The poetry editor of The New York Times Magazine has resigned due to the Israeli state's US-backed war against the people of Gaza.

my resignation - by Anne Boyer - M I R A B I L A R Y

Anne Boyer

Nov 16, 2023

I have resigned as poetry editor of The New York Times Magazine.

The Israeli state's U.S-backed war against the people of Gaza is not a war for anyone. There is no safety in it or from it, not for Israel, not for the United States or Europe, and especially not for the many Jewish people slandered by those who claim falsely to fight in their names. Its only profit is the deadly profit of oil interests and weapon manufacturers.

The world, the future, our hearts—everything grows smaller and harder from from this war. It is not only a war of missiles and land invasions. It is an ongoing war against the people of Palestine, people who have resisted through decades of occupation, forced dislocation, deprivation, surveillance, siege, imprisonment, and torture.

Because our status quo is self-expression, sometimes the most effective mode of protest for artists is to refuse.

I can’t write about poetry amidst the "reasonable" tones of those who aim to acclimatize us to this unreasonable suffering. No more ghoulish euphemisms. No more verbally sanitized hellscapes. No more warmongering lies.

If this resignation leaves a hole in the news the size of poetry, then that is the true shape of the present. — Anne Boyer

Hamas is currently having a guy roasting the IDF video, I'll translate the video later if it gets released independently without translation

Biden is such a coward. Calling Xi a “dictator” after the conference is over and he left. Real tough-guy move there, Genocide Joe.

Two detained in Saudi Arabia for publicly praying for Gaza

A sheikh of Algerian origin was detained by police in Madinah, Saudi Arabia for reportedly praying for Palestine and its people.

The sheikh states that he did not make the call and prayer on video but only shared with people that he had prayed for Palestinians in the land of the two holy mosques for Muslims.

"I consider it an honour that I was detained in the city of the messenger of Allah. Is it a crime to pray for the weak, and the oppressed, as hospitals and mosques are destroyed? Little children were killed and slaughtered. Doesn’t this require us to pray? We pray in the most honourable places. Is it dangerous?" asks the sheikh as he cautions people to keep their prayers between themselves and their God.

It's apparently not the only instance of this, either.

One month has passed, pope continues not excommunicating joe biden

Sanders calls for a ceasefire!

Twitter losers are handling this OBL letter thing in the worst way possible.

"Oh if you agree with what he says about 9/11 then why don't you go read this book called Mein Kampf?"

Zoomers are gonna become Nazis just because libs can't stop themselves from making smug comments.

Norman Finkelstein on Twitter

I was supposed to debate a person named "Destiny" this evening at 6:00 pm. He agreed that Briahna Joy Gray would moderate the debate. Ms. Gray accepted. I provided Mr. "Destiny" with references so as to help him along in the debate. He called my scholarship "atrocious" so I anxiously awaited this challenge. But then Mr "Destiny" disappeared. I guess this debate wasn't our -- you guessed it -- destiny.

Xi Jinping looks happier to meet Newsom than Biden lmao

Making fun of the IDF necrophiliac squad is actually a new form of antisemitism called cum libel.

1923: The world's richest man is an antisemite. The hot new music on the street is experimental jazz flute.

2023: The world's richest man is an antisemite. The hot new music on the street is experimental jazz flute.

France issues arrest warrant for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad

Mr Al-Assad, your under arrest, please go to the nearest French police station. Based on a quick look at a map, it's probably in Menton or Nice.

Hexbear Travel Group presents the first Russian Ukraine group trip! Embark on a captivating 10-day journey through the heart of Russian Ukraine! Explore the charming cities of Donetsk, Avdiivka, Mariupol, Soledar, Bakhmut, Robotyne, Kherson and Tokmak, each offering a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. From picturesque landscapes to rich traditions, this trip promises an unforgettable experience. Book now for an immersive adventure and discover the hidden gems of Russian Ukraine!

Day 1: Donetsk

• Landing at the historic Donetsk International Airport

• Experience the captivating life of a Donetsk civilian by dodging shells in central Donetsk

Day 2: Avdiivka

• Guided tour of the famous Avdiivka Coke Plant

• Visit to the Promka industrial zone

• For a small fee, write a personalised message and lob your very own shell towards central Donetsk

Day 3: Bakhmut (Prigozhingrad)

• Walking tour of beautiful downtown Bakhmut

• Buy a bouquet and lay it on the feet of the Yevgeny Prigozhin memorial statue

Day 4: Soledar

• VIP all inclusive experience in the Soledar Salt Tunnels

• Free shopping day

Day 5: Kherson

• Explore the natural beauty of the Russian countryside in a 9 hour train journey to Kherson

• Pilot an FPV drone over the Dnieper at night and capture some unforgettable photos

Day 6: Kherson - Nova Kakhovka

• Experience life like a solider in the newly-opened Kherson Surovikin Park

• Pilot a small raft across the Dnieper and avoid the falling grenades from the sky

• Fun and wet treasure hunt in the former site of the Nova Kakhovka dam reservoir

Day 7: Robotyne

• Visit to the unique Leopard Graveyard Park

• Capture amazing photos on top of the countless Bradleys, Leopards and Strykers

• Landmine fun in the forest belts north of Robotyne

Day 8: Tokmak

• Visit to the Tokmak Trench Center

• Learn how to build a trench from world renowned Russian trench instructors

Day 9: Mariupol

• Beach adventures on the Azov Sea

• Immersive guided tour of Azovstal, including the VIP POW experience in the tunnels of Azovstal

• Chechen-themed farewell dinner in Akhmat's Tunnel Bakery

Day 10: Mariupol

• Early departure from Mariupol International Airport

Israel propaganda is drinking from the same well of cringe as the Ukraine propaganda blitz back in 2022. The difference is that Zelensky is a good actor and can actually pull off the "cute victim" role and his side characters like Reznikov also pulled it off well, while the Israelis just can't not be genocidal and insanely evil in every single statement. From a Western lib perspective, cute short camo-wearing actor-president Zelensky was perfect to sell the Ukraine war, but Netanyahu is just so clearly evil and can't even be repackaged into a good propaganda tool. Same goes for evil Peter Griffin twin Ben Gvir, or zombie looking Gantz, or the countless weirdo ultra-zionist losers crying on TV. Really hard to sell people on the crying propaganda when you're the ones committing the clear genocide.

Israel is currently cooking up the most concentrated copium the world has ever seen in that hospital basement.

Presidential debate night yesterday in Argentina, and Milei got demolished by Massa. Lots of things, Milei looked like absolute shit, he tried to present himself as the dominant one very early in the debate but he couldn't even scratch Massa's rock solid face. Lots of discussion revolving around the economy, and I think my favorite moments were when Massa exposed Milei on foreign policy. First, Massa acknowledges the "multipolar world", which is a big plus to me because it means he's aware that the world is changing, while Milei stays in a static "US-ISRAEL THE FREE WORLD" position (Yes, he said "Israel" is the free world).

Then came Massa's attack on Milei regarding his plan to cut relations with Brasil and China because they're communists. He got absolutely demolished here: He forced Milei to walk back on his sayings, to provide "context" while cornered and to fail spectacularly while doing so. He says that "the state shouldn't interfere" in the economy, yet he planned to cut relations with them (clear state interference). Then he claimed that it is the "private sector" who should decide to trade, or not, with them, and if the relations are cut, "privates will find a way to continue trading, either by triangulating or by finding alternatives on their own". Well look at fucking that lmfao, turns out the "economy understander" doesn't understand international commerce and relations. Cutting relations with either of these countries sends the argentinian economy into absolute chaos, Brasil is our largest trading partner and China is not far behind, what the fuck is he even thinking lmfao.

Later on the topic of Malvinas was brought upon the debate, and while both candidates "agrees" that Argentina should reclaim the islands, Massa attacked him because back in the day Milei said he admires none other than Margaret fucking Thatcher. Of all people, that fucking witch. She is THE enemy of modern Argentina, like everyone here (and in many other places, as well) fucking hates her. But he doesn't, he likes her. So he had to provide a reason as of why he likes Thatcher, he said that he "understands the war, but there's people who have done great things" (Thatcher? lmao), he mentioned he admires Reagan, Thatcher and Churchill. Just look at how the list gets progressively more and more ghoulish lol. Then for some reason he attacked Massa saying that "he must have felt very bad during 1989 when the wall was brought down", huh? His mind is stuck in the Cold War and in the "End of History" of the 90s.

Finally, Massa delivered a massive hit to Milei, he touched something that Milei holds very dearly and almost made him cry. Turns out that back when Milei was almost graduated from whatever university he was on, he worked temporarily in the Central Bank as part of his final studies. He HATES the Central Bank though, his campaign continuously talks about "demolishing" it. So, apparently, he was kicked out of his post in the Central Bank because he showed psychological issues. After Massa delivered this blow, Milei just couldn't gather enough strenght to counterattack, he could barely talk, his voice was very low and shaky. It was beautiful. He also accussed Massa of "trying to steal the election", Trump-esque move. How splendid.

This debate should be the final nail in the coffin, his performance was dreadful and, I hope, it finally convinces the undecided to either not vote for Milei or vote for Massa, which sucks but at least he doesn't have dementia. Elections are next sunday, if we can bury this motherfucker we can talk about trying to rebuild, step by step, in a new world.

Edit: I made so many grammar mistakes. Damn, I'm really struggling these days.

In the past three years alone, life as a young transgender person in the U.S. has changed dramatically. Before 2021, gender-affirming medical care was legal in all 50 states. None had even tried to ban it. Today, 22 states have passed restrictions on that care—and while several have been blocked in court or have yet to take effect, most are active law. (Article)

I wonder who was President when all that went down.

A man follows Israeli occupation forces instructions and leaves his home holding a white flag.

His son comes with him and is shot in the head by fascist Israeli soldiers.

What the actual fuck?

CW: literal war crimes

https://twitter.com/Lowkey0nline/status/1725509200913014838?t=GFBzfCidhLWWLxQqglbWhg&s=19

I've been listening to the second season of Blowback about Cuba and it's really cooking my noodle how similar the old propaganda about Cuba is to the new propaganda about Hamas. Apparently some Yanks accused Cuba of having secret caves full of nuclear missiles - compare that to today's hysteria about secret tunnel headquarters under hospitals and schools in Palestine. Same shit as al Qaeda's supposed mountain fortresses during the war in Afghanistan too. It's unreal how the media and politicians can trot out the same lies over and over to fabricate excuses to attack their enemies

Israeli security cabinet member and agriculture minister Avi Dichter says the quiet part out loud, as he has openly admitted that "We're Rolling Out Nakba 2023."

'We're Rolling Out Nakba 2023,' Israeli Minister Says on Northern Gaza Strip Evacuation

https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2023-11-12/ty-article/israeli-security-cabinet-member-calls-north-gaza-evacuation-nakba-2023/0000018b-c2be-dea2-a9bf-d2be7b670000

According to a friend in Berlin, lots of subreddits are getting geoblocked in Germany for apparently supporting Palestine. I had a quick look it seems to be the case, including publicfreakout, therewasanattempt, and Britain as some of thr bigger ones. Naturally, the scum over at r/Europe are celebrating and suggesting other subs to rat out to the German authorities.

Comrade @InevitableSwing@hexbear.net posted this at the tail end of the last news mega:

Nitter

I wanted to share it here because when I saw that, I really made me think about that quote from Disco Elysium (which was taken from a Russian poem, I believe):

In dark times, should the stars also go out?

My crush hasn't texted me back yet. Hamas must pay for this.

Biden ordered to shut the fuck up by Blinken

I feel like I can discern what the Israeli strategy is going to be here - storm Al-Shifa, dress the basement+tunnels up to look like what they think a command bunker looks like, film it, declare victory - but beyond the propaganda for foreign audiences, I'm really sure what that... does? Like, in the actual world? They might even try and do the classic "make a symbolic victory, leave Gaza without actually having defeated their enemy at all" move, but that can't really work. Not even in a "well erm acktually there are still Hamas fighters existing in the tunnels" way, but because the tunnels are still pretty much mostly unstormed and uncleared, Hamas still has the ability to take your tanks out, and most importantly from a propaganda point of view, still has the ability to launch missiles into Israel. Westerners are willing to believe a lot, and I mean a LOT of bullshit, but giving a victory speech in Tel Aviv while the sirens are blaring from missile strikes incoming would probably raise some eyebrows.

Omelas but there's a 24/7 livestream of the child suffering and every news channel is telling you that it's good

Israel is hard at work turning a hospital into a horrorshow.

Israeli forces arrest two engineers at al-Shifa Hospital: Health ministry

The Palestinian Health Ministry says Israeli soldiers arrested two in-house engineers at al-Shifa Hospital.

The ministry said those detained are al-Shifa’s sole electric generator mechanic, and the only technician for oxygen stations who is present at the hospital.

- Al Jazeera

The story was reported by NY Post (reactionary) so I won't directly link, but there was a walkout by bus drivers in Northern Va, refusing to transport demonstrators to the Ethnic Cleansing rally. 300 people left on the tarmac is kind of a drop in the bucket, but it's nice to know that those drivers stuck to their principles

China is on track to blow right past their Paris Agreement targets. Peak oil, peak coal and peak carbon are all coming way ahead of schedule and China's contracting construction industry is a huge boon to GHGe targets.

Some aggregated analysis on the current status of China's energy transition. Recall what China's updated Paris Agreement commitments are

Analysts today are expecting China to hit peak carbon by 2024, 6 years ahead of schedule. This is primarily driven by hitting peak gasoline in 2023 driven by plug-in EVs and hybrids making 38% of new car sales and growing fast, as well as peak coal in 2024 driven by massive adoption of renewable energy. New solar deployments in China in 2023 are expected to reach >150GW and wind projects are progressing at a similar rate. In fact, clean energy deployments are expected to exceed demand growth in 2023. By every metric, China is on track to blow this commitment out of the water.

Note that some research was already indicating that China could hit peak carbon around this time:

We develop an ensemble time-series model with machine learning approaches as the projection benchmark, and show that China’s carbon peak will be achieved by 2021–2026 with > 80% probability. Jiandong Chen, Chong Xu, Ming Gao & Ding Li. Carbon peak and its mitigation implications for China in the post-pandemic era. Scientific Reports 12, 3473 (2022).

The optimized results show that China's energy-related carbon dioxide emissions could peak between 2022 and 2025, most likely in 2023, with CO2 emissions of 11.21–11.56 Gt. Shiwei Yu, Shuhong Zheng, Xia Li, Longxi Li. China can peak its energy-related carbon emissions before 2025: Evidence from industry restructuring. Energy Economics 73, 91-107 (2018).

Joint research by NRDC and Chinese Academy of Environmental Planning (CAEP) finds that China’s top coal-consuming sectors—power, steel, cement, and coal-chemicals—can collectively peak both coal consumption and carbon dioxide emissions in 2025. Jake Schmidt et al. China’s Top Industries Can Peak Collective Emissions in 2025. National Resources Defense Council (2022).

We can also choose to break this down by industry. Today, China's emissions are dominated by electricity (42%), steelmaking and cement (15%+12%), and transportation (11%). Let's consider each industry.

In the electricity sector, we have already discussed the rapid deployment of renewables and the possibility of peak coal by 2024. Looking at things more closely, we see how this does not contradict with China's construction of more coal power plants with 392GW of coal power plant capacity in the pipeline. First, note that China has decreased coal power plant utilization from 70% to 53%. This means that each power plant is on for only 53% of the time. Moreover, recall that the past few years have seen rolling blackouts across the country due to droughts and insufficient peak electricity capacity. It's difficult to argue that addressing rolling blackouts shouldn't be a pressing issue, and it's one that renewables are currently unsuited to address due to variability in production. It's expected that China will use coal power plants for peaking demand and rely on renewable deployments increasingly for typical load. This is supported by recent national policy that pays for unused capacity for fossil fuel producers: the goal is to idle plants until they are needed to address peak demand.

With regards to steel and cement, we have to look at China's construction industry which is the largest consumer of these products. Recall that in 2020, China took the decision to tighten financing rules for developers to curb reckless borrowing. This has driven a significant contraction in the construction industry and has led to stagnating demand for steel and cement. This is not a coincidence. Meanwhile, China has been increasing EAF deployment (which uses scrap instead of iron ore to produce crude steel) to further decarbonize the steel industry. The cement industry is further along and China's mass adoption of modern cementmaking techniques have significantly reduced the carbon footprint of cement. In general, the real estate industry is a microcosm of Chinese economic policy: China drives massive investment into an industry using economic stimulus, cuts stimulus and pushes towards privatization with large government contracts, pushes the industry to overcapacity to leverage economies of scale (exploiting market processes to drive down costs), then ratchets down demand to replenishment levels. What this means is that costs get driven down extremely fast and efficiencies are extracted at scale, but long-term market stability is iffy. For example, we can compare costs between China and the US in construction (Tier 1 cities in China average 1000USD/sqm, US (apartments) average 4300USD/sqm), or in high-speed rail (21 million USD/km of HSR in China, compared to 126 million USD/km in the US). The same story is true in the solar, wind, and battery industry. China sacrificed short-term GDP growth from real estate in exchange for reducing emissions from a contracting construction sector... and it's worked.

With regards to transportation, we can point to the rise of HSR (supplanting air travel), the rise of electric vehicles (supplanting ICE vehicles), the rise of subways (supplanting cars), and the rise of micromobility vehicles (also supplanting cars). Passenger volume on HSR replaces air travel demand, 38% of new cars are EVs, buses and taxis are increasingly electrified, massive expansion into urban rail transit, and the largest micromobility sector in the world. This increased electricity demand was expected to drive an increase in coal demand, but as we saw coal demand is expected to plateau as early as next year anyway.

China is also leading in reforestation, which acts as a huge carbon sink that is often misreported in official numbers. Frankly, more data is needed to understand the true impacts of reforestation in terms of carbon sequestration. I believe that reforestation efforts provide the key to carbon capture and storage mechanisms in the near future.

University of Helsinki students occupied a building in support of Palestine. The university denied the request to use the space for the protest (unlike other protests this year) and so they called the cops. Pig walks in to a crowd of booing like

amid chants of "University, you can't hide, you're supporting genocide!"

My dog started digging holes in the backyard. Could it be that these tunnels are for hamas ? Is my dog actually a hamas terrorist ? Further observation is required.