Paul Harrison @snuffleorc@qoto.org

The way in which an entire party has decided that having proven, admitted liars in its upper ranks is simply no big deal is really quite breathtaking.

That’s not simply a moral judgement. No organization, political or otherwise, can survive without some basic level of internal trust. Essential tasks become impossible.

An organization that can’t or won’t sanction dishonesty in its leadership eventually spins apart. The GOP seems to be in the early stages of this.
https://wapo.st/3FPvYsA

The finished Winter 12th Doctor illustration.

#DoctorWhoFanArt #DoctorWho #PeterCapaldi #12thDoctor

I couldn't resist!
#BeepTheMeep #DoctorWho #DoctorWhoArt

The DeSantis administration was sued for failing to release official records relating to its infamous migrant flight to Martha’s Vineyard. Then it dumped the documents right before Christmas, hoping no one would notice. But we noticed. I’m doing my part to amplify this story.
https://statuskuo.substack.com/p/a-top-desantis-aide-behind-the-marthas?sd=pf

Today's random #tarot card from the Druid Craft Tarot deck is The Princess of Wands.
A young lady strides forward, stave in hand.
This card is about taking action, but action with care.
If this card appears in the Thoughts/ Decisions row then it can mean doing something that helps others; give your time generously.
If the card appears in the Feelings and Emotions row then it can mean taking the lead in a relationship or friendship; get things done and moving!
If the card appears in the Physical and Material world row then it can mean investing with care .. ethically. A good time to spend on group activities.
(You may interpret the card differently)
Details of the spread I use are in a pinned post.

Today's random #tarot card from the Druid Craft Tarot deck is the Seven of Swords.
An old man labours with quill in hand at a desk; seven swords lain out in front of him.
This card is about taking time.
If the card appears in the Thoughts/ Decisions row then it suggests not rushing into any decision. Do your research first.
If the card appears in the Feelings and Emotions row then it can mean making plans with loved ones or friends, but some way off. Keep them flexible.
If the card appears in the Physical and Material world row then it can mean investigating financial commitments thororoughly.
(You may interpret the card differently)
Details of the spread I use are in a pinned post.

Today's random #tarot card from the Druid Craft Tarot deck is the Eight of Pentacles.
A man pours molten metal to forge a pentacle.
This card is about sticking to what you're good at.
If this card appears in the Thoughts/ Decisions row then it can mean ensuring that your decisions are made based on what you know best about; seek information from others who know their field best if outside your speciality.
If this card appears in the Feelings and Emotions row then it can mean doing something for a loved one or friend that you're good at.
If the card appears in the Physical and Material world row then it can mean that any investments or purchases should be in moderation and carefully considered.
(You may interpret the card differently)
Details of the spread I use are on a pinned post.

Today's random #tarot card from the Druid Craft Tarot deck is The Wheel.
A woman draws a circle in the sand with a stick.
This card is about drawing things to completion.
If this card appears in the Thoughts/ Decisions row then it can mean to make sure any plans you make can be completed quickly or to finish existing projects before starting anything new.
If thus card appears in the Feelings and Emotions row then it can mean making a relationship more complete. Perhaps a proposal or special anniversary. It can also mean doing something wholesome and satisfying with others.
If this card appears in the Physical and Material world row then it can refer to a Spring Clean, not just physically but also financially. Get your stuff in order ready for the next phase of your life.
(You may interpret the card differently).
Details of the spread I use are in a pinned post.

Whew! Thank you all so much for the boosts, what an awesome community!

I'll take this opportunity to add clarification on some of my #CaptionTips:
2. The reason not to start with the words "image" or "picture" specifically is because the screen reader will announce it with those words, so it will sound like "image image of a cat." Not a big deal, just sounds a little odd. Instead, I suggest starting with the format (photograph, portrait, chart, Facebook screenshot, text, all of these are good!)

10. When a screen reader comes across a comma or period, it takes a little pause, to mimic natural speech. So just put commas and periods where you would naturally pause when speaking. And if you, like, use too many, it's better than not using enough. Capitalize after a period, then use caps sparingly. Capitals are read out letter by letter, so ask yourself if that's how you want them read.

10 Image #CaptionTips from a transcriptionist:

1. Any words are better than nothing.
2. You don't need to say it's "a picture of…" screen readers will already say it's an image.
3. Start with the framing or format (i.e. close up, landscape, meme, text).
4. Think about the reason you're posting the pic and describe that first, add background details if you have time.
5. Pretend you're talking to someone on the phone and want to tell them about this cool thing you're looking at.
6. Transcribe any and all text in the image, even if it's the only thing you do.
7. If you've described the image in your post, you don't need to copy and paste it again in the caption. But again, don't leave it blank, just put something like "as described."
8. You can add small subjective notes, but don't give too much interpretation of the image in your own opinion.
9. Caption jokes are fun, as long as they still describe the image objectively.
10. Use punctuation, and capitalize words properly. A lot of us have interacted with this tech when calling customer service or talking to Siri, so keep in mind that you're writing for a computer to read, and it needs all the help it can get.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The timeless tale wherein we learn that no one will find you lovable until you prove to them that you're useful.

As it's Yule .. or Christmas.. or something.. I'm not doing a #tarot card today, but somehow feel #runes more appropriate.
I do #rune readings for others at events and struggled originally to get my head around them. I still have to do a quick swot-up on them occasionally as my events are months apart.
I do find though that doing tarot and other card readings makes it easier.
I have read numerous sources on their meanings and watched a number of videos. Once you get an associated picture in your head to associate with each rune, it's easy to expand on that to find related meanings.
I have a number of sets of runes, and prefer either a nice white stone set or my set carved out of Ash.
I ask the subject to reach into the bag, take a good handful and, holding the hand palm-down, to cast the runes onto a clean cloth surface away from them.
I then read the runes from past (closest to them) to future.
Try to find links and connections to get a story.

Watching That Touch Of Mink.
Recognised the actor playing the Department of Employment clerk, but couldn't place him.
It's a slightly younger John Astin .. Gomez Addams from the Addams Family TV series.