Brian Wasik
@brianrwasik.bsky.social
Virologist. Evolutionary biologist.
Reposted by Brian Wasik
February 8, 2026 at 3:24 PM
Reposted by Brian Wasik
"Come on, just give the baby his bottle" is a terrific attitude for rank and file Republicans to have about the leader of their party.
LAWLER: Renaming infrastructure projects is not a new concept
KARL: Okay, but this isn't like, 'let's honor somebody.' Trump wants it named after himself! And he says he'll unfreeze the money if they do it
L: I could care less what the name of an infrastructure project is. I care that it gets done
KARL: Okay, but this isn't like, 'let's honor somebody.' Trump wants it named after himself! And he says he'll unfreeze the money if they do it
L: I could care less what the name of an infrastructure project is. I care that it gets done
February 8, 2026 at 3:30 PM
"Come on, just give the baby his bottle" is a terrific attitude for rank and file Republicans to have about the leader of their party.
Reposted by Brian Wasik
Learned from the Posting Through It podcast just how many MAGA-era influencers turned to politics after failing at more glamorous pursuits — theater, comedy, fashion, TV, movies, music. Knowles, if I’m not mistaken, had dreams of Broadway.
Michael Knowles and the other Daily Wire chuds play act at being celebrities because it’s the thing they actually crave
“You can sense, particularly from characters like Knowles, a cloying desperation to be seen as important, shiny media figures in their own right. They want the glow of stardom, and they hate the people who have it.” www.liberalcurrents.com/none-more-wo...
February 6, 2026 at 6:31 PM
Learned from the Posting Through It podcast just how many MAGA-era influencers turned to politics after failing at more glamorous pursuits — theater, comedy, fashion, TV, movies, music. Knowles, if I’m not mistaken, had dreams of Broadway.
Reposted by Brian Wasik
Any time I look to see what the Labour government is up to in the UK it turns out to be things like making posters that Alfonso Cuarón put in the background of the long tracking shot that opens “Children of Men”.
February 8, 2026 at 12:12 PM
Any time I look to see what the Labour government is up to in the UK it turns out to be things like making posters that Alfonso Cuarón put in the background of the long tracking shot that opens “Children of Men”.
Reposted by Brian Wasik
they fired everybody who knows that Puerto Ricans are American
The Super Bowl halftime show, with Bad Bunny showcasing Latin music before a global television audience expected to top 100 million, will illustrate the nation’s immigration divide whether or not the reggaeton star delivers an explicit political message.
The enthusiasm — and scorn — surrounding Bad Bunny’s star turn at the Super Bowl
The halftime show will illustrate the nation’s immigration divide whether or not the reggaeton star makes an explicit message about Trump’s deportation drive.
www.washingtonpost.com
February 8, 2026 at 2:25 AM
they fired everybody who knows that Puerto Ricans are American
Reposted by Brian Wasik
Concentration camps:
“For 280 days we haven’t eaten a single piece of fruit, banana, apple, orange, or anything fresh. We are all in one big room with no doors or windows. We can’t see any grass or trees. We are all constantly sick."
“For 280 days we haven’t eaten a single piece of fruit, banana, apple, orange, or anything fresh. We are all in one big room with no doors or windows. We can’t see any grass or trees. We are all constantly sick."
Exclusive: Detention Center Captives Are Throwing Lotion Bottles Wrapped With Notes to Organizers Outside Otay Mesa Facility ~ L.A. TACO
“For 280 days we haven’t eaten a single piece of fruit, banana, apple, orange, or anything fresh," an Otay Mesa captive communicated through handwritten note. "We are all in one big room with no doors...
lataco.com
February 8, 2026 at 2:24 AM
Concentration camps:
“For 280 days we haven’t eaten a single piece of fruit, banana, apple, orange, or anything fresh. We are all in one big room with no doors or windows. We can’t see any grass or trees. We are all constantly sick."
“For 280 days we haven’t eaten a single piece of fruit, banana, apple, orange, or anything fresh. We are all in one big room with no doors or windows. We can’t see any grass or trees. We are all constantly sick."
Reposted by Brian Wasik
This is where editorial writers can add context, but which the Post chose not to, like:
*A majority GOP SCOTUS decided they could not block gerrymandering
*Dems push anti-gerrymandering bills in Congress but can't get pass b/c GOP think they can benefit. Change the calculus, maybe they change.
*A majority GOP SCOTUS decided they could not block gerrymandering
*Dems push anti-gerrymandering bills in Congress but can't get pass b/c GOP think they can benefit. Change the calculus, maybe they change.
Surprise, the Washington Trump-Post is opposed to gerrymanders that favor Democrats! www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/202...
Opinion | Brass-knuckled hypocrisy in Virginia
Voters will get a chance to reject anti-democratic gamesmanship in an April referendum.
www.washingtonpost.com
February 7, 2026 at 11:28 PM
This is where editorial writers can add context, but which the Post chose not to, like:
*A majority GOP SCOTUS decided they could not block gerrymandering
*Dems push anti-gerrymandering bills in Congress but can't get pass b/c GOP think they can benefit. Change the calculus, maybe they change.
*A majority GOP SCOTUS decided they could not block gerrymandering
*Dems push anti-gerrymandering bills in Congress but can't get pass b/c GOP think they can benefit. Change the calculus, maybe they change.
Reposted by Brian Wasik
talking about the weather is generally the lowest form of discourse but i can’t hold it in anymore: this weather is bullshit
February 7, 2026 at 9:29 PM
talking about the weather is generally the lowest form of discourse but i can’t hold it in anymore: this weather is bullshit
Reposted by Brian Wasik
February 7, 2026 at 6:09 PM
Reposted by Brian Wasik
The first season of The Pitt was about acute problems. The second is about chronic ones. n.pr/4a4kToa
This season, 'The Pitt' is about what doesn't happen in one day
The first season of The Pitt was about acute problems. The second is about chronic ones.
n.pr
February 7, 2026 at 7:33 PM
The first season of The Pitt was about acute problems. The second is about chronic ones. n.pr/4a4kToa
"Racism, among other things, is a kind of chauvinism, a belief in one’s inherent superiority, based on nothing other than a meaningless accident of birth."
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/07/o...
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/07/o...
Opinion | This Is Just Who Trump Is
www.nytimes.com
February 7, 2026 at 8:07 PM
"Racism, among other things, is a kind of chauvinism, a belief in one’s inherent superiority, based on nothing other than a meaningless accident of birth."
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/07/o...
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/07/o...
"Racism, among other things, is a kind of chauvinism, a belief in one’s inherent superiority, based on nothing other than a meaningless accident of birth."
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/07/o...
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/07/o...
Opinion | This Is Just Who Trump Is
www.nytimes.com
February 7, 2026 at 8:06 PM
"Racism, among other things, is a kind of chauvinism, a belief in one’s inherent superiority, based on nothing other than a meaningless accident of birth."
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/07/o...
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/07/o...
Reposted by Brian Wasik
"For years, a cottage industry of political observers has contorted itself to obscure and occlude the obvious. That regardless of what others see in him, Trump’s entire political career...cannot be understood outside the context of his bitter, deep-seated racism." (gift link)
Opinion | This Is Just Who Trump Is
www.nytimes.com
February 7, 2026 at 4:49 PM
"For years, a cottage industry of political observers has contorted itself to obscure and occlude the obvious. That regardless of what others see in him, Trump’s entire political career...cannot be understood outside the context of his bitter, deep-seated racism." (gift link)
Reposted by Brian Wasik
RFK routinely tells the public doctors are corrupt liars.
Remember this the next time MAHA disinformation sycophants like Podcast Jay fake that they want to "restore trust."
Remember this the next time MAHA disinformation sycophants like Podcast Jay fake that they want to "restore trust."
February 7, 2026 at 2:20 PM
RFK routinely tells the public doctors are corrupt liars.
Remember this the next time MAHA disinformation sycophants like Podcast Jay fake that they want to "restore trust."
Remember this the next time MAHA disinformation sycophants like Podcast Jay fake that they want to "restore trust."
Reposted by Brian Wasik
I think at least part of the elite's weak response to Trump II is due to the notion that as bad as things are, they're not as bad as they could be. And in a sense that's true, even if a lot is unknown to us.
But 20 yrs ago, GWB's attempt to politicize US attorney appointments caused a 5-alarm fire.
But 20 yrs ago, GWB's attempt to politicize US attorney appointments caused a 5-alarm fire.
Prosecutors Began Investigating Renee Good’s Killing. Washington Told Them to Stop.
www.nytimes.com
February 7, 2026 at 12:32 PM
I think at least part of the elite's weak response to Trump II is due to the notion that as bad as things are, they're not as bad as they could be. And in a sense that's true, even if a lot is unknown to us.
But 20 yrs ago, GWB's attempt to politicize US attorney appointments caused a 5-alarm fire.
But 20 yrs ago, GWB's attempt to politicize US attorney appointments caused a 5-alarm fire.
Reposted by Brian Wasik
Re: Science Mag editorial celebrating mainly the inside/quiet advocacy done this year, I offer this in lighthearted response. 🧪
This is a Myanmar woman doing her usual, longstanding dance routine while black cars speed by to carry out a coup. 1/4
This is a Myanmar woman doing her usual, longstanding dance routine while black cars speed by to carry out a coup. 1/4
February 7, 2026 at 1:01 AM
Re: Science Mag editorial celebrating mainly the inside/quiet advocacy done this year, I offer this in lighthearted response. 🧪
This is a Myanmar woman doing her usual, longstanding dance routine while black cars speed by to carry out a coup. 1/4
This is a Myanmar woman doing her usual, longstanding dance routine while black cars speed by to carry out a coup. 1/4
Reposted by Brian Wasik
“Partisanship is inherent and permissible in the legislative districting process” — Ted Cruz in September, in an amicus brief supporting the Texas gerrymander. www.cornyn.senate.gov/wp-content/u...
February 7, 2026 at 1:40 PM
“Partisanship is inherent and permissible in the legislative districting process” — Ted Cruz in September, in an amicus brief supporting the Texas gerrymander. www.cornyn.senate.gov/wp-content/u...
Reposted by Brian Wasik
Adam Serwer: “Donald Trump is still psychically wounded by the election of Barack Obama.”
@adamserwer.bsky.social
@adamserwer.bsky.social
February 7, 2026 at 1:45 AM
Adam Serwer: “Donald Trump is still psychically wounded by the election of Barack Obama.”
@adamserwer.bsky.social
@adamserwer.bsky.social
Reposted by Brian Wasik
Farming animals for fur is not only cruel but also provides an ideal environment for viruses to mix and cross over into humans.
✍️ Jane Qiu
knowmag.org/4r8vPY0
✍️ Jane Qiu
knowmag.org/4r8vPY0
Why disease outbreaks on Chinese fur farms are a serious risk to public health
Farming animals for fur is not only cruel but also provides an ideal environment for viruses to mix and cross over into humans
knowmag.org
February 5, 2026 at 9:00 PM
Farming animals for fur is not only cruel but also provides an ideal environment for viruses to mix and cross over into humans.
✍️ Jane Qiu
knowmag.org/4r8vPY0
✍️ Jane Qiu
knowmag.org/4r8vPY0
Reposted by Brian Wasik
No, they did not increase trust in vaccines and CDC.
"..following the Trump administration’s announcement of changes to the recommended childhood vaccine schedule, the public’s trust in the CDC remains at its lowest point since the COVID-19 pandemic..."
www.kff.org/health-infor...
"..following the Trump administration’s announcement of changes to the recommended childhood vaccine schedule, the public’s trust in the CDC remains at its lowest point since the COVID-19 pandemic..."
www.kff.org/health-infor...
KFF Tracking Poll on Health Information and Trust: Trust in the CDC and Views of Federal Childhood Vaccine Schedule Changes | KFF
Weeks after the Trump administration reduced the number of childhood vaccine recommended for routine use, public trust in the CDC is at its lowest since the COVID-19 pandemic, and less than half are c...
www.kff.org
February 6, 2026 at 5:26 PM
No, they did not increase trust in vaccines and CDC.
"..following the Trump administration’s announcement of changes to the recommended childhood vaccine schedule, the public’s trust in the CDC remains at its lowest point since the COVID-19 pandemic..."
www.kff.org/health-infor...
"..following the Trump administration’s announcement of changes to the recommended childhood vaccine schedule, the public’s trust in the CDC remains at its lowest point since the COVID-19 pandemic..."
www.kff.org/health-infor...
Reposted by Brian Wasik
"They bought or inherited aging apartment buildings, hoping to bring home a little extra cash"
... bought, or inherited, whole ass apartment buildings
... bought, or inherited, whole ass apartment buildings
In a city packed with mighty real estate titans, they are the small ones.
New York landlords say they are at their breaking point as Mayor Zohran Mamdani begins to implement even more aggressive tenant-friendly policies.
New York landlords say they are at their breaking point as Mayor Zohran Mamdani begins to implement even more aggressive tenant-friendly policies.
NYC’s small landlords say they won’t survive Mamdani plan to freeze rent
New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani has criticized landlords and vowed to freeze what tenants in rent-stabilized apartments pay monthly.
www.washingtonpost.com
February 6, 2026 at 11:51 PM
"They bought or inherited aging apartment buildings, hoping to bring home a little extra cash"
... bought, or inherited, whole ass apartment buildings
... bought, or inherited, whole ass apartment buildings
Reposted by Brian Wasik
Unsurprising news for anyone who was following this event in 2019...
At least 1 US senator concerned that RFK Jr. lied to Congress.
Samoan officials later said his trip bolstered the cred of antivax activists ahead of a measles outbreak that sickened thousands & killed 83, mostly kids under 5. 🛟
At least 1 US senator concerned that RFK Jr. lied to Congress.
Samoan officials later said his trip bolstered the cred of antivax activists ahead of a measles outbreak that sickened thousands & killed 83, mostly kids under 5. 🛟
Newly revealed emails undermine RFK Jr testimony about 2019 Samoa trip ahead of measles outbreak
Kennedy later said the purpose of his trip had nothing to do with vaccines. US embassy and UN staff at the time said otherwise, emails show
www.theguardian.com
February 6, 2026 at 7:14 PM
Unsurprising news for anyone who was following this event in 2019...
At least 1 US senator concerned that RFK Jr. lied to Congress.
Samoan officials later said his trip bolstered the cred of antivax activists ahead of a measles outbreak that sickened thousands & killed 83, mostly kids under 5. 🛟
At least 1 US senator concerned that RFK Jr. lied to Congress.
Samoan officials later said his trip bolstered the cred of antivax activists ahead of a measles outbreak that sickened thousands & killed 83, mostly kids under 5. 🛟
Reposted by Brian Wasik
study of every adult in Denmark over ~20 months finds a risk of long Covid of 0.16 percent, and that vaccination reduces the risk substantially www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
SARS-CoV-2 reinfections and subsequent risk of hospital-diagnosed post-acute sequelae in Denmark (2020–2022): a nationwide cohort study
Post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC), or long COVID, are a public health concern. While most recover from SARS-CoV-2 infections within weeks, some e…
www.sciencedirect.com
February 6, 2026 at 6:48 PM
study of every adult in Denmark over ~20 months finds a risk of long Covid of 0.16 percent, and that vaccination reduces the risk substantially www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
Reposted by Brian Wasik
Every time I re-read Trump v. United States, it feels like getting hit in the head with a mallet.
February 6, 2026 at 5:55 PM
Every time I re-read Trump v. United States, it feels like getting hit in the head with a mallet.