Janet D. Stemwedel
@docfreeride.bsky.social
Academic philosopher, lapsed chemist, occasional science writer, perpetual ethics booster. All views my own. (she/her)
Reposted by Janet D. Stemwedel
LIBRARIES MAKE BOOKS ACCESSIBLE TO EVERYONE, she shouts, apparently inaudibly
WHY DO THESE "YOU'RE A CLASS TRAITOR" PEOPLE KEEP PRETENDING LIBRARIES DON'T EXIST?
ARE THEY CLASS TRAITORS WHO DON'T BELIEVE IN LIBRARIES?
WHY DO THESE "YOU'RE A CLASS TRAITOR" PEOPLE KEEP PRETENDING LIBRARIES DON'T EXIST?
ARE THEY CLASS TRAITORS WHO DON'T BELIEVE IN LIBRARIES?
Just saw someone claim that authors who want to be paid for their work are "class traitors" because we "only let the wealthy" read our books, and I think I need to go into the woods to scream into the night for a bit.
It's $5, not your first-born child! I need that $5 for health insurance!
It's $5, not your first-born child! I need that $5 for health insurance!
November 26, 2025 at 3:51 PM
LIBRARIES MAKE BOOKS ACCESSIBLE TO EVERYONE, she shouts, apparently inaudibly
WHY DO THESE "YOU'RE A CLASS TRAITOR" PEOPLE KEEP PRETENDING LIBRARIES DON'T EXIST?
ARE THEY CLASS TRAITORS WHO DON'T BELIEVE IN LIBRARIES?
WHY DO THESE "YOU'RE A CLASS TRAITOR" PEOPLE KEEP PRETENDING LIBRARIES DON'T EXIST?
ARE THEY CLASS TRAITORS WHO DON'T BELIEVE IN LIBRARIES?
Reposted by Janet D. Stemwedel
you just can't have a meaningful conversation about the potential benefits of "AI" while this stuff is happening. it's like trying to talk about how useful an airplane might be during a hijacking
What the leaked AI executive order tells us about the Big Tech power grab
What the leaked AI executive order tells us about the Big Tech power grab
Should states write their own AI laws, or should David Sacks?
buff.ly
November 26, 2025 at 4:31 PM
you just can't have a meaningful conversation about the potential benefits of "AI" while this stuff is happening. it's like trying to talk about how useful an airplane might be during a hijacking
Reposted by Janet D. Stemwedel
Y'all, this race is going to come down to who shows up at the polls. Trump carried this district by 22 points, and @aftynbehn.bsky.social is within 2 points in this poll!
If you live in 7, GO VOTE! Today is the last day of early voting, or you can vote on December 2nd.
If you live in 7, GO VOTE! Today is the last day of early voting, or you can vote on December 2nd.
November 26, 2025 at 3:21 PM
Y'all, this race is going to come down to who shows up at the polls. Trump carried this district by 22 points, and @aftynbehn.bsky.social is within 2 points in this poll!
If you live in 7, GO VOTE! Today is the last day of early voting, or you can vote on December 2nd.
If you live in 7, GO VOTE! Today is the last day of early voting, or you can vote on December 2nd.
Reposted by Janet D. Stemwedel
Them: Heads up, we got that order of 800lbs of fajitas coming in at noon for you
Guy answering the phone for him: what are you talking about? we didn't order any fajitas
Them: Very funny, you guys have been buying 800lbs of fajitas every week for 9 years.
Guy answering the phone for him: what are you talking about? we didn't order any fajitas
Them: Very funny, you guys have been buying 800lbs of fajitas every week for 9 years.
November 26, 2025 at 4:24 PM
Them: Heads up, we got that order of 800lbs of fajitas coming in at noon for you
Guy answering the phone for him: what are you talking about? we didn't order any fajitas
Them: Very funny, you guys have been buying 800lbs of fajitas every week for 9 years.
Guy answering the phone for him: what are you talking about? we didn't order any fajitas
Them: Very funny, you guys have been buying 800lbs of fajitas every week for 9 years.
Reposted by Janet D. Stemwedel
I remember seeing a story years ago where a prison cook was caught having stolen $1.2 million of fajitas over 9 years.
One week he took off sick, someone else answered the order call and was like "what are you talking about? We don't serve fajitas."
www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news...
One week he took off sick, someone else answered the order call and was like "what are you talking about? We don't serve fajitas."
www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news...
Texas man sentenced to 50 years for stealing $1.2 million worth of fajitas
Gilberto Escamilla had stolen more than $1.2 million worth of fajitas over the course of approximately nine years.
www.nbcnews.com
November 26, 2025 at 4:13 PM
I remember seeing a story years ago where a prison cook was caught having stolen $1.2 million of fajitas over 9 years.
One week he took off sick, someone else answered the order call and was like "what are you talking about? We don't serve fajitas."
www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news...
One week he took off sick, someone else answered the order call and was like "what are you talking about? We don't serve fajitas."
www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news...
Reposted by Janet D. Stemwedel
For fraud investigators, perfect attendance by an employee is a HUGE red flag.
November 26, 2025 at 3:52 PM
For fraud investigators, perfect attendance by an employee is a HUGE red flag.
Happy Feast of Sharp Knives, Onions, and Tears to those who celebrate.
November 26, 2025 at 4:33 PM
Happy Feast of Sharp Knives, Onions, and Tears to those who celebrate.
Reposted by Janet D. Stemwedel
If you are interested in the methodology behind the Data Workers' Inquiry Project (@dataworkersinquiry.bsky.social), this is the paper for you.
Research doesn't have to be exploitative.👇🏽
Research doesn't have to be exploitative.👇🏽
📣New paper!
Thrilled to share the methodological recipe for @dataworkersinquiry.bsky.social in this article co-authored with @adiod.bsky.social @krystalkauffman.bsky.social Camilla Salim Wagner, Laurenz Sachenbacher @alexhanna.bsky.social & @timnitgebru.bsky.social
👉 ojs.aaai.org/index.php/AI...
Thrilled to share the methodological recipe for @dataworkersinquiry.bsky.social in this article co-authored with @adiod.bsky.social @krystalkauffman.bsky.social Camilla Salim Wagner, Laurenz Sachenbacher @alexhanna.bsky.social & @timnitgebru.bsky.social
👉 ojs.aaai.org/index.php/AI...
November 26, 2025 at 12:45 AM
If you are interested in the methodology behind the Data Workers' Inquiry Project (@dataworkersinquiry.bsky.social), this is the paper for you.
Research doesn't have to be exploitative.👇🏽
Research doesn't have to be exploitative.👇🏽
Reposted by Janet D. Stemwedel
We're at the part of the cattle cycle where the number of cattle is down, so prices are up. That's… literally just how the cattle market works.
Throw on top of that a very consolidated, cartel-like beef packing industry, & screwworm (so we can't import much from Mexico), high prices are the result.
Throw on top of that a very consolidated, cartel-like beef packing industry, & screwworm (so we can't import much from Mexico), high prices are the result.
November 26, 2025 at 4:12 PM
We're at the part of the cattle cycle where the number of cattle is down, so prices are up. That's… literally just how the cattle market works.
Throw on top of that a very consolidated, cartel-like beef packing industry, & screwworm (so we can't import much from Mexico), high prices are the result.
Throw on top of that a very consolidated, cartel-like beef packing industry, & screwworm (so we can't import much from Mexico), high prices are the result.
Reposted by Janet D. Stemwedel
The US cattle herd gets larger & smaller on a pretty predictable 10-15 year cycle.
When there are more cows, that pushes cattle prices down.
When there are fewer cows, that pushes cattle prices up.
The laws of cattle supply & demand are simple & finite, any 4H girl would have known
When there are more cows, that pushes cattle prices down.
When there are fewer cows, that pushes cattle prices up.
The laws of cattle supply & demand are simple & finite, any 4H girl would have known
November 26, 2025 at 4:10 PM
The US cattle herd gets larger & smaller on a pretty predictable 10-15 year cycle.
When there are more cows, that pushes cattle prices down.
When there are fewer cows, that pushes cattle prices up.
The laws of cattle supply & demand are simple & finite, any 4H girl would have known
When there are more cows, that pushes cattle prices down.
When there are fewer cows, that pushes cattle prices up.
The laws of cattle supply & demand are simple & finite, any 4H girl would have known
Reposted by Janet D. Stemwedel
TFW when you, a journalist who has occasionally spoken to people in the cattle industry, know more about it than the Secretary of Agriculture. Makes you long for the good old days of John Block.
Our USDA Secretary who doesn't even know what the cattle cycle is
What a time to be alive
What a time to be alive
Brooke Rollins on spiking beef prices in November 2025: "There's a lot of reasons for that. The Biden-Harris administration had a war on cattle because they talked about climate change and cattle, um -- it was crazy."
November 26, 2025 at 4:15 PM
TFW when you, a journalist who has occasionally spoken to people in the cattle industry, know more about it than the Secretary of Agriculture. Makes you long for the good old days of John Block.
Reposted by Janet D. Stemwedel
Safe travels ✈️
November 26, 2025 at 4:25 PM
Safe travels ✈️
Reposted by Janet D. Stemwedel
Lots of people sharing this clip because it's funny and cathartic but I also genuinely believe it's important.
We have to win the narrative battle between "I live in a corrupt society and that's just how it is" and "I live in a corrupt society and we are going to defeat and humiliate these ghouls."
We have to win the narrative battle between "I live in a corrupt society and that's just how it is" and "I live in a corrupt society and we are going to defeat and humiliate these ghouls."
Good morning to Brazilian reporter Manuela Borges, who’s been waiting eleven years for this petty moment. ❤️ 🇧🇷
November 26, 2025 at 4:07 PM
Lots of people sharing this clip because it's funny and cathartic but I also genuinely believe it's important.
We have to win the narrative battle between "I live in a corrupt society and that's just how it is" and "I live in a corrupt society and we are going to defeat and humiliate these ghouls."
We have to win the narrative battle between "I live in a corrupt society and that's just how it is" and "I live in a corrupt society and we are going to defeat and humiliate these ghouls."
Reposted by Janet D. Stemwedel
ready, set, go:
real schools seeing real market advantage in real classes with real brains
“Artificial Intelligence may be able to write you a song, develop a presentation or help you write a script...But MSU is real experts with real answers. No AI needed.”
bridgemi.com/quality-life...
real schools seeing real market advantage in real classes with real brains
“Artificial Intelligence may be able to write you a song, develop a presentation or help you write a script...But MSU is real experts with real answers. No AI needed.”
bridgemi.com/quality-life...
In world of AI, Michigan State University Extension bets on human expertise - Bridge Michigan
For 118 years, Michigan State University Extension has existed to serve the public with programs ranging from canning classes to soil testing and financial literacy workshops. Now, it aims to bill its...
bridgemi.com
November 26, 2025 at 12:12 AM
ready, set, go:
real schools seeing real market advantage in real classes with real brains
“Artificial Intelligence may be able to write you a song, develop a presentation or help you write a script...But MSU is real experts with real answers. No AI needed.”
bridgemi.com/quality-life...
real schools seeing real market advantage in real classes with real brains
“Artificial Intelligence may be able to write you a song, develop a presentation or help you write a script...But MSU is real experts with real answers. No AI needed.”
bridgemi.com/quality-life...
Reposted by Janet D. Stemwedel
Also to situate this in context, a bookstore selling more than 20 copies of my last book means they want to host an event with me for my next one. Each book purchase is hugely influential. If you can give the gift of books this season, do it please.
bsky.app/profile/blip...
bsky.app/profile/blip...
I see some book piracy discourse, and, to make a positive argument in favor of buying books, your marginal ability to influence what books get published and support the careers of writers you like is massive compared to most other forms of media.
November 26, 2025 at 2:00 AM
Also to situate this in context, a bookstore selling more than 20 copies of my last book means they want to host an event with me for my next one. Each book purchase is hugely influential. If you can give the gift of books this season, do it please.
bsky.app/profile/blip...
bsky.app/profile/blip...
Reposted by Janet D. Stemwedel
Over the next week (what thanksgiving break? lol) I have to read my book again and finalize it before it goes to *print* and I’m literally paying attention to details like colon vs comma and I’m sure most authors are like this and that’s one reason why you should buy our books. We really care.
The Edge of Space-Time by Chanda Prescod-Weinstein: 9780593701683 | PenguinRandomHouse.com: Books
A fresh, charming, socially conscious tour of the mysteries of space-time, from the award-winning author of The Disordered Cosmos In her highly acclaimed debut, distinguished cosmologist and particle...
www.penguinrandomhouse.com
November 26, 2025 at 1:57 AM
Over the next week (what thanksgiving break? lol) I have to read my book again and finalize it before it goes to *print* and I’m literally paying attention to details like colon vs comma and I’m sure most authors are like this and that’s one reason why you should buy our books. We really care.
Reposted by Janet D. Stemwedel
Hoping if any journalists are doing end-of-year Top 10 Lists of Bluesky Feeds, they’ll consider the SciArt Feed 🐡.
One of the oldest Feeds on Bluesky: a curated list of contributors to keep AI out; and the 4th most popular Feed in both Science and Art.
One of the oldest Feeds on Bluesky: a curated list of contributors to keep AI out; and the 4th most popular Feed in both Science and Art.
November 26, 2025 at 12:54 AM
Hoping if any journalists are doing end-of-year Top 10 Lists of Bluesky Feeds, they’ll consider the SciArt Feed 🐡.
One of the oldest Feeds on Bluesky: a curated list of contributors to keep AI out; and the 4th most popular Feed in both Science and Art.
One of the oldest Feeds on Bluesky: a curated list of contributors to keep AI out; and the 4th most popular Feed in both Science and Art.
Reposted by Janet D. Stemwedel
Which is heavier, a gallon of water or a gallon of butane?
A gallon of water.
A gallon of butane is a lighter fluid.
A gallon of water.
A gallon of butane is a lighter fluid.
November 25, 2025 at 2:31 AM
Which is heavier, a gallon of water or a gallon of butane?
A gallon of water.
A gallon of butane is a lighter fluid.
A gallon of water.
A gallon of butane is a lighter fluid.
Reposted by Janet D. Stemwedel
Meanwhile, the CEO bought a $500 million yacht the other day, while we, independent developers, live under the threat of an arbitrary decision that could ruin our lives in seconds.
Steam intentionally killing an old, respected, and beloved decade old indie game studio through bullshit policy is fucking wild
Our upcoming game HORSES was preemptively banned from Steam, with no path to appeal. The game will still launch next week on December 2nd and will be available on EGS, GOG, Humble, and Itch for $4.99. Here is a detailed FAQ covering what happened: horses.wtf/BannedFromSt...
November 26, 2025 at 1:16 AM
Meanwhile, the CEO bought a $500 million yacht the other day, while we, independent developers, live under the threat of an arbitrary decision that could ruin our lives in seconds.
Reposted by Janet D. Stemwedel
If you are on BBC live, you know what to do
(I don't even think this statement would be controversial among experts. He's openly monetizing the office and making literally billions of dollars!)
(I don't even think this statement would be controversial among experts. He's openly monetizing the office and making literally billions of dollars!)
NEWS --> BBC confirms to me that they did edit a line out of historian @rutgerbregman.com's speech. It called Trump "the most openly corrupt president in US history."
BBC also confirms this was done on the advice of lawyers. So Trump's threats worked.
New piece:
newrepublic.com/article/2036...
BBC also confirms this was done on the advice of lawyers. So Trump's threats worked.
New piece:
newrepublic.com/article/2036...
Trump’s Fury at BBC Gets Unnerving Results with Pro-MAGA Edit Stunner
First, British Broadcasting Corporation execs resigned after Trump complained about a segment. Now the BBC edited out a line from a historian that was critical of Trump. Where does this end?
newrepublic.com
November 25, 2025 at 6:35 PM
If you are on BBC live, you know what to do
(I don't even think this statement would be controversial among experts. He's openly monetizing the office and making literally billions of dollars!)
(I don't even think this statement would be controversial among experts. He's openly monetizing the office and making literally billions of dollars!)
Reposted by Janet D. Stemwedel
“All I think about is how this woman was part of mainstreaming this guy,” said Aparna Nair, professor at the Department of Health and Society at the University of Toronto. RFK Jr. “will do profound damage on a global scale—that’s all that matters."
Olivia Nuzzi wrote an entire story based on unnamed sources about Biden's decline, reinvigorating calls for him to leave the race -- and the whole time, she was working on RFK Jr.'s behalf, according to her ex-fiance. newrepublic.com/article/2035...
Olivia Nuzzi’s Real Victims
More than her fiancé, or fellow female journalists, the public will pay the price for these misdeeds. RFK Jr. will see to that.
newrepublic.com
November 25, 2025 at 10:30 PM
“All I think about is how this woman was part of mainstreaming this guy,” said Aparna Nair, professor at the Department of Health and Society at the University of Toronto. RFK Jr. “will do profound damage on a global scale—that’s all that matters."
Reposted by Janet D. Stemwedel
Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro on Tuesday started his 27-year prison sentence for leading a coup attempt, to the surprise of many in the South American nation who doubted he would ever end up behind bars.
https://to.pbs.org/4pDcRaN
https://to.pbs.org/4pDcRaN
Jair Bolsonaro begins 27-year prison sentence for Brazilian coup attempt
The far-right leader had been under house arrest since August and was taken to federal police headquarters Saturday after trying to break his ankle monitor.
www.pbs.org
November 26, 2025 at 1:14 AM
Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro on Tuesday started his 27-year prison sentence for leading a coup attempt, to the surprise of many in the South American nation who doubted he would ever end up behind bars.
https://to.pbs.org/4pDcRaN
https://to.pbs.org/4pDcRaN
Always cool to hear about a high in the org chart student-facing administrator resisting use of “undocumented” & emphatically using “illegals” to refer to human members of the university community.
November 26, 2025 at 1:35 AM
Always cool to hear about a high in the org chart student-facing administrator resisting use of “undocumented” & emphatically using “illegals” to refer to human members of the university community.
Reposted by Janet D. Stemwedel
Interesting to contrast this well-reported piece that accurately describes the situation (“unproven”) with the previous story on Archer that was basically a LA28 press release
November 25, 2025 at 10:08 PM
Interesting to contrast this well-reported piece that accurately describes the situation (“unproven”) with the previous story on Archer that was basically a LA28 press release