johnedwinmason
@johnedwinmason.bsky.social
Historian, curator, walker, player of antique French horns. Photography, music, South Africa. UVA Professor Emeritus.
Pinned
"I hope and trust all will come out right in the end, but the immediate future looks dark and troubled. I cannot shut my eyes to the ugly facts before me."
--Frederick Douglass, Lessons of the Hour, 1894
--Frederick Douglass, Lessons of the Hour, 1894
Reposted by johnedwinmason
Can't really bring myself to read the newspapers on Jesse Jackson's life and death. I met him the eighties, closely watched his campaigns (and the awful coverage) and saw him from time to time over the decades. A truly great American, flawed like all the rest.
February 17, 2026 at 1:55 PM
Can't really bring myself to read the newspapers on Jesse Jackson's life and death. I met him the eighties, closely watched his campaigns (and the awful coverage) and saw him from time to time over the decades. A truly great American, flawed like all the rest.
Reposted by johnedwinmason
Long forgotten: Democrats swept through the midterms of 1990 and showed Bush was beatable (and forced Bush to raise taxes) because Rev. Jesse Jackson systematically organized volunteers all over the country. He contested the South after Dukakis surrendered. Clinton owed him. So do we.
February 17, 2026 at 2:32 PM
Long forgotten: Democrats swept through the midterms of 1990 and showed Bush was beatable (and forced Bush to raise taxes) because Rev. Jesse Jackson systematically organized volunteers all over the country. He contested the South after Dukakis surrendered. Clinton owed him. So do we.
Reposted by johnedwinmason
really sad about the death of rev. jesse jackson this morning and i'm gonna be writing something about it for @theringer. but in the meantime, a couple of recommendations.
1. @jamellebouie.net's piece from 2016 about Jackson's groundbreaking presidential campaigns. www.slate.com/articles/new...
1. @jamellebouie.net's piece from 2016 about Jackson's groundbreaking presidential campaigns. www.slate.com/articles/new...
Demoralized Democrats Have a Road Map for Success in Trump’s America. It Was Written by Jesse Jackson.
Jesse Jackson first ran for president during the national farm bust of the early 1980s. Debt for farmers had exploded from $85 billion in 1976 to $216 ...
www.slate.com
February 17, 2026 at 2:50 PM
really sad about the death of rev. jesse jackson this morning and i'm gonna be writing something about it for @theringer. but in the meantime, a couple of recommendations.
1. @jamellebouie.net's piece from 2016 about Jackson's groundbreaking presidential campaigns. www.slate.com/articles/new...
1. @jamellebouie.net's piece from 2016 about Jackson's groundbreaking presidential campaigns. www.slate.com/articles/new...
Reposted by johnedwinmason
2. I interviewed CNN's Abby Phillip last month for @thepressbox.bsky.social to talk about her book on Rev. Jackson's life and political ascendance. Strongly encourage y'all to read "A Dream Deferred" if you're interested and already haven't. www.theringer.com/podcasts/the...
The FBI Seizes Reporter’s Laptop and National Championship Story Lines. Plus, CNN’s Abby Phillip! - The Ringer
Bryan and Joel discuss the FBI raid of Washington Post reporter Hannah Natanson. Bryan and Joel also dive into some football notes on Carson Beck, Michael Irvin’s new podcast, and Tony Romo’s poor per...
www.theringer.com
February 17, 2026 at 2:53 PM
2. I interviewed CNN's Abby Phillip last month for @thepressbox.bsky.social to talk about her book on Rev. Jackson's life and political ascendance. Strongly encourage y'all to read "A Dream Deferred" if you're interested and already haven't. www.theringer.com/podcasts/the...
Reposted by johnedwinmason
Trump called Jesse Jackson "street smart," and you should hear this as coded language.
February 17, 2026 at 3:01 PM
Trump called Jesse Jackson "street smart," and you should hear this as coded language.
Reposted by johnedwinmason
Reposted by johnedwinmason
This thread would make a great Intro to Jazz for those who are new to the music. Not comprehensive, but very accessible.
It might be an even better weekend playlist for people who are deep into the music. The choices are great. But it's interesting to see who Stryker puts in & leaves out. 👇🏽
It might be an even better weekend playlist for people who are deep into the music. The choices are great. But it's interesting to see who Stryker puts in & leaves out. 👇🏽
🧵Here's something fun I've been toying around with for a week: My own personal Blue Note Desert Island List.
At some point, I'll write an essay based on this list. Meantime, before I give you the list, here are my ground rules and some observations.
At some point, I'll write an essay based on this list. Meantime, before I give you the list, here are my ground rules and some observations.
February 17, 2026 at 4:50 AM
This thread would make a great Intro to Jazz for those who are new to the music. Not comprehensive, but very accessible.
It might be an even better weekend playlist for people who are deep into the music. The choices are great. But it's interesting to see who Stryker puts in & leaves out. 👇🏽
It might be an even better weekend playlist for people who are deep into the music. The choices are great. But it's interesting to see who Stryker puts in & leaves out. 👇🏽
Reposted by johnedwinmason
Barcelona, 1906. The Sagrada Família Basilica in the background, 24 years into its construction.
February 17, 2026 at 2:34 AM
Barcelona, 1906. The Sagrada Família Basilica in the background, 24 years into its construction.
FYI, brothers & sisters.
February 17, 2026 at 4:24 AM
FYI, brothers & sisters.
A benefit of learning French has been the new musical world it's opened to me. I'd never heard of the clarinetist, saxophonist, & composer Michel Portal. Yet he was one of the truly great musicians of the 20th & 21st centuries — jazz, classical, experimental. m.youtube.com/watch?v=10t4...
February 17, 2026 at 3:01 AM
A benefit of learning French has been the new musical world it's opened to me. I'd never heard of the clarinetist, saxophonist, & composer Michel Portal. Yet he was one of the truly great musicians of the 20th & 21st centuries — jazz, classical, experimental. m.youtube.com/watch?v=10t4...
Reposted by johnedwinmason
Remember when people said that if measures were taken to regulate drug prices, then innovation will die? Welp: "Federal policies under Robert F. Kennedy Jr. that are hostile to vaccines have “sent a chill through the entire industry,” one scientist said." www.nytimes.com/2026/02/16/h...
Vaccine Makers Curtail Research and Cut Jobs
www.nytimes.com
February 16, 2026 at 10:10 PM
Remember when people said that if measures were taken to regulate drug prices, then innovation will die? Welp: "Federal policies under Robert F. Kennedy Jr. that are hostile to vaccines have “sent a chill through the entire industry,” one scientist said." www.nytimes.com/2026/02/16/h...
Reposted by johnedwinmason
“At the time, Mays had not fully realized how impactful her aunt was in the Civil Rights Movement; the 9-year-old knew her as an excellent cook and loving aunt. . . . ‘And then I grew up and I learned more . . .’”
“Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine”
“Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine”
This Little Light of Mine
YouTube video by Fannie Lou Hamer - Topic
youtu.be
February 16, 2026 at 8:07 PM
“At the time, Mays had not fully realized how impactful her aunt was in the Civil Rights Movement; the 9-year-old knew her as an excellent cook and loving aunt. . . . ‘And then I grew up and I learned more . . .’”
“Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine”
“Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine”
Reposted by johnedwinmason
Absolutely despicable and honestly unforgivable.
He also says he hopes he can “inspire” people over there.
This is his “Republicans buy sneakers too” moment.
He also says he hopes he can “inspire” people over there.
This is his “Republicans buy sneakers too” moment.
February 15, 2026 at 10:08 PM
Absolutely despicable and honestly unforgivable.
He also says he hopes he can “inspire” people over there.
This is his “Republicans buy sneakers too” moment.
He also says he hopes he can “inspire” people over there.
This is his “Republicans buy sneakers too” moment.
👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽
Fannie Lou Hamer's nephew, Eddie Fair, credits his aunt with providing a foundation for Mississippi to have the most Black elected officials in the country.
“All that happened because of Fannie Lou Hamer getting out and taking a stand, getting people ready to vote,” he said.
“All that happened because of Fannie Lou Hamer getting out and taking a stand, getting people ready to vote,” he said.
Fannie Lou Hamer’s Medal of Freedom Now Displayed at Mississippi Civil Rights Museum
Fannie Lou Hamer’s posthumously-awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom is now on display at the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum.
buff.ly
February 16, 2026 at 7:48 PM
👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽
If you've never seen it, and even if you have, try to watch Tender Mercies tonight in his honor. Duvall's acting is understated yet powerfully moving. The film itself is brilliant.
BREAKING: Oscar-winning actor Robert Duvall, known for his roles in "The Godfather" and "Apocalypse Now," has died at 95.
Robert Duvall, Oscar-winning actor and 'Godfather' mainstay, dead at 95
Robert Duvall, the Oscar-winning actor whose classic roles included the wily confidant of the first two “Godfather” movies, had died at age 95.
bit.ly
February 16, 2026 at 7:05 PM
If you've never seen it, and even if you have, try to watch Tender Mercies tonight in his honor. Duvall's acting is understated yet powerfully moving. The film itself is brilliant.
Reposted by johnedwinmason
Her inability to catch even the faintest whiff of a zeitgeist without asking some of the worst people in the world if they think something smells funny.
Hillary Clinton really saw this as a moment to brag about how many more people Democrats deported when they were in power. Not even the hint of a soul in that woman.
February 16, 2026 at 6:40 PM
Her inability to catch even the faintest whiff of a zeitgeist without asking some of the worst people in the world if they think something smells funny.
Go get 'em, dude. 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
"David Greene, former star presenter on National Public Radio, is suing Google for voice theft."
"The journalist accuses the tech giant of using a voice that is virtually identical to his in its NotebookLM AI software, a claim Google denies."
"David Greene, former star presenter on National Public Radio, is suing Google for voice theft."
"The journalist accuses the tech giant of using a voice that is virtually identical to his in its NotebookLM AI software, a claim Google denies."
🗣️ David Greene, ex-animateur star de la National Public Radio, porte plainte contre Google pour usurpation de sa voix
❌ Le journaliste accuse le géant du numérique d’utiliser une voix ressemblant trait pour trait à la sienne dans le logiciel d’IA NotebookLM, ce que réfute Google.
Lire ⤵️
❌ Le journaliste accuse le géant du numérique d’utiliser une voix ressemblant trait pour trait à la sienne dans le logiciel d’IA NotebookLM, ce que réfute Google.
Lire ⤵️
David Greene, ex-animateur star de la National Public Radio, porte plainte contre Google pour usurpation de sa voix
Le journaliste américain accuse le géant du numérique d’utiliser une voix ressemblant trait pour trait à la sienne dans le logiciel d’intelligence artificielle NotebookLM, ce que réfute Google, qui assure avoir fait appel à un acteur.
www.liberation.fr
February 16, 2026 at 5:28 PM
Go get 'em, dude. 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
"David Greene, former star presenter on National Public Radio, is suing Google for voice theft."
"The journalist accuses the tech giant of using a voice that is virtually identical to his in its NotebookLM AI software, a claim Google denies."
"David Greene, former star presenter on National Public Radio, is suing Google for voice theft."
"The journalist accuses the tech giant of using a voice that is virtually identical to his in its NotebookLM AI software, a claim Google denies."
Reposted by johnedwinmason
I covered the piece with some changes.
"An interpretation of Cage's masterpiece for the modern ear, cut in half to accommodate shortened attention spans with lyrics added for mainstream acceptance."
youtu.be/hFCbJpqfh2Q?...
"An interpretation of Cage's masterpiece for the modern ear, cut in half to accommodate shortened attention spans with lyrics added for mainstream acceptance."
youtu.be/hFCbJpqfh2Q?...
Two Sixteen Point Five - An Interpretation of John Cage's 4' 33''
YouTube video by Jamie Dyer
youtu.be
February 16, 2026 at 2:04 PM
I covered the piece with some changes.
"An interpretation of Cage's masterpiece for the modern ear, cut in half to accommodate shortened attention spans with lyrics added for mainstream acceptance."
youtu.be/hFCbJpqfh2Q?...
"An interpretation of Cage's masterpiece for the modern ear, cut in half to accommodate shortened attention spans with lyrics added for mainstream acceptance."
youtu.be/hFCbJpqfh2Q?...
Whew. A tiny thread that leaves you with a lot to think about.
Feb. 15, 1926: Despite being frozen out of power, Leon Trotsky still commands a vast following with the public in the Soviet Union. He is cheered by a vast crowd in Moscow that hears him give a stemwinder with the theme "America's Menace to the World." 1/2
February 16, 2026 at 4:44 AM
Whew. A tiny thread that leaves you with a lot to think about.
Reposted by johnedwinmason
The surprisingly modern look of cyclist Gabrielle Etéogella, 1896. "Organizers were sent to Paris to recruit riders, who were provided with free travel to England, discounts on first class rail travel and free hotel accommodation.[5] Adverts may have also been placed for the racers –
Le look étonnamment moderne de Gabrielle Etéogella (1896).
February 14, 2026 at 9:03 PM
The surprisingly modern look of cyclist Gabrielle Etéogella, 1896. "Organizers were sent to Paris to recruit riders, who were provided with free travel to England, discounts on first class rail travel and free hotel accommodation.[5] Adverts may have also been placed for the racers –
Reposted by johnedwinmason
Women’s football. The team captains greet each other with a kiss. England, Preston, 1920
February 15, 2026 at 11:54 PM
Women’s football. The team captains greet each other with a kiss. England, Preston, 1920
Reposted by johnedwinmason
Teenie Harris, Golden Glove Contenders, 1955
February 15, 2026 at 10:26 PM
Teenie Harris, Golden Glove Contenders, 1955
I tried to listen, but all I got was 4'33" of silence.
Pour ces archives, Arnaud Merlin vous propose quelques pépites sur le thème du piano chez John Cage ➡️ https://l.francemusique.fr/GVr
February 16, 2026 at 3:30 AM
I tried to listen, but all I got was 4'33" of silence.
Reposted by johnedwinmason
A Virginia court agreed to allow a Marine and his wife to adopt an Afghan girl living in Afghanistan. Then the couple tricked the girl's family into evacuating to the U.S., and when they arrived here, stole the child. The Virginia Supreme Court just endorsed the legality of this.
Virginia Supreme Court rules US Marine's adoption of an Afghan war orphan will stand
The Virginia Supreme Court has ruled that a U.S. Marine and his wife will keep an Afghan orphan they brought home in defiance of the U.S. government’s decision to reunite her with her Afghan family.
apnews.com
February 16, 2026 at 1:01 AM
A Virginia court agreed to allow a Marine and his wife to adopt an Afghan girl living in Afghanistan. Then the couple tricked the girl's family into evacuating to the U.S., and when they arrived here, stole the child. The Virginia Supreme Court just endorsed the legality of this.