Yesterday, I looked at the WordPress update and how to install it, and learned that I will need to do a manual backup. While it is going on (and possibly also during the installation), the site will be in “maintenence mode” so I want to make sure to give some notice. Sure, I can do it inthe middle of the night – but I don’t want to be doing it in that part of the middle of the night which is when Lona is able to comment. Today is Wednesday – I won’t do it tonight. Instead, I’ll plan on Thursday night (Friday in Oz). So if anyone is up and looking at some odd hour Thursday night/Friday morning, and you can’t get in, please be patient.
Cartoon –
Short Takes –
PEN America – STEEP RISE IN GAG ORDERS, MANY SLOPPILY DRAFTED
Quote – To appreciate the nature of this new crop of bills, it is helpful to focus on legislation from a single state: Indiana. With eight bills currently under consideration, only Missouri (at 19) has made a greater contribution. Of the eight in Indiana, all target public K-12 schools, two target private K-12 as well, six would regulate speech in public colleges and universities, four affect various state agencies, and two threaten public libraries. All are sweeping, all are draconian, and few make any kind of sense.
Click through for story, with illustrative examples. PEN America’ main focus is free speech, but it also does prison work, encouraging creativity in writing, nd rewarding some of the best.
First look: Biden inaugural to blanket airwaves today [Jan 20]
Quote – The committee, which was nominated for an Emmy, is spending several million dollars in leftover inaugural funds to air the ad on broadcast and cable TV today…. “In recognition of the President’s first year in office, the Biden-Harris Presidential Inaugural Committee believed it was important to celebrate the strength and perseverance of the American people in the face of extraordinary adversity, just as we did a year ago today.”
Click through for article. Yes, this is about a video, and yes, yhat video will show up in the video thread. But it’s more than just a video. There’s a story attached, and that should not be missed.
The Conversation – 5 things to know about why Russia might invade Ukraine – and why the US is involved
Quote – Military support for Ukraine and political and economic sanctions are ways the U.S. can make clear to Moscow that there will be consequences for its encroachment on an independent country. The risk, otherwise, is that the Kremlin might undertake other military and political actions that would further threaten European security and stability.
Click thrugh for article, which you may want to keep for reference. Heather Cox Richarrdson also has some thoughts – and informtaion.
Bonus Borowitz: Biden Proves Mental Sharpness by Accurately Identifying Peter Doocy
Food For Thought:
