The Top 40

RF is always well worth the read.

2 things: falling oil has to certainly improve the American economy because businesses and buyers can afford more. Putin must suffer under falling oil prices, but the collateral damage is to fracking and micro wells who must now adjust their prices and markets. Maybe they can weather this. Of course, the Saudis, et al, are jiggering prices so it'd be nice to have a strategic handle on them, wouldn't it?

Second thing: I wish everybody would lose that egregious phrase: "boots on the ground." It sounds like a Hillarism designed to belittle the real and concrete power of military force. It is used like a talisman to lull your brain into thinking the pundit cool, but in reality they know less than nothing about military and state matters. They are not boots, they are soldiers under arms with serious minds. I'd like to see more boots up some asses, to tell you the truth.

That reminds me of one editor on the paper where I worked who for some reason thought photographers were peons and at his beck and call.

He called and dismissively told the photo editor to "send a camera" to some location. The chief did; he got one of the runners from the press room to take a camera to that location. The guy came back saying no one was there to take the camera. "Fine",said the Chief.

When the editor called for the photo art he was told there wasn't any. The explosion was loud and the demand for why not followed. He was told there was no one there to take the camera.

Followed by a hearty, "Fuck you!"

Boots on the ground indeed.

Perfect!

That boots on the ground phrase sounds like a pisswilly trying to seem tough and failing miserably. I've never heard it said in person but if I do I'll need to be restrained.