So much false equivalence in media on gerrymandering in Texas vs California & Virginia. California and Virginia maps approved by the voters. That's a huge difference not enough people pointing out

Once again I am fantasizing about a world where people make the very small frame adjustment from "during the pandemic" to "during peak COVID." Maybe I'm nuts. I'm certain everyone has bigger problems. (I humbly submit that misunderstanding the COVID picture may contribute to some of them.)

Smartphones, Dumbphones, and Delusions of Platform-Building “I don’t actually need my smartphone to write, but do I need it in order to be seen as a writer?”

This week on Scratch, we have an essay by @maggiemertens.bsky.social about how her itch for a dumbphone is largely burnout from the need to constantly self-promote one's writing or risk professional oblivion.

I went digging because it aligns with a project I’m working on. Thanks for putting it on my radar!

Source for anyone who might want to dig in / verify: www.transportation.gov/briefing-roo...

I’m expanding the crew—Princess, Javadi, and Mateo join Santos to sing 4 Non-Blondes “What’s Going On?”

Mel claims she’s too blond to join in and takes a break.

Salt-N-Pepa - Whatta Man (Official Music Video) ft. En Vogue YouTube video by SaltNPepaVEVO

And tagging in a personal fave as backup:

youtu.be/5vgV_dVkXN4?...

Soooooo many micro trends in the early / mid / late 90s, but I’m going with a late contender:

youtu.be/sTJ7AzBIJoI?...

That's Not What Unc Means You’d never know the meaning of unc or its origins in black culture if you looked to mainstream media.

On the origins of the word "unc" and how Black vernacular culture is stripped of context on the internet.
aftermath.site/unc-aave-afr...

Authors Guild Statement on Use of AI in Publishing and New Model Contract Clause - The Authors Guild The Authors Guild is concerned about reports that some publishing professionals are uploading manuscripts and authors’ personal information into consumer-facing AI systems for uses such as generating ...

A new model contract clause from the @authorsguild.org addresses the use of generative AI in publishing workflows (such as uploading mss into AI systems to generate summaries, marketing copy, etc.) authorsguild.org/news/use-of-...

Same! Response was that it’s more prevalent on other (algorithm-driven) networks, which I suspect plays into this sentiment.

bsky.app/profile/wsau...

About The Pitt’s Dr. Al-Hashimi Reveal … The finale’s resolution to what’s been plaguing her is the culmination of a season that treated her as a mystery first and a character second.

also, from me, about the reveal of what's been up with Dr. Al-Hashimi. yeah, I didn't love it. spoilers, obviously.

www.vulture.com/article/the-...

And another starter pack full of more:
bsky.app/profile/greg...

So Many! My first thought was @theflytrapmedia.com

Plus here’s one starter pack full:
bsky.app/profile/greg...

I dream of opt-in guidelines for expectations of a space.

e.g. community agreement on whether the norms are more water-cooler at work, or the office Christmas party, or a personal house party? Different vibes that don’t always mix!

Gain hands-on experience with all aspects of the publication of a digital literary magazine—from commissioning and planning to online promotion. Part-time, remote Learn more and apply: wordswithoutborders.org/jobs We're hiring: Editorial Fellow

Words Without Borders is hiring for our 2026-27 fellowship program!

The editorial fellowship program is designed to provide training for individuals looking to build a career around the publication and promotion of international literature.

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Something I am curious about: Elizabeth Warren had arguably the most comprehensive disability policy in the 2020 presidential campaign (alongside Buttigieg, Sanders and Castro). What are her thoughts on Platner's frequent use of the r-word?

So you’re saying they had a lingering influence on your life? 😁

leavesubstack.com

Israel destroyed all of the town of Al-Khiam in southern Lebanon within a month.

I don’t even have words for this.

The real lesson of the Hungarian people's victory over authoritarianism is that people power can defeat dictators.

The massive opposition movement led to a massive electoral victory. We can do it too!

This image gave me so much joy! Wanted to say thanks for sharing, and send continued wonder and appreciation to that tiny one.

Excellent thread:

My little pro-bono project, www.successfulpitches.com is back online after some security and formatting issues. It's a resource to see what pitches that got commissioned look like. For folks new to the industry, it's a peek at what good ones look like.

My favorite thing on the internet since cats watching Flow! 👇

This is fascinating me. I’ve seen more complaints about Pitt fandom lately than encountering it myself. (Note: I’m NOT denying it’s happening spaces that I must not be in!)

Could I ask out of curiosity where you’re seeing these convos happening? Newsletter replies? Fandom pages or general SM?

a close up of a gollum from the lord of the rings with a very angry look on his face Alt: a close up of a gollum from the lord of the rings with a very angry look on his face

Social media apps as Lord of the Rings characters, a thread:

Twitter: Twitter is Gollum. Began as a normal halfling. Overexposure to evil left it thin and stretched and bitter.

Cast of the Testaments (2025) spinoff from the Handmaid’s Tale, school hallway full of teen girls dressed in ‘plum’ colors.

Cast of Derry Girls (2018) posing in green school uniforms

You’ve Got Mail (1998) Tom Hanks & Meg Ryan sitting on a park bench, her holding a potted plant

Ted Lasso (2020) Jamie Tart in a pink sweatsuit with a rope around his waist, pulling Roy Kent on a bike through an English street

I keep noticing The Cranberries “Dreams” (1993) popping up in recent soundtracks—going on 4+ decades, and featured in both BH90210 & 90210 (much to my own xennial delight)

What are some equally ubiquitous cinematic songs?

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