Taking the early train from Beijing to ChongQing. Ride here was smooth and the streets were almost empty. That looked unusual for the traffic jammed streets of #Beijing
Brad Marino's new (5th) LP 'Agent of Chaos' is a banger. Power pop, Ramones vibes all over the place. I hadn't heard of this guy. LOVING this one. Catchy as hell.
https://belugarecords.bandcamp.com/album/agent-of-chaos
Just finished "The Hate U Give" by Angie Thomas. In an unusual twist of fate, I had read "Concrete Rose" earlier, which gave me a rich backstory to relate things to. "The Hate U Give" is really good, but I found the resolution of King's arc slightly disappointing, even though the ending was strong. It's definitely not my place to judge Thomas' perspective here, but I do think that the book's broad popularity including among more liberal audiences probably stems at least in part from the way it allows a "the cops have issues but are ultimately-necessary/sometimes-positive" reading that undermines the strength of the core message.
In the end I like Concrete Rose better, but they're both great and I'll be putting Thomas' other books on my to-read list.
#AmReading #ReadingNow
I will once again repeat what I think is a nationally winning campaign for a US opposition party (should any care to exist), now with Berlatsky’s improved phrasing:
❝If elected, I will fight like hell to:
- destroy Donald Trump, everything he has done, and everything he stands for,
- tax the living shit out of billionaires, and
- use that money to repair the damage they’ve done to the US.❞
Not saying that’s everything that needs to happen, or an entire political philosophy, or the solution to everything. Only saying that I think that — simply that — would win elections. Try it and see. You cowards. https://fed.brid.gy/r/https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:htdsafwakqmzvuk2oivijzn6/post/3midafsxk3k2p
Yes, it's from the bad place, but Maçães is one of the only international observers with an intact moral compass in 2026.
Well worth a follow. @… https://bird.m…