The Camp Plymouth Wonkmeet will be on Saturday, June 7 2025. Hosted by myself, Suzie Greenburg, our gathering will officially be from 1-5, at the Wedding Grove picnic pavilion. I have paid for the pavillion, but everyone will need to pay for their own admission to the park- adults are $5. Please bring your own picnic "main" for your lunch, I will provide a few vegan friendly sides to go along with whatever you bring- not sure exactly what but something in the green salad family, the fruit salad family, and the cracker family. I will bring some soft drinks to share. If you can, please let me know if you hope to join us so I can have enough to share with everyone. You are most welcome to join even if it is a last minute decision, an RSVP is not necessary. I've set up an e-mail account for the event and will check it each morning until June 7 MeetSomeWonks@gmail.com to get a rough head count and answer questions. There is a small concession stand at the park that sells sodas, chips, candy bars and ice cream. I will be arriving earlier to kayak on the lake for a couple of hours, if you would like to join me please let me know via email. Children are welcome if you don't mind adult language and possible alcohol and cannabis use among the adults- there is a whole park to enjoy with hiking, swimming and boat rentals that your kids might love! Children must be supervised at all times. There is no smoking at the park so if you plan to partake in recreational cannabis at the event bring gummies or some sort of vape. Alcohol is allowed for guests 21+ for personal consumption, park policy is no kegs and no serving alcohol to others. Park Rangers have the discretion to card anyone they choose. We have access to electricity in the pavilion, should you need it for anything. The pavillion is located close to bathrooms and parking. There are picnic tables in the pavilion, so if you would like to sit on something else, bring your own chair. Leashed dogs are welcome in the park everywhere except the beach.
I would LOVE to be there! It sounds like a wonderful time and I adore you, Suzie, and everyone else there. God!
I would say that if you're a Wonk who's able to go, you need to just go. I know a lot of us get nervous and all that, but these are going to be wonderful people and welcoming, and it's a great way to get into seeing people in person. Go if you can! I promise it's going to be great!
Yes to all this! I get some anxiety, too, but meeting irl is a treat once I get there. I’ll have name tags so everyone can relax around that bit of meeting people. I’m terrible with face- name combos the first few times I meet people.
I know I emailed you with this stuff, but I thought I'd let everyone know what we're bringing so there's no unnecessary overlap. We have lots of picnic paraphernalia (plates, cups, utensils, napkins, etc.) leftover from the cabin Wonkmeet that we'll bring. I'll throw a couple of sides together (vegan and otherwise) and a big pan of gooey sweet stuff.
Paul and I are so excited to see everyone and their beautiful Wonk faces!
The regular sized cats in my life aided and abetted an interest in the big cats. These casual moments just move me.Those guys are not doing as well as domestic felines with human interaction, but efforts help.
A long time ago in a distant Disgus(ting) dust-up he and I went 6 rounds over which Primanti sandwich was better. One thing we did agree on was - French fries should ALWAYS be on a Primanti sandwich.
He was one of the Original Snark Factory Wonks and I will miss his wicked sense of humor and his no bullshit approach to everything.
Fly with the angels my wonderful friend. I'll put some French fries on my next fried chicken sandwich and think of you.
I have to agree that a Primanti's sandwich without the fries ain't a Primanti's sandwich. Brings back some fond memories--thanks Holly! And yes, Stroke1 will be missed here!
Ya know...I'd have to ask that question directly. She's so even-keeled that she doesn't really give any indication either way. I know she goes to at least one function a year.
That, and there was talk of a creeping amount of alt-right bros getting into Mensa a few years ago...
If you do go, Axminster, please sign the guest book on behalf of us Wonketteers. I did that at Big Bad Bald Bastard's memorial service. We all miss Stroke1 already.
Just home from taking Daughter2 to Dulles to go back to Colorado. Just don't have it in me to drive another 2.5 hours across the mountains. Too many Axes in motion. Daughter1 is driving back to Ft Bragg. I leave tomorrow. Train ride HF to Denver. #2 was in Motown for a wedding the day Stroke died. Both girls are wearing Battleground Coffee sweatshirts today from Harpers Ferry. #1 used to work there.
Drew Pavlou is an Australian attention seeker who is quite good on anti-fascist issues, but is very bad on Gaza and may well be driven by actual bipolar issues
At a raucous town hall meeting in Lincoln, Nebraska, a constituent asked Rep. Mike Flood (R-Neb.) about a part of the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” aimed at preventing federal courts from blocking power grabs by the Trump administration.
“I do not agree with that section that was added to that bill,” Flood said, prompting a roar of disapproval from the crowd. “I do believe that the federal district courts, when issuing an injunction, it should have legal effect.”
Then Flood got unusually candid for a member of Congress: “I am not going to hide the truth. This provision was unknown to me when I voted for that bill, and when I found out that provision was in the bill, I immediately reached out to my Senate counterparts and told them of my concern,” Flood said. “When I return to Washington, I am going to very clearly tell the people in my conference that we cannot support undermining our court system and we must allow our federal courts to operate and issue injunctions,” Flood continued.
"U.S. To Endure ‘Staggering’ Economic Loss From Decreased International Tourism, Study Finds
International arrivals to the U.S. are expected to fall around 9% this year, leading to a decrease in spending by foreign visitors of $8.5 billion, according to a new research note from Oxford Economics, a global economic advisory firm.
The research note linked the sharp drop in tourism to Trump’s tariffs and immigration policies, which has prompted overseas tourists to travel elsewhere.
Stark as it is, other estimates range even higher. A similar report by the World Travel & Tourism Council projects the U.S. is on track to lose “a staggering” $12.5 billion this year in international visitor spending, a 22.5% decline from its peak.
According to the report, U.K. arrivals are down 15% year over year; arrivals from Germany are down 28%; South Korea is down nearly 15%; Canadian arrivals are down more than 20%; and other markets like Spain, Colombia, Ireland, Ecuador and the Dominican Republic have all seen double-digit drops between 24% and 33%."
That convo between Krugman and Ritholtz is a blast. He just came out with a book called How Not to Invest, and my kid's dad is getting it for Father's Day.
.
Thriftbooks has been my go-to for used books 4-eva and long may it stay out of the hands of billionaire monopolist types. Since my local library book sales are mobbed with book resellers who are trying to make a living, I feel no guilt about buying a great used book in fine condition, reading it, and if no one else has the inclination to read it, into the local library book sale it goes.
.
I just got a Covid booster yesterday. I am having an inflammatory reaction to this Moderna shot. Not serious, but I've had to take a painkiller to function today and last night's sleep was greatly disrupted. I hope to feel more like myself by tomorrow, as is per usual after a Covid shot. Partner and kid are going to get theirs ASAP. This fall, I think there will be little to no insurance coverage for Covid shots (and possibly other virus shots) if RatFK, Jr. has his way. After contracting Covid for the first time last August, I am loathe to get it again.
.
SwimnGuy, if you're still amongst the Wonkette community, perhaps merely lurking, please de-cloak and let us all know you're still here! Worried about you!
Re the No Kings protests: I went to a protest in Hudson NY last Sunday. There were maybe 100-200 people there. 90% were over the age of 60. Malcolm Nance (who lives nearby) spoke at the end, quite forcefully. He addressed why so many at these demonstrations are aging hippies: “because you did it in the 60s and 70s and you know.” He told us each to bring 8 people to the June 14 protests with us, including young people and even babies. It isn’t enough that we need to defend democracy, apparently. We have to make this cool.
Trump toot of yesterday afternoon - 'Transgender for everyone'!
"Other than the Rigged Presidential Election of 2020, the Biggest Scandal in American History is the “AUTOPEN!” Whoever used it was usurping the power of the Presidency, and it should be very easy to find out who that person (or persons) is. They did things that a Joe Biden, of sound mind, would have never done, like, Open Borders, Transgender for everyone, men in women’s sports, and far more. Fear not, however, we will bring America BACK, BIGGER, BETTER, AND STRONGER THAN EVER BEFORE!"
Real quick, y'all--I have to go to court in person today in a minute, and weirdly I'm scared. I haven't been there as a lawyer in a couple of years, and recently I was the judge, so I was in charge of everyone. I feel nervous like it's my first day!
I can't help myself. I'm going to tell my story now. Future DIL and her mom were inside shopping, and Son was keeping me company on the street while I smoked. Just got to say here that the Irish mother-son bond is a real thing, and if you know, you know. Not sure how we got to this part, but I'm sure it was a logical progression to this point in the narrative:
Me: If I go first, you'll have to keep an eye on dad, or he'll spend all the money.
He: Yeah.
Me: He could get married again.
He: No way!
Me: Why not?
He: Why?
Me: He can't take care of himself.
He: Who would he marry?
Me: I don't know. Some lady from Meijer's.
He: Well, she better not marry him, or then I'm going to have to kill her.
At which point I practically fell over laughing. As if.
loved your shots of Coney Island. despite never having lived closer than DC, Luna Park is one of my happiest places on earth! (is the Luna Park moon tattoo’d somewhere on my body, yes; did I get it done as part of a larger souvenir piece in Brooklyn also yes; it’s not a mermaid off Mermaid Ave but I do love it). next time I’m out that way I hope to have my camera with me, the place was made for polaroid.
WonkMeet Camp Plymouth State Park Ludlow, VT
The Camp Plymouth Wonkmeet will be on Saturday, June 7 2025. Hosted by myself, Suzie Greenburg, our gathering will officially be from 1-5, at the Wedding Grove picnic pavilion. I have paid for the pavillion, but everyone will need to pay for their own admission to the park- adults are $5. Please bring your own picnic "main" for your lunch, I will provide a few vegan friendly sides to go along with whatever you bring- not sure exactly what but something in the green salad family, the fruit salad family, and the cracker family. I will bring some soft drinks to share. If you can, please let me know if you hope to join us so I can have enough to share with everyone. You are most welcome to join even if it is a last minute decision, an RSVP is not necessary. I've set up an e-mail account for the event and will check it each morning until June 7 MeetSomeWonks@gmail.com to get a rough head count and answer questions. There is a small concession stand at the park that sells sodas, chips, candy bars and ice cream. I will be arriving earlier to kayak on the lake for a couple of hours, if you would like to join me please let me know via email. Children are welcome if you don't mind adult language and possible alcohol and cannabis use among the adults- there is a whole park to enjoy with hiking, swimming and boat rentals that your kids might love! Children must be supervised at all times. There is no smoking at the park so if you plan to partake in recreational cannabis at the event bring gummies or some sort of vape. Alcohol is allowed for guests 21+ for personal consumption, park policy is no kegs and no serving alcohol to others. Park Rangers have the discretion to card anyone they choose. We have access to electricity in the pavilion, should you need it for anything. The pavillion is located close to bathrooms and parking. There are picnic tables in the pavilion, so if you would like to sit on something else, bring your own chair. Leashed dogs are welcome in the park everywhere except the beach.
I can't wait to see you!
Will be with y'all in spirit!
Thanks STF!
I hope there are pictures - it's the only way I get to "travel" anywhere these days.
Funny (ok, not really)...my idea of a "vacation" these days is only via Google Street View.
I’ll make sure!
Thank you!!
I would LOVE to be there! It sounds like a wonderful time and I adore you, Suzie, and everyone else there. God!
I would say that if you're a Wonk who's able to go, you need to just go. I know a lot of us get nervous and all that, but these are going to be wonderful people and welcoming, and it's a great way to get into seeing people in person. Go if you can! I promise it's going to be great!
Yes to all this! I get some anxiety, too, but meeting irl is a treat once I get there. I’ll have name tags so everyone can relax around that bit of meeting people. I’m terrible with face- name combos the first few times I meet people.
Come one and all.🌈
I know I emailed you with this stuff, but I thought I'd let everyone know what we're bringing so there's no unnecessary overlap. We have lots of picnic paraphernalia (plates, cups, utensils, napkins, etc.) leftover from the cabin Wonkmeet that we'll bring. I'll throw a couple of sides together (vegan and otherwise) and a big pan of gooey sweet stuff.
Paul and I are so excited to see everyone and their beautiful Wonk faces!
Brilliant, thanks Holly
Looks like a no-go for me, I have to work during the day that day. Sorry, I was hoping to make it!
BOO!
I know we’ll miss you, but your patients will benefit from our loss.
I SO wanted to do this, but knee replacement surgery three days before makes it seem ill advised. Have fun hanging out without me!
Next time, Otis! Good luck with the surgery!
I really wish I could be there. Have a ball, You People!
Wait ... we are *THOSE PEOPLE*??!?!?!?
Yes.
My mother would be SO proud!
Camp Plymouth State Park website
https://www.vtstateparks.com/parks/camp-plymouth
Beautiful spot. Sadly, a little too far for me right now (~200 miles), both the car and the Craig need repair work.
I hope our paths cross eventually, Craig!
Samesies!
I ain’t lion, here’s your hed gif source info… really! https://open.substack.com/pub/martiniambassador/p/the-baby-lion-strut
And your meme chat: https://open.substack.com/chat/posts/0d788472-010b-4343-87cb-1daaf6c7cad1
The prides of the pride.
so many cute kitties!
Lion cub second grade field trip.
They say pride goeth before a fall
And that pride's a sin
I don't know if that's true at all
This pride seems quite the win.
Is this the way to the No Kings demonstration?
But you do have a mighty roar, right?
The regular sized cats in my life aided and abetted an interest in the big cats. These casual moments just move me.Those guys are not doing as well as domestic felines with human interaction, but efforts help.
https://ibca.world/index
So friggin cute... even if they were chewing my face off.
Kittehs! Many kittehs! Just trottin' along like they own the place! (I'm not arguing with them)
Martini, I was going to tell you about Hou-chan, a polar bear on IG who I follow: https://www.instagram.com/dena61163?igsh=MXczYTJ0aG9oeXppag==
I bet you can find some cute video of her with a cone on her head!
Look at all them Babby Kittehs!
Yay! Pride parade.
I saw this on my IG feed! What a beautiful sight! Lions really do have it all figured out.
Babby lions and strong, beautiful lionesses!
Definitely look like the kind of girls who won't take much crap from the men in their lives
Lion cubs are cute. Adult lions, less so.
I think those lionesses are stunning! Powerful beauty.
Someone stopped by earlier and shared Stroke1's obit! He was a great guy!
https://www.dominionpost.com/2025/05/27/mark-e-stacy-2/
Stroke was born in my home town and went to my high school, but as far as I know we are too far apart in age and never crossed paths there. Wow
What a guy. He will be heavily missed on morning crew.
I came across this story about his time on 'Jeopardy!', so thought I would share.
https://www.dominionpost.com/2021/01/07/local-man-recounts-his-time-spent-on-jeopardy/
A long time ago in a distant Disgus(ting) dust-up he and I went 6 rounds over which Primanti sandwich was better. One thing we did agree on was - French fries should ALWAYS be on a Primanti sandwich.
He was one of the Original Snark Factory Wonks and I will miss his wicked sense of humor and his no bullshit approach to everything.
Fly with the angels my wonderful friend. I'll put some French fries on my next fried chicken sandwich and think of you.
I have to agree that a Primanti's sandwich without the fries ain't a Primanti's sandwich. Brings back some fond memories--thanks Holly! And yes, Stroke1 will be missed here!
Thank you so much for posting this! I'm not crying, you're crying.
Thank you.
I love that donations are directed to the WV Music Hall of Fame.
Truly a badass.
I truly loved this fellow.
:0(
Thanks Diane. He was a hell of a guy.
LIKE (my like button doesn't work, browser too old)
that was awesome, thank you for sharing it with us.
This is a good obit, in that it sounds just like him!
Jeopardy, I never knew this one. Damn!
RIP Stroke. Wish I knew you better.
Thanks for posting this.
ETA: I was trying to find Mark's season 17 episodes of Jeopardy, but was unsuccessful. If anyone can dig them up, I'd love to see them.
His run starts at #3783. I don't know if you can actually watch them here but Plex is a free channel.
https://watch.plex.tv/show/jeopardy/season/17
Thx
I have a friend who was on also. I'll have to check with her which season it was.
We are both learned and learned-adjacent here!
My only "talent" is being adjacent to a lot of shit.
Said friend who was on Jeopardy(!) is also in Mensa. Huh.
Did they like Mensa? Even if I had a huge IQ, I’m not sure I’d want to hang out with people who were always correcting each other.
Ya know...I'd have to ask that question directly. She's so even-keeled that she doesn't really give any indication either way. I know she goes to at least one function a year.
That, and there was talk of a creeping amount of alt-right bros getting into Mensa a few years ago...
I might be able to recognize him in some episodes, I'll give it a look!
Thanks Diane. Still thinking about driving over there today. About 2.5 hour drive each way. Weather sucks. Gonna miss that guy.
If you do go, Axminster, please sign the guest book on behalf of us Wonketteers. I did that at Big Bad Bald Bastard's memorial service. We all miss Stroke1 already.
Just home from taking Daughter2 to Dulles to go back to Colorado. Just don't have it in me to drive another 2.5 hours across the mountains. Too many Axes in motion. Daughter1 is driving back to Ft Bragg. I leave tomorrow. Train ride HF to Denver. #2 was in Motown for a wedding the day Stroke died. Both girls are wearing Battleground Coffee sweatshirts today from Harpers Ferry. #1 used to work there.
I so wish I could be there. He was truly a friend.
Drew Pavlou is an Australian attention seeker who is quite good on anti-fascist issues, but is very bad on Gaza and may well be driven by actual bipolar issues
Words like "landslide" and "decisive" in terms of elections are taking a tremendous beating in the age of Trump.
At a raucous town hall meeting in Lincoln, Nebraska, a constituent asked Rep. Mike Flood (R-Neb.) about a part of the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” aimed at preventing federal courts from blocking power grabs by the Trump administration.
“I do not agree with that section that was added to that bill,” Flood said, prompting a roar of disapproval from the crowd. “I do believe that the federal district courts, when issuing an injunction, it should have legal effect.”
Then Flood got unusually candid for a member of Congress: “I am not going to hide the truth. This provision was unknown to me when I voted for that bill, and when I found out that provision was in the bill, I immediately reached out to my Senate counterparts and told them of my concern,” Flood said. “When I return to Washington, I am going to very clearly tell the people in my conference that we cannot support undermining our court system and we must allow our federal courts to operate and issue injunctions,” Flood continued.
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/mike-flood-town-hall-big-beautiful-bill_n_68372c31e4b0327c975c7f1b?pq3=&utm_source=buzzfeed&utm_medium=iframely
The victory. Was Not. Decisive.
HuffPost:
"U.S. To Endure ‘Staggering’ Economic Loss From Decreased International Tourism, Study Finds
International arrivals to the U.S. are expected to fall around 9% this year, leading to a decrease in spending by foreign visitors of $8.5 billion, according to a new research note from Oxford Economics, a global economic advisory firm.
The research note linked the sharp drop in tourism to Trump’s tariffs and immigration policies, which has prompted overseas tourists to travel elsewhere.
Stark as it is, other estimates range even higher. A similar report by the World Travel & Tourism Council projects the U.S. is on track to lose “a staggering” $12.5 billion this year in international visitor spending, a 22.5% decline from its peak.
According to the report, U.K. arrivals are down 15% year over year; arrivals from Germany are down 28%; South Korea is down nearly 15%; Canadian arrivals are down more than 20%; and other markets like Spain, Colombia, Ireland, Ecuador and the Dominican Republic have all seen double-digit drops between 24% and 33%."
That convo between Krugman and Ritholtz is a blast. He just came out with a book called How Not to Invest, and my kid's dad is getting it for Father's Day.
.
Thriftbooks has been my go-to for used books 4-eva and long may it stay out of the hands of billionaire monopolist types. Since my local library book sales are mobbed with book resellers who are trying to make a living, I feel no guilt about buying a great used book in fine condition, reading it, and if no one else has the inclination to read it, into the local library book sale it goes.
.
I just got a Covid booster yesterday. I am having an inflammatory reaction to this Moderna shot. Not serious, but I've had to take a painkiller to function today and last night's sleep was greatly disrupted. I hope to feel more like myself by tomorrow, as is per usual after a Covid shot. Partner and kid are going to get theirs ASAP. This fall, I think there will be little to no insurance coverage for Covid shots (and possibly other virus shots) if RatFK, Jr. has his way. After contracting Covid for the first time last August, I am loathe to get it again.
.
SwimnGuy, if you're still amongst the Wonkette community, perhaps merely lurking, please de-cloak and let us all know you're still here! Worried about you!
Scott Pelley. Wow. Awesome speech!
Re the No Kings protests: I went to a protest in Hudson NY last Sunday. There were maybe 100-200 people there. 90% were over the age of 60. Malcolm Nance (who lives nearby) spoke at the end, quite forcefully. He addressed why so many at these demonstrations are aging hippies: “because you did it in the 60s and 70s and you know.” He told us each to bring 8 people to the June 14 protests with us, including young people and even babies. It isn’t enough that we need to defend democracy, apparently. We have to make this cool.
A true masterpiece of a headline:
"Trump's team set him up for success — and he still ruined it: ex-GOP strategist"
Trump toot of yesterday afternoon - 'Transgender for everyone'!
"Other than the Rigged Presidential Election of 2020, the Biggest Scandal in American History is the “AUTOPEN!” Whoever used it was usurping the power of the Presidency, and it should be very easy to find out who that person (or persons) is. They did things that a Joe Biden, of sound mind, would have never done, like, Open Borders, Transgender for everyone, men in women’s sports, and far more. Fear not, however, we will bring America BACK, BIGGER, BETTER, AND STRONGER THAN EVER BEFORE!"
Real quick, y'all--I have to go to court in person today in a minute, and weirdly I'm scared. I haven't been there as a lawyer in a couple of years, and recently I was the judge, so I was in charge of everyone. I feel nervous like it's my first day!
Deep breathe. You got this smartypants :).
I can't help myself. I'm going to tell my story now. Future DIL and her mom were inside shopping, and Son was keeping me company on the street while I smoked. Just got to say here that the Irish mother-son bond is a real thing, and if you know, you know. Not sure how we got to this part, but I'm sure it was a logical progression to this point in the narrative:
Me: If I go first, you'll have to keep an eye on dad, or he'll spend all the money.
He: Yeah.
Me: He could get married again.
He: No way!
Me: Why not?
He: Why?
Me: He can't take care of himself.
He: Who would he marry?
Me: I don't know. Some lady from Meijer's.
He: Well, she better not marry him, or then I'm going to have to kill her.
At which point I practically fell over laughing. As if.
Woohoo, number 68 and rising in Art & Illustration! Sure it would have been silly funny if it was 69, but I'm thrilled with 68. https://substack.com/leaderboard/15417/rising
loved your shots of Coney Island. despite never having lived closer than DC, Luna Park is one of my happiest places on earth! (is the Luna Park moon tattoo’d somewhere on my body, yes; did I get it done as part of a larger souvenir piece in Brooklyn also yes; it’s not a mermaid off Mermaid Ave but I do love it). next time I’m out that way I hope to have my camera with me, the place was made for polaroid.
That tat sounds amazing. Coney Island is a photographer's dream. Do it!