Ariel
@sycoraxpine.bsky.social
Reader, amateur beekeeper, theatregoer, prof, chicken enthusiast, perpetually novice aerialist, feeder of two cats and one small (human) dragon
Reposted by Ariel
we fucking loved it, even when there was basically nothing on it, and let me tell you something else: we loved it because of human connection, human diversity, human creativity. WE DON'T NEED A SINGLE THING ANY OF THESE COMEMIERDAS HAVE MADE AND TRIED TO SELL US IN ORDER TO HAVE A GREAT INTERNET.
i especially love all the dopes saying “when the internet first went mainstream everyone hated it too” like it happened in the pioneer days so no one can dispute it, like mf’ers we were THERE
October 4, 2026 at 10:29 PM
we fucking loved it, even when there was basically nothing on it, and let me tell you something else: we loved it because of human connection, human diversity, human creativity. WE DON'T NEED A SINGLE THING ANY OF THESE COMEMIERDAS HAVE MADE AND TRIED TO SELL US IN ORDER TO HAVE A GREAT INTERNET.
Reposted by Ariel
Over and over I am telling my engineering students: the more hands-on you are, the better you will be at weathering the AI storm.
This requires turning away from the “applied science” flavours of engineering and to get back to traditional engineering that resulted in building stuff.
This requires turning away from the “applied science” flavours of engineering and to get back to traditional engineering that resulted in building stuff.
Early warning signs are mounting that AI is already impacting the job market in NYC.
New data just out show entry-level job postings in the city are way down in the careers most exposed to AI. Below chart shows change in NYC since 2022:
This is coming fast and we are doing almost nothing about it.
New data just out show entry-level job postings in the city are way down in the careers most exposed to AI. Below chart shows change in NYC since 2022:
This is coming fast and we are doing almost nothing about it.
October 4, 2026 at 9:12 PM
Over and over I am telling my engineering students: the more hands-on you are, the better you will be at weathering the AI storm.
This requires turning away from the “applied science” flavours of engineering and to get back to traditional engineering that resulted in building stuff.
This requires turning away from the “applied science” flavours of engineering and to get back to traditional engineering that resulted in building stuff.
Reposted by Ariel
fun fact: The Treaty of Tripoli, 1796, Signed by Prez John Adams, includes:
"As the government of the United States of America is *not in any sense founded on the Christian Religion*, as it has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion or tranquility of [Muslims].."
Just saying.
"As the government of the United States of America is *not in any sense founded on the Christian Religion*, as it has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion or tranquility of [Muslims].."
Just saying.
October 4, 2026 at 7:49 PM
fun fact: The Treaty of Tripoli, 1796, Signed by Prez John Adams, includes:
"As the government of the United States of America is *not in any sense founded on the Christian Religion*, as it has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion or tranquility of [Muslims].."
Just saying.
"As the government of the United States of America is *not in any sense founded on the Christian Religion*, as it has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion or tranquility of [Muslims].."
Just saying.
Reposted by Ariel
Not even going to watch the video. I was literally on a committee for such reforms during my PhD at Cornell (why was a PhD student wasting time on this instead of well paid admin?). Admin is not interested and does not care. HR and Title IX are not our friends.
This new statement from President Kotlikoff, comes two weeks—no, two years—too late.
statements.cornell.edu/2026/2026100...
statements.cornell.edu/2026/2026100...
Message from President Michael I. Kotlikoff
statements.cornell.edu
October 4, 2026 at 9:13 PM
Not even going to watch the video. I was literally on a committee for such reforms during my PhD at Cornell (why was a PhD student wasting time on this instead of well paid admin?). Admin is not interested and does not care. HR and Title IX are not our friends.
Reposted by Ariel
I love this institute. I’ve had the honor of presenting and learning alongside amazing scholars of Black feminist thought. This is this beloved institute’s last year. I’ll miss it deeply.
Grad students, you should apply ❤️🌺 (link is here: gendersexualityfeminist.duke.edu/black-femini...)
Grad students, you should apply ❤️🌺 (link is here: gendersexualityfeminist.duke.edu/black-femini...)
October 4, 2026 at 7:39 PM
I love this institute. I’ve had the honor of presenting and learning alongside amazing scholars of Black feminist thought. This is this beloved institute’s last year. I’ll miss it deeply.
Grad students, you should apply ❤️🌺 (link is here: gendersexualityfeminist.duke.edu/black-femini...)
Grad students, you should apply ❤️🌺 (link is here: gendersexualityfeminist.duke.edu/black-femini...)
Reposted by Ariel
With the threat of political violence at unprecedented levels, state and federal GOP candidates are openly sharing racist, pro-militia, anti-vaccine, sexist, antisemitic, and secessionist views.
These Extremists Are Running for Election in November
With the threat of political violence at unprecedented levels, state and federal GOP candidates are openly sharing racist, pro-militia, anti-vaccine, sexist, antisemitic, and secessionist views.
buff.ly
October 4, 2026 at 8:53 PM
With the threat of political violence at unprecedented levels, state and federal GOP candidates are openly sharing racist, pro-militia, anti-vaccine, sexist, antisemitic, and secessionist views.
Reposted by Ariel
The rise in dengue in the US was predicted a quarter century ago by #climate scientists in the first US National Climate Assessment.
This article doesn't mention climate change.
thehill.com/policy/healt...
This article doesn't mention climate change.
thehill.com/policy/healt...
Florida’s dengue outbreak reportedly largest US has seen in decades
A dengue fever outbreak in the state of Florida appears to have grown to the largest in the continental U.S. in decades, totaling 252 reported cases this year in the Sunshine State according to an …
thehill.com
October 4, 2026 at 3:12 PM
The rise in dengue in the US was predicted a quarter century ago by #climate scientists in the first US National Climate Assessment.
This article doesn't mention climate change.
thehill.com/policy/healt...
This article doesn't mention climate change.
thehill.com/policy/healt...
Reposted by Ariel
“GOTTA LEARN AI OR BE LEFT BEHIND.” Good. Fuck off! Leave me behind! Enjoy your artbarf rapture, your janky Temu future. I’ll be back here looking at real birds and writing weird, also real, books.
October 4, 2026 at 4:21 PM
“GOTTA LEARN AI OR BE LEFT BEHIND.” Good. Fuck off! Leave me behind! Enjoy your artbarf rapture, your janky Temu future. I’ll be back here looking at real birds and writing weird, also real, books.
Reposted by Ariel
we fucking loved it, even when there was basically nothing on it
i especially love all the dopes saying “when the internet first went mainstream everyone hated it too” like it happened in the pioneer days so no one can dispute it, like mf’ers we were THERE
October 4, 2026 at 9:00 PM
we fucking loved it, even when there was basically nothing on it
Reposted by Ariel
Since this summer, ICE has been arresting asylum applicants at airports.
Many came legally, then applied for asylum. They have been here for years just stuck in a massive line, working and paying taxes while they wait.
No prior admin would have arrested them. Their “overstay” is due to DHS delay.
Many came legally, then applied for asylum. They have been here for years just stuck in a massive line, working and paying taxes while they wait.
No prior admin would have arrested them. Their “overstay” is due to DHS delay.
October 4, 2026 at 8:53 PM
Since this summer, ICE has been arresting asylum applicants at airports.
Many came legally, then applied for asylum. They have been here for years just stuck in a massive line, working and paying taxes while they wait.
No prior admin would have arrested them. Their “overstay” is due to DHS delay.
Many came legally, then applied for asylum. They have been here for years just stuck in a massive line, working and paying taxes while they wait.
No prior admin would have arrested them. Their “overstay” is due to DHS delay.
Reposted by Ariel
Here is some helpful info from WHO www.who.int/news-room/fa...
Plague
Fact sheets on plague: key facts, signs and symptoms, diagnosing, treatment and prevention
www.who.int
October 4, 2026 at 6:20 PM
Here is some helpful info from WHO www.who.int/news-room/fa...
Reposted by Ariel
Quarantining every single person who had contact with that woman is a very smart thing. And Public health works when we let it.
October 4, 2026 at 6:19 PM
Quarantining every single person who had contact with that woman is a very smart thing. And Public health works when we let it.
Reposted by Ariel
Not a medical doctor, but a historian of medicine. Pneumonic plague is much more serious than bubonic plague. It's also much rarer. BUT, both are treatable with antibiotics if caught early. So, it's a scary story, but let's slow our roll a bit.
October 4, 2026 at 6:17 PM
Not a medical doctor, but a historian of medicine. Pneumonic plague is much more serious than bubonic plague. It's also much rarer. BUT, both are treatable with antibiotics if caught early. So, it's a scary story, but let's slow our roll a bit.
Reposted by Ariel
there is simply no replacement for “having personal attention from an actual teacher who cares”
October 4, 2026 at 6:18 PM
there is simply no replacement for “having personal attention from an actual teacher who cares”
Reposted by Ariel
*whispers* electorates across the Western world make very similar decisions because they’re governed by similar philosophies efforts to identify the “worst” work to occlude this fact.
The electorate is absolutely that stupid. Like the American electorate is the most stupid electorate in the developed world.
October 4, 2026 at 6:18 PM
*whispers* electorates across the Western world make very similar decisions because they’re governed by similar philosophies efforts to identify the “worst” work to occlude this fact.
Reposted by Ariel
As I’ve asked many times now, what constituencies does a university president represent? Because too often, the answer seems to not include anyone who works or studies at the university, and that seems like a problem.
October 4, 2026 at 5:16 PM
As I’ve asked many times now, what constituencies does a university president represent? Because too often, the answer seems to not include anyone who works or studies at the university, and that seems like a problem.
Reposted by Ariel
"Essentially, their careers are based on their appeal to the editors of the Atlantic, official publication of the donor class. Or look at Conor Friedersdorf of Thomas Chatterton Williams.
And that's who all the "free speech" culture stuff is aimed at. Because the movement is donor/patron-driven."
And that's who all the "free speech" culture stuff is aimed at. Because the movement is donor/patron-driven."
(1/X) Check out a typical Harper's letter signatory's Twitter feed and you'll mostly *still* find 80% complaints about the "woke left", even in the midst of the greatest government crack-down on free speech in at least 60 tears.
Why? Because the "free speech" movement is donor/patron-driven.
Why? Because the "free speech" movement is donor/patron-driven.
October 4, 2026 at 2:27 PM
"Essentially, their careers are based on their appeal to the editors of the Atlantic, official publication of the donor class. Or look at Conor Friedersdorf of Thomas Chatterton Williams.
And that's who all the "free speech" culture stuff is aimed at. Because the movement is donor/patron-driven."
And that's who all the "free speech" culture stuff is aimed at. Because the movement is donor/patron-driven."
Reposted by Ariel
Part of why I don't like the AI-or-bust economy is the constant flopsweat of people on the news who say this HAS to work. Quit making everyone so anxious. Goddamn. If this is the next Google then why are you acting like this? I don't remember being told to buy an iPhone at gunpoint.
October 4, 2026 at 3:08 PM
Part of why I don't like the AI-or-bust economy is the constant flopsweat of people on the news who say this HAS to work. Quit making everyone so anxious. Goddamn. If this is the next Google then why are you acting like this? I don't remember being told to buy an iPhone at gunpoint.
Reposted by Ariel
I feel like the times my students spend on developing basic mathematical concepts — estimation, algebraic manipulation, dimensional analysis — lead to the some of the most valuable skills they develop in foundational chemistry courses
October 4, 2026 at 1:15 AM
I feel like the times my students spend on developing basic mathematical concepts — estimation, algebraic manipulation, dimensional analysis — lead to the some of the most valuable skills they develop in foundational chemistry courses
Reposted by Ariel
"Just 5 Infections Responsible For More Than 2 Million New Cancer Cases Annually"
🦠H. pylori
🦠Human papillomavirus (HPV)
🦠Hepatitis B virus (HBV)
🦠Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)
🦠Hepatitis C virus (HCV)
🦠H. pylori
🦠Human papillomavirus (HPV)
🦠Hepatitis B virus (HBV)
🦠Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)
🦠Hepatitis C virus (HCV)
Just 5 Infections Responsible For More Than 2 Million New Cancer Cases Annually
Cancer may seem like an inevitable part of life, but there are so many factors that can help reduce your risk.
www.sciencealert.com
September 30, 2026 at 5:33 AM
"Just 5 Infections Responsible For More Than 2 Million New Cancer Cases Annually"
🦠H. pylori
🦠Human papillomavirus (HPV)
🦠Hepatitis B virus (HBV)
🦠Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)
🦠Hepatitis C virus (HCV)
🦠H. pylori
🦠Human papillomavirus (HPV)
🦠Hepatitis B virus (HBV)
🦠Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)
🦠Hepatitis C virus (HCV)
Reposted by Ariel
😡
We need to create laws that make intentional or neglectful unlawful detention explicitly illegal, so that these actions are not 'miscarriages of justice' or "enforcement overreach" but are recognized as overtly criminal actions, and *prosecuted* as such.
We need to create laws that make intentional or neglectful unlawful detention explicitly illegal, so that these actions are not 'miscarriages of justice' or "enforcement overreach" but are recognized as overtly criminal actions, and *prosecuted* as such.
High school senior Elder Chavez Carranza is an immigrant living in the US legally under a program for abused or neglected children
One day he went to buy food when a cop asked for his papers-which he didn’t have that day. So ICE put him in detention
He has been incarcerated for more than 200 days
One day he went to buy food when a cop asked for his papers-which he didn’t have that day. So ICE put him in detention
He has been incarcerated for more than 200 days
October 4, 2026 at 6:36 AM
😡
We need to create laws that make intentional or neglectful unlawful detention explicitly illegal, so that these actions are not 'miscarriages of justice' or "enforcement overreach" but are recognized as overtly criminal actions, and *prosecuted* as such.
We need to create laws that make intentional or neglectful unlawful detention explicitly illegal, so that these actions are not 'miscarriages of justice' or "enforcement overreach" but are recognized as overtly criminal actions, and *prosecuted* as such.
Reposted by Ariel
On pre-order, our very Welsh Kickstarter project. They Are Still Here features stories of resistance and resilience in Welsh community, with a little help from our supernatural friends. wizardstowerpress.co...
October 4, 2026 at 9:40 AM
On pre-order, our very Welsh Kickstarter project. They Are Still Here features stories of resistance and resilience in Welsh community, with a little help from our supernatural friends. wizardstowerpress.co...
This is something that my partner and I (US-born, living in Canada) have been discussing the need for since (checks watch) 2016.
This is the kind of story the Canadian government would normally go out of their way to shut down.
Not now.These are trial balloons about prepping for US cyber threat and interference.
"Hypothetical" scenarios about fighting an insurgency war.
It's sending a message that we aren't fucking around.
Not now.These are trial balloons about prepping for US cyber threat and interference.
"Hypothetical" scenarios about fighting an insurgency war.
It's sending a message that we aren't fucking around.
October 4, 2026 at 10:46 AM
This is something that my partner and I (US-born, living in Canada) have been discussing the need for since (checks watch) 2016.
Reposted by Ariel
This is such a crystalline expression of Trump’s worldview. The only motivation that matters is money. If you’ve got money, you keep people loyal by giving them “gifts.” If you don’t have much money, you may say you hold certain values, but really, it’s just a matter of finding each person’s price.
October 4, 2026 at 10:02 AM
This is such a crystalline expression of Trump’s worldview. The only motivation that matters is money. If you’ve got money, you keep people loyal by giving them “gifts.” If you don’t have much money, you may say you hold certain values, but really, it’s just a matter of finding each person’s price.
Reposted by Ariel
It’s interesting how the standard bearer for the party whose message used to be “Democrats suck because they just buy votes by giving people free stuff” has decided the closing message for the midterms will just be “how many more checks do we have to send you in order to earn your vote?”
New: Trump’s abrupt announcement to send $90 payments to seniors by dipping into a Medicare fund has rattled Capitol Hill.
One GOP aide told WaPo that lawmakers had planned to use the money to offset funding for community health centers, diabetes programs and other initiatives.
One GOP aide told WaPo that lawmakers had planned to use the money to offset funding for community health centers, diabetes programs and other initiatives.
Trump announces plan to send $90 payments to millions of seniors
The White House said the one-time payments would be drawn from a fund set up to improve Medicare.
www.washingtonpost.com
October 4, 2026 at 9:55 AM
It’s interesting how the standard bearer for the party whose message used to be “Democrats suck because they just buy votes by giving people free stuff” has decided the closing message for the midterms will just be “how many more checks do we have to send you in order to earn your vote?”