WELCOME
TO THE EVENING SHADE
A SANCTUARY OF SANITY AFTER A LONG HARD DAY OF FIGHTING FASCISM
YOU WILL FIND in the DIARIES a LOT of POLITICS
(Or NOT As the CASE MAY BE)
AND EVEN MORE CRITTERS
THE PERSON who MAKES the FIRST COMMENT WILL GET TWO CRITTERS
EVERY PERSON WHO COMMENTS WILL GET A CRITTER
RULES IN THE DIARY
WHEN YOU FIND SOMETHING in the DIARY that you LIKE
YOU CAN REPOST IT AS COMMENT in the DIARY
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PostingADiary
CritterHerding
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As is common, I’ve included some WineRev content from this morning’s GNR in the day’s birthdays and events. Many/most/all of the cartoons are from Denise Oliver Velez in this morning’s APR. Other tips of the hat are noted above their articles.
It’s not deadline time yet. I’m still working on this, but so far it is ALL over the place. We’ll see how much I can clean up before publishing. I’m finding lots of interesting things. Washington Monthly alone has four articles that I want to read, but don’t have time. I’ll probably put them in a cutting room floor somehow.
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Judge tosses cases against James Comey and Letitia James
A federal judge on Monday dismissed the criminal cases against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James, concluding that the prosecutor who brought the charges at President Donald Trump’s urging was illegally appointed by the Justice Department. ✂️
OMG! Bu-bye Lawyer Barbie!!!
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Via Edward Song in this morning’s morning’s GNR.
AP
Brazil’s ex-president Bolsonaro arrested over alleged plot to escape and avoid 27-year prison term
BRASILIA, Brazil (AP) — Brazil’s federal police on Saturday arrested former president Jair Bolsonaro over suspicion he was plotting to escape and avoid starting a 27-year prison sentence for leading a coup attempt. The decision laid bare some of the country’s divisions, with many uncorking Champagne outside the far-right leader’s prison to celebrate as his supporters prepared a religious act in his favor.
In a dramatic and unexpected twist in the final stage of a long and divisive criminal trial, federal agents entered Bolsonaro’s house early Saturday under the order of a Supreme Court Justice to take the former president to the headquarters of the country’s federal police in the capital, Brasilia.
Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who oversaw the case on Bolsonaro’s attempt to keep the presidency after his defeat to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in 2022, ordered the preemptive arrest after saying the far-right leader’s ankle monitor was violated at 12:08 a.m. on Saturday. His lawyers claimed in a statement that did not take place. ✂️
The presumed plan was to break off the ankle bracelet, use a protest outside his home as cover and escape to the US embassy in the same city (about a 15 minute drive). From there to Mar-a-Lago.
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Via Greg Dworkin in this morning’s APR.
This was interesting. Julie K. Brown broke the Epstein case years ago in the Miami Herald. This is an unrolled thread of all of the sources for the Epstein Files. It was originally on the Xitter.
The whole list has 10 items.
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Via Nanny Ogg.
x
Why read past headlines: Juicy details about the MAGA infighting, including the ugly names they're calling each other.
Also analysis about why this is happening. MAGA is full of grifters. And they see Kirk's death as an opportunity.
www.salon.com/2025/11/24/c...
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— Amanda Marcotte (@amandamarcotte.bsky.social) November 24, 2025 at 6:13 AM
The linked article on Salon
Charlie Kirk’s death is tearing MAGA apart
✂️ But even in the early days, there were signs that Kirk’s death was not leading to the authoritarian takeover his fans had envisioned. Less predictable, though, is what came next. Far from unifying the MAGA movement, Kirk’s death opened the door to increasingly ugly infighting, as various right-wing influencers vie to fill the power vacuum left by the TPUSA leader. Conservative media figures like Tucker Carlson, Candace Owens and Ben Shapiro have been sniping at each other online, flinging accusations of dark conspiracies and anti-semitism, some of which even appear to be true. The immediate cause of the strife is a growing divide over U.S. support for Israel, but there’s little doubt that the feuds are fueled by unchecked ambition: To exploit Kirk’s death to get more followers — and more power — in the toxic MAGA media ecosystem. ✂️
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Via CC.
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NASA discovers “clearest signs of life on Mars” ever found
https://www.newsbeep.com/nz/151148/
NASA’s Perseverance Rover found claystones covered in markings nicknamed “leopard spots” and “poppy seeds”. (Image source: NASA) NASA’s…
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— nz-nb.bsky.social (@nz-nb.bsky.social) November 24, 2025 at 6:45 AM
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Thanks to CC for the link.
Top MAGA Influencers Accidentally Unmasked as Foreign Trolls
Elon Musk’s social media site X has rolled out a new feature in an effort to increase transparency—and unwittingly revealed that many of the site’s top MAGA influencers are actually foreign actors.
The new “About This Account” feature, which became available to X users on Friday, allows others to see where an account is based, when they joined the platform, how often they have changed their username, and how they downloaded the X app.
✂️
You have to register (free) to see the article, but we’ve all seen this story by now.
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Via the Gems of BlueSky.
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Aljazeera
Are tech companies using your private data to train AI models?
Leading tech companies are in a race to release and improve artificial intelligence (AI) products, leaving users in the United States to puzzle out how much of their personal data could be extracted to train AI tools.
Meta (which owns Facebook, Instagram, Threads and WhatsApp), Google and LinkedIn have all rolled out AI app features that have the capacity to draw on users’ public profiles or emails. Google and LinkedIn offer users ways to opt out of the AI features, while Meta’s AI tool provides no means for its users to say “no, thanks.”
“Gmail just flipped a dangerous switch on October 10, 2025 and 99% of Gmail users have no idea,” a November 8 Instagram post said.
Posts warned that the platforms’ AI tool rollouts make most private information available for tech company harvesting. “Every conversation, every photo, every voice message, fed into AI and used for profit,” a November 9 X video about Meta said. ✂️
Here’s what we learned about how each platform’s AI is handling your data:✂️
MalwareBytes is a well respected computer security company that I’ve used in both a professional and personal capacity.
[Correction] Gmail can read your emails and attachments to power “smart features”
Update November 22. We’ve updated this article after realising we contributed to a perfect storm of misunderstanding around a recent change in the wording and placement of Gmail’s smart features. The settings themselves aren’t new, but the way Google recently rewrote and surfaced them led a lot of people (including us) to believe Gmail content might be used to train Google’s AI models, and that users were being opted in automatically. After taking a closer look at Google’s documentation and reviewing other reporting, that doesn’t appear to be the case.
Gmail does scan email content to power its own “smart features,” such as spam filtering, categorisation, and writing suggestions. But this is part of how Gmail normally works and isn’t the same as training Google’s generative AI models. Google also maintains that these feature settings are opt-in rather than opt-out, although users’ experiences seem to vary depending on when and how the new wording appeared.
It’s easy to see where the confusion came from. Google’s updated language around “smart features” is vague, and the term “smart” often implies AI—especially at a time when Gemini is being integrated into other parts of Google’s products. When the new wording started appearing for some users without much explanation, many assumed it signalled a broader shift. It’s also come around the same time as a proposed class-action lawsuit in the state of California, which, according to Bloomberg, alleges that Google gave Gemini AI access to Gmail, Chat, and Meet without proper user consent.
We’ve revised this article to reflect what we can confirm from Google’s documentation, as it’s always been our aim to give readers accurate, helpful guidance. ✂️
Ghost had warned of gmail scanning your data. He may have been premature, but many/most of us were right there with him. If Ghost was wrong, I was also wrong. Here’s how you turn it off.
- go to gmail.com
- click the gear icon for settings
- “See All Settings”
- scroll down
- uncheck “Smart features”
In addition to what I outlined in the bullet points above, you can turn off Google Workspace, as outlined in the MalwareBytes article.
By all means read both articles if you have concerns about being fodder for Google’s or anyone’s AI models. I think it’s a valid concern. In fact, my journey to being a full time Linux user was prompted by concerns about Windows 11.
I think I’m past week six of not using a Windows machine. At the same time, I’m still working through some small issues. It’s not necessarily a leap I recommend without being prepared for some bumps.
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I picked this one because it literally hits close to home. I interact with Somali’s every day. They’re (mostly) good people trying to make a life for themselves here. They are a large portion of our population and I value them.
AP
Trump says he’s terminating legal protections for Somali migrants in Minnesota
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said Friday night that he’s “immediately” terminating temporary legal protections for Somali migrants living in Minnesota, further targeting a program seeking to limit deportations that his administration has already repeatedly sought to weaken.
Minnesota has the nation’s largest Somali community. Many fled the long civil war in their east African country and were drawn to the state’s welcoming social programs.
But how many migrants would be affected by Trump’s announcement that he wants to end temporary protective status could be very small. A report produced for Congress in August put the number of Somalis covered by the program at just 705 nationwide. ✂️
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The Contrarian
A call to action
The grassroots boycott launched against Disney/ABC in the wake of its cowardly decision to pull Jimmy Kimmel off the air underscored the strength of consumer power in the fight to preserve democracy. Now, resistance organizers are asking consumers for a brief boycott over the Thanksgiving holiday of three companies: Amazon, Home Depot, and Target. A small effort might elevate a very critical message against three companies organizers have identified as Trump regime enablers. ✂️
TCG will approve of this message. We’ll never know how much of this is just lack of consumer confidence in iDJT’s economy and how much of it’s a boycott, but every little bit helps.
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The Cutting Room Floor
Things that looked interesting that I didn’t have time to read.
The Breakdown is Allison Gill’s (Mueller, She Wrote) newsletter
More Evidence Submitted to Dismiss the Charges Against Kilmar Abrego
The Bulwark
Why Dems Are Pouring Money Into the Tennessee 7th
It’s a long shot, but man would it be fun if we won that.
The Guardian
They’re doing to America what they did to Christianity
Four from Washington Monthly
Where Might Trump’s Attacks on Universities Lead? Just Look at Florida
The College Degree Is Not Losing Value
Sherrill and Mamdani Just Showed How to Unify the Democratic Party—And Win
The Freakout Over Cheaper Beer at Yankee Stadium
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The Left Wing Echo Chamber
DP had a list of books for the holiday that he posted last night. I don’t think he’s ready to pull the trigger yet. Hopefully he’ll keep us appraised.
If anyone has a diary of theirs that they’d like promoted, please drop a comment (preferably with a link) in the previous night’s Shade. Hopefully the next Shade will include a promotional link for you.
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Today is…
Birthdays
Scott Joplin (1868-1917) - Pianist considered the King of Ragtime.
Scott Joplin, born November 24, 1868, was an American composer and pianist who is known as the King of Ragtime. He is credited with over 100 ragtime compositions during his lifetime (a genre of music that was born in the African-American community and popularized in the 20th century by Joplin), one ragtime ballet, and two operas. His piece, “Maple Leaf Rag,” was the first ever ragtime hit and is considered the archetypal rag. Joplin could sing and play the mandolin and guitar. His passing in 1917 is considered the end of ragtime as a mainstream genre. It later developed into other forms like stride, jazz, and swing.
WineRev (link below):
1868 Texarkana, Texas Birth of Scott Joplin, composer, pianist. From a family of railroad workers, he was taught music early on by several local teachers. By the time he was a teenager, Joplin could play the banjo, mandolin, and the piano, and was working as a saloon musician and then as a traveling musician across the South. Was able to perform at the 1893 (Chicago) World Exposition, which gave his “rag-time” style national exposure and popularity. He was a music teacher in Sedalia, MO and his 1895 “Maple Leaf Rag” not only provided him with a steady royalty income but marked him as the father of the genre, a fusion of European and Afro-American music. (Musicologists consider ragtime the root behind “stride”, “jazz” and “big band swing.”)
In 1901 settled in New York City and wrote over 100 pieces, composed a ragtime ballet (!), and 2 ragtime operas. 1 of these was lost, but after the revival of his music in the 1970s (soundtrack to “The Sting”) his 1911 ‘Treemonisha’ was revived and staged to success, so much so that he was posthumously awarded a Pulitzer Prize for the work in 1976.
Fredrick Willius (1888-1972) - Physician and founder of the cardiology department at Mayo Clinic.
Dwight Schultz (1947-Still LIving) - Actor known for his role as Murdock in the A-Team.
He really brought life to the character of Barkley on Star Trek TNG
Events
1703 - Justus Falckner becomes the first ordained Lutheran pastor in America.
(Last night) Because I just know WineRev will feature in tomorrow’s G&G. (This morning) And he doesn’t disappoint!
1703 Philadelphia, PA Enough German (Germantown) and Swedish settlers (over in Delaware) have settled in the area that it’s time to raise up homegrown leadership. Justus Falckner becomes the 1st Lutheran pastor ordained in America. (Salute from the WineRev; , only beat me to be the first by 281 years, but the secret handshake, the little black book on the Catholics (with new entries) and the Holy List of Reasons why the Fundamentalists are SO WRONG is still passed on at each
More WinRev:
1859 London After several years of research and a long sea voyage on this day British naturalist Charles Darwin publishes "On the Origin of Species," or “The Preservation of Favored Races in the Struggle for Life." (An explanation of his theory of evolution.) The first printing of 1,250 copies sold out in a single day. Fundamentalists ever since have taught Darwin evolved into Satan.
1896 - Vermont becomes the first state to implement absentee voting.
WinRev:
1896 Montpelier, Vermont After debate and enactment by the legislature and a governor’s signature, Vermont becomes the first US state to allow for absentee voting. Proved right handy two years later for soldiers in the Spanish-American War. (Back in the election of 1864, Union armies furloughed men by whole regiments to take trains home to vote…..at their courthouse…..by open outcry (written, secret ballots only arrived around 1880.)
1954 - Air Force One is christened.
Now it can no longer fly because of the weight of too much gold leaf.
Via WineRev in this morning’s G&G comment
1959 Across the TV screens of America. The roll out of a new, mysterious TV show, thought-provoking and just creepy enough to put people on edge but still stay on the air: the first episode of Twilight Zone. Episode #1 (“The Time Element") was about a bartender returning to Pearl Harbor Dec 6, 1941…..the day before…….
Something a bit more interesting
1971 -A hijacker named D. B. Cooper parachutes from a Northwest Orient Airlines plane with $200,000 in ransom money during a snowstorm.
Aljazeera
Jimmy Cliff, Jamaican reggae music pioneer, dies at 81
Jimmy Cliff, the charismatic reggae pioneer and actor who preached joy, defiance and resilience in his classics, has died at 81.
Cliff’s wife, Latifa Chambers, announced his death on social media on Monday, adding that the cause was a seizure followed by pneumonia.
Born James Chambers on July 30, 1944, during a hurricane in St James Parish in northwestern Jamaica, he moved in the 1950s from the family farm to the country’s capital, Kingston, with his father, determined to succeed in the music industry.
At 14, he became nationally famous for the song Hurricane Hattie, which he wrote.
Cliff would go on to record more than 30 albums and perform all over the world, including in Paris, Brazil and at the World’s Fair in New York in 1964.
The following year, Chris Blackwell of Island Records, the producer who launched Bob Marley and the Wailers, invited Cliff to work in the United Kingdom with him.
✂️
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There’s not much for national days today. It’s really kind of sucky on the four calendars I use.
NATIONAL SARDINES DAY
November 24th recognizes these silver little fishes on National Sardines Day. They may not swim right up to your plate, but they sure do pack in the flavor.
While some people are afraid to taste these small, silver fish, others consider sardines a delicious snack enjoyed on their own or with crackers.
Sardines are several types of small, oily fish, related to herrings. While we might be most familiar with sardines packed in cans, some enjoy fresh sardines grilled. This small fish can also be pickled and smoked, too. When canned, they can be packed in water, olive, sunflower or soybean oil or tomato, chili or mustard sauce.
Congratulations to all who celebrate.
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Celebrate Your Unique Talent Day
Imagine a day where everyone celebrates the little quirks and talents that make them stand out. That’s what Celebrate Your Unique Talent Day is all about, marked every November 24th.
It’s a day to shine a light on your unique skills, no matter what they are. This day reminds us that our special abilities deserve recognition and celebration, no matter how big or small.
The reason we celebrate this day is simple yet profound. It’s all about embracing and sharing the unique gifts we all possess.
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National Fairy Bread Day
In 2014, Adam Schell was eating a piece of fairy bread and, deeply satisfied, joked that “there should be a day to celebrate this”. His friend encouraged him to found a day and now it has been going on annually for a decade! Choosing the date for the celebration was easy, as the day Schell made his remark was on November 24.
Fairy Bread Day was established as a way to delight in the simple things of life, specifically what Australians and New Zealanders would refer to as “fairy bread”. While it might sound like an elusive treat, it’s really just made by spreading butter or margarine on slices of white bread and covering it with sprinkles or “hundreds and thousands” as they are known down under and in the UK. The day is sponsored by Australian company, Dollar Sweets, maker of all sorts of sprinkles and candy toppings.
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I’ll end this one on a high note:
D.B. Cooper Day
Back in 1971, a mysterious man hijacks an airplane, steals a briefcase full of money, and parachutes away to a daring escape. The ticket purchased for the man was registered to a ‘Dan Cooper’ which turned out to be an alias, but the name for the mystery man turned into D.B. Cooper – the initials which arose from the transcription error of a news reporter.
The man behind the only unsolved airplane hijacking in US history, D.B. Cooper’s short flight from Portland to Seattle only cost $20 – but he left the plane with $200,000 in a briefcase by parachuting out. Incidentally, that amount of money would be worth over $1.4 million in today’s terms.
I could (and probably will) read about this case for the rest of the day. It was a bold plan. I suspect it didn’t end well for him, but the romantic in me likes to think he got away with it. I’m envisioning Wile E. Coyote and the dust ring at the bottom of the canyon. But what happened to the money then?
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Tomorrow Is…
NATIONAL PARFAIT DAY!!!
I get sardines and Nanny gets Parfait Day. <* le sigh *>
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(3:11) (via WineRev)
The Shade is open. As always, the value is in the comments.
