Matthew Jacobs
@sxeptomaniac.bsky.social
Anabaptist Christian (Mennonite), dad, sysadmin, geek. Moderate, independent former Republican, former Democrat. California's Central Valley.
Pinned
Matthew Jacobs
@sxeptomaniac.bsky.social
· Apr 14
You can't be Christian and... not attempt to follow Christ's teachings. 🧵
Which teachings, one might ask, and how are those interpreted? Well, that is a good question, and I clearly have my beliefs, but does that make someone who disagrees with me, not Christian?
1/4
Which teachings, one might ask, and how are those interpreted? Well, that is a good question, and I clearly have my beliefs, but does that make someone who disagrees with me, not Christian?
1/4
Nothing says to me that I'm dealing with an idiot (most likely a racist and xenophobe) like someone using the terms "open borders", "uncontrolled immigration", and similar as if they are real things in the past few decades and not right-wing propaganda made up to scare those racists/xenophobes.
September 24, 2025 at 9:12 PM
Nothing says to me that I'm dealing with an idiot (most likely a racist and xenophobe) like someone using the terms "open borders", "uncontrolled immigration", and similar as if they are real things in the past few decades and not right-wing propaganda made up to scare those racists/xenophobes.
🧵 There are two "gospels" being widely shared in the US, today. One a message of forgiveness and salvation from Jesus Christ, the other a message of domination and control on behalf of worldly empire.
1/7
1/7
September 19, 2025 at 4:13 PM
🧵 There are two "gospels" being widely shared in the US, today. One a message of forgiveness and salvation from Jesus Christ, the other a message of domination and control on behalf of worldly empire.
1/7
1/7
This is the month for anticipated indie sequels, it seems. #Hades2 has been pretty good in early access when I've checked in on it now and then. Scylla & The Sirens has been an especially entertaining boss fight, every time.
HADES II v1.0 is coming September 25!🌒
Battle beyond the Underworld in our launch trailer.🏔️
Play in blazing-fast 120fps in TV Mode on Nintendo Switch 2, or 60fps on Nintendo Switch (w/ free upgrade to Switch 2). Transfer PC progress from Steam/Epic w/ Cross Saves.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8lJ...
Battle beyond the Underworld in our launch trailer.🏔️
Play in blazing-fast 120fps in TV Mode on Nintendo Switch 2, or 60fps on Nintendo Switch (w/ free upgrade to Switch 2). Transfer PC progress from Steam/Epic w/ Cross Saves.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8lJ...
Hades II – v1.0 Launch Trailer (Coming Sep. 25!)
YouTube video by Supergiant Games
www.youtube.com
September 13, 2025 at 12:09 AM
This is the month for anticipated indie sequels, it seems. #Hades2 has been pretty good in early access when I've checked in on it now and then. Scylla & The Sirens has been an especially entertaining boss fight, every time.
Charlie Kirk helped create exactly this environment that has encouraged political violence.
That said, he's a human being, and it made me sick when I stumbled onto the video of him being shot. I pray he receives mercy for his evils in life.
www.npr.org/2025/09/10/n...
That said, he's a human being, and it made me sick when I stumbled onto the video of him being shot. I pray he receives mercy for his evils in life.
www.npr.org/2025/09/10/n...
Trump says right-wing activist Charlie Kirk has died after shooting
"The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead," President Trump wrote in a Truth Social Post. Kirk was shot during an outdoor speaking event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday.
www.npr.org
September 10, 2025 at 9:10 PM
Charlie Kirk helped create exactly this environment that has encouraged political violence.
That said, he's a human being, and it made me sick when I stumbled onto the video of him being shot. I pray he receives mercy for his evils in life.
www.npr.org/2025/09/10/n...
That said, he's a human being, and it made me sick when I stumbled onto the video of him being shot. I pray he receives mercy for his evils in life.
www.npr.org/2025/09/10/n...
I only have a little bit of gaming time, and Hello Games seems determined to make sure it won't be enough to do much besides keep up with their game. #NoMansSky
youtu.be/qHZLz1MW0aE?...
youtu.be/qHZLz1MW0aE?...
No Man's Sky Voyagers Trailer (Update 6.0)
YouTube video by HelloGamesTube
youtu.be
August 27, 2025 at 11:30 PM
I only have a little bit of gaming time, and Hello Games seems determined to make sure it won't be enough to do much besides keep up with their game. #NoMansSky
youtu.be/qHZLz1MW0aE?...
youtu.be/qHZLz1MW0aE?...
People putting down younger generations on social media always bugs me.
1. They're going to make mistakes. Us GenXers made some doozies, and Boomers were downright nuts.
2. It's not their fault they don't know what they weren't taught.
3. Some things just have to be figured out. They'll get there.
1. They're going to make mistakes. Us GenXers made some doozies, and Boomers were downright nuts.
2. It's not their fault they don't know what they weren't taught.
3. Some things just have to be figured out. They'll get there.
August 19, 2025 at 5:43 PM
People putting down younger generations on social media always bugs me.
1. They're going to make mistakes. Us GenXers made some doozies, and Boomers were downright nuts.
2. It's not their fault they don't know what they weren't taught.
3. Some things just have to be figured out. They'll get there.
1. They're going to make mistakes. Us GenXers made some doozies, and Boomers were downright nuts.
2. It's not their fault they don't know what they weren't taught.
3. Some things just have to be figured out. They'll get there.
"Sure John MacArthur repeatedly protected abusers among his church leadership, condemning from the pulpit a woman who left one of them to protect her children, but he did good, too. His legacy is mixed."
Ok. Let's check what Jesus said about mixed legacies:
🧵
Ok. Let's check what Jesus said about mixed legacies:
🧵
July 16, 2025 at 7:34 AM
"Sure John MacArthur repeatedly protected abusers among his church leadership, condemning from the pulpit a woman who left one of them to protect her children, but he did good, too. His legacy is mixed."
Ok. Let's check what Jesus said about mixed legacies:
🧵
Ok. Let's check what Jesus said about mixed legacies:
🧵
After really enjoying Predator: Killer of Killers, I had to go dig through my old comic books to find my Batman v. Predator.
IMO, #Predator has been a fairly solid franchise, for the most part, but I've really enjoyed the recent movies. I think they're the best since the first two.
IMO, #Predator has been a fairly solid franchise, for the most part, but I've really enjoyed the recent movies. I think they're the best since the first two.
June 11, 2025 at 4:42 PM
After really enjoying Predator: Killer of Killers, I had to go dig through my old comic books to find my Batman v. Predator.
IMO, #Predator has been a fairly solid franchise, for the most part, but I've really enjoyed the recent movies. I think they're the best since the first two.
IMO, #Predator has been a fairly solid franchise, for the most part, but I've really enjoyed the recent movies. I think they're the best since the first two.
Whoever at @rollingstone.com came up with that little highlighted "Quacks Like a Duck" above the title is exactly the kind of person who needs to be setting headlines these days. It's so obvious, it's brilliant.
May 5, 2025 at 6:49 AM
Whoever at @rollingstone.com came up with that little highlighted "Quacks Like a Duck" above the title is exactly the kind of person who needs to be setting headlines these days. It's so obvious, it's brilliant.
Fresno Nightcrawlers still getting some attention, from time to time. After all, who doesn't love our local walking pants urban legend.
I've done a lot of interviews, but this quote might be my favorite yet: "...a lot of other cryptids have more nefarious purposes...But nightcrawlers are just some little dudes out there walking around." fresnoland.org/2025/05/01/t...
The Fresno Nightcrawler urban legend included in new docuseries
A quirky 20-second clip from 2007 featuring the Fresno Nightcrawler has unexpectedly united a community of urban legend enthusiasts.
fresnoland.org
May 1, 2025 at 9:49 PM
Fresno Nightcrawlers still getting some attention, from time to time. After all, who doesn't love our local walking pants urban legend.
Trump's dad gave him over $400 million before he reached adulthood, and he spent it on "necessities" like gold-plated everything.
Now Trump decides kids "don't need" more than 2 dolls? We need to ration toys for Trump's benefit?
He's decided we should be frugal while he buys more gold-plated junk?
Now Trump decides kids "don't need" more than 2 dolls? We need to ration toys for Trump's benefit?
He's decided we should be frugal while he buys more gold-plated junk?
Trump on China: "They made a trillion dollars with Biden selling us stuff. Much of it we don't need. Somebody said, 'oh, the shelves are gonna be open.' Well, maybe the children will have two dolls instead of 30 dolls, and maybe the two dolls will cost a couple of bucks more."
April 30, 2025 at 7:56 PM
Trump's dad gave him over $400 million before he reached adulthood, and he spent it on "necessities" like gold-plated everything.
Now Trump decides kids "don't need" more than 2 dolls? We need to ration toys for Trump's benefit?
He's decided we should be frugal while he buys more gold-plated junk?
Now Trump decides kids "don't need" more than 2 dolls? We need to ration toys for Trump's benefit?
He's decided we should be frugal while he buys more gold-plated junk?
Gee. If only people could have predicted Trump would be bad for the economy and would blame others for his own incompetence. (I definitely wasn't the only one, either.)
April 30, 2025 at 4:29 PM
Gee. If only people could have predicted Trump would be bad for the economy and would blame others for his own incompetence. (I definitely wasn't the only one, either.)
It shouldn't, but it never ceases to amaze me how often evangelical Christians seem to think petulant whining when people say mean things about them is a good look.
Put on your big-boy (or girl) pants! Suck it up!
(Matthew 5:11)
Put on your big-boy (or girl) pants! Suck it up!
(Matthew 5:11)
April 30, 2025 at 12:42 AM
It shouldn't, but it never ceases to amaze me how often evangelical Christians seem to think petulant whining when people say mean things about them is a good look.
Put on your big-boy (or girl) pants! Suck it up!
(Matthew 5:11)
Put on your big-boy (or girl) pants! Suck it up!
(Matthew 5:11)
Pope Francis is remembered for those times he showed love and kindness more than anything else he did. It says a lot about what truly makes an impression on others as Christians.
Pope Francis was a master of making emotional connections. He was, at heart, a pastor to wounded souls. Here are some of the most memorable moments of Pope Francis' papacy.
See some of the most memorable moments from Pope Francis' papacy
Pope Francis was a master of making emotional connections. He was, at heart, a pastor to wounded souls. Here are some of the most memorable moments of Pope Francis' papacy.
www.npr.org
April 21, 2025 at 4:14 PM
Pope Francis is remembered for those times he showed love and kindness more than anything else he did. It says a lot about what truly makes an impression on others as Christians.
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger;
April 16, 2025 at 5:13 PM
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger;
Reposted by Matthew Jacobs
After the Eaton Fire devastated communities in California’s San Gabriel Valley, the interior of the Pasadena Mennonite Church building was unrecognizable.
Unity rises after fire | Anabaptist World
After the Eaton Fire devastated communities in California’s San Gabriel Valley, the interior of the Pasadena Mennonite Church building was unrecognizable.
anabaptistworld.org
April 15, 2025 at 2:45 PM
After the Eaton Fire devastated communities in California’s San Gabriel Valley, the interior of the Pasadena Mennonite Church building was unrecognizable.
Everything in this article is 100% correct about how bad Musk's toadies in DOGE are. No ethical IT worker deletes access logs and shuts off security programs just to hide what they did. That's black hat hacker behavior.
It's all but proof they're stealing data for their own benefit.
It's all but proof they're stealing data for their own benefit.
EXCLUSIVE: A whistleblower tells Congress and NPR that DOGE may have taken sensitive labor data and hid its tracks. "None of that ... information should ever leave the agency," said a former NLRB official.
A whistleblower's disclosure details how DOGE may have taken sensitive labor data
A whistleblower tells Congress and NPR that DOGE may have taken sensitive labor data and hid its tracks. "None of that ... information should ever leave the agency," said a former NLRB official.
www.npr.org
April 15, 2025 at 2:57 PM
Everything in this article is 100% correct about how bad Musk's toadies in DOGE are. No ethical IT worker deletes access logs and shuts off security programs just to hide what they did. That's black hat hacker behavior.
It's all but proof they're stealing data for their own benefit.
It's all but proof they're stealing data for their own benefit.
We need to talk more about the way the Trump administration uses the word "criminal" to refer to an arbitrary class of people, and specifically not people convicted of any crime.
This is a very typically fascist use of language.
1/2
This is a very typically fascist use of language.
1/2
April 14, 2025 at 11:36 PM
We need to talk more about the way the Trump administration uses the word "criminal" to refer to an arbitrary class of people, and specifically not people convicted of any crime.
This is a very typically fascist use of language.
1/2
This is a very typically fascist use of language.
1/2
You can't be Christian and... not attempt to follow Christ's teachings. 🧵
Which teachings, one might ask, and how are those interpreted? Well, that is a good question, and I clearly have my beliefs, but does that make someone who disagrees with me, not Christian?
1/4
Which teachings, one might ask, and how are those interpreted? Well, that is a good question, and I clearly have my beliefs, but does that make someone who disagrees with me, not Christian?
1/4
April 14, 2025 at 6:13 PM
You can't be Christian and... not attempt to follow Christ's teachings. 🧵
Which teachings, one might ask, and how are those interpreted? Well, that is a good question, and I clearly have my beliefs, but does that make someone who disagrees with me, not Christian?
1/4
Which teachings, one might ask, and how are those interpreted? Well, that is a good question, and I clearly have my beliefs, but does that make someone who disagrees with me, not Christian?
1/4
This is all about skin color for Stephen Miller, who was outed as a white supremacist over 5 years ago. That's what he means by "the right person sent to the right place."
Stephen Miller claims on Fox News that returning the Maryland father who was wrongly deported to El Salvador would constitute a "kidnapping" and "invasion of El Salvador's sovereignty."
"He was not mistakenly sent to El Salvador," Miller lies. "This was the right person sent to the right place."
"He was not mistakenly sent to El Salvador," Miller lies. "This was the right person sent to the right place."
April 14, 2025 at 3:42 PM
This is all about skin color for Stephen Miller, who was outed as a white supremacist over 5 years ago. That's what he means by "the right person sent to the right place."
The very name of the Gilded Age is describing it. There was an appearance of great wealth and prosperity, but it was only a thin covering over the poverty being kept underneath.
April 4, 2025 at 3:36 AM
The very name of the Gilded Age is describing it. There was an appearance of great wealth and prosperity, but it was only a thin covering over the poverty being kept underneath.
Maybe unpopular opinion:
While I don't have anything particularly against people wanting to decide their pronouns, I do think the current practice of declaring them is awkward and won't last.
I have no idea what it will be in a few decades, but I think it will change.
While I don't have anything particularly against people wanting to decide their pronouns, I do think the current practice of declaring them is awkward and won't last.
I have no idea what it will be in a few decades, but I think it will change.
April 3, 2025 at 11:14 PM
Maybe unpopular opinion:
While I don't have anything particularly against people wanting to decide their pronouns, I do think the current practice of declaring them is awkward and won't last.
I have no idea what it will be in a few decades, but I think it will change.
While I don't have anything particularly against people wanting to decide their pronouns, I do think the current practice of declaring them is awkward and won't last.
I have no idea what it will be in a few decades, but I think it will change.
Yet more stupidity from the supposed "geniuses" at DOGE. Migrations are slow, careful, planned processes, and take longer the larger the code and the critical nature of its function.
SCOOP: DOGE wants to rebuild SSA's codebase in months, risking benefits and system collapse, sources tell me.
The plan is to migrate all systems off COBOL quickly which would likely require the use of generative AI.
www.wired.com/story/doge-r...
The plan is to migrate all systems off COBOL quickly which would likely require the use of generative AI.
www.wired.com/story/doge-r...
DOGE Plans to Rebuild SSA Codebase In Months, Risking Benefits and System Collapse
Social Security systems contain tens of millions of lines of code written in COBOL, an archaic programming language. Safely rewriting that code would take years—DOGE wants it done in months.
www.wired.com
March 28, 2025 at 3:49 PM
Yet more stupidity from the supposed "geniuses" at DOGE. Migrations are slow, careful, planned processes, and take longer the larger the code and the critical nature of its function.
A secretary of defense chosen by a reality TV star, because he was a guy on TV, turned out to be incompetent in the job? Shocker.
March 25, 2025 at 5:37 AM
A secretary of defense chosen by a reality TV star, because he was a guy on TV, turned out to be incompetent in the job? Shocker.