Now that we've had our bread (July 4th BBQs, etc.) and our circuses (US playing in the World Cup), can we return to matters of greater importance?

I can suggest a few: the Epstein files, the murder of Renee Good, the Epstein files, the US investigating itself for slaughtering children and their teachers, the Epstein files, the murder of Alex Pretti, the Epstein files, and... did I mention the Epstein files?

#uspol #politics #Epstein #epsteinfiles #iran #alexpretti #reneegood #trump

Interesting opinion piece.

Why, indeed, should those who disregard the text of the Constitution be entrusted with ensuring the Constitution is not violated?

Supreme Court justices can be impeached. Perhaps it's time for a demonstration of this fact.

#politics #uspol #birthright #citizenship #government #unitedstates #justice #supremecourt #constitution

https://tennesseelookout.com/2026/07/06/the-case-for-impeaching-four-supreme-court-justices-over-birthright-citizenship/

In fact, I just ordered one for my kid because they said they wanted to get one, and their birthday is this month. It makes a great gift for fire lovers.

One of my kids reminded me about the Firedragon I own - something I haven't had the opportunity to use in recent years.

If you have a fireplace or make campfires, I highly recommend this - it's incredibly effective.

(This is not an affiliate or sponsored link, I'm just sharing a product I really love and can sincerely recommend.)

#campfire #fireplace #fire

https://thefiredragon.com/products/firedragon

Did you know that Bookshop.org offers gift cards that can be redeemed online for physical books, all while supporting independent bookstores?

It's a convenient way to give the avid readers in your life a gift they are sure to appreciate!

(Disclosure: Link below is an affiliate link and purchases may contribute a token amount to my coffee fund.)

https://bookshop.org/a/882/gift_cards

Amazing! People who row or paddle across oceans always impress me, even if they don't break records.

#rowing #oceans #adventure #boats #california #hawaii

https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2026/07/04/record-breaking-solo-rower-kelsey-pfendler-arrives-hawaii/

Happy birthday to the United States of America. It is no small accomplishment to last 250 years - especially 250 years of massive change in human society.

(Just a reminder: The USA is not Trump and Trump is not the USA. I will celebrate the country I grew up in and served at the risk of my life, but I do not celebrate the egomaniac currently in the White House.)

#usa #independenceday #america #4thofjuly #july4th #unitedstates #uspol #politics #patriotism

I keep saying I'm going to set aside more time for #reading, but it keeps slipping out of my grasp because most of my time and mental energy is spent on my day job.

If I can't manage to carve out enough time to finish the novel I'm reading during the upcoming holiday weekend, I'm going to be annoyed.

#books #timemanagement

"Government of, by, and for the people..."

The first is always true, by definition. It is what government is.

The second is always a farce, but the ruling elite will hide behind smoke and mirrors to maintain the farce.

The third is only true when the people effectively and consistently demand it.

Articles like this show the third is not currently true in the US.

#uspol #politics #liberty #government #freedom

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jun/28/government-website-visitor-tracking-surveillance-fears

Amazing how many times I can re-read something and still miss a "swype" word choice error.

300 years is a very short time in human history. 300 years ago, there was no United States, as the upcoming 250th anniversary celebration makes clear.

But what else didn't exist 300 years ago? Look around you and ask yourself, what would have existed back then?

No electronics or even basic electrical items. No injection-molded or die-cast anything. No synthetic plastics. No tin cans. No photos.

So much of our daily lives would be unrecognizable to someone in 1726, just 300 years ago!

If you wanted to become known for your writing under your real name, but an experimental pen name turned out much better, would you still try publishing under your own name?

My experimental pen name (linked below) earns much better than "I" do under my own name. I appreciate the income, but it feels discouraging.

Also, for disclosure, the link is also a test of my homebrew link shortener. Ask if you want details.

#writingcommunity #writersofmastodon #writers #writing

https://sw-url.net/aden_cabro?src=mstdn&c=20260626

My first experience in #ITAD was before I worked in the industry - I just helped my employer at the time clear out a large closet full of decommissioned PCs and other hardware as we prepared for a move. Wiped drives, found buyers, etc., years before seeing how this is done in massive quantities.

Does your business have a closet like that? Do you need to responsibly dispose of your outdated IT assets? Feel free to contact me for help!

#technology #recycling #ewaste #computers #laptops #servers

I suggest that the best thing you can get for yourself on #Amazon #PrimeDay is freedom from excess consumption, avoidance of unnecessary debt (and future interest expense), and liberation from Amazon.

Feel the need to "buy something?" Buy pre-owned from a thrift store, secondhand bookstore, yard sale, or (if you must) eBay. At least you'll help extend the life of a product already manufactured.

#environment #capitalism #greed #consumerism #reuse #SpaceshipEarth #waste #landfill #trash

Best I've managed so far is 3 out of 4 pins. The 4th is at least 1mm off and there's no room to push the drive further, nor can I bend out the mounting bracket any further than I have.

The drive seems fairly stable, but the mounting bracket won't fit back into the case with that one corner pushed out.

Too tired and frustrated to deal with this further tonight. Giving up for now and, realistically, probably will need to give up permanently. Nothing I can do if it physically can't be done.

Trying to install a 2.5" HDD in a Lenovo M910q SFF. Cannot get it to work.

Their tool-less design "should" be easy. There are four pins where the four screws would go, so you do one side first, then the other, and you're good to go. Not.

Confirmed the drive orientation is correct. Only one side makes sense as the first to insert, but I've tried both, and it simply does not fit. I can't get the second side pins to line up and go into the holes on that side of the drive.

#hardware #frustration

The wizard's grim news chilled the hearts of the young woman's parents. Gisealia would need to be taken far away to protect her... and her family, and even the village itself. There was no time to waste....

#fantasy #novella #books

https://stuartwhitmoreauthor.com/fiction/the_secret_of_eln_ketaar

I am not a painter and rarely dabble in it, but one time I made a small lilac watercolor painting for a Mother's Day card because my mom loved lilacs, and it came out pretty good. Pretty sure I didn't digitize it but wish I had.

One of my kids gave me some nice watercolor paints and watercolor paper years ago and I have done very little with them. Maybe I'll paint something this weekend.

Removal of his name, a trend I hope to see accelerate. History books can talk about the wannabe dictator of the US, but the rest of us are done and want to forget him.

#uspol #politics

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jun/12/judge-denies-pause-trump-name-removal-kennedy-center

It's always discouraging to read articles about fewer people #reading (when not required for school). There is so much value to be gained, personally and socially, from reading!

What are you reading this weekend? For me, it'll be Archangel Down by C. Gockel, which I think I'm about halfway through.

If you don't have something in mind and you like #sciencefiction / #fantasy then be sure to check out the #free #ebooks in the bundle linked below.

https://ebooks.stuartwhitmoreauthor.com/scififantasy202606/4yhtw19ah5