Christopher Bakke
@christopherbakke.bsky.social
Doctoral student in technical art history at the École Pratique des Hautes Études. Study caravaggeschi. Co-authoring critical study of Louis Pasteur at the École des Beaux-Arts. Heavily accented polyglot and urban ethnographer.
Reposted by Christopher Bakke
Some Nobel prizes are deserved
Bob Dylan attempts to explain Willie Nelson in The New Yorker's profile of Willie: www.newyorker.com/magazine/202...
December 22, 2025 at 3:52 PM
Some Nobel prizes are deserved
Reposted by Christopher Bakke
Indie book store owners are up there with poll workers, librarians and public school teachers as the front line Guardians of Democracy, whether they like it or not!
December 20, 2025 at 10:45 AM
Indie book store owners are up there with poll workers, librarians and public school teachers as the front line Guardians of Democracy, whether they like it or not!
Living in Italy makes you deathly sensitive to the mildest cold weather. It’s 12 celcius and I’ll head for the only bar I know of with a working fireplace.
December 18, 2025 at 7:23 PM
Living in Italy makes you deathly sensitive to the mildest cold weather. It’s 12 celcius and I’ll head for the only bar I know of with a working fireplace.
Reposted by Christopher Bakke
I grew up the modal example of a middle class white millennial boy and by sheer virtue of my being a white boy of any class status, I have breezed into white manhood completely unencumbered. I face no material obstacles of any kind. None.
This is pathetic garbage.
This is pathetic garbage.
December 17, 2025 at 10:12 PM
I grew up the modal example of a middle class white millennial boy and by sheer virtue of my being a white boy of any class status, I have breezed into white manhood completely unencumbered. I face no material obstacles of any kind. None.
This is pathetic garbage.
This is pathetic garbage.
It’s remarkable how obvious this is outside the US. In Europe, Reiner is mourned. Yet here Kirk’s murder was greeted by the most normie people with a gigantic “who gives a shit?” “A racist, American gun fetishist who hated women was shot by a deranged young man? And you’re surprised because?”
I should just add, for the record: Reiner was worth 1000 Kirks. He was a creative dynamo, a deeply decent human being, a force for philanthropy & pro-social values. Kirk was a small-minded, resentful, thumb-faced grifter who made the world worse by spreading his resentments.
December 17, 2025 at 4:08 PM
It’s remarkable how obvious this is outside the US. In Europe, Reiner is mourned. Yet here Kirk’s murder was greeted by the most normie people with a gigantic “who gives a shit?” “A racist, American gun fetishist who hated women was shot by a deranged young man? And you’re surprised because?”
Thinking today of the Mexican-born MAGA voter who told me that she had no choice but to go full Nazi because Trump would protect children from hospitals forcing them to change genders. Brilliant work all around people.
On that last post: I genuinely cannot think of any good-faith reason to bar international adoptions from those 39 countries. Under this new ban, consulates will refuse adoption visas for any baby from Cuba, Haiti, Venezuela, Nigeria, or any of the 39 other countries.
December 17, 2025 at 7:14 AM
Thinking today of the Mexican-born MAGA voter who told me that she had no choice but to go full Nazi because Trump would protect children from hospitals forcing them to change genders. Brilliant work all around people.
I’ve waited 14 years for the Metro C station at the Colosseum. It finally opened today at 4 in the afternoon.
December 16, 2025 at 7:29 PM
I’ve waited 14 years for the Metro C station at the Colosseum. It finally opened today at 4 in the afternoon.
Sane country.
Less than 48 hours after the deadly attack at Sydney's Bondi Beach that left more than a dozen dead, Australian authorities announced proposals for sweeping new gun laws. n.pr/48UTa7g
Australia announces strict new gun laws. Here's how it can act so swiftly
Less than 48 hours after the deadly attack at Sydney's Bondi Beach that left more than a dozen dead, Australian authorities announced proposals for sweeping new gun laws.
n.pr
December 16, 2025 at 8:04 AM
Sane country.
The best way, and maybe the only way, to see an exhibition is to see it with someone who knows the art as deeply as they know their spouse of 40 years and who talks continuously about the works on view. That’s what I got at the Palazzo Strozzi’s Fra Angelico show with Andrea De Marchi.
December 15, 2025 at 11:04 PM
The best way, and maybe the only way, to see an exhibition is to see it with someone who knows the art as deeply as they know their spouse of 40 years and who talks continuously about the works on view. That’s what I got at the Palazzo Strozzi’s Fra Angelico show with Andrea De Marchi.
Reposted by Christopher Bakke
Just a reminder that at least 600 Americans were fired for failing to show sufficient respect after Charlie Kirk's murder.
December 15, 2025 at 3:01 PM
Just a reminder that at least 600 Americans were fired for failing to show sufficient respect after Charlie Kirk's murder.
Reposted by Christopher Bakke
People support him because he reflects their values and character. He reflects their souls.
December 15, 2025 at 2:58 PM
People support him because he reflects their values and character. He reflects their souls.
There is no more damning indictment of the United States than the pleasure it takes in guns—a pleasure that it refuses to relinquish.
Just want to share with my American friends how the Australians respond to a shooting tragedy. Action, rather than thoughts and prayers.
December 15, 2025 at 7:29 PM
There is no more damning indictment of the United States than the pleasure it takes in guns—a pleasure that it refuses to relinquish.
Reposted by Christopher Bakke
Shocked by the awful death of Rob Reiner. I spoke with him for over an hour last night. We talked about his work and his plans for the future. I always enjoyed his company. We met at his Dad's in 1975. Last thing he said to me was "See you next year.." Such a terrible end. Such a sweet man.
December 15, 2025 at 6:26 AM
Shocked by the awful death of Rob Reiner. I spoke with him for over an hour last night. We talked about his work and his plans for the future. I always enjoyed his company. We met at his Dad's in 1975. Last thing he said to me was "See you next year.." Such a terrible end. Such a sweet man.
Reposted by Christopher Bakke
I’m not even going to publish a copy of Trumps comments about Reiner and his wife. But occasionally he reminds me that he is simply one of the worst, most degenerate individuals who has ever existed in American public life. Hard to think of any more vicious, vile and sociopathic.
December 15, 2025 at 7:10 PM
I’m not even going to publish a copy of Trumps comments about Reiner and his wife. But occasionally he reminds me that he is simply one of the worst, most degenerate individuals who has ever existed in American public life. Hard to think of any more vicious, vile and sociopathic.
Reposted by Christopher Bakke
He's also responsible for raising all the money that paid for bringing Hollingsworth v. Perry & even more importantly Bostic v. Schaefer, which created the circuit split that forced SCOTUS to take on Obergefell v. Hodges. The role he played in American marriage equality cannot be overstated.
The cultural impact of Rob Reiner cannot be understated. Legend isn't big enough a word. It goes to 11. You can't handle the truth. As you wish. I'll have what she's having. I'm your number one fan. You guys wanna see a dead body? The very idea of a bucket list. The West Wing.
All from his movies.
All from his movies.
December 15, 2025 at 3:59 AM
He's also responsible for raising all the money that paid for bringing Hollingsworth v. Perry & even more importantly Bostic v. Schaefer, which created the circuit split that forced SCOTUS to take on Obergefell v. Hodges. The role he played in American marriage equality cannot be overstated.
Reposted by Christopher Bakke
Rob Reiner: “Silence in the face of authoritarianism is complicity. Speaking out is a patriotic act. Democracy doesn’t defend itself. It requires participation, vigilance, and courage from ordinary people."
December 15, 2025 at 1:41 PM
Rob Reiner: “Silence in the face of authoritarianism is complicity. Speaking out is a patriotic act. Democracy doesn’t defend itself. It requires participation, vigilance, and courage from ordinary people."
Reposted by Christopher Bakke
As we mourn Rob Reiner, don’t skip this: he was, pretty much, personally responsible for overturning California’s Prop 8 banning same sex marriage.
www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/bus...
www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/bus...
How Rob Reiner became anti-Prop. 8 kingpin
Rob Reiner reflects on the critical role he played in getting California's gay marriage ban overturned.
www.hollywoodreporter.com
December 15, 2025 at 1:37 PM
As we mourn Rob Reiner, don’t skip this: he was, pretty much, personally responsible for overturning California’s Prop 8 banning same sex marriage.
www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/bus...
www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/bus...
Props to the used bookseller in Rome who greeted me with “good evening” at 12:43 in the afternoon on a crisp, sunny Saturday.
December 14, 2025 at 4:06 PM
Props to the used bookseller in Rome who greeted me with “good evening” at 12:43 in the afternoon on a crisp, sunny Saturday.
Reposted by Christopher Bakke
For the first time since the outset of the Israeli genocide in Gaza, a Christmas tree has been lit in Bethlehem, the Palestinian village where Jesus Christ is believed to have been born. www.nbcnews.com/video/shorts...
Bethlehem lit tree for first time since start of war
Bethlehem lit tree for first time since start of war
www.nbcnews.com
December 8, 2025 at 8:00 PM
For the first time since the outset of the Israeli genocide in Gaza, a Christmas tree has been lit in Bethlehem, the Palestinian village where Jesus Christ is believed to have been born. www.nbcnews.com/video/shorts...
Reposted by Christopher Bakke
Birthright citizenship is unambiguous in the US Constitution and it is a defining feature of the Americas, setting the Americas apart from the rest of the world. It is essential to the US's self-mythology as a land of hope and opportunity in contrast to the "Old World."
December 6, 2025 at 4:52 PM
Birthright citizenship is unambiguous in the US Constitution and it is a defining feature of the Americas, setting the Americas apart from the rest of the world. It is essential to the US's self-mythology as a land of hope and opportunity in contrast to the "Old World."
In my 13+ years between Italy and France, I have never met a European friend or colleague who did not mistakenly assume that when their American, Brazilian, Mexican, et. al. friends have a child in their country, the child is born with European citizenship.
I know much less about this but this is likely true across the Americas. It is a New World ethos and it should be cherished as such.
December 6, 2025 at 5:06 PM
In my 13+ years between Italy and France, I have never met a European friend or colleague who did not mistakenly assume that when their American, Brazilian, Mexican, et. al. friends have a child in their country, the child is born with European citizenship.
Happy to see that a man who’s been around the world as often as Peter Buck does the same thing as me, a guy who’s just happy to be struggling to speak bad Italian in Rome.
“I have a confession: whenever I travel I take pictures of scenic drain covers, making sure to get my feet in the photo. Had a great show in San Sebastián last night, one of my favorite cities. Did a city ramble after soundcheck. Quite a nice drain cover,and the shoes are good too.” - Peter
December 6, 2025 at 2:19 PM
Happy to see that a man who’s been around the world as often as Peter Buck does the same thing as me, a guy who’s just happy to be struggling to speak bad Italian in Rome.
Reposted by Christopher Bakke
*youth pastor voice*
Let me tell you kids about another carpenter who wasn’t very popular with the authorities
Let me tell you kids about another carpenter who wasn’t very popular with the authorities
Sabrina Carpenter made the White House delete their fuck ass tweet.
December 5, 2025 at 9:10 PM
*youth pastor voice*
Let me tell you kids about another carpenter who wasn’t very popular with the authorities
Let me tell you kids about another carpenter who wasn’t very popular with the authorities
Not that these freaks are acting in good faith, but it should be understood now that from Lisbon to Helsinki, European civilization is just IKEA, Zara, and Sephora. Everyone here binge watches the same shit Netflix shows. The American consumerist model won.
The new National Security Strategy of the U.S. contains some pretty explicit white nationalism:
“We want to support our allies in preserving the freedom and security of
Europe, while restoring Europe’s civilizational self-confidence and Western identity.”
“We want to support our allies in preserving the freedom and security of
Europe, while restoring Europe’s civilizational self-confidence and Western identity.”
December 5, 2025 at 5:51 AM
Not that these freaks are acting in good faith, but it should be understood now that from Lisbon to Helsinki, European civilization is just IKEA, Zara, and Sephora. Everyone here binge watches the same shit Netflix shows. The American consumerist model won.
Reposted by Christopher Bakke
There are few positions more immediately clarifying than a person’s stance on the r-word.
December 3, 2025 at 2:18 AM
There are few positions more immediately clarifying than a person’s stance on the r-word.