Ash Ponders is judging the Smithsonian Photo Contest
@ashponders.bsky.social
I was a poet but then I wanted
to get paid
worse.
I make photos for news.
@ashponders.01 on signal.
http://ashponders.com
to get paid
worse.
I make photos for news.
@ashponders.01 on signal.
http://ashponders.com
Pinned
Hey friends. I'm doing a holiday printsale over on ashponders.darkroom.com. Please take a look, I make images of pretty things like monkeys who are disappointed in you and rainbows that aren't. If you can buy a print, do!
Ok! A buncha people came through & suggested some images I've made that might find a home on the walls of my many many admirers.
Because of their wonderful labor, I've increased the 'bluesky' discount to 50% and refunded the difference to those of you who've used the code when it was only 25%.
Because of their wonderful labor, I've increased the 'bluesky' discount to 50% and refunded the difference to those of you who've used the code when it was only 25%.
Reposted by Ash Ponders is judging the Smithsonian Photo Contest
...do people not get that the rising sun is a hate symbol or
December 4, 2025 at 4:46 PM
...do people not get that the rising sun is a hate symbol or
Reposted by Ash Ponders is judging the Smithsonian Photo Contest
What lengths will a hospital go to in order to become the only game in town — and what does it mean for the patients?
Read Sick in a Hospital Town, a new series debuting Dec. 7 on ProPublica.
➡️ Sign up for our newsletter to get this investigation in your inbox: https://propub.li/44B1eZG
Read Sick in a Hospital Town, a new series debuting Dec. 7 on ProPublica.
➡️ Sign up for our newsletter to get this investigation in your inbox: https://propub.li/44B1eZG
December 4, 2025 at 2:00 PM
What lengths will a hospital go to in order to become the only game in town — and what does it mean for the patients?
Read Sick in a Hospital Town, a new series debuting Dec. 7 on ProPublica.
➡️ Sign up for our newsletter to get this investigation in your inbox: https://propub.li/44B1eZG
Read Sick in a Hospital Town, a new series debuting Dec. 7 on ProPublica.
➡️ Sign up for our newsletter to get this investigation in your inbox: https://propub.li/44B1eZG
Reposted by Ash Ponders is judging the Smithsonian Photo Contest
I don't only post about Boards of Canada, I also try to sell some of the world's best fresh roasted coffee beans.
It me, giving u a quick rundown of this week’s ☕️ treats:
December 4, 2025 at 2:51 AM
I don't only post about Boards of Canada, I also try to sell some of the world's best fresh roasted coffee beans.
Reposted by Ash Ponders is judging the Smithsonian Photo Contest
"Corn ethanol requires millions of acres that could instead be used for food crops or more efficient energy sources. One recent study found that solar panels can generate as much energy as corn ethanol on roughly 3% of the land."
Corn’s clean-energy promise is clashing with its climate footprint
Corn dominates U.S. farmland and fuels the ethanol industry. But the fertilizer it relies on drives emissions and fouls drinking water.
floodlightnews.org
December 4, 2025 at 2:37 PM
"Corn ethanol requires millions of acres that could instead be used for food crops or more efficient energy sources. One recent study found that solar panels can generate as much energy as corn ethanol on roughly 3% of the land."
Reposted by Ash Ponders is judging the Smithsonian Photo Contest
Conspiracy, desperation and drones. A climate "solution" for our time.
www.wsj.com/us-news/clim...
www.wsj.com/us-news/clim...
The ‘Chemtrails’ Conspiracy Theory Dogging the Battle Against Drought
Rainmaker updated cloud seeding with drones and AI but is targeted by people who believe the government is manipulating the weather.
www.wsj.com
December 4, 2025 at 12:58 PM
Conspiracy, desperation and drones. A climate "solution" for our time.
www.wsj.com/us-news/clim...
www.wsj.com/us-news/clim...
Reposted by Ash Ponders is judging the Smithsonian Photo Contest
When this aired everyone was talking about it but if you didn't watch it live & didn't record it yourself or have a pal who did, you were kind of out of luck & I swear mostly people were talking about Prince's ass & not the rest of it (!!!); I was not prepared when I finally saw it.
The official sign that Prince was hot again was when he was asked to be the closing act for MTV’s VMAs. Prince delivered the *most* scandalous performance in MTV’s history with the live debut of Gett Off, which was easily the most talked-about moment of the night. youtu.be/yRfYWJmWN2U
PRINCE & THE NPG / GETT OFF / MTV VMA '91
YouTube video by no name
youtu.be
December 4, 2025 at 7:44 AM
When this aired everyone was talking about it but if you didn't watch it live & didn't record it yourself or have a pal who did, you were kind of out of luck & I swear mostly people were talking about Prince's ass & not the rest of it (!!!); I was not prepared when I finally saw it.
Reposted by Ash Ponders is judging the Smithsonian Photo Contest
New York Times sues Defense Secretary Hegseth over media restrictions - coming up on NPR's Morning Edition at 6.45/8.45a
My written story for NPR:
www.npr.org/2025/12/04/n...
My written story for NPR:
www.npr.org/2025/12/04/n...
'New York Times' sues Pentagon over media restrictions
The Times accuses Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth of violating its constitutional rights with a press policy that, the paper says, deprives the public of access to critical national security information.
www.npr.org
December 4, 2025 at 11:42 AM
New York Times sues Defense Secretary Hegseth over media restrictions - coming up on NPR's Morning Edition at 6.45/8.45a
My written story for NPR:
www.npr.org/2025/12/04/n...
My written story for NPR:
www.npr.org/2025/12/04/n...
Reposted by Ash Ponders is judging the Smithsonian Photo Contest
NEW: Jimmie Duncan spent 27 years on death row, convicted in part based on evidence experts now consider to be junk science.
But even after the overturning of his murder conviction and his release on bail, Louisiana still wants to execute him.
By @richardawebster.bsky.social, w/ @veritenews.org
But even after the overturning of his murder conviction and his release on bail, Louisiana still wants to execute him.
By @richardawebster.bsky.social, w/ @veritenews.org
A Death Row Inmate Was Released on Bail After His Conviction Was Overturned. Louisiana Still Wants to Execute Him.
Months after a judge tossed out his 1998 murder conviction, Jimmie Duncan is free on bail. But prosecutors have asked the Louisiana Supreme Court to reinstate the death penalty for Duncan, even as the...
www.propublica.org
December 3, 2025 at 7:01 PM
NEW: Jimmie Duncan spent 27 years on death row, convicted in part based on evidence experts now consider to be junk science.
But even after the overturning of his murder conviction and his release on bail, Louisiana still wants to execute him.
By @richardawebster.bsky.social, w/ @veritenews.org
But even after the overturning of his murder conviction and his release on bail, Louisiana still wants to execute him.
By @richardawebster.bsky.social, w/ @veritenews.org
Reposted by Ash Ponders is judging the Smithsonian Photo Contest
New Orleans launches portal to report human rights abuses by Trump paramilitary units
www.nola.com/gambit/news/...
www.nola.com/gambit/news/...
New Orleans launches portal to report human rights abuses by Trump paramilitary units
The New Orleans City Council Dec. 3 launched an online portal for residents to report civil and human rights abuses by ICE and CBP paramilitary units occupying the city during
www.nola.com
December 4, 2025 at 12:24 AM
New Orleans launches portal to report human rights abuses by Trump paramilitary units
www.nola.com/gambit/news/...
www.nola.com/gambit/news/...
Don’t mess up like me, watch a Russian film before the year ends; @letterboxd.social uses a Mercator projection.
December 4, 2025 at 1:57 AM
Don’t mess up like me, watch a Russian film before the year ends; @letterboxd.social uses a Mercator projection.
Reposted by Ash Ponders is judging the Smithsonian Photo Contest
It’s not the quintessential Onion headline but I think this the day after the US got bounced from the 2010 World Cup and like a week after Donovan won the group at the last minute with a goal I eventually got a tattoo of was the hardest I ever laughed at anything
theonion.com/landon-donov...
theonion.com/landon-donov...
Landon Donovan - A Disgrace To The Soccer-Loving Country Of America
Professional Soccer Player
theonion.com
December 4, 2025 at 1:32 AM
It’s not the quintessential Onion headline but I think this the day after the US got bounced from the 2010 World Cup and like a week after Donovan won the group at the last minute with a goal I eventually got a tattoo of was the hardest I ever laughed at anything
theonion.com/landon-donov...
theonion.com/landon-donov...
Don’t get to see em much here in Arizona, but these Fulvous Whistling-Ducks sure are cute.
December 3, 2025 at 11:12 PM
Don’t get to see em much here in Arizona, but these Fulvous Whistling-Ducks sure are cute.
Reposted by Ash Ponders is judging the Smithsonian Photo Contest
Farm workers stand in solidarity with striking Starbucks workers.
Starbucks baristas have been fighting for a fair union contract for close to 4 years. Just like many farm workers, @sbworkersunited.org is fighting back against greedy union busting employers.
#NoContractNoCoffee
Starbucks baristas have been fighting for a fair union contract for close to 4 years. Just like many farm workers, @sbworkersunited.org is fighting back against greedy union busting employers.
#NoContractNoCoffee
December 3, 2025 at 11:00 PM
Farm workers stand in solidarity with striking Starbucks workers.
Starbucks baristas have been fighting for a fair union contract for close to 4 years. Just like many farm workers, @sbworkersunited.org is fighting back against greedy union busting employers.
#NoContractNoCoffee
Starbucks baristas have been fighting for a fair union contract for close to 4 years. Just like many farm workers, @sbworkersunited.org is fighting back against greedy union busting employers.
#NoContractNoCoffee
Reposted by Ash Ponders is judging the Smithsonian Photo Contest
come to bardez on saturday for our GRAND OPENING! 11-7, special treats 4 u, xoxoxoxo
www.instagram.com/dinettebarde...
www.instagram.com/dinettebarde...
December 3, 2025 at 9:48 PM
come to bardez on saturday for our GRAND OPENING! 11-7, special treats 4 u, xoxoxoxo
www.instagram.com/dinettebarde...
www.instagram.com/dinettebarde...
Reposted by Ash Ponders is judging the Smithsonian Photo Contest
"China holds most of the world’s rare-earth processing facilities, but ... it has tightened restrictions on domestic extraction... Rare-earth mining has since expanded just the border in Myanmar, where labor is cheap and environmental regulations are weak."
arstechnica.com/science/2025...
arstechnica.com/science/2025...
In Myanmar, illicit rare-earth mining is taking a heavy toll
Uncontrolled mining in areas of Myanmar ruled by powerful ethnic armies has boomed.
arstechnica.com
December 3, 2025 at 9:50 PM
"China holds most of the world’s rare-earth processing facilities, but ... it has tightened restrictions on domestic extraction... Rare-earth mining has since expanded just the border in Myanmar, where labor is cheap and environmental regulations are weak."
arstechnica.com/science/2025...
arstechnica.com/science/2025...
Reposted by Ash Ponders is judging the Smithsonian Photo Contest
newsletterrrr dropppppp
welcome to long exposure
caitlinohara.beehiiv.com
December 3, 2025 at 9:01 PM
newsletterrrr dropppppp
Reposted by Ash Ponders is judging the Smithsonian Photo Contest
Excited for this one... a pricey microlot but I couldn't resist bringing it in, so we're selling it at close to break-even. ☕
Our next single origin drop:
Cafeologia Antonio Giron - Chiapas, Mexico
A washed Garnica variety coffee from a project connecting small producers with expert agronomists. Toffee, Milk chocolate, honey, peach nectar, passion fruit, bubble gum. So good!
www.yesplz.coffee/product/sing...
Cafeologia Antonio Giron - Chiapas, Mexico
A washed Garnica variety coffee from a project connecting small producers with expert agronomists. Toffee, Milk chocolate, honey, peach nectar, passion fruit, bubble gum. So good!
www.yesplz.coffee/product/sing...
December 3, 2025 at 4:02 PM
Excited for this one... a pricey microlot but I couldn't resist bringing it in, so we're selling it at close to break-even. ☕
Reposted by Ash Ponders is judging the Smithsonian Photo Contest
Our next single origin drop:
Cafeologia Antonio Giron - Chiapas, Mexico
A washed Garnica variety coffee from a project connecting small producers with expert agronomists. Toffee, Milk chocolate, honey, peach nectar, passion fruit, bubble gum. So good!
www.yesplz.coffee/product/sing...
Cafeologia Antonio Giron - Chiapas, Mexico
A washed Garnica variety coffee from a project connecting small producers with expert agronomists. Toffee, Milk chocolate, honey, peach nectar, passion fruit, bubble gum. So good!
www.yesplz.coffee/product/sing...
December 3, 2025 at 3:59 PM
Our next single origin drop:
Cafeologia Antonio Giron - Chiapas, Mexico
A washed Garnica variety coffee from a project connecting small producers with expert agronomists. Toffee, Milk chocolate, honey, peach nectar, passion fruit, bubble gum. So good!
www.yesplz.coffee/product/sing...
Cafeologia Antonio Giron - Chiapas, Mexico
A washed Garnica variety coffee from a project connecting small producers with expert agronomists. Toffee, Milk chocolate, honey, peach nectar, passion fruit, bubble gum. So good!
www.yesplz.coffee/product/sing...
Reposted by Ash Ponders is judging the Smithsonian Photo Contest
No More Deaths has been working to find the arrestees in the weeks since, to no avail. “They’ve somewhat disappeared into the ICE custody black hole.”
Border Patrol Raided Arizona Medical Aid Site With No Warrant, Showing Growing “Impunity”
The raid on humanitarian aid providers on the U.S.-Mexico divide was the first where Border Patrol entered structures without a warrant.
interc.pt
December 3, 2025 at 6:48 PM
No More Deaths has been working to find the arrestees in the weeks since, to no avail. “They’ve somewhat disappeared into the ICE custody black hole.”
Reposted by Ash Ponders is judging the Smithsonian Photo Contest
A new report looks at approaches for updating local ordinances in California to consider the connection between groundwater use and streamflow within the context of SGMA and a 2018 ruling that applied public trust considerations to well permits. www.groundwaterresourcehub.org/content/dam/...
December 3, 2025 at 5:56 PM
A new report looks at approaches for updating local ordinances in California to consider the connection between groundwater use and streamflow within the context of SGMA and a 2018 ruling that applied public trust considerations to well permits. www.groundwaterresourcehub.org/content/dam/...
Reposted by Ash Ponders is judging the Smithsonian Photo Contest
"She can be heard screaming as agents attempt to handcuff her. 'I’m a U.S. citizen, please help me,' she shouted after agents forced her to the ground. 'This is unfair. Why are you doing this to me?'”
Gift link:
www.miamiherald.com/news/local/c...
Gift link:
www.miamiherald.com/news/local/c...
December 3, 2025 at 5:26 PM
"She can be heard screaming as agents attempt to handcuff her. 'I’m a U.S. citizen, please help me,' she shouted after agents forced her to the ground. 'This is unfair. Why are you doing this to me?'”
Gift link:
www.miamiherald.com/news/local/c...
Gift link:
www.miamiherald.com/news/local/c...
Reposted by Ash Ponders is judging the Smithsonian Photo Contest
I read about movies because I want to hear about titles that I have never come across or that I never gave a second thought.
People who want lists of movies that they are familiar with are just collecting critical kudos for their favorites like they’re video game achievements.
What boring people
People who want lists of movies that they are familiar with are just collecting critical kudos for their favorites like they’re video game achievements.
What boring people
December 3, 2025 at 5:47 PM
I read about movies because I want to hear about titles that I have never come across or that I never gave a second thought.
People who want lists of movies that they are familiar with are just collecting critical kudos for their favorites like they’re video game achievements.
What boring people
People who want lists of movies that they are familiar with are just collecting critical kudos for their favorites like they’re video game achievements.
What boring people
Reposted by Ash Ponders is judging the Smithsonian Photo Contest
"Unluckily for collagen, I am possessed of a lot of time and have a keen sense of justice." 😍
December 3, 2025 at 5:46 PM
"Unluckily for collagen, I am possessed of a lot of time and have a keen sense of justice." 😍
Reposted by Ash Ponders is judging the Smithsonian Photo Contest
writing that republicans "do not seem to be considering" a full-scale porn ban, despite your own sources for this story AND republicans themselves saying they want to ban porn, is sending me to outer space nytimes.com/2025/12/01/u...
December 3, 2025 at 3:24 PM
writing that republicans "do not seem to be considering" a full-scale porn ban, despite your own sources for this story AND republicans themselves saying they want to ban porn, is sending me to outer space nytimes.com/2025/12/01/u...
Reposted by Ash Ponders is judging the Smithsonian Photo Contest
@nodesertdatacenter.com has been one of the most energetic and fast-growing organizing efforts I've covered - this summer it was a loose group of people opposed to a water-heavy development, and its closing out 2025 as a national model for fighting data centers
azluminaria.org/2025/07/21/t...
azluminaria.org/2025/07/21/t...
December 3, 2025 at 2:24 PM
@nodesertdatacenter.com has been one of the most energetic and fast-growing organizing efforts I've covered - this summer it was a loose group of people opposed to a water-heavy development, and its closing out 2025 as a national model for fighting data centers
azluminaria.org/2025/07/21/t...
azluminaria.org/2025/07/21/t...