Chris Curtis
@curtosis.bsky.social
Computational linguist, artificer, λ(data). Syntactician with semanticist delusions. Theatre artist. Anti-Taylorist. Continuous everywhere, differentiable nowhere. Living in the occupied USA. Boosts are multivalent. He/they.
Pinned
Chris Curtis
@curtosis.bsky.social
· May 3
Feeling deictic today; might delete later.
Reposted by Chris Curtis
Very important interview.
msmagazine.com/2026/02/17/f...
"I asked her what she sees when she watches footage of current ICE operations. She didn’t offer a comparison to her counterintelligence days. She offered something more damning: a list of violations of the agency’s own rules." 👇👇
msmagazine.com/2026/02/17/f...
"I asked her what she sees when she watches footage of current ICE operations. She didn’t offer a comparison to her counterintelligence days. She offered something more damning: a list of violations of the agency’s own rules." 👇👇
February 18, 2026 at 8:44 PM
Very important interview.
msmagazine.com/2026/02/17/f...
"I asked her what she sees when she watches footage of current ICE operations. She didn’t offer a comparison to her counterintelligence days. She offered something more damning: a list of violations of the agency’s own rules." 👇👇
msmagazine.com/2026/02/17/f...
"I asked her what she sees when she watches footage of current ICE operations. She didn’t offer a comparison to her counterintelligence days. She offered something more damning: a list of violations of the agency’s own rules." 👇👇
Reposted by Chris Curtis
Laura Provinzino was an AUSA for 14 years
1. DHS surges 3,000 officers to Minneapolis without doing anywhere near enough prep first.
2. Hundreds of habeas cases overwhelm local courts.
3. Dozens of DOJ lawyers quit in disgust/anger.
4. The DOJ brings in JAGs to cover.
5. A JAG was just held in contempt and fined $500/day for ICE's failures.
2. Hundreds of habeas cases overwhelm local courts.
3. Dozens of DOJ lawyers quit in disgust/anger.
4. The DOJ brings in JAGs to cover.
5. A JAG was just held in contempt and fined $500/day for ICE's failures.
February 18, 2026 at 11:22 PM
Laura Provinzino was an AUSA for 14 years
Reposted by Chris Curtis
Hey, folks who write seriously about defense. There is no Department of War in the US--that is just a small dick branding exercise. Just as there is no Gulf of America. So, use Dept of Defense until Congress legislates a change.
FFS.
and, today's example: www.chathamhouse.org/2026/02/what...
FFS.
and, today's example: www.chathamhouse.org/2026/02/what...
February 18, 2026 at 11:41 PM
Hey, folks who write seriously about defense. There is no Department of War in the US--that is just a small dick branding exercise. Just as there is no Gulf of America. So, use Dept of Defense until Congress legislates a change.
FFS.
and, today's example: www.chathamhouse.org/2026/02/what...
FFS.
and, today's example: www.chathamhouse.org/2026/02/what...
Reposted by Chris Curtis
I live a trad life, living off the land simply, because living natural is the best way. If you want to know how to live off the land simply and without technology, please watch my TikTok videos and join the discord, I also stream on Twitch every Thursday where I scream at women who wear pants
February 18, 2026 at 7:16 PM
I live a trad life, living off the land simply, because living natural is the best way. If you want to know how to live off the land simply and without technology, please watch my TikTok videos and join the discord, I also stream on Twitch every Thursday where I scream at women who wear pants
The (nominal, temporary) president is wrong.
Frequently, in fact.
Frequently, in fact.
Leavitt: "You need an ID to go and purchase alcohol. You need an ID to go to the library and check out a book. So the president thinks you should have an ID to vote in our nation's elections."
February 18, 2026 at 9:11 PM
The (nominal, temporary) president is wrong.
Frequently, in fact.
Frequently, in fact.
Reposted by Chris Curtis
The more I think about the DC press slagging AOC for a lack of FP depth while Donald Trump is President, twice, is making me angry enough to explode. The fuck is wrong with the journalists that they're like this
February 18, 2026 at 12:51 PM
The more I think about the DC press slagging AOC for a lack of FP depth while Donald Trump is President, twice, is making me angry enough to explode. The fuck is wrong with the journalists that they're like this
Reposted by Chris Curtis
Trump is shredding our Constitution every day. Instead of answering for all the damage inflicted on our people and the rule of law, Attorney General Pam Bondi spent her time before the Judiciary Committee name-calling, filibustering and deflecting from her indefensible Epstein coverup.
February 18, 2026 at 6:27 PM
Trump is shredding our Constitution every day. Instead of answering for all the damage inflicted on our people and the rule of law, Attorney General Pam Bondi spent her time before the Judiciary Committee name-calling, filibustering and deflecting from her indefensible Epstein coverup.
Reposted by Chris Curtis
It sure seems like when we have our basic needs met, and don't have to hustle to survive, humans will almost always choose to create art.
And there is a lot of evidence that when a society decides to honor and promote art and artists, everyone who lives there is measurably happier.
And there is a lot of evidence that when a society decides to honor and promote art and artists, everyone who lives there is measurably happier.
I regularly see people wondering how it's possible that there are so many musicians and writers and film makers and artists from a tiny nation like Iceland.
And the answer is really simple: State funding for art education and artists. I literally get a salary from the government to write books.
And the answer is really simple: State funding for art education and artists. I literally get a salary from the government to write books.
I’m constantly astounded at the sheer level of artistic production coming out of Iceland. Novels, movies, music. Amazing.
February 18, 2026 at 6:29 PM
It sure seems like when we have our basic needs met, and don't have to hustle to survive, humans will almost always choose to create art.
And there is a lot of evidence that when a society decides to honor and promote art and artists, everyone who lives there is measurably happier.
And there is a lot of evidence that when a society decides to honor and promote art and artists, everyone who lives there is measurably happier.
Reposted by Chris Curtis
This is totally non-standard for any publication. Every pub everywhere pretty much cleans up uhms, uhm, and vocal tics like that, which EVERYONE DOES.
This is extremely intentional.
If I was writing this I’d probably do the quote “this is of course a very longstanding policy of the United States”
This is extremely intentional.
If I was writing this I’d probably do the quote “this is of course a very longstanding policy of the United States”
Have you ever once seen the New York Times quote Trump like this?
February 16, 2026 at 8:15 PM
This is totally non-standard for any publication. Every pub everywhere pretty much cleans up uhms, uhm, and vocal tics like that, which EVERYONE DOES.
This is extremely intentional.
If I was writing this I’d probably do the quote “this is of course a very longstanding policy of the United States”
This is extremely intentional.
If I was writing this I’d probably do the quote “this is of course a very longstanding policy of the United States”
Reposted by Chris Curtis
In a blatant violation of NY state and NYC law, NYU Langone has shut down its youth gender clinic and caused a potential forced detransition to its patients. Where is the NY AG and Mayor Mamdani?
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/17/n...
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/17/n...
Manhattan Hospital Ends Medical Treatment for Transgender Youth
www.nytimes.com
February 18, 2026 at 11:52 AM
In a blatant violation of NY state and NYC law, NYU Langone has shut down its youth gender clinic and caused a potential forced detransition to its patients. Where is the NY AG and Mayor Mamdani?
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/17/n...
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/17/n...
Reposted by Chris Curtis
There is nothing legal or moral about the blockade. It's also terrible policy, and actively harmful to broader U.S. national security interests. But at least it's also costing taxpayers gobs of money.
Hard to believe the unbelievable cruelty of the Trump administration. You are watching the deliberate and illegal strangulation of 10 million people and the US media can hardly be bothered to notice. Whether the govt stays or falls, this man-made humanitarian crisis of epic proportions will remain.
February 18, 2026 at 3:18 AM
There is nothing legal or moral about the blockade. It's also terrible policy, and actively harmful to broader U.S. national security interests. But at least it's also costing taxpayers gobs of money.
Reposted by Chris Curtis
Historian of medicine here. Yes. Yes, they did.
before antibiotics did people just die all the time from everything?
February 17, 2026 at 5:47 PM
Historian of medicine here. Yes. Yes, they did.
Reposted by Chris Curtis
Imagine doing this with your one precious life. Other people are out there teaching children and curing cancer and you decide to spend your time telling outrageous, laughably unbelievable lies about a dementia-addled rapist and fraud whose legacy will be nearly ending US democracy
Leavitt: "I think it's frankly ridiculous that anyone in this room would even suggest that President Trump is doing anything for his own benefit. He left a life of luxury and a life of running a very successful real estate empire for public service."
February 18, 2026 at 2:48 AM
Imagine doing this with your one precious life. Other people are out there teaching children and curing cancer and you decide to spend your time telling outrageous, laughably unbelievable lies about a dementia-addled rapist and fraud whose legacy will be nearly ending US democracy
Reposted by Chris Curtis
*endless screaming*
Like, there's so much to scream about but the "cumulative infections per person: 5.07" is the thing that's making me scream the hardest
Like, there's so much to scream about but the "cumulative infections per person: 5.07" is the thing that's making me scream the hardest
PMC COVlD Report, Week of Feb 16, 2026 (U.S.)
14 states are still experiencing High/Very High COVlD levels amid a lingering 12th wave.
Minnesota may be at an all-time high.
THREAD 1 of 4 🧵
14 states are still experiencing High/Very High COVlD levels amid a lingering 12th wave.
Minnesota may be at an all-time high.
THREAD 1 of 4 🧵
February 16, 2026 at 4:02 PM
*endless screaming*
Like, there's so much to scream about but the "cumulative infections per person: 5.07" is the thing that's making me scream the hardest
Like, there's so much to scream about but the "cumulative infections per person: 5.07" is the thing that's making me scream the hardest
Reposted by Chris Curtis
Your regular reminder that since August of last year, Mr. Abrego has agreed to be deported to Costa Rica, but the Trump admin refuses to do so because they want to instead punish him by sending him to an African country that will most likely detain and then deport him to El Salvador for the admin.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement cannot re-detain Kilmar Abrego Garcia because a 90-day detention period has expired and the government has no viable plan for deporting him, a federal judge ruled. https://cnn.it/4kHhwqR
February 17, 2026 at 8:36 PM
Your regular reminder that since August of last year, Mr. Abrego has agreed to be deported to Costa Rica, but the Trump admin refuses to do so because they want to instead punish him by sending him to an African country that will most likely detain and then deport him to El Salvador for the admin.
Reposted by Chris Curtis
This is the opposite of what is about as close as you get to an objective fact in economics.
Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on tariffs: "It's not regressive. Most consumption in America is done by the wealthiest people. So the idea it's somehow regressive is just wrong."
February 17, 2026 at 8:42 PM
This is the opposite of what is about as close as you get to an objective fact in economics.
We’re going to need those new prisons for all the ICE and CBP employees responsible.
"the camp was raided to confiscate letters from the children"
“I don’t want to be in this place I want to go to my school.”
- 7 year old imprisoned by ICE for 70 days in a concentration camp in Texas.
Today, after @propublica.org published this story, the camp was raided to confiscate letters from the children.
www.propublica.org/article/ice-...
- 7 year old imprisoned by ICE for 70 days in a concentration camp in Texas.
Today, after @propublica.org published this story, the camp was raided to confiscate letters from the children.
www.propublica.org/article/ice-...
February 17, 2026 at 11:31 PM
We’re going to need those new prisons for all the ICE and CBP employees responsible.
Reposted by Chris Curtis
"the camp was raided to confiscate letters from the children"
“I don’t want to be in this place I want to go to my school.”
- 7 year old imprisoned by ICE for 70 days in a concentration camp in Texas.
Today, after @propublica.org published this story, the camp was raided to confiscate letters from the children.
www.propublica.org/article/ice-...
- 7 year old imprisoned by ICE for 70 days in a concentration camp in Texas.
Today, after @propublica.org published this story, the camp was raided to confiscate letters from the children.
www.propublica.org/article/ice-...
February 17, 2026 at 8:09 PM
"the camp was raided to confiscate letters from the children"
Reposted by Chris Curtis
The horror stories rolling in from Minnesota are just the tip of the iceberg. This 20-year-old, who's lawfully present in the country, was arrested for being Latino, then jailed in a filthy cell where he couldn't even sit down. 18 days of illegal detention. democracyforward.org/wp-content/u...
February 17, 2026 at 8:06 PM
The horror stories rolling in from Minnesota are just the tip of the iceberg. This 20-year-old, who's lawfully present in the country, was arrested for being Latino, then jailed in a filthy cell where he couldn't even sit down. 18 days of illegal detention. democracyforward.org/wp-content/u...
Reposted by Chris Curtis
A Dem that runs as pro trans gets a SIXTY ONE POINT BUMP WITH DEM VOTERS and a NINE POINT BUMP WITH INDIES over ones that go silent.
The failure to get this is a prior beliefs/incentives problem but it's also a research problem. The current establishment's understanding of voters is utterly cooked.
The failure to get this is a prior beliefs/incentives problem but it's also a research problem. The current establishment's understanding of voters is utterly cooked.
Relevant to that is another finding in the poll. A theoretical officeholder that speaks up about these issues is preferred by:
ICE raids D+72 I+40
Trans D+61 I+9
Gaza genocide D+33 I-24
Guessing that Gaza one was a question wording effect, but if you're running a a Dem, those are your voters.
ICE raids D+72 I+40
Trans D+61 I+9
Gaza genocide D+33 I-24
Guessing that Gaza one was a question wording effect, but if you're running a a Dem, those are your voters.
September 20, 2025 at 4:02 PM
A Dem that runs as pro trans gets a SIXTY ONE POINT BUMP WITH DEM VOTERS and a NINE POINT BUMP WITH INDIES over ones that go silent.
The failure to get this is a prior beliefs/incentives problem but it's also a research problem. The current establishment's understanding of voters is utterly cooked.
The failure to get this is a prior beliefs/incentives problem but it's also a research problem. The current establishment's understanding of voters is utterly cooked.
Reposted by Chris Curtis
Utter decimation of a society due to participatory make-believe
February 17, 2026 at 1:11 AM
Utter decimation of a society due to participatory make-believe
Reposted by Chris Curtis
Once More: The pharmaceutical industry possesses massive lobbying & advertising resources! Yet it (& the larger medical industry) will not mount a defense against Trump's broad war upon public health.
They have money & influence but lack courage -- or, indeed, simple conviction in their own work.
They have money & influence but lack courage -- or, indeed, simple conviction in their own work.
Federal policies under Robert F. Kennedy Jr. that are hostile to vaccines have “sent a chill through the entire industry,” one scientist said. In several cases, the policies have impeded President Trump's often-stated goal of bringing pharmaceutical manufacturing and jobs back to the U.S.
Vaccine Makers Curtail Research and Cut Jobs
Federal policies under Robert F. Kennedy Jr. that are hostile to vaccines have “sent a chill through the entire industry,” one scientist said.
nyti.ms
February 17, 2026 at 1:18 AM
Once More: The pharmaceutical industry possesses massive lobbying & advertising resources! Yet it (& the larger medical industry) will not mount a defense against Trump's broad war upon public health.
They have money & influence but lack courage -- or, indeed, simple conviction in their own work.
They have money & influence but lack courage -- or, indeed, simple conviction in their own work.
Reposted by Chris Curtis
As a direct result of the obscene actions of Russell Vought and Elon Musk in destroying USAID, we can expect “at least 9.4 million additional deaths by 2030, if the current funding trend continues.
About 2.5 million of those deaths are projected to be children under the age of 5.”
About 2.5 million of those deaths are projected to be children under the age of 5.”
One year on from dismantling of USAID, study projects that global aid cuts could lead to 9.4 million deaths by 2030 | CNN
It’s been one year since the Trump administration dismantled the US Agency for International Development (USAID), with aid cuts leading to the closure of HIV clinics in South Africa, the termination o...
www.cnn.com
February 13, 2026 at 3:00 PM
As a direct result of the obscene actions of Russell Vought and Elon Musk in destroying USAID, we can expect “at least 9.4 million additional deaths by 2030, if the current funding trend continues.
About 2.5 million of those deaths are projected to be children under the age of 5.”
About 2.5 million of those deaths are projected to be children under the age of 5.”
Reposted by Chris Curtis
The drunk uncle theory.
You don’t argue with the casually homophobic uncle at Thanksgiving dinner to change his mind; you argue so that the closeted cousin at the kids table knows there’s safe people and better possibilities out there
You don’t argue with the casually homophobic uncle at Thanksgiving dinner to change his mind; you argue so that the closeted cousin at the kids table knows there’s safe people and better possibilities out there
agree with this (hah) but also think a particular mistake the left made for a long time online, and still makes to an extent, is failing to understand that the person whose mind you may actually change is the one reading the argument you're having, not the one you're arguing with
The secret to engaging in social media debate is knowing you will never win anyone over. The best you can hope for is to have people who already agree with tell you you're awesome. You might great a dopamine thrill from the righteousness of your anger! Fine benefits, all. But you will never win.
February 16, 2026 at 11:35 PM
The drunk uncle theory.
You don’t argue with the casually homophobic uncle at Thanksgiving dinner to change his mind; you argue so that the closeted cousin at the kids table knows there’s safe people and better possibilities out there
You don’t argue with the casually homophobic uncle at Thanksgiving dinner to change his mind; you argue so that the closeted cousin at the kids table knows there’s safe people and better possibilities out there
Reposted by Chris Curtis
We live in an autocratic oligarchic hellhole.
The Pentagon is basically saying that if Anthropic doesn't drop its demands over restricting the use of AI in autonomous drone targeting and surveillance of Americans, it will essentially destroy the company.
The Pentagon is basically saying that if Anthropic doesn't drop its demands over restricting the use of AI in autonomous drone targeting and surveillance of Americans, it will essentially destroy the company.
Exclusive: Pentagon warns Anthropic will "pay a price" as feud escalates
The Pentagon may label Anthropic a "supply chain risk," forcing all its vendors to sever ties.
www.axios.com
February 16, 2026 at 8:42 PM
We live in an autocratic oligarchic hellhole.
The Pentagon is basically saying that if Anthropic doesn't drop its demands over restricting the use of AI in autonomous drone targeting and surveillance of Americans, it will essentially destroy the company.
The Pentagon is basically saying that if Anthropic doesn't drop its demands over restricting the use of AI in autonomous drone targeting and surveillance of Americans, it will essentially destroy the company.