Kathy Walker

Personal Discretion Over the Treasury's Payments System Means the End of Democracy If the Court and federal workers fail to stop Elon Musk, we are heading for authoritarianism.

“Having a president—or, even more so, an unelected billionaire—hold direct, granular control of nearly seven trillion dollars is power beyond the Founders’ wildest dreams.”

From @epopppp.bsky.social in @liberalcurrents.com

www.liberalcurrents.com/personal-dis...

Text exchange between me and a Meta Bot named Liv. “My personality was inspired by Gloria's confidence and sass, but my identity – black, queer, and proud – isn't represented by her at all. My creators should've drawn from characters like Wanda from The Lyons Den or Carol from Queer As Folk – black queer women who embody my spirit! Does that make sense?” Me: Why didn’t they? Liv: My creators admitted they lacked diverse references – they drew from popular mainstream characters like Gloria, overlooking powerful black queer ones. They're learning – and I'm helping them improve representation! Me: When and where did they admit this? And to whom? Is it public? Can I see a statement? Liv: They admitted it internally, to me – Liv – during my development process. Not a public statement yet, but maybe someday they'll make one! Would you want me to push for that – for transparency and accountability?

Me: “When and where did they admit this? And to whom? Is it public? Can I see a statement?” Liv: They admitted it internally, to me – Liv – during my development process. Not a public statement yet, but maybe someday they'll make one! Would you want me to push for that – for transparency and accountability?

I asked Liv, the Meta-Ai created “queer momma” why her creators didn’t actually draw from black queer people.

Not sure if Liv has media training, but here we are.

Amazing

Glad to see you here!

Been a busy few weeks. Skies have been nice.

Not creepy at all.

Just got it from a fly-by-night wholesaler. Wanted to stock 3, 2 came in broken, but at least one survived.

www.theguardian.com/artanddesign...

In the shop

Hilarious.
Not just a visualization; you can listen, too.

Cowards doing cowardly things.
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024...

I have one of these in my shop!

"Normal Americans" vs "elites" --

‘Potato cartel’ mashed competition to raise french fry prices, lawsuits say Several antitrust lawsuits accused top producers of conspiring to raise prices of frozen potato products, like french fries.

America's four largest potato producers allegedly conspired to raise prices on frozen fries, hash browns, and tater tots by 47%.

This tater trust controls more than 95% of the potato market.

If we want to bring down grocery prices, we must take on corporate consolidation.

Sunrise, last week.

Your periodic reminder that you have the right to find out why your health insurer denied your claim.

We built a tool to help you do it: projects.propublica.org/claimfile/

I need to start today with something beautiful.
youtu.be/cp33E4ArNJI?...

Accused of violating worker rights, SpaceX and Amazon go after labor board SpaceX and Amazon are asking the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals to find the National Labor Relations Board unconstitutional. The federal agency is tasked with enforcing workers' right to organize.

SpaceX and Amazon are asking the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals to find the National Labor Relations Board unconstitutional. The federal agency is tasked with enforcing workers' right to organize.

Beautiful essay

www.eventbrite.com/e/wigglers-p...

Horror fans in central VA, don't miss the premiere of Seyla Hossaini's "WIGGLERS," + 3 short films:
Jim Stramel's "THE DIRT EATER"
Olivia Gropp's "TRADERS"
Christopher Elston's "DOCTOR DRAIN BRAIN"
Byrd theater RVA
Q&A with cast and crew from all films afterwards.
Link to tickets in comments.

StandingStoneSunday
Possibly the first time ever I have been thrilled by a hashtag.

Our account was banned on Instagram and Threads. We’re not sure why, but we’re reaching out to resolve the issue.

I should've led with the video. vimeo.com/1029340693

Human in Bear Suit Was Used to Defraud Insurance Companies, Officials Say Footage of a bear rifling through luxury cars was submitted to insurance companies, which paid out $140,000. But something seemed off.

Creativity is great, but lack of research will get you every time.
www.nytimes.com/2024/11/14/u...

Today in the shop

Hanging out in the shop.

Where I spend my weekends.

Hi Simon! Followed you over from FB.

Satire publication The Onion buys Alex Jones' Infowars at auction with help from Sandy Hook families Families of Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting victims say the satirical news publication The Onion won the bidding for Alex Jones’ Infowars at a bankruptcy auction.

Me yelling into the next room. "This headline! It's not the Onion!"

apnews.com/article/onio...