Tom Elko
@tomelko.bsky.social
All-season camping enthusiast, canoe dancer, Minnesotan. Work is http://seiche.works
Pinned
Tom Elko
@tomelko.bsky.social
· Oct 3
This seems fine but I'd like to get my hands on a printing press.
Reposted by Tom Elko
Minnesota is currently under an economic blockade. So @amyklobuchar.com what are you gonna do? How many businesses are we going to lose without a bailout?
Local businesses across the Twin Cities are suffering and owners say ‘ Metro Surge’ could be worse than Covid-19
‘These are people’s livelihoods’: Minnesota’s economy in crisis amid ICE surge
www.theguardian.com
February 10, 2026 at 3:00 PM
Minnesota is currently under an economic blockade. So @amyklobuchar.com what are you gonna do? How many businesses are we going to lose without a bailout?
If we had the printing infrastructure of twenty years ago, I suspect there would be at least one or two new and significant newspapers in this town by now. But they killed print before they started in on the news side.
The Strib invoiced us on January 25 and we received the bill on February 9 (probably because it was printed out of state and delivered by horse-drawn wagon.)
It’s going to be sad to not get the actual paper anymore. Also, my neighbor will now have to buy bags for her dog poop.
It’s going to be sad to not get the actual paper anymore. Also, my neighbor will now have to buy bags for her dog poop.
February 10, 2026 at 3:18 PM
If we had the printing infrastructure of twenty years ago, I suspect there would be at least one or two new and significant newspapers in this town by now. But they killed print before they started in on the news side.
Yesterday, National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett blamed it on slowing population growth. Today, Navarro says it's because we're deporting millions of illegals. Either way, it sounds like a disastrous jobs report is coming.
February 10, 2026 at 3:09 PM
Yesterday, National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett blamed it on slowing population growth. Today, Navarro says it's because we're deporting millions of illegals. Either way, it sounds like a disastrous jobs report is coming.
Post a banger that isn't in English. youtu.be/Lk6m0klZyo8?...
February 9, 2026 at 7:24 PM
Post a banger that isn't in English. youtu.be/Lk6m0klZyo8?...
Heading up to the Boundary Waters next week for the first time this winter, and it looks like the forecasted low temp is... 22... above zero. Pretty sure I have camped in colder temps in May and October. Should be a fun time though.
February 8, 2026 at 2:06 AM
Heading up to the Boundary Waters next week for the first time this winter, and it looks like the forecasted low temp is... 22... above zero. Pretty sure I have camped in colder temps in May and October. Should be a fun time though.
This product review is a public service. www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/r...
Why Signal Is Still Our Favorite Secure Messaging App (And Why No Messaging App Is Perfectly Secure)
Signal’s approach to end-to-end encryption makes it especially safe for sending messages. We have some tips on how to use it, and why no messaging app is perfect.
www.nytimes.com
February 7, 2026 at 6:30 PM
This product review is a public service. www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/r...
Uh, is it normal for one Minnesota State Association of Narcotics Investigators board member to pose for a photo with his hand on another board member's hip, while that board member awkwardly places a hand on Amy Klobuchar's shoulder? It doesn't seem normal.
I met with the Board of the Minnesota State Association of Narcotics Investigators to discuss how we can better protect Minnesotans. We must ensure law enforcement has the resources they need to take on the dangerous drugs like meth and fentanyl.
February 6, 2026 at 4:18 AM
Uh, is it normal for one Minnesota State Association of Narcotics Investigators board member to pose for a photo with his hand on another board member's hip, while that board member awkwardly places a hand on Amy Klobuchar's shoulder? It doesn't seem normal.
Can we agree now that @schumer.senate.gov will be held responsible for the next civilian murdered in Minnesota at the hands of a federal agent? That his precious career will end in disgrace if one more of our neighbors dies?
February 5, 2026 at 4:46 PM
Can we agree now that @schumer.senate.gov will be held responsible for the next civilian murdered in Minnesota at the hands of a federal agent? That his precious career will end in disgrace if one more of our neighbors dies?
I'm all for this sentiment, but please also understand the economic pain goes beyond our hospitality industry. When over half the workforce is mobilized as civil servants for weeks to months, it hurts every business. We will need goodwill and government support. This is an economic disaster.
Axios had a story today about how hard Minnesota’s economy is being hit and how slow the recovery could be. So, I’m going to take this opportunity to say that if you want to support the Twin Cities, you should plan a visit for this summer, spend some money here, & see how amazing it is for yourself.
February 5, 2026 at 4:08 AM
I'm all for this sentiment, but please also understand the economic pain goes beyond our hospitality industry. When over half the workforce is mobilized as civil servants for weeks to months, it hurts every business. We will need goodwill and government support. This is an economic disaster.
Reposted by Tom Elko
I think one thing people outside Minnesota don't understand is that after Good and Pretti were killed by feds while observing, the most normal people you could imagine have made peace with the fact that they could be next, and they are still out there because they say it's the right thing to do.
“If I am killed doing this, throw my body at the White House, martyr the shit out of me & raise hell. Do not be sad. Do not think I would do anything differently. I would do it over & over again — this is too important to sit down & shut up and not do anything.” www.mprnews.org/story/2026/0...
Pursued by federal agents, suburban ICE observers remain resolved
After a frightening pursuit by federal agents, suburban ICE observers say fear hasn’t stopped them from protecting their communities.
www.mprnews.org
February 4, 2026 at 4:30 PM
I think one thing people outside Minnesota don't understand is that after Good and Pretti were killed by feds while observing, the most normal people you could imagine have made peace with the fact that they could be next, and they are still out there because they say it's the right thing to do.
Bob Dylan's Murder Most Foul, which he described as a gift to fans, is both non-rhyming and non-metered. My suspicion is that it is intentionally written in the style of William McGonagall, who is widely regarded as the worst poet in British history.
Neither of the two verses in “American Girl” rhyme.
Choruses do, barely, but the verses are just prose. It’s a little short story.
Has to be the gold standard of non-rhyming songs.
What are other non-rhyming songs besides the David Lowery/CVB catalog?
cc @chrissteller.bsky.social
Choruses do, barely, but the verses are just prose. It’s a little short story.
Has to be the gold standard of non-rhyming songs.
What are other non-rhyming songs besides the David Lowery/CVB catalog?
cc @chrissteller.bsky.social
![[Verse 1]
Well, she was an American girl
Raised on promises
She couldn't help thinkin' that there
Was a little more to life somewhere else
After all, it was a great big world
With lots of places to run to
And if she had to die tryin', she
Had one little promise she was gonna keep](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:2g3p466mwex6cpt7pnlhi2eq/bafkreigug6owjlwr56cxbrimv2xkq3ntiqnxagjx4dqdmigf7gsyctbsmq@jpeg)
![[Verse 2]
Well, it was kinda cold that night
She stood alone on her balcony (Ooh)
Yeah, she could hear the cars roll by
Out on 441 like waves crashin' on the beach
And for one desperate moment there
He crept back in her memory
God, it's so painful when something that is so close
Is still so far out of reach](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:2g3p466mwex6cpt7pnlhi2eq/bafkreidgpxep7pnzocdhcep2vir3drvwzz2udkmrhfi5vbfjcvnncvkndi@jpeg)
February 4, 2026 at 4:26 PM
Bob Dylan's Murder Most Foul, which he described as a gift to fans, is both non-rhyming and non-metered. My suspicion is that it is intentionally written in the style of William McGonagall, who is widely regarded as the worst poet in British history.
Derek Chauvin and Greg Bovino used to talk like this, too.
This is an absolute threat. “You’re not going to stop ICE. You’re not going to stop Border Patrol.”
Said with the cool casual tone of a sociopath.
Said with the cool casual tone of a sociopath.
February 4, 2026 at 3:41 PM
Derek Chauvin and Greg Bovino used to talk like this, too.
Reposted by Tom Elko
There are too many people in positions of power who have NO idea how radicalized the "average" liberal constituent has become in the last year.
February 4, 2026 at 2:57 AM
There are too many people in positions of power who have NO idea how radicalized the "average" liberal constituent has become in the last year.
You don't need a storefront to feel this, btw. In addition to reduced foot traffic, businesses of all kinds are experiencing a productivity slump.
New York Times covers the Economic Siege of Minnesota’s ICE occupation, a deliberate administration strategy to punish an entire blue locality. We need more national coverage alerting the nation to what’s next for them. www.nytimes.com/2026/02/02/b... (gift link)
‘It’s Been Brutal’: Twin Cities Economy Suffers Under ICE Crackdown
www.nytimes.com
February 2, 2026 at 8:27 PM
You don't need a storefront to feel this, btw. In addition to reduced foot traffic, businesses of all kinds are experiencing a productivity slump.
Reposted by Tom Elko
Tina Smith endorses Peggy Flanagan over Angie Craig in Minnesota Senate race
Tina Smith endorses Peggy Flanagan over Angie Craig in Minnesota Senate race
The retiring senator is choosing a fellow progressive and lieutenant governor as her successor over moderate Rep. Angie Craig.
dlvr.it
February 2, 2026 at 5:04 PM
Tina Smith endorses Peggy Flanagan over Angie Craig in Minnesota Senate race
Ween in '97.
In honor of Nate’s first show at First Ave, please share your first show at First Ave
Well, quite the show for my first time to First Ave
January 30, 2026 at 10:37 PM
Ween in '97.
My biggest concern would be for her staff.
January 30, 2026 at 1:23 AM
My biggest concern would be for her staff.
Reposted by Tom Elko
Peggy Flanagan will beat Angie Craig because Craig voted to thank the occupiers.
“Fully 75 percent of Democratic primary voters say Craig’s immigration record raises serious doubts.”
www.politico.com
January 28, 2026 at 3:28 PM
Peggy Flanagan will beat Angie Craig because Craig voted to thank the occupiers.
Reposted by Tom Elko
and heart warmers
Everybody is offering each other handwarmers. There are a lot of handwarmers here.
January 23, 2026 at 9:38 PM
and heart warmers
Everybody is offering each other handwarmers. There are a lot of handwarmers here.
January 23, 2026 at 9:22 PM
Everybody is offering each other handwarmers. There are a lot of handwarmers here.
Sunny and -9. Incredible.
January 23, 2026 at 8:09 PM
Sunny and -9. Incredible.
There is a lot of traffic if you are heading downtown. (complimentary)
January 23, 2026 at 7:43 PM
There is a lot of traffic if you are heading downtown. (complimentary)
One thing I learned from winter camping is that you can put a hand/foot warmer on your base layer over the inner thigh/femoral artery area, and blood flow will distribute the heat to the rest of your legs.
January 23, 2026 at 12:39 PM
One thing I learned from winter camping is that you can put a hand/foot warmer on your base layer over the inner thigh/femoral artery area, and blood flow will distribute the heat to the rest of your legs.
Taking care of a homebound family feels a short distance away from hiding a family in your attic.
January 12, 2026 at 3:18 PM
Taking care of a homebound family feels a short distance away from hiding a family in your attic.
Over the weekend, I had the chance to speak with some great folks who have operated in a few police states around the world, and they had a few basic digital communications safety tips to share for those who may need them:
January 12, 2026 at 1:38 PM
Over the weekend, I had the chance to speak with some great folks who have operated in a few police states around the world, and they had a few basic digital communications safety tips to share for those who may need them: