Happy holidays, fediverse!

I got you a megathrust earthquake, soil liquefaction, spine-tingling papers about the way our networks confound knowledge, and a PDF in a pear tree. It's my wrap on a year of trying to make sense of how we make sense of what's happening to us […]

Here you go, and for free, even

www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...

RE: https://mastodon.green/@akshatrathi/115722624050532593

This plot shows that every time electricity supply doubles, GDP goes up by about 80% (the power law exponent is 0.85).

Starting from the left on the plot, a couple of solar modules per household is enough to double power.

Many poor […]

Much as I admire American friends, colleagues and allies, this and then this again.

#internationalpolitics #security #uspol #eupol

https://www.readtheline.ca/p/matt-gurney-we-will-never-fucking

Trump’s troops abducted a U.S. citizen for asking them a question. #minneapolis #minnesota

‘Tincher, a white woman in her mid-50s who stands 5 feet, 4 inches tall, insists she was at speaking distance from the agent and said that she did nothing to “impede” their actions.

“Pretty soon they […]

Secretary of State Rubio has concluded Calibri is a DEI font and orders US diplomats to revert to Times New Roman in official communications. https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/politics/3725456-font-wars-times-new-roman-vs-calibri-in-us-diplomacy

I hope this isn't paywalled and you can read it. A fascinating essay on scientific research into the psychological bases of conservatism, and into its effects on human societies using agent-based models (ABMs).

I knew about research into the psychology of political beliefs but didn't know about […]

But the best part must be this map of “unlicensed beavers in England“

Bummer… I live in New England… and, yes, the winters seem milder than when I was growing up here. Now I know… 2.5C milder
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/dec/03/new-england-warming?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

People used to say, with great confidence, that variable renewables could never safely provide more than 5% of grid power. That estimate has crept up ever since, though the "great confidence" part never wavers.

Anyway, about China ...

Stalking the wrong person, threatening a judge who is looking out for that person: ICE in action in Providence RI. https://www.wpri.com/news/local-news/providence/ri-judge-intervenes-after-ice-mistakenly-detains-superior-court-intern/

🙃

A Reagan-appointed judge resigned in order to speak out.

Here's why: “President Donald Trump is using the law for partisan purposes, targeting his adversaries while sparing his friends and donors from investigation, prosecution, and possible punishment.” 🎁link:
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2025/1...

Please watch this video from Zohran Mamdani

It’s a powerful message about being Muslim in New York.

And his words echo to every non-white and non-Christian and non-straight community.

It is a time to be proud and for those of us with privilege to stand by and stand up for those who are proud […]

after millions of views and shares of my Portland Frog art. (thank you all🙏🏾) I got requests to highlight priests, and chickens, and Chicagoans, and T-Rexes, and more… all of us who refuse to bend the knee. so this is for US.
𝚂𝚝𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚃𝚊𝚕𝚕.
𝚆𝚎 𝚆𝚒𝚕𝚕 𝚆𝚒𝚗.

14. #RHODEISLAND: ~568,000 ACA enrollees

Avg gross rate change: +21% (FINAL)

Avg gross 2026 premium: $703/mo

NET 2026 increase for 64-yr old couple earning $90K/yr if the enhanced tax credits expire: +277%

acasignups.net/ira-subsidy-...