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Erik

@spurious-emissions.bsky.social
269 followers 152 following 459 posts

Programmer, electronics & radio enthusiast, brass musician.

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Reposted by Erik
Mel Buer @melbuer.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
As I mentioned just a little bit earlier: a machine cannot feel. It does not know what it means to be human, no matter how much time and effort you put into its output looking and sounding like one. To offload your creative output to a machine is to murder of your own soul
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Mel Buer @melbuer.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
I view those “creatives” who use AI to generate creative work with the utmost contempt. In your laziness you have denied yourself the chance to bring forth the depth of your singular human experience and share it with others. You have turned the artistic process into an assembly line Disgusting
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Anne Applebaum @anneapplebaum.wsocial.eu · 02/10/2026
A deep dive into the Baltic states' extensive preparations for a Russian invasion, from @isaacstanbecker who tracks "the emergence of a new order, in which Ukraine matters as much to the security of Europe as the United States" www.theatlantic.com/magazine/202...
theatlantic.com
The Baltic States Prepare for War
Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia are readying themselves to fend off a Russian attack—with the help of the United States, or without it.
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Erik @spurious-emissions.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
Other Americans may soon come to the same conclusion. For decades, we have told ourselves that our country represents democracy, freedom, and free trade. We believed we had allies, like-minded nations that shared these values. We thought we opposed dictators and kleptocrats, the leaders who steal from their own people. What happens when we realize that we no longer do?
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Erik @spurious-emissions.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
Slowly, the Brazilians were learning the same lesson as other American allies around the world: The United States of America is no longer the entity they knew. And American power is no longer deployed solely by trained diplomats and reliable officials, working through state channels. Informal envoys, private companies, online grifters, and hardened ideologues both inside and outside the government matter more. Unlike their predecessors, these people do not talk about spreading democracy, and don’t want to build long-term relationships. They don’t care about America’s reputation. They are deploying the tools of American diplomacy and government for their own purposes, to promote their own business interests or their own ideological goals, because, suddenly, they can."Revolutions are the locomotives of history,” Karl Marx wrote. He was wrong about many things but not about this: In modern times, every major revolutionary movement has sought to change not just the politics of a single country but the international system itself. Napoleon marched the French Revolution across Europe. Lenin and Trotsky believed that their Bolshevik Revolution would succeed only when the Soviet Union was surrounded by other Communist states. Ayatollah Khomeini and his successors built proxy movements to spread their ideology across the Middle East.

The clan of predators currently in charge of the U.S. federal government is no different. Wrongly described as “isolationists,” many of its true believers don’t think of themselves as ordinary Republicans who won an election and will temporarily hold power until the next election. Nor are they mere appendages of Trump. They believe they represent something much greater: the vanguard of a movement that will alter not just America, but the world.Rather, the change is inside the democratic world that came into being after 1945, a world based not exclusively on law, but on a set of mostly self-imposed restraints. Inside this sphere, American power was largely derived from alliances that it refrained from exploiting. Long-term relationships were held to be valuable, because you never knew when you might need your allies. U.S. politicians did not execute American foreign policy, or indeed domestic policy, in order to make money for themselves or their children while they were still in office. These alliances achieved enormous success: Although American policy in the Middle East has always been controversial and the results of American military interventions around the world mixed at best, America helped build eight decades of peace, prosperity, and eventually democracy in Europe and much of Asia, creating markets for U.S. companies and unprecedented support for U.S. power.

This world is fast disappearing. Instead, following the president’s lead, different people inside and outside the administration are seizing the revolutionary moment in order to win zero-sum victories. Countries that hang back from this free-for-all know they will suffer. “If we’re not at the table, we’re on the menu,” Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said at Davos earlier this year. He was right.The idea that a dedicated group of Americans has a plan to dismantle Canada, or that businessmen with opaque links to the U.S. government might want to create political conditions for a U.S. takeover of Greenland, may surprise Americans. It shouldn’t. Every single tactic used against Brazil, Canada, or Denmark has also been deployed elsewhere—not to support democracy, not to build American prosperity, but to spread the illiberal revolution and make money for the predators who support it. Here is a partial list.
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Erik @spurious-emissions.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
This is one of the best analyses I've read in a long time. The examination of the changes we're seeing, within the context of past revolutionary movements, underscores the gravity of the situation. I think this is precisely the way to contextualize what's happening.
theatlantic.com
MAGA Is Making the World Safe for Corruption
Far-right ideologues have transformed American foreign policy into a tool of private gain and antidemocratic reaction.
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Reposted by Erik
Anne Applebaum @anneapplebaum.wsocial.eu · 19/09/2026
The Kennedy Center was financially stable until Trump took over: "In the fiscal year ending in 2024, when the center was led by President Deborah Rutter and a bipartisan board of trustees, it brought in about $40 million more than it spent" www.theatlantic.com/culture/2026...
theatlantic.com
What the Kennedy Center’s Tax Return Reveals
A previously unseen filing captures the state of the institution seven months after Donald Trump’s takeover.
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Osmoosi @oh3cnz.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/ar...
bbc.co.uk
Scientists create the 'world's smallest violin'
A team of researchers at Loughborough university have created the 'world's smallest violin'.
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Reposted by Erik
Aaron Rupar @atrupar.com · 21/09/2026
LMFAO -- Trump is holding an event at the White House right now but there's no audio because the press pool isn't there. The Newsmax host notes that this is an example of Trump's attacks on the press "backfiring just a little bit"
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Mel Buer @melbuer.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
They finally fucking did it, what a show of solidarity
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Erik @spurious-emissions.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
I just can't let the day come to an end without sharing this. Happy Earth, Wind & Fire day!
youtube.com
Earth, Wind & Fire - September (Official HD Video)
YouTube video by EarthWindandFireVEVO
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Reposted by Erik
Anne Applebaum @anneapplebaum.wsocial.eu · 14/09/2026
Your regular reminder: If the Russians stop fighting, the war ends. If the Ukrainians stop fighting, their land will be occupied, their leaders will be killed, their history and language will be erased, their children will be kidnapped to serve Russia.
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Anne Applebaum @anneapplebaum.wsocial.eu · 13/09/2026
If Ukraine would just surrender we could get on with making business deals
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Erik @spurious-emissions.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
After a long day, there's nothing quite as comforting as putting on an episode of Gardners' World to relax. I'm really going to miss Monty.
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Erik @spurious-emissions.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
"Don’s strength was that he approached the show as a self-taught gardener. This meant that it suddenly became more welcoming to newcomers and outsiders who had possibly been a little intimidated by the show. This was a masterstroke."
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Erik @spurious-emissions.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
This is tremendously sad news. I've been watching Gardners' World a lot lately, as I've really been getting into gardening/horticulture. While I'm a realtively new viewer/gardener/horticulturalist, I can say with absolute certainty that I'm going to profoundly miss seeing Monty at the helm.
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The Retro Cocktail Hour @retrococktailhour.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
Step away from the fluorescent lighting. Put down the sensible beverage. Ignore your responsibilities. Dig this week's Retro Cocktail Hour on-demand at www.mixcloud.com/MartiniBunke... and www.retrococktail.org. This program has been approved by absolutely nobody!
mixcloud.com
The Retro Cocktail Hour #1125 - August 29, 2026
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Erik @spurious-emissions.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
Rick was, "to a few hundred thousand strangers scattered all over the world, the person who finally made it make sense." Myself included. What a legacy he leaves behind.
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Erik @spurious-emissions.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
Given everything going on in the world right now, it feels as though there's a risk that this news might slip under the radar. That would be a shame. We've lost one of the titans of digital signal processing.
dsprelated.com
See Ya', Rick - Stephane Boucher
Rick Lyons wrote 88 blog posts and some 2,800 forum posts on DSPRelated, and the DSP book most of us learned from. He passed away last Wednesday. A few words about the most meticulous, and most genero...
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Reposted by Erik
the Mountain Goats @themountaingoats.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
this record is on streaming services so I'm listening now and Bernstein's affect here is no accident. He is serving you a full dose of Music for Strings Percussion and Celesta. He does not want you to be under any illusions about that
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Erik @spurious-emissions.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
When the last days come We shall see visions More vivid than sunsets Brighter than stars We will recognize each other And see ourselves for the first time The way, the way we really are
m.youtube.com
Mountain Goats - Against Pollution Knitting Factory Halloween
YouTube video by Ideas of the Shipwrecked
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The Guardian @theguardian.com · 14/08/2026
Standards watchdog resumes investigation into Nigel Farage over financial gifts
theguardian.com
Standards watchdog resumes investigation into Nigel Farage over financial gifts
Reform UK leader’s return to Clacton restarts inquiry into £5m gift from cyrpto-billionaire and support from fraudster The suspended parliamentary standards investigation into Nigel Farage over accusations he failed to declare gifts and donations has resumed after the Reform UK leader’s re-election as the MP for Clacton. The twofold investigation by Daniel Greenberg, the parliamentary commissioner for standards, was paused after Farage resigned from his seat and called a byelection in protest at what he said was unfair scrutiny of his finances. Continue reading...
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Count Binface @countbinface.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
You may have seen I broadcast a message to planet Earth from the edge of space. I thought it was equally important to speak to deep space about you and your lovely little planet. But I thought humans might like to see it too, so here it is. #Clacton #VoteBinface
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Mackenzie Clark @mclarknews.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
you just never know what a day will bring ... local news is wild, man lawrenceks.news/4x89VXu
lawrenceks.news
Mystery crews paint outside the lines on Lawrence streets; city is displeased
The City of Lawrence is seeking answers after a mysterious paint crew arrived in town Wednesday morning and painted over — and beyond — existing traffic markings along some key city streets.
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Erik @spurious-emissions.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Truly an intergalactic space warrior of the people.
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Count Binface @countbinface.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
Checkmate, Nige.
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The National @scotnational.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
BREAKING: The results are in for the Clacton by-election Nigel Farage won with 22,249 votes, with Count Binface on 9455
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Erik @spurious-emissions.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Wait, do you seriously mean to tell me that Count Binface managed to get nearly half as my votes as Nigel Farage? That's absolutely incredible.
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Erik @spurious-emissions.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Happy bin day, to all who celebrate!
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Erik @spurious-emissions.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Needless to say I'm all bin for the man in the can with the 20-point plan. He'd be a great prime binnister.
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Erik @spurious-emissions.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
The idea that you could present a coherent, and rather substantial, argument that Count Binface would make a better representative for Clacton-on-Sea than Nigel Farage, is absolutly surreal. I love it. I love it so much.
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Erik @spurious-emissions.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
I cannot even begin to tell you all how much I've enjoyed the Count Binface coverage.
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Count Binface @countbinface.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
✅ Touring Clacton ✅ Visiting local businesses ✅ Listening to constituents’ concerns ✅ Hi-vis vest Make your Vote Count! #VoteBinface #Clacton
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Count Binface @countbinface.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
Here it is. My manifesto for the 2026 Clacton By-Election. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Join me, clean up Clacton and let's make 13th August Bin Day! #VoteBinface #VoteyMcVoteface #YesWeTinCan
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Count Binface @countbinface.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
53,800 of these bad boys are landing in Clacton. Ain’t they beauts? #VoteBinface
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Count Binface @countbinface.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
Bin Day cometh.
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Count Binface @countbinface.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
Okay Clacton. Let’s go.
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cira-csu.bsky.social @cira-csu.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
Captivating imagery of the solar eclipse that happened over the Northern Hemisphere earlier today.
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Marco Langbroek @marcolangbroek.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
Very happy with this result. Combination of #eclipse images (time lapse) with 35 mm lens, one image per 5 minutes, from #Leiden, the Netherlands. Old Leiden Observatory bottom right.
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Aric Toler @aric.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
A detailed breakdown of Trump's "great escape" on a catering truck, from Eric Schmitt, Maggie Haberman, @jamie-leventhal.bsky.social, Simon Ducroquet, Yuliya Parshina-Kottas, and me. Free gift link: www.nytimes.com/2026/08/11/u...
nytimes.com
See How Trump’s Secret Air Force One Swap Unfolded (Gift Article)
The extraordinary subterfuge was aimed at protecting an American president who has been in Iran’s cross hairs for years.
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Marisa Kabas @marisakabas.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
DON’T FUCK WITH A FREE PRESS 🔥
kansasreflector.com
Three years after police raid on Kansas newspaper, reporter settles lawsuit for $850K • Kansas Reflector
Phyllis Zorn, the reporter whose acts of journalism served as an excuse for the August 2023 police raid of the Marion County Record, will get $850,000 from the city of Marion to settle her federal law...
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Erik @spurious-emissions.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
“The only thing any of us can do is stand up and just say no, even if it tosses us into expensive turmoil for years to come,” Meyer said. “That’s the price of living in a democracy when there are others who try to abuse their power.”
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Soraya Nadia McDonald @soraya.press · 10/08/2026
KEEP BULLYING THEM IT WORKS
wired.com
The AI Slop Backlash Is Actually Having an Impact
Platforms are finally recognizing that people don’t want to consume AI slop. A growing number of sites and apps now have tools and policies to flag, label, and ban AI-generated content.
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NPR @npr.org · 11/08/2026
A comedian dressed as a trash can and known as Count Binface is vying for the seat held by Nigel Farage. Oxford-educated Jon Harvey's costumed character has become a fixture in U.K. politics. n.pr/4i23TTB
n.pr
Bin there, trashed that: Candidate dressed as a garbage can runs for U.K. parliament -- again
A comedian dressed as a trash can and known as Count Binface is vying for the seat held by Nigel Farage. Oxford-educated Jon Harvey's costumed character has become a fixture in U.K. politics.
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Count Binface @countbinface.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
An American interviewer asked me about my political beliefs. #VoteBinface
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The Associated Press @apnews.com · 11/08/2026
U.S. President Donald Trump told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy he had 'no cards' in the war against Moscow's invasion. Then Kyiv took the fight to Russia.
bit.ly
Trump told Ukraine it had no cards. Then Kyiv took the war to Russia
U.S. President Donald Trump told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy last year that he had “no cards” in the fight against Russia. But since the meeting, Ukraine has shown it can take the war to Russia.
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NPR @npr.org · 11/08/2026
The deployment is expected to cost in the billions after it was quietly extended until Inauguration Day of 2029. n.pr/4gp0FID
n.pr
A year in, thousands of armed troops have quietly become a fixture of D.C. life
The deployment is expected to cost in the billions after it was quietly extended until Inauguration Day of 2029.
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NE Ohio Regional Sewer District @neorsd.org · 11/08/2026
they ask the social media team to shoot an employee training video about recycling, what did they think was going to happen
a man in a yellow tyvek jumpsuit, hood and safety glasses stands in a blue dumpster recording a video, a camera and tripod is visible on the left.
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The Associated Press @apnews.com · 10/08/2026
Ukraine's drone forces could strike seven times more targets in Crimea if Western funding came faster, Maj. Robert "Magyar" Brovdi, the commander leading Ukraine's drone war, tells the AP.
bit.ly
Crimea strikes could rise sevenfold if Western funds came faster, Ukraine drone commander tells AP
Ukraine's drone forces could strike seven times more targets in Crimea if Western funding came faster, according to the commander leading Ukraine's drone war. Maj.
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Erik @spurious-emissions.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
"When its war is over, Ukraine could manufacture surplus Patriots for U.S. use or for resale to U.S. allies and partners. Given its track record, Ukraine might even be able to produce surpluses while the war rages on. And that might be the problem."
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