Mercedes Sheldon
@mercedessheldon.bsky.social
19th Century Studies Scholar. Literature Lover. Enthusiastic Educator. Persnickety Parent. {she/her}
Pinned
How to Add Emergency Info to Your Phone's Lock Screen
This simple tip could save your life: Make your emergency medical information and contact numbers visible on your locked phone.
www.pcmag.com
Just a friendly reminder to be sure that you have emergency contacts where first responders can find them.
Reposted by Mercedes Sheldon
Feel free to share! More on the #authorsforminnesota event on February 28. Including participating bookstores & authors.
February 10, 2026 at 6:10 PM
Feel free to share! More on the #authorsforminnesota event on February 28. Including participating bookstores & authors.
Fabulous way to raise awareness and funds, as well as to support local indie bookstores. Four hours is enough time to visit 2-3 stores, local friends!
Is this already on your radar, @umnenglish.bsky.social? There are familiar names on the list of authors over on Facebook. 😉
Is this already on your radar, @umnenglish.bsky.social? There are familiar names on the list of authors over on Facebook. 😉
More than 50 authors are fanning out to indie bookshops around the state on February 28 as part of Authors for Minnesota Day, giving signed copies of their books to anyone who makes a donation to two immigration rights organizations. The event is organized by authors Lourey (l.) and Belcamino (r.).
Minnesota Authors Team with Bookstores to Support Immigrants
More than 50 authors are fanning out to indie bookstores around the state on February 28 as part of Authors for Minnesota Day, giving signed copies of their latest releases to anyone who makes a…
buff.ly
February 12, 2026 at 5:03 PM
Fabulous way to raise awareness and funds, as well as to support local indie bookstores. Four hours is enough time to visit 2-3 stores, local friends!
Is this already on your radar, @umnenglish.bsky.social? There are familiar names on the list of authors over on Facebook. 😉
Is this already on your radar, @umnenglish.bsky.social? There are familiar names on the list of authors over on Facebook. 😉
Reposted by Mercedes Sheldon
Please read this entire thread on what immigration lawyers' clients are facing right now. The levels of law-breaking by federal agents are astonishing and sickening. The detail here is heart-breaking and infuriating in equal measure.
People can have different political opinions about immigration policy. Political differences are fine, healthy for a democracy.
But if you’re okay with this, that’s not a political opinion. That is a moral failing.
27/
But if you’re okay with this, that’s not a political opinion. That is a moral failing.
27/
February 12, 2026 at 1:38 PM
Please read this entire thread on what immigration lawyers' clients are facing right now. The levels of law-breaking by federal agents are astonishing and sickening. The detail here is heart-breaking and infuriating in equal measure.
Reposted by Mercedes Sheldon
We are thrilled to announce that applications for our 1st round of Microgrant funding are now open! These small seed grants of up to $300 USD support exploratory research or new projects in periodical studies. Applications for this first round of funds are due March 1!
RSVP Microgrants – RSVP
Microgrants are seed grants designed to support new research projects and/or explore ideas in the field of periodical studies. The Microgrants scheme was established in response to the 2025 survey of…
buff.ly
February 12, 2026 at 1:49 PM
We are thrilled to announce that applications for our 1st round of Microgrant funding are now open! These small seed grants of up to $300 USD support exploratory research or new projects in periodical studies. Applications for this first round of funds are due March 1!
Reposted by Mercedes Sheldon
"What's happening in Minnesota is wrong. There's no shades of gray. It's clear," said Brooklyn Park's Rich Ruohonen.
More: https://bringmethenews.com/minnesota-sports/winter-olympian-from-minnesota-speaks-out-on-trump-immigration-crackdown
More: https://bringmethenews.com/minnesota-sports/winter-olympian-from-minnesota-speaks-out-on-trump-immigration-crackdown
February 11, 2026 at 2:31 PM
"What's happening in Minnesota is wrong. There's no shades of gray. It's clear," said Brooklyn Park's Rich Ruohonen.
More: https://bringmethenews.com/minnesota-sports/winter-olympian-from-minnesota-speaks-out-on-trump-immigration-crackdown
More: https://bringmethenews.com/minnesota-sports/winter-olympian-from-minnesota-speaks-out-on-trump-immigration-crackdown
Reposted by Mercedes Sheldon
So grateful to @emilybstanback.bsky.social for this blurb: "Reznicek offers a compelling...of the national tale, calling attention to the foundational ways that concepts of health, illness, and disability have been used to define national identity" www.liverpooluniversitypress.co.uk/doi/book/10....
Tales of Health: Illness, Disability, and Citizenship in the Romantic National Tale | Home
Ebook available to libraries as part of
www.liverpooluniversitypress.co.uk
February 9, 2026 at 6:01 PM
So grateful to @emilybstanback.bsky.social for this blurb: "Reznicek offers a compelling...of the national tale, calling attention to the foundational ways that concepts of health, illness, and disability have been used to define national identity" www.liverpooluniversitypress.co.uk/doi/book/10....
Reposted by Mercedes Sheldon
Yes x 1000. I told my editors that all of the LLM drama came for romance (thanks to the Amazon marketplace) over a decade ago. Every iteration after that has been the same cycle over and over again. Can’t get serious people to treat it seriously, however, because it’s about women’s economic activity
“Whenever the publishing industry is rocked by a technological shift, it usually hits romance first.”
The New Fabio Is Claude
www.nytimes.com
February 8, 2026 at 4:16 PM
Yes x 1000. I told my editors that all of the LLM drama came for romance (thanks to the Amazon marketplace) over a decade ago. Every iteration after that has been the same cycle over and over again. Can’t get serious people to treat it seriously, however, because it’s about women’s economic activity
Reposted by Mercedes Sheldon
Context: this speech is from SIR THOMAS MORE, a history written, as near as scholars can tell, in the early 1600s by 6 or 7 people including Dekker, Heywood, Chettle, Shakespeare, and Munday.
It was never performed, because Jacobean England was a police state and it was banned by the censor.
It was never performed, because Jacobean England was a police state and it was banned by the censor.
Sir Ian McKellen performing a monologue from Shakespeare’s Sir Thomas More on the Stephen Colbert show. Never have I heard this monologue performed with such a keen sense of prescience. Nor have I ever been in this exact historical moment.TY Sir Ian, for reaching us once again.
#Pinks #ProudBlue
#Pinks #ProudBlue
February 5, 2026 at 2:30 PM
Context: this speech is from SIR THOMAS MORE, a history written, as near as scholars can tell, in the early 1600s by 6 or 7 people including Dekker, Heywood, Chettle, Shakespeare, and Munday.
It was never performed, because Jacobean England was a police state and it was banned by the censor.
It was never performed, because Jacobean England was a police state and it was banned by the censor.
Reposted by Mercedes Sheldon
It is hard to look him in the eye during this.
Ian McKellen performs “The Strangers’ Case” speech from “Sir Thomas More” on Colbert.
February 5, 2026 at 1:52 PM
It is hard to look him in the eye during this.
For those wondering how to help, near or far, consider donating to the rent emergency funds being stood up by local, long-standing orgs in the area. There are several listed in this article.
Could immigration enforcement lead to an eviction crisis?
MPR News host Angela Davis talks about how immigration enforcement is fueling a growing rent crisis. Many immigrant workers are afraid to leave their home for their jobs, leading to lost income and tr...
www.mprnews.org
February 5, 2026 at 3:22 AM
For those wondering how to help, near or far, consider donating to the rent emergency funds being stood up by local, long-standing orgs in the area. There are several listed in this article.
Reposted by Mercedes Sheldon
Quite important if you are relying on Google Books for teaching or research. Short-term snag or is it a hack? Just searched for 10 titles to no effect. #Skystorians
@thomasgermain.bsky.social Are you aware that Google Books has effectively stopped working - the material is still there, but all search functions no longer seem to work, making fresh access impossible. Can't find any reportage on this but it seems a major story with huge implications..
February 3, 2026 at 1:38 PM
Quite important if you are relying on Google Books for teaching or research. Short-term snag or is it a hack? Just searched for 10 titles to no effect. #Skystorians
Reposted by Mercedes Sheldon
Don Lemon has been released without bail, and his next court appearance is Feb. 9
January 30, 2026 at 11:07 PM
Don Lemon has been released without bail, and his next court appearance is Feb. 9
Reposted by Mercedes Sheldon
To round out your January, please enjoy Part 2 of "Getting Started in Periodicals Research," a conversation between @c19thnewshound.bsky.social and @patrickleary.bsky.social! In this installment, Patrick talks attributions research and digitization in periodical studies. rs4vp.org/getting-star...
"Always Keep Turning the Page" – RSVP
This is Part 2 of our conversation with Patrick Leary on "Getting Started in Periodicals Research," part of our ongoing Interview Series.
rs4vp.org
January 29, 2026 at 11:04 PM
To round out your January, please enjoy Part 2 of "Getting Started in Periodicals Research," a conversation between @c19thnewshound.bsky.social and @patrickleary.bsky.social! In this installment, Patrick talks attributions research and digitization in periodical studies. rs4vp.org/getting-star...
Reposted by Mercedes Sheldon
The resolution requires ICE agents to obtain a warrant and meet with the tribe's public safety director before coming onto the Red Lake reservation, and it goes on to state that an ICE agent must also be accompanied by a tribal public safety officer when on tribal land.
Red Lake Nation leaders pass resolution restricting ICE entry onto tribal lands
The Red Lake Nation tribal council has unanimously passed a resolution that restricts federal immigration agents from entering Red Lake tribal lands.
www.mprnews.org
January 29, 2026 at 5:32 PM
The resolution requires ICE agents to obtain a warrant and meet with the tribe's public safety director before coming onto the Red Lake reservation, and it goes on to state that an ICE agent must also be accompanied by a tribal public safety officer when on tribal land.
Reposted by Mercedes Sheldon
Where do things stand in Iran? On The Current, Aslı Aydıntaşbaş speaks with Suzanne Maloney and Mara Karlin about the recent protests, the Iranian regime’s response, U.S. military options, and how President Trump might respond.
Iran’s uprising: What’s the endgame? | Brookings
In recent days, the Iranian regime has conducted an unprecedented and bloody crackdown on protests across Iran. In this episode, Brookings Fellow Aslı Aydıntaşbaş is joined by two Iran experts, vice p...
brook.gs
January 29, 2026 at 3:56 PM
Where do things stand in Iran? On The Current, Aslı Aydıntaşbaş speaks with Suzanne Maloney and Mara Karlin about the recent protests, the Iranian regime’s response, U.S. military options, and how President Trump might respond.
Reposted by Mercedes Sheldon
Walz: "To Americans who are watching this, I've got a question for you: What side do you want to be on? The side of an all powerful federal govt that can kill, injury, menace, & kidnap its citizens off the streets? Or on the side of a nurse at the VA hospital who died bearing witness to such govt?"
January 25, 2026 at 8:24 PM
Walz: "To Americans who are watching this, I've got a question for you: What side do you want to be on? The side of an all powerful federal govt that can kill, injury, menace, & kidnap its citizens off the streets? Or on the side of a nurse at the VA hospital who died bearing witness to such govt?"
Reposted by Mercedes Sheldon
Blistering piece on ed tech in @economist.com.
‘Although ed-tech companies tout huge learning gains, independent research has made clear that technology rarely boosts learning in schools—and often impairs it.’
economist.com/united-state...
‘Although ed-tech companies tout huge learning gains, independent research has made clear that technology rarely boosts learning in schools—and often impairs it.’
economist.com/united-state...
Ed tech is profitable. It is also mostly useless
Independent research identifies few learning gains
economist.com
January 24, 2026 at 2:24 PM
Blistering piece on ed tech in @economist.com.
‘Although ed-tech companies tout huge learning gains, independent research has made clear that technology rarely boosts learning in schools—and often impairs it.’
economist.com/united-state...
‘Although ed-tech companies tout huge learning gains, independent research has made clear that technology rarely boosts learning in schools—and often impairs it.’
economist.com/united-state...
Reposted by Mercedes Sheldon
People are rightly angry at the murders of Good and Pretti, and the fact they're on video in broad daylight surely contributes, but there's no avoiding how little mention of Keith Porter there is.
And ICE has shot or otherwise killed non-citizens, who are no less deserving of attention.
And ICE has shot or otherwise killed non-citizens, who are no less deserving of attention.
A Black man was killed by ICE (off duty) in Los Angeles on New Year’s Eve. And like Renée Good, he was an American citizen. But most people have not heard about Keith Porter.
I need y’all to realize this. Black people experience this lack of visibility all the time when it comes to being victims.
I need y’all to realize this. Black people experience this lack of visibility all the time when it comes to being victims.
January 25, 2026 at 12:06 PM
People are rightly angry at the murders of Good and Pretti, and the fact they're on video in broad daylight surely contributes, but there's no avoiding how little mention of Keith Porter there is.
And ICE has shot or otherwise killed non-citizens, who are no less deserving of attention.
And ICE has shot or otherwise killed non-citizens, who are no less deserving of attention.
Reposted by Mercedes Sheldon
If you have any firsthand video of today’s shooting, please please submit here so the Hennepin County Attorneys Office can review it
hennepinprosecutor.evidence.com/axon/communi...
hennepinprosecutor.evidence.com/axon/communi...
Community Evidence Request 1.7.26
Please use this link to submit evidence or information regarding the incident on January 7, 2026.
If you have information that does not include photos or videos, or if you have technical issues or ot...
hennepinprosecutor.evidence.com
January 24, 2026 at 4:03 PM
If you have any firsthand video of today’s shooting, please please submit here so the Hennepin County Attorneys Office can review it
hennepinprosecutor.evidence.com/axon/communi...
hennepinprosecutor.evidence.com/axon/communi...
Reposted by Mercedes Sheldon
You have to understand that "well, now..." (sometimes followed by "I don't know") Is about the most aggressive disagreement I've heard from a native Minnesotan in the decade I've lived here. The casual use of an f-bomb in public conversation is unheard of from anyone over swear-experimentation age.
One thing you may not recognize if you’re not from here: This isn’t a puritanical town, but casual swearing in public is much less common here than elsewhere.
Now? Now, pretty staid folks say “FUCK ICE” like it’s a greeting and it’s on signs everywhere. The unofficial motto of Minneapolis.
Now? Now, pretty staid folks say “FUCK ICE” like it’s a greeting and it’s on signs everywhere. The unofficial motto of Minneapolis.
Mood in minneapolis right now
January 25, 2026 at 12:33 AM
You have to understand that "well, now..." (sometimes followed by "I don't know") Is about the most aggressive disagreement I've heard from a native Minnesotan in the decade I've lived here. The casual use of an f-bomb in public conversation is unheard of from anyone over swear-experimentation age.
Reposted by Mercedes Sheldon
Protesters chanting "We're not cold, we're not afraid, Minne[apolis/sota] taught us to be brave" in Boston tonight outside Government Center station.
January 25, 2026 at 1:06 AM
Protesters chanting "We're not cold, we're not afraid, Minne[apolis/sota] taught us to be brave" in Boston tonight outside Government Center station.
This little light of mine. All our lights, of all sorts, sizes, strengths. Minnesotans stand together with broken hearts and strong spirits.
January 25, 2026 at 1:56 AM
This little light of mine. All our lights, of all sorts, sizes, strengths. Minnesotans stand together with broken hearts and strong spirits.
Reposted by Mercedes Sheldon
On a downtown street in Minneapolis, as people stream out from the massive march, Mary Tyler Moore says “fuck ice.”
January 23, 2026 at 10:29 PM
On a downtown street in Minneapolis, as people stream out from the massive march, Mary Tyler Moore says “fuck ice.”
Reposted by Mercedes Sheldon
The next special issue of Victorian Popular Fictions Journal is “Human–Animal Relations in Victorian Popular Literature and Culture” and will be guest-edited by Dr Bethany Dahlstrom & Dr Helena Esser. For full CFP and submission guidelines, please see: victorianpopularfiction.org/wp-content/u...
January 22, 2026 at 4:08 PM
The next special issue of Victorian Popular Fictions Journal is “Human–Animal Relations in Victorian Popular Literature and Culture” and will be guest-edited by Dr Bethany Dahlstrom & Dr Helena Esser. For full CFP and submission guidelines, please see: victorianpopularfiction.org/wp-content/u...