Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Stephany Daniel @sadanielwrites.bsky.social · 10m

“Optimizing” toward nothing.

Stephany Daniel @sadanielwrites.bsky.social · 5h

I’ve had an essay bouncing around in my head for a couple of weeks. It’s been persistent, begging attention, so I sat down to start it today even though I have a novel that needs revising. Sometimes you have to go where the writing energy is. It’s all good practice.

Reposted by Stephany Daniel

UC Davis School of Law @ucdavislaw.bsky.social · 2d

We are looking forward to this talk next Tuesday with Dr.
@timnitgebru.bsky.social
about the history of the Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) movement and its link to the 20th-century eugenics movement.

➡️ In-person and via livestream: bit.ly/42kxaQV

#AGI #AI #ArtificialIntelligence

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Stephany Daniel @sadanielwrites.bsky.social · 4d

All of this admin’s attempts to erase queer, trans, neurodivergent, and disabled kids (+ other marginalized identities) make me so sad. I keep thinking that if someone can’t handle the possibility of who their child may become without trying to change them, then they aren’t ready to be a parent.

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Reposted by Stephany Daniel

KOJAMF🤘🖤🤘 @kojamf.bsky.social · 6d

Dr. Jane Goodall filmed an interview with Netflix in March 2025 that she understood would only be released after her death.

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Reposted by Stephany Daniel

Emily C. Hughes @emilyhughes.bsky.social · 9d

no no the publishing industry is doing fine, why do you ask

A screenshot from Publisher's Lunch:
Jennifer L. Armentrout and Hellmann's
In a promotion designed for BookTok enjoyment, Jennifer L. Armentrout’s just-published THE PRIMAL OF BLOOD AND BONE is available in a special, limited-edition "garlic-scented copy, infused with Hellmann’s Garlic Aioli to create a one-of-a-kind, Craven-proof book." They explain: "This exclusive edition is printed with garlic-infused ink, designed to ward off Armentrout’s bloodthirsty monsters, the Craven. While humans may dread garlic breath, Hellmann’s has cleverly transformed this social faux pas into an unexpected – and delicious – form of supernatural protection."

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pumpkin spice Toddé @toddedillard.bsky.social · 10d

I heard "there's artificial intelligence, and there's actual intelligence" and almost choked to death on this cough drop

Merriam-Webster @merriam-webster.com · 10d

We are thrilled to announce that our NEW Large Language Model will be released on 11.18.25.

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Stephany Daniel @sadanielwrites.bsky.social · 12d

There’s obviously so much wrong with this, but the “chardonnay set in Boulder” line took me out.

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Stephany Daniel @sadanielwrites.bsky.social · 15d

Is there’s one thing his base can’t handle it’s being mildly inconvenienced.

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Stephany Daniel @sadanielwrites.bsky.social · 18d

Also, it’s not real, lol. Obviously. But I still think about the concept because the people who want it to happen really think they’re part of a special group. They think salvation is magically disappearing to heaven when actually it’s being here, working to make the world a heaven for everyone.

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Stephany Daniel @sadanielwrites.bsky.social · 18d

My rapture hot take is we’d never know bc no one’s ascending. I left church a looong time ago, but Jesus was pretty clear about life being a group project. We’re all interconnected. I don’t think He’s assigning anyone “VIPs” when we still have so many people starving and hurt on this earth. 🤷🏼‍♀️

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Stephany Daniel @sadanielwrites.bsky.social · 19d

I think I have been unintentionally doing this one 😂

(Seriously though, that’s a really good idea)

Reposted by Stephany Daniel

the babahuck @tylerhuckabee.bsky.social · 23d

a post from Alex Blechman

God: In my book I invented the GOLDEN CALF as a cautionary tale

Evangelicals: At long last, we have created the GOLDEN CALF from the classic novel THE BIBLE

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Tressie McMillan Cottom @tressiemcphd.bsky.social · 19d

Should read.

www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-i...

From Nazi Germany to Trump’s America: why strongmen rely on women at home

Fascist regimes pushed narratives of domestic bliss, yet relied on women’s unpaid labor. In the US today, ‘womanosphere’ influencers promote the same fantasies

www.theguardian.com

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Stephany Daniel @sadanielwrites.bsky.social · 23d

That last part. I can’t stop thinking about the person who said that tech bros are creating technology built to do everything their moms once did for them. So the sandwich metaphor feels especially apt here.

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Reposted by Stephany Daniel

Soleil🌻✨️ @besoulovely.com · 24d

Every single time a form of UBI is implemented, it is successful.

Ryan Marino, MD @ryanmarino.bsky.social · 24d

A program in Flint, MI, gave $1,500 to any/all pregnant people and $500/month for the first year of their infant’s life.

Among the benefits, those babies experienced lower rates of prematurity and low birth weight, which resulted in fewer NICU admissions, saving the city of Flint $6.2 million/year.

The US town that pays every pregnant woman $1,500: ‘We’re not OK with our babies being born into poverty’

Infants in Rx Kids in Flint, Michigan, saw lower rates of prematurity and other issues, saving millions in NICU visits

www.theguardian.com

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Stephany Daniel @sadanielwrites.bsky.social · 24d

That’s so tough. When my grandmother started showing signs of dementia, I watched these training modules (by a colleague) to learn more about the condition. Maybe something in here could be helpful with managing communication and behavior? diceapproach.com/page/online-...

diceapproach.com

Stephany Daniel @sadanielwrites.bsky.social · 25d

I had a dream last night that a bunch of megacorp skyscraper buildings grew legs and stomped around the world’s major cities, crushing smaller buildings and homes and people, and if that’s not an apt metaphor for how corporate interests are destroying the world, I don’t know what is.

Stephany Daniel @sadanielwrites.bsky.social · Sep 8

When my therapist asks about my mood or progress on my goals, I’ve started prefacing with “I think I’m doing okay minus the fascism.” And she nods knowingly every time.

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Stephany Daniel @sadanielwrites.bsky.social · Sep 7

Yes! Also, many in red areas are apolitical (opt out of voting, etc.) bc they’ve been screwed over so often. We can reach those folks by listening to their needs and running real policy that makes their lives better. Abandoning them just proves what they already believe: no one cares about them.

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Stephany Daniel @sadanielwrites.bsky.social · Sep 4

As they say, “if the tech is free, you’re the product.”

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Stephany Daniel @sadanielwrites.bsky.social · Sep 3

Some cats have high energy purrsonalities and need lots of enrichment. I have two such cats. If they’re mellow, then I know something’s wrong, lol. If vet gives clean bill of health, you might just have a kitty who’s a little ✨extra✨. Vet can also assess any potential behavioral issues.

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Reposted by Stephany Daniel

Ada Palmer @adapalmer.bsky.social · Sep 3

ACTION OPPORTUNITY: Public Comment Period for urging CDC to restore old guidelines that everyone get COVID vaccine access, opposing new restriction to high-risk only (which will reduce number of places stocking it & make it easier for insurance to deny coverage). Commenting takes literally 1 minute!

Alyson Smith @pedsaly.bsky.social · Sep 3

🚨 HELLO folks who care about science, health, and kids 🚨

👋 Can I borrow you for a sec? Public comment for ACIP meeting opened today and there are only THREE entries 😳

Can you add your input? Ok to do anon. Brief comments fine - deadline Sept 13. Please share! ❤️⤵️
www.regulations.gov/docket/CDC-2...

regulations.gov

NONRULEMAKING DOCKET
Meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization
Practices - September 2025
Created by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Open for Comments
Docket Details
• Docket Documents 1
• All Comments on Docket 3

Go here to say what you think ACIP should do with pediatric vaccines. You don’t have to be a clinician or scientist - anyone can comment, and you can do so anonymously! ⤵️

https://www.regulations.gov/docket/CDC-2025-0454/document?withinCommentPeriod=true 🙂❤️

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Karla Ortiz @kortizart.bsky.social · Sep 2

So new studies showcase that the more you know how GenAi works, the less likely you are to use it! 😌

This reminds me of ai advocates who claim that those who refuse to use GenAi do so because they dont know how it works, yet it’s the opposite!
The less you know the more you are likely to use GenAi

The Less You Know About AI, the More You Are Likely to Use It

AI can seem magical to those with low AI literacy, a new study finds. That, in turn, might make them more willing to try it.

www.wsj.com

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TunafishTiger 🐟 🐯 @tunafi.sh · Sep 2

what I say whenever there are worries

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