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| John McDonnell/ The Washington Post via Getty Images |
(Left) On the first day of early voting in Virginia, a long line of voters wait to cast their ballots at the Fairfax County Government Center.
News blues…
In the US, more than 12.8 million people have already voted.As many as 80 million Americans are expected to vote early, by mail or in person.
Thousands of people, some braving hours-long waits, glitches and politically motivated obstruction, are flocking to cast early ballots and writing the story of a pandemic-era election that may change how America votes.
Heavy turnout at early voting centers in Georgia and Texas comes as many voters elsewhere take advantage of mail-in ballots, defying President Donald Trump's misleading attempts to cast the election as the most corrupt in history.
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Call it what it is: voter suppression. (3:25 mins) But, voters persevere – some standing doggedly in line for up to 11 hours. You go, voting Americans!
Republican ideology is, in general, not “my cup of tea.” Republican policies and goals are inimical to mine and also, I believe, to a healthy planet and healthy societies over the long term. Nevertheless, I applaud the goals of individual Republicans (Michael Steele, below) and groups of Republicans (The Lincoln Project’s ads and efforts regularly shared).
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An extraordinary feature of this election cycle is that, for the first time in my more than four decades living in the US – first time ever in the modern era? - honorable Republicans are speaking out, fiercely, publicly, against dishonorable Republicans. Republican ideology is, in general, not “my cup of tea.” Republican policies and goals are inimical to mine and also, I believe, to a healthy planet and healthy societies over the long term. Nevertheless, I applaud the goals of individual Republicans (Michael Steele, below) and groups of Republicans (The Lincoln Project’s ads and efforts regularly shared).
It’s comforting to know that ideology differs, but agreement exists on core principles and ethics.
Michael Steele, in his latest news interview, tells Americans, “Remember The Elected Officials Who Made You Stand In That Line" (4:20 mins)
Michael Steele, in his latest news interview, tells Americans, “Remember The Elected Officials Who Made You Stand In That Line" (4:20 mins)
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South Africans have been under Lockdown since March 15. Level 1, currently in effect, was due to end October 15, but let’s stay safe. ***
The Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in the Western Cape has experienced 40 attacks against staff since the start of the lockdown.
According to data … attacks occur in hotspot areas. In a recent incident…a crew was robbed of their personal belongings at gunpoint while waiting in traffic in Philippi, Cape Town. In these hotspot areas, known as “red zones”, EMS staff need to wait for police escorts before entering a high crime area in order to provide emergency health services.
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The Lincoln Project states: In our ever-growing movement, we’ve joined forces with an incredible list of patriotic Americans in our mission to defeat Donald Trump and end Trumpism.Enjoy,
Now, we’re proud to present "Commander in Chief" by Demi Lovato.
Demi's new song is a fierce rebuke of the president’s lies and corruption, and a lament for the Americans who are suffering and dying on his watch.
The Lincoln Project is honored to have produced this music video, and we’re giving you an exclusive first look:
"Commander in Chief" by Demi Lovato (3:11 mins)
We’re proud to stand with you, with Demi Lovato, and with the rest of the patriots who will defeat Donald Trump on November 3.
Our coalition is growing larger by the day; momentum is building for those of us on the right side of history.
- Big (0:55 mins)
- Randy Rainbow Parody IF DONALD GOT FIRED (4:05 mins)
- VOTE THE BASTARDS OUT - The Spooky Mens Chorale (3:50 mins)
- Meidas Touch: Don’t worry (0:53 mins)
- RVAT: Trump's Lying About Fauci (0:33 mins)
- Don Winslow Films & Bruce Springsteen (2:13 mins)
Healthy planet, anyone?
Daily Maverick webinar: The Climate Risks We Face . Hosted by Kevin Bloom with Bob Scholes and Makoma Lekalakala.Meanwhile, back at the ranch…
I delivered what I though was the correct chair – and cushion - to my mother at the Care Center. Alas. Wrong! No arms rests. I asked Center staff if they had a chair with arm rests my mother could use. They did. Alas, she did not want that chair. Deflated, I returned the “wrong” chair – and cushion - back to the house.***
With a potential sale of the house looming, I’ve expected my brother to claim and collect sundry tools – including his elderly concrete mixer I’ve used in the past to mix compost. With many collection dates scheduled then not cancel without notice - including Monday, then Tuesday, then Wednesday this week - tools remain. I modified the adage, “when life hands you lemons, make lemonade” to “when no-shows hand you dirt, make compost.”
I wheeled out the elderly concrete mixer and mixed up two large bags of compost.
I tossed in kitchen scraps, recycled potting soil, bone meal, swamp cypress needles, kraal manure, vermiculite, peat, assorted leaves, handsful of pond weed, sawdust, ash, fertilizer pellets….
It’s heavy work for an old lady, and dusty, but filling bags with sweet smelling home-made compost is fulfilling and joyous.
I imagine the plants that will enjoy snacking on this fecund feast in the future.
It’s heavy work for an old lady, and dusty, but filling bags with sweet smelling home-made compost is fulfilling and joyous.
I imagine the plants that will enjoy snacking on this fecund feast in the future.
Satisfaction!
