Rebecca Spang
@rlspang.bsky.social
Professor of History, sometimes administrator at big public university in Midwest. Writes about money, French Revolution, restaurants. Friend to vert paleo.
ex UCL History; Yale SOM Visiting Fellow; Guggenheim and New America Fellow.
once/future Mainer
ex UCL History; Yale SOM Visiting Fellow; Guggenheim and New America Fellow.
once/future Mainer
Reposted by Rebecca Spang
My colleague, Dr. Vahid Abedini, was illegally detained by ICE on Saturday. He is currently being held without a court date in sight, despite being in the country legally. Please spread the word! We must ensure his due process rights are upheld. www.oudaily.com/news/ou-prof...
OU College of International Studies professor reportedly arrested by ICE
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement reportedly arrested an OU professor at Will Rogers International Airport Saturday.
www.oudaily.com
November 24, 2025 at 11:05 PM
My colleague, Dr. Vahid Abedini, was illegally detained by ICE on Saturday. He is currently being held without a court date in sight, despite being in the country legally. Please spread the word! We must ensure his due process rights are upheld. www.oudaily.com/news/ou-prof...
Reposted by Rebecca Spang
Oh, I almost forgot the time that my non-cook sister in law got my brother in law the ingredients for Grandmom's oyster dressing! She got (sweetened) condensed milk instead of evaporated milk and he didn't know the difference.
yes, hello, I would like to place an order for everyone’s funniest stories of holiday food-related family grudges / drama / chaotic incidents / lore
I feel like we need this
I feel like we need this
November 25, 2025 at 1:44 AM
Oh, I almost forgot the time that my non-cook sister in law got my brother in law the ingredients for Grandmom's oyster dressing! She got (sweetened) condensed milk instead of evaporated milk and he didn't know the difference.
Reposted by Rebecca Spang
On Nov. 22, Vahid Abedini, an Iranian Studies professor at University of Oklahoma, was boarding a flight to attend the Middle East Studies Assn mtg in Washington, D.C. when he was detained by ICE.
OU Prof Joshua Landis says "he has been wrongfully detained because he has a valid H-1B visa."
OU Prof Joshua Landis says "he has been wrongfully detained because he has a valid H-1B visa."
November 24, 2025 at 10:33 PM
On Nov. 22, Vahid Abedini, an Iranian Studies professor at University of Oklahoma, was boarding a flight to attend the Middle East Studies Assn mtg in Washington, D.C. when he was detained by ICE.
OU Prof Joshua Landis says "he has been wrongfully detained because he has a valid H-1B visa."
OU Prof Joshua Landis says "he has been wrongfully detained because he has a valid H-1B visa."
Reposted by Rebecca Spang
This seems important...
Billionaire Binance founder Changpeng Zhao, pardoned by Donald Trump, has been accused of facilitating millions of dollars’ worth of payments to Hamas in the wake of its attack on Israel on October 7 2023. Zhao also financed the Trump family's entrance into the cryptocurrency market.
Binance founder Changpeng Zhao accused of facilitating payments to Hamas
Crypto tycoon pardoned by Donald Trump faces US court complaint from families of victims of October 7 attack
www.ft.com
November 25, 2025 at 2:26 AM
This seems important...
Oh, I almost forgot the time that my non-cook sister in law got my brother in law the ingredients for Grandmom's oyster dressing! She got (sweetened) condensed milk instead of evaporated milk and he didn't know the difference.
yes, hello, I would like to place an order for everyone’s funniest stories of holiday food-related family grudges / drama / chaotic incidents / lore
I feel like we need this
I feel like we need this
November 25, 2025 at 1:44 AM
Oh, I almost forgot the time that my non-cook sister in law got my brother in law the ingredients for Grandmom's oyster dressing! She got (sweetened) condensed milk instead of evaporated milk and he didn't know the difference.
I have just discovered an article published in a VERY prominent history journal that features centrally one of the key arguments (and much of the evidence) from my _Stuff and Money_. The book is noted, but not mentioned in the text.
It's only one of the article's arguments. But I don't like this.
It's only one of the article's arguments. But I don't like this.
November 24, 2025 at 11:30 PM
I have just discovered an article published in a VERY prominent history journal that features centrally one of the key arguments (and much of the evidence) from my _Stuff and Money_. The book is noted, but not mentioned in the text.
It's only one of the article's arguments. But I don't like this.
It's only one of the article's arguments. But I don't like this.
Extremely astute observation. Science as “trauma” was prepared by climate change, activated in the pandemic—same framing is probably relevant for evolution etc.
one thing thats crazy about the current era in the states is that it is clear across most domains that science got processed by a lot of people as "traumatic encounter with the real" and now they are just making decisions based on that trauma.
elon, peter, anti-vaxxers, all the same problem
elon, peter, anti-vaxxers, all the same problem
Over many interviews, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. told Michael Scherer about how he plans to remake America’s public-health system. Can he lead the scientific establishment he’s spent much of his life crusading against?
Read more in our new cover story: theatln.tc/q9hXxlbM
Read more in our new cover story: theatln.tc/q9hXxlbM
November 24, 2025 at 4:51 PM
Extremely astute observation. Science as “trauma” was prepared by climate change, activated in the pandemic—same framing is probably relevant for evolution etc.
Reposted by Rebecca Spang
In the Ken Burns Revolution documentary the narrator says Common Sense sold “tens of thousands of copies” and I just want to say they did the reading on this question. Because for 200 years everyone said “more than a hundred thousand copies” until this essay was published by Trish Loughran in 2007
November 24, 2025 at 2:07 PM
In the Ken Burns Revolution documentary the narrator says Common Sense sold “tens of thousands of copies” and I just want to say they did the reading on this question. Because for 200 years everyone said “more than a hundred thousand copies” until this essay was published by Trish Loughran in 2007
Reposted by Rebecca Spang
From CDC:
"As of November 18, 2025, we estimate that COVID-19 infections are growing or likely growing in 19 states..."
"As of November 18, 2025, we estimate that Influenza infections are growing or likely growing in 42 states..."
www.cdc.gov/cfa-modeling....
"As of November 18, 2025, we estimate that COVID-19 infections are growing or likely growing in 19 states..."
"As of November 18, 2025, we estimate that Influenza infections are growing or likely growing in 42 states..."
www.cdc.gov/cfa-modeling....
November 24, 2025 at 1:40 PM
From CDC:
"As of November 18, 2025, we estimate that COVID-19 infections are growing or likely growing in 19 states..."
"As of November 18, 2025, we estimate that Influenza infections are growing or likely growing in 42 states..."
www.cdc.gov/cfa-modeling....
"As of November 18, 2025, we estimate that COVID-19 infections are growing or likely growing in 19 states..."
"As of November 18, 2025, we estimate that Influenza infections are growing or likely growing in 42 states..."
www.cdc.gov/cfa-modeling....
Reposted by Rebecca Spang
oh my god, look at this lil king
Ready to add a little wag to your life? Say hello to, Harry, located in Walker, LA.
Learn more: https://www.petfinder.com/dog/harry-79235631/la/walker/rescue-rehome-repeat-of-south-louisiana-la199/
Learn more: https://www.petfinder.com/dog/harry-79235631/la/walker/rescue-rehome-repeat-of-south-louisiana-la199/
November 24, 2025 at 4:52 AM
oh my god, look at this lil king
Reposted by Rebecca Spang
Trump's family aren't the ones who are losing. Not only did they issue the (worthless) currency themselves, but they sold shares in the company that did, for real money. Even if TrumpCoin collapses goes to zero, they're well in the black.
Any speculator who bought Trump’s memecoin at its peak after it was announced inauguration weekend would have lost almost the entire value of their investment by this month.
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Crypto Crash Is Eroding Wealth for Trump’s Family and Followers
In President Donald Trump’s second term, crypto assets transformed his family’s wealth. Now the Trumps — and their followers — are getting a crash course in the wild volatility ingrained in digital cu...
www.bloomberg.com
November 24, 2025 at 2:09 AM
Trump's family aren't the ones who are losing. Not only did they issue the (worthless) currency themselves, but they sold shares in the company that did, for real money. Even if TrumpCoin collapses goes to zero, they're well in the black.
I taught in London for ten years and one year the MA students in the required theories/methods course brought little apple pies to class on the fourth Thursday in November and I was very touched.
Every year I wonder what people who work overseas for large US companies do on Thanksgiving...
November 23, 2025 at 11:54 PM
I taught in London for ten years and one year the MA students in the required theories/methods course brought little apple pies to class on the fourth Thursday in November and I was very touched.
Reposted by Rebecca Spang
In 1990, 943 million people in China lived on less than $3 a day measured in 2021 dollars – 83% of the population, according to the World Bank. By 2019, the number was brought down to zero. In the US more than 4 million Americans live on less than $3 a day, 3x as many as 35 years ago.
China has brought millions out of poverty. The US has not – by choice
Despite the US’s economic success, income inequality remains breathtaking. But this is no glitch – it’s the system
www.theguardian.com
November 23, 2025 at 8:19 PM
In 1990, 943 million people in China lived on less than $3 a day measured in 2021 dollars – 83% of the population, according to the World Bank. By 2019, the number was brought down to zero. In the US more than 4 million Americans live on less than $3 a day, 3x as many as 35 years ago.
Reposted by Rebecca Spang
Sign at the US Military Academy at West Point:
November 23, 2025 at 6:41 AM
Sign at the US Military Academy at West Point:
Reposted by Rebecca Spang
"While other universities report that the humanities are shrinking, at Berkeley, the opposite is true. The music major is the fastest-growing major on campus. We are finding bigger classrooms because film is exploding. English is back to the numbers we saw 15 years ago. We are hiring" bit.ly/4ohKuOe
"The humanities really are a resource — a confidence for living in our times.” Dean Sara Guyer on the modern utility of humanities degrees
This interview originally appeared on the Division of Arts
bit.ly
November 23, 2025 at 3:38 PM
"While other universities report that the humanities are shrinking, at Berkeley, the opposite is true. The music major is the fastest-growing major on campus. We are finding bigger classrooms because film is exploding. English is back to the numbers we saw 15 years ago. We are hiring" bit.ly/4ohKuOe
Reposted by Rebecca Spang
This is kinda brilliant
In Monrovia, California, protesters are purchasing 17¢ ICE scrapers from Home Depot and immediately returning them to create long lines and slow down the entire store. Their aim is to disrupt sales and convey a message opposing ICE raids occurring in their neighborhood.
November 23, 2025 at 1:28 PM
This is kinda brilliant
Reposted by Rebecca Spang
It's not a perfect analogy but I've been thinking about this 1792 cartoon ever since I saw yesterday's photo
November 23, 2025 at 1:24 AM
It's not a perfect analogy but I've been thinking about this 1792 cartoon ever since I saw yesterday's photo
It's not a perfect analogy but I've been thinking about this 1792 cartoon ever since I saw yesterday's photo
November 23, 2025 at 1:24 AM
It's not a perfect analogy but I've been thinking about this 1792 cartoon ever since I saw yesterday's photo
Reposted by Rebecca Spang
Republican Senator Mike Rounds said Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in a call to senators, confirmed the so-called 28-point “peace plan” was actually a Russian wishlist and is “not the administration’s position”. Nor is there any threat to cut off weapons or intelligence to Ukraine.
November 22, 2025 at 11:12 PM
Republican Senator Mike Rounds said Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in a call to senators, confirmed the so-called 28-point “peace plan” was actually a Russian wishlist and is “not the administration’s position”. Nor is there any threat to cut off weapons or intelligence to Ukraine.
Reposted by Rebecca Spang
The Bulldog and the Turkey have landed. We have infiltrated the #Harvard-#Yale Game. Foes on the Field, Allies for Academic Freedom. @crimsoncourage.bsky.social #StandUp4Yale
November 22, 2025 at 8:22 PM
The Bulldog and the Turkey have landed. We have infiltrated the #Harvard-#Yale Game. Foes on the Field, Allies for Academic Freedom. @crimsoncourage.bsky.social #StandUp4Yale
Reposted by Rebecca Spang
Reposted by Rebecca Spang
This is not a peace plan. It is a proposal that weakens Ukraine and divides America from Europe, preparing the way for a larger war in the future. In the meantime, it benefits unnamed Russian and American investors, at the expense of everyone else.
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2025/1...
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2025/1...
Trump Has a Recipe for War and Corruption, Not Peace
Who would benefit from the White House’s 28-point proposal for Ukraine?
www.theatlantic.com
November 22, 2025 at 11:11 AM
This is not a peace plan. It is a proposal that weakens Ukraine and divides America from Europe, preparing the way for a larger war in the future. In the meantime, it benefits unnamed Russian and American investors, at the expense of everyone else.
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2025/1...
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2025/1...
Reposted by Rebecca Spang
As you're making the BIG grocery list this weekend, consider buying union-made. When you buy union, you're supporting:
✨ Good jobs in U.S. communities
💵 Living wages
🩺 Good benefits
🦺 Safe working conditions
🫶 Dignity and respect for workers
These quality products are produced by union members 🧵
✨ Good jobs in U.S. communities
💵 Living wages
🩺 Good benefits
🦺 Safe working conditions
🫶 Dignity and respect for workers
These quality products are produced by union members 🧵
November 21, 2025 at 9:59 PM
As you're making the BIG grocery list this weekend, consider buying union-made. When you buy union, you're supporting:
✨ Good jobs in U.S. communities
💵 Living wages
🩺 Good benefits
🦺 Safe working conditions
🫶 Dignity and respect for workers
These quality products are produced by union members 🧵
✨ Good jobs in U.S. communities
💵 Living wages
🩺 Good benefits
🦺 Safe working conditions
🫶 Dignity and respect for workers
These quality products are produced by union members 🧵
It's the time of year when I read even more recipes than usual. I am begging those who write them to forget they have ever heard the words "umami" and "funky."
November 22, 2025 at 5:34 PM
It's the time of year when I read even more recipes than usual. I am begging those who write them to forget they have ever heard the words "umami" and "funky."
Reposted by Rebecca Spang
Seriously, and I cannot emphasize this enough, fuck this guy. He's a modern day Josef Mengele. Neurodiversity is part of human biodiversity. Autistic traits were evolutionarily selected for. They exist in every population, which means they existed when our ancestors left Africa millennia ago 7/x
November 21, 2025 at 8:18 PM
Seriously, and I cannot emphasize this enough, fuck this guy. He's a modern day Josef Mengele. Neurodiversity is part of human biodiversity. Autistic traits were evolutionarily selected for. They exist in every population, which means they existed when our ancestors left Africa millennia ago 7/x