I’m on a transatlantic flight. The news about Russia is flying into my phone. So, I thought I’d download a few thoughts since I’ve been trying to help people understand that the war is not just in Ukraine. From NATO’s perspective, Putin has been waging war against the US and NATO too. Here is a surprising take on the events...
Superb summary of what appears to be a complex, fluid and volatile state of affairs in Russia. You remain my go-to source of perspective on the unfolding geo-political drama. Who needs news channels when we have Pippa?
Thank you for the quick download of the continuing saga of the world and the various wars being waged in hidden places! Your work is well worth the the subscription.
I recall the military used the term “COTS”- commercial off the shelf- to describe the notion of taking a mass produced component rather than custom build - no doubt thanks to the hysterical media responses to their $750 toilet seat or whatever. But perhaps that simple game controller was sufficient… ‘twould seem the failure was physical in nature.
A good point about something holding together until the “umpteenth” hit- I’m no materials scientist but it makes intuitive sense. Of course, that does bring to mind the question- were any materials scientists involved in the project?
Then there is the question of hiring decisions purportedly based on DEI grounds rather than actual skill and experience- could that have had any unintended consequences?
And finally, how much testing did they do before this inaugural trip? Look at SpaceX, Virgin Galactic and NASA to see test shots that failed- and I’m guessing Mssrs Musk and Branson are not the type to “cheap out” when it comes to design.
Oddly, I posted this comment yesterday afternoon and it was somehow disappeared overnight...perhaps I did something wrong...
Superb summary of what appears to be a complex, fluid and volatile state of affairs in Russia. You remain my go-to source of perspective on the unfolding geo-political drama. Who needs news channels when we have Pippa?
Wow is the only think I can say. Remarkable times for sure. Thanks for keeping us updated,
Thank you for the quick download of the continuing saga of the world and the various wars being waged in hidden places! Your work is well worth the the subscription.
Your analysis is so good Pippa...great job w/ this!
Masterfully weaving all the disparate strands together as usual, Pippa. Can’t wait for your next piece!
Great insight Pippa
Amazing how Pippa is able to connect the dots. Very interesting read.
I recall the military used the term “COTS”- commercial off the shelf- to describe the notion of taking a mass produced component rather than custom build - no doubt thanks to the hysterical media responses to their $750 toilet seat or whatever. But perhaps that simple game controller was sufficient… ‘twould seem the failure was physical in nature.
A good point about something holding together until the “umpteenth” hit- I’m no materials scientist but it makes intuitive sense. Of course, that does bring to mind the question- were any materials scientists involved in the project?
Then there is the question of hiring decisions purportedly based on DEI grounds rather than actual skill and experience- could that have had any unintended consequences?
And finally, how much testing did they do before this inaugural trip? Look at SpaceX, Virgin Galactic and NASA to see test shots that failed- and I’m guessing Mssrs Musk and Branson are not the type to “cheap out” when it comes to design.
Oddly, I posted this comment yesterday afternoon and it was somehow disappeared overnight...perhaps I did something wrong...