Solextre
@solextre.bsky.social
Retired teacher (systems theory, communication) maker of abstract music videos (see solextre YouTube) no political party ... to quote Kurt Vonnegut:
"To be is to do - Socrates
To do is to be - Sartre
Do Be Do Be Do - Sinatra"
:-)
"To be is to do - Socrates
To do is to be - Sartre
Do Be Do Be Do - Sinatra"
:-)
#CHRNCL
MSnow's audience tends to the progressive point of view. It is structured as an ongoing conversation. Each of its "hosts" presents the news by interviewing a panel of paid experts. The structure follows research that says that people prefer to view a conversation rather than a reporter.
MSnow's audience tends to the progressive point of view. It is structured as an ongoing conversation. Each of its "hosts" presents the news by interviewing a panel of paid experts. The structure follows research that says that people prefer to view a conversation rather than a reporter.
January 27, 2026 at 2:05 PM
#CHRNCL
MSnow's audience tends to the progressive point of view. It is structured as an ongoing conversation. Each of its "hosts" presents the news by interviewing a panel of paid experts. The structure follows research that says that people prefer to view a conversation rather than a reporter.
MSnow's audience tends to the progressive point of view. It is structured as an ongoing conversation. Each of its "hosts" presents the news by interviewing a panel of paid experts. The structure follows research that says that people prefer to view a conversation rather than a reporter.
#POLITX
Democracy, at its core, is not about fairness but about power. As the minority knows ahead of time that it is likely to lose to the majority in a physical contest, it makes sense to make a deal. Democracy always has the power to defeat autocracy; the only barriers are organization and will.
Democracy, at its core, is not about fairness but about power. As the minority knows ahead of time that it is likely to lose to the majority in a physical contest, it makes sense to make a deal. Democracy always has the power to defeat autocracy; the only barriers are organization and will.
January 26, 2026 at 1:51 PM
#POLITX
Democracy, at its core, is not about fairness but about power. As the minority knows ahead of time that it is likely to lose to the majority in a physical contest, it makes sense to make a deal. Democracy always has the power to defeat autocracy; the only barriers are organization and will.
Democracy, at its core, is not about fairness but about power. As the minority knows ahead of time that it is likely to lose to the majority in a physical contest, it makes sense to make a deal. Democracy always has the power to defeat autocracy; the only barriers are organization and will.
#CHRNCL
FOX has the largest audience, consisting largely of older Americans. FOX is structured like a soap opera. It uses the news to tell a story that its audience wants to hear. The morning shows review the plot, and the evening opinionists draw conclusions and set the hook for the next day.
FOX has the largest audience, consisting largely of older Americans. FOX is structured like a soap opera. It uses the news to tell a story that its audience wants to hear. The morning shows review the plot, and the evening opinionists draw conclusions and set the hook for the next day.
January 26, 2026 at 1:34 PM
#CHRNCL
FOX has the largest audience, consisting largely of older Americans. FOX is structured like a soap opera. It uses the news to tell a story that its audience wants to hear. The morning shows review the plot, and the evening opinionists draw conclusions and set the hook for the next day.
FOX has the largest audience, consisting largely of older Americans. FOX is structured like a soap opera. It uses the news to tell a story that its audience wants to hear. The morning shows review the plot, and the evening opinionists draw conclusions and set the hook for the next day.
#CHRNCL
Of the three cable news networks, Fox and MSnow are offering propaganda, while CNN is trying to do a balanced report. All three of these networks support themselves by offering ads to their viewers. So we can be sure that many Americans accept media that run propaganda.
Of the three cable news networks, Fox and MSnow are offering propaganda, while CNN is trying to do a balanced report. All three of these networks support themselves by offering ads to their viewers. So we can be sure that many Americans accept media that run propaganda.
January 26, 2026 at 4:42 AM
#CHRNCL
Of the three cable news networks, Fox and MSnow are offering propaganda, while CNN is trying to do a balanced report. All three of these networks support themselves by offering ads to their viewers. So we can be sure that many Americans accept media that run propaganda.
Of the three cable news networks, Fox and MSnow are offering propaganda, while CNN is trying to do a balanced report. All three of these networks support themselves by offering ads to their viewers. So we can be sure that many Americans accept media that run propaganda.
#CHRNCL
Propaganda is as old as mass communication. In World War II, with radio as the primary means of communication, both the Americans and the Nazis made extensive use a propaganda. Audiences should be aware, however, that if they only listen to one source they may only be hearing one side.
Propaganda is as old as mass communication. In World War II, with radio as the primary means of communication, both the Americans and the Nazis made extensive use a propaganda. Audiences should be aware, however, that if they only listen to one source they may only be hearing one side.
January 26, 2026 at 12:28 AM
#CHRNCL
Propaganda is as old as mass communication. In World War II, with radio as the primary means of communication, both the Americans and the Nazis made extensive use a propaganda. Audiences should be aware, however, that if they only listen to one source they may only be hearing one side.
Propaganda is as old as mass communication. In World War II, with radio as the primary means of communication, both the Americans and the Nazis made extensive use a propaganda. Audiences should be aware, however, that if they only listen to one source they may only be hearing one side.
#POLITX
Here is a good place to get news about what's happening in Minnesota:
www.startribune.com/news-politic...
Here is a good place to get news about what's happening in Minnesota:
www.startribune.com/news-politic...
Local Minneapolis news - Minnesota Star Tribune
Mpls news from the Minnesota Star Tribune, including crime, Minneapolis schools, government, housing and local neighborhoods.
www.startribune.com
January 25, 2026 at 2:30 AM
#POLITX
Here is a good place to get news about what's happening in Minnesota:
www.startribune.com/news-politic...
Here is a good place to get news about what's happening in Minnesota:
www.startribune.com/news-politic...
#CHRNCL
Political publicity that uses this tactic of emphasizing the good of one side and not mentioning anything bad about that side is called: PROPAGANDA. In cable news, MSNBC and FOX both engage in propaganda. On the Internet, many sources that call themselves "news" are actually propaganda.
Political publicity that uses this tactic of emphasizing the good of one side and not mentioning anything bad about that side is called: PROPAGANDA. In cable news, MSNBC and FOX both engage in propaganda. On the Internet, many sources that call themselves "news" are actually propaganda.
January 24, 2026 at 3:13 PM
#CHRNCL
Political publicity that uses this tactic of emphasizing the good of one side and not mentioning anything bad about that side is called: PROPAGANDA. In cable news, MSNBC and FOX both engage in propaganda. On the Internet, many sources that call themselves "news" are actually propaganda.
Political publicity that uses this tactic of emphasizing the good of one side and not mentioning anything bad about that side is called: PROPAGANDA. In cable news, MSNBC and FOX both engage in propaganda. On the Internet, many sources that call themselves "news" are actually propaganda.
#CHRNCL
In a heavily mediated culture you never HAVE to lie to misinform. For example, you can focus on the fact that nearly 60% of Americans dislike the Democratic Party, and ignore the fact that the same percentage dislike the Republicans. Or vice versa. Media focuses attention; much gets ignored.
In a heavily mediated culture you never HAVE to lie to misinform. For example, you can focus on the fact that nearly 60% of Americans dislike the Democratic Party, and ignore the fact that the same percentage dislike the Republicans. Or vice versa. Media focuses attention; much gets ignored.
January 22, 2026 at 7:17 PM
#CHRNCL
In a heavily mediated culture you never HAVE to lie to misinform. For example, you can focus on the fact that nearly 60% of Americans dislike the Democratic Party, and ignore the fact that the same percentage dislike the Republicans. Or vice versa. Media focuses attention; much gets ignored.
In a heavily mediated culture you never HAVE to lie to misinform. For example, you can focus on the fact that nearly 60% of Americans dislike the Democratic Party, and ignore the fact that the same percentage dislike the Republicans. Or vice versa. Media focuses attention; much gets ignored.
#CHRNCL PUBLICITY
In today's heavily mediated culture people sometimes ignore the difference between publicity and action. An action is an effort with a discernible effect. Publicity draws attention to a particular situation. Publicity may eventually lead to action, but it itself is not action.
In today's heavily mediated culture people sometimes ignore the difference between publicity and action. An action is an effort with a discernible effect. Publicity draws attention to a particular situation. Publicity may eventually lead to action, but it itself is not action.
January 22, 2026 at 2:37 AM
#CHRNCL PUBLICITY
In today's heavily mediated culture people sometimes ignore the difference between publicity and action. An action is an effort with a discernible effect. Publicity draws attention to a particular situation. Publicity may eventually lead to action, but it itself is not action.
In today's heavily mediated culture people sometimes ignore the difference between publicity and action. An action is an effort with a discernible effect. Publicity draws attention to a particular situation. Publicity may eventually lead to action, but it itself is not action.
#CHRNCL
A quick review: three main points.
1. The industrial age has ended and the Internet age has begun.
2. The end of factory work, and the rise of global communications, has changed the way society works.
3. The chaos will not last forever. All we can do is to deal with it and try to survive.
A quick review: three main points.
1. The industrial age has ended and the Internet age has begun.
2. The end of factory work, and the rise of global communications, has changed the way society works.
3. The chaos will not last forever. All we can do is to deal with it and try to survive.
January 20, 2026 at 4:52 PM
#CHRNCL
A quick review: three main points.
1. The industrial age has ended and the Internet age has begun.
2. The end of factory work, and the rise of global communications, has changed the way society works.
3. The chaos will not last forever. All we can do is to deal with it and try to survive.
A quick review: three main points.
1. The industrial age has ended and the Internet age has begun.
2. The end of factory work, and the rise of global communications, has changed the way society works.
3. The chaos will not last forever. All we can do is to deal with it and try to survive.
#POLITX
Knebel is a good storyteller and an excellent writer. This tail of a popular president whose staff perceives that he is slowly losing his mind was published prior to the creation of the 25th Amendment, and seems even more appropriate today because of that. www.amazon.com/Night-Camp-D...
Knebel is a good storyteller and an excellent writer. This tail of a popular president whose staff perceives that he is slowly losing his mind was published prior to the creation of the 25th Amendment, and seems even more appropriate today because of that. www.amazon.com/Night-Camp-D...
Night of Camp David
Amazon.com: Night of Camp David eBook : Knebel, Fletcher: Books
www.amazon.com
January 19, 2026 at 7:19 PM
#POLITX
Knebel is a good storyteller and an excellent writer. This tail of a popular president whose staff perceives that he is slowly losing his mind was published prior to the creation of the 25th Amendment, and seems even more appropriate today because of that. www.amazon.com/Night-Camp-D...
Knebel is a good storyteller and an excellent writer. This tail of a popular president whose staff perceives that he is slowly losing his mind was published prior to the creation of the 25th Amendment, and seems even more appropriate today because of that. www.amazon.com/Night-Camp-D...
#CHRNCL
The rural/urban divide, the rise of Big Tech, the widespread use of automation – all of these blend together in a complicated dance as our society, its politics and its economy move into the Internet Age. Our current problems are reflection of this.
The rural/urban divide, the rise of Big Tech, the widespread use of automation – all of these blend together in a complicated dance as our society, its politics and its economy move into the Internet Age. Our current problems are reflection of this.
January 19, 2026 at 4:23 PM
#CHRNCL
The rural/urban divide, the rise of Big Tech, the widespread use of automation – all of these blend together in a complicated dance as our society, its politics and its economy move into the Internet Age. Our current problems are reflection of this.
The rural/urban divide, the rise of Big Tech, the widespread use of automation – all of these blend together in a complicated dance as our society, its politics and its economy move into the Internet Age. Our current problems are reflection of this.
#CHRNCL
American advertising abounds with rural scenes - likely a reflection of the longing that many city dwellers have for the "country". And with the rise of telecommuting it has become possible to live in a rural area and work anywhere. So possibly the tide is beginning to turn.
American advertising abounds with rural scenes - likely a reflection of the longing that many city dwellers have for the "country". And with the rise of telecommuting it has become possible to live in a rural area and work anywhere. So possibly the tide is beginning to turn.
January 18, 2026 at 6:44 PM
#CHRNCL
American advertising abounds with rural scenes - likely a reflection of the longing that many city dwellers have for the "country". And with the rise of telecommuting it has become possible to live in a rural area and work anywhere. So possibly the tide is beginning to turn.
American advertising abounds with rural scenes - likely a reflection of the longing that many city dwellers have for the "country". And with the rise of telecommuting it has become possible to live in a rural area and work anywhere. So possibly the tide is beginning to turn.
#CHRNCL
Empty has its charms. The air is clean, the water pure, the streets are quiet, you can see the stars at night, and there are deer wandering through your backyard. But emptiness provides few services, and has no economy to speak of.
Empty has its charms. The air is clean, the water pure, the streets are quiet, you can see the stars at night, and there are deer wandering through your backyard. But emptiness provides few services, and has no economy to speak of.
January 17, 2026 at 2:24 PM
#CHRNCL
Empty has its charms. The air is clean, the water pure, the streets are quiet, you can see the stars at night, and there are deer wandering through your backyard. But emptiness provides few services, and has no economy to speak of.
Empty has its charms. The air is clean, the water pure, the streets are quiet, you can see the stars at night, and there are deer wandering through your backyard. But emptiness provides few services, and has no economy to speak of.
#CHRNCL
It's worth repeating. Over 80% of all Americans live in the urbs and suburbs. The other 20% are spread out across the rest of the country. This makes most of America essentially empty.
It's worth repeating. Over 80% of all Americans live in the urbs and suburbs. The other 20% are spread out across the rest of the country. This makes most of America essentially empty.
January 17, 2026 at 4:31 AM
#CHRNCL
It's worth repeating. Over 80% of all Americans live in the urbs and suburbs. The other 20% are spread out across the rest of the country. This makes most of America essentially empty.
It's worth repeating. Over 80% of all Americans live in the urbs and suburbs. The other 20% are spread out across the rest of the country. This makes most of America essentially empty.
#CHRNCL
The media keeps it's focus on Donald Trump, but it is the millions of unhappy Americans who support him who give him his power. Those millions, registered as Republicans, are generally older and live primarily in rural areas – while their Democratic opponents live primarily in cities.
The media keeps it's focus on Donald Trump, but it is the millions of unhappy Americans who support him who give him his power. Those millions, registered as Republicans, are generally older and live primarily in rural areas – while their Democratic opponents live primarily in cities.
January 15, 2026 at 2:28 PM
#CHRNCL
The media keeps it's focus on Donald Trump, but it is the millions of unhappy Americans who support him who give him his power. Those millions, registered as Republicans, are generally older and live primarily in rural areas – while their Democratic opponents live primarily in cities.
The media keeps it's focus on Donald Trump, but it is the millions of unhappy Americans who support him who give him his power. Those millions, registered as Republicans, are generally older and live primarily in rural areas – while their Democratic opponents live primarily in cities.
#CHRNCL
The workers were mostly registered Democrats who voted as independents. When Donald Trump arrived and focused on the "swamp" in Washington, saying that he would fix it, the workers re-registered as Republicans an adopted "Make America Great Again" as their slogan.
The workers were mostly registered Democrats who voted as independents. When Donald Trump arrived and focused on the "swamp" in Washington, saying that he would fix it, the workers re-registered as Republicans an adopted "Make America Great Again" as their slogan.
January 14, 2026 at 4:57 PM
#CHRNCL
The workers were mostly registered Democrats who voted as independents. When Donald Trump arrived and focused on the "swamp" in Washington, saying that he would fix it, the workers re-registered as Republicans an adopted "Make America Great Again" as their slogan.
The workers were mostly registered Democrats who voted as independents. When Donald Trump arrived and focused on the "swamp" in Washington, saying that he would fix it, the workers re-registered as Republicans an adopted "Make America Great Again" as their slogan.
#CHRNCL
Except for Pittsburgh and Detroit and one or two other cities, The industrial Midwest was a collection of small town factories. After the collapse, many people moved away, and the entire region became depressed and even more rural. The new urban politics had little use for it.
Except for Pittsburgh and Detroit and one or two other cities, The industrial Midwest was a collection of small town factories. After the collapse, many people moved away, and the entire region became depressed and even more rural. The new urban politics had little use for it.
January 13, 2026 at 9:35 PM
#CHRNCL
Except for Pittsburgh and Detroit and one or two other cities, The industrial Midwest was a collection of small town factories. After the collapse, many people moved away, and the entire region became depressed and even more rural. The new urban politics had little use for it.
Except for Pittsburgh and Detroit and one or two other cities, The industrial Midwest was a collection of small town factories. After the collapse, many people moved away, and the entire region became depressed and even more rural. The new urban politics had little use for it.
#CHRNCL
If you were a 50 year-old former steel worker, who lost his job, his pension, and his house before becoming addicted to fentanyl and losing the rest of his savings – and the government did nothing to help, then you might be a little angry. This was the genesis of the group that became MAGA.
If you were a 50 year-old former steel worker, who lost his job, his pension, and his house before becoming addicted to fentanyl and losing the rest of his savings – and the government did nothing to help, then you might be a little angry. This was the genesis of the group that became MAGA.
January 12, 2026 at 7:23 PM
#CHRNCL
If you were a 50 year-old former steel worker, who lost his job, his pension, and his house before becoming addicted to fentanyl and losing the rest of his savings – and the government did nothing to help, then you might be a little angry. This was the genesis of the group that became MAGA.
If you were a 50 year-old former steel worker, who lost his job, his pension, and his house before becoming addicted to fentanyl and losing the rest of his savings – and the government did nothing to help, then you might be a little angry. This was the genesis of the group that became MAGA.
#CHRNCL
The "Industrial Midwest" had been the center of the US economy and the envy of the world since the end of the Civil War. And now, in less than two decades, it was gone. The economy had moved on, and the factory workers had been replaced by automation and foreign labor.
The "Industrial Midwest" had been the center of the US economy and the envy of the world since the end of the Civil War. And now, in less than two decades, it was gone. The economy had moved on, and the factory workers had been replaced by automation and foreign labor.
January 11, 2026 at 12:51 PM
#CHRNCL
The "Industrial Midwest" had been the center of the US economy and the envy of the world since the end of the Civil War. And now, in less than two decades, it was gone. The economy had moved on, and the factory workers had been replaced by automation and foreign labor.
The "Industrial Midwest" had been the center of the US economy and the envy of the world since the end of the Civil War. And now, in less than two decades, it was gone. The economy had moved on, and the factory workers had been replaced by automation and foreign labor.
#CHRNCL
The people involved were mostly blue-collar factory workers. They were not urban minorities, so the Democrats were not interested. They were not upper middle class business owners, so the Republicans were not interested. They were destitute and desperate, and they were ignored - until Trump.
The people involved were mostly blue-collar factory workers. They were not urban minorities, so the Democrats were not interested. They were not upper middle class business owners, so the Republicans were not interested. They were destitute and desperate, and they were ignored - until Trump.
January 10, 2026 at 7:38 PM
#CHRNCL
The people involved were mostly blue-collar factory workers. They were not urban minorities, so the Democrats were not interested. They were not upper middle class business owners, so the Republicans were not interested. They were destitute and desperate, and they were ignored - until Trump.
The people involved were mostly blue-collar factory workers. They were not urban minorities, so the Democrats were not interested. They were not upper middle class business owners, so the Republicans were not interested. They were destitute and desperate, and they were ignored - until Trump.
#CHRNCL
In an area including Western Pennsylvania, most of Ohio, and parts of Indiana, Illinois, and Michigan, hundreds of factories whose business had been the processing of steel closed down. The local economies collapsed, but no one seemed to notice, and the government offered no assistance.
In an area including Western Pennsylvania, most of Ohio, and parts of Indiana, Illinois, and Michigan, hundreds of factories whose business had been the processing of steel closed down. The local economies collapsed, but no one seemed to notice, and the government offered no assistance.
January 9, 2026 at 3:43 PM
#CHRNCL
In an area including Western Pennsylvania, most of Ohio, and parts of Indiana, Illinois, and Michigan, hundreds of factories whose business had been the processing of steel closed down. The local economies collapsed, but no one seemed to notice, and the government offered no assistance.
In an area including Western Pennsylvania, most of Ohio, and parts of Indiana, Illinois, and Michigan, hundreds of factories whose business had been the processing of steel closed down. The local economies collapsed, but no one seemed to notice, and the government offered no assistance.
#CHRNCL A BIT OF HISTORY
In the late 1980s, buffeted by recession after failing to innovate, many steel mills in the Pittsburgh area ceased operations. 150,000 workers lost their jobs. Steel had been the primary driver of American industry, and the side effects of the closures were staggering.
In the late 1980s, buffeted by recession after failing to innovate, many steel mills in the Pittsburgh area ceased operations. 150,000 workers lost their jobs. Steel had been the primary driver of American industry, and the side effects of the closures were staggering.
January 8, 2026 at 8:36 PM
#CHRNCL A BIT OF HISTORY
In the late 1980s, buffeted by recession after failing to innovate, many steel mills in the Pittsburgh area ceased operations. 150,000 workers lost their jobs. Steel had been the primary driver of American industry, and the side effects of the closures were staggering.
In the late 1980s, buffeted by recession after failing to innovate, many steel mills in the Pittsburgh area ceased operations. 150,000 workers lost their jobs. Steel had been the primary driver of American industry, and the side effects of the closures were staggering.