Finally!, after decades of escaping real justice, TDFG is found Guilty of 34 Felony counts by the NY jury (unanimously), in the courtroom of Judge Merchan!! Yeeee Haaww!! I know it’s “old news”, but the impact is still reverberating/ringing/resounding- and will be devastating to the Presidential re-run, and the Repub. Party, in the Nov. election.
That loud and crystal-clear verdict will resound for a very long time- well beyond the ‘24 election. Though the BLOAT (Biggest Loser of All Time) is wearing it like a crown, voters are reacting differently. I am not going to focus on any polls today, but the verdicts have already had a major impact. It is clear that a very large block of Independent/Unaffiliated voters will vote against TDFG. It’s also clear that a big section of the Repub. Party (15% or more) will not vote for a convicted felon in November. That’s as of right now- but this issue will not simply go away. This conviction of a former President is unprecedented, and I think (and hope) the MSM will finally look much more critically at the standard-bearer for the Repub. Party!
In watching/reading/listening to the rumblings of DK readers, I decided to go a bit out on a limb, and include a section called “Coping with Anxiety” (below). There is an oversupply of anxiety, much more than usual, I think. But if you think I’ve overdone it, let me know!! On the other hand, if you think it’s useful, just let me know.
I did a look back at 3 of my former GNRs, incl. this one: www.dailykos.com/… (“Twelve Reasons Trump is Toast”). The overall case remains intact, though the Dobbs Decision rises in prominence, and TDFG is now getting more support from large donors- as well as an outpouring of support from small donors. Also very significant is the fact that both SCOTUS and Judge Aileen (Loose) Cannon are continuing to delay Trump trails on the Documents Case and the issue of “Presidential Immunity”.
But the fact remains that TDFG may still face 3 more felony cases, including:
1) (These are from The Atlantic, May 31, 2024) www.theatlantic.com/...
Fulton County: Election Subversion
In Fulton County, Georgia, which includes most of Atlanta, District Attorney Fani Willis brought a huge racketeering case against Trump and 18 others, alleging a conspiracy that spread across weeks and states with the aim of stealing the 2020 election.
2)
Department of Justice: Mar-a-Lago Documents
Jack Smith, a special counsel in the U.S. Justice Department, has charged Trump with 37 felonies in connection with his removal of documents from the White House when he left office. The charges include willful retention of national-security information, obstruction of justice, withholding of documents, and false statements. Trump took boxes of documents to properties, where they were stored haphazardly, but the indictment centers on his refusal to give them back to the government despite repeated requests.
3)
Department of Justice: Election Subversion
Special Counsel Smith has also charged Trump with four federal felonies in connection with his attempt to remain in power after losing the 2020 election. This case is in court in Washington, D.C.
*** So Trumps legal Peril is still hanging like a sword of Damocles, though the Supremes and Judge Cannon have worked hard to delay those cases till After the 2024 election.
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I know a very large number of Kossacks, including me, are experiencing at least some Anxiety about the upcoming elections. It is astounding, and more than a little depressing, that TDFG could be doing this well- when we know he is Not Well. That is why I have included a deep section of the GNR dedicated to “How to Cope with anxiety”. It’s a topic I am intimately familiar with, as well its close cousin- Depression. (More on that later)
Personally, I remain very optimistic about a Dem Blue Wave in November. But I completely understand why a lot of people are far more worried and far less enthusiastic or optimistic about it. I don’t think voters have faced such a lunatic Presidential candidate in my lifetime, and I was born at the end of 1950!!! Even Barry Goldwater was not This Far out on the right wing.
With that in mind, I am adding a few more tidbits on Hope and Optimism today. Based on feedback, it’s obvious that many readers enjoy another hit or two of both.
*** Regular Scheduled Programming (H/T to chloris creator)
No one here is naïve; we are aware of the many who are fighting to destroy our country. Some of us expected it: the cheating, the lying, the chaos, and yes, even the attempts to cling to power despite the clear will of the people. But we are here to read the efforts and the positive results of those (including us and our fellow gnus) who are working so hard to save our country from those very bad people. We are furious with them for what they are doing and we are letting them know. Remember:
💙 There are more of us than there are of them.
💛 They are terrified when we organize. THERE IS LOTS OF EVIDENCE THAT THEY ARE TERRIFIED!
💔 They want us to be demoralized. The best way to keep up your spirits is to fight. So, take the time to recharge your batteries, but find ways to contribute to the well-being of our country and our world.
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A Little theme music, pretty corny, but fun!
Quotes on Hope, Optimism, and Persistence>>>>>>>>>>»
“Optimism isn’t a belief that things will automatically get better; it’s a conviction that we can make things better.”— Melinda Gates
We need optimism to make progress — yet that alone isn’t enough. To contend with environmental crises and make life better for everyone, we need the right kind of optimists: those who recognize that the world will only improve if we fight for it.”— Hannah Ritchie, in an article for Vox
“Hope is contagious!”— Greta Thunberg
“Understanding that this is America shouldn’t evoke hopelessness. Hope and truth are connected. Hope is not naïveté. It is bearing witness to truth, still believing in better and yielding the energy to contribute to better.”— Bernice King
“Do not get lost in a sea of despair. Be hopeful, be optimistic. Our struggle is not the struggle of a day, a week, a month, or a year, it is the struggle of a lifetime. Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble.”— John Lewis
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Note: In following the GNRs, dozens of recent posts, and the comments, I have recognized a theme that is problematic- high anxiety among DK readers. It covers a wide range of levels, from routine worries, to serious and health-altering anxiety, to clinical depression and life-limiting anxiety. I sympathize, as I have come back from the depths of Major Depression and Panic Attacks (over decades) and Extreme Anxiety.
Eventually, I “gave in” to traditional professional medical treatment thru my MD/general practioner, using Citalopram, then later to Escitalopram. Some people take weeks before seeing/feeling the impact of anti-depressants. But I experienced a major change in 1 day!! My punchline- take advantage of modern medical care when you need it. It can change your life in many, many ways- for the better!
Coping with Anxiety, with or without TDFG and his band of toxic misanthropes:
Defining Anxiety:
a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome.
- PSYCHIATRYa mental condition characterized by excessive apprehensiveness about real or perceived threats, typically leading to avoidance behaviors and often to physical symptoms such as increased heart rate and muscle tension."we are seeing more calls related to anxiety and depression”Symptoms and patterns
- trouble concentrating or making decisions.
- feeling irritable, tense or restless.
- experiencing nausea or abdominal distress.
- having heart palpitations.
- sweating, trembling or shaking.
- trouble sleeping.
- having a sense of impending danger, panic or doom.
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NOTE: Keep in mind that it’s really a range for individuals. It can range from very mild, to moderate, to severe. For those “upper ranges”, some action or medical intervention may be called for.
Trust me- if you’re having major symptoms, it can be well worth it to call a medical and/or psychiatric professional. Like I did. I sort of managed Major Depression and Anxiety for decades before I finally gave in and talked to two doctors. Looking back, I should have done it 30-40 years earlier. Instead, I “gutsed it out”. Eventually I decided that taking a prescription med, i.e., Paxil or Eschitalopram was a faster, better, and smarter choice. That ended panic attacks, and gave me (in a single day, though it usually takes longer for most people/patients),
The good news: You don't have to keep feeling that way. While anxiety disorders are the most common mental illnesses in the U.S., they're also among the most treatable. The even better news: Many people respond well to anxiety treatment without medication. They find that their condition can often be managed entirely, or at least in part, with lifestyle changes and holistic therapies.
Best Coping Strategies, from several sources:::::
1) Regular exercise can help to reduce stress and anxiety symptoms, but if you really want to unwind, get off the treadmill and take a walk in the woods. Several studies have demonstrated the anxiety-reducing benefits of spending time surrounded by nature.
2) Just Breathe
Deep breathing helps your body and mind relax by lowering your heart rate and blood pressure, relaxing your muscles, and telling your brain to stop releasing "fight or flight" hormones. You can learn and practice breathing exercises in yoga or guided meditation classes, or simply learn basic exercises and do them whenever you feel anxious.
“Breathe. Let go. And remind yourself that this very moment is the only one you know you have for sure. ” – Oprah Winfrey
Deep breathing exercises can do amazing things for anxiety. This can be done in the midst of an uncomfortable situation, during a panic attack or even as a calming exercise used throughout the day.
In some circumstances, deep breathing techniques have been found to be more effective in treating anxiety than medications.
From: www.studentreach.org
3) Do the basics
Sleeping, eating right, and exercising are the best ways to improve your mental health. The affects these three things have on your mental health alone is phenomenal.
“Sleep is a powerful stress-reliever. It improves concentration, regulates mood, and sharpens judgment and decision-making. A lack of sleep not only reduces mental clarity but our ability to cope with stressful situations.” Shamard Charles, MD, MPH
4) Understand your fears
“Nothing in life is to be feared. It is only to be understood.” – Marie Curie
Researching the thing that you’re afraid of can have positive effects because among other things you might find techniques others have used to face their fears. You might even find the thing you’re afraid of isn’t nearly as scary as you initially thought.
5) Let your Fear become your Fuel
A lot of the need to be productive is the terror of things falling apart.” — Judd Apatow
We think of fear as a negative because of the unpleasant feelings that it creates.
fear is a powerful emotion that motivates people to do all kinds of things. Fear can be a signal that there is real danger and cause us to be more cautious.
Sometimes our fears have a negative effect, but there are also all kinds of positive effects fear can have.
Fear can also be a great motivator.
It can motivate us to move when we need to. Fear can become the fuel we need to do what we need to do and become who we need to become.
6) Think of other ways to cope- used by many
Here are 9-10 Ways DK readers find useful for coping: Most suggested by readers here
A) Going to the Zoo
B) Going to the library or park
C) Pull some weeds, or get started on your garden
D) Smoke some weed, or try some gummies (Not the best idea, but it works for some)
E) Play with your dog, your cat, or your kids.
F) Listen to some good music, your style, or something new.
G) Dance at home, or with friends, or at a music venue
H) Read a good book, or find some good poetry- or write some of your own poetry
I) Watch a movie, or 2-3. OR, find some good sports, comedies, or games to do with friends.
J) Anything else that sounds good to you
More Good News from Around the Interwebs :::::::::::** New quantum material promises up to 190% quantum efficiency in solar cells
Story by Science X staff• 1mo •
** Researchers find way to dramatically increase amount of wave energy harvested from existing technology — here's how it works
Story by Jeremiah Budin• 6d
** A Superconductor Found in Nature Has Rocked the Scientific World
Story by Caroline Delbert• 2mo • 4 min read
** Scientists unveil methane munching monster, 100 million times faster than nature
Story by Ameya Paleja• 5mo • 3 min read
** civileats.com/… Can AI help cut plastic waste from the food system?
U.C. Santa Barbara researcher Nivedita Biyani believes solutions start with the right data. A new tool uses machine learning to estimate how different policy interventions can reduce plastic pollution through 2050.
** www.goodgoodgood.co/… The joy of birdwatching: Research shows it can improve mental health and foster a sense of wellbeing. (Repeated story, but still really good)
The mental health benefits of being in nature have long been acknowledged, whether through activities like listening to birdsong or taking a walk in the park.
While birdwatchers are often portrayed as boring, it turns out that twitchers have been onto something all along. A study published in 2024 shows that even half an hour of bird watching could make us happier, healthier and help foster a deeper connection with nature.
** www.goodnewsnetwork.org/… Lunar probe from China lands on far side of the Moon to collect samples
The indefatigable Chinese space program continues to enjoy success as its most recent lunar probe touched down on the far side of the Moon in advance of a sample recovery mission.
The Chang’e-6 probe touched down on the Moon’s South Pole-Aitken Basin where it will soon begin to drill into the Lunar soil—known officially as ‘regolith.’
** www.goodnewsnetwork.org/… How two Fillipinos helped thousands of migrant teachers to settle in New Zealand!!
New Zealand enjoys the company of 72,000 Filipino migrants, many of whom are women arriving to fill the nation’s teacher shortage.
This pipeline of talented educators seeking better lives to the south has led a pair of women to start a flourishing support group to help navigate the immigration system, get teaching qualifications recognized in NZ, and find employment.
** www.goodnewsnetwork.org/… Worlds largest genome found in a tiny fern: “Breaks all records”…
On the island of New Caledonia, a simple, unassuming species of fern has been identified as having the longest genome of any living organism known.
It is 50 times longer than a human’s, 7% longer than the previous world record-holding species for longest genome, and 20% longer than the record-holding animal.
It contains 416 chromosomes in every cell, compared to a human’s 23, and if unraveled, would climb higher than Big Ben in London’s Westminster.
Questions abound, as does admiration for the majesty and mysteries of biological life. ****
** www.goodnewsnetwork.org/… Red light therapy for Repairing Spinal Injuries reaches new milestone
People with spinal cord injuries in the future could be healing their nerve connections with a device that uses red light and near-infrared light pointed at the exact source of damage.
The novel therapeutic approach, invented by scientists at the University of Birmingham, involves delivering light directly to the site of the injury through an implant.
Because surgery after spinal cord injury is very common already, doctors would have the opportunity, during the same operation, to implant the device that could treat and repair the spinal cord itself.
** Chester Zoo Celebrates as 11 Adorable Endangered Penguin Chicks Hatch–the Most for a Decade
It’s hatching season for Humboldt penguins at the Chester Zoo, and this year the keepers have seen a record number of chicks hatched.
The 11 chicks joining the colony are a delight for visitors and handlers alike, as well as a boon for the species which was recently classified as “Vulnerable” by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.
Chester Live reports that the zoo has seen all 11 successfully make it through the first 40 days of life—the most delicate period for the flightless birds—and that now the naming process will begin.
** www.optimistdaily.com/… The mysterious intelligence of butterflies
In the vast field of cognitive science, insects are frequently pushed to the periphery, judged to be too tiny and seemingly simplistic to possess significant intelligence. However, new research undermines this view, shedding light on butterflies' amazing cognitive capacities.
** The ethical investors helping financially vulnerable people avoid predatory lenders
Socially minded investors are funding organizations that offer fair and affordable credit to those most in need. We explore how everyday people are investing to support at-risk families when mainstream banks let them down. (What a novel and helpful method!)** Congressman’s son steals the spotlight while his dad delivers remarks at the CapitolA U.S. representative's 6-year-old son became a hit with news junkies after videos of him making hilarious faces during his dad's speech on the House floor went viral. (Sorry- couldn’t copy the video clip!!)** www.reddit.com/… Three young boys left 'completely speechless' after finding a T-rex fossil in North Dakota BadlandsTwo young brothers and their cousin were wandering through a fossil-rich stretch of the North Dakota badlands when they made a discovery that left them "completely speechless" — a T-rex bone poking out of the ground.
It all started when Kaiden Madsen, then nine, joined his cousins, Liam and Jessin Fisher, then seven and 10, on a hike through a stretch of land owned by the Bureau of Land Management in North Dakota in July 2022.
In a Zoom news conference to announce the discovery on Monday, Liam Fisher recalled that he and his dad, who accompanied the trio, first spotted the bone of the young carnivore.
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** NOTE: The above is copied from quaoar, who is tirelessly covering the War in Ukraine. Thank you, quaoar!!! Slava Ukraini!!
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OK, that’s about it for today. I’ll be posting the GNR at 4:00 AM PDT, getting some ZZZ’s, and returning for comments after my alarm clock, then a cup of coffee. Within the DK rules of the road, virtually all comments are welcome.
You know what to do!!
I am happy to be in it with you!!
