Dean Astumian, OFS
@deanast.bsky.social
380 followers 150 following 1.3K posts
Secular Franciscan, follower of Jesus and St. Francis, physicist interested in operating principles of synthetic and biological molecular machines, and non-equilibrium chemistry, wine, hiking, travel, social justice.
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Reposted by Dean Astumian, OFS
georgetakei.bsky.social
This was never about deporting criminals. It’s about Stephen Miller’s campaign of ethnic cleansing.
Tweet from Alex Tabarrok reads:
“Sergio Garcia, celebrated Chef who came to the US before ICE even existed. Deported after 36 years.
The picture tells you a lot about the decline of the Republican party.”
Attached photo shows Sergio Garcia standing with Laura and George W. Bush outdoors. The photo is signed: “To Sergio Garcia, With best wishes – George & Laura Bush.”
Reposted by Dean Astumian, OFS
thetnholler.bsky.social
🏆 How does a comedy show have the best news research team? @thedailyshow.com
deanast.bsky.social
Perpetuate murder?
atrupar.com
Kristi Noem: "Any elected official that allows this to happen and gives cover to those kind of individuals who are perpetuating murder should absolutely be prosecuted in my opinion."
deanast.bsky.social
Notice the quote starts with "if". Clearly the Trump administration does not want to preserve democracy, and is using the standard approach of corrupting, and where that isn't possible, of eliminating every vestige of a free press.
jeremymberg.bsky.social
My quote of the day

If you want to preserve democracy as we know it, you have to have a free and many times adversarial press. And without it, I am afraid that we would lose so much of our individual liberties over time. That's how dictators get started.

John McCain
Reposted by Dean Astumian, OFS
atrupar.com
Johnson: "He has defunded our education system. He has defunded our transportation system. He's firing black women across this country. He's defunding our healthcare system. This president is absolutely out of control... Chicago is going to stand firm in protecting humanity."
deanast.bsky.social
But I trust that there was more on that menu than edible MOFs.
forganross.bsky.social
My delight at seeing MOFs win the Nobel is tinged by sadness that Sir Fraser didn’t live to witness it. He was my introduction to the world of MOFs, and I know he would have been overjoyed.
ronsmaldone.bsky.social
So sad to hear about Fraser's passing yesterday. I met many great people in his group and from around the world who I still consider friends and collaborators today. A loss for sure, but his advocacy for science and the people in it will continue to inspire us all forever. We will miss you Fraser!
Reposted by Dean Astumian, OFS
jonbeves.bsky.social
Fantastic to see one of my chemical heroes, Richard Robson, winning the Nobel Prize for coordination frameworks (MOFs), together with Kitagawa and Yaghi. #ozchem
deanast.bsky.social
indeed it will hit differently today.
stuartcantrill.com
It’s #chemnobel day. For me, and for quite a few other people who spent time in the Stoddart group, it will hit somewhat differently this year.

Seems the right time to share a couple of passages from the eulogy I gave at Fraser’s funeral earlier this year.
A screenshot of text that reads:

Fraser lived his life at a hundred miles an hour. But it wasn't always the best thing for him or for those closest to him. In an interview following the award of the Nobel Prize in 2016 he recalled his time growing up on a farm and said that that had instilled in him the work ethic of a honeybee. Nobody would doubt that he had that. He also talked about having the strength of a horse and the hide of an elephant; what he didn't mention is that he could also be as stubborn as a mule. He did things his way and was rarely persuaded to do otherwise.

This bloody-mindedness undoubtedly contributed to his incredibly successful career. While those who didn't really know him will measure his contributions through the prizes he won, his real professional legacy is not those prizes, it is the people who passed through his lab and shared in his scientific journey. Yes, he changed science, but he changed lives too - including mine and many of those here today. I learned a lot from Fraser: some chemistry, how to make slides for presentations, how to always include a noun after the word 'this', and a few random Scottish words that I'm still not convinced he didn't just make up.
Reposted by Dean Astumian, OFS
mollyjongfast.bsky.social
I’m sorry but the fact that this is not everywhere is kind of malpractice
acyn.bsky.social
Trump on pardoning Ghislaine Maxwell: Haven't heard the name in so long. I’ll take a look at it. I’ll speak to the DOJ. A lot of people have asked me for pardons.

Reporter: But she’s convicted of sex trafficking

Trump: I’ll have to take a look at it.
deanast.bsky.social
She is mad at herself now, as she sees that Homan held out for $50K.
donmoyn.bsky.social
Just as a reminder, Bondi’s origin story in Trump world is that she said she was going to investigate Trump University, Trump sent her a $25K check and the investigation disappeared. She later became Trump’s personal defense lawyer. So yeah, don’t challenge her integrity.
atrupar.com
Bondi to Blumenthal: "You lied. How dare you? I'm a career prosecutor. Don't you ever challenge my integrity. Do not question my ability to be fair and impartial."
deanast.bsky.social
unless of course Trump doesn't, in which case I don't either
atrupar.com
After threatening that furloughed federal workers might not receive backpay after all, Mike Johnson tries to clarify that *of course* he thinks they *should* get backpay.
Reposted by Dean Astumian, OFS
atrupar.com
After threatening that furloughed federal workers might not receive backpay after all, Mike Johnson tries to clarify that *of course* he thinks they *should* get backpay.
deanast.bsky.social
right now if there were a proposal to join Canada as an 11th province I would vote yes
atrupar.com
Trump: "We're competing for the same business. That's the problem. That's why I keep mentioning one way to solve that problem is a very easy way."
deanast.bsky.social
Congratulations Palli! Very well deserved.
palliunsw.bsky.social
Beyond proud to be the 2025 recipient of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI) Leighton Memorial Medal, in recognition of eminent service to chemistry in Australia. Big thanks to all my former and current students, staff amd collaborators for making this happen. #RACI #ozchem #chemistry
deanast.bsky.social
He was promoted to Minister of defenestration
Reposted by Dean Astumian, OFS
georgetakei.bsky.social
Rep. Ted Lieu is so good at this.


The image is an X post by Rep. Ted Lieu (@RepTedLieu
) from 3 hours ago, with the caption "Hmmm... weird." The post includes a meme with three panels. The first panel, labeled "Republicans when they have to vote on the Epstein files," shows an empty hallway with an American flag. The second panel, labeled "Republicans when there's a government shutdown," shows an empty conference room. The third panel, labeled "Republicans when it's time to cut taxes for billionaires," shows a group of people clapping and cheering.
deanast.bsky.social
I consider myself a traditional Catholic and rejoice at the recognition that our Holy Father (as did our Holy Father Francis) is exhorting the faithful to faithfully follow Christ.
Reposted by Dean Astumian, OFS
ptcontagion.bsky.social
Alan Dershowitz…
In information found in the Epstein Files…
Accused the children who were raped by Jeffrey Epstein…
Of being prostitutes…

Don’t ever stop demanding the release of these files!!!
The Last Word With Lawrence O'Donnell 10/5/25 | 🅼🆂🅽🅱️🅲 BREAKING news 5, October 2025
YouTube video by Wehindustan News
youtu.be
deanast.bsky.social
Being Vegan, perhaps. I tried one lent, and by Easter I was ready to chase down cows on foot.
deanast.bsky.social
Our Bishop is also vegan, and a Secular Franciscan!
deanast.bsky.social
If Mike Johnson and John Thune had done their jobs Trump's presidency would already be over and we would be back to just plain awful governance in place of the infantile autocracy we are stuck with now.
emmaidama.bsky.social
Sounds very good to me too! 🤩
#VoteBlue #Pinks 🌸
deanast.bsky.social
yes, I believe there is now an indult that allows any priest to invest someone in the Brown Scapular. I wear it always, and touch it to remind myself of my commitment to peace whenever I feel myself getting irritated with someone and tempted to act without charity.
Reposted by Dean Astumian, OFS
rayglennon.bsky.social
I am a Catholic and a Secular Franciscan. I endorse this message. (Note: @govpritzker.illinois.gov next to the priest.) Cc: @deanast.bsky.social @catholickungfu.bsky.social @jvl.bsky.social @radiofreetom.bsky.social
gtconway.bsky.social
Chicago priest Father Michael Pfleger: "The state of emergency is in AMERICA, not Chicago. It's birthed from this president and his admin's reign of terror."

( ht: @mikenellis.bsky.social )