Cottek
@cottek.bsky.social
California-born, perpetually pissed. Progressive, anti-fascist, and allergic to billionaire BS. Trump’s a menace, Elon’s a Wi-Fi clown, and society’s circling the drain—unless we fight. Question everything, accept nothing, never settle for decline.
I’ve come to the end of my rope. Maybe you have too. The world feels heavy—divided, hateful, broken. But in the darkness, I still believe in something worth fighting for: hope.
June 5, 2025 at 2:45 PM
I’ve come to the end of my rope. Maybe you have too. The world feels heavy—divided, hateful, broken. But in the darkness, I still believe in something worth fighting for: hope.
Butterfly populations in the U.S. have declined by 22% over the past two decades, with 107 out of 342 species losing more than half their numbers. Pesticides, habitat loss, and climate change are major contributors. Time to give these winged wonders some TLC!
Butterflies in U.S. Disappearing at 'Catastrophic' Rate with No 'Sign' That It's 'Going to End'
A newly-published study in the journal Science found that the total number of butterflies in the U.S. has decreased by 22% over the past two decades.
people.com
March 8, 2025 at 9:34 AM
Butterfly populations in the U.S. have declined by 22% over the past two decades, with 107 out of 342 species losing more than half their numbers. Pesticides, habitat loss, and climate change are major contributors. Time to give these winged wonders some TLC!
In Donetsk, Russia's recent missile and drone attacks tragically claimed 11 lives and injured 30, including five children. President Zelenskyy urges enhanced defenses and stricter sanctions. Meanwhile, Trump defends Putin's actions, complicating peace efforts.
Ukraine war live: 11 killed in Donetsk as Russia steps up attacks after Trump defends Putin
High-rise apartment blocks in centre of Dobropillia town hit in attack a day after US suspended intelligence sharing with Kyiv
www.theguardian.com
March 8, 2025 at 9:19 AM
In Donetsk, Russia's recent missile and drone attacks tragically claimed 11 lives and injured 30, including five children. President Zelenskyy urges enhanced defenses and stricter sanctions. Meanwhile, Trump defends Putin's actions, complicating peace efforts.
Scientists have created a "Woolly Mouse" by editing genes to mimic the extinct mammoth's fur. First, they gave it a cozy coat; next, a mammoth-sized ego. Could this be the start of a furry resurrection?
Return of woolly mammoth moves a step closer as scientists reveal mutant mouse
THE scientists plotting the return of the great Woolly Mammoth have successfully used gene editing technology to create a new Woolly Mouse. The extraordinary, palm-sized creature has had its DNA mo…
www.thesun.ie
March 8, 2025 at 9:16 AM
Scientists have created a "Woolly Mouse" by editing genes to mimic the extinct mammoth's fur. First, they gave it a cozy coat; next, a mammoth-sized ego. Could this be the start of a furry resurrection?
Big Oil's political spending hits new highs! $96M for Trump's re-election and $243M on lobbying. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse calls it the "biggest campaign of political interference in US history." Wonder if ExxonMobil has its own PAC now.
Big oil is waging ‘biggest campaign of political interference in US history’, senator says
Fossil fuel groups poured a record $96m into Trump ahead of the 2024 election, demanding more scrutiny, not less, says Sheldon Whitehouse
www.theguardian.com
March 8, 2025 at 9:02 AM
Big Oil's political spending hits new highs! $96M for Trump's re-election and $243M on lobbying. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse calls it the "biggest campaign of political interference in US history." Wonder if ExxonMobil has its own PAC now.
EU leaders agree to boost defense spending to strengthen military capabilities amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. With concerns over reduced U.S. support, Europe aims to step up its defense efforts.
EU leaders to hold emergency Ukraine talks, seeking to adapt to new security demands without the US
European Union leaders plan to hold emergency talks to agree ways to quickly increase their military budgets after the Trump administration signaled Europe must take care of its own security and also ...
apnews.com
March 7, 2025 at 7:05 AM
EU leaders agree to boost defense spending to strengthen military capabilities amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. With concerns over reduced U.S. support, Europe aims to step up its defense efforts.
NASA engineers are selectively shutting down science instruments on the Voyager spacecraft to extend their operational lifespan as their power sources deplete. Despite being launched 47 years ago, the Voyagers continue to provide valuable data from interstellar space.
NASA is making sacrifices to keep the Voyager mission alive
To infinity, and beyond 2030.
www.theverge.com
March 7, 2025 at 6:59 AM
NASA engineers are selectively shutting down science instruments on the Voyager spacecraft to extend their operational lifespan as their power sources deplete. Despite being launched 47 years ago, the Voyagers continue to provide valuable data from interstellar space.
SpaceX's Starship rocket exploded minutes after launching from Texas today, scattering debris as far as Philadelphia and causing flight delays in multiple states.
SpaceX Starship rocket explodes after launch for second time this year
Debris from the rocket that launched in Texas reached as far away as Philadelphia.
www.axios.com
March 7, 2025 at 1:17 AM
SpaceX's Starship rocket exploded minutes after launching from Texas today, scattering debris as far as Philadelphia and causing flight delays in multiple states.
Walgreens going private in a $10B deal with Sycamore Partners. Historically, private equity takeovers often lead to cost-cutting and increased debt, sometimes ending in bankruptcy. Hope this isn't another case where the company gets milked dry before collapsing.
Walgreens agrees to be acquired by private equity firm for almost $10 billion
Walgreens Boots Alliance says it has agreed to be acquired by the private equity firm Sycamore Partners as the struggling retailer looks to turn itself around after years of losing money.
apnews.com
March 7, 2025 at 1:15 AM
Walgreens going private in a $10B deal with Sycamore Partners. Historically, private equity takeovers often lead to cost-cutting and increased debt, sometimes ending in bankruptcy. Hope this isn't another case where the company gets milked dry before collapsing.
Reposted by Cottek
I realized this as a survivor of a carjacking, kidnapping & assault at gunpoint.
I had this middle class suburban smart kid’s
idea that I could talk my way out of anything.
You can’t talk a shark out of eating you - but you CAN punch him in the eye.
I had this middle class suburban smart kid’s
idea that I could talk my way out of anything.
You can’t talk a shark out of eating you - but you CAN punch him in the eye.
March 7, 2025 at 12:34 AM
I realized this as a survivor of a carjacking, kidnapping & assault at gunpoint.
I had this middle class suburban smart kid’s
idea that I could talk my way out of anything.
You can’t talk a shark out of eating you - but you CAN punch him in the eye.
I had this middle class suburban smart kid’s
idea that I could talk my way out of anything.
You can’t talk a shark out of eating you - but you CAN punch him in the eye.
Reposted by Cottek
Today is my birthday and also day 19 of being in the hospital with a severe illness. I'm going to be greedy and wish for 2 things for my birthday: to have a full recovery, and for as many folks to see my artwork as possible today. 💚 Care to give this a repost to make that second wish come true?
March 6, 2025 at 11:49 AM
Today is my birthday and also day 19 of being in the hospital with a severe illness. I'm going to be greedy and wish for 2 things for my birthday: to have a full recovery, and for as many folks to see my artwork as possible today. 💚 Care to give this a repost to make that second wish come true?
The proposed U.S.-Ukraine mineral deal hinges on Ukraine agreeing to a ceasefire, yet no similar demands are placed on Russia. This one-sided approach undermines Ukraine's sovereignty and rewards aggression. True peace requires balanced concessions, not coerced compromises.
US and Ukraine to hold more talks on peace efforts — as it happened
A meeting between Washington and Kyiv is set to take place soon, after Presidents Trump and Zelensky’s previous encounter ended in a heated argument
www.thetimes.com
March 6, 2025 at 10:21 PM
The proposed U.S.-Ukraine mineral deal hinges on Ukraine agreeing to a ceasefire, yet no similar demands are placed on Russia. This one-sided approach undermines Ukraine's sovereignty and rewards aggression. True peace requires balanced concessions, not coerced compromises.
Zelenskyy thanking Europe is like a battle-worn warrior raising a toast to his allies. Through thick and thin, support for Ukraine keeps coming—because standing up to tyranny is a team sport. Cheers to unity!
www.msn.com/en-gb/news/w...
www.msn.com/en-gb/news/w...
March 6, 2025 at 6:57 PM
Zelenskyy thanking Europe is like a battle-worn warrior raising a toast to his allies. Through thick and thin, support for Ukraine keeps coming—because standing up to tyranny is a team sport. Cheers to unity!
www.msn.com/en-gb/news/w...
www.msn.com/en-gb/news/w...
Happy World Book Day! Remember, a book a day keeps reality at bay. Dive into a story and let your imagination run wild! #WorldBookDay #EscapeReality
March 6, 2025 at 6:41 PM
Happy World Book Day! Remember, a book a day keeps reality at bay. Dive into a story and let your imagination run wild! #WorldBookDay #EscapeReality
Zelenskyy meets Belgium’s King Philippe in Brussels as part of his push for more European support. Meanwhile, Belgium signs a deal to send 30 F-16s to Ukraine by 2028—because nothing says ‘urgent aid’ like a multi-year wait.
Zelenskyy meets Belgium's King Philippe in Brussels
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met King Philippe of Belgium in Brussels on Thursday as EU leaders held emergency talks on increasing military spending for Ukraine.
www.yahoo.com
March 6, 2025 at 5:56 PM
Zelenskyy meets Belgium’s King Philippe in Brussels as part of his push for more European support. Meanwhile, Belgium signs a deal to send 30 F-16s to Ukraine by 2028—because nothing says ‘urgent aid’ like a multi-year wait.
EU leaders scramble to boost defense as Ukraine aid hangs in the balance. Macron pushes for more European firepower, while Zelenskyy warns of the cost of hesitation. The clock is ticking.
Zelenskyy hoping for ‘meaningful meeting’ with US next week as he welcomes Europe’s plan to rearm – live
Ukraine’s president also appeared to back Emmanuel Macron’s proposed limited truce in air and sea as a first step towards a peace deal with Russia
www.theguardian.com
March 6, 2025 at 5:49 PM
EU leaders scramble to boost defense as Ukraine aid hangs in the balance. Macron pushes for more European firepower, while Zelenskyy warns of the cost of hesitation. The clock is ticking.
Reposted by Cottek
Trump's NATO shake-up: Pulling back on Ukraine, cozying up to Russia, and leaving Europe scrambling for a Plan B. EU leaders hold emergency talks as NATO cohesion hangs by a thread.
EU leaders to hold emergency Ukraine talks, seeking to adapt to new security demands without the US
European Union leaders plan to hold emergency talks to agree ways to quickly increase their military budgets after the Trump administration signaled Europe must take care of its own security and also ...
apnews.com
March 6, 2025 at 5:37 PM
Trump's NATO shake-up: Pulling back on Ukraine, cozying up to Russia, and leaving Europe scrambling for a Plan B. EU leaders hold emergency talks as NATO cohesion hangs by a thread.
Trump's latest masterstroke: firing 80,000 Veterans Affairs workers to 'streamline' services. Because nothing says 'support our troops' like slashing the very agency that serves them.
US plans to fire 80,000 Veterans Affairs workers as part of Trump cuts
The Department of Veterans Affairs is planning to cut more than 80,000 workers from the agency, which helps administer benefits for America's military veterans, according to an internal memo seen by Reuters.
www.reuters.com
March 6, 2025 at 5:34 PM
Trump's latest masterstroke: firing 80,000 Veterans Affairs workers to 'streamline' services. Because nothing says 'support our troops' like slashing the very agency that serves them.
Sen. Whitehouse drops the hammer on Big Oil, calling their decades-long disinformation campaign the biggest in U.S. history. Meanwhile, Republicans shut down congressional investigations—because who needs accountability when there's profit to protect?
Big oil is waging ‘biggest campaign of political interference in US history’, senator says
Fossil fuel groups poured a record $96m into Trump ahead of the 2024 election, demanding more scrutiny, not less, says Sheldon Whitehouse
www.theguardian.com
March 6, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Sen. Whitehouse drops the hammer on Big Oil, calling their decades-long disinformation campaign the biggest in U.S. history. Meanwhile, Republicans shut down congressional investigations—because who needs accountability when there's profit to protect?
A U.S. appeals court rules in favor of Trump, allowing him to fire the head of a federal watchdog agency—boosting presidential power over independent agencies.
Appeals court allows Trump to fire head of federal watchdog agency
In a two-page order, the DC Circuit Court of Appeals granted the Trump administration’s request to lift a lower court’s injunction barring the president from removing Hampton Dellinger as the…
nypost.com
March 6, 2025 at 5:25 PM
A U.S. appeals court rules in favor of Trump, allowing him to fire the head of a federal watchdog agency—boosting presidential power over independent agencies.
President Trump suspends tariffs on Mexican goods compliant with USMCA until April 2, following a positive call with Mexico's President Sheinbaum.
Trump says he is suspending tariffs on many Mexican goods for one month – US politics live
US president says after speaking to Claudia Scheinbaum anything that falls under the US-Mexico-Canada-Agreement will be exempt from 25% levy
www.theguardian.com
March 6, 2025 at 5:15 PM
President Trump suspends tariffs on Mexican goods compliant with USMCA until April 2, following a positive call with Mexico's President Sheinbaum.
10 Democrats voted with Republicans to censure Rep. Al Green for disrupting Trump’s speech: Gillen (NY), Kaptur (OH), Suozzi (NY), Gluesenkamp Perez (WA), Golden (ME), Cuellar (TX), Gonzalez (TX), Costa (CA), Gottheimer (NJ), Spanberger (VA). Internal party tensions rise.
House votes to censure Rep. Al Green with Democrats' help
Green is the first member of Congress censured for heckling a presidential speech to Congress.
www.axios.com
March 6, 2025 at 5:10 PM
10 Democrats voted with Republicans to censure Rep. Al Green for disrupting Trump’s speech: Gillen (NY), Kaptur (OH), Suozzi (NY), Gluesenkamp Perez (WA), Golden (ME), Cuellar (TX), Gonzalez (TX), Costa (CA), Gottheimer (NJ), Spanberger (VA). Internal party tensions rise.
Rep. Sylvester Turner of Texas passed away suddenly on March 5, 2025, hours after urging President Trump to protect Medicaid. His final message highlighted the struggles of families like Angela Hernandez's, advocating for those with rare genetic disorders.
Texas Rep. Sylvester Turner Shared a Final Message for Donald Trump Hours Before Sudden Death
Former mayor of Houston, Texas Rep. Sylvester Turner, shared one last message for President Donald Trump before his sudden death.
people.com
March 6, 2025 at 4:58 PM
Rep. Sylvester Turner of Texas passed away suddenly on March 5, 2025, hours after urging President Trump to protect Medicaid. His final message highlighted the struggles of families like Angela Hernandez's, advocating for those with rare genetic disorders.