Buzz, buzz, motherfucker.
Buzz, buzz, motherfucker. Digital Vision./Getty Images

Genetically engineered, virus-carrying insect army: The Pentagon’s program calls them ‘Insect Allies,’ and they are supposed to be designed “to combat crop loss during agricultural emergencies.” Opponents of this study, composed of rightfully skeptical scientists, penned an article about how this could be ultimately and easily weaponized, opening “Pandora’s Box.” The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s project manager for ‘Insect Allies’ said “I don’t think that the public needs to be worried.” Wow, that’s all we needed to be reassured . . .

We have an illegal dumping problem: Where did people learn that when they are done with something, they just plop it anywhere and suddenly it is no longer their problem? And no, this is not a problem that is due to any single demographic, it’s freaking everybody. The Seattle Public Utilities Graffiti & Illegal Dumping Program manager says there are no specific plans to solve the issue. Perhaps a bit of societal shame could prod them in the right direction? Probably not. Slog commenters always seem to have the answer. What do you think?

Brett Kavanaugh's Supreme Court Nomination will advance to a vote: The final confirmation vote will in all likelihood be this weekend.


Before we talk any more about Trump or Kavanaugh, it may make you feel better to keep this image in mind: That’s our president!


Trump calls protesters “rude elevator screamers,” and Orrin Hatch tells female protester to “grow up:” While they apparently believe continually demeaning women is an effective strategy, I believe they are probably mistaken. Alas, women are pissed. When men are angry, they throw hissy-fits in courtrooms and talk about beer incessantly. When women get pissed, they take to the streets and demand justice. Fuck yeah! As you can see in this footage, some decent men have joined in as well.




Retired Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens says Brett Kavanaugh is not fit: But all those workouts with Tobin? With Squee? Oh, I see, Stevens is saying he is unfit for the court. I guess I just thought that was obvious after his unhinged testimony in which he ended by whining about some conspiracy about the Clintons taking revenge on him.

Trump hotels not doing well in big, elitist, liberal-cuck cities: Yes, apparently the hateful, racist, misogynistic ‘antics’ of his political success have manifested into a downturn in revenue for his hotels. Caught in the crossfire are investors who are themselves sickened by Trump, and now losing money. Investing is risky, and even though while reading this Seattle Times piece it is difficult to not feel bad for the people being dragged down with the ship, that’s kind of just how investing works.

No energy source is totally inconsequential: Researchers at Harvard concluded that an “all-out expansion” of wind turbines would warm the country more than fossil fuels. The more important point they make is that fossil fuels are still way, way worse. Any changes cause by wind turbines are only when they are active, and deactivating them would stop their negative effects. The take-away they give is ultimately just wanting people to realize that every power-source, no matter how much better it is than what we currently have, has a negative.

Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte to undergo second colonoscopy: He said, “If it's cancer, it’s cancer.” The international criminal court was submitted a report last year with evidence that he was responsible for “extrajudicial executions and mass murder.” He has also praised Hitler, and has made jokes about raping women.

Brown widow spider found in Oregon for the first time: And word around the block is they’re coming to Washington next! Well, no. They are still trying determine whether they have established a population. Brown widows are tropic spiders and usually found in California and Florida and experts say “it is almost never seen north of Los Angeles.” They also make a point to say that brown widows are not much of a threat to humans anyway. Boring. Who needs ‘em anyway when we got ‘Insect Allies’!

Another rough week: Hold strong friends. Take a page out of kitten-Gouda's playbook, and try to snuggle into the weekend like this.

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Michael Bell

This weekend's best Seattle entertainment options include: "America's largest festival of beef" (Cowabunga), a night of mind-expanding readings, music, and performances hosted by Gramma, and the Earshot Jazz Festival.