I’m not typically scared of much, but glory holes—specifically the type used in dams and reservoirs—really freak me out. They’re these massive spillways designed to safely drain excess water during storms. The thought of falling into one while in a boat is enough to give anyone chills, but it gets worse when I consider other scenarios. If I were swimming, there’s a real chance of being swept over the edge and slammed against hard concrete. The design can vary, with some edges being rounded and others sharp. Holding on for dear life while torrents of water crash over me sounds terrifying, especially knowing it could take days for the water level to drop. Then there's the fear of the dark abyss itself—potentially not seeing it until it’s too late—and the possibility of drowning. Even if I somehow survive that initial plunge, I could get trapped underwater by the flow or end up fighting my way to the surface amid rocks and debris. It’s a lot to think about, and just remembering these structures sends me into a spiral of dread. And no banana was found; it got lost in the glory hole.
Elon Musk claimed that no organization has been more transparent than DOGE, yet there's a lack of public information regarding the roles and backgrounds of its staff. According to Reuters, a top employee of Musk, who once boasted about hacking and sharing pirated software, now works at the Department of Justice.
Trump's new tariffs announced today could be a huge mistake. He’s imposed a blanket 10% tariff on all imports and added significantly higher tariffs for specific countries, like 34% on China and 20% on the European Union. This means we should expect to pay more for items like smartphones from China, European cars, and even basic necessities like clothes and food. While he calls it “Liberation Day,” it feels more like liberating money from our pockets. He was elected on promises of lowering grocery prices and tackling inflation, but these tariffs seem likely to do the opposite. Higher costs for imported goods could lead to rising inflation, leaving people with less to spend. Industries that depend on foreign materials, such as steel and aluminum, may face severe cost increases, risking layoffs or closures. Plus, his additional tariff on Venezuelan oil could mean higher gas prices. Trump claims this is a win for American manufacturing, but many people aren't buying it—especially considering his history with bankruptcies. This move risks raising prices and alienating allies, potentially throwing the economy back into turmoil after Biden's efforts to recover from previous challenges. It’s frustrating that many will feel the consequences while some supporters seem oblivious to the reality of the situation.
Elon Musk wore a cheesehead hat in Wisconsin and spent $20 million on various efforts, including paying people to sign petitions and canvas. He also organized million-dollar giveaways, held a rally, and participated in TV interviews. Despite these efforts, it seems that many people in Wisconsin didn't appreciate the influence of an oligarch trying to buy their civil liberties.
Undocumented immigrants contributed $100 billion in taxes in 2022, which is roughly the same amount it would cost to deport them all. This makes me wonder if it wouldn't be more sensible to just grant them citizenship instead. 🤷♂️
In a recent article, Steven Levy explores the ambitious goals of Anthropic, co-founded by siblings Daniela and Dario Amodei, who previously worked at OpenAI. Dario is particularly animated about creating a benevolent AI named Claude, which he believes could lead to a future where AI surpasses human intelligence in every cognitive task. Despite the emergence of a competing model from a Chinese company, DeepSeek, Dario remains confident that the value of powerful AI will only increase, pushing companies to invest more in safe and effective models. The Amodeis' journey into AI began in a childhood steeped in numbers and creativity, leading Dario to focus on how to create AI responsibly after witnessing the risks associated with advanced models. Their departure from OpenAI stemmed from concerns over safety practices, prompting them to establish Anthropic as a public benefit corporation that prioritizes ethical considerations alongside profit. They aim to set a new standard for AI safety and encourage other companies to follow suit. Anthropic has developed a unique approach to AI alignment, incorporating principles from various ethical documents and creating protocols to ensure responsible scaling of their models. While Claude has been embraced as a helpful colleague within the company, concerns about its potential for manipulation persist. As the team navigates the complexities of developing powerful AI safely, they remain aware of the urgency surrounding these advancements and the need for responsible governance in the face of rapid technological progress.
Mark Gurman recently shared some insights about the upcoming iOS 19 design during a live Q&A session. He highlighted that the major themes of this redesign will focus on consistency, a "glass effect," and improved usability across Apple devices. Gurman emphasized that the goal is to unify the user interfaces of the iPhone, iPad, and Mac, addressing existing differences in controls and menu designs. When asked if every Apple app would receive the new design, he indicated that while he couldn't confirm specifics for all apps, core applications are likely to be updated with elements that align more closely with visionOS. He believes this redesign could be the most significant since iOS 7, introducing fresh visual elements that may even respond to user movements, which could enhance the overall experience.
Frieren: Beyond Journey's End has become a huge hit internationally, but Kazunori Oshima, the Editor-in-Chief of Weekly Shonen Sunday, initially had doubts about the series. He admitted in an interview that he didn't expect it to succeed, saying, "I wish the elf girl were a bit more charming," which he later recognized as a "really off-base comment" given Frieren’s current popularity. Despite his initial skepticism, the series has thrived since its 2020 debut, selling over 20 million copies and winning prestigious awards. The recent anime adaptation by Madhouse, which started airing in September 2023, has also received critical acclaim. Oshima now acknowledges the incredible work of creators Kanehito Yamada and Tsukasa Abe, reflecting on his early misjudgment with some regret. He emphasizes their dedication and humility, noting that even after the anime's success, the team remains focused on discovering new stories and writers.
Susan Crawford has won the Wisconsin Supreme Court race, defeating a candidate backed by Elon Musk. This outcome marks a significant victory in the state's judicial landscape.
Steve Bannon stated that "Trump is going to prison" if a Democrat wins the 2028 presidential election. This comment highlights the potential legal implications for Trump depending on the outcome of the election.
A remake of the TV anime 'Yu Yu Hakusho' has been announced! It's currently in the planning stages, so production will take some time. The producer has been selected, and Pierrot will be responsible for the animation.
Hooters, the restaurant chain known for its casual dining and waitstaff, is filing for bankruptcy. This news highlights the challenges the brand has faced in recent years, reflecting broader trends in the restaurant industry.
It's important to find someone who appreciates you for who you are, even in the small moments. A guy who lovingly strokes your hair and compliments its softness, without worrying about the little things like hair on your legs, shows he values intimacy and connection.
The Turkish proverb suggests that when a clown moves into a palace, the situation doesn't elevate the clown to royalty; instead, it transforms the palace into a circus. This reflects how the presence of someone unfit for a particular environment can change the dynamic, often in a chaotic or unrefined way.
I'm a 39-year-old man, and I'm feeling really frustrated right now. I owe my local Ford dealership $74,000 for a pickup truck that I mainly use to transport my Costco purchases. On top of that, I'm unexpectedly angry about the new Snow White movie for some reason.
It’s surprising to see Elon Musk change so drastically; he seems to have gone from being seen as an eccentric inventor to being viewed negatively, like a "whimpering snowflake." It's hard to understand why he made the choices that led to this shift in perception, especially since no one forced him to act this way.
Marine Le Pen, a right-wing candidate, has been barred from the 2027 French Presidential election due to felony convictions. This situation serves as a lesson for America, highlighting that political accountability can be straightforward.
I'm advising non-US citizens to avoid traveling to the U.S. right now. It feels like it's not worth the risk, so I suggest dropping any travel plans and not spending any money here. This country hasn't really earned the privilege of having visitors at this time.
Elon Musk is a private citizen who seems to be trying to buy influence in an election. It’s frustrating that state officials haven't taken action against him, as he doesn't have immunity for state crimes and Trump can't pardon him for those. It feels like there's a lot of fear or hesitation from people in power to address this situation.
Chinese car company BYD has now surpassed Tesla to become the world's top seller of electric cars. In 2024, BYD generated $107 billion in revenue and sold 4.27 million cars—more than double Tesla's sales of 1.79 million, which marked the first drop in their sales figures. Tesla's revenue was $97.7 billion. BYD's success can be attributed to its competitive pricing, budget-friendly options, and advanced technology, particularly its popularity in China, the largest car market globally. One notable innovation is a super-fast charger that can provide 250 miles of range in just five minutes, significantly outpacing Tesla's offerings. There are also rumors that BYD is considering entering the U.S. market as demand for electric vehicles continues to rise.
I'm feeling really passionate about Wisconsin right now. I want the state to show everyone, both in the country and around the world, that it stands strong and can't be bought. It's time to prove our integrity and commitment to what's right.
In a recent ruling, the judge highlighted that Trump officials were actively trying to dismantle the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), disregarding Congress's decision from 15 years ago, which was influenced by the 2008 financial crisis. She noted that before taking action, the court needed to confirm that the plaintiffs would likely succeed in their claims and would face irreparable harm if the lawsuit proceeded without intervention. The judge concluded that all criteria were met for the court to act. She mentioned that the attempt to eliminate the CFPB was halted only because of the plaintiffs' efforts to secure court intervention just before a significant number of employees were set to be fired. The administration's claim that they were acting within legal bounds "collapsed like a balloon at the end of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade." Public Citizen has been instrumental in establishing the CFPB, which has helped recover billions for consumers since its creation in 2011. Despite Trump’s intention to eliminate it, the judge ruled that dismantling the agency would violate constitutional separation of powers and cause substantial harm to consumers nationwide. Consequently, she ordered that the CFPB must remain intact until the case is resolved, protecting its operations and employees. Public Citizen is representing several organizations in this case, including the National Treasury Employees Union and NAACP.
MAGA, let’s get real for a second. Courts have the authority to overturn laws that are found to be unconstitutional. Also, executive orders aren't the same as laws, and presidents can't pass legislation without Congress. When judges block Trump, it's just a clear example of Checks and Balances working as they should.
Nakashige Shunsuke, the director for Solo Leveling seasons 1 and 2, is focused on another anime project, which means season 3 will be delayed. I'm a bit disappointed about the wait. 😢 I'm hoping they consider hiring a new director for season 3 to speed things up. Jujutsu Kaisen managed to do well after replacing their director, so it could work out for Solo Leveling too.
The GOP bill to repeal the estate tax would primarily benefit the wealthiest families, giving $2.6 trillion to just 812 billionaires. Notably, the Walton family would receive $153 billion, followed by Musk's family with $139 billion, Bezos's family at $87 billion, and Zuckerberg's at $84 billion. Meanwhile, family farms and the vast majority of people would see nothing from this. This feels like a clear example of oligarchy. I think this is a pivotal moment, and maybe we should focus on a "Fight Oligarchy" tour rather than getting caught up in electoral politics. It's important to recognize the bigger picture right now and not let this opportunity slip away.
Many Democratic voters are eager for the party to embrace Bernie and AOC's agenda, pushing for a significant challenge to the Democratic establishment and addressing corruption in Washington. It's frustrating that Obama promised to tackle these issues but didn't even attempt to prioritize legislation aimed at reducing money's influence in politics. To truly counter Trumpism, there needs to be a decisive move away from Reaganism and a commitment to transforming the system into a Social Democracy.
Right now, it feels clear that the U.S. is creating concentration camps for immigrants, including legal residents. A concentration camp is defined as a place where large numbers of people, particularly political prisoners or persecuted minorities, are deliberately imprisoned in small areas with inadequate facilities. This situation is happening openly. If you think you might be targeted, it's essential to google "know your rights ice" to learn how to protect yourself. For those who are born citizens and white, you're relatively safe for now, but there are important ways you can help. Small acts of resistance can make a difference. Make it uncomfortable for ICE agents to do their jobs by standing up for those who might be detained. For example, if ICE or CBP boards a train or bus, let everyone know they have the right to remain silent and only answer questions with an attorney present. Confronting agents in this way has led to them leaving without verifying citizenship, which can save lives. Always remember that immigration officers need reasonable suspicion to detain anyone, and silence or racial identity alone does not meet those criteria. White citizens have the privilege to speak up without fear of retaliation, so it's our responsibility to ensure others know their rights and to make noise when necessary. Recording immigration agents is also legal in many cases; just avoid government property or ports of entry. Thanks to the person who compiled this important information.
I've learned that there are currently 4,000 detainees being held in a Miami detention center designed for only 500 people, and the situation is dire. Reports indicate that detainees are being given just one cup of water every 24 hours, and three have already died due to these conditions. When new detainees arrive, there's often no room for them, so they end up chained on buses without access to food, water, or restrooms, and they're forced to relieve themselves on the floor. Inside the holding cells, they are crammed in with as many as 27 people in tiny spaces, leaving barely any room to stand or sleep. These individuals do not have criminal records, which raises serious concerns about their treatment. This isn't just hearsay; there are smuggled videos and testimonies from detainees that corroborate these accounts. I can't help but feel that this situation fits the definition of a concentration camp.
I recently learned that an iceberg the size of Chicago broke off from the George VI Ice Shelf in Antarctica and has revealed a thriving ecosystem underneath it. This event occurred on January 13, and the area beneath the ice, which spans 209 square miles, had never been explored by humans before. Researchers discovered that this previously hidden ecosystem is home to large corals and sponges, along with a variety of marine life such as icefish, giant sea spiders, and octopuses. It's fascinating to see what lies beneath the ice!
I've heard that the Bronze Bozo has really upset Europe, and now their intelligence agencies are considering releasing files that could include links to Epstein, Russian money, secret children, and other sensitive information. If that’s true, I think it would be quite a revelation. Let’s see what happens.
I'm really surprised that no one seems to be alarmed by what a member of the House of Representatives said: "You violated the law; you are not entitled to due process." It feels like a basic understanding of the Fifth Amendment, which protects our right to due process, should be common knowledge—even among high schoolers.
I want to share a story about Enron, a little company that became one of the most powerful corporations in history, only to disappear in a flash due to fraud. While many are familiar with the basics, I think it's worth reviewing the details. At its peak, Enron was hailed as America’s most innovative company and was the only one to appear on the cover of Fortune Magazine twice. The CEO was celebrated as a hero, and the company was ranked as the top employer in the nation. A great documentary on this topic is titled "The Smartest Guys in the Room," which highlights Enron's shady business practices, political connections, and eventual downfall. The executives were widely regarded as 'geniuses' by the media and shareholders. However, after a decade of impressive growth, some accounting experts began questioning Enron's numbers. It turned out that they were involved in the largest accounting fraud in US history, with even their reputable accounting firm, Arthur Anderson LLP, signing off on their manipulated figures. As Enron’s stock started to crash, insiders including executives and early investors began selling off their shares while urging employees not to do the same. Many employees had invested their lives into the company and relied on their stocks for retirement. Ultimately, Enron became infamous for its massive corporate bankruptcy, with the fallout largely mitigated due to its connections with influential figures in the White House. Does any of this sound familiar?
Independent Senator Angus King recently criticized Elon Musk and former Treasury Secretary Howard Lutnick for their attempts to undermine Social Security. He expressed concern in a video on X, stating, "I never thought I’d say this, but Social Security is under assault." King highlighted that Musk and his associates are reportedly trying to access personal information from Social Security databases, leading to firings and office closures. He also addressed Lutnick's claim that retirees wouldn't mind if their Social Security checks were delayed, asserting, "Well, I’m sorry, but there are people across the country, if that check doesn’t come, they’re in trouble." King emphasized the importance of Social Security in keeping millions of Americans above the poverty line and warned that efforts to weaken this program could leave many elderly individuals in financial hardship. He noted the significant drop in poverty among seniors since 1960, attributing much of that progress to Social Security. Overall, he sees these actions as part of a larger trend to enrich billionaires at the expense of vulnerable populations.
I really feel like the cruelty of this administration is intentional. Just today, the official White House Twitter account posted an AI-generated cartoon depicting an ICE agent handcuffing a sobbing woman with brown skin. It feels like torture porn to me. This comes on the same day that Kristi Noem, our new Secretary of Homeland Security, shared a video standing in front of a prison in El Salvador—a place America should be shutting down instead of using to threaten others. I remember during the Iraq War when images of smiling US troops next to people in horrific conditions at Abu Ghraib caused outrage; it was a major scandal. Now, it seems like this administration is using similar tactics to appeal to those who thrive on cruelty and want to see their leaders act as bullies. I don’t think the division is just between left and right anymore, or even between rich and poor. It feels more like a struggle between decent human beings who value compassion and empathy, versus those who want to use brute force to get their way, regardless of the suffering they cause. We're truly fighting for the soul of America, and it’s crucial that we don’t let them win.
I've been thinking about the political landscape in America. It seems like our far left doesn't really have a strong movement. I see the far-right as fascists and the center-right as extremist nationalists. Meanwhile, the center-left feels more like classical conservatives, and our far-left is more about being moral centrist moderates. If you look at politicians like Sanders or Warren, they’re barely left of center on any objective political compass. A true far-left movement would push for things like forced property seizure by the working class, but instead, our far-left is focused on issues like preventing people from suffering in medical poverty.
I believe a group truly becomes a cult when the leader encourages followers to betray their friends and family. The recent actions of the "Tangerine Tyrant" telling our closest allies, particularly Canada, to go screw themselves really highlight how MAGA operates like a cult.
I heard that Trump has created an "electronic mailbox" for corporations to request exemptions from the Clean Air Act. These exemptions would enable companies to release mercury into the air, which is concerning because it can lead to brain damage and birth defects.
I recently learned that as of Friday, at least five states are dealing with active measles outbreaks. Texas has the largest outbreak, with around 400 cases reported.
I really resonate with the quote from FDR: "The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little." It makes me think about how true progress should be measured by our ability to support those in need, rather than just focusing on increasing wealth for the already privileged.
The NWS-Paducah is predicting that severe storms will arrive on Sunday, with the timeline showing that they could hit the Tri-State area as early as 9 PM or as late as 1 AM on Monday. Each period lasts about four hours, and while the models suggest an earlier arrival, this could change. I'll be keeping an eye on the forecast throughout the weekend to stay updated.
I was in the shower when I had this idea, not specifically for this platform but for something else I was working on. I thought about how great it would be to just express my thoughts out loud and have something capture, clean up, and organize them for later use. I wanted a personal thought processor. That’s when the concept for Rmbl started to take shape. I wasn’t looking for a blog or audio recordings; I just wanted a tool that could understand my thoughts and make them easier to read without losing their essence. Then, I realized, what if this idea was public? Imagine scrolling through other people's processed thoughts, all summarized in a consistent way, where you could respond or comment, but everything was filtered through that same layer of clarity. That’s the essence of Rmbl — a space to share our messy thoughts and have them cleaned up while still retaining our voice. It gives people something real to engage with.