"Around the world, authoritarian regimes are increasingly using religion not just as a cultural instrument but as a strategic pillar of political consolidation. This strategy—in which states co-opt religious institutions to lend moral legitimacy to power, stifle dissent, and craft nationalistic narratives—is now a fixture of the authoritarian playbook."
~ Amal Chandra
theunpopulist.net/p/authoritar…
Authoritarian Rulers Are Co-Opting the Sphere of the Sacred to Consolidate Control
China’s attempt to designate the new Dalai Lama in violation of longstanding Tibetan tradition is the most visible example of this trendAmal Chandra (The UnPopulist)
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Read This: Late night writers explain labor implications of Colbert cancellation
https://www.avclub.com/stephen-colbert-late-show-cancellation-labor-vanity-fair?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub
Posted into TV @tv-AVClub
Read This: The labor implications of Colbert cancellation - AV Club
Writers Guild of America members see the cancellation of The Late Show as not just political appeasement, but potentially anti-union.AV Club
Pamela Anderson and Liam Neeson are Hollywood’s new surprise couple
https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/07/29/pamela-anderson-and-liam-neeson-are-hollywoods-new-surprise-couple/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub
Posted into Video and TV @video-and-tv-MercNews
Pamela Anderson and Liam Neeson are Hollywood's new surprise couple
The former ‘Baywatch’ sex symbol and the ‘Schindler’s List’ Oscar nominee have been gushing about since they worked together on “The Naked Gun” revival. Ab…mross@bayareanewsgroup.com (The Mercury News)
Calls for US to sanction Israeli settlers after Palestinian activist killed
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/7/29/calls-for-us-to-sanction-israeli-settlers-after-palestinian-activist-killed?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub
Posted into US & Canada News @us-canada-news-AlJazeera
Calls for US to sanction Israeli settlers after Palestinian activist killed
Trump rolled back sanctions against Israeli settlers, including Yinon Levi, the alleged killer of Awdah Hathaleen.Al Jazeera
Asia Minute: Shipbuilders may help ease tariffs for South Korean automakers - EUROPE SAYS
The Trump administration has been announcing trade deals in recent days as a Friday deadline approaches for tariffs. One of the countries that's coming downEUROPE SAYS
youtube.com/watch?v=bqmPuRwX2U…
The Colonial Mean Girl Who Almost Ended America
Was Peggy Shippen the real mastermind behind Benedict Arnold’s betrayal? Peggy successfully fooled the most powerful men in America, including George Washing...YouTube
ChatGPT's New Study Mode Is Designed To Help You Learn, Not Just Give Answers - Slashdot
An anonymous reader quotes a report from Ars Technica: The rise of large language models like ChatGPT has led to widespread concern that "everyone is cheating their way through college," as a recent New York magazine article memorably put it.news.slashdot.org
Lindor’s Mr. Met headband - Raw Chili
Does anyone know where to buy these? Are they team issue only? TIA & LGMAuthor (Raw Chili)
Has Trump’s naming of Alina Habba created a crisis in the federal courts?
https://www.nj.com/politics/2025/07/has-trumps-naming-of-alina-habba-created-a-crisis-in-the-federal-courts.html?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub
Posted into NJ Politics @nj-politics-NJcom
Has Trump’s naming of Alina Habba created a crisis in the federal courts?
Justice Department officials defended the appointment of the Acting U.S. Attorney, as questions lead to a standstill in ongoing criminal casesTed Sherman | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com (nj)
New Zealand wine industry legends pouring their hearts into a new labor of love
https://www.pennlive.com/food/2025/07/new-zealand-wine-industry-legends-pouring-their-hearts-into-a-new-labor-of-love.html?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub
Posted into Food & Dining in Central Pa.: PennLive.com @food-dining-in-central-pa-pennlive-com-PennLivedotcom
New Zealand wine industry legends pouring their hearts into a new labor of love
You've heard of the Kim Crawford label, which put New Zealand wines on the world map. Erica and Crawford are now building a new road to success with a collection of wines called Loveblock, with a new sparkling landing on Fine Wine & Good Spirits' she…Paul Vigna | pvigna@pennlive.com (pennlive)
Officials say ‘first-of-its-kind’ housing coming to Highland Park; will fill ‘huge gap’ for adults with disabilities
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/07/29/highland-park-disabilities-community/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub
Posted into Business @business-chicagotribune
Officials say ‘first-of-its-kind’ housing coming to Highland Park; will fill ‘huge gap’ for adults with disabilities
A planned cooperative apartment community for adults with disabilities in Highland Park will be a first-of-its-kind.Joseph States (Chicago Tribune)
New Brazil development law risks Amazon deforestation, UN expert warns
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy98jqr4p0xo?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub
Posted into World @world-BBCNews
New Brazil development law risks Amazon deforestation - UN expert
A new environmental licensing law has been criticised by environmentalists as Brazil prepares for COP30.Ione Wells (BBC News)
TIL I learned that police plant "abandoned" cars everywhere hoping to tempt people to break into them and steal them, so they can arrest people. They apparently often snag people just wondering why the heck there is an abandoned car on their street.
This American Life: 394: Bait and Switch
Sketchy, but sadly not surprising.
I had to deal with a small RV abandoned in the alley behind my house, which was not technically my land but an easement belonging to the neighboring church - and they initially didn't want to pay to tow it.
It took a while to deal with it, and I was about ready to break in, pop the clutch, and roll it off into the street.
Reading your other thread, I could see myself getting in some trouble if the RV was a similar car left there for a week or more.
South Korea Offers Whistleblowers $145K Reward for Illegal Sportsbook Tipoffs - EUROPE SAYS
The operator of South Korea’s official sports pool promotion, Sports Toto, will offer whistleblowers up to 200 million KRW ($145,000) for tipoffs aboutEUROPE SAYS
Nvidia AI chip challenger Groq said to be nearing new fundraising at $6B valuation | TechCrunch
Should this new fundraising deal close, it will double Groq's valuation in about nine months.Julie Bort (TechCrunch)
'I've got this opportunity': Former GOP rep blames anti-corruption rules for sudden exit
Former Rep. Mark Green (R-Fla.), who officially left Congress last week to pursue a business venture, said in a Tuesday interview that he was “cagey” about his decision because he did not want to be accused of using his position to promote his new co…Ailia Zehra (Alternet.org)
AI vs. AI: Prophet Security raises $30M to replace human analysts with autonomous defenders
https://venturebeat.com/ai/ai-vs-ai-prophet-security-raises-30m-to-replace-human-analysts-with-autonomous-defenders/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub
Posted into Security @security-venturebeat
AI vs. AI: Prophet Security raises $30M to replace human analysts with autonomous defenders
Prophet Security raises $30 million to launch a fully autonomous AI cybersecurity platform that investigates and responds to threats without human intervention, promising 10x faster response times and 96% fewer false positives.Michael Nuñez (VentureBeat)
Trump says Epstein 'stole' Virginia Giuffre and other young women from Mar-a-Lago spa
https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/trump-epstein-stole-virginia-giuffre-young-women-mar/story?id=124184340&utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub
Posted into Politics @politics-abc
Trump says Epstein 'stole' Virginia Giuffre and other young women from Mar-a-Lago spa
The comments appear to be the most detailed he has made publicly.Alexandra Hutzler (ABC News)
Just completed this project for a fellow Redditor - Raw Chili
A fellow Redditor came to me about creating a replica of a Phillies foam finger. His son had got one at his first Phils game but got destroyed. So I designedAuthor (Raw Chili)
Fighter jet swerves dramatically to avoid birds near packed beach
https://www.bbc.com/news/videos/clyr2qx0y87o?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub
Posted into World @world-BBCNews
Fighter jet swerves dramatically to avoid birds near packed beach
Footage shows a Spanish fighter jet narrowly missing a flock of birds during an air show in Gijon.www.bbc.com
Who buys the F-150s, and more Japan deal mysteries
The long-awaited trade deal between the U.S. and Japan has investors celebrating after months of uncertainty. But as the song goes, nagging questions always remain.Gearoid Reidy (The Japan Times)
Bowen: Plan to recognise Palestinian state a big change for British foreign policy
https://www.bbc.com/news/videos/cdxyvndz4gjo?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub
Posted into Top Stories @top-stories-BBCNews
Bowen: Plan to recognise Palestinian state a big change for British foreign policy
PM Sir Keir Starmer has said the UK will recognise a Palestinian state in September unless Israel takes "substantive steps to end the appalling situation in Gaza".www.bbc.com
Free download codes:
Behind the Mask - Behind the Mask
"'Behind The Mask' is a compilation of three EPs by the Austrian deathgrind band 𝗕𝗘𝗛𝗜𝗡𝗗 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗠𝗔𝗦𝗞, showcasing their uncompromising, aggressive sound with an explosive mix of brutal riffs and relentless drumming."
#deathmetal #grindcore #deathgrind #austrianmetal #runningwildproductions #music
Behind the Mask - Behind the Mask | Free Bandcamp Codes
“Behind The Mask” is a compilation of three EPs by Austrian deathgrind band 𝗕𝗘𝗛𝗜𝗡𝗗 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗠𝗔𝗦𝗞, known for their uncompromising and aggressive sound. The band delivers an explosive mix of brutal riffs and relentless drumming.getmusic.fm
Watch: How did Gaza get to the brink of starvation?
https://www.bbc.com/news/videos/cjey0v4xjz9o?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub
Posted into Top Stories @top-stories-BBCNews
Watch: How did Gaza get to the brink of starvation?
The BBC's diplomatic correspondent Paul Adams explains how the people of Gaza have reached a point of starvation.www.bbc.com
‘Alien: Earth’ Poses a Big Question: Does Humanity Even Deserve to Survive?
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-features/alien-earth-noah-hawley-interview-1236332522/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub
Posted into Live Feed @live-feed-THR
'Alien: Earth' Poses a Big Question: Does Humanity Deserve to Survive?
The writer-producer interviewed about his upcoming FX series, which expands the 'Alien' saga into a new tale that delves into AI, corporate greed and class warfare.James Hibberd (The Hollywood Reporter)
When the invasion began on 24 Feb 2022, Makov, like other artists in the city, took refuge in Kharkiv’s contemporary art gallery.
The next morning he and his family made their escape, racing to their car as a cruise missile hit the nearby headquarters of the SBU Sec Svc. One of his tyres got a puncture owing to the broken glass strewing the roads. But the family and their pets made it out. And he did end up representing Ukraine at the Venice Biennale.
theguardian.com/world/2025/jul…
‘You’ll never save the world with art, but it will help you survive’: artist calls on Ukraine to promote its culture
Living in Kharkiv, where Russian bombs fall every night, Pavlo Makov says his country needs its artistic mettle as well as military strengthCharlotte Higgins (The Guardian)
Oil Prices Jump After Trump Ratchets Up Truce Pressure on Russia - EUROPE SAYS
(Bloomberg) -- Oil ended the session at the highest levels in over a month as President Donald Trump reiterated that the US may impose additional levies onEUROPE SAYS
UCLA's treatment of Jewish students violates civil rights law, DOJ says
https://www.axios.com/2025/07/29/ucla-doj-violation?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub
Posted into Politics @politics-AxiosNews
GDT: 7/29 Cubs (62-44) @ Brewers (63-43) 6:40 PM - Raw Chili
First Pitch: 6:40 PM at American Family FieldAuthor (Raw Chili)
Ziad Rahbani, Composer Who Defined a Tragic Era in Lebanon, Dies at 69
A son of Lebanese musical icons, he became one himself, with satirical critiques of his country’s dysfunction that melded Arab and Western music.
news.kawaii.gdn/hTaLpG
Published: 29 Jul 2025, 21:54
Author: Jagdish Mehra
File Type: PDF
Download at sci-books.com/the-quantum-prin…
#Philosophy, #JagdishMehra
Calls for US to sanction Israeli settlers after Palestinian activist killed
Trump rolled back sanctions against Israeli settlers, including Yinon Levi, the alleged killer of Awdah Hathaleen.
news.kawaii.gdn/qvWcEb
Published: 29 Jul 2025, 21:43
Medicine Hat's chief administrator placed on temporary paid leave
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/medicine-hat-s-chief-administrator-placed-on-temporary-paid-leave-1.7596769?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub
Posted into Calgary @calgary-cbcnews
ACARS Message From: N19951 / UA0839
Message: REROUTED TO BEADS... RIKNI...MARLN...TESAT EXPECT WE/LL GET THE MARLN ARRIVAL.
Area: Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Live Flight Tracker - Real-Time Flight Tracker Map | Flightradar24
The world’s most popular flight tracker. Track planes in real-time on our flight tracker map and get up-to-date flight status & airport information.Flightradar24
ACARS Message From: N19951 / UA0839
Message: WHATS THE BURN SYD BBN FOR PLANNING. SYD IS HOLDING.
Area: Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Live Flight Tracker - Real-Time Flight Tracker Map | Flightradar24
The world’s most popular flight tracker. Track planes in real-time on our flight tracker map and get up-to-date flight status & airport information.Flightradar24
Zelenskyy to allow over-60s enlist in military – DW – 07/29/2025 - EUROPE SAYS
At least three Ukrainian soldiers were killed, and 18 others were wounded, in a Russian missile strike on a Ukrainian army training ground on Tuesday.EUROPE SAYS
William Lindsey
in reply to William Lindsey • • •"Authoritarian regimes don’t just politicize religion: they reconstruct it to consolidate power, recognizing that spiritual legitimacy shapes identity, loyalty, and meaning. By reengineering faith through state-approved narratives, reincarnation claims, or religious law, they strip believers of spiritual agency and frame dissent as heresy."
#authoritarianism #religion
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