Thomas Gordon d'Avila
@tweetures.bsky.social
Democrats may not have all the answers, but at least we believe in good governance!
I'll never stop writing about politics, but it can be depressing, so I'm branching out into Hallmark movie reviews, as in #HallmarkHaven (click on "Latest!")
I'll never stop writing about politics, but it can be depressing, so I'm branching out into Hallmark movie reviews, as in #HallmarkHaven (click on "Latest!")
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Is it TOO weird that HELL and HEAVEN both begin with "HE?"
@maddow.bsky.social: This is a rebroadcast of the great actor, Jeff Daniels, singing an original tune that captures his Midwestern values! The song runs slightly past the allotted sub-3 minute time frame, so the last phrase is missing, but I'm certain you can search for it on YouTube if you desire.
December 24, 2025 at 11:53 PM
@maddow.bsky.social: This is a rebroadcast of the great actor, Jeff Daniels, singing an original tune that captures his Midwestern values! The song runs slightly past the allotted sub-3 minute time frame, so the last phrase is missing, but I'm certain you can search for it on YouTube if you desire.
For anyone who has watched the Kennedy Center Honors, you may have been surprised to see our sleep-deprived POTUS slow walking to center stage, because it's never happened before! The dope simply cannot help but make everything about him. It's actually hilarious, in a stupidly pathetic sort of way!
December 24, 2025 at 12:50 PM
For anyone who has watched the Kennedy Center Honors, you may have been surprised to see our sleep-deprived POTUS slow walking to center stage, because it's never happened before! The dope simply cannot help but make everything about him. It's actually hilarious, in a stupidly pathetic sort of way!
I keep a few cans in the fridge, and first thing in the morning, I put one in the freezer for about 30 or 35 minutes. It's best when there are a few free floating ice crystals in the liquid, and they have a sensation of almost exploding on your tongue! If you over-freeze it, bathe it in cold water.
@maddow.bsky.social: I am addicted to exactly one food item, MONSTER ENERGY ULTRA SUNRISE. I don't do drugs or drink alcohol and coffee, though this delicious orange drink has 150mg. of caffeine. It is not recommended for children nor pregnant and nursing women, but the "kick" is quite modest!
December 24, 2025 at 7:12 AM
I keep a few cans in the fridge, and first thing in the morning, I put one in the freezer for about 30 or 35 minutes. It's best when there are a few free floating ice crystals in the liquid, and they have a sensation of almost exploding on your tongue! If you over-freeze it, bathe it in cold water.
@maddow.bsky.social: I am addicted to exactly one food item, MONSTER ENERGY ULTRA SUNRISE. I don't do drugs or drink alcohol and coffee, though this delicious orange drink has 150mg. of caffeine. It is not recommended for children nor pregnant and nursing women, but the "kick" is quite modest!
December 24, 2025 at 7:05 AM
@maddow.bsky.social: I am addicted to exactly one food item, MONSTER ENERGY ULTRA SUNRISE. I don't do drugs or drink alcohol and coffee, though this delicious orange drink has 150mg. of caffeine. It is not recommended for children nor pregnant and nursing women, but the "kick" is quite modest!
This Red's frozen burrito is far and away the worst food I have ever consumed! I've never eaten a rubber tire inner tube, but that was the consistency of this hideous food item. I don't like using knives in my dark kitchen, and this was virtually impossible to cut up using the edge of a tablespoon.
December 24, 2025 at 3:02 AM
This Red's frozen burrito is far and away the worst food I have ever consumed! I've never eaten a rubber tire inner tube, but that was the consistency of this hideous food item. I don't like using knives in my dark kitchen, and this was virtually impossible to cut up using the edge of a tablespoon.
@maddow.bsky.social: I traveled to a distant H-E-B food market, since Apple gift cards apparently aren't widely distributed in Austin. I also needed to shop for food, but I didn't know where any of the food I like was in this strange store, so I just bought two each of a variety of frozen burritos!
December 24, 2025 at 2:55 AM
@maddow.bsky.social: I traveled to a distant H-E-B food market, since Apple gift cards apparently aren't widely distributed in Austin. I also needed to shop for food, but I didn't know where any of the food I like was in this strange store, so I just bought two each of a variety of frozen burritos!
@maddow.bsky.social: I used to watch the Kennedy Center Honors on CBS to see which iconic artists had been chosen, as well as which performers had been recruited to lionize them! I'll watch the first 10 minutes of this year's show to see what bastardization has been visited upon the show by Trump!
December 24, 2025 at 12:46 AM
@maddow.bsky.social: I used to watch the Kennedy Center Honors on CBS to see which iconic artists had been chosen, as well as which performers had been recruited to lionize them! I'll watch the first 10 minutes of this year's show to see what bastardization has been visited upon the show by Trump!
@maddow.bsky.social: One more in the "poorly framed celebrity portraits" series, this of the iconic Cher (whose name comes up as "share") on Saturday Night Live. She still has a massive set of pipes, so it's a little weird that my phone's dictation function doesn't connect "celebrity" with "Cher!"
December 23, 2025 at 5:58 PM
@maddow.bsky.social: One more in the "poorly framed celebrity portraits" series, this of the iconic Cher (whose name comes up as "share") on Saturday Night Live. She still has a massive set of pipes, so it's a little weird that my phone's dictation function doesn't connect "celebrity" with "Cher!"
@maddow.bsky.social: I am totally sure that it is way too soon to be making "jokes" (AKA ironic responses to a horrific act on the part of their clearly deranged son) about Rob Reiner and his wife, but I suppose we should all be relieved that Ireland Baldwin appears to have no such impulses in mind!
December 22, 2025 at 9:07 AM
@maddow.bsky.social: I am totally sure that it is way too soon to be making "jokes" (AKA ironic responses to a horrific act on the part of their clearly deranged son) about Rob Reiner and his wife, but I suppose we should all be relieved that Ireland Baldwin appears to have no such impulses in mind!
@maddow.bsky.social: (2/2) Here's the processed image, which doesn't really fit into any category beyond "accidental shutter release," though it has a Northern Lights-ish look, again, by clicking on edit, then adjust, followed by maximizing contrast, saturation, and exposure controls. It's fun!
December 22, 2025 at 6:37 AM
@maddow.bsky.social: (2/2) Here's the processed image, which doesn't really fit into any category beyond "accidental shutter release," though it has a Northern Lights-ish look, again, by clicking on edit, then adjust, followed by maximizing contrast, saturation, and exposure controls. It's fun!
@maddow.bsky.social: (1/2) I don't know what to call this one, since it is completely devoid of detail, because of the totally inadequate lighting! Amazingly enough, as you all will see in the upcoming processed image, it has a compelling aspect which is worthy of these accidental shutter releases!
December 22, 2025 at 6:31 AM
@maddow.bsky.social: (1/2) I don't know what to call this one, since it is completely devoid of detail, because of the totally inadequate lighting! Amazingly enough, as you all will see in the upcoming processed image, it has a compelling aspect which is worthy of these accidental shutter releases!
@maddow.bsky.social: On a more prosaic note, I rescued an unopened quart of 1% milk, hiding in my fridge behind a large juice bottle! Although it smelled okay, it had a slightly metallic taste that I believe is a clear indication that its days as a palatable liquid are numbered! I hate wasting food.
December 22, 2025 at 5:53 AM
@maddow.bsky.social: On a more prosaic note, I rescued an unopened quart of 1% milk, hiding in my fridge behind a large juice bottle! Although it smelled okay, it had a slightly metallic taste that I believe is a clear indication that its days as a palatable liquid are numbered! I hate wasting food.
@maddow.bsky.social: This video from the Palestinian photographer, @abdaryanlattarr.bsky.social, is 4 months old, so the extremity of the situation in Gaza may be less severe than pictured here. However, any news I have managed to pick up indicates that Israel is still mounting aggressive actions!
The mainstream news in the U.S. seems to have moved on from the war in Gaza, which I assume indirectly helps the warlike actions of Israel! Too many innocent Palestinians have already died in this conflict, and Donald Trump seems to have checked out in terms of any responsibility for ending the war!
Artillery shelling targeted the houses around the withdrawal zone near the Turkish slaughterhouse, resulting in widespread destruction in the tents of the displaced, following the withdrawal of the occupation army from the area.
December 22, 2025 at 5:43 AM
@maddow.bsky.social: This video from the Palestinian photographer, @abdaryanlattarr.bsky.social, is 4 months old, so the extremity of the situation in Gaza may be less severe than pictured here. However, any news I have managed to pick up indicates that Israel is still mounting aggressive actions!
The mainstream news in the U.S. seems to have moved on from the war in Gaza, which I assume indirectly helps the warlike actions of Israel! Too many innocent Palestinians have already died in this conflict, and Donald Trump seems to have checked out in terms of any responsibility for ending the war!
Artillery shelling targeted the houses around the withdrawal zone near the Turkish slaughterhouse, resulting in widespread destruction in the tents of the displaced, following the withdrawal of the occupation army from the area.
December 22, 2025 at 1:52 AM
The mainstream news in the U.S. seems to have moved on from the war in Gaza, which I assume indirectly helps the warlike actions of Israel! Too many innocent Palestinians have already died in this conflict, and Donald Trump seems to have checked out in terms of any responsibility for ending the war!
@maddow.bsky.social: This is today's sermon from Austin's Riverbend Church, and I left my phone's video running out of respect for the pastor. However, the start of the clip is a hilarious takedown of the notion of White Christmas, which this learned man predicts will never happen in Austin!
December 21, 2025 at 10:57 PM
@maddow.bsky.social: This is today's sermon from Austin's Riverbend Church, and I left my phone's video running out of respect for the pastor. However, the start of the clip is a hilarious takedown of the notion of White Christmas, which this learned man predicts will never happen in Austin!
@maddow.bsky.social: I don't know who these female judges are on "The Voice Holland," but they were clearly responding to more than this dude's vocal ability! One wonders if Taylor Swift weren't the gorgeous creature that she is, would she still be the top-selling pop star in the world? Maybe...
December 21, 2025 at 8:46 PM
@maddow.bsky.social: I don't know who these female judges are on "The Voice Holland," but they were clearly responding to more than this dude's vocal ability! One wonders if Taylor Swift weren't the gorgeous creature that she is, would she still be the top-selling pop star in the world? Maybe...
@maddow.bsky.social: This is the best speech Trump has ever given! It's the most brilliantly written speech ever, and our dear POTUS has never been more passionate in fighting for the American Way! Unfortunately, the new spinoff of MSNBC, which ironically calls itself @MS.NOW, ruined it completely!
December 21, 2025 at 5:08 PM
@maddow.bsky.social: This is the best speech Trump has ever given! It's the most brilliantly written speech ever, and our dear POTUS has never been more passionate in fighting for the American Way! Unfortunately, the new spinoff of MSNBC, which ironically calls itself @MS.NOW, ruined it completely!
@maddow.bsky.social: I hope the folks who voted for Trump because he lied and said he had no interest in starting a foreign war are understandably concerned about today's news! The dude's trying to start a war with Venezuela by seizing unsanctioned oil tankers, and now he's ordered attacks in Syria!
December 21, 2025 at 3:29 AM
@maddow.bsky.social: I hope the folks who voted for Trump because he lied and said he had no interest in starting a foreign war are understandably concerned about today's news! The dude's trying to start a war with Venezuela by seizing unsanctioned oil tankers, and now he's ordered attacks in Syria!
@maddow.bsky.social: Begun last fall, when the network was transitioning from MSNBC to @MS.NOW, here is the latest in a series of inspirational, heartfelt ads celebrating our heritage, using the current hosts of the network, along with the distinctive narration by the iconic actor, Martin Sheen.
December 20, 2025 at 9:56 PM
@maddow.bsky.social: Begun last fall, when the network was transitioning from MSNBC to @MS.NOW, here is the latest in a series of inspirational, heartfelt ads celebrating our heritage, using the current hosts of the network, along with the distinctive narration by the iconic actor, Martin Sheen.
@maddow.bsky.social: I haven't summited Capitol Peak for about five decades, and global warming may have taken its toll, but the fun thing about climbing to the top of this 14,000 foot peak is the high-speed descent, by glissading down what were permanent snow fields on the shoulders of that peak!
Out of curiosity, I found a map of Basalt, CO, and it brought back memories of my time as an instructor at Colorado Outward Bound. Tourists can see the lovely twin peaks of Maroon Bells from the valley, but climbers of Capitol Peak must trek into the wilderness and brave a death-defying knife edge!
December 20, 2025 at 6:35 AM
@maddow.bsky.social: I haven't summited Capitol Peak for about five decades, and global warming may have taken its toll, but the fun thing about climbing to the top of this 14,000 foot peak is the high-speed descent, by glissading down what were permanent snow fields on the shoulders of that peak!
Out of curiosity, I found a map of Basalt, CO, and it brought back memories of my time as an instructor at Colorado Outward Bound. Tourists can see the lovely twin peaks of Maroon Bells from the valley, but climbers of Capitol Peak must trek into the wilderness and brave a death-defying knife edge!
December 20, 2025 at 6:18 AM
Out of curiosity, I found a map of Basalt, CO, and it brought back memories of my time as an instructor at Colorado Outward Bound. Tourists can see the lovely twin peaks of Maroon Bells from the valley, but climbers of Capitol Peak must trek into the wilderness and brave a death-defying knife edge!
@maddow.bsky.social: Here's a lovely recent and properly framed portrait of Kate Hudson and Neil Diamond at his ranch. The stupid pretense of my "poorly framed celebrity portraits" series is that it implies it's difficult to achieve proper framing, but I guess I'm just into accidental camera shots!
December 19, 2025 at 5:13 PM
@maddow.bsky.social: Here's a lovely recent and properly framed portrait of Kate Hudson and Neil Diamond at his ranch. The stupid pretense of my "poorly framed celebrity portraits" series is that it implies it's difficult to achieve proper framing, but I guess I'm just into accidental camera shots!
I'm always complaining (to myself) that clips about celebrities leave out interesting details, like the fact that Kate Hudson grew up on a ranch near Basalt, Colorado, in the beautiful flat valley between Aspen and Glenwood Springs, 10 minutes from Neil Diamond's ranch! And I rarely use hashtags(#!)
I suppose I started the "poorly framed celebrity portraits" series as a light-hearted distraction from the awful news of the day, lately involving shootings and stabbings, plus the always available Trump, so I guess they serve the useful personal purpose of attempting to preserve my mental health!
@maddow.bsky.social: Having learned my lesson with dark backgrounds, here's a better example in my series of "poorly framed celebrity portraits." The always vivacious Kate Hudson, who stars in the feature film about a Neil Diamond cover band, "Song Sung Blue," was on Seth Meyers' "Late Night" show.
December 19, 2025 at 4:59 PM
I'm always complaining (to myself) that clips about celebrities leave out interesting details, like the fact that Kate Hudson grew up on a ranch near Basalt, Colorado, in the beautiful flat valley between Aspen and Glenwood Springs, 10 minutes from Neil Diamond's ranch! And I rarely use hashtags(#!)
I suppose I started the "poorly framed celebrity portraits" series as a light-hearted distraction from the awful news of the day, lately involving shootings and stabbings, plus the always available Trump, so I guess they serve the useful personal purpose of attempting to preserve my mental health!
@maddow.bsky.social: Having learned my lesson with dark backgrounds, here's a better example in my series of "poorly framed celebrity portraits." The always vivacious Kate Hudson, who stars in the feature film about a Neil Diamond cover band, "Song Sung Blue," was on Seth Meyers' "Late Night" show.
December 19, 2025 at 3:42 PM
I suppose I started the "poorly framed celebrity portraits" series as a light-hearted distraction from the awful news of the day, lately involving shootings and stabbings, plus the always available Trump, so I guess they serve the useful personal purpose of attempting to preserve my mental health!
@maddow.bsky.social: Having learned my lesson with dark backgrounds, here's a better example in my series of "poorly framed celebrity portraits." The always vivacious Kate Hudson, who stars in the feature film about a Neil Diamond cover band, "Song Sung Blue," was on Seth Meyers' "Late Night" show.
December 19, 2025 at 3:17 PM
@maddow.bsky.social: Having learned my lesson with dark backgrounds, here's a better example in my series of "poorly framed celebrity portraits." The always vivacious Kate Hudson, who stars in the feature film about a Neil Diamond cover band, "Song Sung Blue," was on Seth Meyers' "Late Night" show.