The masked armed men have to wear the masks because the woman in the bathrobe might threaten them

No joke: I got angry hate mail today for writing an obituary of a Black woman scientist—because the person felt she did didn’t deserve the recognition. Which just makes me want to share it again: www.nature.com/articles/d41...

For everyone visiting Minnesota to be a witness, I recommend Howard Mohr’s How to Talk Minnesotan. A light read for a dark time.

The package for my dog’s vitamins. I’m not surprised he doesn’t understand the human-centered message. He just aggressively snatches the “cute” treat. It’s kind of like AI.

At this moment in US history I am thinking of this: youtu.be/Qp3NWzLzaek?...

it's insanely on the nose how maria corina machado is the second ever person to gift away their nobel prize and the first was some guy in nazi occupied norway who gave it to joseph goebbels as a bargaining chip and got nothing out of it

Niners win!

I am wondering if anyone has done any research on how often autocorrect humiliates the author versus saves the author from humiliation.

For those not following at home, “Heritage American” is a category of white supremacy covering people whose ancestors were white folks who were pioneers.

The Epstein Files Should Not Have Been Released This Way www.nytimes.com/2025/12/24/o...

“The New York Times contacted Ms. Farmer about a report stamped with the date of Sept. 3, 1996. She broke down in tears. “I’ve waited 30 years,” she said. “I can’t believe it. They can’t call me a liar anymore.”

Perhaps I am wrong, but the basic arguments against DEI began with Ward Connerly in California in 1980s. Reverse discrimination. I sure there are antecedents, but his efforts seem to lead to legal and legislative success. The basic arguments remain largely the same.

Sunset in Charlottesville.

It’s been two weeks since ICE took Yuanxin Zheng from his father. He is six years old. He’s still not home. This has to end.

Raul Malo, frontman of The Mavericks, dead at 60 after cancer battle

RIP Raul Malo. An exceptional voice.

So was the gushing meeting with Mamdani the tenth war he stopped?

I listened in on the UVa Faculty Senate meeting today. My major observation is that it is an institution under duress. From DOJ and BOV members colluding with DOJ. Stand up for principles or litigate, with likely financial disaster before resolution.

In following the Trump-Epstein stories, let me request as others have, that we are describing the sexual abuse of children. Not young women. Children.

“Affordability” is now the new magical word. Trump has adopted it, at least temporarily. The magic will fade. It will lose its resonance quickly. I recommend using a thesaurus.

Following the election, I am feeling it’s a beautiful day in this neighborhood. And now on with the struggle.

Yeah, but the Hard Rock White House Ballroom will be worth it

Many people are outraged that Trump is demolishing part of the White House. But of course Trump can't do it without help. It's ACECO LLC of Silver Spring MD ("full-service demolition") that is tearing down the People's House. You can call them and let them know how you feel. 1/

Elvis at No Kings rally in Charlottesville.

Our oldest grandchild voted for the first time. In the Virginia election. Congratulations!!!

UVA says Reject the Compact!

A huge crowd at the Reject the Compact rally in front of the UVA Rotunda, 10/17/25.

I’m not sure why this is coming to mind except for the flower and the cop in the middle. But it, once again, made me laugh, for which I am grateful. youtu.be/BkYBJId7WZs?...

I think Nate Silver is more annoying than Larry Sabato. It’s close. But Nate is just ahead of Larry.

I watched the military parade on YouTube. It stirred a lot of thoughts and feelings. Mostly it made me feel sad that these soldiers were used.

Spring in Charlottesville.

While it was great to see a great turnout in Charlottesville today, it was predominantly older people. Where are the young? In particular in a college town?

Charlottesville

I just subscribed to 5 Calls Newsletter! buttondown.com/5calls

2/ And then inserted Americans into administering Iraq based on ideological confor to the Republican Party rather than on experience and competence? The occupation did not go well. I suspect the occupation of the US government is not going to go well.

1/Remember when the Bush administration fired all the bureaucrats in Iraq that were associated with the Ba’ath Party? Removing the people that knew how to make the government function.