#John Duckworth

[sweettjrose]

I've seen this piece of art floating around and I don't know where it comes from (if you know please tell me) but I think it's from some type of promotional piece from Disney.

But can we just talk about it... like...

It's so interesting seeing characters from the comics be done in what seems like the official Disney art style. That barely happens from what I know.

I mean we have Trudy (my queen 👑), a very creepy Detective Casey, Gladstone, Fethry (I love his hat 💕), Gladstone, and Brigitta.

Though oddly enough Pete seems to lean more into the comics style with his eyes which feels out of place.

But that's not all we also have Gyro Gearloose, Little Helper, Gus Goose, and Grandma Duck (though she was in an actual Disney short with Donald)

AND THEN... we have John D. Rockerduck (No Lusky though), Chief O'Hara, Doctor Einmug, Magica (I hope that's not the number 1 dime in her hands), and...

LAUNCHPAD???????

DUCKWORTH???????

Those are Ducktales characters. Not from the comics??? What are they doing here? In fact is the Gyro from the comics or from Ducktales???

This is just so weird. I didn't expect to see characters from the Disney duckverse comics, mouseverse comics, and Ducktales TV show in a single piece of art that seems to be official.

What is this???

What is this for???

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Allison Janowski at DNC:

5:30 PM

Call to Order The Honorable Jaime R. Harrison Chairman of the Democratic National Committee Gavel In The Honorable Mitch Landrieu DNC Night 2 Co-Chair and Committee Co-Chair Invocation Rabbi Sharon Brous IKAR Imam Dr. Talib M. Shareef The Nation’s Mosque Pledge of Allegiance Joshua Davis National Anthem Aristotle “Aris” Garcia Byrne Remarks Jason Carter Grandson of President Jimmy Carter Remarks Jack Schlossberg Grandson of President John F. Kennedy Remarks: “Project 2025—Chapter Two: The Economy” The Honorable Malcolm Kenyatta Member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives

6:00 PM

Remarks Kyle Sweetser Former Donald Trump voter Remarks Stephanie Grisham Former Trump White House Press Secretary Remarks Nabela Noor Content creator Remarks The Honorable Gary Peters United States Senator, Michigan Remarks Kenneth Stribling Retired Teamster

7:00 PM

Roll Call Remarks Minnesota Delegation Remarks California Delegation

8:00 PM

Host Introduction Ana Navarro Remarks The Honorable Chuck Schumer United States Senate Majority Leader Remarks The Honorable Bernie Sanders United States Senator, Vermont Remarks The Honorable JB Pritzker Governor of Illinois Remarks Ken Chenault American business executive Remarks The Honorable Michelle Lujan Grisham Governor of New Mexico

9:00 PM

Keynote Remarks Angela Alsobrooks Democratic Nominee for the U.S. Senate, Maryland; Long-time mentee of the Vice President Remarks The Honorable John Giles Mayor of Mesa, Arizona Remarks The Honorable Tammy Duckworth United States Senator, Illinois Remarks Douglas Emhoff Second Gentleman of the United States Remarks Michelle Obama Former First Lady of the United States 10:00 PM Remarks Barack Obama 44th President of the United States Benediction Bishop Samuel L. Green, Sr. African Methodist Episcopal Church, 7th Episcopal District His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America

The Dem Convention speakers schedule is out for Night 2. Former President Barack Obama and former FLOTUS Michelle Obama are the main speeches of the night.

Other notable speakers: Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, Illinois Sen. Tammy Duckworth, Jason Carter, Stephanie Grisham, New York Sen. and Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, Angela Alsobrooks, and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff.

Tonight will also feature the roll call for the Presidential nomination of Kamala Harris and the Vice-Presidential nomination of Tim Walz,

[titleknown]

So, while I've talked about this in other posts, I figured I may as well compile it in one post with this nifty propaganda poster (more on that later)

Long story short, they're bringing back KOSA/the Kids Online Safety Act in the US Senate, and they're going to mark it up next Thursday as of the time of this post (4/23/2023).

If you don’t know, long story short KOSA is a bill that’s ostensibly one of those “Protect the Children” bills, but what it’s actually going to do is more or less require you to scan your fucking face every time you want to go on a website; or give away similarly privacy-violating information like your drivers’ license or credit card info. 

Either that or force them to censor anything that could even remotely be considered not “kid friendly.” Not to mention fundies are openly saying they’re gonna use this to hurt trans kids. Which is, uh, real fucking bad. 

As per usual, I urge you to contact your congresscritters, and especially those on the Commerce Committee, who'll likely be the ones marking it up.

Those senators are:

Maria Cantwell, Washington, Chair

Amy Klobuchar, Minnesota

Brian Schatz, Hawaii

Ed Markey, Massachusetts

Gary Peters, Michigan

Tammy Baldwin, Wisconsin

Tammy Duckworth, Illinois

Jon Tester, Montana

Kyrsten Sinema, Arizona

Jacky Rosen, Nevada

Ben Ray Luján, New Mexico

John Hickenlooper, Colorado

Raphael Warnock, Georgia

Peter Welch, Vermont

Ted Cruz, Texas, Ranking Member

John Thune, South Dakota

Roger Wicker, Mississippi

Deb Fischer, Nebraska

Jerry Moran, Kansas

Dan Sullivan, Alaska

Marsha Blackburn, Tennessee

Todd Young, Indiana

Ted Budd, North Carolina

Eric Schmitt, Missouri

J.D. Vance, Ohio

Shelley Moore Capito, West Virginia

Cynthia Lummis, Wyoming

Again, it doesn't work unless you do it en-masse, so make sure to call ASAP and tell them to kill this bill, and if they actually want a bill to allow/get sites to protect kids, the Federal Fair Access To Banking Act would be far better.

Also, this poster is officially, for the sake of spreading it, under a CC0 license. Feel free to spread it, remix it, add links to the bottom, edit it to be about the other bad internet bills they're pushing, use it as a meme format, do what you will but for gods' sake get the word out!

Also, shoutout to @o-hybridity for coming up with the slogan for the poster, couldn't have done it without 'em!

[theambitiouswoman]

Book Recommendations 📚📒

Business and Leadership:

"Good to Great" by Jim Collins

"The Lean Startup" by Eric Ries

"Zero to One" by Peter Thiel

"Leaders Eat Last" by Simon Sinek

"Outliers: The Story of Success" by Malcolm Gladwell

Success and Personal Development:

"The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen R. Covey

"Mindset: The New Psychology of Success" by Carol S. Dweck

"Atomic Habits" by James Clear

"Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance" by Angela Duckworth

"The Power of Habit" by Charles Duhigg

Mental Health and Well-being:

"The Power of Now" by Eckhart Tolle

"Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy" by David D. Burns

"The Gifts of Imperfection" by Brené Brown

"The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook" by Edmund J. Bourne

"The Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Workbook" by Matthew McKay, Jeffrey C. Wood, and Jeffrey Brantley

Goal Setting and Achievement:

"Goals!: How to Get Everything You Want—Faster Than You Ever Thought Possible" by Brian Tracy

"The 12 Week Year" by Brian P. Moran and Michael Lennington

"Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us" by Daniel H. Pink

"The One Thing" by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan

"Smarter Faster Better" by Charles Duhigg

Relationships and Communication:

"How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie

"The 5 Love Languages" by Gary Chapman

"Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High" by Al Switzler, Joseph Grenny, and Ron McMillan

"Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life" by Marshall B. Rosenberg

"Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus" by John Gray

Self-Help and Personal Growth:

"The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck" by Mark Manson

"Daring Greatly" by Brené Brown

"Awaken the Giant Within" by Tony Robbins

"The Miracle Morning" by Hal Elrod

"You Are a Badass" by Jen Sincero

Science and Popular Science:

"Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind" by Yuval Noah Harari

"The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot

"Cosmos" by Carl Sagan

"A Short History of Nearly Everything" by Bill Bryson

"The Selfish Gene" by Richard Dawkins

Health and Nutrition:

"The China Study" by T. Colin Campbell and Thomas M. Campbell II

"In Defense of Food" by Michael Pollan

"Why We Sleep" by Matthew Walker

"Born to Run" by Christopher McDougall

"The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan

Fiction and Literature:

"To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee

"1984" by George Orwell

"The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald

"The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger

"Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen

[vintagelasvegas]

Dunes Hotel & Casino '55-'93

Dunes, 1955. Kodachrome photo from Charles Phoenix.

Timeline of the Dunes

’53-54: First announced as Hotel Araby (RJ 11/1/53), then became known as Vegas Plaza, and Hotel Deauville (RJ 1/20/54, 4/23/54). Named the Dunes by the time of groundbreaking, 6/22/54 (RJ).

’55: May 23, original owners Robert Rice, Al Gottesman, Joseph Sullivan, Alexander Barad and Jason Tarsey open the $4 million Dunes Hotel-Casino with 200 rooms on an 85-acre site. John Replogle, designer Robert Dorr Jr., architect and designer. Signs and Sultan figure by YESCO (RJ 5/23/55).

’55: Aug., Dunes leased by Sands partners and reopened in Sep. Subsequent financial difficulties cause the casino to be closed, 1/56.

’56: Bill Miller, Major A. Riddle, and Robert Rice are licensed to reopen the casino in May. In Nov., the license is changed to add M&R Investment Co. as the company that operates the Dunes.

’57: Jan., Minsky’s Follies opens the first topless show at a Strip resort.

’59: Convention Hall addition.

’61: Olympic Wing addition.

’62: Riddle sells 15 percent of the stock to M&R Investment Corp., whose stockholders now include Charles Rich, Sidney Wyman and George Duckworth.

’62: Oct. 21, Tower groundbreaking.

’64: Construction of "Miracle Mile" golf course. Sultan figure moved to golf course in May. In Oct-Nov, the 180-ft sign is installed in Oct., and switched on 11/12/64.

’65: Jun, opening of Dome of the Sea and the 24-story tower. Dunes Golf Course opened.

’69: Continental Connector Corp., a publicly traded company, buys the Dunes in a $59M stock transfer in May. In Dec, the SEC charges that CCC defrauded stockholders in the proxy statement it issued offering to buy the Dunes. CCC settles the SEC complaint in ’76. At this time, bankers E. Parry Thomas and Jerome Mack are principals in M&R and CCC.

’74: In Sep., Gaming Control Board files a complaint against the Dunes for catering and "comping" alleged Kansas City mob chief Nick Civella, one of 11 members of the Black Book, Nevada's List of Excluded Persons. The Dunes ultimately was fined $10,000.

’75: In Feb., Morris Shenker buys an interest in M&R through his IJK Nevada Inc. Later in the year, Dunes owners Shenker and Riddle are asked about allegations that reputed mobster Anthony Spilotro had "set up shop" at the Dunes. Spilotro reportedly was spending up to 14 hours a day in the poker room and appeared to be using it as an office.

’76: In Jun., Shenker sues the Teamsters Union for $140M for backing out of a loan commitment, which was to be used to add another 1,000 rooms. In Oct., Dept of Labor intervenes, saying the loan was prohibited. In ’80, Shenker's breach of contract lawsuit is tossed out of court by U.S. District Judge Roger Foley.

’79: South tower opened in summer. Shenker announces the Dunes will construct a $65M hotel-casino in Atlantic City. FBI affidavits are unsealed claiming that two confidential informants "both advised that the Kansas City organized crime group headed by Nick Civella has a concealed interest fronted by Shenker at the Dunes." Shenker denies the allegations.

’80: In Jan., alleged members of the NY Columbo family are discovered staying for free at the Dunes. Gaming Control Board Chairman Richard Bunker says the "comping" did not violate the law or gaming regulations. Later, four of the group, including Joseph Columbo Jr., are indicted on charges of obtaining money under false pretenses in an airline ticket reimbursement scam. The indictment is dismissed by District Judge Joseph Pavlikowski and in ’84 was reinstated by the NV Supreme Court.

’82: Aug., the $17M Oasis Casino opens, doubling the existing casino space at the resort. Design by Farris Alexander Congdon Architects. New 2-floor casino includes Xanadunes electronic gaming area, and Video-Video arcade space (RJ 8/13/82, 8/20/82).

’82: Dec., Stuart and Clifford Perlman agree to buy the Dunes for $185M. The brothers loan Shenker $4M and $2.9M of that sum is used to pay overdue federal payroll taxes and avoid the seizure of assets by the IRS. Shenker denies the resort is on the verge of bankruptcy. Docs filed with the SEC indicate the property is in default on a number of loans and a number of creditors threaten foreclosure action.

’83: The Perlmans assume management of the Dunes in Apr., and operate it for four months before the sale collapses in Aug.

’83: Oct., a foreclosure sale of the Dunes' golf course and some other property is averted when problems are worked out with the trustees of the Hotel & Restaurant Employees and Bartenders Int’l Union and the trustees of the Nevada Culinary and Bartenders Pension Trust, which are owed $1.5M for non-payment of union benefits.

’83: Dec., a federal jury in Las Vegas decides that Shenker owes $34M to the So. Nevada Culinary and Bartenders Pension Fund for defaulting on loans in ’73-’75 to two of Shenker's land companies, Sierra Charter Corp. and IJK Nevada.

’84: Feb., Shenker files for personal bankruptcy in Missouri to protect his assets from the $34M judgment. The IRS claims that the 78-year-old Shenker owes $66M in unpaid taxes stretching back 20 years. Shenker's bankruptcy filing claimed assets of $82M and liabilities of $197M, the largest debt ever recorded in the St. Louis bankruptcy court.

’84: Mar., Valley Bank of Nevada heads a consortium to lend the Dunes $68.6M as part of a debt restructuring plan.

’84: May, John Anderson buys a controlling interest in the Dunes with his JBA Investments Inc. Anderson signs a $25M note to pay the Perlmans for the $35M they invested in the resort. Shenker's 26 percent interest remains under the control of the bankruptcy court.

’84: Jun., the FBI alleges that Shenker approved $600,000 in kickbacks to alleged Milwaukee crime boss Frank Balistrieri in connection with loans from the Teamsters Union to Allen Glick, who later bought four Las Vegas resorts before being forced out of gaming by Nevada officials. Shenker denies the kickback allegations. No charges are filed.

’85: Feb., Dunes is cited for failing to retrofit the property to meet fire safety standards. About $2.2M is spent on retrofitting during the first half of the year.

’85: May, former Gaming Control Board Chairman Richard Bunker leaves his position as corporate treasurer of Circus Circus Ent. to become president of the Dunes.

’85: Aug., Jack Bona buys out the Dunes' 49 percent interest in its Atlantic City property in a $21M sale. The next day, Bona places the property in a Ch. 11 reorganization in bankruptcy court.

’85: Sept. 27, Dunes defaults on the $68.6M bank loan and Valley Bank moves ahead with the legal steps required for a foreclosure sale Dec. 23.

’85: Oct. 24, Federal marshals begin seizing cash from the Dunes casino cage to pay a $2.7M judgment obtained by trustees of the Culinary and Bartenders unions. They accept a $200,000 check and leave the cash in the cage.

’85: Nov. 1, Marshals return to collect the remaining $17M owed to the unions but are halted by a last-minute restraining order.

’85: Nov. 6, Dunes' operating company. M&R Investment, files for reorganization under Chapter 11.

’87: Masao Nangaku buys the Dunes for $157M.

’92: Nov., Dunes bought by Mirage Inc. for $75M.

’93: Jan. 26, closed. North tower and sign demolished 10/27/93.

‘94: Jul. 20, South tower demolished.

A major source for the timeline is Jane Ann Morrison. Judge Approves Payday for Dunes Employees. Review-Journal, 11/7/85.

Dunes, 1955. This is the original layout of the resort, before the addition of the Convention Hall and Olympic wing. Photo by Ed Screeton. Dunes Hotel Photograph Collection (PH-00281), UNLV Special Collections & Archives.

Late '64. The 180-foot sign has recently been completed. Dome of the Sea restaurant and the hotel tower are nearing completion. Culinary Workers Union Local 226 Photographs, UNLV Special Collections & Archives.

Mar. '85. Photo by Scott Henry, Review-Journal.

[maniculum]

For anyone who's enjoyed the recent posts about Tarot-as-a-game, in a surprising bit of kismet, our newest episode covers that topic as well as other matters of playing-card history.

We all like TTRPGs, but what about integrating other games into your tabletop play? This week, we're exploring the history of playing cards, their many variations and occult practices, and how you can utilize their unique history for your worldbuilding and campaigns.

Images and list of suits here.

Join our discord community! Check out our Tumblr for even more! Support us on patreon!

Get your copy of Marginal Worlds, a deck of 50 magic items pulled directly from medieval manuscripts, built for any TTRPG system here!

Socials: Tumblr Website Threads Instagram Facebook

Citations & References:

Berry, John. “Chinese Money-Suited Cards.” The Playing-Card, vol. 31, no. 5, 2003, pp. 230-6.

Caldwell, Ross Sinclair. “The Devil and the Two of Hearts.” The Playing-Card, vol. 37, no. 2, 2008, pp. 126-41.

Caldwell, Ross Sinclair. “The Proto-Historiography of Playing Cards: Early Hypotheses and Beliefs about the Origins of Cards and Card Games in Europe.” The Playing-Card, vol. 38, no. 2, 2009, pp. 92-118.

Chatto, William Andrew. Facts and Speculations on the Origin and History of Playing Cards. London, 1848.

Culin, Stewart. Korean Games; with Notes on the Corresponding Games of China and Japan. Philadelphia, 1895.

Decker, Ronald, Thierry Depaulis, & Michael Dummett. A Wicked Pack of Cards: the Origins of the Occult Tarot. St. Martin’s Press, 1996.

Dummett, Michael. The Game of Tarot: from Ferrara to Salt Lake City. Duckworth, 1980.

Dummett, Michael. “The History of Card Games.” European Review, vol. 1, no. 2, 1993, pp. 125-35.

Hargrave, Catherine Perry. A History of Playing Cards and a Bibliography of Cards and Gaming. Houghton Mifflin, 1980.

Janssen, Han. “The 14th Century and the Introduction of Playing Cards into Europe.” The Playing-Card, vol. 34, no. 3, 2006, pp. 173-80.

Lo, Andrew. “China’s Passion for Pai: Playing Cards, Dominoes, and Mahjong.” Asian Games: the Art of Contest, edited by Irving L. Finkel et al., Asia Society, 2004, 217-32.

Lo, Andrew. “The Game of Leaves: An Inquiry into the Origin of Chinese Playing Cards.” Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies, vol. 63, no. 3, 2000, pp. 389–406.

Lo, Andrew. “The ‘Yezi Pu' (Manual of Leaves): A Card Manual for Games of the Late Ming Period [1368-1644].” The Playing-Card, vol. 31, no. 2, 2002, pp. 86-96.

Maggio, Emilia. “Early Dragons.” The Playing-Card, vol. 45, no. 3, 2017, pp. 131-41.

Pollett, Andrea. “Tȗmȃn, or the Ten Thousand Cups of the Mamluk Cards.” The Playing-Card, vol. 31, no. 1, 2002, pp. 34-41.

Singer, Samuel Weller. Researches into the History of Playing Cards; with Illustrations of the Origin of Printing and Engraving on Wood. London, 1816.

Taylor, Edward Samuel. The History of Playing Cards, with Anecdotes of Their Use in Conjuring, Fortune-Telling, and Card-Sharping. London, 1865.

van Rensselaer, Mrs. John King. The Devil’s Picture-Books: a History of Playing Cards. New York, 1893.

Wilkinson, W. H. “Chinese Origin of Playing Cards.” The American Anthropologist, vol. 8, no. 1, 1895, pp. 61-78.

[jasonswh0rre]

IYO, what would AK's playlist look like?

Excellent question! I think Jason would be a metalhead definitely listens to some punk and rock. I do have some other songs he'd listen too as well.

AK! Jason Todd's Music Playlist 🎶🎵🎧

R&B:

"Hurt" by Johnny Cash

"Lost One" by JAY-Z

"Sorry" by Beyoncé

"Drown" by Lecrae ft. John Legend

"Rise Up" by Andra Day

Metal:

"Down with the Sickness" by Disturbed

"Chop Suey!" by System of a Down

"Indestructible" by Disturbed

"Paranoid" by Black Sabbath

"Ace of Spades" by Motorhead

Rock:

"The Pretender" by Foo Fighters

"Animal I Have Become" by Three Days Grace

"Bleed It Out" by Linkin Park

"One Step Closer" by Linkin Park

"Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen

Pop:

"Uptown Funk" by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars

"Shape pf You" by Ed Sheeran

"Can't Stop the Feeling!" by Justin Timberlake

"Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey

"Beat It" by Micheal Jackson

Rap:

"Lose Yourself" by Eminem

"Killing in the Name" by Rage Against the Machine

"Money Trees" by Kendrick Lamar ft. Jay Rock

"Power" by Kanye West

"In the End" by Linkin Park

Additional Songs:

"Hall of Illusions" by Insane Clown Posse

"Black Hole Sun" by Soundgarden

"Everything I Am" by Kanye West

"Duckworth" by Kendrick Lamar

"Paint It, Black" by The Rolling Stones

"Till I Collapse" by Eminem ft. Nate Dogg

"Hit Em Up" by Tupac

"Dear Mama" by Tupac

[dreaminginthedeepsouth]

Our Generals that kicked Hitler's Generals asses.

* * * *

LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN

October 23, 2024

Heather Cox Richardson

Oct 24, 2024

The struggle over whether the U.S. government should work for everyone or for the very wealthy and corporations was on display today. Cable and internet providers and home security companies sued to stop the newly finalized Federal Trade Commission “click-to-cancel” rule that says it must be as easy to cancel a service as it is to sign up for it. 

Also today, the Department of Transportation reached a record settlement of $50 million with American Airlines, whose damage to wheelchairs and dangerous physical assistance to disabled passengers has broken laws. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), who lost both legs in combat in the Iraq War, praised the fine and commented: “When an airline damages or breaks someone’s wheelchair, it’s like breaking their legs.”

"The era of tolerating poor treatment of airline passengers with disabilities is over," U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a statement. "With this penalty, we are setting a new standard of accountability for airlines that violate the civil rights of passengers with disabilities. By setting penalties at levels beyond the mere cost of doing business for airlines, we're aiming to change how the industry behaves and prevent these kinds of abuses from happening in the first place.”

A reader called to my attention that the recent Federal Election Commission filings showed one significant difference in the expenditures of the two presidential campaigns. The Harris campaign spent $34,550.02 on sign language interpreting services. The Trump campaign spent $0.00. 

These details of governance are fragments of a larger picture of how we see our country. Are we all created equal and entitled to be treated equally before the law? Or are some people better than others?

CNN was supposed to host another presidential debate tonight, but while Vice President Kamala Harris accepted, Trump declined to attend. In place of a debate, CNN invited each candidate to hold a town hall. Harris accepted; Trump declined. 

In her discussion with host Anderson Cooper, Harris focused on the reiteration yesterday by Trump’s longest-serving White House chief of staff, retired U.S. Marine Corps general John Kelly, that Trump had spoken admiringly of Adolf Hitler and expressed a desire to have generals like Hitler’s. In an interview with the New York Times, Kelly said Trump “met the definition of a fascist, would govern like a dictator if allowed, and had no understanding of the Constitution or the concept of rule of law.”

The ideology of fascism is associated with Italian journalist and politician Benito Mussolini, who articulated a new political ideology in the 1920s. Mussolini had been a socialist as a young man and had grown frustrated at how hard it was to organize people. No matter what socialists tried, they seemed unable to convince their neighbors that they must rise up and take over the country’s means of production. The efficiency of World War I inspired Mussolini to give up on socialism and develop a new political theory.

Mussolini rejected the equality that defined democracy and came to believe that some men were better than others. Those few must lead, taking a nation forward by directing the actions of the rest. They must organize the people as they had during wartime, ruthlessly suppressing all opposition and directing the economy so that business and politicians worked together. Logically, that select group of leaders would elevate a single man, who would become an all-powerful dictator. To weld their followers into an efficient machine, they demonized opponents into an “other” that their followers could hate.

This hierarchical system of government was called “fascism” after the bundle of rods tied around an axe that was the ancient Roman symbol of authority and power. Italy adopted it, and Mussolini’s ideas inspired others, notably Germany’s Adolf Hitler. These leaders believed that their new system would reclaim a glorious past with the ideology of the future, welding pure men into a military and social machine that moved all as one, while pure women supported society as mothers. They set out to eliminate those who didn’t fit their model and to destroy the messy, inefficient democracy that stood in their way.

But while today we associate fascism with this European movement, its foundational principle—that some men are better than others and have the right and even the duty to rule over the majority—runs parallel to that same strand in United States history. Indeed, Nazi lawyers and judges turned to America’s Jim Crow laws for inspiration, and Hitler looked to America’s Indigenous reservations as a way to rid a country of “unwanted” people.

For retired Marine general John Kelly to have spoken out against Trump before the 2024 election was a huge deal. As Secretary Buttigieg put it: “It’s one thing for some leftist group to call you a fascist. Quite another when it’s a fellow Republican. And absolutely astonishing when it’s your own chief of staff.” But Kelly was not alone. Former chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley told veteran journalist Bob Woodward that Trump is “fascist to the core.” 

In tonight’s CNN town hall, Vice President Harris told Cooper that she agreed that Trump is a fascist. She noted that when a four-star Marine general comes out two weeks before an election to warn Americans that one of the candidates is a fascist, we should see this as “a 911 call to the American people.” 

Trump is “increasingly unstable,” Harris said, “and unfit to serve…. [T]he people who know Donald Trump best, the people who worked with him in the White House, in the Situation Room, in the Oval Office, all Republicans by the way, who served in his administration, his former chief of staff, his national security advisor, former secretaries of defense, and his vice president have all called him unfit and dangerous. They have said explicitly he has contempt for the Constitution of the United States. They have said he should never again serve as President of the United States,” she said. 

When Trump talks about “the enemy within,” Harris said, “ [h]e's talking about the American people. He's talking about journalists, judges, nonpartisan election officials…. And he's going to sit there unstable, unhinged, plotting his revenge, plotting his retribution. Creating an enemies list.” In contrast, she said, she would have a “to-do list” to work on the things that matter to the American people. 

When Trump responded to Kelly’s claims, he appeared to confuse Kelly, who was retired when Trump chose him to serve as White House chief of staff, and Mark Milley, the active-duty chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Trump referred to four-star general Kelly, whose son died in Afghanistan, as “tough and dumb,” a “LOWLIFE, and a bad General,” but then went on to talk of him as active duty and to say he stopped seeking his advice in the White House. 

Forced to comment on Kelly’s comment about Trump’s embracing fascism, Republican leaders are either ducking the question or acting as if it is not a big deal. On CNN this morning, New Hampshire governor Chris Sununu said the news that Trump has praised Hitler will not affect Sununu’s support. “If we can get a Republican mindset out of Washington,” he said, “we need that culture change.” 

At a rally tonight in Macon, Georgia, Trump agreed with the audience as it chanted: “Lock him up.” “You should lock them up,” Trump said. “Lock up the Bidens. Lock up Hillary. Lock ‘em up.” 

Tonight, Shawn Reilly,  the mayor of Waukesha, Wisconsin—a key Republican stronghold—announced he’s voting for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz. 

LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN

HEATHER COX RICHARDSON

[ducktoonsfanart]

John D. Rockerduck and Jeeves (Lusky) with Rockerduck's family plus Donald and Scrooge - Duckverse - Gift for my friends

Once again I wish you a belated Valentine's Day, and on this occasion I drew a drawing of one of my beloved fictional couples from Donald Duck comics. It is about the love relationship between Rockerduck and Jeeves (Lusky) and that they are gay but the best partners in which they help each other. John Davison Rockerduck is the third richest duck in Duckburg and one of Scrooge's biggest rivals, but who knows how to use modern technology and spend money on everything just to beat Scrooge in the competition, and if he doesn't win, he eats his hat. He is often assisted by his butler, secretary and partner Jeeves (Lusky) and Rockerduck depends on him. Something similar to Albert Quackmore and Duckworth for Scrooge. Nevertheless, as a loyalist, he does not betray his boss and participates in the "crime" together. He often appears in Italian comics, but sometimes appears in other European comics as well. However, the two of them, even though they are not a couple in the comics, there are still many indications that they are in a romantic relationship and thanks to the fans of these characters, here I am to do my drawing related to the two of them.

Apart from them, there are Rockerduck's nephews, Ricky Rockerduck (who is Donald's age and likes to hang out with Donald, and is also clumsy), Simeon Rockerduck (Rockerduck's special nephew, similar to Donald's nephews) and Arsène, George and Patrick Rockerduck ( Rockerduck's nephews who are a pure copy of Donald's nephews, appeared a couple of times in Italian comics) who support their uncle Rockerduck, and there are also Donald Duck (who hangs out with Ricky) and Scrooge McDuck, Rockerduck's rival and best frenemy. I used mostly redraws from Topolino scenes and other European comics and combined some of my own in my own way (especially in the case of Rockerduck's nephews).

I hope you like this drawing and this Rockerduck/Jeeves pairing. And this is a gift for my friends, who told me that Rockerduck and Jeeves are great characters, especially for @salemaru (which was her birthday recently so this is also a birthday present), @rednevalbones and @bitterlynsposts. And thanks a lot for pointing me to these comics as well as new inspirations and this is my gift to you.

Feel free to like and reblog this if you like it! Just don't use these same ideas without mentioning me! Thank you!

[aeth-eris]

Mercury Signs & Book Recs

Mercury in Aries: "The 4-Hour Workweek" by Timothy Ferriss. This book offers innovative strategies for maximizing productivity and achieving one's goals efficiently, appealing to Aries' dynamic and action-oriented nature.

Mercury in Taurus: "The Art of Happiness" by Dalai Lama and Howard Cutler. This insightful book combines practical advice and spiritual wisdom, encouraging readers to find lasting contentment and inner peace, which aligns with Taurus' appreciation for practical and enduring principles.

Mercury in Gemini: "Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind" by Yuval Noah Harari. This thought-provoking book provides a comprehensive overview of human history, catering to Gemini's intellectual curiosity and passion for exploring diverse subjects.

Mercury in Cancer: "The Power of Now" by Eckhart Tolle. This transformative book emphasizes the importance of living in the present moment, fostering emotional healing, and cultivating inner peace, which resonates with Cancer's intuitive and introspective nature.

Mercury in Leo: "The War of Art" by Steven Pressfield. This motivational book explores the creative process and encourages readers to overcome self-doubt and unleash their artistic potential, appealing to Leo's desire for self-expression and creative fulfillment.

Mercury in Virgo: "Atomic Habits" by James Clear. This practical guide to building effective habits and achieving personal growth aligns with Virgo's detail-oriented and systematic approach to self-improvement and organization.

Mercury in Libra: "The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work" by John Gottman. This insightful book provides practical relationship advice and strategies for fostering healthy and harmonious connections, catering to Libra's focus on maintaining balance and promoting positive interpersonal dynamics.

Mercury in Scorpio: "The Power of Vulnerability" by Brené Brown. This empowering book explores the strength and courage found in embracing vulnerability, aligning with Scorpio's depth of emotional insight and their inclination towards exploring life's profound truths.

Mercury in Sagittarius: "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho. This inspirational novel encourages readers to follow their dreams and embark on a journey of self-discovery, resonating with Sagittarius' adventurous spirit and philosophical outlook on life.

Mercury in Capricorn: "Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance" by Angela Duckworth. This insightful book highlights the importance of resilience and determination in achieving long-term success, catering to Capricorn's disciplined and goal-oriented approach to personal and professional endeavors.

Mercury in Aquarius: "The Innovators: How a Group of Hackers, Geniuses, and Geeks Created the Digital Revolution" by Walter Isaacson. This engaging exploration of the digital age and its key pioneers appeals to Aquarius' interest in progressive ideas and groundbreaking innovations.

Mercury in Pisces: "The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself" by Michael A. Singer. This transformative book delves into the realms of spiritual growth and consciousness, resonating with Pisces' intuitive and introspective nature, and their pursuit of spiritual enlightenment.

[mai-fanblog]

De Spell's Relationship Advances.

This will be a (very early) preview of the future relationships of the members of the De Spell's with each other in my more complicated fic: “The Pact with the De Spells”

Magica De Spell:

Gladstone Gander: Enemy, Partner, Semi-love interest. Roberta, the witch: Best friend Madam Mim: Best friend Rosolio Rhododendron: Ex-fiance, Disdain (on Magica's side) Scrooge McDuck: Mortal enemy Lena Sabrewing: "Niece," Enemy Webby Vanderquack Enemy Violet Sabrewing: Enemy Phantom Blot: Enemy

Adelia De Spell

Fenton Crackshell-Cabrera: Romantic interest (on the part of Adelia), Companion by obligation. Don Kargane: Falling in love (on Kargane's side), Good fellowship (on Adelia's side) Gandra Dee: Enemy (on Gandra's side) Dickie Duck: Crush (on Dickie's side), Good fellowship (on Adelia's side) Beagle Boys: Big Time Beagle and Bouncer Beagle: Crush (on their side), don't remember them (on Adelia's side) Burger Beagle: Indifference (on his part) Donald Duck: Friendship.

Matilda De Spell "Tilly"

Della Duck: Moral Enemy Donald Duck: Enemy Launchpad McQuack: Enemy Don Kargane: Enemy, Companion by obligation. Violet Sabrewing: Enemy Mark Beaks: Enemy, Slave (explained later, ok) Falcon Graves: Allied John D. Rockerduck: Allied Jeeves (Lusky): Allied

Harpette De Spell

Steelbeak: Allied; Falling in Love (on Steelbeak's side) Marks Beaks: Enemy, Slave (explained later, ok) Falcon Graves: Allied Kit Cloudkicker: Allied, Companion by obligation. Fethry Duck: Friend (formerly), Enemy Gloria Pascoalina: Enemy. Madam Mim: Friend. Samson Hex: Friend John D. Rockerduck: Allied Jeeves (Lusky): Allied

Abrezella De Spell

Penumbra: Companion by obligation, Crush (on Penny's part), Interest (on Abrazella's part). Bertina Beakley: Enemy, interest (on Abrazella's side) Webby Vanderquack: Enemy Scrooge McDcuk: Hatred. Abner Duck: Enemy Dugan Duck: Enemy Roberta, the witch: Ex-girlfriend, Friend (currently)

Streghella De Spell

Dewey Duck: Companion by obligation, Crush (on Dewey's part). Huey Duck: Secret friend Webby Vanderquack: Frenemy Violet Sabrewing: Rival Lena Sabrewing: "Sister" B.O.Y.D: Friend

Minima De Spell

Louie Duck: Companion by Obligation Dewey Duck: Enemy Huey Duck: Indifference (on Minima's side), crush (on Huey's side) Webby Vanderquack: Secret Friend Violet Sabrewing: Secret friend Lena Sabrewing: "Sister", Enemy Dugan Duck: Enemy Scrooge McDuck: Hate

Caraldina De Spell aka Nona or Granny De Spell

Scrooge McDuck: Hate Bertina Beakley: Hate Duckworth: Hate McDuck/Duck family: Spite. Roberta, the witch: Friend of the family Madam Mim: Friend of the family Rosolio Rhododendron: Friend of the family Phantom Blot: Enemy John D. Rockerduck: Allied

This is the most concrete, if I add any new one it will be noticed.

What do you think?

[redistrictgirl]

Which Politicians Are Sticking Up for the Trans Community?

So the first issue the new Trumpfecta is tackling is trans people in bathrooms. This is actually a rather shocking priority even within the context of Project 2025, but the recent election of Sarah McBride to the House of Representatives seems to have set off Nancy Mace - and the South Carolinian got her first priority in astonishingly short order. Before you doom about the future of queer rights, here are some Democrats across the ideological spectrum who are publicly, clearly sticking up for trans people even after the election. Politicians representing states or districts that are not safely Democratic themselves are bolded.

JB Pritzker (IL-GOV) - Commemorated Trans Day of Remembrance, stated “trans rights are human rights”

Andy Beshear (KY-GOV) - Defended decision to veto anti-trans legislation

Maura Healey (MA-GOV) - Criticized fellow Massachusetts Democrat Seth Moulton for implying support of trans sports ban

Alex Padilla (CA-SEN) - Provided trans-positive statement to Erin in the Morning

Richard Blumenthal (CT-SEN) - Provided trans-positive statement to Erin in the Morning

Tammy Duckworth (IL-SEN) - Provided trans-positive statement to Erin in the Morning

Ben Cardin (MD-SEN) - Provided trans-positive statement to Erin in the Morning

John Fetterman (PA-SEN) - Implied he would rather lose his Senate seat than misgender Ms. McBride (a mandatory misgendering rule in Congress has been floated by House Republicans) and publicly offered her use of his private bathroom

Ron Wyden (OR-SEN) - Provided trans-positive statement to Erin in the Morning

Peter Welch (VT-SEN) - Provided trans-positive statement to Erin in the Morning, specifically referencing health care

Patty Murray (WA-SEN) - Stated that Democrats can win elections without “sacrificing” trans people

Maxwell Frost (FL-10) - Commemorated Trans Day of Rememberance

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14) - Criticized bathroom bills

Jasmine Crockett (TX-30) - With respect to McBride, called on Republicans to “stop the bigotry”

So to my fellow Trans Americans, we’re not alone. And we don’t have to just rely on these politicians either - we have our families (found or otherwise) and each other.

Notes

This list is almost certainly incomplete - if you have a quote or statement from a politician specifically defending the transgender community, please share it so I can update the list! Several senators and governors provided statements in an article from Erin in the Morning. Erin Reed is an elite journalist, I encourage you to check her out.

[ironworked]

Let's look at that list from Geeks for Harris:

Starring (in alphabetical order):

Andy 'Brak' Merrill, Anthony Rapp, Bill Nye, Bill Prady, Chace Crawford, Corey Booker, Curtis Armstrong, Danneel Ackles, Dave Foley, Dave Hill, Dru Levasseur, Elie Mystal, Eric Kripke, Erin Moriary, Felicia Day, Frank Conniff, Gail Simone, Garrett Reisman, George Takei, Gloria Steinem, Hal Sparks, Jack Quaid, Jacqueline Emerson, Jamia Wilson, Jennifer Taub, Jensen Ackles, Jeri Ryan, Jessica Carter Altman, Jim Beaver, Jody Hamilton, John Fugelsang, John Grunsfeld, Jon Cryer, Jonathan Frakes, Kaela Joseph, Karen Fukuhara, Kevin Woo, Kim Rhodes, Laz Alonso, LeVar Burton, Lindy Li, Lynda Carter, Mae Jemison, Mark Hamill, Mark Sheppard, Mary Trump, Matthew Modine, Megan Smith, Misha Collins, Mona Sinha, Nancy Altman, Nia Bentall, Patty Jenkins, Paul Booth, Rachel Miner, Rep. Robert Garcia, Rep. Andy Kim, Rep. Wiley Nickel, Richard Speight, Rob Benedict, Robert Picardo, Ruth Connell, Sean Astin, Sian Proctor, Stacey Abrams, Tammy Duckworth, Tanya Cook, Tim Russ, Valorie Curry, Wajahat Ali, Waseem Daher Wheatus, Wil Wheaton, Yvette Nicole Brown, Zakiya Thomas.

[mariacallous]

Senate Republicans voted Thursday to block a bill put forward by Democrats that would guarantee access to in vitro fertilization nationwide.

The legislation failed to advance in a procedural vote by a tally of 48-47. It needed 60 votes to advance. Republicans criticized the Democrat-led legislation as unnecessary overreach and a political show vote.

“Why should we vote for a bill that fixes a non-existent problem? There’s not a problem. There’s no restrictions on IVF, nor should there be,” Republican Sen. John Cornyn of Texas, told reporters.

The vote is part of a broader push by Senate Democrats to draw a contrast with Republicans over reproductive health care in the run up to the November elections. Democrats are highlighting the issue this month, which marks the two-year anniversary of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer slammed Republicans who voted against the bill, saying that they are being “pushed by the MAGA hard right.”

“These are the very same people who pushed to get rid of Roe in the Dobbs decision,” Schumer told CNN’s Erin Burnett on “OutFront” Thursday evening, referring to the blockbuster 2022 Supreme Court decision that overturned a constitutional right to abortion. “We know what they’re up to. They want to get rid of IVF, they’re afraid to say it.”

Biden attacked Senate Republicans after the vote.

“Once again, Senate Republicans refused to protect access to fertility treatments for women who are desperately trying to get pregnant,” Biden said in a written statement. “And just last week, Senate Republicans blocked nationwide protections for birth control. The disregard for a woman’s right to make these decisions for herself and her family is outrageous and unacceptable.”

Republicans have criticized the Democrat-led legislation as unnecessary overreach and a political show vote.

The legislation the Senate will take up – the Right to IVF Act – would enshrine into federal law a right for individuals to receive IVF treatment as well as for doctors to provide treatment, which would override any attempt at the state level to restrict access.

The bill seeks to make IVF treatment more affordable by mandating coverage for fertility treatments under employer-sponsored insurance and certain public insurance plans. It would also expand coverage of fertility treatments, including IVF, under US military service members and veterans’ health care.

The IVF legislative package was introduced by Democratic Sens. Patty Murray of Washington state, Tammy Duckworth of Illinois and Cory Booker of New Jersey.

The vote comes after Alabama’s Supreme Court said, in a first-of-its-kind ruling earlier this year, that frozen embryos are children and those who destroy them can be held liable for wrongful death – a decision that reproductive rights advocates warned could have a chilling effect on infertility treatments.

While the state’s legislature took action aimed at protecting IVF in the wake of the ruling, Democrats argue that this is only one example of how access to reproductive health care is under threat across the nation.

Southern Baptist delegates, for instance, expressed alarm Wednesday over the way in vitro fertilization is routinely being practiced, approving a resolution lamenting that the creation of surplus frozen embryos often results in “destruction of embryonic human life.”

The IVF vote is the latest move by Democrats to bring up a bill expected to be blocked by Republicans. Last week, Senate Republicans voted to block a Democrat-led bill that would guarantee access to contraception.

Most Republicans dismissed the effort as a political messaging vote that was unnecessary and overly broad, though GOP Sens. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine crossed over to vote with Democrats in favor of advancing the bill.

Republicans have introduced their own bills on IVF and contraception. GOP Sens. Katie Britt of Alabama and Ted Cruz of Texas have introduced a bill called the IVF Protection Act and Republican Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa has put forward a separate bill to promote access to contraception.

Cruz and Britt attempted to pass their IVF legislation on the Senate floor Wednesday through a unanimous consent request, but Democrats blocked the effort.

Murray, who objected to the request, criticized the GOP bill, arguing that states could “enact burdensome and unnecessary requirements and create the kind of legal uncertainty and risk that would force clinics to once again close their doors.”

Under the IVF bill from Britt and Cruz, states would not be eligible for Medicaid funding if they prohibit access to IVF, but the legislation “permits states to implement health and safety standards regarding the practice of IVF,” according to a press release.

[theambitiouswoman]

hiya, please can we also have ted talk recommendations like your book recs post? :) for the categories you mentioned ♡ thank you

Here you go angel ♡

Business:

The Single Biggest Reason Why Startups Succeed - Bill Gross

The Surprising Habits of Original Thinkers - Adam Grant

The Art of Stress-Free Productivity - David Allen

How to Pitch to a VC - David S. Rose

The Future of Money - Neha Narula

Personal Development:

The Art of Being Yourself - Caroline McHugh

Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance - Angela Lee Duckworth

The Power of Believing That You Can Improve - Carol Dweck

How to Stop Screwing Yourself Over - Mel Robbins

Try Something New for 30 Days - Matt Cutts

Mental Health:

The Gift and Power of Emotional Courage - Susan David

Why We All Need to Practice Emotional First Aid - Guy Winch

Depression, the Secret We Share - Andrew Solomon

All it Takes is 10 Mindful Minutes - Andy Puddicombe

The Art of Stillness - Pico Iyer

Relationships:

The Secret to Desire in a Long-Term Relationship - Esther Perel

The Power of Vulnerability in Relationships - Tracy McMillan

Rethinking Infidelity... a Talk for Anyone Who Has Ever Loved - Esther Perel

The Mathematics of Love - Hannah Fry

The Hidden Influence of Social Networks - Nicholas Christakis

Success:

The Happy Secret to Better Work - Shawn Achor

Embrace the Near Win - Sarah Lewis

Why We Do What We Do - Tony Robbins

Keep Your Goals to Yourself - Derek Sivers

Why You Will Fail to Have a Great Career - Larry Smith

Goals:

The Power of Setting Goals - John Doerr

The Puzzle of Motivation - Dan Pink

Smash Fear, Learn Anything - Tim Ferriss

Why We Do What We Do - Tony Robbins

The Skill of Self-Confidence - Dr. Ivan Joseph

Self Love:

The Art of Being Yourself - Caroline McHugh

The Power of Vulnerability - Brené Brown

Your Elusive Creative Genius - Elizabeth Gilbert

The Psychology of Your Future Self - Dan Gilbert

The Surprising Science of Happiness - Dan Gilbert

Confidence:

Your Body Language May Shape Who You Are - Amy Cuddy

The Art of Self-Confidence - Dr. Ivan Joseph

Dare to Lead - Brené Brown

The Hidden Influence of Social Networks - Nicholas Christakis

The Confidence Gap - Katty Kay and Claire Shipman

Health & Wellness:

The Brain-Changing Benefits of Exercise - Wendy Suzuki

How to Make Stress Your Friend - Kelly McGonigal

The Science of Cells That Never Get Old - Elizabeth Blackburn

Why Dieting Doesn't Usually Work - Sandra Aamodt

The Art of Stillness - Pico Iyer