Robert Rath
@robertrath.bsky.social
Head Writer of EXTRA HISTORY. Author of THE INFINITE AND THE DIVINE, THE FALL OF CADIA, and ASSASSINORUM: KINGMAKER for Black Library. Freelance word mercenary. Born Hawaii, live HK. All views my own. He/Him
Pinned
Robert Rath
@robertrath.bsky.social
· Nov 11
Hey Bluesky!
I’m Robert Rath, author of the Warhammer 40,000 novels THE INFINITE AND THE DIVINE, THE FALL OF CADIA, ASSASSINORUM: KINGMAKER, and Head Writer of the YouTube series EXTRA HISTORY.
Follow me for comfortably warm takes, writing news, and photos of Hong Kong.
I’m Robert Rath, author of the Warhammer 40,000 novels THE INFINITE AND THE DIVINE, THE FALL OF CADIA, ASSASSINORUM: KINGMAKER, and Head Writer of the YouTube series EXTRA HISTORY.
Follow me for comfortably warm takes, writing news, and photos of Hong Kong.
Reposted by Robert Rath
Extraordinarily wack that these tech zillionaires are not funding modern Carnegie Libraries all over the Bay Area.
Every museum, school, hospital, and library within 100 miles of the intersection of Sand Hill Road and El Camino Real should have a brand new wing named for one of these dudes.
Every museum, school, hospital, and library within 100 miles of the intersection of Sand Hill Road and El Camino Real should have a brand new wing named for one of these dudes.
February 17, 2026 at 12:19 AM
Extraordinarily wack that these tech zillionaires are not funding modern Carnegie Libraries all over the Bay Area.
Every museum, school, hospital, and library within 100 miles of the intersection of Sand Hill Road and El Camino Real should have a brand new wing named for one of these dudes.
Every museum, school, hospital, and library within 100 miles of the intersection of Sand Hill Road and El Camino Real should have a brand new wing named for one of these dudes.
My son is currently very fond of the Space Shuttle but calls it the “Space Shovel.”
FYI if you are a new parent — write these cute linguistic quirks down somewhere because they *will* disappear one day and you *will* forget them.
FYI if you are a new parent — write these cute linguistic quirks down somewhere because they *will* disappear one day and you *will* forget them.
February 17, 2026 at 3:44 AM
My son is currently very fond of the Space Shuttle but calls it the “Space Shovel.”
FYI if you are a new parent — write these cute linguistic quirks down somewhere because they *will* disappear one day and you *will* forget them.
FYI if you are a new parent — write these cute linguistic quirks down somewhere because they *will* disappear one day and you *will* forget them.
Reposted by Robert Rath
agree with this (hah) but also think a particular mistake the left made for a long time online, and still makes to an extent, is failing to understand that the person whose mind you may actually change is the one reading the argument you're having, not the one you're arguing with
The secret to engaging in social media debate is knowing you will never win anyone over. The best you can hope for is to have people who already agree with tell you you're awesome. You might great a dopamine thrill from the righteousness of your anger! Fine benefits, all. But you will never win.
February 16, 2026 at 11:33 PM
agree with this (hah) but also think a particular mistake the left made for a long time online, and still makes to an extent, is failing to understand that the person whose mind you may actually change is the one reading the argument you're having, not the one you're arguing with
Reposted by Robert Rath
the median reporter or editor makes $60,000 a year, which makes them slightly below the average U.S. income. www.bls.gov/ooh/media-an...
And the fact that the median salary of our media is in the upper-middle class plays a lot to do with it.
THEY were struggling (because they were above the income threshold for much of the relief), they then used their sizeable voices to tell people that it was the "working class" struggling.
THEY were struggling (because they were above the income threshold for much of the relief), they then used their sizeable voices to tell people that it was the "working class" struggling.
February 17, 2026 at 2:27 AM
the median reporter or editor makes $60,000 a year, which makes them slightly below the average U.S. income. www.bls.gov/ooh/media-an...
Reposted by Robert Rath
i dunno. i think it's kinda nice that the listing already incorporates a sleep paralysis demon. never know when you need one of those around the house.
What could go wrong using AI to help stage a few listing photos?
February 17, 2026 at 12:59 AM
i dunno. i think it's kinda nice that the listing already incorporates a sleep paralysis demon. never know when you need one of those around the house.
Reposted by Robert Rath
Reposted by Robert Rath
This is what stupid America first policies get you.
A world that moves on without you.
A world that moves on without you.
Politico: The EU and a 12-nation Indo-Pacific bloc are opening talks to explore forming one of the largest global economic alliances, multiple people with knowledge of the talks told POLITICO. Canada's Mark Carney is spearheading the discussions.
February 16, 2026 at 4:23 PM
This is what stupid America first policies get you.
A world that moves on without you.
A world that moves on without you.
I really love that in designing the new Adeptus Mechanicus character they eschewed the most obvious signifiers of femininity, and instead seem to have given her the silhouette and gathered fabric folds of a Victorian bustle dress.
A+ design language, phenomenal work. Absolutely love this miniature.
A+ design language, phenomenal work. Absolutely love this miniature.
February 16, 2026 at 4:17 PM
I really love that in designing the new Adeptus Mechanicus character they eschewed the most obvious signifiers of femininity, and instead seem to have given her the silhouette and gathered fabric folds of a Victorian bustle dress.
A+ design language, phenomenal work. Absolutely love this miniature.
A+ design language, phenomenal work. Absolutely love this miniature.
Reposted by Robert Rath
Someone has sure already made this observation but the fact they can convert all those empty warehouses into prison camps means they could have converted them into housing, community centers, job training centers or, hell, libraries or schools all along. It’s always a matter of will not resources.
February 15, 2026 at 5:30 PM
Someone has sure already made this observation but the fact they can convert all those empty warehouses into prison camps means they could have converted them into housing, community centers, job training centers or, hell, libraries or schools all along. It’s always a matter of will not resources.
Ruins of St. Paul’s in Macau, the remains of a 17th Century Portuguese Catholic cathedral.
Notice how the gargoyles are Chinese lions.
Notice how the gargoyles are Chinese lions.
February 16, 2026 at 7:29 AM
Ruins of St. Paul’s in Macau, the remains of a 17th Century Portuguese Catholic cathedral.
Notice how the gargoyles are Chinese lions.
Notice how the gargoyles are Chinese lions.
Can’t be an accident that this Korean restaurant in Macau is playing the Dawson’s Creek theme, right?
February 16, 2026 at 4:29 AM
Can’t be an accident that this Korean restaurant in Macau is playing the Dawson’s Creek theme, right?
Reposted by Robert Rath
Episode 42 of Kilauea's ongoing eruption started Sunday afternoon, with fountains from both vents continuing to build and dazzle throughout the day.
Read more: https://www.khon2.com/kilauea/episode-42-begins-fountains-continue-to-build/
Read more: https://www.khon2.com/kilauea/episode-42-begins-fountains-continue-to-build/
February 16, 2026 at 1:13 AM
Episode 42 of Kilauea's ongoing eruption started Sunday afternoon, with fountains from both vents continuing to build and dazzle throughout the day.
Read more: https://www.khon2.com/kilauea/episode-42-begins-fountains-continue-to-build/
Read more: https://www.khon2.com/kilauea/episode-42-begins-fountains-continue-to-build/
Derelict racing course with the Cotai Strip skyline. Classic Macau.
February 16, 2026 at 1:13 AM
Derelict racing course with the Cotai Strip skyline. Classic Macau.
Reposted by Robert Rath
I remember this Onion headline striking me in 1998: wow, that really IS depressing; people do that? I've thought of it frequently in the intervening decades, especially these past few years as everything in the world becomes "On-Line Gambling"
February 15, 2026 at 11:19 PM
I remember this Onion headline striking me in 1998: wow, that really IS depressing; people do that? I've thought of it frequently in the intervening decades, especially these past few years as everything in the world becomes "On-Line Gambling"
Zero Mostel’s genius carved in rock for the ages.
Watching The Producers (it's on BBC iPlayer). Hadn't quite realised before how completely bonkers it is.
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
BBC One - The Producers
Mel Brooks's classic comedy about a Broadway producer seeking a show that's sure to flop.
www.bbc.co.uk
February 15, 2026 at 12:45 PM
Zero Mostel’s genius carved in rock for the ages.
Reposted by Robert Rath
“I engage in constant conversations with movement White nationalists and actually we disagree on a number of key issues” is not the own Carl thinks it is
when MAGA white supremacists like Carl whinge abt passing of 1965 Hart-Celler Immigration Act they are complaining that it overturned 1924 Johnson-Reed Act, a law limiting immigration to people from Northern Europe, which was drafted by eugenicist Rep. Albert Johnson, with BIG support from the Klan
February 15, 2026 at 5:00 AM
“I engage in constant conversations with movement White nationalists and actually we disagree on a number of key issues” is not the own Carl thinks it is
Reposted by Robert Rath
Our story @chicagotribune.com: Chicago teen Ofelia Torres, whose father was detained by ICE while she fought cancer, dies. www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/14/c...
February 15, 2026 at 2:19 AM
Our story @chicagotribune.com: Chicago teen Ofelia Torres, whose father was detained by ICE while she fought cancer, dies. www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/14/c...
If you’re wondering how AI is going in Asia, I’m being bombarded with ads for an AI language app that promises to teach users natural, confident English.
Except the “good” English speakers in these ads are often saying phrases that are borderline rude in a tone that sounds smarmy and arrogant.
Except the “good” English speakers in these ads are often saying phrases that are borderline rude in a tone that sounds smarmy and arrogant.
February 14, 2026 at 4:13 PM
If you’re wondering how AI is going in Asia, I’m being bombarded with ads for an AI language app that promises to teach users natural, confident English.
Except the “good” English speakers in these ads are often saying phrases that are borderline rude in a tone that sounds smarmy and arrogant.
Except the “good” English speakers in these ads are often saying phrases that are borderline rude in a tone that sounds smarmy and arrogant.
Reposted by Robert Rath
DOGE allegedly used ChatGPT to identify 1,400 NEH grants it said were DEI. Grants were terminated April 2025, according to a court filing. E.g.
Film: 1873 Colfax massacre
Film: first female pilots flying for U.S. military in WWII
Film: “Untold Story of Jewish Women Slave Labor in the Holocaust"
Film: 1873 Colfax massacre
Film: first female pilots flying for U.S. military in WWII
Film: “Untold Story of Jewish Women Slave Labor in the Holocaust"
ChatGPT cuts in action
www.politico.com
February 13, 2026 at 11:49 PM
DOGE allegedly used ChatGPT to identify 1,400 NEH grants it said were DEI. Grants were terminated April 2025, according to a court filing. E.g.
Film: 1873 Colfax massacre
Film: first female pilots flying for U.S. military in WWII
Film: “Untold Story of Jewish Women Slave Labor in the Holocaust"
Film: 1873 Colfax massacre
Film: first female pilots flying for U.S. military in WWII
Film: “Untold Story of Jewish Women Slave Labor in the Holocaust"
Hey look what I got courtesy of visiting relatives!
(The Zoey puzzle was too big to bring in their luggage.)
(The Zoey puzzle was too big to bring in their luggage.)
February 14, 2026 at 3:38 AM
Hey look what I got courtesy of visiting relatives!
(The Zoey puzzle was too big to bring in their luggage.)
(The Zoey puzzle was too big to bring in their luggage.)
Reposted by Robert Rath
Vaguely recall how Biden admin emails to Twitter were the biggest attack on free speech ever. There was a whole twitter files thing about that.
Curious where are Elon, Taibbi, Bari and crew on this?
Curious where are Elon, Taibbi, Bari and crew on this?
New story up on the Homeland Security Department’s new tactic: flood social media companies with subpoenas to unmask anonymous accounts that criticize ICE or monitor the movements of ICE agents.
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/13/t...
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/13/t...
Homeland Security Wants Social Media Sites to Expose Anti-ICE Accounts
www.nytimes.com
February 13, 2026 at 11:43 PM
Vaguely recall how Biden admin emails to Twitter were the biggest attack on free speech ever. There was a whole twitter files thing about that.
Curious where are Elon, Taibbi, Bari and crew on this?
Curious where are Elon, Taibbi, Bari and crew on this?
Reposted by Robert Rath
Eyvind Earle, A Winter Scene, 1968
February 14, 2026 at 12:29 AM
Eyvind Earle, A Winter Scene, 1968
99 Luftballons
Auf ihrem Weg zum Horizont
Hielt man für Ufos aus dem All
Darum schickte ein General
'ne Fliegerstaffel hinterher
Alarm zu geben, wenn's so wär
Dabei war'n dort am Horizont
Nur 99 Luftballons
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Auf ihrem Weg zum Horizont
Hielt man für Ufos aus dem All
Darum schickte ein General
'ne Fliegerstaffel hinterher
Alarm zu geben, wenn's so wär
Dabei war'n dort am Horizont
Nur 99 Luftballons
www.bbc.com/news/article...
El Paso airspace closure ordered after drone test shot down balloon - US media
The sudden 10-day closure of El Paso's airspace reportedly followed a spat over drone technology testing by the US military.
www.bbc.com
February 13, 2026 at 2:07 PM
99 Luftballons
Auf ihrem Weg zum Horizont
Hielt man für Ufos aus dem All
Darum schickte ein General
'ne Fliegerstaffel hinterher
Alarm zu geben, wenn's so wär
Dabei war'n dort am Horizont
Nur 99 Luftballons
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Auf ihrem Weg zum Horizont
Hielt man für Ufos aus dem All
Darum schickte ein General
'ne Fliegerstaffel hinterher
Alarm zu geben, wenn's so wär
Dabei war'n dort am Horizont
Nur 99 Luftballons
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Yep, it’s the lack of follow up. Not sticking with stories while getting distracted by the newest shiny object.
Also just not making a big deal of the little things like blatant lies from congresspeople.
Also just not making a big deal of the little things like blatant lies from congresspeople.
Wow, almost like the media and journalism profession failed in some sort of professional duty to actually inform these low-engagement voters about what Trump was saying he wanted to do and the consequences of those plans.
There is a moral-failure-of-the-voters here, but it's not the only one.
There is a moral-failure-of-the-voters here, but it's not the only one.
New poll: In 2024, low-engagement voters went for Trump over Harris by 11 percentage points. But now they disapprove of the way he's handling the presidency by 13. They have moved 25 points against Trump — 2x as large as the shift for high-knowledge voters www.gelliottmorris.com/p/trump-lost...
February 13, 2026 at 12:49 PM
Yep, it’s the lack of follow up. Not sticking with stories while getting distracted by the newest shiny object.
Also just not making a big deal of the little things like blatant lies from congresspeople.
Also just not making a big deal of the little things like blatant lies from congresspeople.