Saw Jamelle Bouie using your “jobs created by president” chart in one of his YouTube videos recently. It’s good to have these tools. They are getting used
Great to hear about your dinner, Simon! Such moments of respite are so essential in these turbulent times. We’re traveling, and I walked to a wonderful bakery nearby. Brought back two huge almond-chocolate croissants – such a treat, which we savored with coffee brewed with hand-ground beans.
All of this made extra delicious as we watch Senate and House Democrats standing tall to fight ICE, the CBP, and other Trump Regime crimes! I’m convinced they’re finding their spine thanks to the brave protesters of Minneapolis, the great Hopium community, and millions of other patriots throughout America!
Didn’t know you were an English major, Simon! My husband and I were as well! I want to watch Hamnet, but I know it’s quite emotionally disturbing, about the loss of a child, yes? I just haven’t been able to bring myself to watch it yet…I’ve been watching pretty light stuff movie wise, for the most part. However, “Shakespeare in Love,” screenplay by the brilliant Tom Stoppard, is one of my all time fave movies. Big Shakespeare fan! I am a social worker, love my profession…years ago, an admissions person at the U of Chicago Social Work School said that she believed English majors make the best social workers. It certainly helped me with my writing skills.
me too; taught english for ten years then went into school social work, rutgers 98, msw....actually made more money as a social worker; and was treated a lot better too, despite the emotional costs....i dabbled in journalism too and wrote for a popular weekly while living in my parents' basement...so i needed a real job...retired during the pandemic but still get offers, but fairly disabled now from cfs, the result of a serious infection i picked up working summer school years ago. but i still stir the shit when it comes to these maga assholes; had one geezer threaten to punch me out a few weeks ago; i noticed he's dropped the trump regalia lately.....gotta say i don't see how shakespeare in love, which was a good movie, deserved the nod over saving private ryan....sort of like how green was my valley beating out citizen kane....not that valley wasn't a classic, even if it turns out the author made the whole thing up....
I had a technical degree in forestry as well as an English/communications degree. The last time the GOP attacked the federal government (60% downsizing at my agency), I was one of the few survivors because in addition to technical education I had communications skills, which tended to be downplayed in tech education. I was one of the few survivors exactly because of the English skills.
This is one of the many reasons I have such serious concerns re AI…and its use by students in high school to help them write essays, for example…students need to be taught how to use AI to help with organization of their ideas, perhaps, but I will always believe that being able to think clearly and put one’s thoughts down in writing is an essential life skill!!!
I LOVE the Susan Collins ad. Thank you, Simon, for sharing; it made my day. Folks might be interested in another metric from Anat Shenker-Osario, the attention economy. We are winning there. https://substack.com/home/post/p-187420915
Fascinating! Thanks for that. A student (college) was in my office yesterday and told me that his friends are completely obsessed with Epstein and are constantly talking about it. I had that sense in class as well, as I overheard multiple people talking about the recent revelations and the hearings. My son, who attends a different university, is likewise obsessed and keeps texting me about it. This seems big to me, because it has been hard to capture university students' attention about political subjects (which has been extremely puzzling to me) over the past year.
I didn't think the voice over was that bad. Could have been better but it is what it is. I would like to see ad after ad with her holding the MAGA hat standing in the Oval Office with the other republicans all holding MAGA hats. I guess it wouldn't have gone with the ad but still....
Nora was wonderful. We celebrated Valentines and by beloved's bday often there. I look forward to being able to spend more time back in what we consider our spiritual home (that, and increasingly, Philly, now that we're in revolutionary times again). I fear that if I spend much time there now, I'll get myself in trouble, faster than it could get good ;)
Self report - I went to a whistle/know your rights kit-making event on Friday afternoon. About 20 people there in Portola Valley California (one of the wealthiest zip codes in the nation, with a very active Indivisible chapter) putting together small plastic bags with a plastic whistle, instructions on signaling, cards with key phone numbers, a sheet describing Judicial warrants versus Administrative warrants, and other information. We made >1300 today, and several thousand have been made over the past few weeks and are being distributed to local immigrant communities and others. A bunch of middle-aged and senior wealthy suburbanites doing our part. I told some jokes, and we shared our perspectives on the latest outrages. We will be ready if ICE invades the Bay Area, and Central Valley.
Just heard that a man was ripped from a small grocery store in Wasco County Oregon by ICE. Watch your smaller towns that may need your support. Currently ICE is targeting two completely illogical beach towns in Oregon for facilities. Pushback is going okay, but DHS yanked the coast guard helo from Newport and targeted Waldport for a canvas tent detention facility. I used to work in the woods in that area. It rains like hell half the year and there is no rational reason for facilities there.
'morning, all. I'm doing all my usual contacts via phone and/ or email but to my 3 very supportive electeds so more cheer leading than pushing. I've started contacting my state electeds more often too.
On another note, re Hamnet: Simon- Haven't seen film but loved the book. Did you take Prof. Barnet's Shakespeare class? It was a highlight of my lit courses. I also was an English major but had a dual major in Art History. Prof Barnet at times taught in both departments. He was well versed in Japanese art and assembled an important collection of Japanese calligraphy later exhibited in NYC at the Met Museum.
actually just watched the apprentice....wow what a great film...more people need to see it; the performances were oscar nominated. and shows what a little shit both roy cohn and donnie were. some powerful moments. i was surprised, didn't want to watch a movie about the orange turd. but it was not a flattering portrayal at all.
THANKS for the Janet Mills' ad about Susan Collins--the "concerned" Senator who never fails to disappoint.
Enjoy the weekend and the early harbingers of spring. And let's all remember back to this time last year--when DOGE was running wild through our government; law firms, universities and large companies were capitulating left and right; Bondi was passing around "Epstein Binders" to right-wing influencers, and on and on. It was truly the "winter of our discontent."
But then spring started to break through, and we started to find our footing. Tesla Takedowns helped chase Musk from his government role. Some law firms stood up. Harvard stood up. No Kings protests grew and grew. Some courts started slapping down ridiculous arguments from the DOJ. Democrats in Congress started to get their act together--fighting for ACA subsidies. Not only did the little cracks become big cracks, but the shoots of resistance that started to emerge in the spring of 2025 from the cold, hard ground have pushed forth new and stronger branches--in LA, in Chicago, in Minneapolis, in towns large and small that have passed resolutions against tyranny and the violation of Constitutional rights.
Now. . .in this spring of 2026, those stronger branches become sturdier trees; become whole forests of pushback to reclaim what is rightfully ours. Remember our roots; keep going and growing.
How much do I LOVE finding my very own Chrissy H. here. She is what she appears to be — pragmatic, sure-footed, not interested in the huge spotlight, committed to our country.
Simon, have not read all yet, looking forward, but Tara McGowan amd David Rothkopf link only access to paid subscribers. is there a way we can get access?
Saw Jamelle Bouie using your “jobs created by president” chart in one of his YouTube videos recently. It’s good to have these tools. They are getting used
Good for Jamelle!
shared it with some walker friends.
I know Jamelle follows Simon on Bluesky, as well as other notables like George Takei and Mark Hamill
Loved this chart. Sent it to my sister who has "always voted Republican" and thinks that is a good reason to continue doing so.
Great to hear about your dinner, Simon! Such moments of respite are so essential in these turbulent times. We’re traveling, and I walked to a wonderful bakery nearby. Brought back two huge almond-chocolate croissants – such a treat, which we savored with coffee brewed with hand-ground beans.
All of this made extra delicious as we watch Senate and House Democrats standing tall to fight ICE, the CBP, and other Trump Regime crimes! I’m convinced they’re finding their spine thanks to the brave protesters of Minneapolis, the great Hopium community, and millions of other patriots throughout America!
My home croissant is almond (no chocolate), and my home coffee are beans I grind from a local roaster, Zeke's.....
Zeke’s is near where I work in Baltimore too!!!
Well now I am craving an almond croissant with or without chocolate to go with the tea I am having while reading Hopium today.
I was looking for your With Democrats, things get better on your site. So much good information.
Didn’t know you were an English major, Simon! My husband and I were as well! I want to watch Hamnet, but I know it’s quite emotionally disturbing, about the loss of a child, yes? I just haven’t been able to bring myself to watch it yet…I’ve been watching pretty light stuff movie wise, for the most part. However, “Shakespeare in Love,” screenplay by the brilliant Tom Stoppard, is one of my all time fave movies. Big Shakespeare fan! I am a social worker, love my profession…years ago, an admissions person at the U of Chicago Social Work School said that she believed English majors make the best social workers. It certainly helped me with my writing skills.
me too; taught english for ten years then went into school social work, rutgers 98, msw....actually made more money as a social worker; and was treated a lot better too, despite the emotional costs....i dabbled in journalism too and wrote for a popular weekly while living in my parents' basement...so i needed a real job...retired during the pandemic but still get offers, but fairly disabled now from cfs, the result of a serious infection i picked up working summer school years ago. but i still stir the shit when it comes to these maga assholes; had one geezer threaten to punch me out a few weeks ago; i noticed he's dropped the trump regalia lately.....gotta say i don't see how shakespeare in love, which was a good movie, deserved the nod over saving private ryan....sort of like how green was my valley beating out citizen kane....not that valley wasn't a classic, even if it turns out the author made the whole thing up....
I had a technical degree in forestry as well as an English/communications degree. The last time the GOP attacked the federal government (60% downsizing at my agency), I was one of the few survivors because in addition to technical education I had communications skills, which tended to be downplayed in tech education. I was one of the few survivors exactly because of the English skills.
This is one of the many reasons I have such serious concerns re AI…and its use by students in high school to help them write essays, for example…students need to be taught how to use AI to help with organization of their ideas, perhaps, but I will always believe that being able to think clearly and put one’s thoughts down in writing is an essential life skill!!!
I LOVE the Susan Collins ad. Thank you, Simon, for sharing; it made my day. Folks might be interested in another metric from Anat Shenker-Osario, the attention economy. We are winning there. https://substack.com/home/post/p-187420915
Fascinating! Thanks for that. A student (college) was in my office yesterday and told me that his friends are completely obsessed with Epstein and are constantly talking about it. I had that sense in class as well, as I overheard multiple people talking about the recent revelations and the hearings. My son, who attends a different university, is likewise obsessed and keeps texting me about it. This seems big to me, because it has been hard to capture university students' attention about political subjects (which has been extremely puzzling to me) over the past year.
fascinating, thanks for posting
I noticed in one of the recent Trump ratings breakouts posted here that college age students have really pivoted away from T.
The anti-Susan Collins ad could have been great – but that voice-over is atrocious. Should have had a different narrator.
I didn't think the voice over was that bad. Could have been better but it is what it is. I would like to see ad after ad with her holding the MAGA hat standing in the Oval Office with the other republicans all holding MAGA hats. I guess it wouldn't have gone with the ad but still....
anat and podhorzer are brilliant together; she's the color commentary; michael is all just the facts, ma'am....
I love bathrobe lady!
Simon, may we share these graphs, of course with attribution, yet?
Today, I'm contacting my congressman and senators about ICE concentration camps, but I also contacted my Maryland State Senator to urge her to support redistricting. (In case folks didn't see, the VA Supreme Court yesterday allowed the vote on redistricting in VA to go ahead, which Marc Elias sees as a good sign. Now we need to get the MD State Senate to do its part.) I'm also going to be contacting the National Trust for Historic Preservation which is taking comments on Trump's ballroom until March 4th. More info here: https://savingplaces.org/public-comment-period-white-house-ballroom?fbclid=IwY2xjawP9eddleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETJmY3VGN2tkZ1BXdHpTNmVKc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHr0hIo0V87an_X5GnnW6lSEnHhm0l5UpCfDOwS0g1QSCGHtRXTR-SkMcQJm-_aem_nLYJvwqy3YonR-X8MKpasQ
Oh, and which restaurant? My favorite used to be Nora, but it closed years ago.
Nora was wonderful. We celebrated Valentines and by beloved's bday often there. I look forward to being able to spend more time back in what we consider our spiritual home (that, and increasingly, Philly, now that we're in revolutionary times again). I fear that if I spend much time there now, I'll get myself in trouble, faster than it could get good ;)
I just put four new graphs into the original post that say Hopium Chronicles a bit more clearly. Still learning how to use Claude.....
Here you go - https://www.hopiumchronicles.com/p/some-tasty-fare-for-our-long-holiday
S
Self report - I went to a whistle/know your rights kit-making event on Friday afternoon. About 20 people there in Portola Valley California (one of the wealthiest zip codes in the nation, with a very active Indivisible chapter) putting together small plastic bags with a plastic whistle, instructions on signaling, cards with key phone numbers, a sheet describing Judicial warrants versus Administrative warrants, and other information. We made >1300 today, and several thousand have been made over the past few weeks and are being distributed to local immigrant communities and others. A bunch of middle-aged and senior wealthy suburbanites doing our part. I told some jokes, and we shared our perspectives on the latest outrages. We will be ready if ICE invades the Bay Area, and Central Valley.
Just heard that a man was ripped from a small grocery store in Wasco County Oregon by ICE. Watch your smaller towns that may need your support. Currently ICE is targeting two completely illogical beach towns in Oregon for facilities. Pushback is going okay, but DHS yanked the coast guard helo from Newport and targeted Waldport for a canvas tent detention facility. I used to work in the woods in that area. It rains like hell half the year and there is no rational reason for facilities there.
'morning, all. I'm doing all my usual contacts via phone and/ or email but to my 3 very supportive electeds so more cheer leading than pushing. I've started contacting my state electeds more often too.
On another note, re Hamnet: Simon- Haven't seen film but loved the book. Did you take Prof. Barnet's Shakespeare class? It was a highlight of my lit courses. I also was an English major but had a dual major in Art History. Prof Barnet at times taught in both departments. He was well versed in Japanese art and assembled an important collection of Japanese calligraphy later exhibited in NYC at the Met Museum.
actually just watched the apprentice....wow what a great film...more people need to see it; the performances were oscar nominated. and shows what a little shit both roy cohn and donnie were. some powerful moments. i was surprised, didn't want to watch a movie about the orange turd. but it was not a flattering portrayal at all.
I wish you all a wonderful Valentine's Day.
“Love is the strongest force the world possesses, and yet it is the humblest imaginable.”
—Mahatma Gandhi
THANKS for the Janet Mills' ad about Susan Collins--the "concerned" Senator who never fails to disappoint.
Enjoy the weekend and the early harbingers of spring. And let's all remember back to this time last year--when DOGE was running wild through our government; law firms, universities and large companies were capitulating left and right; Bondi was passing around "Epstein Binders" to right-wing influencers, and on and on. It was truly the "winter of our discontent."
But then spring started to break through, and we started to find our footing. Tesla Takedowns helped chase Musk from his government role. Some law firms stood up. Harvard stood up. No Kings protests grew and grew. Some courts started slapping down ridiculous arguments from the DOJ. Democrats in Congress started to get their act together--fighting for ACA subsidies. Not only did the little cracks become big cracks, but the shoots of resistance that started to emerge in the spring of 2025 from the cold, hard ground have pushed forth new and stronger branches--in LA, in Chicago, in Minneapolis, in towns large and small that have passed resolutions against tyranny and the violation of Constitutional rights.
Now. . .in this spring of 2026, those stronger branches become sturdier trees; become whole forests of pushback to reclaim what is rightfully ours. Remember our roots; keep going and growing.
Love this look back. You are so right.
How much do I LOVE finding my very own Chrissy H. here. She is what she appears to be — pragmatic, sure-footed, not interested in the huge spotlight, committed to our country.
Can't WAIT to see Hamnet, having loved the book.
Simon, have not read all yet, looking forward, but Tara McGowan amd David Rothkopf link only access to paid subscribers. is there a way we can get access?
Subscribe! It's an act of resistance to support people doing the work that matters.
Love this!
Lead the way, Simon, we're grinding all-out till Election Day.
What can we do to fight and stop the detention centers?! One is planned gor Hagerstown MD.