Peter Holm
@nobodysholm.bsky.social
Lawyer in tech. Here to geek out about history, law, and Star Trek. Not the Peter Holm who married Joan Collins in the 80s.
Reposted by Peter Holm
Let's see if the internet (and Bluesky in particular) can help solve this mystery.
Who can help Ben find "Linda" who appears to be from the UK but traveled to Moscow in 1984 and wrote (but did not send?) this postcard?
Who can help Ben find "Linda" who appears to be from the UK but traveled to Moscow in 1984 and wrote (but did not send?) this postcard?
Ok Bluesky, let’s give this a go: I found this postcard in the back of a photo frame I bought at a London thrift shop.
It’s an unsent postcard from a woman called Linda to her parents. The front shows the Kremlin in Moscow and the stamp says 1984 (!).
I’d love to return it to Linda - can you help?
It’s an unsent postcard from a woman called Linda to her parents. The front shows the Kremlin in Moscow and the stamp says 1984 (!).
I’d love to return it to Linda - can you help?
November 21, 2025 at 9:46 PM
Let's see if the internet (and Bluesky in particular) can help solve this mystery.
Who can help Ben find "Linda" who appears to be from the UK but traveled to Moscow in 1984 and wrote (but did not send?) this postcard?
Who can help Ben find "Linda" who appears to be from the UK but traveled to Moscow in 1984 and wrote (but did not send?) this postcard?
Reposted by Peter Holm
I have been threatening you all with this piece for a while now, and it's here!
The folks at Heat Death have very kindly given me space to talk about one of the things that I find most fascinating about this genre; the way in which we unconsciously treat it as if it's "true" in a Platonic sense.
The folks at Heat Death have very kindly given me space to talk about one of the things that I find most fascinating about this genre; the way in which we unconsciously treat it as if it's "true" in a Platonic sense.
New, on Heat Death! Thrilled to run this absolute banger from @goldwagnathan.bsky.social, on the bizarre way that concepts from 20th century Golden Age sci-fi have lingered in the scientific imagination, despite never coming within spitting distance of becoming — what's the word? — real
The Fatal Allure of Yesterday's Tomorrows
On the dangers of seeing science fiction as a template for the future.
heat-death.ghost.io
November 20, 2025 at 3:47 PM
I have been threatening you all with this piece for a while now, and it's here!
The folks at Heat Death have very kindly given me space to talk about one of the things that I find most fascinating about this genre; the way in which we unconsciously treat it as if it's "true" in a Platonic sense.
The folks at Heat Death have very kindly given me space to talk about one of the things that I find most fascinating about this genre; the way in which we unconsciously treat it as if it's "true" in a Platonic sense.
Reposted by Peter Holm
vaccines are truly one of the most incredible things in all of human history. we founds ways to literally defeat communicable deadly diseases at almost no cost & at no harm to ourselves
and a guy whose brain was literally partially eaten by a worm is working to undermine that and get people killed
and a guy whose brain was literally partially eaten by a worm is working to undermine that and get people killed
November 20, 2025 at 5:16 AM
vaccines are truly one of the most incredible things in all of human history. we founds ways to literally defeat communicable deadly diseases at almost no cost & at no harm to ourselves
and a guy whose brain was literally partially eaten by a worm is working to undermine that and get people killed
and a guy whose brain was literally partially eaten by a worm is working to undermine that and get people killed
Reposted by Peter Holm
Can’t believe the whole country has to suffer through the return of Dickensian childhood diseases because the worst, most ignorant attention-demanders decided other people’s expertise makes them feel bad
November 20, 2025 at 4:19 AM
Can’t believe the whole country has to suffer through the return of Dickensian childhood diseases because the worst, most ignorant attention-demanders decided other people’s expertise makes them feel bad
Reposted by Peter Holm
Alberta just introduced Bill 9, which exists for one and only one purpose: deleting the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms as it pertains to trans kids, denying them the right to life and stripping their healthcare away.
This is cruel, anti-democratic and anti-constitutional.
This is cruel, anti-democratic and anti-constitutional.
November 18, 2025 at 10:09 PM
Alberta just introduced Bill 9, which exists for one and only one purpose: deleting the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms as it pertains to trans kids, denying them the right to life and stripping their healthcare away.
This is cruel, anti-democratic and anti-constitutional.
This is cruel, anti-democratic and anti-constitutional.
Reposted by Peter Holm
I've said it before and I'll say it again: normal adults (who aren't pediatric medical professionals) don't spend ANY amount of time thinking about the genitals of children.
They certainly don't bend over backwards to make policing children's genitals part of their job.
This obsession is creepy.
They certainly don't bend over backwards to make policing children's genitals part of their job.
This obsession is creepy.
Alberta to invoke notwithstanding clause to shield 3 transgender bills from court challenges | CBC News
The Alberta government has tabled legislation that seeks to invoke the notwithstanding clause to shield a suite of bills that affects transgender youth and adults from legal challenges.
www.cbc.ca
November 18, 2025 at 10:31 PM
I've said it before and I'll say it again: normal adults (who aren't pediatric medical professionals) don't spend ANY amount of time thinking about the genitals of children.
They certainly don't bend over backwards to make policing children's genitals part of their job.
This obsession is creepy.
They certainly don't bend over backwards to make policing children's genitals part of their job.
This obsession is creepy.
Reposted by Peter Holm
Remember, everyone. When the Gestapo comes to town, be ready to alert others to their presence, to record their abuses, and to exercise your 1A right to directly petition them to go fuck themselves.
Non-citizens can't stand up for themselves easily. So citizens must stand up for them.
Non-citizens can't stand up for themselves easily. So citizens must stand up for them.
Email just went out on my campus that the Immigration Goons ("federal immigration agents") will be in town (Raleigh).
Inter alia, it says,"International students, faculty and staff should carry evidence of their immigration status with them at all times."
The fuck kind of country are we living in?
Inter alia, it says,"International students, faculty and staff should carry evidence of their immigration status with them at all times."
The fuck kind of country are we living in?
November 18, 2025 at 4:06 PM
Remember, everyone. When the Gestapo comes to town, be ready to alert others to their presence, to record their abuses, and to exercise your 1A right to directly petition them to go fuck themselves.
Non-citizens can't stand up for themselves easily. So citizens must stand up for them.
Non-citizens can't stand up for themselves easily. So citizens must stand up for them.
Reposted by Peter Holm
As a diehard Pagan leftist, I will die on the hill of the Union was unambiguously on the right side of history, the war to destroy slavery was one of America's finest moments, & the greatest failure of that period was how badly the Union fumbled Reconstruction.
some people are edging dangerously close to trying to both-sides the goddamn Civil War but leftishly, and no, absolutely not, we are not doing that
November 17, 2025 at 8:25 PM
As a diehard Pagan leftist, I will die on the hill of the Union was unambiguously on the right side of history, the war to destroy slavery was one of America's finest moments, & the greatest failure of that period was how badly the Union fumbled Reconstruction.
Reposted by Peter Holm
I realize this goes against the grain of US society... but that grain is how we got here. The people who can be criminally probed should be; those who want to hold positions of power should be making that clear now.
Trump will not just be four years of bad management. The culture of these organizations will be fucked for a long time. The pressure to retaliate and clean house will be strong, and no-one wants to work in a war zone.
November 17, 2025 at 10:28 PM
I realize this goes against the grain of US society... but that grain is how we got here. The people who can be criminally probed should be; those who want to hold positions of power should be making that clear now.
Reposted by Peter Holm
Minority Whip Katherine Clark puts out a stinging statement on the senate deal. "A GOP budget that spikes health care premiums and everyday costs to fund tax cuts for billionaires is a grave betrayal of everyday Americans. That was true in July. It was true in September. And it remains true today."
November 10, 2025 at 1:38 AM
Minority Whip Katherine Clark puts out a stinging statement on the senate deal. "A GOP budget that spikes health care premiums and everyday costs to fund tax cuts for billionaires is a grave betrayal of everyday Americans. That was true in July. It was true in September. And it remains true today."
Reposted by Peter Holm
Trump is like a toddler: time he spends asleep is to be prized, not resented. Every minute he sleeps is a minute he is not tantruming or breaking things or smearing his own shit on things.
Images of Donald Trump appearing to close his eyes at an Oval Office announcement this week rocketed around social media this weekend, with the president’s opponents seizing on the footage to raise questions about Trump’s on-the-job performance.
Images of Trump appearing to close his eyes during Oval Office event spread across social media | CNN Politics
Images of Donald Trump appearing to close his eyes at an Oval Office announcement this week rocketed around social media this weekend, with the president’s opponents seizing on the footage to raise qu...
www.cnn.com
November 9, 2025 at 7:48 PM
Trump is like a toddler: time he spends asleep is to be prized, not resented. Every minute he sleeps is a minute he is not tantruming or breaking things or smearing his own shit on things.
Reposted by Peter Holm
The majority of US voters, so far as I can tell, flatly do not care about trans people one way or another. They aren't necessarily especially friendly to them, but they clearly find the notion that they're supposed to obsess over them distinctly offputting. (Despite major efforts by the right!)
November 9, 2025 at 3:36 PM
The majority of US voters, so far as I can tell, flatly do not care about trans people one way or another. They aren't necessarily especially friendly to them, but they clearly find the notion that they're supposed to obsess over them distinctly offputting. (Despite major efforts by the right!)
Reposted by Peter Holm
the harris campaign said the “they/them” ad didn’t sway the election.
one of the trump campaign’s top strategists this week said trans rights isn’t in the top five issues for swing voters.
when will the press stop talking about us like we’re a liability and start looking itself in the mirror
one of the trump campaign’s top strategists this week said trans rights isn’t in the top five issues for swing voters.
when will the press stop talking about us like we’re a liability and start looking itself in the mirror
November 9, 2025 at 3:25 PM
the harris campaign said the “they/them” ad didn’t sway the election.
one of the trump campaign’s top strategists this week said trans rights isn’t in the top five issues for swing voters.
when will the press stop talking about us like we’re a liability and start looking itself in the mirror
one of the trump campaign’s top strategists this week said trans rights isn’t in the top five issues for swing voters.
when will the press stop talking about us like we’re a liability and start looking itself in the mirror
Reposted by Peter Holm
These cases are nightmares. Many people had removal proceedings “administratively closed” for years; the case is off the docket and the person can stay indefinitely.
Now, suddenly, ICE is restarting them. And if they miss a physical letter, they might get ordered deported without their knowledge.
Now, suddenly, ICE is restarting them. And if they miss a physical letter, they might get ordered deported without their knowledge.
Hundreds of immigration cases in San Francisco have been closed for years, even decades, often b/c they are not an enforcement priority.
Many involve victims of crime & abuse.
This summer, Trump attorneys tried to bring them back.
missionlocal.org/2025/11/sf-i...
Many involve victims of crime & abuse.
This summer, Trump attorneys tried to bring them back.
missionlocal.org/2025/11/sf-i...
Hundreds of S.F. immigration cases were paused for decades. Trump tried to revive them.
Federal attorneys tried reviving some 2,000 deportation cases in San Francisco, many involving alleged victims of crime and abuse.
missionlocal.org
November 8, 2025 at 5:36 PM
These cases are nightmares. Many people had removal proceedings “administratively closed” for years; the case is off the docket and the person can stay indefinitely.
Now, suddenly, ICE is restarting them. And if they miss a physical letter, they might get ordered deported without their knowledge.
Now, suddenly, ICE is restarting them. And if they miss a physical letter, they might get ordered deported without their knowledge.
Reposted by Peter Holm
For those confused by state of play on SNAP right now: You're not alone
Yesterday, *before* SCOTUS paused order telling Trump admin to send out SNAP $$, a handful of states rushed to issue full SNAP benefits to at least part of their caseload.
This includes CA, OR, WA, MI, and WI—all blue states (🧵)
Yesterday, *before* SCOTUS paused order telling Trump admin to send out SNAP $$, a handful of states rushed to issue full SNAP benefits to at least part of their caseload.
This includes CA, OR, WA, MI, and WI—all blue states (🧵)
November 8, 2025 at 7:35 PM
For those confused by state of play on SNAP right now: You're not alone
Yesterday, *before* SCOTUS paused order telling Trump admin to send out SNAP $$, a handful of states rushed to issue full SNAP benefits to at least part of their caseload.
This includes CA, OR, WA, MI, and WI—all blue states (🧵)
Yesterday, *before* SCOTUS paused order telling Trump admin to send out SNAP $$, a handful of states rushed to issue full SNAP benefits to at least part of their caseload.
This includes CA, OR, WA, MI, and WI—all blue states (🧵)
Reposted by Peter Holm
Disgusted by my alma mater. All donations stop now, and I emailed to tell them that.
BREAKING: Cornell caved.
Here is the settlement agreement, signed today by the university's president, Michael Kotlikoff: statements.cornell.edu/2025/documen...
Here is the settlement agreement, signed today by the university's president, Michael Kotlikoff: statements.cornell.edu/2025/documen...
November 8, 2025 at 4:25 AM
Disgusted by my alma mater. All donations stop now, and I emailed to tell them that.
Reposted by Peter Holm
I get the sentiment. I even agree with it.
But KBJ can't literally go heist the money and feed the people, so of four shit options she took the one most likely to get the most people fed before the Sinister 6 can get their claws into this.
Realpolitik means there's no refusing the Kobashi Maru.
But KBJ can't literally go heist the money and feed the people, so of four shit options she took the one most likely to get the most people fed before the Sinister 6 can get their claws into this.
Realpolitik means there's no refusing the Kobashi Maru.
"For procedural reasons Justice Jackson had to issue the stay, I'm sure her legal reasoning was sound...."
PEOPLE. ARE. STARVING. Can they eat the rules of procedure? No? THEN FEED THEM.
The purpose of a system is what it does. And if the rules of procedure allow people to starve, they're wrong.
PEOPLE. ARE. STARVING. Can they eat the rules of procedure? No? THEN FEED THEM.
The purpose of a system is what it does. And if the rules of procedure allow people to starve, they're wrong.
November 8, 2025 at 4:42 AM
I get the sentiment. I even agree with it.
But KBJ can't literally go heist the money and feed the people, so of four shit options she took the one most likely to get the most people fed before the Sinister 6 can get their claws into this.
Realpolitik means there's no refusing the Kobashi Maru.
But KBJ can't literally go heist the money and feed the people, so of four shit options she took the one most likely to get the most people fed before the Sinister 6 can get their claws into this.
Realpolitik means there's no refusing the Kobashi Maru.
Reposted by Peter Holm
Folks, if you are hungry, please contact your local Sikh gurdwara. Or just show up for langar, which most gurdwaras do several times a week, for a free meal. Lots also do weekly or monthly drives giving out groceries.
No conversion necessary. Feeding anyone who is hungry is a key part of Sikhism.
No conversion necessary. Feeding anyone who is hungry is a key part of Sikhism.
A lady on TikTok has been calling churches pretending to be a mother with a baby who needs formula and several churches turned her away. But wouldn’t you know that when she called a Mosque (Islamic Center of Charlotte) they immediately said yes.
[Source: www.tiktok.com/t/ZTMpoxsaW/ ]
[Source: www.tiktok.com/t/ZTMpoxsaW/ ]
Islamic Center of Charlotte in Charlotte NC. Would help feed a starving baby no hesitation 🥰🥰🥰 #fyp #fypシ #fypシ゚viral #testingyourchurch #church #faith #religion #baby #hungrybabytest #viral #viralvid...
TikTok video by Nikalie 🌈
www.tiktok.com
November 7, 2025 at 5:36 PM
Folks, if you are hungry, please contact your local Sikh gurdwara. Or just show up for langar, which most gurdwaras do several times a week, for a free meal. Lots also do weekly or monthly drives giving out groceries.
No conversion necessary. Feeding anyone who is hungry is a key part of Sikhism.
No conversion necessary. Feeding anyone who is hungry is a key part of Sikhism.
Reposted by Peter Holm
Remember, historically judges will almost always take gov't claims at face value. It's an astounding fact that judges are now increasingly realizing that this administration just flat out lies to them constantly. And it's good to see them calling it out (in this case with a Trump-appointed judge).
A long and comprehensive opinion, but this jumped out at me: The judge accused the Federal Protective Service—which was called in to suppress the protests—of lying under oath to slander the regular Portland police.😬
DOJ recently admitted that other FPS claims in this case were objectively false.
DOJ recently admitted that other FPS claims in this case were objectively false.
November 8, 2025 at 1:24 AM
Remember, historically judges will almost always take gov't claims at face value. It's an astounding fact that judges are now increasingly realizing that this administration just flat out lies to them constantly. And it's good to see them calling it out (in this case with a Trump-appointed judge).
Reposted by Peter Holm
Nuremburg trials is the moderate position
He said that the agents would throw food at them to eat. The agents threatened to withhold food for a week and to beat him up if he didn't sign deportation papers. He said he saw others refuse and get beaten/receive no food. He signed because he was afraid.
November 7, 2025 at 12:34 PM
Nuremburg trials is the moderate position
Reposted by Peter Holm
We're disappointed to see Ben Barres's powerful book "The Autobiography of a Transgender Scientist" among the ~400 titles removed from the Naval Academy Library. Needless to say, we're proud to have published his book and will keep it — and his memory — alive.
The Coming Out of a Transgender Scientist
"I know that I am making the right decision because whenever I think about changing my gender role, I am flooded with feelings of relief."
thereader.mitpress.mit.edu
April 8, 2025 at 8:24 PM
We're disappointed to see Ben Barres's powerful book "The Autobiography of a Transgender Scientist" among the ~400 titles removed from the Naval Academy Library. Needless to say, we're proud to have published his book and will keep it — and his memory — alive.
Reposted by Peter Holm
I see James Watson has died.
What did Watson discover?
Rosalind Franklin's lab notes.
Only we spell it 'S-T-E-A-L' these days.
What did Watson discover?
Rosalind Franklin's lab notes.
Only we spell it 'S-T-E-A-L' these days.
November 7, 2025 at 8:16 PM
I see James Watson has died.
What did Watson discover?
Rosalind Franklin's lab notes.
Only we spell it 'S-T-E-A-L' these days.
What did Watson discover?
Rosalind Franklin's lab notes.
Only we spell it 'S-T-E-A-L' these days.
Reposted by Peter Holm
Hi Bluesky 👋
Small life update: I’m at the centre of a multimillion dollar lawsuit in Alberta launched by a failed candidate for Jason Kenney’s UCP
It may be the longest and most expensive media trial in Canadian history
I’m ready to go public about it and I want to share more details with you 🧵
Small life update: I’m at the centre of a multimillion dollar lawsuit in Alberta launched by a failed candidate for Jason Kenney’s UCP
It may be the longest and most expensive media trial in Canadian history
I’m ready to go public about it and I want to share more details with you 🧵
November 7, 2025 at 2:44 PM
Hi Bluesky 👋
Small life update: I’m at the centre of a multimillion dollar lawsuit in Alberta launched by a failed candidate for Jason Kenney’s UCP
It may be the longest and most expensive media trial in Canadian history
I’m ready to go public about it and I want to share more details with you 🧵
Small life update: I’m at the centre of a multimillion dollar lawsuit in Alberta launched by a failed candidate for Jason Kenney’s UCP
It may be the longest and most expensive media trial in Canadian history
I’m ready to go public about it and I want to share more details with you 🧵
Reposted by Peter Holm
people hate hearing this but it's 100% true, creating a huge pay gap between political leaders, their staffs, and other elites is a recipe for corruption. of course the flip side of that is taxes on the rich should be jacked way the hell up
The Mayor of New York only makes $260k. I bet there are police that make more than that in NY with overtime.
We need to pay elected leaders more money and stop pretending it's some sort of calling. They're managing hundreds of billions of dollars in investments and millions of people's lives.
We need to pay elected leaders more money and stop pretending it's some sort of calling. They're managing hundreds of billions of dollars in investments and millions of people's lives.
November 7, 2025 at 3:24 PM
people hate hearing this but it's 100% true, creating a huge pay gap between political leaders, their staffs, and other elites is a recipe for corruption. of course the flip side of that is taxes on the rich should be jacked way the hell up
Reposted by Peter Holm
I'm one of the four fired employees. I was a writer & producer at Bon Appétit for nearly five years, during which I helped organize our union and sat on our bargaining committee.
I am, to my knowledge, the only trans woman in our union and the only trans woman on editorial who doesn't work at Them
I am, to my knowledge, the only trans woman in our union and the only trans woman on editorial who doesn't work at Them
New: Conde Nast fired four employees who were among a group that confronted the company's head of human resources on Wednesday over the decision to fold Teen Vogue into Vogue/recent cuts. Employees who were fired included journalists from the New Yorker, Wired, and Bon Appétit.
November 6, 2025 at 6:32 PM
I'm one of the four fired employees. I was a writer & producer at Bon Appétit for nearly five years, during which I helped organize our union and sat on our bargaining committee.
I am, to my knowledge, the only trans woman in our union and the only trans woman on editorial who doesn't work at Them
I am, to my knowledge, the only trans woman in our union and the only trans woman on editorial who doesn't work at Them