Greetings Earthlings. As the title says, we are still looking into all those rock formations out there, this time with Peter Waksman who blogs at https://rockpiles.blogspot.com/. Meanwhile, in the news we continue to look into those who seem to have rocks in their heads like our Fool-on-the-Hill and "Those Whose Brains Were Small and They Died" and more, but first it's time for.......Revenge of the Critters! Big tusker on the rampage in India.
The week's Fool-on-the-Hill is "U.S. Rep. Max Miller... telling Ohio constituents concerned about Immigration and Customs Enforcement activities that “ICE does not conduct patrols, raids, or sweeps looking for illegal aliens, but strictly conducts targeted enforcement actions” focused on “those who pose the greatest threat to public safety.” (O, like dragging kids from their schoolrooms??) Does this Ohio fool watch the news?? He went on that “targets are often those who were arrested on local criminal charges or have a blatant disregard for U.S. immigration laws.” However, a Washington Post analysis of ICE data through mid-October found that more than 60% of people detained in at-large arrests since June did not have criminal convictions or pending charges. Never mind rando bystanders getting beaten, apprehended or shot dead. Here is an Indivisible Action link on ICE. And HERE is a list of Dem congress fools who voted to fund ICE. Now it goes to the Senate.
Many in today's FBI, under the alleged leadership of weirdo Kash Patel, as well as the U.S. Dept. of Justice, now a unconstitutional prosecutorial wing of the White House, are behaving like giant reptiles of the Mesozoic Era. "There Brains Were small and They Died" by the way. Where to start?? The Presidential pardons for all the J6 Insurrectionists? The FBI refusal to investigate the murder of Renee Nicole Good and instead investigate her widow and non-violent protesters? How about this: "A report published... by the watchdog group Public Citizen shows that the Trump administration in the president’s second term has so far canceled or halted 159 enforcement actions—from federal investigations to lawsuits—against 166 corporations accused of illegal conduct."? (That bit of corruption is just the tip of the ice berg). Like dinosaurs rampaging across the landscape, this lot acts for all the world like the monsters they truly are. Take heart, someday soon they'll all be history.
Our Doublespeak of the Week goes to she who must daily try turning reality upside down, His Malignancy's Press Secretary and slave to disinformation, Karoline Leavitt who said: "America is back, and the whole world knows it. @POTUS is undoubtedly the leader of the free world. He's also the businessman, and negotiator-in-chief.." Umm.....do we really have to vet that one?? Does the term "pariah" come to mind? At Davos this "leader of the free world" spoke about himself (surprise!) "Usually they say, 'he's a horrible dictator-type person.' But sometimes you need a dictator." Actually.......no, we don't.
Once again we must turn from The Mad King's (#NoKings) war on reality and the U.S.A. to his War on Nature. His Malignancy pimping for Big Oil & Gas while simultaneously trying to vanquish clean energy is only part of this ugly destructive picture. His executive agencies are also working to undermine their own decades old mandates. The EPA is "attempting to eliminate its own power to govern pollution. The agency is soon expected to release its final proposal to repeal the landmark “endangerment finding,” an Obama-era rule that gave it the authority to regulate the greenhouse gases that warm the earth; at the same time, it will also repeal its rule limiting automotive carbon emissions. The agency also confirmed..that it will no longer quantify the human health benefits of regulating industrial pollution, a change that could justify far more lenient oversight of toxic emissions from things like smokestacks and power plants." How twisted is that??
That and more and "It's STILL the Climate Crisis, Stupid!" with an ‘Unprecedented Run of Global Heat’ according to Inside Climate News. And, Ocean heat in 2025 was also at record levels. And as World Meteorological Secretary General Celeste Saulo explained, “High land and ocean temperatures helped fuel extreme weather – heatwaves, heavy rainfall and intense tropical cyclones.” The link between all that and its cause tells many of us that Big Oil & Gas should pay for it, yes?
ENOUGH! It's time for our Critter of the Week and some good old news from David Foster: "Wolves are becoming well established across mainland Denmark, are reproducing, and are expected to increase substantially. Through ongoing immigration from Germany and native breeding since 2019, the population now stands around 78 animals, comprising at least eight breeding pairs, six packs, 23–28 wandering individuals, and 35 pups born in the country in 2024. What makes this phenomenon so astonishing is how ill suited this countryside appears for wolves. That is, unsuited by conventional thinking, the kind that suggests that moose could not adapt to southern New England; that bears would not situate around the cities of western Massachusetts; or that coyotes, beavers, and fishers would not saturate these same landscapes. As I explored the dynamics of wolves in Denmark, I reflected on the ongoing return of native wildlife to the much more heavily forested landscape of New England and asked—Why not here?" Glad you asked, David. One reason is the cowboy mentality from days of old. We've talked about that on the show for years, just recently Glen spoke of Aldo Leopold's "Sand County Almanac" and the author's epiphany regarding this keystone species.
And that brings us to our Quote of the Week:
The cowman who cleans his range of wolves does not realize that he is taking over the wolf’s job of trimming the herd to fit the range. He has not learned to think like a mountain. Hence we have dustbowls, and rivers washing the future into the sea.
- Aldo Leopold.
After Glen's talk with our guest it's on to the Bus Stop Billboard:
Weekly. Here's Indivisible Northampton — Swing Left Western Mass's complete daily listing of all the pro-democracy events in WMass: https://in-slwm.org/wp-content/uploads/Calendar/cal.html. If you're looking for an easy weekday way to jump into the climate movement, you'll love the State House Stand Out! We gather at the Massachusetts State House between 10 am and 2 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Volunteers stand together for 2-hour "shifts," either outside or inside depending on weather, and talk with visitors and State House staff about the Climate Crisis. And This: Western Mass General Strike is hosting drop-in sessions on Wednesdays, 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Hadley Public Library for conversation and networking around general strikes and other forms of economic resistance. If you would like to get involved in organizing prior to that, contact us at wmgeneralstrike@proton.me. And This: Every Wednesday, 11am-1pm | Bearing Witness to ICE, Burlington, MA. Stand in solidarity outside the ICE Enforcement & Removal Operations Office. Together, we can show love and support for immigrants, express our shame at ICE, and bear witness to the cruel and unconstitutional actions of our government. Info/Sign Up. Fridays , 11:30 AM – 1 PM thru Nov 21: Stop Citizens Bank From Financing Private ICE Prison Standouts. At Public sidewalks on King Street in Northampton, in front of Stop and Shop Plaza (Citizens Bank has a branch inside Stop and Shop). Register HERE. ALSO Williamsburg, 11:30 to 12:30 Fridays 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm: Overpasses for Democracy Coordinated Visibility Standout, Wisdom Way Overpass on I-91, Greenfield. Join us for a coordinated event where Indivisible chapters across Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut stage a massive bridge overpass banner event. Register here on Mobilize.us. ALSO: De-ICE Hanscom is excited to announce weekly afternoon standouts will take place every Friday from 1:30pm to 3:00pm at the Hanscom Rotary. The Hanscom Rotary is at the intersection of Hanscom Dr. and Old Bedford Rd. in Lincoln, MA. Please park along Old Bedford Road or Hanscom Drive without impeding traffic or blocking bike lanes. Folks can sign up for De-ICE Hanscom's contact list at this link. Every Monday, 11:30am. -12:30pm. Join us each Monday at the VA Medical Center to show your support for our veterans and federal workers. All the cars honking will brighten your day, too! Bring flags, signs, and friends! VA Medical Ctr, 421 N Main St, Route 9, Leeds, MA. Park in the VA Visitor lot or, if you have a sticker or are a Veteran, park in Look Park. Register here. Saturdays: Noon to 2pm. Weekly Standout at Pride for Migrant Workers, Sidewalk in front of Pride gas station, intersection of Routes 9 and Bay Road in Hadley, 25 Russell St. Hadley, MA 01035. & 2 to 4pm Peaceful Protest, Granby, MA Town Green, U.S. 202 & Connecticut 20, Granby. Go HERE. ALSO No Fear Street Theater stands out on Burlington Mall Road, Burlington, MA every Saturday from 11 am to 1 pm. with signs, costumes, and flags to show support for our immigrant neighbors. Sign Up HERE.
Monday January 26, 6:30pm. Greening Greenfield is presenting the first presentation in its Water and the Climate series with a lecture by Didi Pershouse titled “Regenerating the Pioneer Valley’s Soil Sponge and Living Climate at the Second Congregational Church, Court Square, Greenfield, MA
Monday January 26, 7 to 8:30pm. Climate Action Now gathering via Zoom. As we engage with our hearts and souls in building a massive, inclusive, non-violent movement to defeat fascism, we know that our work for climate/environmental justice must continue. Many of us are also exploring pathways that will lead us closer to the just and life sustaining future we all long for. Register here
Tuesday January 27, 7pm. Moving from Defense to Offense: How to Build Power with Long-term Strategy - A discussion with Professor Stephanie Luce. We’re facing multiple crises, from an unstable economy to climate crisis to attacks on immigrants and others. How can we defend ourselves and neighbors and fight back, and still build power for transformative change? How can we move beyond our current polarization and develop a vision and strategy for an alternative that works for the majority? Can we build a world grounded in solidarity, community and sustainability rather than competition, individualism and waste? Stephanie Luce will share lessons from her co-authored book Practical Radicals, plus inspiring stories of resistance from around the country. Go HERE.
Wednesday January 28, 11 am - 1 pm: WMILAN and JAIJ are carpooling again to join the ongoing Bearing Witness at the ICE Field Office protest. Registration for Event . Link for Carpooling. Here is a link for more information. There's also a Facebook page for ongoing updates. As you'll see in the registration, there are carpooling options.
The Problem with Plastic: How We Can Save Ourselves & Our Planet Before It’s Too Late. Join the authors to discuss this eye-opening and inspiring new book published by the New Press. The plastic pollution crisis is massive, systemic, and urgent. But “The Problem with Plastic” offers hope: We, collectively, have the power and influence to effectively slow the production of plastic. Plastic pollution is not inevitable; it’s the result of choices made by businesses, governments, and, to a lesser extent, everyday people. By equipping people with knowledge, hope, and an arsenal of solutions, we can put people and the planet before plastic, and save ourselves while there’s still time. Go HERE.
Friday January 30 12:00 – 1:30pm on Zoom. The Massachusetts "DOER is committed to transparency and engaging with stakeholders to ensure the best outcomes for the important work we do. At the Town Hall, DOER Leadership will provide a brief introduction to DOER, an overview of key initiatives for 2026, timelines with opportunities for engagement throughout the year, and a Q&A session." [Expect the status quo - Bring hard questions] Go HERE.
Wednesday, February 4, 6 pm - 8 pm: LUCE Bystander Training, Fundraiser, and Performance: First Congregational Church in Amherst, MA. Led by organizers from the LUCE Immigrant Justice Network, this evening will be part bystander training, and part LUCE Hotline fundraiser. It will feature traditional Latin American dance performances by Grupo Folklorico Tradiciones and community singing with Show Up Sing Out!
February 5 – March 26, 2026. How Trees & Forests Shape Our Climate, an eight-week, science-based course that explores how intact forests regulate climate through water cycles, biodiversity, and living ecosystem processes, while challenging the persistent myths driving unnecessary forest destruction. Entry fee. Go HERE.
Thursday February 5, Noon. "Tree Committees & Urban Forestry – Making Collaboration Work". Tree committees are a common platform for volunteers and professionals to share expertise and guidance on local urban forest management. Join Connecticut’s Urban Forestry Coordinator, Dr. Danica Doroski, as she draws from research and practice to inform these important collaborations. To attend live on 2/05/26 @ Noon (Eastern) and receive an ISA/0.5 MCA CEU at no cost, click here or visit www.joinwebinar.com & enter 719-727-803 (Space will be limited – all attendees should be prepared to join the live broadcast promptly)
Saturday February 7, 2 to 4pm. In Person Indivisigather! Come together with like-minded others to learn more about IN-SLWM - what we've been up to , what our plans are for this crucial upcoming year, and how YOU can get (even more?) involved! We'll have yummy refreshments, time to schmooze, time to take action and maybe even some swag and games! And, help grow the resistance by bringing a friend - or two! Go HERE.
Monday February 9, 7pm. Growing Climate Resilience: The Charles River Regional Tree Planting & Protection Plan Virtual via Zoom. Join our webinar to learn about CRWA's 2025 Regional Tree Planting & Protection Plan for the Charles River watershed, highlighting the recommendations for communities to protect, maintain, and grow our tree canopy.
Tuesday February 17, All Day. National Day of Direct Action. FLARE and Citizens’ Impeachment are teaming up for a national day of action. Where Your representative’s office. “On February 17th, 2026, we will hold organized meetings with congressional offices in their home districts. This is an opportunity to show directly to their face that their constituents demand better. We will not be satisfied with empty promises. We want leaders who will honor their oath and do their job: Defending the Constitution by impeaching Donald Trump.” Website: citizensimpeachment.com
Sunday February 22, 2pm: In Conversation with Chuck Collins about his new book: Burned by Billionaires: How Concentrated Wealth and Power Are Ruining Our Lives and Planet (published Oct 2025) & implications for the fight to stop the proposed private jet expansion at Hanscom or Anywhere. Interview by Diane Proctor, Concord-Carlisle League of Women Voters. At Concord Public Library, in person & remote. Collins will discuss his book and how its focus intersects with the proposed private jet expansion at Hanscom. More details and RSVP form to come soon!
Tuesday February 24, 8:30 - 11 am. Join us at the James Michael Curley House for a morning of gratitude and celebration! Enjoy light refreshments as we honor our dedicated Emerald Necklace volunteers and recognize our Volunteer Award recipients. Go HERE.
Wednesday March 4, 7pm: SPJE Webinar with Dr. William Moomaw on how trees are critical to biodiversity and carbon sequestration & implications for the proposed private jet expansion at Hanscom and its 20 acres of threatened trees. More details and RSVP form to come soon!
That's all folks......except remember to listen to your Mother!
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