J. Offir, PhD
@joffirphd.bsky.social
Ph.D. in social psychology. Former researcher in pandemic behavioral risk reduction (non-pharma intervention). Only here to keep up. @joffir@med-mastodon.com
Note that Tammy Baldwin did try to get a one year ACA subsidy extension amendment passed in the bill tonight; every Republican voted against it. Just something to remind your GOP family members at the Thanksgiving dinner table.
www.cbsnews.com/live-updates...
www.cbsnews.com/live-updates...
November 11, 2025 at 4:39 AM
Note that Tammy Baldwin did try to get a one year ACA subsidy extension amendment passed in the bill tonight; every Republican voted against it. Just something to remind your GOP family members at the Thanksgiving dinner table.
www.cbsnews.com/live-updates...
www.cbsnews.com/live-updates...
🚨 Bluesky won't post the actual text (just the link) when I try to repost this, so here it is as an image. Call Schumer, & also your own Senators (contact info for them is in my post below) - NOW. If Dems cave on this, it will have far-reaching implications. The Repubs will never compromise again.
November 9, 2025 at 10:21 PM
🚨 Bluesky won't post the actual text (just the link) when I try to repost this, so here it is as an image. Call Schumer, & also your own Senators (contact info for them is in my post below) - NOW. If Dems cave on this, it will have far-reaching implications. The Repubs will never compromise again.
In honor of my mom's life, here are images of some of the books she authored:
November 9, 2025 at 10:00 PM
In honor of my mom's life, here are images of some of the books she authored:
4/ younger folks who have those conditions can get vaccinated against shingles (from age 18, in both Australia & the US). Just for that reason, it would, in fact, be pretty inexplicable if they'd found no increased risk of shingles following covid hospitalization.
(See the red box, below)
(See the red box, below)
November 9, 2025 at 9:28 PM
4/ younger folks who have those conditions can get vaccinated against shingles (from age 18, in both Australia & the US). Just for that reason, it would, in fact, be pretty inexplicable if they'd found no increased risk of shingles following covid hospitalization.
(See the red box, below)
(See the red box, below)
I don't normally post memes, but this is a good one (despite the absence of a closing parenthesis).
November 9, 2025 at 7:19 PM
I don't normally post memes, but this is a good one (despite the absence of a closing parenthesis).
Here's the actual USDA memo to states warning them not to issue SNAP benefits on their own, along with the bulls**, completely unhinged notice at the top of the USDA page blaming Dems for the shutdown & consequences to SNAP, & going on about "illegals" and "gender mutilation."
November 9, 2025 at 6:13 PM
Here's the actual USDA memo to states warning them not to issue SNAP benefits on their own, along with the bulls**, completely unhinged notice at the top of the USDA page blaming Dems for the shutdown & consequences to SNAP, & going on about "illegals" and "gender mutilation."
Yes, ladies & gents, gas is only 5 cents a gallon! Fill 'er up!
It always amazes me that folks become so invested in their prior positions that they'll accept statements they know can't be true, just to maintain that commitment.
(Dinner is a Walmart basket; there are 29% fewer products this yr.)
It always amazes me that folks become so invested in their prior positions that they'll accept statements they know can't be true, just to maintain that commitment.
(Dinner is a Walmart basket; there are 29% fewer products this yr.)
November 9, 2025 at 6:55 AM
Yes, ladies & gents, gas is only 5 cents a gallon! Fill 'er up!
It always amazes me that folks become so invested in their prior positions that they'll accept statements they know can't be true, just to maintain that commitment.
(Dinner is a Walmart basket; there are 29% fewer products this yr.)
It always amazes me that folks become so invested in their prior positions that they'll accept statements they know can't be true, just to maintain that commitment.
(Dinner is a Walmart basket; there are 29% fewer products this yr.)
Lol.
2 thoughts: (1) Not low enough; keep going; (2) It would be awfully nice if the electorate had even the tiniest bit of foresight. There was, in fact, a qualified candidate in the 2024 race who wasn't committed to harming as many folks as possible.
Source: www.thedailybeast.com/donald-trump...
2 thoughts: (1) Not low enough; keep going; (2) It would be awfully nice if the electorate had even the tiniest bit of foresight. There was, in fact, a qualified candidate in the 2024 race who wasn't committed to harming as many folks as possible.
Source: www.thedailybeast.com/donald-trump...
November 9, 2025 at 3:58 AM
Lol.
2 thoughts: (1) Not low enough; keep going; (2) It would be awfully nice if the electorate had even the tiniest bit of foresight. There was, in fact, a qualified candidate in the 2024 race who wasn't committed to harming as many folks as possible.
Source: www.thedailybeast.com/donald-trump...
2 thoughts: (1) Not low enough; keep going; (2) It would be awfully nice if the electorate had even the tiniest bit of foresight. There was, in fact, a qualified candidate in the 2024 race who wasn't committed to harming as many folks as possible.
Source: www.thedailybeast.com/donald-trump...
I came upstairs for a five minute lie-down only to find he'd taken every pillow in the house.
November 8, 2025 at 7:41 PM
I came upstairs for a five minute lie-down only to find he'd taken every pillow in the house.
2/ Dem MoCs are fighting so hard to maintain subsidies at current levels; the ACA, like any insurance, is only affordable if folks who use it seldom buy plans, too.
Expiration of subsidies means a less healthy populace. That affects everyone. It's a public health issue, not just an individual one.
Expiration of subsidies means a less healthy populace. That affects everyone. It's a public health issue, not just an individual one.
November 8, 2025 at 6:56 PM
2/ Dem MoCs are fighting so hard to maintain subsidies at current levels; the ACA, like any insurance, is only affordable if folks who use it seldom buy plans, too.
Expiration of subsidies means a less healthy populace. That affects everyone. It's a public health issue, not just an individual one.
Expiration of subsidies means a less healthy populace. That affects everyone. It's a public health issue, not just an individual one.
8/ out of pocket." Ouch.
Ironically, one of the therapies the article notes *might* be effective is yoga (the thing healthy folks are always telling sick folks to do - see below), along with massage & meditation. But seriously, folks: caveat emptor. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Ironically, one of the therapies the article notes *might* be effective is yoga (the thing healthy folks are always telling sick folks to do - see below), along with massage & meditation. But seriously, folks: caveat emptor. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
November 8, 2025 at 3:07 AM
8/ out of pocket." Ouch.
Ironically, one of the therapies the article notes *might* be effective is yoga (the thing healthy folks are always telling sick folks to do - see below), along with massage & meditation. But seriously, folks: caveat emptor. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Ironically, one of the therapies the article notes *might* be effective is yoga (the thing healthy folks are always telling sick folks to do - see below), along with massage & meditation. But seriously, folks: caveat emptor. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
The thought of that baby alone with these two combat-gear-covered and gun-bedecked, masked men gave this mother's heart (literal) palpitations.
November 8, 2025 at 2:18 AM
The thought of that baby alone with these two combat-gear-covered and gun-bedecked, masked men gave this mother's heart (literal) palpitations.
Whoops, almost forgot the graphic:
November 8, 2025 at 2:05 AM
Whoops, almost forgot the graphic:
Nope. Repubs won't even consider Schumer's plan to delay ending ACA subsidies for a yr; they want you to lose healthcare *right now.* What's the rush, Lindsay?
Thune says Schumer's proposal is evidence Ds are “feeling the heat.” We should w/draw it & tell them to f off.
thehill.com/homenews/sen...
Thune says Schumer's proposal is evidence Ds are “feeling the heat.” We should w/draw it & tell them to f off.
thehill.com/homenews/sen...
November 7, 2025 at 10:50 PM
Nope. Repubs won't even consider Schumer's plan to delay ending ACA subsidies for a yr; they want you to lose healthcare *right now.* What's the rush, Lindsay?
Thune says Schumer's proposal is evidence Ds are “feeling the heat.” We should w/draw it & tell them to f off.
thehill.com/homenews/sen...
Thune says Schumer's proposal is evidence Ds are “feeling the heat.” We should w/draw it & tell them to f off.
thehill.com/homenews/sen...
You're right re: meteors vs. asteroids; I wrote the latter w/o thinking b/c that's how the article reported it; I should have reflected. And you're right that NASA, like other fed. agencies, is undoubtedly under significant stress. My complaint is that the admin. is blaming everything - whether...
November 7, 2025 at 6:52 AM
You're right re: meteors vs. asteroids; I wrote the latter w/o thinking b/c that's how the article reported it; I should have reflected. And you're right that NASA, like other fed. agencies, is undoubtedly under significant stress. My complaint is that the admin. is blaming everything - whether...
Senate Repubs are making noises about at least allowing a vote on ACA subsidies. But over in the House, Johnson's refusing, b/c the last thing he wants is a roll call vote that will expose to constituents which of their GOP Reps want to slam them into medical bankruptcy.
thehill.com/homenews/hou...
thehill.com/homenews/hou...
November 7, 2025 at 1:29 AM
Senate Repubs are making noises about at least allowing a vote on ACA subsidies. But over in the House, Johnson's refusing, b/c the last thing he wants is a roll call vote that will expose to constituents which of their GOP Reps want to slam them into medical bankruptcy.
thehill.com/homenews/hou...
thehill.com/homenews/hou...
Also, these notices that pop up every time I try to read an NIH paper or access CDC info. are getting *very tedious.*
We know, we know: the big, bad minority party has made you sad in foiling your attempts to eliminate healthcare. Apparently, it's now the Dems' fault we can't rely on HHS agencies.🙄
We know, we know: the big, bad minority party has made you sad in foiling your attempts to eliminate healthcare. Apparently, it's now the Dems' fault we can't rely on HHS agencies.🙄
November 6, 2025 at 3:23 AM
Also, these notices that pop up every time I try to read an NIH paper or access CDC info. are getting *very tedious.*
We know, we know: the big, bad minority party has made you sad in foiling your attempts to eliminate healthcare. Apparently, it's now the Dems' fault we can't rely on HHS agencies.🙄
We know, we know: the big, bad minority party has made you sad in foiling your attempts to eliminate healthcare. Apparently, it's now the Dems' fault we can't rely on HHS agencies.🙄
4/ article doesn't discuss how the Trump admin's constantly shifting covid vax recs. & the disparity between federal & state guidance will increase that hesitancy, but it will.
There are also growing racial disparities. The article doesn't talk about community obstacles caused by GOP policy...
There are also growing racial disparities. The article doesn't talk about community obstacles caused by GOP policy...
November 6, 2025 at 1:38 AM
4/ article doesn't discuss how the Trump admin's constantly shifting covid vax recs. & the disparity between federal & state guidance will increase that hesitancy, but it will.
There are also growing racial disparities. The article doesn't talk about community obstacles caused by GOP policy...
There are also growing racial disparities. The article doesn't talk about community obstacles caused by GOP policy...
7/ whipped it into a fury, and that wholly GOP- and RFK-led frenzy is **why the rate of vaccination in US schools is now below the threshold for herd immunity** (92.7% among kindys in 2023-24; source: CIDRAP).
Autism isn't limited by political party, but the anti-vax mvmt is GOP led & GOP fueled.
Autism isn't limited by political party, but the anti-vax mvmt is GOP led & GOP fueled.
November 5, 2025 at 9:01 PM
7/ whipped it into a fury, and that wholly GOP- and RFK-led frenzy is **why the rate of vaccination in US schools is now below the threshold for herd immunity** (92.7% among kindys in 2023-24; source: CIDRAP).
Autism isn't limited by political party, but the anti-vax mvmt is GOP led & GOP fueled.
Autism isn't limited by political party, but the anti-vax mvmt is GOP led & GOP fueled.
6/ the nose dive we're still seeing - by which point, RFK had already been leading the US anti-vax movement for 15 years; it was with the onset of the covid pandemic & backlash against intervention mandates (both mask & vax) that GOP politicians threw their heart & souls into the anti-vax movement &
November 5, 2025 at 9:01 PM
6/ the nose dive we're still seeing - by which point, RFK had already been leading the US anti-vax movement for 15 years; it was with the onset of the covid pandemic & backlash against intervention mandates (both mask & vax) that GOP politicians threw their heart & souls into the anti-vax movement &
Can't blame the GOP for this? Seriously?! Delusional.
The GOP gave an anti-vaxxer a national platform by putting him in charge of Health & Human Services, and he replaced the members of the CDC's ACIP (Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices) with anti-vaxxers. As health secretary, he tells...
The GOP gave an anti-vaxxer a national platform by putting him in charge of Health & Human Services, and he replaced the members of the CDC's ACIP (Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices) with anti-vaxxers. As health secretary, he tells...
November 5, 2025 at 7:06 PM
Can't blame the GOP for this? Seriously?! Delusional.
The GOP gave an anti-vaxxer a national platform by putting him in charge of Health & Human Services, and he replaced the members of the CDC's ACIP (Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices) with anti-vaxxers. As health secretary, he tells...
The GOP gave an anti-vaxxer a national platform by putting him in charge of Health & Human Services, and he replaced the members of the CDC's ACIP (Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices) with anti-vaxxers. As health secretary, he tells...
Nice, huh? Trump's USDA is telling grocers who want to give discounts to SNAP recipients that they can't.
Source:
www.fns.usda.gov/snap/ebt/ret...
Source:
www.fns.usda.gov/snap/ebt/ret...
November 4, 2025 at 10:56 PM
Nice, huh? Trump's USDA is telling grocers who want to give discounts to SNAP recipients that they can't.
Source:
www.fns.usda.gov/snap/ebt/ret...
Source:
www.fns.usda.gov/snap/ebt/ret...
🗳 Today's the day, folks. If you haven't voted early, please get out & vote! Esp. in NYC, Minneapolis, CA, NJ, TX & VA, there are big elections (YES on Prop 50, California folks! You hold the House in your hands!) But it matters everywhere, b/c voting blue tells the Rs what we think of them. Vote 🔵!
November 4, 2025 at 7:58 PM
🗳 Today's the day, folks. If you haven't voted early, please get out & vote! Esp. in NYC, Minneapolis, CA, NJ, TX & VA, there are big elections (YES on Prop 50, California folks! You hold the House in your hands!) But it matters everywhere, b/c voting blue tells the Rs what we think of them. Vote 🔵!
It shouldn't surprise me that Trump would unironically hold a huge Great Gatsby party as 42M Americans lose access to food; the moral decay of the wealthy & loss of the American dream is something he openly embraces. But *man,* the videos of his burlesque dancers give huge Atwood "Jezebel's" vibes.
November 3, 2025 at 4:52 AM
It shouldn't surprise me that Trump would unironically hold a huge Great Gatsby party as 42M Americans lose access to food; the moral decay of the wealthy & loss of the American dream is something he openly embraces. But *man,* the videos of his burlesque dancers give huge Atwood "Jezebel's" vibes.
2/ were seen fleeing the scene, but in the security photo posted by CBS, at least one of the two looks to me like they could be female.
Harvard has a number to call with tips: (617) 495-1796.
Harvard Crimson coverage: share.google/ILfEei1hmGSu...
Harvard has a number to call with tips: (617) 495-1796.
Harvard Crimson coverage: share.google/ILfEei1hmGSu...
November 2, 2025 at 10:21 PM
2/ were seen fleeing the scene, but in the security photo posted by CBS, at least one of the two looks to me like they could be female.
Harvard has a number to call with tips: (617) 495-1796.
Harvard Crimson coverage: share.google/ILfEei1hmGSu...
Harvard has a number to call with tips: (617) 495-1796.
Harvard Crimson coverage: share.google/ILfEei1hmGSu...