Everyone is—with absolute justification—dumping on Susan Collins for pretending to be "independent" but the idea that she things "Mr. Blanche is a capable lawyer" suggests she should limit her decision-making in the future to paper or plastic

Eric Michael Garcia@ericmgarcia.bsky.social · 20h ago

Susan Collins announces she will vote against confirming Todd Blanche to become Attorney General. This comes after Cornyn and Tillis said they will vote to confirm him. Murkowski has not said how she would vote to confirm him. Same for Bill Cassidy.

Our “It’s a Small World Tour” is over now, but thanks to the stores who hosted us and to everyone at @abramscomicarts.bsky.social for all they did to promote our appearances—and of course, thanks to everyone who came out to get a copy of the MARVELS novel—still on sale wherever books are sold!

Jefferson Has An Airplane, But Voters Have Doubts #BandNamesAsNYTHeadlines

Bill Corbett@billcorbett.bsky.social · 2d ago

For Cutie, A Fatal Taxi Journey #BandNamesAsNYTHeadlines

i am begging you — including some of you who follow me that i'm seeing in the OP QTs — to actually read what senate democrats are getting out of this and to stop and think for, like, at least 90 seconds, about what *else* you think a minority party *in both chambers* can squeeze out of the majority

GOLIKEHELLMACHINE@golikehellmachine.com · 3d ago

stripping OMB of the ability to dole out grants is an enormous win, this nukes the SAVE act, it prohibits further ICE bailouts, adding a "no, really, trump can't break already on-the-books laws regarding elections the federal government doesn't run" clause would be both unnecessary and unproductive

Today's the day! If you're near the Twin Cities and you're a fan of @maryjopehl.bsky.social or @mst3kofficial.bsky.social or the art of @alexrossart.bsky.social or all of the above, you should join me and Mary Jo tonight at Magers and Quinn Bookstore! RSVP at www.magersandquinn.com/event/Steve-...

Steve Darnall@stevedarnall.bsky.social · last wk.

Thanks to @abramscomicarts.bsky.social for publishing my novelization of MARVELS and thanks to @maryjopehl.bsky.social for agreeing to join me at Magers and Quinn in Minneapolis this Wednesday to talk about it—and if you're going to be there, thank you! RSVP at www.magersandquinn.com/event/Steve-...

Thanks to @abramscomicarts.bsky.social for publishing my novelization of MARVELS and thanks to @maryjopehl.bsky.social for agreeing to join me at Magers and Quinn in Minneapolis this Wednesday to talk about it—and if you're going to be there, thank you! RSVP at www.magersandquinn.com/event/Steve-...

Steve Darnall@stevedarnall.bsky.social · 3w ago

I'm delighted to announce that our "It's a Small World Tour" on behalf of MARVELS concludes Wed. 7/29 at Magers and Quinn in Minneapolis, where I'll be appearing in tandem with the wonderful @maryjopehl.bsky.social to discuss our books and other things as well! www.magersandquinn.com/event/Steve-...

Post a perfect album from the 90s that isn't nirvana, soundgarden, pearl jam, or alice in chains.

John Scalzi@scalzi.com · last wk.

Post a perfect album from the 90s that isn't nirvana, soundgarden, pearl jam, or alice in chains.

Plain and simple my politics is that nobody should be wealthy enough to make their insecurities my problem.

The best possible shot of Espresso.

Niall Harbison@niallharbison.bsky.social · 2w ago

Nobody deserved this little day out more than Espresso Martini. So proud of her ❤️

Next Wednesday, we'll be in Minneapolis for an evening of conversation with the talented and courteous @maryjopehl.bsky.social. Magers and Quinn has asked us to remind everyone of the need to RSVP and we hope everyone in or near the Twin Cities will do so! www.magersandquinn.com/event/Steve-...

Steve Darnall@stevedarnall.bsky.social · 3w ago

I'm delighted to announce that our "It's a Small World Tour" on behalf of MARVELS concludes Wed. 7/29 at Magers and Quinn in Minneapolis, where I'll be appearing in tandem with the wonderful @maryjopehl.bsky.social to discuss our books and other things as well! www.magersandquinn.com/event/Steve-...

My esteemed colleague, and author of that article, @sjshancoxli.liberalcurrents.com

We Need to Talk About Pedocon Theory

The connection between Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein is no accident, but reveals a deep logic at the heart of reactionary politics.

liberalcurrents.com

AI companies are buying, scanning, and destroying older books to improve their models' training data & avoid problems of "model collapse" (wherein LLMs choke on their own slop). One of their suppliers is Better World Books, which partners with public libraries. www.404media.co/ai-companies...

AI Companies Are Buying Tons of Old Books Because They're Free of AI Slop

ISBNdb, a company that sources printed books for AI companies to turn into training data, tells clients “the optics problem is real.”

404media.co

here’s my offer, The Atlantic magazine, I will read the next “reactionary pretends to give honest advice to Democrats” take if you let me write a piece where I, a DSA member, pretend to give honest advice to Republicans

The Atlantic@theatlantic.com · 2w ago

“Democrats appear slow to recognize that ideologues on the left are attempting a hostile takeover of the party,” James Kirchick writes. In looking for a way to reclaim control, he argues, they could find inspiration in British history:

Everyone be sure to tune in to "Movie Jo Night" featuring the super @maryjopehl.bsky.social — and if you're in the Twin Cities area, please join her (and me) on July 29 at Magers and Quinn as we talk books and specifically ones we've written! Details at www.magersandquinn.com/event/Steve-...

Dumb Industries@dumb-industries.com · 2w ago

THIS WEEK AT DUMB — Jul 20–25! Free w/ ads: dumb-industries.com/twitch Ad-free: dumb-industries.com/clubhouse #dumbindustries #livestreams #twitch

To borrow a phrase from the late, great Fred Allen, David Brooks is a tweed wastebasket.

Hierophant Shelley B Woke - Living Saint of Purity🏳️‍⚧️🖤💜🤍 💛@shelleybwoke.bsky.social · 2w ago

"To encourage my Democratic friends, I would remind them of this fact: The Democratic Party became great not while pushing against the right. It became great while pushing against the left." - David fucking Brooks. This is Applebee's Salad Bar brain at full rot.

"You can tell by the kindness of a dog the way a human should be." - Captain Beefheart

WeRateDogs@weratedogs.com · 2w ago

This is Zebby. He refuses to go on a walk unless both of his parents join. Ohana means family, and family means everybody gets their steps in. 13/10 (TT: zebbythegolden)

#1WordFor1Music #MusicChallenge #MusicSky July 19: Wave www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcWt...

Jenny And Johnny - Big Wave [Official Music Video]

YouTube video by Jenny Lewis

youtube.com

Neil Cameron@neilcam57.bsky.social · 3w ago

#1WordFor1Music #MusicChallenge #MusicSky July 19 Wave Elvis Costello "Wave a White Flag" youtu.be/oJwALX5riiU?...

California dreaming? No, it's really happening!

Rachel Lichtman@rachellichtman.bsky.social · 3w ago

LOS ANGELES! Programme 4 continues its broadcast day at VIDIOTS, August 19th! With your Golden Sands hosts, The Sklar Brothers, and the soft sounds of Jon Spurney & MANY special surprise guest stars! Steam out those cravats! 🎟️ vidiotsfoundation.org/movies/progr...

Yup.

Aparna Nair@disabilitystor1.bsky.social · 3w ago

Calling all fans of @mst3kofficial.bsky.social in or near the Twin Cities: Hear from a distinguished alumnus (who'll be returning to the scene) and her fellow Norrell Employee of the Month when we come to Magers and Quinn on July 29. Details at www.magersandquinn.com/event/Steve-...

Steve Darnall@stevedarnall.bsky.social · 3w ago

I'm delighted to announce that our "It's a Small World Tour" on behalf of MARVELS concludes Wed. 7/29 at Magers and Quinn in Minneapolis, where I'll be appearing in tandem with the wonderful @maryjopehl.bsky.social to discuss our books and other things as well! www.magersandquinn.com/event/Steve-...

"When your culture abandons you, create a new one." - Nik Cohn

Democrat Cats@democratcats.bsky.social · 3w ago

Morning Kitten Orange Edition

Germany stops short of defeating the Allies.

Stephen West@stephenwest.bsky.social · 3w ago

England stops short of advancing to World Cup final

Speaking of best in their category...

Dan of the Year@downwithdan.bsky.social · 3w ago

Dang they really got a category for everything

Another vital read from @charlotteclymer.bsky.social

Charlotte Clymer@charlotteclymer.bsky.social · 3w ago

You know, not to harp on this, but something's been bugging me about the reactions to Lindsey Graham's death, and I didn't know how to put it into words until this morning. It suddenly hit me not long after I woke up. (thread)

Attention New Yorkers: This event is happening in less than 24 hours and you will want to be there.

Ted Leo 🍉@tedleo.bsky.social · 3w ago

If you are anywhere near NYC, you MUST come to this extravaganza at Le Poisson Rouge, Thursday night (July 16th). kydlabs.com/e/EV6b612b7e...

Mary Morello was a remarkable, inspirational woman. RIP.

Infynyty@infynyty.bsky.social · 3w ago

Lots of talk about Lindsey Graham this week but here’s an obit worthy of our attention. A life of service vs Lindsey’s life of self serving. chicago.suntimes.com/obituaries/2...

I'm delighted to announce that our "It's a Small World Tour" on behalf of MARVELS concludes Wed. 7/29 at Magers and Quinn in Minneapolis, where I'll be appearing in tandem with the wonderful @maryjopehl.bsky.social to discuss our books and other things as well! www.magersandquinn.com/event/Steve-...

Calling @comicbookherald.bsky.social and @comicbookyeti.com and @comicbookclub.bsky.social and anyone else who loves comics: Our novelization of MARVELS (with new illustrations by @alexrossart.bsky.social) brings us to Kentucky on July 12 and Minneapolis on July 29. We’d love to see you there!

Steve Darnall@stevedarnall.bsky.social · last mo.

THIS JUST IN: The good people at Roebling Books have informed me that our July 12 appearance has been moved to their branch in Newport, KY. Apologies to everyone who had their heart set on a trip to Covington but we hope you’ll join us for a grand time! www.roeblingbooks.com/community-ev...

I believe it was Julia Duffy who said, "You could always NOT talk."

Kevin M. Kruse@kevinmkruse.bsky.social · 4w ago

Hey, fellas, before you write that white hot take about how rape is such a tricky thing and, I mean, who can really say what happened and, you know, maybe we should not be too judgmental, I'd like to remind you that instead you can simply shut the fuck up.

Had a 20-minute phone call with Mitch McConnell today, and I don’t want to speculate on his condition, but at no point in our conversation was he able to unequivocally declare what station plays the most hits.