Mark Aldrich
@markaldrich.bsky.social
The NY Post called me a "writer" once, with quotes. NYPA award-winning humorist. Comedy performer once a week. Author of essay about Covid loss in 'Who We Lost.' Sober: 7/15/2010. Disabled: SMA IV. New Paltz, NY. https://linktr.ee/Mark.Aldrich
Pinned
Mark Aldrich
@markaldrich.bsky.social
· Nov 18
Two years ago on my birthday, I responded to a food photo posted by the great @nigella.bsky.social with, "This looks perfect for my birthday today." Her account wished me a Happy Birthday, which moved me deeply because of life-things at that moment. It's a sweet gesture for which I'm ever-grateful.
Reposted by Mark Aldrich
Does anyone sell subatomic sized violins?
February 5, 2026 at 7:13 PM
Does anyone sell subatomic sized violins?
Reposted by Mark Aldrich
In 15 years when Peter Mandelson is next sacked from the government, having been caught red-handed robbing a bank, commentators will confidently predict that his career is definitely over this time.
February 4, 2026 at 7:05 PM
In 15 years when Peter Mandelson is next sacked from the government, having been caught red-handed robbing a bank, commentators will confidently predict that his career is definitely over this time.
Reposted by Mark Aldrich
William Kennedy, our founder, our north star, celebrates his 98th birthday today. Congratulations!
His son Brendan shared this photo from a gathering at the family home yesterday.
Earlier this week we put out a call for birthday wishes. www.nyswritersinstitute.org/post/happy-9...
His son Brendan shared this photo from a gathering at the family home yesterday.
Earlier this week we put out a call for birthday wishes. www.nyswritersinstitute.org/post/happy-9...
January 16, 2026 at 9:40 PM
William Kennedy, our founder, our north star, celebrates his 98th birthday today. Congratulations!
His son Brendan shared this photo from a gathering at the family home yesterday.
Earlier this week we put out a call for birthday wishes. www.nyswritersinstitute.org/post/happy-9...
His son Brendan shared this photo from a gathering at the family home yesterday.
Earlier this week we put out a call for birthday wishes. www.nyswritersinstitute.org/post/happy-9...
Reposted by Mark Aldrich
🧵This should be a massive story.
Trump froze $16 billion in infrastructure that will benefit the entire East Coast.
As the NYT reported last week, if Trump doesn't restore that funding, work will stop on the tunnel project between NY and NJ, putting thousands of union workers out of work.
Trump froze $16 billion in infrastructure that will benefit the entire East Coast.
As the NYT reported last week, if Trump doesn't restore that funding, work will stop on the tunnel project between NY and NJ, putting thousands of union workers out of work.
Trump promises Schumer funding for NY tunnel project — if Penn Station and Dulles Airport are renamed after him | CNN Politics
President Donald Trump told Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer last month that he was finally prepared to drop his freeze on billions of dollars in funding for a major New York infrastructure projec...
edition.cnn.com
February 6, 2026 at 1:00 AM
🧵This should be a massive story.
Trump froze $16 billion in infrastructure that will benefit the entire East Coast.
As the NYT reported last week, if Trump doesn't restore that funding, work will stop on the tunnel project between NY and NJ, putting thousands of union workers out of work.
Trump froze $16 billion in infrastructure that will benefit the entire East Coast.
As the NYT reported last week, if Trump doesn't restore that funding, work will stop on the tunnel project between NY and NJ, putting thousands of union workers out of work.
Reposted by Mark Aldrich
OK. Let’s set a new opening position. New law that makes it a class A felony for Republican public officials to consume food. Each infraction is another 10 year minimum prison sentence.
If they want to talk about abolishing ice, we can be willing to compromise.
If they want to talk about abolishing ice, we can be willing to compromise.
Here's what Republicans think is "unrealistic"
1) Need a judicial warrant to enter private property
2) Require verification that someone is not a US citizen before sending them to immigration detention
3) No masks
4) No secret police: Officers must have ID
5) Keep enforcement away from
1) Need a judicial warrant to enter private property
2) Require verification that someone is not a US citizen before sending them to immigration detention
3) No masks
4) No secret police: Officers must have ID
5) Keep enforcement away from
Senate Majority Leader John Thune said Thursday that demands made by Democrats for new restrictions on federal immigration officers are “unrealistic” and warned that the Department of Homeland Security will shut down next week if they do not work with Republicans and the White House.
February 5, 2026 at 11:44 PM
OK. Let’s set a new opening position. New law that makes it a class A felony for Republican public officials to consume food. Each infraction is another 10 year minimum prison sentence.
If they want to talk about abolishing ice, we can be willing to compromise.
If they want to talk about abolishing ice, we can be willing to compromise.
Reposted by Mark Aldrich
Today is Octidi the 18th of Pluviôse in the year 234.
Pluviôse is the month of rain.
Today we celebrate the yew.#JacobinDay
More information on the yew
Pluviôse is the month of rain.
Today we celebrate the yew.#JacobinDay
More information on the yew
February 5, 2026 at 11:00 PM
Today is Octidi the 18th of Pluviôse in the year 234.
Pluviôse is the month of rain.
Today we celebrate the yew.#JacobinDay
More information on the yew
Pluviôse is the month of rain.
Today we celebrate the yew.#JacobinDay
More information on the yew
Reposted by Mark Aldrich
DHS Is Hunting Down Trump Critics. The ‘Free Speech’ Warriors Are Mighty Quiet.
For years, we've been subjected to an endless parade of hyperventilating claims about the Biden administration's supposed "censorship industrial complex." We were told, over and over again, that the government was…
For years, we've been subjected to an endless parade of hyperventilating claims about the Biden administration's supposed "censorship industrial complex." We were told, over and over again, that the government was…
DHS Is Hunting Down Trump Critics. The ‘Free Speech’ Warriors Are Mighty Quiet.
For years, we've been subjected to an endless parade of hyperventilating claims about the Biden administration's supposed "censorship industrial complex." We were told, over and over again, that the government was weaponizing its power to silence conservative speech. The evidence for this? Some angry emails from White House staffers that Facebook ignored. That was basically it. The Supreme Court looked at it and said there was no standing because there was…
www.techdirt.com
February 5, 2026 at 8:04 PM
DHS Is Hunting Down Trump Critics. The ‘Free Speech’ Warriors Are Mighty Quiet.
For years, we've been subjected to an endless parade of hyperventilating claims about the Biden administration's supposed "censorship industrial complex." We were told, over and over again, that the government was…
For years, we've been subjected to an endless parade of hyperventilating claims about the Biden administration's supposed "censorship industrial complex." We were told, over and over again, that the government was…
Reposted by Mark Aldrich
The world factbook was an invaluable resource in asylum petitions—a place where the federal government acknowledged in writing that, for example, Tibetans face systematic repression in China. I don’t like to have it vanish.
Add the CIA World Factbook to the long and growing list of disappearing government datasets: www.cia.gov/stories/stor...
February 5, 2026 at 2:42 PM
The world factbook was an invaluable resource in asylum petitions—a place where the federal government acknowledged in writing that, for example, Tibetans face systematic repression in China. I don’t like to have it vanish.
Reposted by Mark Aldrich
Axios had a story today about how hard Minnesota’s economy is being hit and how slow the recovery could be. So, I’m going to take this opportunity to say that if you want to support the Twin Cities, you should plan a visit for this summer, spend some money here, & see how amazing it is for yourself.
February 4, 2026 at 1:47 PM
Axios had a story today about how hard Minnesota’s economy is being hit and how slow the recovery could be. So, I’m going to take this opportunity to say that if you want to support the Twin Cities, you should plan a visit for this summer, spend some money here, & see how amazing it is for yourself.
Reposted by Mark Aldrich
Reposted by Mark Aldrich
This feels personal. 😠
The CIA just stopped publishing their World Factbook and took every page, including the archived copies of previous versions!
This sucks. It was public domain, so I recovered the 2020 edition (the last one published as a zip file) and shared it to GitHub simonwillison.net/2026/Feb/5/t...
This sucks. It was public domain, so I recovered the 2020 edition (the last one published as a zip file) and shared it to GitHub simonwillison.net/2026/Feb/5/t...
Spotlighting The World Factbook as We Bid a Fond Farewell
Somewhat devastating news today from the CIA: One of CIA’s oldest and most recognizable intelligence publications, The World Factbook, has sunset. There's not even a hint as to why they …
simonwillison.net
February 5, 2026 at 12:47 AM
This feels personal. 😠
Reposted by Mark Aldrich
Live tonight at 7:30 p.m. EST, Sean, me, and John (in the photo) are the Magnificent Glass Pelican, an improv comedy audio theater half-hour show. Not in the Hudson Valley? Tune in here at 7:30 p.m.: share.google/1hxpXjkB56No.... Thanks!
February 4, 2026 at 10:49 PM
Live tonight at 7:30 p.m. EST, Sean, me, and John (in the photo) are the Magnificent Glass Pelican, an improv comedy audio theater half-hour show. Not in the Hudson Valley? Tune in here at 7:30 p.m.: share.google/1hxpXjkB56No.... Thanks!
Live now:
Live tonight at 7:30 p.m. EST, Sean, me, and John (in the photo) are the Magnificent Glass Pelican, an improv comedy audio theater half-hour show. Not in the Hudson Valley? Tune in here at 7:30 p.m.: share.google/1hxpXjkB56No.... Thanks!
February 5, 2026 at 12:34 AM
Live now:
Reposted by Mark Aldrich
Today is Septidi the 17th of Pluviôse in the year 234.
Pluviôse is the month of rain.
Today we celebrate lichen.#JacobinDay
More information on lichen
Pluviôse is the month of rain.
Today we celebrate lichen.#JacobinDay
More information on lichen
February 4, 2026 at 11:00 PM
Today is Septidi the 17th of Pluviôse in the year 234.
Pluviôse is the month of rain.
Today we celebrate lichen.#JacobinDay
More information on lichen
Pluviôse is the month of rain.
Today we celebrate lichen.#JacobinDay
More information on lichen
Reposted by Mark Aldrich
Gonna write this up at more length.
But if you believe Trump's goons will not follow the law, if you believe Trump will reverse November's election.
Your job is NOT to doom monger. It is to treat people-in-the-streets as the one remaining measure.
But if you believe Trump's goons will not follow the law, if you believe Trump will reverse November's election.
Your job is NOT to doom monger. It is to treat people-in-the-streets as the one remaining measure.
February 4, 2026 at 10:50 PM
Gonna write this up at more length.
But if you believe Trump's goons will not follow the law, if you believe Trump will reverse November's election.
Your job is NOT to doom monger. It is to treat people-in-the-streets as the one remaining measure.
But if you believe Trump's goons will not follow the law, if you believe Trump will reverse November's election.
Your job is NOT to doom monger. It is to treat people-in-the-streets as the one remaining measure.
Live tonight at 7:30 p.m. EST, Sean, me, and John (in the photo) are the Magnificent Glass Pelican, an improv comedy audio theater half-hour show. Not in the Hudson Valley? Tune in here at 7:30 p.m.: share.google/1hxpXjkB56No.... Thanks!
February 4, 2026 at 10:49 PM
Live tonight at 7:30 p.m. EST, Sean, me, and John (in the photo) are the Magnificent Glass Pelican, an improv comedy audio theater half-hour show. Not in the Hudson Valley? Tune in here at 7:30 p.m.: share.google/1hxpXjkB56No.... Thanks!
Reposted by Mark Aldrich
JUST IN: SCOTUS declines to take up challenge to Gov. Newsom's redistricting effort in California.
February 4, 2026 at 6:58 PM
JUST IN: SCOTUS declines to take up challenge to Gov. Newsom's redistricting effort in California.
Reposted by Mark Aldrich
WASHINGTON (AP) — Washington Post says one-third of its staff across all departments, not just the newsroom, is being laid off.
February 4, 2026 at 2:54 PM
WASHINGTON (AP) — Washington Post says one-third of its staff across all departments, not just the newsroom, is being laid off.
Reposted by Mark Aldrich
always bears repeating that this is NOT a financial decision. jeff bezos is worth over 250 billion dollars. he can afford to lose many millions and never even notice it. this is, at its core, a political and personal decision by bezos to destroy the post
WASHINGTON (AP) — Washington Post says one-third of its staff across all departments, not just the newsroom, is being laid off.
February 4, 2026 at 3:04 PM
always bears repeating that this is NOT a financial decision. jeff bezos is worth over 250 billion dollars. he can afford to lose many millions and never even notice it. this is, at its core, a political and personal decision by bezos to destroy the post
Reposted by Mark Aldrich
the $75 million Jeff Bezos set on fire for that Melania propaganda piece could have funded most independent newsrooms for literally decades
always bears repeating that this is NOT a financial decision. jeff bezos is worth over 250 billion dollars. he can afford to lose many millions and never even notice it. this is, at its core, a political and personal decision by bezos to destroy the post
WASHINGTON (AP) — Washington Post says one-third of its staff across all departments, not just the newsroom, is being laid off.
February 4, 2026 at 3:11 PM
the $75 million Jeff Bezos set on fire for that Melania propaganda piece could have funded most independent newsrooms for literally decades
Reposted by Mark Aldrich
NEWS: The cuts were so severe that at least one department head asked to leave The Post rather than be included in the planning.
Peter Finn, The Post's international editor, requested that he be laid off once he learned about the scope of the cuts to his section.
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/04/b...
Peter Finn, The Post's international editor, requested that he be laid off once he learned about the scope of the cuts to his section.
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/04/b...
Washington Post Begins Sweeping Layoffs
www.nytimes.com
February 4, 2026 at 3:11 PM
NEWS: The cuts were so severe that at least one department head asked to leave The Post rather than be included in the planning.
Peter Finn, The Post's international editor, requested that he be laid off once he learned about the scope of the cuts to his section.
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/04/b...
Peter Finn, The Post's international editor, requested that he be laid off once he learned about the scope of the cuts to his section.
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/04/b...
Reposted by Mark Aldrich
Trump supporters like him because he acts like this, not in spite of it.
KAITLAN COLLINS: What would say to Epstein survivo---
TRUMP: You are so bad. You are the worst report. No wonder CNN has no ratings. She's a young woman. I don't think I've ever seen you smile. They should be ashamed of you.
TRUMP: You are so bad. You are the worst report. No wonder CNN has no ratings. She's a young woman. I don't think I've ever seen you smile. They should be ashamed of you.
February 4, 2026 at 2:14 AM
Trump supporters like him because he acts like this, not in spite of it.
Reposted by Mark Aldrich
Federal Agents Left Behind “Death Cards” After Capturing Immigrants
ICE agents dropped customized ace of spades playing cards, recalling a macabre practice by U.S. soldiers during the Vietnam War.
theintercept.com/2026/02/03/i...
ICE agents dropped customized ace of spades playing cards, recalling a macabre practice by U.S. soldiers during the Vietnam War.
theintercept.com/2026/02/03/i...
Federal Agents Left Behind “Death Cards” After Capturing Immigrants
ICE agents dropped customized ace of spades playing cards, recalling a practice by U.S. soldiers during the Vietnam War.
theintercept.com
February 3, 2026 at 10:10 PM
Federal Agents Left Behind “Death Cards” After Capturing Immigrants
ICE agents dropped customized ace of spades playing cards, recalling a macabre practice by U.S. soldiers during the Vietnam War.
theintercept.com/2026/02/03/i...
ICE agents dropped customized ace of spades playing cards, recalling a macabre practice by U.S. soldiers during the Vietnam War.
theintercept.com/2026/02/03/i...
Reposted by Mark Aldrich
Floored by this story. A man wrote a pollite email to a federal prosecutor objecting to the deportation of an Afghan seeking asylum. DHS responded with an administrative warrant to get the man's info from Google, then visited his home to intimidate him.
DHS Hunts Down 67-Year-Old U.S. Citizen Who Criticized Them in Email
The Department of Homeland Security is using a little-known tool to go after its critics.
newrepublic.com
February 3, 2026 at 11:14 PM
Floored by this story. A man wrote a pollite email to a federal prosecutor objecting to the deportation of an Afghan seeking asylum. DHS responded with an administrative warrant to get the man's info from Google, then visited his home to intimidate him.
Reposted by Mark Aldrich
Today is Sextidi the 16th of Pluviôse in the year 234.
Pluviôse is the month of rain.
Today we celebrate the boxwood.#JacobinDay
More information on the boxwood
Pluviôse is the month of rain.
Today we celebrate the boxwood.#JacobinDay
More information on the boxwood
February 3, 2026 at 11:00 PM
Today is Sextidi the 16th of Pluviôse in the year 234.
Pluviôse is the month of rain.
Today we celebrate the boxwood.#JacobinDay
More information on the boxwood
Pluviôse is the month of rain.
Today we celebrate the boxwood.#JacobinDay
More information on the boxwood