Ryan LaRochelle
@rlarochelle.bsky.social
Senior Lecturer at the Cohen Institute for Leadership and Public Service at the University of Maine. Researching and teaching about American political development and political history. Views are mine, not my employers. https://www.ryanlarochelle.com
So many of my family’s dessert recipes come from my grandmother’s Ladies Guild Church Cookbook, and like 90% of those desserts have some form of instant pudding in them.
Betty Crocker and Campbell’s Soup cookbook recipes with twists, too. There’s a dissertation in charting the influence of media and food company published recipes on the heirloom recipes in personal collections and church/community cookbooks.
November 29, 2025 at 1:04 PM
So many of my family’s dessert recipes come from my grandmother’s Ladies Guild Church Cookbook, and like 90% of those desserts have some form of instant pudding in them.
Reposted by Ryan LaRochelle
An issue we're seeing at all levels of university is that many students are simply refusing to do *anything*. They aren't reading the syllabus, aren't following assignment guidelines, aren't engaging with material, ignoring deadlines. And this might seem like old news, but it truly has ramped up.
November 28, 2025 at 10:15 PM
An issue we're seeing at all levels of university is that many students are simply refusing to do *anything*. They aren't reading the syllabus, aren't following assignment guidelines, aren't engaging with material, ignoring deadlines. And this might seem like old news, but it truly has ramped up.
Reposted by Ryan LaRochelle
So the order for the US military to launch these deadly Caribbean boat strikes was straightforwardly illegal under US and international law, immoral under long established standards, and on top of that, terrible strategy.
Not maybe. Not got to check with a lawyer. Unambiguous. Blatant. Deliberate.
Not maybe. Not got to check with a lawyer. Unambiguous. Blatant. Deliberate.
Hegseth order on first Caribbean boat strike, officials say: Kill them all
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a verbal order to kill all crew members in the Sept. 2 strike on a suspected drug boat. Navy SEALs fired a second missile.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 28, 2025 at 6:08 PM
So the order for the US military to launch these deadly Caribbean boat strikes was straightforwardly illegal under US and international law, immoral under long established standards, and on top of that, terrible strategy.
Not maybe. Not got to check with a lawyer. Unambiguous. Blatant. Deliberate.
Not maybe. Not got to check with a lawyer. Unambiguous. Blatant. Deliberate.
Ornament highlights
November 28, 2025 at 9:29 PM
Ornament highlights
Stephen Miller, the weirdo who "only eats mayonnaise," saying that other cultures are inferior. This guy is a cancer on America.
Stephen Miller is now arguing that assimilation is fundamentally impossible and that certain cultures are not compatible with Western civilization
November 28, 2025 at 6:44 PM
Stephen Miller, the weirdo who "only eats mayonnaise," saying that other cultures are inferior. This guy is a cancer on America.
This rather plump squirrel seems quite content munching on our compost pile.
November 26, 2025 at 10:04 PM
This rather plump squirrel seems quite content munching on our compost pile.
Amen. My job as an educator is not to prepare my students for the labor market. My job is to teach them to think critically about US politics and history (my fields of study) and to help them understand their duties and obligations as citizens of the US and the world.
random thought: like a lot of people who teach, my mind is made up that I won't be doing AI and that's not debatable. Since I'm very confident in the position, AI-boosterism of the 'oh so you don't want to give your students the wonder drug, what happens when they hit the labor market?!' variety is
November 25, 2025 at 9:18 PM
Amen. My job as an educator is not to prepare my students for the labor market. My job is to teach them to think critically about US politics and history (my fields of study) and to help them understand their duties and obligations as citizens of the US and the world.
Reposted by Ryan LaRochelle
The deadline to submit proposals for next year's New England Political Science Association conference in Burlington, VT is next week! I'm chairing the Politics & History section and would love to showcase your work! This is always one of my favorite conferences. www.newenglandpsa.org/nepsa2026?ut...
2026 CONFERENCE | New England Political Science Association
Information about the 2026 Annual Meeting of the New England Political Science Association
www.newenglandpsa.org
November 25, 2025 at 11:59 AM
The deadline to submit proposals for next year's New England Political Science Association conference in Burlington, VT is next week! I'm chairing the Politics & History section and would love to showcase your work! This is always one of my favorite conferences. www.newenglandpsa.org/nepsa2026?ut...
The deadline to submit proposals for next year's New England Political Science Association conference in Burlington, VT is next week! I'm chairing the Politics & History section and would love to showcase your work! This is always one of my favorite conferences. www.newenglandpsa.org/nepsa2026?ut...
2026 CONFERENCE | New England Political Science Association
Information about the 2026 Annual Meeting of the New England Political Science Association
www.newenglandpsa.org
November 25, 2025 at 11:59 AM
The deadline to submit proposals for next year's New England Political Science Association conference in Burlington, VT is next week! I'm chairing the Politics & History section and would love to showcase your work! This is always one of my favorite conferences. www.newenglandpsa.org/nepsa2026?ut...
I feel mildly special (massive understatement) that the research team for this reached to ask me some questions as they were working on this. Very excited to see how it all came together.
By the way, Ken Burns’ next documentary series is apparently in the can — LBJ & The Great Society
kenburns.com/films/lbj-th...
kenburns.com/films/lbj-th...
LBJ & the Great Society - Ken Burns
This three-part, six-hour series will chronicle the life and times of Lyndon B. Johnson, one of the most capable, colorful, and controversial men ever to occupy the White House. A figure of extraordin...
kenburns.com
November 25, 2025 at 2:10 AM
I feel mildly special (massive understatement) that the research team for this reached to ask me some questions as they were working on this. Very excited to see how it all came together.
Nine out of 35 students showed up for my morning class. Really makes it all feel worthwhile!
We actually had a great discussion about gender and leadership, so I'm only be a little snarky.
We actually had a great discussion about gender and leadership, so I'm only be a little snarky.
November 24, 2025 at 4:22 PM
Nine out of 35 students showed up for my morning class. Really makes it all feel worthwhile!
We actually had a great discussion about gender and leadership, so I'm only be a little snarky.
We actually had a great discussion about gender and leadership, so I'm only be a little snarky.
I feel very fortunate that my relatively apolitical parents have been avoided this. My dad, a convicted felon, called voting for Trump in 2016 the thing he’s most ashamed of in his entire life.
Solidarity to all who return “home”
This holiday season
And are forced to (again)
Deal with parents whose brains
Have been boiled by Fox News
This holiday season
And are forced to (again)
Deal with parents whose brains
Have been boiled by Fox News
November 22, 2025 at 2:46 AM
I feel very fortunate that my relatively apolitical parents have been avoided this. My dad, a convicted felon, called voting for Trump in 2016 the thing he’s most ashamed of in his entire life.
I gave a talk on zoom for a local historical society today. I’m really glad everyone survived.
November 21, 2025 at 1:08 AM
I gave a talk on zoom for a local historical society today. I’m really glad everyone survived.
I interviewed John Podesta via Zoom for my biography of Bill Cohen earlier this week. So I now have a screenshot of me talking with John Podesta with my vintage Klipsch Forte speakers positioned behind me. Pretty cool I guess.
November 20, 2025 at 8:34 PM
I interviewed John Podesta via Zoom for my biography of Bill Cohen earlier this week. So I now have a screenshot of me talking with John Podesta with my vintage Klipsch Forte speakers positioned behind me. Pretty cool I guess.
"Compromising on basic democratic norms like equity, justice, rights for all, and rule of law emboldens those who reject these ideals to demand more and more." Great piece by @nathanielcgreen.bsky.social on the dangers of compromising with anti-democratic actors
time.com/7326230/poli...
time.com/7326230/poli...
The Perils of Political Compromise
History shows that compromising on basic tenets of democracy is not the route to peace or stability.
time.com
November 20, 2025 at 6:25 PM
"Compromising on basic democratic norms like equity, justice, rights for all, and rule of law emboldens those who reject these ideals to demand more and more." Great piece by @nathanielcgreen.bsky.social on the dangers of compromising with anti-democratic actors
time.com/7326230/poli...
time.com/7326230/poli...
Almost just had a heart attack thinking I had lost a bunch of archival materials I scanned at the Reagan Library over a year ago. Thanks a lot, multiple Adobe Scan login credentials.
November 20, 2025 at 2:45 AM
Almost just had a heart attack thinking I had lost a bunch of archival materials I scanned at the Reagan Library over a year ago. Thanks a lot, multiple Adobe Scan login credentials.
As a lifelong New Englander, I absolutely love this time of year. I will take 15 degree days and a 4:15 sunset over 90+ degrees and humid 100 times out of 100.
Light a fire in the fireplace, crack open a nice oatmeal stout, and doze off reading at 7:00PM. Doesn't get much better than that.
Light a fire in the fireplace, crack open a nice oatmeal stout, and doze off reading at 7:00PM. Doesn't get much better than that.
Autumn is a lie. Bright leaves, sweater weather, gourd-flavored lattes last for two weeks. Then it's five months of brown grass, gray skies, coats, rain, snow, and freakishly dry air.
I don't know why humans chose to live north of the Georgia-Tennessee border, but it was clearly a mistake.
I don't know why humans chose to live north of the Georgia-Tennessee border, but it was clearly a mistake.
November 19, 2025 at 8:26 PM
As a lifelong New Englander, I absolutely love this time of year. I will take 15 degree days and a 4:15 sunset over 90+ degrees and humid 100 times out of 100.
Light a fire in the fireplace, crack open a nice oatmeal stout, and doze off reading at 7:00PM. Doesn't get much better than that.
Light a fire in the fireplace, crack open a nice oatmeal stout, and doze off reading at 7:00PM. Doesn't get much better than that.
In order for American democracy to survive, a post-Trump GOP needs leaders who will take concerted action to marginalize this faction on the right. There is extensive research in the literature on comparative democratization on the need for center-right parties to police their boundaries.
In this new essay on the internal culture of the right, I report on something big: allegations by a Heritage Foundation insider that the organization has allowed a toxic culture of "open misogyny and racism" to grow among a segment of the staff
www.vox.com/on-the-right...
www.vox.com/on-the-right...
The toxic culture behind the right’s civil war
A Heritage insider alleging “openly misogynistic and racist” conduct shines a light on the right’s inner workings.
www.vox.com
November 18, 2025 at 4:41 PM
In order for American democracy to survive, a post-Trump GOP needs leaders who will take concerted action to marginalize this faction on the right. There is extensive research in the literature on comparative democratization on the need for center-right parties to police their boundaries.
I think my greatest public service is sharing university press book sale info whenever I get it.
November 15, 2025 at 1:47 PM
I think my greatest public service is sharing university press book sale info whenever I get it.
Now seems like a good time to take a break from social media.
November 12, 2025 at 11:26 PM
Now seems like a good time to take a break from social media.
My awesome colleague @robglover.bsky.social and his ENACT colleagues just published a how-to guide on teaching civic engagement and advocacy. I can't think of a better person to provide insights on this than Rob. @scholars.org @mainessn.bsky.social press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/bo...
ENACTing Change
Explains the ENACT model of student civic engagement, empowers instructors to implement it, and shows them how to assess its impact. ENACT: The Educational Network for Active Civic Transformation ai...
press.uchicago.edu
November 12, 2025 at 2:43 PM
My awesome colleague @robglover.bsky.social and his ENACT colleagues just published a how-to guide on teaching civic engagement and advocacy. I can't think of a better person to provide insights on this than Rob. @scholars.org @mainessn.bsky.social press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/bo...
Reposted by Ryan LaRochelle
Ok but GUYS MY BOOK IS ACTUALLY OUT TODAY
YOU CAN GO AND GET A COPY AND READ IT AND EVERYTHING
www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/vanes...
YOU CAN GO AND GET A COPY AND READ IT AND EVERYTHING
www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/vanes...
November 11, 2025 at 7:58 PM
Ok but GUYS MY BOOK IS ACTUALLY OUT TODAY
YOU CAN GO AND GET A COPY AND READ IT AND EVERYTHING
www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/vanes...
YOU CAN GO AND GET A COPY AND READ IT AND EVERYTHING
www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/vanes...
The UMaine economics department is hiring an assistant professor with expertise in applied economics. fa-ewca-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/Candid...
#academicjobs #econjobs
#academicjobs #econjobs
Assistant Professor of Economics
The University of Maine is a community of more than 11,900 undergraduate and graduate students, and 2,500 employees located on the Orono campus, the regional campus in Machias, and throughout the stat...
fa-ewca-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com
November 11, 2025 at 3:29 AM
The UMaine economics department is hiring an assistant professor with expertise in applied economics. fa-ewca-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/Candid...
#academicjobs #econjobs
#academicjobs #econjobs
It’s hard to think of anything in modern American politics and culture with as much staying power as the myth that there are millions of people out there totally fleecing the government by “taking advantage” of our stingy welfare state.
Trump claims that food stamps "puts the country in jeopardy. People that are able-bodied can do a job, they leave their job because they figure they can pick this up, it's easier."
November 11, 2025 at 1:36 AM
It’s hard to think of anything in modern American politics and culture with as much staying power as the myth that there are millions of people out there totally fleecing the government by “taking advantage” of our stingy welfare state.
Reposted by Ryan LaRochelle
I've got the unenviable task of taking over as editor of Clio, the APSA Politics and History newsletter after @shamiragelbman.bsky.social made good on her threat to step down 😉
The call for submissions for the Winter 25-26 issue is live. Please be in touch if you're interested in writing something!
The call for submissions for the Winter 25-26 issue is live. Please be in touch if you're interested in writing something!
November 6, 2025 at 7:17 PM
I've got the unenviable task of taking over as editor of Clio, the APSA Politics and History newsletter after @shamiragelbman.bsky.social made good on her threat to step down 😉
The call for submissions for the Winter 25-26 issue is live. Please be in touch if you're interested in writing something!
The call for submissions for the Winter 25-26 issue is live. Please be in touch if you're interested in writing something!