SprawlMaven
@sprawlmaven.bsky.social
Mostly here to read, like, repost, and comment on insights across a spectrum of views.
'Likes' mean: "Thanks for pointing out something that I would not otherwise have noticed."
'Likes' mean: "Thanks for pointing out something that I would not otherwise have noticed."
Reposted by SprawlMaven
Witcoff/Russia deal less commercial peace and more neo-royalism. The deals are for the cliques not the nations. @dandrezner.bsky.social does a fantastic job breaking it down.
www.cambridge.org/core/journal...
www.cambridge.org/core/journal...
November 30, 2025 at 2:06 PM
Witcoff/Russia deal less commercial peace and more neo-royalism. The deals are for the cliques not the nations. @dandrezner.bsky.social does a fantastic job breaking it down.
www.cambridge.org/core/journal...
www.cambridge.org/core/journal...
Reposted by SprawlMaven
“No one has benefited more and suffered less from the government than the inhabitants of Silicon Valley…I always wondered, Why are they so mad?”
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/27/t...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/27/t...
The Writer Who Dared Criticize Silicon Valley
www.nytimes.com
November 30, 2025 at 3:19 PM
“No one has benefited more and suffered less from the government than the inhabitants of Silicon Valley…I always wondered, Why are they so mad?”
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/27/t...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/27/t...
Reposted by SprawlMaven
Unfortunately, in US journalism it is considered neutral to spread a lie, but it is considered "biased" to call out a lie. So, there is a structural asymmetry that rewards colorful lies with virality.
November 30, 2025 at 1:16 AM
Unfortunately, in US journalism it is considered neutral to spread a lie, but it is considered "biased" to call out a lie. So, there is a structural asymmetry that rewards colorful lies with virality.
Reposted by SprawlMaven
“I just don’t see why this toxic ideology had to accompany it. These are tools. I mean, modern dentistry is great. But your dentist doesn’t insist you worship him.”
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/27/t...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/27/t...
The Writer Who Dared Criticize Silicon Valley
www.nytimes.com
November 30, 2025 at 3:20 PM
“I just don’t see why this toxic ideology had to accompany it. These are tools. I mean, modern dentistry is great. But your dentist doesn’t insist you worship him.”
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/27/t...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/27/t...
Reposted by SprawlMaven
$1.6bln: The amount of his fraud scheme
7: Years of his sentence
10,000: Victims of his fraud
1,000: Letters from victims to the court
13: Days he served
1: Pardon from Trump
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/29/u...
7: Years of his sentence
10,000: Victims of his fraud
1,000: Letters from victims to the court
13: Days he served
1: Pardon from Trump
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/29/u...
Trump Frees Fraudster Just Days Into Seven-Year Prison Sentence
www.nytimes.com
November 30, 2025 at 1:54 PM
$1.6bln: The amount of his fraud scheme
7: Years of his sentence
10,000: Victims of his fraud
1,000: Letters from victims to the court
13: Days he served
1: Pardon from Trump
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/29/u...
7: Years of his sentence
10,000: Victims of his fraud
1,000: Letters from victims to the court
13: Days he served
1: Pardon from Trump
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/29/u...
Reposted by SprawlMaven
The reason the top 10% of income earners pay more than half of all tax revenue is NOT because they are taxed more than ever.
Their tax rate has been cut FIVE times in the last 25 years.
They are paying more because their INCOME has increased astronomically, where the income of the bottom half has
Their tax rate has been cut FIVE times in the last 25 years.
They are paying more because their INCOME has increased astronomically, where the income of the bottom half has
November 29, 2025 at 12:23 PM
The reason the top 10% of income earners pay more than half of all tax revenue is NOT because they are taxed more than ever.
Their tax rate has been cut FIVE times in the last 25 years.
They are paying more because their INCOME has increased astronomically, where the income of the bottom half has
Their tax rate has been cut FIVE times in the last 25 years.
They are paying more because their INCOME has increased astronomically, where the income of the bottom half has
Reposted by SprawlMaven
One of the world’s biggest cyber insurers is pulling back from the market as it contends with rising claims and falling prices, even as rivals extend their bet on policies covering hacks and ransom demands. Cyber gross written premiums declined 8% in the 9 mos to Sep 30.
Insurer pulls back from cyber market amid rising hacks and price war
Move by Beazley comes as rivals Chubb and AIG maintain or grow their books in US
www.ft.com
November 30, 2025 at 3:31 PM
One of the world’s biggest cyber insurers is pulling back from the market as it contends with rising claims and falling prices, even as rivals extend their bet on policies covering hacks and ransom demands. Cyber gross written premiums declined 8% in the 9 mos to Sep 30.
Reposted by SprawlMaven
“One of those working most closely with Epstein, up to and including attempting to scrub his public image, was Bannon…Bannon, the man millions of MAGA fans trust to tell it like it is, stands revealed as one of the most cynical liars ever to mar this country.”
www.thebulwark.com/p/steve-bann...
www.thebulwark.com/p/steve-bann...
Steve Bannon Was Epstein’s Comeback Consultant. Where’s the Uproar?
The MAGA architect is escaping opprobrium for his chummy relationship with the notorious pedophile.
www.thebulwark.com
November 30, 2025 at 2:17 PM
“One of those working most closely with Epstein, up to and including attempting to scrub his public image, was Bannon…Bannon, the man millions of MAGA fans trust to tell it like it is, stands revealed as one of the most cynical liars ever to mar this country.”
www.thebulwark.com/p/steve-bann...
www.thebulwark.com/p/steve-bann...
Reposted by SprawlMaven
NEW: Data on Russian forces’ rate of advance indicates that a Russian military victory in Ukraine is not inevitable, and a rapid Russian seizure of the rest of Donetsk Oblast is not imminent. Russian advances elsewhere on the frontline have been opportunistic and exploited seasonal weather. ⬇️🧵
November 27, 2025 at 4:00 AM
NEW: Data on Russian forces’ rate of advance indicates that a Russian military victory in Ukraine is not inevitable, and a rapid Russian seizure of the rest of Donetsk Oblast is not imminent. Russian advances elsewhere on the frontline have been opportunistic and exploited seasonal weather. ⬇️🧵
Reposted by SprawlMaven
"Never spread the lie in the headline" should be a hard rule of 21st century journalism.
Research shows that repeating lies helps to spread them, and people read headlines more than they read stories.
Research shows that repeating lies helps to spread them, and people read headlines more than they read stories.
News media has to do better with headlines that present false and unverified public health claims.
November 30, 2025 at 1:10 AM
"Never spread the lie in the headline" should be a hard rule of 21st century journalism.
Research shows that repeating lies helps to spread them, and people read headlines more than they read stories.
Research shows that repeating lies helps to spread them, and people read headlines more than they read stories.
Reposted by SprawlMaven
if you are a news professional - msm, trade or indie- you have the power to fix this. and don’t let the fact that they paint all of us with a broad brushstroke stop you from rising above…
Unfortunately, in US journalism it is considered neutral to spread a lie, but it is considered "biased" to call out a lie. So, there is a structural asymmetry that rewards colorful lies with virality.
November 30, 2025 at 1:39 AM
if you are a news professional - msm, trade or indie- you have the power to fix this. and don’t let the fact that they paint all of us with a broad brushstroke stop you from rising above…
Reposted by SprawlMaven
Via @lemieuxlgm.bsky.social
This is against the UN Charter we helped craft. Also an act of war. And a reminder of what a complete hack Glenn Greenwald has been. Jeebus, it is all insane.
The Peace President orders unilateral no-fly zone over Venezuela www.lawyersgunsmoneyblog.com/2025/11/the-...
This is against the UN Charter we helped craft. Also an act of war. And a reminder of what a complete hack Glenn Greenwald has been. Jeebus, it is all insane.
The Peace President orders unilateral no-fly zone over Venezuela www.lawyersgunsmoneyblog.com/2025/11/the-...
The Peace President orders unilateral no-fly zone over Venezuela - Lawyers, Guns & Money
It’s the non-interventionist mindset. You wouldn’t understand: President Donald Trump abruptly ordered the airspace closed above and around Venezuela on Saturday, further escalating tensions between t...
www.lawyersgunsmoneyblog.com
November 29, 2025 at 11:16 PM
Via @lemieuxlgm.bsky.social
This is against the UN Charter we helped craft. Also an act of war. And a reminder of what a complete hack Glenn Greenwald has been. Jeebus, it is all insane.
The Peace President orders unilateral no-fly zone over Venezuela www.lawyersgunsmoneyblog.com/2025/11/the-...
This is against the UN Charter we helped craft. Also an act of war. And a reminder of what a complete hack Glenn Greenwald has been. Jeebus, it is all insane.
The Peace President orders unilateral no-fly zone over Venezuela www.lawyersgunsmoneyblog.com/2025/11/the-...
Reposted by SprawlMaven
Witkoff and Co. priorities in “peace” negotiations:
1) Make money
2) Get Putin what he wants in Ukraine, which will facilitate 1
3) Get connected Americans a piece of the spoils in Ukraine
And that’s apparently it.
Not priorities: freedom, security, justice, law, US allies, avoiding future war
1) Make money
2) Get Putin what he wants in Ukraine, which will facilitate 1
3) Get connected Americans a piece of the spoils in Ukraine
And that’s apparently it.
Not priorities: freedom, security, justice, law, US allies, avoiding future war
Three powerful businessmen—two Americans and a Russian—hunched over a laptop in Miami Beach last month, ostensibly to draw up a plan to end Russia’s long and deadly war with Ukraine.
Make Money Not War: Trump’s Real Plan for Peace in Ukraine
The Kremlin pitched the White House on peace through business. To Europe’s dismay, the president and his envoy are on board.
www.wsj.com
November 29, 2025 at 1:15 PM
Witkoff and Co. priorities in “peace” negotiations:
1) Make money
2) Get Putin what he wants in Ukraine, which will facilitate 1
3) Get connected Americans a piece of the spoils in Ukraine
And that’s apparently it.
Not priorities: freedom, security, justice, law, US allies, avoiding future war
1) Make money
2) Get Putin what he wants in Ukraine, which will facilitate 1
3) Get connected Americans a piece of the spoils in Ukraine
And that’s apparently it.
Not priorities: freedom, security, justice, law, US allies, avoiding future war
Reposted by SprawlMaven
I have strong reason to believe that this is the mirror image of the "deal" that Trump is trying to strike with Xi for the surrender of Taiwan.
November 29, 2025 at 11:37 PM
I have strong reason to believe that this is the mirror image of the "deal" that Trump is trying to strike with Xi for the surrender of Taiwan.
Reposted by SprawlMaven
Suddenly, the applause he gave on that red-carpeted airport tarmac makes a lot more sense. 🤡
“In days after Alaska, a European intel agency distributed a hard-copy report in an envelope to some of the continent’s most senior national security officials, who were shocked by the contents: Inside were details of the commercial and economic plans the Trump admin had been pursuing with Russia.”
Make Money Not War: Trump’s Real Plan for Peace in Ukraine
The Kremlin pitched the White House on peace through business. To Europe’s dismay, the president and his envoy are on board.
www.wsj.com
November 29, 2025 at 10:00 PM
Suddenly, the applause he gave on that red-carpeted airport tarmac makes a lot more sense. 🤡
Reposted by SprawlMaven
Imagine all cars were electric, and then one Volkswagen engineer comes up with another idea …
#EMobility
#EMobility
August 11, 2025 at 10:46 AM
Imagine all cars were electric, and then one Volkswagen engineer comes up with another idea …
#EMobility
#EMobility
Reposted by SprawlMaven
CEO-to-worker pay ratio in 1965: 20-1
CEO-to-worker pay ratio in 1990: 75-1
CEO-to-worker pay ratio today: 280-to-1
Trickle-down economics was always a sham.
Nothing has ever trickled down.
CEO-to-worker pay ratio in 1990: 75-1
CEO-to-worker pay ratio today: 280-to-1
Trickle-down economics was always a sham.
Nothing has ever trickled down.
November 29, 2025 at 11:01 PM
CEO-to-worker pay ratio in 1965: 20-1
CEO-to-worker pay ratio in 1990: 75-1
CEO-to-worker pay ratio today: 280-to-1
Trickle-down economics was always a sham.
Nothing has ever trickled down.
CEO-to-worker pay ratio in 1990: 75-1
CEO-to-worker pay ratio today: 280-to-1
Trickle-down economics was always a sham.
Nothing has ever trickled down.
Reposted by SprawlMaven
As someone whose spent a decade-plus covering social services in NY and TX, let me say this has nothing to do with immigration — and everything to do with government outsourcing delivery of key services to non-profits it cannot properly supervise and politics: www.nytimes.com/2025/11/29/u...
How Fraud Swamped Minnesota’s Social Services System on Tim Walz’s Watch
www.nytimes.com
November 29, 2025 at 3:28 PM
As someone whose spent a decade-plus covering social services in NY and TX, let me say this has nothing to do with immigration — and everything to do with government outsourcing delivery of key services to non-profits it cannot properly supervise and politics: www.nytimes.com/2025/11/29/u...
Reposted by SprawlMaven
Not to minimize the plight here, but notice how Gold is cheaper than Silver here?
That’s a (mild) example of Premium Alignment, which I explained a few weeks ago is a way that a dozen or so states are using to partially mitigate the lost federal tax credits:
acasignups.net/25/11/12/the...
That’s a (mild) example of Premium Alignment, which I explained a few weeks ago is a way that a dozen or so states are using to partially mitigate the lost federal tax credits:
acasignups.net/25/11/12/the...
November 29, 2025 at 4:38 PM
Not to minimize the plight here, but notice how Gold is cheaper than Silver here?
That’s a (mild) example of Premium Alignment, which I explained a few weeks ago is a way that a dozen or so states are using to partially mitigate the lost federal tax credits:
acasignups.net/25/11/12/the...
That’s a (mild) example of Premium Alignment, which I explained a few weeks ago is a way that a dozen or so states are using to partially mitigate the lost federal tax credits:
acasignups.net/25/11/12/the...
Reposted by SprawlMaven
"If you look at job growth between January and September ... for the past 15 years, it's only been worse once, and that was during the pandemic ... It is the worst first nine months for the labor market in 15 years."
November 28, 2025 at 10:56 PM
"If you look at job growth between January and September ... for the past 15 years, it's only been worse once, and that was during the pandemic ... It is the worst first nine months for the labor market in 15 years."
Reposted by SprawlMaven
"Conservative groups, funded by fossil fuel magnates, spend $1B/yr interfering with public understanding of what is happening to our world. Few investments rival the return they've gotten from evangelicals."
An oldie but goodie makes the link between fossil fuels, climate denial, and U.S. religion.
An oldie but goodie makes the link between fossil fuels, climate denial, and U.S. religion.
How Fossil Fuel Money Made Climate Change Denial the Word of God
Splinter is your home for news and opinions that challenge power in our political and economic system that's becoming more unhinged each and every day.
www.splinter.com
November 28, 2025 at 12:59 AM
"Conservative groups, funded by fossil fuel magnates, spend $1B/yr interfering with public understanding of what is happening to our world. Few investments rival the return they've gotten from evangelicals."
An oldie but goodie makes the link between fossil fuels, climate denial, and U.S. religion.
An oldie but goodie makes the link between fossil fuels, climate denial, and U.S. religion.
Reposted by SprawlMaven
Cannot recommend high enough this @volts.wtf episode (and a subscription)!
The no-brainer way forward of laying out the clean electrification, through pv, wind and batteries, VPPs and distributed capacity markets.
Buy what will make it happen, and curb the fossil capital blocking all right now?
The no-brainer way forward of laying out the clean electrification, through pv, wind and batteries, VPPs and distributed capacity markets.
Buy what will make it happen, and curb the fossil capital blocking all right now?
What's going on in electricity world?
Some thoughts on where we are in the electricity sector -- data centers, rising rates, etc. -- and a way forward that can benefit everyone.
www.volts.wtf
November 29, 2025 at 2:15 PM
Cannot recommend high enough this @volts.wtf episode (and a subscription)!
The no-brainer way forward of laying out the clean electrification, through pv, wind and batteries, VPPs and distributed capacity markets.
Buy what will make it happen, and curb the fossil capital blocking all right now?
The no-brainer way forward of laying out the clean electrification, through pv, wind and batteries, VPPs and distributed capacity markets.
Buy what will make it happen, and curb the fossil capital blocking all right now?
Reposted by SprawlMaven
This is one of the most important exposés published in WSJ in several years, and it derives from intercepts and analyses by foreign intelligence services studying the conduct of Trump and his inner team. It's first and foremost a wake up call to the people of the United States.
Make Money Not War: Trump’s Real Plan for Peace in Ukraine
The Kremlin pitched the White House on peace through business. To Europe’s dismay, the president and his envoy are on board.
www.wsj.com
November 29, 2025 at 2:44 PM
This is one of the most important exposés published in WSJ in several years, and it derives from intercepts and analyses by foreign intelligence services studying the conduct of Trump and his inner team. It's first and foremost a wake up call to the people of the United States.
Reposted by SprawlMaven
Recommended
I joined @cwarzel.bsky.social on the Galaxy Brain Podcast to explain some of the reasons why America, and a lot of other Western democracies, are sliding into authoritarianism and why it's probably inevitable
www.youtube.com/watch?v=HvFh...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=HvFh...
America’s Slide Toward Simulated Democracy with Eliot Higgins
YouTube video by The Atlantic
www.youtube.com
November 28, 2025 at 9:11 PM
Recommended
Reposted by SprawlMaven
Yup, the reason that there was a small business boom under Biden was the enhanced tax credits. There was a record 21 million new businesses under his term. Without those enhancements that level the healthcare costs, we are going to see the economy constrict.
Around half of #ACA enrollees are people who are self-employed.
The other half mostly work for small businesses which don't provide healthcare coverage for their employees.
The ACA is VITAL to small businesses.
The other half mostly work for small businesses which don't provide healthcare coverage for their employees.
The ACA is VITAL to small businesses.
When health care tax credits expire, it’s working people who pay the price. Maine deserves leadership that protects affordable health care — not let premiums soar because of inaction.
www.pressherald.com/2025/11/24/m...
www.pressherald.com/2025/11/24/m...
November 28, 2025 at 4:34 PM
Yup, the reason that there was a small business boom under Biden was the enhanced tax credits. There was a record 21 million new businesses under his term. Without those enhancements that level the healthcare costs, we are going to see the economy constrict.