@starraven@mastodon.scot cover
@starraven@mastodon.scot avatar

starraven

@[email protected]

Canadian of Scottish ancestry. Gardener, gamer, calligrapher, and armiger. History buff, heraldry nerd, and science fiction geek. Grog artist, genealogist, atheist, but also religious naturalist.

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@georgetakei@universeodon.com avatar georgetakei , to random
starraven ,
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@georgetakei

I much prefer this, and I'm straight!

@starraven@mastodon.scot avatar starraven , to random
@starraven@mastodon.scot avatar starraven , to random

Attofurlongs per microfortnight.


@georgetakei@universeodon.com avatar georgetakei , to random
starraven ,
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@georgetakei

Man, am I looking forward to the Doctors and imaging techs commenting on this.

@georgetakei@universeodon.com avatar georgetakei , to random

Oh, it shook the world alright. Can’t believe they’re actually selling replicas to the cultists.

A sponsored ad from “American Framed.” The text advertises a “Liberation Day Chart” as a collectible patriotic display piece. Below is a man holding a very large printed chart labeled “Reciprocal Tariffs,” listing countries and tariff percentages. The man is smiling and wearing a hat with an American flag design.
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starraven ,
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@georgetakei

The cultists are fools with money. I'm surprised this idea didn't come out sooner.

@Daojoan@mastodon.social avatar Daojoan , to random

The Trolley Problem is unrealistic because it assumes I have the executive function to pull the lever

starraven ,
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@Daojoan

It's unrealistic because the sensible thing to do is backpedal away from the lever as quickly as possible so that legal liability lies with either the Trolley operator or the sicko tying people to the track.

@georgetakei@universeodon.com avatar georgetakei , to random

During WWII a German vessel fired upon sailors floating in the sea after the Greek vessel Peleus was sunk. The officers were tried and convicted in the Peleus War Crimes trial.

A screenshot of a tweet by Ken Dilanian quoting concerns that an order to kill boat occupants who are no longer able to fight would constitute a war crime. Below is a collage of nine infrared or night-vision aerial images showing small boats in the water. At the bottom is a caption referencing “Hegseth order on first Caribbean boat strike.”
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starraven ,
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@georgetakei
And the U-boat captain who gave the order was executed. I feel that's an important detail.

@georgetakei@universeodon.com avatar georgetakei , to random

Young people in the U.S. have been priced out of their dreams. Stop acting like it’s their fault.

Screenshot of a tweet from Cory Archibald on X.com criticizing claims that young people are “hoarding” devices. The tweet says Boomers spent years telling young people to save money, and now blame them for not buying $1500 phones and for “costing the economy” by living at home. Below is a tweet from unusual_whales stating that $12 billion a year is being lost because younger people spend less on housing, transportation, and food due to living with family.
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starraven ,
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@georgetakei

12 billion a year lost by whom? Not the ones holding onto their functioning phones.

@georgetakei@universeodon.com avatar georgetakei , to random

If a phone still works fine, it’s not “device hoarding” to keep using it. It’s common sense.

Screenshot of a CNBC headline that reads: “How device hoarding by Americans is costing economy.” The subtext says Americans are holding onto devices longer than ever, which may be smart for consumers but can reduce productivity.
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starraven ,
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@georgetakei

Yeah, MY economy will always come before "the" economy. When new phones cost 600 bucks and up, you bet I'm going to use mine until the motherboard fries.

@georgetakei@universeodon.com avatar georgetakei , to random

We just want safe, on-time air travel without price gouging. Not lectures on our attire.

A tweet from “Aaron Rupar” shows an exchange where a reporter asks what the TSA Administrator is doing to improve the air travel experience. Administrator Duffy responds that it is his responsibility to behave well and he cannot offload that responsibility. The image below shows Duffy speaking at an airport podium with the TSA logo behind him.
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starraven ,
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@georgetakei

I remember a few short years after 9/11 hearing of a college student flying home for Thanksgiving wearing a bikini in order to prove she had nothing on her and get through security quicker.

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

Trump has now set a deadline for Thursday next week, where he demands Ukraine signs an agreement to meet Putin’s demands:

— No NATO membership
— A reduction of its military to just 600,000 troops
— Accepting the loss of Donetsk, Luhansk, Crimea, and most of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia
— Forcing Ukrainian elections within 100 days

While Russia will
— Reenter the G8
— Have all sanctions lifted

This is not a peace agreement. This is capitulation.

starraven ,
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@randahl

Wish some country was brave enough to give Ukraine nuclear weapons.

@georgetakei@universeodon.com avatar georgetakei , to random

This was an IQ test.

A tweet from “Catturd @catturd2” says: “😂😂😂 we warned you.” Below is a tweet from “Polymarket @Polymarket” reading: “BREAKING: Zohran Mamdani to require all New York elementary school students to learn Arabic numerals.” (Timestamp: November 19, 2025.) (Note: Arabic numerals refers to the standard digits 0–9.)
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starraven ,
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@georgetakei

And so many are failing it.

@skeletor@mas.to avatar skeletor , to random
I just laugh stuff off because prison doesn't have the food that I like. Says Skeletor thinking about all the violence he decides against.
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starraven ,
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@skeletor

Yeah, hard to get a drink in the Pen.

@georgetakei@universeodon.com avatar georgetakei , to random
starraven ,
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@georgetakei

Meanwhile, one of Jesus' followers was an actual whore.

No clue what's in their own religion.

@lowqualityfacts@mstdn.social avatar lowqualityfacts , to random

I am sick of the nonstop political content on here, so tonight's Low Quality Ad is for this "One Day We Will Wake Up To His Obituary" towel. It's a good apolitical towel that could be referring to anyone. We all didn't immediately think of one specific person when we saw this.
https://collabs.shop/ewsv7e

A white towel with a woman drinking coffee on it. It says "One day we will wake up to his obituary."
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starraven ,
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@lowqualityfacts

I have already picked out which version of the Hallelujah Chorus I am going to post on that day.

@georgetakei@universeodon.com avatar georgetakei , to random

Ding-a-Ling-a-Ling! It’s your self-own calling!

A tweet from Republicans Against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) says: “Nearly 80% of voters in farming-dependent counties voted for Trump. Now, many of the farmers are on the brink of bankruptcy because of his policies.” Below is a screenshot from 60 Minutes showing an aerial view of farmland and silos in a small rural town.
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starraven ,
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@georgetakei

Let me look in the dictionary for sympathy.

@ProPublica@newsie.social avatar ProPublica , to random

NEW: “No Separation Between Church and State”: Inside a Texas Church’s Training Academy for Christians Running for Office

--
A Fort Worth church’s candidate training program is the “next stage” of a religion-driven political movement, which has more latitude now that the IRS has allowed religious leaders to endorse candidates from the pulpit, an expert said.

https://www.propublica.org/article/fort-worth-mercy-culture-church-campaign-university

starraven ,
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@ProPublica

Well, that's terrifying.

@georgetakei@universeodon.com avatar georgetakei , to random

Put it in the Smithsonian!

A tweet from Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) reads: “incredible photo that’s definitely worth at least 1,000 words from Andrew Harnik of Getty.” Below is a photo showing Donald Trump standing stiffly behind the Oval Office desk with a serious expression. In the background, multiple people appear to be helping someone who has fallen on the floor near the flags.
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starraven ,
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@georgetakei

This better get the attention of the Pulitzer Prize people.

@georgetakei@universeodon.com avatar georgetakei , to random

SNAP benefits for 42 million Americans are set to stop amid the shutdown—while the Trump administration refuses to use contingency funds already approved by Congress. Trump also gave up key concessions to China at the APEC Summit. And four GOP senators broke ranks to limit his trade powers. https://thinkbigpicture.substack.com/p/october-31-weekly-news-roundup

starraven ,
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@georgetakei

That's 15.5 times the number of law enforcement and military personnel in all branches, combined.

You know, in case you were wondering.

@georgetakei@universeodon.com avatar georgetakei , to random

Which is it, Mike?

Tweet from the Democrats’ official account saying “weird.” Below are two screenshots labeled “Mike Johnson last week” and “Mike Johnson now.” In the first, Johnson says Republicans control the White House, Senate, and House. In the second, he says Republicans aren’t in charge of government.
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starraven ,
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@georgetakei

Lies as automatic as breathing.

@malwaretech@infosec.exchange avatar malwaretech , to random

[Thread, post or comment was deleted by the author]

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    starraven ,
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    @malwaretech

    Not enough variety in laughing emojis to express my reaction to this.

    @evacide@hachyderm.io avatar evacide , to random

    The primary advantage of using Signal over WhatsApp is that Signal does not store metadata. Just sayin'.

    https://www.forbes.com/sites/the-wiretap/2025/10/21/ice-spies-on-whatsapp/

    starraven ,
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    @evacide @balasubramanium

    Your comment is the stupidest thing I've read. He is absolutely right. Signal is rife with security threats, starting with the fact it is US based and requires a phone number.

    @eunews@mastodon.social avatar eunews , to random

    Spain restarts push to kill daylight saving time in EU

    Brussels proposed ending seasonal time changes in 2018, but seven years later everyone’s still winding their clocks back and forth.

    https://www.politico.eu/article/spain-sanchez-restarts-push-eu-finally-end-daylight-saving-time/

    starraven ,
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    @eunews

    There's talk of doing it in Canada, but the wrong way. They want to stay on Daylight Saving Time, contrary to how human beings have lived for a quarter million years.

    @georgetakei@universeodon.com avatar georgetakei , to random
    starraven ,
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    @georgetakei

    I'm no fan of religion, but even I wouldn't think of this.

    Dude was from Florida, wasn't he?

    @georgetakei@universeodon.com avatar georgetakei , to random
    starraven ,
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    @georgetakei

    If I believed in a Hell, I'd agree.

    He makes me wish I believed in a Hell.

    @georgetakei@universeodon.com avatar georgetakei , to random
    starraven ,
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    @georgetakei

    In the last provincial election, a candidate of the Conservative Party of British Columbia misspelled the name of the province on their campaign fliers. They did not win their seat.

    @georgetakei@universeodon.com avatar georgetakei , to random

    Every time a Trump scandal surfaces, the predictable chaos follows. Now it’s Tom Homan, the White House border czar, who was caught accepting $50,000 in cash during an FBI undercover operation, and the DOJ is scrambling to contain the fallout. https://thinkbigpicture.substack.com/p/trump-tom-homan-problem-coverup

    starraven ,
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    @georgetakei

    But, but... Letitia James!

    @georgetakei@universeodon.com avatar georgetakei , to random

    This is well said. Trump and Noem need to back off before we have another Kent State tragedy.

    Tweet from Aaron Reichlin-Melnick quoting Laura N. Rodríguez Presa. Aaron’s comment: “DHS is an escalation spiral; the more they do things like this, the more people on the ground push back... and I'm deeply worried what the ultimate result will be.” Laura’s tweet reads: “A federal agent points a weapon at a woman who was recording them... Jess, a U.S. citizen and member of a neighborhood patrol team that documents ICE activity, was filming when the incident occurred earlier today in the Berwyn area.” Attached photo shows a federal agent inside a vehicle pointing a rifle out of the driver’s side window.
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    @georgetakei

    Be prepared to start actively taking out ICE agents for your own safety. It's inevitable at this point.

    @arstechnica@mastodon.social avatar arstechnica , to random

    Bank of England warns AI stock bubble rivals 2000 dotcom peak
    Central bank says market concentration hasn't been this extreme in 50 years.
    https://arstechnica.com/ai/2025/10/bank-of-england-warns-ai-stock-bubble-rivals-2000-dotcom-peak/?utm_brand=arstechnica&utm_social-type=owned&utm_source=mastodon&utm_medium=social

    starraven ,
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    @arstechnica

    Let it crash. My mortgage is paid in full and my job cannot be automated or outsourced.

    @georgetakei@universeodon.com avatar georgetakei , to random
    starraven ,
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    @georgetakei

    Brutal doesn't begin to cover it, but it's deserved.

    @georgetakei@universeodon.com avatar georgetakei , to random

    Acting as judge, jury, and executioner against civilian vessels would lead to war crimes charges with nearly any other country’s leader.

    The image is an X post by David French (@DavidAFre ) from 1 day ago, stating: "Does a Fox correspondent not know that we can stop boats at sea, search them, seize any drugs we find, arrest the crew, try them, and imprison them – while also questioning them to help investigate the cartels? The choices aren't between execution and permission." It includes a reply by Charles Gasparino (@CGA ) from 1 day ago, asking: "Why would anyone be against using US forces to stop drugs from coming into this country? Because international stipulates that we need to poison our kids? x.com/DavidAFre..."
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    @dangillmor@mastodon.social avatar dangillmor , to random

    Peter Thiel is competing with Elon Musk for most evil tech lord, with a different strategy.

    Musk is doing a lot of his foul work in plain sight. It seems that Thiel is trying to keep the public from understanding what he's doing until it's too late to stop him.

    https://newrepublic.com/article/200471/peter-thiel-obsession-antichrist-religion?ref=theframelab.org

    starraven ,
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    @dangillmor

    All the freaking out over Dungeons And Dragons during the eighties seems almost quaint, now.

    @georgetakei@universeodon.com avatar georgetakei , to random

    On this we agree wholeheartedly.

    A screenshot of an X post by user @atrupar featuring a quote attributed to Trump: "We've got a lot of stupid people in this country running things." The post includes an image of a man speaking at a podium with the seal of the President of the United States, flanked by two other individuals in a formal setting with American flags and a bookshelf in the background.
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    @georgetakei

    Love how he dementially blunders his way to the truth sometimes.

    @randahl@mastodon.social avatar randahl , to random

    Trump announces he has solved the very bad war between Cambodia and Armenia…

    Which is quite impressive, since Armenia is a country in West Asia, just short of 7000 km from Cambodia, which is a country in South East Asia.

    video/mp4

    starraven ,
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    @randahl

    Just ended the world's first Telepathic War.

    @NewsDesk@flipboard.social avatar NewsDesk , to random

    California becomes first U.S. state to ban most law enforcement from wearing masks during operations. Read more from @AssociatedPress:

    https://flip.it/m4y87K

    starraven ,
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    @NewsDesk

    So, when ICE refuses to comply (and they will), what then?

    @georgetakei@universeodon.com avatar georgetakei , to random
    starraven ,
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    @georgetakei

    First accurate thing he's said in years.

    @NewsDesk@flipboard.social avatar NewsDesk , (edited ) to random

    People who have never mentioned Charlie Kirk are being wrongfully targeted online and doxxed. @taylorlorenz reports on two such cases. Ali Nasrati discovered, after receiving a barrage of abuse and death threats and being suspended from work, that an X account started in May was using his name and a photo stolen from his social media. Cynthia Rehberg, a school principal in Wisconsin, was misidentified by a conservative influencer from a Facebook post, after which her district received 800 voicemails calling for her firing. "Over 200,000 people think that I'm somebody that I'm not," Nastrati told Lorenz, referring to the number of views one of the X posts attacking him received. "I don't know if anybody's following me. I don't feel safe going into public areas. I don't know who's there. I don't know who is going to be able to recognize me or not, or who might do something. I'm constantly looking behind my back."

    https://flip.it/2NxHde

    starraven ,
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    @NewsDesk @taylorlorenz

    As if conservatives ever cared about getting facts right.

    @georgetakei@universeodon.com avatar georgetakei , to random

    This past Sunday, Brad and I celebrated 17 years of marriage together. That’s 6,209 days of love, laughter, and levity through it all. Happy Anniversary, Bradder! Here’s to many more.

    starraven ,
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    @georgetakei

    Happy Anniversary to the Happy Couple! You look fantastic together.

    @randahl@mastodon.social avatar randahl , to random

    "Just kill them"

    In the US, Fox News is now promoting a final solution to the challenges with the mentally ill.

    Not that long ago, the US helped us stop the Nazis — how in the world did the US fall so low?

    Clip from Fox and Friends.

    starraven ,
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    @randahl

    I don't really care how the US fell so low.

    I only hope it now suffers the same fate as Nazi Germany.

    @georgetakei@universeodon.com avatar georgetakei , to random

    On this day in 1966, Star Trek first beamed into living rooms across America. None of us could have imagined then the journey it would set us on. And not just the cast and crew, but the millions of fans who would find hope, inspiration, and community in its vision of the future.

    Over the decades, I’ve been humbled and grateful for the love you’ve shown, not only to me, but to the ideals of Star Trek itself: diversity, unity, and the belief that together, humanity can boldly go where none have gone before. Thank you for your unwavering support and for keeping this dream alive all these years. Live long and prosper, always.

    Actors Nichelle Nichols (L) and George Takei attend Day 4 of the Official Star Trek Convention at the Rio Las Vegas Hotel & Casino on August 14, 2011 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images)
    Actor George Takei attends the "Star Trek: The Star Fleet Academy Experience Preview " at Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum on June 30, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Kris Connor/FilmMagic)
    Actor George Takei attends the Star Trek: The Star Fleet Academy Experience at Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum on June 30, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Noam Galai/WireImage)

    Actor George Takei attends the Star Trek: The Star Fleet Academy Experience at Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum on June 30, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Noam Galai/WireImage)
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    starraven ,
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    @georgetakei

    Thank you for helping to bring us something so wonderfully inspiring!

    @georgetakei@universeodon.com avatar georgetakei , to random

    You had your chance to remove and bar him from the presidency after Jan 6. And you chickened out.

    starraven ,
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    @georgetakei

    Who cares what a collaborator thinks after the fact?

    @georgetakei@universeodon.com avatar georgetakei , to random

    They are privatizing Medicare, which means they will profit off denial of coverage. Say no to the GOP or face loss of insurance.

    A screenshot of an X post from Robert Reich (@rbreich .bsky.social) featuring a profile picture of an older man. The post reads: "Under Dr. Oz, Medicare is launching a pilot program that will use AI to determine whether patients would be covered for certain procedures. Companies running the program will be paid a share of the savings from rejecting claims. Who in their right mind voted for this? No one."
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    @georgetakei

    Every Republican voter voted for this. "Right mind" among them is debatable.

    @georgetakei@universeodon.com avatar georgetakei , to random
    starraven ,
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    @georgetakei
    Made me look!

    @georgetakei@universeodon.com avatar georgetakei , to random

    The damage this man has done is incalculable.

    An image featuring Chief Justice Roberts in a judicial robe, with a serious expression, seated in what appears to be a courtroom. The text overlay reads: "Chief Justice Roberts says the rule of law is eroding like we've rarely seen. Maybe he should've thought of that before ruling the president is above the law. You don't get to burn the house down and act shocked it's on fire."
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    @georgetakei

    He's trying to save his neck from a rope cravat.

    @ninsiana0@mastodon.social avatar ninsiana0 , to bookstodon group

    I'm currently very interested in SOLARPUNK, an offshoot of HOPEPUNK, that asks the questions, "What if the future was good, actually?" and "How do we heal our relationship with the earth & each other?"

    Give me your recommendations, please. I need some hope.

    bookstodon@a.gup.pe icon bookstodon group

    Some examples of Solarpunk I've read & loved: PLANETFALL by Emma Newman WOMAN ON THE EDGE OF TIME by Marge Piercy A PSALM FOR THE WILD-BUILT by Becky Chambers A PRAYER FOR THE CROWN-SHY by Becky Chambers A HALF-BUILT GARDEN by Ruthanne Emrys TOO LIKE THE LIGHTNING by Ada Palmer
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    @AEMarling @ninsiana0 bookstodon@a.gup.pe icon bookstodon group

    Currently reading that one. What's notable is it may be one of the first novels with solarpunk themes long before solarpunk was a major theme or subgenre.

    @georgetakei@universeodon.com avatar georgetakei , to random

    I for one am concerned.

    starraven ,
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    @georgetakei

    Every reporter better be asking "WHICH Trump in 2028?"

    Of course, we know...

    @georgetakei@universeodon.com avatar georgetakei , to random

    Did they speak back to him?

    starraven ,
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    @georgetakei

    I believe the proper term for that is schizophrenia.

    @georgetakei@universeodon.com avatar georgetakei , to random

    47 needs the 25th.

    A screenshot of an X post by Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski ) at 2:52 PM EDT on 8/14/25, with 2.6K replies, 1.3K retweets, 5.8K likes, 21 quotes, and 112K views. The post reads: "Trump just said he was 'tremendously honored' to have been named 'Man of the Decade' by the Taliban. I’m not making this up." The image shows a still from a news broadcast with Trump speaking at a podium, with a blurred White House background.
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    @georgetakei

    47 needs the 2nd.