Dj Connell
@itbodes.bsky.social
Writer, teacher. Book Wyrm. Covid informed. I foster cats. The dog helps. Trained in wildlife and companion animal rescue. Ran a teachers library back in the day. Eco-feminist and native gardener. Ukraine will win. Mask up.
Pinned
Need hope? These folks found many different ways to help:
“… to be able to have a space where people can connect with each other to hopefully find their purpose—it’s hard to find your purpose in stuff like this—being able to connect is really, really important.”
#ICE #CivilRights #Organizing
“… to be able to have a space where people can connect with each other to hopefully find their purpose—it’s hard to find your purpose in stuff like this—being able to connect is really, really important.”
#ICE #CivilRights #Organizing
With the Twin Cities Under Siege, Restaurants Become Hubs of Solidarity - Racket
Restaurants, bars, and coffee shops are collecting donations, handing out whistles, and acting as gathering sites for volunteers and observers.
racketmn.com
January 14, 2026 at 8:33 PM
Need hope? These folks found many different ways to help:
“… to be able to have a space where people can connect with each other to hopefully find their purpose—it’s hard to find your purpose in stuff like this—being able to connect is really, really important.”
#ICE #CivilRights #Organizing
“… to be able to have a space where people can connect with each other to hopefully find their purpose—it’s hard to find your purpose in stuff like this—being able to connect is really, really important.”
#ICE #CivilRights #Organizing
Hey everyone,
We literally just added 100 more trans girl scouts to the trans girl scout cookie list. The list is bigger than it has ever been in EITM history.
Go get some cookies and make a trans scout's day!
We literally just added 100 more trans girl scouts to the trans girl scout cookie list. The list is bigger than it has ever been in EITM history.
Go get some cookies and make a trans scout's day!
1. Did you know that Girl Scouts has, for a long time, accepted trans girls and nonbinary scouts?
Trans kids are under attack. Every year, I make a thread of trans and nonbinary girl scouts you can get your cookies from.
Lets get our cookies from them this year in solidarity!
Trans kids are under attack. Every year, I make a thread of trans and nonbinary girl scouts you can get your cookies from.
Lets get our cookies from them this year in solidarity!
January 14, 2026 at 6:34 PM
These bird pins and jewelry are gorgeous.
Visionary Vultures is a collection of art jewelry celebrating and raising awareness for vulture conservation efforts worldwide.
Visionary Vultures is a collection of art jewelry celebrating and raising awareness for vulture conservation efforts worldwide.
All the new Visionary Vultures pins have arrived and they're amazing! Shipping for campaign pledges is underway; I'm working to get them graded, assembled, packed, & out as quickly as possible. If you're waiting, look out for a tracking email soon!
visionary-vultures-4.backerkit.com/hosted_preor...
visionary-vultures-4.backerkit.com/hosted_preor...
January 14, 2026 at 5:22 PM
These bird pins and jewelry are gorgeous.
Visionary Vultures is a collection of art jewelry celebrating and raising awareness for vulture conservation efforts worldwide.
Visionary Vultures is a collection of art jewelry celebrating and raising awareness for vulture conservation efforts worldwide.
Reposted by Dj Connell
She turned war rubble into homes… is this how every city should be thinking to help eliminate landfills completely? 🧱
January 14, 2026 at 4:16 PM
She turned war rubble into homes… is this how every city should be thinking to help eliminate landfills completely? 🧱
Reposted by Dj Connell
It is time to eradicate AI from all educational environments. Find another way. Maybe teach kids about AI like when we learned about drugs in middle school.
“The risks of AI outweigh the benefits” - new report about AI in elementary schools.
“The risks of AI outweigh the benefits” - new report about AI in elementary schools.
The risks of AI in schools outweigh the benefits, report says
A new report warns that AI poses a serious threat to children's cognitive development and emotional well-being.
www.npr.org
January 14, 2026 at 1:58 PM
It is time to eradicate AI from all educational environments. Find another way. Maybe teach kids about AI like when we learned about drugs in middle school.
“The risks of AI outweigh the benefits” - new report about AI in elementary schools.
“The risks of AI outweigh the benefits” - new report about AI in elementary schools.
Reposted by Dj Connell
apex predator
January 14, 2026 at 5:08 AM
apex predator
Reposted by Dj Connell
I’ve never seen mostly apolitical nice aunties get so radicalized so fast in my life.
Not that these are Trump voters. They aren’t. But they went from soft disapprovers to people who would crawl over broken glass to get rid of all these people.
Not that these are Trump voters. They aren’t. But they went from soft disapprovers to people who would crawl over broken glass to get rid of all these people.
January 13, 2026 at 9:11 PM
I’ve never seen mostly apolitical nice aunties get so radicalized so fast in my life.
Not that these are Trump voters. They aren’t. But they went from soft disapprovers to people who would crawl over broken glass to get rid of all these people.
Not that these are Trump voters. They aren’t. But they went from soft disapprovers to people who would crawl over broken glass to get rid of all these people.
Reposted by Dj Connell
So, if I'm reading this right:
4 prosecutors at the Dept of Justice Civil Rights division quit because the Trump-appointed leadership won't investigate Good's killer,
and
6 from the Minnesota US Attorney's office quit when they were told instead to investigate her widow.
(HT @benjaminkabak.com)
4 prosecutors at the Dept of Justice Civil Rights division quit because the Trump-appointed leadership won't investigate Good's killer,
and
6 from the Minnesota US Attorney's office quit when they were told instead to investigate her widow.
(HT @benjaminkabak.com)
Federal prosecutors quit in protest over lack of investigation into ICE shooting
Six lawyers from US attorney’s office in Minnesota quit along with four leaders of DoJ’s civil rights division
www.theguardian.com
January 13, 2026 at 9:35 PM
So, if I'm reading this right:
4 prosecutors at the Dept of Justice Civil Rights division quit because the Trump-appointed leadership won't investigate Good's killer,
and
6 from the Minnesota US Attorney's office quit when they were told instead to investigate her widow.
(HT @benjaminkabak.com)
4 prosecutors at the Dept of Justice Civil Rights division quit because the Trump-appointed leadership won't investigate Good's killer,
and
6 from the Minnesota US Attorney's office quit when they were told instead to investigate her widow.
(HT @benjaminkabak.com)
Reposted by Dj Connell
"The wall looks permanent until the day it comes down."
data4democracy.substack.com/p/the-wall-l...
Several people I know have used the word "beautiful" for this piece, and that's exactly right. A beautifully phrased essay on the bind we're in— until we aren't.
Recommended, in an extreme way.
data4democracy.substack.com/p/the-wall-l...
Several people I know have used the word "beautiful" for this piece, and that's exactly right. A beautifully phrased essay on the bind we're in— until we aren't.
Recommended, in an extreme way.
The Wall Looks Permanent Until It Falls
On the optimism of preparation in a time of democratic decay.
data4democracy.substack.com
January 13, 2026 at 12:32 AM
"The wall looks permanent until the day it comes down."
data4democracy.substack.com/p/the-wall-l...
Several people I know have used the word "beautiful" for this piece, and that's exactly right. A beautifully phrased essay on the bind we're in— until we aren't.
Recommended, in an extreme way.
data4democracy.substack.com/p/the-wall-l...
Several people I know have used the word "beautiful" for this piece, and that's exactly right. A beautifully phrased essay on the bind we're in— until we aren't.
Recommended, in an extreme way.
Reposted by Dj Connell
It's remarkable how frustrated -- like toddler-level frustrated -- these guys are that people aren't just terrified of them. THEY live in a world where bullying and force reigns supreme, and others not just folding genuinely confuses them.
it's incredible how if you put this entire dialog into the Left Behind series, it would basically work, but instead it's just IRL MN
!["Sir! This is a warning!" the agent yelled as he punched the man's vehicle window. "Stop f—king following us! You are impeding operations! This is the United States federal government!"
"I live over here," the driver explained. "I got to get to my house."
"This is your warning!" the officer exclaimed.
"I serve the Lord; go to church," the resident replied.
"I will arrest you!" the officer threatened.
"Don't make a bad decision," another agent warned.
"I serve the Lord," the driver repeated. "Not a draft-dodging coward."
"Let these people go to church," the driver added. "Let these people serve the Lord and worship."
"You're not going to like the outcome of this, sir," the first officer said. "I guarantee that... Did you not learn from what just happened [when Renee Good was killed]?"
"Learn what?" the driver asked. "I serve the Lord, not a draft-dodging coward. I can't believe you'd take orders from a draft dodger."](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:hbpefio3f5csc44msmbgioxz/bafkreibjwvcxk2ptdafgbwfhk4rjalweyoz3d55gl72qhwhiudhu6aywcm@jpeg)
January 12, 2026 at 6:02 PM
It's remarkable how frustrated -- like toddler-level frustrated -- these guys are that people aren't just terrified of them. THEY live in a world where bullying and force reigns supreme, and others not just folding genuinely confuses them.
When I unpack my grief and rage it includes the fact that we could be addressing climate change and working to save the the planet. Instead we have to fight facists (again).
Respect and love to the rescuers in Australia. #wildlife #heatwave #FlyingFoxes
Respect and love to the rescuers in Australia. #wildlife #heatwave #FlyingFoxes
Flying foxes die in their thousands in worst mass-mortality event since Australia’s black summer
Volunteers found thousands of dead bats at Melbourne’s Brimbank park, wildlife expert says
www.theguardian.com
January 12, 2026 at 6:42 PM
When I unpack my grief and rage it includes the fact that we could be addressing climate change and working to save the the planet. Instead we have to fight facists (again).
Respect and love to the rescuers in Australia. #wildlife #heatwave #FlyingFoxes
Respect and love to the rescuers in Australia. #wildlife #heatwave #FlyingFoxes
Reposted by Dj Connell
America is now at the heavily armed secret police doing warrantless door-to-door house raids in search of undesirable ethnicities and/or political dissenters stage. The difference from well known historical cases is down to scale.
A video of ICE agents conducting door-to-door searches today in Minneapolis
The homeowner requests a warrant repeatedly, is told they don't require one, then is told they're getting it, then the agents storm in anyway
They also point a taser at her to try and disrupt filming
The homeowner requests a warrant repeatedly, is told they don't require one, then is told they're getting it, then the agents storm in anyway
They also point a taser at her to try and disrupt filming
January 12, 2026 at 3:00 PM
America is now at the heavily armed secret police doing warrantless door-to-door house raids in search of undesirable ethnicities and/or political dissenters stage. The difference from well known historical cases is down to scale.
Intriguing
For PARANORMAL PAYBACK (out April 14) I wrote a story about/narrated by the Polish coven, the Sisters of the Three Auroras. The publisher found a narrator for the audiobook who speaks Polish & could read my story in a Polish accent and it’s AMAZING. I think the audiobook is gonna be pretty rad y’all
January 12, 2026 at 6:01 PM
Intriguing
Reposted by Dj Connell
I’ve had the honor of defending Joe Versus the Volcano for about 25 years now, and it’s always worth it, because when someone else watches it and gets it they really get it. (I readily admit that plenty do not, and that’s ok too!). Here’s my offering my best pitch in 2014:
January 12, 2026 at 6:40 AM
I’ve had the honor of defending Joe Versus the Volcano for about 25 years now, and it’s always worth it, because when someone else watches it and gets it they really get it. (I readily admit that plenty do not, and that’s ok too!). Here’s my offering my best pitch in 2014:
Reposted by Dj Connell
"At schools, volunteers are forming human chains as students and employees enter and leave, with whistles to blow if ICE shows up.
Volunteers—many of them moms already involved at their schools—divvy up tasks, such as delivering groceries to immigrant families..."
www.wsj.com/us-news/insi...
Volunteers—many of them moms already involved at their schools—divvy up tasks, such as delivering groceries to immigrant families..."
www.wsj.com/us-news/insi...
Inside Minneapolis’s Sprawling Network of ICE Watchers
Renee Nicole Good lived in a community where residents by the thousands are using text alerts, whistles and Google documents to shadow federal agents
www.wsj.com
January 11, 2026 at 8:54 PM
"At schools, volunteers are forming human chains as students and employees enter and leave, with whistles to blow if ICE shows up.
Volunteers—many of them moms already involved at their schools—divvy up tasks, such as delivering groceries to immigrant families..."
www.wsj.com/us-news/insi...
Volunteers—many of them moms already involved at their schools—divvy up tasks, such as delivering groceries to immigrant families..."
www.wsj.com/us-news/insi...
Reposted by Dj Connell
January 11, 2026 at 3:23 AM
Read the alt text
people had to shelter in place at CHURCH because ICE had surrounded the building during mass
January 11, 2026 at 10:27 PM
Read the alt text
Reposted by Dj Connell
it is not better today. it is worse.
friends in federal detention for observing. friends maced and attacked. friends in car chases with ICE.
please keep your eyes open and keep listening and taking whatever action you can.
friends in federal detention for observing. friends maced and attacked. friends in car chases with ICE.
please keep your eyes open and keep listening and taking whatever action you can.
if you want to know what it is like in minneapolis, I don’t even have to scroll on facebook to find a horror story. it’s basically my whole feed.
everyone i know in minneapolis is seeing ICE take people—at gas stations, taquerias, bus stops, schools. just snatching random people.
everyone i know in minneapolis is seeing ICE take people—at gas stations, taquerias, bus stops, schools. just snatching random people.
January 11, 2026 at 8:31 PM
it is not better today. it is worse.
friends in federal detention for observing. friends maced and attacked. friends in car chases with ICE.
please keep your eyes open and keep listening and taking whatever action you can.
friends in federal detention for observing. friends maced and attacked. friends in car chases with ICE.
please keep your eyes open and keep listening and taking whatever action you can.
Reposted by Dj Connell
Today, in response to attacks that took out power & heat, Ukrainian Railways deployed 7 of our Invincibility Train Cars. 2 more will be active tomorrow. I hate that these are needed, but I’m glad we are able to provide some warmth, phone charging & a safe place for kids to go. 🇺🇦
January 10, 2026 at 5:09 PM
Today, in response to attacks that took out power & heat, Ukrainian Railways deployed 7 of our Invincibility Train Cars. 2 more will be active tomorrow. I hate that these are needed, but I’m glad we are able to provide some warmth, phone charging & a safe place for kids to go. 🇺🇦
Reposted by Dj Connell
“I will soothe you and heal you, I will bring you roses.
I too have been covered with thorns.” Rumi
And I love these words. Love the thought animals co-existing together. Also love weaving ferns into my paintings.
#womensart
I too have been covered with thorns.” Rumi
And I love these words. Love the thought animals co-existing together. Also love weaving ferns into my paintings.
#womensart
January 10, 2026 at 9:33 AM
“I will soothe you and heal you, I will bring you roses.
I too have been covered with thorns.” Rumi
And I love these words. Love the thought animals co-existing together. Also love weaving ferns into my paintings.
#womensart
I too have been covered with thorns.” Rumi
And I love these words. Love the thought animals co-existing together. Also love weaving ferns into my paintings.
#womensart
Reposted by Dj Connell
As promised, we are back with a second wishlist for our friends in Minneapolis!
This time @naomikritzer.bsky.social is helping out by being our local contact who will receive all the goodies you send!
www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/...
As always, you can avoid the 'zon at our GFM!
This time @naomikritzer.bsky.social is helping out by being our local contact who will receive all the goodies you send!
www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/...
As always, you can avoid the 'zon at our GFM!
Donate to Support Whistle Distribution in Chicago and Beyond!, organized by Emily Hilleren
Since late September, I’ve been organizing whistle kit assembly par… Emily Hilleren needs your support for Support Whistle Distribution in Chicago and Beyond!
www.gofundme.com
January 11, 2026 at 3:30 AM
As promised, we are back with a second wishlist for our friends in Minneapolis!
This time @naomikritzer.bsky.social is helping out by being our local contact who will receive all the goodies you send!
www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/...
As always, you can avoid the 'zon at our GFM!
This time @naomikritzer.bsky.social is helping out by being our local contact who will receive all the goodies you send!
www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/...
As always, you can avoid the 'zon at our GFM!
Reposted by Dj Connell
If you're in North America, check this out! It's an incredible lineup:
A frankly astounding Humble Bundle of about 70 books by women SFF writers, including the Iskryne series by @pennyvixen.bsky.social and me and my first two Karen Memory novels, for $25 for the whole bundle, benefitting youth mental health.
www.humblebundle.com/books/fierce...
www.humblebundle.com/books/fierce...
Humble Book Bundle: Fierce Women of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror by Open Road Media
Our latest ebook bundle has over 60 of the best sci-fi, fantasy, and horror books written by women! Every purchase supports Active Minds charity!
www.humblebundle.com
January 11, 2026 at 1:19 PM
If you're in North America, check this out! It's an incredible lineup:
Reposted by Dj Connell
Today (everyday) is a great day to foster a dog or cat. Especially if you live somewhere with cold weather.
January 10, 2026 at 6:10 PM
Today (everyday) is a great day to foster a dog or cat. Especially if you live somewhere with cold weather.
What does "The Great Wave off Kanagawa" by Hokusai have in common with Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" & the alchemical formula for eternal life?
Let's learn about how Prussian Blue was created & the bizarre life of Johann Konrad Dippel.
Our story begins in Castle Frankenstein (the real one)...
Let's learn about how Prussian Blue was created & the bizarre life of Johann Konrad Dippel.
Our story begins in Castle Frankenstein (the real one)...
January 10, 2026 at 7:52 PM