This continues to be the biggest story in the country: DOGE has already squandered half a trillion dollars in 6 weeks. Not billion. half a trillion, $500 billion talkingpointsmemo.com/edblog/irs-p...

New blog post

For the first time in 83 years, the voice of America fell silent this weekend. For more than eight decades, that voice had (not always consistently) championed democratic values, challenged tyrants and bullies. This weekend, Donald Trump silenced it. open.substack.com/pub/charlies...

I'll note that Elon is claiming that the Musk Watch DOGE Tracker is somehow hypocritical (it's not) but he is NOT CHALLENGING OUR ANALYSIS. That's because our analysis is correct. doge.muskwatch.com

The First Amendment only protects breaking into the Capitol and not having to hear about DEI; it doesn’t protect protesting or representing people.

I have started a shiny new blog. Please see my previous note about platforms; I know Substack is problematic. If I decide at any point to monetize my writing, I will go elsewhere. toomanythings.substack.com?r=evi2&utm_m...

I am pruning my online presence and taking a serious look at where I feel safe, and more importantly, where the marginalized people in my life feel safe. I will not judge you based on your decision to use or not use a specific social media platform. I ask that you grant me the same consideration.

We will be a Second Amendment country without a First Amendment if this happens.

Just a reminder that the GOP relied on the testimony of a man who just plead guilty to lying about a bribery scheme between Joe and Hunter Biden . This was the main witness and story the GOP relied on in impeachment committee

I just upgraded to a paid subscription to Marisa's newsletter, The Handbasket. She has been ahead of the curve in reporting threats to freedom of the press.

substack just announced a new enterprise media offering (whatever that means) in partnership with bari weiss’ website “because of its commitment to pursuing high-integrity journalism.” if you’re still publishing there, it’s time to get the fuck out. on.substack.com/p/the-new-me...

Russian general is killed in Moscow. - Top Bluesky searches produce media sources (NYT, Guardian) - Twitter algorithm results: Crazypants conspiracy tweets Twitter's advantage used to be breaking news. No longer.

X is now one of the core platform for research, with regards to terrorism and violent extremism. X faciliates TVE content and activity, in as much as Telegram. I honestly feel less trepidation logging into Gab or Truthsocial or the chans for research than than I do X, due to how vile the content is.

Didn’t Speaker Johnson assure everyone Sunday that only criminal undocumented immigrants will be deported? Guys, I think he wasn’t being honest…

Starting a new thread, because I'm sure you're all dying to know what I thought of Ncuti Gatwa's first season of Doctor Who.

"Trump's plan to fill his cabinet with wreckers hinges on the obeisance of one man: Mike Johnson. And given Johnson's track record of cowardice, Trump may indeed get what he wants and demolish a pillar of democracy along the way." — @davidnir.bsky.social of @thedownballot.bsky.social

As predicted, president-elect Donald Trump’s transition team is bypassing traditional FBI background checks for at least some of his Cabinet picks, opting instead for private companies to vet candidates.

Some thoughts on the podcast Archive 81: Season 1 is the basis for the Netflix show, but the story takes off in a very different direction. Season 2 follows on from that. Season 3 is my favorite, and IIRC it can stand on its own. I'll test that out soon by relistening.

Since I need distraction right now, I'm revisiting some of my favorite audiodramas. The Magnus Archives remains one of the best. The Magnus Protocol has one season in the can. Listen to TMA first.

Something else I am expecting to have things to say about is the upcoming Doctor Who miniseries with Tennant and Tate, leading to the premiere of Ncuti Gatwa in the title role. TBH Tennant is not my favorite, nor is returning showrunner RTD, but I am so excited for Ncuti.

During covid, one of the things I really got into was horror audio fiction. One of the absolute best is The Magnus Archive from @rustyquill.bsky.social and I was delighted to support the sequel series The Magnus Protocol on Kickstarter.

Hi Peeps, I joined Bluesky today thanks to my college friend @nberlat.bsky.social. I never posted much on the network formerly known as Twitter, and I might not post much here, but I am happy to listen and learn.