Rebecca
@phytoseiid.bsky.social
Ph.D. Entomologist
I just want to learn about bugs and help farmers, but the fascists keep interrupting me.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are good things.
When someone attacks a party member, we all roll for initiative.
I just want to learn about bugs and help farmers, but the fascists keep interrupting me.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are good things.
When someone attacks a party member, we all roll for initiative.
Reposted by Rebecca
This will make it nearly impossible to file habeas petitions, because attorneys won’t even know what federal district their client has been moved to to stage for their removal.
Something like a third of all people in ICE custody.
apnews.com/article/ice-...
Something like a third of all people in ICE custody.
apnews.com/article/ice-...
AP Exclusive: ICE hides locations of thousands of detainees with final removal orders
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has stopped publicly revealing where it is holding most detainees who are subject to final deportation orders, in a move that has made it harder for lawyers an...
apnews.com
September 21, 2026 at 5:06 PM
This will make it nearly impossible to file habeas petitions, because attorneys won’t even know what federal district their client has been moved to to stage for their removal.
Something like a third of all people in ICE custody.
apnews.com/article/ice-...
Something like a third of all people in ICE custody.
apnews.com/article/ice-...
Reposted by Rebecca
Sad excuse for journalism: Big profile of DOGE lord doesn’t say a word about all the damage he did. And it was not an “ill fated cost-cutting effort.” It was a malignant, catastrophic attack on the government and its workers by arrogant and ignorant assholes. www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2...
He spent 11 months inside DOGE. Now he wants to set the record straight.
In his first major interview about his tell-all memoir, Tyler Hassen describes the culture clash surrounding DOGE’s mission and the backlash that followed.
www.washingtonpost.com
September 21, 2026 at 4:01 PM
Sad excuse for journalism: Big profile of DOGE lord doesn’t say a word about all the damage he did. And it was not an “ill fated cost-cutting effort.” It was a malignant, catastrophic attack on the government and its workers by arrogant and ignorant assholes. www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2...
Reposted by Rebecca
Lysenkoism lives. www.nytimes.com/2026/09/20/s...
White House Moves to Take Control of N.I.H. Grants
www.nytimes.com
September 20, 2026 at 7:53 PM
Lysenkoism lives. www.nytimes.com/2026/09/20/s...
Reposted by Rebecca
The main reason "the right" operated outside of academia is because they are wrong about almost everything. Passing off provably false information as "an opinion from the right" or "a different viewpoint" just makes everyone dumber- which is precisely where we are today.
August 25, 2026 at 5:14 PM
The main reason "the right" operated outside of academia is because they are wrong about almost everything. Passing off provably false information as "an opinion from the right" or "a different viewpoint" just makes everyone dumber- which is precisely where we are today.
Reposted by Rebecca
one of the reasons why there's no great demand for "conservatives" in the social sciences and the humanities is that there's no desire to constantly reiterate the debates of the late 19th century.
August 25, 2026 at 2:21 PM
one of the reasons why there's no great demand for "conservatives" in the social sciences and the humanities is that there's no desire to constantly reiterate the debates of the late 19th century.
Reposted by Rebecca
Viewpoint diversity is the opposite of peer review. You should not be leading a university if you don’t believe in peer review asheeshksi.substack.com/p/producing-...
August 25, 2026 at 12:57 PM
Viewpoint diversity is the opposite of peer review. You should not be leading a university if you don’t believe in peer review asheeshksi.substack.com/p/producing-...
Reposted by Rebecca
The point. Of universities. Is not. To perform. The political spectrum.
Viewpoint diversity is the opposite of peer review. You should not be leading a university if you don’t believe in peer review asheeshksi.substack.com/p/producing-...
August 25, 2026 at 5:05 PM
The point. Of universities. Is not. To perform. The political spectrum.
Reposted by Rebecca
The architect of #NIH cuts is Russell Vought whose own daughter is alive today because of advances in treating cystic fibrosis, brought to us, to the Vought family, by NIH. 1/
www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
Project 2025 is gutting medical funding that helped Russell Vought's own kid
Its architect's daughter has cystic fibrosis—and benefits from a "miracle drug" backed by an agency he's attacking.
www.motherjones.com
April 30, 2025 at 3:51 PM
The architect of #NIH cuts is Russell Vought whose own daughter is alive today because of advances in treating cystic fibrosis, brought to us, to the Vought family, by NIH. 1/
www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
I am not a working artist and I don't think anything I do is very good, but I do make my own illustrations for figures.
The day I tried to draw scissors was deeply haunted.
The day I tried to draw scissors was deeply haunted.
One thing they don’t tell you about being a working artist is that every once in a while a picture is simply Haunted and, for reasons beyond the reach of man, simple things you have done a thousand times will be Very Hard and Look Bad and you will lose ten years of skill for the duration of that job
September 21, 2026 at 6:36 AM
I am not a working artist and I don't think anything I do is very good, but I do make my own illustrations for figures.
The day I tried to draw scissors was deeply haunted.
The day I tried to draw scissors was deeply haunted.
Reposted by Rebecca
I was excited to learn yesterday that I won 2nd place for investigative reporting from the NC Press Association for my story about militant accelerationism for @theassemblync.bsky.social
This is a story I'm continuing to tell. More to come soon!
www.theassemblync.com/news/media/n...
This is a story I'm continuing to tell. More to come soon!
www.theassemblync.com/news/media/n...
I’ve Seen How the Neo-Nazi Movement Is Escalating. You Should Worry.
After unmasking extremist groups, reporter Jordan Green got a first-hand look at how the ‘militant accelerationism’ movement operates.
www.theassemblync.com
July 17, 2026 at 1:26 PM
I was excited to learn yesterday that I won 2nd place for investigative reporting from the NC Press Association for my story about militant accelerationism for @theassemblync.bsky.social
This is a story I'm continuing to tell. More to come soon!
www.theassemblync.com/news/media/n...
This is a story I'm continuing to tell. More to come soon!
www.theassemblync.com/news/media/n...
I've been weirdly into John Brown for a long time and the more I read about him, the more I appreciate his conviction to his morals and utter lack of hypocrisy.
September 21, 2026 at 5:56 AM
I've been weirdly into John Brown for a long time and the more I read about him, the more I appreciate his conviction to his morals and utter lack of hypocrisy.
It is 100% a barn owl. This mystery has been ongoing since 2024 at least. I have never seen the owl, but it has definitely flown over my head twice this year (sound gets quiet, then louder, then quieter again in the opposite direction).
Ya'll it was likely a barn owl. 🤦♀️
I heard someone play a recording of one and it clicked. I will be VIGILANT this summer and see if it sounds right when I know what to listen for.
(Nature is a good distraction from the madness)
I heard someone play a recording of one and it clicked. I will be VIGILANT this summer and see if it sounds right when I know what to listen for.
(Nature is a good distraction from the madness)
Animal sound ID request!
What animal is active at night, during summer months, in central WA that makes a sound that is like raaaaaaaaaa.
It is like a screech. Not too high pitched or loud. It sounds like maybe how someone would make a velociraptor noise.
Has been heard any time it is full dark.
What animal is active at night, during summer months, in central WA that makes a sound that is like raaaaaaaaaa.
It is like a screech. Not too high pitched or loud. It sounds like maybe how someone would make a velociraptor noise.
Has been heard any time it is full dark.
September 21, 2026 at 5:51 AM
It is 100% a barn owl. This mystery has been ongoing since 2024 at least. I have never seen the owl, but it has definitely flown over my head twice this year (sound gets quiet, then louder, then quieter again in the opposite direction).
Reposted by Rebecca
Occasionally I wonder if the lack of general outrage is a function of people subconsciously assuming that this was the case all along.
September 8, 2026 at 6:46 PM
Occasionally I wonder if the lack of general outrage is a function of people subconsciously assuming that this was the case all along.
Reposted by Rebecca
We are punishing people for having devoted their lives to helping us all.
NSF is consolidating its geoscience research grants into a new program, GEOcore and reducing annual grants to $110 million total in 200-350 awards. Typical was about $300 million in 1,200 awards. Not including institutional grants ($1.3 billion/yr) and those may be gone.
www.nsf.gov/funding/oppo...
www.nsf.gov/funding/oppo...
Geosciences Core Research: Atmospheric, Geospace, Earth and Ocean Sciences (GEO Core)
www.nsf.gov
September 9, 2026 at 4:43 AM
We are punishing people for having devoted their lives to helping us all.
Reposted by Rebecca
If we are to truly resist fascism, we must reject the idea that only the strong survive.
We must categorically reject any notion that worth is determined by physical ability or socioeconomic status or what you produce under capitalism.
We must build networks of community care.
We must categorically reject any notion that worth is determined by physical ability or socioeconomic status or what you produce under capitalism.
We must build networks of community care.
September 9, 2026 at 4:50 AM
If we are to truly resist fascism, we must reject the idea that only the strong survive.
We must categorically reject any notion that worth is determined by physical ability or socioeconomic status or what you produce under capitalism.
We must build networks of community care.
We must categorically reject any notion that worth is determined by physical ability or socioeconomic status or what you produce under capitalism.
We must build networks of community care.
Our Servants, or Law makers; are totally unworthy the name of Half Civilized Men. All their National acts, are false, to the words spirit, & intention, of the Constitution of the United States, & the Declaration of Independence.
September 9, 2026 at 5:18 AM
Our Servants, or Law makers; are totally unworthy the name of Half Civilized Men. All their National acts, are false, to the words spirit, & intention, of the Constitution of the United States, & the Declaration of Independence.
It is rough out there and the world is literally on fire here in the PNW. But I did make my loaches popsicles and you may enjoy watching them:
August 3, 2026 at 4:52 AM
It is rough out there and the world is literally on fire here in the PNW. But I did make my loaches popsicles and you may enjoy watching them:
Reposted by Rebecca
A couple of weeks ago I rode to Newburyport MA and saw this COVID memorial and realized this is the only one I have ever seen anywhere. And the fact that I nearly broke down seeing it is something I still think about.
July 29, 2026 at 5:26 PM
A couple of weeks ago I rode to Newburyport MA and saw this COVID memorial and realized this is the only one I have ever seen anywhere. And the fact that I nearly broke down seeing it is something I still think about.
Reposted by Rebecca
Autopsies show how hard doctors tried to save babies who died after not getting a vitamin K shot: tubes inserted in their airways, blood transfusions.
They’re excruciating to read because they underscore how preventable these deaths could have been.
(Published May)
They’re excruciating to read because they underscore how preventable these deaths could have been.
(Published May)
What I Can’t Forget About the Babies Who Died After Not Receiving a Vitamin K Shot
Babies have died after not receiving the vitamin K shot at birth. Their autopsy records underscore how preventable their deaths could have been.
www.propublica.org
July 23, 2026 at 12:08 AM
Autopsies show how hard doctors tried to save babies who died after not getting a vitamin K shot: tubes inserted in their airways, blood transfusions.
They’re excruciating to read because they underscore how preventable these deaths could have been.
(Published May)
They’re excruciating to read because they underscore how preventable these deaths could have been.
(Published May)
Reposted by Rebecca
Once you understand that this is a model of science written by non-scientists who hate universities but love venture capital and redirecting money to political allies, everything makes a lot more sense.
www.nytimes.com/2026/07/22/u...
www.nytimes.com/2026/07/22/u...
Trump’s Plan for Science: More Money for A.I., Less for Universities
Michael Kratsios, President Trump’s science adviser, proposed overhauling how the government funds research. Democrats said Mr. Trump’s actions had weakened science.
www.nytimes.com
July 23, 2026 at 12:30 AM
Once you understand that this is a model of science written by non-scientists who hate universities but love venture capital and redirecting money to political allies, everything makes a lot more sense.
www.nytimes.com/2026/07/22/u...
www.nytimes.com/2026/07/22/u...
Reposted by Rebecca
Politically, I really don't understand @gluesenkampperez.house.gov's FISA vote.
Warrantless wiretapping is unpopular across the political spectrum so she's giving her primary opponent @bhennrich.bsky.social a great opportunity to lambaste her on an issue that cuts across party line.
Warrantless wiretapping is unpopular across the political spectrum so she's giving her primary opponent @bhennrich.bsky.social a great opportunity to lambaste her on an issue that cuts across party line.
June 11, 2026 at 3:36 PM
Politically, I really don't understand @gluesenkampperez.house.gov's FISA vote.
Warrantless wiretapping is unpopular across the political spectrum so she's giving her primary opponent @bhennrich.bsky.social a great opportunity to lambaste her on an issue that cuts across party line.
Warrantless wiretapping is unpopular across the political spectrum so she's giving her primary opponent @bhennrich.bsky.social a great opportunity to lambaste her on an issue that cuts across party line.
Reposted by Rebecca
Vote for and donate to @bhennrich.bsky.social ! Brenthennrich.com
We deserve better in WA State CD 3!
We deserve better in WA State CD 3!
Brent Hennrich – Washington's 3rd Congressional District Candidate
Brenthennrich.com
July 23, 2026 at 5:03 AM
Vote for and donate to @bhennrich.bsky.social ! Brenthennrich.com
We deserve better in WA State CD 3!
We deserve better in WA State CD 3!
Waiting until after 10 PM to walk the dogs for the temperature drop below 90F. Yuck.
July 23, 2026 at 5:21 AM
Waiting until after 10 PM to walk the dogs for the temperature drop below 90F. Yuck.
Reposted by Rebecca
all these old farts are terrified because they think this is a jump from silent to sound or horses to cars and they don't want to get left behind when it's like pet rocks being touted as a replacement for dogs and also the rocks are uranium
George Lucas likens AI sceptics to luddites clinging to horses and carts
George Lucas likens AI sceptics to luddites clinging to horses and carts
The Star Wars director has called AI technology ‘the future’ of film-making and advised ‘there’s nothing you can do about it’
Star Wars director George Lucas has added his voice to the growing chorus of film-makers receptive to the rising use of AI tools in moviemaking.
Speaking in an interview with A Rabbit’s Foot, Lucas, 82, said: “Artificial intelligence means it’s much easier for us to make movies.” Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
July 15, 2026 at 7:53 PM
all these old farts are terrified because they think this is a jump from silent to sound or horses to cars and they don't want to get left behind when it's like pet rocks being touted as a replacement for dogs and also the rocks are uranium
Reposted by Rebecca
The news is always "This absolute fool was dismantled in hearings today. He is manifestly unqualified for the position and would be an existential danger if confirmed. Disaster. He is set to be confirmed immediately." When you ask why everyone is furious and exhausted all the time, this is why.
July 15, 2026 at 6:41 PM
The news is always "This absolute fool was dismantled in hearings today. He is manifestly unqualified for the position and would be an existential danger if confirmed. Disaster. He is set to be confirmed immediately." When you ask why everyone is furious and exhausted all the time, this is why.