Vania
@dawookie.bsky.social
- Cat herder & perspective-smasher
- Enlightened BUT human is my second language
Currently: On a quest to save democracy and the world for selfish cat-centered comfortable retirement reasons
- Enlightened BUT human is my second language
Currently: On a quest to save democracy and the world for selfish cat-centered comfortable retirement reasons
#Enlightenment is a process of saying "yes, and" to any perspective your ego says, "nope" to. We metabolize toxins (harms) better when we can tell the truest story about them.
You can't find Oneness by rejecting empathy. Set boundaries safe enough to let you try on every shoe ever thrown at you.
You can't find Oneness by rejecting empathy. Set boundaries safe enough to let you try on every shoe ever thrown at you.
February 16, 2026 at 10:33 PM
#Enlightenment is a process of saying "yes, and" to any perspective your ego says, "nope" to. We metabolize toxins (harms) better when we can tell the truest story about them.
You can't find Oneness by rejecting empathy. Set boundaries safe enough to let you try on every shoe ever thrown at you.
You can't find Oneness by rejecting empathy. Set boundaries safe enough to let you try on every shoe ever thrown at you.
Kids in cages is STILL extremely unpopular in America, so that's a relief.
Too bad our politicians can't seem to PROTECT kids, which IS a skillset everyone, everywhere (with proper framing of the story of REALITY) WOULD vote for.
#BetterDems
Too bad our politicians can't seem to PROTECT kids, which IS a skillset everyone, everywhere (with proper framing of the story of REALITY) WOULD vote for.
#BetterDems
There are concentration camps in the USA. People are being disappeared. One facility has 3,500 people, most of them children.
Now, what are we going to do about it?!
Now, what are we going to do about it?!
February 16, 2026 at 10:15 PM
Kids in cages is STILL extremely unpopular in America, so that's a relief.
Too bad our politicians can't seem to PROTECT kids, which IS a skillset everyone, everywhere (with proper framing of the story of REALITY) WOULD vote for.
#BetterDems
Too bad our politicians can't seem to PROTECT kids, which IS a skillset everyone, everywhere (with proper framing of the story of REALITY) WOULD vote for.
#BetterDems
The pillow talk on Bluesky is so good 💋
Can our next "Heated Rivalry" feature climate nerds PLEASE?
#BetterDems
I'm NOT joking.
Can our next "Heated Rivalry" feature climate nerds PLEASE?
#BetterDems
I'm NOT joking.
But if we were able to tighten the restrictions on CO beyond the ability of a catalytic converter to accomplish, then it could still necessitate a gradual shift to battery electric vehicles. The best CO/NOx mitigation tech is still 99% efficient. Requiring 99.9% might make gas engines impossible.
February 16, 2026 at 9:41 PM
The pillow talk on Bluesky is so good 💋
Can our next "Heated Rivalry" feature climate nerds PLEASE?
#BetterDems
I'm NOT joking.
Can our next "Heated Rivalry" feature climate nerds PLEASE?
#BetterDems
I'm NOT joking.
The peanut butter and chocolate of saving the world ARE climate action and dancing.
#BetterDems
#BetterDems
Paperback tour = climate dance parties.🕺🏽
Two month countdown to publication of *What If We Get It Right?* in paperback. ✨ New look, same big question — and $10 cheaper!
This an updated and expanded edition, including 4 new interviews.
Available April 14, 2026
Two month countdown to publication of *What If We Get It Right?* in paperback. ✨ New look, same big question — and $10 cheaper!
This an updated and expanded edition, including 4 new interviews.
Available April 14, 2026
February 16, 2026 at 9:38 PM
The peanut butter and chocolate of saving the world ARE climate action and dancing.
#BetterDems
#BetterDems
Teaching engineer-brains how to save the world is what heroism looks like in these disjointed times ❤️
I'm live-blogging my class on Distributed Energy Resources this spring. The first few posts include "What are DERs?" and a three-part series on "Why DERs?" (spoiler: health, money, and climate). I'll link to more posts here as I write them.
kevinjkircher.com/blog/
kevinjkircher.com/blog/
Blog – Kevin J. Kircher
kevinjkircher.com
February 16, 2026 at 9:03 PM
Teaching engineer-brains how to save the world is what heroism looks like in these disjointed times ❤️
Reposted by Vania
🇺🇦🇺🇸 Zelensky: During a meeting with Senators Richard Blumenthal and Sheldon Whitehouse, I thanked the United States for its strong bipartisan support and work for peace. Before our meeting, the senators met with children whom Ukraine managed to return from Russia. Thank you, this is truly important.
February 16, 2026 at 3:45 PM
🇺🇦🇺🇸 Zelensky: During a meeting with Senators Richard Blumenthal and Sheldon Whitehouse, I thanked the United States for its strong bipartisan support and work for peace. Before our meeting, the senators met with children whom Ukraine managed to return from Russia. Thank you, this is truly important.
Reposted by Vania
#Hartford #VisibilityBrigade getting messages out this am!
@hcrichardson.bsky.social @briantylercohen.bsky.social @gtconway.bsky.social @maddow.bsky.social @rbhubbell.bsky.social @aaronparnas.bsky.social @lawrenceodonnell.bsky.social @visibilitybrigade.bsky.social @tommorelloofficial.bsky.social
@hcrichardson.bsky.social @briantylercohen.bsky.social @gtconway.bsky.social @maddow.bsky.social @rbhubbell.bsky.social @aaronparnas.bsky.social @lawrenceodonnell.bsky.social @visibilitybrigade.bsky.social @tommorelloofficial.bsky.social
February 16, 2026 at 8:16 PM
Reposted by Vania
Share the good news when we have it:
PFAS ‘forever chemicals’ are falling in North Atlantic whales after phaseout
news.mongabay.com/short-articl...
PFAS ‘forever chemicals’ are falling in North Atlantic whales after phaseout
news.mongabay.com/short-articl...
news.mongabay.com
February 16, 2026 at 7:44 PM
Share the good news when we have it:
PFAS ‘forever chemicals’ are falling in North Atlantic whales after phaseout
news.mongabay.com/short-articl...
PFAS ‘forever chemicals’ are falling in North Atlantic whales after phaseout
news.mongabay.com/short-articl...
Reposted by Vania
Judge orders restoration of Philadelphia slavery exhibits
Judge orders restoration of Philadelphia slavery exhibits
Cynthia Rufe, a George W. Bush appointee, compared the administration’s effort to remove the panels to Orwell’s “1984.”
dlvr.it
February 16, 2026 at 8:22 PM
Judge orders restoration of Philadelphia slavery exhibits
Hey, you know what REAL safety feels like?
Connecting to the planetary ecosystem through acts of service and earning LOVE, not letting your self-loathing fuel ambition to destroy democracy and retreating into a bunker because everyone ELSE hates you now, too.
Heal thyself, psycho.
#enlightenment
Connecting to the planetary ecosystem through acts of service and earning LOVE, not letting your self-loathing fuel ambition to destroy democracy and retreating into a bunker because everyone ELSE hates you now, too.
Heal thyself, psycho.
#enlightenment
Russell Vought Uses $15M From Foreign Aid Agency He Gutted to Pay for Security Detail
Russell Vought Uses $15M From Foreign Aid Agency He Gutted to Pay for Security Detail
Reuters is reporting that the director of the White House Office of Management and Budget, Russell Vought, is using $15 million of what remains of USAID's operating expenses to fund his security detail.
www.democracynow.org
February 16, 2026 at 8:48 PM
Hey, you know what REAL safety feels like?
Connecting to the planetary ecosystem through acts of service and earning LOVE, not letting your self-loathing fuel ambition to destroy democracy and retreating into a bunker because everyone ELSE hates you now, too.
Heal thyself, psycho.
#enlightenment
Connecting to the planetary ecosystem through acts of service and earning LOVE, not letting your self-loathing fuel ambition to destroy democracy and retreating into a bunker because everyone ELSE hates you now, too.
Heal thyself, psycho.
#enlightenment
Reposted by Vania
I'm proud to have Robert Peña's endorsement in our movement to make life better for working people in Michigan and to give young people hope for a good future in our state. Robert is a public servant in his community and I'm honored to have his support.
February 16, 2026 at 8:04 PM
I'm proud to have Robert Peña's endorsement in our movement to make life better for working people in Michigan and to give young people hope for a good future in our state. Robert is a public servant in his community and I'm honored to have his support.
Saving the world means taking a wide enough perspective to pick the optimal strategic point of attack.
Big heart, sharp brain.
#BetterDems
Big heart, sharp brain.
#BetterDems
"Michigan’s approach is different: accusing Big Oil not of deceiving consumers or misrepresenting climate change risks, but of driving up energy costs by colluding to suppress competition from cleaner and cheaper technologies." insideclimatenews.org/news/1502202... by @danad1012.bsky.social 🔌💡
Michigan Tries a New Legal Tactic Against Big Oil, Alleging Antitrust Violations Aimed at Hobbling EVs and Renewable Energy - Inside Climate News
The suit comes as the industry and its political allies escalate efforts to shut down liability laws and lawsuits. Republicans in Congress are currently crafting legislation to shield fossil fuel comp...
insideclimatenews.org
February 16, 2026 at 7:54 PM
Saving the world means taking a wide enough perspective to pick the optimal strategic point of attack.
Big heart, sharp brain.
#BetterDems
Big heart, sharp brain.
#BetterDems
Same same re: @gavinnewsom.bsky.social
#BetterDems
The biggest hearts can win minds when they develop the skill to stay present, service-oriented, and joyful
#BetterDems
The biggest hearts can win minds when they develop the skill to stay present, service-oriented, and joyful
Starmer plays to the bigots, trying to compete with Farage. A strong leader would ignore the bigots, and do what is morally right. That would attract more voters. But there is no strength in Starmer, nor in Labour.
It’s the Government’s duty to protect all communities - including trans people.
They’re failing to do that.
Trans people deserve safety and dignity.
www.attitude.co.uk/news/zack-po...
They’re failing to do that.
Trans people deserve safety and dignity.
www.attitude.co.uk/news/zack-po...
February 16, 2026 at 7:52 PM
Same same re: @gavinnewsom.bsky.social
#BetterDems
The biggest hearts can win minds when they develop the skill to stay present, service-oriented, and joyful
#BetterDems
The biggest hearts can win minds when they develop the skill to stay present, service-oriented, and joyful
Reposted by Vania
Federal Judge Orders Return of Deported Babson College Student Any Lucia López Belloza Back to the U.S.
Federal Judge Orders Return of Deported Babson College Student Any Lucia López Belloza Back to the U.S.
A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to return Babson College student Any Lucia López Belloza to the United States after she was wrongfully deported to Honduras in November.
www.democracynow.org
February 16, 2026 at 7:30 PM
Federal Judge Orders Return of Deported Babson College Student Any Lucia López Belloza Back to the U.S.
Reposted by Vania
The American Academy of Actuaries warns that dismantling NCAR would degrade the catastrophe models insurers depend on to price climate risk—driving up premiums and threatening coverage availability nationwide.
"Uncertainty carries a positive cost."
www.riskmarketnews.com/trumps-clima...
"Uncertainty carries a positive cost."
www.riskmarketnews.com/trumps-clima...
Trump's Climate Supercomputer Plans Threaten US Insurance Market: Actuaries
A new letter from the American Academy of Actuaries draws a direct line between the planned dismantling of NCAR and higher homeowners insurance costs for US consumers.
www.riskmarketnews.com
February 16, 2026 at 3:49 PM
The American Academy of Actuaries warns that dismantling NCAR would degrade the catastrophe models insurers depend on to price climate risk—driving up premiums and threatening coverage availability nationwide.
"Uncertainty carries a positive cost."
www.riskmarketnews.com/trumps-clima...
"Uncertainty carries a positive cost."
www.riskmarketnews.com/trumps-clima...
The most relevant lesson of the Bible is this: When you're called to build an ark, can you choose to save the world entire instead? 🌈
If preservation isn't what technology is FOR, we're doing it wrong.
#BetterDems
#ClimateEmergency
If preservation isn't what technology is FOR, we're doing it wrong.
#BetterDems
#ClimateEmergency
A new study warns UK winters are becoming significantly wetter — with rainfall rising 7% for every degree of warming.
Yet Reform dismiss the scientific consensus and want scrap action to stop the climate crisis.
Yet Reform dismiss the scientific consensus and want scrap action to stop the climate crisis.
February 16, 2026 at 7:23 PM
The most relevant lesson of the Bible is this: When you're called to build an ark, can you choose to save the world entire instead? 🌈
If preservation isn't what technology is FOR, we're doing it wrong.
#BetterDems
#ClimateEmergency
If preservation isn't what technology is FOR, we're doing it wrong.
#BetterDems
#ClimateEmergency
Let's normalize crying, "Ouch, my ego!" whenever someone hurts our feelings.
Step 1 to emotional regulation skill is naming what's going on inside.
Step 1 to emotional regulation skill is naming what's going on inside.
February 16, 2026 at 7:10 PM
Let's normalize crying, "Ouch, my ego!" whenever someone hurts our feelings.
Step 1 to emotional regulation skill is naming what's going on inside.
Step 1 to emotional regulation skill is naming what's going on inside.
Therapist: "Think of a relaxing place."
My brain: "so, a world where @seancasten.bsky.social is in charge of American climate policy..."
#BetterDems
My brain: "so, a world where @seancasten.bsky.social is in charge of American climate policy..."
#BetterDems
I love @seancasten.bsky.social's talking points on clean energy is cheap energy (and visa versa).
Most recently he did an interview with @glennkirschner.bsky.social.
Here are some of his talking points. #TalkClimate (except really, let's talk about cheap energy.) 1/
youtu.be/CP87Yp15qGE?...
Most recently he did an interview with @glennkirschner.bsky.social.
Here are some of his talking points. #TalkClimate (except really, let's talk about cheap energy.) 1/
youtu.be/CP87Yp15qGE?...
Trump's Attack on Clean Energy is Really an Attack on AFFORDABLE Energy!
YouTube video by Glenn Kirschner
youtu.be
February 16, 2026 at 7:07 PM
Therapist: "Think of a relaxing place."
My brain: "so, a world where @seancasten.bsky.social is in charge of American climate policy..."
#BetterDems
My brain: "so, a world where @seancasten.bsky.social is in charge of American climate policy..."
#BetterDems
Reposted by Vania
Two ICE Agents Face Criminal Probe over Lying to a Jury After Shooting a Venezuelan Immigrant in Minnesota
Two ICE Agents Face Criminal Probe over Lying to a Jury After Shooting a Venezuelan Immigrant in Minnesota
In Minnesota, two lCE agents have been suspended and face a criminal investigation into whether they lied to a jury about the shooting of a Venezuelan immigrant last month.
www.democracynow.org
February 16, 2026 at 6:29 PM
Two ICE Agents Face Criminal Probe over Lying to a Jury After Shooting a Venezuelan Immigrant in Minnesota
Gah, Duvall was a giant. I *just* shared a clip of him the other day, from the wonderful film The Paper (1994).
Sad news:
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Sad news:
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Actor Robert Duvall, who starred in The Godfather, dies aged 95
The Oscar-winner died
www.bbc.co.uk
February 16, 2026 at 6:57 PM
Reposted by Vania
As an ex-Civil Servant, I’m assuming the advice from officials was that postponing the elections was legally risky, and that advice was disregarded on political grounds. And now they’re panicking.
Yet more evidence that Starmer’s Labour are just utterly clueless at the basics of government.
Yet more evidence that Starmer’s Labour are just utterly clueless at the basics of government.
I am pleased the Government has done another u turn.
Attempting to cancel elections, on top of scrapping jury trials, mandatory ID cards, criminalising peaceful protest and harassment of journalists is part of a disturbing authoritarian trend of this caretaker Prime Minister.
Attempting to cancel elections, on top of scrapping jury trials, mandatory ID cards, criminalising peaceful protest and harassment of journalists is part of a disturbing authoritarian trend of this caretaker Prime Minister.
Breaking: UK government is confirming it’s dropped plans to delay local elections at 30 English councils
February 16, 2026 at 4:05 PM
As an ex-Civil Servant, I’m assuming the advice from officials was that postponing the elections was legally risky, and that advice was disregarded on political grounds. And now they’re panicking.
Yet more evidence that Starmer’s Labour are just utterly clueless at the basics of government.
Yet more evidence that Starmer’s Labour are just utterly clueless at the basics of government.
Here I go again, accidentally inspiring new friendships by letting people gang up against me. I'm SO not the enemy but sometimes I'm awesome at - whoops - playing a villain.
I wish the ganging up was less racist, but ok, I can learn SOMETHING from that... 1/2
#BetterDems
I wish the ganging up was less racist, but ok, I can learn SOMETHING from that... 1/2
#BetterDems
February 16, 2026 at 6:52 PM
Here I go again, accidentally inspiring new friendships by letting people gang up against me. I'm SO not the enemy but sometimes I'm awesome at - whoops - playing a villain.
I wish the ganging up was less racist, but ok, I can learn SOMETHING from that... 1/2
#BetterDems
I wish the ganging up was less racist, but ok, I can learn SOMETHING from that... 1/2
#BetterDems
Reposted by Vania
youtu.be/auhqqtkCJmg Zack Polanski CALLS OUT Labour's authoritarianism on Sky News
Zack Polanski CALLS OUT Labour's authoritarianism on Sky News
YouTube video by No Justice
youtu.be
February 16, 2026 at 6:17 PM
youtu.be/auhqqtkCJmg Zack Polanski CALLS OUT Labour's authoritarianism on Sky News
Reposted by Vania
Just a reminder that Marco Rubio, who brings nothing but joy to Vladimir Putin and Viktor Orban, was confirmed unanimously by the Senate.
I expect this of our Republican enablers and co-conspirators.
I hope, someday, our country will get an opposition party.
www.senate.gov/legislative/...
I expect this of our Republican enablers and co-conspirators.
I hope, someday, our country will get an opposition party.
www.senate.gov/legislative/...
February 16, 2026 at 5:26 PM
Just a reminder that Marco Rubio, who brings nothing but joy to Vladimir Putin and Viktor Orban, was confirmed unanimously by the Senate.
I expect this of our Republican enablers and co-conspirators.
I hope, someday, our country will get an opposition party.
www.senate.gov/legislative/...
I expect this of our Republican enablers and co-conspirators.
I hope, someday, our country will get an opposition party.
www.senate.gov/legislative/...
upstream is the way
Climate action saves lives.
Cutting emissions reduces air pollution and protects people from extreme heat and floods, while cleaner energy and protecting ecosystems result in a healthier planet and communities.
Find out more: www.unep.org/news-and-sto...
Cutting emissions reduces air pollution and protects people from extreme heat and floods, while cleaner energy and protecting ecosystems result in a healthier planet and communities.
Find out more: www.unep.org/news-and-sto...
February 16, 2026 at 6:26 PM
upstream is the way