Renée Spiewak, PhD
@respiewak.bsky.social
Autistic astrophysicist/board-game-salesperson, Borealis (Bo)'s human, amateur sailor, pulsar enthusiast, and world traveler. Loves: cats, science, board games, books, and silence. She/Her.
Profile picture: me outside
Banner: Bo lounging on a workbench
Profile picture: me outside
Banner: Bo lounging on a workbench
Reposted by Renée Spiewak, PhD
so my friends: are any of you (or someone you know) an expert on post-main sequence stellar evolution and/or planets in post-main sequence star systems? 👉👈😬🧪🔭
this throws my whole fucking schedule off for the next several days because they couldn't be bothered to let me know they were blowing me off. Now instead of being able to finish writing, I have to find another source NOW.
November 14, 2025 at 2:58 PM
so my friends: are any of you (or someone you know) an expert on post-main sequence stellar evolution and/or planets in post-main sequence star systems? 👉👈😬🧪🔭
Reposted by Renée Spiewak, PhD
RE starbucks picket line--the relevant detail is "picket line, do not cross." Pass that along. Proclaiming that you are in no danger of doing so because you are too aesthetically pure to let Starbucks coffee pass your lips is...unhelpful and does not give the impression you perhaps imagine it does.
November 13, 2025 at 1:56 PM
RE starbucks picket line--the relevant detail is "picket line, do not cross." Pass that along. Proclaiming that you are in no danger of doing so because you are too aesthetically pure to let Starbucks coffee pass your lips is...unhelpful and does not give the impression you perhaps imagine it does.
Reposted by Renée Spiewak, PhD
So many salacious Epstein emails in teeny tiny font, hardly any alt text
November 13, 2025 at 1:09 AM
So many salacious Epstein emails in teeny tiny font, hardly any alt text
Reposted by Renée Spiewak, PhD
We are so excited to announce our first Patreon raffle! We have a huge pile of merch that you can have a chance to win just by signing up for our Patreon blog at the $5/month level or higher: patreon.com/Merrymac?utm...
November 12, 2025 at 12:36 AM
We are so excited to announce our first Patreon raffle! We have a huge pile of merch that you can have a chance to win just by signing up for our Patreon blog at the $5/month level or higher: patreon.com/Merrymac?utm...
Reposted by Renée Spiewak, PhD
Potatoes are just a new spin on a decades-old “wellness” myth that has said to do this with raw onions.
Since onions and potatoes oxidize when exposed to the air for a while the “wellness” snake oil salesman say the darkening is proof that they’re “absorbing toxins” from the body.
Since onions and potatoes oxidize when exposed to the air for a while the “wellness” snake oil salesman say the darkening is proof that they’re “absorbing toxins” from the body.
Under-the-weather TikTokers are slicing raw potatoes and placing them in their — and their children’s — socks before bed. The theory is that the potato draws out toxins.
However, experts warn against relying on folk remedies over medical care.
However, experts warn against relying on folk remedies over medical care.
No, putting a potato in your sock will not cure a cold
TikTokers are placing slices of raw potatoes in their — and their children’s socks — overnight to cure illnesses.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 12, 2025 at 3:32 AM
Potatoes are just a new spin on a decades-old “wellness” myth that has said to do this with raw onions.
Since onions and potatoes oxidize when exposed to the air for a while the “wellness” snake oil salesman say the darkening is proof that they’re “absorbing toxins” from the body.
Since onions and potatoes oxidize when exposed to the air for a while the “wellness” snake oil salesman say the darkening is proof that they’re “absorbing toxins” from the body.
Reposted by Renée Spiewak, PhD
Reposted by Renée Spiewak, PhD
repost with alt-text because this is ... something
November 6, 2025 at 6:28 PM
repost with alt-text because this is ... something
Reposted by Renée Spiewak, PhD
in the meantime, here's a fantastic thread that @georgemonbiot.bsky.social shared yesterday which we discuss within the episode: a history of how we perceive the urban and the rural, contextualising it right within the present moment, and thoughts about the future.
bsky.app/profile/geor...
bsky.app/profile/geor...
1. In the wake on Mamdani’s win, we’ll see a lot more far right anti-urban sentiment. Here’s a thread on its roots and evolution.
The idea that the city is evil and corrupt, and the countryside innocent and pure, goes back a long way: to Theocritus in Alexandria, and to the Old Testament. 🧵
The idea that the city is evil and corrupt, and the countryside innocent and pure, goes back a long way: to Theocritus in Alexandria, and to the Old Testament. 🧵
November 6, 2025 at 9:34 AM
in the meantime, here's a fantastic thread that @georgemonbiot.bsky.social shared yesterday which we discuss within the episode: a history of how we perceive the urban and the rural, contextualising it right within the present moment, and thoughts about the future.
bsky.app/profile/geor...
bsky.app/profile/geor...
Reposted by Renée Spiewak, PhD
New awareness campaign
November 3, 2025 at 3:23 PM
New awareness campaign
Reposted by Renée Spiewak, PhD
أنا اسمي زهران ممدان وعم رشّح حالي لأكون العمدة الجديد في مدينة نيويورك
November 1, 2025 at 8:54 PM
أنا اسمي زهران ممدان وعم رشّح حالي لأكون العمدة الجديد في مدينة نيويورك
Reposted by Renée Spiewak, PhD
Republicans have illegally stopped SNAP payments (aka food stamps). Here's a selection from the DECADES of research that prove this program benefits society: better health, less crime, higher rates of education, and a savings of $20 for every $1 spent 🧪 skepchick.org/2025/10/food...
Food Stamps are Good, Actually (Here Comes the Science)
Transcript: At the beginning of November, the Trump administration will be illegally ending payments to low-income families across the United States who participate in the “Supplemental Nutrition A…
skepchick.org
October 30, 2025 at 3:05 PM
Republicans have illegally stopped SNAP payments (aka food stamps). Here's a selection from the DECADES of research that prove this program benefits society: better health, less crime, higher rates of education, and a savings of $20 for every $1 spent 🧪 skepchick.org/2025/10/food...
Reposted by Renée Spiewak, PhD
The people yearn for (democratic) socialism (this one will make you cry)
October 30, 2025 at 1:06 AM
The people yearn for (democratic) socialism (this one will make you cry)
Reposted by Renée Spiewak, PhD
The refusal to fund SNAP will drive millions into hunger.
But when the Trump administration chooses cruelty,
@newyorkstateag.bsky.social chooses courage.
Grateful for her joining this suit to keep people fed.
But when the Trump administration chooses cruelty,
@newyorkstateag.bsky.social chooses courage.
Grateful for her joining this suit to keep people fed.
Dozens of States Sue Trump Administration Over Planned Food Stamp Cuts
www.nytimes.com
October 29, 2025 at 7:40 PM
The refusal to fund SNAP will drive millions into hunger.
But when the Trump administration chooses cruelty,
@newyorkstateag.bsky.social chooses courage.
Grateful for her joining this suit to keep people fed.
But when the Trump administration chooses cruelty,
@newyorkstateag.bsky.social chooses courage.
Grateful for her joining this suit to keep people fed.
Reposted by Renée Spiewak, PhD
Do not be a doomer about this. Just call your New York friends and remind them to vote, and tell them to do the same. He is more popular and will win with good turnout.
i hate to be that bitch, but my sources are telling me this early voting data has gotten Zohran's people rightly spooked and y'all better stop assuming this one's in the bag. GOTV
Voter turnout surges in NYC mayor’s race, with Boomers and Gen X leading the charge
The data so far is good news for independent candidate Andrew Cuomo, a political scientist said.
gothamist.com
October 29, 2025 at 5:46 AM
Do not be a doomer about this. Just call your New York friends and remind them to vote, and tell them to do the same. He is more popular and will win with good turnout.
Reposted by Renée Spiewak, PhD
Feeding America has a page where you can input your zip code and it'll show you all of the food banks near you overlaid on a map. If you need it, it's there. If you don't need it, think about donating money if you have it and your time if you don't.
www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-lo...
www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-lo...
Find Your Local Food Bank | Feeding America
Find the Feeding America member food bank nearest you. Over 200 member food banks can connect you with free food, food pantries, soup kitchens, and mobile pantries in your community.
www.feedingamerica.org
October 26, 2025 at 7:16 PM
Feeding America has a page where you can input your zip code and it'll show you all of the food banks near you overlaid on a map. If you need it, it's there. If you don't need it, think about donating money if you have it and your time if you don't.
www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-lo...
www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-lo...
I forgot to point out the important part: no one had to ask for the stuff; no one had to "prove" their need; no one was made to feel ashamed for being in need.
The point is to keep people alive. Full stop. If you struggle with that idea, block away.
The point is to keep people alive. Full stop. If you struggle with that idea, block away.
My mom and sister were outside last night giving out candy to trick-or-treat'ers, and they set up a second table, a little ways away from the candy. On the second table, they had canned goods, box meals like mac 'n' cheese, and Ramen.
Because people are going to get hungry when SNAP fails them.
Because people are going to get hungry when SNAP fails them.
October 27, 2025 at 3:53 AM
I forgot to point out the important part: no one had to ask for the stuff; no one had to "prove" their need; no one was made to feel ashamed for being in need.
The point is to keep people alive. Full stop. If you struggle with that idea, block away.
The point is to keep people alive. Full stop. If you struggle with that idea, block away.
My mom and sister were outside last night giving out candy to trick-or-treat'ers, and they set up a second table, a little ways away from the candy. On the second table, they had canned goods, box meals like mac 'n' cheese, and Ramen.
Because people are going to get hungry when SNAP fails them.
Because people are going to get hungry when SNAP fails them.
October 27, 2025 at 3:48 AM
My mom and sister were outside last night giving out candy to trick-or-treat'ers, and they set up a second table, a little ways away from the candy. On the second table, they had canned goods, box meals like mac 'n' cheese, and Ramen.
Because people are going to get hungry when SNAP fails them.
Because people are going to get hungry when SNAP fails them.
Reposted by Renée Spiewak, PhD
RFK Jr. is a danger to health and humans. So why is he Secretary of Health and Human Services?
It's not too late to add your name to our petition to #impeachrfkjr. We'll be delivering thousands of petitions to Congress on November 5th, and demanding our representatives take action! zurl.co/tvlga
It's not too late to add your name to our petition to #impeachrfkjr. We'll be delivering thousands of petitions to Congress on November 5th, and demanding our representatives take action! zurl.co/tvlga
October 25, 2025 at 3:22 PM
RFK Jr. is a danger to health and humans. So why is he Secretary of Health and Human Services?
It's not too late to add your name to our petition to #impeachrfkjr. We'll be delivering thousands of petitions to Congress on November 5th, and demanding our representatives take action! zurl.co/tvlga
It's not too late to add your name to our petition to #impeachrfkjr. We'll be delivering thousands of petitions to Congress on November 5th, and demanding our representatives take action! zurl.co/tvlga
Reposted by Renée Spiewak, PhD
A lot of folks may think that just yelling at ICE agents is ineffective, but consider the cumulative psychological toll of being yelled at EVERY DAY when trying to do shit. Even the biggest asshole in the world who doesn't give a shit about other people will feel the pressure.
October 25, 2025 at 4:44 PM
A lot of folks may think that just yelling at ICE agents is ineffective, but consider the cumulative psychological toll of being yelled at EVERY DAY when trying to do shit. Even the biggest asshole in the world who doesn't give a shit about other people will feel the pressure.
Reposted by Renée Spiewak, PhD
Who said Reddit wasn’t good for anything?
October 25, 2025 at 12:17 AM
Who said Reddit wasn’t good for anything?
Reposted by Renée Spiewak, PhD
SNAP benefits expire in one week.
Leavitt: At this moment in time, the ballroom is really the president's main priority.
October 23, 2025 at 8:30 PM
SNAP benefits expire in one week.
Reposted by Renée Spiewak, PhD
October 22 is International Wombat Day, the perfect time to celebrate one of Australia’s most endearing, yet often underappreciated, marsupials. With their chunky bodies, teddy bear faces, and famously cube-shaped droppings, wombats are truly one of a kind.
Why Wombats Deserve the Spotlight on International Wombat Day
Wombats aren't just cute — they're ecological engineers that shape the landscapes of Australia and deserve appreciation for all they do!
a-z-animals.com
October 22, 2025 at 12:44 PM
October 22 is International Wombat Day, the perfect time to celebrate one of Australia’s most endearing, yet often underappreciated, marsupials. With their chunky bodies, teddy bear faces, and famously cube-shaped droppings, wombats are truly one of a kind.
Really wish I had checked the forecast before leaving home this morning. I thought it would be in the 60s like yesterday, but here I am shivering in the 45°F rain in a thin sweater 🥶
October 21, 2025 at 11:25 PM
Really wish I had checked the forecast before leaving home this morning. I thought it would be in the 60s like yesterday, but here I am shivering in the 45°F rain in a thin sweater 🥶
Reposted by Renée Spiewak, PhD
JUST ANNOUNCED: Munchkin Second Edition! We're bringing you a new edition of the fan-favorite, monster-slaying, treasure-stealing, buddy-stabbing card game. Crowdfunding will begin in early 2026. Visit BackerKit to learn more and sign up to be notified when the project launches!
bit.ly/munchkin2ebk
bit.ly/munchkin2ebk
October 18, 2025 at 8:42 PM
JUST ANNOUNCED: Munchkin Second Edition! We're bringing you a new edition of the fan-favorite, monster-slaying, treasure-stealing, buddy-stabbing card game. Crowdfunding will begin in early 2026. Visit BackerKit to learn more and sign up to be notified when the project launches!
bit.ly/munchkin2ebk
bit.ly/munchkin2ebk
Currently wishing I was heading to a No Kings protest with my mom and sisters instead of starting work. 😔 But also glad I don't work for a sell-out billionaire-owned corporation or anything like that
October 18, 2025 at 3:40 PM
Currently wishing I was heading to a No Kings protest with my mom and sisters instead of starting work. 😔 But also glad I don't work for a sell-out billionaire-owned corporation or anything like that