David B
@aardvarkz.bsky.social
NYC
"The Future is Soon"
Cosmology, Climate, Consciousness, Causality
דברים תמיד יכולים להיות הרבה יותר גרועים
"The Future is Soon"
Cosmology, Climate, Consciousness, Causality
דברים תמיד יכולים להיות הרבה יותר גרועים
I wasn't going to comment on the ongoing budget crisis, bc it's not my thing, and I rely on my generally competent elected reps to negotiate a good deal on my behalf.
But since yesterday I've seen people frothing at the mouth, and a lot of it doesn't make sense to me and/or is dangerously wrong.
But since yesterday I've seen people frothing at the mouth, and a lot of it doesn't make sense to me and/or is dangerously wrong.
November 11, 2025 at 1:08 AM
I wasn't going to comment on the ongoing budget crisis, bc it's not my thing, and I rely on my generally competent elected reps to negotiate a good deal on my behalf.
But since yesterday I've seen people frothing at the mouth, and a lot of it doesn't make sense to me and/or is dangerously wrong.
But since yesterday I've seen people frothing at the mouth, and a lot of it doesn't make sense to me and/or is dangerously wrong.
If you haven't read this essential book yet, it's not too late. Still highly relevant, arguably more so now than when it was written. #booksky
My book #Strongmen turns 5 today! The paperback edition, with a new epilogue on January 6, is now 4. The book built a large readership gradually and became a New York Times bestseller in Nov. 2024. Thank you to all who read it and share its warnings about what such leaders do to societies.
November 10, 2025 at 8:12 PM
If you haven't read this essential book yet, it's not too late. Still highly relevant, arguably more so now than when it was written. #booksky
This is spot on
The election of Zohran Mamdani as NYC mayor has exposed a gulf between the younger and older generations of American Jews. I made this zine to explore a significant part of that divide.
1/2
1/2
November 8, 2025 at 5:51 PM
This is spot on
This op-ed by former PM Ehud Barak is paywalled, but the details aren't important outside of Israeli politics.
What is relevant is his call for mass civil disobedience and for the heads of the opposition parties to unite in order to topple the terrible Netanyahu govt. Maybe we could do similar here?
What is relevant is his call for mass civil disobedience and for the heads of the opposition parties to unite in order to topple the terrible Netanyahu govt. Maybe we could do similar here?
We've passed the point of no return. Here's how to stop Israel's destruction from within | Opinion
***
www.haaretz.com
November 8, 2025 at 4:32 AM
This op-ed by former PM Ehud Barak is paywalled, but the details aren't important outside of Israeli politics.
What is relevant is his call for mass civil disobedience and for the heads of the opposition parties to unite in order to topple the terrible Netanyahu govt. Maybe we could do similar here?
What is relevant is his call for mass civil disobedience and for the heads of the opposition parties to unite in order to topple the terrible Netanyahu govt. Maybe we could do similar here?
I have MTG and her ilk keyword muted so miss most of her shenanigans and the outrage that follows, but this is too good a takedown to ignore.
here's a small taste to whet your appetite:
"a dumb stegosaurus-toed bleach blonde bad-built butch body bitch"
Treat yourself, read the rest.
here's a small taste to whet your appetite:
"a dumb stegosaurus-toed bleach blonde bad-built butch body bitch"
Treat yourself, read the rest.
It's Friday, I'm sick as hell, and I'm so goddamned tired of Marjorie Taylor Greene's face.
I GOTTA SCREAM.
catvalente.substack.com/p/are-you-th...
I GOTTA SCREAM.
catvalente.substack.com/p/are-you-th...
Are You There, God? It's Me, Marjorie.
What's going on with--god help us--Marjorie Taylor Greene, as efficiently explained as possible
catvalente.substack.com
November 8, 2025 at 4:03 AM
I have MTG and her ilk keyword muted so miss most of her shenanigans and the outrage that follows, but this is too good a takedown to ignore.
here's a small taste to whet your appetite:
"a dumb stegosaurus-toed bleach blonde bad-built butch body bitch"
Treat yourself, read the rest.
here's a small taste to whet your appetite:
"a dumb stegosaurus-toed bleach blonde bad-built butch body bitch"
Treat yourself, read the rest.
Sadly true, and 100% more accurate than the "this is not who we are" BS platitude that politicians love to throw around and makes me want to throw things every time I hear it.
Because, yes, this is exactly who we are, and have been since approximately forever.
Because, yes, this is exactly who we are, and have been since approximately forever.
This is not the country we should be.
A family friend was telling us about what her husband shared about his experience in Broadview before he was deported back to Mexico. She's been sharing to friends and family because she's just in disbelief & horror what her husband told her. She wasn't able to talk to him until he was in Mexico.
November 8, 2025 at 1:01 AM
Sadly true, and 100% more accurate than the "this is not who we are" BS platitude that politicians love to throw around and makes me want to throw things every time I hear it.
Because, yes, this is exactly who we are, and have been since approximately forever.
Because, yes, this is exactly who we are, and have been since approximately forever.
Reposted by David B
I have an honest answer. 4 of the 5 House office buildings are named after former Speakers (Cannon, Longworth, Rayburn, and O'Neill. The 5th is named after President Ford, who was never Speaker. I suggest the Ford building to be renamed as the Pelosi building.
November 7, 2025 at 4:25 PM
I have an honest answer. 4 of the 5 House office buildings are named after former Speakers (Cannon, Longworth, Rayburn, and O'Neill. The 5th is named after President Ford, who was never Speaker. I suggest the Ford building to be renamed as the Pelosi building.
True, but it's also important to understand the differences in order to effectively combat them.
Treating white supremacist Christian nationalists the same as overzealous anti-Zionist BDS leftists is a recipe for making things worse. Both very bad, but different causes, hence different cures.
Treating white supremacist Christian nationalists the same as overzealous anti-Zionist BDS leftists is a recipe for making things worse. Both very bad, but different causes, hence different cures.
We need to spend less time arguing about which political side is more antisemitic, and more time calling out hate regardless of where it comes from.
November 7, 2025 at 7:58 PM
True, but it's also important to understand the differences in order to effectively combat them.
Treating white supremacist Christian nationalists the same as overzealous anti-Zionist BDS leftists is a recipe for making things worse. Both very bad, but different causes, hence different cures.
Treating white supremacist Christian nationalists the same as overzealous anti-Zionist BDS leftists is a recipe for making things worse. Both very bad, but different causes, hence different cures.
Reposted by David B
"WHY IS THE MEDIA NOT COVERING THIS?" followed by a screenshot of a New York Times article will never not be funny to me
October 19, 2025 at 9:06 PM
"WHY IS THE MEDIA NOT COVERING THIS?" followed by a screenshot of a New York Times article will never not be funny to me
a year ago we knew that things were going to get very bad very quickly, but it's still shocking to see how far we've fallen, how awful and dangerous but also so ridiculously silly.
And most of all, how utterly unnecessary and self-inflicted the damage.
And most of all, how utterly unnecessary and self-inflicted the damage.
November 6, 2025 at 11:33 PM
a year ago we knew that things were going to get very bad very quickly, but it's still shocking to see how far we've fallen, how awful and dangerous but also so ridiculously silly.
And most of all, how utterly unnecessary and self-inflicted the damage.
And most of all, how utterly unnecessary and self-inflicted the damage.
I was a bit nervous about my write-in vote for @bradlander.bsky.social the other day, because I Really Did Not want Cuomo to win, but after seeing this I feel a lot better about my decision.
I hope that Mamdani starts to do better once in office, but so far he continues to disappoint and worry me.
I hope that Mamdani starts to do better once in office, but so far he continues to disappoint and worry me.
Im LIVID reading this. Lander was 10xs more qualified with actual plans to help NYers. He put his body on the line continuously to protect citizens from ICE. He sacrificed his own campaign to save us from Cuomo. Mandani is an A-hole This is outrageous 🤬 share.google/Iarjcg9dQkXB...
November 6, 2025 at 7:59 PM
I was a bit nervous about my write-in vote for @bradlander.bsky.social the other day, because I Really Did Not want Cuomo to win, but after seeing this I feel a lot better about my decision.
I hope that Mamdani starts to do better once in office, but so far he continues to disappoint and worry me.
I hope that Mamdani starts to do better once in office, but so far he continues to disappoint and worry me.
I don't live in Maine or know anything about Favreau other than this, but right off the bat he seems infinitely better than the oyster guy.
Hopefully people like Sanders will reconsider who they support.
Hopefully people like Sanders will reconsider who they support.
My name is Tucker Favreau. I'm a 34 year-old Army Veteran running as a Democratic Candidate for US Senate in Maine. Attached is my rather simple announcement video. Please share if you are looking for more options in Maine to replace Susan Collins! And support Medicare for All! #maine #mepolitics
Tucker for Maine - US Senate Announcement
YouTube video by Tucker For Maine
youtu.be
November 6, 2025 at 7:21 PM
I don't live in Maine or know anything about Favreau other than this, but right off the bat he seems infinitely better than the oyster guy.
Hopefully people like Sanders will reconsider who they support.
Hopefully people like Sanders will reconsider who they support.
People on Bluesky are so desperate to have something to complain about that they are dredging up tweets by completely irrelevant and infamously anti-NYC disgraced bigot John Rocker.
How does spreading his vile filth help anyone aside from him?
How does spreading his vile filth help anyone aside from him?
November 5, 2025 at 10:00 PM
People on Bluesky are so desperate to have something to complain about that they are dredging up tweets by completely irrelevant and infamously anti-NYC disgraced bigot John Rocker.
How does spreading his vile filth help anyone aside from him?
How does spreading his vile filth help anyone aside from him?
After a couple of decades of cute but useless demo products like Aibo and Asimo, it's great to see progress on things that are actually useful.
November 5, 2025 at 8:55 PM
After a couple of decades of cute but useless demo products like Aibo and Asimo, it's great to see progress on things that are actually useful.
With a few notable exceptions, NYC elections are always won or lost in the primaries, not the general election. This one was no exception.
The surprise is not that Mamdani beat Cuomo yesterday, but that he beat a strong field in the primary.
The surprise is not that Mamdani beat Cuomo yesterday, but that he beat a strong field in the primary.
Yep. This mayoral election was the least “up for grabs” of any of the elections that occurred yesterday. It was, to my knowledge, the ONLY one where the result was a foregone conclusion to everyone who actually understood the electorate at play.
November 5, 2025 at 6:30 PM
With a few notable exceptions, NYC elections are always won or lost in the primaries, not the general election. This one was no exception.
The surprise is not that Mamdani beat Cuomo yesterday, but that he beat a strong field in the primary.
The surprise is not that Mamdani beat Cuomo yesterday, but that he beat a strong field in the primary.
On the one hand, it's perfectly natural as a New Yorker to think that we're the most important story.
OTOH it's disturbingly weird to have ppl in places like Toledo or Topeka so heavily invested in our local politics.
OTOH it's disturbingly weird to have ppl in places like Toledo or Topeka so heavily invested in our local politics.
November 5, 2025 at 6:25 PM
On the one hand, it's perfectly natural as a New Yorker to think that we're the most important story.
OTOH it's disturbingly weird to have ppl in places like Toledo or Topeka so heavily invested in our local politics.
OTOH it's disturbingly weird to have ppl in places like Toledo or Topeka so heavily invested in our local politics.
While technically true, for comparison @advocate.nyc.gov got 30% more votes than Mamdani. Which is amazing, and Williams deserves a ton of credit for it.
But it's also more a function of NYC being a large city, and criminally under-represented in national politics.
But it's also more a function of NYC being a large city, and criminally under-represented in national politics.
Mamdani has now gotten more votes than 1/4 of the members of the United States Senate did when they got elected. The political power being channeled here is immense.
November 5, 2025 at 5:27 AM
While technically true, for comparison @advocate.nyc.gov got 30% more votes than Mamdani. Which is amazing, and Williams deserves a ton of credit for it.
But it's also more a function of NYC being a large city, and criminally under-represented in national politics.
But it's also more a function of NYC being a large city, and criminally under-represented in national politics.
While I'm relieved that cuomo lost badly, I'm still dismayed that so many people preferred Mamdani to Lander.
I hope that my misgivings about Mamdani are proven unwarranted, this is one of those times I'd rather be wrong.
I hope that my misgivings about Mamdani are proven unwarranted, this is one of those times I'd rather be wrong.
Brad Lander is at the victory party and, folks, he has the custom one-of-one “GOOD FUCKING RIDDANCE” shirt.
November 5, 2025 at 5:12 AM
While I'm relieved that cuomo lost badly, I'm still dismayed that so many people preferred Mamdani to Lander.
I hope that my misgivings about Mamdani are proven unwarranted, this is one of those times I'd rather be wrong.
I hope that my misgivings about Mamdani are proven unwarranted, this is one of those times I'd rather be wrong.
I wish we could get our shit together and just stay on Summer Time all year.
Me every November:
Me every November:
November 5, 2025 at 12:33 AM
I wish we could get our shit together and just stay on Summer Time all year.
Me every November:
Me every November:
I'm old enough to have lived through several terrible crises and life events, but perhaps none started out so joyous as that Tel Aviv night in the square 30 yrs ago, and ended with such crushing despair. [Rabin 1/4]
November 4, 2025 at 10:43 PM
I'm old enough to have lived through several terrible crises and life events, but perhaps none started out so joyous as that Tel Aviv night in the square 30 yrs ago, and ended with such crushing despair. [Rabin 1/4]
Why are the police still riding horsies into crowds like it's 1903?
November 2, 2025 at 11:05 PM
Why are the police still riding horsies into crowds like it's 1903?
This book is incredible! My favourite of the year so far, and that's saying A LOT, because I have read tons of excellent books.
It's amazingly epic, stunningly beautiful, and gut-wrenchingly tragic. It left me physically shaking, it's exceedingly rare for me to react viscerally like that.
It's amazingly epic, stunningly beautiful, and gut-wrenchingly tragic. It left me physically shaking, it's exceedingly rare for me to react viscerally like that.
October 31, 2025 at 3:00 AM
This book is incredible! My favourite of the year so far, and that's saying A LOT, because I have read tons of excellent books.
It's amazingly epic, stunningly beautiful, and gut-wrenchingly tragic. It left me physically shaking, it's exceedingly rare for me to react viscerally like that.
It's amazingly epic, stunningly beautiful, and gut-wrenchingly tragic. It left me physically shaking, it's exceedingly rare for me to react viscerally like that.
The point is not that Cuomo is better (he's absolutely not), it's that Mamdani is not good for Us either.
As summed up rather bluntly in this biting skit from the Israeli political satire show Eretz Neheredet (think SNL but less polite).
As summed up rather bluntly in this biting skit from the Israeli political satire show Eretz Neheredet (think SNL but less polite).
A message from Zohran Mamdani
YouTube video by ארץ נהדרת
youtu.be
October 31, 2025 at 2:17 AM
The point is not that Cuomo is better (he's absolutely not), it's that Mamdani is not good for Us either.
As summed up rather bluntly in this biting skit from the Israeli political satire show Eretz Neheredet (think SNL but less polite).
As summed up rather bluntly in this biting skit from the Israeli political satire show Eretz Neheredet (think SNL but less polite).