Mask wearing spans millenia and cultures in human experience. From the dramatic masking of traditional Greek and Japanese theatre, to the religious connotations in many societies, to the festive and celebratory uses masks have an odd fascination to people.
Hiding ones identity can also be useful in bank robbery.
Disease prevention is, however, tyranny and a step too far.
Wearing a mask from Mexico is double trolling for the anti-mask, anti-vax, anti-immigrant, anti-life crowd. But who wants to look like Gym Jordan? Sign me up!
Oh god, yet another genius throwing away the votes he already has, just to chase the bigots and morons who are never ever ever in million years ever gonna vote for him solely because he's a California Democrat. That "strategy" doesn't look like Newsom really wants to be president to me.
Gym is definitely taking a different strategy than Kevin did in pursuit of the gavel. Where Kevin mortgaged his soul to the MAGAt wing, Gym has decided the best way to deal with holdouts is to just have his supporters threaten them.
That Trump’s lawyers are getting paid is definitely the more surprising thing. Every one of them has probably made it clear to the PAB that they’re gone the second a check bounces.
Seriously, are there any republican women who don’t think they can be Trump’s veep?
New College may enough meatheads fill out a roster, but they’re having problems finding professors willing to teach them in a lot of subjects.
Yes, it is bad that Alabama has shitty maternal care. What’s worse is that the state government will likely not do a damn thing about it.
I posted last night about going to see Rachel Maddow speak and a protester was carried out and I got video. So far I have had to delete 3 replies, one from a trumper saying stupid shit about Rachel, a couple others making assumptions about the person being carried out that are unproven. I made it so only paid subscribers can reply, problem solved.
Croatia is awesome...I wish I could go now! Beautiful National Parks and great seafood, boating and fishing on the coast and amazing beauty in the mountains....go go go!
The reference, for you youngsters, was to an animated jingle played mainly (or entirely) at drive-in movies before the main feature, to prod people to go to the snack stand and get popcorn, drinks, etc. I can't remember whether it was "Let's all go to the movies" (which wouldn't make much sense; we're already there!) or "Let's all go to the snack stand" (which sound stupid), or what. But it has nothing to do with the actual Croatia.
So a male Democrat challenging an incumbent female Democrat = BAD! But Cori Bush challenging incumbent Lacy Clay, and Ayanna Presley challenging incumbent Mike Capuano, and Alex Ocasio-Cortez challenging incumbent Joe Crowley = GOOD!
Got it. Keep riding those identity politics, Democrats.
Meanwhile you’d better warm up to Rep. Tom Suozzi quick, because he’s the only way to get rid of George Santos.
The local republicans are planning to primary the shit out of Santos. Plus, there’s the likelihood that he’s going to prison soon. I wouldn’t get too used to seeing him in Congress much longer.
I've been booted out of my CakesWeLike profile on the Substack app and don't seem to be able to get back into it. I may still be logged in on my husband's computer or my laptop, but I only use those when I'm writing up my recipes.
For those following her saga, here is Yr Intermittent Máebh Report: Máebh is on Day 45 on her post-treatment 84-day observation period in her recovery from Feline Infectious Peritonitis. She has days when she sleeps a lot, but it seems like they are fewer and fewer. Still has muscle tremors, but the general outlook from her team seems to be part of the nerve recovery process rather than the illness. She has gained about 2-1/2 pounds since she started treatment in late April. Lesions on her back from the shots have healed, although she has some hairless patches there (hidden unless you go looking). She eats enthusiastically, is playful, zoom-y. She can leap up on to things more successfully, but still not 100% where she was before she got sick.
She has self-soothing routines that I think are part of her recovery process. They seem to give her a lot of comfort, so I encourage anything that promotes a positive attitude and happiness.
I love that this is a very uneventful update. This is subjective but hitting that half-way point felt like rounding a corner, gave me hope. I don't take anything for granted, and remain grateful, while grounded. Each day is a victory, and I thank her for the work she's putting into healing. She's getting stronger all the time, so each day gives her a more solid foundation from which to fight back in the event of a relapse as indicated by fever, lethargy, loss of appetite.
I try to keep her world serene and engaging. While it's not generally recommended (because of the potential for interrupted treatment and the stress), my vet is supportive of my getting her outside, so she goes out two or three times a week, and I watch her to try to get her back in before she gets chilled. I think the stimulation and fresh air are good for her, within moderation.
That's it. Tuck this knowledge away somewhere. I hope whoever is reading this never needs to know this, but if you or anyone you know has a cat that gets a diagnosis of FIP: there is a treatment, and it has a very high cure rate. It is a tough protocol, but worth it. It is an expensive protocol, but there are resources out there to help people with that if needed. Stay strong, stay tenacious, and reach out for help and support on the bad days.
Also, very important: if you are fighting a mystery illness where you see your cat slipping away and can't get answers, ask your vet if it could be FIP. We chased a diagnosis for over four months, and almost lost her. Persist, do your own research, and be proactive. Lean in to this one. This is not a wait-and-see illness. Cats do not give up easily, and neither should we.
If you are one of those who lost a beloved pet before this treatment became available, I am so sorry. I have an inkling of what you've been through. I wish you could have had a different outcome.
Deeply appreciated. I have been working with an animal communicator/reiki practitioner in this process. I turned to her because we were running out of kitty-minutes without a diagnosis, and she was very helpful in pointing us in the right direction. I was skeptical, but desperate, and what I experienced upended my preconceived notions.
No video, because it's early and I don't have my phone with me and who do you think I am, Martin Fucking Scorsese? But . . . Ivy had the zoomies this morning. Definitely a good sign that she is getting better. Of course, she had them while still in her room, a 10x12 office/bedroom with a bed, a desk, a dresser, a sewing desk, a large pet carrier, and some lamps, so room for zooming was rather limiting. She kept crashing into things, then jumping onto the bed. Hopefully she will continue zooming once she comes out for the day. Hurry up and eat your two large cans of cat food, girl, and I'll let you out to anti-socialize with the other cats!
Today’s header on traditional Mayan mask-making is from the Office of Inter-American Affairs film “Wooden Face of Totonicapan.” If you are into Guatemalan festivals and traditional handicrafts, I write about it here: https://open.substack.com/pub/martiniambassador/p/totonicapan-mask-makers
One of the first things I teach anyone working with chisels is never put any part of your body behind a sharp tool.
Aiming one at your crotch and then beating it with a mallet is Florida level craziness.
Ouch.
An eon later I realize I meant "never put your body in front of a sharp tool." What a doof I am.
Mayans!!
Here's a short from the Mayans where I'm from, narrated in the language. "The Last Dance"
https://youtu.be/pYtR3LsHfkc?si=J2OsZ-ydSaEyiiCa
Mask wearing spans millenia and cultures in human experience. From the dramatic masking of traditional Greek and Japanese theatre, to the religious connotations in many societies, to the festive and celebratory uses masks have an odd fascination to people.
Hiding ones identity can also be useful in bank robbery.
Disease prevention is, however, tyranny and a step too far.
Wearing a mask from Mexico is double trolling for the anti-mask, anti-vax, anti-immigrant, anti-life crowd. But who wants to look like Gym Jordan? Sign me up!
I can imagine trick-or-treaters dressed up with Gym Jordan masks. They would probably get most of the coal lumps and razor blades.
Oh, I’m so envious!
Oh god, yet another genius throwing away the votes he already has, just to chase the bigots and morons who are never ever ever in million years ever gonna vote for him solely because he's a California Democrat. That "strategy" doesn't look like Newsom really wants to be president to me.
When Laura Loomer says you struggled with mental health....
This Saturday's movie will have you howling. An American Werewolf In London, on the Internet Archives, link in post.
https://substack.com/profile/155618292-ziggywiggy/note/c-42071232?utm_source=notes-share-action&r=2knfuc
Hey Wonkette, thank you so much for Reasons To Be Cheerful site. I didn't know how much I needed that in my world right now.
https://reasonstobecheerful.world/
A David Byrne project. Good on him. Would've been fun to see some mention of Ian Dury and the Blockheads.
Would've been very good, indeed
Gym is definitely taking a different strategy than Kevin did in pursuit of the gavel. Where Kevin mortgaged his soul to the MAGAt wing, Gym has decided the best way to deal with holdouts is to just have his supporters threaten them.
We’ll see if it works.
That Trump’s lawyers are getting paid is definitely the more surprising thing. Every one of them has probably made it clear to the PAB that they’re gone the second a check bounces.
Seriously, are there any republican women who don’t think they can be Trump’s veep?
New College may enough meatheads fill out a roster, but they’re having problems finding professors willing to teach them in a lot of subjects.
Yes, it is bad that Alabama has shitty maternal care. What’s worse is that the state government will likely not do a damn thing about it.
I posted last night about going to see Rachel Maddow speak and a protester was carried out and I got video. So far I have had to delete 3 replies, one from a trumper saying stupid shit about Rachel, a couple others making assumptions about the person being carried out that are unproven. I made it so only paid subscribers can reply, problem solved.
https://substack.com/@ziggywiggy/note/c-42047806?utm_source=notes-share-action&r=2knfuc
Sincere, heart-felt laffs at "Let's all go to Croatia."
Croatia is awesome...I wish I could go now! Beautiful National Parks and great seafood, boating and fishing on the coast and amazing beauty in the mountains....go go go!
The reference, for you youngsters, was to an animated jingle played mainly (or entirely) at drive-in movies before the main feature, to prod people to go to the snack stand and get popcorn, drinks, etc. I can't remember whether it was "Let's all go to the movies" (which wouldn't make much sense; we're already there!) or "Let's all go to the snack stand" (which sound stupid), or what. But it has nothing to do with the actual Croatia.
"Let's all go to the lobby.."
Thank you!
Okay.....
So a male Democrat challenging an incumbent female Democrat = BAD! But Cori Bush challenging incumbent Lacy Clay, and Ayanna Presley challenging incumbent Mike Capuano, and Alex Ocasio-Cortez challenging incumbent Joe Crowley = GOOD!
Got it. Keep riding those identity politics, Democrats.
Meanwhile you’d better warm up to Rep. Tom Suozzi quick, because he’s the only way to get rid of George Santos.
The local republicans are planning to primary the shit out of Santos. Plus, there’s the likelihood that he’s going to prison soon. I wouldn’t get too used to seeing him in Congress much longer.
Why do you have such difficulty reading?
Which is worse, JJ as speaker, global war, or Republicans?
The one that kills lots of people. The other two will make people suffer, but that can be mended over time. War and death are permanent.
Republican policies kill people, lots of people, JJ is Republican, I don't see the distinction?
The cake is finished, the chocolate mousse filled chocolate boxes are setting in the fridge...
It's been a productive day so far. And I'm still hoping I'll be able to squeeze in 3hrs of studying later this evening.
Where is the Cakes we All Like to celebrate this?
I've been booted out of my CakesWeLike profile on the Substack app and don't seem to be able to get back into it. I may still be logged in on my husband's computer or my laptop, but I only use those when I'm writing up my recipes.
For those following her saga, here is Yr Intermittent Máebh Report: Máebh is on Day 45 on her post-treatment 84-day observation period in her recovery from Feline Infectious Peritonitis. She has days when she sleeps a lot, but it seems like they are fewer and fewer. Still has muscle tremors, but the general outlook from her team seems to be part of the nerve recovery process rather than the illness. She has gained about 2-1/2 pounds since she started treatment in late April. Lesions on her back from the shots have healed, although she has some hairless patches there (hidden unless you go looking). She eats enthusiastically, is playful, zoom-y. She can leap up on to things more successfully, but still not 100% where she was before she got sick.
She has self-soothing routines that I think are part of her recovery process. They seem to give her a lot of comfort, so I encourage anything that promotes a positive attitude and happiness.
I love that this is a very uneventful update. This is subjective but hitting that half-way point felt like rounding a corner, gave me hope. I don't take anything for granted, and remain grateful, while grounded. Each day is a victory, and I thank her for the work she's putting into healing. She's getting stronger all the time, so each day gives her a more solid foundation from which to fight back in the event of a relapse as indicated by fever, lethargy, loss of appetite.
I try to keep her world serene and engaging. While it's not generally recommended (because of the potential for interrupted treatment and the stress), my vet is supportive of my getting her outside, so she goes out two or three times a week, and I watch her to try to get her back in before she gets chilled. I think the stimulation and fresh air are good for her, within moderation.
That's it. Tuck this knowledge away somewhere. I hope whoever is reading this never needs to know this, but if you or anyone you know has a cat that gets a diagnosis of FIP: there is a treatment, and it has a very high cure rate. It is a tough protocol, but worth it. It is an expensive protocol, but there are resources out there to help people with that if needed. Stay strong, stay tenacious, and reach out for help and support on the bad days.
Also, very important: if you are fighting a mystery illness where you see your cat slipping away and can't get answers, ask your vet if it could be FIP. We chased a diagnosis for over four months, and almost lost her. Persist, do your own research, and be proactive. Lean in to this one. This is not a wait-and-see illness. Cats do not give up easily, and neither should we.
If you are one of those who lost a beloved pet before this treatment became available, I am so sorry. I have an inkling of what you've been through. I wish you could have had a different outcome.
I am glad your kitteh is doing well...sending healing energy!
Deeply appreciated. I have been working with an animal communicator/reiki practitioner in this process. I turned to her because we were running out of kitty-minutes without a diagnosis, and she was very helpful in pointing us in the right direction. I was skeptical, but desperate, and what I experienced upended my preconceived notions.
Here's a picture of her the day her medication arrived. Her back legs were skin and bone, and she could no longer walk. https://substack.com/profile/1687878-1d57a1d5931d/note/c-39282428?utm_source=notes-share-action&r=106di When she saw them, she crawled out of my lap to where you see her in this picture. She knew.
Here's a more recent picture of my little darling: https://substack.com/profile/1687878-1d57a1d5931d/note/c-41050853?utm_source=notes-share-action&r=106di.
<i>(Don’t gloat about the comeuppance from overturning Roe, this will hit our Black mothers hardest.) </i>
Which I'm sure for Alabama Republicans is a feature, not a bug.
So Gym apparently forgot to read How to Win Friends and Influence People. https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2023/10/18/2200108/-House-speaker-drama-Jordan-s-rift-with-Scalise-takes-center-stage?pm_campaign=front_page&pm_source=top_news_slot_1&pm_medium=web
Dale Carnegie wept.
No video, because it's early and I don't have my phone with me and who do you think I am, Martin Fucking Scorsese? But . . . Ivy had the zoomies this morning. Definitely a good sign that she is getting better. Of course, she had them while still in her room, a 10x12 office/bedroom with a bed, a desk, a dresser, a sewing desk, a large pet carrier, and some lamps, so room for zooming was rather limiting. She kept crashing into things, then jumping onto the bed. Hopefully she will continue zooming once she comes out for the day. Hurry up and eat your two large cans of cat food, girl, and I'll let you out to anti-socialize with the other cats!