Mikhail Popov
@mpopov.com
staff data scientist, autism dad, husband, former data science manager
pronouns: he/him
website: https://mpopov.com
disclaimer: views and posts are my own
pronouns: he/him
website: https://mpopov.com
disclaimer: views and posts are my own
Pinned
Mikhail Popov
@mpopov.com
· Dec 23
It's our 5th year writing an end-of-year newsletter to send to friends & family. I tried to communicate what I now do to people who have no idea how websites work, have never seen or heard the term "A/B test," or know what a product manager is. …I think this may be the best thing I've ever written?
Reposted by Mikhail Popov
'measles outbreak at the child prison' seems entirely avoidable, it's really the kind of thing that only happens if you do several unthinkably evil things on purpose all at once
Horrifying. ICE confirms measles outbreak at Dilley family detention center. www.cbsnews.com/news/ice-dil...
ICE halts "all movement" at Texas detention facility due to measles infections
The measles cases at the Dilley Immigration Processing Center were detected Friday, Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement to CBS News.
www.cbsnews.com
February 2, 2026 at 4:31 AM
'measles outbreak at the child prison' seems entirely avoidable, it's really the kind of thing that only happens if you do several unthinkably evil things on purpose all at once
Reposted by Mikhail Popov
If you are a person who works in social media, and your job requires you to manage an account on Twitter/X, please ask your boss, in writing, to verify that you are required as a responsibility of your position to be on a platform that knowingly creates and monetizes child sexual abuse material …
January 29, 2026 at 6:46 PM
If you are a person who works in social media, and your job requires you to manage an account on Twitter/X, please ask your boss, in writing, to verify that you are required as a responsibility of your position to be on a platform that knowingly creates and monetizes child sexual abuse material …
It is messed up that I really like shrimp but I’m allergic, meanwhile my wife isn’t allergic and doesn’t like shrimp. Absence of allergy just completely wasted on her.
January 28, 2026 at 3:35 AM
It is messed up that I really like shrimp but I’m allergic, meanwhile my wife isn’t allergic and doesn’t like shrimp. Absence of allergy just completely wasted on her.
Reposted by Mikhail Popov
"I am a children's entertainer who specializes in face painting," writes a woman now in hiding from the federal government for witnessing a state-sanctioned street execution
You have to read this. Firsthand affidavit from one of the women who was there and recording the video. She talks about how Alex Pretti was directing traffic when she arrived. She watched him be killed in front of her. She's afraid to go home, worried she'll be arrested.
January 25, 2026 at 2:03 AM
"I am a children's entertainer who specializes in face painting," writes a woman now in hiding from the federal government for witnessing a state-sanctioned street execution
Reposted by Mikhail Popov
Genuinely the only thing keeping me going—but it really is keeping me going—is how good it is to see people link arms and push for this to end.
I cannot stop thinking about how much love people can have for their neighbors, and how much work and money is poured into breaking that love apart.
I cannot stop thinking about how much love people can have for their neighbors, and how much work and money is poured into breaking that love apart.
January 24, 2026 at 10:03 PM
Genuinely the only thing keeping me going—but it really is keeping me going—is how good it is to see people link arms and push for this to end.
I cannot stop thinking about how much love people can have for their neighbors, and how much work and money is poured into breaking that love apart.
I cannot stop thinking about how much love people can have for their neighbors, and how much work and money is poured into breaking that love apart.
Reposted by Mikhail Popov
At the end of the day, the Black Lives Matter era was about whether people should be killed in the street, and lots of people decided yeah and put those little blue flags on their cars. It spread to everyone because it stopped for no one.
January 24, 2026 at 4:45 PM
At the end of the day, the Black Lives Matter era was about whether people should be killed in the street, and lots of people decided yeah and put those little blue flags on their cars. It spread to everyone because it stopped for no one.
Reposted by Mikhail Popov
ICE just shot another one of my neighbors. They had the person on the ground, being beaten by several agents, and then fired multiple shots. In front of the donut shop where we like to get donuts for our kids.
January 24, 2026 at 3:46 PM
ICE just shot another one of my neighbors. They had the person on the ground, being beaten by several agents, and then fired multiple shots. In front of the donut shop where we like to get donuts for our kids.
My FYP feed just served me SEVERAL “this initial now owes you tacos” reels where the initial was M
And you know what? That guy M does owe me some tacos.
And you know what? That guy M does owe me some tacos.
January 24, 2026 at 1:54 AM
My FYP feed just served me SEVERAL “this initial now owes you tacos” reels where the initial was M
And you know what? That guy M does owe me some tacos.
And you know what? That guy M does owe me some tacos.
After 15 years of video game podcast hosts mixing up “asynchronous” and “asymmetric” The Universe said that’s not enough and has made them refer to all detective games as social deduction games.
January 23, 2026 at 12:18 PM
After 15 years of video game podcast hosts mixing up “asynchronous” and “asymmetric” The Universe said that’s not enough and has made them refer to all detective games as social deduction games.
Reposted by Mikhail Popov
In our conservative estimate, 41 percent of Grok’s images — or 1.8 million — were sexualized depictions of women. Separately, CCDH analyzed how many were sexualized images across genders and ages. Their findings: an estimated 3 million images, including more than 23,000 of children.
January 22, 2026 at 3:01 PM
In our conservative estimate, 41 percent of Grok’s images — or 1.8 million — were sexualized depictions of women. Separately, CCDH analyzed how many were sexualized images across genders and ages. Their findings: an estimated 3 million images, including more than 23,000 of children.
Reposted by Mikhail Popov
I just thought everyone should see this
January 22, 2026 at 11:02 PM
I just thought everyone should see this
Reposted by Mikhail Popov
me looking at Massie's name on this list like Ted Danson in that Good Place "JASON figured it out??" meme
NEW: DHS appropriations bill funding ICE passes 220-207
7 Democrats voted YES on the bill:
- Jared Golden
- Marie Gluesenkamp Perez
- Henry Cuellar
- Tom Suozzi
- Laura Gillen
- Don Davis
- Vicente Gonzalez
One Republican voted NO: Thomas Massie
7 Democrats voted YES on the bill:
- Jared Golden
- Marie Gluesenkamp Perez
- Henry Cuellar
- Tom Suozzi
- Laura Gillen
- Don Davis
- Vicente Gonzalez
One Republican voted NO: Thomas Massie
January 22, 2026 at 10:00 PM
me looking at Massie's name on this list like Ted Danson in that Good Place "JASON figured it out??" meme
Reposted by Mikhail Popov
🚨HOLY CRAP. An ICE whistleblower just revealed a secret memo authorizing ICE officers to break into homes without a judicial warrant, which DHS's own legal training materials say is unconstitutional!
ICE then hid the memo from the public, passing it along by word of mouth and private conversation.
ICE then hid the memo from the public, passing it along by word of mouth and private conversation.
January 21, 2026 at 10:00 PM
🚨HOLY CRAP. An ICE whistleblower just revealed a secret memo authorizing ICE officers to break into homes without a judicial warrant, which DHS's own legal training materials say is unconstitutional!
ICE then hid the memo from the public, passing it along by word of mouth and private conversation.
ICE then hid the memo from the public, passing it along by word of mouth and private conversation.
Reposted by Mikhail Popov
I was present for the birth of the web, the explosion of personal sites, and the blogging revolution, and you know what we never had to do? Beg people to use our shit.
AI boom could falter without wider adoption, Microsoft chief Satya Nadella warns
Big tech boss tells delegates at Davos that broader global use is essential if technology is to deliver lasting growth
www.irishtimes.com
January 21, 2026 at 12:19 AM
I was present for the birth of the web, the explosion of personal sites, and the blogging revolution, and you know what we never had to do? Beg people to use our shit.
“An innocent looking driveway covered in thick fluffy snow that masks its bloodlust. A quartet of evergreens stand shrouded in heavy snow, branches bowing toward the ground.”
Now THAT is some 5-star alt-text 👏🏻
Now THAT is some 5-star alt-text 👏🏻
MK may have broken her arm slipping on the icy driveway yesterday but for views like this I’d let her break BOTH her arms.
January 19, 2026 at 2:20 PM
“An innocent looking driveway covered in thick fluffy snow that masks its bloodlust. A quartet of evergreens stand shrouded in heavy snow, branches bowing toward the ground.”
Now THAT is some 5-star alt-text 👏🏻
Now THAT is some 5-star alt-text 👏🏻
Reposted by Mikhail Popov
I’m seeing increased use of this word and I just want to gently suggest that if there’s one word you can manage to remove from your vocabulary it should be this one.
It was coined by a eugenicist who used it as a diagnosis to forcibly institutionalize and sterilize mentally disabled people.
It was coined by a eugenicist who used it as a diagnosis to forcibly institutionalize and sterilize mentally disabled people.
The Origins of the Word "Moron" Are Actually REALLY Sinister
It's much more than just a casual insult.
www.teenvogue.com
January 18, 2026 at 10:25 PM
I’m seeing increased use of this word and I just want to gently suggest that if there’s one word you can manage to remove from your vocabulary it should be this one.
It was coined by a eugenicist who used it as a diagnosis to forcibly institutionalize and sterilize mentally disabled people.
It was coined by a eugenicist who used it as a diagnosis to forcibly institutionalize and sterilize mentally disabled people.
I would appreciate if Instagram stopped following random accounts for me without my permission. (My account is super locked down and no apps have permissions, so I’m certain it’s their system.)
January 18, 2026 at 2:40 PM
I would appreciate if Instagram stopped following random accounts for me without my permission. (My account is super locked down and no apps have permissions, so I’m certain it’s their system.)
Reposted by Mikhail Popov
Everyone who’s ever said it’s overreacting to compare these people to Nazis needs to shut the fuck up right fucking now.
RFK Jr is doing a modern-day Tuskegee study, where by he uses taxpayer money to intentionality infect African children with Hepatitis B and deny them treatment. You know, just to see what happens
newrepublic.com/post/205330/...
newrepublic.com/post/205330/...
“Another Tuskegee”: Leaked Docs Reveal CDC Is Funding Deadly Study
The CDC is funding a horrific hepatitis experiment on babies.
newrepublic.com
January 17, 2026 at 5:52 PM
Everyone who’s ever said it’s overreacting to compare these people to Nazis needs to shut the fuck up right fucking now.
Reposted by Mikhail Popov
Hey, people are permanently losing their eyesight at some of these protests and have been for some time. These people, the ones that have put their bodies on the line, are among the people who would benefit from your usage of alt-text when posting protest related imagery.
January 17, 2026 at 3:37 AM
Hey, people are permanently losing their eyesight at some of these protests and have been for some time. These people, the ones that have put their bodies on the line, are among the people who would benefit from your usage of alt-text when posting protest related imagery.
Reposted by Mikhail Popov
ICE has kidnapped so many people from their cars that the city had to put out this statement. Let that sink in.
Vehicles that are abandoned due to an ICE detention and towed to the City's impound lot will be released to their owners or a representative at no cost.
Learn more: https://www.minneapolismn.gov/getting-around/parking-driving/impound-lot/#d.en.200746
Learn more: https://www.minneapolismn.gov/getting-around/parking-driving/impound-lot/#d.en.200746
January 16, 2026 at 11:42 PM
ICE has kidnapped so many people from their cars that the city had to put out this statement. Let that sink in.
Reposted by Mikhail Popov
Twenty-five years ago, Wikipedia was an unlikely idea: a place where anyone could share free knowledge.
Today, it’s one of the most visited sites on Earth, not powered by corporate ads, but by people.
Today, it’s one of the most visited sites on Earth, not powered by corporate ads, but by people.
January 15, 2026 at 10:58 AM
Twenty-five years ago, Wikipedia was an unlikely idea: a place where anyone could share free knowledge.
Today, it’s one of the most visited sites on Earth, not powered by corporate ads, but by people.
Today, it’s one of the most visited sites on Earth, not powered by corporate ads, but by people.
Reposted by Mikhail Popov
There are people in Minnesota who are violating the law, and it's the people who are flash-banging babies, shooting people who pose no threat, and deploying tear gas against peaceful crowds.
The way to end the violence in Minnesota is for ICE to stop committing violence against Minnesotans.
The way to end the violence in Minnesota is for ICE to stop committing violence against Minnesotans.
January 15, 2026 at 1:54 PM
There are people in Minnesota who are violating the law, and it's the people who are flash-banging babies, shooting people who pose no threat, and deploying tear gas against peaceful crowds.
The way to end the violence in Minnesota is for ICE to stop committing violence against Minnesotans.
The way to end the violence in Minnesota is for ICE to stop committing violence against Minnesotans.
Today is Wikipedia’s 25th birthday 🎉 🥳 and as part of the celebration, there is a really cute mascot available as a plushie 😍
Baby Globe Plushie
Baby Globe—who? Say hello to Wikipedia's curious little mascot, celebrating its 25th birthday.
www.makeship.com
January 15, 2026 at 4:21 PM
Today is Wikipedia’s 25th birthday 🎉 🥳 and as part of the celebration, there is a really cute mascot available as a plushie 😍
Reposted by Mikhail Popov
I know people on Bsky know this but I hope it filters out: The feds are OCCUPYING the Twin Cities. This is a blockade, a siege. They are shutting down economic and civic activity. They are conducting "papers please" stops. They are criminalizing being a bystander/witness.
You could be next.
You could be next.
January 14, 2026 at 4:25 PM
I know people on Bsky know this but I hope it filters out: The feds are OCCUPYING the Twin Cities. This is a blockade, a siege. They are shutting down economic and civic activity. They are conducting "papers please" stops. They are criminalizing being a bystander/witness.
You could be next.
You could be next.
Reposted by Mikhail Popov
ICE abducted and injured (bruised cheek) a 1-year old who is the daughter of a US citizen detained as part of a Kavanaugh Stop.
"Federal agents allegedly drive off with baby in car after father detained in Cypress Park raid."
Federal agents allegedly drive off with baby in car after father detained in Cypress Park raid
The father, who is a U.S. citizen, was detained for allegedly throwing rocks at agents. He says agents then drove off in his car, with his 1-year-old daughter in the backseat.
abc7.com
January 14, 2026 at 2:51 PM
ICE abducted and injured (bruised cheek) a 1-year old who is the daughter of a US citizen detained as part of a Kavanaugh Stop.