The Economist. “In today’s polarized America, it would seem impossible to build a sizeable coalition of voters who agree on anything. But President Donald Trump...united much of the country in rebuking his presidency.”
economist.com/interactive/gr…
The Democrats’ extraordinary triumph, explained
Six charts show how they came out on top
economist.com 26
SNL had a brilliant parody of the Elizabeth Holmes documentary, including Druski, black actor and comedian, in a white face. Jane Wickline's Holmes characterization is classic, too. She could have an ongoing bit. A cold open with Trump? nbc.com/nbc-insider/snl-you-…
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Willamette Valley value: $15, 2024 King Estate Pinot Gris. Light, pale straw (13.5 alc.); citrus, lime-zest nose; mid acids; mid body; semi-long, crisp finish. 16/90.
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Hooks, Lines, and Zingers. Innovation, Internet, Irony (and Ennui). Quips, quotes, gaffes, and one-liners from humorists, politicians, scientists, and influencers of old. tomgable891684.substack.com/…
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Sonoma, Petaluma Gap, 2019 Spottswoode Syrah Field Book Griffin's Lair Vineyard ($60 winery, 2021). Mid-ruby, rim variation, viscous (13.5 alc.); ripe grape, raspberry jam, white pepper, earthy nose; mid acids; mid-full tannins; long, balanced, semi-deep red fruit finish. 17.5/93.
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WSJ on: “Last week’s Republican bloodbath has the ingredients of a Shakespearean tragedy. A leader brought down by overweening pride. Schemers and sycophants who goad him into taking actions against his interests. Innocents who become collateral damage.”
wsj.com/opinion/something-is…
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$19 Martinborough NZ value (Costco) 2025 Craggy Range Sauvignon Blanc Te Muna Road Vineyard. Light straw-gold (12.5 alc.); boxwood, light herbaceous, lime nose; mid acids; mid depth; easy-sipping, balanced, semi-lush citrus finish. 16/90.
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One of 40 quips, jabs at Golf, Goldwyn, government. “Name almost any job: dental hygienist, rodeo clown, dog walker, mall Santa, chicken-sexer — they all demand some kind of definable skill set. The one exception is members of Congress.” — Bill Maher
tomgable891684.substack.com/…
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NYT interview with the reporter and editor exposing the Alaska “ballot composition” ploy by the Mary Peltola Senatorial campaign to add another Dan Sullivan to the ballot. The dueling comments are worth reading.
nytimes.com/2026/10/31/insid…
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Hooks, Lines, and Zingers -- a Gaggle from the Gs. This section of the future book has zingers going back almost three centuries, with a celebrated quote from Thomas Paine, then advancing to Mark Twain, Winston Churchill, Ronald Reagan, and some random golfers. tomgable891684.substack.com/…
🤖 Made with AI
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I am waiting for a good investigative piece exposing the brain trust that devised this campaign strategy in Alaska. Or an SNL sketch of the team brainstorming the plan, then high-fiving each other around the room. theonion.com/mary-peltola-in…
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Marvin Shanken dies, influential editor and publisher of Wine Spectator for more than 50 years. Blind tasting regimen helped build consumer trust in wine reviews; started Grand Award for restaurant wine lists, 13 in 1981, to 4,000 listings today.
winespectator.com/articles/m…
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NYT on Trump trying to block California from counting votes of 20,000 it says are noncitizens. 20,000 is 0.086% of the state's 23,164,977 registered voters. So small accountants would call it a rounding error. Any wild guesses why this is happening?
nytimes.com/2026/10/29/us/tr…
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Value $26 (Costco) 2022 Rutherford Hill Merlot Napa Valley. Mid-garnet, viscous (14.2 alc.); herbaceous, red fruit, mint, ripe grape nose; low-mid acids; mid tannins; long, balanced, semi-deep berry finish. 16-16.5/90-91.
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10 most valuable wine brands. Moët & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, Barefoot, Penfolds, Changyu, Yellow Tail, Beringer, Carlo Rossi, Dom Pérignon, Mumm. Barefoot started as a NoCal garage wine, Bynum Barefoot Burgundy (1965; $2), now Gallo. Carlos Rossi our college house wine, $1.55 a gallon.
thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/1…
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Obama must have hired some SNL writers. “I don’t know if you’ve noticed but he seems very focused on home renovation... He’s got the White House looking like Saddam Hussein opened a Cheesecake Factory. Just gold everywhere.”
nymag.com/intelligencer/arti…
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SDUT Covers ICE Surge in Abductions in San Diego. Nonprofits that work with immigrants have noticed a clear increase in immigration enforcement. ICE instructed its agents to arrest any undocumented immigrant, regardless of whether they had a criminal history.
sandiegouniontribune.com/202…
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$20 value (grocery store sale) Russian River Valley 2022 Raeburn Chardonnay High Flier. Sharp mid-green gold, viscous (14.1 alc.); honey, stone fruit, lime zest nose; mid acids, depth; long, semi-lush stone fruit finish. 16.5/91.
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We need faster processes for immigrants to get temporary status, work visas, to fill jobs Americans won’t take. Undocumented workforce of 9.7 million. Construction, hospitality, services, ag., e.g., ICE disrupts cattle business in KS, TX, OK. bit.ly/4zX2WlA
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UK Telegraph chief music critic picks his best 50 songs of all time. From the Ronettes and Little Richard, to Taylor Swift, with Elvis, Beach Boys, Beatles, Stones, Queen, Nirvana, Glenn Campbell, Fleetwood Mac, ABBA, and a few surprises. Lots of debate in the comments.
telegraph.co.uk/gift/27f6567…
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