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michaelsten.bsky.social
Michael
@michaelsten.bsky.social
32K followers 44K following 420 posts
A books📚, films🎬, photography📸, music🎶, and knowledge📖 lover from Malta (Europe). I’m always happy to follow back and get to know people 😊.
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michaelsten.bsky.social
Michael @michaelsten.bsky.social · Feb 3
The Secret Gospel of Jesus AD 0-78 offers a captivating journey into the hidden realms of esotericism and spirituality, inviting readers to explore profound truths long veiled by time and mystery.
#booksky #booktok #bookchallenge #art
In this unique book, The Secret Gospel of Jesus AD 0-78, the well-respected scholar and philosopher Anton Sammut offers a captivating journey into the hidden realms of esotericism, spirituality, and transcendental philosophy, inviting readers to explore profound truths long veiled by time and mystery. Embedded within this work there are also additional profound insights that reveal ancient controversial truths which will resonate due to their gnostic, esoteric, theological, and historical importance.
Reposted by Michael
admirablewomen.bsky.social
Today is National Women Physicians Day (US). It marks the birthday of Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell, the first woman to earn a medical degree in the US, honoring female doctors' achievements & advocating for gender equity in medicine. #WomenInSTEM #WomenInMedicine
A black-and-white 19th-century photograph of Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell, the first woman to earn a medical degree in the United States, shown in profile view seated in a chair. She has her dark hair neatly parted and pulled back. She wears a formal Victorian-era dress with a high collar, dark fabric, elaborate lace trim on the sleeves and bodice, and ruffled details. Her expression is serious and composed as she gazes to the side, with her hands resting in her lap against a draped backdrop. A bold promotional graphic for National Women Physicians Day on February 3. It features a stylized dark blue silhouette of a woman's profile facing right, with her hair in a bun and subtle eyelash detail. Overlaid text in white and blue reads "NATIONAL WOMEN PHYSICIANS DAY" at the top, with "FEBRUARY 3" below in smaller text, emphasizing celebration of women in medicine and honoring pioneers like Elizabeth Blackwell.
February 3, 2026 at 4:00 PM
Reposted by Michael
admirablewomen.bsky.social
Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte was the first #NativeAmerican woman to become a physician in the United States. A member of the Omaha tribe, she campaigned for public health & for the formal, legal allotment of land to members of her tribe.

#WomensPhysiciansDay #WomenInSTEM #WomenInMedicine
Black-and-white studio portrait of Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte, a Native American woman in her thirties or forties, facing forward with a calm, direct gaze toward the camera. She has dark hair pulled back neatly into a bun, prominent cheekbones, and a serious yet composed expression. She wears a high-necked, long-sleeved dark Victorian-style dress with a patterned white lace or floral insert at the collar, creating a contrast against the solid dark fabric.
February 3, 2026 at 5:58 PM
michaelsten.bsky.social
This great quote hits home 😊!

#quotes #greatquotes

Anton Sammut's Goodreads link:
www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
February 3, 2026 at 8:30 PM
Reposted by Michael
antonsammut.bsky.social
“Power is nothing but fear in disguise. Those who seek power do so because they are afraid – afraid of their own insignificance, afraid of losing control, afraid of facing the truth about themselves.”
- 'The Heirs of the Lost Legacy - A Modern Odyssey in a Forgotten Past' (2025).
June 9, 2025 at 3:52 PM
Reposted by Michael
barackobama.bsky.social
Black History Month is a time to recognize the lived, shared experience of all Black folks who have fundamentally shaped, challenged, and ultimately strengthened America. It’s about taking an unvarnished look at the past so that we can create a better future.
February 1, 2026 at 5:09 PM
Reposted by Michael
admirablewomen.bsky.social
Novelist, poet & essayist Mary Shelley died #OTD in 1851.

Daughter of famed philosopher & feminist, Mary Wollstonecraft, Shelley is best known for her 1818 Gothic novel 𝘍𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘬𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘪𝘯: 𝘰𝘳, 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘔𝘰𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘯 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘶𝘴.

poetryfoundation.org/poets/mary-w... #literature #litsky #booksky
A dramatic, artistic composite portrait of Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley (1797–1851), the English novelist best known as the author of Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus (1818). The image overlays a classic 19th-century oil painting-style depiction of Shelley—shown in a three-quarter view with pale skin, dark curly hair parted in the center and falling softly around her face, large expressive brown eyes gazing directly and thoughtfully at the viewer, and wearing a low-cut black off-the-shoulder gown typical of Regency-era fashion—onto a dark, textured background filled with layers of translucent, handwritten manuscript text in faded ink. The overlaid script appears to be excerpts from Frankenstein (or closely related drafts), featuring Mary Shelley’s own elegant, flowing cursive handwriting with crossed-out words, revisions, and phrases such as “the wretched phantom,” “catastrophe,” “limbs,” “rain,” “window,” “features,” “great God,” “skin scarcely covered,” “work of muscles and arteries,” and other evocative fragments describing the Creature’s creation and appearance. The text swirls and overlaps around her face and shoulders like ghostly memories or the very pages of her groundbreaking novel coming to life, creating a haunting, literary effect that symbolizes how her personal experiences, intellectual circle (including Percy Shelley and Lord Byron), and the famous 1816 ghost-story contest at Villa Diodati inspired one of literature’s most enduring and influential works on creation, responsibility, isolation, and the ethics of science.
February 1, 2026 at 5:34 PM
Reposted by Michael
admirablewomen.bsky.social
Vivian Maier is one of my favorite photographers. Such a fascinating story of how she/her photos were discovered. 𝘍𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘝𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘢𝘯 𝘔𝘢𝘪𝘦𝘳 is an excellent #documentary.

#streetphotography #photography
femalephotogs.bsky.social #FemalePhotogs @femalephotogs.bsky.social · 3d
Vivian Maier was born #OTD in 1926.

She privately took >100,000 photos--only found when her unpaid storage contents were auctioned off. Posthumously, she became one of the 20th century’s greatest street photographers.

findingvivianmaier.com

#streetphotography #photography #FemalePhotogs
Black-and-white self-portrait of Vivian Maier (1926–2009), the reclusive American street photographer whose vast archive of over 100,000 images was discovered posthumously and has since established her as one of the 20th century's most significant street photographers. She stands outdoors, gazing directly and intently at the camera with a serious, introspective expression. Her short, tousled hair frames her face, and she wears a plaid or checkered button-up shirt. She holds her signature twin-lens reflex Rolleiflex camera (a medium-format Rolleiflex with twin lenses and waist-level viewfinder) up to her eye, strap around her neck, composing the shot with quiet determination. The image captures her solitary, observant nature and technical skill, taken by Maier herself using a mirror, reflection, or self-timer technique common in her self-portraits. Black-and-white street photograph by Vivian Maier, taken in New York City (likely Times Square or a bustling mid-century urban area, circa 1950s). The central subject is a young man (teen or early 20s) with tousled hair, wearing a casual collared shirt with rolled sleeves, dark trousers, and a belt, standing on a sidewalk. One pigeon is sitting on his left with a second pigeon caught in mid landing with wings extended upward. His expression is concentrated and almost reverent. In the background, large advertising billboards and signs loom prominently, including "SPAGHETTI Served Here" with a pasta illustration and "PLANTERS NUTS" (or similar), along with other marquees, pedestrians, and city details that evoke the vibrant, gritty energy of 1950s New York street life. Maier's signature empathetic eye for everyday human moments and urban textures shines through in this candid, compassionate capture.
February 1, 2026 at 7:43 PM
Reposted by Michael
sciam.bsky.social
An exoplanet called HD 137010 b might be the closest thing astronomers have ever seen to “Earth 2.0.” The trouble is that it’s only been seen once—and may never be glimpsed again
Another Earth or a blip in the data? We may never find out
An exoplanet called HD 137010 b might be the closest thing astronomers have ever seen to “Earth 2.0.” The trouble is that it’s only been seen once—and may never be glimpsed again
www.scientificamerican.com
January 30, 2026 at 10:09 PM
Reposted by Michael
admirablewomen.bsky.social
Engineer & astronaut Christina Koch was born #OTD in 1979

+ December 28, 2019: she broke the record for longest continuous time in space by a woman, ultimately returning from space on Feb. 6, 2020, after 328 days.
+ October 18, 2019: Participant, all-female spacewalk

#WomenInSTEM #AstronautEnvy 🚀
Official NASA portrait of astronaut Christina Koch, poised and resolute in her pristine white Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) spacesuit, embodying the spirit of exploration beyond Earth. She stands tall with the American flag and NASA insignia banners framing her against a cosmic blue gradient backdrop, one gloved hand cradling her gleaming helmet—its reflective visor capturing a subtle glow—as if ready to step into the void once more. Her calm, determined gaze meets the viewer directly, framed by shoulder-length brown hair and a composed expression that speaks of quiet strength. Koch is renowned for her groundbreaking 328-day continuous mission aboard the International Space Station from 2019 to 2020, setting the record for the longest single spaceflight by a woman at the time, while participating in historic firsts including the all-female spacewalk with Jessica Meir and advancing vital research on long-duration human spaceflight for future journeys to the Moon and Mars.
January 30, 2026 at 12:07 AM
Reposted by Michael
admirablewomen.bsky.social
Microbiologist Alice Catherine Evans was born #OTD in 1881.

She proved that the bacterium 𝘉𝘳𝘶𝘤𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘢 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘶𝘴 caused brucellosis (aka undulant fever) in humans & cattle. This led to the pasteurization of milk in the US in 1930. First woman president, Society of American Bacteriologists.

#WomenInSTEM
A vintage black-and-white portrait of pioneering American microbiologist Alice Catherine Evans (1881–1975), seated elegantly in a dark satin blouse with a strand of pearls around her neck. She gazes directly at the camera with a composed, intelligent expression, one hand resting lightly on a table edge, wearing a pleated skirt in this classic early 20th-century studio photograph. Evans made groundbreaking contributions to public health by proving that the bacterium Brucella abortus (which causes brucellosis, also known as undulant fever) could be transmitted from infected cattle to humans through unpasteurized milk, leading to widespread milk pasteurization laws in the 1930s that saved countless lives. She was also the first woman elected president of the Society of American Bacteriologists (now ASM).#WomenInScience #Microbiology #AliceCatherineEvans #PublicHealth #Pasteurization #WomenInSTEM
January 29, 2026 at 10:28 PM
Reposted by Michael
sciam.bsky.social
Why does being awake and alive, being yourself, feel like anything at all, and where does this singular sense of awareness come from in the brain?
Inside the incredible, infuriating quest to explain consciousness
Will brain science deliver answers about consciousness or hit another wall?
www.scientificamerican.com
January 26, 2026 at 3:32 PM
Reposted by Michael
sciam.bsky.social
This black hole is erupting again for the first time in 100 million years
Back from the dead, a black hole is erupting after a 100-million-year hiatus
Radio images captured this “cosmic volcano” being reborn at the heart of the galaxy J1007+3540
www.scientificamerican.com
January 26, 2026 at 4:02 PM
Reposted by Michael
leebillings.bsky.social
Now on @sciam.bsky.social: The misty clumps that seem to mar this starry view are actually the main subjects of this image from NASA's JWST, which is the most intricate map of cosmic dark matter anyone has ever seen. By SciAm's new reporter, Joe Howlett!

www.scientificamerican.com/article/jwst...
JWST unveils most intricate map yet of cosmic dark matter
Astronomers puzzled out minuscule distortions in images of faraway galaxies taken by JWST in order to chart the invisible
www.scientificamerican.com
January 26, 2026 at 4:25 PM
Reposted by Michael
sciam.bsky.social
A leader in the global fight against smallpox and a champion of vaccine science, William Foege died last Saturday
Scientist who helped eradicate smallpox dies at age 89
A leader in the global fight against smallpox and a champion of vaccine science, William Foege died last Saturday
www.scientificamerican.com
January 26, 2026 at 6:39 PM
Reposted by Michael
admirablewomen.bsky.social
Computer scientist, mathematician & NASA rocket scientist Annie Easley conducted groundbreaking energy research, including work on solar, wind, and battery technology that formed the basis for early hybrid vehicles. #WomenInSTEM

It's International Day of #CleanEnergy!
Black-and-white professional portrait photograph of Annie J. Easley (1933–2011), the trailblazing Black mathematician, computer scientist, and rocket scientist who worked at NASA’s Lewis Research Center (now Glenn Research Center) from 1955 to 1989. She is shown in a close-up head-and-shoulders view against a bright light background, looking directly at the camera with a calm, confident, and warm expression. Easley has curly dark hair neatly styled, and she is wearing small earrings and a light-colored blouse or dress with a subtle wrap or draped neckline. The classic mid-20th-century studio portrait captures her poised intelligence and groundbreaking contributions to early NASA computing, including work on energy-conversion systems, software for the Centaur rocket stage, and contributions to battery technology and nuclear-powered systems. #AnnieEasley #NASA #ComputerScience #RocketScience #HiddenFigures
January 26, 2026 at 5:27 PM
michaelsten.bsky.social
A gentle, reflective film that balances sadness and warmth, inviting empathy without manipulation or easy answers and rewarding patient viewers 😊.

#film #films #movies #movie #cinema #filmsky
A gentle, reflective film that balances sadness and warmth, inviting empathy without manipulation or easy answers and rewarding patient viewers 😊.
January 25, 2026 at 7:55 PM
michaelsten.bsky.social
In this unique book, the well-respected scholar Anton Sammut offers a captivating journey into the hidden realms of esotericism, spirituality, and transcendental philosophy, inviting readers to explore profound truths long veiled by time and mystery....

#booksky

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mec9...
Anton Sammut: The Secret Gospel of Jesus 0-78 AD: A Historical Novel
YouTube video by Stephen Cremona
www.youtube.com
January 24, 2026 at 8:59 AM
Reposted by Michael
admirablewomen.bsky.social
She delivered passionate speeches (including one at the adoption of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, 1989), testified before Congress, spoke to parliaments, and gave up to 15 interviews/day to raise awareness and funds. #ForEveryChild (2/3)
A formal portrait of Audrey Hepburn as UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, standing in front of a large blue UNICEF banner featuring the organization's logo—a white globe encircled by olive branches, with stylized white silhouettes of a mother and child (a woman holding an infant) at the center. The banner includes partial white text reading "UNICEF" at the top left and elements of the emblem with wheat-like stalks framing the design. Audrey Hepburn, in her late 50s or early 60s, has her signature elegant, slender features: fair skin with subtle signs of aging, large expressive hazel eyes gazing directly at the camera with quiet compassion and determination, and neatly styled dark brown hair pulled back into a smooth chignon bun. Her expression is serene yet resolute, with a gentle, closed-lip smile conveying warmth and dedication. She wears a top or dress in a white fabric patterned with scattered black polka dots or abstract leaf-like shapes, giving a sophisticated yet approachable look. The image captures her in a moment of advocacy, highlighting her transformative role as a humanitarian advocate for children's rights from 1988 until her death in 1993—considered by her the most important work of her life. The overall mood is dignified, inspirational, and reflective of her enduring legacy in global child welfare.
January 20, 2026 at 4:10 PM
Reposted by Michael
admirablewomen.bsky.social
#OTD in 1961, Eleanor Roosevelt became the first Chair of the Presidential Commission on the Status of Women (PCSW).

The PCSW was established to advise POTUS on issues concerning the status of women. Created by JFK in 1961. In 1975, it became the National Association of Commissions for Women.
A dignified, oil-on-canvas portrait of Eleanor Roosevelt (1884–1962), the pioneering First Lady, diplomat, human rights advocate, and author, painted in 1949 by artist Douglas Granville Chandor. She is depicted against a solid blue-gray background, wearing a tailored light gray suit jacket with lapels, a white blouse or collar beneath, and a classic multi-strand pearl necklace. Her expression is composed and resolute, with a slight, knowing smile, direct gaze toward the viewer, neatly styled short wavy hair, and an air of quiet strength and intelligence. The soft, realistic brushwork captures her maturity, emphasizing her enduring legacy as a champion for civil rights, women's equality, and human rights.
January 20, 2026 at 3:19 PM
michaelsten.bsky.social
Emblematically overwhelming!

#LedZeppelin #Rock #music #NoQuarter #classic #classicrock #jimmypage #robertplant #johnpauljones #johnbonham

www.youtube.com/watch?v=_vG_...
Led Zeppelin - No Quarter (Official Audio)
YouTube video by Led Zeppelin
www.youtube.com
January 20, 2026 at 6:42 AM
michaelsten.bsky.social
Mythically foreboding!

#LedZeppelin #Rock #music #TheBattleofEvermore #classic #classicrock #jimmypage #robertplant #johnpauljones #SandyDenny

www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_Af...
Led Zeppelin - The Battle of Evermore (Official Audio)
YouTube video by Led Zeppelin
www.youtube.com
January 20, 2026 at 6:41 AM
michaelsten.bsky.social
In the shadowed depths of history, where myth and reality intertwine, Sophie Durand, her brother Étienne, and their close friend Laurent Chastel are drawn into a labyrinth of ancient secrets....

www.goodreads.com/book/show/23...

#goodreads #booksky #books #historicalfiction #readingcommunity
In the shadowed depths of history, where myth and reality intertwine, Sophie Durand, her brother Étienne, and their close friend Laurent Chastel are drawn into a labyrinth of ancient secrets. Newly qualified doctors of ancient history and archaeology from the University of Paris, the trio embarks on a journey spanning millennia. Guided by the enigmatic Professor Bonheur, they uncover the hidden story of the Desposyni – mysterious heirs whose influence was so profound that it could shape the wills of emperors. Their investigation leads them to the rise and sudden downfall of the Knights Templar, an order steeped in forbidden knowledge and whispers of treasures powerful enough to alter the course of history. But their discoveries extend far beyond the earthly realm. Among their findings is an artefact of celestial origin, said to hold the key to unlocking the mysteries of the heavens. Their quest takes them across the from the impregnable strongholds of Malta to the opulent halls of the Vatican, from the ancient wisdom of the Far East to the ruins of Herod’s Temple in Jerusalem. They traverse the windswept deserts of Egypt before returning to France, the cradle of their heritage. Along the way, they uncover hidden codes and encrypted messages within Renaissance masterpieces – bridges between art, history, and a knowledge concealed for centuries. With every revelation, Sophie, Étienne, and Laurent come to realise the gravity of their findings. Their discoveries have the potential not only to redefine humanity’s understanding of the past but also to shape the course of its future. A gripping tale of intrigue, celestial wonders, and artistic mysteries, The Heirs of the Lost A Modern Odyssey in a Forgotten Past is a thrilling adventure that dares to what truths lie buried in the shadows of history, and what price would you pay to uncover them?
January 19, 2026 at 6:33 AM
Reposted by Michael
admirablewomen.bsky.social
𝘈 𝘝𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘙𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘞𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯 by English writer and philosopher Mary Wollstonecraft was first published in January 1792. It is a foundational text for feminism that argued for equal education and rights for women--challenging the notion of female inferiority. #literature #litsky #booksky
A split-image composition featuring two historical elements side by side. On the left is an oil portrait painting of Mary Wollstonecraft, the 18th-century British philosopher and advocate for women's rights. She is depicted as a young woman in her late 20s or early 30s with fair skin, rosy cheeks, and auburn hair tucked under a black cap. She wears a simple white muslin gown draped loosely across her shoulders and chest in a classical, flowing style. Her expression is calm and thoughtful, gazing to the left with soft brown eyes against a dark, shadowy background that gives the portrait a dramatic, introspective mood. On the right is a close-up photograph of the title page from the first edition of her seminal work, A Vindication of the Rights of Woman (1792). The text is printed in elegant 18th-century typography with black ink on aged, slightly yellowed paper. The full title reads: "A VINDICATION OF THE RIGHTS OF WOMAN: WITH STRICTURES ON POLITICAL AND MORAL SUBJECTS. By MARY WOLLSTONECRAFT." Below are publication details: "LONDON: PRINTED FOR J. JOHNSON, N° 72, ST. PAUL'S CHURCH YARD. 1792." The page has a classic book layout with centered lines, decorative rules, and subtle printer's ornaments. The overall image juxtaposes Wollstonecraft's portrait with the foundational feminist text she authored, symbolizing her enduring legacy in women's rights and Enlightenment thought.
January 18, 2026 at 6:23 PM
michaelsten.bsky.social
Elegant and timeless, capturing meaning in just a few words.

www.goodreads.com/author/show/...

#goodreads #quotes #reading #books #BookSky 💙📚
January 17, 2026 at 11:11 PM
Reposted by Michael
macka2u.bsky.social
I think I've reached that point
Where every word that you write
Of every blood dark sea
And every soul black night
And every dream you dream me in
And every perfect free from sin
And burning eyes
And hearts on fire
Are just the same old song
~The Cure
#art #classicmono #foto #PhotographersOfBluesky
January 17, 2026 at 3:42 AM