for a U.S. president who has done more than any other to create an all-powerful presidency. But power is the ability to shape the world to your advantage. This should not be confused with constantly declaring how powerful you are.

https://x.com/jimstewartson/status/2081818382769541289

Trump Crashes Into Reality

The president is learning that limits to his power—and, soon, his relevancy—do exist.

Trump Dozes Off at Lindsey Graham’s Funeral

Lindsey Graham was laid to rest today, and at least one of his many mourners marked the occasion by getting in a little nap. In several clips of the funeral, Donald Trump was seen openly drifting off in his seat, eyes and head drooping down as the dulcet tones of a political ally’s eulogy floated through the room.

https://x.com/covie_93/status/2082153775171580262