Steph
@books-love-bricks.bsky.social
Likes cats, books- mostly romance, and Lego.
Reposted by Steph
You can help Bolts continue to provide crucial coverage of local elections. Here's how:
- Repost this = I donate $1.
- Follow @boltsmag.org = I donate $1.
- Donate (link below) + tell me how much = I match your donation.
(Donate monthly = I match a year's worth)
- Repost this = I donate $1.
- Follow @boltsmag.org = I donate $1.
- Donate (link below) + tell me how much = I match your donation.
(Donate monthly = I match a year's worth)
Support Bolts
We are a nonprofit publication that covers the nuts and bolts of political change, from the local up, and we need reader support to build our journalism.
boltsmag.org
December 3, 2025 at 6:20 PM
You can help Bolts continue to provide crucial coverage of local elections. Here's how:
- Repost this = I donate $1.
- Follow @boltsmag.org = I donate $1.
- Donate (link below) + tell me how much = I match your donation.
(Donate monthly = I match a year's worth)
- Repost this = I donate $1.
- Follow @boltsmag.org = I donate $1.
- Donate (link below) + tell me how much = I match your donation.
(Donate monthly = I match a year's worth)
Reposted by Steph
tomorrow we're all gonna call our senators and ask them when they'll be pushing schumer / durbin out as leaders 🫡
November 10, 2025 at 3:39 AM
tomorrow we're all gonna call our senators and ask them when they'll be pushing schumer / durbin out as leaders 🫡
Reposted by Steph
Warner is up for reelection. He was widely seen driving towards surrender behind the scenes, but he's voting no in public because it's unpopular. The real question is whether he supports a senate leadership change. If not, someone who supports senate leadership change should primary him.
But I cannot support a deal that still leaves millions of Americans wondering how they are going to pay for their health care or whether they will be able to afford to get sick.
November 10, 2025 at 1:56 AM
Warner is up for reelection. He was widely seen driving towards surrender behind the scenes, but he's voting no in public because it's unpopular. The real question is whether he supports a senate leadership change. If not, someone who supports senate leadership change should primary him.
Full Speed to a Crash Landing by Beth Revis
#BooksInLego
Ada Lamarr and Rian White are both scavenging from the same wreck on a remote planet when a breached hull on Ada’s ship forces them together. Both Ada and Rian are hiding their real reason for being there as they attempt to work together.
#BooksInLego
Ada Lamarr and Rian White are both scavenging from the same wreck on a remote planet when a breached hull on Ada’s ship forces them together. Both Ada and Rian are hiding their real reason for being there as they attempt to work together.
October 29, 2025 at 4:07 PM
Full Speed to a Crash Landing by Beth Revis
#BooksInLego
Ada Lamarr and Rian White are both scavenging from the same wreck on a remote planet when a breached hull on Ada’s ship forces them together. Both Ada and Rian are hiding their real reason for being there as they attempt to work together.
#BooksInLego
Ada Lamarr and Rian White are both scavenging from the same wreck on a remote planet when a breached hull on Ada’s ship forces them together. Both Ada and Rian are hiding their real reason for being there as they attempt to work together.
Reposted by Steph
absolutely shameful that the university has embraced the administration’s demand that it discriminate against its students. this is the board of visitors telling UVA students that if they aren’t white and cisgendered then they don’t belong.
The University of Virginia has capitulated to Trump on transgender and race (affirmative action) issues.
The details are currently sparse, but reporting suggests they've agreed to define trans people out of existence and ban trans students from facilities.
www.politico.com/news/2025/10...
The details are currently sparse, but reporting suggests they've agreed to define trans people out of existence and ban trans students from facilities.
www.politico.com/news/2025/10...
October 22, 2025 at 11:55 PM
absolutely shameful that the university has embraced the administration’s demand that it discriminate against its students. this is the board of visitors telling UVA students that if they aren’t white and cisgendered then they don’t belong.
Reposted by Steph
Proud papa moment: my son J published a letter in the @nytimes.com today (in print tomorrow) on the need to think our definitions of autism.
October 18, 2025 at 8:06 PM
Proud papa moment: my son J published a letter in the @nytimes.com today (in print tomorrow) on the need to think our definitions of autism.
40-Love by Olivia Dade
Assistant Principal Tess meets former tennis pro Lucas on summer vacation at the resort where he now works. They hit it off, but with the age gap (her 40 to his 26), can they make it work?
#BooksInLego
Assistant Principal Tess meets former tennis pro Lucas on summer vacation at the resort where he now works. They hit it off, but with the age gap (her 40 to his 26), can they make it work?
#BooksInLego
October 3, 2025 at 4:35 PM
40-Love by Olivia Dade
Assistant Principal Tess meets former tennis pro Lucas on summer vacation at the resort where he now works. They hit it off, but with the age gap (her 40 to his 26), can they make it work?
#BooksInLego
Assistant Principal Tess meets former tennis pro Lucas on summer vacation at the resort where he now works. They hit it off, but with the age gap (her 40 to his 26), can they make it work?
#BooksInLego
I Think I’m in Love with an Alien by Ann Aguirre
After striking up friendships on the Aliens Among Us chat forum, Jennette is finally meeting her chat group in real life at the largest alien-focused convention in Utah, Space Con.
#BooksInLego
After striking up friendships on the Aliens Among Us chat forum, Jennette is finally meeting her chat group in real life at the largest alien-focused convention in Utah, Space Con.
#BooksInLego
September 21, 2025 at 9:31 PM
I Think I’m in Love with an Alien by Ann Aguirre
After striking up friendships on the Aliens Among Us chat forum, Jennette is finally meeting her chat group in real life at the largest alien-focused convention in Utah, Space Con.
#BooksInLego
After striking up friendships on the Aliens Among Us chat forum, Jennette is finally meeting her chat group in real life at the largest alien-focused convention in Utah, Space Con.
#BooksInLego
Reposted by Steph
I know it is unlikely to do much good, but as a Lego fan that spend hundreds of dollars each year, I really wish they would stop their association with HP. At least I feel a little better for signing this petition. #transrights #TransRightsAreHumanRights #lgbtqia #pride
chng.it/5LHz6f9VpZ
chng.it/5LHz6f9VpZ
Join the fight to end LEGO's relationship with JK Rowling and the Harry Potter franchise!
35 signatures are needed, let’s get there by the end of the day?
chng.it
August 19, 2025 at 11:24 AM
I know it is unlikely to do much good, but as a Lego fan that spend hundreds of dollars each year, I really wish they would stop their association with HP. At least I feel a little better for signing this petition. #transrights #TransRightsAreHumanRights #lgbtqia #pride
chng.it/5LHz6f9VpZ
chng.it/5LHz6f9VpZ
I’m cis and I wish all the ill on JK Rowling. Specifically, I hope she drinks too much coffee and can’t find a public bathroom she’s allowed to use.
@bsky.app
@safety.bsky.app
@support.bsky.team
@aaron.bsky.team
Please stop suspending trans and nonbinary people.
@bsky.app
@safety.bsky.app
@support.bsky.team
@aaron.bsky.team
Please stop suspending trans and nonbinary people.
okay we're doing this again I guess!
I am cis and I wish ill on JK Rowling
stop suspending trans and nonbinary people for saying it
@bsky.app
@safety.bsky.app
@support.bsky.team
@aaron.bsky.team
cis people we are all Spartacus, please quote with your own ill wishes
I am cis and I wish ill on JK Rowling
stop suspending trans and nonbinary people for saying it
@bsky.app
@safety.bsky.app
@support.bsky.team
@aaron.bsky.team
cis people we are all Spartacus, please quote with your own ill wishes
it really sucks that @bsky.app suspended @danifinnwrites.bsky.social, who is one of the most supportive, helpful members of the bluesky writers community, especially for queer authors.
August 19, 2025 at 2:05 AM
I’m cis and I wish all the ill on JK Rowling. Specifically, I hope she drinks too much coffee and can’t find a public bathroom she’s allowed to use.
@bsky.app
@safety.bsky.app
@support.bsky.team
@aaron.bsky.team
Please stop suspending trans and nonbinary people.
@bsky.app
@safety.bsky.app
@support.bsky.team
@aaron.bsky.team
Please stop suspending trans and nonbinary people.
Pardon My Frenchie by Farrah Rochon
Ashanti’s French bulldog goes viral, boosting her doggie daycare until it’s bursting at the seams. Former army officer Thad is not a dog person, but stuck taking care of his grandmother’s poodle while he gets his new business off the ground.
#BooksInLego
Ashanti’s French bulldog goes viral, boosting her doggie daycare until it’s bursting at the seams. Former army officer Thad is not a dog person, but stuck taking care of his grandmother’s poodle while he gets his new business off the ground.
#BooksInLego
August 8, 2025 at 12:22 AM
Pardon My Frenchie by Farrah Rochon
Ashanti’s French bulldog goes viral, boosting her doggie daycare until it’s bursting at the seams. Former army officer Thad is not a dog person, but stuck taking care of his grandmother’s poodle while he gets his new business off the ground.
#BooksInLego
Ashanti’s French bulldog goes viral, boosting her doggie daycare until it’s bursting at the seams. Former army officer Thad is not a dog person, but stuck taking care of his grandmother’s poodle while he gets his new business off the ground.
#BooksInLego
Reposted by Steph
Heat kills. A bill just reintroduced in Congress can save lives. Urge your members of Congress to back federal heat bill introduced on July 16th. Go to:
act.seiu.org/a/heat2025?m... #WeFeedYou #Calor
act.seiu.org/a/heat2025?m... #WeFeedYou #Calor
July 24, 2025 at 11:31 PM
Heat kills. A bill just reintroduced in Congress can save lives. Urge your members of Congress to back federal heat bill introduced on July 16th. Go to:
act.seiu.org/a/heat2025?m... #WeFeedYou #Calor
act.seiu.org/a/heat2025?m... #WeFeedYou #Calor
Reposted by Steph
It matters that @littlelobbyists.com families are in the hallways and in the offices.
To stay in their faces, we need your help: will you send this link to everyone you know who might kick in a few bucks?
secure.actblue.com/donate/littl...
To stay in their faces, we need your help: will you send this link to everyone you know who might kick in a few bucks?
secure.actblue.com/donate/littl...
July 2, 2025 at 8:05 PM
It matters that @littlelobbyists.com families are in the hallways and in the offices.
To stay in their faces, we need your help: will you send this link to everyone you know who might kick in a few bucks?
secure.actblue.com/donate/littl...
To stay in their faces, we need your help: will you send this link to everyone you know who might kick in a few bucks?
secure.actblue.com/donate/littl...
Reposted by Steph
Once again I am calling for Democrats to introduce legislation requiring standardized uniforms, visible badge numbers with names, as well as a requirement for ICE and DHS agents to present proof that there is enough danger present to be masked to a judge when they get their warrant.
It really needs to be pointed out. As someone who has been to actions up to and inculdiong the uprising here in 2020 I have never seen every officer wearing fake name badges all with the name “the others” instead of their actual names.
June 4, 2025 at 1:27 AM
Once again I am calling for Democrats to introduce legislation requiring standardized uniforms, visible badge numbers with names, as well as a requirement for ICE and DHS agents to present proof that there is enough danger present to be masked to a judge when they get their warrant.
Reposted by Steph
📌 Genre romance writers in the U.S. need to start lobbying the U.S. Congress to forestall that happening here. And no, "but my stuff is ~clean~ and ~wholesome~!" won't save you. If you leave erotica or queer writers be axed, all you did was get closer to the blade yourself.
All free or no one free.
All free or no one free.
The arrest of online fanfic erotica writers (99% young women) in China is still ongoing, some are getting sentenced to 10 years in prison
I didn’t see any newer international coverage of this but I saw on Weibo today that more writers are getting sentenced right now
amp.scmp.com/news/china/p...
I didn’t see any newer international coverage of this but I saw on Weibo today that more writers are getting sentenced right now
amp.scmp.com/news/china/p...
Chinese police target writers of gay erotica with prison terms and heavy fines
The crackdown in Anhui has triggered debates about possible abuses of power and whether the law itself is too heavy-handed.
amp.scmp.com
June 1, 2025 at 7:08 PM
📌 Genre romance writers in the U.S. need to start lobbying the U.S. Congress to forestall that happening here. And no, "but my stuff is ~clean~ and ~wholesome~!" won't save you. If you leave erotica or queer writers be axed, all you did was get closer to the blade yourself.
All free or no one free.
All free or no one free.
Reposted by Steph
eric has excellent news in the quoted post! progress on killing the trans healthcare coverage bans in the GOP budget. but pressure still needs to be applied!
the link below contains call/email templates with reference to the legislative mechanism senators could use to kill this part of the bill.🧵
the link below contains call/email templates with reference to the legislative mechanism senators could use to kill this part of the bill.🧵
May 29, 2025 at 5:22 PM
eric has excellent news in the quoted post! progress on killing the trans healthcare coverage bans in the GOP budget. but pressure still needs to be applied!
the link below contains call/email templates with reference to the legislative mechanism senators could use to kill this part of the bill.🧵
the link below contains call/email templates with reference to the legislative mechanism senators could use to kill this part of the bill.🧵
Reposted by Steph
We were hoping that this letter to @bsky.app could first be shared by a Gazan, but we were too worried that doing so would get their account deleted so we are sharing first.
You can sign on to the letter about the unfair treatment of Gazans on Bluesky here:
docs.google.com/document/d/1...
You can sign on to the letter about the unfair treatment of Gazans on Bluesky here:
docs.google.com/document/d/1...
![[CLICK here if you would like your name added to this letter]
النسخة العربية من هذه الرسالة متاحة أدناه.
Open Letter to the Bluesky Team About Their Treatment of Palestinians in Gaza
The signatories of this letter are all members of the Bluesky community, many of us have actively participated on the platform since its inception. We came to Bluesky because it was a breath of fresh air, a place that felt different from many of the other social media platforms. The lack of a central algorithm, the ability to build and use custom feeds, and the lack of penalty for link promotion contributed to an environment that allowed diverse and interesting voices to find their footing and community on Bluesky. While some of the signatories of this letter have had no issues with speaking their mind publicly on Bluesky, unfortunately that is not true for all the signatories because many are Palestinians currently living in Gaza.
These Palestinians are journalists, artists, engineers, teachers, grandmas, entrepreneurs, a man who owned an ice cream shop, a pediatrician who has been featured on CBS Morning News, aid workers, architects, waiters, pharmacists, students–and perhaps most essential to the backbone of Bluesky, posters. All of these people provide unique and interesting voices to the Bluesky community. However, unlike the other signatories of this letter, these Bluesky community members have struggled to keep their accounts on the platform. Most of them have lost multiple accounts and/or have had their accounts labeled as spam. Some cannot even make an account without it immediately being removed from the platform.
Gazans undertake immense efforts to simply be on Bluesky. Sometimes, they walk for miles just to have access to the internet. They scale rooftops where they are exposed to potential military attacks just for the opportunity to get better cell signals–one signatory of this letter tragically lost her brother this way. They use what little money they have to pay …](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:squcwsoa45f5ibxykhzpnvnc/bafkreifkdvretowrpktkbdr3uq4abhyqv5v5ngzbrmrvkjotzthx7xatay@jpeg)
![End IP bans on any account from Gaza and allow them to make new accounts where they can comply with Bluesky rules and continue to be valued members of the community.
We understand that even if all these changes are made, many Gazans may still violate Bluesky rules in the future, but we hope that Bluesky will abandon their punitive approach to these violations and instead embrace an attitude of education, cooperation and community care– one that works to ensure people in Gaza can participate in a way that keeps their voices heard.
We also call on the Bluesky community to help and support these accounts however they can. We want to continue to build a healthy community with better community members and this cannot be done if Gazans continue to be shunned. We can use this as an opportunity to show how to protect all vulnerable groups in the future.
We hope that Bluesky does not follow the path of other social media platforms and instead forges ahead with a different philosophy. After all, that is the reason so many of its users are there. Bluesky's ethos of "No Caesars” should apply to all members of its community.
[To add your name to the list of signatories, click here.]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:squcwsoa45f5ibxykhzpnvnc/bafkreiafdk7hh2kurcncuymod3iftzk3jp35icckd4lvicash3zvkdoq5y@jpeg)
May 24, 2025 at 6:46 PM
We were hoping that this letter to @bsky.app could first be shared by a Gazan, but we were too worried that doing so would get their account deleted so we are sharing first.
You can sign on to the letter about the unfair treatment of Gazans on Bluesky here:
docs.google.com/document/d/1...
You can sign on to the letter about the unfair treatment of Gazans on Bluesky here:
docs.google.com/document/d/1...
Always ready for #TongueOutTuesday in this house!
May 20, 2025 at 7:13 PM
Always ready for #TongueOutTuesday in this house!
How to Keep House while Drowning by KC Davis
It’s not the usual sort of book I post, but I found it really useful- especially the point that care tasks are morally neutral. It’s not a moral failure if my Lego isn’t sorted into neatly labeled bins (or laundry piles up).
#BooksInLego (literally)
It’s not the usual sort of book I post, but I found it really useful- especially the point that care tasks are morally neutral. It’s not a moral failure if my Lego isn’t sorted into neatly labeled bins (or laundry piles up).
#BooksInLego (literally)
May 15, 2025 at 10:08 PM
How to Keep House while Drowning by KC Davis
It’s not the usual sort of book I post, but I found it really useful- especially the point that care tasks are morally neutral. It’s not a moral failure if my Lego isn’t sorted into neatly labeled bins (or laundry piles up).
#BooksInLego (literally)
It’s not the usual sort of book I post, but I found it really useful- especially the point that care tasks are morally neutral. It’s not a moral failure if my Lego isn’t sorted into neatly labeled bins (or laundry piles up).
#BooksInLego (literally)
Reposted by Steph
the single best thing democrats could do to win back trust with voters — and a good number of those voters who have a low opinion of the democratic party are democrats themselves! — is adopt an aggressively partisan orientation toward republicans and loudly perform their opposition
May 15, 2025 at 12:53 PM
the single best thing democrats could do to win back trust with voters — and a good number of those voters who have a low opinion of the democratic party are democrats themselves! — is adopt an aggressively partisan orientation toward republicans and loudly perform their opposition
Idol by Kristen Callihan
Escaping from his life imploding, rock star Killian drunkenly crashes into Liberty Bell’s quiet existence in her late grandmother’s farmhouse.
#BooksInLego
Escaping from his life imploding, rock star Killian drunkenly crashes into Liberty Bell’s quiet existence in her late grandmother’s farmhouse.
#BooksInLego
May 12, 2025 at 8:58 PM
Idol by Kristen Callihan
Escaping from his life imploding, rock star Killian drunkenly crashes into Liberty Bell’s quiet existence in her late grandmother’s farmhouse.
#BooksInLego
Escaping from his life imploding, rock star Killian drunkenly crashes into Liberty Bell’s quiet existence in her late grandmother’s farmhouse.
#BooksInLego
Reposted by Steph
I need you to make calls to Congress because on Tuesday, the House Committee responsible for Medicaid is meeting to slash funding for Medicaid—the health program 80 million Americans rely on, the health program that has kept me alive.
This piece is not paywalled, it is not locked—please share it.
This piece is not paywalled, it is not locked—please share it.
CTA: House Committee Meets to Slash Medicaid on Tuesday 5/13 | Matthew Cortland
Get more from Matthew Cortland on Patreon
www.patreon.com
May 10, 2025 at 4:34 AM
I need you to make calls to Congress because on Tuesday, the House Committee responsible for Medicaid is meeting to slash funding for Medicaid—the health program 80 million Americans rely on, the health program that has kept me alive.
This piece is not paywalled, it is not locked—please share it.
This piece is not paywalled, it is not locked—please share it.
The Rockton Series by Kelly Armstrong
An off the grid town hidden in the Yukon wilderness, Rockton is where people go to hide from danger or the law. Casey Duncan, a detective on the run from her past & her friend’s abuser, and is pulled into solving murders with Sheriff Eric Dalton.
#BooksInLego
An off the grid town hidden in the Yukon wilderness, Rockton is where people go to hide from danger or the law. Casey Duncan, a detective on the run from her past & her friend’s abuser, and is pulled into solving murders with Sheriff Eric Dalton.
#BooksInLego
April 25, 2025 at 1:26 AM
The Rockton Series by Kelly Armstrong
An off the grid town hidden in the Yukon wilderness, Rockton is where people go to hide from danger or the law. Casey Duncan, a detective on the run from her past & her friend’s abuser, and is pulled into solving murders with Sheriff Eric Dalton.
#BooksInLego
An off the grid town hidden in the Yukon wilderness, Rockton is where people go to hide from danger or the law. Casey Duncan, a detective on the run from her past & her friend’s abuser, and is pulled into solving murders with Sheriff Eric Dalton.
#BooksInLego
I currently have the winning bid on this amazing bag. So, while I want everything else in this auction to get wildly popular, I selfishly hope this item stays relatively affordable.
www.ebay.com/itm/27702124...
www.ebay.com/itm/27702124...
April 14, 2025 at 7:26 PM
I currently have the winning bid on this amazing bag. So, while I want everything else in this auction to get wildly popular, I selfishly hope this item stays relatively affordable.
www.ebay.com/itm/27702124...
www.ebay.com/itm/27702124...
I’m really disappointed in Lego. I bought Pharrell Williams set recently because of the diversity in the minifig heads included.
www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...
www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...
Lego drops diversity terms from its annual sustainability report
Move by Danish toymaker appears to reflect US pressure on inclusivity initiatives worldwide
www.theguardian.com
April 13, 2025 at 7:32 PM
I’m really disappointed in Lego. I bought Pharrell Williams set recently because of the diversity in the minifig heads included.
www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...
www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...