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Posts by Xander Vitolic-Bernstein

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Have you "lost" someone who is still alive? This essay is going to hit hard. It sure did for me... #philosophy #substack #grief #healing #buddhism #ambiguousloss

open.substack.com/pub/xanderbe...

1 month ago 0 0 0 0
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How to deter biothreats in the age of gene synthesis From global DNA screening standards to safeguards for benchtop synthesizers and AI tools, a new biosecurity playbook is taking shape.

How do we deter DIY #bioweapons in an age of #CRISPR and #AI? This article offers some guidance: bigthink.com/science-tech...

1 month ago 0 0 0 0
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Rise of the True Patriots A Call To Arms (Of Sorts)

open.substack.com/pub/xanderbe...

How do we meet this moment with courage and compassion? I draw inspiration from Albert Camus in my latest essay (no paywall.)

2 months ago 1 0 0 1
The Murdaugh Murders: Murder, Corruption, and Control | Clues Pod
The Murdaugh Murders: Murder, Corruption, and Control | Clues Pod YouTube video by Clues Pod with Morgan Absher & Kaelyn Moore

Anyone watching #MurdaughonHulu? If this scintillating true-crime story is your cup of tea, check out the episode of #Clues I wrote! Hear how a brutal crime brought a southern dynasty crashing down.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKjG...

6 months ago 2 0 0 0

Thank you! And thank you for writing such beautiful poetry 😊

6 months ago 2 0 1 0
Birdsong (full poem)

In moment of weakness,
left prone to its lies,
you merge with the darkness,
assuming disguise,
feel nothing unbroken,
magnificence feigned,
belligerent truth
in the cruelties of rain,
the dove's intimations,
the nightingale's scorn
when just beyond vision,
your last muse is born.

They come soaked in shyness
through reticence, fear,
bereft of direction,
prechosen to steer,
contentious...confusing...
supposing...perhaps...
(it's hard in the desert
to turn on the taps).
Two minds twist and tango
with flitter and fray;
soft background of birdsong
cheeps 'Courage now, stay,

fresh cogs and new levers
spite cleaver, spurn claw,
cruel storm oft-encountered
shall bluster no more.
Volcanoes and tremors
of confidence killed,
when shared with the right one
denuded, bestilled.
A risk must be taken,
this safety zone fled;
we can't sing forever
alone in your head.'

Birdsong (full poem) In moment of weakness, left prone to its lies, you merge with the darkness, assuming disguise, feel nothing unbroken, magnificence feigned, belligerent truth in the cruelties of rain, the dove's intimations, the nightingale's scorn when just beyond vision, your last muse is born. They come soaked in shyness through reticence, fear, bereft of direction, prechosen to steer, contentious...confusing... supposing...perhaps... (it's hard in the desert to turn on the taps). Two minds twist and tango with flitter and fray; soft background of birdsong cheeps 'Courage now, stay, fresh cogs and new levers spite cleaver, spurn claw, cruel storm oft-encountered shall bluster no more. Volcanoes and tremors of confidence killed, when shared with the right one denuded, bestilled. A risk must be taken, this safety zone fled; we can't sing forever alone in your head.'

Birdsong (full poem)

In moment of weakness,
left prone to its lies,
you merge with the darkness,
assuming disguise,
feel nothing unbroken,
magnificence feigned,
belligerent truth
in the cruelties of rain,
the dove's intimations,
the nightingale's scorn
when just beyond vision,
your last muse is born.

They come soaked in shyness
through reticence, fear,
bereft of direction,
prechosen to steer,
contentious...confusing...
supposing...perhaps...
(it's hard in the desert
to turn on the taps).
Two minds twist and tango
with flitter and fray;
soft background of birdsong
cheeps 'Courage now, stay,

fresh cogs and new levers
spite cleaver, spurn claw,
cruel storm oft-encountered
shall bluster no more.
Volcanoes and tremors
of confidence killed,
when shared with the right one
denuded, bestilled.
A risk must be taken,
this safety zone fled;
we can't sing forever
alone in your head.'

Birdsong (full poem) In moment of weakness, left prone to its lies, you merge with the darkness, assuming disguise, feel nothing unbroken, magnificence feigned, belligerent truth in the cruelties of rain, the dove's intimations, the nightingale's scorn when just beyond vision, your last muse is born. They come soaked in shyness through reticence, fear, bereft of direction, prechosen to steer, contentious...confusing... supposing...perhaps... (it's hard in the desert to turn on the taps). Two minds twist and tango with flitter and fray; soft background of birdsong cheeps 'Courage now, stay, fresh cogs and new levers spite cleaver, spurn claw, cruel storm oft-encountered shall bluster no more. Volcanoes and tremors of confidence killed, when shared with the right one denuded, bestilled. A risk must be taken, this safety zone fled; we can't sing forever alone in your head.'

Birdsong (full poem)

In moment of weakness,
left prone to its lies,
you merge with the darkness,
assuming disguise,
feel nothing unbroken,
magnificence feigned,
belligerent truth
in the cruelties of rain,
the dove's intimations,
the nightingale's scorn
when just beyond vision,
your last muse is born.

They come soaked in shyness
through reticence, fear,
bereft of direction,
prechosen to steer,
contentious...confusing...
supposing...perhaps...
(it's hard in the desert
to turn on the taps).
Two minds twist and tango
with flitter and fray;
soft background of birdsong
cheeps 'Courage now, stay,

fresh cogs and new levers
spite cleaver, spurn claw,
cruel storm oft-encountered
shall bluster no more.
Volcanoes and tremors
of confidence killed,
when shared with the right one
denuded, bestilled.
A risk must be taken,
this safety zone fled;
we can't sing forever
alone in your head.'

Birdsong (full poem) In moment of weakness, left prone to its lies, you merge with the darkness, assuming disguise, feel nothing unbroken, magnificence feigned, belligerent truth in the cruelties of rain, the dove's intimations, the nightingale's scorn when just beyond vision, your last muse is born. They come soaked in shyness through reticence, fear, bereft of direction, prechosen to steer, contentious...confusing... supposing...perhaps... (it's hard in the desert to turn on the taps). Two minds twist and tango with flitter and fray; soft background of birdsong cheeps 'Courage now, stay, fresh cogs and new levers spite cleaver, spurn claw, cruel storm oft-encountered shall bluster no more. Volcanoes and tremors of confidence killed, when shared with the right one denuded, bestilled. A risk must be taken, this safety zone fled; we can't sing forever alone in your head.'

And here's the text version of 'Birdsong', from my forthcoming collection This Joyful Interlude 🪶

#poem #poems #poetry #writing #books

4/4

6 months ago 7 2 1 0
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The Normalization of Book Banning This report offers a window into the complex and extensive climate of censorship between July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025.

It's #BannedBooksWeek! And this year there are more banned books than ever. Check out the report by @penamerica.bsky.social then go to your library (or online) to order a copy of Carrie. Because guess what? Stephen King is the most banned author in America.

pen.org/report/the-n...

6 months ago 4 2 0 0
"The cosmos is within us. We are made of star-stuff. We are a way for the universe to know itself."

"The cosmos is within us. We are made of star-stuff. We are a way for the universe to know itself."

"The cosmos is within us. We are made of star-stuff. We are a way for the universe to know itself."

8 months ago 8211 1304 152 94
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I want to see things that encourage me to think slowly, rather lead my emotions like a leash.

More and more I crave what’s truly human. Poetry and philosophy and the mystery of the divine. Not this reductive, materialistic, tech-obsessed framework that people treat like the second coming.

8 months ago 1 0 0 0
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Calling all #Hollywood creatives! Want to level up your networking and give back to the community? Join the JHRTS Board!

Applications close July 9. DM me, or email jhrts@hrts.org with any questions!

Apply Here: lnkd.in/gMSqFuaR

Join JHRTS Here: lnkd.in/g7zZa7Ma

9 months ago 3 0 0 0
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“Pretty much wherever you are, you’re probably less than 30 minutes away from your closest No Kings event.” - @leahgreenberg.bsky.social with @democracynow.org

We hope to see you at your local #NoKings Day mobilization on Saturday: www.nokings.org?SQF_SOURCE=i...

10 months ago 10125 3641 279 203

Nature has so much intelligence. My dad recently discovered a niche of stem cells in the eye that communicate with neurons. The neurons ask for what they need, and the stem cells give it. Just mind-blowing…

11 months ago 1 0 0 0
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Century-old mystery of plant communication solved: Plants signal stress through negative pressure mechanisms Imagine if a plant in a farmer's field could warn a grower that it needs water? Or if a farmer could signal to plants that dry weather lies ahead, thereby prompting the plants to conserve water?

"Imagine if a plant in a farmer's field could warn a grower that it needs water? Or if a farmer could signal to plants that dry weather lies ahead, thereby prompting the plants to conserve water?"

🌱... some #goodnews in science and innovation.

phys.org/news/2025-04...

11 months ago 6 1 1 0

So damn cool.

11 months ago 1 0 1 0
A digital artwork of a colorful space scene featuring a glowing nebula set against a black, star-filled background. The nebula displays a symmetrical structure resembling a cosmic butterfly, with radiant wings spreading outward from a bright central core. The upper wings glow in fiery shades of orange, red, and yellow, while the lower parts blend into cooler tones of blue, turquoise, and indigo. Wisps of gas and dust stretch into space, surrounded by numerous tiny stars in white and red, creating a striking and harmonious celestial composition.

A digital artwork of a colorful space scene featuring a glowing nebula set against a black, star-filled background. The nebula displays a symmetrical structure resembling a cosmic butterfly, with radiant wings spreading outward from a bright central core. The upper wings glow in fiery shades of orange, red, and yellow, while the lower parts blend into cooler tones of blue, turquoise, and indigo. Wisps of gas and dust stretch into space, surrounded by numerous tiny stars in white and red, creating a striking and harmonious celestial composition.

Behold the nebula goddess—her wings woven from stardust and twilight's hues, a celestial ode in scarlet, sapphire, and indigo.

1 year ago 4464 481 55 21
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Some wisdom on fighting #fascism from Albert Camus. The greatest, and most dangerous temptation of any rebellion is to emulate its enemy.

1 year ago 3 0 0 0

I love it when a plan comes together…

But seriously, feel better dude!

1 year ago 1 0 0 0
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The high price of eggs is not about bird flu. It’s (sigh) just another example of corporate greed. Read the data for yourself. Thanks to
@foodandwater.bsky.social for the info.

www.foodandwaterwatch.org/wp-content/u...

1 year ago 0 0 0 0

That feels accurate.

1 year ago 1 0 0 0
A billboard in Yosemite National Park reads, “When park rangers are hanging upside down flags in Yosemite, you know you messed up.” The sign features three small, inverted flags and is surrounded by a crowd of people, protesting against trump/elon’s actions administration.

A billboard in Yosemite National Park reads, “When park rangers are hanging upside down flags in Yosemite, you know you messed up.” The sign features three small, inverted flags and is surrounded by a crowd of people, protesting against trump/elon’s actions administration.

Upcoming Boycotts & Protests

3/4 – #FiftyFiftyOne Protests
3/4 – #ProtectOurKids Protests
3/7 – @standupforscience.bsky.social — The March for Science

3/7-3/14 – Amazon Boycott
3/21-3/28 – Nestlé Boycott
4/7-4/14 – Walmart Boycott
4/18 – Economic Blackout #2
4/21-4/28 – General Mills Boycott

1 year ago 431 158 11 7

We are experiencing an assault on science unparalleled by anything I’ve seen in my life. It’s not one issue or another anymore, the entire institution is under attack by the most powerful individuals in the country.

This Friday, where will you be?

standupforscience2025.org

1 year ago 44192 12065 644 397
R.L. Spear Co., Inc.

Los Angeles friends who lost homes in the fires & are now furnishing new places: Spear auction house has multiple auctions right now from a prop house that's liquidating. That means furnishings galore: sofas, chairs, tables, shelving, lamps, etc. Could be useful. spear.prod2.maxanet.auction/Public

1 year ago 26 18 0 0

A reminder to my fellow #filmmakers that there is a new film fest in OR dedicated to celebrating the #solarpunk genre! We need more stories in this genre on our screens.
(Submitting our ASU collab 'The Assignment'.)
🌏🎬
#betterfutures #climatestories
#filmsky filmfreeway.com/SolarPunkFil...
SUBMIT ⬇️

1 year ago 1 1 0 0
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Martha Beck on How to Free Yourself From Anxiety Harvard sociologist Martha Beck provides insight into why we experience anxiety, and how we can free ourselves from stress long-term.

Creativity as an antidote to anxiety.
nicenews.com/health-and-w...

1 year ago 1 0 0 0
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We the people are pissed! Nationwide protests TODAY, MONDAY, Feb. 17th, #NoKingsDay.

Find a protest at > events.pol-rev.com 🇺🇸

Where will we see you?

#50501movement #FiftyFiftyOne #BuildTheResistance #PoliticalRevolution #NoVoiceUnheard #NoKings #VoicesOfFlorida #VoicesUnheard @polrev.bsky.social

1 year ago 884 291 96 136

Share your best resistance symbols!

Also, there’s a march in every state capitol tomorrow… wear blue!

1 year ago 1 0 0 0
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Wildfire Response Resources

Friends! JHRTS has created a spreadsheet to track resources for those affected by the fire, as well as those who want to help. Add to this sheet and share freely!
Since this sheet has edit-access, please be careful not to delete any information.
docs.google.com/spreadsheets...

1 year ago 1 0 0 0
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