Andrew Sparling
@awsparling.bsky.social
Ph.D., history. Hist. of sci. & med.; Paracelsus; c16 Germany. Husband & father. 𝕏-pat. Hobby: learning about & not catching brain-eating bat viruses. In public indoor spaces, wear a high-quality mask (N95 or better). Clean the air!
📍Melbourne, VIC
📍Melbourne, VIC
Pinned
Andrew Sparling
@awsparling.bsky.social
· Nov 17
It's Bluesky. Posting is bleating.
That's it. That's the bleat.
That's it. That's the bleat.
Reposted by Andrew Sparling
remember when until recently federal agent was the go to career on TV shows to signal somebody was extra professional and qualified as opposed to being untrained criminals who can barely pass a middle school level of fitness or basic competence exam rushed out to kidnap people and provoke a response
a new genre of photo in the last year is federal agents working for ICE pointing guns directly at photographers
November 11, 2025 at 1:02 AM
remember when until recently federal agent was the go to career on TV shows to signal somebody was extra professional and qualified as opposed to being untrained criminals who can barely pass a middle school level of fitness or basic competence exam rushed out to kidnap people and provoke a response
Reposted by Andrew Sparling
Let me tell you something very relevant to know: @chiosse.bsky.social is one of a very few members of the council to move a big, truly important bill to passage in decades.
He banned broker fees for renters, which were an outrageous rip off that cost millions of NYers big money.
He banned broker fees for renters, which were an outrageous rip off that cost millions of NYers big money.
Hakeem Jeffries is about to get a primary challenger.
@chiosse.bsky.social will reportedly make an announcement about this in the coming weeks.
@chiosse.bsky.social will reportedly make an announcement about this in the coming weeks.
Against Mamdani’s Wishes, Gen Z Councilman Plans to Challenge Jeffries
www.nytimes.com
November 11, 2025 at 12:13 AM
Let me tell you something very relevant to know: @chiosse.bsky.social is one of a very few members of the council to move a big, truly important bill to passage in decades.
He banned broker fees for renters, which were an outrageous rip off that cost millions of NYers big money.
He banned broker fees for renters, which were an outrageous rip off that cost millions of NYers big money.
Reposted by Andrew Sparling
Canadian COVID Forecast Nov 8 - Nov 21, 2025
NOVA SCOTIA
VERY HIGH [no change]
About 1 of every 93 people is infected.
Compared to lowest point of pandemic in Canada:
-Infections: 8.0 x higher
-Long COVID: 6.3 x higher
-Hospitalizations: 13.3 x higher
-Deaths: 16.8 x higher
NOVA SCOTIA
VERY HIGH [no change]
About 1 of every 93 people is infected.
Compared to lowest point of pandemic in Canada:
-Infections: 8.0 x higher
-Long COVID: 6.3 x higher
-Hospitalizations: 13.3 x higher
-Deaths: 16.8 x higher
![This image describes the Canadian COVID Forecast for the fourteen-day period between Nov 8 - Nov 21, 2025, which is produced by COVID-19 Resources Canada. Nova Scotia's COVID Forecast outlook is VERY HIGH [no change] with a COVID INDEX SCORE of 12.7
About 1 of every 93 people is infected.
Estimated infections this week: 18,200-25,200
What these numbers mean: MODERATE 1-5, HIGH 5-10, VERY HIGH 10-15, SEVERE >15 COMPARED TO THE LOWEST POINT IN THE COVID PANDEMIC IN CANADA
How much higher are key indicators compared to the lowest point in the COVID pandemic in Canada?
Waste water, infections: HIGH; 8.0X higher
Long COVID: HIGH; 6.3X higher
Hospitalizations: VERY HIGH; 13.3X higher
Deaths: SEVERE; 16.8X higher
HOW TO HELP:
EVERYONE:
UPDATE vaccines every 6 months
WEAR N95-type masks
AVOID indoor social gatherings
AVOID crowded non-essential places
Who is HIGH RISK?
People 60 and older, babies < 1 year, pregnant
ALL AGES: immunocompromised OR medically at-risk OR no vaccine or infection in the last 6 months
Recommendations are based on the COVID-19 Risk Index from the Peterborough ON Public Health Unit
COVID-19 Resources Canada is a grassroots organization of volunteer scientists supporting Canadian COVID responses. Sources, data and methods for the COVID Index are available at www.Covid19Resources.ca](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:qbuobwdie7rzq4fburk63aft/bafkreifrud7vvzonmyb2ibvlm7vyy2h7dlvt3v2tnx3r5hxezx43zbyvqa@jpeg)
November 10, 2025 at 11:29 PM
Canadian COVID Forecast Nov 8 - Nov 21, 2025
NOVA SCOTIA
VERY HIGH [no change]
About 1 of every 93 people is infected.
Compared to lowest point of pandemic in Canada:
-Infections: 8.0 x higher
-Long COVID: 6.3 x higher
-Hospitalizations: 13.3 x higher
-Deaths: 16.8 x higher
NOVA SCOTIA
VERY HIGH [no change]
About 1 of every 93 people is infected.
Compared to lowest point of pandemic in Canada:
-Infections: 8.0 x higher
-Long COVID: 6.3 x higher
-Hospitalizations: 13.3 x higher
-Deaths: 16.8 x higher
Reposted by Andrew Sparling
I'll get back to "party unity" as soon as the Senate Minority Leader tells us if he voted for the Democratic party nominee for mayor of his city.
I'm tired of party unity only ever running one way.
I'm tired of party unity only ever running one way.
November 10, 2025 at 11:14 PM
I'll get back to "party unity" as soon as the Senate Minority Leader tells us if he voted for the Democratic party nominee for mayor of his city.
I'm tired of party unity only ever running one way.
I'm tired of party unity only ever running one way.
Reposted by Andrew Sparling
So is the House at least going to swear in Adelita Grijalva now
November 10, 2025 at 8:02 AM
So is the House at least going to swear in Adelita Grijalva now
Reposted by Andrew Sparling
Reminder that the deep context here is Republicans' turning the nation to authoritarianism, where there are no independent branches of government such as Congress or the judiciary, and Congress & judges must all submit to the will of the dictator in charge.
Dems wasted the chance to drive that msg.
Dems wasted the chance to drive that msg.
A Nixon-era law forbids presidents from blocking spending over policy disagreements. Federal courts have also prevented presidents from refusing to spend money unless Congress grants them the flexibility.
Trump seeks to upend it all.
By @mtredden.bsky.social
(Published Nov. 2024)
Trump seeks to upend it all.
By @mtredden.bsky.social
(Published Nov. 2024)
How Trump Plans to Seize the Power of the Purse From Congress
The second-term president likely will seek to cut off spending that lawmakers have already appropriated, setting off a constitutional struggle within the branches. If successful, he could wield the…
propub.li
November 10, 2025 at 10:57 PM
Reminder that the deep context here is Republicans' turning the nation to authoritarianism, where there are no independent branches of government such as Congress or the judiciary, and Congress & judges must all submit to the will of the dictator in charge.
Dems wasted the chance to drive that msg.
Dems wasted the chance to drive that msg.
Reposted by Andrew Sparling
BREAKING: "The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has notified the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) that Canada no longer holds measles elimination status."
Statement from the Public Health Agency of Canada on Canada’s Measles Elimination Status
Following over 12 months of transmission across the country, PAHO confirms Canada's loss of measles elimination status. We are coordinating efforts with provinces and territories to restore the status...
www.canada.ca
November 10, 2025 at 2:36 PM
BREAKING: "The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has notified the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) that Canada no longer holds measles elimination status."
Reposted by Andrew Sparling
Not sure if John Bye is here, but I appreciate his efforts exposing this.
November 9, 2025 at 3:57 PM
Not sure if John Bye is here, but I appreciate his efforts exposing this.
Reposted by Andrew Sparling
Reposted by Andrew Sparling
Ezra Healing is a "medical freedom" clinic started by former nurse Svetlana Rilkoff. The internet abounds with rumours of her ivermectin-smuggling operation (among other scandals).
William Makis is said to be the main buyer of her ivermectin products. His customers should read this warning. 👇
William Makis is said to be the main buyer of her ivermectin products. His customers should read this warning. 👇
Unauthorized drugs seized from Ezra Healing in Kelowna, BC may pose serious health risks - Canada.ca
Health Canada is warning consumers about multiple unauthorized drug products seized from Ezra Healing located at 100-2041 Harvey Ave, in Kelowna, British Columbia. The products are labelled to contain...
recalls-rappels.canada.ca
November 8, 2025 at 2:16 PM
Ezra Healing is a "medical freedom" clinic started by former nurse Svetlana Rilkoff. The internet abounds with rumours of her ivermectin-smuggling operation (among other scandals).
William Makis is said to be the main buyer of her ivermectin products. His customers should read this warning. 👇
William Makis is said to be the main buyer of her ivermectin products. His customers should read this warning. 👇
Reposted by Andrew Sparling
Pinning this again:
Do not use milk, juice, urine, antacids, baking soda on pepper spray or tear gas. Just water. Plain water..
Optical saline ok in eyes, but maybe save it for the dumbasses who wore contact lenses.
Plain soap or shampoo ok on skin, but never in eyes.
Do not use milk, juice, urine, antacids, baking soda on pepper spray or tear gas. Just water. Plain water..
Optical saline ok in eyes, but maybe save it for the dumbasses who wore contact lenses.
Plain soap or shampoo ok on skin, but never in eyes.
November 10, 2025 at 11:12 AM
Pinning this again:
Do not use milk, juice, urine, antacids, baking soda on pepper spray or tear gas. Just water. Plain water..
Optical saline ok in eyes, but maybe save it for the dumbasses who wore contact lenses.
Plain soap or shampoo ok on skin, but never in eyes.
Do not use milk, juice, urine, antacids, baking soda on pepper spray or tear gas. Just water. Plain water..
Optical saline ok in eyes, but maybe save it for the dumbasses who wore contact lenses.
Plain soap or shampoo ok on skin, but never in eyes.
Reposted by Andrew Sparling
How long till we learn American, United & Delta worked the phones on Senate Dems?
November 10, 2025 at 4:41 AM
How long till we learn American, United & Delta worked the phones on Senate Dems?
Really? Because I've been saying this was coming since 2015.
November 10, 2025 at 4:16 AM
Really? Because I've been saying this was coming since 2015.
Reposted by Andrew Sparling
This is literally where I am.
I can understand the ACA decision, but the core goal of this shutdown was to try and assert some manner of "the executive branch will follow the goddamn law"
We didn't get that, at all.
I can understand the ACA decision, but the core goal of this shutdown was to try and assert some manner of "the executive branch will follow the goddamn law"
We didn't get that, at all.
Still upset about no power of the purse language. You truly do hate to see it. The Trump admin undertook the most expansive set of illegal budgetary actions of any president in history, and broadcast as loudly as possible they’d keep doing it, and nothing. Budgetary lawlessness.
November 10, 2025 at 2:01 AM
This is literally where I am.
I can understand the ACA decision, but the core goal of this shutdown was to try and assert some manner of "the executive branch will follow the goddamn law"
We didn't get that, at all.
I can understand the ACA decision, but the core goal of this shutdown was to try and assert some manner of "the executive branch will follow the goddamn law"
We didn't get that, at all.
Reposted by Andrew Sparling
Senator Schumer is no longer effective and should be replaced. If you can’t lead the fight to stop healthcare premiums from skyrocketing for Americans, what will you fight for?
November 10, 2025 at 2:25 AM
Senator Schumer is no longer effective and should be replaced. If you can’t lead the fight to stop healthcare premiums from skyrocketing for Americans, what will you fight for?
Reposted by Andrew Sparling
From the Gluepot Reserve FB account:
Solar powered kangaroos! These thirsty roos know where to come after a sprinkle of rain on a hot day. They also clean our solar panels for us!
😂
Solar powered kangaroos! These thirsty roos know where to come after a sprinkle of rain on a hot day. They also clean our solar panels for us!
😂
November 10, 2025 at 2:21 AM
From the Gluepot Reserve FB account:
Solar powered kangaroos! These thirsty roos know where to come after a sprinkle of rain on a hot day. They also clean our solar panels for us!
😂
Solar powered kangaroos! These thirsty roos know where to come after a sprinkle of rain on a hot day. They also clean our solar panels for us!
😂
Reposted by Andrew Sparling
The average SNAP benefit per month is $177 a person.
The average ACA benefit per month is up to $550 a person.
People want us to hold the line for a reason. This is not a matter of appealing to a base. It’s about people’s lives.
And working people want leaders whose word means something to them.
The average ACA benefit per month is up to $550 a person.
People want us to hold the line for a reason. This is not a matter of appealing to a base. It’s about people’s lives.
And working people want leaders whose word means something to them.
November 10, 2025 at 1:49 AM
The average SNAP benefit per month is $177 a person.
The average ACA benefit per month is up to $550 a person.
People want us to hold the line for a reason. This is not a matter of appealing to a base. It’s about people’s lives.
And working people want leaders whose word means something to them.
The average ACA benefit per month is up to $550 a person.
People want us to hold the line for a reason. This is not a matter of appealing to a base. It’s about people’s lives.
And working people want leaders whose word means something to them.
Reposted by Andrew Sparling
Are you fucking kidding- vote to cave NOW???
November 9, 2025 at 8:43 PM
Are you fucking kidding- vote to cave NOW???
Reposted by Andrew Sparling
agreeing to make a terrible deal while your main opponent is quite literally being boo'd on live tv by an entire stadium of people is the kind of political instinct you'd normally only find in a 3 week old dead goldfish
November 10, 2025 at 12:36 AM
agreeing to make a terrible deal while your main opponent is quite literally being boo'd on live tv by an entire stadium of people is the kind of political instinct you'd normally only find in a 3 week old dead goldfish
Reposted by Andrew Sparling
i think this is key. taking the deal would amount to taking the blame. it would turn a clear political victory into an unambiguous defeat.
If the Dems blink after all of this, for a deal that all but ensures no ACA subsidies in 2026 anyway, then what was the purpose of letting the shutdown go for 40 days in the first place?
November 10, 2025 at 12:56 AM
i think this is key. taking the deal would amount to taking the blame. it would turn a clear political victory into an unambiguous defeat.
Reposted by Andrew Sparling
Reposted by Andrew Sparling
If Warren is against it, generally means it’s a terrible idea!
“I think it’s a terrible mistake,” Sen. Elizabeth Warren says of the deal. “People want us to stand and fight for health care, and that's what I believe.” (via Igor Bobic, HuffPo) x.com/igorbobic/st...
November 10, 2025 at 12:47 AM
If Warren is against it, generally means it’s a terrible idea!
Reposted by Andrew Sparling
Donald Trump’s approval rating has tanked and Republican suffered heavy losses in last week’s elections. There’s never been a better time for Senate Democrats to cave on the ACA extension.
November 9, 2025 at 11:47 PM
Donald Trump’s approval rating has tanked and Republican suffered heavy losses in last week’s elections. There’s never been a better time for Senate Democrats to cave on the ACA extension.
Reposted by Andrew Sparling
"individuals who largely operate under the delusion that, because they have managed to gather the largest shares of the value...that they are also the source of that value, which would be like a chipmunk believing it is the source of peanuts because it has managed to get a cheekful."
Today I wrote about Zohran Mamdani's historic win, the energizing power of holding to shared principles of decency, and a taxonomy of the endlessly intertwined relationship between shame and vision. www.the-reframe.com/the-extraord...
The Extraordinary Power of Standing For Something
Winning by creating vision in the positive space of shared standards, and expertly negotiating the negative space of shame.
www.the-reframe.com
November 9, 2025 at 11:20 PM
"individuals who largely operate under the delusion that, because they have managed to gather the largest shares of the value...that they are also the source of that value, which would be like a chipmunk believing it is the source of peanuts because it has managed to get a cheekful."