OtterB
@otterb.bsky.social
Longtime SFF reader. Retired Higher Ed data cruncher. Barbershop singer. Married, parent to one adult launched & one with intellectual disabilities semi-launched. Catholic. In favor of wonder and kindness. She/her. Avatar thanks to cavyherd@wandering.shop
Reposted by OtterB
you should not share a post that's a screenshot without a link to a news item. you should not share a post that's a video or picture without some kind of sourcing. we're in a new bad era and these are now basic practices.
... also photogs and journos gotta eat so share their work.
... also photogs and journos gotta eat so share their work.
January 26, 2026 at 3:04 PM
you should not share a post that's a screenshot without a link to a news item. you should not share a post that's a video or picture without some kind of sourcing. we're in a new bad era and these are now basic practices.
... also photogs and journos gotta eat so share their work.
... also photogs and journos gotta eat so share their work.
Reposted by OtterB
In solidarity with today's ICE OUT OF MINNESOTA blackout, MinnMax is donating $1 to the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota for every share of this Bluesky post for the next hour.
January 23, 2026 at 4:01 PM
In solidarity with today's ICE OUT OF MINNESOTA blackout, MinnMax is donating $1 to the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota for every share of this Bluesky post for the next hour.
Reposted by OtterB
A few days ago, I stood in the graveyard of an 1100 year old church, getting damper and damper in the drizzling rain.
A woman walked into the graveyard, waved, said hello, and, as we had previously arranged, handed me a paper bag full of human bones.
The life of a churchwarden is a strange one...
A woman walked into the graveyard, waved, said hello, and, as we had previously arranged, handed me a paper bag full of human bones.
The life of a churchwarden is a strange one...
January 23, 2026 at 11:44 AM
A few days ago, I stood in the graveyard of an 1100 year old church, getting damper and damper in the drizzling rain.
A woman walked into the graveyard, waved, said hello, and, as we had previously arranged, handed me a paper bag full of human bones.
The life of a churchwarden is a strange one...
A woman walked into the graveyard, waved, said hello, and, as we had previously arranged, handed me a paper bag full of human bones.
The life of a churchwarden is a strange one...
Thread. I will go with this and vote for anyone who supports it. I might add, perhaps in the clause about Bill of Rights, specific acknowledgment that those rights apply to all including those marginalized by race, gender, or economic status.
Here's what I want instead of foreign lands. Jobs that pay a living wage all the way down to the lowest-paid employee....steady, reliable jobs that, moreover produce what people need: medical care, housing, safe food, safe water, safe transportation, schools that provide every kid a GOOD education
January 22, 2026 at 5:09 PM
Thread. I will go with this and vote for anyone who supports it. I might add, perhaps in the clause about Bill of Rights, specific acknowledgment that those rights apply to all including those marginalized by race, gender, or economic status.
Reposted by OtterB
DMV meteorologists this week
January 21, 2026 at 1:42 AM
DMV meteorologists this week
Reposted by OtterB
How to get into nature.
January 20, 2026 at 1:04 PM
How to get into nature.
Introduce yourself with 5 concerts you’ve been to.
The BeeGees
Emmy Lou Harris
Jimmy Buffet
Kathy Mattea
George Winston
The BeeGees
Emmy Lou Harris
Jimmy Buffet
Kathy Mattea
George Winston
Introduce yourself with 5 concerts you've been to (eclecticism challenge accepted)
Bo Diddley
Black Sabbath
Queen
Pat Benatar
Norah Jones
Bo Diddley
Black Sabbath
Queen
Pat Benatar
Norah Jones
Introduce yourself with 5 concerts you've been to (eclecticism challenge accepted)
ACDC
Santana
kd lang
Supertramp
Yanni
ACDC
Santana
kd lang
Supertramp
Yanni
January 20, 2026 at 6:05 AM
Introduce yourself with 5 concerts you’ve been to.
The BeeGees
Emmy Lou Harris
Jimmy Buffet
Kathy Mattea
George Winston
The BeeGees
Emmy Lou Harris
Jimmy Buffet
Kathy Mattea
George Winston
Reposted by OtterB
John McCutcheon - How Can I Keep From Singing?
YouTube video by Appalseed You Tube
www.youtube.com
January 18, 2026 at 11:21 PM
Reposted by OtterB
WELL NOW, would you look at that?
A massive, 26-YEAR-LONG study of MORE THAN 2.4 MILLION people in Sweden found found NO EVIDENCE to support a causal link between acetaminophen (the API in Tylenol) use during pregnancy and increased risk of autism, ADHD, OR intellectual disability in children.
A massive, 26-YEAR-LONG study of MORE THAN 2.4 MILLION people in Sweden found found NO EVIDENCE to support a causal link between acetaminophen (the API in Tylenol) use during pregnancy and increased risk of autism, ADHD, OR intellectual disability in children.
January 18, 2026 at 5:00 PM
WELL NOW, would you look at that?
A massive, 26-YEAR-LONG study of MORE THAN 2.4 MILLION people in Sweden found found NO EVIDENCE to support a causal link between acetaminophen (the API in Tylenol) use during pregnancy and increased risk of autism, ADHD, OR intellectual disability in children.
A massive, 26-YEAR-LONG study of MORE THAN 2.4 MILLION people in Sweden found found NO EVIDENCE to support a causal link between acetaminophen (the API in Tylenol) use during pregnancy and increased risk of autism, ADHD, OR intellectual disability in children.
This is a fun distraction thread. I especially appreciate the comments of “oh, I’ve eaten there!” about a random diner somewhere.
Here’s a topic outside the news.
What’s the most unlikely place you’ve ever had the best particular food or drink you’ve ever had?
Like, not the best steak at the world’s top steakhouse. Something weirder.
Best burger I’ve ever had? Fresno airport.
Best cup of coffee? Crater Lake Lodge.
What’s the most unlikely place you’ve ever had the best particular food or drink you’ve ever had?
Like, not the best steak at the world’s top steakhouse. Something weirder.
Best burger I’ve ever had? Fresno airport.
Best cup of coffee? Crater Lake Lodge.
January 16, 2026 at 3:06 PM
This is a fun distraction thread. I especially appreciate the comments of “oh, I’ve eaten there!” about a random diner somewhere.
Reposted by OtterB
I mean, I would, if I were them. The US is 100% not to be trusted any more, nor will we be again for a long time, if ever. Even when we get rid of the current feculent toad in what remains of the White House, the US fascist infrastructure will remain and could resurface, like a case of Nazi shingles
Denmark confirms an expanded, more permanent Danish and NATO military presence in and around Greenland, beginning today. Deployments span land, sea, and air, including protection of critical infrastructure, fighter jets, and naval operations. Sweden has committed forces; other NATO allies may follow
January 14, 2026 at 7:49 PM
I mean, I would, if I were them. The US is 100% not to be trusted any more, nor will we be again for a long time, if ever. Even when we get rid of the current feculent toad in what remains of the White House, the US fascist infrastructure will remain and could resurface, like a case of Nazi shingles
Reposted by OtterB
⚠️ICYMI⚠️
Beginning at 4:00am on Jan. 11, BGE crews will install new overhead lines along northbound & southbound I-95 between MD 175 & MD 103. There will be 15 minute traffic stops in both directions between the hours of 4:00am and 8:00am ▶️https://ow.ly/xIES50XUBnw 📸 from #MDSHA
Beginning at 4:00am on Jan. 11, BGE crews will install new overhead lines along northbound & southbound I-95 between MD 175 & MD 103. There will be 15 minute traffic stops in both directions between the hours of 4:00am and 8:00am ▶️https://ow.ly/xIES50XUBnw 📸 from #MDSHA
January 11, 2026 at 1:10 AM
⚠️ICYMI⚠️
Beginning at 4:00am on Jan. 11, BGE crews will install new overhead lines along northbound & southbound I-95 between MD 175 & MD 103. There will be 15 minute traffic stops in both directions between the hours of 4:00am and 8:00am ▶️https://ow.ly/xIES50XUBnw 📸 from #MDSHA
Beginning at 4:00am on Jan. 11, BGE crews will install new overhead lines along northbound & southbound I-95 between MD 175 & MD 103. There will be 15 minute traffic stops in both directions between the hours of 4:00am and 8:00am ▶️https://ow.ly/xIES50XUBnw 📸 from #MDSHA
Reposted by OtterB
A group of young kestrels is startled by the presence of a butterfly. 🤣🤣🤣
January 9, 2026 at 5:36 PM
A group of young kestrels is startled by the presence of a butterfly. 🤣🤣🤣
Reposted by OtterB
Books don't tell readers who they personally are or who they are supposed to be. They do show readers a variety of characters. Implicit in that is this: "Here are some ways of being." Kids books aren't altering your kid to be someone new. They are simply showing them parts of humanity.
January 10, 2026 at 7:00 AM
Books don't tell readers who they personally are or who they are supposed to be. They do show readers a variety of characters. Implicit in that is this: "Here are some ways of being." Kids books aren't altering your kid to be someone new. They are simply showing them parts of humanity.
Reposted by OtterB
WELL NOW, would you look at that? A massive, 24-YEAR-LONG study of MORE THAN 1.2 MILLION people in Denmark found NO LINK between aluminum in childhood vaccines and autism, asthma, OR chronic disorders.
Aluminum is an ADJUVANT.
It ENHANCES your immune response to a vaccine.
That’s it.
Aluminum is an ADJUVANT.
It ENHANCES your immune response to a vaccine.
That’s it.
January 8, 2026 at 5:00 PM
WELL NOW, would you look at that? A massive, 24-YEAR-LONG study of MORE THAN 1.2 MILLION people in Denmark found NO LINK between aluminum in childhood vaccines and autism, asthma, OR chronic disorders.
Aluminum is an ADJUVANT.
It ENHANCES your immune response to a vaccine.
That’s it.
Aluminum is an ADJUVANT.
It ENHANCES your immune response to a vaccine.
That’s it.
Reposted by OtterB
What's the source of wealth? Human capital, institutions, knowledge. You can convince yourself that this matters more simply by looking at your laptop, which is largely made of cheap stuff, along with a tiny bit of gold, neodymium, etc. The value is in the pattern and the ability to construct it.
January 6, 2026 at 4:33 PM
What's the source of wealth? Human capital, institutions, knowledge. You can convince yourself that this matters more simply by looking at your laptop, which is largely made of cheap stuff, along with a tiny bit of gold, neodymium, etc. The value is in the pattern and the ability to construct it.
Reposted by OtterB
Former Capitol Police Officer Harry Dunn was on the front lines of January 6. Five years later, he warns the greatest threat isn’t just what happened—but the lies rewriting it. “January 6 was not legitimate political discourse.” Read his powerful piece: www.meidasplus.com/p/history-be...
January 6, 2026 at 4:17 PM
Former Capitol Police Officer Harry Dunn was on the front lines of January 6. Five years later, he warns the greatest threat isn’t just what happened—but the lies rewriting it. “January 6 was not legitimate political discourse.” Read his powerful piece: www.meidasplus.com/p/history-be...
Reposted by OtterB
The world risks forgetting one of humanity’s greatest triumphs—70 years after Jonas Salk developed the vaccine in a Pittsburgh lab. When asked whether he would patent the vaccine, Salk told journalist Edward R. Murrow it belonged to the people, and patenting it would be like “patenting the sun”👇
The world risks forgetting one of humanity’s greatest triumphs as polio nears global eradication − 70 years after Jonas Salk developed the vaccine in a Pittsburgh lab
Polio may finally be defeated in the next 5 years. Will the world recognize what an extraordinary achievement that is?
theconversation.com
January 6, 2026 at 1:14 AM
The world risks forgetting one of humanity’s greatest triumphs—70 years after Jonas Salk developed the vaccine in a Pittsburgh lab. When asked whether he would patent the vaccine, Salk told journalist Edward R. Murrow it belonged to the people, and patenting it would be like “patenting the sun”👇
Reposted by OtterB
OK. One person was excited, so we're talking about this shawl
bsky.app/profile/rivi...
Scroll down that thread for pictures of yarn, but we're going to talk about process in this thread.
bsky.app/profile/rivi...
Scroll down that thread for pictures of yarn, but we're going to talk about process in this thread.
Fiiiiine I'll get to the other thing later, but for now. Here's a shawl I made. This is handspun from 6 different sheep, 6 different breeds all of which I combed myself and most of which I washed myself.
This project took YEARS and I learned lots of really interesting things about wool.
This project took YEARS and I learned lots of really interesting things about wool.
January 6, 2026 at 4:33 AM
OK. One person was excited, so we're talking about this shawl
bsky.app/profile/rivi...
Scroll down that thread for pictures of yarn, but we're going to talk about process in this thread.
bsky.app/profile/rivi...
Scroll down that thread for pictures of yarn, but we're going to talk about process in this thread.
2026 Reading List
So far I have been rereading pieces of several of MCA Hogarth’s Peltedverse books but don’t think I have actually finished one.
Reading resolutions for the year:
1. Less rereading, more new books.
2. Have nonfiction include some science and history, not just memoirs.
So far I have been rereading pieces of several of MCA Hogarth’s Peltedverse books but don’t think I have actually finished one.
Reading resolutions for the year:
1. Less rereading, more new books.
2. Have nonfiction include some science and history, not just memoirs.
January 5, 2026 at 4:51 AM
2026 Reading List
So far I have been rereading pieces of several of MCA Hogarth’s Peltedverse books but don’t think I have actually finished one.
Reading resolutions for the year:
1. Less rereading, more new books.
2. Have nonfiction include some science and history, not just memoirs.
So far I have been rereading pieces of several of MCA Hogarth’s Peltedverse books but don’t think I have actually finished one.
Reading resolutions for the year:
1. Less rereading, more new books.
2. Have nonfiction include some science and history, not just memoirs.
Reposted by OtterB
what if one stopped taking the view that there is any single "The Authentic People" in the US, a concept which is in itself rooted in volkishness and fascism. what if instead we took the position that any attempt to determine "authenticity" is some fascist bullshit and everyone deserves care.
Another good practice for the New Year would be for all the non-fascists in America who want to opine about politics to really begin believing that urban America is Real America & that its denizens are The Authentic People. Get some self-respect & drop the volkish nationalist view that they're not
And I think liberals should stop taking the bait and ceding ground on immigration.
Immigration is good. Multiculturalism is good. Free trade is good. Stop being embarrassed to say so.
Immigration is good. Multiculturalism is good. Free trade is good. Stop being embarrassed to say so.
January 1, 2026 at 3:33 PM
what if one stopped taking the view that there is any single "The Authentic People" in the US, a concept which is in itself rooted in volkishness and fascism. what if instead we took the position that any attempt to determine "authenticity" is some fascist bullshit and everyone deserves care.
Reading summary for 2025:
146 total
83 (57%) rereads, some rereads ahead of new entries in a series, others comfort binges
22 (15%) nonfiction, some on park rangers and search & rescue, others biography or memoir.
Most of the fiction was fantasy, some SF, some historical, a handful of others.
146 total
83 (57%) rereads, some rereads ahead of new entries in a series, others comfort binges
22 (15%) nonfiction, some on park rangers and search & rescue, others biography or memoir.
Most of the fiction was fantasy, some SF, some historical, a handful of others.
December 31, 2025 at 7:29 PM
Reading summary for 2025:
146 total
83 (57%) rereads, some rereads ahead of new entries in a series, others comfort binges
22 (15%) nonfiction, some on park rangers and search & rescue, others biography or memoir.
Most of the fiction was fantasy, some SF, some historical, a handful of others.
146 total
83 (57%) rereads, some rereads ahead of new entries in a series, others comfort binges
22 (15%) nonfiction, some on park rangers and search & rescue, others biography or memoir.
Most of the fiction was fantasy, some SF, some historical, a handful of others.
Quote with a GIF that depicts the energy you’re going into 2026 with.
December 31, 2025 at 4:08 PM
Quote with a GIF that depicts the energy you’re going into 2026 with.
Reposted by OtterB
GOOD NEWS! Researchers have shown Alzheimer’s disease can be REVERSED- not just prevented. Using a potent neuroprotective compound called P7C3-A20, they found RESTORING balance to a central cellular energy molecule (NAD+) not only PREVENTED disease features but REVERSED them, EVEN at late stages.
December 28, 2025 at 5:00 PM
GOOD NEWS! Researchers have shown Alzheimer’s disease can be REVERSED- not just prevented. Using a potent neuroprotective compound called P7C3-A20, they found RESTORING balance to a central cellular energy molecule (NAD+) not only PREVENTED disease features but REVERSED them, EVEN at late stages.
Reposted by OtterB
The point is not to put more fact shaped things in your head than anyone else. It’s to understand the ones that are there on a deep and meaningful level.
December 21, 2025 at 8:48 PM
The point is not to put more fact shaped things in your head than anyone else. It’s to understand the ones that are there on a deep and meaningful level.