Grits for Breakfast
@gritsforbreakfast.bsky.social
Nom de plume of Scott Henson, Austin, TX. Cancer survivor, househusband, recovering policy wonk (justice systems, civil liberties; innocence). Retirement focus: TX negro-league baseball, female lion tamers. Zines: https://www.gfbpubs.com
Pinned
Firing Nico is too little, too late, and in no way, shape, or form will placate Mav fans. SA, Houston, and OKC are all resurgent while the Mav's field a passel of always-injured losers fronting for a far-right casino mogul at a time when gambling is ruining the game. Expect fan disdain to continue.
Reposted by Grits for Breakfast
Sports betting has exploded from $5B in 2018 to $150B last year. 90% of bets now happen on phones, mostly by young men. Many aren’t full addicts, but millions are stuck in between... anxious, broke, and glued to their screens. Some experts call it a growing public health crisis.
“The consequences extend beyond lost money. Hazardous gambling is correlated with increased rates of anxiety and depression, and young men who engage in it are more likely to slide into a full-blown gambling addiction. Boys who frequently gamble miss more classes, perform worse in school”
The rise of sports betting is a growing public health crisis
Sports betting is more addictive than ever, and millions of young Americans are paying the price.
www.statnews.com
November 11, 2025 at 6:02 PM
Sports betting has exploded from $5B in 2018 to $150B last year. 90% of bets now happen on phones, mostly by young men. Many aren’t full addicts, but millions are stuck in between... anxious, broke, and glued to their screens. Some experts call it a growing public health crisis.
The literal merger of gambling and professional sports
Adelsons are the problem. I hold little hope for the Mavs as long as the own them.
November 11, 2025 at 6:47 PM
The literal merger of gambling and professional sports
Reposted by Grits for Breakfast
"The UN’s human rights chief, Volker Türk, said last month that the strikes violate international law and amount to 'extrajudicial killing.' The UK agrees with that assessment..."
NEW via CNN: “The United Kingdom is no longer sharing intelligence with the US about suspected drug trafficking vessels in the Caribbean because it does not want to be complicit in US military strikes and believes the attacks are illegal”
Exclusive: UK suspends some intelligence sharing with US over boat strike concerns in major break | CNN Politics
The United Kingdom is no longer sharing intelligence with the US about suspected drug trafficking vessels in the Caribbean because it does not want to be complicit in US military strikes and believes ...
www.cnn.com
November 11, 2025 at 6:39 PM
"The UN’s human rights chief, Volker Türk, said last month that the strikes violate international law and amount to 'extrajudicial killing.' The UK agrees with that assessment..."
Firing Nico is too little, too late, and in no way, shape, or form will placate Mav fans. SA, Houston, and OKC are all resurgent while the Mav's field a passel of always-injured losers fronting for a far-right casino mogul at a time when gambling is ruining the game. Expect fan disdain to continue.
November 11, 2025 at 6:39 PM
Firing Nico is too little, too late, and in no way, shape, or form will placate Mav fans. SA, Houston, and OKC are all resurgent while the Mav's field a passel of always-injured losers fronting for a far-right casino mogul at a time when gambling is ruining the game. Expect fan disdain to continue.
After seeing several references to "Tanagra Theater" shows pre WWI -- they were projected, miniaturized images of human actors using mirrors -- I started down the rabbit hole to figure out how the hell they worked, and this is the best thing I've seen on it.
November 11, 2025 at 4:54 PM
After seeing several references to "Tanagra Theater" shows pre WWI -- they were projected, miniaturized images of human actors using mirrors -- I started down the rabbit hole to figure out how the hell they worked, and this is the best thing I've seen on it.
Reposted by Grits for Breakfast
We basically need to foster a NIMBYism at the state level regarding data center construction and energy grid reliance
AI is going to consume 13-15% of the nation's energy in 3-5 years. For what? For what?
AI Data Center Mania is 'Epic Bubble,' Says Brad Conger
YouTube video by Bloomberg Podcasts
www.youtube.com
November 11, 2025 at 4:32 PM
We basically need to foster a NIMBYism at the state level regarding data center construction and energy grid reliance
This is what's happening in Austin. Doesn't help folks w/ leases locked in, but supply expansion has mitigated what were for a while outlandish and untenable rent hikes. Real estate folks are calling it "oversupply," but IRL it's a much-needed correction following an extreme, unsustainable shortage.
November 11, 2025 at 4:31 PM
This is what's happening in Austin. Doesn't help folks w/ leases locked in, but supply expansion has mitigated what were for a while outlandish and untenable rent hikes. Real estate folks are calling it "oversupply," but IRL it's a much-needed correction following an extreme, unsustainable shortage.
Hunters wiped out the buffalo but somehow, feral hogs remain an unstoppable force: 2.6 million of them in Texas alone, causing >$1 billion per year in damages, now reside in 250 out of 254 counties, including on Padre Island.
Related: @arianagarcia.bsky.social's reporting is always so good!
Related: @arianagarcia.bsky.social's reporting is always so good!
New Texas effort takes aim at feral hogs threatening its national parks
The initiative will be tested in multiple parks before a wider rollout.
www.chron.com
November 11, 2025 at 3:55 PM
Hunters wiped out the buffalo but somehow, feral hogs remain an unstoppable force: 2.6 million of them in Texas alone, causing >$1 billion per year in damages, now reside in 250 out of 254 counties, including on Padre Island.
Related: @arianagarcia.bsky.social's reporting is always so good!
Related: @arianagarcia.bsky.social's reporting is always so good!
This is more coverage than pro fighters ever receive in the Austin Statesman.
www.statesman.com/sports/artic...
www.statesman.com/sports/artic...
White Collar Fight Night: Austin working professionals square off
An Austin-area boxing coach took 12 working professionals and trained them for 12 weeks to fight in actual matches.
www.statesman.com
November 11, 2025 at 3:36 PM
This is more coverage than pro fighters ever receive in the Austin Statesman.
www.statesman.com/sports/artic...
www.statesman.com/sports/artic...
I first began using the word "fascism" to describe the prevailing ideology of Texas state government in 2021, and continue to see no reason to adjust that assessment. This is just wannabe Nazi stuff from the same people who fired their journalism chair bc of the color of her skin.
TAMU Regents propose ban on most classes on race, gender ideology
A TAMU Board of Regents proposal would ban classes teaching race and gender ideology unless the president or a designee approves it, marking the latest threat to academic freedom.
www.statesman.com
November 11, 2025 at 3:28 PM
I first began using the word "fascism" to describe the prevailing ideology of Texas state government in 2021, and continue to see no reason to adjust that assessment. This is just wannabe Nazi stuff from the same people who fired their journalism chair bc of the color of her skin.
All Texas prisoner labor -- including picking cotton in the fields -- is unpaid slave labor. But our commissary prices are just as high or higher as those described in this story.
It can take an incarcerated person weeks of strenuous work to afford even just a stick of deodorant. Story via @vera.org.
Prison Pay and Commissary Prices: Too Little for Too Much
It can take an incarcerated person weeks of strenuous work to afford even just a stick of deodorant.
www.vera.org
November 11, 2025 at 3:23 PM
All Texas prisoner labor -- including picking cotton in the fields -- is unpaid slave labor. But our commissary prices are just as high or higher as those described in this story.
To this day, the best book for understanding all the Municipal Utility District phantasmagoria is Harvey Katz's 1972, "Shadow on the Alamo: New Heroes Fight Old Corruption in Texas." Some has changed, but you can't understand TX government w/o understanding "special districts," starting w/ MUDs.
In Texas, these booming housing developments come with hidden costs
Municipal utility districts are sold as a way to build cheap homes quickly and efficiently. But homeowners are often saddled with high property tax bills.
www.expressnews.com
November 11, 2025 at 3:21 PM
To this day, the best book for understanding all the Municipal Utility District phantasmagoria is Harvey Katz's 1972, "Shadow on the Alamo: New Heroes Fight Old Corruption in Texas." Some has changed, but you can't understand TX government w/o understanding "special districts," starting w/ MUDs.
Reposted by Grits for Breakfast
Three former officers faced life in prison for the death of Melissa Perez, whom they shot behind a locked glass door. All were found not guilty on Monday.
thebarbedwire.com/2025/11/10/s...
thebarbedwire.com/2025/11/10/s...
‘They Were Very Sorry for Your Loss’: Ex-San Antonio Officers Found Not Guilty in City’s First Murder Trial for Police Shooting
Three former officers faced life in prison for the death of Melissa Perez, whom they shot behind a locked glass door.
thebarbedwire.com
November 10, 2025 at 11:42 PM
Three former officers faced life in prison for the death of Melissa Perez, whom they shot behind a locked glass door. All were found not guilty on Monday.
thebarbedwire.com/2025/11/10/s...
thebarbedwire.com/2025/11/10/s...
I've mentioned how remarkable I find it that so many fragrance commercials these days feature big cats and themes of wild animal trainers and taming the wild beast. Now Dior has a whole circus-themed holiday campaign called "Circus of Dreams." www.dior.com/en_us/beauty...
November 11, 2025 at 1:35 PM
I've mentioned how remarkable I find it that so many fragrance commercials these days feature big cats and themes of wild animal trainers and taming the wild beast. Now Dior has a whole circus-themed holiday campaign called "Circus of Dreams." www.dior.com/en_us/beauty...
Bear at the circus. (This is Ursula Bottcher; she was braver and tougher than you.)
November 11, 2025 at 11:49 AM
Bear at the circus. (This is Ursula Bottcher; she was braver and tougher than you.)
New Circus Historical Society journal, "Bandwagon," came in the mail today, w/ a promising cover
November 10, 2025 at 7:33 PM
New Circus Historical Society journal, "Bandwagon," came in the mail today, w/ a promising cover
The #txlege deregulated trainers, cornermen and seconds in MMA a few years ago, which now looks like a huge mistake. Never more than now do we need clear rules preventing fighters, trainers, managers, and their associates from wagering on bouts—with meaningful enforcement.
Hoops, MMA, and now baseball, just this month ... gambling is destroying the integrity of big-time US athletics. 🤑
Notably, the ppl who said trans athletes threatened the integrity of sports are all silent abt this.
Betting on granular in-game stats shd be illegal. Game outcomes only, IMO. 🧵
Notably, the ppl who said trans athletes threatened the integrity of sports are all silent abt this.
Betting on granular in-game stats shd be illegal. Game outcomes only, IMO. 🧵
November 10, 2025 at 3:35 PM
The #txlege deregulated trainers, cornermen and seconds in MMA a few years ago, which now looks like a huge mistake. Never more than now do we need clear rules preventing fighters, trainers, managers, and their associates from wagering on bouts—with meaningful enforcement.
Hoops, MMA, and now baseball, just this month ... gambling is destroying the integrity of big-time US athletics. 🤑
Notably, the ppl who said trans athletes threatened the integrity of sports are all silent abt this.
Betting on granular in-game stats shd be illegal. Game outcomes only, IMO. 🧵
Notably, the ppl who said trans athletes threatened the integrity of sports are all silent abt this.
Betting on granular in-game stats shd be illegal. Game outcomes only, IMO. 🧵
November 10, 2025 at 3:17 PM
Hoops, MMA, and now baseball, just this month ... gambling is destroying the integrity of big-time US athletics. 🤑
Notably, the ppl who said trans athletes threatened the integrity of sports are all silent abt this.
Betting on granular in-game stats shd be illegal. Game outcomes only, IMO. 🧵
Notably, the ppl who said trans athletes threatened the integrity of sports are all silent abt this.
Betting on granular in-game stats shd be illegal. Game outcomes only, IMO. 🧵
Kelvin Gastellum apparently "tested positive for a prohibited substance" before losing by submission at a UFC Fight Night in Austin in December 2023; he was "assessed an administrative penalty in the amount of $375" by TDLR for the episode in 2024. His past failed drug tests were for marijuana.
Administrative Orders - Search
www.tdlr.texas.gov
November 10, 2025 at 12:56 AM
Kelvin Gastellum apparently "tested positive for a prohibited substance" before losing by submission at a UFC Fight Night in Austin in December 2023; he was "assessed an administrative penalty in the amount of $375" by TDLR for the episode in 2024. His past failed drug tests were for marijuana.
Reposted by Grits for Breakfast
I don't think it's cowardice. I think that they are OK with what the GOP is doing. The sooner folks reconcile with this, the better.
November 10, 2025 at 12:17 AM
I don't think it's cowardice. I think that they are OK with what the GOP is doing. The sooner folks reconcile with this, the better.
Reposted by Grits for Breakfast
He is not being a weakling. He is making a choice.
Schumer caves like the weakling he is.
BREAKING: Deal to end government shutdown in reach
November 9, 2025 at 10:06 PM
He is not being a weakling. He is making a choice.
Reposted by Grits for Breakfast
“Whitmire, on the other hand, keeps taxpayers in the dark about what he’s doing with our tax dollars.”
“If only Mayor John Whitmire, his Public Works team and the Metro leadership he appointed had listened to experts on their own staff before deliberately breaking the backbone of our transit system, we could have avoided this entire mess.” #Houston
www.houstonchronicle.com/opinion/edit...
www.houstonchronicle.com/opinion/edit...
Red Line restored. Why didn't Whitmire listen in the first place?
The editorial board celebrates Metro's decision to restore the Red Line signal prioritization. Mayor Whitmire could've avoided this mess by sharing plans.
www.houstonchronicle.com
November 9, 2025 at 7:45 PM
“Whitmire, on the other hand, keeps taxpayers in the dark about what he’s doing with our tax dollars.”
Oh look a crappy Texas fight judge is also a crappy referee bloodyelbow.com/2025/08/17/m...
MMA fighter disputes stoppage after opponent told referee they choked them unconscious
A controversial stoppage took place on UFC Fight Pass on Sunday night.
bloodyelbow.com
November 9, 2025 at 7:37 PM
Oh look a crappy Texas fight judge is also a crappy referee bloodyelbow.com/2025/08/17/m...
I saw Warren Zevon twice in Austin: Once IIRC at Liberty Lunch and once at a grubby little place off of Riverside circa 1988 (+/- where Emo's is now). Great, great songwriter, a unique voice (both his vocals and his dark, quirky worldview), and a well-deserved HOF entrant.
Last night, Warren Zevon was finally inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. His work was a big influence on Sandman Slim and there are a lot of very obvious references to his work in the last couple of books. Warren also wrote my favorite song about LA.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXCl...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXCl...
Desperados Under the Eaves (2008 Remaster)
YouTube video by Warren Zevon - Topic
www.youtube.com
November 9, 2025 at 5:53 PM
I saw Warren Zevon twice in Austin: Once IIRC at Liberty Lunch and once at a grubby little place off of Riverside circa 1988 (+/- where Emo's is now). Great, great songwriter, a unique voice (both his vocals and his dark, quirky worldview), and a well-deserved HOF entrant.
On Oct. 30th, former UFC fighter Jessica Eye, now a bare-knuckle fighter, was "assessed an administrative penalty in the amount of $250" by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations Combative Sports divisions after she "tested positive for a prohibited substance before a bout." 1/2
November 9, 2025 at 5:18 PM
On Oct. 30th, former UFC fighter Jessica Eye, now a bare-knuckle fighter, was "assessed an administrative penalty in the amount of $250" by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations Combative Sports divisions after she "tested positive for a prohibited substance before a bout." 1/2