(no subject)
Mar. 26th, 2019 05:07 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
gwydion* "Eight years after the Syrian Civil war, these Syrians are still protesting:" https://video.vice.com/en_us/video/eight-years-after-the-syrian-civil-war-these-syrians-are-still-protesting/5c8c2f6bbe407779612cc571
* "'Horror, fear, despair': Venezuela's oil capital shattered by 'tsunami' of violent looting:" https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/mar/26/venezuela-maracaibo-power-electricity-looting
* "Venezuelan intelligence unit detains chief of staff of opposition leader Juan Guaidó:" https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/the_americas/venezuelan-intelligence-forces-detain-chief-of-staff-of-opposition-leader-juan-guaido/2019/03/21/db531650-4bcf-11e9-9663-00ac73f49662_story.html?noredirect=on&utm_term=.a12fe2034069
* "The Aftermath of Cyclone Idai in Mozambique and Zimbabwe:" https://www.theatlantic.com/photo/2019/03/mozambique-or-zimbabwe/585655/
* TW: Animal Death. "Dog owner filmed pet attacking therapy alpacas:" https://www.canberratimes.com.au/canberra-news/dog-owner-filmed-pet-attacking-therapy-alpacas-20190313-p513px.html
* "US announces new round of sanctions on Iran:" https://www.cnn.com/2019/03/22/politics/state-treasury-iran-sanctions/index.html
* "Supreme Court rejects foreign company's bid to review Mueller subpoena:" https://www.cnn.com/2019/03/25/politics/supreme-court-mueller-grand-jury-documents/index.html
* "The Question the Mueller Report Has Not Answered:" https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2019/03/mueller-report-leaves-one-key-question-unanswered/585625/
"Now the job returns to the place it has always belonged and never should have left: Congress. This is all the more the case since the elections of 2018 restored independence to that body. The 2016 election was altered by Putin’s intervention, and a finding that the Trump campaign only went along for the ride does not rehabilitate the democratic or patriotic legitimacy of the Trump presidency. Trump remains a president rejected by more Americans than those who voted for him, who holds his job because a foreign power violated American laws and sovereignty. It’s up to Congress to deal with this threat to American self-rule."
* "White House rejects House Democrats' request for Trump-Putin communications:" https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/white-house-rejects-house-democrats-request-trump-putin/story?id=61843655
* "Read: Justice Department summary of Mueller report:" https://www.cnn.com/2019/03/24/politics/read-mueller-key-findings-doj/index.html
* "‘No collusion!’ goes from a defiant mantra to a rallying cry for Trump’s reelection:" https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/no-collusion-goes-from-a-defiant-mantra-to-a-rallying-cry-for-trumps-reelection/2019/03/24/2a98db5a-4e64-11e9-a3f7-78b7525a8d5f_story.html?noredirect=on&utm_term=.19d86f8c747f
* "Trump's attorney doesn't want Trump's 'confidential' written responses to Mueller released:" https://www.cnn.com/2019/03/25/politics/jay-sekulow-trump-mueller-written-answers/index.html
* "Nadler begins conversation about timing for Barr appearance on the Hill:" https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/nadler-begins-conversation-about-timing-barr-appearance-hill-n987016
* "Special counsel and DOJ deliberated seeking subpoena for Trump:" https://www.cnn.com/2019/03/24/politics/mueller-doj-subpoena-trump/index.html
* "McConnell blocks move by Schumer to pass resolution calling for Mueller report to be made public:" https://www.cnn.com/2019/03/25/politics/schumer-mueller-report-mcconnell/index.html
* "Prosecutors suggest Paul Manafort may be trying to get $1 million out of his forfeiture:" https://www.cnn.com/2019/03/23/politics/paul-manafort-million-dollars-forfeiture/index.html
* "Legal experts question William Barr’s rationale for exonerating Trump:" https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2019/03/25/problems-with-william-barrs-conclusion-that-trump-didnt-obstruct-justice/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.6979ddf8f211
* "Mueller told Justice three weeks ago he wouldn't reach a conclusion on obstruction:" https://www.cnn.com/2019/03/25/politics/mueller-obstruction-conclusion/index.html
* "Why Trump isn’t being charged with obstruction — even though Mueller didn’t exonerate him:" https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2019/3/24/18279851/mueller-trump-obstruction-justice-exoneration
* "Absent Mueller conclusion on obstruction, Barr makes own ruling:" http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow/watch/absent-mueller-conclusion-on-obstruction-barr-makes-own-ruling-1464752707802
* "Neal Katyal: Don't take Barr's word on obstruction:"http://www.msnbc.com/all-in/watch/neal-katyal-don-t-take-barr-s-word-on-obstruction-1464674371817
* "Michael Avenatti, ex-lawyer for Stormy Daniels, arrested on extortion charges:" https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/mar/25/michael-avenatti-extortion-arrested-charged-nike
* "The wrongest people in the world:" http://www.msnbc.com/all-in/watch/the-wrongest-people-in-the-world-1464671811851
* And this puts a finger on why I'm wary of him. "What does Beto actually believe? It's tough to say:" https://news.vice.com/en_us/article/gyanmw/what-does-beto-actually-believe-its-tough-to-say
* "Pentagon chief says $1 billion of funding shifted to border wall:" https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-pentagon-mexico/pentagon-chief-says-1-billion-of-funding-shifted-to-border-wall-idUSKCN1R707J
* "Decoding the racist memes the alleged New Zealand shooter used to communicate:" https://news.vice.com/en_us/article/vbwn9a/decoding-the-racist-memes-the-new-zealand-shooter-used-to-communicate
* "Biotechnology: Crash Course History of Science #40:"
* "Bodies and Dollars: Crash Course History of Science #41:"
* "Think tackling climate crisis is too expensive? Look at the alternatives:" http://www.msnbc.com/all-in/watch/think-tackling-climate-crisis-is-too-expensive-look-at-the-alternatives-1464671811949
* "New details of “unicorn” robbery given by police; two men charged, they say:" https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/public-safety/new-details-of-unicorn-robbery-given-by-police-two-men-charged-they-say/2019/03/19/e1e7ff9a-49f8-11e9-93d0-64dbcf38ba41_story.html?noredirect=on&utm_term=.0d44bb7ea552
* It turned out the optometrist was today and not Wednesday, and they had not called to confirm, which means didn't know my appointment time since they called for the reschedule while I was away from my desk. So I stayed up, phoned the lung people as soon as they opened. No joy there. I waited an hour and called the optometrist, set the alarm for forage on the grounds that I'd cleverly scheduled it for a reasonable post forage commute time. Bwahahaha! No.
The alarm didn't go off for some reason. I awoke, immediately realized the sun was wrong through the heavy curtains. It was 15 minutes until appointment time. The appointment being the opposite end of town. Luckily, my body was cooperating with the getting up process. I calculated I could probably get there within the gap between check in nd real appointment time, so I did bear minimum and left.
Only to discover a construction traffic jam at the foot of the driveway. Thinking fast, I went left instead of right, going the long way around to the freeway entrance one south of mine. I stand by my decision, as the line was a third again as long in the rear view mirror as I crested the hill. I was doing well until I hit a jam a little less than halfway to my exit, but it wasn't a full stop jam and only lasted two ramps. I was exactly seven minutes late for check in and they were cool about it since I had time to fill in the survey before the exam.
I've been going there slightly over twenty years. I forget what fluke brought Sky and I there in the first place, and they take my insurance, so I keep going even though I don't like the eye doctor all that much. This time though? He was cool like he was the first decade, so I'm kind of glad I stuck, since I really like everyone else there.
Then it was off to the only lens place in town take my insurance. It turns out basic bifocals are covered, but not the progressive. Oh did I want the progressive, but no way can I raise that kind of money. With my prescription the ultra light lenses are mandatory because basically my eyes are bad, and my left is really extreme. It's going to be between a little over $35. It's going to be weeks, of course. I have astigmatism and an extreme prescription and ordered bifocals and they are literally the only place in town for Medicare/Medicaid/Community health of WA. They are busy, busy people.
Inevitably the frames I liked were all above my coverage level and/or were not suitable for bifocals and/or a prescription this thick. I can't see what I look like in the glsses anyway without my glasses. Finally I was all, why don't you pick three you think would work in the price range and I'll chose from those. So they are the least ugly of the three, which is basically what I've been doing since I got disabled.
I am so excited for them though. I needed bifocals since about six months after I got the last pair, and it will really the fuck help when i'm trying to hand sew while watching TV, and for reading food labels for allergens.
If you know anything about glasses prices, you will know $35-36 is a ridiculously good price for glasses of any type, let alone bifocals for someone with eyes this bad and complicated.
Want to contribute to the help Gwydion see fund? Paypal Lethran@gmail.com or paypal.me/Gwydion
*****
* Full list of Resistance and charity links has been migrated to my profile as it was getting out of hand.
* Trans Helplines: https://www.translifeline.org/
* Want to complaint about Betsy DeVos's plan to coddle college rapists? https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2018/11/29/2018-25314/nondiscrimination-on-the-basis-of-sex-in-education-programs-or-activities-receiving-federal#open-comment
* Donate to HIAS to help refugees: https://act.hias.org/page/6048/donate/1
* Want to contribute directly to the Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services fund? "Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services:" https://www.raicestexas.org/
* Support Kids at the Border: http://brigdh.tumblr.com/post/175022384240/support-the-kids-at-the-border
* The Rainbow Road and other ways to help Gay Refugees: http://gwydionmisha.tumblr.com/post/160470723507/the-rainbow-railroad-is-helping-gay-men-escape
* Upset about the abuse of big cats by people who shouldn't be allowed to keep them? Big cat rescue is trying to change laws to protect wild animals. "Cat Laws:" https://bigcatrescue.org/cat-laws/
* A list of organizations to help you run for office: http://lovingmyselfishard.tumblr.com/post/167330144634/psst-hey
* Have something you want to tell your Congress Critters? If you can not protest in person, here are some other options:
Call the Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and ask to be connected to the representative of your choice.
* This App phones your rep for you: http://takeastance.us/
* Here is one that will send your reps a fax: https://resistbot.io/
* This is a cool person and the swimsuits are being made from an ethical source. LGBTQIA+ swimsuits: https://www.etsy.com/shop/NerdyKeppie?ref=l2-shopheader-name§ion_id=24021616
* Help pay for cat food, litter, meds, medical copays: Paypal Lethran@gmail.com or paypal.me/Gwydion
* Birthday/Solstice master list: https://gwydion.dreamwidth.org/1925021.html
* "'Horror, fear, despair': Venezuela's oil capital shattered by 'tsunami' of violent looting:" https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/mar/26/venezuela-maracaibo-power-electricity-looting
* "Venezuelan intelligence unit detains chief of staff of opposition leader Juan Guaidó:" https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/the_americas/venezuelan-intelligence-forces-detain-chief-of-staff-of-opposition-leader-juan-guaido/2019/03/21/db531650-4bcf-11e9-9663-00ac73f49662_story.html?noredirect=on&utm_term=.a12fe2034069
* "The Aftermath of Cyclone Idai in Mozambique and Zimbabwe:" https://www.theatlantic.com/photo/2019/03/mozambique-or-zimbabwe/585655/
* TW: Animal Death. "Dog owner filmed pet attacking therapy alpacas:" https://www.canberratimes.com.au/canberra-news/dog-owner-filmed-pet-attacking-therapy-alpacas-20190313-p513px.html
* "US announces new round of sanctions on Iran:" https://www.cnn.com/2019/03/22/politics/state-treasury-iran-sanctions/index.html
* "Supreme Court rejects foreign company's bid to review Mueller subpoena:" https://www.cnn.com/2019/03/25/politics/supreme-court-mueller-grand-jury-documents/index.html
* "The Question the Mueller Report Has Not Answered:" https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2019/03/mueller-report-leaves-one-key-question-unanswered/585625/
"Now the job returns to the place it has always belonged and never should have left: Congress. This is all the more the case since the elections of 2018 restored independence to that body. The 2016 election was altered by Putin’s intervention, and a finding that the Trump campaign only went along for the ride does not rehabilitate the democratic or patriotic legitimacy of the Trump presidency. Trump remains a president rejected by more Americans than those who voted for him, who holds his job because a foreign power violated American laws and sovereignty. It’s up to Congress to deal with this threat to American self-rule."
* "White House rejects House Democrats' request for Trump-Putin communications:" https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/white-house-rejects-house-democrats-request-trump-putin/story?id=61843655
* "Read: Justice Department summary of Mueller report:" https://www.cnn.com/2019/03/24/politics/read-mueller-key-findings-doj/index.html
* "‘No collusion!’ goes from a defiant mantra to a rallying cry for Trump’s reelection:" https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/no-collusion-goes-from-a-defiant-mantra-to-a-rallying-cry-for-trumps-reelection/2019/03/24/2a98db5a-4e64-11e9-a3f7-78b7525a8d5f_story.html?noredirect=on&utm_term=.19d86f8c747f
* "Trump's attorney doesn't want Trump's 'confidential' written responses to Mueller released:" https://www.cnn.com/2019/03/25/politics/jay-sekulow-trump-mueller-written-answers/index.html
* "Nadler begins conversation about timing for Barr appearance on the Hill:" https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/nadler-begins-conversation-about-timing-barr-appearance-hill-n987016
* "Special counsel and DOJ deliberated seeking subpoena for Trump:" https://www.cnn.com/2019/03/24/politics/mueller-doj-subpoena-trump/index.html
* "McConnell blocks move by Schumer to pass resolution calling for Mueller report to be made public:" https://www.cnn.com/2019/03/25/politics/schumer-mueller-report-mcconnell/index.html
* "Prosecutors suggest Paul Manafort may be trying to get $1 million out of his forfeiture:" https://www.cnn.com/2019/03/23/politics/paul-manafort-million-dollars-forfeiture/index.html
* "Legal experts question William Barr’s rationale for exonerating Trump:" https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2019/03/25/problems-with-william-barrs-conclusion-that-trump-didnt-obstruct-justice/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.6979ddf8f211
* "Mueller told Justice three weeks ago he wouldn't reach a conclusion on obstruction:" https://www.cnn.com/2019/03/25/politics/mueller-obstruction-conclusion/index.html
* "Why Trump isn’t being charged with obstruction — even though Mueller didn’t exonerate him:" https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2019/3/24/18279851/mueller-trump-obstruction-justice-exoneration
* "Absent Mueller conclusion on obstruction, Barr makes own ruling:" http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow/watch/absent-mueller-conclusion-on-obstruction-barr-makes-own-ruling-1464752707802
* "Neal Katyal: Don't take Barr's word on obstruction:"http://www.msnbc.com/all-in/watch/neal-katyal-don-t-take-barr-s-word-on-obstruction-1464674371817
* "Michael Avenatti, ex-lawyer for Stormy Daniels, arrested on extortion charges:" https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/mar/25/michael-avenatti-extortion-arrested-charged-nike
* "The wrongest people in the world:" http://www.msnbc.com/all-in/watch/the-wrongest-people-in-the-world-1464671811851
* And this puts a finger on why I'm wary of him. "What does Beto actually believe? It's tough to say:" https://news.vice.com/en_us/article/gyanmw/what-does-beto-actually-believe-its-tough-to-say
* "Pentagon chief says $1 billion of funding shifted to border wall:" https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-pentagon-mexico/pentagon-chief-says-1-billion-of-funding-shifted-to-border-wall-idUSKCN1R707J
* "Decoding the racist memes the alleged New Zealand shooter used to communicate:" https://news.vice.com/en_us/article/vbwn9a/decoding-the-racist-memes-the-new-zealand-shooter-used-to-communicate
* "Biotechnology: Crash Course History of Science #40:"
* "Bodies and Dollars: Crash Course History of Science #41:"
* "Think tackling climate crisis is too expensive? Look at the alternatives:" http://www.msnbc.com/all-in/watch/think-tackling-climate-crisis-is-too-expensive-look-at-the-alternatives-1464671811949
* "New details of “unicorn” robbery given by police; two men charged, they say:" https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/public-safety/new-details-of-unicorn-robbery-given-by-police-two-men-charged-they-say/2019/03/19/e1e7ff9a-49f8-11e9-93d0-64dbcf38ba41_story.html?noredirect=on&utm_term=.0d44bb7ea552
* It turned out the optometrist was today and not Wednesday, and they had not called to confirm, which means didn't know my appointment time since they called for the reschedule while I was away from my desk. So I stayed up, phoned the lung people as soon as they opened. No joy there. I waited an hour and called the optometrist, set the alarm for forage on the grounds that I'd cleverly scheduled it for a reasonable post forage commute time. Bwahahaha! No.
The alarm didn't go off for some reason. I awoke, immediately realized the sun was wrong through the heavy curtains. It was 15 minutes until appointment time. The appointment being the opposite end of town. Luckily, my body was cooperating with the getting up process. I calculated I could probably get there within the gap between check in nd real appointment time, so I did bear minimum and left.
Only to discover a construction traffic jam at the foot of the driveway. Thinking fast, I went left instead of right, going the long way around to the freeway entrance one south of mine. I stand by my decision, as the line was a third again as long in the rear view mirror as I crested the hill. I was doing well until I hit a jam a little less than halfway to my exit, but it wasn't a full stop jam and only lasted two ramps. I was exactly seven minutes late for check in and they were cool about it since I had time to fill in the survey before the exam.
I've been going there slightly over twenty years. I forget what fluke brought Sky and I there in the first place, and they take my insurance, so I keep going even though I don't like the eye doctor all that much. This time though? He was cool like he was the first decade, so I'm kind of glad I stuck, since I really like everyone else there.
Then it was off to the only lens place in town take my insurance. It turns out basic bifocals are covered, but not the progressive. Oh did I want the progressive, but no way can I raise that kind of money. With my prescription the ultra light lenses are mandatory because basically my eyes are bad, and my left is really extreme. It's going to be between a little over $35. It's going to be weeks, of course. I have astigmatism and an extreme prescription and ordered bifocals and they are literally the only place in town for Medicare/Medicaid/Community health of WA. They are busy, busy people.
Inevitably the frames I liked were all above my coverage level and/or were not suitable for bifocals and/or a prescription this thick. I can't see what I look like in the glsses anyway without my glasses. Finally I was all, why don't you pick three you think would work in the price range and I'll chose from those. So they are the least ugly of the three, which is basically what I've been doing since I got disabled.
I am so excited for them though. I needed bifocals since about six months after I got the last pair, and it will really the fuck help when i'm trying to hand sew while watching TV, and for reading food labels for allergens.
If you know anything about glasses prices, you will know $35-36 is a ridiculously good price for glasses of any type, let alone bifocals for someone with eyes this bad and complicated.
Want to contribute to the help Gwydion see fund? Paypal Lethran@gmail.com or paypal.me/Gwydion
*****
* Full list of Resistance and charity links has been migrated to my profile as it was getting out of hand.
* Trans Helplines: https://www.translifeline.org/
* Want to complaint about Betsy DeVos's plan to coddle college rapists? https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2018/11/29/2018-25314/nondiscrimination-on-the-basis-of-sex-in-education-programs-or-activities-receiving-federal#open-comment
* Donate to HIAS to help refugees: https://act.hias.org/page/6048/donate/1
* Want to contribute directly to the Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services fund? "Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services:" https://www.raicestexas.org/
* Support Kids at the Border: http://brigdh.tumblr.com/post/175022384240/support-the-kids-at-the-border
* The Rainbow Road and other ways to help Gay Refugees: http://gwydionmisha.tumblr.com/post/160470723507/the-rainbow-railroad-is-helping-gay-men-escape
* Upset about the abuse of big cats by people who shouldn't be allowed to keep them? Big cat rescue is trying to change laws to protect wild animals. "Cat Laws:" https://bigcatrescue.org/cat-laws/
* A list of organizations to help you run for office: http://lovingmyselfishard.tumblr.com/post/167330144634/psst-hey
* Have something you want to tell your Congress Critters? If you can not protest in person, here are some other options:
Call the Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and ask to be connected to the representative of your choice.
* This App phones your rep for you: http://takeastance.us/
* Here is one that will send your reps a fax: https://resistbot.io/
* This is a cool person and the swimsuits are being made from an ethical source. LGBTQIA+ swimsuits: https://www.etsy.com/shop/NerdyKeppie?ref=l2-shopheader-name§ion_id=24021616
* Help pay for cat food, litter, meds, medical copays: Paypal Lethran@gmail.com or paypal.me/Gwydion
* Birthday/Solstice master list: https://gwydion.dreamwidth.org/1925021.html