The CEO of my favorite tech company kissing the dictator's ass. Not a good look, Mr. Cook. https://x.com/tim_cook/status/1854225875002396860

I am also a NYT Crossword completionist, but since I don't solve with NYT software, I have never had a streak. I use my own app, https://redsweater.com/blackink/, and could arguably continue solving without "crossing the picket line", but I'll abstain and solve the missed days after the strike.

The NYT Tech Guild went on strike yesterday, but I didn't hear until after I'd solved the day's Wordle and Crossword. A staggering 95% of the union's membership voted to strike, and they ask us to "break our streaks." Today I wave goodbye to my 197 day Wordle streak in solidarity.

@tjw Check this 1983 performance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOLsnzuIADM

@tjw He played "A New England" and I sang along, but I didn't know this history. Thanks!

@tjw Is that who that is? Magical.

Here's the original "Sexuality" from way back before Billy Bragg decided to style his hair after me. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Xsv9iZPYwE

He adapted a verse from his classic "Sexuality" to:

Just because you're they
I won't turn you away
If you stick around
I'm sure that we can find the right pronouns!

The song was profound when he wrote it, and he's made it even more profound for our current time.

Something I want to shout out about Billy Bragg's recent show in Medford, MA (down the road from Boston): he has adapted his 40+ year human rights messages to explicitly embrace trans people. Talking about "brothers, sisters, and siblings" is powerful, and so meaningful to many.