Make sure you’re registered. Find poling and drop box locations. See if your mail in ballot was received.

Reach out to your clerk of you notice anything weird

This is probably a fool’s errand, but I really want to connect with local-ish people to build and test mesh networks.

It’s genuinely fun stuff, and the possibilities are pretty wild if you have an open mind.

Anyway, I started a community on my own server. The idea is to complement what Michmesh is doing, not replace it. They’re doing fantastic work, and I’m grateful for it.

Full disclosure: I have no idea how to start a community, and the various fediverse quirks haven’t exactly made it easier. 😂

I’m mostly just doing this for the fuck of it. I want to connect with people around West Michigan who are interested in this stuff and see if we can build some actual infrastructure together.

No grand plan, no ulterior motive. Just a place to find each other, share what we’re tinkering with, and maybe turn some ideas into something real.

If that sounds interesting, come check it out. Tell us (me lol) what you’ve got running, what you’re experimenting with, or what you’d like to build.

And if you join just to lurk, that’s cool too. We all start somewhere.

Community: https://piefed.aurionblack.com/c/[email protected]/p/2205/roll-call-who-s-on-the-air-in-gr

This article is related to the city of Grand Rapids because it describes an act of terror against our current elected representative, Hillary Scholten.

“According to a news release from Scholten’s office, a letter received by her Grand Rapids office purported to be from DSA and made a “direct and specific reference” to an impending “civil war” beginning after the midterm election.

She called on DSA to condemn the threats made in its name and deny responsibility if it was not involved.”

This whole thing feels off to me. Getting some serious “found bullet casings with inscriptions” vibes with this story.

Not saying that her office didn’t get a threatening letter with suspicious white powder. All I’m saying is her response and how the media is framing this is making my eyes roll.

The DSA doesn’t benefit at all by these acts of terror. Scholten’s response is disappointing and playing right into the goals of who ever is doing this.

Also, if this was perpetrated or condoned by DSA you would think they would get the return address correct.

“The DSA also said that it had not occupied the offices listed as the letter's return address since 2013.”

Anyway, I’m not associated with DSA. Don’t know if I fully support everything they stand for. I’m also still gonna vote for Scholten. But stuff like this does not make me excited about her.

I’m very conflicted at the moment.

Lost Art used to have one of the coolest “hidden” seating areas I’ve ever been in. Couches, comfy chairs, coffee tables, awesome art and decorations, all tucked away from the bar in this little old-timey speakeasy vibe of a lounge. It felt like you’d stumbled into a secret room that only the local gangsters knew about.

The smash burgers came from a food truck parked just outside. You’d grab a beer, order a burger, and settle into this weird little hidden corner of the world. It was such a fun, unique setup.

They made some changes, probably for the better, but I still miss that early food truck/speakeasy situation.

The secret dining area was gutted out and replaced with a full ass kitchen!

Now they have a wider variety of edible options, like this tasty lab beef dip I took a pic of…not the most embarrassing photo I’ve ever taken. But pretty close.

Their fried cheese bits should probably be scheduled by the DEA, and are the best cheese based appetizer to ever exist. (Don’t agree? Fight me)

I know I can’t have me beer and drink it too, But no amount of delicious food can fill the gaping hole in my soul where that weird little speakeasy lounge used to be.

Anyone out there into LoRa stuff like meshcore/meshtastic/reticulum?

Has anyone tried out the veo bikes yet?

Link to city webpage: Shared Micromobility

I remember using the lime bikes a while ago. Got charged incorrectly a few times (the bike thought it wasnt in its 'zone', even tho it was) and they didnt really make it clear where the boundaries were. For instance, we took the bikes from Housman Field to Riverside park one time. It worked great, till it didnt.

Turns out you had to ride on the roads they tell you to (usually the big busy ones and NOT the lower traffic side roads...), otherwise the motor cuts off. Not fun when going up hills.

Anyway, e-bikes are expensive and the risk of it getting stolen is non-zero. Something like veo looks enticing with a lower upfront cost. However, the service areas add a bit of a barrier, at least for me.

Any thoughts or experiences you would like to share?

here is a link to the service area: Service area map

Be inspired by local community activists who will speak to the importance of casting your ballot, join your community to learn how to be election protectors and commit to holding our elected officials accountable to their promises after they take office! Together, we will show up en masse and say "We are not scared to exercise our Constitutional right to engage in the democratic process!"

We decide who represents us. We decide what comes next.

For more than a year, millions of people have come together to reject the idea that power belongs to kings, billionaires, or politicians who believe they are above the people and the law.

Now, we are taking the next step, turning people power into voter power. Unlike previous No Kings actions, No Kings: Vote Early, is not purely a protest. Instead, on October 17th, it's a day of nonpartisan voter participation: we are bringing our community together to make a plan to vote early and ensuring every eligible voter understands their options for how to vote and has the opportunity to make their voice heard.

Because no one person gets to decide our leaders before voters do. On October 17th, join us in local events across the country as we get out the early vote and say it loud: no thrones, no crowns, no kings.

No Kings: Vote Early events are nonpartisan and are designed to increase participation from all eligible voters.

A core principle behind all No Kings events is a commitment to nonviolent action. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values and to act lawfully at these events. Weapons of any kind, including those legally permitted, should not be brought to events.