iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

David J. Zappelli

@djzap.bsky.social

219 followers 167 following 632 posts

Living in San Jose, CA & SFBA; Connections to NYC. LGBTQ+, gay. Italian-American. Culinary, foodways, food. Multi-disciplinarian, multicultural, and holistic worldview w/ background on anthropology, sociology, history, philosophy, folklore, ecology…

Posts Replies Media

David J. Zappelli @djzap.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

America's Protestant founders explicitly rejected monarchical opulence in favor of civic restraint. Of course, those founders practiced their own monumental hypocrisy—preaching humility while relying on enslaved Black labor to physically build that monument to liberty: apnews.com/article/trum...

A replica Oval Office near the White House just got a new Trump makeover. Gold flourishes abound

The People's House museum exhibit in Washington has updated its replica Oval Office to match Donald Trump’s flashier and more golden design choices from his second term.

200

David J. Zappelli @djzap.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

apnews.com/video/the-re...

The relationship between Salvador Dalí and fashion is explored in new exhibition

The relationship between Salvador Dalí and fashion is explored in new exhibition

000

David J. Zappelli @djzap.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Trump approval falls to record low of 32% as high costs bite, Reuters/Ipsos poll finds. Trump's approval rating is lower than any recorded for his Democratic predecessor, Joe Biden… www.reuters.com/world/us/tru...

EXCLUSIVE: Trump approval falls to record low of 32% as high costs bite, Reuters/Ipsos poll finds

President Donald Trump's approval rating fell to 32% - the lowest ‌of his political career - as his fellow Republicans soured on his handling of the cost of living amid the unpopular Iran war, a new R...

000

David J. Zappelli @djzap.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

At the rate we’re going, it looks like Trump wants absolutely NO media — broadcast and print — other than his chosen propaganda from the far right and its corrupt cronies, the true arbiters of the so-called “fake news”, not just in the U.S., but around the world. apnews.com/article/trum...

MS NOW, CNN and Politico say their journalists were denied access to White House after Trump ban

Reporters from CNN, MS NOW and Politico have been denied access to the White House. Reporters from the two cable networks both went live to report they’d been barred following a ban imposed by Preside...

100

David J. Zappelli @djzap.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

#Trump #Vance #MAGA

David J. Zappelli @djzap.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

Four years ago today, “In 2022, an affidavit released by the FBI showed that 14 of the 15 boxes recovered from former Pres. #Trump ‘s #Florida estate contained classified documents, many of them top secret, mixed in with miscellaneous newspapers, magazines and personal correspondence.” (AP)

000

David J. Zappelli @djzap.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

Did we really think that electing #Trump would only be a betrayal and disaster to America itself? So, now we see the growing impact on the #world. It’s undoing the work of generations. A “bloody mess” is an understatement. apnews.com/article/kore...

Trump orders Pentagon to scale back joint exercises with South Korea

President Donald Trump has ordered the Pentagon to scale back annual joint military exercises with South Korea.

000

David J. Zappelli @djzap.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

President #Carter once said that the #UnitedStates had shifted from a #democracy into an #oligarchy due to the #corruption of unlimited #money in #politics. #Trump has even taken it further than that. apnews.com/article/trum...

Trump dwarfs his predecessors in the number of ultra-rich in his second White House, report shows

The number of people worth more than $100 million whom President Donald Trump has appointed to his administration is more than four times the combined total of the three previous presidents.

David J. Zappelli @djzap.bsky.social · 16/08/2026

Just another example of a long term disaster having an even greater impact than the immediate disaster. All of it rooted in the lies, corruption and incompetence of the so-called Commander-in-chief, and the so-called “Secretary of War” (as he declares himself). apnews.com/article/iran...

Top US Middle East commander visits deployed aircraft carrier, and other Mideast news

Adm. Brad Cooper, the top U.S. military commander in the Middle East, has visited the USS Lincoln in the Arabian Sea.

000

David J. Zappelli @djzap.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

This. These new style powered bikes should be banned from the city, and especially kept from youth who are not even mature enough to apply for a driver’s license! And indeed, make their parents fully accountable! apnews.com/article/ebik...

Kids keep getting hurt and killed on e-bikes. Should parents be held responsible?

As traumatic injuries and deaths continue to surge among the youngest e-bike riders, officials across the country are taking different paths to tackle a growing epidemic.

000

David J. Zappelli @djzap.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

#Bagels! With tangential side notes about cheesecake, bread technique, cupcakes, flavors and styles, regionalism, etc. podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/t...

podcasts.apple.com

The Bagel Boom, featuring Carlos Perez of Boil & Bake

Podcast Episode · Things Bakers Know: The King Arthur Baking Podcast · May 25 · 46m · Video

000

David J. Zappelli @djzap.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

Nationwide, #students, #teachers, and #parents are gearing up for the #school year. And #measles is spreading. The U.S. has already logged more cases this year than in all of 2025. It’s the highest count in 35 years. podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1...

podcasts.apple.com

In Good Health: Why Measles Numbers Are On The Rise

Podcast Episode · 1A · August 12 · 43m

David J. Zappelli @djzap.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

This is just creepy. Richardson, #RFK Jr.’s second wife committed suicide after years of abuse and gaslighting by her husband. Both struggled with sobriety. Richardson died while they were separated — not yet divorced— and he had already begun a relationship with Hines. ew.com/rfk-jr-compa...

RFK Jr. compares Cheryl Hines 'unfavorably' to Mary Richardson, new book says

'RFK Jr.: The Fall and Rise' claims that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. compares his current wife Cheryl Hines 'unfavorably' to his second wife, Mary Richardson, who died in 2012.

000

David J. Zappelli @djzap.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

On the anniversary of #HusseinBinTalal being proclaimed King of #Jordan, look into his darkest secret, and a hidden CIA operation: an affair with #Jewish #American actress #SusanCabot, plus a secret son, #TimothyRoman. It’s a rabbit hole of #ColdWar espionage, #Hollywood noir, #geopolitics, etc.

King Hussein of Jordan smiles while celebrating his 17th birthday at the Jordanian Embassy in London, England, November 14, 1952. Hussein, who became a key force for stability in the turbulent Middle East in more than four decades as ruler of his strategically placed nation, died Sunday, February 7, 1999. The king was 63. The announcement was made by Information Minister Nasser Judeh. The cause of death was heart failure, said senior palace officials who were with the king when he died. Members of the royal family, including Queen Noor, his wife, were with him. (AP Photo/Eddie Worth)

https://apnews.com/today-in-history/august-11

000

David J. Zappelli @djzap.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

The $1.5B National Guard D.C. deployment faces major pushback. No impact: Studies show zero effect on violent crime. Massive cost: Projected up to $1.7B through 2029. Low morale: Leaked reports show troops bored by static policing. Watchdogs: Citizen groups are actively monitoring the troops.

000

David J. Zappelli @djzap.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

This is stupid and disastrous. It’s what happens when #incompetent, #corrupt, #vain people have control. It will likely have adverse impact on #education as time passes, well beyond simple regards towards #health. Who wants to be in class with unvaccinated people? www.npr.org/2026/08/10/n...

Trump and RFK Jr. try again to upend vaccines for kids

President Trump signed an executive order on Monday about vaccines, saying children should get fewer. His administration has been blocked in the courts from changing the vaccine schedule.

David J. Zappelli @djzap.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

Today, in 2019, Jeffrey Epstein, accused of orchestrating a sex-trafficking ring and sexually abusing dozens of underage girls, was found unresponsive in his cell at a New York City jail; he was later pronounced dead at a hospital. (The city’s medical examiner ruled the death a suicide by hanging.)

000

David J. Zappelli @djzap.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/t...

podcasts.apple.com

000

David J. Zappelli @djzap.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

It’s #Hiroshima Peace Memorial Day, and yet America under #Trump chooses to forget or dismiss the horrific truth of #war, bombing, and mental #trauma as the war in #Ukraine and #Iran continues unabated. Add this to the endless sins being committed by current leadership. apnews.com/article/iran...

Iran war renews concerns about the lasting toll of traumatic brain injuries to US troops

Military officials say the majority of American troops wounded in the Iran war have suffered traumatic brain injuries.

000

David J. Zappelli @djzap.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

On the anniversary of Hiroshima, the Senate today voted Fauci in contempt. The COVID pandemic from which Fauci helped save countless Americans and other world citizens was an epic event. Republicans are on the wrong side of history, putting America deeper in the inferno. apnews.com/live/trump-n...

Live updates: Senate committee votes to hold Fauci in contempt over refusal to answer questions

A Senate committee is voting Thursday on whether to hold Dr. Anthony Fauci in contempt of Congress for invoking the Fifth Amendment over 100 times at a hearing on the COVID-19 pandemic.

000

David J. Zappelli @djzap.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

This is rather appalling. It’s yet another Kushner and Trump corruption ordeal, this time centered on FIFA, which hasn’t been without controversy over the many years. At least Europeans are standing up against it, and many other nations around the world. apnews.com/article/worl...

European soccer body UEFA warns FIFA of legal action over Infantino's failed World Cup sell-off plan

European soccer body UEFA has threatened FIFA with legal action over Gianni Infantino’s failed plan to sell a stake in future World Cup profits to private investors.

000

David J. Zappelli @djzap.bsky.social · 19/07/2026

I’m not that person seeking an endless number of choices. Nowadays, what’s most frustrating is that we spend countless hours sorting through endless crap, instead of quickly making a choice and enjoying our decision. Being inundated with nonsense is unnecessary trauma. apnews.com/article/too-...

Cut the number of choices you make each day. Your brain will thank you

The more choices you have, the better, right? Actually, behavioral scientists say too many options can make people anxious, indecisive and less happy with what they pick.

000

David J. Zappelli @djzap.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

It seems that the U.K. is just as unsatisfied with #politics — and #politicians— as the Americans. At least their system allows them to oust leaders earlier than does our own in the U.S. apnews.com/article/andy...

Andy Burnham is declared leader of UK's Labour Party, pledges to restore hope

Andy Burnham has been officially declared leader of Britain’s governing Labour Party, clearing his final hurdle to taking office as prime minister next week.

000

David J. Zappelli @djzap.bsky.social · 11/07/2026

Ha! Go figure… ain’t that rich. Businessman who sold land for Kushner resort in Albania suspected of faking the deeds - and more to be said. None of it shocking, in my mind. www.reuters.com/world/europe...

Businessman who sold land for Kushner resort in Albania suspected of faking the deeds

Residents of the village of Zvernec near the project have been contesting Artur Shehu's claim on the land in court cases that date back more than a decade.

David J. Zappelli @djzap.bsky.social · 26/06/2026

Here we see #Trump contradicting himself and showing utter #incompetence. This is a bigger and costlier mess than ever, still unresolved. Everything that Trump touches turns to shit. Devastating historical #preservation, #environmental protections, planning #budgets… www.bbc.com/news/article...

Reflecting Pool liner cut with sharp knife or razor, National Park Service says

Earlier in the week Donald Trump blamed vandals for "a 300 foot long gash" in the pool and accused someone of putting fertiliser in the water.

David J. Zappelli @djzap.bsky.social · 23/06/2026

000

David J. Zappelli @djzap.bsky.social · 22/06/2026

000

David J. Zappelli @djzap.bsky.social · 21/06/2026

000

David J. Zappelli @djzap.bsky.social · 10/06/2026

Just another one of the countless repercussions for the fools that voted for Trump — second time around, as if the first wasn’t bad enough! apnews.com/article/cons...

Inflation hits 3-year high, highlighting affordability challenge for Americans

Rising gas prices pushed inflation to its highest level in three years last month, a headache for the Federal Reserve and a potential political challenge for the Trump administration as midterm electi...

000

David J. Zappelli @djzap.bsky.social · 29/05/2026

#Tomatoes become latest symbol of America’s #affordability squeeze. U.S. #tariffs collected on tomatoes ballooned from just $16,424 in 2024 to nearly $4.6 million, according to federal data, a staggering 27,879% increase. And there’s more. #Trump #Inflation apnews.com/article/toma...

Tomatoes become latest symbol of America’s affordability squeeze

Prices for tomatoes are up 40% over the past year, the biggest increase tracked among products in the Consumer Price Index.

000

David J. Zappelli @djzap.bsky.social · 28/05/2026

000

David J. Zappelli @djzap.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

Carney says Canada will buy European surveillance planes over two American options apnews.com/article/cana...

Carney says Canada will buy European surveillance planes over two American options

Canada plans to buy early warning radar planes from Sweden’s Saab and Canada’s Bombardier, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Wednesday.

000

David J. Zappelli @djzap.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

US will need years to replenish stockpiles of advanced weapons used in Iran war, new analysis finds apnews.com/article/iran...

US will need years to replenish stockpiles of advanced weapons used in Iran war, new analysis finds

U.S. military contractors will need at least three years to replenish stockpiles of three key weapons systems used in the Iran war.

David J. Zappelli @djzap.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

ICE detainees are dying by suicide at an 'alarming' rate, an AP investigation finds apnews.com/article/ice-...

ICE detainees are dying by suicide at an 'alarming' rate, an AP investigation finds

Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainees are taking their own lives at a pace that’s unprecedented in the agency’s two-decade history, highlighting what experts call failures in care and oversigh...

David J. Zappelli @djzap.bsky.social · 25/05/2026

Progress in #polyglot development

000

David J. Zappelli @djzap.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

German, Italian, French, Spanish, and music. Like a true gentleman and a. scholar.

000

David J. Zappelli @djzap.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

In many ways, Brits admire the US. But as America hits 250, they say one man defines it: Trump. But Charles Dickens said it better in 1842. He was horrified by the ongoing practice of slavery, which Britain abolished in 1833, and more. apnews.com/article/trum...

In many ways, Brits admire the US. But as America hits 250, they say one man defines it: Trump

Britons are cool on America and baffled by President Donald Trump as the former colonies celebrate their 250th year of independence.

000

David J. Zappelli @djzap.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

This year's most endangered historic places nod to America 250 and the promise of equality for all apnews.com/article/hist...

This year's most endangered historic places nod to America 250 and the promise of equality for all

The National Trust for Historic Preservation has released its annual list of the most endangered historic places in the United States.

David J. Zappelli @djzap.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

“…There are not many other examples of a hit show being shuttered due to political pressure. In 1969, #CBS abruptly canceled “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour,” which had aired comedy bits in opposition of the Vietnam War & in support of #CivilRights. #Colbert #Catholic apnews.com/article/colb...

Stephen Colbert's long goodbye is coming to an end, leaving a void

Stephen Colbert's run on “The Late Show” ends Thursday, marking the conclusion of his on-air feud with President Donald Trump.

David J. Zappelli @djzap.bsky.social · 14/05/2026

The 119th Congress has been in power for 497 days, but spent nearly 25% of that time (119 days) frozen in historic government shutdowns. With only ~75 voting days left and fewer than 70 bills passed, this is officially the lowest-performing Congress in modern history. 📉🏛️ apnews.com/article/sena...

Senators approve withholding their own pay during government shutdowns

Senators have unanimously approved a resolution to withhold their pay during government shutdowns. Lawmakers said the measure approved Thursday would discourage future funding standoffs after a series...

000

David J. Zappelli @djzap.bsky.social · 09/05/2026

A 20-degree temperature rise in May is not considered "normal" average weather for the SF Bay Area. This rapid warming signifies yet another early-season heat wave, above March through May averages. Our weather is cooled by the bay and not as severe as other regions, but nevertheless disturbing.

200

David J. Zappelli @djzap.bsky.social · 09/05/2026

The U.S. under #Trump is now a diminished authority. Its role is being hollowed out, shelled out, razed, leveled and made into a pretentious, hokey facade. We see this domestically, plus in foreign affairs. The world should take note, but certainly Americans themselves. apnews.com/article/hant...

WHO head seeks to reassure Tenerife residents ahead of arrival of hantavirus cruise ship

The head of the World Health Organization is seeking to reassure worried residents of the Spanish island of Tenerife that they are not in danger from the anticipated arrival there of a hantavirus-stri...

000

David J. Zappelli @djzap.bsky.social · 09/05/2026

The CDC’s diminished role in this #outbreak is an indicator the agency is no longer the force in international #health or the protector of domestic health. Add that to the list of other diminished roles by the U.S. since Trump’s rise to power. Disastrous. apnews.com/article/cdc-...

Experts wonder 'Where is the CDC?' as a hantavirus outbreak unfolds on a cruise ship

Public health experts are questioning the U.S. government's response to the hantavirus outbreak aboard a cruise ship that involves Americans.

David J. Zappelli @djzap.bsky.social · 08/05/2026

Trump’s newly unveiled website at the renamed Dept. Of #War houses documents on unidentified anomalous phenomena, or #UAPs. It’s so “hokey”. Ironically, that term gained popularity post-World War II, likely stemming from #hokum (nonsense) & "hocus-pocus". apnews.com/article/trum...

Pentagon begins releasing new files on UFOs and says the public can draw its own conclusions

A new website housing documents the Pentagon is releasing on UFOs has a retro feel, with black-and-white military imagery of flying objects displayed prominently and statements in typewriter-like font...

100

David J. Zappelli @djzap.bsky.social · 07/05/2026

#NoJimCrow apnews.com/article/redi...

Tennessee enacts new US House map carving up majority-Black district in Memphis

Tennessee has enacted a new U.S. House map that carves up a majority-Black district in Memphis. The new voting districts signed into law Thursday by Republican Gov.

000

David J. Zappelli @djzap.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

apnews.com/article/urba...

Study says trees counter half the world's urban heating, but not in the places that need it most

Tree cover globally cools nearly half the warming from built-up cities, but it’s doing it more in richer, cooler areas and less in hotter poorer areas where it’s needed most.

000

David J. Zappelli @djzap.bsky.social · 04/05/2026

There are countless reasons why I’ve always avoided the cruise industry. Contagious diseases and outbreaks are just one example, aside from being stuck on board, where pathogens and disease not only mature but travel and spread. apnews.com/article/what...

A cruise ship is waiting for help after a suspected outbreak of rare hantavirus onboard killed 3

A Dutch cruise ship with nearly 150 people on board including 17 Americans is waiting for help off Cape Verde after a suspected hantavirus outbreak killed three passengers.

000

David J. Zappelli @djzap.bsky.social · 03/05/2026

For the life of me, I cannot fathom why people keep supporting Trump and his disastrous performance. Then again, maybe I’m really dead and this is just a hellish nightmare. Well… I just need a twisted brain logic to mirror the pathological illusions of American voters. apnews.com/article/trum...

000

David J. Zappelli @djzap.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

In George Orwell's 1984, Winston Smith famously writes, "Freedom is the freedom to say that two plus two make four. If that is granted, all else follows." #Trump #MAGA #Math #Orwellianism #NewsSpeek #Gaslighting apnews.com/article/trum...

'Two ways of calculating': Trump defends his mathematically impossible calculations on drug prices

President Donald Trump, known for popularizing the term "fake news," seems to have shifted focus to a healthy dose of fake math in defending impossibly large cuts to prescription drug prices.

100

David J. Zappelli @djzap.bsky.social · 20/04/2026

Your book buying list apnews.com/article/bans...

Book bans and attempted bans remain at record highs, with 'Sold' topping the list

The American Library Association says book bans and attempted bans remain at record highs. Efforts to remove titles have become more coordinated and politicized.

000