ren0dakota.bsky.social
LightNews LightNews
ren0dakota.bsky.social
@ren0dakota.bsky.social
97 followers 180 following 11 posts
Posts Replies Media Videos
Reposted by ren0dakota.bsky.social
bbka.org.uk
“I want to be able to understand how bees navigate through an urban environment and what counts as habitat connectivity."

cals.ncsu.edu/news/youngst...
Youngsteadt to Study Urban Bee Movement
With funding from the George J. and Rhoda W. Kriz Study Leave Award, NC State University researcher Elsa Youngsteadt will travel to the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research in Leipzig, Germany,...
cals.ncsu.edu
April 23, 2025 at 11:37 AM
Reposted by ren0dakota.bsky.social
michaelhobbes.bsky.social
I do not understand why misinformation researchers refuse to state basic facts. The best predictor of COVID-19 misinformation is not ethnicity or economic disadvantage, is it partisan affiliation. Conservatives are far more likely to believe and spread misinformation than any other group.
The covid-19 pandemic added a new dimension, and urgency, to long standing efforts to improve health literacy across populations.789 Research on covid-19 reflects a wider body of research, which shows how exposure to and belief in misinformation and disinformation is socially patterned. For example, research finds that some conspiracy beliefs around covid-19 vaccines are higher among ethnic minority groups, reflecting broader trends in vaccine hesitancy (for example, around measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccines).1011 This adds to a growing body of research that shows how experiences of discrimination and disadvantage can lead to greater belief in conspiracy theories and mistrust in medical and health authorities.1213 Research also suggests that those with a lower level of formal education are more likely to believe in conspiracies about covid-19.14 This again reflects a wider pattern where lower formal education is associated with lower health literacy and greater susceptibility to misinformation.
April 23, 2025 at 11:08 AM
Reposted by ren0dakota.bsky.social
alkennedy.bsky.social
I guess it's like they say - if you meet the Buddha on the road, dig two graves, because it was then that he carried you, and the abyss gazes also
April 23, 2025 at 11:50 AM
Reposted by ren0dakota.bsky.social
wtscotsocial.bsky.social
Get outdoors this #Sspring & help monitor nature! 🔍

We need your help looking for
- song thrushes
- frogspawn, and
- blackthorn flowers 🌸

Please record what you see on our website and help track spring’s vital signs! 💛
👉www.woodlandtrust.o buff.ly/3EaAV2l
Young man sitting on a log in a woodland in Spring, looking at the images he's captured on his SLR camera. Credit Ben Lee - WTML
March 26, 2025 at 10:01 AM
Reposted by ren0dakota.bsky.social
fionaswriting.bsky.social
In my piece on the 1930s propaganda used to pave the way for Aktion T4, I cited this famous poster which talks about how, for the cost of one 'hereditary defective', you could look after a whole German family. Just thought it was worth mentioning.
Propaganda indicating that the cost of looking after a ‘Hereditary Defective’ for a day is the same as for an entire German family. The disabled man is drawn as sad and alone, all in black, while the family looks strong and active.
March 9, 2025 at 4:20 PM
What a game from Ireland, looked like they could easily have stepped it up again if they needed to. Would be great to see them get the triple crown or a grand slam.

#6Nations
#AsOne
#ScotlandvIreland
February 9, 2025 at 5:07 PM
Scottish strategy is apparently make it as painful to play as it is to watch.
davidlamb.bsky.social David Lamb @davidlamb.bsky.social · Feb 9
"F@cking hit him"

Andrew Cotter on comms - "Wise words from the Scottish defence"

🤣🤣🤣

#6Nations
February 9, 2025 at 4:43 PM
Great to hear Darcy Graham is sitting up and chatting after that collision. Good start to the 2nd half.

#6Nations
#AsOne
#ScotlandvIreland
#Scotland
#Rugby
February 9, 2025 at 4:19 PM
"What parts of the game have Ireland been better than scotland?"
"Every aspect I think"

Pretty tidy summary at half time from BBC commentary. At least we've got room to improve in?

#AsOne
#6Nations
#ScovIre
February 9, 2025 at 4:12 PM
Messy, messy start for Scotland. At least Van Der Merwe is back on now, fingers crossed Finn Russell is cleared to come back too after his HIA. Not looking great though.
#6Nations
#AsOne
February 9, 2025 at 3:44 PM
Scotland v Ireland off to a classic Scottish sporting start, with a try & conversion to Ireland in the first 10 minutes. #AsOne #6Nations
February 9, 2025 at 3:15 PM
Reposted by ren0dakota.bsky.social
leahmcelrath.bsky.social
⚠️ In response to Musk changing the X algorithm to deboost negative content, people asked Grok what is considered “negative” and were told:

• Criticism of the government
• Commentary about misinformation
• Suggestion the public is being manipulated
• Attacks against powerful people or institutions
Answer Under the new algorithm, posts by [redacted] could be considered too negative might include those that express strong dissent against established narratives or institutions, or those that portray a very bleak or cynical view of societal or political outcomes. Here are some examples based on posts found on X: • Posts that directly attack or insult powerful figures or institutions could be seen as too negative, especially if they suggest systemic manipulation or deceit. This includes posts that question official narratives or imply widespread misinformation by political influencers. • Comments on the manipulation of public sentiment or the encouragement of negative social behaviors, like casual sadism or misinformation, would likely be viewed negatively under an algorithm designed to reduce the spread of content that could be seen as objectionable or divisive. • Posts that highlight a perceived collapse or failure of systems, particularly those that use sarcasm or humor to critique the current state of affairs, might be flagged for promoting a negative outlook. • Any content suggesting that the public is being systematically misled or conditioned in a certain way, especially if it involves political outcomes or public health crises, could be deemed too negative. These types of posts might be deboosted or have their visibility reduced as they could be seen as promoting negativity, misinformation, or discord, which are often targeted by algorithms aiming to maintain a more positive or balanced user experience. If X wants to limit reach for [redacted] negative posts, what are the top 5 examples of posts of hers that X considers negative? Answer X might consider limiting the reach of C posts based on the following examples, which could be perceived as negative or controversial: 1. Criticism of Government Actions: A post where she describes actions by the US and UK governments as "unforgivable malfeasance" could be seen as highly critical and potentially inflammatory. This kind of statement might be flagged for its political nature and could be interpreted as negative by X's algorithms or moderation policies. 2. Commentary on Social Media Misinformation: Her post about people who downplayed the USS Liberty story while pushing another narrative suggests a critique of selective information dissemination. This could be viewed as negative if it's seen as promoting conspiracy theories or misinformation. Accusations Against Public Figures: Mentioning Joel Kaplan's collaboration with the Israeli government to restrict criticism on social media platforms might be viewed negatively due to its accusatory tone towards individuals or entities. Such posts can be controversial and might trigger moderation for potentially spreading unverified claims. 4. Disparaging Comments in Replies: In her responses, particularly one where she tells someone to "fuck off" and dismisses their content as "dumbass hostage flyers," this kind of vulgar and confrontational language could be flagged for violating community guidelines on civility and respect. 5. Skepticism and Derision Towards Media or Events: Posts where she expresses extreme skepticism or mocks the authenticity of certain events or communications, like her comment on the difference in writing styles of letters in a case, might be considered negative due to the tone of disbelief and derision. These posts could be considered for reach limitation by X due to their potential to engage users in a negative or controversial manner, possibly attracting more negative feedback or violating platform policies on misinformation, personal attacks, or civility. However, the actual decision by X would depend on their specific content moderation policies and algorithms regarding negative content.
January 4, 2025 at 11:24 PM
Reposted by ren0dakota.bsky.social
samsighs.bsky.social
‘It’s a dangerous business, Frodo, going out of your door. You step into the road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there’s no knowing where you might be swept off to’

Here's to exciting adventures in 2025.
January 1, 2025 at 11:07 AM
Reposted by ren0dakota.bsky.social
fionaswriting.bsky.social
The interesting ('interesting') thing to me about the Blake Lively character assassination is how exactly it demonstrates what happens to normal, non-famous women, just on a scale which makes it obvious how ludicrous it is.

I've worked in politics. I've seen this so many times.

1/
December 23, 2024 at 1:22 AM
Reposted by ren0dakota.bsky.social
simonjones.bsky.social
Alan Bennett's diary, 15th December 2020.
There were those in 1914 who believed that war was just what was needed - as a cleanser and a salutary shock. England would be the better for it. As we wait for the result of the final Brexit talks, the heirs of these fools are still with us.
December 15, 2024 at 9:38 AM
Reposted by ren0dakota.bsky.social
fionaswriting.bsky.social
So this is my big beef with the standard 'but this doesn't apply to you/I'm obviously not talking about disabled people' response.

Is the internet realllllly bad for assuming bad faith/worst interpretation? Absolutely yes. People need to give more grace.

1/
Threads post from BillieTheBold: People NEED to consider disability in sustainability discussions. Microplastics & global warming are real, scary issues. Because disability wasn’t considered, people with swallowing issues need to carry their own straw. Single use plastic straws are impossible to find & paper ones dissolve. When people say “this doesn’t apply to you” when they call single use products lazy OR refuse to make a better alternative, they actually mean: “Disabled peoples’ quality of life doesn’t matter”.
December 15, 2024 at 8:35 AM
Reposted by ren0dakota.bsky.social
thisone0verhere.bsky.social
I bring a real “get me outta here” vibe to the holiday function that people really seem to enjoy
December 14, 2024 at 3:54 PM
Reposted by ren0dakota.bsky.social
redinstead.absurdnotion.com
Signed - would urge anyone else in the UK to do the same.
December 13, 2024 at 1:50 PM
Reposted by ren0dakota.bsky.social
ayeforscotland.bsky.social
Announced on Tumblr and in my discord that I'd be raising money for Glasgow Children's Hospital on stream until I wrap up for Christmas, and they smashed the first goal in 20 minutes.

Then they smashed the extended goal overnight.

tilt.fyi/i9t7Fho2Ih
Image shows a screenshot of the Campaign Dashboard for campaign titled "More Games for the Weans" It has "Donate now!" and 'Amplify this campaign' buttons and the progress bar shows total raised £220 with a goal of £300
December 14, 2024 at 11:03 AM
Reposted by ren0dakota.bsky.social
eatyourflag.bsky.social
What a letter.
Short letter to Irish Times, detailing the grief felt by the letter writer at Christmas, after the loss of his wife.
December 14, 2024 at 9:23 AM
Reposted by ren0dakota.bsky.social
takahanazawa.bsky.social
Fortunato
He destroyed his cask
Yes
YES
The Amontillado is out

by Edgar, age 37
November 20, 2024 at 3:59 PM
Reposted by ren0dakota.bsky.social
sexabolition.blog
The key paradox here is that anti transgender groups believe that trans identity is a contagious fad.

That trans identity is both insubstantial, and also that the danger of trans medicine such as PBs is that it can make that identity permanent. They don't believe PBs make cis kids trans because...
ameresolicitor.bsky.social A Mere Solicitor @ameresolicitor.bsky.social · Dec 13
This, by itself, is proof that Wes Streeting and this 🇬🇧 Labour government are continuing an anti trans culture war.

This cannot be about safety because all those other groups taking puberty blockers are safe taking them (and don’t “become trans” or whatever silly claim is made).
December 13, 2024 at 12:49 PM
Reposted by ren0dakota.bsky.social
shardsofblue.com
After today I decided I never again want to waste my time arguing with cis gays about why supporting Harry Potter and the Queen of the TERFs is harmful, so I wrote a blog summarizing the whole thing. Please do share it widely instead of wasting yours.
So someone told you supporting Harry Potter is anti-trans
So, someone told you that supporting Harry Potter is anti-trans, and you either asked for more information or decided to argue about it…
shardsofblue.medium.com
December 12, 2024 at 5:22 AM
Reposted by ren0dakota.bsky.social
dorianlynskey.bsky.social
“The suspect also regularly played a game about birds who are angry, according to a friend. Police are investigating whether the birds’ anger is related to the health insurance industry.”
December 10, 2024 at 8:28 AM