WELCOME
TO THE EVENING SHADE
A SANCTUARY OF SANITY AFTER A LONG HARD DAY OF FIGHTING FASCISM
YOU WILL FIND in the DIARIES a LOT of POLITICS
(Or NOT As the CASE MAY BE)
AND EVEN MORE CRITTERS
THE PERSON who MAKES the FIRST COMMENT WILL GET TWO CRITTERS
EVERY PERSON WHO COMMENTS WILL GET A CRITTER
RULES IN THE DIARY
WHEN YOU FIND SOMETHING in the DIARY that you LIKE
YOU CAN REPOST IT AS COMMENT in the DIARY
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PostingADiary
CritterHerding
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This is turning into a more regional Shade than I intended. It’s what I find and perhaps my own personal interests in regional stories filters what I choose to include. Having gone through more national news sources, such as MSN, MS Now, etc., I didn’t find much. But I’m still finding things that interest me. I hope you find them interesting, too.
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Admin note:
Here’s 2thanks’ latest on the migration to Wordpress:
Meta: How to Save DK5 Images for DK6 on WordPress (v.4)
This comment is for Kosacks who need to save many unpublished images during the transition of Daily Kos to WordPress. Beta available March 31, full launch April 13-20. I use a Chrome on a PC.
My amazing discovery for saving unpublished images:
Brief Overview:
- After we select a thumbnail image in the Daily Kos Image Library, the right-side frame displays that image above its associated text.
- After we select that right-side image and all the text below by using Click-and-Drag, when we click on a different thumbnail image, the entire frame on the right remains selected! In other words, the frame carries the highlight, no matter which thumbnail is selected.
- I’ve never seen this functionality in any other program.
- We can use this DK quirk to copy and paste the image and text to a permanent diary in an adjacent Tab in only 5 steps without the delays of clicking the Choose button or the Image button and with minimal mouse clicking.
We now have 5 steps, reduced from last Sunday’s 13 steps: We have 4 keystrokes and 1 click. With the Tab on the left holding the diary being edited and with an open Image Library in the Tab on the right, click on a thumbnail image, and Select all of the right-side frame using Click-and-Drag. Then, for each thumbnail image, do the following:
- Copy (Ctrl + C on a PC or Cmd + C on a Mac).
- Go Tab Left (Ctrl + Shift + PgUp or Option + Cmd + Left).
- Paste (Ctrl + V or Cmd + V).
- Go Tab Right (Ctrl + Shift + PgDn or Option + Cmd + Right).
- Click new thumbnail image.
Notes:
- You do not need to delete unneeded text: It might be useful for searching for a specific image at a later time.
- The Click-and-Drag process will select text in the Description field, but that process does not select text in the Attribution field, so the latter text will not be copied. However, sometimes there is text in the Description field instead of the Attribution field, so pay attention: Before selecting the image and text, you might need to copy text from the Description field into the Attribution field.
- Save the draft occasionally.
kos has announced DK5-to-DK6 changes in these 6 diaries.
Stay tuned. I plan to provide more details in future Sunday Good News Roundups.
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Washington Examiner
Noem’s deputy director of ICE bought thousands of vehicles that officers can’t use
A former Trump administration official wasted millions of taxpayer dollars given to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to purchase thousands of employee vehicles that the agency cannot use to arrest illegal immigrants, according to three sources.
ICE’s top brass are quietly searching for a way to amend the remainder of a massive order of pick-up trucks and SUVs that were ordered last year and slated to be wrapped with the agency’s name, logo, and motto, as well as storing away many vehicles that have been delivered to ICE facilities across the country, the Washington Examiner has learned.
“ICE has never had marked vehicles,” the first person familiar with the purchases said in a phone call. “In talking to people, they’re like, ‘We don’t want to use these, we can’t.'”
The saga is the latest controversial expenditure of taxpayer money within the Department of Homeland Security and speaks to the different ways political appointees at the department have tried to approach operations versus how career law enforcement officials have historically done so.
Over the past year, assaults against ICE personnel have risen 8,000%, according to the DHS, and federal police have opted to hide their faces and identities while working in public. They have frequently switched license plates on rental vehicles to avoid detection by activists, who track the license plate numbers of suspected ICE vehicles in massive crowdsourced databases.
Despite the growing number of ways ICE employees have sought to protect their identities, ICE’s former deputy director, Madison Sheahan, placed a bulk order for vehicles clearly marked with ICE’s logo. ✂️
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x
Movies that cost less to make than disgraced former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem's $220M ad campaign:
Iron Man
The Matrix
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
Top Gun: Maverick
Barbie
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Part 2)
The Hunger Games
Oppenheimer
[image or embed]
— FactPost (@factpostnews.bsky.social) March 9, 2026 at 12:50 PM
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Tom’s Hardware
Norwegian gov't consumer watchdog calls out ‘enshittification’ of video games, connected devices, and others — claims hardware deliberately degraded after purchase
Norway's Forbrukerrådet, the government-funded Norwegian Consumer Council, published an 80-page report on February 27, arguing that companies across the tech industry are systematically degrading hardware and software after the point of sale to extract additional revenue from locked-in consumers. The report, titled "Breaking Free: Pathways to a Fair Technological Future," singles out connected devices, printers, video games, and cars as categories where the practice is most acute.
The report refers to this practice as “enshittification,” a gradual, three-stage process in which a company initially attracts users with a genuinely useful service, then degrades that service to benefit business customers, and finally squeezes both groups to maximize returns for shareholders. According to the Forbrukerrådet, digital products are uniquely vulnerable to this cycle because manufacturers can alter them remotely after purchase through software updates. Below, you can see a video the group created about the issue as well.
“Companies can degrade the functionality of your car or effectively destroy your connected washing machine with a software update,” says the report, going on to call out printer ink cartridges, smart home devices that lose features or require subscriptions post-purchase, and connected vehicles where functionality is gated or removed over time, such as Tesla’s self-driving feature which has switched to a subscription-only service as of February 14. The report also describes how freemium games use forced ad breaks and in-game virtual currencies to convert what were once single-purchase titles into recurring revenue streams. ✂️
Among the cosigners of the bill is Cory Doctorow, who coined the term “enshittification”.
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Because names don’t get any more Norwegian than “Trygve”. (Pronounced TRIG-vee) None more Norwegian, I say!
North Dakota Monitor
North Dakota Democrats endorsed Trygve Hammer Saturday to represent the party after a fiery convention speech critical of Republican incumbent Rep. Julie Fedorchak.
Hammer overwhelmingly defeated Democratic-NPL candidates Vern Thompson and Helene Neville to secure the party’s nomination. Hammer, a former Marine and graduate of the Naval Academy, invoked a famous Navy phrase while pledging to stand by North Dakotans.
“I will not give up the ship and I believe that we will win,” Hammer said during his convention speech.
Hammer criticized Fedorchak repeatedly over what he sees as failures to stand up to President Donald Trump and Republican policies, such as tariffs and health care cuts in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
He was also critical of Fedorchak’s vote against an Iran war powers resolution that failed to pass the U.S. House this week, and said he worries that his children and their spouses serving in the military are not being represented.
Hammer said the Trump-era phrase of “peace through strength” is not correct because “strength isn’t violence.”
“Our strength has always been in our alliances,” he said. ✂️
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MinnPost
As ICE moved in, Minnesotans set up a shadow medical system. It’s a lesson for other cities.
MINNEAPOLIS — Gabi has big brown eyes, pigtails, and a genetic condition that makes her bones brittle. They fracture easily, leaving the 2-year-old in such pain that her mother quit her job cleaning offices to stay home and cradle her in the one-bedroom apartment they share with six relatives.
When federal immigration agents descended on their city, officers deported Gabi’s father and detained her aunt.
Gabi was born in the U.S. and is an American citizen. Her best chance to stand, or even walk, someday is a complex surgery on her legs and feet that was scheduled for January. But her mother, too terrified to take out the garbage let alone venture through the city to a hospital, canceled the procedure. KFF Health News agreed to only partially identify the patients and their families in this article because they fear becoming targets of President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown.
“I want more than anything for my baby to walk,” her mother said in Spanish, as Gabi cooed and wriggled in her arms, a feeding tube snaking from her stomach to an IV pole. “But with the situation that’s happening, I canceled the surgery and all the physical therapy appointments” that would have followed. “Because I’m afraid to leave.”
The Department of Homeland Security has declared an end to what it called Operation Metro Surge, carried out by officers with the Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection agencies. Even so, health care workers say, immigration agents are still camping out in hospital parking lots. And drones fly overhead in agricultural areas beyond Minneapolis, where Somali and Latino immigrants have settled in recent years. ✂️
While Minnesotans rose up to oppose the surge in the streets, doctors and nurses have quietly operated informal, underground medical networks, dodging detection to care for patients at home.
“I used to look somebody in the eyes and say, with good faith, ‘You will be fine at the hospital,’” said Emily Carroll, a nurse practitioner at HealthFinders Collaborative, a community clinic in Faribault, some 50 miles south of Minneapolis. “But now, I can’t make that guarantee.”
As thousands of federal agents move on from Minneapolis, other communities need to prepare, said Minnesota Democratic state Sen. Alice Mann, a physician.
“I know it sounds crazy,” she said, but health care providers “need to start an underground network of how to get people care in their homes. Because letting people die at home or come close to death because they are terrified to go into the hospital, in 2026, is outrageous.” ✂️
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Over two year old news, but appropriate for today.
PBS (10/12/2023)
In first, CIA acknowledges 1953 coup it backed to overthrow leader of Iran was undemocratic
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — While revealing new details about one of the most famed CIA operations of all times — the spiriting out of six American diplomats who escaped the 1979 U.S. Embassy seizure in Iran — the intelligence agency for the first time has acknowledged something else as well.
The CIA now officially describes the 1953 coup it backed in Iran that overthrew its prime minister and cemented the rule of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi as undemocratic.
Other American officials have made similar remarks in the past, but the CIA's acknowledgment in a podcast about the agency's history comes as much of its official history of the coup remains classified 70 years after the putsch. That complicates the public's understanding of an event that still resonates, as tensions remain high between Tehran and Washington over the Islamic Republic's rapidly advancing nuclear program, its aiding of militia groups across the Mideast and as it cracks down on dissent.
The "CIA's leadership is committed to being as open with the public as possible," the agency said in a statement responding to questions from The Associated Press. "The agency's podcast is part of that effort — and we knew that if we wanted to tell this incredible story, it was important to be transparent about the historical context surrounding these events, and CIA's role in it."
In response to questions from the AP, Iran's mission to the United Nations described the 1953 coup as marking "the inception of relentless American meddling in Iran's internal affairs" and dismissed the U.S. acknowledgments. ✂️
The Dulles brothers in action. Iran had an elected president, but the CIA feared he was a communist because he advocated for the poor, so they deposed him and installed the Shah, who lasted for 26 years before the Ayatollahs, who remain in charge 46 years later.
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Comic Sands inserts so many ads that it’s hard to read, but this is somewhat funny, so I’ll include it.
Trump's White House Just Tried To Use A Pokémon Meme To Promote 'MAGA'—And The Internet Pounced
The White House attempted to capitalize on a new meme from the game Pokémon Pokopia to promote President Trump's "Make America Great Again" slogan—and it backfired hard.
The White House is facing criticism after its social media team attempted to capitalize on a new meme from the game Pokémon Pokopia to promote President Donald Trump's "Make America Great Again" slogan, prompting almost immediate backlash from fans.
Pokemon Pokotopia was released on Thursday to stellar reviews, and it appears to already be a massive hit with fans. So, the White House decided to capitalize on that popularity and used a meme generator to insert the 'MAGA' slogan into a scene from the new game. ✂️
The slogans used to rebut included
- Nintendo’s lawyers will love this
- Trump is pedophile
- Trump is mentioned 38K times in the Epstein files
- Donald Trump is a pedophile starting a war as a distraction
- My culture is not your costume
- Stop protecting pedophiles
It goes on.
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Brain cleanse from 10 Gems
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KRQE (probably Albuquerque, NM)
NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – Outside of the gates of Jeffrey Epstein’s infamous “Zorro Ranch” near Stanley, New Mexico, hundreds of protestors gathered together, demanding justice. “I’m on this bus today in solidarity with women all over the world,” said Diane McCash, who joined hundreds on this National Women’s Day in the heart of Albuquerque.
Cars were lined up for miles, as supporters made the journey to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein’s “Zorro Ranch,” located south of Santa Fe. “We are here to say all voices will be heard,” said New Mexico Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernandez, before the crowd echoed a shout of support.
The ranch has been at the center of controversy, with many claiming Epstein sexually abused and trafficked underage girls and women there. “What do we want? Justice! When do we want it? Now!” protestors shouted outside of the property’s gates.
The family of one of Epstein’s most prominent accusers, Virginia Giuffre, said their sister had faced abuse inside the walls of the ranch and demanded accountability through the release of all the Epstein files. “New Mexico is known as the Land of Enchantment. Virginia spoke about that beauty often. But right here, hidden in plain sight, Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell built something very different, a house of horrors,” said Sky Roberts, Virginia Giuffre’s brother.
Roberts continued saying, “We’re here to say that money and power do not buy you a different set of laws.” ✂️
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This ties in nicely with CC’s diary from last night.
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The Left Wing Echo Chamber
If anyone has a diary of theirs that they’d like promoted, please drop a comment (preferably with a link) in the previous night’s Shade. Hopefully the next Shade will include a promotional link for you.
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Today is…*
*Attributions to WineRev refer to his entries in this morning’s G&G in the GNR
Birthdays
George Hayward (1791-1863) - The first surgeon to use ether.
Amasa Leland Stanford (1824-1893) - Founder of Stanford University.
Evelyn Sears (1875-1966) - Tennis player and tennis champion.
Will Geer (1902-1978) - Actor who is fondly remembered as the grandpa on The Waltons.
Paul Wilbur Klipsch (1904-2002) - Founder of Klipsch Audio Technologies.
Andrew Viterbi (1935-Still Living) - Engineer and co-founder of Qualcomm Inc.
Qualcomm’s Snapdragon CPUs are pretty incredible.
Mark Lindsay (1942-Still Living) - Vocalist for Paul Revere & Raiders.
Bobby Fischer (1943-2008) - World champion chess player.
Emmanuel Lewis (1971-Still Living) - Actor known for his adorable role in Webster.
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Events
1841, the U.S. Supreme Court, in United States v. The Amistad, ruled 7-1 in favor of a group of illegally enslaved Africans who were captured off the U.S. coast after seizing control of a Spanish schooner, La Amistad. The justices ruled that the Africans should be set free.
1842 - Gold in California is documented for the first time.
1858 - Albert Potts receives the patent for the street mailbox.
1922 KJR-AM in Seattle Washington begins radio transmissions.
Does it still exist, Nanny?
1933 - President Roosevelt submits the Emergency Banking Act.
It was (apparently) part of a larger push
1933 US Congress is called into a special session by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, beginning its "100 days" during which it passes 77 laws
1959 - The Barbie doll makes its debut.
WineRev…
1959 New York City The annual American Toy Fair is on, a trade show to let retailers see the new goodies and place orders in time for the upcoming Christmas season. Ruth Handler, co-founder of Mattel Toy Co., is there and is all smiles. Back in 1956 Ms. Handler had attended a toy show in West Germany and had picked out a striking figurine, the Bild-Lilli doll. She brought home a sample and asked toy designer Jack Ryan to come up with a version that American girls might like. He succeeded and the Barbie Doll debuted today and carried a retail price of $3. Orders poured in to the Hawthorne, CA plant; Barbie was a hit. (Back in 1994, a mint condition, still in the original box, Barbie sold at a collectors’ auction for $4000.)
(1:14)
1974 The last Japanese soldier [wikipedia], a guerrilla operating in the Philippines, surrenders 29 years after World War II ends.
WineRev…
1974 Lubang Island, Philippines It’s been 29 years since World War II ended, everyone knows that, right? Almost. On this day, Norio Suzuki, a Japanese adventurer, came out of the woods with a 52-year-old man wearing a tattered Japanese Army uniform that had clearly been patched many, many, times. Officer Hiroo Onoda, an intelligence officer was the last Japanese soldier operating in the Philippines. It was his birthday. Asked why he had not surrendered in 1945 he said he was waiting for permission to do so from a superior officer. (He was not sent to a POW camp but he was sent home. He got married two years later and finally died in 2014 at age 92.)
1986 - NASA announces searchers found the remains of Challenger astronauts.
1987 Island Records releases "The Joshua Tree," the fifth studio album by Irish rock group U2 (Grammy for Best Album 1988)
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NATIONAL MEATBALL DAY
It is not clear how this day got started, but who can resist the idea of celebrating National Meatball Day? There are many different ways to celebrate meatballs:
- Spaghetti and meatballs
- Swedish Meatballs
- Meatball Sub
- Meatball Pizza
- Turkey Meatballs
- Lamb Meatballs
- Porcupine Meatballs (made with rice)
- and the list goes on and on.
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Amerigo Vespucci Day
Amerigo Vespucci Day is observed on March 9 every year in the U.S. This day is to commemorate the discovery and evolution of the U.S. Americans celebrate this day with zeal, staging spectacular parades, educational events, and cultural competitions. Participate in the festivities and spend the holiday with your fellow citizens.
I’m sure we all know that his name is where the name “America” comes from.
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National Napping Day
With the clocks going forward, you lost an hour of sleep. National Napping Day encourages people, both old and young, to set aside time during the day to catch up on some of that missed sleep.
Also called National Siesta Day, the day was the brainchild of former Boston University professor William Anthony, who wanted all of us to realize the health benefits of catching some quality snooze time.
The purpose of the holiday is to compensate for the quantity of sleep lost due to the time change. Studies indicate that people are already at their most exhausted and sleep-deprived after the end of daylight savings time. The change of the hour is significant, but National Napping Day can make you feel as though nothing has changed.
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NATIONAL BARBIE DAY
In 1959, Ruth Handler created the Barbie doll and launched an American icon. Barbie's full name is Barbara Millicent Roberts, and she came with a full array of accessories. While toymakers mass-produced toys for years, before Barbie, none of them had adult features. Barbie's adult features made the toy a first of its kind. Interestingly, Barbie's marketing strategy relied on television advertising. For example, Barbie was the sole sponsor of the Mickey Mouse Club, marketing directly to children. At the time, the approach was unique. Estimates place over a billion Barbie dolls have been sold worldwide in over 150 countries.
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Tomorrow Is…
Mario Day
MAR10 = MARIO, get it? Just as Nintendo is suing the administration to get it’s tariffs back.
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(4:35)
The Shade is open. As always, the value is in the comments.
