wordmerchant
@thalkowski.bsky.social
Researcher studying language-in-use in clinical (and other) settings. Views my own. #emca #ConversationAnalysis #ethnomethodololgy https://sites.google.com/view/thalkowski/home
Reposted by wordmerchant
Starting Jan. 1, traditional Medicare recipients in Washington state will face a new hurdle to get certain procedures covered — private AI companies that get paid based on how many claims they deny. (via @kuow.org)
Thousands of Washington state Medicare users could soon have claims denied by AI
Starting Jan. 1, traditional Medicare recipients in Washington state will face a new hurdle to get certain procedures covered — private AI companies that get paid based on how many claims they deny.
n.pr
December 2, 2025 at 10:23 PM
Starting Jan. 1, traditional Medicare recipients in Washington state will face a new hurdle to get certain procedures covered — private AI companies that get paid based on how many claims they deny. (via @kuow.org)
Reposted by wordmerchant
Breaking news: President Trump ended a Cabinet meeting with a rant against Somali migrants, blasting Minnesota’s Somali community as “garbage” and using dehumanizing language to attack a group he has increasingly targeted in recent weeks.
Trump rails against Somali migrants: ‘I don’t want them in our country’
The president blasted Minnesota’s Somali community as “garbage” in a rant also attacking Gov. Tim Walz and Rep. Ilhan Omar.
wapo.st
December 2, 2025 at 10:25 PM
Breaking news: President Trump ended a Cabinet meeting with a rant against Somali migrants, blasting Minnesota’s Somali community as “garbage” and using dehumanizing language to attack a group he has increasingly targeted in recent weeks.
Reposted by wordmerchant
Breaking news: Government officials said they are increasingly concerned that the Trump administration intends to scapegoat the military officer who directed U.S. forces to kill survivors of a targeted strike on suspected drug smugglers in Latin America.
Hegseth, with White House help, tries to distance himself from boat strike fallout
As Congress vows accountability, the Trump administration emphasized it was a top military commander — not the defense secretary — who directed the engagement.
wapo.st
December 2, 2025 at 1:49 AM
Breaking news: Government officials said they are increasingly concerned that the Trump administration intends to scapegoat the military officer who directed U.S. forces to kill survivors of a targeted strike on suspected drug smugglers in Latin America.
Reposted by wordmerchant
NPR is straight up regurgitating a right wing think tank's report on birth rates in red states v. blue states. No mention of education level differences.
This is why I do not give NPR my $$$$.
This is why I do not give NPR my $$$$.
December 2, 2025 at 12:41 AM
NPR is straight up regurgitating a right wing think tank's report on birth rates in red states v. blue states. No mention of education level differences.
This is why I do not give NPR my $$$$.
This is why I do not give NPR my $$$$.
Reposted by wordmerchant
For some reason Democratic leaders seem to prefer telling voters what they won’t be able to do, rather than what they’d like to do.
If Hegseth ordered a war crime and lied about it, shouldn’t Ds try for impeachment? Put Rs on the spot. They might get a few defections.
www.axios.com/2025/12/01/j...
If Hegseth ordered a war crime and lied about it, shouldn’t Ds try for impeachment? Put Rs on the spot. They might get a few defections.
www.axios.com/2025/12/01/j...
Jeffries says not to expect Democrats to pursue Hegseth impeachment over boat strikes
"Republicans will never allow articles of impeachment to be brought to the floor," he said.
www.axios.com
December 2, 2025 at 12:30 AM
For some reason Democratic leaders seem to prefer telling voters what they won’t be able to do, rather than what they’d like to do.
If Hegseth ordered a war crime and lied about it, shouldn’t Ds try for impeachment? Put Rs on the spot. They might get a few defections.
www.axios.com/2025/12/01/j...
If Hegseth ordered a war crime and lied about it, shouldn’t Ds try for impeachment? Put Rs on the spot. They might get a few defections.
www.axios.com/2025/12/01/j...
Reposted by wordmerchant
presented without comment
December 1, 2025 at 2:28 AM
presented without comment
Noontime run after the snowfall.
November 30, 2025 at 6:46 PM
Noontime run after the snowfall.
Reposted by wordmerchant
Walz on Trump calling him the r-word: "We all know both as an educator & parent that using that term is just so damaging. It's hurtful. We have fought 3 decades to get this out of our schools. Kids know better. But this is what Donald Trump has done. He's normalized this type of hateful behavior."
November 30, 2025 at 3:44 PM
Walz on Trump calling him the r-word: "We all know both as an educator & parent that using that term is just so damaging. It's hurtful. We have fought 3 decades to get this out of our schools. Kids know better. But this is what Donald Trump has done. He's normalized this type of hateful behavior."
Reposted by wordmerchant
Nobody outside this country is wondering, like the pundit class does, what was wrong with Kamala Harris.
Everybody outside this country is wondering what’s wrong with US.
Everybody outside this country is wondering what’s wrong with US.
November 29, 2025 at 7:16 PM
Nobody outside this country is wondering, like the pundit class does, what was wrong with Kamala Harris.
Everybody outside this country is wondering what’s wrong with US.
Everybody outside this country is wondering what’s wrong with US.
Reposted by wordmerchant
One of my favorite Douglas Adams quotes:
“All opinions are not equal. Some are a very great deal more robust, sophisticated, and well supported in logic and argument than others.”
More timely today than ever, don't you think? 💙
#WritingCommunity #WriteSky #BookSky
“All opinions are not equal. Some are a very great deal more robust, sophisticated, and well supported in logic and argument than others.”
More timely today than ever, don't you think? 💙
#WritingCommunity #WriteSky #BookSky
November 28, 2025 at 10:30 PM
One of my favorite Douglas Adams quotes:
“All opinions are not equal. Some are a very great deal more robust, sophisticated, and well supported in logic and argument than others.”
More timely today than ever, don't you think? 💙
#WritingCommunity #WriteSky #BookSky
“All opinions are not equal. Some are a very great deal more robust, sophisticated, and well supported in logic and argument than others.”
More timely today than ever, don't you think? 💙
#WritingCommunity #WriteSky #BookSky
The walk to the office as the snow starts to fall.
November 29, 2025 at 9:10 PM
The walk to the office as the snow starts to fall.
Reposted by wordmerchant
"The DOD Manual is clear because the law here is clear: 'Persons who have been incapacitated by . . . shipwreck are in a helpless state, and it would be dishonorable and inhumane to make them the object of attack.'"
A Dishonorable Strike
Indulging all assumptions in favor of the administration’s boat strikes, killing helpless men is murder
www.execfunctions.org
November 29, 2025 at 4:43 AM
"The DOD Manual is clear because the law here is clear: 'Persons who have been incapacitated by . . . shipwreck are in a helpless state, and it would be dishonorable and inhumane to make them the object of attack.'"
Reposted by wordmerchant
Indiana Senate Republican Greg Walker “said he would have reported the alleged violation to federal authorities “if I thought that there was anyone of integrity in Washington that would follow through on my accusation ..”
@adamwren.bsky.social #redistrict
dailyjournal.net/2025/11/26/s...
@adamwren.bsky.social #redistrict
dailyjournal.net/2025/11/26/s...
November 29, 2025 at 12:22 PM
Indiana Senate Republican Greg Walker “said he would have reported the alleged violation to federal authorities “if I thought that there was anyone of integrity in Washington that would follow through on my accusation ..”
@adamwren.bsky.social #redistrict
dailyjournal.net/2025/11/26/s...
@adamwren.bsky.social #redistrict
dailyjournal.net/2025/11/26/s...
Reposted by wordmerchant
Sarah Beckstrom's ex-boyfriend told NBC News she dreamed of becoming an FBI special agent.
She didn't want to deploy to D.C.
"She hated it. She cried about it."
But she started visiting monuments and museums and started enjoying it.
May she rest in peace.
www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news...
She didn't want to deploy to D.C.
"She hated it. She cried about it."
But she started visiting monuments and museums and started enjoying it.
May she rest in peace.
www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news...
National Guard member killed in D.C. shooting remembered for 'heart of gold'
The slain soldier’s former boyfriend recalled her empathy and generosity. “She doesn’t even have to know you and she’ll do anything for you,” he said.
www.nbcnews.com
November 28, 2025 at 6:53 PM
Sarah Beckstrom's ex-boyfriend told NBC News she dreamed of becoming an FBI special agent.
She didn't want to deploy to D.C.
"She hated it. She cried about it."
But she started visiting monuments and museums and started enjoying it.
May she rest in peace.
www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news...
She didn't want to deploy to D.C.
"She hated it. She cried about it."
But she started visiting monuments and museums and started enjoying it.
May she rest in peace.
www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news...
Reposted by wordmerchant
Surging ahead ... oh wait
Trump's Approval Rating Drops to 36%, New Second-Term Low news.gallup.com/poll/699221/...
Trump's Approval Rating Drops to 36%, New Second-Term Low news.gallup.com/poll/699221/...
Trump's Approval Rating Drops to 36%, New Second-Term Low
President Donald Trump's job approval rating has slipped to a new second-term low point and is approaching his all-time low of 34%.
news.gallup.com
November 28, 2025 at 6:59 PM
Surging ahead ... oh wait
Trump's Approval Rating Drops to 36%, New Second-Term Low news.gallup.com/poll/699221/...
Trump's Approval Rating Drops to 36%, New Second-Term Low news.gallup.com/poll/699221/...
Reposted by wordmerchant
In 10 days Trump has slurred 4 female reporters as “Horrible” “Piggy,” “Ugly” and “Stupid.” people.com/trump-snaps-...
Trump Snaps at CBS Reporter on Thanksgiving When She Questions His Comments on National Guard Shooting: 'Are You a Stupid Person?'
President Donald Trump snapped at CBS News' Nancy Cordes when she questioned him about something he said during a Thanksgiving press conference, asking her, 'Are you a stupid person?'
people.com
November 28, 2025 at 7:32 PM
In 10 days Trump has slurred 4 female reporters as “Horrible” “Piggy,” “Ugly” and “Stupid.” people.com/trump-snaps-...
Reposted by wordmerchant
Rebecca Solnit: A Year on From Trump’s Victory, Resistance Is Everywhere. “There has, in fact, been a tremendous amount and variety of resistance and opposition and it’s mattered tremendously.” [theguardian.com]
A year on from Trump’s victory, resistance is everywhere | Rebecca Solnit
Americans have shown a tremendous amount and variety of opposition – more than some may realize
www.theguardian.com
November 28, 2025 at 8:06 PM
Rebecca Solnit: A Year on From Trump’s Victory, Resistance Is Everywhere. “There has, in fact, been a tremendous amount and variety of resistance and opposition and it’s mattered tremendously.” [theguardian.com]
Reposted by wordmerchant
"The White House isn't sure whether Trump actually had a phone call or just imagined it" is where we are on the dementia scale now.
An amazing new Trump controversy, Part II of II:
- Saturday afternoon: Trump says he spoke to Bolsonaro the night before and planned to see him “in the very near future”
- Monday afternoon: The Trump White House isn’t sure whether Trump actually had the conversation he referenced two days earlier
- Saturday afternoon: Trump says he spoke to Bolsonaro the night before and planned to see him “in the very near future”
- Monday afternoon: The Trump White House isn’t sure whether Trump actually had the conversation he referenced two days earlier
White House hedges on Trump’s curious claim about his call with Brazil’s Bolsonaro White House hedges on Trump’s curious claim about his call with Brazil’s Jair Bolsonaro
Did the Republican president talk to Bolsonaro as the Brazilian plotted to escape? Trump said yes, but the White House isn’t so sure.
www.ms.now
November 25, 2025 at 6:49 PM
"The White House isn't sure whether Trump actually had a phone call or just imagined it" is where we are on the dementia scale now.
Reposted by wordmerchant
FULL STORY: Border Patrol chief Greg Bovino, and the agents who led a series of increasingly aggressive raids across Chicago and its suburbs, falsely depicted ordinary Chicagoans as professional agitators determined to mount a violent resistance, a federal judge determined. @wttw.bsky.social
Border Patrol Chief Greg Bovino, Federal Agents Repeatedly Lied About What They Did During Aggressive Immigration Raids: Judge
U.S. District Court Judge Sara Ellis used a blistering 233-page ruling to painstakingly detail how agents falsely asserted in court and in official reports that they had been confronted with unrelenti...
news.wttw.com
November 24, 2025 at 2:59 PM
FULL STORY: Border Patrol chief Greg Bovino, and the agents who led a series of increasingly aggressive raids across Chicago and its suburbs, falsely depicted ordinary Chicagoans as professional agitators determined to mount a violent resistance, a federal judge determined. @wttw.bsky.social
Reposted by wordmerchant
America has a major nursing workforce shortage. We need hundreds of thousands more.
Is it any surprise the Trump team has decided to make it *harder* for aspiring nurses to afford nursing school?
Yet another healthcare “policy” that will harm our future.
Is it any surprise the Trump team has decided to make it *harder* for aspiring nurses to afford nursing school?
Yet another healthcare “policy” that will harm our future.
November 24, 2025 at 6:45 PM
America has a major nursing workforce shortage. We need hundreds of thousands more.
Is it any surprise the Trump team has decided to make it *harder* for aspiring nurses to afford nursing school?
Yet another healthcare “policy” that will harm our future.
Is it any surprise the Trump team has decided to make it *harder* for aspiring nurses to afford nursing school?
Yet another healthcare “policy” that will harm our future.