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markbrigham.universeodon.com.ap.brid.gy
Mark
@markbrigham.universeodon.com.ap.brid.gy
34 followers 13 following 350 posts
In another life, I researched contaminants in aquatic ecosystems.

Current interests include #ClimateAction #CleanEnergy #EnvironmentalProtection […]

[bridged from https://universeodon.com/@MarkBrigham on the fediverse by https://fed.brid.gy/ ]
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markbrigham.universeodon.com.ap.brid.gy
Some winter fun from a few years ago.

Pics are from a trial roll after I got an old Minolta Hi-Matic 11 cleaned up & refurbished. The camera—a #rangefinder —is sort of a poor man’s Canon Canonet, which in turn is a poor man’s Leica. It hadn’t been used in […]

[Original post on universeodon.com]
Black and white photo of a young woman sliding down a snowy hill while kneeling on a round sled. Some trees and grasses protrude from the snow cover. The fast -moving subject is slightly blurred and some snow flies up from her sled A young woman on a round sled slides down a steep, snow-covered path. A small, black dog near the hilltop chases her. Black and white photo of a young woman smiling and holding a round sled. Snow dots her winter jacket, gloves, hair, and face—evidence of a sliding wipeout Black and white photo of two young women and a snow-covered, curly, black dog. The women pose for the photo in a snowy outdoor setting, with snowy trees in the background
February 10, 2026 at 2:07 PM
markbrigham.universeodon.com.ap.brid.gy
I was introduced to John McPhee in grad school. “Encounters With the Archdruid” was assigned reading in an enviro policy class, which approached the topic from the perspective of motivating factors that underlie policy.

McPhee’s writing hooked me; I read a […]

[Original post on universeodon.com]
Back jacket of a book by John McPhee. Text: "The Founding Fish is ... far more than a fishing book. It is a mini- encyclopedia, a highly informative and entertaining amalgam of natural and personal history, a work in a class by itself" -ROBERT H. BOYLE, The New York Times Book Review Cruded as "a fishing classic" (The Economist) upon its publication in hardcover John McPhee's twenty-sixth book is a braid of personal his- tory, satural history, and American history, in descending order of volcane spring, American shad—Alosa sapidissimaleave the ocean in saw bede of thousands and run heroic distances upriver to spawn. MrPhee a shad fisherman himself—recounts the shad's cameo role in the lives of George Washington and Henry David Thoreau. He fishes with famous ichthyologists and visits their laboratories; he takes instruc- sion in the making of shad darts from a master of the art; and he cooks shad in a variety of ways, delectably explained at the end of the book. Mostly, though, he goes fishing for shad in various North American rivers, and he "fishes the same way he writes books, avidly and in- tensely. He wants to know everything about the fish he's afterits his- tory, its habits, its place in the cosmos" (Bill Pride, The Denver Post). His adventures in pursuit of shad occasion the kind of writing expert and ardent-at which he has no equal. "A blue-chip tour of the American shad." - Kirkus Reviews "Under McPhee's close eye, everything about this fish is fascinating." etc. Paperback book cover showing a fish (American Shad), and text: JOHN McPHEE, The Founding Fish
February 10, 2026 at 1:46 AM
markbrigham.universeodon.com.ap.brid.gy
We learned the importance of antecedents in junior high/middle school writing class. Sometimes a direct antecedent can imply something without explicitly it.

E.g., this line “Every…animal with a brain needs sleep—and even a few without a brain do, too” made […]

[Original post on universeodon.com]
Photo of a newspaper snippet that reads: By CHRISTINA LARSONC The Associated Press Every bird and animal with a brain needs sleep - and even a few without a brain do, too. Humans sleep, birds sleep, whales sleep and even jellyfish sleep. Source: published in the Minnesota Star Tribune Jan 31-Feb 1, 2026 in the article “Birds find spectacular ways to sleep”
February 1, 2026 at 5:01 PM
markbrigham.universeodon.com.ap.brid.gy
If you’ve read the StarTribune over the years, you’ve seen the photojournalism of Richard Tsong-Taatarii. Most recently the viral photo of the Federal thug who pepper-sprayed an already subdued man, in the face, at point blank range.

My personal brush with […]

[Original post on universeodon.com]
A man leans forward, lips pursed, to kiss his young daughter. They’re dressed in winter jackets & gloves; the man wears a hat. They hold on to a metal support that helps keep the young child upright. A blurry ice rink is in the background. Not shown in photo— the two are wearing ice skates. Caption: Star Tribune photo by Richard Tsong-Taatarii An image from Instagram account rtsongphoto Shows a man face down on pavement, completely subdued with two agents on top of him and his hands restrained. A third agent sprays a chemical irritant into the man’s face at point blank range.
January 23, 2026 at 10:13 PM
markbrigham.universeodon.com.ap.brid.gy
@davidho.bsky.social Kind of hard to operate a blower when you’re tackled to the pavement & have at least two agents on top of you with your hands restrained behind your back. So it goes…

#ice #minneapolis #mnastodon #humanrights
Photo of man face-down on pavement, held down by at least two uniformed agents; his hands restrained behind his back; a third agent sprays an orange chemical irritant into the subdued man’s face at point blank range. Source: @rtsongphoto on Instagram (The image was also published in the Minnesota StarTribune, with photo credit to Richard Tsong-Taatarii, a photojournalist)
January 22, 2026 at 10:13 PM
markbrigham.universeodon.com.ap.brid.gy
@gottalaff.bsky.social

#ednis

#alttext
An Evil, demented, neurological impaired sadist standing at a podium, yelling insane shit at the microphone, wearing a dark suit jacket and a pussy-pink tie, waving a booger-ladened finger in the air. #EDNIS
January 21, 2026 at 4:03 AM
markbrigham.universeodon.com.ap.brid.gy
Recycling this photo from the back deck, five and a half years ago. #mnastodon #minnesota #minneapolis
Black and white photo of a man reading a newspaper, seated at an outdoor table with trees and a flowerpot in the background. The newspaper: StarTribune Layers of crises strain Mpls. Includes a photo of George Floyd square in Minneapolis. The back of the man’s T-shirt reads: AAAS AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF SCIENCE FORCEFORSCIENCE.ORG
January 18, 2026 at 12:59 AM
markbrigham.universeodon.com.ap.brid.gy
From the Bobby Weir FB page

#bobweir #bobbyweir #gratefuldead #ripbobweir
Bobby Weir e. Follow ••• 3h • It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Bobby Weir. He transitioned peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, after courageously beating cancer as only Bobby could. Unfortunately, he succumbed to underlying lung issues. For over sixty years, Bobby took to the road. A guitarist, vocalist, storyteller, and founding member of the Grateful Dead. Bobby will forever be a guiding force whose unique artistry reshaped American music. His work did more than fill rooms with music; it was warm sunlight that filled the soul, building a community, a language, and a feeling of family that generations of fans carry with them. Every chord he played, every word he sang was an integral part of the stories he wove. There was an invitation: to feel, to question, to wander, and to belong. Bobby's final months reflected the same spirit that defined his life. Diagnosed in July, he began treatment only weeks before returning to his hometown stage for a three-night celebration of 60 years of music at Golden Gate Park. Those performances, emotional, soulful, and full of light, were not farewells, but gifts. Another act of resilience. An artist choosing, even then, to keep going by his own design. As we remember Bobby, it's hard not to feel the echo of the way he lived. A man driftin' and dreamin, never worrying if the road would lead him home. A child of countless trees. A child of boundless seas. Bobby Weir • • Follow ... 3h • There is no final curtain here, not really. Only the sense of someone setting off again. He often spoke of a three-hundred-year legacy, determined to ensure the songbook would endure long after him. May that dream live on through future generations of Dead Heads. And so we send him off the way he sent so many of us on our way: with a farewell that isn't an ending, but a blessing. A reward for a life worth livin His loving family, Natascha, Monet, and Chloe, request privacy during this difficult time and offer their gratitude for the outpouring of love, support, and remembrance. May we honor him not only in sorrow, but in how bravely we continue with open hearts, steady steps, and the music leading us home. Hang it up and see what tomorrow brings. Chloe Weir DI90 1009
January 11, 2026 at 2:36 AM
markbrigham.universeodon.com.ap.brid.gy
Remembering #bobweir

1) Jack Straw (Weir & Hunter) is one of the best Americana songs ever performed (and never issued on a studio album);

2) Was the subject of a great Netflix documentary (watch it);

3) Wants people to vote ( […]

[Original post on universeodon.com]
Photo from Bob Weir’s Instagram account showing him wearing a Harris - Walz T-shirt with Grateful Dead art.
January 11, 2026 at 2:16 AM
markbrigham.universeodon.com.ap.brid.gy
Here’s mine. Minnesota this evening. Best I’ve ever seen, and of course they were better before I got my camera out. #northernlights #aurora #auroraborealis #nightsky #mnastodon
Photo of aurora borealis with leafless trees in the foreground. Photo of aurora borealis with leafless trees in the foreground. Photo of aurora borealis with leafless trees in the foreground. Photo of aurora borealis with leafless trees in the foreground.
November 12, 2025 at 4:25 AM
markbrigham.universeodon.com.ap.brid.gy
3. Official flag of the Republican Party. #nokings
U.S. flag that has been modified to show a Nazi symbol in the middle of the stripes. Source: https://www.politico.com/news/2025/10/16/gop-congressman-blames-swastika-flag-in-his-office-on-a-ruse-00612783
October 18, 2025 at 9:13 PM
markbrigham.universeodon.com.ap.brid.gy
2. Official flag of ANTIFA. #nokings
Current U.S. flag. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_of_the_United_States
October 18, 2025 at 9:12 PM
markbrigham.universeodon.com.ap.brid.gy
U.S. flags thread.

1: The original No Kings flag. #nokings
Betsy Ross version of the U.S. flag, featuring 13 stars and 13 stripes. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_of_the_United_States#/media/File:Betsy_Ross_flag.svg (converted to jpg).
October 18, 2025 at 9:10 PM
markbrigham.universeodon.com.ap.brid.gy
I visited downtown Anoka, Minnesota today…a mostly red part of the Minneapolis - St. Paul metro area. I would have taken more pics, but I was busy holding my signs.

Really like the Free Balls sign.

I reused my DUE PROCESS IS A CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT and HATE […]

[Original post on universeodon.com]
Protester holding a sign that has balls glued to it, and reads: “FREE BALLS FOR CONGRESS MEMBERS WHO LOST THEIRS” Protester with sign: “ NO SIGN IS BIG ENOUGH TO LIST ALL OF THE REASONS I'M HERE” And protester with sign that features red circles with a red bar through them (indicating “no” or “cancel”) over the words “KINGS” and “TRUMP” A crowd of peaceful protesters is in the background
October 18, 2025 at 6:38 PM
markbrigham.universeodon.com.ap.brid.gy
My 24th Wordle deuce today. Yay me!

#Wordle 1,573 2/6

🟨🟩⬜⬜🟩
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩
Screen capture from New York Times Wordle game: Back to puzzle X Congratulations! STATISTICS 680 Played 98 Win % 2 Current Streak 97 Max Streak BADGE EARNED 2 Wordle in 2 x24 GUESS DISTRIBUTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 0 24 157 250 168 67 Wordle Bot gives an analysis of your guesses. Did you beat the bot? › Share
October 9, 2025 at 10:19 AM
markbrigham.universeodon.com.ap.brid.gy
There are layers of recommendations in this photo.

Find a nice spot to sit by the sea and listen to the waves and grab the binoculars when an interesting bird or boat passes by and sip on some wine and read Revolutions (a fascinating history of women and […]

[Original post on universeodon.com]
Photo overlooking Lake Superior on a sunny day. In the foreground, on a small table, sits a half-consumed glass of red wine, a pair of binoculars, and a copy of the book: REVOLUTIONS How Women Changed the World on two Wheels, by Hannah Ross
September 5, 2025 at 2:20 PM
markbrigham.universeodon.com.ap.brid.gy
Merlin app says this is a Merlin. (Positive id from both photo and sounds). Hanging around the back yard, looking for a songbird snack. Highly cropped. My first positive Merlin observation.

#birds #birdwatching #birdphotography #merlin
A Merlin perched on a dead tree branch, blue sky in background.
August 27, 2025 at 11:01 AM
markbrigham.universeodon.com.ap.brid.gy
Green Heron

#birding #birdwatching #Nature #naturephotography #isawabird #heron #greenheron #birdphotography #birdsofmastodon #m43 #lumix
Green Heron perched on a log, with a blurred green background. The bird’s beak is pointed toward the camera, and both eyes are visible Green Heron perched on a log, with a blurred green background. The bird’s head is perpendicular to the camera; it’s left eye is visible
August 27, 2025 at 3:13 AM
markbrigham.universeodon.com.ap.brid.gy
Green Heron
Green Heron perched on a log, with a blurred green background. The bird’s beak is pointed toward the camera, and both eyes are visible Green Heron perched on a log, with a blurred green background. The bird’s head is perpendicular to the camera; it’s left eye is visible
August 27, 2025 at 2:55 AM
markbrigham.universeodon.com.ap.brid.gy
Logged my first iNaturalist observation today. The White-marked Tussock Moth, Orgyia leucostigma; larval stage. Very cool looking caterpillar. The fella crawled away from this photo shoot completely healthy and unharmed from being gently placed on the ruler. […]

[Original post on universeodon.com]
White-marked Tussock Moth larva (caterpillar) on a metric ruler, with units in millimeters. The caterpillar’s body goes from about the 58 millimeter mark to the 80 millimeter mark, with “whiskers” extending another ~6 mm on both ends. White-marked Tussock Moth larva (caterpillar) on a leaf White-marked Tussock Moth larva (caterpillar) on a leaf White-marked Tussock Moth larva (caterpillar) on a leaf. The caterpillar’s head and fore whiskers protrude off the edge of the leaf
August 25, 2025 at 1:38 AM
markbrigham.universeodon.com.ap.brid.gy
Song Sparrow and Yellow Warbler from this morning’s amble, northeastern Minnesota #isawabird #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography
Song Sparrow perched on a bare branch, blue sky in background Yellow Warbler perched on a bare tree branch, blue sky in background
July 7, 2025 at 6:01 PM
markbrigham.universeodon.com.ap.brid.gy
Cedar Waxwings in Superior National Forest.

#birdsofpixelfed #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdsofmastodon #naturephotography #Nature #birdphotography
A Cedar Waxwing takes flights from a Serviceberry tree Cedar Waxwing perched on a lichen-covered tree branch. Trunk of a birch tree is blurred in the background Cedar Waxwing perched in a Serviceberry tree; berries are visible in the branches
July 4, 2025 at 12:45 PM
markbrigham.universeodon.com.ap.brid.gy
The Social Security Administration is propagandizing for the Butt Ugly Bill. Isn’t that illegal? I know: who’s gonna stop them? #uspol #buttuglybill #bigbeautifulbill
Screen capture: Social Security Applauds Passage of Legislation Providing Historic Tax Relief for Seniors Inbox Social Security Ad... 6:27 PM to me v Unsubscribe C Social Security O SANSTEN Social Security Applauds Passage of Legislation Providing Historic Tax Relief for Seniors The Social Security Administration (SSA) is celebrating the passage of the One Big, Beautiful Bill, a landmark piece of legislation that delivers long-awaited tax relief to millions of older Americans. The bill ensures that nearly 90% of Social Security beneficiaries will no longer pay federal income taxes on their benefits,
July 4, 2025 at 12:32 AM
markbrigham.universeodon.com.ap.brid.gy
This person deserves an award for 3-dimensional protest art. #nokings #mnastodon
Close up view of a beer can on a stick, with image of Stephen Miller. The beer label is BLite Rear view of protesters/artist. She dons a food-service hat labeled FASCIST ON A STICK, and has a likeness of a large Taco strapped to her back labeled “taco don’s” Image of politician on a stick, tongue out, labeled NUTLICK SUPREME Frontal view of the FASCIST ON A STICK display
June 14, 2025 at 11:20 PM
markbrigham.universeodon.com.ap.brid.gy
I know this guy. I like the layers of messaging he showed up with today. #nokings #mnastodon #minnesota #stpaul #uspol #tuckfrump #stochasticterrorism
A man wears a hat that says CEASE FIRE in blaze orange. He dons a T-shirt that reads I AM A FORCE FOR SCIENCE He holds a sign that reads: НАТЕ SPEECH = STOCHASTIC TERRORISM
June 14, 2025 at 11:13 PM