Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Richard R @richardram70.bsky.social · 8h

I try not to cellar my Pinot Noirs as long as this chart shows. And definitely a Napa bias as far as ageworthiness. Napa is overrated, too expensive, promoted to and for and by the top 1%, while there are cabs of equal or greater character coming out of Knights Valley (Sonoma) or Paso Robles!

Richard R @richardram70.bsky.social · 8h

All during a government shutdown, no less. A vanity project to impress fascist ballroom guests who don’t dance.

Richard R @richardram70.bsky.social · 8h

This is an abomination to a house that we, the people own. Misuse of millions of dollars for a vanity project during a government shutdown! For what, exactly? Fascists don’t dance.
www.nytimes.com/live/2025/10...

Trump Administration Live Updates: White House East Wing Facade Torn Down to Make Way for Ballroom

www.nytimes.com

Richard R @richardram70.bsky.social · 2d

My artwork for today’s exhibit.

Richard R @richardram70.bsky.social · 2d

Instead of sending soldiers to Chicago, need to send air quality police to Bakersfield! But now the EPA stands for Environmental Pollution Advocates.

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Richard R @richardram70.bsky.social · 2d

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Richard R @richardram70.bsky.social · 4d

At The Roxy, where I attended my first SK show in 1993

Richard R @richardram70.bsky.social · 6d

Why aren’t more YES on 50 (California) TV ads taking 10 seconds to explain for uninformed voters exactly how and why Texas rigged its congressional districts, which CA 50 is a direct response to?!?! Don’t overestimate the number of voters that follow the issues and understand this. BTW…YES ON 50.

Richard R @richardram70.bsky.social · 10d

How are we supposed to attract smart, qualified people to work in the U.S. government with all the chaos, uncertainty, shutdowns, insults, and now illegal firings? Public servants go the extra mile to provide services to people and keep our government running, they don’t deserve this crap.

Richard R @richardram70.bsky.social · 11d

The level of corruption and open disregard for the rule of law or norms that ought to be adhered to by officials in this government just raises to new heights of moral rot. No point in even pointing out individual instances. If Obama or his cabinet member had done just even one of these things…

Richard R @richardram70.bsky.social · 14d

I don’t know too much about Bad Bunny but I’m all for music being performed in whatever language. Music doesn’t have boundaries and the English-only bigots (barely literate morons who seem to have only a 2nd grade grasp of the English language) can suck it.
youtu.be/8-bgiiTxhzM?...

Falco - Der Kommissar (U.S. Official Video) (VOD)

YouTube video by FalcoVEVO

youtu.be

Richard R @richardram70.bsky.social · 17d

I thought Mike Johnson was some über-Christian, and last time I checked the Ten Commandments that the Republikkkans want posted in schools and public agency buildings (in violation of the First Amendment) contained one that said “Thou Shalt Not Lie”— can the “lamestream media” call this out??

Watch MSNBC Anchor Cut Off Mike Johnson With A Bruising Fact-Check

Ana Cabrera forcefully corrected the speaker of the House during a press conference.

www.huffpost.com

Richard R @richardram70.bsky.social · 20d

Authoritarian corruption, part 9,431
“No oversight needed, nothing to see here!!!” 😈 💸 🔩
www.nytimes.com/2025/09/30/u...

Trump Administration Defunds Federal Watchdog Office

www.nytimes.com

Richard R @richardram70.bsky.social · 21d

Likely to be some kind of loyalty oath thing…like between a certain malignant narcissist and the Constitution.

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Richard R @richardram70.bsky.social · 21d

This jackass. When entertainment is just for the money and available to the top 1% that can afford it, that’s not art. That’s not connecting real music fans with real musical artists who give a damn, it’s fake and contrived and mediocre on both sides. Real music happens at smaller local venues!

Live Nation CEO Claims Concert Tickets Should Be More Expensive: 'The Concert Is Underpriced, Has Been for a Long Time'

'It's like a badge of honor to spend seventy grand for a Knicks courtside. They'd beat me up if we charged eight hundred for Beyonce, right?'

flip.it

Richard R @richardram70.bsky.social · 25d

Ummm, the difference is Barr lost her job due to a network business decision after public outrage over her blatantly racist remarks. ABC cancelled Kimmel after threatening language from the FCC Chair. When the government puts its finger on the scale of what speech is acceptable, that’s censorship.

Roseanne Barr Has Thoughts About Jimmy Kimmel’s Big Return — And She’s Not Holding Back

Kimmel’s show was temporarily suspended after he commented on conservatives' reactions to Charlie Kirk's killing.

www.huffpost.com

Richard R @richardram70.bsky.social · 28d

Oh thank goodness!!! For certain reasons I haven’t been the biggest Newsom fanboy but this could put me over the top as a supporter! #FKidRock #Loudersound
www.loudersound.com/news/kid-roc...

Kid Rock is banned from performing in California

Governor Gavin Newsom says the American Bad Ass singer makes “horrific music”

www.loudersound.com

Richard R @richardram70.bsky.social · 28d

If only every Supreme Court justice read The Nation, or even gave a 💩 about our republic having separation of powers and rule of law…I suspect several of them are dispositioned to overturn our institutions and establish some kind of autocracy or theocracy….
www.thenation.com/article/poli...

Donald Trump’s Corruption of the Law Is Destroying American Democracy

If Democrats don’t fight this with everything they have, they are basically admitting that authoritarianism is here to stay.

www.thenation.com

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Richard R @richardram70.bsky.social · Sep 19

Beneficiaries were SUPPOSED to set up direct deposit many years ago. I would direct anyone who asks to go set up with a traditional bank or credit union with a branch office in their area. Too many problems with Direct Express, and these online sketchy debit cards are not acceptable!

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Richard R @richardram70.bsky.social · Sep 19

Direct Express can be a real nightmare for beneficiaries to deal with! Beneficiaries will be better served with a traditional bank or credit union account per SSA policy on acceptable financial institutions. (i.e.,sketchy gimmicky debit cards w/ cash back/advance/credit features do not meet policy!)

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Richard R @richardram70.bsky.social · Sep 19

The assault on freedom of speech is only the start. The administration wants to break up freedom of assembly (your right to gather and protest), your freedom to practice (or not practice!) whatever religion or belief you desire to follow without government interference or favor…know your rights!

The Clash - Know Your Rights (Remastered)

YouTube video by theclashVEVO

youtu.be

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Richard R @richardram70.bsky.social · Sep 19

Genius satire.
youtu.be/_GXNJ3V9lzg?...

Jon Stewart's Post-Kimmel Primer on Free Speech in the Glorious Trump Era | The Daily Show

YouTube video by The Daily Show

youtu.be