mike!
@mikescalise.bsky.social
yinzer, author: THE BRAND NEW CATASTROPHE
https://www.mikescalise.me/
https://www.mikescalise.me/
Pinned
mike!
@mikescalise.bsky.social
· Apr 10
"That instant film could live on as both image and object . . . made it an ideal future archive. A message in a bottle. This was it, it said. This was the end for me."
Mike Scalise for The Georgia Review:
Mike Scalise for The Georgia Review:
Polaroid Death Machine - Longreads
"I reached for the same tools that my grandmother used, the old Polaroid cameras I’d taken from what was once her home, which I cleaned and cared for, then carried out into our new, time-broken…
longreads.com
hello, the editors have picked my shortish GR essay about Polaroids and death for you to read
Reposted by mike!
Pa. health insurance rates set to spike if Congress doesn't extend the ACA tax credits. Many Pittsburgh area counties will be hurt especially hard, with some premiums increasing over $100 a month. www.axios.com/local/pittsb...
PA health insurance costs could skyrocket without federal action
Some counties face over 100% hikes if enhanced subsidies expire.
www.axios.com
October 27, 2025 at 8:31 PM
Pa. health insurance rates set to spike if Congress doesn't extend the ACA tax credits. Many Pittsburgh area counties will be hurt especially hard, with some premiums increasing over $100 a month. www.axios.com/local/pittsb...
Reposted by mike!
I fell down the stairs + broke my neck in Croatia!
I need spinal surgery asap!
My sister organized a GoFundMe!
#ProtectTheDolls from not being able to pay for spinal surgery!
If you don't have $ to spare, sharing widely would be just as appreciated <3
www.gofundme.com/f/support-ev...
I need spinal surgery asap!
My sister organized a GoFundMe!
#ProtectTheDolls from not being able to pay for spinal surgery!
If you don't have $ to spare, sharing widely would be just as appreciated <3
www.gofundme.com/f/support-ev...
Donate to Support Evie’s Urgent Spinal Surgery & Recovery, organized by Megan Atkinson
Evie broke her neck in Croatia! Help her navigate her spinal fracture c… Megan Atkinson needs your support for Support Evie’s Urgent Spinal Surgery & Recovery
www.gofundme.com
October 22, 2025 at 10:54 PM
I fell down the stairs + broke my neck in Croatia!
I need spinal surgery asap!
My sister organized a GoFundMe!
#ProtectTheDolls from not being able to pay for spinal surgery!
If you don't have $ to spare, sharing widely would be just as appreciated <3
www.gofundme.com/f/support-ev...
I need spinal surgery asap!
My sister organized a GoFundMe!
#ProtectTheDolls from not being able to pay for spinal surgery!
If you don't have $ to spare, sharing widely would be just as appreciated <3
www.gofundme.com/f/support-ev...
Reposted by mike!
We're launching a portal to review federal immigration enforcement in New York after yesterday’s ICE raid on Canal Street.
New Yorkers who were present should submit videos or photos, and we will review and investigate any violations of the law.
New Yorkers who were present should submit videos or photos, and we will review and investigate any violations of the law.
Federal Action Reporting Form
Federal Action Reporting Form Please use this form to share information regarding federal government action in New York state. Filing a complaint does not start
ag.ny.gov
October 22, 2025 at 6:48 PM
We're launching a portal to review federal immigration enforcement in New York after yesterday’s ICE raid on Canal Street.
New Yorkers who were present should submit videos or photos, and we will review and investigate any violations of the law.
New Yorkers who were present should submit videos or photos, and we will review and investigate any violations of the law.
Reposted by mike!
David Simon, creator of ‘The Wire’, being interviewed by Ari Shapiro (NPR)
October 9, 2025 at 4:42 AM
David Simon, creator of ‘The Wire’, being interviewed by Ari Shapiro (NPR)
I don't love posting about twttr but years back I had this great convo about the instinct early writers have to withhold the most salient details in a piece & how it opens doors to do the opposite. There were many great responses & I have forgotten them. Trying to run it back.
October 2, 2025 at 8:31 PM
I don't love posting about twttr but years back I had this great convo about the instinct early writers have to withhold the most salient details in a piece & how it opens doors to do the opposite. There were many great responses & I have forgotten them. Trying to run it back.
Reposted by mike!
Since many of us are cancelling streaming services, now might also be a good time to support writers and artists. Times are extremely tough for creatives, so why not buy a book, commission an art piece, sign up for a Patreon, tip your favorite creators. Everything helps.
September 19, 2025 at 6:35 PM
Since many of us are cancelling streaming services, now might also be a good time to support writers and artists. Times are extremely tough for creatives, so why not buy a book, commission an art piece, sign up for a Patreon, tip your favorite creators. Everything helps.
Reposted by mike!
If you have an extra $10 a month to spare, here's a list of worker-owned cooperative news sites you might want to support:
• 404 Media
• Defector
• The Flytrap
• Flaming Hydra
• The Appeal
• Aftermath
• Racket
• Hell Gate
• The 51st
• The Colorado Sun
• Range Media
• Discourse Blog
• Pop Heist
• 404 Media
• Defector
• The Flytrap
• Flaming Hydra
• The Appeal
• Aftermath
• Racket
• Hell Gate
• The 51st
• The Colorado Sun
• Range Media
• Discourse Blog
• Pop Heist
September 19, 2025 at 2:00 PM
If you have an extra $10 a month to spare, here's a list of worker-owned cooperative news sites you might want to support:
• 404 Media
• Defector
• The Flytrap
• Flaming Hydra
• The Appeal
• Aftermath
• Racket
• Hell Gate
• The 51st
• The Colorado Sun
• Range Media
• Discourse Blog
• Pop Heist
• 404 Media
• Defector
• The Flytrap
• Flaming Hydra
• The Appeal
• Aftermath
• Racket
• Hell Gate
• The 51st
• The Colorado Sun
• Range Media
• Discourse Blog
• Pop Heist
Reposted by mike!
Reposted by mike!
I wrote about the leveling and deranging effects of the Trumpist snitchscape, and the awful content creation imperatives governing this awful moment. defector.com/the-united-s...
The United States Of Snitches | Defector
On Saturday, the chairman of the Republican Party in Michigan’s Oakland County spent his afternoon directing his online followers’ attention to local businesses that had not lowered their flags to hal...
defector.com
September 17, 2025 at 1:40 PM
I wrote about the leveling and deranging effects of the Trumpist snitchscape, and the awful content creation imperatives governing this awful moment. defector.com/the-united-s...
Reposted by mike!
Fox Sports uses AI to achieve the impossible: make Aaron Rodgers look deader inside. defector.com/fox-sports-a...
Fox Sports Uses AI To Achieve The Impossible: Make Aaron Rodgers Look Deader Inside | Defector
They said it couldn’t be done. They said Aaron Rodgers surely couldn’t look as bereft of an inner life and the spark of humanity as he already does. Well, some truly awful technology has proven the…
defector.com
September 15, 2025 at 4:55 PM
Fox Sports uses AI to achieve the impossible: make Aaron Rodgers look deader inside. defector.com/fox-sports-a...
Reposted by mike!
This brings the Dread Cycle™:
Work on personal projects
Need to make money to survive
Pause personal work
Build small safety net
Back to personal work
Need to make money to survive...
Every pause hurts personal work, so the thing we want to be our focus/income never gets traction in survival mode.
Work on personal projects
Need to make money to survive
Pause personal work
Build small safety net
Back to personal work
Need to make money to survive...
Every pause hurts personal work, so the thing we want to be our focus/income never gets traction in survival mode.
September 11, 2025 at 1:56 PM
This brings the Dread Cycle™:
Work on personal projects
Need to make money to survive
Pause personal work
Build small safety net
Back to personal work
Need to make money to survive...
Every pause hurts personal work, so the thing we want to be our focus/income never gets traction in survival mode.
Work on personal projects
Need to make money to survive
Pause personal work
Build small safety net
Back to personal work
Need to make money to survive...
Every pause hurts personal work, so the thing we want to be our focus/income never gets traction in survival mode.
Reposted by mike!
Nearly every artist you know/follow is struggling right now. Opportunities are retracting and most of us are barely making rent and/or are one unexpected emergency away from being royally screwed. We're lowering rates, hustling harder than ever, and just trying to do what we love.
September 11, 2025 at 1:42 PM
Nearly every artist you know/follow is struggling right now. Opportunities are retracting and most of us are barely making rent and/or are one unexpected emergency away from being royally screwed. We're lowering rates, hustling harder than ever, and just trying to do what we love.
Reposted by mike!
Just going to leave this from @onthemedia.bsky.social here
![OTM's Breaking News Consumer's Handbook, noting
1. In the immediate aftermath, news outlets will get it wrong.
2. Don't trust anonymous sources.
3. Don't trust stories that cite another news outlet as the source of the information.
4. There's almost never a second shooter.
5. Pay attention to the language the media uses.
• “We are getting reports” … could mean anything.
• “We are seeking confirmation” … means they don’t have it.
• “[News outlet] has learned” … means it has a scoop or is going out on limb.
6. Look for news outlets close to the incident.
7. Compare multiple sources.
8. Big news brings out the fakers. And photoshoppers.
9. Beware reflexive retweeting. Some of this is on you.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:3mkycvuszblbsbzdtm22y24f/bafkreibt4wwo7y2ypyeg4ukizmosbyd4d47oji4eanyhv7q5gz57y7rhqm@jpeg)
September 10, 2025 at 7:07 PM
Just going to leave this from @onthemedia.bsky.social here
Reposted by mike!
giving you permission for today to not have to argue about how crime is lower actually
August 11, 2025 at 6:15 PM
giving you permission for today to not have to argue about how crime is lower actually
Reposted by mike!
The most depressing AI pieces are always going to be the thoughtful, nuanced, open-minded considerations by respected writers who are transparently responding to the publicity incentive created by editors whose owners want this kind of content
July 19, 2025 at 2:43 PM
The most depressing AI pieces are always going to be the thoughtful, nuanced, open-minded considerations by respected writers who are transparently responding to the publicity incentive created by editors whose owners want this kind of content
Reposted by mike!
yes john the last thing the democratic party needs is members who are not even democrats
John Fetterman Rips Zohran Mamdani’s Policies: ‘He’s Not Even a Democrat’
John Fetterman Rips Zohran Mamdani’s Policies: ‘He’s Not Even a Democrat’
John Fetterman also called Zohran Mamdani’s win in the Democratic primary last month, calling it “Christmas in July for the GOP.”
The post John Fetterman Rips Zohran Mamdani’s Policies: ‘He’s Not Even a Democrat’ first appeared on Mediaite.
dlvr.it
July 11, 2025 at 1:09 PM
yes john the last thing the democratic party needs is members who are not even democrats
Reposted by mike!
Thanks jibjab hot dog.
July 9, 2025 at 11:16 AM
Thanks jibjab hot dog.
Reposted by mike!
Rep. Summer Lee said Republicans’ Big Beautiful Bill will have a massive impact on PA.
▪️500k lose health insurance
▪️Rural hospitals could close
▪️Over 134k in PA-12 alone could lose SNAP food assistance
▪️$360 yearly increase in energy bills
▪️37k lost energy jobs statewide
▪️500k lose health insurance
▪️Rural hospitals could close
▪️Over 134k in PA-12 alone could lose SNAP food assistance
▪️$360 yearly increase in energy bills
▪️37k lost energy jobs statewide
July 3, 2025 at 1:55 AM
Rep. Summer Lee said Republicans’ Big Beautiful Bill will have a massive impact on PA.
▪️500k lose health insurance
▪️Rural hospitals could close
▪️Over 134k in PA-12 alone could lose SNAP food assistance
▪️$360 yearly increase in energy bills
▪️37k lost energy jobs statewide
▪️500k lose health insurance
▪️Rural hospitals could close
▪️Over 134k in PA-12 alone could lose SNAP food assistance
▪️$360 yearly increase in energy bills
▪️37k lost energy jobs statewide
Reposted by mike!
Oh no what if they turn this insanely popular young progressive into a national figure, anything but that
Via Maggie Haberman: "Allies of President Trump are already gearing up to turn Mamdani into a national figure to attack and tether to other Democrats ahead of the midterms."
www.nytimes.com/live/2025/06...
www.nytimes.com/live/2025/06...
Live Updates: Mamdani Holds Lead Over Cuomo in Democratic Primary for N.Y.C. Mayor
www.nytimes.com
June 25, 2025 at 2:45 AM
Oh no what if they turn this insanely popular young progressive into a national figure, anything but that
Reposted by mike!
Literally begging you to post about Just Some Stuff. We will see the news I absolutely promise. Twenty people will repost the same exact thing about the news. Only you can post about a turtle you saw
i don't mean to come off as rude but we cannot sustain ourselves on outrage and anger forever. i think it's even more important now to post about other things too. even if it gets less engagement. you never know who will find it cool and interesting.
It’s a real mindfuck when most ppl wanna post about their latest failures/successes, or weird shit they saw in the wild or cool stuff they made…but the country is a cesspool so cool/weird shit seems trite.
June 21, 2025 at 2:36 AM
Literally begging you to post about Just Some Stuff. We will see the news I absolutely promise. Twenty people will repost the same exact thing about the news. Only you can post about a turtle you saw
Reposted by mike!
I am begging people not to look to the NYT for coverage of what's happening. The BBC, Le Monde, Ajazeera and others will have more truthful coverage.
June 22, 2025 at 12:53 AM
I am begging people not to look to the NYT for coverage of what's happening. The BBC, Le Monde, Ajazeera and others will have more truthful coverage.
Reposted by mike!
Bluesky is officially “open” now (no more invites). So just a reminder to not engage with trolls and bad actors, there is no algorithm here to promote or spread them, replying to them is what puts them on everybody’s timelines. So block and give no oxygen.
February 6, 2024 at 2:45 PM
Bluesky is officially “open” now (no more invites). So just a reminder to not engage with trolls and bad actors, there is no algorithm here to promote or spread them, replying to them is what puts them on everybody’s timelines. So block and give no oxygen.
hello fellow panicked liberals of bluesky - reg is open for my summer course with Stanford Continuing Studies - designed expressly to help you locate yourself & your voice when life feels too big and loud to do so.
Link below to enroll or share:
continuingstudies.stanford.edu/courses/deta...
Link below to enroll or share:
continuingstudies.stanford.edu/courses/deta...
Memoir Workshop: Writing About Small Things in Big Ways
Writing about our personal lives can feel overwhelming. With so much lived material to choose from, where to begin? The tools to tell a meaningful personal story can be anywhere, even in our daily rou...
continuingstudies.stanford.edu
May 20, 2025 at 4:10 PM
hello fellow panicked liberals of bluesky - reg is open for my summer course with Stanford Continuing Studies - designed expressly to help you locate yourself & your voice when life feels too big and loud to do so.
Link below to enroll or share:
continuingstudies.stanford.edu/courses/deta...
Link below to enroll or share:
continuingstudies.stanford.edu/courses/deta...
Reposted by mike!
3. Polaroid Death Machine (Mike Scalise, The Georgia Review)
"Mike Scalise comes closer than any writer I’ve encountered to explaining the singular power of instant film."
www.thegeorgiareview.com/posts/polaro...
"Mike Scalise comes closer than any writer I’ve encountered to explaining the singular power of instant film."
www.thegeorgiareview.com/posts/polaro...
Polaroid Death Machine - The Georgia Review
In late February of 2020 I traveled home to Pittsburgh to salvage what I could of my grandparents’ lives. After caring for them and their things during their final years and after, my aunt was moving ...
www.thegeorgiareview.com
April 11, 2025 at 4:22 PM
3. Polaroid Death Machine (Mike Scalise, The Georgia Review)
"Mike Scalise comes closer than any writer I’ve encountered to explaining the singular power of instant film."
www.thegeorgiareview.com/posts/polaro...
"Mike Scalise comes closer than any writer I’ve encountered to explaining the singular power of instant film."
www.thegeorgiareview.com/posts/polaro...
hello, the editors have picked my shortish GR essay about Polaroids and death for you to read
"That instant film could live on as both image and object . . . made it an ideal future archive. A message in a bottle. This was it, it said. This was the end for me."
Mike Scalise for The Georgia Review:
Mike Scalise for The Georgia Review:
Polaroid Death Machine - Longreads
"I reached for the same tools that my grandmother used, the old Polaroid cameras I’d taken from what was once her home, which I cleaned and cared for, then carried out into our new, time-broken…
longreads.com
April 10, 2025 at 12:33 AM
hello, the editors have picked my shortish GR essay about Polaroids and death for you to read