Trump’s blatant attacks on international law are nothing new for the US. They’re bipartisan. geopoliticaleconomy.com/2025/0…

Is the UAE involved in Israel’s Gaza ‘concentration camp’ scheme? Here’s what we know. #Palestine mondoweiss.net/2025/07/is-the-…

Chapter 1 Reading to "The Shaping of a World Religion: From Jesuits, Freemasons and Anthropologists to the Ghost Dance Religion" cynthiachung.substack.com/p/ch…

‘The most peaceful person’: Umm Al-Khair mourns activist slain by Israeli settler #Palestine 972mag.com/awdah-hathaleen-sla…

@LittleTom >Yuzo Koshiro’s Earthion is a side-scrolling space shooter developed natively for 16-bit systems by legendary Japanese developer Ancient Corporation.
Nani store.steampowered.com/app/359…

Colonial Theft: How Western Nations are Looting Ukraine's Cultural Treasures sputnikglobe.com/20250731/colo…

Hezbollah’s Weapons Necessary for Defending Lebanon’s Sovereignty: Sheikh Qassem tn.ai/3365938

Why do right-wing figures name their companies after Lord of the Rings?

www.crikey.com.au/2025/08/01/the-lord-of-the-rings-tech-companies-conservative-palantir

Experts say that companies naming themselves after LoTR concepts are doing so based on 'shallow' readings of Tolkien's work. The post Why do right-wing figures name their companies after Lord of the Rings? appeared first on Crikey.

As Albanese shuffles towards recognising Palestine, Trump looms

www.crikey.com.au/2025/08/01/anthony-albanese-7-30-donald-trump-palestine-state-aukus

Anthony Albanese's foot-dragging on recognising Palestine won't cost him votes, but AUKUS means he has to make sure that he doesn't do anything to upset Trump. The post As Albanese shuffles towards recognising Palestine, Trump looms appeared first on…

Quoting Yagil Levy on why the West won't intervene in Gaza despite "Right to Protect" norm:

[...] No one in the West would even consider this, as Israel enjoys U.S. protection and is still perceived as part of the West, a segment of the Iron Curtain against the Muslim world, and one worthy of sympathy due to the trauma of October 7th which evokes the memory of the Holocaust. Western nations will continue to watch the starvation, destruction, killing, and displacement, as well as the infants buried in Gaza who also take with them Israel's moral identity.

The "Responsibility to Protect" principle, established by the UN in 2005, mandates international action when governments fail to protect populations from mass atrocities. Despite catastrophic conditions in Gaza with at least 30,000 [?] dead and 2 million displaced—far exceeding the Kosovo crisis that prompted NATO intervention—the West won't intervene.

Unlike Kosovo, where NATO bypassed the UN to prevent ethnic cleansing, the US vetoes moderate UN resolutions on Gaza. Israel enjoys US protection, alliances that prevent international intervention persist, and historical trauma influences global perception.

Hebrew haaretz.co.il/opinions/2025-07… or archive.ph/TfSZ3

"Responsibility to Protect" (#R2P) is a global political commitment endorsed by all UN member states in 2005. It asserts that:

1. Every state has the primary duty to protect its population from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing, and crimes against humanity.

2. If a state fails to fulfill this duty, the international community has a responsibility to help protect civilians through peaceful means (e.g., diplomacy, aid).

3. If peaceful measures fail, the UN Security Council may authorize decisive action—including the use of force—as a last resort, to prevent mass atrocities.

un.org/en/genocide-prevention/…

@palestine
@israel
#Gaza #ResponsibilityToProtect #UN #West #MiddleEast #HumanRights

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U.S. labor activist Chris Smalls has been released from jail after being abducted by Israeli forces as part of a Gaza aid ship. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition says Smalls had been assaulted by seven uniformed Israeli soldiers.

mondoweiss.net/2025/07/u-s-uni…

#Palestine #Israel #FreedomFlotilla #Handala #Torture #Pirates #WarCrime

There is a reason why we have challenges with immigration. Those from all over the world want to come to the land of opportunity. But I would also remind all of the observation of historian Arnold Toynbee that "An autopsy of history would show that all great nations commit suicide."
patriotpost.us/opinion/119546-…

Why a Website Designer’s Experience Defines Success (and How to Check It)


Hiring a website designer feels like a leap of faith. You’re relying on them to craft your online presence, often without knowing their full skill set. It’s tempting to choose the cheapest option or the one with the most dazzling portfolio, but a website needs to do more than look pretty—it needs to work.

A website designer’s experience is what ensures success. Here’s why it’s critical and how to confirm you’re hiring someone who’s up to the task.

Experience Is About Breadth, Not Just Years


A website designer might say they’ve been working for a decade, but that doesn’t tell the whole story. Have they tackled diverse projects, or just repeated the same design? Expertise comes from solving a variety of problems across different industries and goals.

A site for a gym isn’t like one for a law firm. Each has unique needs. A skilled website designer adapts, creating solutions tailored to your business and audience.

Try asking:

  • How many websites have you built recently?
  • What kinds of businesses were they for, and what results did they achieve?

Their responses show whether they focus on your goals or just their own creativity.

Website Design Solves Problems, Not Just Decorates


Great website design isn’t about making something beautiful—it’s about function. Visitors want to know: What do you offer? Can I trust you? What’s next relazioni? An experienced website designer builds a site that guides users to answers and actions.

If a designer starts with color schemes or templates without asking about your business, that’s a warning sign. Good website design begins with understanding your goals and audience. It’s about creating a clear path to calls, sales, or subscriptions.

Technical Skills Are Essential


Many website platforms, like Shopify or Squarespace, are user-friendly, but a solid site requires technical expertise. Issues like slow speeds, broken integrations, or poor SEO often come from mistakes beneath the surface.

A seasoned website designer knows how to build a site that’s fast, secure, and ready to grow. They optimize code, choose reliable tools, and avoid common pitfalls like bloated plugins. Even if they’re not developers, they understand enough to ensure stability.

Experience Boosts Performance


A gorgeous site is useless if it’s slow, hard to find, or confusing to use. Speed, SEO, and usability rely on a designer’s expertise.

A skilled website designer will:

  • Optimize images and code for quick loading
  • Structure content for search engines
  • Ensure seamless performance on all devices
  • Create clear navigation to keep visitors moving

These details, built through experience, make a site effective.

How to Evaluate a Website Designer


You don’t need tech skills to spot a pro. Ask:

  • “Can you share recent website design examples?”
  • “What were the clients’ goals, and how did you meet them?”
  • “How do you test for mobile performance?”
  • “What’s your approach to site maintenance?”

Listen for answers that prioritize results over aesthetics. Then, test their sites. Open them on your phone, check load times, and try the navigation. Ask: Would this site make me trust the business?

Post-Launch Support Is a Must


Websites need ongoing maintenance—updates, fixes, and tweaks to stay relevant. An inexperienced website designer might deliver a site and disappear, leaving you to deal with problems.

A professional plans for what comes next. They’ll discuss maintenance, teach you simple updates, or offer support to keep your site running smoothly. This shows they’re invested in your success.

What Happens with an Inexperienced Designer?


Choosing an unproven website designer can lead to:

  • A site that’s slow or crashes
  • No visibility on search engines
  • Layouts that don’t work on mobile
  • Weak calls-to-action that fail to convert
  • Costly fixes later

Your website is your digital storefront. A poorly designed site can damage your reputation. Experience prevents these issues.

Final Thoughts: Pick Skill Over Flash


Don’t be swayed by stunning portfolios or low prices. A great website designer listens, understands your needs, and builds a site that works. They’ve tackled challenges and know how to avoid mistakes.

When picking a website designer, prioritize experience. Ask smart questions, test their work, and choose someone who sees website design as a strategic tool, not just art. A well-crafted site is an investment that pays off. Make sure it’s built by someone who gets it right.

'In this piece, we argue that Israel’s policies and implementation of ethnic cleansing and genocide have global reverberations. Zionist border logics and practices are simultaneously expansionist and constrictive. In the Middle East, the expansionist aspirations of the Zionist project extend beyond historic Palestine into sovereign national spaces from “the Brooke of Egypt to the Euphrates,” crossing the provisional borders of present-day Israel.4 At the same time, this expansionist ethnostate constricts the territories available for Indigenous people of the region, confining them to besieged geographic encampments, restricting their movements and intensifying their exclusion and possible extermination. On a global level, Zionist discourses, lobbying activities, diplomatic relations, and trade relations both cohere with and strengthen racist border regimes elsewhere. Israel’s settler-colonial project is capitalist to its core, deeply imbricated in a global system of accumulation. It exports technologies of surveillance, incarceration, and oppression to countries around the world to limit, securitize, and criminalize the movement of migrants.'

spectrejournal.com/zionism-or-…

Why I Wish We Started Taekwondo Sooner!


As a mother in Singapore, I’ve spent years searching for activities to nurture my son Liam’s growth, from soccer to piano lessons, hoping to spark his passion and build life skills. My biggest regret is not enrolling him in Taekwondo for kids Singapore earlier. Since discovering OP Academy’s transformative Taekwondo classes at Yishun Sunshine, Linear Green at Bedok, and Marine Drive Gardens, I’ve seen Liam blossom in ways I never imagined. The kids martial arts program, with its bully proof curriculum and self defense class Singapore, has instilled confidence and discipline, making me wish we’d started this journey sooner. OP Academy’s martial arts for adults and self defence for seniors also show that Taekwondo benefits everyone, inspiring me to share why parents should explore Taekwondo class Singapore now.

1. Discovering Taekwondo’s Impact for Kids


When I first considered Taekwondo classes for Liam, I pictured a rigid, intense environment unsuitable for my shy 9-year-old. OP Academy proved me wrong with its nurturing approach at Yishun Sunshine and Linear Green at Bedok. The Taekwondo for kids Singapore program blends fun drills with meaningful lessons, creating a welcoming space where Liam thrived. His enthusiasm for kids martial arts has transformed his daily routine, making him more focused and responsible.

Why I Wish We Started Taekwondo Sooner!

The structured setting of OP Academy’s classes fosters discipline that extends beyond the dojo. Liam’s improved focus on schoolwork and willingness to help with chores reflect the positive impact of the Taekwondo class Singapore. The academy’s modern facilities, also accessible near Marine Drive Gardens, ensure a safe, engaging environment for young learners. For parents hesitant about martial arts, OP Academy offers Taekwondo for kids Singapore, beginner & bully-proof training.

This discovery has left me reflecting on missed opportunities. If we had joined Taekwondo classes earlier, Liam might have developed these skills sooner. OP Academy’s experienced instructors make it a standout martial arts school, and I encourage parents to explore their programs to see the difference Taekwondo for kids Singapore can make.

2. Building Confidence Through Martial Arts


At OP Academy, Taekwondo classes go beyond physical techniques, focusing on character development and confidence. Liam’s journey in kids martial arts has been marked by small, achievable goals, like mastering a new kick or earning his next belt. The pride he felt at Yishun Sunshine when he received his first belt was a turning point, showing him the value of perseverance and self-belief.

The instructors at OP Academy use positive reinforcement to nurture confidence, making Taekwondo for kids Singapore a transformative experience. Liam, once hesitant to speak up in class, now participates actively, a change I attribute to the supportive environment at Linear Green at Bedok. This confidence has spilled over into his school life, where he’s more engaged and assertive with peers.

For parents seeking martial arts for kids Singapore that builds inner strength, OP Academy is a top choice. The academy’s focus on personal growth through Taekwondo class Singapore ensures kids like Liam develop skills that last a lifetime. I regret not starting this journey earlier, as the confidence Liam gained could have enriched his earlier years.

3. Bully Proof Skills for Safety


As a parent, ensuring Liam’s safety in social settings was a priority, especially with the challenges of bullying. OP Academy’s bully proof curriculum in its Taekwondo classes has been a game-changer. Liam learned a practical self defense class Singapore that empowers him to handle conflicts calmly, giving me peace of mind as he navigates school dynamics.

The Taekwondo for kids Singapore program at OP Academy uses role-playing to teach kids how to respond to bullying without aggression. At Yishun Sunshine, Liam practiced scenarios that boosted his assertiveness, making him feel secure and capable. This bully proof approach ensures children develop both physical and emotional resilience, a critical skill in today’s world.

Knowing Liam is equipped with kids martial arts skills from OP Academy has alleviated my worries about his safety. The academy’s focus on self defense class Singapore empowers kids to face challenges confidently. Parents in Marine Drive Gardens or nearby areas should consider Taekwondo class Singapore to give their children these invaluable tools.

4. A Supportive Taekwondo Community


OP Academy’s Taekwondo classes create a sense of community that extends across Yishun Sunshine, Linear Green at Bedok, and Marine Drive Gardens. Liam has formed friendships with peers in kids martial arts, fostering camaraderie and mutual respect. The supportive environment encourages kids to celebrate each other’s successes, making training a joyful experience.

This community spirit is palpable during classes, where children motivate one another to push their limits. At OP Academy, Liam’s interactions with classmates have built his social skills, complementing the discipline of Taekwondo for kids Singapore. The academy’s welcoming atmosphere makes it a hub for families seeking martial arts for kids Singapore.

For parents in Singapore, joining a Taekwondo class Singapore at OP Academy means becoming part of a vibrant community. The academy’s inclusive approach ensures kids thrive in a supportive setting. I wish we’d joined this martial arts school sooner to experience these connections earlier, but I’m grateful for the bonds Liam has formed now.

5. Taekwondo and Krav Maga for Adults


While my focus was on Liam, OP Academy’s martial arts for adults and self defence for seniors have caught my attention. Their adult self defence classes offer a way to improve fitness and learn practical skills, inspiring me to consider joining. The academy’s programs at Linear Green at Bedok also include krav maga for seniors, catering to older adults seeking confidence and vitality.

Seeing Liam’s growth in kids martial arts has shown me the benefits of martial arts for all ages. OP Academy’s self defense class Singapore for adults blends physical training with mental resilience, making it appealing for parents like me. The idea of training alongside Liam at Yishun Sunshine is exciting, as it could strengthen our bond.

OP Academy’s inclusive programs make it a standout martial arts school for families. Whether you’re interested in Taekwondo classes or Krav Maga for seniors, their offerings cater to all. Contact OP Academy at +65 91066242 for a free trial and discover how Taekwondo class Singapore can transform your family’s life.

Hamas says it will continue path of martyr Ismaeil Haniyeh en.abna24.com/news/1713372/Ham…

"First Australian-made rocket crashes after 14 seconds of flight in a failed attempt to reach orbit" by @AssociatedPress - First Australian-built orbital rocket failed on its first launch attempt. Launch site near Bowen QLD🇦🇺. Gilmour Space company pleased with engineering progress made on 14-second flight. Most space rockets fail on the first attempt. So now we watch for what they learn and how they proceed. apnews.com/article/rocket-cras… #NewSpace #Australia #rocketry #business #spacegeek
This entry was edited (1 month ago)

An illuminating account of the British state's proscription of the Palestine Action Group as a terrorist organisation:

'One of the reasons Palestine Action has generated such a wave of support is because politicians and judges have over the last few years repeatedly increased the repressive powers of the state. The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 gave police wide powers to put conditions on protest marches. The Public Order Act 2023 criminalised ‘locking on’ and enabled magistrates to make Serious Disruption Prevention Orders banning people from attending demonstrations. Last year climate campaigners who blocked the M25 were given prison terms of four and five years. The government is now pushing through Parliament a Crime and Policing Bill which will prevent demonstrators from protecting their identity at protests, as well as outlawing pyrotechnics on marches and protesting near a place of worship.'

lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v47/n14/da…

An important note about VPNs. They are often sold with the implied idea that it's a magic privacy tool. It absolutely is not.
Your ISP MIGHT not see what you're connected to, but...
If you visited a site Facebook tracks while on VPN, or with anything Meta sitting in your browser or device, all that VPN traffic is associated with you
Same goes for Google, Microsoft, any of it.
If your DNS is not set correctly, your VPN cover is entirely blown.

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Unknown parent

@Bernard @miyagiyoda

If by nation, you mean the people and the land, there is no public entity that serves our interests.
The Federal Reserve is a misnomer suggesting there are 12 independent banks operating for some regional interest.

The federal reserve is the worst of both Worlds. It is public enough to literally control the interest rate but private enough not to be audited.
Being officially part of the general government wouldn't change a thing.

Antiquities Authority inaugurates October 7 exhibit: 'Rising from the Ashes' haaretz.com/archaeology/2025-0…

'Several New South Wales Labor MPs have defied their premier, Chris Minns, by vowing to march across Sydney Harbour Bridge in support of Gaza this weekend as police attempt to challenge the protest in court.'

theguardian.com/world/2025/aug…

"We used to dunk on #people asking random users on here #questions they could’ve googled but now that every single #google search gives you an #AI generated response it’s actually better for the #environment to just ask a random #tumblr user and see what they have to say."

tumblr.com/nando161mando/79064…

join us on YouTube LIVE for latenight sonic immersion...
New month + new episode :::::
deep listening... deep viewing
Mysteries of Ub no. 115


2 hrs of Experimental Hypnotic Drone
featuring soundtracks from
Clock Jupiter & Ohmnoise @Markus Schwill
+ Big City Orchestrae
visuals by ub-monkey


FRIDAY August 1, 2025
11pm-1am US-Pacific (PDT)
6.00-8.00 UTC/GMT
watch livestream at youtube.com/@ubuibi.channel

Linux on a 2014 macbook air?


A friend of mine has an old macbook air. It still works, more or less, but the OS isn't getting any updates anymore, and updating to the latest OS seems dicey.

Has anyone had experience installing linux on an old macbook? From a quick internet search it looks like you can just make a bootable USB and have at it. Thinking mint because it's popular and my friend is a pretty basic user. The laptop will be mostly used for like youtube/netflix and basic web browsing.

Edit: a little extra context: I am moderately comfortable with Linux. I ran mint for a while on my desktop, and I've done software development for a job. I can install docker and start a python project fine, but I'd use a GUI for like partitioning a hard drive.

This entry was edited (1 month ago)
in reply to jjjalljs

Update: installed mint. Seems work. Had a problem where it couldn't see the HD. Had to change an option in grub

Pasting what I found online to fix it:

"""
thank you so much! what was the solution!

for anyone might read this in the future: in the bootmenu where u can select which version of linux u wanna boot u can press "e" and then u need to add intel_iommu=off at the end of the line of the "linux" row - i had some double dashes at the end for me it did the job when I add them before the double dashes.

Then I could see the harddrive and install mint mate on my old macbook air

also needed later on to set the parameter permantent by opening a terminal and used this command
sudo nano /etc/default/grub

edited this line like this: GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX_DEFAULT="quiet splash intel_iommu=off"
then save and exit nano and this command for updating the boot thingy

sudo update-grub
"""

Xi signs order to unveil flag patterns of four PLA branches en.qstheory.cn/2025-07/31/c_11…

COVID-19 outbreaks in Australian residential aged care facilities: 31 July 2025

🔹Active cases: 843 (-14.8%)
🔹Active outbreaks: 160 (-4.1%)
🔹Resident cases: 616 (-15.3%)
🔹Staff cases: 227 (-13.3%)
🔹Reported deaths in 2025: 345 (+10)

7,549 aged care COVID deaths since beginning of pandemic

🔸686 reported deaths in 2020
🔸226 reported deaths in 2021
🔸3,855 reported deaths in 2022
🔸1,359 reported deaths in 2023
🔸1,078 reported deaths in 2024
🔸345 reported deaths in 2025

@SamRaeMP @auscovid19

Source: health.gov.au/resources/public…

So apparently there's this big #FediCon coming up tomorrow & on weekend in #VancouverBC. I was thinking about attending for a few hours as 2 of the nonprofits not on Mastodon yet were willing to pay for me to go. Unfortunately - the organizers seem to be very #ableist.

I sent a direct question about their #CovidSafety protocols because their event site info had ZERO info for concerned people who don't want to catch covid at any forum/convention. No answer at all. This lack of providing public information on #Covid & how they plan to mitigate, lack of answers on my direct public safety question -> top shelf #ableism.

This event isn't #inclusive.

#PeopleWithDisabilities

This entry was edited (1 month ago)
in reply to Ms. Que Banh

I wouldn't have to call out your #Vancouver #FediCon if your organizers weren't so fucking ignorant about #PeopleWithDisabilities in the first place. Your event organizer is an #ableist & I've yet to see any of you people listed on their public info - as speakers - calling them out for their #ableism

WTAF.

#Cowardice #DisabledPeopleMatter

This entry was edited (1 month ago)

"Kind of a hot take but i dont think we can solve the issue of #marginalized #people being treated like #children without asking ourselves why we treat children like #subhuman #objects incapable of #thinking and undeserving of #autonomy"

tumblr.com/nando161mando/79064…

I picked up a Schrade Old Timer 340T Stockman knife, vintage 1980s. New in Box with Paperwork. Made in USA

1095 High Carbon Steel
3.25" Closed Length
Weight: 1.8 oz
Sawcut Delrin Scales

I wonder if this is the knife that @tiddlywinkler was given for his first knife.

These were made in the US from the mid 50s up until the end of US knife production by Schrade-Imperial in 2004. That's a long run for a very popular classic knife.

This entry was edited (1 month ago)

reshared this

Unknown parent

pleroma - Link to source

tiddlywinkler

Bear & Sons, made in Jacksonville, Alabama.

I'm going to stop by their showroom sometime soon and check it out. Last few times I've been through Jacksonville, I haven't had time.

Warther kitchen knives are also still USA-made, in Ohio. I want to pick up a bird's beak paring knife from them at some point.

"#People #talking about #poor #disabled people living off aid like they're lazy, and yet convincing six #government #agencies that you are in #fact poor and disabled ad nauseum is a full time #job with #unpaid #overtime"

tumblr.com/nando161mando/79064…

Marjorie Taylor Greene is calling it a genocide while Bernie Sanders refuses to.

Marjorie Taylor Greene is calling it a genocide while Bernie Sanders refuses to.

Marjorie Taylor Greene is calling it a genocide while Bernie Sanders refuses to.

Marjorie Taylor Greene is calling it a genocide while Bernie Sanders refuses to.

Marjorie Taylor Greene is calling it a genocide while Bernie Sanders refuses to.

Marjorie Taylor Greene is calling it a genocide while Bernie Sanders refuses to.

bell hooks: "The first act of violence that patriarchy demands of males is not violence toward women. Instead patriarchy demands of all males that they engage in acts of psychic self-mutilation, that they kill off the emotional parts of themselves. If an individual is not successful in emotionally crippling himself, he can count on patriarchal men to enact rituals of power that will assault his self-esteem."

From "The Will to Change: Men, Masculinity, and Love" (2004)