Bailey Poletti
@baileypoletti.bsky.social
PhD in medieval apocalyptic history, esp. 900-1100, but I try to read broadly. Trying my hand at fiction. All prophecies my own (and most likely wrong). He/him.
Pinned
Bailey Poletti
@baileypoletti.bsky.social
· Sep 29
Medieval Authors: "Do you think the Greeks might have been the baddies?"
Roman Authors: "Do you think the Greeks might have been the baddies?"
Greek Authors (including Homer): "Do you think the Greeks might have been the baddies?"
Americans: "Look at me: I'm sacking Troy!"
Roman Authors: "Do you think the Greeks might have been the baddies?"
Greek Authors (including Homer): "Do you think the Greeks might have been the baddies?"
Americans: "Look at me: I'm sacking Troy!"
Joyce Carol Oates skewers Musk for being functionally illiterate.
Musk: "I'm mad at Nobody! Agh! Nobody has made me angry! Ahh..."
Musk: "I'm mad at Nobody! Agh! Nobody has made me angry! Ahh..."
*maximum alpha at 1.25x speed* continuously lives on in my head, unfortunately.
November 11, 2025 at 3:25 AM
Joyce Carol Oates skewers Musk for being functionally illiterate.
Musk: "I'm mad at Nobody! Agh! Nobody has made me angry! Ahh..."
Musk: "I'm mad at Nobody! Agh! Nobody has made me angry! Ahh..."
Reposted by Bailey Poletti
I feel silly publicizing a book in these times BUT my book describes how constitutional structures allowed the accumulation of generational wealth + rights for settlers and white people. These are the same advantages MAGA is trying to preserve today. Pre-order page:
November 10, 2025 at 2:07 PM
I feel silly publicizing a book in these times BUT my book describes how constitutional structures allowed the accumulation of generational wealth + rights for settlers and white people. These are the same advantages MAGA is trying to preserve today. Pre-order page:
Reposted by Bailey Poletti
Reposted by Bailey Poletti
... and the risk isn't OVER.
Climate change, human habitation of the seas, changing ocean chemistry and undersea mining & detonations all pose substantial risks for the humpback.
But for now, there's reason to celebrate, to even leap for joy a bit. 🐳
As Scotty said: "There be whales here."
Climate change, human habitation of the seas, changing ocean chemistry and undersea mining & detonations all pose substantial risks for the humpback.
But for now, there's reason to celebrate, to even leap for joy a bit. 🐳
As Scotty said: "There be whales here."
a picture of a whale in the ocean with the words bbc america rica on the bottom
Alt: a picture of a whale in the ocean with the words bbc america rica on the bottom
media.tenor.com
November 9, 2025 at 9:29 PM
... and the risk isn't OVER.
Climate change, human habitation of the seas, changing ocean chemistry and undersea mining & detonations all pose substantial risks for the humpback.
But for now, there's reason to celebrate, to even leap for joy a bit. 🐳
As Scotty said: "There be whales here."
Climate change, human habitation of the seas, changing ocean chemistry and undersea mining & detonations all pose substantial risks for the humpback.
But for now, there's reason to celebrate, to even leap for joy a bit. 🐳
As Scotty said: "There be whales here."
Reposted by Bailey Poletti
But the story in the North Pacific is the opposite: from virtual extinction, a single pregnant female ("Big Mama") signaled the return of Salish Sea humpback migrations.
Big Mama has had 7 calves since 2003.
There's politics in removing these whales from Endangered Species protections...
Big Mama has had 7 calves since 2003.
There's politics in removing these whales from Endangered Species protections...
Too hot for humpbacks: The race to protect Pacific whales
Humpback whales have been making a conservation comeback – but warming seas are putting their recovery at risk.
www.bbc.com
November 9, 2025 at 9:29 PM
But the story in the North Pacific is the opposite: from virtual extinction, a single pregnant female ("Big Mama") signaled the return of Salish Sea humpback migrations.
Big Mama has had 7 calves since 2003.
There's politics in removing these whales from Endangered Species protections...
Big Mama has had 7 calves since 2003.
There's politics in removing these whales from Endangered Species protections...
Reposted by Bailey Poletti
... hosts a non-migratory population of humpbacks isolated from other populations for ~70,000 years. Heavy fishing and cargo movement has put an enormous strain on their numbers.
Where once there were thousands, there are only ~100 of these Arabian Sea humpbacks left.
Where once there were thousands, there are only ~100 of these Arabian Sea humpbacks left.
Arabian Sea humpback whales are one of only four populations still considered Endangered under the United States revised Endangered Species Act listing. - Arabian Sea Whale Network
The following statement was posted by WWF International: and is copied here below: Following an extensive review process that started in 2009 and was finalized in September 2016, the United States’ N...
arabianseawhalenetwork.org
November 9, 2025 at 9:29 PM
... hosts a non-migratory population of humpbacks isolated from other populations for ~70,000 years. Heavy fishing and cargo movement has put an enormous strain on their numbers.
Where once there were thousands, there are only ~100 of these Arabian Sea humpbacks left.
Where once there were thousands, there are only ~100 of these Arabian Sea humpbacks left.
Reposted by Bailey Poletti
But a little nuance: there are at least 14 distinct populations of humpbacks, categorized by their annual migrations, and some of them are still facing localized extinction.
5 are either endangered or threatened, while 9 are not.
For example, the Arabian sea, a busy shipping area...
5 are either endangered or threatened, while 9 are not.
For example, the Arabian sea, a busy shipping area...
Humpback whale population grows, animals proposed to be removed from Endangered Species Act
Humpback whale population grows, animals proposed to be removed from Endangered Species Act
www.mercurynews.com
November 9, 2025 at 9:29 PM
But a little nuance: there are at least 14 distinct populations of humpbacks, categorized by their annual migrations, and some of them are still facing localized extinction.
5 are either endangered or threatened, while 9 are not.
For example, the Arabian sea, a busy shipping area...
5 are either endangered or threatened, while 9 are not.
For example, the Arabian sea, a busy shipping area...
Reposted by Bailey Poletti
From a global low of 5,000 individuals in the 1960's, their numbers today are 135,000 globally.
That's an astonishing recovery driven by research, regulation and public support that led to international cooperation on whaling bans.
Take a victory lap, whale supporters!
That's an astonishing recovery driven by research, regulation and public support that led to international cooperation on whaling bans.
Take a victory lap, whale supporters!
a humpback whale is jumping out of the ocean
Alt: a humpback whale is jumping out of the ocean, then splashes a big splash.
media.tenor.com
November 9, 2025 at 9:29 PM
From a global low of 5,000 individuals in the 1960's, their numbers today are 135,000 globally.
That's an astonishing recovery driven by research, regulation and public support that led to international cooperation on whaling bans.
Take a victory lap, whale supporters!
That's an astonishing recovery driven by research, regulation and public support that led to international cooperation on whaling bans.
Take a victory lap, whale supporters!
Reposted by Bailey Poletti
Another species no longer on the global Endangered list:
Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae).
A few decades after a Star Trek movie where the central conflict was the total extinction of the humpback, their numbers are rising fast enough to put them at "Least Concern" on the IUCN Red List.
Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae).
A few decades after a Star Trek movie where the central conflict was the total extinction of the humpback, their numbers are rising fast enough to put them at "Least Concern" on the IUCN Red List.
a man with a mustache says there be whales here in a dark room
Alt: Scotty from Star Trek Original Series (played by Jimmy Doohan) says there be whales here in a Klingon vessel's cargo hold.
media.tenor.com
November 9, 2025 at 9:29 PM
Another species no longer on the global Endangered list:
Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae).
A few decades after a Star Trek movie where the central conflict was the total extinction of the humpback, their numbers are rising fast enough to put them at "Least Concern" on the IUCN Red List.
Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae).
A few decades after a Star Trek movie where the central conflict was the total extinction of the humpback, their numbers are rising fast enough to put them at "Least Concern" on the IUCN Red List.
Reposted by Bailey Poletti
Who made this and why are you choosing nerd violence? ✍️ I mean, it is true, but still.
November 9, 2025 at 6:41 PM
Who made this and why are you choosing nerd violence? ✍️ I mean, it is true, but still.
Reposted by Bailey Poletti
If you know anyone who works on medieval Judaism, please send them this! Binghamton is hiring a Talmud/Rabbinics assistant prof: half in Judaic Studies, half in the Med/Ren center. A killer R1 job for the right person, and not a ton of applicants so far....
binghamton.interviewexchange.com
November 9, 2025 at 2:44 AM
If you know anyone who works on medieval Judaism, please send them this! Binghamton is hiring a Talmud/Rabbinics assistant prof: half in Judaic Studies, half in the Med/Ren center. A killer R1 job for the right person, and not a ton of applicants so far....
I regret to announce that, after 5 pages, my 8yo decided she wanted me to stop reading Edward Said. Instead, she wanted me to return to our usual bedtime book: @ahpodany.bsky.social 's excellent "Weaves, Scribes, and Kings."
So, all is well!
So, all is well!
Me, explaining to my 8yo what Said's "Culture and Imperialism" (which she requested I read to her) is about:
"This book is post-colonial literary theory. It's ok if you don't understand what that means. Few people do."
"This book is post-colonial literary theory. It's ok if you don't understand what that means. Few people do."
November 9, 2025 at 3:19 AM
I regret to announce that, after 5 pages, my 8yo decided she wanted me to stop reading Edward Said. Instead, she wanted me to return to our usual bedtime book: @ahpodany.bsky.social 's excellent "Weaves, Scribes, and Kings."
So, all is well!
So, all is well!
Reposted by Bailey Poletti
Guys you will be SHOCKED at what the literal Gospels say about Jesus and sex workers
James Talarico, a Texas Democrat running for U.S. Senate who has put his faith at the forefront of his campaign, follows several adult film performers, escorts and OnlyFans models on Instagram, according to an Axios review.
Faith-forward Texas Senate candidate follows porn actors, escorts online
James Talarico has become a sensation in Texas politics by talking about how his Christianity is the basis for his progressive politics.
www.axios.com
November 9, 2025 at 2:55 AM
Guys you will be SHOCKED at what the literal Gospels say about Jesus and sex workers
Mamdani is going to implement Saria law. The Kokiri Children must never leave the forest, save only the Boy With No Fairy.
Mamdani is going to implement Daria law or whatever.
Mamdani is going to implement SSHaria law. Communications will be end to end encrypted.
November 9, 2025 at 2:58 AM
Mamdani is going to implement Saria law. The Kokiri Children must never leave the forest, save only the Boy With No Fairy.
Me, explaining to my 8yo what Said's "Culture and Imperialism" (which she requested I read to her) is about:
"This book is post-colonial literary theory. It's ok if you don't understand what that means. Few people do."
"This book is post-colonial literary theory. It's ok if you don't understand what that means. Few people do."
November 9, 2025 at 2:54 AM
Me, explaining to my 8yo what Said's "Culture and Imperialism" (which she requested I read to her) is about:
"This book is post-colonial literary theory. It's ok if you don't understand what that means. Few people do."
"This book is post-colonial literary theory. It's ok if you don't understand what that means. Few people do."
As a former academic, I love how Bluesky allows me to keep abreast of historiographical debates.
Are you a palms in or palms out historian. @profgabriele.com
November 9, 2025 at 12:03 AM
As a former academic, I love how Bluesky allows me to keep abreast of historiographical debates.
Reposted by Bailey Poletti
Are you a palms in or palms out historian. @profgabriele.com
November 8, 2025 at 10:29 PM
Are you a palms in or palms out historian. @profgabriele.com
Authoritarian Christianity not only discriminates against non-Christians but against all other forms of Christianity, too.
They envision a "Christian Nation" in which only certain kinds of Christianity can exist.
Christians should stand with Jews, Muslims, Hindus, unaligned, etc., to resist.
They envision a "Christian Nation" in which only certain kinds of Christianity can exist.
Christians should stand with Jews, Muslims, Hindus, unaligned, etc., to resist.
“Federal authorities told demonstrators Friday that there would be ‘no more prayer’ in front of or inside the Broadview ICE facility, in a move that mystified local leaders and raised legal questions.” blockclubchicago.org/2025/11/07/f...
Feds Tell Faith Leaders 'No More Prayer' Outside Broadview Facility
In a possible violation of the First Amendment, federal officials instructed demonstrators to stop holding religious gatherings outside the immigration processing facility in suburban Broadview after ...
blockclubchicago.org
November 8, 2025 at 8:48 PM
Authoritarian Christianity not only discriminates against non-Christians but against all other forms of Christianity, too.
They envision a "Christian Nation" in which only certain kinds of Christianity can exist.
Christians should stand with Jews, Muslims, Hindus, unaligned, etc., to resist.
They envision a "Christian Nation" in which only certain kinds of Christianity can exist.
Christians should stand with Jews, Muslims, Hindus, unaligned, etc., to resist.
Reposted by Bailey Poletti
UPDATE: Reached out to the Rev. Hannah Kardon, a United Methodist minister who was there that day and has been active in religious demonstrations at Broadview.
“They are making it clear that they are scared of prayer … it speaks the truth that what they are doing in that building is evil.”
“They are making it clear that they are scared of prayer … it speaks the truth that what they are doing in that building is evil.”
November 8, 2025 at 2:08 PM
UPDATE: Reached out to the Rev. Hannah Kardon, a United Methodist minister who was there that day and has been active in religious demonstrations at Broadview.
“They are making it clear that they are scared of prayer … it speaks the truth that what they are doing in that building is evil.”
“They are making it clear that they are scared of prayer … it speaks the truth that what they are doing in that building is evil.”
I fully endorse reading this.
I havent read such a banger of an essay in a very long time. This is so well-written!
Maybe Don’t Talk to the New York Times About Zohran Mamdani
It’s remarkable, the people you’ll hear from. Teach for even a little while at an expensive institution—the term they tend to prefer is “elite”—and odds are that eventually someone who was a studen…
lithub.com
November 8, 2025 at 7:07 PM
I fully endorse reading this.
8yo: "What are you reading? Culture and Immerioroisum?"
Me: "Culture and Imperialism. By Edward Said."
8yo: "What's it about?"
Me: [attempts to explain]
8yo: "Cool. Can you read C.I. to me for bedtime?"
Me, blink-blink: "Uh, sure."
I love my daughter.
Me: "Culture and Imperialism. By Edward Said."
8yo: "What's it about?"
Me: [attempts to explain]
8yo: "Cool. Can you read C.I. to me for bedtime?"
Me, blink-blink: "Uh, sure."
I love my daughter.
November 8, 2025 at 3:33 AM
8yo: "What are you reading? Culture and Immerioroisum?"
Me: "Culture and Imperialism. By Edward Said."
8yo: "What's it about?"
Me: [attempts to explain]
8yo: "Cool. Can you read C.I. to me for bedtime?"
Me, blink-blink: "Uh, sure."
I love my daughter.
Me: "Culture and Imperialism. By Edward Said."
8yo: "What's it about?"
Me: [attempts to explain]
8yo: "Cool. Can you read C.I. to me for bedtime?"
Me, blink-blink: "Uh, sure."
I love my daughter.
He has done so much in plain sight that he doesn't think shouting into a bullhorn that he wants 40 million people to starve might look bad.
While institutions haven't held him accountable, I think more regular people are cluing in, as evidenced by this past week.
While institutions haven't held him accountable, I think more regular people are cluing in, as evidenced by this past week.
Trump demands supreme court intervene after judges reject bid to halt Snap funding
Appeals court rejects administration’s legal effort and orders officials to pay November’s food aid benefits in full
www.theguardian.com
November 8, 2025 at 1:58 AM
He has done so much in plain sight that he doesn't think shouting into a bullhorn that he wants 40 million people to starve might look bad.
While institutions haven't held him accountable, I think more regular people are cluing in, as evidenced by this past week.
While institutions haven't held him accountable, I think more regular people are cluing in, as evidenced by this past week.
Reposted by Bailey Poletti
ChatGPT is poison. Jail EVERYONE associated with it.
This conversation between ChatGPT and the young man it encouraged to commit suicide is just...my god
www.cnn.com/2025/11/06/u...
www.cnn.com/2025/11/06/u...
November 7, 2025 at 9:47 PM
ChatGPT is poison. Jail EVERYONE associated with it.
1: Fucking bigot.
2: No.
3: That's not how conversion works. Alledged rapid, total, top-down conversions are largely historical myths.
4: You are afraid Islam will spread, but what the hell ever happened to the market place of ideas? Or is that seat only reserved for Nazis?
5: Fucking bigot.
2: No.
3: That's not how conversion works. Alledged rapid, total, top-down conversions are largely historical myths.
4: You are afraid Islam will spread, but what the hell ever happened to the market place of ideas? Or is that seat only reserved for Nazis?
5: Fucking bigot.
Tuberville: “We just saw what happened in NY. We lost NY. It will be completely Muslim in 3-4 years. That’s what they want. And it’s going to spread throughout the country.”
November 7, 2025 at 10:08 PM
1: Fucking bigot.
2: No.
3: That's not how conversion works. Alledged rapid, total, top-down conversions are largely historical myths.
4: You are afraid Islam will spread, but what the hell ever happened to the market place of ideas? Or is that seat only reserved for Nazis?
5: Fucking bigot.
2: No.
3: That's not how conversion works. Alledged rapid, total, top-down conversions are largely historical myths.
4: You are afraid Islam will spread, but what the hell ever happened to the market place of ideas? Or is that seat only reserved for Nazis?
5: Fucking bigot.