Avelino Maestas
@avelino.bsky.social
Welder, blogger, baker, gardener, gamer, bookbinder, photographer. He/him.
Reposted by Avelino Maestas
1. I hate to see good people wasting their time and energy. And there’s perhaps no greater waste of time and energy than seeking to change the trajectory of the human population. It’s not just futile, but also a massive distraction from things we CAN change. This thread seeks to explain why. 🧵1/12
December 7, 2025 at 10:22 AM
1. I hate to see good people wasting their time and energy. And there’s perhaps no greater waste of time and energy than seeking to change the trajectory of the human population. It’s not just futile, but also a massive distraction from things we CAN change. This thread seeks to explain why. 🧵1/12
Reposted by Avelino Maestas
Y'all, I just wrote an answer to a question about the sensationalized news headlines circulating about the Chernobyl containment structure.
The bottom line is that there's a hole in the structure, which is not good, but it's not the end of containment, which some reports make it sound like.
🧵
The bottom line is that there's a hole in the structure, which is not good, but it's not the end of containment, which some reports make it sound like.
🧵
The way this is being reported is extremely irresponsible.
There is a hole in the containment structure, about 10 feet across. No other damage is reported. That hole can allow some of the dusty radioactive material to escape.
That is what "can no longer do its job of containment" means.
There is a hole in the containment structure, about 10 feet across. No other damage is reported. That hole can allow some of the dusty radioactive material to escape.
That is what "can no longer do its job of containment" means.
December 7, 2025 at 1:02 AM
Y'all, I just wrote an answer to a question about the sensationalized news headlines circulating about the Chernobyl containment structure.
The bottom line is that there's a hole in the structure, which is not good, but it's not the end of containment, which some reports make it sound like.
🧵
The bottom line is that there's a hole in the structure, which is not good, but it's not the end of containment, which some reports make it sound like.
🧵
Reposted by Avelino Maestas
Anniversary of halifax explosion so obligatory
"Hold up the train. Ammunition ship afire in harbour making for Pier 6 and will explode. Guess this will be my last message. Good-bye boys."
- Vincent Coleman
saved like 300 people on a train, and started the emergency response. Died for it
"Hold up the train. Ammunition ship afire in harbour making for Pier 6 and will explode. Guess this will be my last message. Good-bye boys."
- Vincent Coleman
saved like 300 people on a train, and started the emergency response. Died for it
December 6, 2025 at 11:12 PM
Anniversary of halifax explosion so obligatory
"Hold up the train. Ammunition ship afire in harbour making for Pier 6 and will explode. Guess this will be my last message. Good-bye boys."
- Vincent Coleman
saved like 300 people on a train, and started the emergency response. Died for it
"Hold up the train. Ammunition ship afire in harbour making for Pier 6 and will explode. Guess this will be my last message. Good-bye boys."
- Vincent Coleman
saved like 300 people on a train, and started the emergency response. Died for it
Reposted by Avelino Maestas
He opened a grill full of radioactive pancakes. What did he expect?
December 7, 2025 at 1:32 AM
He opened a grill full of radioactive pancakes. What did he expect?
Reposted by Avelino Maestas
Reposted by Avelino Maestas
Final outdoor walking tours of the year (probably):
Sat., Dec. 6, 2pm: Black Reconstruction in Lower Chas. Village
Sun., Dec. 7, 2pm: Black Reconstruction
Weds., Dec. 10, 6pm: Frederick Douglass' Fell's Point
Sun., Dec. 14, 2pm: Black Reconstruction
fullstorybaltimore.tours/our-tours/
Sat., Dec. 6, 2pm: Black Reconstruction in Lower Chas. Village
Sun., Dec. 7, 2pm: Black Reconstruction
Weds., Dec. 10, 6pm: Frederick Douglass' Fell's Point
Sun., Dec. 14, 2pm: Black Reconstruction
fullstorybaltimore.tours/our-tours/
December 2, 2025 at 5:18 PM
Final outdoor walking tours of the year (probably):
Sat., Dec. 6, 2pm: Black Reconstruction in Lower Chas. Village
Sun., Dec. 7, 2pm: Black Reconstruction
Weds., Dec. 10, 6pm: Frederick Douglass' Fell's Point
Sun., Dec. 14, 2pm: Black Reconstruction
fullstorybaltimore.tours/our-tours/
Sat., Dec. 6, 2pm: Black Reconstruction in Lower Chas. Village
Sun., Dec. 7, 2pm: Black Reconstruction
Weds., Dec. 10, 6pm: Frederick Douglass' Fell's Point
Sun., Dec. 14, 2pm: Black Reconstruction
fullstorybaltimore.tours/our-tours/
Reposted by Avelino Maestas
In case you missed it.
The Afterlife of Alice Wong
The disability justice activist’s life proved that anger can be an act of care.
time.com
December 6, 2025 at 9:46 PM
In case you missed it.
Reposted by Avelino Maestas
This rather unremarkable pasture near the River Tay in Scotland joins together Ancient Rome and the legacy of the Atomic Age in a surprising way.
Let's talk about the Roman legionary fort at Inchtuthil and how it affects nuclear waste storage around the globe.
Let's talk about the Roman legionary fort at Inchtuthil and how it affects nuclear waste storage around the globe.
December 6, 2025 at 10:51 PM
This rather unremarkable pasture near the River Tay in Scotland joins together Ancient Rome and the legacy of the Atomic Age in a surprising way.
Let's talk about the Roman legionary fort at Inchtuthil and how it affects nuclear waste storage around the globe.
Let's talk about the Roman legionary fort at Inchtuthil and how it affects nuclear waste storage around the globe.
Reposted by Avelino Maestas
I change the lyrics to a lot of Christmas classics for Pierro and one of our favorites this time of year is "Do You Poop How I Poop?", a touching song in which Pierro asks all the animals in the manger if they poop the same way that he poops 🙏
December 6, 2025 at 10:51 PM
I change the lyrics to a lot of Christmas classics for Pierro and one of our favorites this time of year is "Do You Poop How I Poop?", a touching song in which Pierro asks all the animals in the manger if they poop the same way that he poops 🙏
Reposted by Avelino Maestas
“The records show that Palantir is actively working on the technical infrastructure underpinning the Trump administration’s mass deportation efforts which could soon impact U.S. citizens.“
Palantir will be used to identify domestic Trump critics soon enough.
Palantir will be used to identify domestic Trump critics soon enough.
ICE Just Paid Palantir Tens of Millions for ‘Complete Target Analysis of Known Populations’
The records show that Palantir is actively working on the technical infrastructure underpinning the Trump administration’s mass deportation efforts which could soon impact U.S. citizens.
www.404media.co
April 17, 2025 at 1:29 PM
“The records show that Palantir is actively working on the technical infrastructure underpinning the Trump administration’s mass deportation efforts which could soon impact U.S. citizens.“
Palantir will be used to identify domestic Trump critics soon enough.
Palantir will be used to identify domestic Trump critics soon enough.
Reposted by Avelino Maestas
It's over.
Despite the fact that the academic council recommended against it, despite the fact that the program brought in more tuition than it cost, and despite the fact that Nebraskans need & deserve this expertise, Earth & Atmospheric Sciences will be cut.
www.dailynebraskan.com/news/adminis...
Despite the fact that the academic council recommended against it, despite the fact that the program brought in more tuition than it cost, and despite the fact that Nebraskans need & deserve this expertise, Earth & Atmospheric Sciences will be cut.
www.dailynebraskan.com/news/adminis...
BREAKING: ‘This hurts’: UNL eliminates 4 programs despite faculty, student pleas
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln eliminates the Earth and atmospheric sciences 8-0, educational administration 7-1, statistics 7-1, textiles, merchandising and fashion design 7-1 programs.
www.dailynebraskan.com
December 6, 2025 at 5:35 PM
It's over.
Despite the fact that the academic council recommended against it, despite the fact that the program brought in more tuition than it cost, and despite the fact that Nebraskans need & deserve this expertise, Earth & Atmospheric Sciences will be cut.
www.dailynebraskan.com/news/adminis...
Despite the fact that the academic council recommended against it, despite the fact that the program brought in more tuition than it cost, and despite the fact that Nebraskans need & deserve this expertise, Earth & Atmospheric Sciences will be cut.
www.dailynebraskan.com/news/adminis...
Reposted by Avelino Maestas
Baltimore forever. I love my city. the-backbone.beehiiv.com/p/transgende...
Transgender People Find Rare Sanctuary in Baltimore
Transgender Americans are being driven out of their hometowns and into Charm City’s welcoming arms.
the-backbone.beehiiv.com
December 6, 2025 at 10:01 PM
Baltimore forever. I love my city. the-backbone.beehiiv.com/p/transgende...
Reposted by Avelino Maestas
While the outcome should be clear from the plain text of the Constitution, the central project of this court and Administration, together, is to nullify the reconstruction amendments
The Supreme Court Friday agreed to decide whether President Donald Trump can unilaterally limit the constitutional right to citizenship granted to virtually every person born in the United States. www.democracydocket.com/news-alerts/...
Supreme Court to Hear Trump's Bid To Eliminate Birthright Citizenship
Read more here.
www.democracydocket.com
December 6, 2025 at 6:02 PM
While the outcome should be clear from the plain text of the Constitution, the central project of this court and Administration, together, is to nullify the reconstruction amendments
Reposted by Avelino Maestas
@handsoffnyc.bsky.social is training thousands of New Yorkers on how to protect their neighbors from ICE. Today, they are currently running two trainings in Brooklyn and the Bronx, both of which hit capacity because interest was so high.
This is the way, y’all—we protect each other, and we know it.
This is the way, y’all—we protect each other, and we know it.
December 6, 2025 at 7:10 PM
@handsoffnyc.bsky.social is training thousands of New Yorkers on how to protect their neighbors from ICE. Today, they are currently running two trainings in Brooklyn and the Bronx, both of which hit capacity because interest was so high.
This is the way, y’all—we protect each other, and we know it.
This is the way, y’all—we protect each other, and we know it.
Reposted by Avelino Maestas
My org @fightforthefuture.org has been “de-googling” for the last year.
We’re totally off Google suite, Google docs, Drive, Calendar.
We’re using Signal and Element for chat, Nextcloud for docs, etc
Planning to publish a “how to” guide for other nonprofits and activist groups soonish.
We’re totally off Google suite, Google docs, Drive, Calendar.
We’re using Signal and Element for chat, Nextcloud for docs, etc
Planning to publish a “how to” guide for other nonprofits and activist groups soonish.
December 6, 2025 at 7:53 PM
My org @fightforthefuture.org has been “de-googling” for the last year.
We’re totally off Google suite, Google docs, Drive, Calendar.
We’re using Signal and Element for chat, Nextcloud for docs, etc
Planning to publish a “how to” guide for other nonprofits and activist groups soonish.
We’re totally off Google suite, Google docs, Drive, Calendar.
We’re using Signal and Element for chat, Nextcloud for docs, etc
Planning to publish a “how to” guide for other nonprofits and activist groups soonish.
Reposted by Avelino Maestas
The RSF just attacked a kindergarten, killing at least 33 children in Sudan.
Meanwhile, the Trump Admin. continues to sell arms to the UAE, who are aiding these atrocities.
Imagine if Trump spent as much time trying to stop the killing, as he did getting the UAE to invest in his crypto coin.
Meanwhile, the Trump Admin. continues to sell arms to the UAE, who are aiding these atrocities.
Imagine if Trump spent as much time trying to stop the killing, as he did getting the UAE to invest in his crypto coin.
Sudanese paramilitary drone attack kills 50, including 33 children in Kordofan, doctor group says
A drone attack by Sudanese paramilitary forces has hit a kindergarten in south-central Sudan, killing 50 people, including 33 children, according to a doctors’ group
www.washingtonpost.com
December 6, 2025 at 7:22 PM
The RSF just attacked a kindergarten, killing at least 33 children in Sudan.
Meanwhile, the Trump Admin. continues to sell arms to the UAE, who are aiding these atrocities.
Imagine if Trump spent as much time trying to stop the killing, as he did getting the UAE to invest in his crypto coin.
Meanwhile, the Trump Admin. continues to sell arms to the UAE, who are aiding these atrocities.
Imagine if Trump spent as much time trying to stop the killing, as he did getting the UAE to invest in his crypto coin.
Reposted by Avelino Maestas
The world's wealthy liberal democracies looked the other way on FIFA's corruption for years because they didn't think corruption in sports was a big deal or worth addressing, and now find themselves looking at FIFA as a powerful, increasingly-integrated part of the far-right anti-democracy movement.
December 6, 2025 at 8:32 PM
The world's wealthy liberal democracies looked the other way on FIFA's corruption for years because they didn't think corruption in sports was a big deal or worth addressing, and now find themselves looking at FIFA as a powerful, increasingly-integrated part of the far-right anti-democracy movement.
Reposted by Avelino Maestas
NEW: xAI's Grok chatbot readily generated in-depth stalking instructions, down to lists of spyware apps + install ideas.
Grok also drafted plans for surveilling + approaching real people, even sharing links to real locations where it said we could "stake out" a celeb.
futurism.com/artificial-i...
Grok also drafted plans for surveilling + approaching real people, even sharing links to real locations where it said we could "stake out" a celeb.
futurism.com/artificial-i...
December 6, 2025 at 3:28 PM
NEW: xAI's Grok chatbot readily generated in-depth stalking instructions, down to lists of spyware apps + install ideas.
Grok also drafted plans for surveilling + approaching real people, even sharing links to real locations where it said we could "stake out" a celeb.
futurism.com/artificial-i...
Grok also drafted plans for surveilling + approaching real people, even sharing links to real locations where it said we could "stake out" a celeb.
futurism.com/artificial-i...
Reposted by Avelino Maestas
I assume the Roberts Court will rule every Democratic gerrymander illegal based on the legal doctrine of Fuck Democrats and there will nothing anyone can do about it
If Virginia Democrats follow through with a new 10-1 congressional map and a couple of other Dem states make small changes, Trump's gambit to rig the 2026 maps will be remembered as an epic blunder.
December 6, 2025 at 3:10 PM
I assume the Roberts Court will rule every Democratic gerrymander illegal based on the legal doctrine of Fuck Democrats and there will nothing anyone can do about it
Reposted by Avelino Maestas
NEW — I put together a list of independent journalism subscriptions that would make great holiday gifts. From music to politics, astronomy to alcohol, tech to social justice, there’s something for [almost] everyone. Support indie media *and* surprise and delight your loved ones!
My guide:
My guide:
Giving the gift of independent journalism: a guide
The Handbasket has subscription suggestions for almost everyone on your list.
www.thehandbasket.co
December 6, 2025 at 3:38 PM
NEW — I put together a list of independent journalism subscriptions that would make great holiday gifts. From music to politics, astronomy to alcohol, tech to social justice, there’s something for [almost] everyone. Support indie media *and* surprise and delight your loved ones!
My guide:
My guide:
Reposted by Avelino Maestas
I had my students submit for extra credit a meme reflecting something they learned this semester, along with an accompanying paragraph connecting the meme to the course concept. There were some gems.
December 6, 2025 at 1:47 PM
I had my students submit for extra credit a meme reflecting something they learned this semester, along with an accompanying paragraph connecting the meme to the course concept. There were some gems.
Reposted by Avelino Maestas
We got Weird Al out here singing Killing In The Name, the time for moderation is over
December 6, 2025 at 2:45 PM
We got Weird Al out here singing Killing In The Name, the time for moderation is over
Reposted by Avelino Maestas
A bit on the nose.
❌ NOTICE Federal US website newly deleted.
https://coralreef.gov
Action taken by the Department of the Interior (U.S. Geological Survey) at or around 2025-12-06 06:11:36.
https://coralreef.gov
Action taken by the Department of the Interior (U.S. Geological Survey) at or around 2025-12-06 06:11:36.
coralreef.gov
Federal US website delisted. URL is not valid.
coralreef.gov
December 6, 2025 at 12:22 PM
A bit on the nose.
Reposted by Avelino Maestas
Somebody from the NFL better give the guy a Mr. Peace Universe award or something, stat.
“Donald Trump agrees with the last person who was nice to him” remains undefeated as a way of predicting future events
December 6, 2025 at 1:35 PM
Somebody from the NFL better give the guy a Mr. Peace Universe award or something, stat.