David J. Zappelli
@djzap.bsky.social
Living in San Jose, CA & SFBA; Connections to NYC. LGBTQ+, gay. Italian-American. Culinary, foodways, food. Multi-disciplinarian, multicultural, and holistic worldview w/ background on anthropology, sociology, history, philosophy, folklore, ecology…
Reposted by David J. Zappelli
81 years ago, FDR proposed a second Bill of Rights to guarantee every American the right to employment, healthcare, education, housing, and a living income. His words are as relevant now as they were then. Watch.
November 12, 2025 at 2:31 AM
81 years ago, FDR proposed a second Bill of Rights to guarantee every American the right to employment, healthcare, education, housing, and a living income. His words are as relevant now as they were then. Watch.
A surprising article that mirrors my thoughts from last night. I’m currently #walking 2.5 to just under 5 miles a day. A walk in #SanJose is a bit different than my past walks in the various naves of #NYC, or in #Firenze, like #Dante himself in search of his beloved.
apnews.com/article/well...
apnews.com/article/well...
Nature walks are good for you, but can a city stroll be just as good?
Nature walks are good for you, but can a city stroll be just as good? Walking in nature has been shown to boost physical and mental health, improve cognitive performance, lower stress and restore atte...
apnews.com
November 2, 2025 at 3:29 PM
This last year, I’ve gotten the sense of the daily news in less than five minutes. But, it astounds me how long it takes the so-called average American to weigh through all the MAGA bullshit, social media, and performative news statements. I’m done with it… wasted time.
apnews.com/article/poll...
apnews.com/article/poll...
What a new poll shows about where Americans think the country is heading
A new poll shows Republicans’ outlook on the direction of the country has soured dramatically. The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll was conducted shortly after last week's...
apnews.com
September 21, 2025 at 2:35 PM
This last year, I’ve gotten the sense of the daily news in less than five minutes. But, it astounds me how long it takes the so-called average American to weigh through all the MAGA bullshit, social media, and performative news statements. I’m done with it… wasted time.
apnews.com/article/poll...
apnews.com/article/poll...
Reposted by David J. Zappelli
AKA Charlie Sheen review – he shows no genuine remorse for all the terrifying things he’s done
AKA Charlie Sheen review – he shows no genuine remorse for all the terrifying things he’s done
This flimsy tell-all about the actor’s decades-long addiction to pills, alcohol and crack-cocaine is far too light on contrition or self-reflection. You pity everyone around him
www.theguardian.com
September 10, 2025 at 4:45 AM
AKA Charlie Sheen review – he shows no genuine remorse for all the terrifying things he’s done
The brazen lies! Sitting under a sign that says “Pursuing #Peace” when it’s exactly the opposite. #Putin and #Trump are two of the world’s greatest aggressors, nationalists, and imperialists. #Tyrants with an outdated creed.
Complete #failure, #fraud #kakistocracy.
apnews.com/photo-galler...
Complete #failure, #fraud #kakistocracy.
apnews.com/photo-galler...
August 16, 2025 at 2:15 PM
The brazen lies! Sitting under a sign that says “Pursuing #Peace” when it’s exactly the opposite. #Putin and #Trump are two of the world’s greatest aggressors, nationalists, and imperialists. #Tyrants with an outdated creed.
Complete #failure, #fraud #kakistocracy.
apnews.com/photo-galler...
Complete #failure, #fraud #kakistocracy.
apnews.com/photo-galler...
The #California French Improved #Plums — a traditional orchard crop of old #SanJose, California, developed her in the city, generations ago.
They offer a richer, more complex jammy flavor than simpler, sweeter varieties, and are the ideal for making prunes, or baking.
They offer a richer, more complex jammy flavor than simpler, sweeter varieties, and are the ideal for making prunes, or baking.
August 10, 2025 at 8:54 PM
The #California French Improved #Plums — a traditional orchard crop of old #SanJose, California, developed her in the city, generations ago.
They offer a richer, more complex jammy flavor than simpler, sweeter varieties, and are the ideal for making prunes, or baking.
They offer a richer, more complex jammy flavor than simpler, sweeter varieties, and are the ideal for making prunes, or baking.
Lately I feel like I’m standing on the threshold. A mundane eye sees decay, hollowness, obsolescence. A spiritual eye sees an emerging rapture, inner domain, and a living presence of love. Tension between these two eyes is what keeps me oriented as the axis mundi turns. The energy of love prevails.
a drawing of winnie the pooh with a blue butterfly on his nose
ALT: a drawing of winnie the pooh with a blue butterfly on his nose
media.tenor.com
August 9, 2025 at 2:46 PM
Lately I feel like I’m standing on the threshold. A mundane eye sees decay, hollowness, obsolescence. A spiritual eye sees an emerging rapture, inner domain, and a living presence of love. Tension between these two eyes is what keeps me oriented as the axis mundi turns. The energy of love prevails.
Call me sadistic, if need be, but I just love to see Elon #Musk get his “just deserts”. It’s repeat irony, amusement, & indignation. As if to say, “Ain’t it rich?”
#SpaceX rocket diplomacy backfires in the Bahamas — and #Mexico
- www.reuters.com/science/how-...
#SpaceX rocket diplomacy backfires in the Bahamas — and #Mexico
- www.reuters.com/science/how-...
How SpaceX's rocket diplomacy backfired in the Bahamas
When SpaceX was negotiating a deal with the Bahamas last year to allow its Falcon 9 rocket boosters to land within the island nation's territory, Elon Musk's company offered a sweetener: complimentary Starlink internet terminals for the country's defense vessels, according to three people familiar with the matter.
www.reuters.com
July 29, 2025 at 2:44 PM
Call me sadistic, if need be, but I just love to see Elon #Musk get his “just deserts”. It’s repeat irony, amusement, & indignation. As if to say, “Ain’t it rich?”
#SpaceX rocket diplomacy backfires in the Bahamas — and #Mexico
- www.reuters.com/science/how-...
#SpaceX rocket diplomacy backfires in the Bahamas — and #Mexico
- www.reuters.com/science/how-...
As a #Californian & generational land owner near the #Nogales border, #SantaCruzCounty, #Arizona, I think this is very overblown & costly to taxpayers. Poor use of military personnel, & apparatus. As a generational #food supplier, it’s also bad for #trade and #culture.
apnews.com/article/mexi...
apnews.com/article/mexi...
A man is halted climbing the US-Mexico border wall. Under new Trump rules, US troops sound the alarm
U.S. troops are sharing command stations and vehicles with civilian immigration authorities at the southern U.S. border under an emergency declaration from President Donald Trump.
apnews.com
July 25, 2025 at 5:02 PM
As a #Californian & generational land owner near the #Nogales border, #SantaCruzCounty, #Arizona, I think this is very overblown & costly to taxpayers. Poor use of military personnel, & apparatus. As a generational #food supplier, it’s also bad for #trade and #culture.
apnews.com/article/mexi...
apnews.com/article/mexi...
I’ve read the #news, #features, & in-depth #essays every morning for decades, and I’ve seen the decline of #newspapers and staffed #reporting. But, I’m convinced that American journalism & writing fell off the cliff with the advent of #SocialMedia, and especially the rise of #Trump & #MAGA.
July 23, 2025 at 3:00 PM
I’ve read the #news, #features, & in-depth #essays every morning for decades, and I’ve seen the decline of #newspapers and staffed #reporting. But, I’m convinced that American journalism & writing fell off the cliff with the advent of #SocialMedia, and especially the rise of #Trump & #MAGA.
Yup… it’s a mild #NorCal #Summer
“… #SanJose, a city that typically sees plenty of sunshine and warm #weather by mid-July, 38 out of the first 45 days of summer were cooler than the same dates in 2024.” #SFBA
www.ktvu.com/weather/bay-...
“… #SanJose, a city that typically sees plenty of sunshine and warm #weather by mid-July, 38 out of the first 45 days of summer were cooler than the same dates in 2024.” #SFBA
www.ktvu.com/weather/bay-...
Bay Area sees mildest summer in decades
While much of the country bakes under record-breaking summer heat, the Bay Area is experiencing a different kind of summer, one that hasn’t felt this mild in decades.
www.ktvu.com
July 22, 2025 at 5:31 PM
#Trump Org. operated #WollmanRink with NYC gov. until 1995 & again from 2001 until 2021, when control was given to Wollman Park Partners, a joint venture formed between #HarrisBlitzer Sports & Entertainment, The Related Companies, and Equinox Group. #Redskins #Guardians
apnews.com/article/trum...
apnews.com/article/trum...
Trump threatens to hold up stadium deal if Washington Commanders don't switch back to Redskins
President Donald Trump is threatening to hold up a stadium deal for Washington's football team if it doesn't restore its old name.
apnews.com
July 21, 2025 at 2:41 PM
#Trump Org. operated #WollmanRink with NYC gov. until 1995 & again from 2001 until 2021, when control was given to Wollman Park Partners, a joint venture formed between #HarrisBlitzer Sports & Entertainment, The Related Companies, and Equinox Group. #Redskins #Guardians
apnews.com/article/trum...
apnews.com/article/trum...
As a #caregiver for a #stroke victim, I’m highly skeptical of the #WhiteHouse brief on #Trump and his “chronic venous insufficiency”. Ironically, we just visited a doctor for an annual consultation & ultrasound. Vascular conditions (#angiology), cardiology, and neurology should never be downplayed.
July 20, 2025 at 2:28 PM
As a #caregiver for a #stroke victim, I’m highly skeptical of the #WhiteHouse brief on #Trump and his “chronic venous insufficiency”. Ironically, we just visited a doctor for an annual consultation & ultrasound. Vascular conditions (#angiology), cardiology, and neurology should never be downplayed.
#Trump talked about “draining the swamp” for many years. Now more evidence implies his own involvement in such muck. The #EpsteinFiles are certainly a hot mess that runs at least 40 years deep, and the more he tries to tread away from it, the more it pulls him into it.
apnews.com/article/trum...
apnews.com/article/trum...
Trump mired in Epstein controversy as Wall Street Journal reports on 2003 letter
The controversy over President Donald Trump’s handling of records from the Jeffrey Epstein investigation entered a new dimension Thursday as his administration struggles to make good on its promises t...
apnews.com
July 18, 2025 at 3:06 PM
#Trump talked about “draining the swamp” for many years. Now more evidence implies his own involvement in such muck. The #EpsteinFiles are certainly a hot mess that runs at least 40 years deep, and the more he tries to tread away from it, the more it pulls him into it.
apnews.com/article/trum...
apnews.com/article/trum...
It’s a long, troubled history. Don’t be gaslighted by the #Facebook algorithmic nonsense, and all their billionaire associates. I’m so glad to be rid of the #Meta apps once and for all… never going back to that shit show!
www.reuters.com/sustainabili...
www.reuters.com/sustainabili...
Meta investors, Zuckerberg reach settlement to end $8 billion trial over Facebook privacy litigation
Mark Zuckerberg and current and former directors and officers of Meta Platforms agreed on Thursday to settle claims seeking $8 billion for the damage they allegedly caused the company by allowing repeated violations of Facebook users' privacy, a lawyer for the shareholders told a Delaware judge on Thursday.
www.reuters.com
July 17, 2025 at 2:56 PM
It’s a long, troubled history. Don’t be gaslighted by the #Facebook algorithmic nonsense, and all their billionaire associates. I’m so glad to be rid of the #Meta apps once and for all… never going back to that shit show!
www.reuters.com/sustainabili...
www.reuters.com/sustainabili...
“It’s because we grew up in the same area. I think I remind him of all the kids at school who never liked him… I’m a tough New York tomboy girl—and I think his crap never flew with me or New Yorkers.”
Bingo! It runs deep… decades!
www.thedailybeast.com/rosie-odonne...
Bingo! It runs deep… decades!
www.thedailybeast.com/rosie-odonne...
Rosie O’Donnell Reveals Real Reason She Gets Under Trump’s Skin
The president claimed on Saturday he was giving “serious consideration” to revoking the comedian’s citizenship.
www.thedailybeast.com
July 14, 2025 at 2:58 PM
“It’s because we grew up in the same area. I think I remind him of all the kids at school who never liked him… I’m a tough New York tomboy girl—and I think his crap never flew with me or New Yorkers.”
Bingo! It runs deep… decades!
www.thedailybeast.com/rosie-odonne...
Bingo! It runs deep… decades!
www.thedailybeast.com/rosie-odonne...
All these dismal responses to #wildfire & #floods are a result of #Trump, #MAGA, #DOGE, and denial of the #Climate#Crisis, its impact on every U.S. state, & the world. #Arizona #Texas #California #Colorado, etc. Plus #measles #plague #AvianInfluenza #GunViolence etc.
apnews.com/article/gran...
apnews.com/article/gran...
Wildfire destroys a historic Grand Canyon lodge and other structures
Grand Canyon National Park Superintendent Ed Keeble said the Grand Canyon Lodge, the only lodging at the North Rim, was consumed by the flames.
apnews.com
July 14, 2025 at 2:31 PM
All these dismal responses to #wildfire & #floods are a result of #Trump, #MAGA, #DOGE, and denial of the #Climate#Crisis, its impact on every U.S. state, & the world. #Arizona #Texas #California #Colorado, etc. Plus #measles #plague #AvianInfluenza #GunViolence etc.
apnews.com/article/gran...
apnews.com/article/gran...
The abhorrant part of #StateDepartment layoffs is that this could be a forced early retirement for countless people who proudly and efficiently served for years, then to be sent off with not just dismissiveness but hostility. The harm in that is unforgivable.
www.reuters.com/legal/litiga...
www.reuters.com/legal/litiga...
State Department says it will fire more than 1,350 workers in Trump's shake-up of diplomatic corps
The U.S. State Department will start firing more than 1,350 U.S-based employees on Friday as the administration of President Donald Trump presses ahead with an unprecedented overhaul of its U.S. diplomatic corps, a move critics say will undermine U.S. interest abroad.
www.reuters.com
July 12, 2025 at 2:25 PM
The abhorrant part of #StateDepartment layoffs is that this could be a forced early retirement for countless people who proudly and efficiently served for years, then to be sent off with not just dismissiveness but hostility. The harm in that is unforgivable.
www.reuters.com/legal/litiga...
www.reuters.com/legal/litiga...
Most #senators use #July4th to connect with constituents at patriotic celebrations. Elected officials typically want to be seen as part of the American fabric, not vacationing abroad. But, like he did in 2021, #TedCruz again abandons #Texas during crisis.
www.houstonchronicle.com/politics/tex...
www.houstonchronicle.com/politics/tex...
Ted Cruz was on pre-planned Greece vacation when floods hit
The Texas senator was seen touring the Parthenon in Athens. His staff said the senator booked the earliest flight back to Texas when he learned of the disaster.
www.houstonchronicle.com
July 9, 2025 at 2:44 PM
Most #senators use #July4th to connect with constituents at patriotic celebrations. Elected officials typically want to be seen as part of the American fabric, not vacationing abroad. But, like he did in 2021, #TedCruz again abandons #Texas during crisis.
www.houstonchronicle.com/politics/tex...
www.houstonchronicle.com/politics/tex...
Did #KenBurns really tell #CBS News' John Dickerson "I think the #AmericanRevolution is the most important event since the birth of #Christ in all of world history…"?
Ahem… a bit much, even for a patriot.
How could any social scientist or philosopher ever qualify such a bold and broad statement?
Ahem… a bit much, even for a patriot.
How could any social scientist or philosopher ever qualify such a bold and broad statement?
July 7, 2025 at 5:27 AM
Did #KenBurns really tell #CBS News' John Dickerson "I think the #AmericanRevolution is the most important event since the birth of #Christ in all of world history…"?
Ahem… a bit much, even for a patriot.
How could any social scientist or philosopher ever qualify such a bold and broad statement?
Ahem… a bit much, even for a patriot.
How could any social scientist or philosopher ever qualify such a bold and broad statement?
The understated results of
Sean 'Diddy' Combs’ conviction on prostitution counts, while cleared of more serious charges, says a lot about America’s national culture.
That, too, doesn’t even address the hidden life of celebrity, or outward regards of pop culture.
- www.reuters.com/legal/litiga...
Sean 'Diddy' Combs’ conviction on prostitution counts, while cleared of more serious charges, says a lot about America’s national culture.
That, too, doesn’t even address the hidden life of celebrity, or outward regards of pop culture.
- www.reuters.com/legal/litiga...
Sean 'Diddy' Combs convicted on prostitution counts, but cleared of more serious charges
Sean "Diddy" Combs was found guilty on Wednesday of prostitution-related offenses, but cleared of more serious charges after a criminal trial in which two of the music mogul's former girlfriends testified that he physically and sexually abused them.
www.reuters.com
July 2, 2025 at 3:06 PM
The understated results of
Sean 'Diddy' Combs’ conviction on prostitution counts, while cleared of more serious charges, says a lot about America’s national culture.
That, too, doesn’t even address the hidden life of celebrity, or outward regards of pop culture.
- www.reuters.com/legal/litiga...
Sean 'Diddy' Combs’ conviction on prostitution counts, while cleared of more serious charges, says a lot about America’s national culture.
That, too, doesn’t even address the hidden life of celebrity, or outward regards of pop culture.
- www.reuters.com/legal/litiga...
Reposted by David J. Zappelli
My incomparable and inspiring adviser, Dr. Deborah E. McDowell. One of the many powerful lessons I learned from her: NEVER waste a podium
Professor @dem8z.bsky.social speaking on the steps of the Rotunda yesterday in protest of the authoritarian takeover of higher education.
June 28, 2025 at 4:25 PM
My incomparable and inspiring adviser, Dr. Deborah E. McDowell. One of the many powerful lessons I learned from her: NEVER waste a podium