Mike Plavin

Hi friends. I know AI art can be fun to tinker around with, but when it intentionally mimics a well known style (like the Studio Ghibli one that’s popular right now), that’s not okay. They trained the models by using existing artwork without permission. In other words, it’s theft.

Just say no.

These are the senators who collaborated with the GOP.

Schumer
Fetterman
Cortez Masto
Durbin
King
Shaheen
Gillibrand
Schatz
Hassan
Peters

Don’t let them forget it. No peace for them.

Seems to be resolved now. Interesting though, given the current state of, well, everything.

Looks like there might be an ongoing cyberattack against Visa and Mastercard. People locally are reporting that multiple stores card readers are down, and readers at Costcos around the country are down. Anyone else seeing or hearing anything?

Cutting 50% of the Department of Education, the stock market in free fall because the Bozo in Chief is treating tariffs like they’re his personal playthings, shilling Teslas (illegally) at the White House, and the continued idiotic saber rattling at *checks notes* CANADA.

“Make America great again”

Not surprising at all, but good to have some statistics behind it. I kinda figured this was the case, but it was based around anecdotal evidence. I live in a blue collar area of a college town; most college-educated folks I know voted blue, while the ones who aren’t voted for Trump each time.

Yes!! Such a fun book! Amazing art and a compelling, funny, complex story. The humor is spot on and Kelly Sue absolutely nails what it’s like to be a parent to a teenager.

I just want to give a shout out to all the comic book pros I’ve gotten to know over the years. You are awesome and make our lives better with your creativity. I’m sure you hear it a lot, but I wanted you to hear it one more time. Seriously, thank you! 🙏

a picture of a snake with the words cobra kai on it ALT: a picture of a snake with the words cobra kai on it

Me watching the last few episodes of COBRA KAI, of all things: 😭😭😭😭

They stuck the landing. 🥋

I miss the days when I woke up and an infuriating news headline wasn’t waiting for me.

The cruelty is the point.

/6 13. I guess I should probably check out Kendrick Lamar.
14. Shakira is 48 🤯 Also, that was an impressive outfit quick change!
15. I rarely feel “get off my lawn,” but that Charli XCX performance made me feel like an old.

/5 11. Who knew we needed more of Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga singing The Mama’s and The Papas’ music catalog?!
12. Will Smith back on an awards show is a choice, but the Quincy Jones tribute shows just how much of a singular force he was over the music industry.

/4 8. The best new artist showcase was super impressive, even if the genres aren’t my jam.
9. Raye. Holy crap!! Jaw dropping.
10. Chappell Roan using her acceptance speech to call out industry professionals for not supporting their artists!! “Labels, we got you, but do you got us?” *chef’s kiss*

/3 5. Trevor Noah needs to be the forever host at the Grammys .
6. Chappell Roan’s voice. Wow!! I get it now.
7. Beyoncé winning best country album. Huh. That speech though. “Genre is a code word to keep us in our place.” 🔥

/2 3. I sincerely thought Doechii’s mom was her sister. And her speech was perfection.
4. It’s great to see how genuinely happy Taylor Swift was for other people winning in categories that she was also nominated. Love seeing artists celebrating other artists.

/1 Watching the Grammys a day later. My observations:
1. Billie Eilish and Finneas’ parents should be proud of how well their kids get along.
2. Sabrina Carpenter crushed her performance! Genuinely funny and entertaining.

The Devil’s favorite Depeche Mode live album.

I hear you. I feel like we need to be hyper vigilant about mis- and disinformation in this climate.

That’s a really good point. Did a Whois lookup on the domain:

Registrant Contact Information:
Name:
gary krane
Organization:
CoupleHelp and David vs Goliath Services
<snip>
Full Address:
6 playa verde, tiburon, California, 94920, US

Looks like this guy: about.me/gary.krane#:...

…or even thought it had anything to say beyond “war sucks,” which many other films have done in the past. It was well done, but the story just didn’t connect with me, but that could be because of my own fears. /2

Just finished Civil War. I’m not sure what to think of it, particularly considering, ya know… *gestures broadly to the world*

I can see what Garland is going for, making it a “the horrors of war” but on our own turf instead of some faraway land. Still, I am not sure I actually LIKED the movie… /1

I would like to see Violet Grohl be the singer for Nirvana from now on. Wow!!!!

I just got back from Costco too and if yours has the almond croissant pastry things in the bakery, GET THEM! Delicious, especially if it’s warmed up for 20 seconds or so.

Avoid! There was a whole thing on the Costco subreddit about how awful they are.

Your sister named her dog after herself? Oh Rhubarb, you’re such a silly sister.

You’re a good egg, Dave. I was a fan of your onscreen work, and now I’m a fan of the man too.

You know what? Sounds like a great cause. I’m in.