Retiredrph
@retiredrph.bsky.social
Retired pharmacist, professional writer, artist, reader, gardener, birdwatcher, living in Oregon. Nobody pays me to recommend anything and nobody can buy my vote.
Pinned
Great Backyard Bird Count – Join us each February when the world comes together to watch, learn about, count, and celebrate birds.
Each year people from around the world come together to watch, learn about, count, and celebrate birds. Join us in February!
www.birdcount.org
This weekend, through Monday: The Great Backyard Bird Count! Not just your backyard--nature areas, out walking in the woods, along the shore, favorite park. Worldwide count of birds! www.birdcount.org #birds #birdsky
Gift article from NYT: The art of building dancing dragons for the Lunar New Year. Dragon dances are Sat. Feb. 21st, at Portland’s Lan Su Chinese Garden (many other activities too) and Uwajamaya in Beaverton. www.nytimes.com/2026/02/15/a... #lunarnewyear #dragondances lansugarden.org
Meet the Crew That Makes Dancing Lions for the Lunar New Year
www.nytimes.com
February 15, 2026 at 4:14 PM
Gift article from NYT: The art of building dancing dragons for the Lunar New Year. Dragon dances are Sat. Feb. 21st, at Portland’s Lan Su Chinese Garden (many other activities too) and Uwajamaya in Beaverton. www.nytimes.com/2026/02/15/a... #lunarnewyear #dragondances lansugarden.org
Reposted by Retiredrph
Reposted by Retiredrph
Happy Valentine’s Day 💕 🪶
February 14, 2026 at 12:26 PM
Happy Valentine’s Day 💕 🪶
Reposted by Retiredrph
A collection of Evening Grosbeaks from this morning, one of Ontario's Northern residents. 🪶📷🌿
February 15, 2026 at 12:35 AM
A collection of Evening Grosbeaks from this morning, one of Ontario's Northern residents. 🪶📷🌿
Reposted by Retiredrph
February 11, 2026 at 11:16 PM
Reposted by Retiredrph
Okay, Grandma, that's enough Winter Olympics for you! 😆
February 13, 2026 at 9:50 PM
Okay, Grandma, that's enough Winter Olympics for you! 😆
This weekend, through Monday: The Great Backyard Bird Count! Not just your backyard--nature areas, out walking in the woods, along the shore, favorite park. Worldwide count of birds! www.birdcount.org #birds #birdsky
Great Backyard Bird Count – Join us each February when the world comes together to watch, learn about, count, and celebrate birds.
Each year people from around the world come together to watch, learn about, count, and celebrate birds. Join us in February!
www.birdcount.org
February 14, 2026 at 6:56 PM
This weekend, through Monday: The Great Backyard Bird Count! Not just your backyard--nature areas, out walking in the woods, along the shore, favorite park. Worldwide count of birds! www.birdcount.org #birds #birdsky
If ya don’t use it, you lose it 😉
Lifelong intellectual activity, such as reading or museum visits, was tied to lower Alzheimer's dementia risk in older adults. Results persisted even after adjusting for Alzheimer's pathology, suggesting strong cognitive resilience.
www.medpagetoday.com/neurology/de...
www.medpagetoday.com/neurology/de...
Alzheimer's Dementia Risk Nearly 40% Lower With Lifelong Learning
Intellectual enrichment throughout the lifespan tied to higher cognitive function
www.medpagetoday.com
February 14, 2026 at 2:49 PM
If ya don’t use it, you lose it 😉
Reposted by Retiredrph
I love this.
"Local journalism often begins before a camera is rolling, before a live shot is framed, before a headline is written. It begins with proximity. With awareness. With someone deciding that what’s happening matters enough to go see it firsthand.
It begins with showing up."
"Local journalism often begins before a camera is rolling, before a live shot is framed, before a headline is written. It begins with proximity. With awareness. With someone deciding that what’s happening matters enough to go see it firsthand.
It begins with showing up."
Meet Minnesota Bathrobe Lady Sam Stroozas of MPR News | Minnesota Public Radio
Earlier this week, an unexpected and fast-moving incident unfolded in St. Paul, Minnesota involving both federal and local law enforcement. As crowds gathered and questions mounted, one of our MPR New...
www.mpr.org
February 14, 2026 at 1:05 PM
I love this.
"Local journalism often begins before a camera is rolling, before a live shot is framed, before a headline is written. It begins with proximity. With awareness. With someone deciding that what’s happening matters enough to go see it firsthand.
It begins with showing up."
"Local journalism often begins before a camera is rolling, before a live shot is framed, before a headline is written. It begins with proximity. With awareness. With someone deciding that what’s happening matters enough to go see it firsthand.
It begins with showing up."
Bring vaccine purchase directly to the American people—via subscription with delivery to MD/pharmacy or medical practices. We need up to date vaccines! @sailorrooscout.bsky.social @tom.medsky.social #vaccines #vaccinesmakeadults @elizabethjacobs.bsky.social @drjanicekirsch.bsky.social #medsky
FDA's decision not to accept Moderna's flu vaccine filing has sent shock waves through pharma. "When there’s uncertainty about the path to approval & the reliability of the process, that really has pretty serious consequences,” one player told @jasonmast.bsky.social. www.statnews.com/2026/02/12/f...
FDA’s rejection of Moderna threatens to stifle broader vaccine industry
Experts say the FDA "moved the goalposts" on Moderna, creating "a destructive precedent that will undermine the future of vaccine development" in the U.S.
www.statnews.com
February 13, 2026 at 4:29 PM
Bring vaccine purchase directly to the American people—via subscription with delivery to MD/pharmacy or medical practices. We need up to date vaccines! @sailorrooscout.bsky.social @tom.medsky.social #vaccines #vaccinesmakeadults @elizabethjacobs.bsky.social @drjanicekirsch.bsky.social #medsky
🌱 Just received new brushes from family owned art supply store, in nearly 100% recyclable packaging. Note the clever cardboard/woven rubber bands to protect the brushes, and the compostable clear sleeve. Gonna plant that baby in the garden and test it out! #recycle #gardening
February 13, 2026 at 10:48 AM
🌱 Just received new brushes from family owned art supply store, in nearly 100% recyclable packaging. Note the clever cardboard/woven rubber bands to protect the brushes, and the compostable clear sleeve. Gonna plant that baby in the garden and test it out! #recycle #gardening
Reposted by Retiredrph
Replaced my Ring with a Eufy and generally they both work about the same. The main differences are:
1. I'M NOT SENDING STUFF TO THE COPS
2. I'M NOT DRAINING MY BANK ACCOUNT TO BEZOS EVERY MONTH
Video is stored locally on a memory card. No hub or central storage needed.
1. I'M NOT SENDING STUFF TO THE COPS
2. I'M NOT DRAINING MY BANK ACCOUNT TO BEZOS EVERY MONTH
Video is stored locally on a memory card. No hub or central storage needed.
February 11, 2026 at 7:22 PM
Replaced my Ring with a Eufy and generally they both work about the same. The main differences are:
1. I'M NOT SENDING STUFF TO THE COPS
2. I'M NOT DRAINING MY BANK ACCOUNT TO BEZOS EVERY MONTH
Video is stored locally on a memory card. No hub or central storage needed.
1. I'M NOT SENDING STUFF TO THE COPS
2. I'M NOT DRAINING MY BANK ACCOUNT TO BEZOS EVERY MONTH
Video is stored locally on a memory card. No hub or central storage needed.
Reposted by Retiredrph
You can't... repeal... a scientific finding. At that point it's just called lying about it.
Breaking News: The Trump administration repealed the bedrock scientific finding that greenhouse gases threaten human life and well being, meaning that the EPA can no longer regulate them. nyti.ms/4rSszQu
February 12, 2026 at 8:38 PM
You can't... repeal... a scientific finding. At that point it's just called lying about it.
Reposted by Retiredrph
Continuing with the American birds theme, one bird I really like to paint is the cardinal. This is the 3rd cardinal painting I've done and my favourite of the three.
#watercolours #birdart 🪶
#watercolours #birdart 🪶
February 10, 2026 at 9:35 AM
Continuing with the American birds theme, one bird I really like to paint is the cardinal. This is the 3rd cardinal painting I've done and my favourite of the three.
#watercolours #birdart 🪶
#watercolours #birdart 🪶
Reposted by Retiredrph
Vinay Prasad of the FDA has broken with the usual approval process and refuses to review Moderna’s new flu shot.
He claims that the proposed clinical trial, which would compare the new vaccine to an already approved one, “does not reflect the best-available standard of care”.
He claims that the proposed clinical trial, which would compare the new vaccine to an already approved one, “does not reflect the best-available standard of care”.
Moderna says FDA refuses to review its application for experimental flu shot
Moderna said the move is inconsistent with previous feedback from the FDA on the experimental influenza shot, called mRNA-1010.
www.cnbc.com
February 10, 2026 at 11:59 PM
Vinay Prasad of the FDA has broken with the usual approval process and refuses to review Moderna’s new flu shot.
He claims that the proposed clinical trial, which would compare the new vaccine to an already approved one, “does not reflect the best-available standard of care”.
He claims that the proposed clinical trial, which would compare the new vaccine to an already approved one, “does not reflect the best-available standard of care”.
Reposted by Retiredrph
The Buddhist Monks reached Washington DC, today. I'm very relieved that they made it without more challenges or injuries. I think the effect is more for inner peace. I found it very moving, watching them enter the city with a police escort. #PeaceWalk #Buddhist
apnews.com/article/budd...
apnews.com/article/budd...
Buddhist monks' 15-week walk for peace ends in Washington, DC
A group of Buddhist monks has finally reached Washington, D.C., after completing a 15-week trek from Texas that captivated the country.
apnews.com
February 11, 2026 at 1:38 AM
The Buddhist Monks reached Washington DC, today. I'm very relieved that they made it without more challenges or injuries. I think the effect is more for inner peace. I found it very moving, watching them enter the city with a police escort. #PeaceWalk #Buddhist
apnews.com/article/budd...
apnews.com/article/budd...
@drseanmullen.bsky.social Right up your alley—what’s the game?
A brain-speed video game was linked to a 25% lower dementia risk. Benefits lasted up to 20 years after training ended. Other brain games did not show the same effect.
www.healthday.com/health-news/...
www.healthday.com/health-news/...
Brain-Training Game Linked To Lower Dementia Risk Decades Later
TUESDAY, Feb. 10, 2026 (HealthDay News) — Imagine you’re driving down the street when, out of nowhere, a skateboarder rolls into your path.You’re looking straig
www.healthday.com
February 11, 2026 at 3:05 PM
@drseanmullen.bsky.social Right up your alley—what’s the game?
If you need something to believe in right now, support World Central Kitchen! Feeding hungry people, wherever they are, whatever the cause of hunger—support @wck.org today! #hunger #diasterrelief
WCK’s 1 million meals a day milestone does not mean our work in Gaza will stop. Hunger remains widespread, even as conditions have improved compared to earlier months. 1 million meals a day meets an urgent demand, but it doesn’t eliminate it. (1/2)
February 11, 2026 at 2:26 PM
If you need something to believe in right now, support World Central Kitchen! Feeding hungry people, wherever they are, whatever the cause of hunger—support @wck.org today! #hunger #diasterrelief
The great Backyard Bird Count is THIS coming weekend! Birders, let’s get out there! Newbies, sign up now with Cornell Lab, learn how to enter observations and plan to count at local nature reserves, parks, your own backyard.Join us for this global event! www.birdcount.org #birds #birdsky
Great Backyard Bird Count – Join us each February when the world comes together to watch, learn about, count, and celebrate birds.
Each year people from around the world come together to watch, learn about, count, and celebrate birds. Join us in February!
www.birdcount.org
February 11, 2026 at 2:22 PM
The great Backyard Bird Count is THIS coming weekend! Birders, let’s get out there! Newbies, sign up now with Cornell Lab, learn how to enter observations and plan to count at local nature reserves, parks, your own backyard.Join us for this global event! www.birdcount.org #birds #birdsky
There is no magic, untested, cheap way to cure cancer that “they” don’t want you to know about.
The National Cancer Institute’s decision to do lab research on ivermectin as a potential cancer treatment has alarmed the agency’s career scientists.
“I am shocked and appalled,” one scientist said.
@rachanadpradhan.bsky.social reports ⤵️
“I am shocked and appalled,” one scientist said.
@rachanadpradhan.bsky.social reports ⤵️
US Cancer Institute Studying Ivermectin’s ‘Ability To Kill Cancer Cells’ - KFF Health News
At a January event organized by allies of health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., National Cancer Institute Director Anthony Letai said results may be released “in a few months.” Ivermectin, used to d...
kffhealthnews.org
February 10, 2026 at 2:43 PM
There is no magic, untested, cheap way to cure cancer that “they” don’t want you to know about.
Reposted by Retiredrph
With all of the White House demands for state voter information, it’s probably wise to check your voter registration on the regular.
We could get a leash on Trump in nine months if we all pull together.
We could get a leash on Trump in nine months if we all pull together.
Can I Vote | NASS
Welcome To Can I VoteNeed help with voting? You've come to the right place. This nonpartisan website was created by state election officials to help eligible voters figure out how and where to go vote...
www.nass.org
February 9, 2026 at 11:22 PM
With all of the White House demands for state voter information, it’s probably wise to check your voter registration on the regular.
We could get a leash on Trump in nine months if we all pull together.
We could get a leash on Trump in nine months if we all pull together.
Reposted by Retiredrph
For most people, the pandemic days of masking are behind them. In certain corners of the Winter Olympics, though, things still look a lot like they did in COVID times. Some athletes are taking measures to stay healthy by masking and taking other health precautions.
www.npr.org/2026/02/09/n...
www.npr.org/2026/02/09/n...
Olympic COVID restrictions are gone, but some athletes are still self-quarantining
For most people, the pandemic days of masking are behind them. In certain corners of the Winter Olympics, though, things still look a lot like they did in COVID times. Some athletes are taking extreme...
www.npr.org
February 10, 2026 at 3:59 AM
For most people, the pandemic days of masking are behind them. In certain corners of the Winter Olympics, though, things still look a lot like they did in COVID times. Some athletes are taking measures to stay healthy by masking and taking other health precautions.
www.npr.org/2026/02/09/n...
www.npr.org/2026/02/09/n...
Reposted by Retiredrph
This is easily the hardest thing I've ever had to write.
I Had a Dream Journalism Job. Here's Why I Quit.
The rot that hollowed out trust in corporate media finally reached OPB. I had to go.
westernedgemedia.substack.com
February 9, 2026 at 4:58 PM
This is easily the hardest thing I've ever had to write.
Newbies to Oregon, part 2: good roundup on how to understand and participate in the legislative process in our state, from the Oregon Capitol Chronicle: Understanding the Oregon Legislature: How laws get passed — and how to participate oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2026/02/03/u... #vote
Understanding the Oregon Legislature: How laws get passed — and how to participate • Oregon Capital Chronicle
The Oregon Legislature convened in Salem for a month-long legislative session, during which elected officials will pass state laws.
oregoncapitalchronicle.com
February 9, 2026 at 3:47 PM
Newbies to Oregon, part 2: good roundup on how to understand and participate in the legislative process in our state, from the Oregon Capitol Chronicle: Understanding the Oregon Legislature: How laws get passed — and how to participate oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2026/02/03/u... #vote
Newbies in Oregon, or new voters: The Oregon Legislature is meeting now, in its short session, which happens every other year. Here’s how to find your Senator and Representative: geo.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant... #vote #oregonstatelegislature
Zone Lookup
Zone Lookup Instant App
geo.maps.arcgis.com
February 9, 2026 at 3:47 PM
Newbies in Oregon, or new voters: The Oregon Legislature is meeting now, in its short session, which happens every other year. Here’s how to find your Senator and Representative: geo.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant... #vote #oregonstatelegislature