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TheBossRoss 🧶

@thebossross.bsky.social
9.4K followers 4.7K following 31K posts

🇩🇪🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Friendly & wordy. Work-from-home knitter. Kind, not stupid. Ally of decency. *** Team Science. Team Democracy. Team Diversity. *** Based in Germany. In love with Scotland. At home in more than one place.

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TheBossRoss 🧶 @thebossross.bsky.social · 1h
I'm sure everyone's heard of Amazon buying up old books to feed their AI. Most recently, many of my apps show this ⏬️ ad. It tells you that your Amazon Prime has unlimited storage for your photos. It just occurred to me: More food for AI. They're shameless.
Wenn Sie Prime haben, steht Ihnen ebenfalls unbegrenzter Speicherplatz für Fotos zur Verfügung.

amazon photos
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TheBossRoss 🧶 @thebossross.bsky.social · 1h
Hörenswert! Der ukrainische Botschafter in Deutschland zum Tag der Deutschen Einheit. Mit Humor, Wohlwollen, Herzlichkeit, Selbstbewusstsein, und Dankbarkeit. #Ukraine
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TheBossRoss 🧶 @thebossross.bsky.social · 2h
The only good thing about Meta glasses is that they're spectacularly ill-suited for upskirting.
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Angus Sawyer @aardgoose.info · 6h
@paulbernal.bsky.social www.reuters.com/sustainabili...
reuters.com
Dutch eyewear chain Hans Anders halts sale of Meta glasses, citing privacy concerns
One of the largest Dutch eyewear retail chains said on Friday it had suspended sales of Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses in the Netherlands ​and Belgium amid growing privacy concerns, in one of the first ...
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TheBossRoss 🧶 @thebossross.bsky.social · 2h
The no. 1 rule in #advertising: Know your target group Scootered into my timeline on Insta, this: "French for Pensioners" 😁 #HowDareThey
A book ad on Insta:

FRANZÖSISCH LERNEN TO GO FÜR RENTNER

sicher kommunizieren, die Welt bereisen und im Alltag unabhängig bleiben
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TheBossRoss 🧶 @thebossross.bsky.social · 3h
Latvia: PM Kulbergs' party achieves a historic victory, pushing populists to the margins With 35.3% of the vote, an unprecedented result for any political party since 1990 in the country, the centrist, pro-European and pro-Ukrainian leader can now form a coalition without the populists. #WeAreMore
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TheBossRoss 🧶 @thebossross.bsky.social · 10h
Trump shared the personal mobile phone number of Republican Senator Tom Cotton (Arkansas) because Cotton opposes a bill to make daylight saving time permanent. We call that bullying.
edition.cnn.com
Trump posts GOP lawmaker’s phone number amid spat over Daylight Saving Time | CNN Politics
President Donald Trump railed against Sen. Tom Cotton in a series of posts on Saturday, accusing the Arkansas Republican of holding up a bill that would make Daylight Saving Time permanent and encoura...
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TheBossRoss 🧶 @thebossross.bsky.social · 11h
#OTD in 1582, Western Europe changed from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar and went from the 4th straight to the 15th of October. Can you imagine the panic in the Xmas and Halloween industries?
The Julian calendar was inaccurate because it calculated the year as 365.25 days, which is slightly longer than the actual solar year of about 365.2422 days. This discrepancy caused the calendar to drift out of sync with the seasons, accumulating an error of about one day every 128 years.
sources:
Wikipedia and nottingham.ac.uk
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TheBossRoss 🧶 @thebossross.bsky.social · 11h
From 2018-2024, 1,200 sexual assault cases were filed at Cornell*. The student body is 26,700. Research says in the US, only 1 in every 3 rapes are reported. [*Most found responsible rec'd minor sanctions (probation, training) & allowed to remain on campus. 7 ended in expulsion or dismissal.]
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TheBossRoss 🧶 @thebossross.bsky.social · 11h
I don't know what's your plan for lunch and/or #dinner today, but even if you don't plan to overfill your #taco, this is a genius trick. Of biblical proportions.
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TheBossRoss 🧶 @thebossross.bsky.social · 12h
In a poll last week, 66% of Germans said their 2nd greatest overall fear is that we lose control over AI. This fear comes on top of an already unsettled world. The Latvian elections, Le Monde writes, were dominated by fear over Russia & cost of living. This is no way to live. #GoodMorning, everyone.
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TheBossRoss 🧶 @thebossross.bsky.social · 12h
Today's random #German word of the day is... der Schnuppertag. 📢 [click on picture] 🐾🐾🐾🐾 🐶: #LearnALanguage!
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TheBossRoss 🧶 @thebossross.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
"No, I'm afraid not - he's just fallen asleep again" Cartoon: Steve Jones (UK) @jonesycartoons3.bsky.social
Trump at his desk, slouched backwards. An aide checks his breathing, another looks on. The first one says: "No, I'm afraid not - he's just fallen asleep again"
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TheBossRoss 🧶 @thebossross.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
They make it sound as though it was Sánchez' failure. It was the Conservatives, far-right, and separatists that voted against his bills.
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TheBossRoss 🧶 @thebossross.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
On 1 Oct, the German government discounted our petrol. Today, 3 Oct, is our (national) public holiday. Our local petrol station: #OutOfPetrol #Tankrabatt #HappyBirthdayToUs
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TheBossRoss 🧶 @thebossross.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
In Germany, over 1.5m people are suffering from Long #Covid and/or ME/CFS. This is not a small number of people and not just their imagination or anxiety.
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TheBossRoss 🧶 @thebossross.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
I watched Braverman on #BBCQT. As she struggled to answer, I first thought: This is intellectually poor. But I think it's not confusion or stupidity showing in her replies. It's an (invisible) rule that some things fortunately (!) still cannot & should not be said out loud bc they're too indecent.
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TheBossRoss 🧶 @thebossross.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
One of those universal, forever cartoons. By @bishtoons.bsky.social
Trump surrounded by crime tape that reads 'crime scene'.
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TheBossRoss 🧶 @thebossross.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
On #Reunification. Zum Tag der Deutschen #Einheit. #Germany
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TheBossRoss 🧶 @thebossross.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
Result isn't everything. History, effort, or skill adds value & meaning. A hand-knitted jumper is different from one bought at Primark. A golden Temu ornament will never be the Sistine Chapel. I held my breath through this video - an office furniture maker in Ankara. Amazing. #GoodMorning, everyone.
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TheBossRoss 🧶 @thebossross.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
On today's #Reunification Day. A great cartoon by NEL. In the "Mirror of Unification", East Germans see themselves smaller that they actually are, and West Germans see themselves bigger. #Germany #TagDerDeutschenEinheit
A waved mirror, two men in front. A slim man sees himself much bigger in the mirror. A big man sees himself a lot smaller.
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TheBossRoss 🧶 @thebossross.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
Two years ago the reflecting pool was reflecting, the East Wing existed and was welcoming visitors to the People's House, and the Kennedy Center was financially stable and artistically thriving. Gasoline was semi-affordable and USAID was saving human lives all over the world.

Go vote. We don't have to live like this.
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TheBossRoss 🧶 @thebossross.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
Today's random #German word of the day is... das Windrad. 📢 [click on picture] Keep going! #LearnALanguage!
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TheBossRoss 🧶 @thebossross.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
Corona (Vor-)Sorge wird unter der Bevölkerung weitgehend als übersteigert oder neurotisch belächelt & abgetan. Ein Grund ist das Schweigen von Politik & Medien über das Ausmaß der (Nach-)Wirkungen. 1,5 Mio Menschen (!) leiden in D an Long-Covid bzw ME/CFS. Das ist eine große Gruppe, keine Spinnerei
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TheBossRoss 🧶 @thebossross.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Independent: If Britain decides to rejoin the EU we’ll do everything we can to welcome them back, says Germany The leaders of France and Spain have also backed Britain returning to the European Union #Brexit #rejoin
independent.co.uk
Germany backs UK to rejoin EU as Burnham moves closer to bloc
The leaders of France and Spain have also backed Britain returning to the European Union
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TheBossRoss 🧶 @thebossross.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
I'm one of the few. I've never been inappropriately approached, cornered, touched, or sexually abused. That's not the same as being safe. Because I have done *every single one* of these things:
Every woman you know has taken the long way home.

Has held her keys between her fingers. Has pretended to be on the phone. Has looked over her shoulder. Has checked the backseat before getting into the car. Has sent someone her location (just in case). Has crossed the street to avoid someone. Has ran faster because she didn't feel safe.

Every woman you know has to thought about what she would do if something happened.

Every.

Woman.

You.

Know.
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TheBossRoss 🧶 @thebossross.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
New York. Passers-by were asked: What is the first thing they'd do if they were completely safe. Every single woman replied: Take a walk by myself (some added: in the evening, at night, in a park, etc). Most men didn't understand the question.
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TheBossRoss 🧶 @thebossross.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
It's the eve of the 36th anniversary of German reunification. A few thoughts.
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TheBossRoss 🧶 @thebossross.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
I'm feeling silly still using passwords...
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TheBossRoss 🧶 @thebossross.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
You knew it was coming ... "Decades later, Trump’s DOJ to review whether Nixon was mistreated during Watergate scandal" "The Justice Department is taking a fresh look at whether Nixon was some kind of victim"
ms.now
Decades later, Trump’s DOJ to review whether Nixon was mistreated during Watergate scandal
The DOJ is taking a fresh look at whether Nixon was some kind of victim — developments that would’ve seemed unthinkable a half-century ago.
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TheBossRoss 🧶 @thebossross.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
#Germany The weekly infratest dimap poll with consistently clear and unsurprising results: 1. Only 10% of Germans are happy or reasonably happy with the government. 52% are very unhappy with it.
Zufriedenheit mit der Bundesregierung:
1% sehr zufrieden 
9% zufrieden 
37% weniger zufrieden 
52% gar nicht zufrieden
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Harry Turtledove @hntdove.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
In amusing news of the day, I learned my 1982 translation of Theophanes earned me $111 this past year. A few of you probably contributed to that, and I thank you very much.
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TheBossRoss 🧶 @thebossross.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
That's why we need experts. 😉
A post and reply, screenshot from Threads:

A user publishes the drawing of a pick-up truck with a massive magnet attached to it's front. On the back of the pick-up, there's an arm that reaches over the car and  holds another magnet in front of the first one. The post says: "I want a magnet powered daily driver."

Volkswagen replied to this post and said: "We sent this to the engineering department and they blocked us on Teams."
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TheBossRoss 🧶 @thebossross.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
On social media, a wave of videos & thoughts sparked by Cornell 7. One stood out. I think it goes to the heart of the matter. "If you can't feel empathy for a woman without having to imagine her as your daughter or your mom, then you're part of the problem."
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TheBossRoss 🧶 @thebossross.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Again, infection numbers are on the rise. Masks remain rare. When mandatory Covid restrictions ended, we had the chance to adopt a level of voluntary respect and consideration. Unfortunately, collectively we chose not to. Of course, you're free to be brave and different. 🫶 #GoodMorning, everyone.
A post of mine, published in May 2023 on Twitter

On mask etiquette 

Most decide to wear masks based on their own risk assessment. How about we put one on as soon as we meet someone masked. Clearly, they're concerned & wish to protect. It's a bit like shaking a hand. You see one extended, you extend yours as well.
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TheBossRoss 🧶 @thebossross.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
A New York state law known as the "voluntary intoxication loophole" potentially prevents individuals accused of rape from being prosecuted if the alleged victim willingly consumed intoxicating substances before the incident. (Wikipedia) It's 2026 and victim-blaming is still strong.
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TheBossRoss 🧶 @thebossross.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Today's random #German word of the day is... sachkundig. 📢 [click on picture] Whatever the 'thing', it's better to be informed. 😉#LearnALanguage
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TheBossRoss 🧶 @thebossross.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
We had all the facts, but no will.
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AFP News Agency @en.afp.com · 02/10/2026
People rally against the US tech company Palantir outside its office in London, urging the UK government to use a break clause to prevent a contract between the AI giant and the National Health Service (NHS) being renewed beyond March 2027 📸 Henry Nicholls
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TheBossRoss 🧶 @thebossross.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Published by The Rape Treatment Center, UCLA:
A graphic that shows the only cause of rape is the rapist, not short skirts, night time, drinking etc.
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TheBossRoss 🧶 @thebossross.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
It doesn't matter who, why, how or how much - any person who is intoxicated or incapacitated is vulnerable. Full stop. They need our care, protection, and support. #CornellSeven
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TheBossRoss 🧶 @thebossross.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
El País: ‘No fatties, no trannies, no beardos, no weirdos, no whimps, no radicals,’ the defense secretary said regarding those who should not be part of the armed forces he envisions
english.elpais.com
Hegseth transforms the Pentagon in his image
‘No fatties, no trannies, no beardos, no weirdos, no whimps, no radicals,’ the defense secretary said regarding those who should not be part of the armed forces he envisions
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TheBossRoss 🧶 @thebossross.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Mr. Burnham wants to return "They haven't got that far!" Cartoon: Burkhard Mohr (Germany) #Brexit #rejoin
In a wild sea, the EU  looks at a battered war ship with a UK flag.
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AFP News Agency @en.afp.com · 01/10/2026
UK government is facing mounting pressure to end a £330-million contract between the National Health Service and AI giant Palantir, as doctors, lawmakers and campaigners warn of ethical risks u.afp.com/S9Br
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TheBossRoss 🧶 @thebossross.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
A Moray councillor took a job as deputy head at a British int. school, in Cairo (yes, Egypt). He didn't inform his constituents, participates in some meetings online, & continues to draw £26k annual salary. It's legal (there's a residency requirement only for election day) but surely it isn't right.
mirror.co.uk
British councillor works on local duties despite moving 3,500 miles to Egypt
Independent councillor Neil McLennan, originally elected by the Tories, has held a seat since 2022 but is now working from Cairo, Egypt - and also has another job
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Theo Moudakis @theomoudakis.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Please enjoy my cartoon in today's Toronto Star
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TheBossRoss 🧶 @thebossross.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Reporters Online is a Dutch collective of freelance journalists who publish & monetize their own work. Around 800 journalists in Europe participate in this independent network. This is their overview of what happened on day 619 of the Trump presidency. Do read it. So much flying under the radar.
reportersonline.eu
Trump Day 619: US withdraws from European anti-corruption body, blocks arms deliveries to Ukraine, ICE plans to turn vans into ‘mobile detention centres’, Hegseth unveils War Command autonomous warfar...
New decisions from Trump, and new fallout. An overview of day 619. – The FTC is investigating OpenAI, Anthropic, and other AI companies over potential risks to consumers. The probe was prompted by inc...
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TheBossRoss 🧶 @thebossross.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Reminder: Society & language are increasingly cruel, common & nasty. I'm tired of insults & sneer - no matter the side. We can all word our opinions in a firm but civilised fashion. I won't amplify or spread (like, answer or retweet) any post that uses coarse language or distorts names to insult.
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TheBossRoss 🧶 @thebossross.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
This aligns with statistics across borders. Voter fraud happens on a miniscule level. There's no justification for introduction of further checks (which are also always obstacles). In Minnesota, even those who did were green card holders who were told they could vote. Not one was undocumented.
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TheBossRoss 🧶 @thebossross.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
I'm ever so puzzled how - according to Allister Heath - leaving the EU was neither extreme nor mad, but rejoining it is. #Brexit
Screensjot from today's opinion piece in The Telegraph:

ALLISTER HEATH

Burnham's real plan for Britain is mad, nasty, and shockingly extreme
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