Paul Nance
@paulnance.bsky.social
Student of the flora of Albany's Pine Bush and of the tallgrass prairie, photography, language, music, the Horn and the history of "this Antient and respectable City of Albany."
Reposted by Paul Nance
I just got my annual Public Lending Right cheque for Because Internet from the Canada Council for the Arts, so permit me a thread about what the public lending right is and why you should request books you love from public libraries!
February 18, 2026 at 2:56 AM
I just got my annual Public Lending Right cheque for Because Internet from the Canada Council for the Arts, so permit me a thread about what the public lending right is and why you should request books you love from public libraries!
Reposted by Paul Nance
Writing is thinking.
It's not some marginal boring task you can skip. It's the heart of it.
It's not some marginal boring task you can skip. It's the heart of it.
It’s easy to think writing is mainly the transcription of ideas you already have—that is, until you try to write something worthwhile, and you find what you thought were saying transform into something far more interesting in the process. This skips that last step, and that is *not* an improvement.
“We plan to hire an AI rewrite specialist to ingest the reporting by Hannah and others and use AI to convert it into stories.”
The editor of the Cleveland Plain Dealer said it will use AI to ‘write’ its articles.
www.cleveland.com/news/2025/10...
The editor of the Cleveland Plain Dealer said it will use AI to ‘write’ its articles.
www.cleveland.com/news/2025/10...
February 16, 2026 at 2:55 PM
Writing is thinking.
It's not some marginal boring task you can skip. It's the heart of it.
It's not some marginal boring task you can skip. It's the heart of it.
Reposted by Paul Nance
A comment on this post describes users of the slang as lazy simpletons with limited vocabulary. Shows the social baggage that language has accumulated; its role as a scapegoat.
I see linguistic shortcuts more as efficiencies, the verbal equivalent of desire paths, which no one dismisses as "lazy".
I see linguistic shortcuts more as efficiencies, the verbal equivalent of desire paths, which no one dismisses as "lazy".
"Platty joobs", "genny lec", "menty b" & co.: I wrote about this British slang fad
stancarey.wordpress.com/2026/02/10/d... #language
stancarey.wordpress.com/2026/02/10/d... #language
Don’t have a menty b about this bloggy p
An open linguistic question was raised recently on Bluesky by Darach Ó Séaghdha: What do we call those cutesie slang phrases that have become productive in the UK lately, like genny lec for ‘genera…
stancarey.wordpress.com
February 16, 2026 at 11:26 AM
A comment on this post describes users of the slang as lazy simpletons with limited vocabulary. Shows the social baggage that language has accumulated; its role as a scapegoat.
I see linguistic shortcuts more as efficiencies, the verbal equivalent of desire paths, which no one dismisses as "lazy".
I see linguistic shortcuts more as efficiencies, the verbal equivalent of desire paths, which no one dismisses as "lazy".
Reposted by Paul Nance
Mossy bank with pennyworts, maidenhair ferns, tiny harts tongue fern, ivy, wild strawberry plants, fallen leaves. #Dartmoor #Devon #WildflowerHour
February 15, 2026 at 8:46 PM
Mossy bank with pennyworts, maidenhair ferns, tiny harts tongue fern, ivy, wild strawberry plants, fallen leaves. #Dartmoor #Devon #WildflowerHour
Reposted by Paul Nance
Apios americana, our Groundnut, blooming in Boulder county #nativeplants
#FallBackFlowers #FallBack to August 15 🌿
#FallBackFlowers #FallBack to August 15 🌿
February 15, 2026 at 3:27 PM
Apios americana, our Groundnut, blooming in Boulder county #nativeplants
#FallBackFlowers #FallBack to August 15 🌿
#FallBackFlowers #FallBack to August 15 🌿
Reposted by Paul Nance
Yesterday morning kids were sent running from their bus stop in panic because ICE showed up. This guy at today’s ICE Out of Lindenwold protest is a must watch 😭. @maddow.bsky.social
February 14, 2026 at 2:37 AM
Yesterday morning kids were sent running from their bus stop in panic because ICE showed up. This guy at today’s ICE Out of Lindenwold protest is a must watch 😭. @maddow.bsky.social
Reposted by Paul Nance
We all need a a timeline cleanse!
A tiny #Egyptian #frog amulet, made of carnelian (height 0.9 cm). Because of their numerous offspring, #frogs were considered a symbol of fertility.
Dating c. 1540-1296 BC, New Kingdom.
A lovely weekend to all of you 🐸
📷Cleveland Museum of Art
A tiny #Egyptian #frog amulet, made of carnelian (height 0.9 cm). Because of their numerous offspring, #frogs were considered a symbol of fertility.
Dating c. 1540-1296 BC, New Kingdom.
A lovely weekend to all of you 🐸
📷Cleveland Museum of Art
February 14, 2026 at 7:10 AM
Reposted by Paul Nance
Reuters Exclusive:
The White House budget office is using millions of dollars from USAID, the former U.S. foreign aid agency, to pay for the security detail of Russell Vought, Trump's budget chief and an architect of the government overhaul cut thousands of federal jobs.
The White House budget office is using millions of dollars from USAID, the former U.S. foreign aid agency, to pay for the security detail of Russell Vought, Trump's budget chief and an architect of the government overhaul cut thousands of federal jobs.
Exclusive: White House uses USAID funds for budget director Vought's security, documents show
The White House budget office is using millions of dollars from the former U.S. foreign aid agency to pay for the security detail of Russell Vought, President Donald Trump's budget chief and an archit...
www.reuters.com
February 14, 2026 at 12:05 AM
Reuters Exclusive:
The White House budget office is using millions of dollars from USAID, the former U.S. foreign aid agency, to pay for the security detail of Russell Vought, Trump's budget chief and an architect of the government overhaul cut thousands of federal jobs.
The White House budget office is using millions of dollars from USAID, the former U.S. foreign aid agency, to pay for the security detail of Russell Vought, Trump's budget chief and an architect of the government overhaul cut thousands of federal jobs.
Reposted by Paul Nance
Once again, it is bizarre how the media seems to think that only Democrats have agency.
Note the framing here:
It’s “Democrats have refused to fund” DHS and not “Republicans refused to prohibit face masks” or “the two parties could not agree on how to reform the agency.”
www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
It’s “Democrats have refused to fund” DHS and not “Republicans refused to prohibit face masks” or “the two parties could not agree on how to reform the agency.”
www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
February 14, 2026 at 2:57 AM
Once again, it is bizarre how the media seems to think that only Democrats have agency.
Reposted by Paul Nance
Eight years ago today 🌿
Etlingera elatior (Torch Ginger) blooming in the forest preserve near Ke’anae.
Etlingera elatior (Torch Ginger) blooming in the forest preserve near Ke’anae.
February 12, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Eight years ago today 🌿
Etlingera elatior (Torch Ginger) blooming in the forest preserve near Ke’anae.
Etlingera elatior (Torch Ginger) blooming in the forest preserve near Ke’anae.
Reposted by Paul Nance
Goodnight all! ❤️
Bumblebees, buttonbush flowers,
and quirky, ripe buttonbush seed heads ... 🌿
Bumblebees, buttonbush flowers,
and quirky, ripe buttonbush seed heads ... 🌿
February 14, 2026 at 12:45 AM
Goodnight all! ❤️
Bumblebees, buttonbush flowers,
and quirky, ripe buttonbush seed heads ... 🌿
Bumblebees, buttonbush flowers,
and quirky, ripe buttonbush seed heads ... 🌿
Reposted by Paul Nance
With bipartisan support, it’s time to end the damaging Trump tariff regime on Canada. Canada is our neighbor, our ally, our friend. Our Great Lakes regional economy is the third largest in the world, and like no other. Let's strengthen our economy, and make life affordable again.
February 12, 2026 at 8:25 PM
With bipartisan support, it’s time to end the damaging Trump tariff regime on Canada. Canada is our neighbor, our ally, our friend. Our Great Lakes regional economy is the third largest in the world, and like no other. Let's strengthen our economy, and make life affordable again.
Reposted by Paul Nance
In honor of Black History Month, here's a thread with one book recommendation a day.
February 1, 2026 at 7:05 PM
In honor of Black History Month, here's a thread with one book recommendation a day.
Reposted by Paul Nance
Breaking News: Federal judges in upstate New York appointed a new U.S. attorney only to see him abruptly fired by the White House.
U.S. Attorney Chosen to Replace Trump Pick Is Quickly Fired by White House
Federal judges had appointed Donald Kinsella, a veteran litigator, as top prosecutor in the Northern District of New York after the Trump administration’s nominee was found to be serving unlawfully.
nyti.ms
February 12, 2026 at 3:20 AM
Breaking News: Federal judges in upstate New York appointed a new U.S. attorney only to see him abruptly fired by the White House.
Reposted by Paul Nance
Todd Blanche says “You are fired, Donald Kinsella.”
Kinsella was just selected as the US Attorney for the Northern District of New York by the district’s judges, as permitted by statute.
Kinsella was just selected as the US Attorney for the Northern District of New York by the district’s judges, as permitted by statute.
February 12, 2026 at 2:53 AM
Todd Blanche says “You are fired, Donald Kinsella.”
Kinsella was just selected as the US Attorney for the Northern District of New York by the district’s judges, as permitted by statute.
Kinsella was just selected as the US Attorney for the Northern District of New York by the district’s judges, as permitted by statute.
Reposted by Paul Nance
Roughly five hours after Donald Kinsella was appointed by a panel of federal judges to serve as interim U.S. Attorney for NY's Northern District, he was canned via an email from an assistant in the White House personnel office. Brendan Lyons reports.
White House promptly fires new interim U.S. attorney in New York
The White House fired an interim U.S. attorney in New York's Northern District less than five hours after a panel of judges appointed Donald T. Kinsella on Wednesday.
www.timesunion.com
February 12, 2026 at 2:54 AM
Roughly five hours after Donald Kinsella was appointed by a panel of federal judges to serve as interim U.S. Attorney for NY's Northern District, he was canned via an email from an assistant in the White House personnel office. Brendan Lyons reports.
Reposted by Paul Nance
NEW: Jonathon Redondo-Rosales, a 36-year-old LA protester, spent six months in jail accused of assaulting a federal officer with a *cloth hat.*
A judge tossed out the DOJ’s case, accusing govt of acting in “bad faith” and engaging in “prosecutorial harassment“ that could “chill lawful protest”
A judge tossed out the DOJ’s case, accusing govt of acting in “bad faith” and engaging in “prosecutorial harassment“ that could “chill lawful protest”
Case dismissed against LA protester accused of assaulting federal officer with cloth hat
Judge says US government acted in ‘bad faith’ in case of Jonathon Redondo-Rosales, 36, who spent six months in jail
www.theguardian.com
February 11, 2026 at 3:40 AM
NEW: Jonathon Redondo-Rosales, a 36-year-old LA protester, spent six months in jail accused of assaulting a federal officer with a *cloth hat.*
A judge tossed out the DOJ’s case, accusing govt of acting in “bad faith” and engaging in “prosecutorial harassment“ that could “chill lawful protest”
A judge tossed out the DOJ’s case, accusing govt of acting in “bad faith” and engaging in “prosecutorial harassment“ that could “chill lawful protest”
Reposted by Paul Nance
Reposted by Paul Nance
A few days ago, I stood in the graveyard of an 1100 year old church, getting damper and damper in the drizzling rain.
A woman walked into the graveyard, waved, said hello, and, as we had previously arranged, handed me a paper bag full of human bones.
The life of a churchwarden is a strange one...
A woman walked into the graveyard, waved, said hello, and, as we had previously arranged, handed me a paper bag full of human bones.
The life of a churchwarden is a strange one...
January 23, 2026 at 11:44 AM
A few days ago, I stood in the graveyard of an 1100 year old church, getting damper and damper in the drizzling rain.
A woman walked into the graveyard, waved, said hello, and, as we had previously arranged, handed me a paper bag full of human bones.
The life of a churchwarden is a strange one...
A woman walked into the graveyard, waved, said hello, and, as we had previously arranged, handed me a paper bag full of human bones.
The life of a churchwarden is a strange one...
Reposted by Paul Nance
marshall strawberries, painted by deborah griscom passmore
February 7, 2026 at 11:18 AM
marshall strawberries, painted by deborah griscom passmore
Reposted by Paul Nance
#FindsFriday
#Roman wild boar sculpture carved from local red sandstone, with local character I feel.
The boar was symbol of 20th Legion - Legio XX Valeria Victrix, instrumental in building Hadrian's Wall, Chester fort + much more; stationed in Britain till early 4th C.
@tulliecarlisle.bsky.social
#Roman wild boar sculpture carved from local red sandstone, with local character I feel.
The boar was symbol of 20th Legion - Legio XX Valeria Victrix, instrumental in building Hadrian's Wall, Chester fort + much more; stationed in Britain till early 4th C.
@tulliecarlisle.bsky.social
February 6, 2026 at 11:33 AM
#FindsFriday
#Roman wild boar sculpture carved from local red sandstone, with local character I feel.
The boar was symbol of 20th Legion - Legio XX Valeria Victrix, instrumental in building Hadrian's Wall, Chester fort + much more; stationed in Britain till early 4th C.
@tulliecarlisle.bsky.social
#Roman wild boar sculpture carved from local red sandstone, with local character I feel.
The boar was symbol of 20th Legion - Legio XX Valeria Victrix, instrumental in building Hadrian's Wall, Chester fort + much more; stationed in Britain till early 4th C.
@tulliecarlisle.bsky.social
Reposted by Paul Nance
SOVEREIGN BORDERS ARE BIBLICAL
Q: Pope Leo cited Matthew 25:35 to critique Donald Trump's mass deportation agenda. How would you respond to Pope Leo in scripture?
MIKE JOHNSON: Sovereign borders are biblical and right and just. It's not because we hate the people on the outside. It's because we love the people on the inside.
MIKE JOHNSON: Sovereign borders are biblical and right and just. It's not because we hate the people on the outside. It's because we love the people on the inside.
February 4, 2026 at 12:06 PM
SOVEREIGN BORDERS ARE BIBLICAL
Reposted by Paul Nance
BREAKING: Judge Ana Reyes, in DC, issues a stay of DHS Sec. Noem’s decision to end Haiti’s temporary protected status (TPS) designation, a decision that was to go into effect on Tuesday and could have ended legal status for up to 350,000 people overnight. storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
February 3, 2026 at 12:42 AM
BREAKING: Judge Ana Reyes, in DC, issues a stay of DHS Sec. Noem’s decision to end Haiti’s temporary protected status (TPS) designation, a decision that was to go into effect on Tuesday and could have ended legal status for up to 350,000 people overnight. storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
Reposted by Paul Nance
“Having neither and bringing the adage into the 21st century, she pounds X (f/k/a Twitter).”
February 3, 2026 at 1:45 AM
“Having neither and bringing the adage into the 21st century, she pounds X (f/k/a Twitter).”
Reposted by Paul Nance
Gonna beg media not to just repeat Trump's obviously bullshit framing in the headlines. Tell readers the truth in the headlines.
Alternatives:
"With Artists and Audience Fleeing, Trump Closes Kennedy Center Indefinitely"
"Trump Says Kennedy Center Needs Renovation, Despite Recent $250M Renovation"
Alternatives:
"With Artists and Audience Fleeing, Trump Closes Kennedy Center Indefinitely"
"Trump Says Kennedy Center Needs Renovation, Despite Recent $250M Renovation"
Breaking news: President Trump said that the Kennedy Center could temporarily close for roughly two years to undergo construction.
https://wapo.st/49VsdCk
https://wapo.st/49VsdCk
February 2, 2026 at 12:45 AM
Gonna beg media not to just repeat Trump's obviously bullshit framing in the headlines. Tell readers the truth in the headlines.
Alternatives:
"With Artists and Audience Fleeing, Trump Closes Kennedy Center Indefinitely"
"Trump Says Kennedy Center Needs Renovation, Despite Recent $250M Renovation"
Alternatives:
"With Artists and Audience Fleeing, Trump Closes Kennedy Center Indefinitely"
"Trump Says Kennedy Center Needs Renovation, Despite Recent $250M Renovation"