Melissa Sickmund
@sickmund.bsky.social
Living in the Pittsburgh area. Loving my grandma role and enjoying retirement after nearly 40 years as a juvenile/criminal justice researcher. Doing a bit of consulting and supporting reform efforts.
Reposted by Melissa Sickmund
George W. Bush: He is, indeed, the dumbest President we’ve ever had, and I thank God that he is every damned day.
December 20, 2025 at 2:05 PM
George W. Bush: He is, indeed, the dumbest President we’ve ever had, and I thank God that he is every damned day.
Reposted by Melissa Sickmund
Really interesting research showing that while ultra-specialization in a single discipline might lead to better results early in one’s career, multi-discipline training and practice pays off big time in the long run. This applies to a range of professions from scientists to athletes and more
Recent discoveries on the acquisition of the highest levels of human performance
Scientists have long debated the origins of exceptional human achievements. This literature review summarizes recent evidence from multiple domains on the acquisition of world-class performance. We re...
www.science.org
December 20, 2025 at 6:51 PM
Really interesting research showing that while ultra-specialization in a single discipline might lead to better results early in one’s career, multi-discipline training and practice pays off big time in the long run. This applies to a range of professions from scientists to athletes and more
Reposted by Melissa Sickmund
Reposted by Melissa Sickmund
Yes, this is a real government ad…
“Are you a white male who has experienced discrimination at work based on your race or sex?”
In a country built on centuries of actual discrimination, the EEOC is using civil rights language to insulate white male mediocrity from competition.
“Are you a white male who has experienced discrimination at work based on your race or sex?”
In a country built on centuries of actual discrimination, the EEOC is using civil rights language to insulate white male mediocrity from competition.
December 20, 2025 at 12:34 PM
Yes, this is a real government ad…
“Are you a white male who has experienced discrimination at work based on your race or sex?”
In a country built on centuries of actual discrimination, the EEOC is using civil rights language to insulate white male mediocrity from competition.
“Are you a white male who has experienced discrimination at work based on your race or sex?”
In a country built on centuries of actual discrimination, the EEOC is using civil rights language to insulate white male mediocrity from competition.
Perhaps try a non-holiday movie with a strong heroine instead. Alien?
Watching a feelgood movie to combat the looming holiday despondency.
Not only does it not work nowadays, but it fills me with bitter resentment.
Ugh.
Maybe it's time to switch to heroin.
Not only does it not work nowadays, but it fills me with bitter resentment.
Ugh.
Maybe it's time to switch to heroin.
December 20, 2025 at 2:48 PM
Perhaps try a non-holiday movie with a strong heroine instead. Alien?
Reposted by Melissa Sickmund
White House Deputy Press Secretary gets community noted
December 20, 2025 at 5:37 AM
White House Deputy Press Secretary gets community noted
Reposted by Melissa Sickmund
Jasmine Crockett: “Did Trump’s DOJ really think dropping hundreds of blacked out pages counted as complying with the law—
I know it’s a bunch of unqualified folks with no backbone over there, but this is next level”
I know it’s a bunch of unqualified folks with no backbone over there, but this is next level”
December 20, 2025 at 1:49 PM
Jasmine Crockett: “Did Trump’s DOJ really think dropping hundreds of blacked out pages counted as complying with the law—
I know it’s a bunch of unqualified folks with no backbone over there, but this is next level”
I know it’s a bunch of unqualified folks with no backbone over there, but this is next level”
Reposted by Melissa Sickmund
Pretty much sums up America today.
December 20, 2025 at 6:26 AM
Pretty much sums up America today.
I’m impressed. I may try to “copy” yours…
I’ve found lots of wonderful images by BlueSky artists to use as reference images. Both photos and paintings.
Thanks for sharing.
I’ve found lots of wonderful images by BlueSky artists to use as reference images. Both photos and paintings.
Thanks for sharing.
One of my favourite watercolour paintings. I copied this from a Terry Harrison Watercolour teaching book when I was teaching myself to paint. #art #watercolours #painting
December 20, 2025 at 1:55 PM
I’m impressed. I may try to “copy” yours…
I’ve found lots of wonderful images by BlueSky artists to use as reference images. Both photos and paintings.
Thanks for sharing.
I’ve found lots of wonderful images by BlueSky artists to use as reference images. Both photos and paintings.
Thanks for sharing.
😳
So... National Socialist States of America to USSA to International War Crimes to Terrorist State.
And Drumpf isn't even a full year into his 'presidency'.
Full scale quarantine, embargo, sanctions, asset freeze, and severing of all diplomatic and corporate ties please.
And Drumpf isn't even a full year into his 'presidency'.
Full scale quarantine, embargo, sanctions, asset freeze, and severing of all diplomatic and corporate ties please.
December 20, 2025 at 1:47 PM
😳
Reposted by Melissa Sickmund
Sean Glendening is the man covering up the Trumpstein files.
December 20, 2025 at 6:06 AM
Sean Glendening is the man covering up the Trumpstein files.
Reposted by Melissa Sickmund
A break from politics:
Aurora magic.
Aurora magic.
December 20, 2025 at 3:14 AM
A break from politics:
Aurora magic.
Aurora magic.
Reposted by Melissa Sickmund
President Clinton is right. This is not getting as much attnetion as it should. The USA under Trumpstein is betraying this promise, which means any agreement involving Russia and the USA is not worth the paper it’s written on 🤷♂️ en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Budapes...
December 20, 2025 at 12:25 PM
President Clinton is right. This is not getting as much attnetion as it should. The USA under Trumpstein is betraying this promise, which means any agreement involving Russia and the USA is not worth the paper it’s written on 🤷♂️ en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Budapes...
Reposted by Melissa Sickmund
It's always great to read about someone like Zeeshan, who is now cycling for the first time!
But, as the article mentions, a trike is much bigger & heavier than a bike, and requires a lot of strength and stamina to use. You can't keep up with non-disabled people on bikes using an unpowered trike.
But, as the article mentions, a trike is much bigger & heavier than a bike, and requires a lot of strength and stamina to use. You can't keep up with non-disabled people on bikes using an unpowered trike.
I always thought I would never be able to ride a bike: Zeeshan’s story
Meet Zeeshan, a Primary 7 pupil in West Lothian we’ve reached through our I Bike Schools programme. Zeeshan has a physical disability and dyspraxia, which have always stopped him from cycling – until ...
www.walkwheelcycletrust.org.uk
December 19, 2025 at 10:40 AM
It's always great to read about someone like Zeeshan, who is now cycling for the first time!
But, as the article mentions, a trike is much bigger & heavier than a bike, and requires a lot of strength and stamina to use. You can't keep up with non-disabled people on bikes using an unpowered trike.
But, as the article mentions, a trike is much bigger & heavier than a bike, and requires a lot of strength and stamina to use. You can't keep up with non-disabled people on bikes using an unpowered trike.
Reposted by Melissa Sickmund
Reposted by Melissa Sickmund
Every word of this…
December 20, 2025 at 4:00 AM
Every word of this…
Reposted by Melissa Sickmund
WATCH-- Former AG Eric Holder says Congress should consider impeachment for the DOJ officials responsible for holding back the Epstein files: “That's a nuclear option that Congress has.”
December 20, 2025 at 1:43 AM
WATCH-- Former AG Eric Holder says Congress should consider impeachment for the DOJ officials responsible for holding back the Epstein files: “That's a nuclear option that Congress has.”
Reposted by Melissa Sickmund
DOJ broke the law today by refusing to produce all the Epstein files. It also broke the law by redacting information other than to protect victims. Yet, the corporate media is acting that DOJ did us a huge favor.
Now, more than ever, help build independent, pro-democracy media. hubs.ly/Q03CbHTt0
Now, more than ever, help build independent, pro-democracy media. hubs.ly/Q03CbHTt0
December 20, 2025 at 1:00 AM
DOJ broke the law today by refusing to produce all the Epstein files. It also broke the law by redacting information other than to protect victims. Yet, the corporate media is acting that DOJ did us a huge favor.
Now, more than ever, help build independent, pro-democracy media. hubs.ly/Q03CbHTt0
Now, more than ever, help build independent, pro-democracy media. hubs.ly/Q03CbHTt0
Reposted by Melissa Sickmund
The end goal is eugenicist. RFK and his ilk know that this will make vaccines more expensive and time-consuming — and therefore marginalized children are most likely to fall through the cracks.
This is about killing kids who aren't born to privilege.
www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/...
This is about killing kids who aren't born to privilege.
www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/...
U.S. plans to stop recommending most childhood vaccines, defer to doctors
The plan, which is not finalized, suggests children get fewer shots and shifts to a model telling parents to consult doctors to make their own vaccine choices.
www.washingtonpost.com
December 19, 2025 at 11:38 PM
The end goal is eugenicist. RFK and his ilk know that this will make vaccines more expensive and time-consuming — and therefore marginalized children are most likely to fall through the cracks.
This is about killing kids who aren't born to privilege.
www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/...
This is about killing kids who aren't born to privilege.
www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/...
Reposted by Melissa Sickmund
Reposted by Melissa Sickmund
Reposted by Melissa Sickmund
Never trust Trump to do anything but con and lie.
December 19, 2025 at 9:40 PM
Never trust Trump to do anything but con and lie.
Reposted by Melissa Sickmund
Yeah I'm SUPER shocked the DOJ is violating the law and not releasing all the Epstein files. WHO COULD HAVE GUESSED they'd continue to protect pedophiles??
Everyone. Everyone guessed.
Everyone. Everyone guessed.
December 19, 2025 at 7:19 PM
Yeah I'm SUPER shocked the DOJ is violating the law and not releasing all the Epstein files. WHO COULD HAVE GUESSED they'd continue to protect pedophiles??
Everyone. Everyone guessed.
Everyone. Everyone guessed.
Reposted by Melissa Sickmund
Here are the Top 5 Dogs of the week!
December 19, 2025 at 3:20 PM
Here are the Top 5 Dogs of the week!
Reposted by Melissa Sickmund
Despite many states imposing sweeping abortion bans after Dobbs, more Americans are having abortions, not fewer. Virtual consultations and prompt delivery of pills by mail allow people in all 50 states to access abortion care from the privacy of their homes for $150 or less.
Abortion Continues to Increase in 2025 as Telehealth Expands, Especially in States with Bans and Restrictions
The latest #WeCount report finds that abortion access is growing as patients turn to telehealth abortion pills and shield law providers.
msmagazine.com
December 19, 2025 at 2:59 AM
Despite many states imposing sweeping abortion bans after Dobbs, more Americans are having abortions, not fewer. Virtual consultations and prompt delivery of pills by mail allow people in all 50 states to access abortion care from the privacy of their homes for $150 or less.