in reply to El Conquistador (MI)

-- nice! Thank you!

Though that article's thumbnail reminds me about this video I love about why dandelions are awesome. 😁

youtube.com/watch?v=bpEy-Mpm6A…

100 days ago, we couldn't envision the toll of death and suffering this man would cause. Now scientists are estimating the body count, the new rise of infectious diseases once subdued. My latest for The Nation. thenation.com/article/politics…

PREP ACT - Time for Supreme Court to weigh vaccine case?

americanthinker.com/blog/2025/…

Trust in federal agencies such as the NIH, CDC, and FDA will not be restored without accountability. If the U.S. Supreme Court declines to address the egregious miscarriages of justice accomplished under the PREP Act, all American children are at continuous risk, and public schools will attract suspicion. Similarly, public confidence in the ...

in reply to HunDriverWidow

nation’s highest court will be tarnished along with the federal agencies and Congress it is entrusted to hold to the highest law of the land.

My comments are:

Since the early 1980's, the public schools, Coast to Coast, have been involved in taking or directing minor children to Planned Parenthood for advice and/or abortions. There is the chance that any of these minors could die or end up sterile!! Who holds the liability for this murder and maiming?

Beyond economic woes, the West faces a profound collapse. Material decay triggers ideological erosion, fueling atomization and nihilism.

External defeats act as psychological blows, while political opportunism prevents vital course corrections.

This creates a self-reinforcing spiral of decline, fracturing society and plunging it into an anxiety-ridden void. The US leads this unraveling of the dying world order.

dialecticaldispatches.substack…

#politics #economics

This entry was edited (2 weeks ago)

Dr Neal Curtis argues that we should avoid the neoliberal-inspired phrase of ‘taxing the rich’ and instead use ‘reclaim the wealth’. He points out the many social inequalities which exist in New Zealand.

"... the tax giveaway to landlords is estimated to cost the country $2.9 billion. To put this in perspective, that is more than the amount paid in Treaty settlements since 1985, which is about $2.7b. In other words, in one year, the current Government awarded landlords more money than has been paid out to Māori in 40 years as compensation for historical wrongs."

newsroom.co.nz/2025/06/08/lets…

#ReclaimTheWealth #TaxBillionaires

Hey y'all, I don't do this often, but I applied for a full time position at my store and if I got it it would change my life for the positive immensely. I showed my managers my application and everything before sending it in and I'm feeling good, but any extra reassurance is needed. I'm shaking, tearing and choking up. This would help me get further in this industry I actually like at a job I'm respected and valued at. If anyone could send any extra energy or thoughts or whatever I'd heavily appreciate it 💚

In America, we don’t do kings
They’ve defied our courts, deported Americans, disappeared people off the streets, attacked our civil rights, and slashed our services. The corruption has gone too. far. No thrones. No crowns. No kings.
On June 14th, we rise up.
nokings.org/
#nokings #politics #trump #june14th

Underlining this from @gregggonsalves.

Do not let anyone get away with calling ICE “law enforcement.” That term is wrong. They are operating outside the law. They aren’t law •enforcement•; they’re law •circumvention•. Their purpose is to grant a would-be authoritarian military power against his own country, unconstrained by either law or democracy. med-mastodon.com/@gregggonsalv…


These are masked men, with weapons, no warrants and this is extrajudicial abduction, and with local police aiding and abetting this thuggery. It is illegal under international human rights law. nytimes.com/2025/06/07/us/la-i…

in reply to Paul Cantrell

Say what you will about the police who supposedly maintain the rule of law (and I’m from Minneapolis, hoo boy could I say a lot), but keep this in mind:

The Trump administration is pumping up ICE to massive proportions and trying to give it absolute free reign because they find even the police — even the police! — too legally constrained for their purposes.

This entry was edited (2 weeks ago)

What I think should make me happy, and what makes me happy, are not the same.

What makes me happy is accepting whatever bullshit Life dishes out (including accepting hating it).

What I think should make me happy is Life dishing out different bullshit. This doesn't make me happy because it doesn't happen. Life dishes out what She dishes out.

This entry was edited (2 weeks ago)

I'll never forget this one time I was organizing with a music workers' group against YouTube, and we met with another music union to see if they'd sign on to our demands.

One guy says, "No, YouTube is like a Creative Commons."

💀

Really? Google owns a creative commons, huh? You're just gonna let them be cultural landlords?

This entry was edited (3 weeks ago)
in reply to Arend (they) 🏳️‍⚧️🍉

He says, "Where else will I get to see Miles Davis perform at such-and-such back in the day?"

Dude, if you'd rather let Google continue to be evil than risk your favorite videos being taken away from you, idk what to tell you. Maybe you shouldn't let your favorite videos just exist on a corporate server then?

This kind of pernicious entitlement that comes from some "leftists" is why we need to talk more about #degrowth, but that's a rant for another day lol.

in reply to Arend (they) 🏳️‍⚧️🍉

Lemme tell you something about YouTube, as a music streamer. Google is making bucks off pirated music. Whatever you think about piracy, doesn't matter: the question is, why is Google making money off of Joe Schmo's file-share of his favorite deep cut album? They have the technology to content ID music, right? So why aren't they sending that money where it belongs: into the hands of artists?
in reply to Arend (they) 🏳️‍⚧️🍉

Now, when we brought this to the attention of the other union, they fixated on the piracy part and essentially defended people's right to piracy, as Gen X/Millennial leftist dudes are wont to do lol. Now I'm not saying that they're wrong. But hearing it from a bunch of cis white guys is not convincing, if you know what I mean. It was me, a Black woman, a Black dude, and another GNC white person on the call with them.
in reply to Arend (they) 🏳️‍⚧️🍉

I don't mean to be reductionist about their concerns with our campaign. That's why they're to remain nameless. They had some legitimate concerns. But I believe their hang-ups were ultimately not in music workers' best interests and did not serve our immediate needs.

They said they couldn't sign on, which was a disappointment since they had had some repute, and then they said, "but we are still your allies in the fight for streaming justice."

Maybe that's why we need comrades, not just allies.

This entry was edited (3 weeks ago)
in reply to Arend (they) 🏳️‍⚧️🍉

i like that ending quite a bit. comrades not allies. make coalitions where we can on specific issues.
i was chatting with my friend @resl a week or so ago about a similar situation. there's a huge disconnect between the general left and the tech-left. where the former often feels that the latter is barking up inconsequential trees no one cares about. maybe most people don't care, but inconsequential i do not think. tech is the primary economic driver in today's world. if our tech isn't left, the activism isn't (effectively) left. not to devalue the work they do, but i must ask... if your activism is really threatening the power structure, don't you think they would pull the plug?
in reply to benda

@benda That's well said. I've been disturbed about that disconnect you describe, but it has been hard for me to articulate.

Seems more of us have started to get wise to it since we've become aware that Big Tech has their hands in Palestine. But I'm continually surprised by organizers (and friends and comrades) who still primarily use Meta for their organizing. Seems to me like it's shooting yourself in the foot, at best.

Also, hi @resl, nice to meet you. 😀

in reply to Arend (they) 🏳️‍⚧️🍉

Slightly random comment:

YouTube/Google views content creators as an 'expense' they have to give money to.

Advertisers provide YT/google with money and are good/god.

So if it makes YT/Google ad money and it's pirated so they don't have payout as much, the it's good for YT/Google.

And yes, this make YT/Google just another evil corporation that wants profits at all cost.

<gets off soap box and walks away>

Safeguarding Crane Operations: A Guide to Brake Maintenance


Cranes are indispensable in the construction, shipping, and industrial sectors, performing heavy lifting with precision and power. However, when crane brakes fail, the potential for disaster is significant. Such failures can disrupt projects, increase costs, and, most critically, endanger lives. Understanding the reasons behind brake failures and implementing preventive measures is crucial to ensure safety and operational efficiency.

The Stealthy Threat: Wear and Tear


Imagine wearing the same pair of shoes for daily marathons. Over time, those shoes will wear out. Crane brakes face a similar challenge. Constant use leads to the gradual degradation of brake pads, cracking of linings, and warping of metal components. These issues often develop quietly, without immediate warning signs. Regular inspections are essential to identify and replace worn parts with quality crane parts before they become liabilities. A dependable crane parts supplier can provide the necessary components to maintain smooth operations.

Heat: The Unseen Adversary


Crane brakes endure significant heat, especially when handling heavy loads, rapid cycles, or steep inclines. This heat, generated by friction, can cause brake fade, reducing stopping power and potentially deforming components. Operators sometimes push cranes beyond their limits, resulting in overheating. To prevent heat-related failures, allow cranes to cool between lifts and consider upgrading to parts designed for higher temperatures. A knowledgeable crane parts supplier can recommend components with superior heat resistance.

Rust: The Persistent Problem


Cranes operate in harsh environments, often exposed to rain, snow, and salty air. These conditions promote rust, which can damage brake components. While surface rust may seem minor, it can infiltrate hydraulics or seize calipers, rendering brakes ineffective. Regular maintenance is essential to prevent rust-related issues. Keeping brakes clean and dry, and using protective coatings, can extend their lifespan. Investing in quality crane parts from a trusted supplier ensures durability and reliability.

Human Error: The Unpredictable Factor


Despite technological advancements, human error remains a significant risk. Operators may overload cranes, ignore warning signs, or lack proper training. These mistakes can lead to brake failures. For instance, a new operator eager to prove themselves might push the crane too hard, unaware of the consequences. Training is crucial to prevent such scenarios. Pairing skilled operators with top-quality components from a reputable crane parts supplier creates a safer work environment.

Proactive Prevention: A Cost-Effective Approach


Preventing crane brake failures requires diligence and foresight. Adhering to a strict maintenance schedule is vital. Regularly check brake pads, linings, and fluids to catch wear early. Investing in quality Grove crane parts is a wise decision, as they offer long-term reliability. A reputable crane parts supplier provides components tailored to your crane’s specifications, ensuring optimal performance. Upgrading to modern brake systems can also enhance durability and efficiency.

A Cautionary Tale from the Field


Consider a crew in Texas working on a major oil rig project. With a tight deadline, they noticed the crane brakes were squealing and slipping. The foreman decided to push through, hoping to finish the week without incident. Unfortunately, the brakes failed mid-lift, causing a load to crash into a stack of pipes. While no one was injured, the financial impact was significant, with costly repairs and a week of downtime. This incident underscores the importance of timely maintenance and using quality crane parts.

The Broader Implications of Brake Failures


Crane brake failures have far-reaching consequences. They can disrupt entire sites, incur significant repair costs, and undermine crew confidence. Most importantly, they pose serious safety risks. Ensuring reliable crane brakes is not just a technical necessity; it’s a commitment to safety and efficiency. Regular maintenance, careful operation, and the use of high-quality parts from a trusted crane parts supplier are essential strategies for preventing brake failures.

Conclusion: The Importance of Vigilance


Treat crane brakes with the respect they deserve. Regular maintenance, smart operation, and the use of the best available parts are key to preventing failures. Establish a strong relationship with a reliable crane parts supplier to ensure access to top-quality components. By prioritizing these measures, you can maintain safe and efficient crane operations, avoiding costly and potentially dangerous brake failures.

in reply to Berkelana

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