Mike MacFerrin
@icesheetmike.bsky.social
Dr in glaciology and expert mapper of coastal topography at a Cooperative Research Institute. An organizer for disability rights in science, which mostly involves yelling at agencies. Science is the easier part of my work. #T1D
Pinned
Mike MacFerrin
@icesheetmike.bsky.social
· Dec 29
CIRES researchers challenge the status quo to make field research safer and more inclusive. New frameworks address both exclusionary policies and recommendations for hostile behaviors that occur once they get there: buff.ly/nn5rcMo #fieldwork #CIRES 📷 Lianna Nixon
I’m very thankful to Stephanie Maltarich at @cires.colorado.edu for this writeup about efforts to reform how scientific fieldwork operates. To make it less hostile & exclusionary, and *actually* safer.
From our research talks @ AGU about this subject. The work is ongoing. #disability 🧪
From our research talks @ AGU about this subject. The work is ongoing. #disability 🧪
The Pronoun-picker suddenly went down, then another popped up instantly to replace it (kinda awkwardly, but effectively). This place feels like the 1990s early internet (laudatory).
BlueSky’s moderation is 🤮 but ATProto spawned BlackSky, plus all these cool lil spinoff projects. It’s pretty great.
BlueSky’s moderation is 🤮 but ATProto spawned BlackSky, plus all these cool lil spinoff projects. It’s pretty great.
February 13, 2026 at 2:37 PM
The Pronoun-picker suddenly went down, then another popped up instantly to replace it (kinda awkwardly, but effectively). This place feels like the 1990s early internet (laudatory).
BlueSky’s moderation is 🤮 but ATProto spawned BlackSky, plus all these cool lil spinoff projects. It’s pretty great.
BlueSky’s moderation is 🤮 but ATProto spawned BlackSky, plus all these cool lil spinoff projects. It’s pretty great.
Just quoting this thread so I can easily find it later.
An amazing performance.
An amazing performance.
First shot: sugarcane
The backbone of Puerto Rico's agricultural economy since colonial times
Still used to make rum of course!
The backbone of Puerto Rico's agricultural economy since colonial times
Still used to make rum of course!
February 9, 2026 at 5:34 AM
Just quoting this thread so I can easily find it later.
An amazing performance.
An amazing performance.
Reposted by Mike MacFerrin
welp, this destroyed me first thing upon waking up
February 6, 2026 at 3:13 PM
welp, this destroyed me first thing upon waking up
Reposted by Mike MacFerrin
People get prickly about these requests bc they see them as individual critiques but they're really efforts to set norms and build culture around sharing information, which feels very meaningful and worthwhile to me in this moment.
Man, a lot of you are not using alt text lately. I see something super interesting that I want to repost, but just don't because the alt text is not there.
Also, if you post a screenshot of a news story and don't include a link in the thread or a citation, I am not reposting it.
Also, if you post a screenshot of a news story and don't include a link in the thread or a citation, I am not reposting it.
February 6, 2026 at 3:21 PM
People get prickly about these requests bc they see them as individual critiques but they're really efforts to set norms and build culture around sharing information, which feels very meaningful and worthwhile to me in this moment.
Reposted by Mike MacFerrin
Alt text was on maybe 75% of Bsky images when I first joined. Accessibility is still the right thing to do.
You can hit the gear on the left of yr screen, click accessibility, and get Bsky to remind u to use alt text. It's pretty easy ❤️
You can hit the gear on the left of yr screen, click accessibility, and get Bsky to remind u to use alt text. It's pretty easy ❤️
February 6, 2026 at 3:17 PM
Alt text was on maybe 75% of Bsky images when I first joined. Accessibility is still the right thing to do.
You can hit the gear on the left of yr screen, click accessibility, and get Bsky to remind u to use alt text. It's pretty easy ❤️
You can hit the gear on the left of yr screen, click accessibility, and get Bsky to remind u to use alt text. It's pretty easy ❤️
It seems like the US invading the sovereign country of Venezuela, kidnapping its president, and stealing its oil shouldn’t have been something the rest of the world “shrugged and moved on” from quite so quickly.
February 4, 2026 at 10:00 PM
It seems like the US invading the sovereign country of Venezuela, kidnapping its president, and stealing its oil shouldn’t have been something the rest of the world “shrugged and moved on” from quite so quickly.
I need to take a break from social media until the new cool-kid trend of “screenshotting old academics discussing dating high school girls” thing blows over.
I close the app n’ feel like I gotta scrub myself with a cup of borax soap. Ew.
I close the app n’ feel like I gotta scrub myself with a cup of borax soap. Ew.
February 3, 2026 at 3:17 PM
I need to take a break from social media until the new cool-kid trend of “screenshotting old academics discussing dating high school girls” thing blows over.
I close the app n’ feel like I gotta scrub myself with a cup of borax soap. Ew.
I close the app n’ feel like I gotta scrub myself with a cup of borax soap. Ew.
Reposted by Mike MacFerrin
Stay safe, keep the camera on.
NEW: The @wired.com Security desk put together a comprehensive guide to filming ICE—with tips for reducing risk at the forefront. No paywall, but please consider subscribing to help find these kinds of resources. And stay safe out there. www.wired.com/story/how-to...
www.wired.com/v2/offers/wi...
www.wired.com/v2/offers/wi...
How to Film ICE
Filming federal agents in public is legal, but avoiding a dangerous—even deadly—confrontation isn’t guaranteed. Here’s how to record ICE and CBP agents as safely as possible and have an impact.
www.wired.com
January 31, 2026 at 3:48 PM
Stay safe, keep the camera on.
I love the notes of subversion. A la…
“Fuck your false binary choice. It’s the system that’s broken, and we know how to break that system. Reject the binary harm-is-inevitable options fed to you. Look for ways to do better.”
Also. Go organized labor.
“Fuck your false binary choice. It’s the system that’s broken, and we know how to break that system. Reject the binary harm-is-inevitable options fed to you. Look for ways to do better.”
Also. Go organized labor.
January 31, 2026 at 12:49 PM
I love the notes of subversion. A la…
“Fuck your false binary choice. It’s the system that’s broken, and we know how to break that system. Reject the binary harm-is-inevitable options fed to you. Look for ways to do better.”
Also. Go organized labor.
“Fuck your false binary choice. It’s the system that’s broken, and we know how to break that system. Reject the binary harm-is-inevitable options fed to you. Look for ways to do better.”
Also. Go organized labor.
Reposted by Mike MacFerrin
“The agenda is electric mayhem.”
Yeah, we do, indeed, need this. We don’t deserve it, but —whoa— do we need this.
Yeah, we do, indeed, need this. We don’t deserve it, but —whoa— do we need this.
The Muppet Show: this thrilling return is so great I can’t even count how many times I laughed
The Muppet Show: this thrilling return is so great I can’t even count how many times I laughed
Sabrina Carpenter fangirling Miss Piggy, Beaker losing his eyes … yes, Kermit and co are back for a trip down memory lane – and it’s a perfect, saucy joy
www.theguardian.com
January 31, 2026 at 11:30 AM
“The agenda is electric mayhem.”
Yeah, we do, indeed, need this. We don’t deserve it, but —whoa— do we need this.
Yeah, we do, indeed, need this. We don’t deserve it, but —whoa— do we need this.
I see colleagues quote-dunking and blocking each other over the usage + definition of “sand” today.
I’d encourage everyone to go out and touch some low-growing plants that have slender straight leaves.
I’d encourage everyone to go out and touch some low-growing plants that have slender straight leaves.
January 29, 2026 at 12:42 AM
I see colleagues quote-dunking and blocking each other over the usage + definition of “sand” today.
I’d encourage everyone to go out and touch some low-growing plants that have slender straight leaves.
I’d encourage everyone to go out and touch some low-growing plants that have slender straight leaves.
Reposted by Mike MacFerrin
LTRY is also currently available at 20% off - www.haymarketbooks.org/books/1922-l...
January 26, 2026 at 6:51 PM
LTRY is also currently available at 20% off - www.haymarketbooks.org/books/1922-l...
If I wanted screenshots of all-the-worst-people’s hot takes from Twitter, I’d re-create my Twitter account.
I know vapid rage-bait is effective for engagement, but it’s become a new habit of mine to unfollow people who post screenshots from X just to dunk. Even if I agree with you. It’s annoying.
I know vapid rage-bait is effective for engagement, but it’s become a new habit of mine to unfollow people who post screenshots from X just to dunk. Even if I agree with you. It’s annoying.
a group of trash cans are sitting on the side of a road .
Alt: A bunch of animated garbage cans yapping away on an otherwise-empty street.
media.tenor.com
January 25, 2026 at 3:42 PM
If I wanted screenshots of all-the-worst-people’s hot takes from Twitter, I’d re-create my Twitter account.
I know vapid rage-bait is effective for engagement, but it’s become a new habit of mine to unfollow people who post screenshots from X just to dunk. Even if I agree with you. It’s annoying.
I know vapid rage-bait is effective for engagement, but it’s become a new habit of mine to unfollow people who post screenshots from X just to dunk. Even if I agree with you. It’s annoying.
Reposted by Mike MacFerrin
You don’t know your role yet maybe, but we are all finding out just what we have to offer.
In Minneapolis, one man knew immediately what he could offer and said “Bring me your clothing”.
In Minneapolis, one man knew immediately what he could offer and said “Bring me your clothing”.
January 23, 2026 at 2:57 AM
You don’t know your role yet maybe, but we are all finding out just what we have to offer.
In Minneapolis, one man knew immediately what he could offer and said “Bring me your clothing”.
In Minneapolis, one man knew immediately what he could offer and said “Bring me your clothing”.
Hi Colorado.
In case it wasn’t obvious, vote a big giant “HA HA, HELL NO” on this measure this fall. I’m honestly surprised they got it onto the ballot.
In case it wasn’t obvious, vote a big giant “HA HA, HELL NO” on this measure this fall. I’m honestly surprised they got it onto the ballot.
Colorado voters will be deciding this year on a conservative-backed constitutional amendment to require collaboration with ICE.
The SOS just announced that this proposal qualified for the ballot, background on it here from @coloradosun.com: coloradosun.com/2025/12/22/w...
The SOS just announced that this proposal qualified for the ballot, background on it here from @coloradosun.com: coloradosun.com/2025/12/22/w...
Would Initiative 95 require police in Colorado to work with ICE?
Yes. If passed, Proposition 95 would require police to alert immigration authorities after some arrests, if a person's immigration status is unknown.
coloradosun.com
January 23, 2026 at 8:40 PM
Hi Colorado.
In case it wasn’t obvious, vote a big giant “HA HA, HELL NO” on this measure this fall. I’m honestly surprised they got it onto the ballot.
In case it wasn’t obvious, vote a big giant “HA HA, HELL NO” on this measure this fall. I’m honestly surprised they got it onto the ballot.
Reposted by Mike MacFerrin
Side-eyeing everybody who is still on X.
🚨🚨Re #leavingX, a recent study on the artificial intelligence chatbot #Grok embedded on X estimates it created the astonishing number of 3 MILLION sexualized images in 11 DAYS in January, including 23,000 of children. Unforgivable with this evidence to stay on #X. www.politico.eu/article/grok...
Grok could have produced 3 million sexual deepfakes in 11 days, says estimate
European regulators have yet to decide how to handle the explosion of nonconsensual deepfakes on the platform.
www.politico.eu
January 23, 2026 at 11:42 AM
Side-eyeing everybody who is still on X.
Not being my field of science 🧪, I’d no idea the Earthworm Symposium was even a thing, and I’m absolutely delighted to learn that it is.
📢 Calling all earthworm enthusiasts! 🪱✨
One week to submit your abstract for the Earthworm Symposium happening 23–28 August 2026/Wageningen.
🗓️ Deadline: 31 January
You love the 😍 earthworm photography by @frankashwood.bsky.social? Then come 🤩!
More info and abstract submission:
lnkd.in/ehGwc3ze
One week to submit your abstract for the Earthworm Symposium happening 23–28 August 2026/Wageningen.
🗓️ Deadline: 31 January
You love the 😍 earthworm photography by @frankashwood.bsky.social? Then come 🤩!
More info and abstract submission:
lnkd.in/ehGwc3ze
January 23, 2026 at 2:06 PM
Not being my field of science 🧪, I’d no idea the Earthworm Symposium was even a thing, and I’m absolutely delighted to learn that it is.
Reposted by Mike MacFerrin
One way to show solidarity with people fighting the Trump regime is to contribute here:
crazy that the website that I randomly decided to put together at 10AM yesterday has had over 25k unique visitors in 24 hours.
please keep sharing with your networks.
please keep sharing with your networks.
Stand With Minnesota
A directory of places to give to as Minnesota defends itself from ICE occupation
www.standwithminnesota.com
January 21, 2026 at 10:34 PM
One way to show solidarity with people fighting the Trump regime is to contribute here:
Really annoyed that you can’t buy ground turkey any more that isn’t so chock-full of added water (“rosemary extract”) that it isn’t swimming in its own thin soup within a minute if you try to brown it in a pan.
And *all the brands* do it.
And *all the brands* do it.
January 20, 2026 at 5:35 PM
Really annoyed that you can’t buy ground turkey any more that isn’t so chock-full of added water (“rosemary extract”) that it isn’t swimming in its own thin soup within a minute if you try to brown it in a pan.
And *all the brands* do it.
And *all the brands* do it.
Reposted by Mike MacFerrin
instead of ai. try freewriting and/or journaling. i am so serious
January 16, 2026 at 8:25 PM
instead of ai. try freewriting and/or journaling. i am so serious
Reposted by Mike MacFerrin
No! The criticism of the Dems isn't that they never win elections, it's that they don't use power to solve the problems that got us here. Elite impunity, concentration of wealth, the unitary executive. Winning is only step 1
New - Chuck Schumer to haters: “The answer to these critics is to win. If we win back the Senate, that will answer every question"
Peltola “was the last piece to the puzzle"
He says Dem path to Senate is Ohio, Alaska, Maine and NC. Dems are watching Texas/Iowa
www.semafor.com/article/01/1...
Peltola “was the last piece to the puzzle"
He says Dem path to Senate is Ohio, Alaska, Maine and NC. Dems are watching Texas/Iowa
www.semafor.com/article/01/1...
Exclusive: Schumer lauds recruits as Democrats see Senate within reach
The minority leader took an Al Davis-style approach as he sat down with Semafor: “The answer to these critics is to win.”
www.semafor.com
January 14, 2026 at 2:08 PM
No! The criticism of the Dems isn't that they never win elections, it's that they don't use power to solve the problems that got us here. Elite impunity, concentration of wealth, the unitary executive. Winning is only step 1
Reposted by Mike MacFerrin
Help menus today. Le sigh.
I'm like "How do I XYZ?"
Software's AI-bot goes: "Great question! Go to the 'File --> Settings --> XYZ' menu and then check 'Enable'. Obviously!"
Me: "That menu doesn't even exist."
Software: "¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Great chat!"
I'm like "How do I XYZ?"
Software's AI-bot goes: "Great question! Go to the 'File --> Settings --> XYZ' menu and then check 'Enable'. Obviously!"
Me: "That menu doesn't even exist."
Software: "¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Great chat!"
January 13, 2026 at 7:07 PM
Help menus today. Le sigh.
I'm like "How do I XYZ?"
Software's AI-bot goes: "Great question! Go to the 'File --> Settings --> XYZ' menu and then check 'Enable'. Obviously!"
Me: "That menu doesn't even exist."
Software: "¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Great chat!"
I'm like "How do I XYZ?"
Software's AI-bot goes: "Great question! Go to the 'File --> Settings --> XYZ' menu and then check 'Enable'. Obviously!"
Me: "That menu doesn't even exist."
Software: "¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Great chat!"