Laura "Tegan" Gjovaag ⛈ 🐸

Writer exiled in Eastern Washington state. Over-opinionated and often wrong. Trying to survive lupus.

Link Page: https://laura.gjovaag.com/
Pronouns: She/Her
Originally Joined: Oct 05, 2017
Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/realtegan

Public Key

npub1mnzsh4lhud28kzlf6g8246knhyxk9r8wgp67d5zz4vmqxmvtq6wsuhjcak

NIP-05 Address

[email protected]

Profile Code

nprofile1qqsde3gt6lm7x4rmp05ayr42atfmjrtz3nhyqa0x6pp2kdsrdk9sd8gpz3mhxue69uhhyetvv9ujuerpd46hxtnfduqs6amnwvaz7tmwdaejumr0dsws6xx6

Publishing to

relay.damus.io

nos.lol

Author Public Key

npub1mnzsh4lhud28kzlf6g8246knhyxk9r8wgp67d5zz4vmqxmvtq6wsuhjcak

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Last Notes

2026-08-18 18:28:40 UTC

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He needs to be able to carry it around, and it would probably be a good idea if I could carry mine around as well.
Does something like this exist in a not-too-expensive form? Is it something I could put together?
Anyone got ideas?
This is for my safety and security, but I'm tired of overengineered stuff that tries to solve too many problems.
2/2

2026-08-18 15:55:53 UTC

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I've considered how useful an information model trained with data *I* want to include in it would be for me. The problem is finding a framework that isn't hyped up as "personal AI!" which isn't really what I'm looking for. I don't consider LLMs to be AI.
The key is in what you feed it. I want control over my dataset, and I *don't* want to feed it on stolen work.
As you say, it would be a personality-free advanced document retrieval, search engine, spellcheck and grammar check.

2026-08-17 21:56:14 UTC

Portland water tower go boom.
photo by rosshettel on Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/Portland/comments/1vr5h1a/centennial_mills_water_tower_megaboom_megathread/
https://stockroom.wandering.shop/media_attachments/files/117/113/058/795/617/750/original/308e50cd83711588.webp

2026-08-08 00:49:18 UTC

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Pre-ordered!

2026-08-05 19:12:42 UTC

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I had to look up AGP, and now I feel ill that someone actually fucking believes that.
One thing I've noticed as I read up on Trans history is that SOOOO many "pioneers" and foundational personages were essentially horrible to trans people - but they were the only ones willing to move forward. They became part of trans history because they were less bad than others.
It's a horrible stain on humanity.

2026-08-03 17:51:54 UTC

"According to the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association, only about 10 transgender athletes participate among more than 200,000 students in the state's middle and high school sports programs."
WHAT THE FUCK IS WRONG WITH THESE ANTI-TRANS ASSHOLES???!????
https://www.rawstory.com/anti-trans-sports-measure/

2026-07-30 18:45:19 UTC

I already hate flying to the point where I believe I will never get on a plane again, but this... this is beyond the pale.
https://www.friendlyatheist.com/p/christian-preachers-are-turning-airplanes
"Christian preachers are turning airplanes into unwanted worship services
Evangelists are exploiting captive audiences who can’t walk away—and broadcasting it online"

2026-07-29 02:13:10 UTC

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We need an updated version for today's world.
Also, this is still true:
https://stockroom.wandering.shop/media_attachments/files/117/000/832/586/407/752/original/98b183d17c41d7d0.jpg

2026-07-28 16:22:11 UTC

I broke myself again.
I seem to have a condition that involves muscles or tendons in my chest, just under my breasts. I'll feel an odd *snap* and then intense pain. I mean - INTENSE.
The first time it happened, we went to the emergency room. I was concerned it might be related to my lupus somehow. They ran tests. And more tests. And more tests. And found not a thing wrong.
Then they asked if I wanted painkillers. I *NEVER* say I want painkillers in a hospital.
1/?

2026-07-26 19:50:21 UTC

Someone suggested I search for "Cannon towel ads" from WWII era... and now I kind of want to find more of them. Pin-ups for the women at home, I guess...

2026-07-25 03:02:52 UTC

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Yes. I read the entire thing as a teenager. That was about the time I started to lose faith in religion. Go figure.

2026-07-25 02:27:59 UTC

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Oh, history is SO much fun.
We usually get the sanitized version of it. But sex has been a main topic of art for most of history, and some of what you find if you look past the "official" versions will blow your mind.

2026-07-16 13:32:35 UTC

Holy crap, @npub1dex…jkgd ! Has it really been 32 years since we both said, "I do!"???

2026-07-15 17:57:44 UTC

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My husband *JUST* came in and told me about this and asked if we could order it yet. I had to reassure him that it's not yet available... but I didn't realize you are the writer! Would have gotten it anyway, but now I'm actively looking forward to it.

2026-07-15 17:24:53 UTC

I confess. I do have one problem with trans women. I'm going to humbly ask the forgiveness of all of you out there.
Every time one of you posts a selfie I get irrationally jealous at how fuckin' beautiful you are compared to my pathetic cis ass.
Hell, I was jealous of my niece when I first met her after her transition. She was SOOOOO much more attractive than me.
Seriously, why do you all have to be so gorgeous?
I'm sorry. I'll work on my jealousy. I love you all anyway.

2026-07-15 17:20:01 UTC

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They don't have a choice. They are on a siding. If they get on the main line, they will cause a crash. So they are stuck - filming - while waiting for the oncoming train to get by so they can get out of there.

2026-07-12 21:56:51 UTC

Well, looks like he's alive. At least his body is alive.
https://stockroom.wandering.shop/media_attachments/files/116/909/228/611/816/468/original/5285cc6e01776388.png
https://stockroom.wandering.shop/media_attachments/files/116/909/229/037/914/041/original/e6176d91644363ec.jpg

2026-07-12 18:20:04 UTC

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I watched the series back in the 70s, so that's the version I remember. And yeah, views were very different back then.
I also read all the books as a child, so... yeah, there's a lot to work through there.

2026-07-11 18:23:21 UTC

So, I sort of understand and sort of do not.
What's the point of hiding the fact that Mitch McConnell is dead?
What, exactly, do the Gross Old Perverts gain from this?

2026-07-11 17:56:21 UTC

What is a "teen takeover"? Are they talking about flash mobs, or something more sinister? What sort of "disruptive behavior" are they doing?
https://abc7.com/post/buena-park-police-issue-warning-possible-teen-takeover-activity-knotts-berry-farm-looms/19486274/

2026-07-07 03:06:01 UTC

RE: https://wandering.shop/@ericgjovaag/116876464275041538
Perfection.
#note1ax6…p90j

2026-07-01 16:21:44 UTC

I have a colleague on a forum who likes to use "AI", but only because he thinks the results are hilarious. He doesn't cut and paste the answers because he doesn't want them being repeated - he'll take a screencap of the AI response and make fun of it.
I dislike that he's using it at all, considering the cost in energy and water, but I kind of approve of how he's doing it if he's going to use that crap at all.
What do you think?

2026-06-02 18:07:41 UTC

So... what is #meshcore ? Anyone in that community willing to explain it to me - enthusiasm welcome. I've heard the term, heard it's active in the PNW (but I'm nearer the Columbia Basin, so I'm not sure I count) and that it remind people of the old chatrooms/MUD days.

2026-05-09 19:03:03 UTC

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Actually, that's a sign of trust. A cat licking themselves near or on you means they think you are safe to be around.

2026-04-25 03:37:49 UTC

RE: https://wandering.shop/@ericgjovaag/116463216246139278
I gotta say, that's one I've never seen.
#note1m4p…7ksc

2026-04-24 03:07:28 UTC

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That's.... something. Yes. Almost surprising how well it works.

2026-04-23 15:48:38 UTC

Alright, question for the men out there... what's a really good safety razor for keeping my man clean-shaven and smooooooooooth (on his face, he said I should mention that)?
I want to get him a nice high quality one with replaceable blades.
Please boost to folks who might have good answers. I want to get something great for him.
(His most recent electric razor just gave up the ghost, and he's been using cheap disposable blades - and getting a better shave)

2026-04-22 20:02:12 UTC

RE: https://mastodon.social/@theleftistlawyer/116449227145982220
This. So much this. It's not the fact that they are trans that's the problem. It's the way bigoted people react to them that causes all the misery!
#note1szt…jgy6

2026-04-22 19:59:19 UTC

David Gerrold talks sports: https://www.patreon.com/posts/156087743
(it's about inclusivity)

2026-04-22 15:56:09 UTC

Stop the presses!!!
Fishing in Terraria is NOT annoying!
That is all.
.
.
.
.
(I usually HATE fishing mini-games in games)

2026-04-22 15:35:46 UTC

RE: https://www.thehugoawards.org/hugo-history/2026-hugo-awards/
The Hugo noms are up. Time to get reading.
#note1mu0…rp6t

2026-04-22 15:33:46 UTC

RE: https://mastodon.social/@Climatehistories/116448103156000745
Less "neglect" and more "not helicopter parenting". We went through some interesting stuff as kids in Gen X - usually alone.
Some of it was horrible, yes. A lot of it was just learning to get by without having someone holding your hand constantly.
#note1pgd…qn5k

2026-04-21 00:54:23 UTC

RE: https://gamepad.club/@Doubleaa/116439063380985925
This. Without somebody telling me, I really wouldn't have known. Sorry to any of my friends on mastodon.social... that's just the nature of the fediverse. The rest of us can carry on while your server gets fixed. The only reason it's "news" is because it's such a large server.
#note17gp…hk7z

2026-04-20 21:54:37 UTC

This is probably the single most optimistic take on the current US administration I've yet seen... and it's all true and well reasoned...
https://pluralistic.net/2026/04/20/praxis/#acceleration

2026-04-19 20:32:56 UTC

It is Sunday (right?) and I have blogged: https://www.patreon.com/posts/gaming-away-156030171
It's about Terraria (a video game).

2026-04-19 20:08:13 UTC

RE: https://mastodon.world/@jeffowski/116432671170256220
The image shows a post by Liz Slonena, ADHD Psychologist (@Dr.LizListens) saying, "The Myers-Briggs test is not an evidence-based personality assessment. Here's my proposal for a 2025 update:
O/I (Oneline / In person)
P/T (Call / Text)
M/N (Morning / Night)
D/C (Dog / Cat)
(I'm an OTND btw)"
---
I'm also an OTNC like Jeff. I think this is actually a fairly decent summary of personalities. What do you consider yourself to be?
#note1ndc…zhw7

2026-04-18 19:12:24 UTC

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Heck yeah! I'm still mostly housebound, but being able to walk (most of the time) is a big deal.

2026-04-16 15:14:50 UTC

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She has a really strong voice.

2026-04-14 22:57:51 UTC

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Doesn't sound the slightest bit unprofessional to me. Indeed, the staff members deadnaming the student were the unprofessional ones.

2026-04-14 18:56:22 UTC

I have a tendency to want to reply to people. So I often do just that, furiously writing my thoughts...
Then I reread what I wrote and ask "Am I contributing to the conversation, or just trying to get attention?"
About 80% of the time I happily delete my response and move on, having put my thoughts into words -that was enough, no one else needed to read it.
So, yeah, I delete a lot of what I write here. Not self-censorship - just self-awareness. I think I'm better for it.
Am I alone in this?

2026-04-14 18:38:42 UTC

RE: https://mastodon.social/@CatsOfYore/116403941379081001
Yup. That was me. And my younger siblings.
#note1zwx…psdm

2026-04-14 15:52:30 UTC

RE: https://newsie.social/@servelan/116403829252146939
She's begging Melania to pay her off. I think Melania is more likely to send someone to shut her up for good. Ungaro should just spill it all right now.
#note137h…s0lw

2026-04-14 15:09:35 UTC

RE: https://wandering.shop/@ericgjovaag/116403274934315462
Wow, I loved that show. I really enjoyed the novel interpretations of literature. I do believe I'll be watching for this documentary - due to air in May or June.
#note1j9d…t3ux

2026-04-14 01:44:16 UTC

RE: https://retro.pizza/@SKleefeld/116398961118404194
Here's an excellent theory of how Land of the Lost (which I watched a lot as a child) is a Doctor Who spinoff.
#note13c7…3d30

2026-04-13 23:19:27 UTC

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So, what you're saying is... the ICE agents will think they're huge by comparison to their own?

2026-04-13 21:46:24 UTC

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I love alt text. It often gives me context to images I wouldn't know otherwise. And sometimes people add snarky side comments that make me laugh. Usually, though, it just clarifies why the person posted the image - because their description often focuses on the reason they chose it to post.

2026-04-13 17:29:19 UTC

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You are referring to this? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_NzZvdsbWI
I still sing it to myself. In memory of what we've lost.

2026-04-12 23:26:29 UTC

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Takes a bit to get into, then it has a LOT of possibilities. So, yeah, pretty good.

2026-04-12 22:53:28 UTC

I have owned the video game Terraria for a number of years. I finally started playing it today.
If I don't post for awhile, you know why.

2026-04-12 20:59:24 UTC

So Vance visited the Pope - who promptly died.
Now he's visited Orban - who lost his election by a landslide.
Send Vance to Putin?

2026-04-12 15:22:00 UTC

It is Sunday, I have blogged: https://www.patreon.com/posts/casting-doubt-155401736
It's just more whining about LLMs. Your mileage may vary.

2026-04-11 23:13:14 UTC

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Obligatory: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u88th9aedKU

2026-04-11 23:11:18 UTC

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"What're you in for?"
"Oh, sticking a dildo in a fence hole."
*other inmate moves away cautiously.*

2026-04-11 22:25:19 UTC

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Your random thoughts = my joyful breaks from everyday worries.
Keep posting, keep me sane...

2026-04-11 19:21:49 UTC

https://www.mercurynews.com/2026/04/10/ontario-warehouse-fire-did-500-million-in-damage-federal-officials-say/
@npub1dex…jkgd Here's the story I was talking about.
"A video posted to Instagram that Ontario police say was filmed by Abdulkarim shows pallets of merchandise ablaze on Tuesday as a man repeatedly says variations of “All you had to do was pay us enough to live” laced with expletives."

2026-04-11 19:17:23 UTC

Oh, c'mon Drew. You're a minority owner of one of Seattle's sports teams. You should know it's Pike Place Market and doesn't belong to some guy named Pike.
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/drew-carey-calls-pike-place-market-pikes-market/
At least the comments on the Reddit thread about it are pretty funny.

2026-04-11 18:35:56 UTC

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If that ugly piece of crap is ever built, I hope it is promptly blown up completely.

2026-04-11 16:45:02 UTC

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It's the helmet they put on for the helicopter ride.

2026-04-11 16:32:15 UTC

RE: https://mastodon.social/@AltTextHealthCheck/116318070750735303
C'mon wandering.shop, we can do better! Putting alt text on your images means more people can enjoy them, and you can add context (and even snarky commentary) that will just make the image better.
#note17w4…3q9j

2026-04-11 03:17:14 UTC

RE: https://mastodon.social/@gwynnion/116383765701886293
Yes, this. I remember Challenger and Columbia very distinctly. I watched both live.
As a fan of NASA since childhood, both of them hit me really hard. I had to watch today's coverage until the astronauts walked off the helicopters and into the navy ship.
During the communications blackout on re-entry and I was shaking - right up until they got the response from them.
#note1vwt…9a5x

2026-04-11 01:49:58 UTC

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Same. Exactly the same.

2026-04-11 00:55:30 UTC

The astronauts have been bobbing in the water for a long time. I wonder if the sudden return of gravity combined with the motion of the waves is doing bad things to their stomachs?

2026-04-11 00:25:11 UTC

Problems with toilets, problems with phones... NASA has the same issues most people have.

2026-04-11 00:21:02 UTC

They are having communication issues with the rescue team because their satellite phone doesn't seem to want to connect. They can hear the recovery team, but the team can't hear them back.

2026-04-11 00:16:00 UTC

Casule on the ocean...
https://stockroom.wandering.shop/media_attachments/files/116/383/186/618/267/329/original/9e93b646ce75137b.png

2026-04-11 00:12:04 UTC

The capsules "boobs" are out - filled with helium, they keep the thing upright.

2026-04-11 00:09:08 UTC

Now they are just waiting for the "porch" to be deployed so they can get out of the can.

2026-04-11 00:08:05 UTC

Just a few minutes ago they were moving 36 times the speed of sound, now they have hit the water.

2026-04-11 00:05:46 UTC

They are floating down now! Every happened as planned.

2026-04-11 00:05:14 UTC

Main chutes deployed!

2026-04-11 00:04:00 UTC

Chutes deployed!

2026-04-11 00:02:04 UTC

Just a few more minutes before splashing time.

2026-04-11 00:01:30 UTC

YAY! They reported back!

2026-04-10 23:59:48 UTC

Waiting for the crew to report... *bites fingernails nervously*

2026-04-10 23:02:02 UTC

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Hurtling at Earth at unbelievable speeds, the astronauts prepare to get dunked in the ocean then have a nice greeting from the navy...
I swear the planet gets bigger every time I glance at the video.

2026-04-10 21:18:12 UTC

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This pairs well with a banner that warns you if an image doesn't have alt text, so you know not to boost it if you want to keep Mastodon accessible to people with vision problems (and encourage alt text, because I love reading people's descriptions of images and often get more out of it if there's alt text):
.media-gallery__item:not(:has(button.media-gallery__alt__label))::before {
content: "Do not boost - no alt text";
font-size: 16px;
color:#FFFFFF;
background-color: red;
}

2026-04-10 21:14:47 UTC

The astronauts are getting dressed to have dinner with the navy.

2026-04-10 21:07:55 UTC

Ha. My brain has been slow as molasses today, but I *finally* figured out how to make the "Hide" "Alt" and "Gif" buttons on images almost transparent! That means I can see the whole image without having to click on it. Too many times I could see part of the image but words were covered by one of the buttons.
If you have a custom CSS extension, just add this to Mastodon:
.media-gallery__actions__pill {
opacity: .3 !important;
}
.media-gallery__alt__label {
opacity: .3 !important;
}

2026-04-10 19:29:08 UTC

RE: https://flipboard.com/@theseattletimes/mariners-f5u3j9a2z/-/a-Do3ZsbtsR3uY0S82yFwWMA%3Aa%3A2857557016-%2F0
They unveiled a statue - but the bat was broken? Oops. C'mon, Mariners. You can do better.
And, for the record, it was a lot of fun to watch Ichiro play in Seattle.
#note1ell…5zrd

2026-04-10 19:26:11 UTC

RE: https://flipboard.com/@theseattletimes/seattle-news-27p8llobz/-/a-D_NbSPnsSSm38v8bII07MQ%3Aa%3A2857557016-%2F0
They've been having people take Chuckanut Drive? Yikes.
#note1lmd…es7u

2026-04-10 18:33:01 UTC

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The vibes you'd get from it are much more positive, as well. I have no urge to vibe code, but I do miss my kitty walking across my keyboard whenever he heard an interesting sound.

2026-04-10 03:50:45 UTC

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Pretty sure I see that on @npub1ucv…5a8g Ben's timeline... he's always fixing stuff, and it's fascinating to read about.

2026-04-10 00:57:27 UTC

RE: https://mastodon.social/@kottke/116377371409657202
Okay, so I'm interested. I usually read ebooks on my phone, since I can't be bothered to pull out my ancient Kindle... A tiny e-ink reader might be a relief for my eyes.
#note1pl4…f527

2026-04-09 21:58:17 UTC

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I'm glad they got backed up, then.
But then, just about everything in those files needs to be backed up - preferably outside the US.

2026-04-09 21:55:36 UTC

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Referenced on Epstein Exposed here: https://epsteinexposed.com/documents/efta-02670679
and a search on "hot piece of ass" shows other versions of the same document.

2026-04-09 20:05:44 UTC

So... the administration is trying to punish women who take their husband's names when they get married. So the "SAVE" act is an effort to discourage women from taking their husband's name...
https://azmirror.com/2026/04/09/repub/how-trumps-save-america-act-could-make-it-harder-for-married-women-to-vote/

2026-04-08 23:38:19 UTC

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Need a fifth option - depends entirely on the type of cheese.

2026-04-08 19:41:27 UTC

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It hides the post and any replies from your notifications, but doesn't otherwise alter the post or responses.
I had to mute one of mine because I was getting replyguys on it. A small infestation, but irritating nonetheless.

2026-04-08 19:34:46 UTC

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Thank you, and feel free to use it - quote it however - as a testimonial.

2026-04-08 17:06:06 UTC

So, one of the most interesting things about the TACO on Iran is that the Epstein files still haven't been released in full, as required by law, and the administration is still hiding the crimes of the pedophiles involved.

2026-04-08 17:03:09 UTC

RE: https://flipboard.com/@theseattletimes/opinion-nfnblop6z/-/a-OPw3edGeSfGuCq-t7fsMPw%3Aa%3A2857557016-%2F0
I wish everyone in the country was able to vote the way we can in Washington state. Safe, secure, comfortable, with time to fill out the ballots and think through the issues.
#note1036…fq66

2026-04-08 16:58:54 UTC

Now that TACO has happened yet again, it's time for Congress to step up and remove the war criminals in our government.
They won't, but it's time.
(And, like the last post I made on the subject, I'll mute this if I start getting too many hot take responses. I'm cynical enough already, thanks.)

2026-04-08 16:48:35 UTC

RE: https://flipboard.com/@theseattletimes/seattle-news-27p8llobz/-/a-gjs7VZqqRD-2H5HEt-iq5Q%3Aa%3A2857557016-%2F0
The story of a dragon rescue. Um.
Now I want a dragon for my yard (not gonna happen).
#note1m90…adjh

2026-04-08 05:50:35 UTC

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Muting the thread. Tired of hot takes.

2026-04-08 00:03:31 UTC

Well, a civilization died tonight.
It was ours. Congress didn't step up and stop him. No one in power invoked the 25th Amendment to remove him. We failed, utterly, as a civilization.

2026-04-07 19:47:00 UTC

The thing I like about doomscrolling on Mastodon is that I get the news I feel I need to get - but in between there are photos of cats, moss, and beautiful old trees, discussion of repairing and reupholstering old chairs, lockpicking discussions, out of context comic book panels, various pieces of artwork, really horrible dad jokes, and sometimes just surreal stuff that makes me smile.
So, yeah, you all are keeping me sane. Keep it up.

2026-04-07 02:30:02 UTC

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You can see the pain on the astronauts' faces as the asshole burbles on and on and on.

2026-04-07 02:29:00 UTC

Wow. Had to turn the sound off the NASA livestream because they let a bloviated asshole talk to the astronauts.

2026-04-07 00:29:10 UTC

RE: https://mastodon.world/@BrianJopek/116359840417242741
Absolutely appropriate. Swearing on the Constitution - an oath to uphold the Constitution - should be the standard. Anyone who thinks that is a bad thing should have nothing to do with governing other people.
#note1rp9…t6ly

2026-04-07 00:25:35 UTC

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Nah, I was just thinking a generic Doctor Who episode.