Melek Ortabasi
@mortabasi.bsky.social
Mother, scholar, voter. Unsinkable. Expertise in World lit, Japanese lit, children’s lit, translation studies, and general saltiness. Contributor to @roganslist.bsky.social
Pinned
Melek Ortabasi
@mortabasi.bsky.social
· Aug 7
Self-promotion incoming: happy to announce my latest article has been published in @jjs-jrnl.bsky.social! #kidlit #translation
Reposted by Melek Ortabasi
November 11, 2025 at 4:30 AM
My Turkish cousin’s son just married a Romanian woman he met while studying in Germany so, very on-brand for my family 😘
November 11, 2025 at 7:04 AM
My Turkish cousin’s son just married a Romanian woman he met while studying in Germany so, very on-brand for my family 😘
Reposted by Melek Ortabasi
UCPD has charged four UC Berkeley undergrads with *felony vandalism* because they attempted to hang a cardboard bug on Sather Gate.
4 UC Berkeley students arrested on felony vandalism charges for anti-TPUSA art installation
UCPD arrested four students early Monday morning for felony vandalism, according to information from campus administrators.
www.dailycal.org
November 11, 2025 at 12:20 AM
UCPD has charged four UC Berkeley undergrads with *felony vandalism* because they attempted to hang a cardboard bug on Sather Gate.
Reposted by Melek Ortabasi
#Seattle, check that your vote is counted.
I checked mine and my dad's to be sure they were accepted. Easy to do.
I checked mine and my dad's to be sure they were accepted. Easy to do.
There are 1,700 ballots that need signature confirmation. That is enough to change the election.
Go. Check. Your. Ballot.
komonews.com/news/local/s...
Go. Check. Your. Ballot.
komonews.com/news/local/s...
November 11, 2025 at 5:41 AM
#Seattle, check that your vote is counted.
I checked mine and my dad's to be sure they were accepted. Easy to do.
I checked mine and my dad's to be sure they were accepted. Easy to do.
Add to this the factoid that Independent voters make up nearly half (over 47%) of the registered voting population in CO. They outnumber both major parties. Also explains our Senators and how they vote, although it doesn’t excuse them
Hey, a lot of people are talking about changing affiliation from Democratic to Independent.
Let me tell you why you shouldn’t do that in Colorado.
One of the main ways to get a primary challenge candidate on a ballot is to caucus for your party. You need to be registered as a Dem to caucus.
Let me tell you why you shouldn’t do that in Colorado.
One of the main ways to get a primary challenge candidate on a ballot is to caucus for your party. You need to be registered as a Dem to caucus.
November 11, 2025 at 3:30 AM
Add to this the factoid that Independent voters make up nearly half (over 47%) of the registered voting population in CO. They outnumber both major parties. Also explains our Senators and how they vote, although it doesn’t excuse them
Reposted by Melek Ortabasi
UPDATE: The Senate votes 53-47 to shoot down the Baldwin amendment to extend ACA funds for 1 year. A party-line vote with every Republican rejecting it.
An important vote in this series: Tammy Baldwin’s proposal to extend ACA expiring funds for 1 year. It’s structured as a motion to table (i.e. scrap it from the amendment tree). But it’ll show the appetite (or lack thereof) in the Senate to address this issue.
November 11, 2025 at 12:38 AM
UPDATE: The Senate votes 53-47 to shoot down the Baldwin amendment to extend ACA funds for 1 year. A party-line vote with every Republican rejecting it.
I just submitted a claim. Let's see what happens.
AUTHORS!!
Remember that case where a bunch of authors sued AI for stealing their work? And WON?
Well, the settlement money has been announced. Each WORK that got thefted will be compensated $3k (split 50/50 bw publisher + author). So authors will be compensated $1500 per WORK stolen.
More here:
Remember that case where a bunch of authors sued AI for stealing their work? And WON?
Well, the settlement money has been announced. Each WORK that got thefted will be compensated $3k (split 50/50 bw publisher + author). So authors will be compensated $1500 per WORK stolen.
More here:
Homepage | Bartz v Anthropic Settlement Site
www.anthropiccopyrightsettlement.com
November 11, 2025 at 2:11 AM
I just submitted a claim. Let's see what happens.
Reposted by Melek Ortabasi
My ACA current plan is going from $385/mo to $821/mo.
November 11, 2025 at 12:21 AM
My ACA current plan is going from $385/mo to $821/mo.
Reposted by Melek Ortabasi
A Berwyn family was driving with their 1-year-old child Saturday when they were pepper-sprayed by federal agents, a video taken by the family shows. The action appears to violate a judge’s restriction on use of force.
1-year-old pepper-sprayed by federal agent in Cicero: 'My daughter didn't have to go through this'
chicago.suntimes.com
November 11, 2025 at 1:16 AM
A Berwyn family was driving with their 1-year-old child Saturday when they were pepper-sprayed by federal agents, a video taken by the family shows. The action appears to violate a judge’s restriction on use of force.
Reposted by Melek Ortabasi
Estoy pensando en hacer un proyecto pan-americano de estudios globales.
Si tu trabajo académico encaja (ver abajo 👇) y tienes curiosidad, responde aquí para así poder componer una lista!
Si tu trabajo académico encaja (ver abajo 👇) y tienes curiosidad, responde aquí para así poder componer una lista!
Estoy buscando investigadores/académicos en America Latina que esté en las humanidades (y particularmente literatura y teoría) trabajando sobre temas de la globalización, política, imperio, el medio ambiente, literatura contemporánea, etc. para conectar por aquí.
Repost por favor! Y conectemos!
Repost por favor! Y conectemos!
November 10, 2025 at 5:46 PM
Estoy pensando en hacer un proyecto pan-americano de estudios globales.
Si tu trabajo académico encaja (ver abajo 👇) y tienes curiosidad, responde aquí para así poder componer una lista!
Si tu trabajo académico encaja (ver abajo 👇) y tienes curiosidad, responde aquí para así poder componer una lista!
Reposted by Melek Ortabasi
NEW: Dems easily flipped the sheriff's office in Pennsylvania's Bucks County, a big swing county in the Philly suburbs.
So? The incumbent GOP sheriff had contracted with ICE. His Dem challenger promised to end the contract.
Now he wants other swing-state Dems to look at his victory as a lesson:
So? The incumbent GOP sheriff had contracted with ICE. His Dem challenger promised to end the contract.
Now he wants other swing-state Dems to look at his victory as a lesson:
Voters Ousted This Pennsylvania Sheriff After He Signed Up to Collaborate With ICE - Bolts
A populous, swing county replaced its GOP sheriff on Tuesday after months of controversy over his joining ICE’s 287(g) program. The Democratic winner promises he’ll end the contract.
boltsmag.org
November 10, 2025 at 7:12 PM
NEW: Dems easily flipped the sheriff's office in Pennsylvania's Bucks County, a big swing county in the Philly suburbs.
So? The incumbent GOP sheriff had contracted with ICE. His Dem challenger promised to end the contract.
Now he wants other swing-state Dems to look at his victory as a lesson:
So? The incumbent GOP sheriff had contracted with ICE. His Dem challenger promised to end the contract.
Now he wants other swing-state Dems to look at his victory as a lesson:
Lawless murders that are costing taxpayers millions of dollars and are not solving a thing. These people think it's their own personal video game
U.S. forces killed six alleged drug smugglers in two separate attacks in the waters off Latin America, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said, raising the death toll from President Trump’s counternarcotics campaign to over 75.
U.S. strikes two more alleged drug boats, pushing death toll past 75
The attacks in the eastern Pacific Ocean, disclosed Monday by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, killed six people, he said.
wapo.st
November 10, 2025 at 7:34 PM
Lawless murders that are costing taxpayers millions of dollars and are not solving a thing. These people think it's their own personal video game
Reposted by Melek Ortabasi
Starting now: Press conference announcing a motion for a temporary restraining order challenging USDA's unlawful attempt to withhold SNAP benefits, featuring Attorneys General of CA, NY, MN, NJ and leaders from City Harvest, Food Action Research Center and No Kid Hungry.
November 10, 2025 at 5:57 PM
Starting now: Press conference announcing a motion for a temporary restraining order challenging USDA's unlawful attempt to withhold SNAP benefits, featuring Attorneys General of CA, NY, MN, NJ and leaders from City Harvest, Food Action Research Center and No Kid Hungry.
Reposted by Melek Ortabasi
Want to be a #LibraryDefender? Join (or start!) a Friends of the Library group. #FriendsOfTheLibrary groups are a great way to strengthen your local library and fight for #InformationAccess for all! Learn how in our new Friends of the Library 101 Zine! www.librariesforthepeople.org/resources#fo...
Resources — For The People
www.librariesforthepeople.org
November 4, 2025 at 6:42 PM
Want to be a #LibraryDefender? Join (or start!) a Friends of the Library group. #FriendsOfTheLibrary groups are a great way to strengthen your local library and fight for #InformationAccess for all! Learn how in our new Friends of the Library 101 Zine! www.librariesforthepeople.org/resources#fo...
Good night from my cat’s 🐾
November 10, 2025 at 8:16 AM
Good night from my cat’s 🐾
Reposted by Melek Ortabasi
Coping with the fact that tomorrow is Monday by convincing local strangers to send me pictures of their pets throughout the week.
October 5, 2025 at 10:57 PM
Coping with the fact that tomorrow is Monday by convincing local strangers to send me pictures of their pets throughout the week.
Reposted by Melek Ortabasi
Colorado Democrats have a choice.
If you like DC dysfunction and 16 years of corporate donors calling the shots, vote Bennet.
If you want someone who fights for Colorado’s workers, not billionaires, vote Phil Weiser.
It’s that simple.
If you like DC dysfunction and 16 years of corporate donors calling the shots, vote Bennet.
If you want someone who fights for Colorado’s workers, not billionaires, vote Phil Weiser.
It’s that simple.
November 10, 2025 at 4:26 AM
Colorado Democrats have a choice.
If you like DC dysfunction and 16 years of corporate donors calling the shots, vote Bennet.
If you want someone who fights for Colorado’s workers, not billionaires, vote Phil Weiser.
It’s that simple.
If you like DC dysfunction and 16 years of corporate donors calling the shots, vote Bennet.
If you want someone who fights for Colorado’s workers, not billionaires, vote Phil Weiser.
It’s that simple.
Reposted by Melek Ortabasi
We have updated our call script so you can let your Senators know how you feel about this (TERRIBLE) deal they just advanced...
👉🏽 5calls.org/issue/federa...
👉🏽 5calls.org/issue/federa...
UPDATE: Senate votes to advance a tentative deal to end the government shutdown, clearing a key hurdle.
Senators reach tentative deal to end the government shutdown
The deal, negotiated by a group of Democrats and GOP leaders, funds the government through Jan. 30. If it passes, it will still need to clear the House, which will likely take days.
nbcnews.to
November 10, 2025 at 4:23 AM
We have updated our call script so you can let your Senators know how you feel about this (TERRIBLE) deal they just advanced...
👉🏽 5calls.org/issue/federa...
👉🏽 5calls.org/issue/federa...
Reposted by Melek Ortabasi
I'm single. No kids, no claims, no pre-existing conditions. The cataclysmic leap from paying $50 a month to $1,228.28 a month is a level of devastation the depth of which I'm struggling to articulate. I wasn't going to be able to afford when I thought it was going up to $350 a month. And now...😵
I thought my new health insurance premium was going to be $350 per month until I got this letter informing me that it would be $1,228.28 PER MONTH. I CURRENTLY PAY $50. Is my math mathing? Is that.... a 2,356.42% increase?
2256.42%????
TWO THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED FIFTY SIX POINT FORTY TWO PERCENT😩
2256.42%????
TWO THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED FIFTY SIX POINT FORTY TWO PERCENT😩
November 10, 2025 at 1:54 AM
I'm single. No kids, no claims, no pre-existing conditions. The cataclysmic leap from paying $50 a month to $1,228.28 a month is a level of devastation the depth of which I'm struggling to articulate. I wasn't going to be able to afford when I thought it was going up to $350 a month. And now...😵
“When you have everything, the only luxury left is taking away things from others.”
If you’re looking for a book club-type novel that deals with book bans, I can recommend this.
If you’re looking for a book club-type novel that deals with book bans, I can recommend this.
November 10, 2025 at 4:21 AM
“When you have everything, the only luxury left is taking away things from others.”
If you’re looking for a book club-type novel that deals with book bans, I can recommend this.
If you’re looking for a book club-type novel that deals with book bans, I can recommend this.
Who else here learned how to polish shoes because it was their job to polish their dad’s shoes when they were a kid? I still use my dad’s brush.
November 10, 2025 at 2:14 AM
Who else here learned how to polish shoes because it was their job to polish their dad’s shoes when they were a kid? I still use my dad’s brush.
Reposted by Melek Ortabasi
Why does the House, the larger of the two legislative bodies, not simply eat the Senate
November 9, 2025 at 10:07 PM
Why does the House, the larger of the two legislative bodies, not simply eat the Senate
Reposted by Melek Ortabasi
I'm hearing the same thing. Dems are nearing a surrender. I'm shocked. Largest protest in history + best election night in years + polling showing we're kicking their ass in public opinion. And now Dems may cave.
It ain't over til it's over, so please do call if you've got a Dem senator.
It ain't over til it's over, so please do call if you've got a Dem senator.
Sounds like the squishes in the senate caucus are ready to pull the plug with no ACA changes. This is real. If you want to register your opinion you shld call yr senator in the next hour. They not only want to reopen w/nothing. They want cover from their colleagues who still want to hold out.
November 9, 2025 at 9:04 PM
I'm hearing the same thing. Dems are nearing a surrender. I'm shocked. Largest protest in history + best election night in years + polling showing we're kicking their ass in public opinion. And now Dems may cave.
It ain't over til it's over, so please do call if you've got a Dem senator.
It ain't over til it's over, so please do call if you've got a Dem senator.
Reposted by Melek Ortabasi
This is your friendly reminder that Obamacare isn’t just the exchanges! It’s a set of laws that force insurance companies to actually. You know, insure people!! You can read my full graphic explainer here: aubreyhirsch.substack.com/p/it-could-b...
November 9, 2025 at 1:01 PM
This is your friendly reminder that Obamacare isn’t just the exchanges! It’s a set of laws that force insurance companies to actually. You know, insure people!! You can read my full graphic explainer here: aubreyhirsch.substack.com/p/it-could-b...