the mjl (michael j leblanc)
@themjl.bsky.social
Engineer. Musician. Wily Chaote. Full-Stack Acerbic Humanist.
Bandcamp: https://thebellmechanical.bandcamp.com/
SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/the_bell_mechanical
Musings: https://nopeanutsinchurch.com/
Middle of Massachusetts. USENET refugee.
Bandcamp: https://thebellmechanical.bandcamp.com/
SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/the_bell_mechanical
Musings: https://nopeanutsinchurch.com/
Middle of Massachusetts. USENET refugee.
Pinned
Spock: "Captain, would you like to see my latest modular synth rack setup?"
Jim: "Damn, Spock. Now I know where most of your pay is going.."
Jim: "Damn, Spock. Now I know where most of your pay is going.."
Reposted by the mjl (michael j leblanc)
Voter registrations are a thing only citizens have, of course.
license plate data merged with credit header data, marriage records, vehicle ownership, and voter registrations, in one app for ICE agents. oh and it sends push notifications when someone they're seeking is nearby.
🆒: www.404media.co/this-app-let...
🆒: www.404media.co/this-app-let...
This App Lets ICE Track Vehicles and Owners Across the Country
Material viewed by 404 Media shows data giant Thomson Reuters enriches license plate data with marriage, voter, and ownership records. The tool can predict where a car may be in the future.
www.404media.co
November 18, 2025 at 12:13 PM
Voter registrations are a thing only citizens have, of course.
Reposted by the mjl (michael j leblanc)
As Capra later said:
"I had my belly full of war and i came out a perfect pacifist."
Stewart wasn't even sure he'd ever act again. He didn't know if he could still be the nonchalant heroes he always played.
He only agreed to do Wonderful Life because Capra said it would help him find a way.
"I had my belly full of war and i came out a perfect pacifist."
Stewart wasn't even sure he'd ever act again. He didn't know if he could still be the nonchalant heroes he always played.
He only agreed to do Wonderful Life because Capra said it would help him find a way.
November 18, 2025 at 10:45 AM
As Capra later said:
"I had my belly full of war and i came out a perfect pacifist."
Stewart wasn't even sure he'd ever act again. He didn't know if he could still be the nonchalant heroes he always played.
He only agreed to do Wonderful Life because Capra said it would help him find a way.
"I had my belly full of war and i came out a perfect pacifist."
Stewart wasn't even sure he'd ever act again. He didn't know if he could still be the nonchalant heroes he always played.
He only agreed to do Wonderful Life because Capra said it would help him find a way.
Reposted by the mjl (michael j leblanc)
For reasons I needed to watch Its a Wonderful Life again last night.
Will do a thread closer to Christmas about it, but next time you watch it, remember this:
Both Capra and Stewart had just come back from WW2. Consider every directing, script and acting decision with that context in mind.
Will do a thread closer to Christmas about it, but next time you watch it, remember this:
Both Capra and Stewart had just come back from WW2. Consider every directing, script and acting decision with that context in mind.
November 18, 2025 at 10:37 AM
For reasons I needed to watch Its a Wonderful Life again last night.
Will do a thread closer to Christmas about it, but next time you watch it, remember this:
Both Capra and Stewart had just come back from WW2. Consider every directing, script and acting decision with that context in mind.
Will do a thread closer to Christmas about it, but next time you watch it, remember this:
Both Capra and Stewart had just come back from WW2. Consider every directing, script and acting decision with that context in mind.
Reposted by the mjl (michael j leblanc)
Reposted by the mjl (michael j leblanc)
I’ve watched them gaslight for ten years, but I never thought they’d dismiss pedophilia based on the victim’s age. Yet here we are.
November 18, 2025 at 1:58 AM
I’ve watched them gaslight for ten years, but I never thought they’d dismiss pedophilia based on the victim’s age. Yet here we are.
Reposted by the mjl (michael j leblanc)
"Resilience"
Acrylics on canvas
Acrylics on canvas
November 18, 2025 at 1:33 AM
"Resilience"
Acrylics on canvas
Acrylics on canvas
Reposted by the mjl (michael j leblanc)
“The Court recognizes that the relief sought by the defense is rarely granted,” Fitzpatrick wrote. “However, the record points to a disturbing pattern of profound investigative missteps missteps that led an FBI agent & a prosecutor to potentially undermine the integrity of the grand jury proceeding”
Judge scolds Justice Department for 'profound investigative missteps' in Comey case
A federal judge says the Justice Department engaged in a “disturbing pattern of profound investigative missteps” when it secured an indictment against former FBI Director James Comey.
apnews.com
November 18, 2025 at 12:07 PM
“The Court recognizes that the relief sought by the defense is rarely granted,” Fitzpatrick wrote. “However, the record points to a disturbing pattern of profound investigative missteps missteps that led an FBI agent & a prosecutor to potentially undermine the integrity of the grand jury proceeding”
Reposted by the mjl (michael j leblanc)
NEW: Lindsey Halligan apparently told the grand jury in the Comey case that they should indict on promised future evidence, and that Comey is guilty until proven innocent. Check out my chat with @klasfeldreports.com about this incredible ruling today: www.muellershewrote.com/p/halligan-i...
Halligan is in DEEP trouble in the Comey case
A recording from Allison Gill's live video
www.muellershewrote.com
November 17, 2025 at 7:56 PM
NEW: Lindsey Halligan apparently told the grand jury in the Comey case that they should indict on promised future evidence, and that Comey is guilty until proven innocent. Check out my chat with @klasfeldreports.com about this incredible ruling today: www.muellershewrote.com/p/halligan-i...
Reposted by the mjl (michael j leblanc)
Can’t do regime change with the forces the US has positioned near Venezuela. Lacks the occupation force to install a new regime.
Can’t dismantle narcotics organizations either.
(And for the conspiracy theorists — can’t steal oil either.)
But can do a bunch of bombing and regime destabilization.
Can’t dismantle narcotics organizations either.
(And for the conspiracy theorists — can’t steal oil either.)
But can do a bunch of bombing and regime destabilization.
November 17, 2025 at 3:52 PM
Can’t do regime change with the forces the US has positioned near Venezuela. Lacks the occupation force to install a new regime.
Can’t dismantle narcotics organizations either.
(And for the conspiracy theorists — can’t steal oil either.)
But can do a bunch of bombing and regime destabilization.
Can’t dismantle narcotics organizations either.
(And for the conspiracy theorists — can’t steal oil either.)
But can do a bunch of bombing and regime destabilization.
Reposted by the mjl (michael j leblanc)
Ex-Treasury Secretary Larry Summers is "deeply ashamed" of his years-long communication with Jeffrey Epstein and says he will be "stepping back from public commitments."
"I take full responsibility for my misguided decision to continue communicating with Mr. Epstein."
"I take full responsibility for my misguided decision to continue communicating with Mr. Epstein."
November 18, 2025 at 2:55 AM
Ex-Treasury Secretary Larry Summers is "deeply ashamed" of his years-long communication with Jeffrey Epstein and says he will be "stepping back from public commitments."
"I take full responsibility for my misguided decision to continue communicating with Mr. Epstein."
"I take full responsibility for my misguided decision to continue communicating with Mr. Epstein."
Reposted by the mjl (michael j leblanc)
NEW: From the guy who brought you "just tell the courts to fuck off," we now have "just sink boats." www.npr.org/2025/11/17/g...
Justice Department official told prosecutors that U.S. should 'just sink' drug boats
NPR interviews with current and former officials reveal more of the backstory around the military's strikes in the Caribbean.
www.npr.org
November 17, 2025 at 6:55 PM
NEW: From the guy who brought you "just tell the courts to fuck off," we now have "just sink boats." www.npr.org/2025/11/17/g...
Reposted by the mjl (michael j leblanc)
Reposted by the mjl (michael j leblanc)
Dear ICE: They don't let you wear a mask in your mug shot.
Great news. This is what an ICE agent looks like in a mugshot. Meet Gerardo Rodriguez, 45, of Temecula, courtesy of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office. Arrested for "illegally detaining a minor at gunpoint while off duty last week." 🧵
November 17, 2025 at 8:17 PM
Dear ICE: They don't let you wear a mask in your mug shot.
Reposted by the mjl (michael j leblanc)
The Bari Weiss Newsmaxification of @CBSNews is a sight to behold, and marg brennan seems content to go right along with it
November 17, 2025 at 4:53 AM
The Bari Weiss Newsmaxification of @CBSNews is a sight to behold, and marg brennan seems content to go right along with it
Reposted by the mjl (michael j leblanc)
Easy choice if you're a deer deciding where to buy a house
November 17, 2025 at 3:53 PM
Easy choice if you're a deer deciding where to buy a house
Reposted by the mjl (michael j leblanc)
Dongfeng is also working on an ultra-high-voltage EV platform capable of charging at a whopping 2 megawatts.
insideevs.com/news/779149/...
insideevs.com/news/779149/...
Chinese EV Maker Plans 620-Mile Solid-State Battery Cars In 2026
Dongfeng is also working on an ultra-high-voltage EV platform capable of charging at a whopping 2 megawatts.
insideevs.com
November 17, 2025 at 4:25 PM
Dongfeng is also working on an ultra-high-voltage EV platform capable of charging at a whopping 2 megawatts.
insideevs.com/news/779149/...
insideevs.com/news/779149/...
Reposted by the mjl (michael j leblanc)
LOOKING FOR OWNER. Black, brown & grey short-haired Devon Rex male cat found in Southcreek Trail & Edinburgh Rd S area of Guelph on Nov 16. If he's yours or you have any info about him contact #Guelph Humane Society at 519-824-3091 or lostandfound@guelphhumane.ca (ID 2000365769)
November 17, 2025 at 5:31 PM
LOOKING FOR OWNER. Black, brown & grey short-haired Devon Rex male cat found in Southcreek Trail & Edinburgh Rd S area of Guelph on Nov 16. If he's yours or you have any info about him contact #Guelph Humane Society at 519-824-3091 or lostandfound@guelphhumane.ca (ID 2000365769)
Reposted by the mjl (michael j leblanc)
i think the synthesis so far of the LA/DC/Chicago experiences is:
1) vulnerable people should hide and wait it out to whatever extent they can
2) other people should help them do that, financially and otherwise
3) other people should also get loud
4) not violent though
1) vulnerable people should hide and wait it out to whatever extent they can
2) other people should help them do that, financially and otherwise
3) other people should also get loud
4) not violent though
Greg Bovino is leading a rebel cavalry terrorizing America—and it's important to recognize that it's in retreat. While the trauma and terror Bovino’s raiders instill is real and damaging, it’s remarkable to note how ineffective the force has turned out to be. www.doomsdayscenario.co/p/trump-bord...
Trump, Border Patrol Retreat in Failure from Chicago
Five important lessons of the first six months of Trump’s immigration raids — and why CBP’s Greg Bovino is the Nathan Bedford Forrest of the Trump era.
www.doomsdayscenario.co
November 17, 2025 at 5:50 PM
i think the synthesis so far of the LA/DC/Chicago experiences is:
1) vulnerable people should hide and wait it out to whatever extent they can
2) other people should help them do that, financially and otherwise
3) other people should also get loud
4) not violent though
1) vulnerable people should hide and wait it out to whatever extent they can
2) other people should help them do that, financially and otherwise
3) other people should also get loud
4) not violent though
Reposted by the mjl (michael j leblanc)
some people are edging dangerously close to trying to both-sides the goddamn Civil War but leftishly, and no, absolutely not, we are not doing that
November 17, 2025 at 7:48 PM
some people are edging dangerously close to trying to both-sides the goddamn Civil War but leftishly, and no, absolutely not, we are not doing that
Reposted by the mjl (michael j leblanc)
Reposted by the mjl (michael j leblanc)
I think the universities didn’t convey clearly enough to Larry Summers and Laurence Krauss that they were expected to get sexual harassment PREVENTION training
November 17, 2025 at 6:28 PM
I think the universities didn’t convey clearly enough to Larry Summers and Laurence Krauss that they were expected to get sexual harassment PREVENTION training
Reposted by the mjl (michael j leblanc)
Folks, there are many female Harvard undergrads in Larry Summers’ courses RIGHT NOW. Imagine being in that situation and reading The Crimson.
“This semester, he is teaching two large undergraduate courses and one graduate class.”
www.thecrimson.com/article/2025...
“This semester, he is teaching two large undergraduate courses and one graduate class.”
www.thecrimson.com/article/2025...
As Summers Sought Clandestine Relationship With Woman He Called a Mentee, Epstein Was His ‘Wing Man’ | News | The Harvard Crimson
When former Harvard President Lawrence H. Summers was pursuing a romantic relationship with a woman he described as a mentee, he turned to a longtime associate for guidance: convicted sex offender Jef...
www.thecrimson.com
November 17, 2025 at 4:28 PM
Folks, there are many female Harvard undergrads in Larry Summers’ courses RIGHT NOW. Imagine being in that situation and reading The Crimson.
“This semester, he is teaching two large undergraduate courses and one graduate class.”
www.thecrimson.com/article/2025...
“This semester, he is teaching two large undergraduate courses and one graduate class.”
www.thecrimson.com/article/2025...
Reposted by the mjl (michael j leblanc)
as a white liberal with Southern roots, quite frankly, I think other white liberals from the South need to get the fuck over their oddly defensive attitude about what should be pretty blindingly obvious.
I understand why some white liberals from the Deep South want to insist that there isn't something distinct (and bad) about Southern political culture but the problem with this is that we wouldn't even have this idea of "The South" as distinct from the rest of the US if there wasn't a there there
November 17, 2025 at 6:51 PM
as a white liberal with Southern roots, quite frankly, I think other white liberals from the South need to get the fuck over their oddly defensive attitude about what should be pretty blindingly obvious.
Reposted by the mjl (michael j leblanc)
Larry Summers was doing dating the right way.
by Ezra Klein
by Ezra Klein
November 17, 2025 at 7:16 PM
Larry Summers was doing dating the right way.
by Ezra Klein
by Ezra Klein
Reposted by the mjl (michael j leblanc)
yes, whites in the north can also be racist. yes, the north has a long history of systematically exploiting its nonwhite residents.
but none of this is enough to overcome the fact that "The South" — as a cultural object, a kind of shared imaginary — is defined by rebellion in support of slavery.
but none of this is enough to overcome the fact that "The South" — as a cultural object, a kind of shared imaginary — is defined by rebellion in support of slavery.
November 17, 2025 at 6:43 PM
yes, whites in the north can also be racist. yes, the north has a long history of systematically exploiting its nonwhite residents.
but none of this is enough to overcome the fact that "The South" — as a cultural object, a kind of shared imaginary — is defined by rebellion in support of slavery.
but none of this is enough to overcome the fact that "The South" — as a cultural object, a kind of shared imaginary — is defined by rebellion in support of slavery.