A lot goes into these moments (and a lot more work will continue esp. as they implement their action plan), but we celebrate our wins. Penn State Physics is our first awardee in PA, our second Big 10 department, and I believe the largest department who earned this recognition to date.
men can’t understand what it’s like for women to see story after story after story of women being victims of sexual violence in a culture where it’s routine; what it’s like to live in a world that is fundamentally hostile to our existence. it’s a wonder we leave the fucking house, let alone thrive.
The AAS Policy team has published a detailed breakdown of the proposed FY27 budgets for NASA, NSF, and DOE. aas.org/posts/news/2...
Take action now by asking your Senators to sign letters in support of NSF and NASA Science:
1️⃣ aas.org/urge-your-se...
2️⃣ aas.org/urge-your-se...
@policy.aas.org 🔭
I envy one of my cats. He doesn't worry about anything except treats, which he gets on demand. He has good health care, food, shelter, and a union. I bought him a kitten to raise once. People think he's great for just showing up to a Zoom meeting.
SCOOP
The Iranian group producing the Trump LEGO videos have a secret weapon.....Americans who send them tips and ideas to make their content better
www.wired.com/story/inside...
While a lot more goes into these moments, it's nice to celebrate when we can. P/A SEA Change is a large group project- from the societies & reps working together to the participating departments to reviewers & other volunteers to funders. The work is hard, & I'm glad we are working together on this.
There's also a lot around process and patience, that people on a whole are not accustomed to. Plus commodification and sometimes, society suggests that joy in a hobby isn't sufficient :/
I'm similar to you in that I have a lot of hobbies, that cost varying amounts of money. Beyond the funding, I think some people haven't had the opportunity to figure out what they want to pursue. There's also vulnerability in trying something new- from new people to not being good at the thing.
Ah. I was guessing there was something happening with Otaku culture there.
You mean the Univ. of Michigan or the state?
I was having a conversation with a friend, who was trying to figure out why something happened to rationalize why someone was being terrible. Sometimes, Occam's razor is at play and it's not complicated or deep.
A black and white cat in a red satin dragon outfit
Luka and I wish everyone a happy Lunar New Year
I've been taken some generic cold meds, lots of fluids, and sleep. Working from home is a double-edged sword; I was healthy enough to do some work and not infect others, but also- I was unhealthy enough it was challenging
It sounds like you and I have similar illnesses except thankfully, no eye issues for me :/. I've been slowly feeling more normal, but it ebbs and flows.
I hope you feel better sooner <3
My orange cat technically can only see out of one eye.
We're glad you participated, and we look forward to the next 5 years of seeing the plan be implemented.
festival.sundance.org/blogs/give-m... Excited for my friend whose film will be showing at Sundance. He's also going to work on our promo video for SEA Change.
<3
AAS 2026 Congressional Visits Day
This year, in partnership with @aapthq.bsky.social, we're bringing scientists to DC from 13–15 April to advocate for the importance of science and education. No prior policy experience is required. Apply by 1 February 2026: ow.ly/mb4x50XKV87
@policy.aas.org
vivaldi.com/blog/keep-ex... That was their stance a few months ago. Wired magazine recommended them, IIRC.
If you want to read more, there's a subreddit on browsers. It'll be a lot of info (maybe too much?) but I found it useful to decide on a browser.
I use Vivaldi now, which has been fine for me.
To ease the burden on a staff that has shrunk significantly since President Donald Trump took office, the National Science Foundation is reducing the role of outside experts in reviewing grant proposals. https://scim.ag/4oUfVhO
Thinking about how people say that no one is a monster and many things can be true at once. It's usually to not treat others as irredeemable. I'm thinking about how it also means that "good" people are also fully capable, and sometimes are, doing bad things yet people refuse to believe that.
Support AAPT this #GivingTuesday! When you donate, you contribute to every part of physics education, helping students and educators, in shaping the future of science. AAPT is proud to match every dollar you donate, dollar for dollar. Donate now! 🔗 tinyurl.com/isupportaapt #PhysicsEducation
This calendar year has been a lot, and we are still doing the work in physics and astronomy.
Rest and joy are acts of resistance! This holiday season, we encourage you to use resources from our Dinners for Democracy program to reconnect and reflect on the holidays, the past year, and the hopes you’re carrying into the next.
We are still working to improve physics and astronomy learning spaces! Consider joining our program- we remain dedicated to our work and keep on keeping on. We have some good exciting announcements in near future.
I'm still pleasantly surprised that the name REV UP stuck, even though we never officially agreed on it and we never, unofficially or officially, decided what "REV" stood for. UP = Undergraduate Physics.
New: The FBI is quietly urging ICE agents to properly ID themselves in the field.
In a bulletin to law enforcement last month, it warned of criminals posing as ICE to rob, rape, kidnap—a problem it says now demands national coordination to confront.
By me & @carolinehaskins.bsky.social:
