Jonah Blank
@jonahblank.bsky.social
Anthropologist, author, dad. Order purely alphabetical
Pinned
Jonah Blank
@jonahblank.bsky.social
· Nov 14
Arrow of the Blue-Skinned God: Retracing the Ramayana T…
The three-thousand-year-old epic Ramayana chronicles Lo…
goodreads.com
Who am I? What am I doing here?
Intro thread with links to some of my work.
My first book was "Arrow of the Blue-Skinned God: Retracing the Ramayana Through India"
goodreads.com/book/show/17...
[🧵 of publications]
In case you're wondering, "Could he really be that grotesque?"
When read in context, it's quite clear:
♦️Yes. He's EXACTLY that grotesque.
When read in context, it's quite clear:
♦️Yes. He's EXACTLY that grotesque.
In one email exchange, Jeffrey Epstein and Olivier Colom, former aide to French President Sarkozy, compared girls to marine life.
Epstein:
“some are like shrimp, you throw away the head and keep the body”
“I can;t even think of the smell of black shrimp. ugh”
(www.justice.gov/epstein/file...)
Epstein:
“some are like shrimp, you throw away the head and keep the body”
“I can;t even think of the smell of black shrimp. ugh”
(www.justice.gov/epstein/file...)
![To:
COLOM, Olivier
From: Jeffrey Epstein
Sent:
Tue 6/18/2013 10:51:29 AM
Subject: Re:
I can;t even think of the smell of black shrimp. ugh
2013/6/18 COLOM, Olivier <
I like shrimp.
But not so much if it's too pink, although I'm definitely more into white than into any other color I like your philosophy
De: Jeffrey Epstein [mailto:jeevacation@gmail.com
A CoLon, oy, June 18, 2013 12:32 AM
Objet: Re:
no, some are like shrimp, you throw away the head and keep the body
2013/6/17 COLOM, Olivier
As long as you don't have any hammerhead ones...
I like white sharks
De: Jeffrey Epstein [mailto:jeevacation@gmail.com]
Envoyé : Tuesday, June 18, 2013 12:00 AM
À : COLOM, Olivier
Objet: Re:
as two are russian, i guess some might refer to them as white sharks
2013/6/17 COLOM, Olivier <
The King of Saudi Arabia has a few white sharks in his at his Jeddah palace.
I totally prefer yours. Sure I would enjoy the view.
De : Jeffrey Epstein [mailto:jeevacation@gmail.com
Envoyé: Monday, June 17, 2013 11:47 PM
EFTA
À : COLOM, Olivier
Objet: Re:
on my island in the caribean, with an aquarium full of girls](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:gvda6fem6r7selm4gzjjww4a/bafkreifwycivbonbhas2e3roow4iukoroi3anpl4hvrub42usrg4uazhni@jpeg)
February 4, 2026 at 9:05 PM
In case you're wondering, "Could he really be that grotesque?"
When read in context, it's quite clear:
♦️Yes. He's EXACTLY that grotesque.
When read in context, it's quite clear:
♦️Yes. He's EXACTLY that grotesque.
Prediction:
♦️He'll "negotiate" exactly the same Obama-forged JCPOA that he reneged on in his first term.
♦️And he'll rebrand it as the greatest advance in diplomatic history, and demand five Nobels for it.
♦️And the next time he feels annoyed about something, he'll still go ahead and bomb #Iran again.
♦️He'll "negotiate" exactly the same Obama-forged JCPOA that he reneged on in his first term.
♦️And he'll rebrand it as the greatest advance in diplomatic history, and demand five Nobels for it.
♦️And the next time he feels annoyed about something, he'll still go ahead and bomb #Iran again.
JUST IN: Plans for U.S.-Iran nuclear talks on Friday are back on, after several Middle Eastern leaders urgently lobbied the Trump administration this afternoon not to follow through on threats to walk away, two U.S. officials told Axios.
U.S.-Iran nuclear talks back on after Arab leaders lobby White House
"We told them it is this or nothing, and they said, 'Ok, then nothing.'"
trib.al
February 4, 2026 at 8:57 PM
Prediction:
♦️He'll "negotiate" exactly the same Obama-forged JCPOA that he reneged on in his first term.
♦️And he'll rebrand it as the greatest advance in diplomatic history, and demand five Nobels for it.
♦️And the next time he feels annoyed about something, he'll still go ahead and bomb #Iran again.
♦️He'll "negotiate" exactly the same Obama-forged JCPOA that he reneged on in his first term.
♦️And he'll rebrand it as the greatest advance in diplomatic history, and demand five Nobels for it.
♦️And the next time he feels annoyed about something, he'll still go ahead and bomb #Iran again.
He's so close to getting it.
Senator, it's great that you oppose the creation of hellish gulags in your state.
Maybe you could get a few GOP friends to join all the Democrats in shutting down hellish gulags...in EVERY state.
Senator, it's great that you oppose the creation of hellish gulags in your state.
Maybe you could get a few GOP friends to join all the Democrats in shutting down hellish gulags...in EVERY state.
February 4, 2026 at 8:51 PM
He's so close to getting it.
Senator, it's great that you oppose the creation of hellish gulags in your state.
Maybe you could get a few GOP friends to join all the Democrats in shutting down hellish gulags...in EVERY state.
Senator, it's great that you oppose the creation of hellish gulags in your state.
Maybe you could get a few GOP friends to join all the Democrats in shutting down hellish gulags...in EVERY state.
Bezos is murdering the #WashingtonPost, and (saddest for everyone in the #WritingLife) eliminating Book World.
The Post's review of my first book, "Arrow of the Blue-Skinned God," gave me such a great thrill-- because it was the Post.
Here it is:
www.washingtonpost.com/archive/ente...
The Post's review of my first book, "Arrow of the Blue-Skinned God," gave me such a great thrill-- because it was the Post.
Here it is:
www.washingtonpost.com/archive/ente...
SUBCONTINENTAL DRIFT
www.washingtonpost.com
February 4, 2026 at 8:22 PM
Bezos is murdering the #WashingtonPost, and (saddest for everyone in the #WritingLife) eliminating Book World.
The Post's review of my first book, "Arrow of the Blue-Skinned God," gave me such a great thrill-- because it was the Post.
Here it is:
www.washingtonpost.com/archive/ente...
The Post's review of my first book, "Arrow of the Blue-Skinned God," gave me such a great thrill-- because it was the Post.
Here it is:
www.washingtonpost.com/archive/ente...
Reposted by Jonah Blank
Former Comms Director for Nancy Mace responds to her claim today that she isn’t able to drink any alcohol because of a medical condition.
February 3, 2026 at 11:18 PM
Former Comms Director for Nancy Mace responds to her claim today that she isn’t able to drink any alcohol because of a medical condition.
Most successful outcome of the Wizards season.
Lakers center Jaxson Hayes has been suspended one game for pushing a Wizards mascot.
February 4, 2026 at 8:15 PM
Most successful outcome of the Wizards season.
Point:
♦️Hard to reconcile "curling" with either "competitive" or "action."
Counterpoint:
♦️Show some respect-- it's a sport #Canada will dominate.
Verdict:
♦️I'm going to follow #curling in this #Olympics. And root for Canada for all the golds.
♦️Hard to reconcile "curling" with either "competitive" or "action."
Counterpoint:
♦️Show some respect-- it's a sport #Canada will dominate.
Verdict:
♦️I'm going to follow #curling in this #Olympics. And root for Canada for all the golds.
While the opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics isn't until Friday, the first events take place today.
Curling kicks off the competitive action — and you can follow it all with our live coverage ⤵️
🔗 nyti.ms/4bUkzK3
Curling kicks off the competitive action — and you can follow it all with our live coverage ⤵️
🔗 nyti.ms/4bUkzK3
February 4, 2026 at 8:13 PM
Wait, wait, wait-- are you implying that someone might use the office of the President for personal gain?
Q: Why do you feel it's appropriate to use an official White House event to promote your movie?
MELANIA TRUMP: This is not a promotion
(She promoted her video literally 5 minutes ago during this same event)
MELANIA TRUMP: This is not a promotion
(She promoted her video literally 5 minutes ago during this same event)
February 4, 2026 at 8:06 PM
Wait, wait, wait-- are you implying that someone might use the office of the President for personal gain?
As a DC-area hoops fan:
♦️Best news all year.
♦️Best news all year.
Breaking News from @theathletic.com: In a stunning move, the Dallas Mavericks are trading 10-time NBA All-Star Anthony Davis to the Washington Wizards.
They're turning the page on the biggest part of last season’s disastrous Luka Doncic deal.
nyti.ms/49ZDAcA
They're turning the page on the biggest part of last season’s disastrous Luka Doncic deal.
nyti.ms/49ZDAcA
Anthony Davis traded from Mavericks to Wizards, capping Luka Dončić deal fallout: Sources
The Mavericks move on from Davis, while the Wizards continue to add veteran talent after acquiring Trae Young earlier this season.
nyti.ms
February 4, 2026 at 7:28 PM
As a DC-area hoops fan:
♦️Best news all year.
♦️Best news all year.
Reposted by Jonah Blank
Official U.S. military film footage shows ace of spades “death cards” being placed in the mouths of dead Vietnamese people in South Vietnam’s Quảng Ngãi province.
February 4, 2026 at 6:33 PM
Official U.S. military film footage shows ace of spades “death cards” being placed in the mouths of dead Vietnamese people in South Vietnam’s Quảng Ngãi province.
I can't get inside Bezos' head. But here's a theory:
♦️When he bought the #WashingtonPost in 2013, his goal was to create a top-tier newspaper that was also financially self-sufficient. Who better to navigate the transition from newsprint to digital world?
That's not what happened:
🧵 1/n
♦️When he bought the #WashingtonPost in 2013, his goal was to create a top-tier newspaper that was also financially self-sufficient. Who better to navigate the transition from newsprint to digital world?
That's not what happened:
🧵 1/n
Also:
♦️This was precisely the business model of two #WashingtonPost hands (John Harris Jim VandeHei) in 2007-- create a niche news organization focused exclusively on politics and national security.
They did this. It's @politico.com. If Jeff Bezos wants such a publication, he could buy it.
♦️This was precisely the business model of two #WashingtonPost hands (John Harris Jim VandeHei) in 2007-- create a niche news organization focused exclusively on politics and national security.
They did this. It's @politico.com. If Jeff Bezos wants such a publication, he could buy it.
This is the most nonsensical part of the #WashingtonPost gutting.
♦️Given Bezos' desire to suck up to Trump, Politics and National Security are precisely the two areas that his paper will NOT be permitted to cover credibly.
♦️Given Bezos' desire to suck up to Trump, Politics and National Security are precisely the two areas that his paper will NOT be permitted to cover credibly.
February 4, 2026 at 6:40 PM
I can't get inside Bezos' head. But here's a theory:
♦️When he bought the #WashingtonPost in 2013, his goal was to create a top-tier newspaper that was also financially self-sufficient. Who better to navigate the transition from newsprint to digital world?
That's not what happened:
🧵 1/n
♦️When he bought the #WashingtonPost in 2013, his goal was to create a top-tier newspaper that was also financially self-sufficient. Who better to navigate the transition from newsprint to digital world?
That's not what happened:
🧵 1/n
What depth of soulessness does it take to say something like this?
Reporter: Do you plan to apologize to the family of Alex Pretti?
Vance: For what?
Vance: For what?
February 4, 2026 at 5:49 PM
What depth of soulessness does it take to say something like this?
Reposted by Jonah Blank
I expected the cuts would be bad but I'm honestly stunned and sickened seeing how many great journalists the Washington Post just lost. People who nailed huge investigations, documented war zones, exposed horrific crimes, dropped all at once for failures they did not cause.
February 4, 2026 at 4:29 PM
I expected the cuts would be bad but I'm honestly stunned and sickened seeing how many great journalists the Washington Post just lost. People who nailed huge investigations, documented war zones, exposed horrific crimes, dropped all at once for failures they did not cause.
Bezos' choices are mystifying, even for him:
♦️The #WashingtonPost was never going to be profit-generator: He bought it for influence and respectability. Which is exactly what he's sacrificing MOST by axing International coverage and books.
♦️Cutting sports is just dumb.
♦️The #WashingtonPost was never going to be profit-generator: He bought it for influence and respectability. Which is exactly what he's sacrificing MOST by axing International coverage and books.
♦️Cutting sports is just dumb.
The layoffs at the Washington Post have begun, with newsroom leaders telling employees its sports and books sections will be 'eliminated in current forms' and its international coverage will be downsized
February 4, 2026 at 5:47 PM
Bezos' choices are mystifying, even for him:
♦️The #WashingtonPost was never going to be profit-generator: He bought it for influence and respectability. Which is exactly what he's sacrificing MOST by axing International coverage and books.
♦️Cutting sports is just dumb.
♦️The #WashingtonPost was never going to be profit-generator: He bought it for influence and respectability. Which is exactly what he's sacrificing MOST by axing International coverage and books.
♦️Cutting sports is just dumb.
I think I can answer that...
Pro-gun groups quickly rallied for Alex Pretti. Why didn’t they do the same for a Black gun owner?
Pro-gun groups quickly rallied for Alex Pretti. Why didn’t they do the same for a Black gun owner?
Philando Castile, a lawful gun owner, was shot and killed by a police officer in 2016 – gun rights groups were largely silent
www.theguardian.com
February 4, 2026 at 3:34 PM
I think I can answer that...
Reposted by Jonah Blank
These are the last words in the last column I wrote for The Washington Post, titled "When institutions crumble, strongmen step in". www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/202...
February 4, 2026 at 3:26 PM
These are the last words in the last column I wrote for The Washington Post, titled "When institutions crumble, strongmen step in". www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/202...
Also:
♦️This was precisely the business model of two #WashingtonPost hands (John Harris Jim VandeHei) in 2007-- create a niche news organization focused exclusively on politics and national security.
They did this. It's @politico.com. If Jeff Bezos wants such a publication, he could buy it.
♦️This was precisely the business model of two #WashingtonPost hands (John Harris Jim VandeHei) in 2007-- create a niche news organization focused exclusively on politics and national security.
They did this. It's @politico.com. If Jeff Bezos wants such a publication, he could buy it.
This is the most nonsensical part of the #WashingtonPost gutting.
♦️Given Bezos' desire to suck up to Trump, Politics and National Security are precisely the two areas that his paper will NOT be permitted to cover credibly.
♦️Given Bezos' desire to suck up to Trump, Politics and National Security are precisely the two areas that his paper will NOT be permitted to cover credibly.
The Washington Post embarked on severe cuts despite appeals by the newsroom to owner Jeff Bezos. The paper is to narrow its focus largely to politics and national security. n.pr/4qAlWBj
February 4, 2026 at 3:31 PM
Also:
♦️This was precisely the business model of two #WashingtonPost hands (John Harris Jim VandeHei) in 2007-- create a niche news organization focused exclusively on politics and national security.
They did this. It's @politico.com. If Jeff Bezos wants such a publication, he could buy it.
♦️This was precisely the business model of two #WashingtonPost hands (John Harris Jim VandeHei) in 2007-- create a niche news organization focused exclusively on politics and national security.
They did this. It's @politico.com. If Jeff Bezos wants such a publication, he could buy it.
This is the most nonsensical part of the #WashingtonPost gutting.
♦️Given Bezos' desire to suck up to Trump, Politics and National Security are precisely the two areas that his paper will NOT be permitted to cover credibly.
♦️Given Bezos' desire to suck up to Trump, Politics and National Security are precisely the two areas that his paper will NOT be permitted to cover credibly.
The Washington Post embarked on severe cuts despite appeals by the newsroom to owner Jeff Bezos. The paper is to narrow its focus largely to politics and national security. n.pr/4qAlWBj
Bezos orders deep job cuts at 'Washington Post'
The Washington Post embarked on severe cuts despite appeals by the newsroom to owner Jeff Bezos. The paper is to narrow its focus largely to politics and national security.
n.pr
February 4, 2026 at 3:21 PM
This is the most nonsensical part of the #WashingtonPost gutting.
♦️Given Bezos' desire to suck up to Trump, Politics and National Security are precisely the two areas that his paper will NOT be permitted to cover credibly.
♦️Given Bezos' desire to suck up to Trump, Politics and National Security are precisely the two areas that his paper will NOT be permitted to cover credibly.
They literally tore up the graves of Allied soldiers killed in World War I.
February 4, 2026 at 3:18 PM
They literally tore up the graves of Allied soldiers killed in World War I.
We thought it was a warning.
It was actually a business-plan.
It was actually a business-plan.
Seven years ago yesterday, this ad ran during the Super Bowl.
'Democracy Dies in Darkness': Super Bowl commercial (2019)
YouTube video by Washington Post
www.youtube.com
February 4, 2026 at 3:17 PM
We thought it was a warning.
It was actually a business-plan.
It was actually a business-plan.
Reposted by Jonah Blank
Also, "underage women" isn't a thing. If they're under age, they're not women. That's what under age literally means.
February 4, 2026 at 2:30 PM
Also, "underage women" isn't a thing. If they're under age, they're not women. That's what under age literally means.
MacKenzie Scott is already the world's best philanthropist.
If she buys the Washington Post, it's a two-fer:
♦️Help save #journalism.
♦️Show the world that her ex is a pathetic cheapskate.
If she buys the Washington Post, it's a two-fer:
♦️Help save #journalism.
♦️Show the world that her ex is a pathetic cheapskate.
MacKenzie Scott has the chance to do the funniest thing right now.
February 4, 2026 at 3:09 PM
MacKenzie Scott is already the world's best philanthropist.
If she buys the Washington Post, it's a two-fer:
♦️Help save #journalism.
♦️Show the world that her ex is a pathetic cheapskate.
If she buys the Washington Post, it's a two-fer:
♦️Help save #journalism.
♦️Show the world that her ex is a pathetic cheapskate.
The only person who loves Amtrak this much is Joe Biden.
And he'd never wear it.
www.washingtonpost.com/travel/2026/...
And he'd never wear it.
www.washingtonpost.com/travel/2026/...
Amtrak is selling a $279 ’Trak Suit. Literally who wants this?
The result of a design competition at a New York fashion school could be cool if you’re fluent in irony.
www.washingtonpost.com
February 4, 2026 at 3:02 PM
The only person who loves Amtrak this much is Joe Biden.
And he'd never wear it.
www.washingtonpost.com/travel/2026/...
And he'd never wear it.
www.washingtonpost.com/travel/2026/...
I've lived in several countries where police/security forces have routinely operated outside the law.
None of them looked like this.
None of them looked like this.
Fucking surreal that people dressed like this and carrying assault rifles are permitted to kidnap people off our streets
February 4, 2026 at 4:49 AM
I've lived in several countries where police/security forces have routinely operated outside the law.
None of them looked like this.
None of them looked like this.
Every Mayor in America should do this.
Mayor Frey: How about you?
Mayor Frey: How about you?
HELL. YEAH.
Give it up for Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson for putting ICE on notice by signing an order to ensure that trump's violent thugs are held accountable for their aggression.
MORE OF THIS!!!
Give it up for Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson for putting ICE on notice by signing an order to ensure that trump's violent thugs are held accountable for their aggression.
MORE OF THIS!!!
February 4, 2026 at 4:46 AM
Every Mayor in America should do this.
Mayor Frey: How about you?
Mayor Frey: How about you?