Amber J. Hu (they/them)
@amberjhu.bsky.social
Interdisciplinary scholar and educator writing about computers, education, and society.
Currently a Lecturer at UW CSE. Posts are my own thoughts and opinions.
Currently a Lecturer at UW CSE. Posts are my own thoughts and opinions.
Yes, programming can be really satisfying when you find an elegant solution to a thorny problem, but my body is slowly starting to remember that the best thing I ever did for my health was quit programming.
Long hours, hunched over at a screen, chewing my fingernails, yeah...
Long hours, hunched over at a screen, chewing my fingernails, yeah...
November 25, 2025 at 9:30 PM
Yes, programming can be really satisfying when you find an elegant solution to a thorny problem, but my body is slowly starting to remember that the best thing I ever did for my health was quit programming.
Long hours, hunched over at a screen, chewing my fingernails, yeah...
Long hours, hunched over at a screen, chewing my fingernails, yeah...
Reposted by Amber J. Hu (they/them)
November 25, 2025 at 5:52 PM
Reposted by Amber J. Hu (they/them)
Wow again. Ruha Benjamin wrote Race After Technology: Abolitionist Tools for the New Jim Code.
From the blurb: "From everyday apps to complex algorithms, Ruha Benjamin cuts through tech-industry hype to understand how emerging technologies can reinforce White supremacy and deepen social inequity."
From the blurb: "From everyday apps to complex algorithms, Ruha Benjamin cuts through tech-industry hype to understand how emerging technologies can reinforce White supremacy and deepen social inequity."
These Mamdani transition committees are seriously impressive. Hiring @ruha9.bsky.social for the technology committee is very smart. And so many more. www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news...
NYC Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani announces transition committees
New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani announced Monday the creation of 17 transition advisory committees made up of more than 400 people.
www.cbsnews.com
November 24, 2025 at 11:21 PM
Wow again. Ruha Benjamin wrote Race After Technology: Abolitionist Tools for the New Jim Code.
From the blurb: "From everyday apps to complex algorithms, Ruha Benjamin cuts through tech-industry hype to understand how emerging technologies can reinforce White supremacy and deepen social inequity."
From the blurb: "From everyday apps to complex algorithms, Ruha Benjamin cuts through tech-industry hype to understand how emerging technologies can reinforce White supremacy and deepen social inequity."
Ahhh f-
"The batteries were sold with the following Rad Power Bikes e-bike models and as replacement batteries: RadWagon 4, RadCity HS 4, RadRover High Step 5, RadCity Step Thru 3, RadRover Step Thru 1, RadRunner 2, RadRunner 1, RadRunner Plus, and RadExpand 5"
November 24, 2025 at 8:15 PM
Ahhh f-
Reposted by Amber J. Hu (they/them)
November 24, 2025 at 5:31 PM
Reposted by Amber J. Hu (they/them)
Last night, I graduated from the Kirkland Initiative, an 8 wk program designed to cultivate future city leaders by making leadership accessible to residents.
I had the opportunity to meet all the City department heads and learn about how their departments function in tandem with the council.
I had the opportunity to meet all the City department heads and learn about how their departments function in tandem with the council.
November 21, 2025 at 10:49 PM
Last night, I graduated from the Kirkland Initiative, an 8 wk program designed to cultivate future city leaders by making leadership accessible to residents.
I had the opportunity to meet all the City department heads and learn about how their departments function in tandem with the council.
I had the opportunity to meet all the City department heads and learn about how their departments function in tandem with the council.
Subscribe to @theurbanist.org ! Some of the best reporting in the Puget Sound. Ryan Packer is constantly on the move, reporting stories, getting photos, and enjoying the urbanism of the PNW.
They are also the only reporter I've run into while ordering popcorn at Cinerama. Beat that, Seattle Times!
They are also the only reporter I've run into while ordering popcorn at Cinerama. Beat that, Seattle Times!
One week on @theurbanist.org:
-Two original Sound Transit stories
-Two fully reported Seattle budget stories
-Dispatches from both Clyde Hill & Kirkland
-One story about Katie Wilson's transition team
And a book review!
I know I'm biased, but I really think we punch above our weight.
-Two original Sound Transit stories
-Two fully reported Seattle budget stories
-Dispatches from both Clyde Hill & Kirkland
-One story about Katie Wilson's transition team
And a book review!
I know I'm biased, but I really think we punch above our weight.
November 22, 2025 at 2:04 AM
Subscribe to @theurbanist.org ! Some of the best reporting in the Puget Sound. Ryan Packer is constantly on the move, reporting stories, getting photos, and enjoying the urbanism of the PNW.
They are also the only reporter I've run into while ordering popcorn at Cinerama. Beat that, Seattle Times!
They are also the only reporter I've run into while ordering popcorn at Cinerama. Beat that, Seattle Times!
Reposted by Amber J. Hu (they/them)
Almost half the Waymos on California streets are driving around empty. They're either waiting for the next customer or en route for a pickup.
If robotaxis scale, anything close to that level of deadheading would create crushing gridlock.
www.thedriverlessdigest.com/p/what-cpuc-...
If robotaxis scale, anything close to that level of deadheading would create crushing gridlock.
www.thedriverlessdigest.com/p/what-cpuc-...
November 19, 2025 at 7:14 PM
Almost half the Waymos on California streets are driving around empty. They're either waiting for the next customer or en route for a pickup.
If robotaxis scale, anything close to that level of deadheading would create crushing gridlock.
www.thedriverlessdigest.com/p/what-cpuc-...
If robotaxis scale, anything close to that level of deadheading would create crushing gridlock.
www.thedriverlessdigest.com/p/what-cpuc-...
First time giving public comment at Kirkland City Council. It's so late in the evening! 😩
Well, at least there is a remote option, but geez starting a meeting at 7:30pm, when it's already pitch black out in the PNW is a choice.
Well, at least there is a remote option, but geez starting a meeting at 7:30pm, when it's already pitch black out in the PNW is a choice.
November 19, 2025 at 5:51 AM
First time giving public comment at Kirkland City Council. It's so late in the evening! 😩
Well, at least there is a remote option, but geez starting a meeting at 7:30pm, when it's already pitch black out in the PNW is a choice.
Well, at least there is a remote option, but geez starting a meeting at 7:30pm, when it's already pitch black out in the PNW is a choice.
I want to live in a world where people give K-12 teachers and bus drivers as much respect as military veterans.
November 19, 2025 at 12:54 AM
I want to live in a world where people give K-12 teachers and bus drivers as much respect as military veterans.
Reposted by Amber J. Hu (they/them)
After much deliberation and a grueling interview process, I’m pleased to announce that I’ve accepted a new job and will not need any financial support from my parents to cover the high costs of childcare going forward. #AmericanDream #ThisIsYourCity
November 18, 2025 at 4:38 PM
After much deliberation and a grueling interview process, I’m pleased to announce that I’ve accepted a new job and will not need any financial support from my parents to cover the high costs of childcare going forward. #AmericanDream #ThisIsYourCity
My rush hour 372 has a problem with the breaks so the operator dropped us all off at this stop and told us to catch the next bus. Luckily I could catch the 522 instead which was just a few min, but still not ideal.
November 18, 2025 at 1:56 AM
My rush hour 372 has a problem with the breaks so the operator dropped us all off at this stop and told us to catch the next bus. Luckily I could catch the 522 instead which was just a few min, but still not ideal.
I teach ~300 students at one of the most prestigious STEM departments in the US, but I cannot even afford a 1-bedroom apartment an hour away from campus.
I get no benefits, and I'm currently on Medicaid, but if I get a slight raise I will be kicked off my healthcare. This is America.
I get no benefits, and I'm currently on Medicaid, but if I get a slight raise I will be kicked off my healthcare. This is America.
November 16, 2025 at 7:57 PM
I teach ~300 students at one of the most prestigious STEM departments in the US, but I cannot even afford a 1-bedroom apartment an hour away from campus.
I get no benefits, and I'm currently on Medicaid, but if I get a slight raise I will be kicked off my healthcare. This is America.
I get no benefits, and I'm currently on Medicaid, but if I get a slight raise I will be kicked off my healthcare. This is America.
First question after Katie Wilson's acceptance speech: "You converted a lot of Black voters who previously voted for Harrell. The Black vote may have made the difference... How are you going to support the Black community?" from Omari Salisbury of Convergence media.
This is an evergreen question
This is an evergreen question
Extraordinarily thoughtful and nuanced from one of Seattle’s best, Marcus Harrison Greene:
southseattleemerald.org/voices/2025/...
southseattleemerald.org/voices/2025/...
COLUMN | What This Mayoral Election Owes 'Black Seattle'
From City Hall to the Central District, Seattle's mayoral race raises deeper questions: Who speaks for "Black Seattle," and what does real representation look like beyond the ballot? Marcus Harrison G...
southseattleemerald.org
November 13, 2025 at 11:18 PM
First question after Katie Wilson's acceptance speech: "You converted a lot of Black voters who previously voted for Harrell. The Black vote may have made the difference... How are you going to support the Black community?" from Omari Salisbury of Convergence media.
This is an evergreen question
This is an evergreen question
Watch: Katie Wilson addresses the media after election win
YouTube video by KING 5 Seattle
www.youtube.com
November 13, 2025 at 10:12 PM
I feel called out
Finally driving my first EV and can’t be the only middle aged dad now *obsessed* with regenerative braking and getting as many miles as humanly possible.
November 12, 2025 at 2:26 AM
I feel called out
Reposted by Amber J. Hu (they/them)
I canvassed for Shilpa! No need to thank me 😎
Another election update: progressive candidates Shilpa Prem and Jay Arnold have TAKEN THE LEAD in their races for the Kirkland City Council after previously being behind. So much for that reactionary anti-growth backlash in Kirkland.
November 12, 2025 at 12:35 AM
I canvassed for Shilpa! No need to thank me 😎
Holy crap, Katie Wilson is currently leading by a tiny amount (<100 votes). For reference, there were over 1,000 write-in votes in the mayoral race
November 10, 2025 at 11:59 PM
Holy crap, Katie Wilson is currently leading by a tiny amount (<100 votes). For reference, there were over 1,000 write-in votes in the mayoral race
Reposted by Amber J. Hu (they/them)
I’m going to put in an inquiry on this. I have a lot of questions about how enforcement is currently being conducted.
SPD out here on Northgate shutting down the taco stand between 8th and Roosevelt due to "multiple licensing and health code violations" that they wouldn't provide anymore info about.
November 8, 2025 at 6:38 PM
I’m going to put in an inquiry on this. I have a lot of questions about how enforcement is currently being conducted.
FYI, there's a scam going around where they advertise free musical instruments, but you have to pay for shipping. The instrument does not exist, they want you to pay for shipping and then they will ghost you.
November 8, 2025 at 5:00 PM
FYI, there's a scam going around where they advertise free musical instruments, but you have to pay for shipping. The instrument does not exist, they want you to pay for shipping and then they will ghost you.
Claudia and Girmay are some of the best people working to make government work for everyday people of the Puget Sound. Their election debates involved them complimenting each other! This has got to be one of the only elections I can remember where I loved both candidates.
With most ballots in, it is clear my colleague Girmay Zahilay has been elected as the next Exec. I called to congratulate and wish him all the best as he begins to transition into this important role. The success of KC depends on his success as Exec, and as a continuing CM I am committed to both.
November 8, 2025 at 12:44 AM
Claudia and Girmay are some of the best people working to make government work for everyday people of the Puget Sound. Their election debates involved them complimenting each other! This has got to be one of the only elections I can remember where I loved both candidates.
A play on the Storm, I'm guessing?
Seattle's Professional Women's Hockey League team will be called the Torrent.
PWHL UNVEILS SEATTLE TORRENT IN EXPANSION TEAM IDENTITY LAUNCH
SEATTLE (Nov. 6, 2025) – A major milestone in the continued growth of the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) arrives today with the unveiling of the Seattle Torrent as the team’s identity. The ...
www.thepwhl.com
November 6, 2025 at 5:37 PM
A play on the Storm, I'm guessing?
I leave Lansing, MI just a few months ago and the superintendant follows me to Seattle? Seems a little desperate, if you ask me.
We have a new Seattle Public Schools superintendent. Ben Shuldiner from Lansing, MI. www.lansingschools.net/departments/...
Superintendent
Website for Lansing School District
www.lansingschools.net
November 6, 2025 at 1:07 AM
I leave Lansing, MI just a few months ago and the superintendant follows me to Seattle? Seems a little desperate, if you ask me.
helmets are cool, actually.
I was picking up campaign signs on my bike after an election night party. they didn't quite fit in my bag, so I was carrying them in one arm and took a spill on some wet pavement. My helmet smacked the pavement and I barely felt a thing. Just got up a kept riding 😎
I was picking up campaign signs on my bike after an election night party. they didn't quite fit in my bag, so I was carrying them in one arm and took a spill on some wet pavement. My helmet smacked the pavement and I barely felt a thing. Just got up a kept riding 😎
November 5, 2025 at 6:21 AM
helmets are cool, actually.
I was picking up campaign signs on my bike after an election night party. they didn't quite fit in my bag, so I was carrying them in one arm and took a spill on some wet pavement. My helmet smacked the pavement and I barely felt a thing. Just got up a kept riding 😎
I was picking up campaign signs on my bike after an election night party. they didn't quite fit in my bag, so I was carrying them in one arm and took a spill on some wet pavement. My helmet smacked the pavement and I barely felt a thing. Just got up a kept riding 😎