Chris Dwan (he/him)
@somershade.bsky.social
Hyper local in Somerville, MA. FOIA requests & long threads live-tweeting city meetings. Also @fdmts
Pinned
The most important thing to remember about Somerville social media is that most of Somerville is not on Somerville social media.
I set off a little "whoop whoop" alarm by touching the plastic barrier by the deodorant at the CVS at Porter Square the other day.
The reason they have now is that people are shoplifting deodorant. That's why it's there - to alert the staff that somebody might be stealing.
Again.
1/?
The reason they have now is that people are shoplifting deodorant. That's why it's there - to alert the staff that somebody might be stealing.
Again.
1/?
what stage of capitalism is putting coffee behind alarm bells
January 6, 2026 at 2:54 AM
I set off a little "whoop whoop" alarm by touching the plastic barrier by the deodorant at the CVS at Porter Square the other day.
The reason they have now is that people are shoplifting deodorant. That's why it's there - to alert the staff that somebody might be stealing.
Again.
1/?
The reason they have now is that people are shoplifting deodorant. That's why it's there - to alert the staff that somebody might be stealing.
Again.
1/?
Watching the UN Security Council's emergency meeting this morning, I hope they act.
I do not say this lightly: The US needs to be censured. The world needs to act to stop our our multiple, belligerent campaigns of international aggression.
1/?
I do not say this lightly: The US needs to be censured. The world needs to act to stop our our multiple, belligerent campaigns of international aggression.
1/?
January 5, 2026 at 3:58 PM
Watching the UN Security Council's emergency meeting this morning, I hope they act.
I do not say this lightly: The US needs to be censured. The world needs to act to stop our our multiple, belligerent campaigns of international aggression.
1/?
I do not say this lightly: The US needs to be censured. The world needs to act to stop our our multiple, belligerent campaigns of international aggression.
1/?
I used to love reading the genre where the author would claim that they made "an AI" read like a thousand sci-fi books (or whatever) and then write just a devastatingly funny parody lampooning the tropes of the genre.
Sadly, that turned out to be an unrealistically optimistic vision of the future.
Sadly, that turned out to be an unrealistically optimistic vision of the future.
January 5, 2026 at 2:10 PM
I used to love reading the genre where the author would claim that they made "an AI" read like a thousand sci-fi books (or whatever) and then write just a devastatingly funny parody lampooning the tropes of the genre.
Sadly, that turned out to be an unrealistically optimistic vision of the future.
Sadly, that turned out to be an unrealistically optimistic vision of the future.
In street safety conversations, people should write directly about the choices and actions of human operators rather than machines.
‘A driver killed a pedestrian by striking him with a car’ is clearer than ‘a pedestrian died after being struck by a car.’
We should do the same with AI.
1/?
‘A driver killed a pedestrian by striking him with a car’ is clearer than ‘a pedestrian died after being struck by a car.’
We should do the same with AI.
1/?
January 5, 2026 at 1:03 PM
In street safety conversations, people should write directly about the choices and actions of human operators rather than machines.
‘A driver killed a pedestrian by striking him with a car’ is clearer than ‘a pedestrian died after being struck by a car.’
We should do the same with AI.
1/?
‘A driver killed a pedestrian by striking him with a car’ is clearer than ‘a pedestrian died after being struck by a car.’
We should do the same with AI.
1/?
Tech people love to talk about how AI will cure cancer and create an age of abundance, but the reality is that it’s mostly being used for scams, child porn, and to prop up a diseased and bloated economy while oligarchs take one more greedy slurp at the trough before it all comes down.
Happy Monday.
Happy Monday.
Religious communities around the US are getting hit with AI depictions of their leaders sharing incendiary sermons and asking for donations. www.wired.com/story/ai-dee...
AI Deepfakes Are Impersonating Pastors to Try to Scam Their Congregations
Religious communities around the US are getting hit with AI depictions of their leaders sharing incendiary sermons and asking for donations.
www.wired.com
January 5, 2026 at 12:28 PM
Tech people love to talk about how AI will cure cancer and create an age of abundance, but the reality is that it’s mostly being used for scams, child porn, and to prop up a diseased and bloated economy while oligarchs take one more greedy slurp at the trough before it all comes down.
Happy Monday.
Happy Monday.
The Union Square Pit.
January 4, 2026 at 11:07 PM
The Union Square Pit.
One last campaign sign
Alone on Marion Street
Justin Klekota
Alone on Marion Street
Justin Klekota
January 4, 2026 at 10:27 PM
One last campaign sign
Alone on Marion Street
Justin Klekota
Alone on Marion Street
Justin Klekota
‘The vehicle reportedly entered the Commonwealth Avenue mall and fatally struck Axelrod, who was walking his dog.’
Jesus fuck that’s terrifying.
Jesus fuck that’s terrifying.
January 4, 2026 at 8:49 PM
‘The vehicle reportedly entered the Commonwealth Avenue mall and fatally struck Axelrod, who was walking his dog.’
Jesus fuck that’s terrifying.
Jesus fuck that’s terrifying.
It's Friday night. I'm partying like it's 1999.
By which I mean I'm standing up a Linux server in my basement so my data will be on metal that I own and control.
I plan to hang a hatchet next to it so I can "cut the hard line" if needed.
This thread about what I'm going to name it.
1/?
By which I mean I'm standing up a Linux server in my basement so my data will be on metal that I own and control.
I plan to hang a hatchet next to it so I can "cut the hard line" if needed.
This thread about what I'm going to name it.
1/?
January 2, 2026 at 11:41 PM
It's Friday night. I'm partying like it's 1999.
By which I mean I'm standing up a Linux server in my basement so my data will be on metal that I own and control.
I plan to hang a hatchet next to it so I can "cut the hard line" if needed.
This thread about what I'm going to name it.
1/?
By which I mean I'm standing up a Linux server in my basement so my data will be on metal that I own and control.
I plan to hang a hatchet next to it so I can "cut the hard line" if needed.
This thread about what I'm going to name it.
1/?
Savoring these few, precious days when my little hyper-local politics account has more followers than that of the actual mayor.
(but seriously, follow @mayorjakewilson.bsky.social and @somervilleinfr1.bsky.social for the real scoop)
(but seriously, follow @mayorjakewilson.bsky.social and @somervilleinfr1.bsky.social for the real scoop)
January 2, 2026 at 10:42 PM
Savoring these few, precious days when my little hyper-local politics account has more followers than that of the actual mayor.
(but seriously, follow @mayorjakewilson.bsky.social and @somervilleinfr1.bsky.social for the real scoop)
(but seriously, follow @mayorjakewilson.bsky.social and @somervilleinfr1.bsky.social for the real scoop)
If you’re into Somerville politics, you should probably follow @mayorjakewilson.bsky.social.
Happy New Year, Somerville! This morning at City Hall I was officially sworn in as Mayor. First order of business? Opening the Mayor's office door.
Let's get to work.
Let's get to work.
January 2, 2026 at 7:05 PM
If you’re into Somerville politics, you should probably follow @mayorjakewilson.bsky.social.
Christmas is over! New Year’s is over! Now it’s time to BUY BUY BUY for VALENTINE’S DAY!!!
(Some restrictions, including seasonal depression, may apply)
(Some restrictions, including seasonal depression, may apply)
January 2, 2026 at 3:32 PM
Christmas is over! New Year’s is over! Now it’s time to BUY BUY BUY for VALENTINE’S DAY!!!
(Some restrictions, including seasonal depression, may apply)
(Some restrictions, including seasonal depression, may apply)
If you're looking for a food to eat to bring good luck in the new year, I recommend eating the rich.
January 1, 2026 at 11:46 PM
If you're looking for a food to eat to bring good luck in the new year, I recommend eating the rich.
Reposted by Chris Dwan (he/him)
250 YEARS AGO, with the dastardly British trapped under siege in Boston, George Washington’s army raised the flag of the United States from Prospect Hill in Somerville.
Join us today, New Years Day, at NOON on Prospect Hill to raise that flag again. No Kings!
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siege_o...
Join us today, New Years Day, at NOON on Prospect Hill to raise that flag again. No Kings!
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siege_o...
January 1, 2026 at 2:37 PM
250 YEARS AGO, with the dastardly British trapped under siege in Boston, George Washington’s army raised the flag of the United States from Prospect Hill in Somerville.
Join us today, New Years Day, at NOON on Prospect Hill to raise that flag again. No Kings!
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siege_o...
Join us today, New Years Day, at NOON on Prospect Hill to raise that flag again. No Kings!
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siege_o...
I’m thinking about a goal of writing mid- to long-form articles on local topics more regularly.
Are there topics you would be interested in? Also where should I publish?
I have been using Medium as the primary source, with a hard copy in the Somerville Times. Is there a better way in 2026?
Are there topics you would be interested in? Also where should I publish?
I have been using Medium as the primary source, with a hard copy in the Somerville Times. Is there a better way in 2026?
December 31, 2025 at 1:19 PM
I’m thinking about a goal of writing mid- to long-form articles on local topics more regularly.
Are there topics you would be interested in? Also where should I publish?
I have been using Medium as the primary source, with a hard copy in the Somerville Times. Is there a better way in 2026?
Are there topics you would be interested in? Also where should I publish?
I have been using Medium as the primary source, with a hard copy in the Somerville Times. Is there a better way in 2026?
Reposted by Chris Dwan (he/him)
I’ve spent this morning morbidly watching the MTV channels close down and the final songs played were:
MTV Music - Video Killed the Radio Star (Buggles)
Club MTV - Don’t Stop the Music (Rihanna)
MTV 90s - Goodbye (Spice Girls)
MTV 80s - Together in Electric Dreams (Oakey and Moroder)
MTV Music - Video Killed the Radio Star (Buggles)
Club MTV - Don’t Stop the Music (Rihanna)
MTV 90s - Goodbye (Spice Girls)
MTV 80s - Together in Electric Dreams (Oakey and Moroder)
December 31, 2025 at 10:34 AM
I’ve spent this morning morbidly watching the MTV channels close down and the final songs played were:
MTV Music - Video Killed the Radio Star (Buggles)
Club MTV - Don’t Stop the Music (Rihanna)
MTV 90s - Goodbye (Spice Girls)
MTV 80s - Together in Electric Dreams (Oakey and Moroder)
MTV Music - Video Killed the Radio Star (Buggles)
Club MTV - Don’t Stop the Music (Rihanna)
MTV 90s - Goodbye (Spice Girls)
MTV 80s - Together in Electric Dreams (Oakey and Moroder)
Every resource is -technically- renewable if one assumes a magic benevolent godlike AI ... so don't you worry your head about the climate disasters that real practical AI are hastening.
December 30, 2025 at 9:35 PM
Every resource is -technically- renewable if one assumes a magic benevolent godlike AI ... so don't you worry your head about the climate disasters that real practical AI are hastening.
Can confirm that Shabu Zen in Coolidge Corner is, in fact, the nourishing hot pot that was required on this blustery winter day.
December 30, 2025 at 7:31 PM
Can confirm that Shabu Zen in Coolidge Corner is, in fact, the nourishing hot pot that was required on this blustery winter day.
We should absolutely take these assholes seriously when they name their products and companies after the great enemies of fiction.
Also, we should take it seriously when they smirkingly say they’re building stuff that will probably end human life as we know it.
Also, we should take it seriously when they smirkingly say they’re building stuff that will probably end human life as we know it.
Again,
December 29, 2025 at 2:11 PM
We should absolutely take these assholes seriously when they name their products and companies after the great enemies of fiction.
Also, we should take it seriously when they smirkingly say they’re building stuff that will probably end human life as we know it.
Also, we should take it seriously when they smirkingly say they’re building stuff that will probably end human life as we know it.
What if we address wealth inequality by reducing wealth inequality which, yes 100% means taxing wealth in all its forms.
See also adding housing to fight homelessness and building public toilets to reduce public defecation.
See also adding housing to fight homelessness and building public toilets to reduce public defecation.
very convenient that the rich ruling class techbros solution to income and wealth inequality will be solved by letting them accumulate even more wealth
December 29, 2025 at 2:05 PM
What if we address wealth inequality by reducing wealth inequality which, yes 100% means taxing wealth in all its forms.
See also adding housing to fight homelessness and building public toilets to reduce public defecation.
See also adding housing to fight homelessness and building public toilets to reduce public defecation.
Bite the hand.
Issa Rae has canceled her sold out performance at the Kennedy Center. Pulitzer Prize winner Rhiannon Giddens, Peter Wolf, Low Cut Connie, and the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, D.C., have also canceled. Lin-Manuel Miranda has canceled the entire Kennedy Center run of Hamilton.
December 29, 2025 at 2:03 PM
Bite the hand.
Reposted by Chris Dwan (he/him)
President Trump’s damage to American science is incalculable www.bostonglobe.com/2025/12/29/o...
[Beginning earlier this month, STAT has published a 10-part series, backed by data.]
[Beginning earlier this month, STAT has published a 10-part series, backed by data.]
President Trump’s damage to American science is incalculable - The Boston Globe
A STAT series highlights the wide-ranging impact of the president’s hacksaw approach.
www.bostonglobe.com
December 29, 2025 at 10:51 AM
President Trump’s damage to American science is incalculable www.bostonglobe.com/2025/12/29/o...
[Beginning earlier this month, STAT has published a 10-part series, backed by data.]
[Beginning earlier this month, STAT has published a 10-part series, backed by data.]
I recently realized that I no longer have any idea about the real state of the art in humanoid robots.
Deepfakes are so good now ... and people are so enthusiastic about using them to do we used to call "pranking" or even just "lying" that I can't tell anymore.
It's scary.
1/?
Deepfakes are so good now ... and people are so enthusiastic about using them to do we used to call "pranking" or even just "lying" that I can't tell anymore.
It's scary.
1/?
December 28, 2025 at 1:29 PM
I recently realized that I no longer have any idea about the real state of the art in humanoid robots.
Deepfakes are so good now ... and people are so enthusiastic about using them to do we used to call "pranking" or even just "lying" that I can't tell anymore.
It's scary.
1/?
Deepfakes are so good now ... and people are so enthusiastic about using them to do we used to call "pranking" or even just "lying" that I can't tell anymore.
It's scary.
1/?
(1) This thread is correct: Mutual aid no more replaces / obviates effective social services than GoFundMe replaces / obviates equitable access to medical care.
(2) This thread is correct: I fall silent about a lot of things because I don’t feel up to getting yelled at and called names again.
(2) This thread is correct: I fall silent about a lot of things because I don’t feel up to getting yelled at and called names again.
Guys I know you’re all going to yell at me here but mutual aid is not meaningfully distinct from the kind of privatized community charity system where poor people go to the church and hope someone has donated a hot meal. It’s not progressive, it’s not effective, it’s not good service provision.
"poor enough to need mutual aid"
Everyone needs mutual aid.
Everyone needs mutual aid.
December 27, 2025 at 5:18 PM
(1) This thread is correct: Mutual aid no more replaces / obviates effective social services than GoFundMe replaces / obviates equitable access to medical care.
(2) This thread is correct: I fall silent about a lot of things because I don’t feel up to getting yelled at and called names again.
(2) This thread is correct: I fall silent about a lot of things because I don’t feel up to getting yelled at and called names again.
Anybody else huddled under blankets and possibly cats tonight?
Damn, that's some biting cold.
Damn, that's some biting cold.
December 27, 2025 at 2:55 AM
Anybody else huddled under blankets and possibly cats tonight?
Damn, that's some biting cold.
Damn, that's some biting cold.