Sign in

Coleen (she/her)

@thatsilvermagpie.bsky.social
63 followers 22 following 127 posts

Software developer, content writer, photographer - it's almost like I'm multi-passionate!

PostsRepliesMedia
Coleen (she/her) @thatsilvermagpie.bsky.social · 15/10/2026
Seriously. And comedy should be funny, not an excuse to bully.
Unsolicited opinions. 

Women belong in the gym. And everywhere else. And they should be able to wear what they want. Seriously.

Also, all dress guidelines should be gender neutral. It's 2026.
000
Coleen (she/her) @thatsilvermagpie.bsky.social · 13/10/2026
Apparently my it's and its just weren't jiving this morning. Anyway, consider the downstream implications of your vote. And remember, if it didn't matter, there wouldn't be entire campaigns online telling you not to bother. #colorado #midterms
000
Coleen (she/her) @thatsilvermagpie.bsky.social · 12/10/2026
Happy Monday. Remember to grab some sunlight. 💙📚 #recommended
Read it. Whipping Girl by Julia Serano.
010
Coleen (she/her) @thatsilvermagpie.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
It's been a week, that's for sure. I know I've had to unplug a bit, but that doesn't mean shutting the world out. #news #currentevents
Current Watch Topics. That may or may not be overlooked around here 

Grey @thatsilvermagpie tag.

Iran - Bab el-Mandeb is the conflict right now, and Iran is sinking things near ports.

Privacy - Norway is seeking to ban AI glasses, at least temporarily. 

The Files et al. - Phang V. Blanche has a motion stating Phang can’t use administrative law to force a disclosure.

ICE - Renee Good's family has sued. And there’s another quiet roundup surge, somehow near polling places, surprise.

Voting - Voting is underway in many precincts. Get yours in soon!Grey @thatsilvermagpie tag.

Disaster response - Water rationing in Puerto Rico is ongoing but not in the news.

Texas v. Kennedy - We will not go back. States are introducing protection laws, so let your AG know.

HR2616/8705/7661 and so on - All these ways to enforce arbitrary norms.

Canada - Musk is poking provincial secession discussions in his free time. 

Public Lands - Big Bend got a construction stay. Grandmother cottonwoods on private property in the wall's path weren’t so lucky.

Plague - Siberia has deaths reported, and Russia is being very cagey about it.Grey @thatsilvermagpie tag.

Food - Broccoli and pre-workout this week.

Louisiana vs FDA - Still going; meanwhile the FDA is reviewing the “safety” of pills.

FTA - Federal transit grants may be tied to birth rates going forward.

Gaza, Lebanon, Ethiopia, Sudan, Congo, United States - All have active genocide flags according to the Lemkin Institute

WB/Paramount Merger - Back to Skydance.

Impeachment/25th - Seriously, read a transcript of a full speech or watch one.

Costs - Fuel is going to be an issue going forward, especially once strategic reserves run out, and that will affect everything.
000
Coleen (she/her) @thatsilvermagpie.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
Seriously. Policy shouldn't have to affect your grocery bill or your grandma before you consider the broader implications of it and who's implementing it.
Unsolicited opinions. It should not take policy affecting a person personally to make them evaluate the long-term consequences.
000
Coleen (she/her) @thatsilvermagpie.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
So many people aren't ready to address fatphobia, but it's vital to do so, especially in the weight loss injection era. #recommended 💙📚
Read it. You just need to lose weight by Aubrey Gordon.
020
Coleen (she/her) @thatsilvermagpie.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
Always better late than never. #news #currentevents
Current Watch Topics. That may or may not be overlooked around here.

Grey @thatsilvermagpie tag.

Iran - Houthis are still moving along the Red Sea and shipping is down in Bab el-Mandeb.

Privacy - Somehow mandatory ALPR audits/reviews probably won’t help.

The Files et al. - Phang V. Blanche is going, and Blanche is now claiming too little time.

ICE - Third country renditions are back thanks to the Supreme Court. Wilber Rafael Garces Perez should not have had a bullet in him for 11 days.

Voting - SC enabled states using states using SAVE, not to be confused with the SAVE Act.Grey @thatsilvermagpie tag.

Disaster response - Water rationing in Puerto Rico is ongoing but not in the news.

Texas v. Kennedy - H. Res. 1586 has been introduced. We will not go back.

HR2616/8705/7661 and so on - All these ways to enforce arbitrary norms.

Canada - Trump’s calling the EU move a hostile act.

Slush fund - Apparently there’s a new one.

Public Lands - roadless.org has comment resources re: roadless rule to use before October 6. Unique comments are vital.

Funding - 47 is routing funds to South and Central America instead of Europe.Grey @thatsilvermagpie tag.

Food - Back to the blueberry troubles.

Louisiana vs FDA - Sounds pretty dicey on standing, but may still be a problem.

Title IX - No longer protects queer students.

Gaza, Lebanon, Ethiopia, Sudan, Congo, United States - All have active genocide flags according to the Lemkin Institute

WB/Paramount Merger - Back to Skydance.

Jack Smith - The testimony was fire.

Impeachment/25th - Anyone at all?

Costs - Diesel prices are already starting to filter into the grocery store.
000
Coleen (she/her) @thatsilvermagpie.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
This is the culture that is fostered. They felt safe enough to make these decisions, and in a forum where any one member could have called the cops. No one did. And yes, those are men, not boys. Stop the excuses.
Unsolicited opinions. Cornell’s response to the Jane Doe lawsuit is disgusting, as is their idea of “punishment” for men.
000
Coleen (she/her) @thatsilvermagpie.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Happy Monday. May your week be peaceful, even if it's unlikely. #rec #recommend 💙📚 📽️
Read it. The Nerd Reich by Gil DuránWatch it. Rotten.Subscribe it. Heather Cox Richardson.
040
Coleen (she/her) @thatsilvermagpie.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Not particularly happy with the courts this week overall. The 504 integration mandate decision in particular is harmful. #news #currentevents
Current Watch Topics. That may or may not be overlooked around here. 

Grey @thatsilvermagpie tag.

Iran - Houthis are still moving along the Red Sea. And the speeches in the UN highlight vastly different worldviews.

Privacy - ALPRs are facing pushback nationwide as states try to legislate them.

The Files et al - Phang V. Blanche has a formal response deadline, at last. There are apparently 218 reps for new transparency.

ICE - Wilber Rafael Garces Perez should not still have a bullet in his back. And apparently, DHS is flaunting the bodycam orders, again.

Corruption - ProPublica dropped a trove.Grey @thatsilvermagpie tag.

Disaster response - Water rationing in Puerto Rico is ongoing, with 44% in severe drought.

Texas v. Kennedy - They settled and removed the integration mandate. We will not go back.

HR2616/8705/7661 and so on - All these ways to enforce arbitrary norms.

Canada - Trade war is on.

Payouts - The 1776 slush fund is legally back in play. Blanche’s confirmation lie and all.

Public Lands - roadless.org has comment resources re: roadless rule to use before October 6. Unique comments are vital.

ESA - Habitat destruction isn’t harm now.Grey @thatsilvermagpie tag.

Food - I just saw cinnamon with lead.

News - Trump TV and journalism access.

Louisiana vs FDA - Sounds pretty dicey on standing, but may still be a problem.

NIH - Vaught has personal grant oversight.

Gaza, Lebanon, Ethiopia, Sudan, Congo, United States - All have active genocide flags according to the Lemkin Institute

WB/Paramount Merger - AGs settled.

Impeachment/25th - Anyone at all?

Costs - US Fed raised the federal borrowing interest rate .25%.
011
Coleen (she/her) @thatsilvermagpie.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
In the US, various administrations have been using this trick for decades. And the safeguards never seem to kick in. Globally, it's much the same. Palestine is not a conflict, it's a war with the intention of genocide. Ukraine is a war of annexation, destruction, and genocide. And so on.
Unsolicited opinions. Just because you're not calling it a "war" doesn't mean it isn't one.
000
Coleen (she/her) @thatsilvermagpie.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Actually have three for three on recs this week. May your week be gentle. #Recommended 💙📚 📽️
Read it. What Doesn't Kill You by Tessa Miller Watch it. Aerial America.Subscribe it. The Report Card.
010
Coleen (she/her) @thatsilvermagpie.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
And for a bonus, articles of impeachment were introduced against Hegseth...by a Republican. Anyway, world keeps turning, and accountability will turn up... eventually. #news #currentevents
Current Watch Topics. That may or may not be overlooked around here.

Grey @thatsilvermagpie tag.

Iran - Mocha seaport capture is probably the start of pinching the Bab al-Mandab strait.

Voting - The SC has blocked the USPS batch ballot processing system, with two dissents.

Privacy - More system mishandling and data centers are getting EPA exemptions on gas turbines and other pollution.

The Files et al - Phang V. Blanche is still going slowly. Leon Black is in contempt.

ICE - New report on alligator alcatraz doesn’t look good. And DHS pretended to be you to check for voter fraud, which is illegal in many states. They’re claiming immunity.Grey @thatsilvermagpie tag.

Disaster response - Water rationing in Puerto Rico is ongoing, with 44% in severe drought.

Texas v. Kennedy - Texas, Florida, and Alaska are still trying to remove the 504 integration mandate.

HR2616/8705/7661 and so on - All these ways to enforce arbitrary norms.

Canada - First EU associate partner.

Payouts - The 1776 slush fund is legally back in play. Blanche’s confirmation lie and all.

Public Lands - roadless.org has comment resources re: roadless rule to use before October 6. Unique comments are vital.

War Powers - 3rd resolution in the House.Grey @thatsilvermagpie tag.

Food - Frozen desserts this time.

FEMA - 50% funding cut ruled illegal.

Louisiana vs FDA - Sounds pretty dicey on standing, but may still be a problem.

Advisors act rule - Pay-to-play is in again.

Gaza, Lebanon, Ethiopia, Sudan, Congo, United States - All have active genocide flags according to the Lemkin Institute

Nepal/Tibet - UN climate disaster fund route.

Impeachment/25th - Anyone at all?

Costs - US Fed raised the federal borrowing interest rate .25%.
000
Coleen (she/her) @thatsilvermagpie.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
You can walk and chew gum. Midterms absolutely deserve a vote. There's a lot of work to do right now, like telling local government about your opposition to data centers, submitting a personalized comment on the roadless rule, and helping people who are being hurt by policies.
Unsolicited opinions. Check your voter registration on your state site (registration deadlines), and then go do something.

Midterms are coming, but there's a lot of work to do now for people and the planet.
000
Coleen (she/her) @thatsilvermagpie.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Gotta love busy weeks. Anyway, it's important to look at things from many perspectives, including historic ones. #recommended 💙📚
Read it. Why Nothing Works by Marc J. Dunkelman.
000
Coleen (she/her) @thatsilvermagpie.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
It's the 25th anniversary of 9/11, which is used to justify everything from the increasing surveillance state to the continuation of endless wars in SWANA. I remember the people today. #news #currentevents
Current Watch Topics. That may or may not be overlooked around here. 

Grey @thatsilvermagpie tag.

Iran - Looks like it’s escalating again as Iran drop a new demand list and promises strikes if they’re hit again.

Voting - An audit found USPS mishandled primary ballots, while the SC decides.

Privacy - More system mishandling and data centersare getting EPA exemptions on gas turbines and other pollution.

The Files et al - Phang V. Blanche is still going slowly. A discharge position for a second Files act has 106+ signatures.

ICE - They're force-feeding hunger strikers. There’s a lawsuit to stop ICE at polls.Grey @thatsilvermagpie tag.

Disaster response - Water rationing in Puerto Rico is still ongoing, with new shut-offs.

Texas v. Kennedy - A proposed resolution would kill community integration in sec 504 law. Activists say we will not go back.

HR2616/8705/7661 and so on - All these ways to enforce arbitrary norms.

47's Speech - It’s illegal to buy or sell votes, regardless of incentive amount.

Canada - Retaliatory tariffs went into effect, and 47 added more tariffs in response.

Public Lands - roadless.org has comment resources re: roadless rule to use before September 21. Unique comments are vital.Grey @thatsilvermagpie tag.

Food - Questionable cream cheese abounds.

Louisiana vs FDA - The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals is hearing all about abortion pills.

Gaza, Lebanon, Ethiopia, Sudan, Congo, United States - All have active genocide flags according to the Lemkin Institute

Nepal/Tibet - A day of mourning and a request for wealthy nations to pay up.

9/ll - New documentation on air quality.

Climate - The UN Overshoot report is gaining traction, with specific areas of improvement.

Impeachment/25th - Anyone at all?

Costs - Yeah, we’re set to go up again, faster.
010
Coleen (she/her) @thatsilvermagpie.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
If you haven't seen the UN overshoot report, you probably should go look. It reads like a rather urgent call to action, with some rather specific areas stated.
Unsolicited opinions. Climate change is real, and almost everyone will feel its effects.

We should collectively work on that.
010
Coleen (she/her) @thatsilvermagpie.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
This text is over 100 years old and does contain views, especially on people, that don't really jive with modern times and I do not endorse. But if you're looking for a perspective on intellectual property, turning society upside down, and how long we've been going round about the same things...
Read it. The Conquest of Bread by Peter Kropotkin.
000
Coleen (she/her) @thatsilvermagpie.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Not a great week even when you look beyond DC. Highly recommend using the sources and putting in a comment on the roadless rule repeal. #news #currentevents
Current Watch Topics. That may or may not be overlooked around here.

Grey @thatsilvermagpie tag.

Iran - The US Army is now without Senate-confirmed leadership. And there are new strikes from both sides.

Voting - USPS kept developing a computer ballot system after a court order to stop.

Privacy - Axon automated license plate cameras now have a disguised option.

The Files et al - Phang V. Blanche is still going, though Blanche has appealed the judge's order for file review.

ICE - Whistleblowers. Indictments for lying during investigations. Inhumane conditions. Yet somehow, more budget.Disaster response - Water rationing in Puerto Rico is still ongoing, and CT is setting up aid.

Texas v. Kennedy - A proposed resolution would kill community integration in sec 504 law. Activists say we will not go back.

HR2616/8705/7661 and so on - All these ways to enforce arbitrary norms.

Public Lands - Washington’s cherry trees, White House construction proceeds, and now Yosemite may be land-swapped.

Canada - Seems to be settling in for the long haul. But 47 is still on a rant about it.

Public Lands II - roadless.org has comment resources re: roadless rule to use before September 21. Unique comments are vital.Grey @thatsilvermagpie tag.

States vs Fed - Watch who’s fighting for the right to vote and who’s limiting it.

Food - Gotta check recalls before shopping.

Gaza, Lebanon, Ethiopia, Sudan, Congo, United States - All have active genocide flags according to the Lemkin Institute

Nepal/Tibet - Glacial slide casualties and damage are still being assessed, but soaring.

Climate - UN says we can only limit the damage at this point.

Impeachment/25th - Anyone at all?

Costs - Still waiting for $2 gas and cheap groceries.
000
Coleen (she/her) @thatsilvermagpie.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Before anyone says it, yes, individuals should also be punished for getting material through AI. Deterring every step in the process and every avenue is important. No one should fear their pictures are in a training data set and that kind of repetitive victimization. No one should fear deep fakes.
Unsolicited opinions. That AI companies are spending big to defend themselves in court and exempt themselves from accountability rather than fix models so they don't generate deep fakes, especially of kids, is repellent.
000
Coleen (she/her) @thatsilvermagpie.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
That's a succinct way to put it.
000
Coleen (she/her) @thatsilvermagpie.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
Since society is all about repeating history at this point, today's book looks at one of the least reported parts of it. #recommended 💙📚
Read it. Before We Were Trans by Kit Heyam.Subscribe it. ProPublica.
020
Coleen (she/her) @thatsilvermagpie.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
Gotta love a busy week, especially with so many potential long term consequences. #currentevents #news
Current Watch Topics. That may or may not be overlooked around here. 

Grey tag reading @thatsilvermagpie.

Iran - Seeing a lot of reporting about compromised supply chains on the US side.

Voting - 2 stays lifted for timing, new one is already in place since postal posted rules.

Privacy - Flock CEO keeps saying safety requires compromise.

The Files et al - Phang V. Blanche is still going. And there's a new verified leak of part of the files.

ICE - Geo got 2 more contracts. New contract drafts say that all state/local laws don’t apply at their detention facilities.Grey @thatsilvermagpie tag.

Disaster response - Water rationing in Puerto Rico still, but Gary, IN, has power.

Texas v. Kennedy - Still waiting for the next filing, along with the next look at the Olmstead challenge.

HR2616/8705/7661 and so on - All these ways to enforce arbitrary norms.

Public Lands - Wintertime drilling rules shifted in Alaska, affecting the giant refuge there. And SpaceX moves forward in building near sanctuaries.

Canada - US tried to slip in several trade conditions at the last minute. So it's now a tariff trade war of choice. And somehow 47 decided renaming Lake Ontario was priority.Grey @thatsilvermagpie tag.

States vs Fed - Elections are coming, and the lawsuits along with it.

Food - Project 2025 in action atm.

Gaza, Lebanon, Ethiopia, Sudan, Congo, United States - All have active genocide flags according to the Lemkin Institute

Nepal/Tibet - Glacial slide casualties and damage are extensive. The US pulled funding from the warning system.

Impeachment/25th - Anyone at all?

Costs - Canada announced tarrifs on 700+ products, including toilet paper, again. So that's not going to be helpful for anyone's budget.
130
Coleen (she/her) @thatsilvermagpie.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Yes, this is indeed a post about the United States-Canada trade negotiations last week/weekend.
Unsolicited opinions. It really isn't a good faith trade negotiation if you slip in that they have to agree with your every trade whim about every other country in the world at the last minute.
000
Coleen (she/her) @thatsilvermagpie.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
No watch today, last week was kinda insane so I didn't have an opportunity to check anything out. #recommended 💙📚
Read it. Pathogenesis by Jonathan Kennedy.Subscribe it. Allison Gill.
000
Coleen (she/her) @thatsilvermagpie.bsky.social · 22/08/2026
And the US crossed the 40 trillion dollar line on public debt. About thirteen years after crossing the 30 trillion dollar line. Cause there's a lot to be concerned about. #currentevents #news
Current Watch Topics. That may or may not be overlooked around here. 

Light grey @thatsilvermagpie tag.

Iran - Still no movement. And there’s the conditions on the Lincoln and other ships.

Voting - So far, the mail-in rule change stay is holding, but appeals are in process.

Privacy - Tracking from private companies plus new AI models really isn’t going well.

The Files et al - Phang V. Blanche is still going, and the judge sounds very tired of Blanche’s delay and ignore tactics.

ICE - Not backing down about the zap gloves. New contract drafts say that all state/local laws don’t apply at their detention facilities. Dilley still holds kids well beyond 20 days.Light grey @thatsilvermagpie tag.

Ukraine - Won a drone wargame vs the US, which is not a surprise. 

Disaster response - Water rationing in Puerto Rico. Still powerless in Gary, IN, weeks later.

Texas v. Kennedy - Still waiting for the next filing, along with the next look at the Olmstead challenge.

HR2616/8705/7661 and so on - All these ways to enforce arbitrary norms.

Public Lands - Public pressure paused bulldozers in Big Bend NP prepping for a border wall, but tbd for how long.

Blanche - Already violating the Hatch Act it looks like, despite vowing not to do that to get confirmed.



Light grey @thatsilvermagpie tag.

States vs Fed - Fire season is here, and fire crews are understaffed.

Food - Yeah...death blueberries anyone?

S. Korea - 47 is ordering scaled-back joint exercises since he loves N. Korea.

Gaza, Lebanon, Ethiopia, Sudan, Congo, United States - All have active genocide flags according to the Lemkin Institute

FInCEN - 47 & Co deleted the beneficial ownership database, helping criminals.

Impeachment/25th - Anyone at all?

Costs - de minimis tariff exemption was repealed, so now everything really is subject to CBP tariffs.
000
Coleen (she/her) @thatsilvermagpie.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
It's not "we can't." It's a policy choice. Period.
Unsolicited opinions. Usable healthcare that isn't tied to a job and a real paid leave policy for everyone would do wonders.

And it's realistic. That the United States doesn't have these things is a policy choice.
000
Coleen (she/her) @thatsilvermagpie.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
Recommendations to consider for broadening your week. #recommended #monday 💙📚 📽️
Read it. When We Rise by Cleve Jones.Watch it. Numberphile.Subscribe it. Ijeoma Oluo.
010
Coleen (she/her) @thatsilvermagpie.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
And earlier today I saw The Guardian reporting Israel was deliberately setting wildfires in Southern Lebanon. These posts exist because we need to pay attention. Looking away is privilege, as is "I don't follow politics." #currentevents #news
Current Watch Topics. That may or may not be overlooked around here. Light grey @thatsilvermagpie tag.

Iran - They’ve said they’ll wait out 47's term if they can’t negotiate with him. It’s credible. And there’s the conditions on the Lincoln.

Voting - So far, the mail-in rule change stay has remained in effect ahead of midterms.

Privacy - New Flock abuse reports out, with lip service changes from the company.

The Files et al - Phang V. Blanche has the DOJ playing the delay game. And the judge is still requiring documentation.

ICE - Ordering shock gloves, releasing people so it doesn’t have to report their deaths, pointing guns at more people.Light grey @thatsilvermagpie tag. 

Ukraine - Hitting the Black Sea fleet will hit Russia in the purse strings. 

Puerto Rico - Water rationing. Need I say more?

Texas v. Kennedy - DOJ has asked to vacate the Olmstead decision, a related SC decision in what could be a coordinated move.

HR2616/8705/7661 and so on - All these ways to enforce arbitrary norms.

Public Lands - There were bulldozers in Big Bend NP prepping for a border wall.

Blanche - He was confirmed in an overnight vote. So, that happened and the system is has once again failed miserably.Light grey @thatsilvermagpie tag. 

States vs Fed - $14 billion in disaster aid is still gridlocked by the federal government.

Food - They’re apparently just not going to issue recalls to keep the numbers down. Meanwhile, eggs are the newest addition.

Vaccines - RFK and 47 are adjusting the schedule and affecting what insurers will cover. All over bogus conspiracies.

Gaza, Lebanon, Ethiopia, Sudan, Congo, United States - All have active genocide flags according to the Lemkin Institute

Impeachment/25th - Yeah, anyone?

Costs - Still headed up and gas is over $4 most places again.
011
Coleen (she/her) @thatsilvermagpie.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
Seriously. If voting did nothing, why would so much air be spent trying to convince you of that?
Unsolicited opinions. Register to vote and then go do it, even if you personally don't think it will change things.

Things operate on thin margins, especially locally.
000
Coleen (she/her) @thatsilvermagpie.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
Monday recs are in. Let this week's chaos begin. #reccomended 💙📚 📽️
Read it. The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron.Watch it. Crash Course.Subscribe it. The Humanity Archive.
010
Coleen (she/her) @thatsilvermagpie.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
Happy Friday. New keeps coming in and it's a pretty uncertain week even though it all looks like the new normal as far as the current state of affairs goes. However, don't let this become normalized, ever. #news #currentevents
Current Watch Topics. That may or may not be overlooked around here. Light grey @thatsilvermagpie watermark. 


Iran - All the clarity of stew. But weapons stockpiles and oil reserves are both recorded low.

Voting - Mail-in rule change stay looking iffy as primaries ramp up.

Privacy - New Flock abuse reports out. Clayton is also in now, so problems.

The Files et al - Phang V. Blanche has revealed a redaction that violates EFTA. And NM initial Zorro Ranch docs dropped.

ICE - Still not seeing accountability, and they’re getting craftier about hiding.Light grey @thatsilvermagpie watermark. 

Ukraine - Targeted drone hits are nailing the economy in Russia and creating a fuel crisis.

Puerto Rico - Freshwater crisis is deepening alongside the energy struggle.

Texas v. Kennedy - Still waiting on an update.

HR2616/8705/7661 and so on - All these ways to enforce arbitrary norms.

Public Lands - Expecting new grazing rights soon, likely to the detriment of the land.

Blanche - He's up for a full Senate vote now. However, he didn't actually revoke the slush fund or the tax immunity deal, legally speaking. And the senators who say he did know he didn't. So politics as usual.Light grey @thatsilvermagpiewatermark.

Budgets - States may have to make up shotfalls as litigation plays out on tariffs and data sharing with federal government.

Gaza, Lebanon, Ethiopia, Sudan, Congo, United States - All have active genocide flags according to the Lemkin Institute

Impeachment/25th - The sanewashing is real, just pull up a speech.

Capital One - Closed 49 related banking over money laundering like activity. We know because 49 wouldn't stop accusing them of debanking for political reasons.

Costs - Bottom of the oil reserves tank or the expiration of the Jones Act exception are coming, and it's not going to be pretty.
000
Coleen (she/her) @thatsilvermagpie.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
This part of the timeline, I swear. And there's absolutely a multiplying effect on propaganda given the ease of generation and spread.
Unsolicited opinions. No one is immune to propaganda. 

More people should absolutely spend time learning to recognize it.
000
Coleen (she/her) @thatsilvermagpie.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
Swinging through with some Monday recs. 💙📚 📽️
Read it. To Catch a Fascist by Christopher Mathias. Watch it. Crip Camp.Subscribe it. Candy Courn.
010
Coleen (she/her) @thatsilvermagpie.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
Bonus note, habitat destruction is now only considered harm in very few cases for endangered species, benefiting land exploiters. What a time to be alive. #news #currentevents
Iran - Formal exit from MOU. War crimes against civilians are back from the US side, and mass manipulation on the other side. And now there are two straits facing a close.

Voting - Mail-in rule change stay looking iffy.

Privacy - The June 12 FISA deadline passed. Pulte's out, Clayton was confirmed. 

The Files et al - Phang V. Blanche headed for in-chamber doc redaction review, mostly.

ICE - Still not seeing accountability, and they’re getting craftier about hiding. And DHS removed interview requirements on asylum cases.EAC - Cause a pretty big stir, so now they’re trying to figure out how to claim it benefits election security to vacate this commission.

Journalism - Subpeonas got dropped, doesn’t mean it won’t happen again.

Ukraine - Targeted drone hits are nailing the economy in Russia and creating a fuel crisis.

Puerto Rico - Freshwater crisis is deepening alongside the energy struggle.

Texas v. Kennedy - Still waiting on an update.

HR2616/8705/7661 and so on - All these ways to enforce arbitrary norms.

Forest service - Rules are now guidelines for employees, so expect PL abuse to ramp up.Budgets - States are suing over withheld disaster funding and they’re negotiating the next budget. Oh, and defense still includes the sec ensuring US mil coop with Israel.

Gaza, Lebanon, Ethiopia, Sudan, Congo, United States - All have active genocide flags according to the Lemkin Institute

Impeachment/25th - The sanewashing is real, just pull up a speech.

Lloyd’s - Pulling war insurance...again.

Saudi Nuclear Deal - Presidential Family Corruption and a bad idea, anyone?

Costs - US interest held steady, but probably should have gone up for inflation. Every paycheck covers less here.
210
Coleen (she/her) @thatsilvermagpie.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
Happy Monday. Intersectionality is one of the keys that make disability pride and justice work, but it's also a lot of work for many people as they enter or evolve within the community. #disability #disabilitypride 💙📚 📽️
Read it. The Anti-Ableist Manifesto by Tiffany Yu.Watch it. Signing Black in America.Subscribe it. Annie Segarra.
031
Coleen (she/her) @thatsilvermagpie.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
And the list goes on. Maintaining a basic knowledge of what's going on is key to making informed decisions about your participation, from your dollar to your vote. That's part of why I put this out, and why I recommend other people to follow regularly. #currentevents #politics
Current Watch Topics. That may or may not be overlooked around here. Iran - Back to an awkward state of brinkmanship here with fiery statements and periodic targeted strikes.

Privacy - The June 12 FISA deadline passed. The gutting of the intel community continues under Pulte while Clayton goes through hearings as an election denier.

The Files et al - Phang V. Blanche seems to be getting somewhere. Last saw some serious delay tactics, and Blanche is in confirmation hearings.

ICE - Joan Sebastián Durán Guerrero and an unnamed man in Florida make 3 ICE traffic stop deaths in a week.EAC - Little bipartisan committee that certifies voting machines and other things. Trump used the Slaughter case to make it completely vacant ahead of the midterms.

Journalism - Subpoenaing the ones on AF1 is an attack on the free press. Not the first time, still not national security.

Puerto Rico - Freshwater crisis is deepening alongside the energy struggle. No solution has been proposed.

Texas v. Kennedy - 6 states challenging the integration mandate (sec 504). They’re in a period to submit arguments. 

HR2616/8705/7661 and so on - Kids don’t need protecting from queer people. It’s another way to enforce norms.Budgets - The next round of government budget battles has started, including the next round of DHS funding.

Gaza, Lebanon, Ethiopia, Sudan, Congo, United States - All have active genocide flags according to the Lemkin Institute.

Taxis - Musk is getting his wish. Admin is set to overrule local laws regulating fully autonomous vehicles.

Impeachment/25th - Primetime address should be considered evidence, really.

Costs - Not only does eating cost more, food now carries the distinct possibility of causing parasite-borne illness due to inadequate monitoring and tracking.
000
Coleen (she/her) @thatsilvermagpie.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
Real universal healthcare, paid parental leave, the ability for disabled people to live in safe ways they don't involve having to never have more than 2k in their possession....the list goes on. These things are the literal floor for what comparable gdp nations (and others) offer their citizens.
Unsolicited opinions. Social safety nets should be stronger. Yes, all of them. Yes, right now.

That they are not says a lot about what the US values, and it certainly isn't it's citizens.
000
Coleen (she/her) @thatsilvermagpie.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
AI resource needs will hit historically "poor" communities that have been hit before, usually the elderly, the disabled, the ones who can't move, and who are already disadvantaged by policy choice first. It will exaggerate existing cracks. It's already happening. #AI
Who AI Hits First. By now, we’ve all seen the news about power and cooling (usually water) requirements for the centers that run AI. The data needed to make the models “better.” 

That all comes from somewhere and someone.In the US, more than 50% of large-scale data centers sit in water-stressed areas. The UN estimates global AI will use as much water as 1.3 billion people by 2030.

Stanford HAI put out a report about who’s investing in AI, and it reads like who’s being fed the most propaganda about it.Thing is, we already know whose taps will run dry first to feed this and whose electricity prices will go up fastest. That part is already evident. But it won’t stop there, since aquifers don’t stop at state lines and power grids are all connected.

We’re all going to bear it, though unevenly.From a practical standpoint, stopping genAI development at this stage, or AI development in general, is challenging. But we can push to be more efficient, focus on fewer things, not be a mass surveillance tool, etc.

This is a we thing though, and that means actual work.
010
Coleen (she/her) @thatsilvermagpie.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
Disability Visibility the book links into the Disability Visibility Project, which I highly recommend checking out. #disability #disabilitypride 💙📚 📽️
Read it. Disability Visibility edited by Alice Wong.Watch it. Lives Worth Living.Subscribe it. Reframing Disability.
010
Coleen (she/her) @thatsilvermagpie.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
Your callout regarding the specific language is appropriate. I've seen accessibility change with technology over 15 years or so, and I've seen it go back when tech fails. Rarely is big tech the answer; usually, we get priced out once tech companies figure out they can sell it.
000
Coleen (she/her) @thatsilvermagpie.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
Time marches on, and unfortunately, it brings a deluge with it. Remember, to act in cycles with rest built in. The aim of everything happening at once is exhaustion. #currentevents
Current Watch Topics. That may or may not be overlooked around here. Iran - Both sides have declared the MOU dead, not that it was ever actually live. Popular Info also dropped new cost figures.  FISA 702 - The June 12 deadline passed, so it’s all illegal. The gutting of the intel community continues under Pulte.  SCOTUS Term End - Several rulings not actually rooted settled law, again.   The Files et al - Phang V. Blanche seems to be getting somewhere. TBD though.  Trump-IRS - There’s now an official probe on this, so there will probably be more info.ICE - Lorenzo Salgado Araujo should be alive. Plus, news of a quiet, coordinated 5-day sweep in multiple states.

Puerto Rico - Freshwater crisis is deepening alongside the energy struggle. No solution has been proposed.

OMB Research Grant Rule - Politicians overruling science is generally bad. Put a comment in before July 13.

Texas v. Kennedy - 6 states challenging the integration mandate (sec 504). They’re in a period to submit arguments. 

HR2616/8705/7661 and so on - Kids don’t need protecting from queer people. It’s another way to enforce norms.Bison - BLM is accepting public comments through July 13 on whether to lock bison out of public grazing land permits on MT prairie to make room for more cattle.

NATO Summit - Held in Ankara, there were some victories but also many discordant moments. And the megaphone effect on 47 did not go well.

Gaza, Lebanon, Ethiopia, Sudan, Congo, United States - All have active genocide flags according to the Lemkin Institute.

Impeachment/25th - Out of headlines again.

Costs - Noticed some fast-food holdouts have raised prices, and if that’s not a tell, not sure what is.
000
Coleen (she/her) @thatsilvermagpie.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
My post was aimed at criticizing using the "it's good for access/disability" argument as the weapon to shut down all criticism of AI, not people using them to meet their access needs. This is especially true when AI is integrated into necessary software and there isn't a choice at all.
100
Coleen (she/her) @thatsilvermagpie.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
While I did not aim to shame anyone for using the tools, I do see where the interpretation exists. I do believe there are better ways to use AI to meet those needs than the big four models. The history of the community contains many struggles for privacy and dignity. That should carry into AI too.
200
Coleen (she/her) @thatsilvermagpie.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
True story. And since I'm in the US, I get to pay for it too. #disability
Unsolicited opinions. Having an invisible disability should not mean having to be rediagnosed every 3-5 year because your doctor doesn't believe you/"see it".

Yes, really.
021
Coleen (she/her) @thatsilvermagpie.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
Disabled people adapt the world around us. We have to. Some of us do use AI to do so, sometimes in some brilliant ways. Others can't/won't touch it. But none of us want to be your prop argument, ever. Go do better. Remember to share from the first post to get it all.
000
Coleen (she/her) @thatsilvermagpie.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
If it doesn't, you probably missed a lot of the Disabled history. Should probably look into that.
100
Coleen (she/her) @thatsilvermagpie.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
Disabled people have their own voices, and they are by no means monolithic on the subject. But generally, we hate being used like that. Nothing about us without us, we're not your props or inspiration, listen to our voices, any of this ring a bell?
100
Coleen (she/her) @thatsilvermagpie.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
I've seen it done many times. Someone will throw up access as an example of the "good" AI is doing, and suddenly, the argument is supposed to stop. That's not actually how that works. #disability #ai
AI as Access. Since it’s Disability Pride Month, I’m going to talk about the thing. Disabled people have been doing access for a long time, and in ways that aren’t always recognized as access.

My general opinion, though? AI isn’t working.People like to point to how it’s improved captioning or provides live translation as a victory. I’ll bet most of them have never actually relied on it.

Auto-generated captions are still craptions (#NoMoreCraptions) in any language, even with the integrated AI advances.That’s just one example. People chuck the “but disability” argument into art, writing, work, and way more like it’s a shield.

And you know what? When I hear from community, it’s about how we’ve adapted so many things before without causing this much harm.Obviously, I don’t speak for everyone. You want to use AI to hack one specific thing to make your neurotype work, be informed, be secure, and pick a local model.

But stop trying to say “but the disabled” as an argument for why we shouldn’t debate AI in everything.
310
Coleen (she/her) @thatsilvermagpie.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
Happy Disability Pride Month! In case it was not obvious, today's recs do fit the month deliberately. Highly recommend following them, especially since apparently it's cool to take away our rights again instead of treating us like people. -sarcasm implied- #disability #disabilityjustice
Read it. The Future is Disabled by Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha.Watch it. Defiant Lives.Subscribe it. Neurodivergent Rebel.
010