Owen Colling
@owencolling.bsky.social
Denver local. Doer of music and writing things. Player of ttrpgs. Busy surviving the current apocalypse.
Reposted by Owen Colling
Rock and roll is alive and well atop the Billboard 200 albums chart this week, as Twenty One Pilots' Breach hits No. 1.
Twenty One Pilots prove rock's not dead atop the 'Billboard' albums chart
Rock and roll is alive and well atop the Billboard 200 albums chart this week, as Twenty One Pilots' Breach hits No. 1.
n.pr
September 25, 2025 at 5:02 PM
Rock and roll is alive and well atop the Billboard 200 albums chart this week, as Twenty One Pilots' Breach hits No. 1.
Hell yeah
Twenty One Pilots’ ‘Breach’ Bows Atop Billboard 200 With Biggest Week for a Rock Album in Six Years
Twenty One Pilots’ ‘Breach’ Bows Atop Billboard 200 With Biggest Week for a Rock Album in Six Years
Twenty One Pilots' "Breach" debuts atop the Billboard 200 chart with the biggest week for a rock album in six years.
bit.ly
September 21, 2025 at 7:52 PM
Hell yeah
Reposted by Owen Colling
I really don't think we've barely begun to come to terms with how tech companies have actively decided to destroy the basic infrastructure of human information to juice their share price
case study of how a non-meaningful tweak to a prompt can result in dangerously wrong output. Search A: prompt has typos in “association” & “blood clots.” AI output has medical misinfo (Yaz&Yasmin ARE NOT drospirenone-only). Search B: same words, same order, correct spelling. Output factually correct
September 2, 2025 at 9:23 AM
I really don't think we've barely begun to come to terms with how tech companies have actively decided to destroy the basic infrastructure of human information to juice their share price
Reposted by Owen Colling
I want to explain a few things and then it might be clearer why UK trans people are upset.
In 2001 I married my wife, Sylvia.
In 2005 I started medical transition. (1/13)
In 2001 I married my wife, Sylvia.
In 2005 I started medical transition. (1/13)
August 29, 2025 at 11:56 AM
I want to explain a few things and then it might be clearer why UK trans people are upset.
In 2001 I married my wife, Sylvia.
In 2005 I started medical transition. (1/13)
In 2001 I married my wife, Sylvia.
In 2005 I started medical transition. (1/13)
Reposted by Owen Colling
Full resignation letter from Demetre C. Daskalakis, a CDC leader, does not hold back.
"The recent shooting at CDC is not why I am resigning. My grandfather, who I am named after, stood up to fascist forces in Greece and lost his life doing so. I am resigning to make him and his legacy proud."
"The recent shooting at CDC is not why I am resigning. My grandfather, who I am named after, stood up to fascist forces in Greece and lost his life doing so. I am resigning to make him and his legacy proud."
August 28, 2025 at 1:01 AM
Full resignation letter from Demetre C. Daskalakis, a CDC leader, does not hold back.
"The recent shooting at CDC is not why I am resigning. My grandfather, who I am named after, stood up to fascist forces in Greece and lost his life doing so. I am resigning to make him and his legacy proud."
"The recent shooting at CDC is not why I am resigning. My grandfather, who I am named after, stood up to fascist forces in Greece and lost his life doing so. I am resigning to make him and his legacy proud."
Reposted by Owen Colling
remember folks, we cant have gun restrictions because if we do the federal government will occupy our streets, imprison people without due process, ship dissidents to foreign gulags and things of that nature
August 27, 2025 at 6:42 PM
remember folks, we cant have gun restrictions because if we do the federal government will occupy our streets, imprison people without due process, ship dissidents to foreign gulags and things of that nature
Reposted by Owen Colling
"many ... wrongly believe there would be one clear unambiguous moment where we go from 'democracy' to 'authoritarianism.' Instead, this is exactly how it happens — a blurring here, a norm destroyed there, a presidential diktat unchallenged. Then you wake up one morning and our country is different."
The precise moment when and where in recent weeks America crossed that invisible line from democracy into authoritarianism can and will be debated by future historians, but it’s clear that the line itself has been crossed. www.doomsdayscenario.co/p/america-ti...
America Tips Into Fascism
Today is different than before.
www.doomsdayscenario.co
August 25, 2025 at 4:36 PM
"many ... wrongly believe there would be one clear unambiguous moment where we go from 'democracy' to 'authoritarianism.' Instead, this is exactly how it happens — a blurring here, a norm destroyed there, a presidential diktat unchallenged. Then you wake up one morning and our country is different."
Reposted by Owen Colling
You don’t really think of AI as being bad for the environment
After all, it’s only computers. How could that possibly be so bad
But the truth is, it’s VERY harmful
After all, it’s only computers. How could that possibly be so bad
But the truth is, it’s VERY harmful
August 24, 2025 at 11:27 PM
You don’t really think of AI as being bad for the environment
After all, it’s only computers. How could that possibly be so bad
But the truth is, it’s VERY harmful
After all, it’s only computers. How could that possibly be so bad
But the truth is, it’s VERY harmful
Reposted by Owen Colling
It’s wild, absolutely wild, how for EVERY. SINGLE. CITY. Trump wants to militarize I can post data showing how crime is plummeting in all of them without any federal invasion…
… and the press KEEPS stenographing the naked bad-faith claims about “fighting crime!” in the headlines.
Infuriating.
… and the press KEEPS stenographing the naked bad-faith claims about “fighting crime!” in the headlines.
Infuriating.
Giant YTD drops in Chicago for basically all crimes.
Huge 4-reductions in Chicago for all violence. Murders are down FIFTY PERCENT.
Property crimes are dropping, tho still higher than before. But MRAPs don’t stop theft.
This is all pretext. Yet the WaPo subhed frames it as a “crime” issue.
Huge 4-reductions in Chicago for all violence. Murders are down FIFTY PERCENT.
Property crimes are dropping, tho still higher than before. But MRAPs don’t stop theft.
This is all pretext. Yet the WaPo subhed frames it as a “crime” issue.
August 24, 2025 at 1:00 AM
It’s wild, absolutely wild, how for EVERY. SINGLE. CITY. Trump wants to militarize I can post data showing how crime is plummeting in all of them without any federal invasion…
… and the press KEEPS stenographing the naked bad-faith claims about “fighting crime!” in the headlines.
Infuriating.
… and the press KEEPS stenographing the naked bad-faith claims about “fighting crime!” in the headlines.
Infuriating.
Reposted by Owen Colling
20 Aug 25 -- Trump admin quietly enacts new ban of reimbursement for gender related care through fed govt's largest health insurer regardless of age. 8m fed & 2m postal employees of which ~14k are trans -- will be affected. @rikiwilchins.bsky.social
Trump quietly bans federal health insurance from covering gender-affirming care
The largest federal health insurance provider now bans coverage for gender-affirming care, but allows "faith-based counseling."
www.advocate.com
August 20, 2025 at 11:27 AM
20 Aug 25 -- Trump admin quietly enacts new ban of reimbursement for gender related care through fed govt's largest health insurer regardless of age. 8m fed & 2m postal employees of which ~14k are trans -- will be affected. @rikiwilchins.bsky.social
Reposted by Owen Colling
Reposted by Owen Colling
Anyone who has studied the history of police states and surveillance can tell you invasions like this are a stalking horse. Extreme tactics like this are always tested on vulnerable populations prior to being normalized across society.
The DOJ subpoenas to providers of gender affirming care wanted the therapy notes, social security numbers, and addresses of patients. This is an unprecedented and disgusting violation of medical privacy.
www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2025/...
www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2025/...
Government’s demand for trans care info sought addresses, doctors’ notes, texts
Legal experts said the Justice Department subpoenas related to medical care for transgender minors appear to be unprecedented.
www.washingtonpost.com
August 20, 2025 at 7:53 PM
Anyone who has studied the history of police states and surveillance can tell you invasions like this are a stalking horse. Extreme tactics like this are always tested on vulnerable populations prior to being normalized across society.
Reposted by Owen Colling
Trans people are worth protecting. Not because we are amazing people (although we are) or because we offer a great deal to society (although we do) or because we are fine as hell (we are). We are worth protecting because we are HUMAN BEINGS, and it’s amazing how often that simple fact is forgotten.
August 20, 2025 at 12:26 AM
Trans people are worth protecting. Not because we are amazing people (although we are) or because we offer a great deal to society (although we do) or because we are fine as hell (we are). We are worth protecting because we are HUMAN BEINGS, and it’s amazing how often that simple fact is forgotten.
Reposted by Owen Colling
The parent company of 9NEWS is being acquired by the parent company of FOX31 in Denver and the stations will be combined, according to the company's CEO. Here's what we know:
August 20, 2025 at 1:10 AM
The parent company of 9NEWS is being acquired by the parent company of FOX31 in Denver and the stations will be combined, according to the company's CEO. Here's what we know:
Reposted by Owen Colling
I think the fact that the president can make up a bullshit pretext about crime, activate various states' national guard units and invade a major city with basically minimal pushback of any kind reflects very poorly on Americans generally
August 17, 2025 at 4:00 AM
I think the fact that the president can make up a bullshit pretext about crime, activate various states' national guard units and invade a major city with basically minimal pushback of any kind reflects very poorly on Americans generally
Reposted by Owen Colling
One of the things that has pretty annoying is that if you have any kind of bullshit meter, if you have anything inside of yourself that doesn’t enjoy being lied to, the last couple of years of almost every area of public life have been driving you up a fucking wall
August 12, 2025 at 2:15 PM
One of the things that has pretty annoying is that if you have any kind of bullshit meter, if you have anything inside of yourself that doesn’t enjoy being lied to, the last couple of years of almost every area of public life have been driving you up a fucking wall
Reposted by Owen Colling
the thing about incarcerated trans people is that virtually no one will stand up for them & that’s fucking horrific because i literally cannot think of a worse place to be a trans person in america than prison.
if you’re cis you should read this.
trans people, keep on scrolling; you already know.
if you’re cis you should read this.
trans people, keep on scrolling; you already know.
Trans people in Georgia prisons are being forced to detransition. Now they're suing.
A class action lawsuit representing nearly 300 incarcerated people says the state's refusal to allow gender-affirming care constitutes cruel and unusual punishment.
www.advocate.com
August 14, 2025 at 1:54 AM
the thing about incarcerated trans people is that virtually no one will stand up for them & that’s fucking horrific because i literally cannot think of a worse place to be a trans person in america than prison.
if you’re cis you should read this.
trans people, keep on scrolling; you already know.
if you’re cis you should read this.
trans people, keep on scrolling; you already know.
Reposted by Owen Colling
re: generative AI
I have finally fully and accurately explained my problem with how it’s marketed and used.
And now, you can use it, too.
I have finally fully and accurately explained my problem with how it’s marketed and used.
And now, you can use it, too.
July 6, 2025 at 5:23 PM
re: generative AI
I have finally fully and accurately explained my problem with how it’s marketed and used.
And now, you can use it, too.
I have finally fully and accurately explained my problem with how it’s marketed and used.
And now, you can use it, too.
Reposted by Owen Colling
No one would have any confusion about what is happening if they saw it in another country.
Autocratic leader, building on racist propaganda, falsehoods about crime data, and an alleged assault on a member of his extralegal office devoted to gutting the budget, moves to have federal armed personnel take direct control of the streets of the capital city.
August 13, 2025 at 12:26 AM
No one would have any confusion about what is happening if they saw it in another country.
Reposted by Owen Colling
We stopped expanding the House in the 1920s, decided the Supreme Court should freeze in the 1930s, added the last states in the 1950s, amended the Constitution only once in the last fifty years.
The USA and its government continued to grow, but almost all that growth came in the executive branch.
The USA and its government continued to grow, but almost all that growth came in the executive branch.
i really think the only reason we haven't created new states — which was a common political tactic in the 19th century, see nevada and the dakotas — is that 50 is a round number
August 11, 2025 at 10:21 PM
We stopped expanding the House in the 1920s, decided the Supreme Court should freeze in the 1930s, added the last states in the 1950s, amended the Constitution only once in the last fifty years.
The USA and its government continued to grow, but almost all that growth came in the executive branch.
The USA and its government continued to grow, but almost all that growth came in the executive branch.
Reposted by Owen Colling
Two things:
1. Large language models like ChatGPT are statistically likely word generators; they don't have "expertise" in anything.
2. I have seen a team of PhD level experts fail to assemble a dresser from IKEA.
1. Large language models like ChatGPT are statistically likely word generators; they don't have "expertise" in anything.
2. I have seen a team of PhD level experts fail to assemble a dresser from IKEA.
OpenAI releases the newest version of the AI model that powers its popular ChatGPT chatbot, with CEO Sam Altman promoting it as like having a “team of Ph.D. level experts in your pocket.”
OpenAI releases GPT-5, calling it a ‘team of Ph.D. level experts in your pocket’
OpenAI says its latest version of the popular AI model is better at coding, more accurate and less deceptive than previous versions.
nbcnews.to
August 7, 2025 at 7:38 PM
Two things:
1. Large language models like ChatGPT are statistically likely word generators; they don't have "expertise" in anything.
2. I have seen a team of PhD level experts fail to assemble a dresser from IKEA.
1. Large language models like ChatGPT are statistically likely word generators; they don't have "expertise" in anything.
2. I have seen a team of PhD level experts fail to assemble a dresser from IKEA.
Reposted by Owen Colling
Every reputable expert I know considers mRNA vaccine technology to be one of the most revolutionary advances in medicine in our lifetimes. Its inventors won the Nobel Prize in 2023. Shutting it down now is pointless self-harm to humanity.
Release from HHS: HHS will wind down its development of the mRNA vaccine development activities under the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA).
August 5, 2025 at 10:54 PM
Every reputable expert I know considers mRNA vaccine technology to be one of the most revolutionary advances in medicine in our lifetimes. Its inventors won the Nobel Prize in 2023. Shutting it down now is pointless self-harm to humanity.
Reposted by Owen Colling
If I have to explain to you why it's a bad idea to use a machine that makes shit up 15-80% of the time AND destroys the environment AND contributes to rising fascism and genocide AND puts brilliant skillful creatives out of work by stealing their work, then we're already speaking different languages
August 6, 2025 at 1:01 AM
If I have to explain to you why it's a bad idea to use a machine that makes shit up 15-80% of the time AND destroys the environment AND contributes to rising fascism and genocide AND puts brilliant skillful creatives out of work by stealing their work, then we're already speaking different languages
Reposted by Owen Colling
Reposted by Owen Colling
DOJ put out a memo stating that all recipients of federal funding must ban trans people from bathrooms.
www.justice.gov/ag/media/140...
www.justice.gov/ag/media/140...
July 31, 2025 at 1:58 PM
DOJ put out a memo stating that all recipients of federal funding must ban trans people from bathrooms.
www.justice.gov/ag/media/140...
www.justice.gov/ag/media/140...