ULTRAGINGLE
@ultragotha.bsky.social
Merovingian Superhero, #SCA, #FiberArts, #Viking, #SFF #Worldcon. @ULTRAGOTHA on wandering.shop and Absolute Write.
Avatar Description: A stylized U in a Superman-style diamond, colored hot magenta pink.
Avatar Description: A stylized U in a Superman-style diamond, colored hot magenta pink.
Reposted by ULTRAGINGLE
We mourn the passing of SF great John Varley with a look back at his impressive body of work, from the Eight Worlds series to his brilliant short stories. What was the first Varley story you ever read? Which books are your favorites?
Looking Back at the Work of John Varley, 1947-2025 - Reactor
Where to start reading — or rereading — Varley's many series and stories.
reactormag.com
December 12, 2025 at 4:37 PM
We mourn the passing of SF great John Varley with a look back at his impressive body of work, from the Eight Worlds series to his brilliant short stories. What was the first Varley story you ever read? Which books are your favorites?
Reposted by ULTRAGINGLE
WOW; a DEEPLY corrupt move by the immigration courts; clear collaboration with Trump admin officials to produce a specific result with zero notice to the party and ALSO in a situation where the judge facially lacks jurisdiction; the judge had denied a motion to reopen and the case is on appeal.
Judge Xinis ordered Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s release in part bc ICE could not produce a final “order of removal” to deport him. So last night, they went out and got an immigration judge to issue one.
Now, Abrego is urging Xinis to block his redetention. storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
Now, Abrego is urging Xinis to block his redetention. storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
December 12, 2025 at 1:10 PM
WOW; a DEEPLY corrupt move by the immigration courts; clear collaboration with Trump admin officials to produce a specific result with zero notice to the party and ALSO in a situation where the judge facially lacks jurisdiction; the judge had denied a motion to reopen and the case is on appeal.
Reposted by ULTRAGINGLE
Well now, would you look at that? A massive, 4-YEAR-LONG study of NEARLY 30 MILLION people in France found that individuals who received a COVID-19 mRNA vaccine had a 74% LOWER risk of death from severe COVID-19 compared to unvaccinated individuals and ZERO increased risk of all-cause mortality.
December 11, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Well now, would you look at that? A massive, 4-YEAR-LONG study of NEARLY 30 MILLION people in France found that individuals who received a COVID-19 mRNA vaccine had a 74% LOWER risk of death from severe COVID-19 compared to unvaccinated individuals and ZERO increased risk of all-cause mortality.
Reposted by ULTRAGINGLE
The winning streak for the shingles vaccine continues...I'm starting to get optimistic on this one 🤞🙏:
jenndowd.substack.com/p/more-good-... #episky #medsky #idsky #econsky #publichealth #dementia
jenndowd.substack.com/p/more-good-... #episky #medsky #idsky #econsky #publichealth #dementia
More Good News on the Shingles Vaccine and Dementia
Two new studies add more evidence of a protective effect
jenndowd.substack.com
December 10, 2025 at 12:05 PM
The winning streak for the shingles vaccine continues...I'm starting to get optimistic on this one 🤞🙏:
jenndowd.substack.com/p/more-good-... #episky #medsky #idsky #econsky #publichealth #dementia
jenndowd.substack.com/p/more-good-... #episky #medsky #idsky #econsky #publichealth #dementia
Reposted by ULTRAGINGLE
I've posted my review of the Apple TV show MURDERBOT, based on the science fiction MURDERBOT DIARIES books by @marthawells.com . The show is worth watching at least 2 times, as it's intentionally uncomfortable the first time through. scififanletter.blogspot.com/2025/12/tv-s...
TV Show Review: Murderbot Season 1
A science fiction and fantasy blog featuring book reviews, author interviews, new author spotlights, themed reading lists and more.
scififanletter.blogspot.com
December 9, 2025 at 11:12 PM
I've posted my review of the Apple TV show MURDERBOT, based on the science fiction MURDERBOT DIARIES books by @marthawells.com . The show is worth watching at least 2 times, as it's intentionally uncomfortable the first time through. scififanletter.blogspot.com/2025/12/tv-s...
Reposted by ULTRAGINGLE
(3/5) All virtual business meetings will commence at 9:00 a.m. Pacific Time. Detailed login information and agendas will be distributed to members and interested parties closer to the dates.
December 6, 2025 at 2:30 PM
(3/5) All virtual business meetings will commence at 9:00 a.m. Pacific Time. Detailed login information and agendas will be distributed to members and interested parties closer to the dates.
Reposted by ULTRAGINGLE
(2/5) Following an extensive survey that garnered 147 responses from the science fiction and fantasy community, the committee has selected the following dates for the virtual sessions:
Friday, July 17
Sunday, July 26
Saturday, August 1
Sunday, August 9
Friday, July 17
Sunday, July 26
Saturday, August 1
Sunday, August 9
December 6, 2025 at 2:30 PM
(2/5) Following an extensive survey that garnered 147 responses from the science fiction and fantasy community, the committee has selected the following dates for the virtual sessions:
Friday, July 17
Sunday, July 26
Saturday, August 1
Sunday, August 9
Friday, July 17
Sunday, July 26
Saturday, August 1
Sunday, August 9
Reposted by ULTRAGINGLE
(1/5) Los Angeles (December 5, 2025) - The organizing committee for LACon V, the 84th World Science Fiction Convention, today announced the schedule for the annual WSFS Business Meeting, which will be conducted virtually over four sessions this upcoming summer.
December 6, 2025 at 2:30 PM
(1/5) Los Angeles (December 5, 2025) - The organizing committee for LACon V, the 84th World Science Fiction Convention, today announced the schedule for the annual WSFS Business Meeting, which will be conducted virtually over four sessions this upcoming summer.
Because my local grocery store raised my hopes by offering green tomatoes in their produce section and then DASHED THEM INTO ITTY BITTY PIECES by being out of stock. I sadly bring this recipe (THAT I AM NOT GOING TO HAVE FOR DINNER TOMORROW) to your attention.
I now have orphaned zucchini & chiles.
I now have orphaned zucchini & chiles.
#ULTRARECIPES
Green Tomato Enchiladas
Sauce
1 four oz can mild green chilies
16 oz green tomatoes
1 onion
1 zucchini/yellow squash if desired
1/4 C heavy cream
1/2 C milk
1 egg
1 t ground coriander
4 cloves garlic
salt & pepper to taste
Blend together in blender until liquid.
1/
Green Tomato Enchiladas
Sauce
1 four oz can mild green chilies
16 oz green tomatoes
1 onion
1 zucchini/yellow squash if desired
1/4 C heavy cream
1/2 C milk
1 egg
1 t ground coriander
4 cloves garlic
salt & pepper to taste
Blend together in blender until liquid.
1/
December 6, 2025 at 11:32 PM
Because my local grocery store raised my hopes by offering green tomatoes in their produce section and then DASHED THEM INTO ITTY BITTY PIECES by being out of stock. I sadly bring this recipe (THAT I AM NOT GOING TO HAVE FOR DINNER TOMORROW) to your attention.
I now have orphaned zucchini & chiles.
I now have orphaned zucchini & chiles.
I have FINALLY made lemon butter chicken again! @loopdilou.bsky.social shared this recipe with me years ago.
It took a while to wilt down a 12 ounce bag of fresh spinach. I used smoked paprika which gives it a nice twist.
YUM!!!!!!!
www.eazypeazymealz.com/lemon-butter...
It took a while to wilt down a 12 ounce bag of fresh spinach. I used smoked paprika which gives it a nice twist.
YUM!!!!!!!
www.eazypeazymealz.com/lemon-butter...
Lemon Butter Chicken
This savory Lemon Butter Chicken is full of flavor. The lemon cream sauce mixed with fresh garlic and Parmesan cheese is perfect with the tender chicken.
www.eazypeazymealz.com
December 6, 2025 at 7:40 PM
I have FINALLY made lemon butter chicken again! @loopdilou.bsky.social shared this recipe with me years ago.
It took a while to wilt down a 12 ounce bag of fresh spinach. I used smoked paprika which gives it a nice twist.
YUM!!!!!!!
www.eazypeazymealz.com/lemon-butter...
It took a while to wilt down a 12 ounce bag of fresh spinach. I used smoked paprika which gives it a nice twist.
YUM!!!!!!!
www.eazypeazymealz.com/lemon-butter...
Reposted by ULTRAGINGLE
The Nobel Prize committee should announce the World Cup winner tomorrow
December 6, 2025 at 4:29 AM
The Nobel Prize committee should announce the World Cup winner tomorrow
Reposted by ULTRAGINGLE
It only took four of us making a two-minute public comment about the library at the city council meeting for the councilors to restore the funding the mayor’s office had cut.
I really can't emphasize enough that if you care about local politics, all you gotta do is show up. Just a regular schmegular person showing up. Literally just show up consistently in person and within a remarkably short amount of time, you will have a shocking amount of influence.
December 6, 2025 at 5:08 PM
It only took four of us making a two-minute public comment about the library at the city council meeting for the councilors to restore the funding the mayor’s office had cut.
Reposted by ULTRAGINGLE
I'm not exaggerating when I say following @boltsmag.org rn will unlock money for our journalism.
A generous reader, @russ41.bsky.social, has offered to donate $1 for every 1-person increase to our follower count.
If you're not following @boltsmag.org yet, it'll directly help fund our reporting!
A generous reader, @russ41.bsky.social, has offered to donate $1 for every 1-person increase to our follower count.
If you're not following @boltsmag.org yet, it'll directly help fund our reporting!
December 6, 2025 at 12:07 AM
I'm not exaggerating when I say following @boltsmag.org rn will unlock money for our journalism.
A generous reader, @russ41.bsky.social, has offered to donate $1 for every 1-person increase to our follower count.
If you're not following @boltsmag.org yet, it'll directly help fund our reporting!
A generous reader, @russ41.bsky.social, has offered to donate $1 for every 1-person increase to our follower count.
If you're not following @boltsmag.org yet, it'll directly help fund our reporting!
I've been watching thatching videos by a Master Thatcher.
Those roofs last 45 years! They're held on with a few bits of wire screwed to the battens and FRICTION. Endless hazel U-shaped staples just...thrust into the reed. Not attached to the building! Nothing but friction!
I love that this works.
Those roofs last 45 years! They're held on with a few bits of wire screwed to the battens and FRICTION. Endless hazel U-shaped staples just...thrust into the reed. Not attached to the building! Nothing but friction!
I love that this works.
December 5, 2025 at 9:57 PM
I've been watching thatching videos by a Master Thatcher.
Those roofs last 45 years! They're held on with a few bits of wire screwed to the battens and FRICTION. Endless hazel U-shaped staples just...thrust into the reed. Not attached to the building! Nothing but friction!
I love that this works.
Those roofs last 45 years! They're held on with a few bits of wire screwed to the battens and FRICTION. Endless hazel U-shaped staples just...thrust into the reed. Not attached to the building! Nothing but friction!
I love that this works.
Reposted by ULTRAGINGLE
I'm relaunching Dominion of the Fallen in the US with @awfulagent.bsky.social
Magnificent covers by @fringe-element.net
Deliciously gothic atmosphere, queer characters from across the world, and high intrigue--in a Paris wrecked by magical cataclysms
March 10th, 2026!
awfulagent.com/ebooks/the-h...
Magnificent covers by @fringe-element.net
Deliciously gothic atmosphere, queer characters from across the world, and high intrigue--in a Paris wrecked by magical cataclysms
March 10th, 2026!
awfulagent.com/ebooks/the-h...
December 3, 2025 at 8:18 PM
I'm relaunching Dominion of the Fallen in the US with @awfulagent.bsky.social
Magnificent covers by @fringe-element.net
Deliciously gothic atmosphere, queer characters from across the world, and high intrigue--in a Paris wrecked by magical cataclysms
March 10th, 2026!
awfulagent.com/ebooks/the-h...
Magnificent covers by @fringe-element.net
Deliciously gothic atmosphere, queer characters from across the world, and high intrigue--in a Paris wrecked by magical cataclysms
March 10th, 2026!
awfulagent.com/ebooks/the-h...
Reposted by ULTRAGINGLE
*not shopping at Target intensifies*
December 1, 2025 at 8:31 PM
*not shopping at Target intensifies*
Reposted by ULTRAGINGLE
Now that LA has announced their special category, the Hugo rec sheet has been updated (poem is after short story). If you've been vibrating with excitement to rec some poetry, your moment has arrived! #HugoAwards
December 1, 2025 at 6:42 PM
Now that LA has announced their special category, the Hugo rec sheet has been updated (poem is after short story). If you've been vibrating with excitement to rec some poetry, your moment has arrived! #HugoAwards
It's DECEMBER!
You have TWO MONTHS to purchase a World Science Fiction Society (WSFS) membership to the Los Angeles 2026 #Worldcon if you want to nominate for the #HugoAwards.
www.lacon.org/register/
Get yours by January 31, 2026!!
You have TWO MONTHS to purchase a World Science Fiction Society (WSFS) membership to the Los Angeles 2026 #Worldcon if you want to nominate for the #HugoAwards.
www.lacon.org/register/
Get yours by January 31, 2026!!
LAcon V Registration – LAcon V
www.lacon.org
December 1, 2025 at 2:57 PM
It's DECEMBER!
You have TWO MONTHS to purchase a World Science Fiction Society (WSFS) membership to the Los Angeles 2026 #Worldcon if you want to nominate for the #HugoAwards.
www.lacon.org/register/
Get yours by January 31, 2026!!
You have TWO MONTHS to purchase a World Science Fiction Society (WSFS) membership to the Los Angeles 2026 #Worldcon if you want to nominate for the #HugoAwards.
www.lacon.org/register/
Get yours by January 31, 2026!!
Reposted by ULTRAGINGLE
Does anyone want a survivorship bias shortbread
November 29, 2025 at 4:50 AM
Does anyone want a survivorship bias shortbread
I have managed to get from Dungeness crabs to Viking longships in a few skeets.
That's pretty on brand even for me.
That's pretty on brand even for me.
November 29, 2025 at 2:13 AM
I have managed to get from Dungeness crabs to Viking longships in a few skeets.
That's pretty on brand even for me.
That's pretty on brand even for me.
Introduce yourself with 5 animals you've seen in the wild:
Dolphin
Whale
Sea Lion
Otter
Crab
Dolphin
Whale
Sea Lion
Otter
Crab
introduce yourself with 5 animals you've seen in the wild:
squirrels
bugs
sea krait
bluebirds
deer
squirrels
bugs
sea krait
bluebirds
deer
Introduce yourself with 5 animals you’ve seen in the wild:
Whale Shark
Nurse shark
Gray Whale
Octopus
Mountain lion
(Quite annoyed I’ve lived in the SGV for over a decade and STILL haven’t seen a wild bear🙄)
Whale Shark
Nurse shark
Gray Whale
Octopus
Mountain lion
(Quite annoyed I’ve lived in the SGV for over a decade and STILL haven’t seen a wild bear🙄)
November 29, 2025 at 1:14 AM
Introduce yourself with 5 animals you've seen in the wild:
Dolphin
Whale
Sea Lion
Otter
Crab
Dolphin
Whale
Sea Lion
Otter
Crab
Reposted by ULTRAGINGLE
Good news we have hot water, bad news this shit was expensive
Please buy my books? Definitely need to sell a few dozen (hundred sob) copies
Please buy my books? Definitely need to sell a few dozen (hundred sob) copies
Plumber confirmed that the fuses blowing yesterday was due to the water heater and we need a new water heater. I did find the fuse for the water heater itself so we're good heating wise
(last night we had no light or heating in half the flat, which is less fun).
Wheee
Please buy my books?
(last night we had no light or heating in half the flat, which is less fun).
Wheee
Please buy my books?
November 23, 2025 at 12:39 PM
Good news we have hot water, bad news this shit was expensive
Please buy my books? Definitely need to sell a few dozen (hundred sob) copies
Please buy my books? Definitely need to sell a few dozen (hundred sob) copies
Reposted by ULTRAGINGLE
I guess I now have to do a thread on shoes in ancient Mesopotamia in response to this (which happens to be from one of my favourite accounts).
I’m not an archaeologist, nor do I really know anything about shoes, but let’s go on this journey together.
I’m not an archaeologist, nor do I really know anything about shoes, but let’s go on this journey together.
can't believe this ancient mesopotamia shoe wearing ass said people need to dress up at the airport
November 26, 2025 at 9:03 AM
I guess I now have to do a thread on shoes in ancient Mesopotamia in response to this (which happens to be from one of my favourite accounts).
I’m not an archaeologist, nor do I really know anything about shoes, but let’s go on this journey together.
I’m not an archaeologist, nor do I really know anything about shoes, but let’s go on this journey together.
This whole thread. It's wonderful. It's what Blue Sky should be all the time. Lovely.
OK - pie discourse - best pie story:
In 2016, we were living in Andover, in the UK. My wife was assigned as an exchange officer at the Army Air Corps base at Middle Wallop (yes, really).*
The US Army has a tradition: senior leaders, in dress uniform, serve junior troops Thanksgiving dinner.
/1
In 2016, we were living in Andover, in the UK. My wife was assigned as an exchange officer at the Army Air Corps base at Middle Wallop (yes, really).*
The US Army has a tradition: senior leaders, in dress uniform, serve junior troops Thanksgiving dinner.
/1
November 26, 2025 at 2:47 PM
This whole thread. It's wonderful. It's what Blue Sky should be all the time. Lovely.
This is Just to Say
I have eaten
the plums
that were in
the icebox
and which
you were probably
saving
for breakfast
Forgive me
they were delicious
so sweet
and so cold
William Carlos Williams
I have eaten
the plums
that were in
the icebox
and which
you were probably
saving
for breakfast
Forgive me
they were delicious
so sweet
and so cold
William Carlos Williams
November 22, 2025 at 2:58 PM
This is Just to Say
I have eaten
the plums
that were in
the icebox
and which
you were probably
saving
for breakfast
Forgive me
they were delicious
so sweet
and so cold
William Carlos Williams
I have eaten
the plums
that were in
the icebox
and which
you were probably
saving
for breakfast
Forgive me
they were delicious
so sweet
and so cold
William Carlos Williams