Nec Hoc Nec Ilud

* "More than 10,000 join peaceful anti-Netanyahu protest in Jerusalem, for fourth week in a row:" https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-thousands-in-jerusalem-for-anti-netanyahu-demo-protesters-allegedly-attacked-1.9057410

* Well, fuck. "Sri Lanka's Rajapaksa brothers strengthen grip in landslide election win:" https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/aug/07/sri-lankas-rajapaksa-brothers-strengthen-grip-in-landslide-election-win

* "Macron promises help, Beirut residents vent fury at leaders:" https://apnews.com/9d10149b5d5f3e0e837edd6d5a8e0d8f

* "Indian Ocean island nation Mauritius scrambles to counter oil spill from grounded tanker:" https://www.chicagotribune.com/nation-world/ct-nw-mauritius-indian-oil-spill-20200808-qhoekdvajnbtre6dk4qtduixuu-story.html

* "Nearly 40% of A-level result predictions to be downgraded in England:" https://www.theguardian.com/education/2020/aug/07/a-level-result-predictions-to-be-downgraded-england

The plan is to institutionalize wealth and social inequalities by over riding teacher assessments in favor of a percentage system that harms students from less privileged backgrounds.

Look, I’m American, but I furious on behalf of both teachers and students. They are not treating these teachers like professionals who know their kids and how to do their jobs. They are fucking over students for classicist bullshit reasons, and none of it takes into account natural variation

And seriously, I've DONE grading for kinds who missed a portion of the term. you just use the grades you have. It's not that hard. Like you can't reasonably penalize a kid because their parents moved during term. Teachers know how to do this.

Grading on a curve based on three years previous performance? A, not a big enough sample size, and B institutionalizes inequalities and punishes kids on the bubble. Also, in real life out in the field, you get better and worse years. One class will randomly have 10 kids with serious intellectuals challenges and an extra dollop of asshole kids, or a toxic combination of personalities. Another class will get an extra helping of gifted or just a magic social dynamic.

There is shit you can't predict, like that one kid with learning disabilities who happened to look like Peeta in the Hunger Games movies (Which weren’t out yet, but that’s pretty much what he looked like only younger) in the 8th grade I student taught who was sweet and charismatic and the bright girls all took turns tutoring him so he was performing above what you'd expect even on stuff he did completely independently, or that kid with learning disabilities and massive executive function stuff who really loved his paper topic and worked incredibly hard on it and pulled out a grade in spring in English that might have looked like cheating compared to previous terms, but I was literally standing right there when he wrote it. Statistics can't account for me randomly being really into Latin senior year and getting near perfect scores on every test because I finally got a teacher I liked enough to actually work for instead of resist.

Using statistics leaves out the chance of the exceptional and punishes middle of the road kids who really pulled out the stops for whatever reason. Maybe they randomly got a higher percentage of kids who were really good at math or extra motivated for some reason this year.

My entire grade was notoriously nightmarish for every teacher we hit. We had an above average level of assholes and future sociopaths and they'd work together to torment teachers in often creative and psychologically adept ways. (Not me personally, but my grade in aggregate). As a group we caused several nervous breakdowns and drove several people out of the teaching profession entirely. Our grades weren't average either because, you know massive disruption. We also had a lot of kids with trauma (see assholes and future sociopaths and add in some incredibly psychologically abusive stuff from staff, targeted at already traumatized or marginalized kids). There was a ton of attrition in grades 4-9 because of mental health stuff, as in kids being pulled out for health and safety reasons sent to less traumatic and violent prep school. Would it be fair to judge the grade ahead or behind based on my classes scores? Would it be fair to average all three of those grade sets and impose a curve based on them on the grade below them?

Statistical average doesn't prove individual performance.

Or maybe,just maybe, we should just the fuck give kids a break because there's a fucking pandemic on.

* I've been watching the latest row between UK andfrance over refugees, and I have to admit, in France's place I'd be very tempted to step down patrols to rescue missions only. <.< >.>

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* "How a Popular Medical Device Encodes Racial Bias:" https://bostonreview.net/science-nature-race/amy-moran-thomas-how-popular-medical-device-encodes-racial-bias

* "There Is Little Evidence That Mass Transit Poses a Risk of Coronavirus Outbreaks:" https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/there-is-little-evidence-that-mass-transit-poses-a-risk-of-coronavirus-outbreaks/

* "India passes two million Covid-19 cases:" https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-53674857

* "Fauci says he'll repeat the importance of public health principles 'until I'm exhausted':" https://www.cnn.com/2020/08/07/health/us-coronavirus-friday/index.html

* Republicans continue to insist that slowing testing deliberately is the right thing to do as if you don't test for Covid you don't have cases, much in the way if you don't test for cancer no one gets it and if you don't take a pregnancy test you can't get pregnant. "Virus testing in the US is dropping, even as deaths mount:" https://apnews.com/aebdc0978de958f20ab3f398cdf6f769

* "Ben Rhodes: Trump ‘literally withdrew us from the rest of the world’ with WHO decision:" https://www.msnbc.com/the-reidout/watch/ben-rhodes-trump-literally-withdrew-us-from-the-rest-of-the-world-with-who-decision-89678917541

* "‘Like a Horror Movie’: A Small Border Hospital Battles the Coronavirus:" https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/04/us/texas-coronavirus-rio-grande-valley-starr-county.html

* "'We are no less American': Deaths pile up on Texas border:" https://apnews.com/c5da90cb311e320d9ece7310b4fe257e

* "He fled Congo to work in a U.S. meat plant. Then he — and hundreds of his co-workers — got the coronavirus.:" https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/he-fled-the-congo-to-work-in-a-us-meat-plant-then-he--and-hundreds-of-his-co-workers--got-the-coronavirus/2020/08/06/11e7e13e-c526-11ea-8ffe-372be8d82298_story.html

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* "TikTok threatens legal action against Trump executive order:" https://www.politico.com/news/2020/08/07/tiktok-trump-executive-order-392558

* "Trump advisers hesitated to give military options and warned adversaries over fears he might start a war:" https://www.cnn.com/2020/08/06/politics/trump-advisers-fears-military-options/index.html

* "Pompeo Warned Russia Against Bounties on U.S. Troops in Afghanistan:" https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/07/world/asia/pompeo-russia-afghanistan-bounties.html

* "Appeals court rules for U.S. House over subpoena for ex-White House lawyer:" https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-court-trump-idUSKCN25326S

* "Covid-19 Pandemic Triggers Wave of Long-Term Unemployment:" https://www.wsj.com/articles/covid-19-pandemic-triggers-wave-of-long-term-unemployment-11596817137?mod=hp_lead_pos5

* "Queer Black Americans have taken a ‘disproportionate’ financial hit during COVID-19 by every measure:" https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2020/08/07/black-lgbt-covid-19-americans-disproportionate-economic-impact-coronavirus-pandemic-report-human-rights-campaign/

* "James Carville on Trump deferring payroll tax to next year: Not very good policy, a lot of people not on a payroll:" https://www.msnbc.com/the-reidout/watch/james-carville-on-trump-deferring-payroll-tax-to-next-year-not-very-good-policy-a-lot-of-people-not-on-a-payroll-89751109777

* I don't understand how he has the power to do that. I thought the Congress was the only branch empowered by the constitutions to make appropriations. "Coronavirus relief package talks stall; Trump might use executive actions to bypass congress:" https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2020/08/07/coronavirus-covid-live-updates-us/

* "Bennet Statement Following President Trump’s Inadequate Executive Orders to Extend COVID-19 Economic Relief:" https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=5E7FC20B-13A0-47FE-BA67-7E78FA9E396F

* "Facebook Fired An Employee Who Collected Evidence Of Right-Wing Pages Getting Preferential Treatment:" https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/craigsilverman/facebook-zuckerberg-what-if-trump-disputes-election-results

* "Russian anti-Biden election interference finds ready conduit in Republican senators:" https://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow/watch/russian-election-interference-finds-ready-conduit-in-gop-senators-89763397688

* "Sam Seder: Trump flails for reelection strategy after Plan A falls apart:" https://www.msnbc.com/all-in/watch/sam-seder-trump-flails-for-reelection-strategy-after-plan-a-falls-apart-89756229774

* "Trump campaign reportedly considering whether to weaponise transphobia to save the president’s flailing re-election bid:" https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2020/08/07/donald-trump-campaign-november-election-weaponise-transgender-rights-lgbt/

* "Postal Service overhauls leadership as Democrats press for investigation of mail delays:" https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2020/08/07/postal-service-investigation-dejoy/

* "Postal Workers Union head confirms slowdown of postal service:" https://www.msnbc.com/all-in/watch/postal-workers-union-head-confirms-slowdown-of-postal-service-89754181966

* "Hybrid Schooling May Be the Most Dangerous Option of All:" https://www.wired.com/story/hybrid-schooling-is-the-most-dangerous-option-of-all/

* This is going to be incredibly deadly. "Cuomo OKs New York schools for in-person instruction:" https://www.politico.com/states/new-york/city-hall/story/2020/08/07/cuomo-oks-new-york-schools-for-in-person-instruction-1305884

* "Virus keeps spreading as schools begin to open, frightening parents and alarming public health officials:" https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/virus-keeps-spreading-as-schools-begin-to-open-frightening-parents-and-alarming-public-health-officials/2020/08/06/7ef4f362-d80d-11ea-930e-d88518c57dcc_story.html

* "Health directors told to keep quiet as Fla. leaders pressed to reopen classrooms:" https://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/20200807/health-directors-told-to-keep-quiet-as-fla-leaders-pressed-to-reopen-classrooms

* "Charles Booker: We are dealing with the trauma of gun violence as a public health crisis:" https://www.msnbc.com/the-reidout/watch/charles-booker-we-are-dealing-with-the-trauma-of-gun-violence-as-a-public-health-crisis-89680453861

* CW: Dead Animals "VULTURES, FORENSICS, & BORDER POLICY: Why Migrant Bodies Disappear:"

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* "Brittany Gilliam, handcuffed with kids by Aurora Police, says their apology is ‘not good enough’:" https://www.msnbc.com/the-reidout/watch/brittany-gilliam-handcuffed-with-kids-by-aurora-police-says-their-apology-is-not-good-enough-89679941752

* "Breonna Taylor warrant was part of gentrification scheme, attorneys say:" https://www.ajc.com/news/breonna-taylor-warrant-was-part-gentrification-scheme-attorneys-say/gWlfh0zwq84wL0AshqizmM/

* "Joy on 'pig laws': ‘The rot from slavery is still with us in a thousand different ways’:" https://www.msnbc.com/the-reidout/watch/joy-on-pig-laws-the-rot-from-slavery-is-still-with-us-in-a-thousand-different-ways-89751621631

* CW: Rape "E. Jean Carroll, Who Accused Trump of Rape, Can Go Forward With Suit:" https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/07/nyregion/jean-caroll-donald-trump-lawsuit-rape.html

* "Satanic Temple says religious freedoms exempt abortion rights from state laws:" https://kutv.com/news/nation-world/satanic-temps-says-religious-freedoms-exempt-abortion-rights-from-state-laws

* "Terrified queer Poles are fleeing the country as homophobic president Andrzej Duda is sworn in for second term:" https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2020/08/06/poland-president-andrzej-duda-swearing-in-homophobia-lgbt-rights-same-sex-marriage-family/

* "‘Violent and homophobic’ cyclists threaten same-sex couple simply for asking them not to use a private lane:" https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2020/08/08/homophobic-hate-crime-rothwell-caistor-west-yorkshire-cyclists-queer-couple/

* Looks like William is really putting the "Shat" in Shatner yet again. Bonus points for making our lives all about him.

* "Autism Tropes in Media:"

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* "Devastating impact of lockdown on LGBT+ mental health laid bare as study reveals seven in 10 are suffering from depression:" https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2020/08/08/lgbt-mental-health-lockdown-queeratine-study-university-college-london-sussex/

* "The (Real) Delusion That You're a Corpse:"

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* "'I'm not Batman': Libertarian presidential candidate makes light of bat bite:" https://www.politico.com/news/2020/08/08/jo-jorgensen-bat-bite-libertarian-392698

* CW: Dead People, Body Horror, Dissection. "A Brief History of the Dead in Art:"

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* "ICONIC CORPSE- Warrior Women Scorned!:"

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* "The Mask Slackers of 1918:" https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/03/us/mask-protests-1918.html

* This is even faster than that time a new character was so obnoxious we hunted and killed him about an hour in: https://gwydionmisha.tumblr.com/post/625855710003118080

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

* Want to help people in Beirut? https://karolinadeaen.tumblr.com/post/625576504313741312

* Organizations to help trans folk: https://gwydionmisha.tumblr.com/post/620857152453640195/about-us

* "How to Safely and Ethically Film Police Misconduct:" https://www.teenvogue.com/story/how-to-film-police-safely

* Master Post for how to help organizations fighting Police violence: https://gwydionmisha.tumblr.com/post/620861026680881152/oberynmartell-list-of-black-lives-matter-and

* How to donate to Doctors Without Borders: https://donate.doctorswithoutborders.org/onetime.cfm?source=ADD200U0U00&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=googlepaid&utm_content=brand&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIz8D9kYu46QIVqh6tBh2WogxQEAAYASAAEgK4FfD_BwE

* "More on the Mashpee Wampanoag Reservation and Reaffirmation Act:" https://amaebi.dreamwidth.org/1769250.html

* "Covid 19 Support for Indigenous Communities:" https://bibliomancer7.tumblr.com/post/616704253038395392/covid-19-support-for-indigenous-communities

* "Navajo Nation COVID-19 Relief Fund:" http://www.nndoh.org/donate.html

* "NYSCI has a set of activities and resources up on their website:" https://conuly.dreamwidth.org/2999942.html

* "How to Help Librarians and Archivists From Your Living Room:" https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/archives-to-browse-from-home

* "Free Meals:" https://www.schools.nyc.gov/school-life/food/free-meals

* "Learning Through Play: 101 Ways To Keep Young Minds Occupied At Home:" https://www.marksdailyapple.com/importance-of-play/

* Free lessons: https://www.mybluprint.com/

* CDC Foundation: https://www.cdcfoundation.org/give/ways-to-give

* "SUPPORT WORKERS IN CRISIS:" https://ofwemergencyfund.org/

* "Make to Give - Support Our Medical Personnel:" https://www.joann.com/make-to-give-response/

* "Snopes on COVID-19 Fact-Checking:" https://www.snopes.com/2020/03/20/snopes-on-covid-19-fact-checking/

* "Help the California food industry survive this crisis:" https://www.change.org/p/governor-gavin-newsom-support-the-california-food-industries-most-vulnerable-workers

* "Support Artists Impacted By the Covid-19 Pandemic:" https://daily.bandcamp.com/features/bandcamp-covid-19-fundraiser

* Register to vote: https://vote.gov/

* A list of organizations to help you run for office: http://lovingmyselfishard.tumblr.com/post/167330144634/psst-hey

* The Indivisble guide exists to help you organize effective resistance: https://indivisible.org/

* Here’s a list of vulnerable republican senators up for election this year:

Martha McSally - Arizona
Susan Collins - Maine
Cory Gardner - Colorado
Thom Tillis - North Carolina
Pat Roberts - Kansas
David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler - Georgia
Joni Ernst - Iowa

Here’s a list of vulnerable democratic senators that NEED votes to keep their seats:

Doug Jones - Alabama
Gary Peters - Michigan

* Want to get rid of Mitch McConnell? Help Amy McGrath: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/mcgrath2020-dd-om-gsearch?utm_source=g&utm_medium=om&utm_campaign=dd&utm_content=om_g_dd_20190709_g-dd-namenat-search_namedon-nat_amosdn&refcode=om_g_dd_20190709_g-dd-namenat-search_namedon-nat_amosdn&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI5IL1uLKa6gIVcz2tBh1njwpEEAAYASAAEgLCYvD_BwE

* Want to get rid of Lindsey Graham? Help Jaime Harrison: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ms_harrison_fr_q12019_jaime-a?refcode=MS_AD_D-DD_2019.03.08_X_GG_KW__X__eyJjcmVhdGl2ZSI6IkFkZCBEb25hdGlvbiBOb3ciLCJhdWRpZW5jZSI6IkphaW1lSGFycmlzb24ifQ&recurring=TRUE&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIn4a_583I5gIVC8RkCh0MowFeEAAYASAAEgIXZfD_BwE

* There's a decent chance of flipping this Senate seat blue. Want to help? https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ads-mek-egsearch_dtd?refcode=ads-200108-gs-evergreensearch-dtd-natl-mix-8753679275-87807510469-410037583123-%2Bmark%20%2Bkelly%20%2Bdonate&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIpKSR192K5wIVAsNkCh0EeAFSEAAYASAAEgLY7fD_BwE

* Want to help Ritchie Torres beat a homophobe in New York? https://secure.actblue.com/donate/dkendorsestorres?refcode=20200605fpdn1mid

* Want to help Doug Jones defend his seat against a Trumpist homophobe? https://secure.actblue.com/donate/stand-with-doug?refcode=gaa1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIx8n4rdfT6gIVvxitBh0BfQmNEAAYASAAEgJSwfD_BwE

* Want to help Sara Gideon unseat Susan Collins? https://secure.actblue.com/donate/adopt-me-dem-susan-collins-seat

* Have something you want to tell your Congress Critters? If you can not protest in person, here are some other options:

Call the Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and ask to be connected to the representative of your choice.

This App phones your rep for you: http://takeastance.us/

Here is one that will send your reps a fax: https://resistbot.io/

* Some RL friends of mine who were barely scraping by just lost one of the part time jobs they collectively hold and it's really fucking things up for them. These are good people, who do so much for others. Want to help? https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-a-gig-worker-get-through-the-winter/share

* "Keep Me Safe! Help me get a gate organized by Briel Moore:" https://www.gofundme.com/f/keep-me-safe-help-me-get-a-gate?utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer&utm_campaign=p_lico+share-sheet+expWdV

* Help pay for cat food, litter, meds, medical copays: Paypal Lethran@gmail.com or paypal.me/Gwydion

* If you are interested in helping, right now the Cat thing we need most is:
https://www.chewy.com/wellness-core-signature-selects/dp/147047

The dry food I was going to try is this one: https://www.chewy.com/blue-buffalo-wilderness-flatland/dp/176663

* Birthday/Solstice master list: https://gwydion.dreamwidth.org/2108835.html

* "Ailing orca J50 declared dead by scientist:" https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/j50-missing-concerns-scientists-1.4822671

* "Pakistan's Imran Khan skirts issue of Afghan refugees' citizenship:" https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/sep/18/pakistan-imran-khan-afghan-begali-refugees-citizenship-passports

* "Clinton: Russian money to NRA should be investigated:" http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow/watch/clinton-russian-money-to-nra-should-be-investigated-1323836995662?v=railb&

* "Investigations show Russia's particular interest in Clinton:" http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow/watch/investigations-show-russia-s-particular-interest-in-clinton-1323837507767?v=railb&

* "Trump: ‘we probably have no choice’ but to put tariffs on all Chinese goods:" https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/2164777/donald-trump-threatens-slap-tariffs-virtually-all-chinese-goods

* "Clinton expresses concern for future of US democracy under Trump:" http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow/watch/clinton-expresses-concern-for-future-of-us-democracy-under-trump-1323818051699?v=railb&

* "Trump orders declassification of surveillance application, release of Comey texts:" https://www.politico.com/story/2018/09/17/trump-declassification-fisa-documents-comey-texts-826304

* "Trump-proof aspects of Manafort deal rankle lawyers:" https://www.politico.com/story/2018/09/18/manafort-deal-pardon-mueller-trump-827898

* Republicans are blocking the FBI from investigating Kavanagh's attempted rape of Christine Blasey Ford, and have barred all corroborating witnesses from testifying on the grounds that exuding evidence turns it into a he said/she said situation and evidence would just cloud the issue and would be incredibly unfair to the attacker. They also scheduled Dr. Ford to testify without asking her consent, which gives you an idea of how much attention Republicans pay to consent just generally. I mean, why should they bother asking her when they can just use force?

* "Kavanaugh accuser's call for FBI inquiry before testimony is dismissed:" https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/sep/18/christine-blasey-ford-brett-kavanaugh-sexual-assault-claim

* "GOP Rejects Kavanaugh Accuser’s Call for FBI Probe After Saying They Want Facts:" http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2018/09/republicans-fbi-probe-kavanaugh.html

* "Kavanaugh accuser 'faces death threats':" https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-45568450

* "Clinton: W.H. should ask FBI to reopen Kavanaugh background check:" http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow/watch/clinton-w-h-should-ask-fbi-to-reopen-kavanaugh-background-check-1323818563647?v=railb&

* "Sen. Gillibrand: I believe Kavanaugh's accuser:" http://www.msnbc.com/all-in/watch/sen-gillibrand-i-believe-kavanaugh-s-accuser-1323726915738?v=railb&

* "Brock: Blasey Ford will face ‘full-scale smear campaign’:" http://www.msnbc.com/all-in/watch/brock-blasey-ford-will-face-full-scale-smear-campaign-1323732547698?v=railb&

* Hearings restart next Monday! There is still time to protest! Please, please, please if you can manage it, contact your Senators to get them to fight the Kavanaugh nomination. This is geometrically more important if you have a centrist Democrat like Joseph Manchin, Joe Donnelly, and Heidi Heitkamp; or Republicans like Tim Scott, Marco Rubio, Susan Collins or Lisa Murkowski. (For Scott and Rubio emphasize Kavanaugh's racism and support for racial profiling, for Collins and Murkowski emphasize the right to chose, the nomminee allegedly having attempted to violently rape someone, and the Jane Doe case where he tried to force a raped immigrant teen to carry against her will, With Murowski, you might also mention his opposition to programs benefiting Alaska Natives). Contact Chuck Schumer and ask him to whip the Democrats so as to get them to stand in united opposition.

Protest in person if you can, but if you can’t, here are some other options:

Call the Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and ask to be connected to the representative of your choice.

This App phones your rep for you: http://takeastance.us/

Here is one that will send your reps a fax: https://resistbot.io/

* "Senate approves $854B spending bill:" https://thehill.com/policy/finance/407218-senate-approves-854b-spending-bill

* "Don't Want Republicans Running The Government? You Need To Vote!:" https://transgriot.blogspot.com/2018/09/dont-want-republicans-running.html

* "Eric Holder Speaks at the 2018 HRC National Dinner:"

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* "Trump administration to slash refugee cap:" https://www.politico.com/story/2018/09/17/trump-refugees-limits-ceiling-826302

* "Cuban president backs same-sex marriage:" https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-45546645

* "US Border Patrol Agent Serial Killer Victims Includes A Latina Trans Woman:" https://transgriot.blogspot.com/2018/09/us-border-patrol-agent-serial-killer.html

* "Number 21- Rest In Power and Peace Nikki Janelle Enriquez:" https://transgriot.blogspot.com/2018/09/number-21-rest-in-power-and-peace-nikki.htmlv

* "Cape Fear River crests higher than Hurricane Matthew:" https://abc11.com/weather/cape-fear-river-crests-higher-than-matthew/4257993/

* "Flood waters, death toll still rising in wake of Florence:" http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow/watch/flood-waters-death-toll-still-rising-in-wake-of-florence-1323869251698?v=railb&

* "Australian archaeologists dropped the term 'Stone Age' decades ago, and so should you:" https://theconversation.com/australian-archaeologists-dropped-the-term-stone-age-decades-ago-and-so-should-you-47275

* Griffins, Scythians, Fossils: A Plausible Theory: http://gwydionmisha.tumblr.com/post/178245543157/big-bones-dont-lie-griffins

* "Coastal strip in Brazil sheds new light on early farming:" https://phys.org/news/2018-09-coastal-brazil-early-farming.html

* Suggestive, but not proved, alas. "Archaeologist completes long-stalled excavation at 1787 mansion in Georgetown:" https://thedcline.org/2018/09/06/archaeologist-completes-long-stalled-excavation-at-1787-mansion-in-georgetown/

* Henry Goodsir's hair! "Strands of hair from member of Franklin expedition provide new clues into mystery:" https://phys.org/news/2018-09-strands-hair-member-franklin-clues.html

* "Spiders blamed after broken siren played creepy nursery rhymes randomly at night to UK townsfolk:" https://boingboing.net/2018/09/17/spiders-blamed-after-broken-si.html

* "Mary and Jesus given garish robes in botched Spanish restoration:" https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/sep/07/mary-and-jesus-given-garish-robes-in-botched-spanish-restoration

* "Nike's Pretend Wokeness:"

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* "Jim's Amsterdam Police Ride-Along:"

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* Today I really needed to finish the excellent Livia biography, so that's what I did all evening. When I did come out, I discovered a kind gift in my paypal. The ebay auction advert has been adjusted accordingly.

LM has been spending a huge amount of time with the door open and is now allowing Tavy within three feet of her nd Livia within about two. This suggests she's learned to tell them apart even with her poor eye sight. Monday night she not only ate 2/3 of a cat of tuna, but she shwed Liva away from the Junor Kitty plate to steal their meat juice. I also watched her scare Tavy off twice when he was clearly up to no good. She came for two longer pettins, has been wandering around the whole apartment when she's awake, and just generally seems more the way I remember her personality wise than the way she's been the last few years. I am calling this huge progress Livia the cat (As opposed to the historical figure) did figure out the person with the extra weird limp was also me at some point last night, so that was okay.

* Thought I woke up with today for no obvious reason: How would centaurs bath in a modern AU?

* I hate everything about the last several Elementary episodes.

* Something that is so often unsatisfying in media is the portrayal of scientists and skeptics. A friend once put his finger right on it. They aren't doing skepticism right. They are treating science like a strict religious dogma, when it's actually the opposite. Yes, one looks for logical explanations, but one doesn't reject facts because they don't fit a hypothesis, rather one changes the hypothesis.

I think about this often when I'm watching media or reading things with scientist or skeptical characters. Mira grant does a wonderful array of interesting and realistic characters, for example. A thing i read last week that annoyed me to no end did it exactly wrong: making the skeptic character rigid to the point of disconnecting from the reality around him entirely. his explanations for things were bad logic, so he was a straw skeptic. Ugh. It was a problem with the old X-Files. (I haven't seen the new ones; the transphobia in that movie made me too angry). I was rewatching the Night gallery, which I adored as a child and rewatch now and then. (It was incredibly pleasing to discover on the rewatch before this that Guillermo Del Toro loved them almost exactly the way I did, seeing the cheesey day or night photography and sub standard effects for what they were, but loving the stories all the same for the things that did work about them).

Anyway, over the weekend I saw the one where the witch is trying to steal the body of the Mathematician's wife, and they did the skepticism right. They established the Mathematician's logical nature and rejection of superstition in the first couple short scenes, but when presented with gradually building evidence that this particular supernatural thing was happening for real, he adjusted his views and took the peril as a serious one, used what lore he could gather and did his best to save his wife. The werewolf one is like that too. The psychiatrist assumes it's all delusion at first, but when presented with enough evidence, adjusts his world view and does his best.

When they do it right, it's so much more satisfying. (As is often the case in life in general). Every time I use my late friend's measuring stick to see if a character design lives up to the standard, I think of him.

* It's ebay time again. I am now I am about $150.00 behind on bills and can no longer cover insurance auto withdraw near month's end. If you'd like to chip in directly towards helping me pay my bills Paypal Lethran@gmail.com or paypal.me/Gwydion

The all items for sale link is here: https://www.ebay.com/sch/lethran/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_ipg=&_from=

( Individual items listed below the cut: )

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

* "Fires in Greece: how to help:" https://medium.com/@theo.k/fires-in-greece-how-to-help-41ad32fc9232

* Practical ways to protest with scripts. "On the Helsinki summit, election integrity and Mueller:" https://medium.com/@Celeste_pewter/on-the-helsinki-summit-election-integrity-and-mueller-b8ed1acde2c0

* Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab is doing a fundraiser for legal defense of refugee children in ICE detention. https://blackphoenixalchemylab.com/product-category/activism/deliver-them-from-the-hands-of-the-wicked/

* Want to contribute directly to the Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services fund? "Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services:" https://www.raicestexas.org/

* Support Kids at the Border: http://brigdh.tumblr.com/post/175022384240/support-the-kids-at-the-border

This has a call script to help you talk your Republican Senator into voting for the Keep Families Together Act: http://rockinhamburger.tumblr.com/post/175022988673/captacorn-marvelsmostwanted-heres-a-call

* How to help Rohingya refugees: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/29/world/asia/rohingya-aid-myanmar-bangladesh.html?emc=edit_nn_20171012&nl=morning-briefing&nlid=50784086&te=1&_r=0

* A list of organizations to help you run for office: http://lovingmyselfishard.tumblr.com/post/167330144634/psst-hey

* Have something you want to tell your Congress Critters? Call the Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and ask to be connected to the representative of your choice.

* This App phones your rep for you: http://takeastance.us/

* Here is one that will send your reps a fax: https://resistbot.io/

* This is a cool person and the swimsuits are being made from an ethical source. LGBTQIA+ swimsuits: https://www.etsy.com/shop/NerdyKeppie?ref=l2-shopheader-name§ion_id=24021616

* Help pay for cat food, litter, meds, medical copays: Paypal Lethran@gmail.com or paypal.me/Gwydion

* Birthday/Solstice master list: https://gwydion.dreamwidth.org/1925021.html

* Want Game of Thrones without the creepy? We need new players. We are very inclusive. "Game of Bones MUSH:" gobmush.wikidot.comn

* "Air strike cripples Syrian cave hospital:" http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-42908711

* "This immigrant left the U.S. to seek asylum in Canada and regrets it:" https://news.vice.com/en_ca/article/a34wn8/this-immigrant-left-the-us-to-seek-asylum-in-canada-and-regrets-it

* People from Eritrea and Afghanistan are refugees, not migrants. "Five migrants shot in Calais mass brawl:" http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-42912670

* TW: Suicide. "Fidel Castro's son 'takes own life':" http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-42913492

* "Nunes memo fails to live up to hype for Trump:" http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow/watch/for-all-the-hype-nunes-memo-delivers-sad-trombone-for-trump-1152815171949?playlist=associated

* "Are intelligence operations jeopardized by Nunes memo?:" http://www.msnbc.com/am-joy/watch/nunes-memo-text-might-make-case-for-mueller-probe-1153117763931

* "Schiff: Nunes memo damages intel community:" http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow/watch/schiff-nunes-memo-damages-intel-community-trust-in-congress-1152816707999?playlist=associated

* "Nunes memo presents incomplete picture:" http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow/watch/nunes-memo-presents-incomplete-picture-but-fbi-s-hands-are-tied-1152829507805?playlist=associated

* My thoughts on the issues brought up here are too complicated for me to get into tonight and I'm not entirely in agreement with the author, but this does lay out the key issues at stake very well. "The Constitutional Right to Boycott:" https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2018/02/is-there-a-constitutional-right-to-boycott/552077/

* "Black Beekeepers Are Transforming Detroit’s Vacant Lots Into Bee Farms:" https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/detroit-hives-honeybees_us_5a6cfc9ee4b0ddb658c7019c

* "Solving a Riddle About the Dawn of Art:" https://www.sapiens.org/archaeology/atxurra-cave-art-spain/

* "Ancient Baby Teeth Tell Archaeologists That Life In This South American Desert Was Stressful:" https://www.forbes.com/sites/kristinakillgrove/2018/01/26/ancient-baby-teeth-tell-archaeologists-that-life-in-this-south-american-desert-was-stressful/#e903ef1770b1

* "Archeologists Find 2,100-Year-Old City On The Silk Road Using Remote Sensing Technique:" https://www.inquisitr.com/4750277/archeologists-find-2100-year-old-city-on-the-silk-road-using-remote-sensing-technique/

* "New Thoughts on Mexico’s First Domesticated Turkeys:" https://www.archaeology.org/news/6293-180122-mesoamerica-domesticated-turkeys

* "Sprawling Maya cities uncovered by lasers:" http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-42916261

* "Large ancient tomb groups found in NE China:" http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2018-01/24/c_136920522.htm

* "Ancient Chinese Temple Uncovered After Four Years of Excavations:" https://news.nationalgeographic.com/2018/01/great-shangqing-palace-taoist-temple-excavated-china-spd/

* I have serious concerns. "Oldest African American graveyard in West Philadelphia lies beneath proposed apartments:" http://www.philly.com/philly/news/pennsylvania/philadelphia/oldest-african-american-graveyard-in-west-philadelphia-lies-beneath-proposed-apartments-20180125.html

* "First black baseball team to win provincial championship honoured at Chimczuk Museum:" http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/chatham-coloured-all-stars-baseball-chimczuk-museum-1.4517530

* Charles Drew, Father of the Blood Bank. http://ohmyygoch.tumblr.com/post/170436734479/day-2-charles-drew-the-man-to-thank-for-blood

* "Comedians leading the way to truth in Trump era:" http://www.msnbc.com/am-joy/watch/jimmy-kimmel-and-more-comics-challenge-trump-1153137219876

* "Obama's State Of The Union Had More Viewers:"

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* Dwarven Opera: http://satyrday.tumblr.com/post/170487718966/avelera-arandomspaceace#notes

* This is why Persuasion has always been my favorite.: http://cacchieressa.tumblr.com/post/163572321793/crimsonclad-the-thing-about-persuasion-that-just

* Tywin abused Jamie too. TW: Rape, Abuse. ":" http://turtle-paced.tumblr.com/post/170418850812/was-tywin-a-shitty-parent-to-jaime-it-is

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

* "Help us stop the humanitarian crisis on Manus:" https://www.asrc.org.au/donate-now/

* "RISE (Refugees, Survivors and Ex-Detainees):" https://www.givenow.com.au/riserefugee/donate

* How to help Rohingya refugees: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/29/world/asia/rohingya-aid-myanmar-bangladesh.html?emc=edit_nn_20171012&nl=morning-briefing&nlid=50784086&te=1&_r=0

* Help fight for Net Neutrality restoration: http://gwydionmisha.tumblr.com/post/170010496350/democrats-are-just-one-vote-shy-of-restoring-net

* A list of organizations to help you run for office: http://lovingmyselfishard.tumblr.com/post/167330144634/psst-hey

* Trans Lifeline is one of those organizations you can call at (877) 565-8860 in the US and in Canada (877) 330- 6366.

* The Trevor Project has a 24 hour hotline geared toward helping our youth, and you can call it at 1-866-488-7386

* Call the Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and ask to be connected to the representative of your choice.

* This App phones your rep for you: http://takeastance.us/

* Here is one that will send your reps a fax: https://resistbot.io/

* Help pay for cat food, litter, meds, medical copays: Paypal Lethran@gmail.com

* Birthday/Solstice master list: https://gwydion.dreamwidth.org/1925021.html

* Want Game of Thrones without the creepy? We need new players. We are very inclusive. "Game of Bones MUSH:" gobmush.wikidot.com

* "Australia built a hell for refugees on Manus. The shame will outlive us all:" https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/nov/24/the-shame-of-the-evil-being-done-on-manus-will-outlive-us-all

* "'A miracle that I am in Canada': Refugee describes Manus Island immigration camp:" http://www.ctvnews.ca/world/a-miracle-that-i-am-in-canada-refugee-describes-manus-island-immigration-camp-1.3694183

* "Manus Update:" http://brigdh.tumblr.com/post/167837747697/manus-update

* "Sailor got off doomed Argentine submarine with just seconds to spare:" http://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=11948047

* "Emmerson Mnangagwa: the 'Crocodile' taking power in Zimbabwe:" https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/24/emmerson-mnangagwa-crocodile-power-zimbabwe-robert-mugabe

* "Zimbabwe: Robert Mugabe to get $10m payoff and immunity for his family:" https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/25/robert-mugabe-payoff-family-immunity-zimbabwe-zanu-pf

* "Egypt mosque attack toll climbs above 300:" http://www.cnn.com/2017/11/25/africa/egypt-sinai-mosque-massacre/index.html

* "South African court doubles Oscar Pistorius's prison sentence:" https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/24/oscar-pistorius-prison-sentence-doubled-south-african-court-reeva-steenkamp

* "Trump admin. ends temporary protected status for Haitians:"

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* "Wall Street and Trump are about to kill the CFPB, the only government agency that effectively polices bank scams, crimes and frauds:" https://boingboing.net/2017/11/18/freedom-to-be-ripped-off.html

* TW: Pedophilia "Moore campaign ‘confident’ after Trump backing:"

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* "GOP tax plan cuts corporate taxes, helps the wealthy:"

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* "CHIP funding not renewed by GOP-controlled Congress:"

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* "Ohio's Republican governor candidates: I'm most like Donald Trump. No, I am.:" https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/2017/11/18/ohios-republican-governor-candidates-im-most-like-donald-trump-no-am/869998001/?from=global&sessionKey=&autologin=

* "Massachusetts Set To Approve Law Protecting Access To Birth Control:" https://www.npr.org/2017/11/20/565430858/massachusetts-set-to-approve-law-protecting-access-to-birth-control

* This. So much this. Helen of Troy: http://gwydionmisha.tumblr.com/post/167895661572/please-talk-forever-about-helen-and-ancient-greek

* "Secret Michelangelo room in Florence to open to public:" https://www.thelocal.it/20171114/secret-michelangelo-room-florence-open-to-public

* "'Wooden shoe' rather wear sneakers?:" https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2017-11/uowo-sr111617.php

* "Chopin's Pickled Heart Reveals Cause of His Death:" https://www.livescience.com/60953-chopin-pickled-heart-reveals-cause-of-death.html

* Squirrel has voted for Livia, so Livia she is. There was a thump from inside my room, so I went to check and got to see a tail. She's found Tavy's favorite hiding spot, which is the most comfortable of them. She also used the litter.

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

* "Help us stop the humanitarian crisis on Manus:" https://www.asrc.org.au/donate-now/

* "RISE (Refugees, Survivors and Ex-Detainees):" https://www.givenow.com.au/riserefugee/donate

* How to help Rohingya refugees: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/29/world/asia/rohingya-aid-myanmar-bangladesh.html?emc=edit_nn_20171012&nl=morning-briefing&nlid=50784086&te=1&_r=0

* A list of organizations to help you run for office: http://lovingmyselfishard.tumblr.com/post/167330144634/psst-hey

* Trans Lifeline is one of those organizations you can call at (877) 565-8860 in the US and in Canada (877) 330- 6366.

* The Trevor Project has a 24 hour hotline geared toward helping our youth, and you can call it at 1-866-488-7386

* Resistance links for the tax cuts for the rich: http://gwydionmisha.tumblr.com/post/166977878817/fullhalalalchemist-the-gop-is-aiming-for-a-65vc

* Republicans are trying to kill library funding. Help us save the libraries. http://www.ala.org/advocacy/advleg/federallegislation/fight-for-libraries

* Call the Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and ask to be connected to the representative of your choice.

* This App phones your rep for you: http://takeastance.us/

* Here is one that will send your reps a fax: https://resistbot.io/

* Help pay for cat food, litter, meds, medical copays: Paypal Lethran@gmail.com

* Birthday/Solstice master list: https://gwydion.dreamwidth.org/1925021.html

* Want Game of Thrones without the creepy? We need new players. We are very inclusive. "Game of Bones MUSH:" gobmush.wikidot.comd I

* "German elections left Merkel isolated, but it is too soon to write her off:" https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/sep/25/german-elections-left-merkel-isolated-but-it-is-too-soon-to-write-her-off

* "High turnout in Iraqi Kurdistan vote:" http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-41394439

* "Justice in black and white – Rafael Braga and Breno Borges: when 9g of racism weighs more than 129kg of marijuana:" https://blackwomenofbrazil.co/2017/08/03/justice-in-black-and-white-rafael-braga-and-breno-borges-when-9g-of-racism-weighs-more-than-129kg-of-marijuana/

* "Toronto now has an official safe-injection site, but will drug users go?:" http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/toronto-overdose-prevention-sites-1.4256412

* "Trump dangerous bellicosity raises nuclear war risk with N. Korea:"

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* "Clinton: Trump has 'no idea' what's in GOP health care bills:"

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* "Clinton: 'Quite telling' Trump attacks black athletes not neo...:"

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* "Trump restricts visas from eight countries as travel order expires:" https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/immigration/trump-restricts-visas-eight-countries-travel-order-expires-n804366

* I am so grateful ADAPT exists. "Protesters dragged from health care repeal hearing:"

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* "Being A Black Athlete Has Always Been Political:" http://transgriot.blogspot.com/2017/09/being-black-athlete-has-always-been.html

* "Number 20- RIP Ally Lee Steinfeld:" http://transgriot.blogspot.com/2017/09/number-20-rip-ally-lee-steinfeld.html

* The Republican War on the Planet continues. "Arizona Regulators OK Utility Rate Hike, Solar Payment Cuts:" https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/arizona/articles/2017-08-15/arizona-regulators-to-ponder-rate-boost-for-aps

* "How a 3-Ton Mess of Dead Pigs Transformed This Landscape:" http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2017/09/dead-feral-pig-science-ecology/

* "ASI finds Hindu relics at Mizoram Neolithic site:" https://www.nagalandpost.com/ChannelNews/Regional/RegionalNews.aspx?news=TkVXUzEwMDEyMDc1OQ%3D%3D

* "Burial of Eneolithic era man discovered in East Kazakhstan:" http://astanatimes.com/2017/09/burial-of-eneolithic-era-man-discovered-in-east-kazakhstan/

* "Bronze Age round house found as work on new estate in Petersfield gets underway:" http://www.petersfieldpost.co.uk/article.cfm?id=113207&headline=Bronze%20Age%20round%20house%20found%20as%20work%20on%20new%20estate%20in%20Petersfield%20gets%20underway§ionIs=news&searchyear=2017

* "Bodies may have been dismembered at ancient burial site:" https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2017/0915/905136-burial-practices-analysis/

* "Tomb of early classic Maya ruler found in Guatemala:" https://phys.org/news/2017-09-tomb-early-classic-maya-ruler.html

* "Dani Garavelli: Facing up to slavery in second city of empire:" http://www.scotsman.com/news/dani-garavelli-facing-up-to-slavery-in-second-city-of-empire-1-4568273

* "Anthony Weiner & Jared Kushner: Lock Them Up:"

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* "The NFL Takes a Knee in Protest of Trump:"

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* "When Is the Right Time for Black People to Protest?:"

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* Want to donate to my property taxes? (170$ Needed to protest housing for six months). Paypal Lethran@gmail.com

* We need money for taxes so ebay time again. These won't sell fast enough to solve this month, but can help with the mess this month leaves behind. Twoish days left: https://www.ebay.com/sch/lethran/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_ipg=&_from=

( Details cut for your pleasure: )

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

* This App phones your rep for you: http://takeastance.us/

* Here is one that will send your reps a fax: https://resistbot.io/

* "Congress Wants to Change the Americans with Disabilities Act and Undermine the Civil Rights of People with Disabilities:" http://gwydionmisha.tumblr.com/post/165470116342/congress-wants-to-change-the-americans-with

* How to help Flood victims in India, Nepal, and Bangladesh: http://gwydionmisha.tumblr.com/post/165235609582/woke-up-on-derse-f-f-f-fight

"How to Help Puerto Rico from the outside:" http://gwydionmisha.tumblr.com/post/165733774359/how-to-help-puerto-rico-from-the-outside

* How to help Caribbean victims of Irma: http://gwydionmisha.tumblr.com/post/165240981876/hedaclara-hedaclara-hedaclara-guys-the

* "How to Help Hurricane Harvey Victims:" http://www.slate.com/blogs/the_slatest/2017/08/27/how_to_help_hurricane_harvey_victims.html

* "Disaster Relief and Support for Libraries:" http://www.txla.org/news/2017/08/disaster-relief-and-support-for-libraries

* How to help the protesters and ordinary people in Venezuela: https://thewynne.tumblr.com/post/163738805241/softestjohn-fiftyeightminutes-softestjohn

* "Ten Ways to Fight Hate: A Community Response Guide:" https://www.splcenter.org/20170814/ten-ways-fight-hate-community-response-guide

* A list of links to Charlottesville charities if you want to give the NAZIs a financial fuck you: https://twitter.com/SaraJBenincasa/status/896260623905861633

* How white Protesters can weaponize their whiteness: http://gwydionmisha.tumblr.com/post/164390645622/alvaroarbeloa-vaspider-okay-friends-lets

* List of places to donate to help trans service members and fight the planned attack on active duty trans soldiers: https://vaspider.tumblr.com/post/163475550346/moonbian-hey-i-know-reblogging-posts-about-how

* Red Cross is taking donations for Western Wildfire Relief: http://www.redcross.org/local/oregon/ways-to-donate/wildfires

* (This is here as a reminder to me for later). "Can you recommend me some good books, essays, etc. about witches, witchcraft, witch trials in England?:" https://laughingacademy.tumblr.com/post/164664427028/dear-pauline-can-you-recommend-me-some-good

* Help pay for cat food, litter, meds, medical copays: Paypal Lethran@gmail.com

* Want Game of Thrones without the creepy? We need new players. We are very inclusive. "Game of Bones MUSH:" gobmush.wikidot.com

* "Over 230 dead in Mexico quake as rescuers desperately search for survivors:" http://abcnews.go.com/International/200-dead-magnitude-71-earthquake-strikes-mexico/story?id=49958650

* "Myanmar bars UN from investigating Rohingya atrocities in Rakhine:" http://www.smh.com.au/world/myanmar-bars-un-from-investigating-rohingya-atrocities-in-rakhine-20170920-gyl0i7.html

* "Aung San Suu Kyi says Myanmar does not fear scrutiny over Rohingya crisis:" https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/sep/19/aung-san-suu-kyi-myanmar-rohingya-crisis-concerned

* "Trump urges 'strong and swift' UN action for Rohingya:" http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/09/trump-urges-strong-swift-action-rohingya-170921013304717.html

* "Donald Trump's comments on Africa at the UN were, um, odd:" http://www.cnn.com/2017/09/20/politics/donald-trump-africa/index.html

* "Turkish president: Trump apologized for indictment of security staff in brawl:" https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/sep/19/turkey-trump-erdogan-apology-washington

* "Maduro Calls Trump ‘Hitler’ After U.S. President Slams Venezuela at UN:" https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/maduro-calls-trump-hitler-after-u-s-president-slams-venezuela-n802766

* "Trump Embarrasses Himself At UN :" http://transgriot.blogspot.com/2017/09/trump-embarrasses-himself-at-un.html

* "Hillary Rodham Clinton Experienced Putin's Sexism Firsthand:"

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* "Hillary Clinton: Nobody's Talking About Contesting The Election:"

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* "Exclusive: Trump administration prepares to ease export rules for U.S. guns:" http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-weapons-exclusive/exclusive-trump-administration-prepares-to-ease-export-rules-for-u-s-guns-idUSKCN1BU2N8

* I love the list of ways he could have gone for a fraction of the Price and the way they underline Price's hypocrisy on cost saving measures. "Price’s private-jet travel breaks precedent:" http://www.politico.com/story/2017/09/19/tom-price-chartered-planes-flights-242908

* "Following the path from Manafort to Mueller's investigation:"

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* "Brokaw: Price's jet is 'outrageous example of arrogance':"

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* "Kaine: GOP Obamacare repeal plan is a 'big smokescreen':"

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* "Senate likely to start voting on GOP health plan next Wednesday:" https://www.axios.com/senate-looks-to-start-voting-on-gop-health-plan-next-wednesday-2487208910.html

This App phones your rep for you: http://takeastance.us/
Here is one that will send your reps a fax: https://resistbot.io/

* So if a person is deaf and therefore can't respond instantly to verbal commands it is justified for police to shoot him on sight, but if police "can't hear" because they aren't listening to neighbors yelling that "he can't hear," it is a valid excuse for murdering an innocent person. "Captain: Oklahoma City man killed by police was deaf:" http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/police-man-holding-stick-shot-officer-oklahoma-city-49969676

* Look, Insane Clown Posse isn't my type of music, but I stand with them when the government is literally taking their kids away from their fans for attending a concert and criminalizing them over their tattoos. It's scary as fuck and a terrible precedent. I'm old enough to remember the PMRC and congressional hearings and lawsuits over rap and metal. It's an injustice that it's happening at all, which needs to stop, but I can easily foresee 45 having his minions criminalize listening to all sorts of music he personally doesn't like, and I know that hip hop and metal are definitely next on the list. Anything Goth, anything subculture, anything rebellious. We'll be stuck with Christian rocks and country and people will be doing jail time and losing custody etc. for stupid band tattoos they got in college.

I remember after Columbine having to defend my goth students in the Faculty Room, because there was a push to come down on them and treat them like dangerous criminals for liking Marilyn Manson music and black clothes. (I'd been Goth since '88, but one doesn't dress that way to teach). The first time I heard of ICP was in the oughts when two of my guys were getting hassled by admin over writing the logos on their notebook covers, so I went home and researched it, so I would know what I was talking about so I could advocate for them. Yes, there are drugs at the gatherings. There are drugs at music festivals and concerts and raves. It doesn't mean that anyone who liked the Grateful Dead or went to a Rave once is a dangerous gang member. It seems to me the FBI is going after the Juggaloes because they are poor, so don't have money for expensive legal defense, and they dress in a way that makes it hard for people, particularly in the media, to take their complaints seriously. They are easy to mock and ignore and belittle. hur, hur, people are having their lives ruined because they like to weir make up and listen to music on their days off.

Fuck that! I don't have to like the music or want to be part of their subculture to see them as human beings who need their human rights and fair treatment under the law.

This is a canary in the coal mine, and I refuse to mock people who are in danger of losing everything because the ruling party wants a police state.

* "Puerto Rico governor: Power could be out for months:" http://www.cnn.com/2017/09/20/americas/hurricane-maria-caribbean-islands/index.html

* "'Total monster': fatberg blocks London sewage system:" https://amp.theguardian.com/environment/2017/sep/12/total-monster-concrete-fatberg-blocks-london-sewage-system

* "400-year-old Korean mummy shows why eating crab sushi is a stupid idea:" http://www.haaretz.com/archaeology/1.808565

* "Guntur: 16th century Ganesh found:" http://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/250817/guntur-16th-century-ganesh-found.html

* "Milton burial project 'a work in progress' to reveal the lives and deaths of early pioneers:" https://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/95863669/milton-burial-project-a-work-in-progress-to-reveal-the-lives-and-deaths-of-early-pioneerss

* "REPUBLICANS TARGET OBAMACARE (AGAIN):"

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* "Freedom(ish) Of Speech:"

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* "Kim Jong-Un Responds To Trump's 'Rocket Man' Nickname:"

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* "Trump's UN Speech Advocates For Both Peace And Nuclear War:"

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* "Law & Order: Robert Mueller Unit:"

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* "Tom Smith, A Boy And His Frog / Rainbow Connection:"

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* "When did Bran and Varamyr duel?" http://poorquentyn.tumblr.com/post/165441709933/when-did-bran-and-varamyr-duel

* Of Stannis Baratheon and Jon Snow: http://poorquentyn.tumblr.com/post/165481727878/thank-you-for-answering-my-ask-reading-some-parts

* Phantom of the Opera with David S. Pumpkins: https://thewynne.tumblr.com/post/165401057477/wheel-of-fish-somebody-please-take-my-computer

* "Kilt Bowing.:" https://www.flickr.com/photos/ashuraleingod/sets/72157688226259306/

* "Men’s Lives Have Meaning, Part 7: Conclusion:" http://poorquentyn.tumblr.com/post/165336737093/mens-lives-have-meaning-part-7-conclusion

* Want to donate to my property taxes? (170$ Needed). Paypal Lethran@gmail.com

* We need money for taxes so ebay time again. These won't sell fast enough to solve this month, but can help with the mess this month leaves behind.: http://www.ebay.com/usr/lethran?_trksid=p2047675.l2559

( Details cut for your pleasure: )

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

* This App phones your rep for you: http://takeastance.us/

* Here is one that will send your reps a fax: https://resistbot.io/

* "Congress Wants to Change the Americans with Disabilities Act and Undermine the Civil Rights of People with Disabilities:" http://gwydionmisha.tumblr.com/post/165470116342/congress-wants-to-change-the-americans-with

* How to help Flood victims in India, Nepal, and Bangladesh: http://gwydionmisha.tumblr.com/post/165235609582/woke-up-on-derse-f-f-f-fight

* How to help Caribbean victims of Irma: http://gwydionmisha.tumblr.com/post/165240981876/hedaclara-hedaclara-hedaclara-guys-the

* "How to Help Hurricane Harvey Victims:" http://www.slate.com/blogs/the_slatest/2017/08/27/how_to_help_hurricane_harvey_victims.html

* "Disaster Relief and Support for Libraries:" http://www.txla.org/news/2017/08/disaster-relief-and-support-for-libraries

* How to help the protesters and ordinary people in Venezuela: https://thewynne.tumblr.com/post/163738805241/softestjohn-fiftyeightminutes-softestjohn

* "Ten Ways to Fight Hate: A Community Response Guide:" https://www.splcenter.org/20170814/ten-ways-fight-hate-community-response-guide

* A list of links to Charlottesville charities if you want to give the NAZIs a financial fuck you: https://twitter.com/SaraJBenincasa/status/896260623905861633

* How white Protesters can weaponize their whiteness: http://gwydionmisha.tumblr.com/post/164390645622/alvaroarbeloa-vaspider-okay-friends-lets

* List of places to donate to help trans service members and fight the planned attack on active duty trans soldiers: https://vaspider.tumblr.com/post/163475550346/moonbian-hey-i-know-reblogging-posts-about-how

* Red Cross is taking donations for Western Wildfire Relief: http://www.redcross.org/local/oregon/ways-to-donate/wildfires

* (This is here as a reminder to me for later). "Can you recommend me some good books, essays, etc. about witches, witchcraft, witch trials in England?:" https://laughingacademy.tumblr.com/post/164664427028/dear-pauline-can-you-recommend-me-some-good

* Help pay for cat food, litter, meds, medical copays: Paypal Lethran@gmail.com

* Want Game of Thrones without the creepy? We need new players. We are very inclusive. "Game of Bones MUSH:" gobmush.wikidot.com

* "Women’s clinic vandalized in Mississippi:"

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* "Mike Pence authorizes needle exchange program to stop HIV:"

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* "Working Mom On Food Stamps Hits Back At Scott Walker’s Plan To Drug Test Her:" http://gwydionmisha.tumblr.com/post/115020719967/shihtzuman-1trapolitics-tp-working-mom-on-food

* "Deadline article challenges diversity on TV:"

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* "Historical dig reveals humans lived in Ashby as early as 10,000BC:" http://www.burtonmail.co.uk/Historical-dig-reveals-humans-lived-Ashby-early/story-26125732-detail/story.html

* "Iron Age brain was preserved in mud:" http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/education/news/11839094.Iron_Age_brain_was_preserved_in_mud/

* "200 bodies found in mass grave beneath Paris supermarket:" http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/france/11442043/200-bodies-found-in-mass-grave-beneath-Paris-supermarket.html

* "Medieval monastic bones in Ipswich could aid arthritis research:" http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-suffolk-31772744

* "Grave uncovered at cathedral may have been a medieval knight:" http://www.herefordtimes.com/news/local/11829944.Grave_uncovered_at_cathedral_may_have_been_a_medieval_knight/

* "Richard III buried among women who ate lots of sea fish, archaeologist finds:" http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/mar/02/richard-iii-buried-among-women-sea-fish-archaeologist-mathew-morris-leicester

* "Body of young woman who had Charles I shilling placed over eye found in shallow Oxford grave:" http://www.culture24.org.uk/history-and-heritage/archaeology/art519781-body-of-young-woman-found-with-charles-first-shilling-over-eye-in-shallow-oxford-grave

* "This is what Disney princesses would look like with realistic waists:" http://hellogiggles.com/disney-princesses-look-like-realistic-waistlines/

* Boardwalk Empire, Season 4. I think the theme this season is people taking people for granted, failing to respect those who are loyal. I think the other theme is the toxicity of racism and segregation. It runs through everything, and rightly so.

For the record, I am team Chalky White. I’ve alwayts been team Chalky White.

* "if ancient roman authors had tumblr:" http://brigdh.tumblr.com/post/114975489841/if-ancient-roman-authors-had-tumblr

* Car insurance and property taxes are now a crisis. Our Financial Situation continues Scary: http://www.gofundme.com/cuovws or Lethran@gmail.com

* Another storm moved in on the Philippines today, making it hard to get safe water, food, and temporary shelter in to places that need it. Projections at dinner time suggest that they should be able to bring more in tomorrow.

I am still trying to get my head around what it means for that many people to die suddenly in a place.

Want to help?

Red Cross: http://www.redcross.org.ph/donate
World Food Program: https://www.wfp.org/donate/typhoon
Doctors without Borders: http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/donate/overview.cfm?ref=main-menu

Yes, I keep posting the links. I'll likely repost them periodically for the next while as the scale of this is just so big.

* In last week's chaos, I forgot to congratulate the Indian Space Agency on their successful launch. I'm glad someone is still looking towards the future instead of doing everything to give up on science, technology, and educational infrastructure. Unfortunately, it sounds like there was an engine misfire. They are saying they can still get the probe to Mars with an additional thrust burst. *fingers crossed* on it turning out okay.

* I have been following the Yasser Arafat death investigation since the tests of the clothes last year. It sounds some that the findings are suggestive, but inconclusive. Given the sorts of questions that linger about the clothes tests, I have a whole bunch of questions I'd like to ask. Alas, I am not up on this area of science/medicine, so must rely on coverage that is contradictory and doesn't address my concerns. Basically, I am going to wait for more information before I express a strong opinion.

* Yet More evidence of the Police cover-up of the murder of Kendrick Johnson:

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* "Lead Benghazi whistleblower`s story implodes:" http://americablog.com/2013/11/lead-benghazi-whistleblowers-story-implodes.html

* "Do serial killers tend to be bed-wetters?:" http://www.straightdope.com/columns/read/3134/do-serial-killers-tend-to-be-bed-wetters

* "Spark in Darkness: Remembrance Day:" http://www.sparkindarkness.com/2013/11/remembrance-day.html

This is how I feel about Memorial Day.

* "Happy Veterans Day 2013 Trans Vets:" http://transgriot.blogspot.com/2013/11/happy-veterans-day-2013-trans-vets.html

Yes, I'm posting this despite it's contradiction with the above, because I think we also need to remember living veterans, especially those that get forgotten, especially since Remembrance Day is more like our Memorial day, despite the dates being mis-matched.

* I have no words. "Houston LGBT Hater Dave Wilson Masquerades As Black Person To Get Elected:" http://transgriot.blogspot.com/2013/11/houston-lgbt-hater-dave-wilson.html

* "Gay rights? NO! Immigration reform? NO!:" http://www.ajc.com/weblogs/jay-bookman/2013/nov/07/gay-rights-no-immigration-reform-no/

A tiny minority vetoes what the majority of Americans want.

* "Report On The Human Rights Situation Of Afro-Brazilian Trans Women:" http://transgriot.blogspot.com/2013/11/report-on-human-rights-situation-of.html

* "Andrey Bridges Found Guilty Of Killing Cemia Dove Acoff:" http://transgriot.blogspot.com/2013/11/andrey-bridges-found-guilty-of-killing.html

* "Transpeople of Color Don't Get The Luxury of Ignoring Race And Class:" http://transgriot.blogspot.com/2013/11/transpeople-of-color-dont-get-luxury-of.html

* My day of rest got vetoed by phone calls. Sigh. The painting is very close to done. My instinct that Snugglepus Purple and Dancing Blue were the "right" colors was correct. The apartment looks like I imagined it, rather than my lower expectation of how it would actually look. The colours are bright, bold, friendly, and cheerful without being too dark or light or too intense. When the bedroom doors are open, the blue looks brilliant with the purple in the common areas. I'm leaving the bathrooms, closets, and two of the ceilings as is. This isn't ideal, but they are good enough. My ceiling turned out to be just primer, so we are painting it blue with the left over paint. He still had the delicate work, sundries, and touch ups to do, but I'm really happy with it. The place was so depressing with the nasty carpets and ugly walls. Now I'm happy just thinking about the walls. I can't wait to see it with the new floors. I've got most of the unpacking done, with a few things needing sorting left, which I should finish by bed time.

Tomorrow I have the Doctor, errands, paying off the painter, and setting up the floor guys for Wednesday. Wednesday I have a trans education thing I'm hoping to help with (Representing the non-binary if there are questions. Then there is letting in the painters and, and.... Yeah. So real sleep maybe Thursday?

* Wow, seriously? Racism and bold face lies edition:

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* "Archaeologists discovered a unique woman figurine in Silesia:" http://www.naukawpolsce.pap.pl/en/news/news,396821,archaeologists-discovered-a-unique-woman-figurine-in-silesia.html

* "Earliest Bronze Age sheepskin is found in the Highlands:" http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/home-news/earliest-bronze-age-sheepskin-is-found-in-the-highlands.22000015

* "One mummy, many coffins: Egyptians intended to transform deceased from human to deity:" http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/08/130823091144.htm

* Revising the dating on the Santorini Eruption: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2013/08/130822-santorini-atlantis-akrotiri-volcanic-eruption-insects/

* "2,000-Year-Old Bear Ring Found In Siberia:" http://www.ibtimes.com/2000-year-old-bear-ring-found-siberia-used-ancient-bear-cult-photos-1400985

* "Melting Snow Reveals Iron Age Sweater:" http://news.discovery.com/history/archaeology/melting-snow-reveals-iron-age-sweater-130830.htm

* "Interesting excavation of an Early Medieval Danish Feasting Hall:" http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/archaeology/features/feasting-and-fighting-the-longlost-secrets-of-beowulf-8784510.html

* "Battle of Flodden fights to take its rightful place in Scottish history:" http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2013/aug/31/battle-of-flodden-scottish-history-500

* "Heterosexual Privilege And Bisexual Hearts:" http://www.huffingtonpost.com/amy-andre/heterosexual-privilege-and-bisexual-hearts_b_2113470.html

* RP, Questing Edition:

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* "If Caligula was on Twitter:" http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/marthagill/100233533/if-caligula-was-on-twitter/

* "Portraits Of Celebrities Using Instant Noodles:" http://gofugyourself.com/casual-fuggerday-noodling-08-2013/celebrities-portraits-made-from-noodles

* "Sunday Sweets: Dragon Con 2013:" http://www.cakewrecks.com/home/2013/9/1/sunday-sweets-dragon-con-2013.html

* Dragon Cave:

* "Monastery unearthed in Taxila valley:" http://tribune.com.pk/story/527525/mystery-unfolds-monastery-unearthed-in-taxila-valley/

* Doubting the Blood Eagle: http://blogs.smithsonianmag.com/history/2013/03/the-vengeance-of-ivarr-the-boneless/

I'm not sure if this is news as people have been doubting the blood eagle for decades, but it does a nice summary of the reasons the evidence makes it look like a later invention.

* This one has huge implications for dating pottery and remains. "Fish based diets cause archaeological dating problems:" http://www.pasthorizonspr.com/index.php/archives/03/2013/fish-based-diets-cause-archaeological-dating-problems

* "Last letter of Captain Scott finally revealed in full—101 years on:" http://phys.org/news/2013-03-letter-captain-scott-revealed-full101.html

* "The Top 10 Papal Conclaves:" http://m.historytoday.com/blog/2013/03/behind-closed-doors-top-10-papal-conclaves

* I have just finished the Song of Achilles. Those of you who remember my infamous Troy rant, may be nervous of clicking. This book has it's problems, but that isn't it. I can't tell you what I thought about this book without getting into spoilers, but honestly, if you haven't read the Iliad, the Aenead, and a variety of the surviving Greek plays, it's not my fault you are 2500 years or so behind on your reading. I'm keeping my orthography, because in my head as I read I pronounce the names in Greek without thinking and looking at what I wrote below, going back and switching the spellings to match the novel will clearly be more hassle than it's worth.

( This review includes some mention of rape, so click at your own risk.: )

In short, I do not agree with all the choices made and I think there is some unevenness that detracts, but it's a powerful piece of writing with a bunch of things running under the surface worth pondering.

* I also finished Daughter of Smoke and Bone. They are making a lot of YA books into movies. I rather wish they'd make this one instead of the more lackluster offering I've been seeing lately. This is so tactile and visual and delightfully ambiguous and complicated on a world level, but elegant on a character level. I need to read the sequel. I need to know if I've guessed right.