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Phillip T. Alden

@philalden.bsky.social
757 followers 160 following 2.2K posts

SF Peninsula native & resident, former stage tech. Writer. Current AA member. Fortunate partner. Dog & cat lover. Music lover. Horrid drummer. Allergic to bullshit. Kind with a spine. History buff.

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Phillip T. Alden @philalden.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
The person I love most and have known for 28 years doesn’t have a cruel bone in his body, or so I thought. Compassionate, thoughtful, forgiving - those are (maybe “were”) the words I associate with this person. So adding “cruel” to that list seems unnatural but apparently that’s where we are.
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Phillip T. Alden @philalden.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
You are not an “influencer.” There is no such thing. 95% of your “followers” are bots. The other two are your parents and they want you to move out of their basement.
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Phillip T. Alden @philalden.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
It’s a full moon tonight which means that Peter Gabriel has dropped another track from his upcoming album, “o/i,” as he did with “i/o.” “i/o” is an excellent album and the concert, my 8th time seeing him, was great. There’s nothing like a PG show. If you’re unaware check out Peter Gabriel III.
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Phillip T. Alden @philalden.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
I stepped away from this platform a while ago and upon returning I realize why I did. The algorithm feeds me a bunch of political outrage that I don’t give a shit about. Your online grievance is irrelevant. This is why I abandoned news in favor of history and analysis. You people are toxic.
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Plant Powered A-ron🌱🌎💙🌊 @plantpowered1971.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
It's more important now that ever before!!! VOTE!!!
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Phillip T. Alden @philalden.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
One of my favorite lines from the book, “A Confederacy Of Dunces,” is uttered by the protagonist, Ignatius P. Reilly. He comes across an “art fair.” When asked by one of these sweet old ladies what he thinks about her painting, he bluntly states: “It’s an abortion.” I keep forgetting to use it.
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Phillip T. Alden @philalden.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
N.B. Facebook took a long time to “approve” this post and I am skeptical so I posted it on my Substack:
substack.com
Phillip Alden’s Music World (@phillipalden)
N.B. Facebook took a long time to “approve” this post and I suspect they will dampen its reach, so I’m posting it here. I apologize that this is not about music: Why am I, and many others, skeptical ...
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Phillip T. Alden @philalden.bsky.social · 04/05/2026
When I’m forced to provide an email, because it annoys me, I use a fictitious email address. I didn’t invent this one but it serves: heywoodjablowme@gmail.com
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Phillip T. Alden @philalden.bsky.social · 09/01/2026
In addition to our new territory, Venezuela; I want to welcome our new soon-to-be territories; Greenland, Cuba, Mexico, Canada & Brazil. And possibly Australia, the United Kingdom, Western Europe, and maybe China? And thank you for being patient until we had a leader who could make it all possible.
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Phillip T. Alden @philalden.bsky.social · 09/01/2026
I really like this platform but I can’t find any mecha-Hitler, child and/or revenge porn. (And is it “mecha-Hitler” or “Mecca-Hitler?” I’m unsure.)
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Phillip T. Alden @philalden.bsky.social · 02/01/2026
Happy New Year! I apologize for not being active here recently. I was crazy busy and then on vacation. I hope y’all had a wonderful holiday and best wishes for a healthy and prosperous new year to you and your loved ones.
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Phillip T. Alden @philalden.bsky.social · 18/11/2025
The person we refer to as “Alexander the Great” was actually a vicious bastard who crucified people who defied him and sold women and children into slavery, against convention. History is often ugly and tries to teach us lessons we steadfastly refuse to learn so we repeat those mistakes.
overcast.fm
20. Persia - An Empire in Ashes — Fall of Civilizations Podcast
In the highlands of the Iranian Plateau, a collection of enormous pillars reach up to the sky…In this episode, we tell the story of the Achaemenid Persian Empire. Find out how this remarkable ancient ...
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Phillip T. Alden @philalden.bsky.social · 31/10/2025
A portion of the title of this week’s “Econoclast” podcast episode is: “..is a crypto crisis looming?” No crypto assets no crisis. I’ve had people tell me how great crypto is if I just read this or that biased article. Our investments are fine Because we have no crypto. Never have, never will.
overcast.fm
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Phillip T. Alden @philalden.bsky.social · 31/10/2025
We flew to Sayulita today for Dios de Muertos, our annual trip to the casita we rent from a friend. We also come down here for the Christmas holidays. We flew Alaska Airlines and they’re great. These handsome gentleman were our pilots. We fly here often and we love Alaska. They treat us very well.
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Phillip T. Alden @philalden.bsky.social · 28/10/2025
The view from our balcony. It’s going to be a beautiful day on the San Francisco Peninsula. I hope your day will be as beautiful.
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Phillip T. Alden @philalden.bsky.social · 17/10/2025
So-called “smart” glasses. First you’re anti-social & emotionally damaged & I’m going to tell you to fuck off. Then I’m going to rat you out to everyone in the vicinity. Second you’re a data whore for big tech. Third you’re contributing to the surveillance state. So how cool do you think you are?
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Phillip T. Alden @philalden.bsky.social · 16/10/2025
A friend shared this: “Imagine you’re bit by a snake. Instead of healing yourself from the poison you look for the snake to ask it why it bit you and then explain why you didn’t deserve to get bit.” Now why do I identify? Why do I want to go looking for the snake?
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Phillip T. Alden @philalden.bsky.social · 16/10/2025
@chrisgillard.bsky.social I really enjoyed your interview with Paris on TWSU.
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Phillip T. Alden @philalden.bsky.social · 09/10/2025
There’s an amusement park in Hershey, PA called Hershey Park. It’s dedicated to the famous chocolate company. (I know this because my husband is from PA.) So my question is this: Is the main thoroughfare through the park called “The Hershey Highway?”
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Phillip T. Alden @philalden.bsky.social · 07/10/2025
Gilmour has a new album out & it’s excellent. Listening to it I hear elements of post-Waters Pink Floyd, classic PF, and early Gilmour solo work. The music sounds intimate like you’re in the same room and he’s playing it for your benefit. I like the title track but it’s truly great start to finish.
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Phillip T. Alden @philalden.bsky.social · 30/09/2025
I didn’t know that Chile has the largest Lithium deposits in the world. This is an interesting conversation about renewables vs. fossil fuels. TMK is one of my favorite podcasts.
overcast.fm
425. The Oxymorons of Green Capitalism (ft. Thea Riofrancos) — This Machine Kills
We are joined by Thea Riofrancos — author of Extraction: The Frontiers of Green Capitalism — to chat about the many frontiers, tensions, and futures of green capitalism. How do we understand a system ...
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Phillip T. Alden @philalden.bsky.social · 25/09/2025
I’m an AA member. I was also an ACT-UP member and a medical marijuana activist. Cannabis is the ONLY medication for nerve pain. My AA sponsor knows I use it for Peripheral Neuropathy, (PN.) My doctor knows my AA status and my cannabis treatment. My recovery is not from pot. Alcohol is my problem.
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Phillip T. Alden @philalden.bsky.social · 25/09/2025
Batteries are toxic waste, not trash. You need to dispose of them properly. Pass it on.
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Phillip T. Alden @philalden.bsky.social · 24/09/2025
Think a Burmese Python in Florida can’t eat a deer?
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Phillip T. Alden @philalden.bsky.social · 23/09/2025
I don’t think, unless you have something like an Apple Watch, you realize how much walking you do in a day. Yesterday I did my normal routine then went to The Who concert. At the end of the night I’d walked over 12 miles. My average is 7-8 miles a day. I’m an active person so maybe I’m not the mean.
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Phillip T. Alden @philalden.bsky.social · 22/09/2025
My throat hurts and my legs and feet are aching from singing, dancing and cheering at The Who concert last night at Shoreline Amphitheater in Mountain View. Roger sounded great at 80 and Pete.. well Pete is a god. They didn’t have to do this tour. It was a gift to their fans.
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Phillip T. Alden @philalden.bsky.social · 21/09/2025
1/2 I’m seeing The Who tonight for the third & final time. Roger is 80 & Pete is 81, and the name of the tour is, “This Song Is Over,” after a famous Pete song. Townsend is one of my rock demigods. This is concert #4 this year and the one I’m most excited about. (Don’t tell Steven Wilson.) (Cont!)
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Phillip T. Alden @philalden.bsky.social · 21/09/2025
The Ankh is the Egyptian symbol for Life. The ancient Egyptians would say; “I hope you’re healthy and alive.” That’s an affirmative expression, I guess.
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Phillip T. Alden @philalden.bsky.social · 21/09/2025
My husband did something I didn’t expect. He asked me if I was watching anything on Disney+. I said no. We’re canceling our subscription because of their blatant censorship and capitulation to a wannabe autocrat. I’m usually the political one. (He’s the cute one on the right.)
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Phillip T. Alden @philalden.bsky.social · 18/09/2025
This is deeply troubling. And as David Serota says it’s about more than the firing of a late-night comedian. It’s an assault on our first amendment rights.
overcast.fm
The Real Reason Jimmy Kimmel Was Pulled From Late-Night — Lever Time
First, they cancelled Stephen Colbert; now they’ve pulled Jimmy Kimmel off the air. The common denominator? Corporate power. On today’s episode of Lever Time, David Sirota talks with media-consolidati...
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Reposted by Phillip T. Alden
Jay @pescado70.bsky.social · 17/09/2025
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Phillip T. Alden @philalden.bsky.social · 18/09/2025
You might ask what keeps me healthy. Believe me I see a lot of 60 year old guys who are in shit shape. I don’t drink (any more) but that’s not it. I walk at least five miles a day. (FYI - This photo was taken on the island of Mykonos in April 2025.)
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Phillip T. Alden @philalden.bsky.social · 18/09/2025
I heard someone ask another person who’s the best team in baseball. I now have an answer. The Mariners. I don’t want to see Raleigh break Willy’s record but records are made of be broken.
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Phillip T. Alden @philalden.bsky.social · 17/09/2025
I heard this song watching “The Blacklist” and it has to be the 7th or 8th musician that show has introduced me to. Radical Face’s “Family Tree” folk rock opera, and Keane. I love Keane. Frankie Miler is well respected in the music world and this song I want played at my funeral. Far from now.
youtu.be
After All (I Live My Life) (2011 Remaster)
YouTube video by Frankie Miller - Topic
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Phillip T. Alden @philalden.bsky.social · 17/09/2025
This arrived in the mail today, my 6th or 7th Keane album. These guys could do no wrong. I’ve collected everything they released. I just got a 7-CD compilation of Frankie Miller and he was incredible. “Storm Corrosion” arrives later today. So much music, so little time.
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Phillip T. Alden @philalden.bsky.social · 12/09/2025
I was potentially exposed to COVID. I can’t test until Sunday morning. I’m isolating to keep my partner and others safe. It was a brief encounter and I’m probably clear. Fortunately we own the 1-bedroom unit next to our condo so it’s almost like being at home. A hotel would have sucked.
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Phillip T. Alden @philalden.bsky.social · 10/09/2025
I have my obligatory concert t-shirt and I’m ready. I bought my ticket for Steven Wilson months ago so I’m psyched. Row nine on the floor at the Masonic in San Francisco. Beautiful venue. 15 minutes until show time!
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Phillip T. Alden @philalden.bsky.social · 09/09/2025
Six hours before Steven Wilson comes onstage at the Masonic in San Francisco. I’ve been looking forward to this show for months, ever since I bought my ticket. Nobody in my personal life shares my passion for Porcupine Tree and SW solo work but that’s okay. My enthusiasm cannot be dampened.
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Phillip T. Alden @philalden.bsky.social · 08/09/2025
Another self-portrait taken in 2023 at TeamLab Planet in Tokyo. I’m actually closer to the mirror than it looks. We walked through those strands of lights like a curtain gently moving, brushing them. I lost visual perspective. If not for being guided by the lights I could have wandered around lost.
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Phillip T. Alden @philalden.bsky.social · 08/09/2025
This self-portrait was taken in 2023 at TeamLabs Planet in Tokyo. It’s a difficult place to describe. I’d say it’s an interactive experience that plays on the senses. Japan has some incredible traditional shrines etc and some very cool new places. Plus, the food is amazing. Go. Visit. Experience!
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Phillip T. Alden @philalden.bsky.social · 08/09/2025
This coming Tuesday! I’m seeing SW live in San Francisco at the Masonic. I bought my ticket months ago and I’ve been eagerly awaiting the show. What’s extra cool is that Adam Holzmann is on keyboards. Adam and Steven were band mates in Porcupine Tree, the British progressive rock band that I love.
stevenwilsonhq.com
Steven Wilson - News
All the latest official news from Steven Wilson surrounding his various projects and activities.
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Phillip T. Alden @philalden.bsky.social · 07/09/2025
He’s so stupid he thinks euthanasia is a Chinese student movement group.
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Phillip T. Alden @philalden.bsky.social · 05/09/2025
The first Keane CD arrived today. It’s excellent. I have three more of their albums coming in addition to a compilation album. Their music reminds me of a mix between early Coldplay and Maroon 5 although they have a unique sound. “Reminds me of” statements can be a trap.
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Phillip T. Alden @philalden.bsky.social · 05/09/2025
Crypto boosters like to say that oppressed human rights groups can use crypto to bypass their oppressors. What they fail to mention is that sanctioned dictators and criminals are already using it for things like drug trafficking and human trafficking. This is not hypothetical.
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Phillip T. Alden @philalden.bsky.social · 05/09/2025
Hypocritical Question: If there were a female pope and she got pregnant, and if the pregnancy were to destroy her life or cause a power vacuum and/or spark a major crisis or conflict, would she get an abortion?
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Phillip T. Alden @philalden.bsky.social · 03/09/2025
When we were in New Zealand we hiked on a tropical glacier. On the way to the ice a guy passed us wearing flip-flops. Our guide (and us) told him that was a bad idea. He didn’t listen and guess what happened. His dumb ass had to be rescued by one of the guides. A future Darwin Award winner.
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Phillip T. Alden @philalden.bsky.social · 03/09/2025
There’s a “Dominos” pizza. Shouldn’t there be a “Subinos” pizza?
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Phillip T. Alden @philalden.bsky.social · 03/09/2025
A Jewish neighbor who is a gynecologist invited us over for a little get together. She served bagels and a pap schmear.
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Phillip T. Alden @philalden.bsky.social · 02/09/2025
Occasionally, rarely really, do I feel like I’m that guy.
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