Highly recommend reading this for valuable insights and potential interventions to preserve or improve democracies.
Where should pro-democracy forces focus their efforts?
How can they distinguish causation from correlation?
This new article examines potential leading indicators of democratic backsliding across five elements that scholars agree impact democratic health.
THREAD
How can they distinguish causation from correlation?
This new article examines potential leading indicators of democratic backsliding across five elements that scholars agree impact democratic health.
THREAD
How to Spot Democratic Backsliding (SSIR)
Data can guide investment priorities in strengthening global democracy.
ssir.org
December 5, 2025 at 5:42 AM
Highly recommend reading this for valuable insights and potential interventions to preserve or improve democracies.
Looking forward to January 23--an aurally auspicious beginning for 2026!
Julian Lage has shared "Opal," the lead track of the guitarist's forthcoming album "Scenes from Above" produced by Joe Henry & featuring a new quartet with John Medeski on organ/piano, Jorge Roeder on bass & Kenny Wollesen on drums. Listen & pre-order now: julianlage.lnk.to/ScenesFromAb...
December 5, 2025 at 5:15 AM
Looking forward to January 23--an aurally auspicious beginning for 2026!
Looking forward to December 5!
Blue Note all-star collective Out Of/Into share new single “Familiar Route” from forthcoming album “Motion II” www.bluenote.com/out-of-into-...
Out Of/Into Share New Single "Familiar Route" - Blue Note Records
On Dec. 5, Blue Note Records will release Motion II by Out Of/Into featuring pianist Gerald Clayton, alto saxophonist Immanuel Wilkins, vibraphonist Joel Ross, drummer Kendrick Scott, and bassist Matt...
www.bluenote.com
November 16, 2025 at 5:28 AM
Looking forward to December 5!
Importance of using dissatisfaction with the status quo to create productive alternatives rather than just destroy what/whom we don't like.
Six months ago I wrote this post about “the next terrorist attack.” I republish it now (lightly updated) because my fear of this scenario has recently grown much greater.
snyder.substack.com/p/the-next-t...
snyder.substack.com/p/the-next-t...
The Next Terrorist Attack
And What Comes After (Updated)
snyder.substack.com
November 2, 2025 at 8:58 AM
Importance of using dissatisfaction with the status quo to create productive alternatives rather than just destroy what/whom we don't like.
Reposted by Karla S. McKee
Kids need messy, authentic human friendships to hone their social intelligence. If they opt instead for AI “companions,” Russell Shaw writes, they risk losing opportunities to grow.
AI Will Never Be Your Kid’s ‘Friend’
Chatbots may seem fun, but they rob children of important lessons in how to be human.
bit.ly
July 12, 2025 at 1:45 AM
Kids need messy, authentic human friendships to hone their social intelligence. If they opt instead for AI “companions,” Russell Shaw writes, they risk losing opportunities to grow.
Reposted by Karla S. McKee
Joshua Redman debuts his new quartet on "Words Fall Short" out June 20! www.bluenote.com/joshua-redma...
April 23, 2025 at 5:49 PM
Joshua Redman debuts his new quartet on "Words Fall Short" out June 20! www.bluenote.com/joshua-redma...
Beekee enables digital learning in areas lacking access to internet and reliable power. Up to 40 students within 40 meters can access simultaneously.
spectrum.ieee.org/educational-...
spectrum.ieee.org/educational-...
Solar-Powered Tech Transforms Remote Learning
Swiss startup brings offline-first e-learning to world’s remote locations
spectrum.ieee.org
April 23, 2025 at 7:49 PM
Beekee enables digital learning in areas lacking access to internet and reliable power. Up to 40 students within 40 meters can access simultaneously.
spectrum.ieee.org/educational-...
spectrum.ieee.org/educational-...
"Disagreement can be frustrating, but it is, after all, inherent to democratic politics."
At a disconcerting moment of global democratic backsliding, Korea provides an instructive case of how basic norms of the rule of law and constitutional democracy can be restored, writes John Delury.
Separation of Powers Defeats Imperial Presidency in South Korea
Yoon Suk Yeol’s declaration of martial law triggered a four-month-long constitutional crisis in South Korea that was finally resolved last week by the decision of the Constitutional Court to uphold t…
www.cfr.org
April 11, 2025 at 12:01 AM
"Disagreement can be frustrating, but it is, after all, inherent to democratic politics."
Wow. Thanks BMQ!
Branford Marsalis on the cover of the new issue of DownBeat! The great saxophonist & his acclaimed quartet with Joey Calderazzo, Eric Revis & Justin Faulkner reinterpret Keith Jarrett's 1974 album "Belonging" for his Blue Note debut out now: branfordmarsalis.lnk.to/Belonging
April 10, 2025 at 11:19 PM
Wow. Thanks BMQ!
Excellent example of the timelessness of uplifting music. And of how "self promotion" can benefit others.
Self Promotion Sunday…Searching for Something. This is a fun open vamp tune written by Duane Allen. No changes to worry about, just a tonality to explore and ignore. Me on Soprano saxophone, Duane Allen - guitar, Dan Feiszli - bass, Adam Nussbaum - drums. #jazzsky youtu.be/haStHPpjtC8
Searching For Something
YouTube video by The Dave Goldberg/ Duane Allen Quartet - Topic
youtu.be
April 6, 2025 at 7:17 PM
Excellent example of the timelessness of uplifting music. And of how "self promotion" can benefit others.
Fascinating Anthropic profile discusses work to enable ethical artificial general intelligence and preclude harm. Results thus far make me wonder: Are humans capable of creating AGI that doesn't also replicate our foibles? And at enormous financial, natural, and human resource costs.
My deep dive into Anthropic, formed by idealistic OpenAI defectors who believe they can achieve AGI safely. They are doomers and Utopians at the same time. Their most important collaborator is also their product: Claude. www.wired.com/story/anthro...
If Anthropic Succeeds, a Nation of Benevolent AI Geniuses Could Be Born
The brother goes on vision quests. The sister is a former English major. Together, they defected from OpenAI, started Anthropic, and built (they say) AI’s most upstanding citizen, Claude.
www.wired.com
April 4, 2025 at 7:53 AM
Fascinating Anthropic profile discusses work to enable ethical artificial general intelligence and preclude harm. Results thus far make me wonder: Are humans capable of creating AGI that doesn't also replicate our foibles? And at enormous financial, natural, and human resource costs.
If looking for a bank or credit union that invests in people/projects that you wish to support, this database might help you find one.
Looking for a responsible bank? 🌱 Switch to a bank for a greener world with our Get a Better Bank Map. Find a community-focused bank that supports your values and the planet. Make the right #MoneyMoves today!#GetABetterBank #BreakUpWithYourMegaBank
getabetterbank.org?en_og_source...
getabetterbank.org?en_og_source...
Get a Better Bank – By Green America
getabetterbank.org
April 2, 2025 at 9:38 PM
If looking for a bank or credit union that invests in people/projects that you wish to support, this database might help you find one.
Nonprofits unaware of the organization: TechSoup is a platform for finding educational resources and software companies' discounts for nonprofits.
#Nonprofits can get expert help with ads, strategy, and content through #TechSoup’s Digital Marketing Services.
Reach more people and grow your impact: spr.ly/6182FnnJq
#NPMarketing #NonprofitMarketing #NPTech #NonprofitTechnology #NPComms
Reach more people and grow your impact: spr.ly/6182FnnJq
#NPMarketing #NonprofitMarketing #NPTech #NonprofitTechnology #NPComms
April 2, 2025 at 9:30 PM
Nonprofits unaware of the organization: TechSoup is a platform for finding educational resources and software companies' discounts for nonprofits.
Reposted by Karla S. McKee
“It took a while for me to get out of the house,” Flowers said. “Now, it’s just the opposite. You can’t keep me out of the gym.”
Flowers goes to the gym nearly every day, even as she deals with arthritis in her knees, injuries to her bicep and shoulder, and some bone deterioration in her left foot.
Flowers goes to the gym nearly every day, even as she deals with arthritis in her knees, injuries to her bicep and shoulder, and some bone deterioration in her left foot.
At 68, she’s going viral for her buff arms. Meet ‘Granny Guns.’
Marlene Flowers, who has millions of followers on social media, challenges stereotypes about strength training and aging.
www.washingtonpost.com
March 20, 2025 at 4:02 PM
“It took a while for me to get out of the house,” Flowers said. “Now, it’s just the opposite. You can’t keep me out of the gym.”
Flowers goes to the gym nearly every day, even as she deals with arthritis in her knees, injuries to her bicep and shoulder, and some bone deterioration in her left foot.
Flowers goes to the gym nearly every day, even as she deals with arthritis in her knees, injuries to her bicep and shoulder, and some bone deterioration in her left foot.
Reposted by Karla S. McKee
"The language that is being used has a specific resonance, which, historically, has been used to change regime type. It is important that the rights of human beings were violated. It is important that the rule of law was ignored. It is important that the executive is trying to define reality."
Language used by individuals associated with the federal government who deported people without trial or due process to a concentration camp in El Salvador, defying a court order, has a specific resonance that, historically, has been used to change regime type.
snyder.substack.com/p/the-evil-a...
snyder.substack.com/p/the-evil-a...
The evil at your door
The deportation action as regime change
snyder.substack.com
March 17, 2025 at 2:22 PM
"The language that is being used has a specific resonance, which, historically, has been used to change regime type. It is important that the rights of human beings were violated. It is important that the rule of law was ignored. It is important that the executive is trying to define reality."
Reposted by Karla S. McKee
Nels Cline : Consentrik Quartet : The guitarist's 4th Blue Note album presents a set of evocative soundscapes that are by turns swinging, grooving, bracing, mesmeric & quietly stunning. Get it on vinyl, CD, download or stream it now: nelscline.lnk.to/ConsentrikQu...
March 17, 2025 at 12:48 AM
Nels Cline : Consentrik Quartet : The guitarist's 4th Blue Note album presents a set of evocative soundscapes that are by turns swinging, grooving, bracing, mesmeric & quietly stunning. Get it on vinyl, CD, download or stream it now: nelscline.lnk.to/ConsentrikQu...
When the world seems to have gone mad, music can calm the spirit. Perfect time, then, for listening to The Other Side. Thank you, Goldberg, Bagg, and Nussbaum! (Title song accompanied by entertaining video at www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5Su...)
March 17, 2025 at 4:35 AM
When the world seems to have gone mad, music can calm the spirit. Perfect time, then, for listening to The Other Side. Thank you, Goldberg, Bagg, and Nussbaum! (Title song accompanied by entertaining video at www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5Su...)
Reposted by Karla S. McKee
Do not comply before you are forced to. Every inch of voluntary submission strengthens authoritarian power.
1nadinesmith.substack.com/p/laughter-n...
1nadinesmith.substack.com/p/laughter-n...
Laughter, Not Obedience: The Power of Mockery Against Authoritarianism
Authoritarians thrive on anger but crumble under ridicule. Their power relies on compliance; mockery strips it away.
1nadinesmith.substack.com
February 23, 2025 at 9:27 PM
Do not comply before you are forced to. Every inch of voluntary submission strengthens authoritarian power.
1nadinesmith.substack.com/p/laughter-n...
1nadinesmith.substack.com/p/laughter-n...
Ukraine's historical European connections (before Russia even existed). Present-day Ukrainian children attending school for the first time. A story of strong, resilient people whom we should be honored to join in the fight for freedom.
This was the first time in their lives, I realized, that these boys and girls had been in an actual classroom. The Russian invasion began as covid was ending. Two years of covid seclusion had been followed directly by three years of war. The kids were buoyant.
snyder.substack.com/p/my-favorit...
snyder.substack.com/p/my-favorit...
My favorite Europeans are nine years old
A view from a school in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine
snyder.substack.com
February 24, 2025 at 4:06 AM
Ukraine's historical European connections (before Russia even existed). Present-day Ukrainian children attending school for the first time. A story of strong, resilient people whom we should be honored to join in the fight for freedom.
We want fast fixes for social issues, but complex systems require collaborative approaches. Marshall Ganz offers valuable perspectives for creating lasting change:
"We’ve got to do something different. We’ve got to do something very different. The tendency is to want to patch up here, do a little bit there. But we’re well beyond that."
Are You Building Something? (SSIR)
An interview with Marshall Ganz on what the social sector gets wrong about power and structural change
ssir.org
February 13, 2025 at 10:04 PM
We want fast fixes for social issues, but complex systems require collaborative approaches. Marshall Ganz offers valuable perspectives for creating lasting change:
Valuable perspective on current events from historian Timothy Snyder.
#democracy
#democracy
Of course it’s a coup. Miss the obvious, lose your republic.
open.substack.com/pub/snyder/p...
open.substack.com/pub/snyder/p...
Of course it’s a coup
Miss the obvious, lose your republic
open.substack.com
February 7, 2025 at 10:29 PM
Valuable perspective on current events from historian Timothy Snyder.
#democracy
#democracy
Suggestions for improving staff engagement and organization differentiation: Move from a feel-good mission statement to meaningful, actionable purpose.
From a 2022 Strategy+Business article: www.strategy-business.com/article/Five...
From a 2022 Strategy+Business article: www.strategy-business.com/article/Five...
Five ways to harness the power of purpose
Lose the lofty statement, and instead explain what you provide to your customers and why it matters.
www.strategy-business.com
December 24, 2024 at 9:04 PM
Suggestions for improving staff engagement and organization differentiation: Move from a feel-good mission statement to meaningful, actionable purpose.
From a 2022 Strategy+Business article: www.strategy-business.com/article/Five...
From a 2022 Strategy+Business article: www.strategy-business.com/article/Five...
Reposted by Karla S. McKee
The Year In Jazz 2024!
Hear a track from every new Blue Note album of the year on the December edition of "The Blue Note Monthly" bluenote.lnk.to/BlueNoteMont...
Find them all on the Blue Note Store: store.bluenote.com
Hear a track from every new Blue Note album of the year on the December edition of "The Blue Note Monthly" bluenote.lnk.to/BlueNoteMont...
Find them all on the Blue Note Store: store.bluenote.com
December 10, 2024 at 5:44 PM
The Year In Jazz 2024!
Hear a track from every new Blue Note album of the year on the December edition of "The Blue Note Monthly" bluenote.lnk.to/BlueNoteMont...
Find them all on the Blue Note Store: store.bluenote.com
Hear a track from every new Blue Note album of the year on the December edition of "The Blue Note Monthly" bluenote.lnk.to/BlueNoteMont...
Find them all on the Blue Note Store: store.bluenote.com
Wharton economists offer interesting ideas for reducing debt while growing economy.
budgetmodel.wharton.upenn.edu/issues/2024/...
budgetmodel.wharton.upenn.edu/issues/2024/...
Principles-Based Illustrative Reforms of Federal Tax and Spending Programs — Penn Wharton Budget Model
A package of 13 major tax and spending reforms, based on standard public economics design principles, is shown to reduce federal debt, increase social insurance, and expand the economy more than any p...
budgetmodel.wharton.upenn.edu
December 5, 2024 at 10:45 PM
Wharton economists offer interesting ideas for reducing debt while growing economy.
budgetmodel.wharton.upenn.edu/issues/2024/...
budgetmodel.wharton.upenn.edu/issues/2024/...
South Korean lawmakers and citizens act quickly to block authoritarian wannabe. Inspiring! #democracy
“The soldiers are coming!” How South Korean legislators raced to nullify the president’s shock martial-law decree as troops tried to smash their way into the National Assembly
The Six Hours of Chaos That Dragged South Korea Into Martial Law and Back
Lawmakers fought past soldiers to break into the legislature and overturn the president’s shock decree.
on.wsj.com
December 5, 2024 at 9:16 PM
South Korean lawmakers and citizens act quickly to block authoritarian wannabe. Inspiring! #democracy