When you are targeting a marginalized community as a marginalized person... look at who is laughing with you...

Because the ones laughing WITH you will be the ones laughing AT you

The acceleration of the closure of small liberal arts colleges is such a gut punch. These are often the kinds of places that are life-changing experiences for students, providing opportunities for exploration, connection, and learning outcomes that aren't possible at larger universities.

This photograph captures a massive, majestic sandstone butte known as the United Nations Tablet, located within the Bears Ears National Monument, in San Juan County, Utah. The image is taken during the "golden hour," where the low angle of the sun bathes the rock in a deep, glowing orange and burnt-sienna hue. The Landscape The Butte: The central focus is a towering, flat-topped rock formation. It rises vertically with rugged, sheer cliffs that show distinct vertical fractures and weathering patterns. The top is relatively level, resembling a giant pedestal or "tablet." The Base (Talus Slope): Surrounding the vertical walls is a wide, sloping apron of debris shattered rocks and boulders known as a talus slope. This slope is a darker, shadow-filled crimson, indicating the constant natural erosion of the monument. The Foreground: In the bottom-most section of the frame, there is a silhouette of a dark, horizontal ridgeline, providing a sense of depth and scale against the sunlit monument behind it. The Sky: The background is a clean, minimalist gradient of pale, dusty blue-grey, which makes the warm, vibrant colors of the sandstone "pop." Geography & Geological Context Bears Ears National Monument is a masterpiece of high-desert geology. The United Nations Tablet is primarily composed of Wingate Sandstone, a formation famous for its massive, cliff-forming properties and its ability to glow brilliantly under direct sunlight.

United Nations Tablet

Bears Ears National Monument
San Juan County, Utah, USA
8 March 2016

Bagley Cartoon: This is the Place Check out Pat Bagley's latest cartoon: This is the Place

Check out Pat Bagley's latest cartoon: This is the Place

Female octopuses throw rocks at males that bother them, documented in Octopus tetricus

🧪While we are enjoying the stunning images from Artemis II, here is a reminder that:

While F47 told the astronauts that he saved NASA, WH proposed massive cuts for NASA’s budget for FY27, including a 47% cut to its science division.

Of course, the military budget could get a 44% increase for wars.

Humanity did that. Science did that. Publicly-funded research did that. Excellent universities did that. Diversity did that. International cooperation did that.

Artemis II is a perfect example of what we can do at our best.

Welcome home, Integrity crew!

Falling Apart A newsletter about the history behind today's politics.

open.substack.com/pub/heatherc...

Typical Characteristics of Joshua Tree Monzogranite Formations Physical Structure: These rock castles typically rise 10-30 meters above the desert floor, with rounded, bulbous shapes formed by exfoliation weathering. The granite has a coarse-grained texture with visible crystals of quartz, feldspar, and mica that create a speckled appearance. Surface Texture: The rock surfaces feel rough and granular to touch, with deep vertical cracks and horizontal sheeting joints. Weathered areas feel smoother, almost polished, where wind-blown sand has abraded the surface over millennia. Color Palette: Typically pale pinkish-gray to tan, with darker mineral flecks creating contrast. Lichen growth adds patches of orange, gray, or white depending on moisture exposure. Geological Context: These formations are erosional remnants—harder rock that resisted weathering while surrounding material eroded away. They represent ancient magma chambers cooled 70-85 million years ago during the Late Cretaceous period.

A rock castle, Joshua Tree National Park, California, USA. 26 February 2014.

Relatable

A photograph by the international space station crew (low Earth orbit satellite space station). TITLE The Strait of Gibraltar separates Europe from Africa DESCRIPTION iss074e0425752 (March 29, 2026) - The Strait of Gibraltar separates the European nation of Spain (left) from the African nation of Morocco (right) and connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea. The International Space Station was orbiting 266 miles above Spain at the time of this photograph. Credit: NASA

“In a loving partnership with the IRGshe — by my order, the Strait of Hormuz is now the 𝘋𝘪𝘳𝘦 𝘚𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘵𝘴.

Since the UK betrayed me, I will be sending boots on the ground — to take over their straight of Gibraltar colony to apply tolls for the Trump Enterprise and its subsidiary, the United Shtates.”

autisticadvocacy.org/2026/04/the-...

www.nasa.gov/artemis-ii-m...

Wonderful

Hot for Teacher - Richard Cheese YouTube video by Surfdog Records

youtu.be/PTRZOc3S_HE?...

Encouraging kids to be their authentic selves is suicide prevention.

Conversion therapy is a death sentence.

It’s time we all get clear on that.

Flying stars? ⭐️

… and people.

Stop throwing urchins and anemones at each other!

Jeez Louize!

Gosh.

I’m thinking, “a new ringtone?”

A comic book illustration of white male hiking guide, drinking CoffeeMate Vanilla creamer from the bottle. Back ground is inside of A national Park visitor center.

While still a ranger, a hiking guide from Europe approached me, for advice on his group itinerary.

He took a swig of coffee creamer.
Not to shame him, I said, “oh that’s coffee creamer. It’s meant to put into your coffee.”

Not understanding me, he took another swig, Yaw it is not very good.”

🔊 Listen Now: Whale birth takes a village — or, pod All Things Considered on NPR One | 3:33

𝘞𝘦 𝘴𝘶𝘤𝘤𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘺 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘣𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘤𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘣𝘺 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳. 𝘐𝘯 𝘴𝘱𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘢𝘤𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘦’𝘳𝘦 𝘥𝘪𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘶𝘯𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥; 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵’𝘴 𝘢 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘺 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘮𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘺𝘴.

Whale birth takes a village — or, pod one.npr.org/i/nx-s1-5758...

🚨 THIS JUST IN: With over 100 protests still to come, we can already estimate that at least 8 million people participated in No Kings protests today.

That makes No Kings 3 the largest single day of protest in American history. #NoKings

Today, more than 8 million people came together across the country in the largest single-day protest in modern American history!

2026’s historic snow drought brings worries about water, wildfires and the future in the West Across much of the Western United States, winter 2026 was the year the snow never came. Many ski resorts got by with snowmaking but shut down their winter operations early.

Westerners, be as prepared.

Reductions in the US federal workforce, some absence of our institutional knowledge, means that we'll need to rely on fire fighters from other countries like, Canada, Mexico and Australia. US Citizens are not aligned with its president’s treatment of our allies.

This atmospheric photograph, captured on April 12, 2018, from Corinne in Box Elder County, Utah, presents a moody and monochromatic view of the Wellsville Mountains. Known for being one of the steepest mountain ranges in the world for its narrow width, the range is depicted here in a moment of heavy spring transition. Composition and Atmosphere The image is defined by a sense of vertical scale and ethereal depth. The composition is layered into three distinct zones: • The Foreground: A dark, level expanse of agricultural fields or wetlands at the base provides a heavy, grounded anchor to the scene. Small silhouettes of trees and distant structures hint at the rural landscape of Corinne. • The Midground: The massive, triangular face of the mountains rises abruptly. The slopes are etched with a complex network of ridges and drainages, partially dusted with snow that emphasizes the rugged, jagged texture of the rock and scrub. • The Sky and Peak: Thick, low-hanging clouds and mist swallow the upper elevations. This "clinging" fog softens the sharp edges of the range, creating a seamless transition between the mountain's summit and the overcast sky, giving the peak a ghostly, towering presence. Geographic Context The Wellsville Mountains are part of the Wasatch Range, though they stand somewhat isolated. On a clear day, they are known for their dramatic, wall-like appearance. In this specific lighting, the lack of vibrant color highlights the raw, structural beauty of the Great Basin's eastern edge. The late spring date is evident in the patchy snowpack—dense at the higher elevations but beginning to yield to the darker earth below. The overall mood is one of quiet solitude and the sheer power of mountain weather, capturing the quiet intensity of Northern Utah's late-season storms.

Wellsville Mountains

A view from Corinne, Boxelder County, UT. 12 April 2018

This photograph features a Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus) in sharp profile. The bird is perched on a patch of dry, sandy earth, set against a soft-focus background of bright green grasses and a hint of blue water. Physical Characteristics As a member of the woodpecker family, this flicker displays several distinctive features that make it one of North America’s most striking birds: • Plumage: The bird’s back and wings are a warm, brownish-tan, heavily marked with black horizontal bars. Its underparts are lighter, creamy-white, and covered in bold black spots. • The "Moustache": Because this photo was taken in Utah, this is a Red-shafted variety. This is confirmed by the prominent bright red malar stripe (the "moustache") extending from the base of its bill, indicating that this individual is a male. • Facial Markings: It has a smooth, slate-gray face and neck, accented by a subtle tan crown. You can also see the beginning of the characteristic black crescent (bib) on its upper chest. • Anatomy: It possesses the classic woodpecker silhouette—a sturdy, slightly curved gray beak designed for foraging and strong, zygodactyl feet (two toes forward, two back) for gripping surfaces. Behavioral Context Unlike many other woodpeckers that spend most of their time drumming on trees, Northern Flickers are famously ground-feeders. They use their long, sticky tongues to lap up ants and beetles from the soil. In this image, the bird’s posture is alert and focused, likely scanning the ground for its next meal.

Northern flicker
𝘊𝘰𝘭𝘢𝘱𝘵𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘴

Ogden, Utah, USA
12 June 2018

This stunning photograph captures the geological grandeur of Casa Colorado, a prominent sandstone formation located in Dry Valley, San Juan County, Utah. Taken on September 17, 2019, the image beautifully juxtaposes the arid, ancient desert floor with the towering peaks of the Abajo Mountains in the distance. Visual Composition The photo is structured in three distinct layers, showcasing the diverse topography of the Four Corners region: * The Foreground: A vast expanse of high-desert scrubland, dotted with dark green juniper and pinyon pine trees. The terrain is a mix of sandy earth and hardy vegetation, typical of the Colorado Plateau. * The Midground: The focal point is Casa Colorado, a massive, orange-hued sandstone mesa. It is characterized by large, cavernous alcoves or "wind caves" carved into its side by eons of erosion. The horizontal bedding planes of the rock are clearly visible, telling a silent story of ancient sedimentary deposition. * The Background: Dominating the horizon are the Abajo Mountains (locally known as the Blue Mountains). Their soft, blue-grey silhouettes provide a cool contrast to the warm oranges of the sandstone. Hints of green forests cling to the higher elevations under a bright, cloud-dappled sky. Geological Significance Casa Colorado is composed primarily of Entrada Sandstone, a formation famous for its ability to weather into rounded shapes and deep alcoves. These natural shelters have historically provided refuge for wildlife and were often utilized by ancestral indigenous peoples for storage or seasonal camps. The lighting in the photo suggests late afternoon, as deep shadows emphasize the hollowed-out geometry of the rock, giving the formation its "house-like" (Casa) appearance. It stands as a silent sentinel in a landscape shaped by wind, water, and time.

Casa Colorado

Dry Valley
San Juan County, Utah, USA
17 September 2019

Teaching birds to 4th graders, the teachers are all known by “Mr” & “Mrs.”

I requested that everyone call me “Ranger Robb,” instead of that tradition in of grade schools.

Celebrating my partner’s PhD, I wanted to introduce her as “Dr. West.” However, “Ranger Joan” is lovely too.

This photograph captures a candid, sun-drenched moment during a professional dog walking session, likely for a service like Rover. The image is framed from a low, "dog’s-eye" perspective, emphasizing the pups as the stars of the journey. Visual Composition The scene is dominated by a striking contrast between the mechanical and the natural: • The Bus: To the left, a bright yellow school bus (numbered 984) stands parked along the curb. Its large black tire and open door suggest a quiet morning or afternoon neighborhood route. • The Pups: Two dogs are the central focus. In the foreground, a brown and white mixed-breed dog with soulful amber eyes walks directly toward the camera. Behind it, a speckled cattle dog mix follows closely, its tongue slightly out in a relaxed, happy expression. • The Setting: The walk takes place on a clean, wide concrete sidewalk. The long, soft shadows stretching across the pavement indicate it is either early morning or "golden hour" in the late afternoon. Service Atmosphere The photograph highlights several key elements of a high-quality dog walking experience: 1. Safety First: The primary dog is clearly on a black leash, showing a commitment to control and safety in a public environment near vehicles. 2. Mental Stimulation: The backdrop of a suburban street with hills in the distance suggests a route that offers plenty of "sniffing opportunities" and varied scenery to keep the dogs engaged. 3. The "Update" Photo: This image is a classic example of the "proof of life" photos walkers send to owners—it’s clear, well-lit, and shows the dogs are active and content. Technical Details • Lighting: The warm, directional sunlight creates high-contrast shadows, giving the fur of the dogs a vibrant, healthy sheen. • Location: The arid, mountainous horizon in the background suggests a Western or Southwestern US setting.

F'n adorable 🥰