@bouriquet@mastodon.social
@bouriquet@mastodon.social avatar

bouriquet

@bouriquet@mastodon.social

“You maniacs! You blew it up! Damn you!” Part time escapee to La Isla Nena. Realist, nearly-retired with respect for the Earth. He/him. Sometimes a bit of my impatient attitude with the world is apparent as sarcasm. Slava Ukraini! 🇺🇦 “If you want to change the future, start living as if you’re already there” -Lynn Conway “In a world of chaos, the learners shall inherit the earth, while the learned shall find themselves perfectly suited for a world that no longer exists” - Eric Hoffer

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mondoweiss, to Palestine
@mondoweiss@social.mondoweiss.net avatar

‘Operation Al-Aqsa Flood’ Day 113: A day after ICJ ruling, U.S. and allies withdraw funding to UNRWA

At least five countries have pulled their funding from the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees over Israeli claims that staff members participated in the October 7 attack. Israel keeps killing Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.

https://mondoweiss.net/2024/01/operation-al-aqsa-flood-day-113-a-day-after-icj-ruling-u-s-and-allies-withdraw-funding-to-unrwa/?utm_content=bufferda01c&utm_medium=social&utm_source=mastodon&utm_campaign=buffer

@palestine

bouriquet,
@bouriquet@mastodon.social avatar

@mondoweiss @palestine So if AI is now so capable, how can we ever trust any “evidence” video from IDF, Russia or any other group who is trying to convince us their own acts of violence are justified?

augieray, to random
@augieray@mastodon.social avatar

Interesting STUDY on the risks of infection in a university setting in China.

The risk of infection of susceptible students per 45-min lesson was 1%. (That adds up fast with 15 classes/week for many students.)
An occupancy rate of 50% reduced infection risk by 62%.
Fresh air decreased risk by 81.1%.
All students wearing N95 respirators reduced risks by 96%.

So, which of these mitigations are we doing to protect students? None. We are doing none of them.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0048969724004819

bouriquet,
@bouriquet@mastodon.social avatar

@augieray You could call this “Trump’s Revenge”.
It may take generations to eradicate

Nonilex, to Law
@Nonilex@masto.ai avatar

#Trump #EJeanCarroll #defamation #damages #civil #trial closing arguments underway

Trump stands up and walks out during Roberta Kaplan's closing. “The record will reflect that Mr. Trump just rose & walked out of the courtroom,” #JudgeKaplan says. This is an unusual breach of decorum, & Roberta Kaplan continues as though nothing unusual happened.

#law #legal #SexualAssault #rape #BelieveSurvivors
https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/01/26/nyregion/trump-carroll-defamation-trial?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare&sgrp=c-cb

bouriquet,
@bouriquet@mastodon.social avatar

@Nonilex But what are the penalties if he does not pay?

skinnylatte, to random
@skinnylatte@hachyderm.io avatar

My alcohol journey went from:

  • being really into whisky and gin and beer
  • deciding to stop drinking, overnight
  • drinking NA stuff
  • realizing I was paying as much for NA stuff as for alcohol
  • switching to ayran (a yogurt drink) and tea

My whisky obsession maps closely to my Chinese tea interest. Similar levels of digging into place / type / producer.

The ayran is delicious and good for my gut. lol (I don’t like soda at all.)

I wrote about it here https://popagandhi.com/posts/2022-02-21-so-far-so-sober/

bouriquet,
@bouriquet@mastodon.social avatar

@skinnylatte One also begins to look at retirement age: increased time to be social, with the presence of alcohol around those social situations at restaurants and bars. Just at the point where your body needs more time to repair, as your liver is already being stressed by the medications that supposedly prolong your life.
It’s a difficult choice between something that is seemingly fun and enjoyable vs. something that may accelerate your death.
Moderation is just an undefined word…

Teri_Kanefield, to random
@Teri_Kanefield@mastodon.social avatar

Happy Saturday.

I have my blog post ready, another journey through books addressing these questions:

💠 How do democracies thrive and how do they die?
💠How can backsliding democracies be saved?

I do talk about the Garland hecklers.

("Garland heckler" isn't nice, but "Garland critic" doesn't quite work.)

(The first few who click will get the error message. Give it a minute)

https://terikanefield.com/how-democracies-die-and-how-to-save-them/

Do your thing, Mastodon. (I always show it here first :)

bouriquet,
@bouriquet@mastodon.social avatar

@Teri_Kanefield Seems like this is on point. Democracies die because they fail to recognize and evolve to counter the threats that defeat them until it is too late.
Perhaps that is why the GOP conservatives often use the tactics of diversion, leveraging half-truths and behind the scenes collusion to create the fog of politics in pursuit of absolute, not shared power.

flexghost, to random
@flexghost@mastodon.social avatar

Hey.

Just in case you needed to hear this today.

Video of Mister Rogers addressing the viewer directly Someone loves you.

bouriquet,
@bouriquet@mastodon.social avatar

@flexghost Need to send this to ever member of the GOP, including SCOTUS.

GottaLaff, to Georgia
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

“A state judge overseeing the election-interference case against Trump in has scheduled a hearing for Feb. 15 to hear evidence regarding accusations that & her lead prosecutor engaged in an improper relationship and mishandled public money.

Judge Scott McAfee also wrote in his order that Willis must respond to the accusations in writing by Feb. 2”

https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2024/01/18/judge-orders-hearing-fani-willis-misconduct-georgia-case/

bouriquet,
@bouriquet@mastodon.social avatar

@GottaLaff Maybe so, but it does not change the guilt of Donald Trump and the other defendants, not in the least. It’s just dirty smear tactics to deliberately delay and divert.

taylorlorenz, to random
@taylorlorenz@mastodon.social avatar

Chicago-area Tesla charging stations are lined with dead cars and have essentially turned into car graveyards as temperatures have dropped to the negative double digits: “A bunch of dead robots out here” https://finance.yahoo.com/news/chicago-area-tesla-charging-stations-024817227.html

bouriquet,
@bouriquet@mastodon.social avatar

@PaulWermer @taylorlorenz Not sure I would trust Tesla putting an electric heater on a lithium battery pack. Ever see a lithium battery in thermal runaway?

RickiTarr, to random
@RickiTarr@beige.party avatar

Okay, so I'm going to type out a sentence, and I want you all to finish it, but instead of doing deep thinking about it, just type the very first thing that pops into your head. I know this will be hard for many of you, but try it! LOL

If I could do whatever I wanted to right now, I would _________.

bouriquet,
@bouriquet@mastodon.social avatar

@RickiTarr Do the world a big favor and…oh no, if I write that, investigative agencies will want to talk to me and take me into custody. Some of the world’s biggest problems can’t be quickly solved legally I guess.

augieray, to random
@augieray@mastodon.social avatar

"Seems to be"

Everyone seems to be getting

"Available wastewater surveillance data also indicates that most sites — 74 percent — are reporting higher levels of virus levels, with 44 percent reporting the highest levels they’ve ever recorded."

https://thehill.com/homenews/4406283-everyone-seems-to-be-getting-covid/

bouriquet,
@bouriquet@mastodon.social avatar

@augieray Everyone? Inappropriate exaggeration.

Teri_Kanefield, (edited ) to random
@Teri_Kanefield@mastodon.social avatar

My thinking on what must happen to save democracy has evolved.

Fact: The United States has been a backsliding democracy for some time.

Fact: We are in an information disruption.

Because democracy requires facts and an educated population, the question is whether enough people will develop the media literacy needed in this new age of information quickly enough.

1/

bouriquet,
@bouriquet@mastodon.social avatar

@Teri_Kanefield Unfortunately the ones that will are outnumbered by many in key electoral states. That’s been an increasing problem since 2000.
One more election cycle may be the tipping point in the wrong direction.

bouriquet,
@bouriquet@mastodon.social avatar

@Teri_Kanefield FDR: another great President who accomplished much for Americans in a time of need. Conservative Republicans despised him and the New Deal.
They still do today, trying to undo so much of it, including massive infrastructure projects and Social Security.
Don’t forget that.
It’s not socialism: it’s your money.

ScepticalScot1, to random
@ScepticalScot1@mastodon.scot avatar

When out for dinner last night with friends all aged 55 + we talked about how when we were younger we took the post war welfare state consensus for granted & the belief life would continue to improve. Instead the wealthy elites over time & through control of media set about re-asserting their power & dismantling welfare state. Their strategy to sow division among ordinary people ( anti woke, anti immigrant, anti trans) to prevent us uniting to protect our interests. Time to wake up

bouriquet,
@bouriquet@mastodon.social avatar

@ScepticalScot1 Calling it a welfare state is part of the issue: the 1% have associated welfare with the specter of socialism and freeloaders living off the taxes of the workers. That’s the mantra that the GOP uses to get votes even though the GOP does nothing to help working class families. Tough to change that mindset.

GottaLaff, to random
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

Via A Weissmann:
Primer on what Trump's arguing to get out of DC trial:
1 He's immune from crim suit based on actions w/in "outer perimeter" of Pres's functions (the std Court has applied to civil suits agnst a former POTUS)
2 Actions alleged in indictmt were just speech w/in outer perimeter
3 He can't be crim chgd unless 1st impeached, convicted by Cong
4 Bc acquitted by Sen, he can't be chgd.

Trump may prevail on #1 ( I don't think he shd), but I think no way he'll win on 2-4 so will ult lose

bouriquet,
@bouriquet@mastodon.social avatar

@GottaLaff Impeachment is only necessary on a sitting President. Once leaving office he is a private citizen, only with Secret Service protection. Not a king.

mttaggart, to random

Do you think gas stoves are "better" for cooking?

Are you sure you know why you think that? www.npr.org/2023/10/17/1183551603/gas-stove-utility-tobacco

bouriquet,
@bouriquet@mastodon.social avatar

@lkanies @Cyrus @mttaggart @mekkaokereke The systemwide impact is complex. Sure you’re burning gas but so is your electric utility: burning coal to generate electricity at about 32% efficiency or 44% for natural gas.
But a lot of the heat generated by a gas stove goes to heating up the air in your kitchen so heat transfer to the pot is about 40%.
Induction wins in the heat transfer at 84%…but what’s the electricity source? .84x.32 or .84x.44?

GottaLaff, to random
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

I’m starting to see news outlets breathlessly speculate on who will be Trump’s VP pick.

We already know that whoever he enslaves, er, chooses, that person will have pledged their loyalty to him. Including everyone’s new “Well, she’s-better-than-Trump (bullshit)” -darling Nikki Haley.

So it just. Doesn’t. Matter.👇🏼

https://youtu.be/XM4jJc8w4H0?feature=shared

bouriquet,
@bouriquet@mastodon.social avatar

@GottaLaff Given TFG age, diet and current stress levels, the choice of a VP might be critical if he doesn’t survive the full term.

bouriquet, (edited )
@bouriquet@mastodon.social avatar

@jadugar63 @GottaLaff And TFG loves to brag about his genes. Somehow he thinks he’s genetically superior to the rest of us, a one-man master race. So a descendant might be logical but such nepotism would be unheard of for the office, but not out of the ordinary for a dictator.
Don’t think conventionally on this, just hope a miracle happens somehow and he is not the candidate.

tzimmer_history, to random
@tzimmer_history@mastodon.social avatar

Militant Democracy vs Donald Trump

Democracy is fated to fight those who assault it with one hand tied behind its back, lest it become that which it seeks to defeat. But fight it must – or it will perish.

New piece - On Trump and the historical struggle over how to defend democracy:

🧵1/

https://thomaszimmer.substack.com/p/militant-democracy-vs-donald-trump

bouriquet,
@bouriquet@mastodon.social avatar

@tzimmer_history True. And elections are under jurisdiction of each state. If a state wants to uphold a constitutional amendment, it is their choice, not a court, especially one with several justices appointed by Trump. They should recuse themselves in this case

Teri_Kanefield, (edited ) to random
@Teri_Kanefield@mastodon.social avatar

There are some real Orwellian up-is-down vibes here.

In response to the recordings now surfacing that Trump pressured Wayne County Canvassers not to certify the 2020 election, a Trump campaign spokesman, said Trump's actions "were taken in furtherance of his duty as president of the United States to faithfully take care of the laws and ensure election integrity, including investigating the rigged and stolen 2020 presidential election."

https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/politics/2023/12/21/donald-trump-recorded-pressuring-wayne-canvassers-not-to-certify-2020-vote-michigan/72004514007/

bouriquet,
@bouriquet@mastodon.social avatar

@Teri_Kanefield This is just a sample of the kind of twisted doublespeak that we will be subjected to if Trump is re-elected, plunging our country and our lives into a dystopian nightmare while making it sound patriotic in the process.

indigenous_commentator, to random
@indigenous_commentator@stranger.social avatar

This is exactly who we need!!!

video/mp4

bouriquet,
@bouriquet@mastodon.social avatar

@indigenous_commentator It wouldn’t be the first time that a comedian was elected president and unified his country.
Better a professional than some of the amateur clowns aspiring to the job.

Leadership is an unusual quality that blends humor, integrity, having a good support staff and the ability to read a situation, make decisions and ad lib when needed. Most of our politicians use speeches (ie cue cards) written by their advisors and staff anyway when addressing the public.

flexghost, to random
@flexghost@mastodon.social avatar

14th amendment 3rd clause

“No person shall be… elector of President and Vice-President, or hold any office, civil or military, under the United States, or under any State, who, having previously taken an oath..shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof…”

Nowhere does it say

oh, also butthurt republicans in failing states can block whomever to get back at democrats

bouriquet,
@bouriquet@mastodon.social avatar

@flexghost Let them. Better any other Democrat as a candidate than the GOP dictator from hell.

augieray, to random
@augieray@mastodon.social avatar

DAMMIT! We had plans to see some of our most COVID-cautious friends between Xmas and NYE. They don't do much, wear masks, and won't see their grandkids' Xmas concerts for safety. Then she tells us she's going to the salon that week--in what will probably be one of the most dangerous, high-transmission weeks in 2 years!? So, we've canceled with them.

Why is it so hard to make sane, appropriate decisions on elective activities during a surge?! Risk your long-term health over a haircut?!

bouriquet,
@bouriquet@mastodon.social avatar

@augieray What’s their last vaccine booster date?
Gotta keep current. It might not be 100% effective but likely will result in a less severe case if infected, probably with lower chance of long COVID.

flexghost, to random
@flexghost@mastodon.social avatar

Trump vows the “largest deportation in American history" of minorities if elected

Which group is undesirable?

That’s not how fascism works. It’s whoever they want whenever they want

First, brown folks

Then? It’s the Muslims, they gotta go—they’re why the economy is bad

Then? Those gays. It’s why your kids are all gay—they gotta go

Then who knows

All while some minority groups in swing states are throwing a tantrum saying they won’t vote for Biden. Ruining us head-first into fascism.

bouriquet, (edited )
@bouriquet@mastodon.social avatar

@flexghost Twenty five years ago, if the political events of today were made into a TV miniseries, no network would touch it, no one would watch it because it would be totally unrealistic. America just doesn’t behave like that. We don’t support fascists.
It couldn’t ever happen here.
We have a democracy.
WTF happened?
It IS happening here unless we stop it now.

There is nothing wrong with your television set. Do not attempt to adjust the picture…

bouriquet, to random
@bouriquet@mastodon.social avatar

bwinbwin, to anarchism

In Marshallese culture, there is a prominent attitude of "Enaaj Emman," which translates loosely to "It will be okay." It is strongly embedded in the culture and people's everyday thinking. If you are ever despondent, somebody is always there to remind you that "enaaj emman." It is a focus on hope and happiness that pervades daily life despite the struggles, setbacks, and disappointments that inevitably happen. People retain this optimism even after being irradiated by nuclear testing by the USGovt throughout the 1950s.

Having lived in the Marshall Islands for eight years, I am acutely aware of the threats and dangers posed by both nuclear waste and fossil fuels.

At this point, I expect to see this country of beautiful coral atolls and generous, gentle people be subsumed by rising sea levels. They are undergoing severe stress at 1.1C and will be completely uninhabitable at 1.5C. We will push past 1.5C by the end of this decade, and I don't think we have enough time, nor are we doing the right things, to reverse the momentum. These islands will be gone, and an entire country and culture will have been displaced or extinguished.

It fills me with profound sadness, especially when I think how it all could have been prevented but for the fraud perpetrated by fossil fuel energy companies and the greed of their executives. And let's not forget about the collusion of our politicians through bribery, nor forget about the perpetuation of the fraud through mass media owned by members of the same bourgeois class.

I understand the need to continue seeking solutions. I hope people create those solutions. Enaaj emman. I appreciate people like @pvonhellermannn who, despite feeling despondent, has provided to us long threads informing us about this crisis. Hope is still alive as Tina Stege, from the Marshall Islands, impresses upon us in these two posts:

https://mastodon.green/@pvonhellermannn/111482858888081587

https://mastodon.green/@pvonhellermannn/111381241869510068

Yet I am despondent. I am also very angry. My reaction is to want to dislodge and remove the parasitical elites of the 1%, punish them harshly, and completely dismantle their capitalist systems. I despair that billions will have to die before we make that happen. Certainly among the first great wave of casualties will the Marshall Islanders. And that fills me with rage.

It also brings back memories of living in the islands. It's as close to an anarchist way of life as I've ever seen in the world. And I'm now reminded of an elder woman who was asked by another Peace Corps Volunteer, "Who do you think is the best US president?" Her response: "I think President Kennedy was the smartest president. He sent all these young people here so they could learn "mantin majel" (Marshallese custom). There is so much wisdom in that statement, that it resonates even more strongly for me 35 years later. The world needs to learn Mantin Majel and enact its inherent values of peace, cooperation, solidarity, and optimism.

bouriquet,
@bouriquet@mastodon.social avatar

@bwinbwin @pvonhellermannn Thank you for sharing. It seems that collectively, the rest of the world have screwed things over so much that these remote islands are imperiled. We could bring the billionaires and Republicans here and try to show them the damage they have done…but they wouldn’t understand…they don’t get it. You can’t fix things in nature with a merger, a hedge fund or a biased Supreme Court decision.
I fear that maybe everything will ‘not be OK.’

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