Paul DiMilla
@pauldimilla.bsky.social
Ex-professor of engineering/chemistry & healthcare technology R&D professional. Native New Englander self-transplanted to PNW. Hiker/climber & climate-conscious gardener. Boston sports fan(atic). Cultivator & purveyor of a cornucopia of interests.
Pinned
Paul DiMilla
@pauldimilla.bsky.social
· Mar 16
the entire U.S. tourism industry dependent on international travelers is in for a very shitty summer
Been thinking about soccer's 2026 World Cup (to be co-hosted by the US/Canada/Mexico) & Los Angeles' 2028 Summer Olympics for a while: how can the gross chaos devolving since Trump took office not crush these events (which have enormous economic impacts, international visitors, & prestige)?
Reposted by Paul DiMilla
AI ads should come with warnings similar to those for pharmaceuticals, e.g., may cause loss of critical thinking, problem solving, and creativity; may contribute to high energy costs, rising temperatures, and depletion of water resources; you may experience threats to democracy with use of AI…
February 9, 2026 at 3:06 AM
AI ads should come with warnings similar to those for pharmaceuticals, e.g., may cause loss of critical thinking, problem solving, and creativity; may contribute to high energy costs, rising temperatures, and depletion of water resources; you may experience threats to democracy with use of AI…
Reposted by Paul DiMilla
A desperate plea sent to me by a Minneapolis resident who's been on the front lines since the beginning of the ICE occupation:
February 8, 2026 at 5:06 AM
A desperate plea sent to me by a Minneapolis resident who's been on the front lines since the beginning of the ICE occupation:
Reposted by Paul DiMilla
I'm always happy to learn that there's still a significant portion of the country who wants the US to be the US.
February 8, 2026 at 12:38 AM
I'm always happy to learn that there's still a significant portion of the country who wants the US to be the US.
Reposted by Paul DiMilla
Ossoff: We were told that MAGA was for working-class Americans. But this is a government of, by, and for the ultra-rich. It’s the wealthiest Cabinet ever. This is the Epstein class. They are the elites they pretend to hate.
February 7, 2026 at 7:57 PM
Ossoff: We were told that MAGA was for working-class Americans. But this is a government of, by, and for the ultra-rich. It’s the wealthiest Cabinet ever. This is the Epstein class. They are the elites they pretend to hate.
Reposted by Paul DiMilla
So, first of all, of course it was Trump.
But even if they were telling the truth, "We give staffers who post videos of the Obamas as apes access to the agenda-setting, decree-sending, market-moving account of the president of the United States" is not the exculpatory statement they think it is.
But even if they were telling the truth, "We give staffers who post videos of the Obamas as apes access to the agenda-setting, decree-sending, market-moving account of the president of the United States" is not the exculpatory statement they think it is.
February 6, 2026 at 5:36 PM
So, first of all, of course it was Trump.
But even if they were telling the truth, "We give staffers who post videos of the Obamas as apes access to the agenda-setting, decree-sending, market-moving account of the president of the United States" is not the exculpatory statement they think it is.
But even if they were telling the truth, "We give staffers who post videos of the Obamas as apes access to the agenda-setting, decree-sending, market-moving account of the president of the United States" is not the exculpatory statement they think it is.
Reposted by Paul DiMilla
TRIGGER WARNING, because here is a US Marshal from Trump‘s Gestapo Force in Memphis kicking a puppy today in the Whitehaven neighborhood and breaking its rib. They were serving a warrant and I guess BIG MAN got scared of the schnauzer.
(I didn’t take the video, the dog’s person did)
(I didn’t take the video, the dog’s person did)
February 6, 2026 at 4:20 AM
TRIGGER WARNING, because here is a US Marshal from Trump‘s Gestapo Force in Memphis kicking a puppy today in the Whitehaven neighborhood and breaking its rib. They were serving a warrant and I guess BIG MAN got scared of the schnauzer.
(I didn’t take the video, the dog’s person did)
(I didn’t take the video, the dog’s person did)
Reposted by Paul DiMilla
they should make a movie series about how it’s irresponsible to use technology to mess with the natural order of things for profit
Xfinity has just released its Jurassic Park-themed Super Bowl ad that features a digitally de-aged Sam Neil, Laura Dern, and Jeff Goldblum. https://bit.ly/4rmRhrK
February 3, 2026 at 3:32 AM
they should make a movie series about how it’s irresponsible to use technology to mess with the natural order of things for profit
Reposted by Paul DiMilla
I love the US. But if I were not American, I would not set foot in the US now.
As long as Stephen Miller is in power, the US cannot plausibly host international sporting events. (And all the *foreigners* they would bring.)
As long as Stephen Miller is in power, the US cannot plausibly host international sporting events. (And all the *foreigners* they would bring.)
The Montreal Canadiens are playing the Minnesota Wild in Minneapolis tonight. The players have been recommended to stay in/eat at the hotel, take the team bus to the arena, and carry passports.
Perhaps we shouldn't be hosting the World Cup and the Olympics...
Perhaps we shouldn't be hosting the World Cup and the Olympics...
Le voyagement est aussi affecté → www.danslescoulisses.com/ice-le-canad...
February 2, 2026 at 7:27 PM
I love the US. But if I were not American, I would not set foot in the US now.
As long as Stephen Miller is in power, the US cannot plausibly host international sporting events. (And all the *foreigners* they would bring.)
As long as Stephen Miller is in power, the US cannot plausibly host international sporting events. (And all the *foreigners* they would bring.)
Reposted by Paul DiMilla
This is happening a lot to female journalists. So here is a modest proposal for the White House press corps: Stand together. No one should ask another question until the President answers the question that was ignored.
January 31, 2026 at 6:39 PM
This is happening a lot to female journalists. So here is a modest proposal for the White House press corps: Stand together. No one should ask another question until the President answers the question that was ignored.
Reposted by Paul DiMilla
Nature and Science journalists denied entry to event featuring NIH Director
I'm at the Willard Hotel where I've been denied entry and kicked out of the Reclaiming Science event with NIH director Bhattacharya & other top agency leaders.
@jocelynkaiser.bsky.social and I registered for the event months ago yet were told capacity was full, even as they let in dozens of others.
@jocelynkaiser.bsky.social and I registered for the event months ago yet were told capacity was full, even as they let in dozens of others.
January 31, 2026 at 2:50 AM
Nature and Science journalists denied entry to event featuring NIH Director
Never mind the jobs you had, tell me five classes you took in college
1) Synthesis of Polymers
2) Catalysis
3) Transport Processes
4) Politics & Public Policy
5) Listening to Music (aka History of Music in the Western World)
1+2 told me what to not pursue, 3 hardest, 4+5 most influential.
1) Synthesis of Polymers
2) Catalysis
3) Transport Processes
4) Politics & Public Policy
5) Listening to Music (aka History of Music in the Western World)
1+2 told me what to not pursue, 3 hardest, 4+5 most influential.
Never mind the jobs you had, tell me five classes you took in college
Values, Technology and Society
Art and the Transatlantic Exchange
Petroleum Engineering
Poetry Writing
Marxist Philosophy (I barely scraped out a C!)
Values, Technology and Society
Art and the Transatlantic Exchange
Petroleum Engineering
Poetry Writing
Marxist Philosophy (I barely scraped out a C!)
Never mind the jobs you had, tell me five classes you took in college
Sage, the Way, and Zen
Shakespeare
Religion and Modern Secularism
Creative Fiction Writing
International Political Economy
Pleasantly surprised how many of these classes proved useful later in life.
Sage, the Way, and Zen
Shakespeare
Religion and Modern Secularism
Creative Fiction Writing
International Political Economy
Pleasantly surprised how many of these classes proved useful later in life.
January 31, 2026 at 12:19 AM
Never mind the jobs you had, tell me five classes you took in college
1) Synthesis of Polymers
2) Catalysis
3) Transport Processes
4) Politics & Public Policy
5) Listening to Music (aka History of Music in the Western World)
1+2 told me what to not pursue, 3 hardest, 4+5 most influential.
1) Synthesis of Polymers
2) Catalysis
3) Transport Processes
4) Politics & Public Policy
5) Listening to Music (aka History of Music in the Western World)
1+2 told me what to not pursue, 3 hardest, 4+5 most influential.
Reposted by Paul DiMilla
Nope.
Nope nope nope nope nope nope nope nope nope.
Nope nope nope nope nope nope nope nope nope.
January 30, 2026 at 4:12 AM
Nope.
Nope nope nope nope nope nope nope nope nope.
Nope nope nope nope nope nope nope nope nope.
Reposted by Paul DiMilla
I have begun to think that Minnesota pushback to ICE was unique and a model because it gave people something to do. It wasn’t about just going out in streets for rallying purposes. People had a mission: videos, whistles, information and communication flow to communities. They had something to do.
January 27, 2026 at 7:00 PM
I have begun to think that Minnesota pushback to ICE was unique and a model because it gave people something to do. It wasn’t about just going out in streets for rallying purposes. People had a mission: videos, whistles, information and communication flow to communities. They had something to do.
Reposted by Paul DiMilla
Wouldn’t have made it out of the VEEP writers room
January 26, 2026 at 4:58 PM
Wouldn’t have made it out of the VEEP writers room
Reposted by Paul DiMilla
This administration is cooked. Literally no one is scared of them.
January 25, 2026 at 5:20 PM
This administration is cooked. Literally no one is scared of them.
These losses are sickening, both figuratively & literally.
The US government lost more than 10,000 STEM PhDs last year, according to an analysis by Science of newly released OPM data, with 11 departures for every hire. And many OPM calls "voluntary" separations were probably pushed. www.science.org/content/arti...
U.S. government has lost more than 10,000 STEM Ph.D.s since Trump took office
A Science analysis reveals how many were fired, retired, or quit across 14 agencies
www.science.org
January 27, 2026 at 1:33 AM
These losses are sickening, both figuratively & literally.
Reposted by Paul DiMilla
A German soccer federation executive committee member says it's time to consider a World Cup boycott because of the actions of U.S. President Donald Trump.
German soccer federation official wants World Cup boycott considered because of Trump
A German soccer federation executive committee member says it’s time to consider a World Cup boycott because of the actions of U.S. President Donald Trump.
bit.ly
January 23, 2026 at 10:00 PM
A German soccer federation executive committee member says it's time to consider a World Cup boycott because of the actions of U.S. President Donald Trump.
Reposted by Paul DiMilla
imgaine getting sent packing with your ass in your own two hands by some of the nicest people in the world and then showing up in a city that is famous for booing santa claus
January 26, 2026 at 3:36 AM
imgaine getting sent packing with your ass in your own two hands by some of the nicest people in the world and then showing up in a city that is famous for booing santa claus
Reposted by Paul DiMilla
“At times, Minneapolis reminded me of what I saw during the Arab Spring in 2011, a series of street clashes between protesters and police that quickly swelled into a much larger struggle against autocracy,” writes Robert F. Worth
www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
Welcome to the American Winter
In the frozen streets of Minneapolis, something profound is happening.
www.theatlantic.com
January 26, 2026 at 6:47 AM
“At times, Minneapolis reminded me of what I saw during the Arab Spring in 2011, a series of street clashes between protesters and police that quickly swelled into a much larger struggle against autocracy,” writes Robert F. Worth
www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
Reposted by Paul DiMilla
There is a child across the street who was out shoveling snow & I was kind of impressed, until I realized she was dumping the snow from her sidewalk *onto the house's front porch and stairs* to construct a massive sled run from the front door. Now I am like "get that kid an engineering scholarship"
January 25, 2026 at 9:42 PM
There is a child across the street who was out shoveling snow & I was kind of impressed, until I realized she was dumping the snow from her sidewalk *onto the house's front porch and stairs* to construct a massive sled run from the front door. Now I am like "get that kid an engineering scholarship"
Reposted by Paul DiMilla
In 1775 a lot of people were unhappy with the King but they weren’t necessarily ready to commit treason. That changed when the King’s troops started shooting their neighbors, stealing food, and raping women.
January 25, 2026 at 3:18 AM
In 1775 a lot of people were unhappy with the King but they weren’t necessarily ready to commit treason. That changed when the King’s troops started shooting their neighbors, stealing food, and raping women.
Reposted by Paul DiMilla
So. No particular order…
Tell me again we’re still the dependable nation. He’s proving Carney’s point from that speech in Davos
Convenient the markets are closed, no?
The President of the United States is a chaos agent.
Republicans in Congress endorse this with their silence.
Tell me again we’re still the dependable nation. He’s proving Carney’s point from that speech in Davos
Convenient the markets are closed, no?
The President of the United States is a chaos agent.
Republicans in Congress endorse this with their silence.
January 24, 2026 at 2:19 PM
So. No particular order…
Tell me again we’re still the dependable nation. He’s proving Carney’s point from that speech in Davos
Convenient the markets are closed, no?
The President of the United States is a chaos agent.
Republicans in Congress endorse this with their silence.
Tell me again we’re still the dependable nation. He’s proving Carney’s point from that speech in Davos
Convenient the markets are closed, no?
The President of the United States is a chaos agent.
Republicans in Congress endorse this with their silence.
Reposted by Paul DiMilla
Agree.
No one outside the US, who has a choice, should be enabling a lawless and lying regime. Which has become a threat to its own people and the entire world.
(Speaking as an American patriot.)
No one outside the US, who has a choice, should be enabling a lawless and lying regime. Which has become a threat to its own people and the entire world.
(Speaking as an American patriot.)
If you're living somewhere outside the USA, one thing you can do is pressure your leaders to boycott World Cup and Olympic events here.
January 24, 2026 at 8:34 PM
Agree.
No one outside the US, who has a choice, should be enabling a lawless and lying regime. Which has become a threat to its own people and the entire world.
(Speaking as an American patriot.)
No one outside the US, who has a choice, should be enabling a lawless and lying regime. Which has become a threat to its own people and the entire world.
(Speaking as an American patriot.)
Reposted by Paul DiMilla
Kare 11 local news just read, in full, this statement from Michael and Susan Pretti, the parents of Alex Pretti.
"Please get the truth out about our son."
"Please get the truth out about our son."
January 25, 2026 at 12:43 AM
Kare 11 local news just read, in full, this statement from Michael and Susan Pretti, the parents of Alex Pretti.
"Please get the truth out about our son."
"Please get the truth out about our son."
Reposted by Paul DiMilla
The fact of the matter is: a severe #IceStorm is developing across much of the country at this very moment, with potentially devastating and far-reaching consequences extending far beyond the region of maximum #ice concentration. Watch out for the #ice, and help your neighbors weather the storm.
CNN: DHS officials have come to FEMA staff and told them to limit the use of the word ice…they are worried that by posting something like, watch out for the ice, that it's going to become a meme….
January 24, 2026 at 1:03 AM