January Handl

A new California bill aims to ban paraquat. Yep, that toxic stuff is still around. Banned by 60 countries, the herbicide behind a 1970s marijuana scare persists in the US.

Syngenta just announced it's gonna stop producing paraquat, which I thought was a throwback to '70s Mexican weed before learning that US growers still use it. Syngenta, btw, was the subject of a wild story with one of my favorite headlines. See addendum to this post.

If you're just joining us in Operation Epstein Distraction...

Trump's White House claimed Spain has agreed to cooperate with the U.S. military in its War on Iran.

Spain fired back immediately that Trump's White House is lying and reiterated non-cooperation.

All is going well.

Rep. Moskowitz can be seen wearing a "JUSTICE FOR CRICKET" pin as he questions Kristi Noem

Major Update: Republicans Break and Subpoena Bondi in Epstein Investigation, Trump Tried to Prosecute Biden, Kurds Launch Ground Invasion in Iran We have a major update this afternoon.

Major Update: Republicans Break and Subpoena Bondi
in Epstein Investigation
Trump Tried to Prosecute Biden
Kurds Launch Ground Invasion in Iran
open.substack.com/pub/aaronpar...

Wandering path #trees #woodland #treeclub

I don't know how a human being could be more morally vacant than Karoline Leavitt.

Neguse demolishes Noem (2/2)

"It is fraud" -- Neguse nails Kristi Noem for lying during her testimony yesterday when she told the Senate that DHS's $220m ad campaign starring her "went out to a competitive bid" (it did not), and tells her "I think there's gonna be accountability" (1/2)

Moskowitz: I want to end on a happy note. I got you a new Coast Guard blankie, the one you lost.

Eight lies Trump told to take America to war It should come as no surprise that Donald Trump has piled lie upon lie to justify his attack on Iran in violation of international law, constantly shifting his rationale as one lie collides with anoth...

Eight lies Trump told to take America to war

www.rawstory.com/raw-investig...

Does Trump Need Congress to Wage War on Iran? When US President Donald Trump joined Israel in launching a military operation against Iran, pulverizing Iranian government installations and killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, he did so without seeking congressional authorization.

Under the War Powers Act, the president must gain approval from Congress to deploy armed forces abroad except in circumstances where the country has been attacked. Here's what to know

Macro photograph of a Lavender Scallop (Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi)

Our Lavender Scallop has started blooming!
#bloomscroll #flowers #photography #art #macro

The Oregon Table Rock. They are bizarre lava-capped mesa's that look like tree stumps that formed about 7 million years ago from Mt. Olsen eruptions. They don't make sense, but Mama Nature has her creative moods.

Blackout hits most of Cuba amid US oil chokehold A power outage struck most of Cuba including Havana, the state electric utility said on Wednesday, ​as the communist-run government grapples with increased pressure from the Trump administration that has curtailed ‌oil shipments.

Blackout hits most of Cuba amid US oil chokehold reut.rs/3PibBg0

Thank you, and stay classy, San Diego!

Kamlager-Dove: During you tenure at DHS, have you had sexual relations with Corey Lewandowski?

Noem: I am shocked we are peddling tabloid garbage.

NOEM: I would disagree with the judge

CROCKETT: I'm sure you would, but can you tell me whether or not you have a law degree?

NOEM: A what?

CROCKETT: A law degree

NOEM: No I do no-

CROCKETT: Okay

Balint to Noem: "You're the secretary of DHS -- for now. And you think you're immune from accountability. But I promise you this: one day he is not gonna be president anymore. And when that day comes, we will still be here. And in hearings like this, we are going to continue to prove your guilt."

It’s looking increasingly likely that Kristi Noem and Lewandowski funneled almost 200 million in government money to a company that is run by her friend and that nobody can give an address for.

Oh, and it was 8 days old when it was awarded the contract.

As many people have correctly pointed out: the worst outcome of this war is nuclear annihilation.

I think it's super that the GOP has dispatched its dullest and dimmest senators, like Mullin and Tuberville, to make the unintelligible case for an unpopular unplanned war. Go get 'em, boys.

A Eurasian robin perched on a moss-covered branch, singing. They are very territorial and this is how they warn off competition.

For today's #BirdOfTheDay theme of #ShoutItOut, here's a robin letting rip.

#birds #photography

SWALWELL: Has anyone been fired?

NOEM: There could be


SWAWELL: I'm not asking about 'could be'

Here are more mushrooms growing from a picnic table.

#photography #nature #macrophotography #mushroom #pnw #resist

So miraculous!
#FungiFriends

Resist ‘dangerous and socially unacceptable’ age checks for social media, scientists warn Computer scientists are campaigning against the global march toward age checks online.

Over 400 scientists have signed a letter calling for a moratorium on the deployment of age-verification technologies. The letter suggests the widespread deployment of untested AV tech is making the internet less safe.

www.politico.eu/article/age-...

BREAKING:

WASHINGTON (AP) — James Talarico wins Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate in Texas primary election.

Meownu Reeves a normal innocent gray kitten 😸

Meownu Reeves continuing to live his best life as most relaxed kitten. 😸 #catsky

UK supermarket chain Iceland drops trademark dispute with Iceland Company promises ‘rapprochement discount’ with shoppers from country after decade-long action in EU court

TIL that the country of Iceland had to take the company Iceland to court because it had trademarked the name Iceland and it was preventing companies from Iceland doing business in the EU. www.theguardian.com/business/202...