Nec Hoc Nec Ilud

* I'm doing better, but I still tire easily and the physio is already getting ugly. This means I'm going to run out of things like energy and pain resistance without much warning.

The pain has been and continues to be stunning this week.

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* "Israel says it will send more troops to Rafah, as fighting also rages in Gaza’s north:" https://apnews.com/article/israel-iran-hamas-latest-05-16-2024-c7318fc513e79580082c0a80ae6878b6

* "Strike kills U.N. aid worker, injures another in southern Gaza:" https://www.npr.org/2024/05/14/1251272912/gaza-united-nations-un-aid-worker-killed

* "‘Outrageous’ arson attack forces UNRWA to temporarily shutter East Jerusalem compound:" https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/05/1149586

* "Israeli activists attack Gaza aid convoy, drawing U.S. condemnation and highlighting risk to aid work:" https://www.cbsnews.com/news/israel-gaza-aid-west-bank-settlers-united-nations/

* "Gaza: Israelis Attacking Known Aid Worker Locations:" https://www.hrw.org/news/2024/05/14/gaza-israelis-attacking-known-aid-worker-locations#:~:text=As%20of%20April%2030%2C%20the,injuring%20at%20least%20one%20more.

* It won't be enough. "US establishes Gaza pier to try to boost aid to hungry enclave:" https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/us-establishes-gaza-pier-try-boost-aid-hungry-enclave-2024-05-16/

* "if you are struggling with choosing which fundraisers to support, please consider donating to the following places providing medical aid, food, and other supplies to palestine at this time:" https://www.tumblr.com/gwydionmisha/750500230956564480?source=share

* Links for various Palestinian Aid Organizations: https://www.tumblr.com/gwydionmisha/750151174318112768?source=share

******
* "U.S. report says it's 'reasonable to assess' that Israel has violated humanitarian law:" https://www.npr.org/2024/05/10/1250442216/u-s-report-says-reasonable-to-assess-that-israel-has-violated-humanitarian-law

* "Rep. Jayapal on Contradictions in State. Dept. Report on Israeli Conduct in Gaza:" https://www.msnbc.com/ayman-mohyeldin/watch/rep-jayapal-on-contradictions-in-state-dept-report-on-israeli-conduct-in-gaza-210763333765

* "Army Officer Resigns in Protest of ‘Unqualified’ U.S. Support to Israel:" https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/13/us/army-officer-resigns-gaza-israel.html

* "Interior Dept staffer becomes first Jewish Biden appointee to publicly resign over war in Gaza:" https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/interior-dept-staffer-jewish-biden-appointee-publicly-resign-110272884

* "Member of Israel’s War Cabinet says he’ll quit the government June 8 unless there’s a new war plan:" https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-war-05-18-2024-3ac9d8e59198d5884d0faa6649a53e4f

* "Water cannon used to disperse anti-government protesters in Tel Aviv:" https://apnews.com/video/israel-hamas-war-protests-and-demonstrations-tel-aviv-israel-benjamin-netanyahu-14c6787047b940caa67d663c59c15702

* "Sen. Lindsey Graham Suggests Nuking Gaza, Calls Hiroshima ‘the Right Decision’:" https://www.thedailybeast.com/sen-lindsey-graham-suggests-nuking-gaza-calls-hiroshima-the-right-decision

* "Republican Congressman Joins Lindsey Graham in Calls to Nuke Gaza:" https://newrepublic.com/post/181580/republican-congressman-greg-murphy-nuke-gaza

* "Pro-Palestinian protests continue on I-5 overpass in Bellingham:" https://mybellinghamnow.com/news/297792-pro-palestinian-protests-continue-on-i-5-overpass-in-bellingham/

* "Pro-Palestine encampment forms on WWU campus:" https://mybellinghamnow.com/news/297792-pro-palestine-encampment-forms-on-wwu-campus/

* "Business titans privately urged NYC mayor to use police on Columbia protesters, chats show:" https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2024/05/16/business-leaders-chat-group-eric-adams-columbia-protesters/

* "Pro-Palestinian Student Protesters Celebrated for ‘Moral Clarity’ at ‘The People’s Graduation’:" https://time.com/6979149/pro-palestinian-student-protesters-the-peoples-graduation/

* "50 powerful photos from ACT UP's pro-Palestine rally at the GLAAD Media awards:" https://www.advocate.com/news/act-up-glaad-media-protest

******

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* "The changing face of protest:" https://restofworld.org/2024/facial-recognition-government-protest-surveillance/#/an-end-to-privacy

* "A growing number of Americans end up in Russian jails. The prospects for their release are unclear:" https://apnews.com/article/russia-prisoners-swap-gershkovich-whelan-putin-2a53c30a7ee686ee85de412ee833d154

* "Slovak PM Fico's attacker may not have acted alone, says minister:" https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/worst-fears-slovak-pms-health-are-over-says-deputy-prime-minister-2024-05-19/

* "German far-right leader intentionally used banned Nazi slogan, court rules:" https://www.politico.eu/article/german-far-right-leader-found-guilty-of-using-banned-nazi-slogan-bjorn-hocke-afd-alternative-for-germany-thuringia/

* "Venezuela’s barred opposition candidate is now the fiery surrogate of her lesser-known replacement:" https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-presidential-election-maduro-opposition-machado-edmundo-aecb49c26aba7dd7c98c0139282c8ade

* "Search and rescue efforts underway as helicopter carrying Iran's President Raisi suffers 'crash landing':" https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/helicopter-carrying-irans-president-suffers-hard-landing-state-tv-says-rcna152961

* "Vatican Museums staff challenge the pope with a legal bid for better terms and treatment:" https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nc/charlotte/ap-top-news/2024/05/13/vatican-museums-staff-challenge-the-pope-with-a-legal-bid-for-better-terms-and-treatment

* I have serious concerns. "Seeking Access to Congo’s Metals, White House Aims to Ease Sanctions: A deal to allow the Israeli billionaire Dan Gertler to cash out his mining positions in the Democratic Republic of Congo has enraged human rights activists and some government officials.:" https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/16/us/politics/congo-cobalt-us-sanctions.html

* "Biden announces new tariffs on imports of Chinese goods, including electric vehicles:" https://www.npr.org/2024/05/14/1250987721/biden-china-tariffs-electric-vehicles

* "US issues warning about possible terror attacks at LGBTQ+ Pride events worldwide:" https://www.thepinknews.com/2024/05/20/pride-month-warning-us-state-department/

* "US to send additional $2 billion in Ukraine aid, Blinken says:" https://abcnews.go.com/US/us-send-additional-2-billion-ukraine-aid-blinken/story?id=108534198

* "US greenlights potential weapons sale to Israel:" https://www.politico.com/news/2024/05/14/us-greenlights-potential-weapons-sale-israel-00158045

* "Justice Department formally moves to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug in historic shift:" https://apnews.com/article/marijuana-rescheduling-drug-policy-biden-15b43441670757b0c2bfa36731e47d07

* "Over 20 Republican-led states are challenging Biden admin's LGBTQ-inclusive Title IX rule:" https://www.advocate.com/news/title-ix-lgbtq-lawsuits

* "Supreme Court orders Louisiana to use congressional map with additional Black district in 2024 vote:" https://apnews.com/article/louisiana-supreme-court-congressional-redistricting-black-representation-201c1fa9e494ad0d88e4d9ed8328eae0

* "A 'Stop The Steal' Symbol Was Displayed At Alito's House In 2021:" https://www.huffpost.com/entry/supreme-court-samuel-alito-stop-the-steal-flag_n_6646913ae4b0dd63cd2bd6ae

* "Alito offers strikingly petty excuse for upside-down flag, affirms pro-Trump bias:" https://www.msnbc.com/alex-wagner-tonight/watch/alito-offers-strikingly-petty-excuse-for-upside-down-flag-affirms-pro-trump-bias-211175493923

* "Justice Alito's upside-down flag sparks another SCOTUS ethics scandal:" https://www.msnbc.com/jonathan-capehart/watch/justice-alito-s-upside-down-flag-sparks-another-scotus-ethics-scandal-211197509527

* "Rep. Raskin: “the highest court in the land has the lowest ethical standards.”:" https://www.msnbc.com/ayman-mohyeldin/watch/rep-raskin-the-highest-court-in-the-land-has-the-lowest-ethical-standards-211224645780

* "Elizabeth Warren on the Biden admin's big win for airline passengers:" https://www.msnbc.com/all-in/watch/elizabeth-warren-on-the-biden-admin-s-big-win-for-airline-passengers-211026501692

* "White House to Republicans: You’re not getting audio of Biden’s interview with Hur:" https://www.politico.com/news/2024/05/16/biden-moves-to-block-house-from-getting-his-classified-docs-interview-tapes-00158323

* "House Democrats launch probe of Trump’s dinner with oil executives:" https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2024/05/14/trump-oil-executives-investigation-democrats/

* "Marjorie Taylor Greene Has Been Obsessed With AOC for Years:" https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/aoc-marjorie-taylor-greene-feud-history-1235023214/

* "School leaders push back on House GOP claims of inaction over antisemitism:" https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2024/05/08/antisemitism-house-hearing-k-12-schools/

* "Republicans follow through on their odd home appliance fixation:" https://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/maddowblog/republicans-follow-odd-home-appliance-fixation-rcna151249

* Stop the government censoring queer and other minority voices off the Internet in the US : https://www.stopkosa.com/

* Have something you want to tell your Congress Critters? If you can't safely contact them 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.
Here is one that will send your reps a fax: https://resist.bot/
To get your Critters' numbers to call direct: https://www.congress.gov/members/find-your-member

* The Indivisible Guide: "A Practical Guide to defeating MAGA:" https://indivisible.org/sites/default/files/2023-01/20220104_Indivisible_%20A%20Practical%20Guide%20to%20Defeating%20MAGA.pdf

* "Meet RAGA—One of the Scariest GOP Groups You’ve Never Heard Of:" https://www.thenation.com/article/society/republican-attorney-general-raga/

* "In Arizona, election workers trained with deepfakes to prepare for 2024:" https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/05/08/arizona-election-workers-trained-with-deepfakes-prepare-2024/

* "'He is dangerous': Rep. Balint on the Trumpian threat Speaker Johnson poses to democracy:" https://www.msnbc.com/jonathan-capehart/watch/-he-is-dangerous-rep-balint-on-the-trumpian-threat-speaker-johnson-poses-to-democracy-211225157642

* "MAGA Candidate Draws Outrage After Bizarre “Weak and Gay” Video:" https://newrepublic.com/post/181592/gop-candidate-weak-gay-video

* "‘Outside money in Oregon swing district prompts claims of Republican meddling:" https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2024/05/17/outside-money-in-oregon-swing-district-prompts-claims-of-republican-meddling/

* "OUTSIDE GROUPS SPENT $285,000 BACKING JAMAAL BOWMAN. AIPAC ALONE JUST DROPPED NEARLY $2 MILLION TO ATTACK HIM.:" https://theintercept.com/2024/05/16/aipac-jamaal-bowman-attack-ads-george-latimer/

* "Rep. Jamaal Bowman on being AIPAC’s top target:" https://www.msnbc.com/ayman-mohyeldin/watch/rep-jamaal-bowman-on-being-aipac-s-top-target-211195973612

* Primaries are Ongoing:
Important! Remember to vote in all primaries, not just presidential!!!

NOTE: There is a call for people to vote "uncommitted" in the Democratic primary as a protest against Biden's Israel policy. The time to pressure Biden with your vote is now, not in November. The pressure from all the different types of protests do seem to be working, if far slower than we'd like.

NOTE 2: There is a similar protest against Trump where people vote for a candidate who isn't running. Check your state to see who people are promoting.

NOTE 3: Important non-Presidential Primaries are also ongoing! Vote the whole ballot!

Georgia, Kentucky, Oregon, Idaho: 5/21/24 (House Primaries as well! Important!!!)

Idaho (Democrat): 5/23/24

Texas (Run Off Election): 5/28/24

Iowa (House Primary), District of Columbia (Democrats), Montana (General Primary, Important!), New Jersey (General Primary, Important), New Mexico (General Primary, Important!), South Dakota: 6/4/24


Know your state's schedule and where to vote. Make sure you and your friends are registered. If you are voting in person, plan how to get there.

If you live in an open primary state consider voting strategically. Otherwise, vote your heart in the primary. Remember how all those votes for Sanders and Warren pushed Biden and the party platform further left?

Remember to vote in all the races, not just the top of the ticket even if it's in a separate primary (as it is in my state). Who runs congress, your state, and your local government really matters. In some states this is a separate primary. Check the rules for your state.

Never, ever sleep on a chance to vote.

It is always better to vote for someone who will listen to us than to let someone who is actively trying to kill us.

* "Biden and Trump agree to debates. And then debate about more debates.:" https://www.politico.com/news/2024/05/15/biden-proposes-2-debates-with-trump-ditching-bipartisan-commission-00158082

* "Why Trump's 2020 debates should make him think twice about meeting Biden again in 2024:" https://www.msnbc.com/alex-wagner-tonight/watch/why-trump-s-2020-debates-should-make-him-think-twice-about-meeting-biden-again-in-2024-211038789777

* "How Can This Country Possibly Be Electing Trump Again?:" https://newrepublic.com/article/181287/can-america-possibly-elect-trump-again

* "Every Awful Thing Trump Has Promised to Do in a Second Term:" https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-features/trump-second-term-plans-wildest-proposals-1234947327/

* "Trump Says He’d Deport ‘Anti-American’ Protesters in Bizarre Rally Speech:" https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/donald-trump-deport-protesters-hannibal-lecter-new-jersey-rally-1235019174/

* "Trump's election denialism is a 'dagger at the heart of American democracy':" https://www.msnbc.com/jonathan-capehart/watch/trump-s-election-denialism-is-a-dagger-at-the-heart-of-american-democracy-210771525632

* "Trump pledges to 'roll back' Biden gun rules, fire ATF chief at NRA rally:" https://www.reuters.com/world/us/donald-trump-fire-up-supporters-nras-annual-us-gathering-2024-05-18/

* "Why Donald Trump ended up praising Hollywood’s most famous cannibal:" https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/05/13/trump-hannibal-lecter-immigration/

* "Biden and Trump split screen: "Unhinged" and "Hannibal Lecter":" https://www.axios.com/2024/05/12/biden-trump-rallies-fundraiser-hannibal-lecter

* "NC Senate votes to ban people from wearing masks in public for health reasons:" https://www.wral.com/amp/21433199/

* "South Carolina has passed a gender-affirming care ban. Here's what families can do:" https://www.advocate.com/politics/south-carolina-gender-affirming-care-resources

* "Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signs a bill that strikes climate change from state law:" https://www.npr.org/2024/05/16/1251769080/florida-desantis-climate-change-law

* "A Virginia county board votes to restore Confederates' names to schools:" https://www.npr.org/2024/05/10/1250446827/virginia-confederate-school-names-restored

* "Louisiana bill would place abortion pills on same list as opiates:" https://www.axios.com/2024/05/13/abortion-pills-controlled-substance-louisiana-amendment

* Republicans continue to champion CSA as part of their core anti-bodily autonomy agenda. "Why Are Some Republican Lawmakers Hellbent on Preserving Child Marriage?:" https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-features/republican-lawmakers-child-marriage-abortion-1235018777/

* "Rudy Giuliani still hasn’t been served his Arizona indictment:" https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2024/05/14/rudy-giuliani-arizona-charges/

* "DOJ requests judge order Steve Bannon to begin prison sentence:" https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/doj-requests-judge-order-steve-bannon-begin-prison/story?id=110209704

* "US Senator Robert Menendez goes on trial for corruption, no jurors chosen:" https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/senator-bob-menendez-trial-jury/story?id=110269043

* "Witness at Sen. Bob Menendez's bribery trial says meat-export monopoly made costs soar:" https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/witness-sen-bob-menendezs-bribery-trial-meat-export-110349002

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* I can't cover Trump legal stuff in the detail I normally would. Physio ramped up and my arm isn't up to much right now. I am just to tired and in too much pain for blow by blows. Apologies.

* "IRS Audit of Trump Could Cost Former President More Than $100 Million:" https://www.propublica.org/article/trump-irs-audit-chicago-hotel-taxes

* "Trump Campaign Hid Settlements With Women, New Complaint Says:" https://www.thedailybeast.com/trump-campaign-hid-settlements-with-women-new-complaint-says

* "'Utterly humiliating': Trump sycophants in matching suits audition for Trump outside trial:" https://www.msnbc.com/alex-wagner-tonight/watch/-utterly-humiliating-trump-sycophants-in-matching-suits-audition-for-trump-outside-trial-210954309549

* "Trump sycophants parroting attacks on justice system risk further provoking MAGA extremists:" https://www.msnbc.com/alex-wagner-tonight/watch/trump-sycophants-parroting-attacks-on-justice-system-risk-further-provoking-maga-extremists-211040325835

* "Maddow slams 'corrosive' rhetoric as spectacle of Trump's Republican cheering squad grows:" https://www.msnbc.com/alex-wagner-tonight/watch/maddow-slams-corrosive-rhetoric-as-spectacle-of-trump-s-republican-cheering-squad-grows-211113541653

* "GOP rep invokes Proud Boys at Trump trial: 'Standing back and standing by':" https://www.msnbc.com/all-in/watch/gop-rep-invokes-proud-boys-at-trump-trial-standing-back-and-standing-by-211101765671

* "‘Bizarre’: Lauren Boebert says Trump ‘looks pretty while he sleeps’ in court:" https://www.msnbc.com/all-in/watch/-bizarre-lauren-boebert-says-trump-looks-pretty-while-he-sleeps-in-court-211169349830

* "Michael Cohen says Trump was concerned about election when he sought to bury Stormy Daniels' story:" https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2024/05/13/trump-hush-money-criminal-trial/a-critical-line-of-testimony-00157625

* "Stunning lack of effort: Trump defense tepid in attack on Cohen's damning testimony:" https://www.msnbc.com/alex-wagner-tonight/watch/stunning-lack-of-effort-trump-defense-tepid-in-attack-on-cohen-s-damning-testimony-210952261967

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* "Pennsylvania state trooper who violently arrested Black transgender official on video is fired:" https://www.advocate.com/news/pa-state-trooper-fired-arresting-trans-official

* "‘Horrible’ and ‘beyond F'd up’: Texas Democratic lawmakers outraged by Abbott pardon of Daniel Perry:" https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2024/05/17/congress/texas-democrats-house-react-daniel-perry-pardon-abbott-protest-garrett-foster-00158651

* "Starting over: Women emerging from prison face formidable challenges to resuming their lives:" https://apnews.com/article/women-prisoners-reentry-challenges-program-shortage-d56afe6283c25e981d37d6e925d90ffd

* "Vivek Ramaswamy Praises Ann Coulter for Saying He’s Too ‘Indian’ to Vote For:" https://www.thedailybeast.com/ann-coulter-tells-ramaswamy-she-wouldnt-vote-for-him-because-youre-an-indian

* "Two Black cadets and the struggle for diversity at an elite US military institution:" https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/usa-race-academy/

* "Segregation Academies Still Operate Across the South. One Town Grapples With Its Divided Schools.:" https://www.propublica.org/article/camden-alabama-segregated-schools-brown-v-board

* "This Map Lets You See How School Segregation Has Changed in Your Hometown:" https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/school-segregation-interactive-map-180984360/

* "A GOP school board member tried to ban a student's art for being 'offensive' to Christians:" https://www.advocate.com/news/virginia-augusta-school-board-gay-art
szx

* CW: CSA. "Attorney General Ferguson announces investigation into Catholic Church’s handling of child sex abuse allegations:" https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/attorney-general-ferguson-announces-investigation-catholic-church-s-handling

* "Even more salacious details emerge about the Zieglers' sex lives as they seek evidence be suppressed:" https://www.advocate.com/politics/zieglers-sex-lives-police-evidence

* "Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker goes on transphobic, sexist rant during graduation speech:" https://www.advocate.com/sports/harrison-butker-misogynistic-transphobia

* "Gay couple sues NYC over 'discriminatory' denial of IVF benefits:" https://www.advocate.com/gay-couple-ivf-benefits-lawsuit

* "Third lesbian killed after boardinghouse arson attack in Argentina:" https://www.advocate.com/crime/third-lesbian-dies-fire-argentina

* Hospital wait times can kill. Denial of care can kill. "Trans teen ‘attempts self-mastectomy’ while waiting for surgery in ‘act of desperation’:" https://www.thepinknews.com/2024/05/17/trans-teen-mastectomy-new-zealand/

* "Unsurprisingly, LGBTQ+ staff more likely to leave the NHS after Tory ‘gender ideology’ crackdown:" https://www.thepinknews.com/2024/05/18/lgbtq-nhs-workers/

* "Do not ban transgender people from receiving care in mainstream hospital wards:" https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/661601

* "Las Vegas man shot at his gay neighbors while screaming homophobic slurs, police say:" https://www.advocate.com/las-vegas-hate-crime-bb-gun

* "Bay Area man convicted for attacking, robbing, abandoning Grindr hookup:" https://www.advocate.com/crime/grindr-hookup-robbery-sf

* "female loneliness and the catch-up friendship crisis:"

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* "The CDC Is Squandering the Breakthrough RSV Vaccine:" https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2024/03/cdc-rsv-vaccine-babies-eligible/677907/

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* "Largest Year–Over-Year Gain in Keeling Curve Set in March:" https://keelingcurve.ucsd.edu/2024/05/08/largest-year-over-year-gain-in-keeling-curve-set-in-march/

* "A mountainous country loses its last glacier:" https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/05/15/venezuela-corona-glacier-humboldt/

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* "I Was Scammed By Taylor Swift’s Boyfriend:"

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* "Orcas have sunk 3 boats in Europe and appear to be teaching others to do the same. But why?:" https://www.livescience.com/animals/orcas/orcas-have-sunk-3-boats-in-europe-and-appear-to-be-teaching-others-to-do-the-same-but-why

* "The Actual History of Pink for Girls and Blue for Boys:"

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* "Trans women discussed trans rights on the BBC over 50 years ago—here’s what it looked like:" https://www.thepinknews.com/2024/05/06/trans-history-week/

* "California political activist couple Peggy Moore and Hope Wood killed in car crash:" https://www.advocate.com/news/peggy-moore-hope-wood-killed

* "Black trans woman Kita Bee killed in hit-and-run in Kansas City:" https://www.advocate.com/crime/transgender-woman-killed-kita-bee

* 5/13/24: I meant to write a lot last week, but the weather has been very uneven and physio is moving into the two days to recover phase. By the time I was up to writing, I felt I really just needed to push the aggregate out.

Friday freaked me out a little. I was exhausted and in pain and not at my best. Now that I know the asshole agency app makes them fill out a form about me every time they come and that one of them snitched on me last month, leading to medical social worker trying to Hard sell a home visit I don't want or need, I am wary about every interaction with this one, even though it definitely wasn't her. Is the suggestion about organizing the tea station, something no one has been up to all winter and is on our when we have time list, just a suggestion or the beginning of the Asshole Agency/social services deciding they need to steal my autonomy because I'm disabled? Probably not, but it worries me she was here on a bad pain day in case she types something into the app they DO flag.

Fuck. We can't manage without the help as my primary purpose until Autumn is basically just physio and it eats most of my time, energy, and pain resistance.

Sunday, I had a visitor until 3ish in the morning, which is fine. I'm nocturnal.

Except today is bloodwork day, and they didn't say it was fasting, but this batch usually is. I was having some juice and a snack when I looked at the time. Fuck!

So I'll be staying up to do blood draw waaay later than expected. I am exhausted and hungry and I can't take the morning meds dose, including half the days arthritis pill until I get back because arthritis pill needs food.

And I have an online social engagement in the evening as I generally do on Monday and Tuesday.

On the upside, we went grocery shopping Sunday evening before dinner, and I now have pastry rising in the kitchen so I can have a special treat later.

Miles to go before I sleep. Sigh.

* 5/16/24: Wednesday, we went out to the prettiest local lake for a picnic dinner. We sat amoung the trees and looked out at the water. Later, We went down to the bay to watch sunset over water, seagulls circling and diving in front of salmon belly sky.

It is so beautiful here, still.

It is strangely cold, the coldest it's been in May since I moved up here. The plants will perk up and then the strange cold returns. The once reliable range of weather shattered a decade ago and each Spring brings surprises. I suspect we'll lose half the starts in the end. The marigolds are my fault. I accidentally weeded them.

The mint is finally bouncing back at least and I still have hope for the tomatoes. They are full grown and tomatoes respond well to a touch of mortality.

I got a new exercise and an upgrade to my home physio Wednesday. I was so exhausted I went to bed early and didn't even try any that evening, which is fine. I'm allowed to take physio evenings off. Thursday I managed ten of the upgraded exercise and did two other sets of regular. I only managed three of the new exercise before my shoulder hard vetoed. Sigh. I suspect the cold isn't helping.

The current goal is to rebuild enough strength for me to independently lift my arm above my shoulder and hold it for a five count.

* Looks like state election polling season has started. Long time readers will know I get polled a lot, being in possession of a land line, and I generally answer them unless there is a pressing need not to, because I'm a bit of a connoisseur.

I just (Thursday) got extensively polled on the Attorney general race in my state, which is unusual. They occasionally get folded into a governor or state legislature poll, but dedicated attorney general polls are rare. It started with the usual baseline questions and there were the usual demographic questions at the end, but 3/4 of the poll was attorney general stuff. It came off as legit as apposed to a push poll and was very issue oriented. I suspect one of the democratic candidate campaigns was funding it and I suspect they are working out ad strategies.

Usually, I'm more interested in biases and poll design, but this one had so much issues based stuff it left me legitimately weighing who I should vote for this summer. We're early enough in I haven't done the research yet. It's clear I'll need to do more than average. Of the people in the polls, it was the Republican I knew best and instantly dismissed. (On the Republican scale of conservative to nightmare, he's on the more reasonable end but there is no universe were I vote "back the blue.") One of the Democrats I've never heard of and the other I had a vaguely positive opinion, but neither did I know well. Both have some negatives but also really strong positives, hence the need to dig properly to see how much is real, how much is puff, and if there is anything disqualifying. Exciting!

* 5/17/24: So Thursday I was exhausted and in pain so I went to bed early. Alas, very little actual sleep was involved for reasons beyond my control. Livia got lots of pettins out of it at least, as one of her skills is responding to people waking me up my waiting for me to come back from the bathroom and climbing on while the emperor is elsewhere. This was good and important as Tavy's guarding me again, likely due to the obvious physical distress I've been in the last week and a half. When he gets anxious it's everyone's problem. Between Millennial outdoors adventure and the Emperor being the emperor she didn't get any really long bed pets Wednesday.

I had a very early telemedicine thing Friday morning. I had the cleaner scheduled for 10. Goth Millennial wanted to come over and work on some stuff of their own, which is a thing some of them do sometimes. I said sure, as I'd definitely be up all morning. Telemed was fine. Apparently one of my older vaccines is no longer good, so I need go get part one, preferably next week. It was also fast, so I offered to collect Goth Millennial. The Cleaner had a family emergency, which I believe, given things she's said about her circumstances. so I ordered an extra Tuesday because there is a lot needing doing and I barely used any hours the first three months of the year so there is plenty.

My original plan involved going back to bed noonish, but there were a bunch of phone calls and emergency errands and such so i accomplished very little of the things I had on my original agenda for today. Goth Millennial ended up doing some house and garden things as well as the stuff on their agenda, and i couldn't really do any uninterrupted thing until mid afternoon.

By which point my successfully completing my daily physio homework had become a serious liability to everything else because I felt like I was being attacked with knives. In physio's defense Tavy also managed to pin me in a stress position twice, including during lung time this evening, so some of it is Anxious Cat. By dinner time I gave up and took my emergency meds. no noticeable improvement occurred. Indeed as of 9:45PM it is escalating. O.o Which means I'm going to have to employ All the Techniques and home I can chip enough away to sleep.

So I'm trying not to scream and or cry. Still haven't finished the original three to four hours of stuff I was supposed to do today, though I have hopes of Before Midnight local time, and Friday morning aggregate is late again. Tomorrow maybe? Because no way can I push this out tonight.

* Techie Millennial came to Sunday dinner for the first time in ages. I missed them.

I continue to struggle with physio, exhaustion, and my shoulder screaming at me. Sigh.

* "Opioid Settlements: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO):"

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* "Jon Stewart Gives Sen. Robert Menendez a Corruption Lesson | The Daily Show:"

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* "The History of Museums: Crash Course Art History #3:"

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* "Gender Census:" https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/GenderCensus2024

* "Summer of Trump Cold Open - SNL:"

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* "Fast Fashion Ad - SNL:"

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* "Would Jeeves and Wooster survive Castle Dracula?:" https://www.tumblr.com/brigdh/750210068089389056?source=share

* "Hot Vampire Hunters in Your Area!:" https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bonus-1-hot-vampire-hunters-in-your-area/id1679833472?i=1000606859900

* "Jane Austen's Persuasion, Part II:" https://www.thechatner.com/p/jane-austens-persuasion-part-ii?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=5&post_id=144622588&utm_campaign=email-post-title&isFreemail=true&r=ykw2&triedRedirect=true&utm_medium=email

* "Sunday Sweets' Crowning Achievement:" https://www.cakewrecks.com/home/sunday-sweets-crowning-achievement-2024

*****
* Full list of Resistance and charity links has been migrated to my profile as it was getting out of hand.

The help links are at the bottom under the cut.

* "Gender Census:" https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/GenderCensus2024

* "Do not ban transgender people from receiving care in mainstream hospital wards:" https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/661601

* "Black Alliance for Peace’s Atlanta Citywide Alliance:" https://linktr.ee/bapatlanta

* Map of Cop Cities planned or being built: https://isyourlifebetter.net/cop-cities-usa/

* "if you are struggling with choosing which fundraisers to support, please consider donating to the following places providing medical aid, food, and other supplies to palestine at this time:" https://www.tumblr.com/gwydionmisha/750500230956564480?source=share

* Links for various Palestinian Aid Organizations: https://www.tumblr.com/gwydionmisha/750151174318112768?source=share

* "World Central Kitchen:" https://wck.org/

* "Palestine Children’s Relief Fund:" https://pcrf1.app.neoncrm.com/forms/gaza-recovery

( More Links Underneath: )

---

* "Palestinians say Israeli troops fired at people seeking food. Israel says scene was deadly stampede:" https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-02-29-2024-f9b5a62a80d8b83eac4946d3c85af58b

* "Israel’s Cultural Genocide Is Destroying Gaza’s Very Memory:" https://www.thenation.com/article/world/gaza-cultural-genocide/

* "US military aircraft airdrop thousands of meals into Gaza in emergency humanitarian aid operation:" https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-gaza-airdrop-humanitarian-assistance-f8bc071193f89906abf21478bc70a084

* "'One step away from famine' for more than 500,000 people in Gaza, UN official says:" https://abcnews.go.com/International/half-million-people-gaza-one-step-from-famine-un-official/story?id=107630405

* "These babies were rescued from Gaza. What future awaits them?:" https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/02/15/gaza-babies-shifa-hospital-egypt/

* "Palestine Children’s Relief Fund:" https://pcrf1.app.neoncrm.com/forms/gaza-recovery

* Verified charities to help Palestinians: https://cleolinda.tumblr.com/post/737312194805612544

* Fundraisers for Gaza: https://www.tumblr.com/el-shab-hussein/742344297699999744/hi-if-its-okay-i-saw-you-were-boosting?source=share

******

* "Israel and Hamas indicate no deal is imminent after Biden signals Gaza cease-fire could be close:" https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-02-27-2024-e17abedeaf5a005fcd5e7095fecacb7a

******

* "Two Years of War in Ukraine:" https://www.theatlantic.com/photo/2024/02/photos-two-years-war-ukraine/677519/

* Republicans are playing politics with Ukrainian lives and freedom by siding with Russia. "Surprisingly Weak Ukrainian Defenses Help Russian Advance:" https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/03/02/world/europe/ukraine-defenses-avdiivka.html

---

* "Billionaire politicians have become ‘shockingly common’ around the world, new study finds:" https://www.cnbc.com/2023/10/26/billionaire-politicians-shockingly-common-study.html

* "Why the 2024 elections will be a turning point for LGBTQ+ rights all over the world:" https://www.advocate.com/voices/maria-sjodin

* "It’s official: Sweden to join NATO: Hungary finally lets Sweden into the military alliance, dealing a blow to Russia.:" https://www.politico.eu/article/sweden-to-join-nato/

* "Russians embrace hope amid despair as Alexei Navalny says his final goodbye:" https://apnews.com/article/russia-alexei-navalny-funeral-c67cba86f99c0190cb3640c9e3fe67e8

* "US: Ex-FBI counterintelligence agent aided Russian oligarch:" https://www.kcra.com/article/ex-fbi-counterintelligence-agent-aided-russian-oligarch/42627263

* "A Canadian family moved to Russia to escape ‘wokeness’ and LGBTQ+ people. It did not go well:" https://www.thepinknews.com/2024/02/21/canadian-family-moved-to-russia-to-escape-wokeness/

* "An online dump of Chinese hacking documents offers a rare window into pervasive state surveillance:" https://apnews.com/article/china-cybersecurity-leak-document-dump-spying-aac38c75f268b72910a94881ccbb77cb

* "Something’s Fishy About the ‘Migrant Crisis’:" https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/02/asylum-seekers-migrant-crisis/677464/

* "Texas law allowing police to arrest migrants suspected of being in country illegally blocked by federal judge:" https://www.texastribune.org/2024/02/29/texas-arrest-migrant-illegal-senate-bill-4-blocked/

* "FTC and 9 states sue to block Kroger-Albertsons supermarket merger:" https://www.npr.org/2024/02/26/1232948796/ftc-lawsuit-krogers-albertsons-grocery-merger

* "Out State Dept. official Ned Price to be deputy to U.N. ambassador:" https://www.advocate.com/news/ned-price-deputy-ambassador

* "Supreme Court justices appear skeptical of Texas and Florida social media laws:" https://www.npr.org/2024/02/26/1233506273/supreme-court-social-media-laws

* "Supreme Court leaves sanctions in place against Sidney Powell and others over 2020 election suit in Michigan:" https://www.cbsnews.com/news/supreme-court-trump-sanctions-lawyers-sidney-powell-2020-election-michigan/#:~:text=Washington%20%E2%80%94%20The%20Supreme%20Court%20on,election%20was%20rife%20with%20fraud.

* "Bump-stock ban comes before Supreme Court:" https://www.scotusblog.com/2024/02/bump-stock-ban-comes-before-supreme-court/

* "SCOTUS torn on 'shooting device so horrifying even Trump wanted it banned':" https://www.msnbc.com/all-in/watch/scotus-torn-on-shooting-device-so-horrifying-even-trump-wanted-it-banned-205314629675

* End of April! Fuck!!! "Supreme Court agrees to consider Trump immunity claim in further delay of election interference trial:" https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/supreme-court/supreme-court-decide-trumps-immunity-claim-election-interference-case-rcna139026

* "‘The fix is in’: Coup trial delay reveals Supreme Court ‘in cahoots’ with Trump:" https://www.msnbc.com/all-in/watch/-the-fix-is-in-coup-trial-delay-reveals-supreme-court-in-cahoots-with-trump-205146693530

* "‘This is B.S.’: Maddow shreds ‘cravenness’ of Supreme Court delaying Trump trial:" https://www.msnbc.com/all-in/watch/-this-is-b-s-maddow-shreds-cravenness-of-supreme-court-delaying-trump-trial-205144645897

* "'Historic proof': If the Supreme Court wanted to move quickly it could:" https://www.msnbc.com/all-in/watch/-historic-proof-if-the-supreme-court-wanted-to-move-quickly-it-could-205232709938

* "'Republicans in robes': Supreme Court critics see politics behind action on Trump immunity case:" https://www.msnbc.com/alex-wagner-tonight/watch/-republicans-in-robes-supreme-court-critics-see-politics-behind-action-on-trump-immunity-case-205156933869

* "Chris Hayes Extended Interview:"

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* "Exxon, Chevron ask US Supreme Court to toss ruling in Honolulu climate change suit:" https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/exxon-chevron-ask-us-supreme-court-toss-ruling-honolulu-climate-change-suit-2024-02-28/

* "Republican states can't join appeal in abortion pill case, Supreme Court rules:" https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/republican-states-cant-join-appeal-abortion-pill-case-supreme-court-rules-2024-02-20/

* "145 GOP Members of Congress Ask Supreme Court to Slash Access to the Abortion Pill:" https://www.jezebel.com/145-gop-members-of-congress-ask-supreme-court-to-slash-access-to-the-abortion-pill

* "Justice Samuel Alito wishes homophobia was acceptable:" https://www.advocate.com/news/samuel-alito-supports-homophobia

* "Samuel Alito is afraid of being called a bigot? Jim Obergefell has heard far worse (exclusive):" https://www.advocate.com/people/alito-jim-obergefell-homophobia

* "The Scandal of Clarence Thomas’s New Clerk:" https://www.newyorker.com/news/daily-comment/the-scandal-of-clarence-thomass-new-clerk?utm_social-type=owned&mbid=social_twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_brand=tny&utm_source=twitter

* "These are the regressive work culture trends currently fuelling the unfair LGBTQ+ pay gap:" https://www.thepinknews.com/2024/03/01/lgbtq-pay-gap-2/

* "Feds cite meatpacking cleaning company for 'oppressive child labor' practices:" https://abc7chicago.com/feds-cite-meatpacking-cleaning-company-for-oppressive-child-labor/14458692/

* "A Life Without a Home:" https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/02/21/opinion/homelessness-crisis-america-stories.html?unlocked_article_code=1.XE0.FDQj.MKmUIJ2sijGj&utm_source=DamnInteresting

* "Congress passes stopgap spending bill, preventing a partial government shutdown:" https://www.npr.org/2024/02/28/1234679367/congress-spending-deal-government-shutdown

* ""The clue phone is ringing. Pick it up.": Rep. Balint hammers GOP for failure to draft long-term spending deal:" https://www.msnbc.com/jonathan-capehart/watch/-the-clue-phone-is-ringing-pick-it-up-rep-balint-hammers-gop-for-failure-to-draft-long-term-spending-deal-205345349602

* "Russian Dolls Trump has finally remade Republicans into Putin’s playthings.:" https://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/donald-trump-republicans-vladimir-putin-puppets.html

* "Poland warns US House speaker: you're to blame if Russia advances in Ukraine:" https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/west-must-help-ukraine-more-prevent-spillover-polish-fm-says-2024-02-26/

* "Nearly two dozen European parliament leaders urge Johnson to act on Ukraine aid:" https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2024/02/28/congress/international-plea-for-johnson-ukraine-aid-house-republicans-00143828

* Extended Bernie Sanders interview: https://www.msnbc.com/alex-wagner-tonight/watch/-we-need-to-do-more-sanders-calls-for-increased-pressure-on-netanyahu-to-ease-suffering-in-gaza-205318213937

https://www.msnbc.com/alex-wagner-tonight/watch/where-sen-bernie-sanders-finds-optimism-amid-dismal-politics-205320773852

* "Ex-FBI informant will remain in jail while awaiting trial on charges of lying to FBI about Bidens:" https://www.politico.com/news/2024/02/26/fbi-informant-smirnov-hearing-california-00143335

* "Mitch McConnell will step down as Senate minority leader in November:" https://www.npr.org/2024/02/28/1163447619/mitch-mcconnell-steps-down

* "Enabling Trump, distorting the Supreme Court define McConnell legacy as he exits leadership:" https://www.msnbc.com/alex-wagner-tonight/watch/enabling-trump-distorting-the-supreme-court-define-mcconnell-legacy-as-he-exits-leadership-205159493682

* "Hyde-Smith blocks Senate vote on federal IVF protections:" https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2024/02/28/congress/blocks-ivf-vote-gop-senate-protections-00143918

* "Pelosi rips GOP anti-IVF bill: They 'need a lesson in the bird and the bees’:" https://www.msnbc.com/all-in/watch/pelosi-rips-gop-anti-ivf-bill-they-need-a-lesson-in-the-bird-and-the-bees-205236293634

* "GOP spins in circles to reconcile anti-abortion zeal with public IVF support:" https://www.msnbc.com/alex-wagner-tonight/watch/gop-spins-in-circles-to-reconcile-anti-abortion-zeal-with-public-ivf-support-205322821774

* Have something you want to tell your Congress Critters? If you can't safely contact them 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.
Here is one that will send your reps a fax: https://resist.bot/
To get your Critters' numbers to call direct: https://www.congress.gov/members/find-your-member

* The Indivisible Guide: "A Practical Guide to defeating MAGA:" https://indivisible.org/sites/default/files/2023-01/20220104_Indivisible_%20A%20Practical%20Guide%20to%20Defeating%20MAGA.pdf

* "New York Democrats reject bipartisan congressional map, will draw their own:" https://apnews.com/article/new-york-congress-redistricting-house-elections-4b8768b63e0ab7a05d184a52f8979968

* "The first trans voting centre in the US is set to open in Los Angeles:" https://www.thepinknews.com/2024/03/02/vote-centers-in-los-angeles-county/

* "Wisconsin ethics panel recommends felony charges against Trump committee, lawmaker:" https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-wisconsin-vos-ethics-7d5dd7fd8d2da6001634a747b683b748

* "Federal judge affirms MyPillow’s Mike Lindell must pay $5M in election data dispute:" https://apnews.com/article/mike-lindell-election-denial-arbitration-award-a9b27dd8d37eab1d0f22111566feba93

* "Elon Musk Is Spreading Election Misinformation, but X’s Fact Checkers Are Long Gone:" https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/25/us/politics/elon-musk-election-misinformation-x-twitter.html

* "Calls to 'fight' and echoes of Jan. 6 embraced by CPAC attendees:" https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/jack-posobiec-jan-6-2024-cpac-rcna140225

* "MAGA Republican Pledges “End of Democracy” to Rabid Cheers at CPAC:" https://newrepublic.com/post/179247/jack-posobiec-democracy-cpac-2024

* This IS the Republican Mainstream now. "Nazis mingle openly at CPAC, spreading antisemitic conspiracy theories and finding allies:" https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/nazis-mingle-openly-cpac-spreading-antisemitic-conspiracy-theories-fin-rcna140335

* "Matt Schlapp: “We have to intimidate, in the nicest of ways, all these elected officials that continue to flout the law”:" https://www.mediamatters.org/charlie-kirk/matt-schlapp-we-have-intimidate-nicest-ways-all-these-elected-officials-continue-flout

* "New Matt Schlapp Subpoenas Target Document-Shredding at CPAC:" https://www.thedailybeast.com/new-matt-schlapp-subpoenas-target-doc-shredding-at-cpac

* "Ohio Law Requires a Transgender Man to Use His Deadname on State Legislature Ballot:" https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2024/02/ohio-law-requires-a-transgender-man-to-use-his-deadname-on-state-legislature-ballot/

* "Republican Opposition to Birth Control Bill Could Alienate Voters, Poll Finds:" https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/26/us/politics/republicans-birth-control-ivf.html

* "Maddow: With each new election cycle, Republicans accept Russian help with greater ease:" https://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow/watch/with-each-new-election-cycle-republicans-accept-russian-help-with-greater-ease-204987461939

* Presidential Primaries are ongoing:

NOTE: There is now a call for people to vote "uncommitted" in the Democratic primary as a protest against Biden's Israel policy, I have voted that way in my up coming primary. The time to pressure Biden with your vote is now, not in November. The more of us who do this the more likely he'll actually do something.

District of Columbia: (Republicans), 3/3/24

North Dakota: (Republicans), 3/4/24

Alabama, Alaska (Republicans), Arkansas, California, Colorado, Iowa (Democrats), Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, American Samoa (Democrats): 3/5/24

Hawaii: (Democrats): 3/6/24

American Samoa (Republicans): 3/8/24

Know your state's schedule and where to vote. Make sure you and your friends are registered. If you are voting in person, plan how to get there.

If you live in an open primary state consider voting strategically. Otherwise, vote your heart in the primary. Remember how all those votes for Sanders and Warren pushed Biden and the party platform further left?

Remember to vote in all the races, not just the top of the ticket even if it's in a separate primary (as it is in my state). Who runs congress, your state, and your local government really matters. In some states this is a separate primary. Check the rules for your state.

Never, ever sleep on a chance to vote.

It is always better to vote for someone who will listen to us than to let someone who is actively trying to kill us.

* "Magician says political consultant hired him to create AI Biden robocall ahead of New Hampshire primary:" https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/magician-says-political-consultant-hired-him-to-create-ai-biden-robocall-ahead-of-new-hampshire-primary

* "Biden's substantive border visit exposes hollow Trump stunt:" https://www.msnbc.com/alex-wagner-tonight/watch/biden-s-substantive-border-visit-exposes-hollow-trump-stunt-205246021788

* "The push to vote 'uncommitted' to Biden in Michigan exceeds goal:" https://www.npr.org/2024/02/27/1234279958/biden-uncommitted-democrats-michigan-primary-election-2024-

* "Inside the Democratic rebellion against Biden over the Gaza war:" https://www.reuters.com/world/us/inside-democratic-rebellion-against-biden-over-gaza-war-2024-02-27/

* "'He needs to listen to us': Gaza ceasefire activists make statement in Michigan Democratic primary:" https://www.msnbc.com/alex-wagner-tonight/watch/gaza-ceasefire-activists-make-statement-as-uncommitted-in-michigan-democratic-primary-205070917730

* I have already done this. "Push for WA Democrats to vote ‘uncommitted’ instead of for Biden in March 12 primary picks up steam:" https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/push-for-wa-democrats-to-vote-uncommitted-instead-of-for-biden-in-march-12-primary-picks-up-steam/

* "Washington state’s largest labor union endorses ‘uncommitted’ over Biden:" https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/washington-states-largest-labor-union-endorses-uncommitted-biden-rcna141139

* "Colorado "noncommitted" campaign launches Biden protest ahead of Super Tuesday primary:" https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2024/02/29/colorado-noncommitted-primary-vote-biden-protest-super-tuesday

* "Trump's 'rambling and incoherent' victory speech leads to Maddow bestowing new nickname:" https://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/watch/-uncle-ramble-standers-see-maddow-shred-trump-s-messy-south-carolina-victory-speech-204867141905

* "Trump wins Missouri, Michigan and Idaho caucuses, CBS News projects:" https://www.cbsnews.com/news/donald-trump-wins-missouri-michigan-idaho-republican-caucuses/

* "Donald Trump and Ron DeSantis rule out being US election running mates as their bickering continues:" https://www.thepinknews.com/2024/02/27/donald-trump-ron-desantis-not-running-mates-2024-election/

* "Illinois judge rules Trump ineligible for Republican primary ballot over Jan. 6 riot:" https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/illinois-judge-rules-trump-removed-republican-primary-ballot-jan-6-rio-rcna141065

* "The Pro-life Movement’s Not-So-Secret Plan for Trump:" https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2024/02/donald-trump-abortion-limit-republicans/677540/

* "Inside Trump's plan for mass deportations: 'America is going to target people who are not white':" https://www.msnbc.com/jonathan-capehart/watch/inside-trump-s-plan-for-mass-deportations-america-is-going-to-target-people-who-are-not-white-204901957994

* "'Burn it all down': Rule-of-law stands as bulwark against Trumpian lies, so he attacks it:" https://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow/watch/rule-of-law-stands-as-bulwark-against-trumpian-lies-so-he-attacks-it-204991557767

* "An RNC member is trying to stop the party from paying Donald Trump’s legal bills:" https://apnews.com/article/trump-republican-national-committee-stop-legal-bills-ff51a7ae8b5d872344e64a9a18851350

* The Republican War on Bodily Autonomy continues. "An uptick in state personhood bills fuels growing fears over IVF restrictions:" https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/personhood-bills-ivf-restrictions-alabama-rcna140228

* "Alabama Senate and House pass bills to protect IVF after court ruling:" https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/alabama-senate-house-pass-bills-protect-ivf-rcna141184

* "The anti-trans legislation risk map: A state by state breakdown:" https://www.advocate.com/politics/anti-trans-laws-by-state

* "Wyoming bill could take trans kids from parents:" https://www.advocate.com/politics/wyoming-bill-could-take-kids

* "Mississippi bill would let those incarcerated sue state over trans inmates:" https://www.advocate.com/politics/mississippi-bill-trans-inmates

* "Florida LGBTQ+ activist is forcibly removed at a House hearing on gun laws:" https://www.advocate.com/politics/florida-lgbtq-activist-removed

* "LGBTQ+ community marches to Florida capitol en masse in powerful protest against Trans Erasure Bill:" https://www.thepinknews.com/2024/02/29/lgbtq-community-marches-to-florida-capitol-in-powerful-protest-against-trans-erasure-bill/

* "Good news: Utah kills bill banning LGBTQ+ Pride flags in classrooms:" https://www.thepinknews.com/2024/02/27/good-news-utah-kills-bill-banning-lgbtq-pride-flags-in-classrooms/

* "Montana issues rule banning gender marker changes on birth certificates:" https://www.advocate.com/news/montana-bans-trans-birth-certificates

* The Republican War on Marriage and Freedom continues. "Tennessee GOP quietly overturns marriage equality by giving officials the right to refuse:" https://www.advocate.com/politics/tennessee-marriage-licenses-officials-lgbtq

* CW: Suicide "West Virginia Republicans want to prevent suicidal transgender youth from receiving care:" https://www.advocate.com/politics/west-virginia-trans-care-suicide

* "Michael Whatley officially announces for RNC Chair:" https://www.politico.com/news/2024/02/26/michael-whatley-officially-announces-for-rnc-chair-00143364

* "America's first Black gay statewide elected official on being authentic and confident:" https://www.advocate.com/politics/erick-russell-black-gay-trailblzer

* "Virginia lieutenant governor misgenders trans senator Danica Roem, calling her ‘sir’:" https://www.thepinknews.com/2024/02/27/virginia-lt-gov-winsome-earle-sears-misgenders-trans-senator-danica-roem/

* "Fury as Oklahoma senator calls LGBTQ+ people ‘filth’ after being asked about Nex Benedict’s death:" https://www.thepinknews.com/2024/02/26/oklahoma-senator-tom-woods-lgbtq-filth-nex-benedict/

* "Utah governor condemns, censures transphobic school board member:" https://www.advocate.com/politics/utah-governor-condems-natalie-cline

* "Anti-LGBTQ+ congresswoman Lauren Boebert’s son arrested for alleged Colorado crime spree:" https://www.thepinknews.com/2024/02/28/anti-lgbtq-congresswoman-lauren-boeberts-son-arrested-for-alleged-colorado-crime-spree/

* "Watch Libs of TikTok’s Chaya Raichik exposed in stunning, cringe-worthy interview:" https://www.advocate.com/news/taylor-lorenz-chaya-raichik-interview

* "PETITION: Remove Libs of Tik Tok (Chaya Raichik) From Oklahoma Library Board:" https://www.fightforthefirst.org/petitions/petition-remove-libs-of-tik-tok-chaya-raichik-from-oklahoma-library-board

---

* "Appellate judge refuses to halt Trump’s $454 million fraud penalty while he appeals:" https://apnews.com/article/trump-james-appeal-bond-fraud-new-york-3093352e94274f9daba3d84f0c43467e

* "Architect of Trump's social media deal sues to block transaction:" https://www.reuters.com/legal/architect-trumps-social-media-deal-sues-block-transaction-2024-02-29/

* "Trump Wants a Break on $464 Million Judgment. The AG Says Trump Is Sneaking Assets to Florida.:" https://www.thedailybeast.com/trump-wants-a-break-on-dollar464-million-judgment-the-ag-says-trump-is-sneaking-assets-to-florida

* "Scrambling to keep his fortune from being stripped away, Trump may have gone too far:" https://www.msnbc.com/alex-wagner-tonight/watch/scrambling-to-keep-his-fortune-from-being-stripped-away-trump-may-have-gone-too-far-205246021886

* "Donald Trump’s team tries to prevent porn star Stormy Daniels testifying at hush-money trial:" https://www.thepinknews.com/2024/02/28/donald-trump-stormy-daniels-block-testimony-hush-money-trial/

* "“More indictments await”: Experts say Jan. 6 architect’s secret tweets may lead to "felony charges”:" https://www.salon.com/2024/02/27/more-indictments-await-experts-say-jan-6-architects-secret-tweets-may-lead-to-felony-charges/

* "True the Vote fails to reveal evidence of Georgia voting fraud claims:" https://www.ajc.com/politics/true-the-vote-tells-court-it-has-no-records-to-back-up-fraud-claims/77FJUQMWBZFYHEYVF6M54BUBDQ/

* "Listen to Fani Willis' fiery testimony: 'You lied':" https://www.msnbc.com/jonathan-capehart/watch/listen-to-fani-willis-fiery-testimony-you-lied-204455493616

* "Key Witness Against Fani Willis Completely Crumbles on the Stand:" https://newrepublic.com/post/179339/key-witness-georgia-fani-willis-crumbles

* "Judge: I may not need more evidence to decide:" https://www.ajc.com/politics/judge-i-may-not-need-more-evidence-to-decide/3PXR5GV2AZEEJKU35XOCJM4B6A/

* "Judge Cannon signals doubts about Jack Smith’s timeline for Trump trial in Florida:" https://www.politico.com/news/2024/03/01/judge-cannon-signals-doubts-about-jack-smiths-timeline-for-trump-trial-in-florida-00144449

* "'Ice her': The likely scheme behind Trump's proposed start date for his classified documents trial:" https://www.msnbc.com/alex-wagner-tonight/watch/-ice-her-the-likely-scheme-behind-trump-s-proposed-start-date-for-his-classified-documents-trial-205248069764

---

* "More than 60 religious institutions have been targeted for supporting LGBTQ+ rights: report:" https://www.advocate.com/news/lgbtq-religious-institutions-report

* This is from several years ago, but I've been thinking about it lately. "You’re My Line:" https://storycorps.org/animation/youre-my-line/

* "WHY THE MOST EDUCATED PEOPLE IN AMERICA FALL FOR ANTI-SEMITIC LIES:" https://archive.is/20240216133850/https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/02/jewish-anti-semitism-harvard-claudine-gay-zionism/677454/

* "How American Gun Culture Fuels Anti-Immigrant Politics:" https://www.thetrace.org/2024/02/us-gun-culture-immigration-politics/

* "'It is historic': US poised to see record drop in yearly homicides despite public concern over crime:" https://abcnews.go.com/US/homicide-numbers-poised-hit-record-decline-nationwide-americans/story?id=105556400

* "Debunking the right-wing myth of the ‘migrant crime surge’:" https://www.msnbc.com/all-in/watch/debunking-the-right-wing-myth-of-the-migrant-crime-surge-205235269880

* "Man convicted in first federal hate crime trial based on gender identity for murder of Black trans woman:" https://www.advocate.com/crime/federal-hate-crime-gender-identity

* "Charges dropped against Florida family accused of blinding gay man in brutal assault:" https://www.advocate.com/crime/makarenko-family-charges-dropped

* "Watch alarming video of Nex Benedict explaining to police that they were bullied:" https://www.advocate.com/news/nex-benedict-police-video

* "Federal investigation opens into Owasso Public Schools after death of Nex Benedict:" https://www.advocate.com/news/federal-investigation-nex-benedict

* "In Oklahoma, a bathroom law and other policies endanger transgender residents:" https://www.advocate.com/transgender/oklahoma-bathroom-law-dangers

* "Karine Jean-Pierre ‘absolutely heartbroken’ over Oklahoma teen Nex Benedict’s death:" https://www.advocate.com/news/white-house-highlights-nex-benedict

* "How you can support queer and trans kids in Oklahoma after Nex Benedict’s death:" https://www.advocate.com/news/how-to-help-trans-kids

* "Historic $1 Billion Donation to N.Y.C. Medical School Means Students Won't Have to Pay Tuition Anymore:" https://people.com/usd1-billion-donation-n-y-c-medical-school-students-are-tuition-free-8600732

* "West Virginia Republicans want to prosecute 'pedophile librarians' over 'obscene' material:" https://www.advocate.com/politics/west-virginia-obscene-matter-books

* "Texas high school faces backlash after cancelling upcoming LGBTQ+ play The Laramie Project:" https://www.thepinknews.com/2024/02/29/matthew-shepard-play/

* CW: Rape, CSA. "Sarah Everard’s killer Wayne Couzens ‘should never have been a police officer’, inquiry finds:" https://www.thepinknews.com/2024/03/01/sarah-everard-wayne-couzens/

* CW: CSA "Police officer quits after sending ’14-year-old boy’ Grindr messages: ‘Let’s see this skinny bod’:" https://www.thepinknews.com/2024/03/01/anthony-french/

* CW: Sexual Assault. "Conservative anti-gay movement built on foundation of questionable credibility:" https://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow/watch/conservative-anti-gay-movement-built-on-foundation-of-questionable-credibility-204988997940

* CW: Sexual Assault "Album producer accuses Diddy of sexual assault and forcing him to sleep with sex workers:" https://www.thepinknews.com/2024/02/27/sean-diddy-combs-accused-sexual-assault-male-producer/

* "Women take part in Japan’s Naked Man festival for first time in 1000 years:" https://www.nzherald.co.nz/travel/women-take-part-in-japans-naked-man-festival-for-first-time-in-1000-years/BG5RWUZ5HFE5VMO3TPRDKM6RTU/

* It IS work. "Most British people think that sex work should be legal, but is it ‘real work’?:" https://www.thepinknews.com/2024/03/01/most-british-people-think-that-sex-work-should-be-legal-but-is-it-real-work/

* "World’s largest psych organisation says ‘damaging’ gender affirming care bans are wrong:" https://www.thepinknews.com/2024/02/29/gender-affirming-care-report-american-psychological-association/

* "Family planning and fertility services grind to halt in Alabama after devastating ruling:" https://www.advocate.com/news/fertility-services-alabama

* "‘Wake up, America’: Birth control, IVF in jeopardy under GOP, warns Porter:" https://www.msnbc.com/all-in/watch/-wake-up-america-birth-control-ivf-in-jeopardy-under-gop-warns-porter-205312069829

* "A South Carolina woman was forced to leave the state for an abortion. Now, she's suing:" https://www.advocate.com/south-carolina-woman-abortion

* Help Queer Folks in Ghana: https://www.silentmajorityghana.com/donate

---

---

* "Richard Lewis, Comedian and ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ Star, Dies at 76:" https://variety.com/2024/tv/news/richard-lewis-dead-comedian-curb-your-enthusiasm-1235925744/

* I have lost track of how many missed cleaning appointments there were. It's been weeks. I've been scheduling twice a week since November in hopes of getting one a month. Which is annoying, but not nightmarish right now, but gets ugly fast in March, when Goth Millennial is going to burn through all their hours fast taking care of me post surgery.

The Millennials are working out a cooking schedule between them, but this is a huge load on Goth Millennial's shoulders.

Basically the company Medicare is out sourcing to is falling apart because treating their contract workers like shit and lying to them about things like mileage compensation when hiring them is a terrible business model in this economy on top of being an incredible shitty way to treat humans. My decision to start calling them the Asshole Agency within a week or two of starting to deal with them continues to be vindicated. The workers there need a union since the company is devoted to it's assholery, but I get why it's easier to quit.

The system is collapsing, basically. The Medicare advantage people know this and are "discussing options."

So Friday I spent hours playing phone tag with local volunteer organizations trying to get six weeks of help, but those systems are already flooded with people who are supposed to be getting Medicare advantage help, but can't because the Asshole agency isn't sending people and hasn't been for months. Still, I was hoping a short term acute need might get me in. The secular one got right back to me. They are full up. No word yet from the Catholics and the group that coordinates a bunch of protestant organizations.

I have been told over and over to try to get a church involved, but I'm not Christian and it feels weird, especially since most of my contacts with Christian strangers in the last couple decades involve aggressive proselytizers. I have Christian friends who are cool. I have no beef with the Quakers or the Unitarians or the Episcopalians or the Catholics who are trying to change things from within (Nuns on a Bus, queer friends trying to push their parish left) or what have you. I do have a beef with extremists, which most evangelicals are and the more conservative strands of catholic, orthodox, and Protestantism and there are a lot of door to door Mormons, Jehovah's witnesses, etc. in my part of the country.

Look, a had late family members who were very involved in their churches who were decent people with reasonable views. I was a Queer Medievalist and I have some sexy late medieval saint pin ups to prove it mixed in with all my other art, some of which references assorted other religions, despite never having been Catholic. I have a Quaker friend closer to me than my own sister.

I just... Christian religious strangers in my house make me uncomfortable as a queer non-Christian in a country where Christo-fascists are trying to make me literally illegal.

I know it would likely be fine. I did fine and made lots of friends at University which doing a major that is mostly Catholics, Ex-Catholics, and people in the process of converting. I come from a debate culture. I can quote scripture like Satan. ;) I was in Philosophy before I dropped out and moved west and switched to History in one form or another. I can talk theology across a whole lot of denominations and the major "heresies." I just don't want to anymore and I haven't wanted to for a long time. That was long ago and far away when I wasn't so exhausted and in pain.

I should have started looking last August or October.

I am likely fucked because I waited too long.

Sigh.

In other news, I've been really doing well on the massive number of now mostly advanced physio things I have to do every day.

Sunday I was about a third of the way in when my arm noped out of about another third of Sunday's quota. I am trying to do all the remaining ones that don't move my arm that way, but I'm not sanguine.

I forgot to do my blood work Friday. I have an afternoon pre-op appointment Monday. Let us hope I remember then. I am so tired and it all hurts so much.

* Sunday the Millenials helped me make bread, as kneading's been beyond me for years, but I've been wanting fresh baked bread for weeks. I got started way later than intended, and then discovered my yeast was too old which added yet more delay so they went home before it was rteady, which saddened me, I was trying the recipe from B. Dylan Hollis's cookbook that went against every instinct in my body as someone who grew up poor and who's mom baked bread a lot. Like I've been involved in bread making since I was a toddler. The instinct is a well worn groove.

I made some small modifications because 1. I don't put that much salt in anything. (I put in some salt, just not as much as one is supposed to). 2. There was more yeast in it than intended as I added the fresh ayeast on top of the mostly exhausted yeast I'd already put in. 3. I wanted a round loaf rather than a loaf shape, so YMMV.

The yeast did not perform the way I am used to, which I theorize is do to the weird slurry situation they have going on instead of the classic water/sugar/yeast and wait situation I'm used to. As a result it is possible my yeast was mostly fine, but I didn't know that at this stage. Indeed, at no point did this bread rise the way I am used to bread rising, which both I and the Millenial who'd also grown up baking bread found vaguely unnerving. Like it did rise some, but not even close to our expectation.

This bread is dense. Super dense. Even knowing the ingredients and predicting it would be dense from the rise pattern, I was not remotely ready for the texture of the finished product. Don't get me wrong, it's not a bad texture, just way closer to cornbread than bread bread despite the comparatively small amount of corn meal in it. I knew this was a molasses heavy bread and was expecting it to be slightly sweeter than normal bread. I don't think I had quite envisioned the particular way the molasses shifted the flavor profile. Again, not bad, just different and with the unexpected texture I took a while to adjust.

It's very filling to the point where I'm not convinced we can eat a whole loaf before it turns. Like armies could march on this. It is exactly a thing that would be good to feed people plowing a field with horse or ox. It's hearty in a way I associate with early modern and 19th century food. I need to think about what to pair it with besides the butter I already tried on it. I'm not sorry I tried it as it is interesting. I'm not sure I'd make it again as I like other breads I know how to make better.

* The Catholics are a no go on helping. I am now waiting on the Protestant Coalition to see if they will send anyone to help. In related news, the nice lady in charge of my disability aide stuff has put in for a bunch of extra hours for Goth Millennial for March, given how much help I'm going to need. We should here back from the supervisor soon so Goth Millennial can plan. I am thinking I'm going to up reservations with the asshole agency to four a week or so after my first forty eight post surgury in hopes of getting two cleaning sessions a month instead of one. I need to think about distribution for when we have our no one is coming again conversation Friday morning.

I have done my pre-op consult thingie. It looks like as the surgery is less extreme than what had initially been projected they won't need to completely immobilize the arm, just severely limit it. I am hoping "can move it slightly in an up and down fashion" will really help with the trousers on and off situation when I need the bathroom. It is a small thing making a massive difference. I will see if I will be able to type at all when we get there.

It took me three days, a ridiculous amount of time, energy, gas, and most of the oil in my car to get the blood work they wanted. It was an infuriating saga. Hospital won't take blood work from the normal easy to access lab. The one I was sent to consists of a collection of chairs and a sign directing me to what two hours of driving through the street maze north of a certain middle school suggests is a mythical location. waited an hour with an annoyingly loud loop blasting directions in a tiny windowless waiting room to be sent home to try again. That site had the wrong hours listed on the internet and was closing also indefinitely.

This left literally two open slots at the one remaining site, which was the basement of a very pretty craftsman house with no signage visible from the street. I parked in the right place, but the person in the building proper had no idea they had a phlebotomist in the basement, so I spent the next 20 minutes driving up and down and eventually systematically trying unmarked buildings on foot until a kind older gentleman led me to the secret vampire basement. Then I had to hobble up hill back to my car.

This could have easily been solved by a larger sign instead of a tiny one half hidden by landscaping, or one of those tent signs closer to the street. Just saying.

So they have their four vials of blood.

I've had my phone consult with the hospital about meds and things, during which I discovered that the intake lady at the formerly Extremely Catholic Hospital now owned by an Evil Corporate Conglomerating that has successfully enshitified healthcare across broad sectors in at least two counties knows nothing at all about gender confirmation surgeries, literally didn't understand what I was talking about without a five minute explanation, and had no way to enter such a thing into the computer so had to hand write it into my previous surgery list in vague terms because her google fu wasn't up to trans stuff and there was no medical code for it in the computer. O.o

And this is why I never feel safe at that hospital even though I'm pretty sure they stopped having everyone drop whatever they were doing including surgery prep for mandatory prayers when the Evil Corporate Overloard took over. I trust neither super Christian hospital not evil corporate hospital that fires whistle blowers, and wish we were doing this at the modern hospital one county south, but here we are.

I do have trust in my surgeon though. The person who did my swabs, BP, and med list at the surgeons place was clearly trans. I wasn't sure which direction they were going or if they were nonbinary, but it made me feel safer. They weren't weird about my botched surgery situation when I had to partially disrobe for swabs. He also has good recommendations for joint surgery from the physios because the outcomes are excellent without much in the way of complications. My interactions with him show he listens and takes problems seriously. I am comfortable with no nonsense, which he is.

I am going to hate being mostly helpless. The rehab will Suck, but it would be harder to suck more than physio already is. I am already thinking about maybe trying for a new hip next year or the year after. Best to start cycling through the process on big four since I've already started, and that left hip is deteriorating noticeably faster than the right.

My car needs to go in Monday. I need to make a mental note that oil is now three times a year. Sigh. And jiffy lube won't touch anything under my hood for liability reasons. I am trying not to stress out about housing tax, as right now I just need to focus on doing as much physio as my arm can take, laying in supplies for March, getting through what is about to be a terrible, terrible month.

I would like to thank the donor who sent some funds to allow me to order out a couple times while I'm laid up, and the Millennials who are organizing Batch Cooking so I will have things I can heat up to eat.

* Friday I kept being awakened by medical phonecalls, as has been the case all week, but it was 8 or 9 today, which feels like a lot. Nevertheless, I think I am actually getting a handle on the last two batches of advanced exercises, which is a relief.

I think I figured out why the Emperor has been so anxious and Livia's been extra cuddly. They think something is very wrong with me from how I'm moving, poor buttons. They spent most of the week trying to herd me back into bed every time I leave it.

* "Supreme Court Ethics: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO):"

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* "Michigan Dems Vote “Uncommitted” | Biden Talks Ceasefire Over Ice Cream | GOP Targets Birth Control:"

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* "Meanwhile… Subway Surfer Sex | Airplane Mode Unnecessary | Stephen Tries KFC’s Chizza:"

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* "What’s Going On Over There? The Late Show's News From Around The World:"

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* "Trump Victory Party Cold Open - SNL:"

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* "The Republican Hip-Hop Task Force:"

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* "Call The Joe Biden Phone Sex Line:"

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* "Mitch McConnell Steps Down:"

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* Matthew Peary vs Matthew Henson: http://www.harkavagrant.com/index.php?id=208

* "Sunday Sweets Brings You SKULLS ON PLATTERS:" https://www.cakewrecks.com/home/sunday-sweets-brings-you-skulls-on-platters-2024

*****
* Full list of Resistance and charity links has been migrated to my profile as it was getting out of hand.

The help links are at the bottom under the cut.

* People have been asking for ways to help trans people in West Virginia, given the scary shit going on there. So far this organization is suggested. I'm keeping an eye out for more ways to help. If you have suggestions, please let me know. "Fairness West Virginia:" https://fairnesswv.org/donate/

* To track more general LGBTQIA+ Legislation: https://www.lgbtmap.org/

* "How you can support queer and trans kids in Oklahoma after Nex Benedict’s death:" https://www.advocate.com/news/how-to-help-trans-kids

* An organization for the parents of trans youths: https://transparentusa.org/

* "2024 Trans Girl Scouts To Order Cookies From!:" https://www.erininthemorning.com/p/2024-trans-girl-scouts-to-order-cookies

* "World Central Kitchen:" https://wck.org/

* "Palestine Children’s Relief Fund:" https://pcrf1.app.neoncrm.com/forms/gaza-recovery

* Verified charities to help Palestinians: https://cleolinda.tumblr.com/post/737312194805612544

* Fundraisers for Gaza: https://www.tumblr.com/el-shab-hussein/742344297699999744/hi-if-its-okay-i-saw-you-were-boosting?source=share

* Help Queer Folks in Ghana: https://www.silentmajorityghana.com/donate

* "Library of Congress Launches New Website for Americans to Share COVID-19 Stories:" https://newsroom.loc.gov/news/library-of-congress-launches-new-website-for-americans-to-share-covid-19-stories/s/d5739534-fec6-4e13-9f16-68d6117ee94b

* "We’re looking for English-speaking neopronoun users (aged 18+) to participate in a paid linguistics study.:" https://allthingslinguistic.com/post/741780492503990272/kirby-conrod-is-a-cool-linguist-whos-done-neat

( More Links Underneath: )

* Not even close to all the news, but this week was HARD.

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* "Israel stages airstrikes across Gaza, makes arrests at hospital:" https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-stages-airstrikes-across-gaza-makes-arrests-hospital-2024-02-17/

* "Israel raids main Gaza hospital as Rafah concerns grow:" https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-raids-main-gaza-hospital-rafah-concerns-grow-2024-02-15/

* Note: I don't trust a thing Netanyahu's government says, given how often they've lied before to justify war crimes in the last few months. "Israeli forces storm the main hospital in southern Gaza, saying hostages were likely held there:" https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-02-15-2024-d3a25caf6b60fe560e1a31d4f8f6b45e

* "Palestine Children’s Relief Fund:" https://pcrf1.app.neoncrm.com/forms/gaza-recovery

* Verified charities to help Palestinians: https://cleolinda.tumblr.com/post/737312194805612544

* Fundraisers for Gaza: https://www.tumblr.com/el-shab-hussein/742344297699999744/hi-if-its-okay-i-saw-you-were-boosting?source=share

******

* *glares at Biden while tapping my watch* "Biden disparages Netanyahu in private but hasn’t significantly changed U.S. policy toward Israel and Gaza:" https://www.nbcnews.com/news/investigations/biden-disparages-netanyahu-private-hasnt-changed-us-policy-israel-rcna138282

* "Israeli strikes hit Rafah after Biden warns Netanyahu to have ‘credible’ plan to protect civilians:" https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-02-11-2014-785309c668e15728c6aac9905f290b4d

******

* "Ukrainian civilians vanish and languish in Russian-run jails:" https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-government-donetsk-business-prisons-59837e2f8006bfd1dc3347522e87efc5

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* "Out of options, Rohingya are fleeing Myanmar and Bangladesh by boat despite soaring death toll:" https://apnews.com/article/rohingya-migration-bangladesh-myanmar-boats-c03221ad9bf90a9467bf4030b961dbd3

* "Shehbaz Sharif to be coalition candidate for next Pakistan PM -spokeswoman:" https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/independent-members-welcome-form-government-if-they-can-show-majority-pakistan-2024-02-13/

* "Imran Khan’s ‘Victory Speech’ From Jail Shows A.I.’s Peril and Promise:" https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/11/world/asia/imran-khan-artificial-intelligence-pakistan.html

* "Head of French farmers union says protests could resume:" https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/head-french-farmers-union-says-protests-could-resume-2024-02-13/

* "India's controversial plans for untouched Nicobar Isles:" https://news.yahoo.com/indias-controversial-plans-untouched-nicobar-041530890.html

* "The Shompen face obliteration: they urgently need your support:" https://act.survivalinternational.org/page/128615/action/1

* "Panama denies Nicaragua's request to allow ex-Panamanian president's exit:" https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/panama-denies-request-nicaragua-ex-president-martinellis-exit-2024-02-10/

* "The London Overground lines have been renamed – and one line honours a piece of LGBTQ+ history:" https://www.thepinknews.com/2024/02/15/the-london-overground-lines-have-been-renamed-and-one-line-honours-a-piece-of-lgbtq-history/

* "Venezuela orders UN human rights office to close, accusing it of anti-government activity:" https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-un-human-rights-ordered-closed-baea877b4ab2cf2891d8c5743fb2e3ed

* "Venezuela defends military buildup, accusing neighboring Guyana of granting illegal oil contracts:" https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/venezuela-defends-military-buildup-accusing-neighboring-guyana-granting-107142331

* "Whereabouts of Venezuelan human rights attorney and her family remain unknown days after detentions:" https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-human-rights-activist-arrested-maduro-ca2f380379806338109aa74c2785aa1a

* "US says it’s taken possession of a Boeing 747 that Iran sold to a Venezuelan firm:" https://apnews.com/article/argentina-venezuela-iran-justice-department-boeing-e2066c62c48654a2aace58d23baafa22

* "Alexei Navalny, galvanizing opposition leader and Putin’s fiercest foe, died in prison, Russia says:" https://apnews.com/article/russia-navalny-dead-opposition-leader-2d11644f7ae5332587b39150f1fd1738

* "'Democratic superhero': Russian journalist reacts to death of Alexei Navalny:" https://www.msnbc.com/all-in/watch/-democratic-superhero-russian-journalist-reacts-to-death-of-alexei-navalny-204393541606

* "How the US is preparing for a Chinese invasion of Taiwan:" https://www.reuters.com/world/china/logistics-war-how-washington-is-preparing-chinese-invasion-taiwan-2024-01-31/

* "Russia Is Boosting Calls for ‘Civil War’ Over Texas Border Crisis:" https://www.wired.com/story/russia-disinformation-campaign-civil-war-texas-border/

* "The ‘disturbing’ intel roiling the Hill is about Russian nukes in space:" https://www.politico.com/news/2024/02/14/house-intel-national-security-threat-russia-space-power-00141473

* "Tucker Carlson Promised an Unedited Putin. The Result Was Boring:" https://www.newyorker.com/news/news-desk/tucker-carlson-promised-an-unedited-putin-the-result-was-boring

* "Poland Angrily Responds to Putin's Claims About Hitler and World War II:" https://www.newsweek.com/poland-angrily-responds-putins-claims-about-hitler-world-war-ii-1868707#:~:text=During%20Putin's%20controversial%20interview%20with,of%20part%20of%20its%20territory.

* "Putin is cashing in on his ‘enormous’ investment in Trump, says Hayes:" https://www.msnbc.com/all-in/watch/putin-is-cashing-in-on-his-enormous-investment-in-trump-says-hayes-204170309597

* "Illegal border crossings from Mexico plunge after a record-high December, with fewer from Venezuela:" https://apnews.com/article/immigration-border-security-migrants-homeland-security-1c6e9f612dff721191c0254f980947a5

* "‘Massive benefit’: Immigration surge set to boost U.S. economy by $7 trillion:" https://www.msnbc.com/all-in/watch/-massive-benefit-immigration-surge-set-to-boost-u-s-economy-by-7-trillion-204283461708

* "Kamala Harris marks 20 years since first officiating same-sex marriages and reunites with gay couple she wed:" https://www.advocate.com/news/kamala-harris-gay-marriages-anniversary

* "Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin cancels overseas trip following hospitalization:" https://www.reuters.com/legal/ex-fbi-informant-charged-with-lying-about-biden-his-son-special-counsel-says-2024-02-15/

* Rightly so. Those things were stolen and belong to the descendants of people they were stolen from.
"Museums close Native American displays after new regulations take effect:" https://www.npr.org/2024/01/27/1227434311/museums-close-native-american-displays-after-new-regulations-take-effect

* "Special counsel urges Supreme Court to end Trump’s delay of federal election trial:" https://www.politico.com/news/2024/02/14/special-counsel-scotus-trump-delay-00141561

* "Trump is Not Immune from Prosecution, Duh.:"

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* "Over 500,000 workers went on strike in 2023 — double from last year:" https://www.businessinsider.com/strikes-striking-workers-surge-2023-actors-writers-teachers-uaw-contribute-2024-2

* Well played. "Uber, Lyft, DoorDash drivers in the U.S. to strike on Valentine’s Day for fair pay:" https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/tech-news/uber-lyft-doordash-drivers-us-strike-valentines-day-fair-pay-rcna138450

* "Disneyland cast members announce plans to form a union:" https://www.cbsnews.com/news/disneyland-characters-union-actors-equity-association/

* "Alaska Air flight attendants authorize strike for first time in three decades:" https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/flight-attendants-join-hands-picket-outside-30-airports-better-pay-2024-02-13/

* "How African-Americans get left out of conversations about the American working class:" https://www.msnbc.com/jonathan-capehart/watch/how-african-americans-get-left-out-of-conversations-about-the-american-working-class-204026437515

* "The Paradox of Stay-at-Home Parents:" https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2024/02/stay-home-parents-support-working-parents-social-security/677400/

* "Senate passes $95B aid package for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan despite Trump attacks:" https://www.politico.com/news/2024/02/13/senate-aid-package-ukraine-israel-taiwan-00141135

* "Why 22 Senate Republicans defied Trump and voted for aid to Ukraine:" https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/22-senate-republicans-defied-trump-voted-aid-ukraine/story?id=107193651

* "J.D. Vance’s sloppy effort to turn MAGA world against Ukraine funding:" https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/02/12/jd-vance-ukraine-funding-trump/

* "Ukraine Aid Bill Faces Hurdles in the House Amid G.O.P. Opposition:" https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/13/us/politics/ukraine-aid-bill-house.html

* "Biden warns opposing Ukraine funding plays ‘into Putin’s hands,’ but faces resistance in House:" https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-aid-congress-senate-5fdcf8cb1964681dcce0f4fe7b9a0f86

* URGENT: Ukraine Aid Bill

Ukraine is literally running out of bullets.

Trump has ordered Mike Johnson to block Ukraine Aid in the House of Representatives, which he is doing.

The only way to get Ukraine aid is a discharge petition which requires a couple Republican votes to pass.

Yes, the Aid Package is not ideal and there are things I wish weren't in it, but we can't amend at this point and it is likely life or death for Ukraine. A discharge petition is the only way to do an end run around the Putinists blocking the normal process.

If you have a Republican Congress critter in the House, please let that critter know you support the discharge petition for Aid to Ukraine.

* "Marjorie Taylor Greene responds to David Cameron’s call for US to aid Ukraine: ‘Kiss my ass’:" https://www.thepinknews.com/2024/02/16/marjorie-taylor-greene-responds-to-david-cameron/

* "'Put the bill on the floor': Dem rep calls on GOP to stop blocking Ukraine aid:" https://www.msnbc.com/all-in/watch/-put-the-bill-on-the-floor-dem-rep-calls-on-gop-to-stop-blocking-ukraine-aid-204395589709

* "Rep. Garcia: GOP hardliners "don't want solutions" on border security, foreign aid:" https://www.msnbc.com/jonathan-capehart/watch/rep-garcia-gop-hardliners-don-t-want-solutions-on-border-security-foreign-aid-204424262001

* Matt Gaetz is shocked that his actions occasionally might have consequences. "Matt Gaetz says he misses Kevin McCarthy after House GOP's humiliating week:" https://www.msnbc.com/ayman-mohyeldin/watch/matt-gaetz-says-he-misses-kevin-mccarthy-after-house-gop-s-humiliating-week-204014661632

* "FBI informant charged with lying about Joe and Hunter Biden's ties to Ukrainian firm:" https://www.npr.org/2024/02/15/1231884999/fbi-informant-charged-lying-joe-hunter-biden-ukraine-burisma

* "‘Amazing turn of events’: Raskin reacts to arrest of GOP's Hunter Biden ‘informant’:" https://www.msnbc.com/all-in/watch/-amazing-turn-of-events-raskin-reacts-to-arrest-of-gop-s-hunter-biden-informant-204318789912

* Republicans refuse to name any crime, let alone produce evidence of one. "Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas impeached by House Republicans:" https://www.npr.org/2024/02/13/1230977868/house-impeachment-mayorkas-border

* "House Republicans impeach Mayorkas by the margin of a medical absence:" https://www.msnbc.com/alex-wagner-tonight/watch/house-republicans-impeach-mayorkas-by-the-margin-of-a-medical-absence-204173893994

* "House Republicans are 'obsessed' with attacking LGBTQ+ people, say Democratic lawmakers:" https://www.advocate.com/politics/equality-caucus-republicans-obsessed

* Have something you want to tell your Congress Critters? If you can't safely contact them 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.
Here is one that will send your reps a fax: https://resist.bot/
To get your Critters' numbers to call direct: https://www.congress.gov/members/find-your-member

* The Indivisible Guide: "A Practical Guide to defeating MAGA:" https://indivisible.org/sites/default/files/2023-01/20220104_Indivisible_%20A%20Practical%20Guide%20to%20Defeating%20MAGA.pdf

* Special elections are important. I'm so happy people turned out for it. "Pennsylvania Dems seal House majority with special election win:" https://www.politico.com/news/2024/02/13/pennsylvania-dems-house-majority-special-election-00141340#:~:text=to%20the%20left.-,Jim%20Prokopiak's%20election%20to%20the%20Bucks%20County%20seat%20will%20give,win%20kept%20it%20in%20place.

* "'Voting integrity is on the line': PA special election winner shares insights for fellow Democrats:" https://www.msnbc.com/ayman-mohyeldin/watch/-voting-integrity-is-on-the-line-pa-special-election-winner-shares-insights-for-fellow-democrats-204423237633

* "Democrat Tom Suozzi wins George Santos's seat in House of Representatives:" https://www.advocate.com/politics/tom-suozzi-wins-special-election

* "'Losing streak': GOP refuses to learn lessons from ‘crushing’ election losses:" https://www.msnbc.com/all-in/watch/-losing-streak-gop-refuses-to-learn-lessons-from-crushing-election-losses-204243525585

* "Trump endorses new RNC chair and Lara Trump as co-chair:" https://www.politico.com/news/2024/02/12/trump-republican-national-committee-chair-whatley-00141061

* NOTE: The RNC normally distributes the money strategically to various state parties and candidates. "Lara Trump vows ‘every single penny’ of RNC funds will go to Trump:" https://www.msnbc.com/all-in/watch/lara-trump-vows-every-single-penny-of-rnc-funds-will-go-to-trump-204321861629

* "Former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan is running for the U.S. Senate:" https://www.npr.org/2024/02/10/1230600501/former-maryland-gov-larry-hogan-running-us-senate

* "Gallagher says he won’t run for Congress again after refusing to impeach Homeland Security chief:" https://apnews.com/article/mike-gallagher-retirement-impeachment-mayorkas-wisconsin-a125c50142905225ae58f7f36f9bd1e1

* "Senate GOP campaign arm endorses Kari Lake:" https://www.politico.com/news/2024/02/13/kari-lake-nrsc-endorsement-00141107

* "'Full-on, the MAGA party': Election deniers advance as Trump plots RNC takeover:" https://www.msnbc.com/alex-wagner-tonight/watch/-full-on-the-maga-party-election-deniers-advance-as-trump-set-to-take-over-rnc-204179525687

* "DACA recipient resigns from Biden administration, runs for office:" https://www.axios.com/2024/02/05/daca-recipient-biden-administration-runs-office

* Presidential Primaries are ongoing:

Republicans: South Carolina votes 2/24/24

Michigan: All vote 2/27/24

Know your state's schedule and where to vote. Make sure you and your friends are registered. If you are voting in person, plan how to get there.

If you live in an open primary state consider voting strategically. Otherwise, vote your heart in the primary. Remember how all those votes for Sanders and Warren pushed Biden and the party platform further left?

Remember to vote in all the races, not just the top of the ticket even if it's in a separate primary (as it is in my state). Who runs congress, your state, and your local government really matters. In some states this is a separate primary. Check the rules for your state.

Never, ever sleep on a chance to vote.

Remember, it is always better to vote for someone who will listen to us than to let someone who is actively trying to kill us.

* "West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin announces he won’t run for president in 2024:" https://apnews.com/article/joe-manchin-2024-presidential-run-8377c2c336b14c660807941fe943b3b7

* It's worse than the headline makes it look. "Trump’s NATO-bashing comments rile allies, rekindle European fears:" https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2024/02/11/trump-nato-russia-invade/

* Everything is transactional with him. "Top Senate Dem reacts to Trump’s alarming NATO Comments:" https://www.msnbc.com/jonathan-capehart/watch/top-senate-dem-reacts-to-trump-s-alarming-nato-comments-204025413656

* "Nikki Haley blasts Donald Trump’s threat to dump NATO allies behind on bills:" https://www.thepinknews.com/2024/02/14/nikki-haley-donald-trump-nato-russia-attack/

* "G.O.P. Officials, Once Critical, Stand by Trump After NATO Comments:" https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/12/us/politics/trump-nato-republicans.html

* "Trump exposes true allegiance, worrying U.S. NATO allies:" https://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow/watch/u-s-allies-fear-a-faithless-america-under-trump-in-thrall-to-putin-204102725539

* "As Republican sounds alarm on Russian threat, GOP makes excuses for Trump attacks on NATO:" https://www.msnbc.com/alex-wagner-tonight/watch/as-republican-sounds-alarm-on-russian-threat-gop-makes-excuses-for-trump-attacks-on-nato-204254789782

* "Trump Wants an Abortion Ban Based on the Weirdest Logic Ever:" https://newrepublic.com/post/179097/trump-16-week-abortion-ban

* "‘Trump is losing it’: New scrutiny on Trump’s ‘gibberish’ at campaign rallies:" https://www.msnbc.com/all-in/watch/-trump-is-losing-it-new-scrutiny-on-trump-s-gibberish-at-campaign-rallies-204170309716

* "One in five Americans believe Taylor Swift is part of plot to help Joe Biden win election, poll finds:" https://www.thepinknews.com/2024/02/15/taylor-swift-joe-biden-conspiracy-theory-2024-election/

* "‘He Gets Us’ Ad Sponsors Don’t Believe in the Jesus They’re Selling:" https://www.texasobserver.org/he-gets-us-campaign-superbowl-jesus/

* "Republican Tennessee goes after marriage equality:" https://solarbird.dreamwidth.org/1961062.html

* "New gun, abortion, prevailing wage, right-to-work repeal laws take effect in Michigan:" https://www.freep.com/story/news/politics/2024/02/13/new-michigan-abortion-gun-labor-laws-take-effect/72576434007/

* "Reporter asks Ron DeSantis why he can affirm his height with lifts, but stands against gender-affirming care:" https://www.advocate.com/politics/ron-desantis-shoe-lifts-presser

* "Marjorie Taylor Greene calls LGBTQ+ people ‘groomers’ as she backs LibsofTikTok:" https://www.thepinknews.com/2024/02/15/marjorie-taylor-greene-calls-lgbtq-people-groomers-as-she-backs-libsoftiktok/

---

* "Trump hit with $354.9 million penalty, 3-year ban in NY civil fraud case:" https://www.advocate.com/politics/maxwell-frost-credit-card-pulse

* "'He is a cheat.': Devastating court penalty shatters myth of Trump business savvy for good:" https://www.msnbc.com/alex-wagner-tonight/watch/-he-is-a-cheat-devastating-court-penalty-shatters-myth-of-trump-business-savvy-for-good-204398661867

* "Trump meets his match in U.S. justice system with another staggering court loss:" https://www.msnbc.com/alex-wagner-tonight/watch/trump-meets-his-match-in-u-s-justice-system-with-another-staggering-court-loss-204403269637

* "Trump's New York hush money trial will start March 25:" https://www.npr.org/2024/02/15/1231707111/trump-hush-money-case-new-york-trial

* "Stormy Monday: More than just a hush money case, Trump's first criminal trial gets a date:" https://www.msnbc.com/alex-wagner-tonight/watch/stormy-monday-more-than-just-a-hush-money-case-trump-s-first-criminal-trial-gets-a-date-204328517812

---

* "Kansas City police link Super Bowl rally shooting to dispute, not extremism:" https://www.reuters.com/world/us/police-seek-clues-kansas-city-mass-shooting-with-3-people-custody-2024-02-15/

* "Livid Kansas City congressman rips thoughts-and-prayers Congress for doing 'nothing at all' on guns:" https://www.msnbc.com/alex-wagner-tonight/watch/livid-kansas-city-congressman-rips-thoughts-and-prayers-congress-for-doing-nothing-at-all-on-guns-204251205598

* "‘I’m pissed off’: Jason Kander reacts to mass shooting at Chiefs Super Bowl parade:" https://www.msnbc.com/all-in/watch/-i-m-pissed-off-jason-kander-reacts-to-mass-shooting-at-chiefs-super-bowl-parade-204241477785

* "Fox News and GOP politicians falsely claim Lakewood Church shooter was transgender:" https://www.advocate.com/news/false-transgender-claim-texas-shooter

* "Four high school students shot in Atlanta:" https://www.reuters.com/world/us/four-high-school-students-shot-atlanta-2024-02-14/

* "13-year-old accidentally shoots 11-year-old sibling in Whatcom County:" https://www.kiro7.com/news/local/13-year-old-accidentally-shoots-11-year-old-sibling-whatcom-county/H6JSPMYSDFDIJMETWJ5OWD7SSU/

* "Transgender people are being killed at an alarming rate, especially in the South:" https://www.advocate.com/crime/transgender-homicides-alarming-rate

* "Libs of TikTok loses it after Kansas university participates in ‘Glitter Ash Wednesday’ event:" https://www.advocate.com/news/kansas-university-glitter-ash-wednesday

* CW: Sexual Assault. "Kandy Muse assaulted & groped at a club — shares details of what happened:" https://www.advocate.com/news/rupauls-drag-race-kandy-muse

* "The Campus Wars Aren’t About Gender … Are They? Recent Ivy League dramas have made women leaders in academia wonder how far they’ve really come.:" https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/28/us/colleges-antisemitism-gender.html

* "Trans 18-year-old sues hospital for last-minute cancellation of gender-affirming surgery:" https://www.advocate.com/trans-teen-sues-hospital

* "Polish state TV host: Our anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric was shameful:" https://www.advocate.com/news/poland-tv-host-apologizes-homophobia

* "Greece approves marriage equality:" https://www.advocate.com/world/greece-approves-marriage-equality

* "Transgender teen girl stabbed 14 times at roller rink birthday party:" https://www.advocate.com/crime/transgender-girl-stabbed-14-times

* "Florida man arrested for defacing Pride intersection painted to honor Pulse nightclub victims:" https://www.advocate.com/pride-intersection-burnout-florida

* "New York Times continues to fail on trans issues one year after demands made:" https://www.advocate.com/transgender/new-york-times-transgender-fail

* "Meet the newscaster in drag making LGBTQ+ history in Mexican television:" https://apnews.com/article/drag-queen-mexico-tv-barraza-verdrag-4fc003d08a24cef9a9427431004d784b

* CW: Suicide. "Black trans, nonbinary youth have higher suicide risk than cisgender queer peers:" https://www.advocate.com/youth/black-youth-suicide-risk-trevor

* CW: CSA, Sexual Assault, Suicide. "Three Days of Tragedy: How a VA Clinic’s Inability to Help Veterans in Crisis Destroyed Two Families:" https://www.propublica.org/article/when-veterans-cant-access-the-psychiatric-care-they-need

* A good summary of current prevention advice. "The Swiss Cheese Model of Covid Prevention:" https://www.tumblr.com/gwydionmisha/742090895497773056?source=share

---

* "If the Atlantic Ocean Loses Circulation, What Happens Next?:" https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/if-the-atlantic-ocean-loses-circulation-what-happens-next/

* "Up to 47% of Amazon Rainforest At Risk of Collapse by Mid-Century Due to ‘Unprecedented Stress’ From Global Warming and Deforestation:" https://earth.org/up-to-47-of-amazon-rainforest-at-risk-of-collapse-by-mid-century-due-to-unprecedented-stress-from-global-warming-and-deforestation/

* "Climate change is erasing previous gains in air quality — fires are mostly to blame:" https://www.theverge.com/2024/2/12/24066572/air-pollution-quality-climate-change-wildfire-smoke-smog

* "The Perverse Policies That Fuel Wildfires:" https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2024/02/05/the-perverse-policies-that-fuel-wildfires

* "Hurricanes are getting so intense, scientists propose a Category 6:" https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2024/02/05/hurricanes-category6/

* "Victorian fires live: Half a million Victorians without power as bushfires, storms wreak havoc:" https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-02-13/live-blog-vic-fires-watch-and-act-warnings-grampians-wimmera/103459362

* "Blizzard conditions bear down on central US, closing schools and highways:" https://apnews.com/article/winter-storm-weather-09d8e810fc5d80a34ef8bf008bfec7a1

* "Los Angeles’s Floods Show Why Sewers Matter:" https://newrepublic.com/article/178814/sewers-floods-california-climate

---

* "Driver dead, 5 injured when vehicle crashes into emergency room in Austin:" https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/1-person-killed-and-10-injured-when-vehicle-crashes-into-emergency-room-in-austin/3461627/

* "Climate change is fueling the disappearance of the Aral Sea. It’s taking residents’ livelihoods, too:" https://apnews.com/article/kazakhstan-uzbekistan-aral-sea-drying-climate-change-cb565954d5bd2ef72c02a1db8231800d

* "Demand for minerals sparks fear of mining abuses on Indigenous peoples' lands:" https://www.npr.org/2024/01/29/1226125617/demand-for-minerals-sparks-fear-of-mining-abuses-on-indigenous-peoples-lands

* "The Case for Destroying Old Forest Roads:" https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/case-destroying-old-forest-roads-180983693/

* "Instagram and Threads won't promote ‘political’ content. No one knows what they define as ‘political’:" https://www.advocate.com/business/instagram-threads-no-longer-politics

* "Elon Musk demands users stop ‘deadnaming’ Twitter after Stephen King trolls the billionaire:" https://www.advocate.com/news/elon-musk-stephen-king-deadname

* "Ingenuity Mars helicopter mission ends after 72 flights:" https://spacenews.com/ingenuity-mars-helicopter-mission-ends-after-72-flights/

* "Zoozve — the strange 'moon' of Venus that earned its name by accident:" https://www.space.com/venus-quasi-moon-zoozve-radiolab-nasa

* "Japan's space agency says it may now have clues about the origins of the moon:" https://www.npr.org/2024/02/15/1231636892/japans-origins-of-the-moon

* "Big, dead European satellite will crash back to Earth this month:" https://www.space.com/european-space-agency-ers-2-satellite-reentry-preview

* "The ‘Unthinkable’ New Reality About Bedbugs:" https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2024/02/bedbugs-pesticide-resistant-tropical/677415/

* "James Holman, the “Blind Traveller”:" https://daily.jstor.org/james-holman-the-blind-traveller/

* "LOST PHOTOGRAPHS OF BLACK AMERICA:" https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2024/03/ernest-cole-true-america-photographs/677169/

* "How a Nuclear Weapons Lab Helped Crack a Serial-Killer Case:" https://undark.org/2024/02/09/wilo-serial-killer-nuclear-lab/

* "Steven Ostrow, creator of NYC's legendary Continental Baths, dead at 91:" https://www.advocate.com/obituaries/steven-ostrow-continental-baths-dead

* "In this centuries-old English pancake race, ‘you just have to go flat out’:" https://apnews.com/article/britain-pancake-race-england-3e6e2c1ed8b9aefefe7d13e9944009cb

* The decoy computer is not working as a decoy, but he likes sitting in front of it and staring at the cardboard "screen" as if contemplating how to reply to important email when Goth Millennial and I are on the sofa.

Monday, I was an hour later leaving for bureaucracy than intended, basically because my limbs were barely working. This turned an hourish errand into a two and a half hour errand. (Does not count the commute.) This ate nearly all the spoons I had. I ended up eating bread and the forage bananas for first meal, because I had the shakes and nothing left really for even cup of soup prep.

I took my eat with food meds and went to lie down, alarming the cats because this was a break in routine. They did settle down with me. Eventually. I was in far too much pain to sleep. sometimes you just have to lie still and see if it helps. after an hour or so, it became clear I'd need the strong meds and lying down was actually making the pain worse, so up I got to try to sort things. I couldn't even Start physio exercises until well after midnight and couldn't complete.

Tuesday is better, but not great. Sigh. Torture appointment is Wednesday.

And then a computer hiccup ate an evening's worth of work. I recreated most of it in about two hours. And then Firefox crashed wiping all my tabs. I spent an hour trying to recreate what I could as they weren't in history: recently closed pages for some reason. I lost so much data tonight and wasted so much time and energy. *facepalm*

I am seriously worried that I won't get enough rehab done in time.

* Wednesday's arm torture appointment was a nightmare. The new exercises are incredibly hard and painful. I was such a mess that I took home Goth Millennial early so I could go to bed eightish.

I am still slugglish to stand for more than a minute, which is really fucking with Thursday physio exercises, about half of which require standing. My system is under to much stress for my always barely function body temperature regulation to work. I keep getting the shakes and had trouble getting spaghetti to the table. I still have a bunch of sets to go as of this writing at 8:15PM. I outright couldn't do more than seven of the worst of the new ones and have nixed it for the night.

* "Carnival in Brazil: Scenes from the Sambadromes:" https://www.reuters.com/pictures/carnival-brazil-scenes-sambadromes-2024-02-12/

* "The 2023 Hugo Awards: A Report on Censorship and Exclusion:" https://file770.com/the-2023-hugo-awards-a-report-on-censorship-and-exclusion/comment-page-1/

* "Postgame Time:"

( Embed: )

* "Miss Universe National Costume 2023:" https://www.tumblr.com/gwydionmisha/742216698580566016?source=share

* "Superb Owl Sunday Sweets:" https://www.cakewrecks.com/home/superb-owl-sunday-sweets-2024

*****
* Full list of Resistance and charity links has been migrated to my profile as it was getting out of hand.

The help links are at the bottom under the cut.

* People have been asking for ways to help trans people in West Virginia, given the scary shit going on there. So far this organization is suggested. I'm keeping an eye out for more ways to help. If you have suggestions, please let me know. "Fairness West Virginia:" https://fairnesswv.org/donate/

* To track more general LGBTQIA+ Legislation: https://www.lgbtmap.org/

* An organization for the parents of trans youths: https://transparentusa.org/

* "2024 Trans Girl Scouts To Order Cookies From!:" https://www.erininthemorning.com/p/2024-trans-girl-scouts-to-order-cookies

* "World Central Kitchen:" https://wck.org/

* "Palestine Children’s Relief Fund:" https://pcrf1.app.neoncrm.com/forms/gaza-recovery

* Verified charities to help Palestinians: https://cleolinda.tumblr.com/post/737312194805612544

* Fundraisers for Gaza: https://www.tumblr.com/el-shab-hussein/742344297699999744/hi-if-its-okay-i-saw-you-were-boosting?source=share

* "Library of Congress Launches New Website for Americans to Share COVID-19 Stories:" https://newsroom.loc.gov/news/library-of-congress-launches-new-website-for-americans-to-share-covid-19-stories/s/d5739534-fec6-4e13-9f16-68d6117ee94b

* "We’re looking for English-speaking neopronoun users (aged 18+) to participate in a paid linguistics study.:" https://allthingslinguistic.com/post/741780492503990272/kirby-conrod-is-a-cool-linguist-whos-done-neat

( More Links Underneath: )

---

* "World Court says Israel must prevent genocide in Gaza, stops short of ceasefire order:" https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-braces-world-court-ruling-focuses-attack-south-gaza-2024-01-26/

* Verified charities to help Palestinians: https://cleolinda.tumblr.com/post/737312194805612544

---

* "Biden administration creates $700k grant to create inclusive sex ed for trans male teens:" https://www.advocate.com/health/trans-boys-sex-education

* "Border standoff between Texas, feds intensifies as governor defies Supreme Court ruling:" https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/border-standoff-between-texas-feds-intensifies-as-governor-defies-supreme-court-ruling

* "Walmart engaged in illegal union busting at California store, U.S. agency says:" https://finance.yahoo.com/news/walmart-engaged-illegal-union-busting-182620662.html

* "Proposed funding deal will be deadly for LGBTQ+ asylum seekers:" https://www.advocate.com/voices/lgbtq-asylum-seekers-deadly-deal

* "Senate Democrats urged to reject anti-LGBTQ+ measures in funding bills by coalition:" https://www.advocate.com/politics/advocacy-groups-demand-democratic-support

Democrats held firm for us in all the negotiations last summer. The deluge of calls reminding them why they need to protect them worked.

However, it might be a good idea to contact your senators just in case.

* Have something you want to tell your Congress Critters? If you can't safely contact them 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.
Here is one that will send your reps a fax: https://resist.bot/
To get your Critters' numbers to call direct: https://www.congress.gov/members/find-your-member

* The Indivisible Guide: "A Practical Guide to defeating MAGA:" https://indivisible.org/sites/default/files/2023-01/20220104_Indivisible_%20A%20Practical%20Guide%20to%20Defeating%20MAGA.pdf

* Early voting has already started in a few places.

Democrats: South Carolina votes 2/3/24

Democrats: Nevada votes 2/6/24

Republicans: Nevada votes 2/8/24
Republicans: Virgin Islands votes 2/8/24

Know your state's schedule and where to vote. Make sure you and your friends are registered. If you are voting in person, plan how to get there.

If you live in an open primary state consider voting strategically. Otherwise, vote your heart in the primary. Remember how all those votes for Sanders and Warren pushed Biden and the party platform further left?

Remember to vote in all the races, not just the top of the ticket even if it's in a separate primary. Who runs congress, your state, and your local government really matters. In some states this is a separate primary. Check the rules for your state.

Never, ever sleep on a chance to vote.

Remember, it is always better to vote for someone who will listen to us than to let someone who is actively trying to kill us.

* "Assembly lawmakers pass 14-week abortion ban Evers has vowed to veto:" https://wisconsinexaminer.com/2024/01/26/assembly-lawmakers-pass-14-week-abortion-ban-evers-has-vowed-to-veto/

* "GOP Lawmaker Thinks He’s an Abortion Expert Because He’s a Veterinarian:" https://newrepublic.com/post/178471/wisconsin-republican-lawmaker-abortion-expert-veterinarian

* "GOP lawmaker claims he's ‘qualified’ to ban abortion because he's a veterinarian:" https://www.msnbc.com/all-in/watch/gop-lawmaker-claims-he-s-qualified-to-ban-abortion-because-he-s-a-veterinarian-203061317913

* "Maine Democrats bail on bill making state sanctuary for trans people amid far-right uproar:" https://www.advocate.com/news/maine-gender-care-bill-fails

* "Missouri Republicans add trans bathroom ban to 'parents' rights' education bill:" https://www.advocate.com/politics/missouri-republicans-trans-bathroom-ban

* Republicans are out legislating in favour of child abuse. "Bill weakening child labor laws in Florida clears major legislative hurdle:" https://www.wptv.com/news/political/bill-weakening-child-labor-laws-in-florida-heads-clears-major-legislative-hurdle

* "Kemp plans to make it tougher for workers to organize, form unions in Georgia:" https://www.wabe.org/governor-kemp-wants-to-make-it-tougher-for-workers-to-organize-in-georgia/

* I get where she's coming from, but I think cutting queer kids off from information and support is always bad, but in this age of censorship and books bans so much worse. "Out Florida lawmaker defends bill banning kids from social media:" https://www.advocate.com/politics/out-florida-lawmaker-defends-bill-banning-kids-from-social-media

* "Homophobe Matt Gaetz is being investigated for sex trafficking and lobbying violations by the House:" https://www.advocate.com/matt-gaetz-sex-trafficking-lobbying

---

* "Trump ordered to pay $83.3M for defaming E. Jean Carroll:" https://www.politico.com/news/2024/01/26/trump-trial-jean-carroll-defamation-verdict-00138171

* "E. Jean Carroll jury slaps Trump with penalty big enough to hurt:" https://www.msnbc.com/alex-wagner-tonight/watch/e-jean-carroll-jury-slaps-trump-with-penalty-big-enough-to-hurt-203068997914

* "E. Jean Carroll attorney: Trump verdict proves 'your lies' catch up to you:" https://www.msnbc.com/all-in/watch/e-jean-carroll-attorney-trump-verdict-proves-your-lies-catch-up-to-you-203061829620

---

* As usual, the U.S. is not sending it's best people, but rather, it's worst. "The MAGA Truckers Are Back—And Heading to the Border:" https://www.thedailybeast.com/the-maga-truckers-are-backand-heading-to-the-border

* "Alabama man shook violently on gurney during first-ever nitrogen gas execution:" https://apnews.com/article/nitrogen-execution-death-penalty-alabama-6d66344d3199f8c58f2408baa3df0738

* "Brown, Yale, Columbia among latest to settle financial-aid lawsuit:" https://www.reuters.com/legal/brown-yale-columbia-among-latest-settle-financial-aid-lawsuit-2024-01-24/

* "Oklahoma superintendent faces blowback for putting Libs of TikTok creator on library panel:" https://apnews.com/article/oklahoma-education-superintendent-walters-libs-tiktok-raichik-4db2bcb9d8e0582f67329f6879bdf6ba

* "Watch dildos dominate discussion during Moms for Liberty MSNBC interview:" https://www.advocate.com/media/tiffany-justice-obsessed-dildo

* CW: Harassment. "Kansas transgender prison employee sues over alleged gender identity harassment:" https://www.advocate.com/law/kansas-transgender-prison-supervisor-lawsuit

* "Over a third of US adults never received sex education on gender identity, study finds:" https://www.thepinknews.com/2024/01/25/sex-education-usa-news/

* Once again, America lets down our veterans. "Trans veterans were promised access to gender-affirming surgeries — but it never happened:" https://www.advocate.com/health-care/transgender-veterans

* "Texas AG Ken Paxton won't leave trans people alone, again requests data from out of state:" https://www.advocate.com/texas-ag-paxton-georgia-trans

* "Ohio families request emergency funds to flee state after trans care ban passed:" https://www.thepinknews.com/2024/01/24/ohio-families-emergency-funds-trans-care-ban/

* CW: Rape. "Raped, pregnant and in an abortion ban state? Researchers gauge how often it happens:" https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2024/01/24/1226161416/rape-caused-pregnancy-abortion-ban-states

* "What does pansexual mean, and how is it different from bisexual and polysexual?:" https://www.thepinknews.com/2024/01/24/what-is-pansexual-meaning-flag-definition-define-bisexual-difference/

* "LGBT History Month 2024: Here’s why the UK and US celebrate in different months:" https://www.thepinknews.com/2024/01/26/lgbt-history-month-2024-uk-us-date-theme/

* ...And he's already walking it back. Sigh. "Pope Francis: Blessings for same-sex couples are for the people, not the unions:" https://www.advocate.com/religion/pope-francis-blessings-same-sex

* "Man sentenced to 48 years for the murder of a Black trans woman in Maryland:" https://www.thepinknews.com/2024/01/25/taya-ashton-maryland-usa-sentencing/

* CW: Rape. "San Francisco man convicted of poisoning, raping, and murdering young man adopted by gay couple:" https://www.advocate.com/crime/san-francisco-man-convicted-murder

* "An LGBTQ+ nonprofit in North Carolina was broken into and robbed over the weekend:" https://www.advocate.com/crime/lgbtq-nonprofit-north-carolina-burglary

* "Adoption discrimination ‘holding back’ potential LGBTQ+ families in US:" https://www.thepinknews.com/2024/01/25/lgbtq-people-foster-children-gallup/

* "The CDC finds discrimination puts trans women at higher risk of HIV:" https://www.thepinknews.com/2024/01/25/trans-woman-risks-health/

* "The latest on an HIV vaccine:" https://www.hivplusmag.com/prevention/latest-hiv-vaccine

---

---

* I didn't really recover from the Thursday torture appointment until Sunday, and it took a stupid amount of bedrest to get there. I kept getting the shakes trying to do the exercises Friday and Saturday. One of the things I literally couldn't get my arm in position to start Friday. Saturday, I was able to hook it into place with my other hand and hold it in start position for a 15 count stretch which is as good as it was getting without Beowulf pulling a Grendel on me.

Meanwhile, news has been piling up on Klaus laptap as I struggle to keep my head above water and out of bed long enough for basics.

I did manage to do all eighteen twice (if you count the stretch as doing an exercise), Saturday, but it cost me a lot. Sunday I did manage three sets. I am concerned about how Wednesday physio, but onward we must go because what I take into surgery is the range of motion ceiling on the arm for the rest of my life. Tick Tick Tick sigh.

I asked Goth Millennial to make a cardboard decoy laptop to distract Tavy from his attempts to kill Klaus. Livia was initially terrified of it, so I can't sit it in Klaus' old spot if I want her to feel safe out here. I have set it at right angles instead, which is less alarming for her while she gets used to it. Meanwhile Tavy has started gnawing on it, so at least he has a new project. we'll need more time to see about effectiveness.

The second of the surgery shirts my Aunt funded arrived. It is marked the same size as the more generic one that is a tent, but is actually the exact right fit for me. Not ideal for post surgery, but large enough if someone is there to dress me, and it means I now own four shirts I can wear for medical appointments and such while convalescing. I plan to wander around the apartment just in boxers for a lot of this, because that's far better than having to figure out how to get in and out of shirts everyday.

I love this octopus shirt. It is beautiful and goth and pride flag coded. I was not prepared for the cuteness of the squids up close.

*****
* Full list of Resistance and charity links has been migrated to my profile as it was getting out of hand.

The help links are at the bottom under the cut.

* People have been asking for ways to help trans people in West Virginia, given the scary shit going on there. So far this organization is suggested. I'm keeping an eye out for more ways to help. If you have suggestions, please let me know. "Fairness West Virginia:" https://fairnesswv.org/donate/

* To track more general LGBTQIA+ Legislation: https://www.lgbtmap.org/

* An organization for the parents of trans youths: https://transparentusa.org/

* "2024 Trans Girl Scouts To Order Cookies From!:" https://www.erininthemorning.com/p/2024-trans-girl-scouts-to-order-cookies

* "Tell your Representative to Support Rep Tlaib's Resolution for a New Streaming Royalty:" https://actionnetwork.org/letters/tell-your-representative-to-support-the-resolution-for-a-new-streaming-royalty/

* "World Central Kitchen:" https://wck.org/

* Verified charities to help Palestinians: https://cleolinda.tumblr.com/post/737312194805612544

* "Palestine Children’s Relief Fund:" https://pcrf1.app.neoncrm.com/forms/gaza-recovery

( Links Underneath: )

*

---

* "Journalism groups and family reject Israeli accusation that Gazan reporters killed were ‘terrorists’:" https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/journalism-groups-family-reject-israeli-accusation-gazan-reporters-kil-rcna133666

* "Gaza Journalist Wael Al Dahdouh to Pres. Biden: Listen to Both Sides, Not Just One:" https://www.msnbc.com/ayman-mohyeldin/watch/gaza-journalist-wael-al-dahdouh-to-pres-biden-listen-to-both-sides-not-just-one-201913925535

* "Shot in ‘cold blood’: Killing of Palestinian grandmother sparks outcry:" https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/1/13/shot-in-cold-blood-killing-of-elderly-palestinian-woman-sparks-outcry

* "Looming Starvation in Gaza Shows Resurgence of Civilian Sieges in Warfare:" https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/11/health/gaza-israel-hunger-starvation.html

* "Gaza Is Starving:" https://www.newyorker.com/news/q-and-a/gaza-is-starving

* Verified charities to help Palestinians: https://cleolinda.tumblr.com/post/737312194805612544
******

* "Blinken urges Israel to engage with region on postwar plans that include path to Palestinian state:" https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-01-09-2024-017066376ac06026622ee0b83dc2b65e

* "US, allies attack Houthi targets in Yemen in response to missile barrages in the Red Sea:" https://www.politico.com/news/2024/01/11/u-s-attacks-houthi-targets-in-yemen-in-response-to-missile-barrages-in-the-red-sea-00135203

* "American intel officials warn of risk of Hezbollah attacking U.S.:" https://www.politico.com/news/2024/01/10/american-intel-officials-hezbollah-u-s-attack-risk-00134874

* I have serious concerns. "U.S. and allies launch military strikes on Houthis in Yemen in 'major escalation':" https://www.msnbc.com/alex-wagner-tonight/watch/u-s-and-allies-launch-military-strikes-on-houthis-in-yemen-in-major-escalation-201807941709

* "South Africa accuses Israel of genocide against Palestinians at top international court:" https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/south-africa-accuses-israel-of-genocide-against-palestinians-at-top-international-court

******

* "US Fails to Fully Account for Arms Sent to Ukraine, Watchdog Says:" https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-01-11/us-fails-to-fully-account-for-arms-sent-ukraine-watchdog-says?sref=MIBMEEoj

* "White House says U.S. Ukraine assistance has ‘ground to a halt’; UK announces increased drone funding:" https://www.cnbc.com/2024/01/12/russia-ukraine-war-updates-for-jan-12-2024.html

* "Putin believes Ukraine will fall within just months without new US aid, says Senate Intelligence Chair:" https://www.businessinsider.com/putin-believes-ukraine-will-fall-months-without-us-aid-senate-2023-12

* "How the Russian Government Silences Wartime Dissent:" https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/12/29/world/europe/russia-ukraine-war-censorship.html?unlocked_article_code=1.Jk0.byu7.btH7bbrwVA_a&hpgrp=k-abar&smid=url-share

******

---

* "The ruling-party candidate strongly opposed by China wins Taiwan’s presidential election:" https://apnews.com/article/taiwan-china-election-cbf44565b771cddfb60c2a26d2014b0c

* "Macron appoints gay French PM’s ex-partner as foreign minister:" https://www.thepinknews.com/2024/01/12/france-emmanuel-macron-gabriel-attal-stephane-sejourne/

* "Inside The Russian Propaganda Mill Beaming Out Of A Florida Strip Mall:" https://talkingpointsmemo.com/news/inside-the-russian-propaganda-mill-beaming-out-of-a-florida-strip-mall

* " Ukrainian refugees fall victim to ‘sophisticated’ UK visa scams:" https://news.yahoo.com/media-ukrainian-refugees-fall-victim-133212717.html

* "Gay couple left ‘heartbroken’ after cruel Home Office decision:" https://www.thepinknews.com/2024/01/15/gay-couple-denied-partner-visa-uk/

* "Eight ways the UK government ‘eroded’ human rights in 2023, according to damning new report:" https://www.thepinknews.com/2024/01/13/uk-government-has-eroded-human-rights-damning-report-finds/

* "Biden administration rescinds, replaces Trump-era 'license to discriminate in health care' rule:" https://www.advocate.com/news/right-to-discriminate-rule-repealed

* "The White House Just Announced a $623 Million EV-Charging Bonanza:" https://www.wired.com/story/white-house-623-million-ev-charging-bonanza/

* "The Supreme Court Will Decide if States Can Force Hospitals to Let Women Die:" https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-features/supreme-court-states-emergency-abortion-1234945425/

* "A New Mexico Republican was removed from office just last year for the same reason that Trump was ordered off the 2024 Colorado ballot:" https://www.businessinsider.com/donald-trump-colorado-14th-amendment-couy-griffin-new-mexico-2023-12

* "Johnson flails as Republicans demand consequences for conservative hijacking:" https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2024/01/11/congress/conservatives-push-johnson-00135080

* "Congressional leaders agree to deal to extend government funding deadlines:" https://www.msnbc.com/jonathan-capehart/watch/congressional-leaders-agree-to-deal-to-extend-government-funding-deadlines-201899077616

* "GOP fight over budget negotiations is 'the same old chaos' -House Minority Whip Katherine Clark:" https://www.msnbc.com/jonathan-capehart/watch/gop-fight-over-budget-negotiations-is-the-same-old-chaos-house-minority-whip-katherine-clark-201914949938

* Republicans did this cruel and terrible thing; Democrats want to undo it. "Congress saddled scam victims with taxes. A new bill would change that.:" https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2024/01/10/scam-victims-taxes-raskin-bill/

* "A former White House scientist was scammed out of $655,000. Then came the IRS.:" https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2023/12/14/cyber-crime-scams-irs-taxes/

* "Opinion: The GOP’s abandonment of Ukraine makes me ashamed to be an American:" https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/12/08/ukraine-gop-congress-aid/

* "Rep. Crockett: GOP’s Hunter Biden spectacle is about ‘pleasing Trump':" https://www.msnbc.com/all-in/watch/rep-crockett-gop-s-hunter-biden-spectacle-is-about-pleasing-trump-201720389886

* "Rep. Clarke on Mayorkas impeachment threat: 'This is all about political theater':" https://www.msnbc.com/jonathan-capehart/watch/rep-clarke-on-mayorkas-impeachment-threat-this-is-all-about-political-theater-201898565810

* Have something you want to tell your Congress Critters? If you can't safely contact them 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.

Here is one that will send your reps a fax: https://resist.bot/

* The Indivisible Guide: "A Practical Guide to defeating MAGA:" https://indivisible.org/sites/default/files/2023-01/20220104_Indivisible_%20A%20Practical%20Guide%20to%20Defeating%20MAGA.pdf

* The Republican War on Democracy continues. "Republicans threaten Carson, Douglas over voter rolls:" https://www.nevadaappeal.com/news/2023/dec/10/republican-national-committee-threatens-to-sue-carson-douglas-over-voter-rolls/

* "Wisconsin false electors admit their actions were used to ‘improperly overturn’ the 2020 presidential election:" https://wausaupilotandreview.com/2023/12/06/wisconsin-false-electors-admit-their-actions-were-used-to-improperly-overturn-the-2020-presidential-election/

* I don't understand why trying to overthrow the government isn't disqualifying for all public offices. "Wisconsin secretary of state calls for removal of fake Trump elector from elections commission:" https://wausaupilotandreview.com/2023/12/11/wisconsin-secretary-of-state-calls-for-removal-of-fake-trump-elector-from-elections-commission/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=mastodon

* "Kellyanne Conway is selling the GOP a dream that's destined to backfire:" https://www.salon.com/2024/01/08/kellyanne-conway-is-selling-the-a-dream-thats-destined-to-backfire/

* Early voting has already started in a few places.

Iowa caucus is literally on Mon. as in 1/15/24.

New Hampshire votes 1/23/24.

Know your state's schedule and where to vote. Make sure you and your friends are registered. If you are voting in person, plan how to get there.

If you live in an open primary state consider voting strategically. Otherwise, vote your heart in the primary. Remember how all those votes for Sanders and Warren pushed Biden and the party platform further left?

Remember to vote in all the races, not just the top of the ticket. who runs congress, your state, and your local government really matters.

Never, ever sleep on a chance to vote.

Remember, it is always better to vote for someone who will listen to us than to let someone who is actively trying to kill us win.

* "Malcolm Kenyatta on breaking barriers and making Pennsylvania Black queer history:" https://www.advocate.com/politics/malcolmn-kenyatta-auditor-general-interview

* "Trans candidate Arienne Childrey is running for Ohio House and against the state's drag ban sponsor:" https://www.advocate.com/politics/trans-ohio-candidate-legislature

* "‘Terror as a tactic’: Threat of MAGA mob looms over 2024 Republican primary:" https://www.msnbc.com/all-in/watch/-terror-as-a-tactic-threat-of-maga-mob-looms-over-2024-republican-primary-201873477564

* "Welcome to the Loser's Ball: The incentives explain why Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley are trying to avoid catastrophic success.:" https://plus.thebulwark.com/p/welcome-to-the-losers-ball

* "Fears of a NATO Withdrawal Rise as Trump Seeks a Return to Power:" https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/09/us/politics/trump-2025-nato.html?unlocked_article_code=1.Ek0.Crv9.kgti-D2IvVIJ

* "Inside Trump’s Plot to Corrupt the 2024 Election With ‘Garbage’ Data:" https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-features/trump-election-plans-corrupt-voter-registration-eric-eagleai-1234920083/

* "Raskin demands Trump return $7.8M foreign governments paid his companies during presidency:" https://thehill.com/homenews/house/4404911-raskin-trump-foreign-emoluments/?utm_source=hill_app&utm_medium=social&utm_content=share-link

* "‘We want it back’: Raskin demands Trump repay $7.8m from foreign governments:" https://www.msnbc.com/all-in/watch/-we-want-it-back-raskin-demands-trump-repay-7-8m-from-foreign-governments-201874501620

* "Evangelical leaders lose influence as followers find new savior in Trump:" https://www.msnbc.com/alex-wagner-tonight/watch/evangelical-leaders-lose-influence-as-followers-find-new-savior-in-trump-201883717562

* "Trump mainstreams political violence with normalizing repetition:" https://www.msnbc.com/alex-wagner-tonight/watch/trump-mainstreams-political-violence-with-normalizing-repetition-201885765596

* I don't understand how this is legal. "New Florida law blocks Chinese students from academic labs:" https://www.science.org/content/article/new-florida-law-blocks-chinese-students-from-academic-labs

* "Missouri Republicans pivot from attacking LGBTQ+ lives to focus on childcare and education issues:" https://www.advocate.com/politics/missouri-gop-lgbtq-issues-backseat

* Republicans are winning their war against freedom and bodily autonomy. "10 States That Passed the Worst Anti-LGBTQ+ Laws in 2023:" https://www.advocate.com/law/worst-anti-lgbtq-laws-2023#rebelltitem1

* We warned you this is where this is going. "West Virginia Republicans want to ban transgender people from public spaces, call them ‘obscene’:" https://www.advocate.com/politics/transgender-obscene-cured-west-virginia

* "Ohio Republican implies opponents of her trans bathroom bill should be drowned:" https://www.advocate.com/politics/ohio-bathroom-bill-republican-drown

* "Moms for Liberty school board member resigns after Target shoplifting arrest:" https://www.thepinknews.com/2024/01/12/moms-for-liberty-school-board-keri-blair-target-shoplifting-arrest/

* "Sen. Ron Johnson stunned when CNN asks him to back up his MAGA lies:" https://boingboing.net/2023/12/12/sen-ron-johnson-stunned-when-cnn-asks-him-to-back-up-his-maga-lies-video.html

* "Roger Stone Plotted Assassinating Democrats, Bombshell Report Says:" https://newrepublic.com/post/177935/roger-stone-audio-assasinate-democrats-swalwell-nadler

---

* "Why the judge in Trump's fraud trial may have a heavy penalty in mind:" https://www.msnbc.com/alex-wagner-tonight/watch/why-the-judge-in-trump-s-fraud-trial-may-have-a-heavy-penalty-in-mind-201806917704

* "Donald Trump defies judge, gives courtroom speech on tense final day of New York civil fraud trial:" https://apnews.com/article/trump-fraud-lawsuit-new-york-closing-arguments-b36abe2fd695d0172e71f8ef9c5ee7f3

* "Trump caps New York civil fraud trial with courtroom tantrum:" https://www.msnbc.com/alex-wagner-tonight/watch/trump-caps-new-york-civil-fraud-trial-with-courtroom-tantrum-201809989639

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

* "George Conway: Trump’s lawyer walked into ‘nasty’ trap at immunity hearing:" https://www.msnbc.com/all-in/watch/george-conway-trump-s-lawyer-walked-into-nasty-trap-at-immunity-hearing-201720901757

* "Hayes: We are already living with a version of Trump’s 'SEAL Team 6' argument:" https://www.msnbc.com/all-in/watch/hayes-we-are-already-living-with-a-version-of-trump-s-seal-team-6-argument-201801285543

* "Sen. Schatz warns of 'new turn' for Trump with 'Seal Team 6' claim:" https://www.msnbc.com/all-in/watch/sen-schatz-warns-of-new-turn-for-trump-with-seal-team-6-claim-201801285783

---

* "Bomb Threat Made at Home of Judge in Trump’s Bank Fraud Trial:" https://www.thedailybeast.com/arthur-engoron-bomb-threat-made-at-home-of-judge-in-trumps-bank-fraud-trial

* "Antisemitic incidents in the U.S. surged after Oct. 7 Hamas attack, advocacy group says:" https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/antisemitic-incidents-us-jumped-360-oct-7-hamas-attack-advocacy-group-rcna133104

* "Maryland man sentenced for threats to America's largest LGBTQ+ rights group and several lawmakers:" https://www.advocate.com/maryland-man-sentenced-threats-hrc

* "Ohio prosecutors broke rules to win convictions and got away with it:" https://www.npr.org/2023/12/14/1216111092/ohio-court-prosecutor-misconduct-due-process-rights?utm_medium=JSONFeed&utm_campaign=news&utm_source=press.coop

* I am too furious for words. "Families in disbelief after hundreds of bodies found buried behind Mississippi jail:" https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/families-in-disbelief-after-hundreds-of-bodies-found-buried-behind-mississippi-jail

* "Tennessee Republican wants to ban 'political' flags in schools after being triggered by LGBTQ+ Pride:" https://www.advocate.com/politics/tennessee-flag-ban-schools

* "In Kentucky, LGBTQ Student Clubs Go Underground as SB 150 Goes Into Effect:" https://truthout.org/articles/in-kentucky-lgbtq-student-clubs-go-underground-as-sb-150-goes-into-effect/

* "Book ban lawsuit moves forward as Florida district removes over 1,000 titles:" https://abcnews.go.com/US/book-ban-lawsuit-moves-forward-florida-district-removes/story?id=106292183

* "Nearly 700 books have been removed from classroom libraries in one Florida county:" https://www.npr.org/2023/12/21/1221040451/nearly-700-books-have-been-removed-from-classroom-libraries-in-one-florida-count

* "The dictionary pulled from Florida school district due to Ron DeSantis book ban law:" https://www.thepinknews.com/2024/01/11/dictionary-book-ban-florida-school-escambia-county/

* "You won't be finding these books at West Ada Schools:" https://www.kivitv.com/news/local-news/in-your-neighborhood/eagle/you-wont-be-finding-these-books-at-west-ada-schools

* "Colorado conservatives call for law enforcement action to ban books:" https://www.9news.com/article/news/local/next/next-with-kyle-clark/colorado-conservatives-law-enforcement-action-ban-books/73-43e3164b-e750-40e1-bfc5-430b99a2942e

* "Dictionaries a casualty of right-wing book ban panic:" https://www.msnbc.com/alex-wagner-tonight/watch/dictionaries-a-casualty-of-right-wing-book-ban-panic-201887813607

* CW: Rape. "Florida GOP chairman Christian Ziegler’s rape investigation expands to video voyeurism:" https://www.advocate.com/crime/christian-ziegler-rape-investigation-expands

* "‘The Eunuch Maker’ pleads guilty to role in live-stream castration cartel:" https://www.advocate.com/crime/eunuch-maker-pleads-guilty

* "Priest who ‘organised gay orgy’ where man overdosed on erectile dysfunction pills faces jail:" https://www.thepinknews.com/2024/01/12/priest-gay-orgy-erectile-dysfunction-pills-poland/

* "Gender-neutral toy aisles required under new law in California:" https://www.advocate.com/law/gender-neutral-toy-aisles-california

* "The New Lisa Littman Study on ROGD and Detransition is a Total Mess:" https://www.assignedmedia.org/breaking-news/the-new-lisa-littman-study-on-rogd-and-detransition-is-a-total-mess

* "Gender dysphoria diagnoses are steadily increasing. Here's what that means:" https://www.advocate.com/news/gender-dysphoria-diagnoses-increase

* "Seattle hospital sues Texas AG over demands for details on trans minors:" https://www.axios.com/2023/12/22/gender-seattle-children-hospital-texas-ken-paxton-lawsuit

* "Alabama can enforce law criminalizing gender-affirming care, court rules:" https://www.advocate.com/law/alabama-felony-trans-care-ban

* "Republican Officials Openly Insult Women Nearly Killed by Abortion Bans:" https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2024/01/republican-abortion-bans-pregnant-women-deaths.html

* "African Catholics tell Pope Francis they reject same-sex blessings:" https://www.thepinknews.com/2024/01/12/african-catholics-pope-francis-same-sex-blessings/

* "Police release photo of man after clubber targeted with homophobic abuse:" https://www.thepinknews.com/2024/01/12/sheffield-gay-club-homophobic-abuse-hate-crime/

* "Michigan transgender man Jean Butchart shot and killed in series of attacks:" https://www.advocate.com/crime/transgender-man-shot-killed-michigan

* "Kentucky homophobe Kim Davis, who denied gay couples marriage licenses, must pay over $360,000:" https://www.advocate.com/law/kim-davis-attorney-fees-damages

* "USA Boxing issues strict rules on trans inclusion, but conservatives still complain:" https://www.advocate.com/sports/usa-boxing-transgender-inclusion-restrictions

* "Our country's dark history of persecuting people with HIV:" https://www.hivplusmag.com/stigma/us-history-hiv-criminalization

* "Book event disinvites queer author because his disability aid makes others “uncomfortable”:" https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2024/01/book-event-disinvites-queer-author-because-his-disability-aid-makes-others-uncomfortable/

---

* "United Airlines plane makes an emergency landing after a warning about a possible door issue:" https://apnews.com/article/united-airlines-plane-door-light-airbus-1390b31462497889eba7c8bf79a54d1b

---

* "U.S. battery storage capacity expected to nearly double in 2024:" https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=61202#

* "Renewables grew rapidly in 2023, but must grow faster still to meet climate change target, IEA says:" https://apnews.com/article/climate-change-cop29-renewable-energy-fossil-fuels-2df7406c071ad0a828b428bb0cede955

* "Researchers find a massive number of plastic particles in bottled water:" https://www.npr.org/2024/01/10/1223730333/bottled-water-plastic-microplastic-nanoplastic-study

* CW: CSA. "AI image-generators are being trained on explicit photos of children, a study shows:" https://apnews.com/article/generative-ai-illegal-images-child-abuse-3081a81fa79e2a39b67c11201cfd085f

* "Facebook Is Being Overrun With Stolen, AI-Generated Images That People Think Are Real:" https://www.404media.co/facebook-is-being-overrun-with-stolen-ai-generated-images-that-people-think-are-real/

* "Elon Musk claims cis is a ‘heterophobic word’. He’s entirely incorrect:" https://www.thepinknews.com/2024/01/11/elon-musk-cisgender-slur/

* "Monumental ancient map re-emerges in new Rome museum:" https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/monumental-ancient-map-re-emerges-new-rome-museum-2024-01-11/

* "A missing person with no memory: How investigators solved the cold case of Seven Doe:" https://apnews.com/article/seven-doe-remains-missing-persons-reba-bailey-1d2edeacf3e6b6605ad4b509d4cc7be2

* "The Soloist: At fifty, Mikhail Baryshnikov reflects on how ballet saved him.:" https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/1998/01/19/profile-mikhail-baryshnikov

* "Beloved Virginia Beach-area LGBTQ+ advocate killed by drunk driver, police say:" https://www.advocate.com/news/virginia-beloved-activist-killed-crash

* "The female marines Japan is training for war:" https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/japan-defence-women/

* "Snapping The Cable:" https://tedium.co/2024/01/06/cable-tv-2024-decline/

* "The Last Days of the Barcode:" https://archive.is/pXMkH#selection-570.0-570.1

* "Mongolians Are Circus Stars All Over the World, Except at Home:" https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/25/world/asia/mongolia-circus-acrobats-marinelli-bend.html

* Aidan drained, but didn't reboot. I am losing hope.

It is actually cold here and even snowed a little. O.o

The simpler of the shirts my Aunt bought me arrived and it is much nicer than I expected. The texture is lovely, like the hurts I used to get from International Male in the '90's. I bought it two sizes up on the grounds that I wanted lots of extra fabric for comfort post surgery and zero drama getting it on and off, since I have enough trouble with button down shirts without one arm immobilized. It is gloriously tentlike, and I am now wondering if I can can just drape it over the arm and sling and only stick the other arm through an arm hole. I have options!

I ordered the fancier shirt two sizes up on the same principal. I like too large. Too large is so much easier with my sensory and mobility issues. I am actually excited for it.

* Saturday was incredibly challenging for us. The cats and I were having a nice sleep in my bed when we were jarred awake by the skull splitting alarm. It's hard enough on the rest of us, but Livia is super sensitive by cat standards. She hid of course, and there is no chance of us ever evacuating her in a fast emergency as it would be a three person job. This worries me, but it's a problem without a solution.

I could barely walk and it's bad cold outside. It took ages for me to dress and hobble out to the bench by the curb. (I certainly wasn't going out there naked, and it's too cold for me not to need to bundle up. I learned a long time ago you always grab the keys and go bag just in case). I could tell from the fact that it was still going while I struggled to get the shoes on that it was real, but also the fire engines didn't have the siren on. There was no smoke smell, and it was the non-fire emergency light that flashes for the deaf, so I guessed water emergency. Except when it's a false alarm or test, it's always been a water emergency. They want us to walk through the corridors and gather in the parking lot in the way of the fire engines in emergencies. This has always struck me as madness, so I hobbled out the back door. The gimp to the curb took ages and was incredibly painful. I said fuck this to going all the way around to gather with the others and grabbed the bench.

From there I watched the denizens of the other buildings walk dogs, etc. and glance occasionally at my ringing building. I saw a lot of dog owners sensibly evacuate their dogs into their cars with blankets, which made sense. Seriously, the blizzard missed us, but I think this is the coldest it's ever been where I lived since I moved west in the early '90's. We are talking unsheltered people freezing to death weather. This kind of thing is extra dangerous here because we barely even get snow normally in our weird little micro-climate, so a lot of unhoused people from nearby areas migrate here for cold weather precisely because it's safer than the plains or the mountains because, while it gets chilly it generally doesn't freeze much. (We fucking need housing first in this town with full social support services, because there's no excuse for people being forced to sleep rough when the area is this well off). We are talking when I took Goth Millennial home later, my fingers went numb in fifteen minutes with the car heater on cold. It wasn't quite that bad with the sun out, but it was close. I watched firefighters go in and out. I saw squirrel chatting with the firefighters, but they didn't see me. I read for a bit. The bench was a really good idea. I couldn't have stood that long and the wheelchair would have taken ages to get out given how bad my shoulder and hip joints were functioning. We got the all clear and I hobbled back in.

I decided to try to sleep clothed just in case. Tavy and I were settled back in bed, when squirrel popped in to tell me it was yet another water emergency involving an indoor waterfall, this time involving building pipes rather than a bad water heater or maintenance error (Previous causes of indoor/outdoor waterfall. There was a really impressive one from a forth floor balcony once when the guys replacing the roof had an ooopsie). As I wrote this, he came out to tell me that my suspicion it was frozen pipes was correct. Get this, they hadn't insulated the main building pipes for the forth floor so they burst. Duh. There is a reason they won a massive lawsuit against the guy that built this place. Indoor waterfall through four floors of maintenance area and out the front door to freeze in the parking lot. O.o. I think there is water in the wall between my bathroom and the hall. There is water in the carpet approximately where my washer and dryer are. I can't see water, but I can smell wet plaster in there. I have Concerns.

One of the other buildings had the same thing happen last week. I hope they quick wrap the pipes in the third building.

Livia had just emerged from the secure hide for her reassurance pet and was about a minute in when the alarm went off again. Cats panicked. I figured it was the inevitable multiple retriggering sequence after a water emergency. They shut off all the building alarms for the duration after the second retrigger. I didn't see Livia again until about 8. (I have furnished her favorite hide with a multilevel sleep complex and toys in the lower level. She's fine in there. Sometimes she sleeps in there for fun.

Fucking Low Bid contractors.

Update: Apparently the upper floors had to lose their electrical for safety reasons overnight, and the elevator shaft filled up with water which needs pumping out. Remediation is going to be expensive and time consuming.

I am horrified all those people are dealing with this in the kind of weather we've been having because asshole low bid contractor decided to save a few bucks by not wrapping the pipes. I'm furious he was hired to build this place given his reputation for exactly this sort of thing.

* "Judge To Trump Lawyer: Control Your Client | Christie’s Hot Mic Moment | Belichick Exits:"

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* "Meanwhile… Gillian Anderson’s Vulva Dress | Wienermobile Seeks Driver | Giant Shakira Statue:"

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* "Ligeia to go (Poe in 2 minutes, English version):"

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* "RIP queer TV: Every LGBTQ+ show we’ve lost in recent memory:" https://www.thepinknews.com/2024/01/13/lgbtq-tv-shows-cancelled-2023-2024/

* "Trump Delivers His Closing Argument:"

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* "Die For You - The Weeknd ('70s James Bond Style Cover) starring Tatum Langley:"

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* "The Chain - Fleetwood Mac ('70s Jazz Cover) ft. Tawanda:"

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* "2024 Trans Girl Scouts To Order Cookies From!:" https://www.erininthemorning.com/p/2024-trans-girl-scouts-to-order-cookies

* "The queen of a fairy tale kingdom, got cursed to give birth to a princess who’s going to live her life isolated in a tower the first 20 years of her life.:" https://www.tumblr.com/elidyce/185279756723/you-the-queen-of-a-fairy-tale-kingdom-got-cursed

* "Roleplay Is Not Dead Nor Doth It Sleep:" https://www.tumblr.com/steampunktoy/739352031505104896?source=share

*****
* Full list of Resistance and charity links has been migrated to my profile as it was getting out of hand.

The help links are at the bottom under the cut.

* Help the Lenape Nation get recognition from Pennsylvania: https://www.lenape-nation.org/

* "World Central Kitchen:" https://wck.org/

* Verified charities to help Palestinians: https://cleolinda.tumblr.com/post/737312194805612544

* "Palestine Children’s Relief Fund:" https://pcrf1.app.neoncrm.com/forms/gaza-recovery

( Links Underneath: )