Amy Isikoff Newell
@amynewell.bsky.social
hope from despair. Forest Witch. Baba Yaga type. Crazy. Artist, Aspiring Activist, Recovering Engineering Leader. bipolar, bisexual, and bitchy AF she/they 🏳️🌈
www.amywriteswords.com
www.amynewell.com
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Amy Isikoff Newell
@amynewell.bsky.social
· Jan 21
Amy Writes Words | Amy Isikoff Newell | Substack
"Amusing at best": I write about software engineering, tech, management, politics, bipolar disorder, mental illness, disability, queerness, gender, books, poetry, fashion, boots, and photography. Also...
amywriteswords.com
new followers! Hello! I'm not on on here much, so I want you to know you can subscribe to my newsletter at amywriteswords.com
2 awesome things about it:
1. arrives irregularly, def not every week, only when I have something to say
2. I like when ppl pay/share/like but I don't hound you for it
2 awesome things about it:
1. arrives irregularly, def not every week, only when I have something to say
2. I like when ppl pay/share/like but I don't hound you for it
MA folks please call senator warren to complain that she should not sponsor KOSA
her number is (617) 565-3170, press 1 to leave a message.
go here for more info about kosa www.stopkosa.com and the full list of orgs that think it's a bad idea.
her number is (617) 565-3170, press 1 to leave a message.
go here for more info about kosa www.stopkosa.com and the full list of orgs that think it's a bad idea.
@warren.senate.gov just co-sponsored KOSA again 🤦🏽♀️
You CANNOT claim to be an ally to the LGTBQ community and support this awful bill. Your office blatantly ignored our Boston coalitions pleas, so let’s see how you feel about those phones being melted. CALL HER!
You CANNOT claim to be an ally to the LGTBQ community and support this awful bill. Your office blatantly ignored our Boston coalitions pleas, so let’s see how you feel about those phones being melted. CALL HER!
This Trans Day of Remembrance we’re holding the memory of countless trans lives lost to bigotry and hatred, and fighting like hell to preserve trans lives still with us today!
Trans people deserve to be seen + celebrated, not erased. Trans people deserve real allyship, not censorship.
STOP KOSA
Trans people deserve to be seen + celebrated, not erased. Trans people deserve real allyship, not censorship.
STOP KOSA
December 11, 2025 at 2:39 AM
MA folks please call senator warren to complain that she should not sponsor KOSA
her number is (617) 565-3170, press 1 to leave a message.
go here for more info about kosa www.stopkosa.com and the full list of orgs that think it's a bad idea.
her number is (617) 565-3170, press 1 to leave a message.
go here for more info about kosa www.stopkosa.com and the full list of orgs that think it's a bad idea.
No, society should shut that sh*t down entirely. We already have general purpose cognitive systems, several billion of them! We should not be stealing water, electricity, IP, and employment from humans in the hopes that we can get some "general purpose AI systems" to have "moral judgment."
Society should pursue a strategy that allows general-purpose AI systems that learn “moral judgement” through experience, facilitate the emergence of specialized professional AI agents, and implement policies that assure the greatest possible diversity of AI models, writes R Street's Eli Lehrer:
AI Safety Requires Pluralism, Not a Single Moral Operating System | TechPolicy.Press
Diversity isn’t a weakness in the age of AI; rather, it is a necessity for AI safety, says R Street Institute president and co-founder Eli Lehrer.
www.techpolicy.press
December 10, 2025 at 9:30 PM
No, society should shut that sh*t down entirely. We already have general purpose cognitive systems, several billion of them! We should not be stealing water, electricity, IP, and employment from humans in the hopes that we can get some "general purpose AI systems" to have "moral judgment."
Reposted by Amy Isikoff Newell
Immigrants that were already approved to be naturalized at Faneuil Hall in Boston last week were told by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services that they are now not eligible. (via @gbhnews.bsky.social)
December 10, 2025 at 7:48 PM
Immigrants that were already approved to be naturalized at Faneuil Hall in Boston last week were told by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services that they are now not eligible. (via @gbhnews.bsky.social)
Reposted by Amy Isikoff Newell
It's been truly remarkable to see the grand jury system actually act as a real line of defense.
Especially since--as I bet most non-lawyers don't know--the only legal person in the GJ room is the prosecutor: no defense, no judge.
There is NO place more favorable to the state. And they keep losing.
Especially since--as I bet most non-lawyers don't know--the only legal person in the GJ room is the prosecutor: no defense, no judge.
There is NO place more favorable to the state. And they keep losing.
JUST IN: Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Snell just confirmed, at the prodding of U.S. Magistrate Judge Keri Holleb Hotaling, that this motion for dismissal followed a "no bill" from a grand jury.
That means the grand jury refused to indict.
That means the grand jury refused to indict.
U.S. prosecutors in Chicago are dropping another case tied to Operation Midway Blitz, "without prejudice."
It's USA v. Nathan Griffin. Below is the motion, followed by excerpts from the complaint.
The feds don't say why they're dropping it, but they had until today to secure an indictment.
It's USA v. Nathan Griffin. Below is the motion, followed by excerpts from the complaint.
The feds don't say why they're dropping it, but they had until today to secure an indictment.
December 10, 2025 at 4:31 PM
It's been truly remarkable to see the grand jury system actually act as a real line of defense.
Especially since--as I bet most non-lawyers don't know--the only legal person in the GJ room is the prosecutor: no defense, no judge.
There is NO place more favorable to the state. And they keep losing.
Especially since--as I bet most non-lawyers don't know--the only legal person in the GJ room is the prosecutor: no defense, no judge.
There is NO place more favorable to the state. And they keep losing.
Reposted by Amy Isikoff Newell
Cambridge City Council will be CANCELLING its contract with mass surveillance company FLOCK – other municipalities should do the same.
TAKE ACTION: mobilize.aclum.org/a/email-your...
TAKE ACTION: mobilize.aclum.org/a/email-your...
December 9, 2025 at 8:42 PM
Cambridge City Council will be CANCELLING its contract with mass surveillance company FLOCK – other municipalities should do the same.
TAKE ACTION: mobilize.aclum.org/a/email-your...
TAKE ACTION: mobilize.aclum.org/a/email-your...
cat palate cleanser
I’ve posted this before but the light was perfect today- a little Victorian cat paw in a brick at the front of the old Norfolk & Norwich Hospital. As this is on the front-facing corner of the main gates, the bricklayer quite clearly put it there on purpose, at a height where children would spot it.
December 10, 2025 at 6:27 PM
cat palate cleanser
Reposted by Amy Isikoff Newell
This is why hating and mocking AI relentlessly and publicly is vital work.
McDonald's has taken down a Christmas ad made with AI following online backlash
The company said the moment served as "an important learning" as it explored "the effective use of AI"
The company said the moment served as "an important learning" as it explored "the effective use of AI"
McDonald's pulls AI-generated Christmas advert following backlash
McDonald's said the moment served as "an important learning" as it explored "the effective use of AI".
www.bbc.com
December 10, 2025 at 5:45 PM
This is why hating and mocking AI relentlessly and publicly is vital work.
Reposted by Amy Isikoff Newell
To every person who doesn’t see the big picture regarding AI, this is something you need to see and consider.
Ask yourself: “If AI isn’t a big deal in the grand scheme of things and is unrelated to the rise of fascism, why are fascists so preoccupied with its proliferation, adoption, and use?”
Ask yourself: “If AI isn’t a big deal in the grand scheme of things and is unrelated to the rise of fascism, why are fascists so preoccupied with its proliferation, adoption, and use?”
jesus christ
December 10, 2025 at 6:06 PM
To every person who doesn’t see the big picture regarding AI, this is something you need to see and consider.
Ask yourself: “If AI isn’t a big deal in the grand scheme of things and is unrelated to the rise of fascism, why are fascists so preoccupied with its proliferation, adoption, and use?”
Ask yourself: “If AI isn’t a big deal in the grand scheme of things and is unrelated to the rise of fascism, why are fascists so preoccupied with its proliferation, adoption, and use?”
this is really beautiful, check it out
www.mountauburnsolstice.org @universalhub.com I hear tickets sell out quickly
SOLSTICE
www.mountauburnsolstice.org
December 10, 2025 at 6:05 PM
this is really beautiful, check it out
Reposted by Amy Isikoff Newell
in 2025, I made myself proud and that’s really all I can ask for. but what I can ask from YOU is to create a neighborhood newsletter, print it out, and put it in a central location so you can meet more of your neighbors!!!!
December 10, 2025 at 5:39 PM
in 2025, I made myself proud and that’s really all I can ask for. but what I can ask from YOU is to create a neighborhood newsletter, print it out, and put it in a central location so you can meet more of your neighbors!!!!
Reposted by Amy Isikoff Newell
Someone please correct me if I'm on the wrong track here but isn't the entire fundamental point of journalism being accurate
December 10, 2025 at 5:15 PM
Someone please correct me if I'm on the wrong track here but isn't the entire fundamental point of journalism being accurate
Reposted by Amy Isikoff Newell
plenty of seemingly well-adjusted people I know have now convinced themselves that they *need* it
and psychologically, why do you think that you need this thing that you’ve gone your entire life without?
and psychologically, why do you think that you need this thing that you’ve gone your entire life without?
December 10, 2025 at 5:35 PM
plenty of seemingly well-adjusted people I know have now convinced themselves that they *need* it
and psychologically, why do you think that you need this thing that you’ve gone your entire life without?
and psychologically, why do you think that you need this thing that you’ve gone your entire life without?
Reposted by Amy Isikoff Newell
Last month, a growing coalition of Massachusetts-based LGBTQ+ organizations sent a letter to @warren.senate.gov and requested a meeting with the Senator to discuss her previous support for #KOSA given the Trump admin's weaponization of the FTC to target trans healthcare.
The office ignored us.
The office ignored us.
December 9, 2025 at 10:34 PM
Last month, a growing coalition of Massachusetts-based LGBTQ+ organizations sent a letter to @warren.senate.gov and requested a meeting with the Senator to discuss her previous support for #KOSA given the Trump admin's weaponization of the FTC to target trans healthcare.
The office ignored us.
The office ignored us.
Reposted by Amy Isikoff Newell
Democrats can’t meaningfully claim to oppose Donald Trump while simultaneously pushing bad internet bills like KOSA, EARN IT, Section 230 limitations, and online ID laws, that *empower* the Trump administration to further censor, surveil, and prosecute marginalized people.
@fightforthefuture.org
@fightforthefuture.org
Bad Internet Bills
All of the bad internet bills. One website.
www.badinternetbills.com
December 10, 2025 at 3:05 PM
Democrats can’t meaningfully claim to oppose Donald Trump while simultaneously pushing bad internet bills like KOSA, EARN IT, Section 230 limitations, and online ID laws, that *empower* the Trump administration to further censor, surveil, and prosecute marginalized people.
@fightforthefuture.org
@fightforthefuture.org
Reposted by Amy Isikoff Newell
Jesus Christ, public opinion is not some static thing that has to be “respected” by politicians.
Politicians should work to shape it, to make the case for their priorities and positions, to win over voters to *their* ideas not convince voters that they agree with them.
Politicians should work to shape it, to make the case for their priorities and positions, to win over voters to *their* ideas not convince voters that they agree with them.
This exchange drives me nuts. Neither the interviewer nor Bazelon acknowledges that 1) abortion rights are really popular! and 2) what ICE is doing is hugely unpopular!
December 10, 2025 at 3:08 PM
Jesus Christ, public opinion is not some static thing that has to be “respected” by politicians.
Politicians should work to shape it, to make the case for their priorities and positions, to win over voters to *their* ideas not convince voters that they agree with them.
Politicians should work to shape it, to make the case for their priorities and positions, to win over voters to *their* ideas not convince voters that they agree with them.
Reposted by Amy Isikoff Newell
The bartender at our local brewery said her monthly premium is going from $450 to $1250. Per month. This is more than the increase those of us with employer insurance see when we grumble about premium increases and I need such folks to understand. It is literally unaffordable.
People are going to die because of the pending insurance premium hikes. I know the terrain of discourse is inconsistent and goes through a tumble cycle every 24 hours, but I really think we need to hone in on this reality and drive it home for people.
December 10, 2025 at 3:01 AM
The bartender at our local brewery said her monthly premium is going from $450 to $1250. Per month. This is more than the increase those of us with employer insurance see when we grumble about premium increases and I need such folks to understand. It is literally unaffordable.
@ellecordova.bsky.social I don't want you to miss this font-related satirical video opportunity
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
Font of ‘wasteful’ diversity: Trump’s state department orders return to Times New Roman
A cable from Marco Rubio reportedly said cutting Calibri from official communication would ‘abolish yet another wasteful DEIA program’
www.theguardian.com
December 10, 2025 at 3:07 AM
@ellecordova.bsky.social I don't want you to miss this font-related satirical video opportunity
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
"We are pressured to believe that it is possible to automate the scientific process. But science itself is a form of cognition, and therefore cannot be automated."
from zenodo.org/records/1778...
@olivia.science , @irisvanrooij.bsky.social et al
read the whole thing!
from zenodo.org/records/1778...
@olivia.science , @irisvanrooij.bsky.social et al
read the whole thing!
Towards Critical Artificial Intelligence Literacies
Critical Artificial Intelligence Literacies (CAILs) is the collection of ways of thinking about and relating to so-called artificial intelligence (AI) that rejects dominant frames presented by the tec...
zenodo.org
December 9, 2025 at 11:40 PM
"We are pressured to believe that it is possible to automate the scientific process. But science itself is a form of cognition, and therefore cannot be automated."
from zenodo.org/records/1778...
@olivia.science , @irisvanrooij.bsky.social et al
read the whole thing!
from zenodo.org/records/1778...
@olivia.science , @irisvanrooij.bsky.social et al
read the whole thing!
Reposted by Amy Isikoff Newell
I hope you explore the Zine for yourself to see the other references included and enjoy the previous volumes too if you've just found my Padlet.
Happy reading!
Happy reading!
AI Sucks And You Should Not Use It
Collected resources covering many different reasons why AI is terrible. Scans and text for the following: Zine v1.1 "Why Generative AI Sucks And You Should Not Use It" (June 2025) and Zine v2.0 "Human...
padlet.com
December 9, 2025 at 7:56 PM
I hope you explore the Zine for yourself to see the other references included and enjoy the previous volumes too if you've just found my Padlet.
Happy reading!
Happy reading!
At this point I feel like people need to just be patrolling the streets looking for illegally installed Flock cameras. I'm extremely grateful that in Brookline we managed to prevent the signing of an MOU with Flock. Seems like it's a deal with the devil that's pretty hard to get out of.
This is not the first time Flock has put cameras up after a city has told them to take the cameras down. This seems to be a new excuse, though. Appalling.
WAIT WHAT?
Camb. Police Commissioner Elow just said that after the cameras were allegedly off, Flock came back and put up two more cameras because they had a "work order" in the system and didn't see functional cameras, so put up more.
"Which we just found out about today."
Wow.
Camb. Police Commissioner Elow just said that after the cameras were allegedly off, Flock came back and put up two more cameras because they had a "work order" in the system and didn't see functional cameras, so put up more.
"Which we just found out about today."
Wow.
December 9, 2025 at 6:05 PM
At this point I feel like people need to just be patrolling the streets looking for illegally installed Flock cameras. I'm extremely grateful that in Brookline we managed to prevent the signing of an MOU with Flock. Seems like it's a deal with the devil that's pretty hard to get out of.
Reposted by Amy Isikoff Newell
This is not the first time Flock has put cameras up after a city has told them to take the cameras down. This seems to be a new excuse, though. Appalling.
WAIT WHAT?
Camb. Police Commissioner Elow just said that after the cameras were allegedly off, Flock came back and put up two more cameras because they had a "work order" in the system and didn't see functional cameras, so put up more.
"Which we just found out about today."
Wow.
Camb. Police Commissioner Elow just said that after the cameras were allegedly off, Flock came back and put up two more cameras because they had a "work order" in the system and didn't see functional cameras, so put up more.
"Which we just found out about today."
Wow.
December 9, 2025 at 5:50 PM
This is not the first time Flock has put cameras up after a city has told them to take the cameras down. This seems to be a new excuse, though. Appalling.
Reposted by Amy Isikoff Newell
Glassholes were driven from polite society. It could happen again.
Google unveils plans to try again with smart glasses in 2026
It is a significant turnaround for the tech giant after its first attempt - Google Glass - was pulled in 2015.
www.bbc.com
December 9, 2025 at 4:52 PM
Glassholes were driven from polite society. It could happen again.
that seems ... risky
Jimmy Fallon: "And do you use ChatGPT when raising your baby?"
Sam Altman: "I cannot imagine figuring out how to raise a newborn without ChatGPT."
Sam Altman: "I cannot imagine figuring out how to raise a newborn without ChatGPT."
December 9, 2025 at 6:00 PM
that seems ... risky
"The subtle and deadly change of heart that might occur in you would be involved with the realization that a civilization is not destroyed by wicked people; it is not necessary that people be wicked but only that they be spineless."
- The Fire Next Time, by James Baldwin
- The Fire Next Time, by James Baldwin
December 9, 2025 at 4:58 PM
"The subtle and deadly change of heart that might occur in you would be involved with the realization that a civilization is not destroyed by wicked people; it is not necessary that people be wicked but only that they be spineless."
- The Fire Next Time, by James Baldwin
- The Fire Next Time, by James Baldwin