Greg Lester
@lstr.bsky.social
Dad. Communications consultant/science writer guy. America's leading lawn gnome critic. Likes: bikes, science, camping, travel, frugality. Dislikes: lawn gnomes without eyes, quick declines into fascism.
Pictured, Tonka as a young man
Pictured, Tonka as a young man
My belief is that this is the best kind of nature center (Briar Bush, Abington, PA) because it is in the neighborhood and reminds folks that they live in nature, even in a fairly dense inner ring suburb.
November 8, 2025 at 3:32 PM
My belief is that this is the best kind of nature center (Briar Bush, Abington, PA) because it is in the neighborhood and reminds folks that they live in nature, even in a fairly dense inner ring suburb.
Scouting leader pro tip: don’t expect Scouts or parents to read the email, discord post or semaphore.
Plan accordingly
Plan accordingly
November 8, 2025 at 3:26 PM
Scouting leader pro tip: don’t expect Scouts or parents to read the email, discord post or semaphore.
Plan accordingly
Plan accordingly
In the last administration, I was repeatedly told by the MAGA-types that it was a failure of the Secretary of Transportation if we ever heard their name in the news.
I'm seeing this guy's name an awful lot.
I'm seeing this guy's name an awful lot.
Flight cancellations could rise to 15%—or even 20%—if the government shutdown continues, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said.
Flight Cancellations Could Rise to 20% if Government Shutdown Continues
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said as the air-traffic controllers miss paychecks, more might start to miss their shifts
on.wsj.com
November 7, 2025 at 8:36 PM
In the last administration, I was repeatedly told by the MAGA-types that it was a failure of the Secretary of Transportation if we ever heard their name in the news.
I'm seeing this guy's name an awful lot.
I'm seeing this guy's name an awful lot.
From our hike today at the Pennypack Ecological Trust; I don’t think I’ve ever seen white tailed deer with black ears. There were three of them.
November 7, 2025 at 2:36 AM
From our hike today at the Pennypack Ecological Trust; I don’t think I’ve ever seen white tailed deer with black ears. There were three of them.
Reposted by Greg Lester
"World's first potential trillionaire has killed 600,000 people, including 400,000 children" is the only headline that anyone should ever read about Elon Musk
One analytical model shows that, as of November 5th, the dismantling of U.S.A.I.D. has already caused the deaths of 600,000 people, two-thirds of them children. https://newyorkermag.visitlink.me/jUzNSc
The Shutdown of U.S.A.I.D. Has Already Killed Hundreds of Thousands
The short documentary “Rovina’s Choice” tells the story of what goes when aid goes.
newyorkermag.visitlink.me
November 7, 2025 at 1:33 AM
"World's first potential trillionaire has killed 600,000 people, including 400,000 children" is the only headline that anyone should ever read about Elon Musk
She stops making the noise as soon as start recording
November 6, 2025 at 7:55 PM
She stops making the noise as soon as start recording
Feel free to write me in as a candidate, preferably for a position that may include health benefits.
November 4, 2025 at 9:21 PM
Feel free to write me in as a candidate, preferably for a position that may include health benefits.
Liars and charlatans, the lot of them.
States reject Dr. Oz’s claims of Medicaid spending on undocumented immigrants www.statnews.com/2025/11/01/d... via @statnews.com
States reject Dr. Oz’s claims of Medicaid spending on undocumented immigrants
Officials from Colorado, Illinois, Oregon, and Washington say CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz posted incorrect figures about their Medicaid spending on X.
www.statnews.com
November 3, 2025 at 8:10 PM
Liars and charlatans, the lot of them.
Having one of those mornings when you think too hard about how long the dog is going to be around.
November 3, 2025 at 4:19 PM
Having one of those mornings when you think too hard about how long the dog is going to be around.
It is November. We can turn the heat on now.
November 1, 2025 at 4:30 PM
It is November. We can turn the heat on now.
I can see this having a cascading effect if this doesn't reverse soon. You can't stake your career and life's work on a system that cuts you and your support network off on a whim.
If the EU aggressively funded opportunities for Americans, the US would become a backwater in a decade or less.
If the EU aggressively funded opportunities for Americans, the US would become a backwater in a decade or less.
A Nature poll found that 75% of U.S. researchers are considering leaving the country.
Guyz, even the *historians* are leaving or contemplating / likely to go. Including, at least 3 historians that I know of in my subfield. 😢
Guyz, even the *historians* are leaving or contemplating / likely to go. Including, at least 3 historians that I know of in my subfield. 😢
Top researchers consider leaving U.S. amid funding cuts: 'The science world is ending'
A poll from the journal Nature found that 75% of researchers in the U.S. are considering leaving the country. That includes a man who’s been dubbed the "Mozart of Math." Stephanie Sy examines what’s b...
www.pbs.org
November 1, 2025 at 2:28 PM
I can see this having a cascading effect if this doesn't reverse soon. You can't stake your career and life's work on a system that cuts you and your support network off on a whim.
If the EU aggressively funded opportunities for Americans, the US would become a backwater in a decade or less.
If the EU aggressively funded opportunities for Americans, the US would become a backwater in a decade or less.
We just sent an aircraft carrier to the Caribbean to continue murdering suspected drug runners.
In 2010, we sent the USS Carl Vinson to Haiti to provide fresh, desalinated water after a disaster.
Those thoughts represent two visions of American power, and I know which I prefer.
In 2010, we sent the USS Carl Vinson to Haiti to provide fresh, desalinated water after a disaster.
Those thoughts represent two visions of American power, and I know which I prefer.
October 31, 2025 at 7:21 PM
We just sent an aircraft carrier to the Caribbean to continue murdering suspected drug runners.
In 2010, we sent the USS Carl Vinson to Haiti to provide fresh, desalinated water after a disaster.
Those thoughts represent two visions of American power, and I know which I prefer.
In 2010, we sent the USS Carl Vinson to Haiti to provide fresh, desalinated water after a disaster.
Those thoughts represent two visions of American power, and I know which I prefer.
Quick rant, the tech industry seems in a weird rut.
First, there is the constant push of intrusive smart glasses that nobody really wants.
www.ft.com/content/419d...
First, there is the constant push of intrusive smart glasses that nobody really wants.
www.ft.com/content/419d...
Can smart glasses ever earn our trust?
Chinese groups are racing to make the high-tech eyewear practical and affordable after years of false starts
www.ft.com
October 30, 2025 at 2:58 PM
Quick rant, the tech industry seems in a weird rut.
First, there is the constant push of intrusive smart glasses that nobody really wants.
www.ft.com/content/419d...
First, there is the constant push of intrusive smart glasses that nobody really wants.
www.ft.com/content/419d...
This is the current playbook, and you see it reflected across rightwing media
Measles outbreak? Filthy immigrants
Medicaid collapsing? Sick immigrants
SNAP running out? Hungry immigrants
Greedy illegals are TAKING YOUR RIGHTS!
It would be comic, if it wasn't so eerily reminiscent...
Measles outbreak? Filthy immigrants
Medicaid collapsing? Sick immigrants
SNAP running out? Hungry immigrants
Greedy illegals are TAKING YOUR RIGHTS!
It would be comic, if it wasn't so eerily reminiscent...
SNAP benefits are set to run out on Saturday. Far-right influencers and extremists are incorrectly claiming that immigrants are the main recipients of food stamps. www.wired.com/story/disinf...
No, SNAP Benefits Aren’t Mostly Used by Immigrants
SNAP benefits are set to run out on Saturday. Far-right influencers and extremists are incorrectly claiming that immigrants are the main recipients of food stamps.
www.wired.com
October 30, 2025 at 2:34 PM
This is the current playbook, and you see it reflected across rightwing media
Measles outbreak? Filthy immigrants
Medicaid collapsing? Sick immigrants
SNAP running out? Hungry immigrants
Greedy illegals are TAKING YOUR RIGHTS!
It would be comic, if it wasn't so eerily reminiscent...
Measles outbreak? Filthy immigrants
Medicaid collapsing? Sick immigrants
SNAP running out? Hungry immigrants
Greedy illegals are TAKING YOUR RIGHTS!
It would be comic, if it wasn't so eerily reminiscent...
I'm going to ask my son to revisit his intent on applying to the University of Florida. It was on his b-list, but it isn't worth his time.
Thinking what this will mean for STEM labs and departments, especially at places like UFlorida
Florida's governor is telling public universities to stop hiring anyone on a H-1B visa. Expect other red states to follow suit.
October 30, 2025 at 2:22 PM
I'm going to ask my son to revisit his intent on applying to the University of Florida. It was on his b-list, but it isn't worth his time.
I've been a skeptic for about 30 years ago now, but I never felt as hopeless for science education and rationality as I do today.
The walls of the institutions are crumbling, and the goblin hordes want to tell you about colloidal silver.
The walls of the institutions are crumbling, and the goblin hordes want to tell you about colloidal silver.
these people need to all be forcibly sat down and made to watch 15 minutes of footage of a person or animal with rabies
help, how do I unlearn the term “pawtism”
(if you don’t plan to vaccinate or properly care for your pets, you shouldn’t have any)
(if you don’t plan to vaccinate or properly care for your pets, you shouldn’t have any)
October 30, 2025 at 11:29 AM
I've been a skeptic for about 30 years ago now, but I never felt as hopeless for science education and rationality as I do today.
The walls of the institutions are crumbling, and the goblin hordes want to tell you about colloidal silver.
The walls of the institutions are crumbling, and the goblin hordes want to tell you about colloidal silver.
Oh, no.
This one hurts.
I've listened to Pierre Robert practically my entire life. In a field that rewards shock jocks and loud, cheap corporate sameness, Pierre was a persistent source of kindness, mellowness, and knowledge.
Thanksgiving won't be the same, ever.
6abc.com/post/legenda...
This one hurts.
I've listened to Pierre Robert practically my entire life. In a field that rewards shock jocks and loud, cheap corporate sameness, Pierre was a persistent source of kindness, mellowness, and knowledge.
Thanksgiving won't be the same, ever.
6abc.com/post/legenda...
Legendary 93.3 WMMR radio personality Pierre Robert has died
Pierre Robert, a fixture in Philadelphia radio for more than 40 years, has died.
6abc.com
October 29, 2025 at 7:52 PM
Oh, no.
This one hurts.
I've listened to Pierre Robert practically my entire life. In a field that rewards shock jocks and loud, cheap corporate sameness, Pierre was a persistent source of kindness, mellowness, and knowledge.
Thanksgiving won't be the same, ever.
6abc.com/post/legenda...
This one hurts.
I've listened to Pierre Robert practically my entire life. In a field that rewards shock jocks and loud, cheap corporate sameness, Pierre was a persistent source of kindness, mellowness, and knowledge.
Thanksgiving won't be the same, ever.
6abc.com/post/legenda...
Fellow Pennsylvanians.
The push back starts Nov. 4.
All the marching and clever signs and righteous indignation doesn't matter a bit if we do not retain these PA Supreme Court Justices.
The push back starts Nov. 4.
All the marching and clever signs and righteous indignation doesn't matter a bit if we do not retain these PA Supreme Court Justices.
#ResistanceUnited #ProudBlue #DV1
🗣PA Supreme Court Justices: Vote by Nov.4
Info: www.pa.gov/agencies/vot...
Retain these proven defenders of a Fair & Impartial Judiciary.
🌟 retaindougherty.com
🌟 donohue2025.com
🌟 davidwecht.com
🗣PA Supreme Court Justices: Vote by Nov.4
Info: www.pa.gov/agencies/vot...
Retain these proven defenders of a Fair & Impartial Judiciary.
🌟 retaindougherty.com
🌟 donohue2025.com
🌟 davidwecht.com
October 29, 2025 at 12:24 AM
Fellow Pennsylvanians.
The push back starts Nov. 4.
All the marching and clever signs and righteous indignation doesn't matter a bit if we do not retain these PA Supreme Court Justices.
The push back starts Nov. 4.
All the marching and clever signs and righteous indignation doesn't matter a bit if we do not retain these PA Supreme Court Justices.
It is kind of messing with me how good this 8-hour Severance mix is for getting work done. My outie would be proud, I guess.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRnD...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRnD...
Severance — Music To Refine To feat. ODESZA | Apple TV
YouTube video by Apple TV
www.youtube.com
October 28, 2025 at 4:41 PM
It is kind of messing with me how good this 8-hour Severance mix is for getting work done. My outie would be proud, I guess.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRnD...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRnD...
Remind me to start selling "I Do Not Consent to Being Recorded" pins for everyday wear.
wrote about the return of the Glasshole and luxury surveillance in the age of fascism for @theverge.com
ft. @hypervisible.blacksky.app and @esquiring.bsky.social 👓🚫
ft. @hypervisible.blacksky.app and @esquiring.bsky.social 👓🚫
Privacy laws can’t keep up with ‘luxury surveillance’
“It’s not clear to me that a small red light would be sufficient notification in some states for someone to consent to being recorded.”
www.theverge.com
October 28, 2025 at 3:21 PM
Remind me to start selling "I Do Not Consent to Being Recorded" pins for everyday wear.
The bread is moldy and Circus+ now features intrusive advertising.
Donald Trump is the first president in US history to deny food to citizens.
October 28, 2025 at 2:06 PM
The bread is moldy and Circus+ now features intrusive advertising.
Cars are dumb, and I'm a fool.
Currently hanging out among a row of fellow middle-aged guys at the chain coffee shop because U-Haul effed up the wiring on the trailer hitch that I mostly use for hauling bikes.
After two attempts, the original U-Haul guy managed to short out my tailights.
Currently hanging out among a row of fellow middle-aged guys at the chain coffee shop because U-Haul effed up the wiring on the trailer hitch that I mostly use for hauling bikes.
After two attempts, the original U-Haul guy managed to short out my tailights.
October 28, 2025 at 2:03 PM
Cars are dumb, and I'm a fool.
Currently hanging out among a row of fellow middle-aged guys at the chain coffee shop because U-Haul effed up the wiring on the trailer hitch that I mostly use for hauling bikes.
After two attempts, the original U-Haul guy managed to short out my tailights.
Currently hanging out among a row of fellow middle-aged guys at the chain coffee shop because U-Haul effed up the wiring on the trailer hitch that I mostly use for hauling bikes.
After two attempts, the original U-Haul guy managed to short out my tailights.
These people are weird and shouldn't be trusted.
It is for and by the PEOPLE, not LULZ
It is for and by the PEOPLE, not LULZ
I asked Microsoft PR about this—specially the DHS using Halo IP to recruit for ICE—and the company declined to comment.
October 27, 2025 at 9:14 PM
These people are weird and shouldn't be trusted.
It is for and by the PEOPLE, not LULZ
It is for and by the PEOPLE, not LULZ
Hey kids, dinner is on the table!
October 27, 2025 at 12:24 AM
Hey kids, dinner is on the table!
This is not normal.
Fun fact, I met Barry Blumberg, the discoverer of (and creator of the first vaccine for) Hep B when he was a ret. prof. at Fox Chase. His work is on track to save 14 million lives by 2030 & he never profited from the patent.
He was a selfless & fascinating man
Fun fact, I met Barry Blumberg, the discoverer of (and creator of the first vaccine for) Hep B when he was a ret. prof. at Fox Chase. His work is on track to save 14 million lives by 2030 & he never profited from the patent.
He was a selfless & fascinating man
October 26, 2025 at 9:32 PM
This is not normal.
Fun fact, I met Barry Blumberg, the discoverer of (and creator of the first vaccine for) Hep B when he was a ret. prof. at Fox Chase. His work is on track to save 14 million lives by 2030 & he never profited from the patent.
He was a selfless & fascinating man
Fun fact, I met Barry Blumberg, the discoverer of (and creator of the first vaccine for) Hep B when he was a ret. prof. at Fox Chase. His work is on track to save 14 million lives by 2030 & he never profited from the patent.
He was a selfless & fascinating man