Sola Balisane
@balisane.bsky.social
It's okay, we're professionals.
Fully grown. 3D sculpt and print enthusiast. The rest at discretion.
Yes the net.goth one.
Tips and cat treats: https://ko-fi.com/balisane
Fully grown. 3D sculpt and print enthusiast. The rest at discretion.
Yes the net.goth one.
Tips and cat treats: https://ko-fi.com/balisane
Pinned
Sola Balisane
@balisane.bsky.social
· Dec 28
"And I never say no"
We need to have a serious talk about the way "AI companion" apps not only prey on the vulnerable, but are priming their users to ignore consent and to conflate love with control.
We need AI regulations across so many sectors, but this area is particularly horrifying.
We need to have a serious talk about the way "AI companion" apps not only prey on the vulnerable, but are priming their users to ignore consent and to conflate love with control.
We need AI regulations across so many sectors, but this area is particularly horrifying.
My conspiracy theory is: chatbots are being used to attack the most basic threads of the social fabric.
If techbros want to turn people into "biofuel," and one of our strongest defenses against corporate control is human relationships, then why not have human relationships under corporate control?
If techbros want to turn people into "biofuel," and one of our strongest defenses against corporate control is human relationships, then why not have human relationships under corporate control?
Reposted by Sola Balisane
I can’t believe how long Vamp Fatale has been around with her audience aether sucking gimmick and I somehow never ONCE referenced this doujin frame that’s been saved on my phone for years
January 28, 2026 at 4:08 AM
I can’t believe how long Vamp Fatale has been around with her audience aether sucking gimmick and I somehow never ONCE referenced this doujin frame that’s been saved on my phone for years
Reposted by Sola Balisane
Reposted by Sola Balisane
January 27, 2026 at 6:58 PM
FFXIV NA Party Finder is breaking our minds, even as cohesive groups of good players. It's week 4, and we're still struggling to get clears and reclears in a timely manner due to the Behaviors.
Woof. Made us all cranky tonight even with each other. Extremely unusual for these friend groups.
Woof. Made us all cranky tonight even with each other. Extremely unusual for these friend groups.
January 28, 2026 at 5:12 AM
FFXIV NA Party Finder is breaking our minds, even as cohesive groups of good players. It's week 4, and we're still struggling to get clears and reclears in a timely manner due to the Behaviors.
Woof. Made us all cranky tonight even with each other. Extremely unusual for these friend groups.
Woof. Made us all cranky tonight even with each other. Extremely unusual for these friend groups.
Reposted by Sola Balisane
Then that's not encryption. A key that can be shared is no key at all.
It's the year of Linux. (Says 30yr Windows IT guy)
It's the year of Linux. (Says 30yr Windows IT guy)
January 25, 2026 at 3:46 AM
Then that's not encryption. A key that can be shared is no key at all.
It's the year of Linux. (Says 30yr Windows IT guy)
It's the year of Linux. (Says 30yr Windows IT guy)
Reposted by Sola Balisane
“Hundreds of immigrant mothers” in Texas concentration camp uprising
There's a prison revolt at a concentration camp in Texas in solidarity with Minneapolis:
January 24, 2026 at 11:11 PM
“Hundreds of immigrant mothers” in Texas concentration camp uprising
Reposted by Sola Balisane
pro-tip for Americans because you guys haven't had to do the post-fascism reconstruction yet*
When you eventually, hopefully, put the thousands of ICE agents on trial, do not under any circumstances accept 'just following orders' as a legal defense. Trust me
*many of us have, thank you America btw
When you eventually, hopefully, put the thousands of ICE agents on trial, do not under any circumstances accept 'just following orders' as a legal defense. Trust me
*many of us have, thank you America btw
January 24, 2026 at 8:58 PM
pro-tip for Americans because you guys haven't had to do the post-fascism reconstruction yet*
When you eventually, hopefully, put the thousands of ICE agents on trial, do not under any circumstances accept 'just following orders' as a legal defense. Trust me
*many of us have, thank you America btw
When you eventually, hopefully, put the thousands of ICE agents on trial, do not under any circumstances accept 'just following orders' as a legal defense. Trust me
*many of us have, thank you America btw
Reposted by Sola Balisane
i straight up just think everyone online with aggressive bad opinions is a bot now tbh
Political leaders could soon launch swarms of human-imitating #AI agents to reshape public opinion in a way that threatens to undermine #democracy, a high profile group of experts in AI and online misinformation has warned. (Guardian)
Experts warn of threat to democracy from ‘AI bot swarms’ infesting social media
Misinformation technology could be deployed at scale to disrupt 2028 US presidential election, AI researchers say
www.theguardian.com
January 22, 2026 at 10:52 PM
i straight up just think everyone online with aggressive bad opinions is a bot now tbh
Reposted by Sola Balisane
Midwest folks: ICE is building detention camps in North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Nebraska, Minnesota — centers for everyone targeted in the Midwest
Violence elsewhere always has a pathway to where we live now and what we vote for
Call your reps, ICE OUT MIDWEST
www.wired.com/story/ice-de...
Violence elsewhere always has a pathway to where we live now and what we vote for
Call your reps, ICE OUT MIDWEST
www.wired.com/story/ice-de...
ICE Details a New Minnesota-Based Detention Network That Spans 5 States
Internal ICE planning documents propose spending up to $50 million on a privately run network capable of shipping immigrants in custody hundreds of miles across the Upper Midwest.
www.wired.com
January 24, 2026 at 8:17 PM
Midwest folks: ICE is building detention camps in North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Nebraska, Minnesota — centers for everyone targeted in the Midwest
Violence elsewhere always has a pathway to where we live now and what we vote for
Call your reps, ICE OUT MIDWEST
www.wired.com/story/ice-de...
Violence elsewhere always has a pathway to where we live now and what we vote for
Call your reps, ICE OUT MIDWEST
www.wired.com/story/ice-de...
Reposted by Sola Balisane
![a Kirby frame, inspired by Anthony Moser
Frame (F is happening!): The protestor had a gun!
Negation (F is not true!): The observer had a gun permit
Kirby (K is happening. That's why they're saying F): THEY ARE NAZI DEATH SQUADS
[eats the frame saying "gun man bad"]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:eawrzkefxggvqbrmagkhsmcc/bafkreifkywskuzbxiuoyfbasyous2f2fsvuukhcckmiet43f4yhwtslo4e@jpeg)
On making the polio vaccine "optional":
January 24, 2026 at 7:51 PM
On making the polio vaccine "optional":
Gorgeous sunrise today. But red sky at morning, sailors take warning, so that storm is definitely on the way
January 23, 2026 at 12:00 PM
Gorgeous sunrise today. But red sky at morning, sailors take warning, so that storm is definitely on the way
Reposted by Sola Balisane
are YOU a university professor, professor emeriti or associate professor of history, social sciences, law, philosophy, theology, and religion?
Did you know you can nominate people for the Nobel Peace Prize?
Did you know you can nominate people for the Nobel Peace Prize?
Some thoughts:
1. The deadline for nominating a person or group for the Nobel Peace Prize is Feb. 1.
2. History professors are qualified nominators.
3. The people of Minnesota have been awe-inspiringly peaceful in the face of state violence.
4. He would be so mad.
1. The deadline for nominating a person or group for the Nobel Peace Prize is Feb. 1.
2. History professors are qualified nominators.
3. The people of Minnesota have been awe-inspiringly peaceful in the face of state violence.
4. He would be so mad.
Nomination and selection of Nobel Peace Prize laureates - NobelPrize.org
A nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize may be submitted by any person who meets the nomination criteria. A letter of invitation to submit is not required. The names of the nominees and other informati...
www.nobelprize.org
January 23, 2026 at 7:58 AM
are YOU a university professor, professor emeriti or associate professor of history, social sciences, law, philosophy, theology, and religion?
Did you know you can nominate people for the Nobel Peace Prize?
Did you know you can nominate people for the Nobel Peace Prize?
I have a reputation at my job for speaking truth to power, which I've done to the head of HR, more than one director, and at least two of C-suite.
It's the reason I'm still a contractor on questionable hours, but it's also the reason we still have two of our biggest clients.
(Yes, I'm looking.)
It's the reason I'm still a contractor on questionable hours, but it's also the reason we still have two of our biggest clients.
(Yes, I'm looking.)
My QUESTION OF THE DAY is...
Can you name a time where you stood up for something or someone, you made an ethical choice and stood by it even though it cost you?
I'm just curious, I love stories where people live their conscience.
Can you name a time where you stood up for something or someone, you made an ethical choice and stood by it even though it cost you?
I'm just curious, I love stories where people live their conscience.
January 20, 2026 at 7:23 PM
I have a reputation at my job for speaking truth to power, which I've done to the head of HR, more than one director, and at least two of C-suite.
It's the reason I'm still a contractor on questionable hours, but it's also the reason we still have two of our biggest clients.
(Yes, I'm looking.)
It's the reason I'm still a contractor on questionable hours, but it's also the reason we still have two of our biggest clients.
(Yes, I'm looking.)
Reposted by Sola Balisane
If there's one empirical insight I'd want everyone to understand about American politics, it's this:
America's problems are solved problems. Just not here.
What would change if the US simply matched the average of 31 peer democracies? Not Denmark or Norway. Just the middle of the pack. 🧵
America's problems are solved problems. Just not here.
What would change if the US simply matched the average of 31 peer democracies? Not Denmark or Norway. Just the middle of the pack. 🧵
January 12, 2026 at 9:36 PM
If there's one empirical insight I'd want everyone to understand about American politics, it's this:
America's problems are solved problems. Just not here.
What would change if the US simply matched the average of 31 peer democracies? Not Denmark or Norway. Just the middle of the pack. 🧵
America's problems are solved problems. Just not here.
What would change if the US simply matched the average of 31 peer democracies? Not Denmark or Norway. Just the middle of the pack. 🧵
Reposted by Sola Balisane
Am I the only one that thinks this cartoon by Charles Addams (the guy who created the Addams family) is legitimately creepy?
January 19, 2026 at 2:27 AM
Am I the only one that thinks this cartoon by Charles Addams (the guy who created the Addams family) is legitimately creepy?
Reposted by Sola Balisane
the knitters too. this is the top pattern on ravelry right now
January 19, 2026 at 4:40 AM
the knitters too. this is the top pattern on ravelry right now
Reposted by Sola Balisane
Just wanna make it clear for folks:
The same way Civil Rights protestors has hoses and dogs set on them? They're causing these life-changing injuries on purpose. They want to scare you off the streets.
The same way Civil Rights protestors has hoses and dogs set on them? They're causing these life-changing injuries on purpose. They want to scare you off the streets.
US federal forces blind two protesters shot in face with ‘less-lethal’ munitions
Kaden Rummler and Britain Rodriguez tell KTLA and LA Times of being shot at close range during California protest
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
Kaden Rummler and Britain Rodriguez tell KTLA and LA Times of being shot at close range during California protest
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
US federal forces blind two protesters shot in face with ‘less-lethal’ munitions
Kaden Rummler and Britain Rodriguez tell KTLA and LA Times of being shot at close range during California protest
www.theguardian.com
January 19, 2026 at 4:19 AM
Just wanna make it clear for folks:
The same way Civil Rights protestors has hoses and dogs set on them? They're causing these life-changing injuries on purpose. They want to scare you off the streets.
The same way Civil Rights protestors has hoses and dogs set on them? They're causing these life-changing injuries on purpose. They want to scare you off the streets.
Reposted by Sola Balisane
I've finally put my "Find Your Organizing Home in NYC" zine online in readable form with clickable links - check it out and GET HOOKED UP and ORGANIZED, friends!
gregpak.net/2026/01/17/f...
gregpak.net/2026/01/17/f...
January 17, 2026 at 8:26 PM
I've finally put my "Find Your Organizing Home in NYC" zine online in readable form with clickable links - check it out and GET HOOKED UP and ORGANIZED, friends!
gregpak.net/2026/01/17/f...
gregpak.net/2026/01/17/f...
Reposted by Sola Balisane
Doing this right now so i thought i'd spread it
Notice your breath. Just a few breaths. Watch it, don't judge.
Notice your thoughts. Don't change them or control them, just watch them.
If you can do something to move, move.
If you can do soemthiing to strengthen your core, do it.
Drink some water.
Notice your breath. Just a few breaths. Watch it, don't judge.
Notice your thoughts. Don't change them or control them, just watch them.
If you can do something to move, move.
If you can do soemthiing to strengthen your core, do it.
Drink some water.
January 18, 2026 at 7:14 PM
Doing this right now so i thought i'd spread it
Notice your breath. Just a few breaths. Watch it, don't judge.
Notice your thoughts. Don't change them or control them, just watch them.
If you can do something to move, move.
If you can do soemthiing to strengthen your core, do it.
Drink some water.
Notice your breath. Just a few breaths. Watch it, don't judge.
Notice your thoughts. Don't change them or control them, just watch them.
If you can do something to move, move.
If you can do soemthiing to strengthen your core, do it.
Drink some water.
Reposted by Sola Balisane
ACC: Heavyweight Tier
January 18, 2026 at 10:21 AM
ACC: Heavyweight Tier
Reposted by Sola Balisane
In advance of King Day tomorrow, I am resharing a piece about Coretta AND MLK as a reminder that they were a team. open.substack.com/pub/prisoncu...
Coretta Scott King and Looking Backwards
No MLK without CSK
open.substack.com
January 18, 2026 at 6:04 PM
In advance of King Day tomorrow, I am resharing a piece about Coretta AND MLK as a reminder that they were a team. open.substack.com/pub/prisoncu...
Reposted by Sola Balisane
Woman With Serpent — Kajetan Stefanowicz, 1915
January 18, 2026 at 10:06 AM
Woman With Serpent — Kajetan Stefanowicz, 1915