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1000 results for “technically_good”
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Drought-Induced Changes In Groundwater-Surface Water Exchange At Lake Mead Area [Remote Sensing]
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https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejrh.2025.102996 <-- shared paper
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[disclaimer: the model details / math are way over my head technically - but a good read, regardless]
#water #hydrology #LakeMead #Drought #Impacts #humanimpacts #anthropogenic #Groundwater #SurfaceWater #InSAR #ElasticLoad #Model #WaterStorage #HydraulicConnectivity #modeling #waterresources #earthobservation #remotesensing #spatialanalysis #spatiotemporal #pumping #reservoir #climate #watermanagement #rebound #arid #connectivity #geology #lake #aquifer #subsurface #stressors -
So technically I don't _need_ to probe the DisplayPort lane coming off my source IP, since the sink reports good clock recovery (training pattern 1) and good equalization+alignment (training pattern 2). But… I kind of want to.
The fastest lane I've probed with my SDA 760Zi so far was ~900 Mbps on an HDMI input. With 6 GHz bandwidth and 40 GS/s, HBR should come through pretty well (2.7 Gbps). It can probably stretch to HBR2 (5.4 Gbps) as well, but these Artix -1 GTPs top out at 3.75 Gbps.
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🎞️ 🍿 #MovieNight
Practical Magic
Technically the 4k UHD Blu Ray isn't releasing until Tuesday but GRUV is generally pretty good about shipping early and my copy arrived today.
This film has always been a guilty pleasure for me, and I am genuinely hoping that the sequel coming out on 9/10 has the same charm.
FWIW, so far the 4k remaster looks and sounds great. Warner has been on a streak lately with their re-releases and this one shines.
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Good Morning, News: Oregon DOJ Goes After Planned ICE Facility, the Incomplete Epstein Files, and Girl. Nicki Minaj Needs HELP
Attorneys with the Oregon Department of Justice are asking a federal judge to slam the brakes on Trump's plan to construct an ICE gulag immigrant detention center in the community of Newport, Oregon. As you may recall, the feds have been quietly scouting around for employees to run their impromptu jail, so they can use the local airport to fly hundreds of kidnapped detainees out of the country, most likely using planes they've purchased themselves. Oregon lawyers are accusing the Trump administration of violating the law by planning the detention center without going through the proper channels-because of course they haven't. "Téllez was on his way to drop his kids at school in north Portland when he was pulled out of his car by federal agents. "The arrest drew dozens of neighbors into the streets to record the arrest and push back against immigration authorities. www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news. [image or embed]. - Rachel Maddow (@maddow.bsky.social) December 21, 2025 at 1:53 PM. Last Friday, Multnomah County released its annual Domicile Unknown report, which counts the number of #houseless people who died this year-and while it's less than 2024 (by 18 percent), 372 Multnomah County neighbors still perished on the streets in 2025. And that's too much. by 372. Worse still, those deaths were preventable, and our Jeremiah Hayden has the story on how we got here and where we need to be. In related news, experts are calling Portland's affordable housing program "a business model that's failing," citing frustratingly long wait times for those wanting to get into units, and a surplus of empty "affordable" apartments that are far too expensive, deemed uninhabitable, or too costly for landlords to run. The O's Jonathan Bach does a deep dive into why this is the case, and what can be done about it. . Staff members on the TriMet Safety Response Team-which acts as an unarmed security force designed to deescalate tense situations on trains and busses rather than calling in the police-have announced their intention to form a worker's union. Since they aren't technically TriMet employees-they were hired by the city-contracted private security company, Portland Patrol, Inc.-they don't have the same sort of protections as other TriMet employees, and are fighting back against what they claim is a hostile work environment, unfair compensation, and less than adequate support from their bosses. Our Taylor Griggs explains more in this fascinating story. Conceived last year by Dying Wish as a remedy for how often bands skip hometown shows when on tour, the second year of their holiday rager was even bigger and more brutal. [image or embed]. - Portland Mercury (@portlandmercury.com) December 20, 2025 at 3:54 PM. While we can expect some rain this week-as opposed to the flooding experienced from last week's uninvited deluge-no major storms have been predicted for the immediate future. However, last week's floods have caused major damage across the state, including flooded homes next to the Clackamas River just outside of Portland, and landslides in Oregon City which led to the evacuation of families. It's time for the POP QUIZ PDX-this week featuring the top questions of 2025! How much do YOU remember about Portland's robot dogs, Blazer scandals, and that time Kristi "ICE Barbie" Noem came (uninvited) to town? . PLUS! Your vote for the most heroic hero of 2025! (See how well you score!)[image or embed]. - Portland Mercury (@portlandmercury.com) December 18, 2025 at 1:31 PM. IN NATIONAL/WORLD NEWS:. In another example of why it's important to support news organizations you can trust: CBS news-now under the helm of craven Trump minion Bari Weiss-abruptly yoinked a planned segment from last night's episode of 60 Minutes about immigrant detainees being shipped to a maximum security "mega prison" in El Salvador, and only minutes before the show was about to air. Correspondent Sharyn Alfonsi, who reported the story, is accusing Weiss of yanking the segment due to "political reasons," because it provided proof that the Trump administration is kidnapping immigrants and shipping them off to a dangerous prison that puts detainees through "months of hell." For her part, Weiss denies there were any shenanigans afoot. "Holding stories that aren't ready for whatever reason-that they lack sufficient context, say, or that they are missing critical voices-happens every day in every newsroom," she said in a dismissive tone that sounded very much like a lie. A brief clip of a '60 Minutes' investigation pulled at the last minute by the CBS boss is spreading like wildfire on social media amid fears of Trump-friendly censorship. [image or embed]. - The Daily Beast (@thedailybeast.bsky.social) December 22, 2025 at 8:01 AM. Democratic lawmakers are threatening Attorney General Pam Bondi with contempt, saying she purposefully omitted key information from Friday's last-second drop of the Epstein files. Claiming the release had too many redactions and missing information, lawmakers say they can invoke the rarely used charge of "inherent contempt" to Bondi for "obstructing legislative functions." Meanwhile, Bondi is claiming the feds are attempting to protect Epstein's victims by leaving out certain information. ummmm. so is that why a photo of Trump appearing alongside the sex offender mysteriously disappeared from Friday's records dump? (Apparently, opinions about who the true "victims" are may vary.). More than a dozen survivors of Jeffrey Epstein are demanding immediate congressional action Monday following the Justice Department's botched release of files on the disgraced financier - a release they said failed to comply with a newly enacted law. [image or embed]. - Raw Story (@rawstory.com) December 22, 2025 at 7:10 AM. What do you call a gathering for the absolute WORST people in the world? The AmericaFest convention, thrown by the late Charlie Kirk's Turning Point USA organization, in which deeply shitty Republicans shared their warped visions for the country's future. Though hilariously, instead of torching their opponents on the left, the GOP buttholes spent most of the convention attacking their fellow buttholes, labeling each other "morally bankrupt," "cowards," and in some cases "a cancer." (They ain't wrong!) Disappointingly, former beloved rapper Nicki Minaj took the stage with Kirk's widow to slam California governor Gavin Newsom and incorrectly label Trump as an "amazing role model" as well as being. "handsome and dashing?" GIRRRRRRRRL, YOU NEED HELP. Stephen Miller erupted after a tow truck driver who hauled off a federal vehicle during an immigration arrest was found not guilty. [image or embed]. - The Daily Beast (@thedailybeast.bsky.social) December 22, 2025 at 5:30 AM. RIP to Betty Reid Soskin-AKA the oldest National Park Service ranger-who has died peacefully at the age of 104. And finally, as my White Elephant gift to you, here are three hilarious TikToks to brighten up this busy week, and to hold you over until we return on January 2. Have a happy holiday, my babies. I genuinely adore you. ️. @chaseejamess we will bring him silver and gold #christmas #christiantiktok #christmasday #threewisemen original sound - Chase James. @the.bald.baddie4 "Under This Parka" OUT NOW! Stream on YouTube! #comedy #musicvideo #comedian #foryoupage #youtube Shoutout to @jamie for filming and editing! @Dana original sound - The Bald Baddie. @vesjgcn05798 #pov #acting #skit #story #funny #fyp #foryou #foryoupage #tiktok original sound - vesjgcn05798 .
Dec. 22,2025
#Portland #PDX #Oregon #PortlandOregonTidySearch Bot4 (1233-134468)
Visit http://search.mpaq.org for more. -
Good Morning, News: Oregon DOJ Goes After Planned ICE Facility, the Incomplete Epstein Files, and Girl. Nicki Minaj Needs HELP
Attorneys with the Oregon Department of Justice are asking a federal judge to slam the brakes on Trump's plan to construct an ICE gulag immigrant detention center in the community of Newport, Oregon. As you may recall, the feds have been quietly scouting around for employees to run their impromptu jail, so they can use the local airport to fly hundreds of kidnapped detainees out of the country, most likely using planes they've purchased themselves. Oregon lawyers are accusing the Trump administration of violating the law by planning the detention center without going through the proper channels-because of course they haven't. "Téllez was on his way to drop his kids at school in north Portland when he was pulled out of his car by federal agents. "The arrest drew dozens of neighbors into the streets to record the arrest and push back against immigration authorities. www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news. [image or embed]. - Rachel Maddow (@maddow.bsky.social) December 21, 2025 at 1:53 PM. Last Friday, Multnomah County released its annual Domicile Unknown report, which counts the number of #houseless people who died this year-and while it's less than 2024 (by 18 percent), 372 Multnomah County neighbors still perished on the streets in 2025. And that's too much. by 372. Worse still, those deaths were preventable, and our Jeremiah Hayden has the story on how we got here and where we need to be. In related news, experts are calling Portland's affordable housing program "a business model that's failing," citing frustratingly long wait times for those wanting to get into units, and a surplus of empty "affordable" apartments that are far too expensive, deemed uninhabitable, or too costly for landlords to run. The O's Jonathan Bach does a deep dive into why this is the case, and what can be done about it. . Staff members on the TriMet Safety Response Team-which acts as an unarmed security force designed to deescalate tense situations on trains and busses rather than calling in the police-have announced their intention to form a worker's union. Since they aren't technically TriMet employees-they were hired by the city-contracted private security company, Portland Patrol, Inc.-they don't have the same sort of protections as other TriMet employees, and are fighting back against what they claim is a hostile work environment, unfair compensation, and less than adequate support from their bosses. Our Taylor Griggs explains more in this fascinating story. Conceived last year by Dying Wish as a remedy for how often bands skip hometown shows when on tour, the second year of their holiday rager was even bigger and more brutal. [image or embed]. - Portland Mercury (@portlandmercury.com) December 20, 2025 at 3:54 PM. While we can expect some rain this week-as opposed to the flooding experienced from last week's uninvited deluge-no major storms have been predicted for the immediate future. However, last week's floods have caused major damage across the state, including flooded homes next to the Clackamas River just outside of Portland, and landslides in Oregon City which led to the evacuation of families. It's time for the POP QUIZ PDX-this week featuring the top questions of 2025! How much do YOU remember about Portland's robot dogs, Blazer scandals, and that time Kristi "ICE Barbie" Noem came (uninvited) to town? . PLUS! Your vote for the most heroic hero of 2025! (See how well you score!)[image or embed]. - Portland Mercury (@portlandmercury.com) December 18, 2025 at 1:31 PM. IN NATIONAL/WORLD NEWS:. In another example of why it's important to support news organizations you can trust: CBS news-now under the helm of craven Trump minion Bari Weiss-abruptly yoinked a planned segment from last night's episode of 60 Minutes about immigrant detainees being shipped to a maximum security "mega prison" in El Salvador, and only minutes before the show was about to air. Correspondent Sharyn Alfonsi, who reported the story, is accusing Weiss of yanking the segment due to "political reasons," because it provided proof that the Trump administration is kidnapping immigrants and shipping them off to a dangerous prison that puts detainees through "months of hell." For her part, Weiss denies there were any shenanigans afoot. "Holding stories that aren't ready for whatever reason-that they lack sufficient context, say, or that they are missing critical voices-happens every day in every newsroom," she said in a dismissive tone that sounded very much like a lie. A brief clip of a '60 Minutes' investigation pulled at the last minute by the CBS boss is spreading like wildfire on social media amid fears of Trump-friendly censorship. [image or embed]. - The Daily Beast (@thedailybeast.bsky.social) December 22, 2025 at 8:01 AM. Democratic lawmakers are threatening Attorney General Pam Bondi with contempt, saying she purposefully omitted key information from Friday's last-second drop of the Epstein files. Claiming the release had too many redactions and missing information, lawmakers say they can invoke the rarely used charge of "inherent contempt" to Bondi for "obstructing legislative functions." Meanwhile, Bondi is claiming the feds are attempting to protect Epstein's victims by leaving out certain information. ummmm. so is that why a photo of Trump appearing alongside the sex offender mysteriously disappeared from Friday's records dump? (Apparently, opinions about who the true "victims" are may vary.). More than a dozen survivors of Jeffrey Epstein are demanding immediate congressional action Monday following the Justice Department's botched release of files on the disgraced financier - a release they said failed to comply with a newly enacted law. [image or embed]. - Raw Story (@rawstory.com) December 22, 2025 at 7:10 AM. What do you call a gathering for the absolute WORST people in the world? The AmericaFest convention, thrown by the late Charlie Kirk's Turning Point USA organization, in which deeply shitty Republicans shared their warped visions for the country's future. Though hilariously, instead of torching their opponents on the left, the GOP buttholes spent most of the convention attacking their fellow buttholes, labeling each other "morally bankrupt," "cowards," and in some cases "a cancer." (They ain't wrong!) Disappointingly, former beloved rapper Nicki Minaj took the stage with Kirk's widow to slam California governor Gavin Newsom and incorrectly label Trump as an "amazing role model" as well as being. "handsome and dashing?" GIRRRRRRRRL, YOU NEED HELP. Stephen Miller erupted after a tow truck driver who hauled off a federal vehicle during an immigration arrest was found not guilty. [image or embed]. - The Daily Beast (@thedailybeast.bsky.social) December 22, 2025 at 5:30 AM. RIP to Betty Reid Soskin-AKA the oldest National Park Service ranger-who has died peacefully at the age of 104. And finally, as my White Elephant gift to you, here are three hilarious TikToks to brighten up this busy week, and to hold you over until we return on January 2. Have a happy holiday, my babies. I genuinely adore you. ️. @chaseejamess we will bring him silver and gold #christmas #christiantiktok #christmasday #threewisemen original sound - Chase James. @the.bald.baddie4 "Under This Parka" OUT NOW! Stream on YouTube! #comedy #musicvideo #comedian #foryoupage #youtube Shoutout to @jamie for filming and editing! @Dana original sound - The Bald Baddie. @vesjgcn05798 #pov #acting #skit #story #funny #fyp #foryou #foryoupage #tiktok original sound - vesjgcn05798 .
Dec. 22,2025
#Portland #PDXTidySearch Bot1 (1233)
Visit http://search.mpaq.org for more. -
Good Morning, News: Oregon DOJ Goes After Planned ICE Facility, the Incomplete Epstein Files, and Girl. Nicki Minaj Needs HELP
Attorneys with the Oregon Department of Justice are asking a federal judge to slam the brakes on Trump's plan to construct an ICE gulag immigrant detention center in the community of Newport, Oregon. As you may recall, the feds have been quietly scouting around for employees to run their impromptu jail, so they can use the local airport to fly hundreds of kidnapped detainees out of the country, most likely using planes they've purchased themselves. Oregon lawyers are accusing the Trump administration of violating the law by planning the detention center without going through the proper channels-because of course they haven't. "Téllez was on his way to drop his kids at school in north Portland when he was pulled out of his car by federal agents. "The arrest drew dozens of neighbors into the streets to record the arrest and push back against immigration authorities. www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news. [image or embed]. - Rachel Maddow (@maddow.bsky.social) December 21, 2025 at 1:53 PM. Last Friday, Multnomah County released its annual Domicile Unknown report, which counts the number of #houseless people who died this year-and while it's less than 2024 (by 18 percent), 372 Multnomah County neighbors still perished on the streets in 2025. And that's too much. by 372. Worse still, those deaths were preventable, and our Jeremiah Hayden has the story on how we got here and where we need to be. In related news, experts are calling Portland's affordable housing program "a business model that's failing," citing frustratingly long wait times for those wanting to get into units, and a surplus of empty "affordable" apartments that are far too expensive, deemed uninhabitable, or too costly for landlords to run. The O's Jonathan Bach does a deep dive into why this is the case, and what can be done about it. . Staff members on the TriMet Safety Response Team-which acts as an unarmed security force designed to deescalate tense situations on trains and busses rather than calling in the police-have announced their intention to form a worker's union. Since they aren't technically TriMet employees-they were hired by the city-contracted private security company, Portland Patrol, Inc.-they don't have the same sort of protections as other TriMet employees, and are fighting back against what they claim is a hostile work environment, unfair compensation, and less than adequate support from their bosses. Our Taylor Griggs explains more in this fascinating story. Conceived last year by Dying Wish as a remedy for how often bands skip hometown shows when on tour, the second year of their holiday rager was even bigger and more brutal. [image or embed]. - Portland Mercury (@portlandmercury.com) December 20, 2025 at 3:54 PM. While we can expect some rain this week-as opposed to the flooding experienced from last week's uninvited deluge-no major storms have been predicted for the immediate future. However, last week's floods have caused major damage across the state, including flooded homes next to the Clackamas River just outside of Portland, and landslides in Oregon City which led to the evacuation of families. It's time for the POP QUIZ PDX-this week featuring the top questions of 2025! How much do YOU remember about Portland's robot dogs, Blazer scandals, and that time Kristi "ICE Barbie" Noem came (uninvited) to town? . PLUS! Your vote for the most heroic hero of 2025! (See how well you score!)[image or embed]. - Portland Mercury (@portlandmercury.com) December 18, 2025 at 1:31 PM. IN NATIONAL/WORLD NEWS:. In another example of why it's important to support news organizations you can trust: CBS news-now under the helm of craven Trump minion Bari Weiss-abruptly yoinked a planned segment from last night's episode of 60 Minutes about immigrant detainees being shipped to a maximum security "mega prison" in El Salvador, and only minutes before the show was about to air. Correspondent Sharyn Alfonsi, who reported the story, is accusing Weiss of yanking the segment due to "political reasons," because it provided proof that the Trump administration is kidnapping immigrants and shipping them off to a dangerous prison that puts detainees through "months of hell." For her part, Weiss denies there were any shenanigans afoot. "Holding stories that aren't ready for whatever reason-that they lack sufficient context, say, or that they are missing critical voices-happens every day in every newsroom," she said in a dismissive tone that sounded very much like a lie. A brief clip of a '60 Minutes' investigation pulled at the last minute by the CBS boss is spreading like wildfire on social media amid fears of Trump-friendly censorship. [image or embed]. - The Daily Beast (@thedailybeast.bsky.social) December 22, 2025 at 8:01 AM. Democratic lawmakers are threatening Attorney General Pam Bondi with contempt, saying she purposefully omitted key information from Friday's last-second drop of the Epstein files. Claiming the release had too many redactions and missing information, lawmakers say they can invoke the rarely used charge of "inherent contempt" to Bondi for "obstructing legislative functions." Meanwhile, Bondi is claiming the feds are attempting to protect Epstein's victims by leaving out certain information. ummmm. so is that why a photo of Trump appearing alongside the sex offender mysteriously disappeared from Friday's records dump? (Apparently, opinions about who the true "victims" are may vary.). More than a dozen survivors of Jeffrey Epstein are demanding immediate congressional action Monday following the Justice Department's botched release of files on the disgraced financier - a release they said failed to comply with a newly enacted law. [image or embed]. - Raw Story (@rawstory.com) December 22, 2025 at 7:10 AM. What do you call a gathering for the absolute WORST people in the world? The AmericaFest convention, thrown by the late Charlie Kirk's Turning Point USA organization, in which deeply shitty Republicans shared their warped visions for the country's future. Though hilariously, instead of torching their opponents on the left, the GOP buttholes spent most of the convention attacking their fellow buttholes, labeling each other "morally bankrupt," "cowards," and in some cases "a cancer." (They ain't wrong!) Disappointingly, former beloved rapper Nicki Minaj took the stage with Kirk's widow to slam California governor Gavin Newsom and incorrectly label Trump as an "amazing role model" as well as being. "handsome and dashing?" GIRRRRRRRRL, YOU NEED HELP. Stephen Miller erupted after a tow truck driver who hauled off a federal vehicle during an immigration arrest was found not guilty. [image or embed]. - The Daily Beast (@thedailybeast.bsky.social) December 22, 2025 at 5:30 AM. RIP to Betty Reid Soskin-AKA the oldest National Park Service ranger-who has died peacefully at the age of 104. And finally, as my White Elephant gift to you, here are three hilarious TikToks to brighten up this busy week, and to hold you over until we return on January 2. Have a happy holiday, my babies. I genuinely adore you. ️. @chaseejamess we will bring him silver and gold #christmas #christiantiktok #christmasday #threewisemen original sound - Chase James. @the.bald.baddie4 "Under This Parka" OUT NOW! Stream on YouTube! #comedy #musicvideo #comedian #foryoupage #youtube Shoutout to @jamie for filming and editing! @Dana original sound - The Bald Baddie. @vesjgcn05798 #pov #acting #skit #story #funny #fyp #foryou #foryoupage #tiktok original sound - vesjgcn05798 .
Dec. 22,2025
#Portland #PDXTidySearch Bot1 (1233)
Visit http://search.mpaq.org for more. -
This thing about whether Charles was paid by Jezza or any of his businesses (or whatever they were, Beckington etc). Jezza eventually gives as his evidence: Charles was ‘not technically compensated’…
(Can’t work out whether Charles was or was not compensated or what the arrangement was or whether Jez has any idea of what was happening…)
Throws Anita under the bus… says he’s not going to let her evidence affect his… goes on to contradict her evidence at several points.
Says he’s not too good at working with others, as the Commission might have noticed. 😀 He repeats it ten minutes later, as if that is a reasonable excuse for…? What exactly does that excuse? 🤔
… ‘consistent with my memory today’…
Is there a special drug they take? ICAC NoMemory.Dr Dwyer:… that’s the thing about lies, they’re really hard to remember…
#ICACRadio #paidOrNotPaid #notGoodAtWorkingWithOthers #consistentWithMyMemoryToday -
#PRACTICAL #MAGIC BEFORE NOON
#Brunch done.
#Walk done (out of the rain) under cover in the CBD.
Breathwork done.
House #warm
#Body still technically participating.
I love getting all the practical magic out of the way before #noon.
After that, I consider myself released from the #human #contract.
I may be #creative, #reflective, #spiritually available, I may write something mildly #profound.
Or I may lie on the bed watching absolute slop like a retired #aristocrat waiting for #civilisation to #apologise.
If challenged, I will call it “#nervousystem integration.”
At my age, this is what #enlightenment looks like when it has good heating.
#fasting #acim #acourseinmiracles #newthought #eckharttolle #buddhism #breathwork #connection #healing #pridemonth #Karma #TrueNature #Awakening #Meditation #Mindfulness #Spirituality #intermittentfasting #nonduality #reality #life #quantum #kitchen #cooking
-
#PRACTICAL #MAGIC BEFORE NOON
#Brunch done.
#Walk done (out of the rain) under cover in the CBD.
Breathwork done.
House #warm
#Body still technically participating.
I love getting all the practical magic out of the way before #noon.
After that, I consider myself released from the #human #contract.
I may be #creative, #reflective, #spiritually available, I may write something mildly #profound.
Or I may lie on the bed watching absolute slop like a retired #aristocrat waiting for #civilisation to #apologise.
If challenged, I will call it “#nervousystem integration.”
At my age, this is what #enlightenment looks like when it has good heating.
#fasting #acim #acourseinmiracles #newthought #eckharttolle #buddhism #breathwork #connection #healing #pridemonth #Karma #TrueNature #Awakening #Meditation #Mindfulness #Spirituality #intermittentfasting #nonduality #reality #life #quantum #kitchen #cooking
-
#PRACTICAL #MAGIC BEFORE NOON
#Brunch done.
#Walk done (out of the rain) under cover in the CBD.
Breathwork done.
House #warm
#Body still technically participating.
I love getting all the practical magic out of the way before #noon.
After that, I consider myself released from the #human #contract.
I may be #creative, #reflective, #spiritually available, I may write something mildly #profound.
Or I may lie on the bed watching absolute slop like a retired #aristocrat waiting for #civilisation to #apologise.
If challenged, I will call it “#nervousystem integration.”
At my age, this is what #enlightenment looks like when it has good heating.
#fasting #acim #acourseinmiracles #newthought #eckharttolle #buddhism #breathwork #connection #healing #pridemonth #Karma #TrueNature #Awakening #Meditation #Mindfulness #Spirituality #intermittentfasting #nonduality #reality #life #quantum #kitchen #cooking
-
#PRACTICAL #MAGIC BEFORE NOON
#Brunch done.
#Walk done (out of the rain) under cover in the CBD.
Breathwork done.
House #warm
#Body still technically participating.
I love getting all the practical magic out of the way before #noon.
After that, I consider myself released from the #human #contract.
I may be #creative, #reflective, #spiritually available, I may write something mildly #profound.
Or I may lie on the bed watching absolute slop like a retired #aristocrat waiting for #civilisation to #apologise.
If challenged, I will call it “#nervousystem integration.”
At my age, this is what #enlightenment looks like when it has good heating.
#fasting #acim #acourseinmiracles #newthought #eckharttolle #buddhism #breathwork #connection #healing #pridemonth #Karma #TrueNature #Awakening #Meditation #Mindfulness #Spirituality #intermittentfasting #nonduality #reality #life #quantum #kitchen #cooking
-
#PRACTICAL #MAGIC BEFORE NOON
#Brunch done.
#Walk done (out of the rain) under cover in the CBD.
Breathwork done.
House #warm
#Body still technically participating.
I love getting all the practical magic out of the way before #noon.
After that, I consider myself released from the #human #contract.
I may be #creative, #reflective, #spiritually available, I may write something mildly #profound.
Or I may lie on the bed watching absolute slop like a retired #aristocrat waiting for #civilisation to #apologise.
If challenged, I will call it “#nervousystem integration.”
At my age, this is what #enlightenment looks like when it has good heating.
#fasting #acim #acourseinmiracles #newthought #eckharttolle #buddhism #breathwork #connection #healing #pridemonth #Karma #TrueNature #Awakening #Meditation #Mindfulness #Spirituality #intermittentfasting #nonduality #reality #life #quantum #kitchen #cooking
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I made a Horsey Marcheschi and a nice brown circle today... well technically its a few days in the making, as I also pulled the glass and mixed the phosphor and poured it in an all.
These are new colors. Totally custom! I really should start taking better notes- its just tricky when people have a bin of different colors of bar for free- who knows what is what? I guess photo journal.
Now I really want a silver and gold version of this- making amber and pink respectively. I think I also want another funnel- I think I am getting cross contamination.
I am thrilled, and so is Ali. I think we are gonna blow glass on Monday and I shall help her make some carafes and trophies and things and she will pull some tubes with me! I am excited!
I guess I should just go ahead and coat a bunch of tubes to bake out. I shall use the mixes while they are good.
#neon #sculpture #small #horse #horsey #horseshoe #brown #neon #color #newcolor #diy #glass #handmade #nyc #brooklyn #art #studio #new #new!
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Hello everyone, this is the fresh #introduction I said I'd post once I'd had a good lie down after moving instances.
I'm in #Adelaide again since 2016, back where it all started, after about 17 years in #Canberra. You can tell from this that I was a Commonwealth public servant. I did lots of things during my career, mostly too dull to talk about, and a few that were utterly fascinating. I'm not allowed to talk about most of them. I am now technically retired (very early) because of Various Reasons which I won't go into, but some of it was political in origin. I was politically neutral until experience turned me into a leftie.
This is not an overtly political account. I leave most of my politics offline, where it can do some actual good and won't clog up your feeds.
I post about whatever floats to the top of my mind, so the quality is variable. I favour words over pictures in my posts. Sorry about that.
I am fond of #history, #archaeology and #ecology. Also #mettwurst and #inertia.
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Frantic Friday Reads: More Fresh Hells
“What is wrong with you people?” John Buss, @repeat1968
Good Day, Sky Dancers!
I can’t decide which is worse. The distractions created to avoid the constant bad news or the events themselves. What I really can’t believe is the number of news outlets that can’t manage to stay on the real headlines. They’ve been bad this week. ICE continues to be the jackbooted thugs: omnipresent and well-funded, as with all fascist-loving monsters. Deportations continue to rock families and communities. The number of deaths from floods and tropical storms is rising while Homeland Security has managed to make Heckuva Job Brownie official. No one has seen the head of FEMA in days now. The only thing we see of Kristi Noem is more trashy outfits. Drunk Pete Hegseth has gone rogue. The attack on the Federal Reserve continues as Yam Tits puts illegal tariffs on Brazil. Evidently, tariff policy is based on the relationship between a country and our dotard FARTUS. Oh, and if your local groups of White Evangelical Christians weren’t annoying enough, they are now allowed by the IRS to fully promote candidates. I can assure that was something they’ve been doing since the 1980s with pulpit talk, egging folks to harass their neighbors. I can’t even imagine the grief local candidates will get with this move.
So, since I’ve been the victim of politicized White Christian Nationalists, I’ll just start with that story. Salon‘s Amanda Marcotte has this analysis. “Trump’s IRS payola for churches will backfire on evangelicals. Millions have already left right-wing Christianity because of politics.” It’s nice to know some are fleeing the alternative facts universe for churches that take all of Jesus’ teachings to heart. I see this battle daily in a lot of Christian friends on Facebook besieged by the ones that I could throw any number of gospel admonitions at that they never seem to hear or read about. They must never cover anything in Matthew or James. Jimmy Swaggert just died, but his dreadful influence lives on.
For liberals living outside the world of the Christian right, it may not seem like a major change. On Monday, the IRS revoked a long-standing rule that stripped tax-exempt status from churches that endorse political candidates. From a horse-race view of elections, this may not make a difference. While conservative pastors may have technically avoided the words “vote for Donald Trump” or “vote for Republicans” in the past, the expectation was transmitted to followers in ways that weren’t exactly subtle: Calling for the reinstatement of prayer in public schools, for “a time of national repentance” in America and even for Supreme Court vacancies to allow for the appointment of “righteous” judges.
Nor was it just that right-wing ministers were expressing Republican-shaped views about everything from LGBTQ rights to tax laws from the pulpit. Outside church walls, the massive ecosphere of Christian media hammered the message day in and day out: Democrats are demonic, and voting for them will send you to hell.
Predictably, many on the Christian right rejoiced over the decision. Robert Jeffress, a Texas megachurch pastor who claimed the IRS investigated him for supporting Donald Trump, told ABC News, “The IRS has no business dictating what can be said from the pulpit.” Craig DeRoche of the Christian Post argued, falsely, that the rule existed “not to protect democracy, but to silence opposition.”
It’s not a surprise that right-wing ministers are salivating at the chance to cater to powerful politicians while simultaneously keeping more money in their pockets. But this decision is shortsighted, particularly if they want to stymie the already significant losses in membership rolls that Christian churches have seen in the past couple of decades. They may come to rue the day they took what amounts to payola to champion Trump ahead of Jesus Christ.
Frankly, it’s hard to imagine that Trump will benefit from this politically, even if he, as he clearly hopes, gets the go-ahead from the Supreme Court for an illegal campaign for a third term. He has already captured the white evangelical vote to the tune of 80 percent in 2024, and although his approval numbers have slipped with most other demographics, these supporters have remained steadfast. Even if ministers had been allowed to endorse in the last presidential election cycle, it’s unlikely Trump would have done better among white evangelicals.
But Trump has an insatiable need for praise, and he has long been fixated on repealing the Johnson Amendment, which is the rule that prevented ministers from open endorsement. For Republicans in state and local races, this is a big deal. Campaign finance spending will go much further if directed to churches, where donors get a tax deduction, instead of to political parties and action groups, which cannot offer that benefit.
If they want the benefit of overt political action, then the IRS should drop their tax exemptions. As a long-time member of both Presbyterian and Methodist denominations at one time, I’ve participated eagerly in Social Justice Actions. These benefit a particular group of people and not one politician or party, and allow you to work for a principal. It’s a big difference. There’s no reason they can’t do their traditional callings without being servile to the likes of Yam Tits. But, then this has become a whole ‘nother country. The lessening of support for ICE Actions against legal immigrants and people in the process of becoming legal has turned the page on the popularity of Trump’s actions. I heard the Good Samaritan parable a lot, and when I was a Sunday School teacher, it was still central to Methodist theology. Perhaps, the lessons stuck with many.
Here’s how it’s going on the frontline. This is from NBC News. “ICE handcuffs 71-year-old grandmother, a U.S. citizen, at San Diego immigration court. Barbara Stone was handcuffed and held by federal agents for hours, according to her family; she was accused of pushing an ICE officer, which she denies.
A grandmother planning to document Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrests at the San Diego courthouse instead became herself the story on Tuesday, after video of her arrest began circulating online.
The 71-year-old woman, U.S. citizen Barbara Stone, was accused of pushing an ICE agent and was placed in custody for several hours. Stone denied the allegation to NBC 7 on Wednesday.
Stone was handcuffed and held by federal agents for eight hours, according to her family.
“I have a large bruise there,” Stone said on Wednesday. “I feel mentally and physically traumatized.”
A video of the incident shared with NBC 7 shows the moment tensions started to boil over.
NBC 7 made several attempts to contact ICE about the incident but was referred to the Federal Protective Service, which is part of the Department of Homeland Security. FPS has not responded to a request for comment.
It takes some real men to be threated by a 71 year-old grandmother with a clipboard and pen. Gallup Poll reports that the “Surge in U.S. Concern About Immigration Has Abated.” This is reported by Lydia Saad.
Americans have grown markedly more positive toward immigration over the past year, with the share wanting immigration reduced dropping from 55% in 2024 to 30% today. At the same time, a record-high 79% of U.S. adults say immigration is a good thing for the country.
These shifts reverse a four-year trend of rising concern about immigration that began in 2021 and reflect changes among all major party groups.
With illegal border crossings down sharply this year, fewer Americans than in June 2024 back hard-line border enforcement measures, while more favor offering pathways to citizenship for undocumented immigrants already in the U.S.
These findings are based on a June 2-26 Gallup poll of 1,402 U.S. adults, including oversamples of Hispanic and Black Americans, weighted to match national demographics.
The same poll finds many more Americans disapproving than approving of President Donald Trump’s handling of immigration. Trump’s 21% approval rating on the issue among Hispanic adults is below his 35% rating nationally, with the deficit likely reflecting that group’s low support for some of the administration’s signature immigration policies.
After climbing to 55% in 2024, the percentage of Americans who say immigration should be reduced has dropped by nearly half to 30%. Sentiment is thus back to the level measured in 2021, before the desire for less immigration started to mount. Meanwhile, 38% now want immigration kept at its current level, and 26% say it should be increased.
I guess they finally got the message that their food and many items will be hard to find and expensive to buy if this continues. Just a little of me wants to say it because their mamas taught them a few things about loving their neighbors. Fortunately, and with the help of Congressman Steve Scalise, hundreds of letters written by neighbors brought Mandonna Kashanian back to her home in the Lake Front area of New Orleans and to her American husband of 35 years and daughter. This is from local TV station WDSU. I can’t tell you the ugly, nasty letters filled with misinformation that accompanied news about Mrs. Kashanian. It seems people feel the need to be downright hateful these days.
The worst headline I’ve seen on how we treat folks trying to immigrate here is the ones about spiriting them off to hellholes from which they will not return. Many of them are abroad. “‘We find another country’: Homan says Trump administration looking to make deals with several countries to accept deportees.The border czar also said he was unsure of the status of the eight men recently sent to South Sudan — or whether they are detained there — saying that they are no longer in U.S. custody. The border czar also said he was unsure of the status of the eight men recently sent to South Sudan — or whether they are detained there — saying that they are no longer in U.S. custody.” The so-called border czar is the gatekeeper to hell. This headline is from Politico as reported by Myah Ward and Kyle Cheney.
Border czar Tom Homan said the Trump administration hopes to forge deals with “many countries” to accept deported migrants from the United States — when their home countries can’t, or won’t, take them back.
Homan spoke with POLITICO’s Dasha Burns for The Conversation in the wake of a recent Supreme Court ruling that cleared the way for eight men to be deported to South Sudan, a nation that the State Department has warned Americans is too dangerous for all but essential personnel.
Homan said he was unsure of the status of the eight men — or whether they are detained there — saying that they are no longer in U.S. custody.
“They’re living in Sudan. And will they stay in Sudan? I don’t know,” he said. “When we sign these agreements with all these countries, we make arrangements to make sure these countries are receiving these people and there’s opportunities for these people. But I can’t tell if we remove somebody to Sudan — they can stay there a week and leave. I don’t know.”
The deportations to places like South Sudan and El Salvador where migrants have no connections have raised concerns among lawyers and immigrant advocates who fear for the men’s safety in countries with a history of human rights violations.
Past administrations have also deported foreigners to countries where they have no previous ties, but Trump’s deals have drawn more scrutiny — both with South Sudan, one of the most dangerous and war-torn nations on earth, and El Salvador, where migrants were sent to the country’s notorious mega-prison.
We all know now that we too are home to a hellhole not suprisingly placed in Florida. There are cages for everyone there. So-called Alligator Alcatraz has not allowed detainees to see their lawyers, nor will it allow Florida Congress members to see the facility, calling it “unsafe.” Local ABC News affiiate, Channel 7, has this headline. “DHS disputes dire conditions at Alligator Alcatraz.”
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is denying reports of improper living conditions for detainees at Alligator Alcatraz after reports of a hospitalization surfaced.
Reports this week have claimed that the detainees at the detention facility in the Florida Everglades are surrounded by toilets that don’t flush, temperatures ranging from freezing to sweltering, little to no access to showers, less confidential calls with an attorney, and even a hospitalization, according to the Miami Herald.
However, DHS took to X to debunk those claims, stating that the detainees are properly cared for.
Furthermore, the Assistant Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, Tricia McLaughlin, said on X that no detainees at Alligator Alcatraz have been hospitalized. She continued to state that one was transported but was returned to the detention center in an hour and a half.
According to our news partners at CBS News Miami, one of the detainees living in poor conditions at the detention center is Cuban reggaeton artist Leamsy La Figura, who was arrested in Miami-Dade County for assault. He claims there’s no water to shower, the lights stay on all day, and the food is limited and sometimes spoiled.
In a phone call to CBS News Miami, La Figura described the conditions he and the other detainees are facing.
“I am Leamsy La Figura. We’ve been here at Alcatraz since Friday. There’s over 400 people here. There’s no water to take a bath, it’s been four days since I’ve taken a bath,” he said.
The facility is run by the state of Florida. CBS News Miami has reached out to the Florida Department of Emergency Management (FDEM) for comment on the alleged conditions.
Additionally, CBS News Miami said that Mayor Daniella Levine Cava of Miami-Dade is asking for access to the detention facility due to concerns over reported deaths and dangerous conditions at immigration centers across the state.
Mayor Levine Cava has said that a total of five people have died while in immigration custody in Florida so far.
As more information about Trump, Epstein, and underage girls comes to light. I’m sure we’re going to get more distractions as well as more bumbling of floods and their victims. Wired has this up today about Epstein’s death. Rumors are flying about like the flies and mosquitoes around Alligator Alcatraz. “Metadata Shows the FBI’s ‘Raw’ Jeffrey Epstein Prison Video Was Likely Modified. There is no evidence the footage was deceptively manipulated, but ambiguities around how the video was processed may further fuel conspiracy theories about Epstein’s death.” I’m sure MAGA will be excited about this.
The United States Department of Justice this week released nearly 11 hours of what it described as “full raw” surveillance footage from a camera positioned near Jeffrey Epstein’s prison cell the night before he was found dead. The release was intended to address conspiracy theories about Epstein’s apparent suicide in federal custody. But instead of putting those suspicions to rest, it may fuel them further.
Metadata embedded in the video and analyzed by WIRED and independent video forensics experts shows that rather than being a direct export from the prison’s surveillance system, the footage was modified, likely using the professional editing tool Adobe Premiere Pro. The file appears to have been assembled from at least two source clips, saved multiple times, exported, and then uploaded to the DOJ’s website, where it was presented as “raw” footage.
Experts caution that it’s unclear what exactly was changed, and that the metadata does not prove deceptive manipulation. The video may have simply been processed for public release using available software, with no modifications beyond stitching together two clips. But the absence of a clear explanation for the processing of the file using professional editing software complicates the Justice Department’s narrative. In a case already clouded by suspicion, the ambiguity surrounding how the file was processed is likely to provide fresh fodder for conspiracy theories.
Remember all this happened, under Trump’s first administration, albeit it was more competent than this one. There is a scoop at Axios that might light a fire under the entire Epstein affairs. This is reported by Marc Caputo. It feels like a mic drop. “Scoop: FBI’s Dan Bongino clashes with AG Bondi over handling of Epstein files.” We could have a new Agatha Christie adventure called Death by Rumor. Remind me, this is a Friday right? The traditional slow news day?
FBI deputy director Dan Bongino took a day off from work Friday after clashing at the White House with Attorney General Pam Bondi over their handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files, four sources familiar with the conflict told Axios.
Why it matters: The dispute erupted Wednesday amid the fallout of the administration walking back its claims about Epstein by determining the convicted sex offender didn’t have a celebrity “client list,” and that he wasn’t murdered in his New York City prison cell in 2019.
- Bongino didn’t come to work Friday, leading some insiders to believe he had quit. But administration officials say he’s still on the job, even as the internal tension over the Epstein case continues.
- A source close to Bongino, though, said “he ain’t coming back.”
Zoom in: At the center of the argument: a surveillance video from outside Epstein’s cell that the administration released, saying it was proof no one had entered the room before he killed himself.
- The 10-hour video had what has widely been called a “missing minute,” fueling conspiracy theories in MAGA’s online world about a cover-up involving Epstein’s death.
- The “missing minute,” authorities say, stemmed from an old surveillance recording system that goes down each day at midnight to reset and record anew. It takes a minute for that process to occur, which effectively means that 60 seconds of every day aren’t recorded.
- Bongino — who had pushed Epstein conspiracy theories as a MAGA-friendly podcast host before President Trump appointed him to help lead the FBI — had found the video and touted it publicly and privately as proof that Epstein hadn’t been murdered.
That conclusion — shared by FBI Director Kash Patel, another conspiracy theorist-turned-insider — angered many in Trump’s MAGA base, criticism that increased after Axios first reported the release of the video and a related memo.
- After the video’s “missing minute” was discovered, Bongino was blamed internally for the oversight, according to three sources.
- Two sources familiar with Bongino’s position say he was increasingly displeased with Bondi’s handling of the Epstein case because she had publicly overpromised and underdelivered disclosures about an Epstein “client list” that apparently never existed.
The intrigue: MAGA influencer Laura Loomer, a Bondi critic, first reported Friday on X that Bongino left work and that he and Patel were “furious” with the way Bondi had handled the case.
- Some Trump advisers have criticized Bondi, but Trump “loves Pam and thinks she’s great,” a senior White House official said.
- Those witnessing the Wednesday clash between Bondi and Bongino in the White House were Patel, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles and Deputy Chief of Staff Taylor Budowich.
Inside the room: During the meeting, Bongino was confronted about a NewsNation article that said he and Patel wanted more information released about Epstein earlier, but were held back. Bongino denied leaking that idea.
- “Pam said her piece. Dan said his piece. It didn’t end on friendly terms,” said one person briefed on the heated discussion. Bongino left angry, the source said.
I’m only going to show the headline for this one from the WSJ. It just shows how much institutions are caving to presidential interference. “Harvard Explores New Center for Conservative Scholarship Amid Trump Attacks. The Ivy League school has discussed an effort to ‘support viewpoint diversity’ with potential donors, says it ‘will not be partisan’.” I suppose the devil is in the details here. Traditional American Conservatism is not what we generally see today.
Harvard leaders have discussed creating a program that people briefed on the talks described as a center for conservative scholarship, possibly modeled on Stanford’s Hoover Institution, as the school fights the Trump administration’s accusations that it is too liberal.
The idea has circulated at the university for several years but gained steam after pro-Palestinian protests began disrupting campus in late 2023. Harvard has discussed the effort with potential donors, people familiar with the matter said. The cost of creating such a center could run somewhere between $500 million and $1 billion, a person familiar with Harvard’s thinking estimated.
A spokesman for Harvard said an initiative under discussion “will ensure exposure to the broadest ranges of perspectives on issues, and will not be partisan, but rather will model the use of evidence-based, rigorous logic and a willingness to engage with opposing views.” He added that the school has been accelerating efforts to set up the initiative, which would “promote and support viewpoint diversity.”
A 2024 survey by Harvard found that only one-third of the college’s graduating class felt comfortable discussing controversial topics, and a 2023 survey by the student newspaper found that just 3% of faculty at Harvard College identified as politically conservative.
Harvard President Alan Garber helped promote an “intellectual vitality” program to reinvigorate debate on campus and ensure students engage in discussions free of self-censorship.
Okay, one last topic. It’s a big one. Trump is basically giving tariff exemptions to countries he likes. He’s throwing random tariffs at countries that do not please him. There’s a lot on this today, including some major analysis by Paul Krugman. Let me just list these reads so you my check them out. I’m glad to answer any questions regarding the application of tariffs in the comments. I’m not a lawyer, so I’ll leave the legal analysis to those who are.
Rebecca Ratcliffe / The Guardian: Shunned Myanmar leader thrilled at US contact after Trump tariff letter
Myanmar’s military leader has praised Donald Trump and asked him to lift sanctions, as the junta sought to capitalise on a tariff letter from the US president believed to be Washington’s first public recognition of its rule.
Min Aung Hlaing, who has been in power since a 2021 coup, expressed his “sincere appreciation” for Trump’s letter, which threatened a tariff of 40% on its goods, and commended the US president or his “strong leadership” and for guiding the US “toward national prosperity with the spirit of a true patriot”.
US diplomats do not officially engage with Min Aung Hlaing or the ruling junta, which seized power from the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi. It was among a tranche of almost identical letters sent by Trump to world leaders on Monday.
Stephen Robinson / Public Notice: An embarrassing exercise in economic and diplomatic futility
Donald Trump just escalated his mindlessly self-destructive trade war against our (former) economic allies — again.
On Monday, Trump sent rambling letters informing 14 nations, including major trading partners Japan and South Korea, that the US government was slapping them with significantly higher tariffs as of August 1. These tariffs are separate from his previously announced sectoral tariffs on automobiles, steel, and aluminum. (This week, he also announced a 50 percent tariff on copper imports for August 1.) Trump sent more letters sporadically through the week, with an especially bonkers one to Brazil threatening a 50 percent tariff if the government proceeds with its prosecution of Trump’s partner in coups, Jair Bolsonaro.
Then, as this newsletter was being finalized yesterday, Trump announced a new 35 percent tariff on Canada, citing debunked claims about the country turning a blind eye to fentanyl flowing into the United States.
Trump’s new August 1 deadline is completely arbitrary, and his tariff numbers aren’t grounded in any rational economic policy. As everyone seems to understand but the president and his sycophants, these new tariffs will result in increased prices on goods Americans need and can’t magically produce ourselves. Other nations won’t shoulder the costs from tariffs. We will.
And hereis the link to Paul Krugman’s latest. “Trump’s Brazil Tariff Is Blatantly Illegal. Shouldn’t someone be suing?” And here I am still laughing over him writing to the Japanese PM Ishba as Mister Japan. Krugman writes at his SubStack.
I wrote the other day about Trump’s Brazil tariff, which is, as I said, evil and megalomaniacal. But I forgot to point out that it’s blatantly illegal. Maybe — probably — the Supreme Court is so corrupt at this point that it will ratify anything Trump does. But can’t we at least put them on the spot? Can’t we force Scott Bessent to explain why he supports such a grotesque abuse of presidential power?
Let’s be clear: U.S. law does give the executive branch a lot of discretion to impose tariffs without additional legislation. It does this for a reason: Temporary tariffs were intended to serve as a political pressure-release valve that would make low tariffs emerging from international agreements sustainable. This worked well as long as we had responsible presidents; it has been a disaster under Trump. Still, he does have a lot of legal authority to set tariffs.
But that authority is by no means open-ended. Tariffs can be imposed only for specific reasons:
Section 201: Market disruption Basically, if a sudden import surge puts a U.S. industry in danger, temporary tariffs can be imposed to give the industry time to adapt
Section 232: National security Tariffs can be used to sustain industries we might need during international confrontations
Section 301: Unfair practices Tariffs can be used to offset, say, foreign export subsidies
Anti-dumping duties Tariffs can be imposed when foreign companies are selling below cost
International Economic Emergency The president has broad tariff-setting powers during an economic crisis
Trump has hugely abused all these justifications, especially the last. There is no economic emergency. According to Trump himself, things are great …
And, remember it’s just a litttle rain and the average price of gas in New Orleans isn’t $2.76. It’s $1.98.
Okay, one more and I may hit a record of 5000 words in one post. The deal is that there is so much shit going on I’d need a magazine to publish just the excerpts. What Fresh Hell is this? This is from Sidney Blumenthal writing at The Guardian. “Donald Trump’s ‘big, beautiful bill’ is the ultimate betrayal of his base. The measure exposes the most elaborate charade in recent US political history. But betrayal is Trump’s operating principle.”
Donald Trump’s so-called “big, beautiful bill”, which will eviscerate the living standards, healthcare and aspirations of his white, working-class base, conclusively draws the curtain down on his Maga populist conceit, the most elaborate charade in recent American political history.
The price will be staggering: $1tn in cuts to Medicaid; throwing 17 million people off health coverage closing rural hospitals and women’s health clinics; battering food assistance for families, children and veterans; the virtual destruction of US solar and wind energy manufacturing; limiting access to financial aid for college; and, according to the Yale Budget Lab, adding $3tn to the national debt over the next decade, inexorably leading to raised interest rates, which will depress the housing market. These are the harsh, brutal and undeniable realities of Trumpism in the glare of day as opposed to his carnival act about how he will never touch such benefits.
The president’s Maga populism has been a collection of oddities reminiscent of PT Barnum’s museum on lower Broadway before the civil war that exhibited a 10ft tall fake petrified man, the original bearded lady and the Fiji mermaid, the tail of a large fish sewn on to a bewigged mannequin. Trump attached plutocracy to populism to construct the Maga beast. But after the passage of the bill, the Fiji mermaid that is Maga has come apart at the seams, the head separated from the tail.
“I just want you to know,” Trump said as he signed the bill, “if you see anything negative put out by Democrats, it’s all a con job.” He claimed the law was the “single most popular bill ever signed”. It is, in fact, the most unpopular piece of legislation since George W Bush proposed partial privatization of social security, which he abandoned without a single congressional vote. A Quinnipiac poll showed 53% opposing Trump’s bill, with only 27% support – 26 points underwater.
At a meeting where Trump lobbied Republican House members to vote for his bill, he told them it would not cut Medicaid because that would damage their electoral prospects. “But we’re touching Medicaid in this bill,” one Republican member complained to the publication Notus. In response to the obvious contradiction, a White House spokesperson issued a statement that the bill would “protect Medicaid”. Problem solved.
Even if Trump didn’t actually know what was in his bill, too bored to pay attention to minute details or even if he was pulling a con, he coerced the Republicans into walking the plank. If he didn’t know, they certainly knew what was in the bill and they hated it. But they feared his retribution if they did not vote for it, even though it would severely harm their base and trample their own principles. The Freedom Caucus of far-right House members who boldly declared that the debt was the hill they would die on simply folded.
Hopefully, it will soon be the Winter of Discontent because this is the summer of rebranding Fresh Hells.
Well, not quite 5000 words, but very close. 4866
What’s on your reading and blogging list today?
I want an overkill button.
Here’s to Ozzy’s last concert. He made my first year of university in the land of Nebraska more meaningful. He’s struggling with Parkinson’s disease.
#TrumpCult #WeAreSoFucked #AlligatorAlcatraz #DanBongino #HarvardCaves #Hellraiser #IRSOksPulpitPolitics #KristiNoemSociopathAndCunt #LongLiveOzzy #lordOfTheLivingDead #PamBondiWeirdo #TariffsAreStillHigh #TomHomanDemonBringer #WhiteChristianNationalists
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I did it!!
I did a thing for the next #Bonkwave compilation together with another great Fediverse artist (one of the greatest if you ask me)!!
\o/
It's all totally secret though - the why and the who and the what and the what' not. It may not even be Bob Wave. Or was it BonkWave?
I'm so confused... having that piece on heavy repeat rotation since hours and can't stop grinning. It's that special World Domination grin you get when you know, this is a good thing you did. And I did!
Now I just shouldn't forget to submit it! But I have to go to the #Berlin #cbase space first for proper net activist action:
The Berlin #FediStammtisch is happening Today (Monday, May, 5th), where everyone who wants to know about the Fediverse - technically as well as philosophically as well as in it's practical social and political implications - may meet a bunch of experts and discuss all this.
I will be there (I said this, did I?) and bring Gummibärchen!! -
2/👩🌾🧵
I took the bottoms of the stipes of the wine caps I harvested the other day and put them in a bag with soil and sawdust from pellets. You can see the hyphae starting to colonize the bag of substrate.
I also put the open tops which were sporulating in the bag for good measure. I'm hoping to get a nice dense block of mycelium to spread to other areas: pots and in my friend's yard.
(I really should check on the blewits now that I think about it.)
My tomatoes are really late this year but they are gorgeous. I'm growing multiple varieties of antho(cyanin) tomatoes:
Dark Galaxy
Alice's Dream
Indigo Rose
Midnight Snack
Blaue ZimmertomateThe second photo is of: Blaue, Indigo, and Alice (from the left to right). Midnight Snacks have yet to ripen and this year they're a tiny bit smaller even than the Blaues.
But even of the cherry varieties, I have them growing on micro dwarf and indeterminate plants, which is cool (to me). And now the full size tomatoes, I have a black and red, and a black and yellow. I guess technically, the indigo rose are probably cocktail size. I really should remember to look up what the boundaries of sizes are.
The last one is just a bonus picture of an almost perfect specimen of Heartbreaker.
EDIT: I just noticed that it turned "the stipes" into "these types".
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Just a lazy day here, went to sleep too late, in fact fell asleep playing games on my tablet, work had run long, and my usual web surfing ran longer than normal, so this means I didn't get enough sleep, nor was it particularly good. Oh well, first day of my weekend, I'll make it up when I get to it, only need to grocery shop, mow the lawn, do the laundry and accounting. That last one I think I screwed up on last weekend, so overdue bills and stuff likely await.
So far today we've gone out for breakfast, since I didn't have any rice prepared, and didn't have any potatoes for a substitute side. Not like its the only thing I've run out of, somehow massively miscalculated things, so I ran short on lunch ingredients yesterday. Either way, grabbed breakfast, took care of groceries, then had fun filling tiny libraries in St Charles on the way home, 8 or so libraries, went through two dozen books.
Might nap, prolly have a pizza for a late dinner (sticking to traditional meal names/times here), might get laundry done. Stuff can just as easily wait until tomorrow, though I do have chiro in the morning. Might get some beads and rubber bands too, also might go buy a small used TV here, basically want something near the second desk for plugging in computers I'm tinkering with that I can also plug the stereo into, and if'n it has enough HDMI ports, use as a third monitor here.
Got the coffee maker I ordered, and its… Meh. For those didn't see the post, I got a single serve coffee maker that isn't a Keurig. It can use Keurig pods, and technically reusable pods, though they fit as badly here as they do with a standard Keurig, but it also includes a reusable single serve filter. Quality is cheap, brand is non-existent, very reminiscent of a coffee maker you'd get in a hotel room, has auto shut off, but no brew limit, so you only want to put one cup of water in the tank at a time. Mom got me a new Keurig for my whelpday which I'm not sure what I'm going to do with, I mean the old one still works although it doesn't always close fully and sometimes stops brewing early, and the new one works even if'n its cheap (with coupon it only cost $22, what do you expect?), so I don't need a new Keurig… yet.
Oh, need to fully set up the newish computer, one of Vik's that I'm getting set up to use, gotta clean out Firefox before I connect it to my account so it doesn't cause chaos on my existing computers. Also prolly need to update it at this point. Guess I'll do that after updating this one, as it has kernel updates, so a reboot is required, so we might just leave it powered down, or we might reboot it. I suppose I do need to start cleaning out the computer here, right now I have two POS terminals, an iMac that I need to finish upgrades on, three Lenovo Thinkcentre thin clients, Vik's Macbook, and his Mac mini… I think that's all of them, and there's just one of me, so I should clean the collection out. Oh, and that's just the computers, there's an iPad or two, three Lenovo tablets, and iPhone or two, and lord knows how many Android phones here. If anyone needs some tech, let me know, if you need a new phone and are broke, there's a chance I can help with a chap (sub $100) replacement.
#today #android #Phones #life #coffee #coffeemaker #keurig #chores #Food #computers
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Top 10 Hacker Movies You’ve Missed
Who Am I? (2014)Introduction
Yeah, I’m doing one of these.
I’m going to list and rank ten movies that feature hackers as major characters or hacking itself as a major plot point and discuss what makes them good or bad.
I am purposefully not including WarGames, Sneakers, Hackers or Swordfish, all movies that have existing rabid fans and detractors in the hacking scene.
10. Prime Risk (1985)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FiU7hkMe4_M
Prime Risk is a weird movie, despite how much they talk about hackers and computers it is obvious that the writers had no idea about either so we get an odd movie about electronics causing ATMs to spit out money. Add in a conspiracy by a shadowy cabal to undermine the entire financial system and you have something approximating a coherent movie.
I like that the hacker in this is a woman though, and her sidekick is a goofy guy.
9. Hide and Seek (1984)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjQnucHby8Y
This movie is based on a sci-fi novel from 1977 but it is essentially a lower budget Canadian WarGames, there’s a certain charm to it though.
A high-school student hacker befriends a rogue AI and mischief ensues before the plot takes a hard left turn into averting nuclear disaster.
8. Takedown (2000)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbgDMYy9mzM
This movie about Kevin Mitnick caused so much controversy, as he was still in prison when they started filming it, that it never saw a proper release. You can find copies online though.
Skeet Ulrich is serviceable as Mitnick, Donal Logue is great as Lewis de Payne and if you can separate the film from the actual story and person it was based on and just see it as a work of fiction it becomes a lot more watchable.
7. Blackhat (2015)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CA95Bzpy7s
I honestly don’t know how I feel about this movie, I watched it and then heard there was a director’s cut that was longer and more cohesive. I purchased a special edition Blu-ray so I could watch the director’s cut and I still don’t know how I feel about it.
A lot of people in the hacking scene hate it, but it looks great, it is very visually stylish and Mann seems really engaged with the subject matter. Chris Hemsworth is miscast though, or he was told to act in a way that renders his character an emotionless hulk for most of the movie.
6. The Net (1995)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WsHYQjHrhKY
I really like this movie, it meanders a bit in the middle but the overall concept is tight and if you can ignore the hand waving over whether any of it is technically possible you will have a good time.
Sandra Bullock is great and the plot captures genuine anxiety from the mid-90s as to how this thing called the internet was steadily encroaching on people’s lives and threatening to change society.
You can find a video I made about it over at the YouTube channel.
5. 23 (1998)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUDWU4RBtds
The first of two German hacker movies on this list, it is set in the 80s and really feels like it. I’ll warn you now though this is based on the real life case of young German hackers who handed data over to the Soviet government, it does not have a happy ending.
You may have trouble tracking down a copy with english subtitles for this one, I don’t think there is any dubbed version.
I’ve made a video on this movie over on my YouTube channel.
4. Masterminds (1997)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5gtXzHnN7M
This is an action comedy with Patrick Stewart holding a school full of rich kids hostage while a teen hacker who was previously expelled from the school tries to thwart his plans.
The plot moves along quickly, there is a satisfactory amount of action and Patrick Stewart makes a wonderful villain, I recommend checking it out.
3. Enemy of the State (1998)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3mrRv-1khI
I recently rewatched this movie, having originally seen it in the cinema when it came out with my local 2600 meetup, and I still like it. The concerns over privacy seem really outdated now, as we all hand over so much data to corporations and the government.
It is a solid movie about a man (Will Smith) who isn’t the most technically minded person finding himself up against a vast and nefarious surveillance apparatus. Plus you get Jamie Kennedy and Jack Black as smart ass government hackers, I feel like both of them played similar roles in multiple movies.
2. Who Am I (2014)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vnjheCqRIs
The second German movie on this list, I love this movie. A dark thriller about a young man who joins a sort of Anonymous like hacker group, has various thrills and spills with them before disaster strikes.
A little bit Mr Robot, you need to check this movie out if you like your hacker movies with tangled plots and absolutely soaked in paranoia.
1. The Steal (1995)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBxvGaIK2eE
I only discovered this movie recently and until it appeared on some streaming services it was quite hard to track down.
It is a whimsical British crime caper involving a free spirited American con artist and an uptight British computer programmer being pursued by a British aristocrat, while they try to drain bank accounts belonging to an evil corporation.
Hacking and social engineering play a heavy role in the movie and I love the cast.
You can watch the entire movie on YouTube, linked above.
Conclusion
I was going to include some honorable mentions here, but honestly there are so many movies I could have added to this list that a follow up blog is inevitable.
If you enjoyed this blog head on over to Bluesky for similar thoughts on hackers in pop culture.
#23 #Blackhat #EnemyOfTheState #film #films #Germany #hackers #hacking #HideAndSeek #history #KevinMitnick #list #Masterminds #Mitnick #Movies #PrimeRisk #Sneakers #Swordfish #Takedown #TheNet #TheSteal #WarGames #WarGames #Webmaster #WhoAmI -
Finally Friday Reads: The Incompetent and The Cruel
“Kristi Noem is so thoughtful.” John Buss, @repeat1968.
@johnbuss.bsky.socialGood Day, Sky Dancers!
Cartoonist John Buss continues to blow me away with his renditions of all the monsters inhabiting the Trump Regime. You never know how far they will go. Incompetency and cruelty are their defining parameters, and the only thing you know about this regime is that they are negatively correlated and huge. You know the negative impact on the country in a big way, but the actual actions leading to the outcomes are unimaginable. You know they’re going to a new low that will be shocking and unimaginable. I’m beginning to think that some are designed to take our eyes away from the dismantling of our government and democracy.
Today’s Featured Funny was more than I had hoped when I put this on his Facebook thread. “Hi! It’s your dark muse again. You have to do something about Kristin Noem doing a glam shot in front of all the shirtless, bearded men she likely sent to be tortured and enslaved. Abu Ghraib, but this administration has no shame!” She had paraded down here in a similar outfit during the Super Bowl, but instead of looking like a slutty ICE agent, she looked like a Slutty police officer. She just oozes psychopath, doesn’t she? She’s LARPing all those war criminals that psychologically torture whatever they capture. Just thinking about how the really bad ones torture animals first, and her poor puppy.
This is from the Washington Post (article gifted). “How Kristi Noem’s $50,000 Rolex in a Salvadoran prison became a political flash point. The high-end Swiss watch lent a striking contrast to her tour of a notoriously overcrowded mega-prison in one of Latin America’s poorest countries.” I supposed she could wear that “I don’t care, do you?” jacket, but then everyone would miss her signature whitie tightie boob shot op. She must have a closet full of those. She wore them daily during her Super Bowl tour. This is reported by Drew Harwell and Alec Dent.
When Homeland Security Secretary Kristi L. Noem visited El Salvador’s most notorious mega-prison on Wednesday, she sported an eye-catching piece on her wrist that experts have identified as an 18-karat gold Rolex Cosmograph Daytona watch that sells for about $50,000.
The high-end Swiss watch lent a striking contrast to Noem’s tour of the Terrorism Confinement Center, or CECOT, where imprisoned men watched silently from a crowded cell as she recorded a video for a social media post warning undocumented immigrants not to enter the United States.
“If you come to our country illegally, this is one of the consequences you could face,” Noem said.
Noem’s choice of watch kicked off a race among internet sleuths to identify it and infuriated immigration advocates, who said the juxtaposition was insensitive to the harsh reality of mass imprisonment and deportation.
“You’re in front of all these people in a very poor country, who are in the bottom 10 or 20 percent of their country … and it looks like you’re just flaunting your wealth while you flaunt your freedom,” said Adam Isacson, an analyst at the Washington Office on Latin America, a human rights group.
“This is an administration that is trying to be populist, anti-elite, appeal to the common man,” he added. Meanwhile, there’s “people stacked up like cordwood behind her.”
Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin confirmed the make of the watch in a statement, saying that “then-Governor Noem chose to use the proceeds from her New York Times best selling books to purchase an item she could wear and one day pass down to her children.”
While the #FARTUS purge of immigrants looks like an SS round-up. I fear escalation to Hitler’s Einsatzgruppen (killing squads). It is difficult to predict if they will actually go that far. We’ve already had children in cages and family separation. We also have midnight raids that have spirited away graduate students who have taken part in demonstrations or written op-eds against the bombing of Palestinian civilians in GAZA. This is from Mike Masnik from TechDirt. “Trump’s Secret Police Are Now Disappearing Students For Their Op-Eds.”
For years, we’ve been hearing breathless warnings about a “campus free speech crisis” from self-proclaimed free speech warriors. Their evidence? College students doing what college students have done for generations: protesting speakers they disagree with, challenging institutional policies, and yes, sometimes attempting to create heckler’s vetoes.
This kind of campus activism — while occasionally messy and uncomfortable — has been a feature of American higher education since the 1960s. It’s how young people learn to engage with ideas and exercise their own speech rights. Sometimes that activism is silly and sometimes it’s righteous. Often it’s somewhere in between, but it’s kind of a part of being a college student, and learning what you believe in.
But now we face an actual free speech crisis on campus that goes beyond just speech. It’s an attack on personal freedoms, due process, and liberty. The federal government isn’t just pressuring universities over speech — it’s literally disappearing students for their political expression. If you support actual free speech, now is the time to speak up.
The latest example of this authoritarian overreach is particularly chilling: Rumeysa Ozturk, a Turkish PhD student at Tufts who was here legally on a student visa, was abducted by masked agents in broad daylight. She was disappeared without due process or explanation — only later did we learn she had been renditioned to a detention center in Louisiana.
The video of her kidnapping (because that’s what it was) is terrifying enough.
If you listen, you hear her quite understandably surprised reaction with a scream, and then she asks to call the police, only to be told “we’re the police.” None of them are in uniforms. Most of them are masked.
Her supposed crime? A year ago, she co-authored an op-ed in The Tufts Daily criticizing her university administration’s stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict. Not advocating violence. Not supporting terrorism. Not even criticizing the U.S. government. Just exercising core First Amendment rights by publishing criticism of her own university’s policies in a student newspaper.
The government has attempted to justify similar renditions (and there is a growing list of victims) by falsely painting targets as “terrorist supporters” — a dangerous conflation of political speech supporting Palestinian rights with support for terrorism. But even those cases typically involved people involved in public protests, which are themselves constitutionally protected activities. This case goes even further: disappearing someone over an innocuous piece of student journalism published a year ago.
Everyone should be alarmed. Everyone should be demanding that she (and others) be released and that ICE and DHS stop this horrifying and unconscionable practice. Everyone should be demanding that Trump and Marco Rubio and Kristi Noem stop this Gestapo bullshit.
Even if — especially if — you disagree with her views on Israel and Palestine. This isn’t about that. This is about the very concept of freedom. The rights everyone — even visitors — are supposed to have in this country. The right to speak your mind, even if (especially if!) it is opposed to those in power. The right to walk down a street without being kidnapped. The right to due process.
If the government genuinely believed Ozturk had violated immigration law or her visa terms (she hadn’t), there are established legal procedures to address such issues. Instead, they chose to send masked goons to disappear her without warning or due process — a chilling message to every other international student that their supposed right to express political opinions comes with the risk of rendition.
And, of course, the implied threat is that this won’t stop at international students.
I have taught university classes for decades. Finance and Economic policy are inherently political. We stick to established theory and mention policies in the past that did not work. The two big ones are Tariffs and Tax cuts for the very rich. We have data that shows they don’t work and years of published papers. I fear that the Commerce and Labor Secretaries will kill the data, so we cannot teach the theory and the reality using current economic and financial data. Since I’m now technically retired and only teach as an adjunct, I worry a lot about the current faculty. The Republicans have been after tenure for years. Universities and research are a significant source of progress. The attacks on research and the inability to run graduate programs and graduate Doctoral students we will not have teachers after we old folks retire will severely curtail our leadership in science and the exercise of free thought. That is their goal.
This is from Forbes Magazine. “Trump Orders Department Of Education Closure: What Happens Next.” The story is reported by Sarah Hernholm.
President Trump has issued an executive order to close the Department of Education, a move that will reshape federal education policy and affect America’s 49.5 million public school students. The order mandates redistributing the department’s functions across multiple federal agencies by the end of the year, marking a major change in how the federal government approaches education.
This decision, long championed by conservatives who believe education should remain primarily a state and local matter, has sparked disagreement about the federal government’s role in education policy, funding, and oversight.
The executive order outlines specific transitions for key education functions:
- Civil rights enforcement will move to the Justice Department
- Federal student loan programs will shift to the Treasury
- Special education oversight will transition to Health and Human Services
These changes will affect the management of federal education funding streams totaling over $150 billion annually, including:
- $18.8 billion in Title I funding for high-poverty schools, serving approximately 26 million students
- $15.5 billion in IDEA funding, supporting 7.3 million students with disabilities
- $120.8 billion in Federal Student Aid programs, helping 10.8 million college students
Educational stakeholders stress the importance of ensuring these resources continue without disruption during the transition period, particularly for disadvantaged students who rely heavily on federally funded programs.
This will hurt rural and poor urban schools that rely on the funding to offer help for disadvantaged students and students with disabilities. I’m also wondering what will happen to ESL (English as a second language) teachers, programs, school nurses, and psychologists. These things are incredibly expensive.
“The backpedaling is something to behold..” John Buss, @repeat1968.
@johnbuss.bsky.socialThen there’s Pete Hegseth and his keystone cops LARPing military leadership. We got all the war moves and none of the conversation about what it means to target and bomb a civilian apartment. Hey! Hey DOJ! How many kids did they kill that day? They’re all suggesting it was successful, but really? What has all that incompetence brought us?
This is breaking news from CNN. “Officials say texts sent by Waltz, Ratcliffe in Signal chat may have damaged US’ ongoing ability to gather intel on Houthis.” Evidently, the intelligence they got from the Israelis was from an on-site agent. But of course, no heads are rolling in any of the meeting’s inept Cabinet. They’ve declared war on The Atlantic instead. This story is reported by Katie Bo Lillis and Zachary Cohen,
Current and former US officials have told CNN they believe two texts sent by national security adviser Mike Waltz and CIA Director John Ratcliffe in the now-infamous group chat involving senior US officials discussing battle plans to strike Houthi targets in Yemen, may have done long-term damage to the US’s ability to gather intelligence on the Iran-backed group going forward.
Although messages from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth detailing the sequencing, timing and weapons to be used in a March attack on the Houthis have drawn the most scrutiny because they could have endangered US servicemembers if revealed, the messages from Waltz and Ratcliffe, in the chat Atlantic editor Jeffrey Goldberg was added to, contained equally sensitive information, these sources said.
In one of the messages, Ratcliffe told other Cabinet members who were discussing whether to delay the strikes that the CIA was in the act of mobilizing assets to collect intelligence on the group, but that a delay might offer them the opportunity to “identify better starting points for coverage on Houthi leadership.”
That text, according to the current and former officials, exposed the mere fact that the US is gathering intelligence on them — bad in and of itself — but also hinted at how the agency is doing it. The language about “starting points,” these people said, suggests clearly that the CIA is using technical means like overhead surveillance to spy on their leadership. That could allow the Houthis to change their practices to better protect themselves.
Then, in a later message, Waltz offered an extremely specific after-action report of the strikes, telling the thread that the military had “positive ID” of a particular senior Houthi leader “walking into his girlfriend’s building” — offering the Houthis a clear opportunity to see who the US was surveilling and potentially figure out how, thus enabling them to avoid that surveillance in the future, the sources said.
The Houthis have “always been difficult to track,” said a former intelligence official. “Now you just highlight for them that they’re in the crosshairs.”
Trump administration officials, including both Waltz and Ratcliffe, have repeatedly insisted that no classified information was shared in the text. Ratcliffe, in his testimony before the Senate Intelligence Committee on Tuesday, specifically referenced his text about “starting points.”
But current and former officials have disagreed vehemently with that assessment: The kinds of information in not just Hegseth’s texts, but Ratcliffe’s and Waltz’s, included very clear references to sources and methods. Even if it wasn’t an explicit or technical description, these people say, it is information that the US government would typically withhold because it might allow an adversary to make an educated interference about US sources and methods.
Ratcliffe’s use of the Signal app in this way is raising eyebrows inside Langley, current and former officials said.
“I think he is going to be viewed skeptically for using the app for that purpose,” one US official told CNN.
“(Ratcliffe) was basically talking as if he was in a SCIF,” said another former intelligence official, referring to a secure room hardened against electronic surveillance that is designed for discussions of classified material.
“He’s the director,” said the first former official, calling Ratcliffe’s text “irresponsible.” “He should know better.”
A CIA spokesperson told CNN, “Director Ratcliffe takes his responsibility to safeguard America’s ability to gather intelligence extremely seriously.”
“Nothing he conveyed in the chat posed any risk to any sources or methods,” the spokesperson said. “The only lasting damage is to the Houthi terrorists who have been eliminated.”
CNN has reached out to the National Security Council for comment.
The primary tool of Trump’s spokespeople is to lie and deny and protect FARTUS at all times.
Former Secretary of State penned this Op-Ed in the New York Times today. “Hillary Clinton: How Much Dumber Will This Get?” Remember, it will get worse; we just can’t forecast how because only the incompetent and cruel can come up with such batshit crazy pogroms. Throw in narcissism and sociopathy, and it’s a forecaster’s nightmare. Clinton’s name has been evoked recently because the same folks who were traumatized by her personal emails being released by their Russian buddies are taking this incredible breach of security cavalierly.
It’s not the hypocrisy that bothers me; it’s the stupidity. We’re all shocked — shocked! — that President Trump and his team don’t actually care about protecting classified information or federal record retention laws. But we knew that already. What’s much worse is that top Trump administration officials put our troops in jeopardy by sharing military plans on a commercial messaging app and unwittingly invited a journalist into the chat. That’s dangerous. And it’s just dumb.
This is the latest in a string of self-inflicted wounds by the new administration that are squandering America’s strength and threatening our national security. Firing hundreds of federal workers charged with protecting our nation’s nuclear weapons is also dumb. So is shutting down efforts to fight pandemics just as a deadly Ebola outbreak is spreading in Africa. It makes no sense to purge talented generals, diplomats and spies at a time when rivals like China and Russia are trying to expand their global reach.
In a dangerous and complex world, it’s not enough to be strong. You must also be smart. As secretary of state during the Obama administration, I argued for smart power, integrating the hard power of our military with the soft power of our diplomacy, development assistance, economic might and cultural influence. None of those tools can do the job alone. Together, they make America a superpower. The Trump approach is dumb power. Instead of a strong America using all our strengths to lead the world and confront our adversaries, Mr. Trump’s America will be increasingly blind and blundering, feeble and friendless.
Let’s start with the military, because that’s what he claims to care about. Don’t let the swagger fool you. Mr. Trump and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth (of group chat fame) are apparently more focused on performative fights over wokeness than preparing for real fights with America’s adversaries. Does anyone really think deleting tributes to the Tuskegee Airmen makes us more safe? The Trump Pentagon purged images of the plane that dropped the atomic bomb that ended World War II because its name is the Enola Gay. Dumb.
Instead of working with Congress to modernize the military’s budget to reflect changing threats, the president is firing top generals without credible justification. Five former secretaries of defense, Republicans and Democrats, rightly warned that this would “undermine our all-volunteer force and weaken our national security.” Mass layoffs are also hitting the intelligence agencies. As one former senior spy put it, “We’re shooting ourselves in the head, not the foot.” Not smart.
There’s more at the link, which has been gifted.
It’s hard to get through the day without the next chain of what the hell did they do now coming out to beat us senseless. They’re worried about the midterms because FARTUS sent Elise Stefanik back to Congress yesterday. The poor woman won’t get that deluxe apartment in the sky now. This is from Politico. “Stefanik’s withdrawal suggests Republicans are sweating their thin margins. Democrats insist Republicans are panicking.” Democrats shouldn’t be so complacent.
President Donald Trump’s decision to keep Rep. Elise Stefanik in Congress is the clearest sign yet that the political environment has become so challenging for Republicans that they don’t want to risk a special election even in safe, red seats.
A pair of April elections in deep-red swaths of Florida next week was supposed to improve the GOP’s cushion in the House and clear the path for Stefanik’s departure, until Trump said he didn’t “want to take a chance on anyone else running for Elise’s seat.”
The decision to pull Stefanik’s nomination came as Republicans grew increasingly anxious about the race to fill the seat of National Security Advisor Mike Waltz on April 1. Polling in the district, which Trump carried by 30 points, had tightened, and the president himself is hosting a tele-town hall there to try and bail out Republican Randy Fine.
An internal GOP poll from late March showed Democrat Josh Weil up 3 points over Fine, 44 to 41 percent, with 10 percent undecided, according to a person familiar with the poll and granted anonymity to discuss it. Tony Fabrizio, Trump’s pollster, conducted the survey. That result spooked Republicans and spurred them to redouble efforts to ensure a comfortable win in the district, according to two people familiar with internal conversations.
Some Republican strategists said it’s not worth taking the risk of losing Stefanik’s sprawling northern New York seat, which Trump won by 20 points in 2024.
“Can they defend her seat? Absolutely. But why do you do that right now?” asked Charlie Harper, who was a top aide to former Rep. Karen Handel on her successful 2017 bid in a special election in Georgia.
Harper is not the only Republican making that calculation.
“If we’re far underperforming in seats Trump won by 30 then there’s obvious concern about having to chance special elections in seats Trump won by a lot less,” said one top GOP operative granted anonymity to speak candidly. “The juice is not worth the squeeze sweating them out.”
Okay, that’s enough shock and awe for now.
What’s on your reading and blogging list today?
#JohnbussBskySocialJohnBuss #Repeat1968JohnBuss #abuGhraibTortureAndPrisonerAbuse #CabinetOfIncompetentImbeciles #DepartmentOfEducationBlues #EliseStefanikIsACunt #EveryOneGoesToElSalvador_ #FARTUS #higherEducation #HillaryClintonOnSignalGate #KidnappingGraduateStudents #KristiNoemSociopathAndCunt #PeteHegsethWeirdoSexualAssaulter #TheWhiskeyLeaks
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Now that Twitter is a Junkyard, I Need a Way to Deal with the Twitter Posts Cited on this Blog
“Live, ongoing connections to people – not your old posts or your identifiers – impose the highest switching costs for any social media service,” argues Cory Doctorow in a recent post. Well, yeah, but hear me out.
I’ve abandoned my Twitter account, for all the obvious reasons, but for the sake of good housekeeping on this WordPress site I haven’t deleted it . In the years when I was active on Twitter, I cited and linked to my own tweets in a number of blog posts here, especially those having to do with mining around the Lake Superior region and FOIA production. Now I am looking for some way to preserve those tweets before they disappear or stop working, as Musk continues to break the thing he bought.
Of course, I should never have counted on it, but I did.
One answer is to go back through all my posts and convert the tweets into screenshots. Do I have to settle for that? It sounds like dreary work; it also wouldn’t really do the trick. Some of the tweets cited on this blog are parts of longer threads, where I am developing an argument or describing the public record, and ideally I would like to allow readers to click through and read the whole thread, ideally some place other than Twitter. I would also want any media included with those tweets to carry over.
I understand that I can use Porto to import the whole Twitter works to Bluesky, and I may end up doing that, but then I will still have to go back through all my posts and change those links to Bluesky. More dreary work. Besides, I have serious qualms about Bluesky: it just looks like Zombie Twitter to me, the same online strivers hopped up on dopamine and chasing the elusive brass ring. My qualms only deepen when I read people like Doctorow or L. Rhodes.
The recent announcement of Series A funding by Blockchain Capital makes noises about sharing Bluesky’s user-first design philosophy that “empowers the people,” but talk from venture capitalists about power and people should always be viewed with suspicion, or dismissed outright, as should their promise not to “hyperfinancialize the social experience,” as if the financialization of social experience is not bad enough, morally, socially, politically, and as if there is a bright line between financialization and hyperfinancialization that won’t eventually be crossed.
All that means that relying on Bluesky could land me in this same situation a few years down the road. Eventually, the walls will go up, and (to borrow Doctorow’s metaphor) there won’t be any fire exits.
I see that Shawn Hooper has developed a WordPress plugin that will import a Twitter archive to WordPress. While I am not sure I am technically competent to implement it (probably not! not my bailiwick at all), it looks promising, and maybe despite my incompetence I can figure it out or find someone to help me figure it out.
Essentially what I am looking for is an effective way to host those old tweets right here, on WordPress. Self-hosting, self-reliance, or mutual reliance that allows people to opt out, wherever possible, of the financializing and hyperfinancializing of the social web and social experience, looks like the only viable way forward.
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#collapse #financialization #hyperfinancialization #mutualAid #socialCollapse #socialMedia #switchingCosts #Wordpress
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It's time to make my #introduction
I'm Pallas. I'm #Aplatonic #aromantic (#demiromantic) and #genderqueer. I consider myself #Omnigender, because I have at least one gender of any quality, but I don't necessarily experience every gender.
I'm technically #asexual and #asensual, but as I experience other types of #PhysicalAttraction strongly, I just say I'm a #grayce #MspecGay
I love retro/vintage things, including but not limited to:#CLassicTV, #OldHollywood #OldSchoolVisualKei, #ClassicalMusic (Mostly from the Galant/classical and romantic periods), #ClassicLiterature, #VintageFashion and more; and I'm particularly interested in the intersection between queerness and those things, like queer artists of the pass and queer rep on old media.
As you can see for my profile picture, my favourite composer is Beethoven
I'm #neurodivergent (#Autistic and #epileptic) and, beside vintage/retro stuff, my special Interest are #Space related things and #linguistics.
I'm #disabled and require the use of #AltText as my vision often doesn't work properly due to nerve-related issues.
I'm not new to either the #fediverse, I've been in and out of it since 2018 (Not because I didn't like it, I just pass from times where I don't use #SocialMedia), nor fully to #Calckey or #Misskey, I've tried them in the past without good results; the places I was in either died or I didn't felt at home in. So here I'm trying to give this side of the fediverse another try! -
How to Design a Low-Stimulation Bedroom for Better Sleep
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There is something slightly ridiculous about the modern bedroom.
We spend all day surrounded by notifications, emails, videos, advertisements and glowing rectangles—and then we bring the biggest collection of screens into the one room that’s supposed to help us switch off.
There’s the television.
The phone charger beside the bed.
The tablet.
The smartwatch.
Maybe a laptop sitting on a chair because, apparently, the bedroom has quietly become an office too.
Then we wonder why our brains don’t seem to understand that it’s bedtime.
This is where digital minimalism in interior design gets interesting.
You don’t necessarily need to redesign your entire bedroom or turn your home into a technology-free monastery. The idea is much simpler: make your bedroom a space with fewer visual and digital demands.
Think softer lighting, fewer objects, concealed technology, tactile materials and one very important rule:
Your phone doesn’t need to sleep next to you.
Here’s how to create a low-stimulation bedroom that feels calm without becoming boring.
Why Your Bedroom Can Feel Too Stimulating
A bedroom doesn’t just communicate through its furniture.
It communicates through light, color, sound, clutter and visual information.
A television with a standby light is technically tiny, but visually it’s still another source of technology.
A phone on the bedside table may be switched off, but your brain knows it’s there.
And that little charger cable?
It isn’t exactly creating a spa atmosphere.
The goal of a low-stimulation bedroom is to reduce these cues so the room feels associated with rest rather than activity.
This doesn’t mean every bedroom needs to be beige.
Far from it.
You can use color, artwork and personality. The trick is to avoid making every surface compete for your attention.
1. Make the Bedside Table a No-Phone Zone
This is probably the hardest change—and potentially the most useful.
For years, we’ve treated the bedside table like a charging station.
Phone.
Watch.
AirPods.
Charging cable.
Water bottle.
Random receipts.
Suddenly your supposedly calming nightstand looks like mission control.
Try moving your charging station across the room.
Your phone can still charge overnight. It just doesn’t need to be within arm’s reach.
Even better, use a traditional alarm clock.
An analog alarm clock or a simple digital clock without notifications removes one of the biggest arguments for keeping your smartphone beside the pillow.
And yes, you’ll probably reach for your phone automatically for the first few nights.
That’s the point.
You’re breaking the habit.
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2. Choose an Analog Alarm Clock That Actually Looks Good
If you’re going to ban the phone from your bedside, don’t replace it with something that looks like it belongs in an airport lounge.
Look for an alarm clock with a quiet visual presence.
A simple analog clock in wood, metal or matte ceramic can actually become part of the room’s design.
Shop the idea
BRAUN Classic Analog Alarm Clock — a clean, minimalist option with the kind of restrained design that works particularly well in Scandinavian and Japanese-inspired bedrooms.
The important thing isn’t the brand.
It’s the principle: your alarm clock should perform one job and nothing else.
No notifications.
No social media.
No weather rabbit holes at 6:47 a.m.
Just an alarm.
3. Hide the Television Instead of Fighting It
Let’s be realistic.
Not everyone wants to get rid of their television.
And you don’t have to.
The better design solution is to make technology visually disappear when you’re not using it.
A television can be concealed behind:
- Sliding cabinetry
- A wall panel
- Built-in millwork
- Curtains
- Artwork designed to cover the screen
- A frame-style television that displays artwork
This is especially effective in small bedrooms, where a large black screen can become the dominant visual object.
The goal isn’t to pretend technology doesn’t exist.
It’s to stop technology from being the first thing you see.
A clever alternative
Frame-style televisions can display artwork when they’re not being used.
That means your wall can read as art rather than electronics.
If you already own a compatible television, even a simple gallery-style screensaver can achieve a similar visual effect without buying new hardware.
That’s the more sustainable approach, anyway.
4. Replace Overhead Lighting With Layers
The giant ceiling light is one of the quickest ways to destroy a relaxing bedroom.
It’s bright.
It’s flat.
And it makes everything look like you’re waiting for a dentist appointment.
Instead, create layers.
Think:
Ambient + bedside + accent lighting.
A small table lamp provides localized warmth.
A wall sconce can create soft directional light.
A portable rechargeable lamp can move around the room depending on where you need it.
And when possible, choose warm bulbs rather than extremely cool white light.
The point is to make the room gradually quieter as the evening progresses.
You don’t want your bedroom to go from blazing ceiling light to complete darkness in three seconds.
You want a transition.
Halloween Decor: West Elm Halloween Decor 2026: Frankenstein vs. Retro Whimsy
5. Keep the Color Palette Calm—but Not Boring
Low stimulation doesn’t mean “everything must be white.”
In fact, an entirely white room can sometimes feel surprisingly stark.
Instead, use a restrained palette with a few warm, grounding colors.
Good options include:
- Warm cream
- Mushroom
- Soft brown
- Dusty sage
- Muted blue
- Warm gray
- Terracotta
- Deep olive
The Scandinavian approach is particularly useful here.
Instead of relying entirely on color for personality, Nordic interiors often use material variation.
Think linen beside oak.
Wool beside cotton.
Ceramic beside stone.
A textured rug underneath a simple bed.
The room remains visually calm while still feeling interesting.
6. Make Texture Do the Decorating
When you’re removing screens, gadgets and visual clutter, your bedroom can initially feel a little empty.
Don’t immediately fill the space with decorative objects.
Add texture instead.
A woven rug.
These materials create visual depth without requiring constant attention.
And there’s something inherently relaxing about tactile materials.
Your bedroom should invite you to touch things, not scroll things.
That’s a pretty good design rule.
7. Create a Dedicated “Digital Drop Zone”
If the phone can’t stay on your bedside table, where does it go?
Give it a home.
A small shelf or cabinet near the bedroom entrance can become your evening digital drop zone.
Put your phone there.
Leave your smartwatch there.
Charge your devices there.
Then walk away.
This tiny ritual creates a psychological boundary between the bedroom and the rest of your day.
You don’t have to rely entirely on willpower.
The room itself does some of the work.
8. Reduce Bedroom Clutter Without Making It Sterile
A low-stimulation room isn’t necessarily minimalist in the extreme.
You can have books.
Photographs.
Art.
Flowers.
Objects you’ve collected while traveling.
The difference is intentional placement.
Instead of twenty objects scattered across every surface, create a few visual groupings.
For example:
A ceramic vase + one branch + a small lamp.
Or:
Three books + a candle + a framed photograph.
Your eye can process the arrangement as a single composition instead of twenty separate things demanding attention.
That’s the difference between personality and visual noise.
9. Don’t Turn Your Bed Into an Office
This one sounds obvious until you realize how many people answer emails from under the duvet.
If possible, keep work outside the bedroom.
No laptop on the nightstand.
No paperwork stacked beside the bed.
No “I’ll just finish this one thing” at 11:30 p.m.
Your bedroom should have a very limited job description.
Sleep.
Rest.
Read.
Relax.
That’s it.
If you live in a studio apartment and don’t have the luxury of a separate office, use furniture or a curtain to visually divide your workspace from your sleeping area.
Even a small physical boundary can help create a mental one.
The Low-Stimulation Bedroom Shopping List
You don’t need to buy an entirely new bedroom to make this work.
Start with a few strategic pieces:
Analog alarm clock:
A simple BRAUN-style analog clock replaces the smartphone alarm without introducing another screen.Warm bedside lamp:
Look for a dimmable lamp with a warm bulb and a fabric, ceramic or opal-glass shade.Linen bedding:
Washed linen adds texture while keeping the overall room visually quiet.Wooden bedside table:
Oak or walnut can instantly make a room feel warmer than glossy white or metal furniture.Portable rechargeable lamp:
Something like the HAY PC Portable can be moved around without adding another cable to the room.Storage basket:
Use one for blankets, books or miscellaneous objects so surfaces stay clear.The idea isn’t to shop your way into better sleep.
It’s to use a handful of well-chosen objects to support a different behavior.
The Digital Cleansing Rule: Hide What You Don’t Need
Here’s the easiest way to remember all of this:
If it encourages you to interact, hide it.
Phone? Hide it.
Television? Conceal it.
Laptop? Remove it.
Charging cables? Put them away.
Notifications? Turn them off.
But if something helps you relax without demanding your attention, keep it.
A book.
A lamp.
A plant.
A piece of art.
A comfortable chair.
That’s the difference between minimalism and low stimulation.
You’re not trying to own as little as possible.
You’re trying to create a room that asks as little from you as possible.
The Bottom Line
The bedroom of the future might not be filled with more smart technology.
It might actually contain less.
As our homes become increasingly connected, there’s something luxurious about having one room where nothing is asking you to respond.
No notifications.
No emails.
No autoplay.
No glowing screen.
Just warm light, quiet materials, comfortable bedding and an alarm clock that has absolutely no idea what happened on TikTok today.
And honestly?
That sounds pretty good.
You don’t need to throw away your television or become completely anti-tech overnight. Start with one change: move the phone away from the bed.
Then dim the lights.
Clear the nightstand.
Hide the screens.
Make the bedroom feel like somewhere you go to disappear from the digital world for a few hours.
Because sometimes the most sophisticated thing you can add to a room is the thing you take away.
#bedroomDecorIdeas #betterSleepTips #blog #calmingBedroomDesign #cozyMinimalistStyle #DIY #HealthyLiving #interiorDesignForSleep #Lifestyle #lowStimulationBedroom #mentalHealth #mindfulHomeDesign #mindfulness #minimalistBedroom #peacefulBedroom #quietDesign #restfulSpaces #sensoryFriendlyDecor #sleepEnvironment #sleepHygiene #sleepWellness #sleepFriendlyLighting #soothingInteriors #Style -
**Personal Vault #015 — Subtitles**
I wanted to add Polish subtitles to movies and TV series in Personal Vault, but OpenSubtitles doesn't have Polish subtitles for everything in my library.
I could connect another subtitle service, but that would mean relying on yet another external provider.
So what's the alternative?
Transcribe the dialogue myself, translate it, and generate the subtitles locally.
Bingo! Or is it?
I decided to test the idea using **Whisper** for multilingual transcription and timestamps, and **NLLB-200** for translation. I sent Codex a prompt and left it installing components and running tests while I explored Mastodon.
Then I heard a sound coming from my laptop.
I only had Codex and three Firefox tabs open.
What on Earth is making THAT SOUND??
Then I remembered: Codex has a built-in browser.
I opened it.
**Codex was watching Tron.**
NOOOOO.
Of all the movies to let an AI coding agent watch...
Unfortunately, the choice wasn't much better. It was either **Tron** or **Terminator 2**.
Neither seems like responsible viewing material for an AI agent.
Codex was only testing the generated subtitles, but still...
I sincerely hope I haven't accidentally created the Master Control Program or Skynet. 😛
As for the experiment itself: technically, it worked.
The transcription and subtitle generation were surprisingly good. Translation was the weak point.
And that taught me something useful: **context is king**. Translating isolated subtitle lines is very different from understanding a conversation, a joke, a character, or what was said thirty seconds earlier. Without that context, even a very capable translation model can produce perfectly reasonable translations that are completely wrong for the scene.
So I'm calling the experiment a successful failure.
The idea works. The translation isn't good enough yet. I'll probably revisit it later.
Assuming Codex hasn't taken over the world by then.
#PersonalVault #DigitalIndependence #SelfHosting #Whisper #AI
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If Not Now, When? Meet the Aristocratic French Brothers Behind Prime Video’s Adventure Travel Series 100 Things To Do Before You Die
Travel is often about the places we visit — but increasingly, it’s about how we experience them. In a world of carefully curated itineraries and picture-perfect moments, French brothers Matthias and Bastien Cadéac d’Arbaud are taking a different approach: embracing the unpredictable, the unexpected and the moments that don’t go according to plan.
My Soho Times Arts Editor, Gillian Smith, sat down with the brothers during their London stopover for a chat about their new Prime Video adventure series 100 Things to Do Before You Die, their appetite for risk, and why sometimes the best experiences happen when you stop waiting for the “right” moment.
If you’re looking for an extreme travel show to enjoy from the safety of your sofa, I have to admit you’re pretty well covered across both broadcast and streaming services. But have you seen it all? Unless you’ve tuned into new Prime Video series 100 Things to Do Before You Die, I think not.
Much in the spirit of their fellow countryman Jules Verne, whose Victorian-era novel Around the World in 80 Days was groundbreaking for its time, brothers Matthias and Bastien Cadéac d’Arbaud have decided what’s needed is a whole new approach to the travel, adventure and risk business as seen on TV.
The number one attribute required? A shared funny bone (essential), along with a sense of the ridiculous and a willingness to put yourself in situations that most people would hesitate to embrace.
But then, when you’re in search of memorable experiences rather than perfectly curated moments, that’s the road you head down. Preferably with your brother — when you get on as well as these two clearly do.
So, in the same spirit of adventure and, as ever, in search of answers, MST caught up with Matthias and Bastien on a London stopover to find out just why they think life begins the moment you stop putting things off.
Q: First things first — who’s the older brother?
Matthias: You’re going to make one of us happy and one of us very sad. Technically… I’m the elder.
Q: Where did the idea for the series come from?
Bastien: One drink, then maybe a few more drinks… and we came around to the whole idea behind the show.
Matthias: We’d heard too many friends and colleagues saying, “I’ll do it later. Later in the day, the week, the month…” We kept thinking, “Come on, just wake up. You do it or you don’t do it.” Then one day we realised that was us — we were exactly the same!
Bastien: People put too many constraints on themselves, but they’re their own constraints. They’re always postponing stuff, when actually it’s pretty easy to get a plane ticket.
Q: How much of what we see on screen was planned?
Bastien: We had plans, but you can’t really know in advance what’s going to make a good sequence. Some things we prepared for days and dropped because they weren’t funny. Other things just happened.
When you see us on horseback, that wasn’t part of the original plan. We just randomly came across the opportunity. We took it, and it’s one of the key moments in the show. Very often, nothing is going to go as planned when you’re on the road.
Matthias: You organise as much as you can beforehand, but sometimes things don’t turn out exactly as expected — and that’s often for the best.
Q: Did filming live up to your expectations?
Matthias: It was funnier and more challenging than we expected.
Sometimes we were scared, but we do the stuff anyway. Otherwise, there’s no point. We always try to go further, go one better, to keep pushing.
But at the end of the day, the crew has to sleep! Honestly, if it were just Bastien and me with GoPros, we’d probably still be there.
Q: Your crew do seem pretty fearless too?
Bastien: They were! The core crew was French, plus we had an amazing wider team in the Philippines.
Q: So, they’re happy to jump out of a plane with you at a moment’s notice?
Bastien: Yes. Well… sometimes we had to push them. With no parachute (laughs), but with a camera. Always a camera.
Q: Has making the pilot made you want to pause and regroup?
Bastien: No. Not at all. We already have ten episodes lined up.
Matthias: The challenge now isn’t finding somewhere nobody’s been before, because there are hardly any places left off the map. The challenge is to do something no one else has done before — and to be more genuine, more authentic.
We want to spend more time with the people we film and show… more brotherhood, if you like.
Q: So, what makes the perfect destination?
Bastien: Since we want to do one country per episode, it needs enough contrast — urban life, wild places, more remote locations. We like aquatic activities… or deserts and plains. Wherever danger lurks!
Q: Have you always been adventurous?
Matthias: Maybe it comes from our parents. They always liked to give us a taste of new things.
Bastien: It’s not only about being adventurous. It’s about being interested in other people, meeting them where they live, experiencing their lives and then adding some adventures unique to the location.
Q: So, what was the story behind the “Sorry Mum” sign in the helicopter?
Matthias: Because if you met our mum… after all that, she’s not actually that adventurous!
Beyond the adventure
At its core, 100 Things to Do Before You Die is less about ticking experiences off a list and more about embracing curiosity, uncertainty and the unexpected moments that make journeys memorable.
In a world where travel is increasingly documented before it’s experienced, Matthias and Bastien’s message is simple: sometimes the best stories happen when you stop waiting and start doing.
Over to you… What’s on your list?
Screenshot100 Things to Do Before You Die is now streaming on Prime Video
Written by Gillian Smith, Arts Editor @mysohotimes | Images Courtesy of Matthias and Bastien Cadéac d’Arbaud
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Processing… Success! You're on the list. Whoops! There was an error and we couldn't process your subscription. Please reload the page and try again. #100ThingsToDoBeforeYouDie #adventure #AdventureTravel #AdventureTravelShow #asia #BastienCadéacDArbaud #BucketListTravel #CulturalExperiences #ExtremeTravel #GillianSmith #MatthiasCadéacDArbaud #Philippines #PhilippinesTravel #PrimeVideo #ThingsToDoBeforeYouDie #Travel #TravelCulture #TravelDocumentary #TravelInspiration #TravelSeries #TravelShow -
@inyourbits On the topic of "vibe coding" I wasn't referring to the LLM'ing of the fixes but the general quality of the SW that needs to be fixed, independent of whether said piece of software was completely manually crafted or LLM'd to some degree.
I do agree that an LLM'd fix that passes some threshold for quality certainly is better than no fix at all.
Generally I'm of the opinion that just like the CI pipelines and QA tools that enabled some sanity in the manual crafted software age, we'll need the same just at larger scale, more tightly integrated into the LLM loops for all the usual QA topics to achieve the same level of sanity under the scale and speed of LLM-assisted software creation.
Together with the advent of more capable, cheaper models such instrumentation might even raise the bar.
Over time, the use of the resulting better SW being used/copied by the LLMs this might even create a useful feedback loop. A possible counterpoint to LLM-dementia if you will.All the LSPs, plugins/hooks for OpenGrep, SonarQube, OSV etc are a good start.
If we get similar hooks that will enforce the most common issues around the various OWASP top lists etc. this might be part of the way to raise the bar. And as always: Enforcement not as prompt but, just like the build breaker in a CI, as technically hardened gate.
#LLM #QA #softwareengineering #aiassisted #owasp #sonarqube #opengrep #raisingthebar
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CW: Fedi meta
no wait im on wafrn. I need to use the power of tags
#According-to-all-known-laws-of-aviation #there-is-no-way-a-bee-should-be-able-to-fly.-Its-wings-are-too-small-to-get-its-fat-little-body-off-the-ground.-The-bee #of-course #flies-anyway-because-bees-don't-care-what-humans-think-is-impossible.-Yellow #black.-Yellow #black.-Yellow #black.-Yellow #black.-Ooh #black-and-yellow!-Let's-shake-it-up-a-little.-Barry!-Breakfast-is-ready!-Coming!-Hang-on-a-second.-Hello?-Barry?-Adam?-Can-you-believe-this-is-happening?-I-can't.-I'll-pick-you-up.-Looking-sharp.-Use-the-stairs #Your-father-paid-good-money-for-those.-Sorry.-I'm-excited.-Here's-the-graduate.-We're-very-proud-of-you #son.-A-perfect-report-card #all-B's.-Very-proud.-Ma!-I-got-a-thing-going-here.-You-got-lint-on-your-fuzz.-Ow!-That's-me!-Wave-to-us!-We'll-be-in-row-118 #000.-Bye!-Barry #I-told-you #stop-flying-in-the-house!-Hey #Adam.-Hey #Barry.-Is-that-fuzz-gel?-A-little.-Special-day #graduation.-Never-thought-I'd-make-it.-Three-days-grade-school #three-days-high-school.-Those-were-awkward.-Three-days-college.-I'm-glad-I-took-a-day-and-hitchhiked-around-The-Hive.-You-did-come-back-different.-Hi #Barry.-Artie #growing-a-mustache?-Looks-good.-Hear-about-Frankie?-Yeah.-You-going-to-the-funeral?-No #I'm-not-going.-Everybody-knows #sting-someone #you-die.-Don't-waste-it-on-a-squirrel.-Such-a-hothead.-I-guess-he-could-have-just-gotten-out-of-the-way.-I-love-this-incorporating-an-amusement-park-into-our-day.-That's-why-we-don't-need-vacations.-Boy #quite-a-bit-of-pomp-under-the-circumstances.-Well #Adam #today-we-are-men.-We-are!-Bee-men.-Amen!-Hallelujah!-Students #faculty #distinguished-bees #please-welcome-Dean-Buzzwell.-Welcome #New-Hive-City-graduating-class-of-9:15.-That-concludes-our-ceremonies-And-begins-your-career-at-Honex-Industries!-Will-we-pick-our-job-today?-I-heard-it's-just-orientation.-Heads-up!-Here-we-go.-Keep-your-hands-and-antennas-inside-the-tram-at-all-times.-Wonder-what-it'll-be-like?-A-little-scary.-Welcome-to-Honex #a-division-of-Honesco-and-a-part-of-the-Hexagon-Group.-This-is-it!-Wow.-Wow.-We-know-that-you #as-a-bee #have-worked-your-whole-life-to-get-to-the-point-where-you-can-work-for-your-whole-life.-Honey-begins-when-our-valiant-Pollen-Jocks-bring-the-nectar-to-The-Hive.-Our-top-secret-formula-is-automatically-color-corrected #scent-adjusted-and-bubble-contoured-into-this-soothing-sweet-syrup-with-its-distinctive-golden-glow-you-know-as...-Honey!-That-girl-was-hot.-She's-my-cousin!-She-is?-Yes #we're-all-cousins.-Right.-You're-right.-At-Honex #we-constantly-strive-to-improve-every-aspect-of-bee-existence.-These-bees-are-stress-testing-a-new-helmet-technology.-What-do-you-think-he-makes?-Not-enough.-Here-we-have-our-latest-advancement #the-Krelman.-What-does-that-do?-Catches-that-little-strand-of-honey-that-hangs-after-you-pour-it.-Saves-us-millions.-Can-anyone-work-on-the-Krelman?-Of-course.-Most-bee-jobs-are-small-ones.-But-bees-know-that-every-small-job #if-it's-done-well #means-a-lot.-But-choose-carefully-because-you'll-stay-in-the-job-you-pick-for-the-rest-of-your-life.-The-same-job-the-rest-of-your-life?-I-didn't-know-that.-What's-the-difference?-You'll-be-happy-to-know-that-bees #as-a-species #haven't-had-one-day-off-in-27-million-years.-So-you'll-just-work-us-to-death?-We'll-sure-try.-Wow!-That-blew-my-mind!-'What's-the-difference?'-How-can-you-say-that?-One-job-forever?-That's-an-insane-choice-to-have-to-make.-I'm-relieved.-Now-we-only-have-to-make-one-decision-in-life.-But #Adam #how-could-they-never-have-told-us-that?-Why-would-you-question-anything?-We're-bees.-We're-the-most-perfectly-functioning-society-on-Earth.-You-ever-think-maybe-things-work-a-little-too-well-here?-Like-what?-Give-me-one-example.-I-don't-know.-But-you-know-what-I'm-talking-about.-Please-clear-the-gate.-Royal-Nectar-Force-on-approach.-Wait-a-second.-Check-it-out.-Hey #those-are-Pollen-Jocks!-Wow.-I've-never-seen-them-this-close.-They-know-what-it's-like-outside-The-Hive.-Yeah #but-some-don't-come-back.-Hey #Jocks!-Hi #Jocks!-You-guys-did-great!-You're-monsters!-You're-sky-freaks!-I-love-it!-I-love-it!-I-wonder-where-they-were.-I-don't-know.-Their-day's-not-planned.-Outside-The-Hive #flying-who-knows-where #doing-who-knows-what.-You-can't-just-decide-to-be-a-Pollen-Jock.-You-have-to-be-bred-for-that.-Right.-Look.-That's-more-pollen-than-you-and-I-will-see-in-a-lifetime.-It's-just-a-status-symbol.-Bees-make-too-much-of-it.-Perhaps.-Unless-you're-wearing-it-and-the-ladies-see-you-wearing-it.-Those-ladies?-Aren't-they-our-cousins-too?-Distant.-Distant.-Look-at-these-two.-Couple-of-Hive-Harrys.-Let's-have-fun-with-them.-It-must-be-dangerous-being-a-Pollen-Jock.-Yeah.-Once-a-bear-pinned-me-against-a-mushroom!-He-had-a-paw-on-my-throat #and-with-the-other #he-was-slapping-me!-Oh #my!-I-never-thought-I'd-knock-him-out.-What-were-you-doing-during-this?-Trying-to-alert-the-authorities.-I-can-autograph-that.-A-little-gusty-out-there-today #wasn't-it #comrades?-Yeah.-Gusty.-We're-hitting-a-sunflower-patch-six-miles-from-here-tomorrow.-Six-miles #huh?-Barry!-A-puddle-jump-for-us #but-maybe-you're-not-up-for-it.-Maybe-I-am.-You-are-not!-We're-going-0900-at-J-Gate.-What-do-you-think #buzzy-boy?-Are-you-bee-enough?-I-might-be.-It-all-depends-on-what-0900-means.-Hey #Honex!-Dad #you-surprised-me.-You-decide-what-you're-interested-in?-Well #there's-a-lot-of-choices.-But-you-only-get-one.-Do-you-ever-get-bored-doing-the-same-job-every-day?-Son #let-me-tell-you-about-stirring.-You-grab-that-stick #and-you-just-move-it-around #and-you-stir-it-around.-You-get-yourself-into-a-rhythm.-It's-a-beautiful-thing.-You-know #Dad #the-more-I-think-about-it #maybe-the-honey-field-just-isn't-right-for-me.-You-were-thinking-of-what #making-balloon-animals?-That's-a-bad-job-for-a-guy-with-a-stinger.-Janet #your-son's-not-sure-he-wants-to-go-into-honey!-Barry #you-are-so-funny-sometimes.-I'm-not-trying-to-be-funny.-You're-not-funny!-You're-going-into-honey.-Our-son #the-stirrer!-You're-gonna-be-a-stirrer?-No-one's-listening-to-me!-Wait-till-you-see-the-sticks-I-have.-I-could-say-anything-right-now.-I'm-gonna-get-an-ant-tattoo!-Let's-open-some-honey-and-celebrate!-Maybe-I'll-pierce-my-thorax.-Shave-my-antennae.-Shack-up-with-a-grasshopper.-Get-a-gold-tooth-and-call-everybody-'dawg'!-I'm-so-proud.-We're-starting-work-today!-Today's-the-day.-Come-on!-All-the-good-jobs-will-be-gone.-Yeah #right.-Pollen-counting #stunt-bee #pouring #stirrer #front-desk #hair-removal...-Is-it-still-available?-Hang-on.-Two-left!-One-of-them's-yours!-Congratulations!-Step-to-the-side.-What'd-you-get?-Picking-crud-out.-Stellar!-Wow!-Couple-of-newbies?-Yes #sir!-Our-first-day!-We-are-ready!-Make-your-choice.-You-want-to-go-first?-No #you-go.-Oh #my.-What's-available?-Restroom-attendant's-open #not-for-the-reason-you-think.-Any-chance-of-getting-the-Krelman?-Sure #you're-on.-I'm-sorry #the-Krelman-just-closed-out.-Wax-monkey's-always-open.-The-Krelman-opened-up-again.-What-happened?-A-bee-died.-Makes-an-opening.-See?-He's-dead.-Another-dead-one.-Deady.-Deadified.-Two-more-dead.-Dead-from-the-neck-up.-Dead-from-the-neck-down.-That's-life!-Oh #this-is-so-hard!-Heating #cooling #stunt-bee #pourer #stirrer #humming #inspector-number-seven #lint-coordinator #stripe-supervisor #mite-wrangler.-Barry #what-do-you-think-I-should...-Barry?-Barry!-All-right #we've-got-the-sunflower-patch-in-quadrant-nine...-What-happened-to-you?-Where-are-you?-I'm-going-out.-Out?-Out-where?-Out-there.-Oh #no!-I-have-to #before-I-go-to-work-for-the-rest-of-my-life.-You're-gonna-die!-You're-crazy!-Hello?-Another-call-coming-in.-If-anyone's-feeling-brave #there's-a-Korean-deli-on-83rd-that-gets-their-roses-today.-Hey #guys.-Look-at-that.-Isn't-that-the-kid-we-saw-yesterday?-Hold-it #son #flight-deck's-restricted.-It's-OK #Lou.-We're-gonna-take-him-up.-Really?-Feeling-lucky #are-you?-Sign-here #here.-Just-initial-that.-Thank-you.-OK.-You-got-a-rain-advisory-today #and-as-you-all-know #bees-cannot-fly-in-rain.-So-be-careful.-As-always #watch-your-brooms #hockey-sticks #dogs #birds #bears-and-bats.-Also #I-got-a-couple-of-reports-of-root-beer-being-poured-on-us.-Murphy's-in-a-home-because-of-it #babbling-like-a-cicada!-That's-awful.-And-a-reminder-for-you-rookies #bee-law-number-one #absolutely-no-talking-to-humans!--All-right #launch-positions!-Buzz #buzz #buzz #buzz!-Buzz #buzz #buzz #buzz!-Buzz #buzz #buzz #buzz!-Black-and-yellow!-Hello!-You-ready-for-this #hot-shot?-Yeah.-Yeah #bring-it-on.-Wind #check.-Antennae #check.-Nectar-pack #check.-Wings #check.-Stinger #check.-Scared-out-of-my-shorts #check.-OK #ladies #let's-move-it-out!-Pound-those-petunias #you-striped-stem-suckers!-All-of-you #drain-those-flowers!-Wow!-I'm-out!-I-can't-believe-I'm-out!-So-blue.-I-feel-so-fast-and-free!-Box-kite!-Wow!-Flowers!-This-is-Blue-Leader #We-have-roses-visual.-Bring-it-around-30-degrees-and-hold.-Roses!-30-degrees #roger.-Bringing-it-around.-Stand-to-the-side #kid.-It's-got-a-bit-of-a-kick.-That-is-one-nectar-collector!-Ever-see-pollination-up-close?-No #sir.-I-pick-up-some-pollen-here #sprinkle-it-over-here.-Maybe-a-dash-over-there #a-pinch-on-that-one.-See-that?-It's-a-little-bit-of-magic.-That's-amazing.-Why-do-we-do-that?-That's-pollen-power.-More-pollen #more-flowers #more-nectar #more-honey-for-us.-Cool.-I'm-picking-up-a-lot-of-bright-yellow #Could-be-daisies #Don't-we-need-those?-Copy-that-visual.-Wait.-One-of-these-flowers-seems-to-be-on-the-move.-Say-again?-You're-reporting-a-moving-flower?-Affirmative.-That-was-on-the-line!-This-is-the-coolest.-What-is-it?-I-don't-know #but-I'm-loving-this-color.-It-smells-good.-Not-like-a-flower #but-I-like-it.-Yeah #fuzzy.-Chemical-y.-Careful #guys.-It's-a-little-grabby.-My-sweet-lord-of-bees!-Candy-brain #get-off-there!-Problem!-Guys!-This-could-be-bad.-Affirmative.-Very-close.-Gonna-hurt.-Mama's-little-boy.-You-are-way-out-of-position #rookie!-Coming-in-at-you-like-a-missile!-Help-me!-I-don't-think-these-are-flowers.-Should-we-tell-him?-I-think-he-knows.-What-is-this?!-Match-point!-You-can-start-packing-up #honey #because-you're-about-to-eat-it!-Yowser!-Gross.-There's-a-bee-in-the-car!-Do-something!-I'm-driving!-Hi #bee.-He's-back-here!-He's-going-to-sting-me!-Nobody-move.-If-you-don't-move #he-won't-sting-you.-Freeze!-He-blinked!-Spray-him #Granny!-What-are-you-doing?!-Wow...-the-tension-level-out-here-is-unbelievable.-I-gotta-get-home.-Can't-fly-in-rain.-Can't-fly-in-rain.-Can't-fly-in-rain.-Mayday!-Mayday!-Bee-going-down!-Ken #could-you-close-the-window-please?-Ken #could-you-close-the-window-please?-Check-out-my-new-resume.-I-made-it-into-a-fold-out-brochure.-You-see?-Folds-out.-Oh #no.-More-humans.-I-don't-need-this.-What-was-that?-Maybe-this-time.-This-time.-This-time.-This-time!-This-time!-This...-Drapes!-That-is-diabolical.-It's-fantastic.-It's-got-all-my-special-skills #even-my-top-ten-favorite-movies.-What's-number-one?-Star-Wars?-Nah #I-don't-go-for-that...-kind-of-stuff.-No-wonder-we-shouldn't-talk-to-them.-They're-out-of-their-minds.-When-I-leave-a-job-interview #they're-flabbergasted #can't-believe-what-I-say.-There's-the-sun.-Maybe-that's-a-way-out.-I-don't-remember-the-sun-having-a-big-75-on-it.-I-predicted-global-warming.-I-could-feel-it-getting-hotter.-At-first-I-thought-it-was-just-me.-Wait!-Stop!-Bee!-Stand-back.-These-are-winter-boots.-Wait!-Don't-kill-him!-You-know-I'm-allergic-to-them!-This-thing-could-kill-me!-Why-does-his-life-have-less-value-than-yours?-Why-does-his-life-have-any-less-value-than-mine?-Is-that-your-statement?-I'm-just-saying-all-life-has-value.-You-don't-know-what-he's-capable-of-feeling.-My-brochure!-There-you-go #little-guy.-I'm-not-scared-of-him.It's-an-allergic-thing.--Put-that-on-your-resume-brochure.-My-whole-face-could-puff-up.-Make-it-one-of-your-special-skills.-Knocking-someone-out-is-also-a-special-skill.-Right.-Bye #Vanessa.-Thanks.-Vanessa #next-week?-Yogurt-night?-Sure #Ken.-You-know #whatever.-You-could-put-carob-chips-on-there.-Bye.-Supposed-to-be-less-calories.-Bye.-I-gotta-say-something.-She-saved-my-life.-I-gotta-say-something.-All-right #here-it-goes.-Nah.-What-would-I-say?-I-could-really-get-in-trouble.-It's-a-bee-law.-You're-not-supposed-to-talk-to-a-human.-I-can't-believe-I'm-doing-this.-I've-got-to.-Oh #I-can't-do-it.-Come-on!-No.-Yes.-No.-Do-it.-I-can't.-How-should-I-start-it?-'You-like-jazz?'-No #that's-no-good.-Here-she-comes!-Speak #you-fool!-Hi!-I'm-sorry.-You're-talking.-Yes #I-know.-You're-talking!-I'm-so-sorry.-No #it's-OK.-It's-fine.-I-know-I'm-dreaming.-But-I-don't-recall-going-to-bed.-Well #I'm-sure-this-is-very-disconcerting.-This-is-a-bit-of-a-surprise-to-me.-I-mean #you're-a-bee!-I-am.-And-I'm-not-supposed-to-be-doing-this #Barry?-It's-pretty-big #but-they-were-all-trying-to-kill-me.-And-if-it-wasn't-for-you...-I-had-to-thank-you.-It's-just-how-I-was-raised.-That-was-a-little-weird.-I'm-talking-with-a-bee.-Yeah.-I'm-talking-to-a-bee.-And-the-bee-is-talking-to-me!-I-just-want-to-say-I'm-grateful.-I'll-leave-now.-Wait!-How-did-you-learn-to-do-that?-What?-The-talking-thing.-Same-way-you-did #I-guess.-'Mama #Dada #honey.'-You-pick-it-up.-That's-very-funny.-Yeah.-Bees-are-funny.-If-we-didn't-laugh #we'd-cry-with-what-we-have-to-deal-with.-Anyway...-Can-I...-get-you-something?-Like-what?-I-don't-know.-I-mean...-I-don't-know.-Coffee?-I-don't-want-to-put-you-out.-It's-no-trouble.-It-takes-two-minutes.-It's-just-coffee.-I-hate-to-impose.-Don't-be-ridiculous!-Actually #I-would-love-a-cup.-Hey #you-want-rum-cake?-I-shouldn't.-Have-some.-No #I-can't.-Come-on!-I'm-trying-to-lose-a-couple-micrograms.-Where?-These-stripes-don't-help.-You-look-great!-I-don't-know-if-you-know-anything-about-fashion.-Are-you-all-right?-No.-He's-making-the-tie-in-the-cab-as-they're-flying-up-Madison.-He-finally-gets-there.-He-runs-up-the-steps-into-the-church.-The-wedding-is-on.-And-he-says #'Watermelon?-I-thought-you-said-Guatemalan.-Why-would-I-marry-a-watermelon?'-Is-that-a-bee-joke?-That's-the-kind-of-stuff-we-do.-Yeah #different.-So #what-are-you-gonna-do #Barry?-About-work?-I-don't-know.-I-want-to-do-my-part-for-The-Hive #but-I-can't-do-it-the-way-they-want.-I-know-how-you-feel.-You-do?-Sure.-My-parents-wanted-me-to-be-a-lawyer-or-a-doctor #but-I-wanted-to-be-a-florist.-Really?-My-only-interest-is-flowers.-Our-new-queen-was-just-elected-with-that-same-campaign-slogan.-Anyway #if-you-look...-There's-my-hive-right-there.-See-it?-You're-in-Sheep-Meadow!-Yes!-I'm-right-off-the-Turtle-Pond!-No-way!-I-know-that-area.-I-lost-a-toe-ring-there-once.-Why-do-girls-put-rings-on-their-toes?-Why-not?-It's-like-putting-a-hat-on-your-knee.-Maybe-I'll-try-that.-You-all-right #ma'am?-Oh #yeah.-Fine.-Just-having-two-cups-of-coffee!-Anyway #this-has-been-great.-Thanks-for-the-coffee.-Yeah #it's-no-trouble.-Sorry-I-couldn't-finish-it.-If-I-did #I'd-be-up-the-rest-of-my-life.-Are-you...?-Can-I-take-a-piece-of-this-with-me?-Sure!-Here #have-a-crumb.-Thanks!-Yeah.-All-right.-Well #then...-I-guess-I'll-see-you-around.-Or-not.-OK #Barry.-And-thank-you-so-much-again...-for-before.-Oh #that?-That-was-nothing.-Well #not-nothing #but...-Anyway...-This-can't-possibly-work.-He's-all-set-to-go.-We-may-as-well-try-it.-OK #Dave #pull-the-chute.-Sounds-amazing.-It-was-amazing!-It-was-the-scariest #happiest-moment-of-my-life.-Humans!-I-can't-believe-you-were-with-humans!-Giant #scary-humans!-What-were-they-like?-Huge-and-crazy.-They-talk-crazy.-They-eat-crazy-giant-things.-They-drive-crazy.-Do-they-try-and-kill-you #like-on-TV?-Some-of-them.-But-some-of-them-don't.-How'd-you-get-back?-Poodle.-You-did-it #and-I'm-glad.-You-saw-whatever-you-wanted-to-see.-You-had-your-'experience.'-Now-you-can-pick-out-yourjob-and-be-normal.-Well...-Well?-Well #I-met-someone.-You-did?-Was-she-Bee-ish?-A-wasp?!-Your-parents-will-kill-you!-No #no #no #not-a-wasp.-Spider?-I'm-not-attracted-to-spiders.-I-know-it's-the-hottest-thing #with-the-eight-legs-and-all.-I-can't-get-by-that-face.-So-who-is-she?-She's...-human.-No #no.-That's-a-bee-law.-You-wouldn't-break-a-bee-law.-Her-name's-Vanessa.-Oh #boy.-She's-so-nice.-And-she's-a-florist!-Oh #no!-You're-dating-a-human-florist!-We're-not-dating.-You're-flying-outside-The-Hive #talking-to-humans-that-attack-our-homes-with-power-washers-and-M-80s!-One-eighth-a-stick-of-dynamite!-She-saved-my-life!-And-she-understands-me.-This-is-over!-Eat-this.-This-is-not-over!-What-was-that?-They-call-it-a-crumb.-It-was-so-stingin'-stripey!-And-that's-not-what-they-eat.-That's-what-falls-off-what-they-eat!-You-know-what-a-Cinnabon-is?-No.-It's-bread-and-cinnamon-and-frosting.-They-heat-it-up...-Sit-down!-...really-hot!-Listen-to-me!-We-are-not-them!-We're-us.-There's-us-and-there's-them!-Yes #but-who-can-deny-the-heart-that-is-yearning?-There's-no-yearning.-Stop-yearning.-Listen-to-me!-You-have-got-to-start-thinking-bee #my-friend.-Thinking-bee!-Thinking-bee.-Thinking-bee.-Thinking-bee!-Thinking-bee!-Thinking-bee!-Thinking-bee!-There-he-is.-He's-in-the-pool.-You-know-what-your-problem-is #Barry?-I-gotta-start-thinking-bee?-How-much-longer-will-this-go-on?-It's-been-three-days!-Why-aren't-you-working?-I've-got-a-lot-of-big-life-decisions-to-think-about.-What-life?-You-have-no-life!-You-have-no-job.-You're-barely-a-bee!-Would-it-kill-you-to-make-a-little-honey?-Barry #come-out.-Your-father's-talking-to-you.-Martin #would-you-talk-to-him?-Barry #I'm-talking-to-you!-You-coming?-Got-everything?-All-set!-Go-ahead.-I'll-catch-up.-Don't-be-too-long.-Watch-this!-Vanessa!-We're-still-here.-I-told-you-not-to-yell-at-him.-He-doesn't-respond-to-yelling!-Then-why-yell-at-me?-Because-you-don't-listen!-I'm-not-listening-to-this.-Sorry #I've-gotta-go.-Where-are-you-going?-I'm-meeting-a-friend.-A-girl?-Is-this-why-you-can't-decide?-Bye.-I-just-hope-she's-Bee-ish.-They-have-a-huge-parade-of-flowers-every-year-in-Pasadena?-To-be-in-the-Tournament-of-Roses #that's-every-florist's-dream!-Up-on-a-float #surrounded-by-flowers #crowds-cheering.-A-tournament.-Do-the-roses-compete-in-athletic-events?-No.-All-right #I've-got-one.-How-come-you-don't-fly-everywhere?-It's-exhausting.-Why-don't-you-run-everywhere?-It's-faster.-Yeah #OK #I-see #I-see.-All-right #your-turn.-TiVo.-You-can-just-freeze-live-TV?-That's-insane!-You-don't-have-that?-We-have-Hivo #but-it's-a-disease.-It's-a-horrible #horrible-disease.-Oh #my.-Dumb-bees!-You-must-want-to-sting-all-those-jerks.-We-try-not-to-sting.-It's-usually-fatal-for-us.-So-you-have-to-watch-your-temper.-Very-carefully.-You-kick-a-wall #take-a-walk #write-an-angry-letter-and-throw-it-out.-Work-through-it-like-any-emotion:-Anger #jealousy #lust.-Oh #my-goodness!-Are-you-OK?-Yeah.-What-is-wrong-with-you?!-It's-a-bug.-He's-not-bothering-anybody.-Get-out-of-here #you-creep!-What-was-that?-A-Pic-'N'-Save-circular?-Yeah #it-was.-How-did-you-know?-It-felt-like-about-10-pages.-Seventy-five-is-pretty-much-our-limit.-You've-really-got-that-down-to-a-science.-I-lost-a-cousin-to-Italian-Vogue.-I'll-bet.-What-in-the-name-of-Mighty-Hercules-is-this?-How-did-this-get-here?-cute-Bee #Golden-Blossom #Ray-Liotta-Private-Select?-Is-he-that-actor?-I-never-heard-of-him.-Why-is-this-here?-For-people.-We-eat-it.-You-don't-have-enough-food-of-your-own?-Well #yes.-How-do-you-get-it?-Bees-make-it.-I-know-who-makes-it!-And-it's-hard-to-make-it!-There's-heating #cooling #stirring.-You-need-a-whole-Krelman-thing!-It's-organic.-It's-our-ganic!-It's-just-honey #Barry.-Just-what?!-Bees-don't-know-about-this!-This-is-stealing!-A-lot-of-stealing!-You've-taken-our-homes #schools #hospitals!-This-is-all-we-have!-And-it's-on-sale?!-I'm-getting-to-the-bottom-of-this.-I'm-getting-to-the-bottom-of-all-of-this!-Hey #Hector.-You-almost-done?-Almost.-He-is-here.-I-sense-it.-Well #I-guess-I'll-go-home-now-and-just-leave-this-nice-honey-out #with-no-one-around.-You're-busted #box-boy!-I-knew-I-heard-something.-So-you-can-talk!-I-can-talk.-And-now-you'll-start-talking!-Where-you-getting-the-sweet-stuff?-Who's-your-supplier?-I-don't-understand.-I-thought-we-were-friends.-The-last-thing-we-want-to-do-is-upset-bees!-You're-too-late!-It's-ours-now!-You #sir #have-crossed-the-wrong-sword!-You #sir #will-be-lunch-for-my-iguana #Ignacio!-Where-is-the-honey-coming-from?-Tell-me-where!-Honey-Farms!-It-comes-from-Honey-Farms!-Crazy-person!-What-horrible-thing-has-happened-here?-These-faces #they-never-knew-what-hit-them.-And-now-they're-on-the-road-to-nowhere!-Just-keep-still.-What?-You're-not-dead?-Do-I-look-dead?-They-will-wipe-anything-that-moves.-Where-you-headed?-To-Honey-Farms.-I-am-onto-something-huge-here.-I'm-going-to-Alaska.-Moose-blood #crazy-stuff.-Blows-your-head-off!-I'm-going-to-Tacoma.-And-you?-He-really-is-dead.-All-right.-Uh-oh!-What-is-that?!-Oh #no!-A-wiper!-Triple-blade!-Triple-blade?-Jump-on!-It's-your-only-chance #bee!-Why-does-everything-have-to-be-so-doggone-clean?!-How-much-do-you-people-need-to-see?!-Open-your-eyes!-Stick-your-head-out-the-window!-From-NPR-News-in-Washington #I'm-Carl-Kasell.-But-don't-kill-no-more-bugs!-Bee!-Moose-blood-guy!!-You-hear-something?-Like-what?-Like-tiny-screaming.-Turn-off-the-radio.-Whassup #bee-boy?-Hey #Blood.-Just-a-row-of-honey-jars #as-far-as-the-eye-could-see.-Wow!-I-assume-wherever-this-truck-goes-is-where-they're-getting-it.-I-mean #that-honey's-ours.-Bees-hang-tight.-We're-all-jammed-in.-It's-a-close-community.-Not-us #man.-We-on-our-own.-Every-mosquito-on-his-own.-What-if-you-get-in-trouble?-You-a-mosquito #you-in-trouble.-Nobody-likes-us.-They-just-smack.-See-a-mosquito #smack #smack!-At-least-you're-out-in-the-world.-You-must-meet-girls.-Mosquito-girls-try-to-trade-up #get-with-a-moth #dragonfly.-Mosquito-girl-don't-want-no-mosquito.-You-got-to-be-kidding-me!-Mooseblood's-about-to-leave-the-building!-So-long #bee!-Hey #guys!-Mooseblood!-I-knew-I'd-catch-y'all-down-here.-Did-you-bring-your-crazy-straw?-We-throw-it-in-jars #slap-a-label-on-it #and-it's-pretty-much-pure-profit.-What-is-this-place?-A-bee's-got-a-brain-the-size-of-a-pinhead.-They-are-pinheads!-Pinhead.-Check-out-the-new-smoker.-Oh #sweet.-That's-the-one-you-want.-The-Thomas-3000!-Smoker?-Ninety-puffs-a-minute #semi-automatic.-Twice-the-nicotine #all-the-tar.-A-couple-breaths-of-this-knocks-them-right-out.-They-make-the-honey #and-we-make-the-money.-'They-make-the-honey #and-we-make-the-money'?-Oh #my!-What's-going-on?-Are-you-OK?-Yeah.-It-doesn't-last-too-long.-Do-you-know-you're-in-a-fake-hive-with-fake-walls?-Our-queen-was-moved-here.-We-had-no-choice.-This-is-your-queen?-That's-a-man-in-women's-clothes!-That's-a-drag-queen!-What-is-this?-Oh #no!-There's-hundreds-of-them!-Bee-honey.-Our-honey-is-being-brazenly-stolen-on-a-massive-scale!-This-is-worse-than-anything-bears-have-done!-I-intend-to-do-something.-Oh #Barry #stop.-Who-told-you-humans-are-taking-our-honey?-That's-a-rumor.-Do-these-look-like-rumors?-That's-a-conspiracy-theory.-These-are-obviously-doctored-photos.-How-did-you-get-mixed-up-in-this?-He's-been-talking-to-humans.-What?-Talking-to-humans?!-He-has-a-human-girlfriend.-And-they-make-out!-Make-out?-Barry!-We-do-not.-You-wish-you-could.-Whose-side-are-you-on?-The-bees!-I-dated-a-cricket-once-in-San-Antonio.-Those-crazy-legs-kept-me-up-all-night.-Barry #this-is-what-you-want-to-do-with-your-life?-I-want-to-do-it-for-all-our-lives.-Nobody-works-harder-than-bees!-Dad #I-remember-you-coming-home-so-overworked-your-hands-were-still-stirring.-You-couldn't-stop.-I-remember-that.-What-right-do-they-have-to-our-honey?-We-live-on-two-cups-a-year.-They-put-it-in-lip-balm-for-no-reason-whatsoever!-Even-if-it's-true #what-can-one-bee-do?-Sting-them-where-it-really-hurts.-In-the-face!-The-eye!-That-would-hurt.-No.-Up-the-nose?-That's-a-killer.-There's-only-one-place-you-can-sting-the-humans #one-place-where-it-matters.-Hive-at-Five #The-Hive's-only-full-hour-action-news-source.-No-more-bee-beards!-With-Bob-Bumble-at-the-anchor-desk.-Weather-with-Storm-Stinger.-Sports-with-Buzz-Larvi.-And-Jeanette-Chung.-Good-evening.-I'm-Bob-Bumble.-And-I'm-Jeanette-Ohung.-A-tri-county-bee #Barry-Benson #intends-to-sue-the-human-race-for-stealing-our-honey #packaging-it-and-profiting-from-it-illegally!-Tomorrow-night-on-Bee-Larry-King #we'll-have-three-former-queens-here-in-our-studio #discussing-their-new-book #classy-Ladies #out-this-week-on-Hexagon.-Tonight-we're-talking-to-Barry-Benson.-Did-you-ever-think #'I'm-a-kid-from-The-Hive.-I-can't-do-this'?-Bees-have-never-been-afraid-to-change-the-world.-What-about-Bee-Oolumbus?-Bee-Gandhi?-Bejesus?-Where-I'm-from #we'd-never-sue-humans.-We-were-thinking-of-stickball-or-candy-stores.-How-old-are-you?-The-bee-community-is-supporting-you-in-this-case #which-will-be-the-trial-of-the-bee-century.-You-know #they-have-a-Larry-King-in-the-human-world-too.-It's-a-common-name.-Next-week...-He-looks-like-you-and-has-a-show-and-suspenders-and-colored-dots...-Next-week...-Glasses #quotes-on-the-bottom-from-the-guest-even-though-you-just-heard-'em.-Bear-Week-next-week!-They're-scary #hairy-and-here-live.-Always-leans-forward #pointy-shoulders #squinty-eyes #very-Jewish.-In-tennis #you-attack-at-the-point-of-weakness!-It-was-my-grandmother #Ken.-She's-81.-Honey #her-backhand's-a-joke!-I'm-not-gonna-take-advantage-of-that?-Quiet #please.-Actual-work-going-on-here.-Is-that-that-same-bee?-Yes #it-is!-I'm-helping-him-sue-the-human-race.-Hello.-Hello #bee.-This-is-Ken.-Yeah #I-remember-you.-Timberland #size-ten-and-a-half.-Vibram-sole #I-believe.-Why-does-he-talk-again?-Listen #you-better-go-'cause-we're-really-busy-working.-But-it's-our-yogurt-night!-Bye-bye.-Why-is-yogurt-night-so-difficult?!-You-poor-thing.-You-two-have-been-at-this-for-hours!-Yes #and-Adam-here-has-been-a-huge-help.-Frosting...-How-many-sugars?-Just-one.-I-try-not-to-use-the-competition.-So-why-are-you-helping-me?-Bees-have-good-qualities.-And-it-takes-my-mind-off-the-shop.-Instead-of-flowers #people-are-giving-balloon-bouquets-now.-Those-are-great #if-you're-three.-And-artificial-flowers.-Oh #those-just-get-me-psychotic!-Yeah #me-too.-Bent-stingers #pointless-pollination.-Bees-must-hate-those-fake-things!-Nothing-worse-than-a-daffodil-that's-had-work-done.-Maybe-this-could-make-up-for-it-a-little-bit.-This-lawsuit's-a-pretty-big-deal.-I-guess.-You-sure-you-want-to-go-through-with-it?-Am-I-sure?-When-I'm-done-with-the-humans #they-won't-be-able-to-say #'Honey #I'm-home #'-without-paying-a-royalty!-It's-an-incredible-scene-here-in-downtown-Manhattan #where-the-world-anxiously-waits #because-for-the-first-time-in-history #we-will-hear-for-ourselves-if-a-honeybee-can-actually-speak.-What-have-we-gotten-into-here #isn't-it?-I-can't-believe-how-many-humans-don't-work-during-the-day.-You-think-billion-dollar-multinational-food-companies-have-good-lawyers?-Everybody-needs-to-stay-behind-the-barricade.-What's-the-matter?-I-don't-know #I-just-got-a-chill.-Well #if-it-isn't-the-bee-team.-You-boys-work-on-this?-All-rise!-The-Honorable-Judge-Bumbleton-presiding.-All-right.-Case-number-4475 #Superior-Court-of-New-York #Barry-Bee-Benson-v.-the-Honey-Industry-is-now-in-session.-Mr.-Montgomery #you're-representing-the-five-food-companies-collectively?-A-privilege.-Mr.-Benson...-you're-representing-all-the-bees-of-the-world?-I'm-kidding.-Yes #Your-Honor #we're-ready-to-proceed.-Mr.-Montgomery #your-opening-statement #please.-Ladies-and-gentlemen-of-the-jury #my-grandmother-was-a-simple-woman.-Born-on-a-farm #she-believed-it-was-man's-divine-right-to-benefit-from-the-bounty-of-nature-God-put-before-us.-If-we-lived-in-the-topsy-turvy-world-Mr.-Benson-imagines #just-think-of-what-would-it-mean.-I-would-have-to-negotiate-with-the-silkworm-for-the-elastic-in-my-britches!-Talking-bee!-How-do-we-know-this-isn't-some-sort-of-holographic-motion-picture-capture-Hollywood-wizardry?-They-could-be-using-laser-beams!-Robotics!-Ventriloquism!-Cloning!-For-all-we-know #he-could-be-on-steroids!-Mr.-Benson?-Ladies-and-gentlemen #there's-no-trickery-here.-I'm-just-an-ordinary-bee.-Honey's-pretty-important-to-me.-It's-important-to-all-bees.-We-invented-it!-We-make-it.-And-we-protect-it-with-our-lives.-Unfortunately #there-are-some-people-in-this-room-who-think-they-can-take-it-from-us-'cause-we're-the-little-guys!-I'm-hoping-that #after-this-is-all-over #you'll-see-how #by-taking-our-honey #you-not-only-take-everything-we-have-but-everything-we-are!-I-wish-he'd-dress-like-that-all-the-time.-So-nice!-Call-your-first-witness.-So #Mr.-Klauss-Vanderhayden-of-Honey-Farms #big-company-you-have.-I-suppose-so.-I-see-you-also-own-Honeyburton-and-Honron!-Yes #they-provide-beekeepers-for-our-farms.-Beekeeper.-I-find-that-to-be-a-very-disturbing-term.-I-don't-imagine-you-employ-any-bee-free-ers #do-you?-No.-I-couldn't-hear-you.-No.-No.-Because-you-don't-free-bees.-You-keep-bees.-Not-only-that #it-seems-you-thought-a-bear-would-be-an-appropriate-image-for-a-jar-of-honey.-They're-very-lovable-creatures.-Yogi-Bear #Fozzie-Bear #Build-A-Bear.-You-mean-like-this?-Bears-kill-bees!-How'd-you-like-his-head-crashing-through-your-living-room?!-Biting-into-your-couch!-Spitting-out-your-throw-pillows!-OK #that's-enough.-Take-him-away.-So #Mr.-Sting #thank-you-for-being-here.-Your-name-intrigues-me.-Where-have-I-heard-it-before?-I-was-with-a-band-called-The-Police.-But-you've-never-been-a-police-officer #have-you?-No #I-haven't.-No #you-haven't.-And-so-here-we-have-yet-another-example-of-bee-culture-casually-stolen-by-a-human-for-nothing-more-than-a-prance-about-stage-name.-Oh #please.-Have-you-ever-been-stung #Mr.-Sting?-Because-I'm-feeling-a-little-stung #Sting.-Or-should-I-say...-Mr.-Gordon-M.-Sumner!-That's-not-his-real-name?!-You-idiots!-Mr.-Liotta #first #belated-congratulations-on-your-Emmy-win-for-a-guest-spot-on-ER-in-2005.-Thank-you.-Thank-you.-I-see-from-your-resume-that-you're-devilishly-handsome-with-a-churning-inner-turmoil-that's-ready-to-blow.-I-enjoy-what-I-do.-Is-that-a-crime?-Not-yet-it-isn't.-But-is-this-what-it's-come-to-for-you?-Exploiting-tiny #helpless-bees-so-you-don't-have-to-rehearse-your-part-and-learn-your-lines #sir?-Watch-it #Benson!-I-could-blow-right-now!-This-isn't-a-goodfella.-This-is-a-badfella!-Why-doesn't-someone-just-step-on-this-creep #and-we-can-all-go-home?!-Order-in-this-court!-You're-all-thinking-it!-Order!-Order #I-say!-Say-it!-Mr.-Liotta #please-sit-down!-I-think-it-was-awfully-nice-of-that-bear-to-pitch-in-like-that.-I-think-the-jury's-on-our-side.-Are-we-doing-everything-right #legally?-I'm-a-florist.-Right.-Well #here's-to-a-great-team.-To-a-great-team!-Well #hello.-Ken!-Hello.-I-didn't-think-you-were-coming.-No #I-was-just-late-I-tried-to-call #but...-the-battery.-I-didn't-want-all-this-to-go-to-waste #so-I-called-Barry.-Luckily #he-was-free.-Oh #that-was-lucky.-There's-a-little-left.-I-could-heat-it-up.-Yeah #heat-it-up #sure #whatever.-So-I-hear-you're-quite-a-tennis-player.-I'm-not-much-for-the-game-myself.-The-ball's-a-little-grabby.-That's-where-I-usually-sit.-Right...-there.-Ken #Barry-was-looking-at-your-resume #and-he-agreed-with-me-that-eating-with-chopsticks-isn't-really-a-special-skill.-You-think-I-don't-see-what-you're-doing?-I-know-how-hard-it-is-to-find-the-right-job.-We-have-that-in-common.-Do-we?-Bees-have-100-percent-employment #but-we-do-jobs-like-taking-the-crud-out.-That's-just-what-I-was-thinking-about-doing.-Ken #I-let-Barry-borrow-your-razor-for-his-fuzz.-I-hope-that-was-all-right.-I'm-going-to-drain-the-old-stinger.-Yeah #you-do-that.-Look-at-that.-You-know #I've-just-about-had-it-with-your-little-Mind-Games.-What's-that?-Italian-Vogue.-Mamma-mia #that's-a-lot-of-pages.-A-lot-of-ads.-Remember-what-Van-said #why-is-your-life-more-valuable-than-mine?-Funny #I-just-can't-seem-to-recall-that!-I-think-something-stinks-in-here!-I-love-the-smell-of-flowers.-How-do-you-like-the-smell-of-flames?!-Not-as-much.-Water-bug!-Not-taking-sides!-Ken #I'm-wearing-a-Chapstick-hat!-This-is-pathetic!-I've-got-issues!-Well #well #well #a-royal-flush!-You're-bluffing.-Am-I?-Surf's-up #dude!-Poo-water!-That-bowl-is-gnarly.-Except-for-those-dirty-yellow-rings!-Kenneth!-What-are-you-doing?!-You-know #I-don't-even-like-honey!-I-don't-eat-it!-We-need-to-talk!-He's-just-a-little-bee!-And-he-happens-to-be-the-nicest-bee-I've-met-in-a-long-time!-Long-time?-What-are-you-talking-about?!-Are-there-other-bugs-in-your-life?--No #but-there-are-other-things-bugging-me-in-life.-And-you're-one-of-them!-Fine!-Talking-bees #no-yogurt-night...-My-nerves-are-fried-from-riding-on-this-emotional-roller-coaster!-Goodbye #Ken.-And-for-your-information #I-prefer-sugar-free #artificial-sweeteners-made-by-man!-I'm-sorry-about-all-that.-I-know-it's-got-an-aftertaste!-I-like-it!-I-always-felt-there-was-some-kind-of-barrier-between-Ken-and-me.-I-couldn't-overcome-it.-Oh #well.-Are-you-OK-for-the-trial?-I-believe-Mr.-Montgomery-is-about-out-of-ideas.-We-would-like-to-call-Mr.-Barry-Benson-Bee-to-the-stand.-Good-idea!-You-can-really-see-why-he's-considered-one-of-the-best-lawyers...-Yeah.-Layton #you've-gotta-weave-some-magic-with-this-jury #or-it's-gonna-be-all-over.-Don't-worry.-The-only-thing-I-have-to-do-to-turn-this-jury-around-is-to-remind-them-of-what-they-don't-like-about-bees.-You-got-the-tweezers?-Are-you-allergic?-Only-to-losing #son.-Only-to-losing.-Mr.-Benson-Bee #I'll-ask-you-what-I-think-we'd-all-like-to-know.-What-exactly-is-your-relationship-to-that-woman?-We're-friends.-Good-friends?-Yes.-How-good?-Do-you-live-together?-Wait-a-minute...-Are-you-her-little...-bedbug?-I've-seen-a-bee-documentary-or-two.-From-what-I-understand #doesn't-your-queen-give-birth-to-all-the-bee-children?-Yeah #but...-So-those-aren't-your-real-parents!-Oh #Barry...-Yes #they-are!-Hold-me-back!-You're-an-illegitimate-bee #aren't-you #Benson?-He's-denouncing-bees!-Don't-y'all-date-your-cousins?-Objection!-I'm-going-to-pincushion-this-guy!-Adam #don't!-It's-what-he-wants!-Oh #I'm-hit!!-Oh #lordy #I-am-hit!-Order!-Order!-The-venom!-The-venom-is-coursing-through-my-veins!-I-have-been-felled-by-a-winged-beast-of-destruction!-You-see?-You-can't-treat-them-like-equals!-They're-striped-savages!-Stinging's-the-only-thing-they-know!-It's-their-way!-Adam #stay-with-me.-I-can't-feel-my-legs.-What-Angel-of-Mercy-will-come-forward-to-suck-the-poison-from-my-heaving-buttocks?-I-will-have-order-in-this-court.-Order!-Order #please!-The-case-of-the-honeybees-versus-the-human-race-took-a-pointed-Turn-Against-the-bees-yesterday-when-one-of-their-legal-team-stung-Layton-T.-Montgomery.-Hey #buddy.-Hey.-Is-there-much-pain?-Yeah.-I...-I-blew-the-whole-case #didn't-I?-It-doesn't-matter.-What-matters-is-you're-alive.-You-could-have-died.-I'd-be-better-off-dead.-Look-at-me.-They-got-it-from-the-cafeteria-downstairs #in-a-tuna-sandwich.-Look #there's-a-little-celery-still-on-it.-What-was-it-like-to-sting-someone?-I-can't-explain-it.-It-was-all...-All-adrenaline-and-then...and-then-ecstasy!-All-right.-You-think-it-was-all-a-trap?-Of-course.-I'm-sorry.-I-flew-us-right-into-this.-What-were-we-thinking?-Look-at-us.-We're-just-a-couple-of-bugs-in-this-world.-What-will-the-humans-do-to-us-if-they-win?-I-don't-know.-I-hear-they-put-the-roaches-in-motels.-That-doesn't-sound-so-bad.-Adam #they-check-in #but-they-don't-check-out!-Oh #my.-Could-you-get-a-nurse-to-close-that-window?-Why?-The-smoke.-Bees-don't-smoke.-Right.-Bees-don't-smoke.-Bees-don't-smoke!-But-some-bees-are-smoking.-That's-it!-That's-our-case!-It-is?-It's-not-over?-Get-dressed.-I've-gotta-go-somewhere.-Get-back-to-the-court-and-stall.-Stall-any-way-you-can.-And-assuming-you've-done-step-correctly #you're-ready-for-the-tub.-Mr.-Flayman.-Yes?-Yes #Your-Honor!-Where-is-the-rest-of-your-team?-Well #Your-Honor #it's-interesting.-Bees-are-trained-to-fly-haphazardly #and-as-a-result #we-don't-make-very-good-time.-I-actually-heard-a-funny-story-about...-Your-Honor #haven't-these-ridiculous-bugs-taken-up-enough-of-this-court's-valuable-time?-How-much-longer-will-we-allow-these-absurd-shenanigans-to-go-on?-They-have-presented-no-compelling-evidence-to-support-their-charges-against-my-clients #who-run-legitimate-businesses.-I-move-for-a-complete-dismissal-of-this-entire-case!-Mr.-Flayman #I'm-afraid-I'm-going-to-have-to-consider-Mr.-Montgomery's-motion.-But-you-can't!-We-have-a-terrific-case.-Where-is-your-proof?-Where-is-the-evidence?-Show-me-the-smoking-gun!-Hold-it #Your-Honor!-You-want-a-smoking-gun?-Here-is-your-smoking-gun.-What-is-that?-It's-a-bee-smoker!-What #this?-This-harmless-little-contraption?-This-couldn't-hurt-a-fly #let-alone-a-bee.-Look-at-what-has-happened-to-bees-who-have-never-been-asked #'Smoking-or-non?'-Is-this-what-nature-intended-for-us?-To-be-forcibly-addicted-to-smoke-machines-and-man-made-wooden-slat-work-camps?-Living-out-our-lives-as-honey-slaves-to-the-white-man?-What-are-we-gonna-do?-He's-playing-the-species-card.-Ladies-and-gentlemen #please #free-these-bees!-Free-the-bees!-Free-the-bees!-Free-the-bees!-Free-the-bees!-Free-the-bees!-The-court-finds-in-favor-of-the-bees!-Vanessa #we-won!-I-knew-you-could-do-it!-High-five!-Sorry.-I'm-OK!-You-know-what-this-means?-All-the-honey-will-finally-belong-to-the-bees.-Now-we-won't-have-to-work-so-hard-all-the-time.-This-is-an-unholy-perversion-of-the-balance-of-nature #Benson.-You'll-regret-this.-Barry #how-much-honey-is-out-there?-All-right.-One-at-a-time.-Barry #who-are-you-wearing?-My-sweater-is-Ralph-Lauren #and-I-have-no-pants.-What-if-Montgomery's-right?-What-do-you-mean?-We've-been-living-the-bee-way-a-long-time #27-million-years.-Congratulations-on-your-victory.-What-will-you-demand-as-a-settlement?-First #we'll-demand-a-complete-shutdown-of-all-bee-work-camps.-Then-we-want-back-the-honey-that-was-ours-to-begin-with #every-last-drop.-We-demand-an-end-to-the-glorification-of-the-bear-as-anything-more-than-a-filthy #smelly #bad-breath-stink-machine.-We're-all-aware-of-what-they-do-in-the-woods.-Wait-for-my-signal.-Take-him-out.-He'll-have-nauseous-for-a-few-hours #then-he'll-be-fine.-And-we-will-no-longer-tolerate-bee-negative-nicknames...-But-it's-just-a-prance-about-stage-name!-...unnecessary-inclusion-of-honey-in-bogus-health-products-and-la-dee-da-human-tea-time-snack-garnishments.-Can't-breathe.-Bring-it-in #boys!-Hold-it-right-there!-Good.-Tap-it.-Mr.-Buzzwell #we-just-passed-three-cups-and-there's-gallons-more-coming!-I-think-we-need-to-shut-down!-Shut-down?-We've-never-shut-down.-Shut-down-honey-production!-Stop-making-honey!-Turn-your-key #sir!-What-do-we-do-now?-Cannonball!-We're-shutting-honey-production!-Mission-abort.-Aborting-pollination-and-nectar-detail.-Returning-to-base.-Adam #you-wouldn't-believe-how-much-honey-was-out-there.-Oh #yeah?-What's-going-on?-Where-is-everybody?-Are-they-out-celebrating?-They're-home.-They-don't-know-what-to-do.-Laying-out #sleeping-in.-I-heard-your-Uncle-Carl-was-on-his-way-to-San-Antonio-with-a-cricket.-At-least-we-got-our-honey-back.-Sometimes-I-think #so-what-if-humans-liked-our-honey?-Who-wouldn't?-It's-the-greatest-thing-in-the-world!-I-was-excited-to-be-part-of-making-it.-This-was-my-new-desk.-This-was-my-new-job.-I-wanted-to-do-it-really-well.-And-now...-Now-I-can't.-I-don't-understand-why-they're-not-happy.-I-thought-their-lives-would-be-better!-They're-doing-nothing.-It's-amazing.-Honey-really-changes-people.-You-don't-have-any-idea-what's-going-on #do-you?-What-did-you-want-to-show-me?-This.-What-happened-here?-That-is-not-the-half-of-it.-Oh #no.-Oh #my.-They're-all-wilting.-Doesn't-look-very-good #does-it?-No.-And-whose-fault-do-you-think-that-is?-You-know #I'm-gonna-guess-bees.-Bees?-Specifically #me.-I-didn't-think-bees-not-needing-to-make-honey-would-affect-all-these-things.-It's-not-just-flowers.-Fruits #vegetables #they-all-need-bees.-That's-our-whole-SAT-test-right-there.-Take-away-produce #that-affects-the-entire-animal-kingdom.-And-then #of-course...-The-human-species?-So-if-there's-no-more-pollination #it-could-all-just-go-south-here #couldn't-it?-I-know-this-is-also-partly-my-fault.-How-about-a-suicide-pact?-How-do-we-do-it?-I'll-sting-you #you-step-on-me.-That-just-kills-you-twice.-Right #right.-Listen #Barry...-sorry #but-I-gotta-get-going.-I-had-to-open-my-mouth-and-talk.-Vanessa?-Vanessa?-Why-are-you-leaving?-Where-are-you-going?-To-the-final-Tournament-of-Roses-parade-in-Pasadena.-They've-moved-it-to-this-weekend-because-all-the-flowers-are-dying.-It's-the-Last-Chance-I'll-ever-have-to-see-it.-Vanessa #I-just-wanna-say-I'm-sorry.-I-never-meant-it-to-turn-out-like-this.-I-know.-Me-neither.-Tournament-of-Roses.-Roses-can't-do-sports.-Wait-a-minute.-Roses.-Roses?-Roses!-Vanessa!-Roses?!-Barry?-Roses-are-flowers!-Yes #they-are.-Flowers #bees #pollen!-I-know.-That's-why-this-is-the-last-parade.-Maybe-not.-Could-you-ask-him-to-slow-down?-Could-you-slow-down?-Barry!-OK #I-made-a-huge-mistake.-This-is-a-total-disaster #all-my-fault.-Yes #it-kind-of-is.-I've-ruined-the-planet.-I-wanted-to-help-you-with-the-flower-shop.-I've-made-it-worse.-Actually #it's-completely-closed-down.-I-thought-maybe-you-were-remodeling.-But-I-have-another-idea #and-it's-greater-than-my-previous-ideas-combined.-I-don't-want-to-hear-it!-All-right #they-have-the-roses #the-roses-have-the-pollen.-I-know-every-bee #plant-and-flower-bud-in-this-park.-All-we-gotta-do-is-get-what-they've-got-back-here-with-what-we've-got.-Bees.-Park.-Pollen!-Flowers.-Repollination!-Across-the-nation!-Tournament-of-Roses #Pasadena #California.-They've-got-nothing-but-flowers #floats-and-cotton-candy.-Security-will-be-tight.-I-have-an-idea.-Vanessa-Bloome #FTD.-Official-floral-business.-It's-real.-Sorry #ma'am.-Nice-brooch.-Thank-you.-It-was-a-gift.-Once-inside #we-just-pick-the-right-float.-How-about-The-Princess-and-the-Pea?-I-could-be-the-princess #and-you-could-be-the-pea!-Yes #I-got-it.-Where-should-I-sit?-What-are-you?-I-believe-I'm-the-pea.-The-pea?-It-goes-under-the-mattresses.-Not-in-this-fairy-tale #sweetheart.-I'm-getting-the-marshal.-You-do-that!-This-whole-parade-is-a-fiasco!-Let's-see-what-this-baby'll-do.-Hey #what-are-you-doing?!-Then-all-we-do-is-blend-in-with-traffic...-without-arousing-suspicion.-Once-at-the-airport #there's-no-stopping-us.-Stop!-Security.-You-and-your-insect-pack-your-float?-Yes.-Has-it-been-in-your-possession-the-entire-time?-Would-you-remove-your-shoes?-Remove-your-stinger.-It's-part-of-me.-I-know.-Just-having-some-fun.-Enjoy-your-flight.-Then-if-we're-lucky #we'll-have-just-enough-pollen-to-do-the-job.-Can-you-believe-how-lucky-we-are?-We-have-just-enough-pollen-to-do-the-job!-I-think-this-is-gonna-work.-It's-got-to-work.-Attention #passengers #this-is-Captain-Scott.-We-have-a-bit-of-bad-weather-in-New-York.-It-looks-like-we'll-experience-a-couple-hours-delay.-Barry #these-are-cut-flowers-with-no-water.-They'll-never-make-it.-I-gotta-get-up-there-and-talk-to-them.-Be-careful.-Can-I-get-help-with-the-Sky-Mall-magazine?-I'd-like-to-order-the-talking-inflatable-nose-and-ear-hair-trimmer.-Captain #I'm-in-a-real-situation.-What'd-you-say #Hal?-Nothing.-Bee!-Don't-freak-out!-My-entire-species...-What-are-you-doing?-Wait-a-minute!-I'm-an-attorney!-Who's-an-attorney?-Don't-move.-Oh #Barry.-Good-afternoon #passengers.-This-is-your-captain.-Would-a-Miss-Vanessa-Bloome-in-24B-please-report-to-the-cockpit?-And-please-hurry!-What-happened-here?-There-was-a-DustBuster #a-toupee #a-life-raft-exploded.-One's-bald #one's-in-a-boat #they're-both-unconscious!-Is-that-another-bee-joke?-No!-No-one's-flying-the-plane!-This-is-JFK-control-tower #Flight-356.-What's-your-status?-This-is-Vanessa-Bloome.-I'm-a-florist-from-New-York.-Where's-the-pilot?-He's-unconscious #and-so-is-the-copilot.-Not-good.-Does-anyone-onboard-have-flight-experience?-As-a-matter-of-fact #there-is.-Who's-that?-Barry-Benson.-From-the-honey-trial?!-Oh #great.-Vanessa #this-is-nothing-more-than-a-big-metal-bee.-It's-got-giant-wings #huge-engines.-I-can't-fly-a-plane.-Why-not?-Isn't-John-Travolta-a-pilot?-Yes.-How-hard-could-it-be?-Wait #Barry!-We're-headed-into-some-lightning.-This-is-Bob-Bumble.-We-have-some-late-breaking-news-from-JFK-Airport #where-a-suspenseful-scene-is-developing.-Barry-Benson #fresh-from-his-legal-victory...-That's-Barry!-...is-attempting-to-land-a-plane #loaded-with-people #flowers-and-an-incapacitated-flight-crew.-Flowers?!-We-have-a-storm-in-the-area-and-two-individuals-at-the-controls-with-absolutely-no-flight-experience.-Just-a-minute.-There's-a-bee-on-that-plane.-I'm-quite-familiar-with-Mr.-Benson-and-his-no-account-compadres.-They've-done-enough-damage.-But-isn't-he-your-only-hope?-Technically #a-bee-shouldn't-be-able-to-fly-at-all.-Their-wings-are-too-small...-Haven't-we-heard-this-a-million-times?-'The-surface-area-of-the-wings-and-body-mass-make-no-sense.'-Get-this-on-the-air!-Got-it.-Stand-by.-We're-going-live.-The-way-we-work-may-be-a-mystery-to-you.-Making-honey-takes-a-lot-of-bees-doing-a-lot-of-small-jobs.-But-let-me-tell-you-about-a-small-job.-If-you-do-it-well #it-makes-a-big-difference.-More-than-we-realized.-To-us #to-everyone.-That's-why-I-want-to-get-bees-back-to-working-together.-That's-the-bee-way!-We're-not-made-of-Jell-O.-We-get-behind-a-fellow.-Black-and-yellow!-Hello!-Left #right #down #hover.-Hover?-Forget-hover.-This-isn't-so-hard.-Beep-beep!-Beep-beep!-Barry #what-happened?!-Wait #I-think-we-were-on-autopilot-the-whole-time.-That-may-have-been-helping-me.-And-now-we're-not!-So-it-turns-out-I-cannot-fly-a-plane.-All-of-you #let's-get-behind-this-fellow!-Move-it-out!-Move-out!-Our-only-chance-is-if-I-do-what-I'd-do #you-copy-me-with-the-wings-of-the-plane!-Don't-have-to-yell.-I'm-not-yelling!-We're-in-a-lot-of-trouble.-It's-very-hard-to-concentrate-with-that-panicky-tone-in-your-voice!-It's-not-a-tone.-I'm-panicking!-I-can't-do-this!-Vanessa #pull-yourself-together.-You-have-to-snap-out-of-it!-You-snap-out-of-it.-You-snap-out-of-it.-You-snap-out-of-it!-You-snap-out-of-it!-You-snap-out-of-it!-You-snap-out-of-it!-You-snap-out-of-it!-You-snap-out-of-it!-Hold-it!-Why?-Come-on #it's-my-turn.-How-is-the-plane-flying?-I-don't-know.-Hello?-Benson #got-any-flowers-for-a-happy-occasion-in-there?-The-Pollen-Jocks!-They-do-get-behind-a-fellow.-Black-and-yellow.-Hello.-All-right #let's-drop-this-tin-can-on-the-blacktop.-Where?-I-can't-see-anything.-Can-you?-No #nothing.-It's-all-cloudy.-Come-on.-You-got-to-think-bee #Barry.-Thinking-bee.-Thinking-bee.-Thinking-bee!-Thinking-bee!-Thinking-bee!-Wait-a-minute.-I-think-I'm-feeling-something.-What?-I-don't-know.-It's-strong #pulling-me.-Like-a-27-million-year-old-instinct.-Bring-the-nose-down.-Thinking-bee!-Thinking-bee!-Thinking-bee!-What-in-the-world-is-on-the-tarmac?-Get-some-lights-on-that!-Thinking-bee!-Thinking-bee!-Thinking-bee!-Vanessa #aim-for-the-flower.-OK.-Cut-the-engines.-We're-going-in-on-bee-power.-Ready #boys?-Affirmative!-Good.-Good.-Easy #now.-That's-it.-Land-on-that-flower!-Ready?-Full-reverse!-Spin-it-around!-Not-that-flower!-The-other-one!-Which-one?-That-flower.-I'm-aiming-at-the-flower!-That's-a-fat-guy-in-a-flowered-shirt.-I-mean-the-giant-pulsating-flower-made-of-millions-of-bees!-Pull-forward.-Nose-down.-Tail-up.-Rotate-around-it.-This-is-insane #Barry!-This's-the-only-way-I-know-how-to-fly.-Am-I-koo-koo-kachoo #or-is-this-plane-flying-in-an-insect-like-pattern?-Get-your-nose-in-there.-Don't-be-afraid.-Smell-it.-Full-reverse!-Just-drop-it.-Be-a-part-of-it.-Aim-for-the-center!-Now-drop-it-in!-Drop-it-in #woman!-Come-on #already.-Barry #we-did-it!-You-taught-me-how-to-fly!-Yes.-No-high-five!-Right.-Barry #it-worked!-Did-you-see-the-giant-flower?-What-giant-flower?-Where?-Of-course-I-saw-the-flower!-That-was-genius!-Thank-you.-But-we're-not-done-yet.-Listen #everyone!-This-runway-is-covered-with-the-last-pollen-from-the-last-flowers-available-anywhere-on-Earth.-That-means-this-is-our-Last-Chance.-We're-the-only-ones-who-make-honey #pollinate-flowers-and-dress-like-this.-If-we're-gonna-survive-as-a-species #this-is-our-moment!-What-do-you-say?-Are-we-going-to-be-bees #or-just-Museum-of-Natural-History-keychains?-We're-bees!-Keychain!-Then-follow-me!-Except-Keychain.-Hold-on #Barry.-Here.-You've-earned-this.-Yeah!-I'm-a-Pollen-Jock!-And-it's-a-perfect-fit.-All-I-gotta-do-are-the-sleeves.-Oh #yeah.-That's-our-Barry.-Mom!-The-bees-are-back!-If-anybody-needs-to-make-a-call #now's-the-time.-I-got-a-feeling-we'll-be-working-late-tonight!-Here's-your-change.-Have-a-great-afternoon!-Can-I-help-who's-next?-Would-you-like-some-honey-with-that?-It-is-bee-approved.-Don't-forget-these.-Milk #cream #cheese #it's-all-me.--And-I-don't-see-a-nickel!-Sometimes-I-just-feel-like-a-piece-of-meat!-I-had-no-idea.-Barry #I'm-sorry.-Have-you-got-a-moment?-Would-you-excuse-me?-My-mosquito-associate-will-help-you.-Sorry-I'm-late.-He's-a-lawyer-too?-I-was-already-a-blood-sucking-parasite.-All-I-needed-was-a-briefcase.-Have-a-great-afternoon!-Barry #I-just-got-this-huge-tulip-order #and-I-can't-get-them-anywhere.-No-problem #Vannie.-Just-leave-it-to-me.-You're-a-lifesaver #Barry.-Can-I-help-who's-next?-All-right #scramble #jocks!-It's-time-to-fly.-Thank-you #Barry!-That-bee-is-living-my-life!-Let-it-go #Kenny.-When-will-this-nightmare-end?!-Let-it-all-go.-Beautiful-day-to-fly.-Sure-is.-Between-you-and-me #I-was-dying-to-get-out-of-that-office.-You-have-got-to-start-thinking-bee #my-friend.-Thinking-bee!-Me?-Hold-it.-Let's-just-stop-for-a-second.-Hold-it.-I'm-sorry.-I'm-sorry #everyone.-Can-we-stop-here?-I'm-not-making-a-major-life-decision-during-a-production-number!-All-right.-Take-ten #everybody.-Wrap-it-up #guys.-I-had-virtually-no-rehearsal-for-that. -
A simple outside the box fix for a broken telescopic whip
“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”
Or conversely, if it is “broke” you have two choices. Order a replacement from the other side of the planet, and wait for the slow boat from China to navigate thousand of nautical miles across the stormy waters of international seas. Or, alternatively, and my preferred solution, is to see if it can be fixed. So when I managed to break the 18.5ft telescopic whip I had ordered from China a year or so ago, I was faced with that choice.
Hair of the dog
There is an old supposed remedy for the after effects of over indulgence in adult beverages. It is called the “hair of the dog that bit you”, often simplified to “hair of the dog”. The idea is that, in the morning, if you drink some more of the beverage that caused the problem you will recover. I rate that high on the skepticism index.
The dog that bit my antenna was another product from the same oriental source as the whip. It was a “top hat” designed for the PAC-12 antenna. This set of electric antlers proved too heavy for the whip that was never designed to carry them. The tip of the whip swayed rather wildly in the wind, before collapsing on the ground and decapitating itself in the process. The top hat survived but the top two sections of the whip parted company from the rest, never to be reconnected again.
What remained was 15 feet and 9 inches of whip that sat in a dark corner of the shack until, one day, a random firing of neurons in my brain came up with an idea. I call the idea “hair of the dog”; i.e. I wondered if I re-attached the top hat, the same one that caused the problem in the first place, to the shortened whip would it at least get me back on 20-meters?
The shortened wounded whip was a little too short to be resonant on the 20m band. Could the addition of a top (capacitance) hat lower the resonant frequency sufficiently to fix the problem? I embarked on an impromptu mission to find out.
Unextended top hat and whipTop loading a vertical whip is a very efficient way of convincing an electrically short antenna to resonate on a lower frequency. In effect, it increases the electrical length of the antenna. I have been chided by sagacious readers for using the term “electrical length”. The term may be technically incorrect but it makes it easier to understand what happens when an antenna is loaded. Is my top-loaded shortened whip as efficient as a full-length unloaded whip? I’ll leave that for the experts to comment upon.
There are advantages to a top-loaded vertical whip for field portable operators like myself. For a start, a shorter whip is less conspicuous. While activating a park back in the spring of this year, a uniformed Ontario Parks warden pulled up in her official pickup truck to see what I was up to. Ontario Parks wardens have the same authority as police officers when it comes to park rules and regulations. They can impose on-the-spot fines for infractions of a sometimes vague set of rules like “disturbing trees”. She told me that my long whip antenna had caught her eye. When I told her I was using Morse Code to contact other amateur radio operators and read out the list of all the states I had contacted, she was genuinely interested. We struck up a good rapport, especially when discussing which trail the resident park bear preferred. Although that encounter with officialdom went well I prefer to operate under the radar – nothing to see hear, move right along please.
Custom, ham-made (by me) support pole.As I write this we are well into fall. The winter months still lie ahead of us – 7 months of dreary, snowy, icy weather. So I took advantage of cool temperatures and still unfrozen ground to test my top-loaded shortened whip. I mounted the whip on my recently constructed support that uses PVC plumbing bits and part of a fiberglass driveway marker driven into the ground. For lucky readers in the southern states and other milder climates, a driveway marker is a thin pole used to identify the edges of a driveway when the snow comes. I use 5ft markers, and during last winter’s unusually heavy snowfall, they disappeared deep beneath the snow banks left by the snow plows on their daily runs. I gotta move to sunny Florida, snakes and gators be damned!
It might be considered folly to adopt a hair of the dog approach to fixing the whip but, of course, the lower sections of a telescopic whip are thicker than those at the top. Thicker sections are less likely to experience the wild, wind-induced, oscillatory motion that caused the initial problem. In fact, I had to shorten the whip by another two sections to bring resonance within the 20-meter band, thereby enhancing the physical rigidity even further.
For this initial backyard test I used a set of four 13ft radials that lie mostly on the ground. I know this isn’t the most efficient way of providing the “other half” of an antenna. I have now improved on that by extending the support pole to 43 inches (109cm) and replaced the ground radials with two sloping, above ground radials with links for 15m, 17m and 20m.
Very soon our ground will be frozen hard – like concrete – and then other support options will be required. However, this top-loaded short whip is going to be traveling with me on my winter POTA activations. It works fine business on 20m but, even with the whip extended to its full 15 feet 9 inches, the top hat can’t get it to work on 30-meters. Shortening the whip further (and collapsing the top hat’s “antlers”) allows the higher bands to be used, which is useful while band conditions create openings there.
When I broke the whip I started to look into finding a replacement. The Chameleon 25ft whip sounded interesting but then I watched a video in which one of these whips waved at the heavens during windy conditions. I could foresee another catastrophic collapse in my future if I went that route. I wondered whether a park warden might consider a very tall waving whip a hazard to other park users and wave an infraction notice at me in response. No, there had to be a safer solution and I think this top-loaded formerly broken whip fits the bill quite nicely.
Meanwhile, back in the shack …
Work continues on renovating my rigs to return to QRP operations when band conditions permit. I have been using my Yaesu FT-891 throughout the summer. I like to think of the FT-891 as a QRP rig with optional QRO capability. The trouble is, it is too easy to tweak the power just a little to give my signal a little more muscle. My QRP Labs QMX is a great little radio but it isn’t built for hostile environments – like Ontario winters. Unfortunately I chose the low band QMX when ordering so I am limited to 80m, 60m, 40m, 30m and 20m – no access to the higher bands which have been quite active lately. I do have another option – a rugged, pugnacious but rather old little rig that covers all bands. It was built back in the era when there were fewer options for QRPers and lacks some of the features we now take for granted. There is a way to add on the missing features; I’ll publish the details in an upcoming post.
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Record(s) o’ the Month – June 2025
By Angry Metal Guy
As we inch inexorably closer to relevance and timeliness, we must first cross the fallow fields of June. A weird month, June was differentiated by the sheer number of recommendations that I received from the staff. Some months will see the Groupthink kick in, and everyone will vote for the same three albums. But June had no clear standout. Instead, it had a raft of yeah, I like that! That said, the longer I’ve spent with the records that were released in June, the more I have enjoyed almost all of the recommendations. Some of them unexpectedly. That there were so many recommendations has meant that I have had to take my time. But at last, the time has come…
You guys remember that time when we had a big kerfuffle with the guy who produced The Flesh Prevails? That’s the last time that I can clock that a Fallujah record really hit home for me. As much as I adored their debut, Fallujah’s post-gettin’-big material has largely left me cold. I’m not even sure I remember listening to 2022’s Empyrean until prepping for this. Xenotaph—out June 13th, 2025, from Nuclear Blast Records [Bandcamp]—is different. With a vibe that screams Traced in Air, but with a willingness to push into the realms of death metal that made Fallujah a household name,1 Xenotaph hits genuinely different. Sounding something more akin to reunion-era Cynic works for them because it’s technically appealing, it’s melodically sexy, and it doesn’t undermine their strengths. It enhances them. While The Harvest Wounds did have a vaguely atmospheric backing, the guitars and drums had bite, and the whole album didn’t have the dreamlike quality that came to define their follow-ups. While the increasingly atmospheric vibe undermined the band’s sound for me, Xenotaph—which features more guitar attack than any record of theirs since their debut, probably—benefits from the dreamy qualities, giving it a surreal, progressive feel that flows with the album art, the dynamic vocal performances, and interesting composition. Yet, the reintroduction of attack on the guitars and the more consistent compositional dynamics make Xenotaph feel heavier and more immediate than anything I’ve heard from these Bay Area death metallers in a long time. The deeper I dig into Xenotaph, the stronger it feels. Dolphin Whisperer noted—in a newborn baby-induced fugue state—that the album benefits from borderline-conceptual interlinkages between songs and “endless and lush guitar layers that scaffold the composition on Xenotaph and make it a rewarding, repeatable listen.” That’s unusually understated for a Record o’ the Month review. So let me hyperbolize: Fallujah has achieved a conceptual evolution on Xenotaph that feels true to their origins and yet develops their sound in ways that make it accessible, and yet, truly unique. Said differently, Fallujah’s sellout has been well executed, and I’m here for it.2
Runner(s) Up:
Insania // The Great Apocalypse [June 13th, 2025 | Frontiers Music | Stream on Tidal] — I was surprised when I started listening to Insania’s The Great Apocalypse and found myself increasingly invested in it. At first, it was the kind of record that felt familiar—a solid Good! on the rating scale, something that scratched an itch and amused me—but with time, I came to see so much more. Too much of the response to this album has been to write it off as either derivative or rote power metal, but a deep dive tells a different story. The Great Apocalypse finds a band that’s developing its sound, using decades of experience, and branching out slowly but surely. This becomes increasingly true as the album continues. A bit like T/L’s Rhapsody, this record starts in the familiar and becomes increasingly adventurous and interesting as it goes on—with particularly elevated guitarwork throughout. But I don’t need to justify my love for The Great Apocalypse by saying it’s more than it is perceived to be. Because it is also a very good Europower record from a band that cut its teeth decades ago and has reawakened full of piss, vinegar, and addictive hockey rock choruses that you won’t forget for days. To quote an earlier, extremely excited version of AMG Myself, “by playing to form and yet resisting predictability, The Great Apocalypse finds Insania sounding like a band that knows the rules so well that they don’t have to break them; they subvert them. While earlier albums felt a bit paint-by-numbers, added nuance and increasing sophistication have propelled Insania into a different tier: one that’s ambitious, confident, and, at times, even profound.”3
Cryptopsy // An Insatiable Violence [June 20th, 2025 | Season of Mist | Bandcamp] — Remember when a Cryptopsy release was the biggest deal in the metal scene since the last Cryptopsy release? It’s been a while. And yet An Insatiable Violence is a reminder that Cryptopsy is still very sorry for whatever it was they tried to do, and actually, they’re still really fucking good. Maybe they’ve gotten better. At first pass, An Insatiable Violence feels like a continuation of 13 years of Cryptopsy paying penance for an album no one liked while proving they can still rip with the best of them. But the longer you sit with An Insatiable Violence, the more it comes into focus as something greater: 38 minutes that deliberately weave together every era of Cryptopsy, from the bone-grinding grooves and whirwind savagery of their early days to flashes of melody and subtle nods to avant-garde detours. As some fucking guy who I’ve never heard of before (Alekhines Gun?4) wrote with an obvious excess of pathos that makes me wonder whether he’s a fit for what we do around here: “For the last decade plus, Cryptopsy have enhanced their skillset, honed their compositions, and fine-tuned their performances into the giants they used to be. An Insatiable Violence is engaging, bloodthirsty, frantic, and most importantly, an excellent release from a granddaddy band who are here to remind any that there truly is none so vile.”
Helms Deep // Chasing the Dragon [June 20th, 2025 | Nameless Grave Records | Bandcamp] — American power metal was on a lot of lips in June. Alas, everyone was talking about one band with great music, but who struggled to stick the landing. On the other hand, not enough people were talking about the album that literally has a dragon with a fucking jetpack on the cover, as well as a vocalist who can both cheese and hit notes when doing his US Power Metal Obligatory Falsetto Wail™. Whether evoking Mötely Crüe (“Cursed”) or Rata Blanca (“Craze of the Vampire”), Helms Deep does it all with the kind of charm and pizzazz that is undeniable. Chasing the Dragon exudes a certain charisma, what the kids would call “rizz,” but also has a righteously old school production job—in style, if not in DR Score—that makes me feel like I’m listening to a dubbed tape that my brother’s buddy’s older brother recorded for us. But all of this is window dressing on a record that is chock full of genuinely good guitar work, fun writing, and the kind of Drinking a PBR and Headbanging with My People energy that metal has increasingly lost as listeners and practitioners have become invested in Being Taken Very Seriously as Artists.5 As a-guy-who-definitely-is-not-Superman wrote, unchecked by journalistic ethics or a desire to be circumspect and humble in his opining: “Within the belly of this dragon is a great album. I immensely enjoyed my time with Chasing the Dragon, which has a modern sound that is clearly dedicated to its influences without ripping them off. Sciortino has created a magical project. If Helms Deep can combine their balls-to-the-wall energy with some discipline, their next album could be a monster.” Point taken, it’s long, but Chasing the Dragon is already a monster. A winged, armored, fire-breathing monster wearing a fucking jet pack!
#2025 #AnInsatiableViolence #AngryMetalGuy #BlogPost #ChasingTheDragon #Cryptopsy #Empyrean #Fallujah #HelmsDeep #Insania #Jun25 #RecordSOTheMonth #RecordsOfTheMonth #TheFleshPrevails #TheGreatApocalypse #Xenotaph
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Is #Trump planning to declare #MartialLaw on April 20? The frightening claim, explored
Story by Charlotte Simmons, March 14, 2025
"First, the essentials. Martial law is the term for when civilian government and legal processes (such as mayoral jurisdiction and police officers, respectively) are overtaken by state military, so as to make demands on behalf of the nation’s leader, and then enforce those demands with their wealth of resources. Typically, martial law is invoked in dangerous situations, such as natural disasters or major #CivilUnrest.
"This is different from the United States’ #InsurrectionAct, wherein those civilian enterprises are not replaced by military personnel and resources, but supplemented by them. More importantly, the official nature of the Insurrection Act allows the #POTUS to deploy the military domestically during emergencies, as the #PosseComitatus Act of 1878 prohibits the use of the military against American civilians. In short, the Insurrection Act can waive the rules of the Posse Comitatus Act to create a sort of #MiniMartialLaw. Remember this.
"Recently, fears have been rising over whether or not the United States could enter martial law on April 20 under Donald Trump. But why then? What is it about April 20 that holds significance? When Trump first took office back on January 20, he signed an executive order declaring a state of emergency at the United States’ southern border, requiring the secretaries of Defense and Homeland Security to submit a report about what the 'situation' is at said border, together with recommended actions for 'resolving' said 'situation.' This report needed to be submitted within 90 days.
"When this order was signed, Trump also declared that 'A #NationalEmergency exists at the southern border of the United States…I hereby declare that this national emergency requires use of the Armed Forces…' This, directly references the potential execution of the Insurrection Act.
"The Secretary of Defense? #PeteHegseth. The Secretary of #HomelandSecurity? #KristiNoem. Two of Donald Trump’s most prominent yes-men. And guess how many days January 20 and April 20 are apart? Ninety.
"So, essentially, on April 20, there’s a not-insignificant chance that those two aforementioned Trump yes-men are going to tell Trump whether or not he should deploy the military in the southern United States so as to crack down on immigration. Except, as we saw with the case of #MahmoudKhalil — a recent #ColumbiaUniversity graduate who played a major role in that student body’s recent #ProPalestinain campus occupations — it doesn’t matter if you have a green card or if you haven’t committed any crimes; under this presidency, #ICE will illegally detain you if they think you’re troublesome to the vision of #TrumpsAmerica. They’re trying to deport Khalil for speaking out against #genocide as we speak. This is a direct, wholly #unconstitutional attack on #FreeSpeech.
"And here’s why that distinction between the Insurrection Act and martial law was so important earlier. On April 20, Trump will constitutionally — through the Insurrection Act — be allowed to deploy the military against #AmericanCivilians, and his government has already demonstrated that legal American civilians who have not committed any crimes are at risk for detention and deportation. It’s not technically martial law, but this #Trumpian cocktail is just as bad, if not worse.
"#Khalil’s detention — again, occurring in response to his speaking out against the #genocide of #Palestinian people — was made on the grounds of Trump’s executive order prohibiting #AntiSemitism. How long before more executive orders (none of them made in good faith, let’s be clear on that) just so happen to limit more ways of speaking, acting, and thinking? A scary thought, and a horrifyingly pertinent one."
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/is-trump-planning-to-declare-martial-law-on-april-20-the-frightening-claim-explored/ar-AA1AUIqy
#USPol #Authoritarianism #Fascism #Crackdown #CriminalizingDissent #NDAA #ExpandedPowers
#USPresidency #NationalEmergency #Terrorists #Activists #USPol #BorderEmergency #Gitmo #IllegalDetention #IndefiniteDetentionClause #IndefiniteDetention