Dave S
@dmstraker.bsky.social
Work: Engineer, educator, bus/psych consultant
Home: Learning, writing, DIY, gardening, cooking, photography, painting, guitar, dogs, hubby, dad
Home: Learning, writing, DIY, gardening, cooking, photography, painting, guitar, dogs, hubby, dad
You can get a lot done with compassion (including self-compassion).
In leadership, the best way to build trust is to show you really care about your people.
In leadership, the best way to build trust is to show you really care about your people.
January 27, 2026 at 4:37 PM
You can get a lot done with compassion (including self-compassion).
In leadership, the best way to build trust is to show you really care about your people.
In leadership, the best way to build trust is to show you really care about your people.
Also, the radical right in Europe are backtracking on their cheering of Trump as they realize he's more of a threat than an asset.
Trump is a bigger threat to Nato than Putin, says alliance’s former commander
Trump is a bigger threat to Nato than Putin, says alliance’s former commander
Trump is a bigger threat to Nato than Putin, says alliance’s former commander
www.independent.co.uk
January 27, 2026 at 3:04 PM
Also, the radical right in Europe are backtracking on their cheering of Trump as they realize he's more of a threat than an asset.
While many in the know shout from the rooftops about the dangers of AI, many with vested interests are unsurprisingly not so sure.
Politicians who could legislate for AI safety won't, because they worry about international competition and are bought by those vested interests.
Politicians who could legislate for AI safety won't, because they worry about international competition and are bought by those vested interests.
‘Wake up to the risks of AI, they are almost here,’ Anthropic boss warns
Dario Amodei questions if human systems are ready to handle the ‘almost unimaginable power’ that is ‘potentially imminent’
www.theguardian.com
January 27, 2026 at 1:56 PM
While many in the know shout from the rooftops about the dangers of AI, many with vested interests are unsurprisingly not so sure.
Politicians who could legislate for AI safety won't, because they worry about international competition and are bought by those vested interests.
Politicians who could legislate for AI safety won't, because they worry about international competition and are bought by those vested interests.
Outrage is extreme anger that fuels action. Extreme feelings can be used to act illegally. Your reactions can also fuel counter-outrage and consequent reactions.
Be outraged, most certainly. The moment calls for it. But then think coolly.
Act. Don't just react.
Be outraged, most certainly. The moment calls for it. But then think coolly.
Act. Don't just react.
January 27, 2026 at 1:46 PM
Outrage is extreme anger that fuels action. Extreme feelings can be used to act illegally. Your reactions can also fuel counter-outrage and consequent reactions.
Be outraged, most certainly. The moment calls for it. But then think coolly.
Act. Don't just react.
Be outraged, most certainly. The moment calls for it. But then think coolly.
Act. Don't just react.
When others believe things you consider to be crazy, what do you say or do?
It seems meeting them halfway won't work, for example neither me nor my fascist friend want to be semi-fascist.
I start by separating the person I like from their beliefs I abhor, initially just being civil.
It seems meeting them halfway won't work, for example neither me nor my fascist friend want to be semi-fascist.
I start by separating the person I like from their beliefs I abhor, initially just being civil.
January 27, 2026 at 1:38 PM
When others believe things you consider to be crazy, what do you say or do?
It seems meeting them halfway won't work, for example neither me nor my fascist friend want to be semi-fascist.
I start by separating the person I like from their beliefs I abhor, initially just being civil.
It seems meeting them halfway won't work, for example neither me nor my fascist friend want to be semi-fascist.
I start by separating the person I like from their beliefs I abhor, initially just being civil.
People are angry, often because their standard of living is declining.
Who do they blame?
The right blame migrants and those on welfare.
The left blame the billionaires and others in power.
I see a choice: Who will we help? How do we decide who is helped or not? How will we pay for all this?
Who do they blame?
The right blame migrants and those on welfare.
The left blame the billionaires and others in power.
I see a choice: Who will we help? How do we decide who is helped or not? How will we pay for all this?
January 27, 2026 at 1:11 PM
People are angry, often because their standard of living is declining.
Who do they blame?
The right blame migrants and those on welfare.
The left blame the billionaires and others in power.
I see a choice: Who will we help? How do we decide who is helped or not? How will we pay for all this?
Who do they blame?
The right blame migrants and those on welfare.
The left blame the billionaires and others in power.
I see a choice: Who will we help? How do we decide who is helped or not? How will we pay for all this?
It seems the administration is fraying, and not just at the edges. The crazy things they have done are coming back and biting them.
America and its governance is a *system*. When you change any part of a system then other parts, maybe quite distant, can later fail.
And big changes? Big failure.
America and its governance is a *system*. When you change any part of a system then other parts, maybe quite distant, can later fail.
And big changes? Big failure.
January 27, 2026 at 10:21 AM
It seems the administration is fraying, and not just at the edges. The crazy things they have done are coming back and biting them.
America and its governance is a *system*. When you change any part of a system then other parts, maybe quite distant, can later fail.
And big changes? Big failure.
America and its governance is a *system*. When you change any part of a system then other parts, maybe quite distant, can later fail.
And big changes? Big failure.
Socialism is more collectivist than conservativism.
Conservativism is more individualist than socialism.
Morality/goodness are mostly about helping others, which is more collectivist, and less about the self, which is individualist.
Therefore socialism is more good and conservativism less good.
Conservativism is more individualist than socialism.
Morality/goodness are mostly about helping others, which is more collectivist, and less about the self, which is individualist.
Therefore socialism is more good and conservativism less good.
January 26, 2026 at 9:02 AM
Socialism is more collectivist than conservativism.
Conservativism is more individualist than socialism.
Morality/goodness are mostly about helping others, which is more collectivist, and less about the self, which is individualist.
Therefore socialism is more good and conservativism less good.
Conservativism is more individualist than socialism.
Morality/goodness are mostly about helping others, which is more collectivist, and less about the self, which is individualist.
Therefore socialism is more good and conservativism less good.
Give people power and they'll use it, especially if they lack restraint and believe they will not be accountable for their actions.
Yes, I'm thinking of ICE in particular.
Yes, I'm thinking of ICE in particular.
January 26, 2026 at 8:55 AM
Give people power and they'll use it, especially if they lack restraint and believe they will not be accountable for their actions.
Yes, I'm thinking of ICE in particular.
Yes, I'm thinking of ICE in particular.
Lots of headlines say Trump retreated on Greenland, that a united Europe has beaten him.
I'm not sure. I think he got persuaded there was another way to get what he wants there.
My guess is that he will open bases legally, then drill illegally, saying "Stop me if you can".
I'm not sure. I think he got persuaded there was another way to get what he wants there.
My guess is that he will open bases legally, then drill illegally, saying "Stop me if you can".
January 26, 2026 at 8:31 AM
Lots of headlines say Trump retreated on Greenland, that a united Europe has beaten him.
I'm not sure. I think he got persuaded there was another way to get what he wants there.
My guess is that he will open bases legally, then drill illegally, saying "Stop me if you can".
I'm not sure. I think he got persuaded there was another way to get what he wants there.
My guess is that he will open bases legally, then drill illegally, saying "Stop me if you can".
In the time of Trump, he or his proxies *are* the law. Their decisions override congressional acts. As their decisions change, so also may law change, including retroactively.
Get with the program, people!
Get with the program, people!
January 25, 2026 at 8:35 PM
In the time of Trump, he or his proxies *are* the law. Their decisions override congressional acts. As their decisions change, so also may law change, including retroactively.
Get with the program, people!
Get with the program, people!
I note that Europe believes that after a year of unsuccessful flattery, they now understand Trump. All they need to do is stand united and he will back down. TACO and all that.
I'm not so sure. He's feral, cunning and flexible. I've learned not to predict his demise.
I'm not so sure. He's feral, cunning and flexible. I've learned not to predict his demise.
January 25, 2026 at 6:20 PM
I note that Europe believes that after a year of unsuccessful flattery, they now understand Trump. All they need to do is stand united and he will back down. TACO and all that.
I'm not so sure. He's feral, cunning and flexible. I've learned not to predict his demise.
I'm not so sure. He's feral, cunning and flexible. I've learned not to predict his demise.
Brutality is a Russian signature, mired in its history and now penned by a callous Putin.
Ukraine knows this too well, and Europe fears for its future. Meanwhile, as ever, America turns away in the hour of need.
There are many ways of brutality, including attacking and abandoning one's allies.
Ukraine knows this too well, and Europe fears for its future. Meanwhile, as ever, America turns away in the hour of need.
There are many ways of brutality, including attacking and abandoning one's allies.
January 25, 2026 at 9:46 AM
Brutality is a Russian signature, mired in its history and now penned by a callous Putin.
Ukraine knows this too well, and Europe fears for its future. Meanwhile, as ever, America turns away in the hour of need.
There are many ways of brutality, including attacking and abandoning one's allies.
Ukraine knows this too well, and Europe fears for its future. Meanwhile, as ever, America turns away in the hour of need.
There are many ways of brutality, including attacking and abandoning one's allies.
I fully believe in fairness, including striving to find a compassionate understanding of all views (hard though this can be).
Telling people they are wrong may feel good, but seems unlikely to change them. Research suggests helping them to revise the stories they tell themselves about themselves.
Telling people they are wrong may feel good, but seems unlikely to change them. Research suggests helping them to revise the stories they tell themselves about themselves.
January 25, 2026 at 9:24 AM
I fully believe in fairness, including striving to find a compassionate understanding of all views (hard though this can be).
Telling people they are wrong may feel good, but seems unlikely to change them. Research suggests helping them to revise the stories they tell themselves about themselves.
Telling people they are wrong may feel good, but seems unlikely to change them. Research suggests helping them to revise the stories they tell themselves about themselves.
Who would join ICE? People who are not doing well in their current jobs, it seems, and who may well have a chip on their shoulder.
Trump has legitimized grievance and retribution, and now has filled ICE with similar people who are taking their anger out on citizens.
Trump has legitimized grievance and retribution, and now has filled ICE with similar people who are taking their anger out on citizens.
January 25, 2026 at 6:57 AM
Who would join ICE? People who are not doing well in their current jobs, it seems, and who may well have a chip on their shoulder.
Trump has legitimized grievance and retribution, and now has filled ICE with similar people who are taking their anger out on citizens.
Trump has legitimized grievance and retribution, and now has filled ICE with similar people who are taking their anger out on citizens.
Ukraine is a dire warning about cold Russian cruelty. They use medieval torture on captives. They attack, kill and maim innocent civilians, including women and children. And when you are conquered, your life will be one of endless grey subjugation, strangled by fear, empty of joy.
January 24, 2026 at 8:18 PM
Ukraine is a dire warning about cold Russian cruelty. They use medieval torture on captives. They attack, kill and maim innocent civilians, including women and children. And when you are conquered, your life will be one of endless grey subjugation, strangled by fear, empty of joy.
Another person shot on the street by ICE, just after man dies in detention.
Possibly next: Angry mob attacks and kills ICE agents. Trump invokes Insurrection Act and sends in the military. Confrontation with peaceful protesters. A finger slips, shots fired. Massacre happens.
Then what? Civil war?
Possibly next: Angry mob attacks and kills ICE agents. Trump invokes Insurrection Act and sends in the military. Confrontation with peaceful protesters. A finger slips, shots fired. Massacre happens.
Then what? Civil war?
January 24, 2026 at 5:51 PM
Another person shot on the street by ICE, just after man dies in detention.
Possibly next: Angry mob attacks and kills ICE agents. Trump invokes Insurrection Act and sends in the military. Confrontation with peaceful protesters. A finger slips, shots fired. Massacre happens.
Then what? Civil war?
Possibly next: Angry mob attacks and kills ICE agents. Trump invokes Insurrection Act and sends in the military. Confrontation with peaceful protesters. A finger slips, shots fired. Massacre happens.
Then what? Civil war?
More than 'disheartening'. More than disgusting or appalling.
The pedo protector continues in his work to protect his chums (and maybe himself). Only a full, unredacted release of the Epstein files will purge this albatross.
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
The pedo protector continues in his work to protect his chums (and maybe himself). Only a full, unredacted release of the Epstein files will purge this albatross.
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
‘Disheartening’: US justice department slashes funding to programs combating child sex trafficking
Prosecutors say cuts to funding and training limits their ability to bring child predators to justice
www.theguardian.com
January 24, 2026 at 2:13 PM
More than 'disheartening'. More than disgusting or appalling.
The pedo protector continues in his work to protect his chums (and maybe himself). Only a full, unredacted release of the Epstein files will purge this albatross.
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
The pedo protector continues in his work to protect his chums (and maybe himself). Only a full, unredacted release of the Epstein files will purge this albatross.
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
Oddly, the wealthy think they'll be happier if they buy luxuries, hoard money, do drugs, etc.
But happiness is best when connecting, to others, interests, nature, etc. The inner secret is letting go of the self (and thereby all tensions).
Help others to be happy. Donate, volunteer, listen.
Easy.
But happiness is best when connecting, to others, interests, nature, etc. The inner secret is letting go of the self (and thereby all tensions).
Help others to be happy. Donate, volunteer, listen.
Easy.
January 23, 2026 at 7:36 AM
Oddly, the wealthy think they'll be happier if they buy luxuries, hoard money, do drugs, etc.
But happiness is best when connecting, to others, interests, nature, etc. The inner secret is letting go of the self (and thereby all tensions).
Help others to be happy. Donate, volunteer, listen.
Easy.
But happiness is best when connecting, to others, interests, nature, etc. The inner secret is letting go of the self (and thereby all tensions).
Help others to be happy. Donate, volunteer, listen.
Easy.
Melania: Einstein
Donald: Epstein
Donald: Epstein
January 23, 2026 at 6:25 AM
Melania: Einstein
Donald: Epstein
Donald: Epstein
Dear Donald, China took the technology lead from the USA because US shareholders wanted profit, first, last and soon, and didn't care where products were manufactured. They also weren't careful enough about intellectual property.
Greed is a failing strategy.
Greed is a failing strategy.
January 22, 2026 at 5:44 PM
Dear Donald, China took the technology lead from the USA because US shareholders wanted profit, first, last and soon, and didn't care where products were manufactured. They also weren't careful enough about intellectual property.
Greed is a failing strategy.
Greed is a failing strategy.
Stephen Miller is the whispering Wormtongue on Trump's shoulder.
Miller may be pushing the Don too far and too fast, making Trump uncomfortably unpopular. Coupled with his increasing headline-grabbing visibility, I think he's going to push his boss over the line and get himself fired.
Miller may be pushing the Don too far and too fast, making Trump uncomfortably unpopular. Coupled with his increasing headline-grabbing visibility, I think he's going to push his boss over the line and get himself fired.
January 22, 2026 at 12:12 PM
Stephen Miller is the whispering Wormtongue on Trump's shoulder.
Miller may be pushing the Don too far and too fast, making Trump uncomfortably unpopular. Coupled with his increasing headline-grabbing visibility, I think he's going to push his boss over the line and get himself fired.
Miller may be pushing the Don too far and too fast, making Trump uncomfortably unpopular. Coupled with his increasing headline-grabbing visibility, I think he's going to push his boss over the line and get himself fired.
Trump pumps the market again.
Appalling talk.
Markets fall.
'Deal' announced.
Markets bounce.
Investor chums are making gains.
www.theguardian.com/world/2026/j...
Appalling talk.
Markets fall.
'Deal' announced.
Markets bounce.
Investor chums are making gains.
www.theguardian.com/world/2026/j...
Trump declaration of Greenland framework deal met with scepticism amid tariff relief
Nato chief Mark Rutte says there is ‘a lot of work to be done’, as some Danish MPs voice concern at Greenland apparently being sidelined in US president’s talks
www.theguardian.com
January 22, 2026 at 8:03 AM
Trump pumps the market again.
Appalling talk.
Markets fall.
'Deal' announced.
Markets bounce.
Investor chums are making gains.
www.theguardian.com/world/2026/j...
Appalling talk.
Markets fall.
'Deal' announced.
Markets bounce.
Investor chums are making gains.
www.theguardian.com/world/2026/j...
Trump at Davos: lie, lie, lie, boast, boast, threaten.
January 21, 2026 at 4:00 PM
Trump at Davos: lie, lie, lie, boast, boast, threaten.