Solar Society

Summertime; Groceries…

Oliver Willis at Daily Kos:

House Democrats are getting ready to fight the Trump administration’s corruption, with the launch of an “End Corruption Caucus” on Wednesday. In a press release, the caucus—which is chaired by Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, Jason Crow of Colorado, and Mike Levin of California—said it will “work to advance legislation, bring together like-minded partners, and aim to root out corruption in government, to restore the American people’s trust in their leaders.” Ocasio-Cortez noted in a statement that the outsized influence of big money in U.S. politics causes average people to lose trust in institutions. 

“It is time that we put Americans first and earnestly work to restore the faith and integrity of our lawmaking,” she said. Similarly, Crow said plainly that consumer costs are so expensive right now as a direct result of the Trump administration’s corruption. “Corruption is why costs are so high, why the government feels unresponsive, and why the system seems to only benefit the wealthy and well-connected,” Crow said. “We must take on corruption to lower prices, restore trust, and help working families.”

The Democrats cited several recent developments that highlight the need for an anti-corruption caucus.

For instance, there is the staggering sum of $4 billion—and growing—that President Donald Trump and his family, particularly his sons Eric and Don Jr., have made by abusing the power of the presidency. For example, the U.S. Air Force announced in early May that it’s purchasing an undisclosed number of drones from a firm that’s backed by Trump’s sons.

Eastern Lesser Siren (Siren i. intermedia), family Sirenidae, NC, USA

This eel-like aquatic salamander retains its gills into adulthood.

They have only 2 tiny front limbs.

The are able to use gills, lungs, and skin for respiration.

They grow to a length of up to 69 cm (27 in).

Mainly nocturnal.

Live in freshwater ponds and wetlands.

Spends most of its time buried in muddy sediment.

Sirens feed on small aquatic creatures and algae.

Cork Bark Leaf-tailed Gecko (Uroplatus pietschmanni), family Gekkonidae, endemic to a small area of eastern Madagascar

ENDANGERED.

On what the male loneliness epidemic is really about. Given actual alternatives, women are opting tf OUT of "traditional roles".

Hopping on the Vine compilation bandwagon, part 1/?

[EDIT:] Sources below the cut!

the mighty dragoness did pass away recently. she was very old even for a dragon, so it was bound to happen. her niece inherited the cave, and she seems very sweet but she doesn’t really understand the traditional point of the sacrifices and has no interest in accruing further wealth so she just sort of asks for anything on her mind at the moment

a nervous girl wearing a flowy robe walks slowly along the aisle the service has made for her, a basket of golden brown beer-battered onion rings and a cup of honey dijon mustard in her outstretched arms. she sets them on the sacrificial altar and steps back as the dragon emerges from her cave and bends her nose down to sniff at them

everyone watches with bated breath as she gently picks one up and eats it. as she roars her approval, the mountain ledge explodes into cheering and applause

as everyone is leaving, she holds up a claw, and everyone falls silent again. she says it might be silly but she was going to watch a movie and if anyone wanted to come they're welcome to watch the movie and maybe play some board games with her? about half the congregation volunteers immediately