Kaz
@amkaz.bsky.social
在日アメリカ人・文系出身ITエンジニア Immigrant/humanities grad in tech
Formerly: WV, Boston (BSc), Hokkaido (JET), Kobe (MA). Currently: Tokyo. 🗼
🏳️🌈🍜🎧🍻
Formerly: WV, Boston (BSc), Hokkaido (JET), Kobe (MA). Currently: Tokyo. 🗼
🏳️🌈🍜🎧🍻
Reposted by Kaz
Happy seventh annual Laura Dern Day, please be reminded that you are LEGALLY OBLIGATED to watch this masterpiece *at least* once today!
February 9, 2026 at 10:29 PM
Happy seventh annual Laura Dern Day, please be reminded that you are LEGALLY OBLIGATED to watch this masterpiece *at least* once today!
Reposted by Kaz
The French duo is ice dancing to Blue by Eiffel 65, transitioning into Daft Punk. We're going to live forever.
They're doing pairs figure skating to an Offspring compilation, yet another Millennial cultural victory.
February 9, 2026 at 9:31 PM
The French duo is ice dancing to Blue by Eiffel 65, transitioning into Daft Punk. We're going to live forever.
Reposted by Kaz
I say this regularly. People use performative as a substitute for 'inauthentic' and we could all just say the words we mean to say. Erving Goffman helps us to understand that we perform all of the time in real life. Life itself is often a performance of self.
People have worn out "performative." We often perform things that are real, you know. Posting is a kind of performance of one's politics. Performative doesn't actually mean "fake" or "empty," it just gets deployed that way. We actually need performance. Case in point: last night's performance.
February 9, 2026 at 3:57 PM
I say this regularly. People use performative as a substitute for 'inauthentic' and we could all just say the words we mean to say. Erving Goffman helps us to understand that we perform all of the time in real life. Life itself is often a performance of self.
Reposted by Kaz
I made a map of 3.4 million Bluesky users - see if you can find yourself!
bluesky-map.theo.io
I've seen some similar projects, but IMO this seems to better capture some of the fine-grained detail
bluesky-map.theo.io
I've seen some similar projects, but IMO this seems to better capture some of the fine-grained detail
Bluesky Map
Interactive map of 3.4 million Bluesky users, visualised by their follower pattern.
bluesky-map.theo.io
February 8, 2026 at 10:59 PM
I made a map of 3.4 million Bluesky users - see if you can find yourself!
bluesky-map.theo.io
I've seen some similar projects, but IMO this seems to better capture some of the fine-grained detail
bluesky-map.theo.io
I've seen some similar projects, but IMO this seems to better capture some of the fine-grained detail
Reposted by Kaz
I'm convinced AI is our generation's radium - a discovery with genuinely useful applications in specific, controlled circumstances that we stupidly put in everything from kid's toys to toothpaste until we realised the harm far too late where future generations will ask if we were out of our minds.
February 8, 2026 at 10:23 PM
I'm convinced AI is our generation's radium - a discovery with genuinely useful applications in specific, controlled circumstances that we stupidly put in everything from kid's toys to toothpaste until we realised the harm far too late where future generations will ask if we were out of our minds.
Reposted by Kaz
Benito is a threat b/c he makes art so alluring and enjoyable you want to understand everything about it and then you end up learning about sugar and slavery and colonialism and the Taínos and Hawaii and then you probably have some thoughts of your own, and that's why art is powerful and dangerous
February 9, 2026 at 1:38 AM
Benito is a threat b/c he makes art so alluring and enjoyable you want to understand everything about it and then you end up learning about sugar and slavery and colonialism and the Taínos and Hawaii and then you probably have some thoughts of your own, and that's why art is powerful and dangerous
Re: this post 🙃😩
digital.asahi.com/sp/articles/...
digital.asahi.com/sp/articles/...
February 9, 2026 at 1:35 AM
Re: this post 🙃😩
digital.asahi.com/sp/articles/...
digital.asahi.com/sp/articles/...
This is one of those great (derogatory) elections where the evidence is clear that voter preferences are not in any way tied to material changes as much as aesthetic ones.
See: cratering of youth support for Sanseito to LDP
See: cratering of youth support for Sanseito to LDP
The young are for Takaichi. I think that's really the story.
February 8, 2026 at 1:58 PM
This is one of those great (derogatory) elections where the evidence is clear that voter preferences are not in any way tied to material changes as much as aesthetic ones.
See: cratering of youth support for Sanseito to LDP
See: cratering of youth support for Sanseito to LDP
I think autocorrect should suggest 🤌 when I type "italian hand"
February 8, 2026 at 6:49 AM
I think autocorrect should suggest 🤌 when I type "italian hand"
Reposted by Kaz
I hope Dems begin to see that moderate or progressive, AIPAC is not our friend.
They endorse January 6th insurrectionists. Yet if you so much as suggest the US uphold its own Leahy laws, no matter your record, they will work against you.
They endorse January 6th insurrectionists. Yet if you so much as suggest the US uphold its own Leahy laws, no matter your record, they will work against you.
February 6, 2026 at 2:52 PM
I hope Dems begin to see that moderate or progressive, AIPAC is not our friend.
They endorse January 6th insurrectionists. Yet if you so much as suggest the US uphold its own Leahy laws, no matter your record, they will work against you.
They endorse January 6th insurrectionists. Yet if you so much as suggest the US uphold its own Leahy laws, no matter your record, they will work against you.
Reposted by Kaz
Threads is I think currently the most important social media platform because it's the only one where the witches have discovered the magical barrier protecting Trump from harm. it's not a barrier of his own making btw it's apparently an Outer God's doing
February 6, 2026 at 8:15 PM
Threads is I think currently the most important social media platform because it's the only one where the witches have discovered the magical barrier protecting Trump from harm. it's not a barrier of his own making btw it's apparently an Outer God's doing
This is insane??
The CIA just stopped publishing their World Factbook and took every page, including the archived copies of previous versions!
This sucks. It was public domain, so I recovered the 2020 edition (the last one published as a zip file) and shared it to GitHub simonwillison.net/2026/Feb/5/t...
This sucks. It was public domain, so I recovered the 2020 edition (the last one published as a zip file) and shared it to GitHub simonwillison.net/2026/Feb/5/t...
Spotlighting The World Factbook as We Bid a Fond Farewell
Somewhat devastating news today from the CIA: One of CIA’s oldest and most recognizable intelligence publications, The World Factbook, has sunset. There's not even a hint as to why they …
simonwillison.net
February 5, 2026 at 1:32 AM
This is insane??
Reposted by Kaz
The CIA just stopped publishing their World Factbook and took every page, including the archived copies of previous versions!
This sucks. It was public domain, so I recovered the 2020 edition (the last one published as a zip file) and shared it to GitHub simonwillison.net/2026/Feb/5/t...
This sucks. It was public domain, so I recovered the 2020 edition (the last one published as a zip file) and shared it to GitHub simonwillison.net/2026/Feb/5/t...
Spotlighting The World Factbook as We Bid a Fond Farewell
Somewhat devastating news today from the CIA: One of CIA’s oldest and most recognizable intelligence publications, The World Factbook, has sunset. There's not even a hint as to why they …
simonwillison.net
February 5, 2026 at 12:25 AM
The CIA just stopped publishing their World Factbook and took every page, including the archived copies of previous versions!
This sucks. It was public domain, so I recovered the 2020 edition (the last one published as a zip file) and shared it to GitHub simonwillison.net/2026/Feb/5/t...
This sucks. It was public domain, so I recovered the 2020 edition (the last one published as a zip file) and shared it to GitHub simonwillison.net/2026/Feb/5/t...
Hot take but the fact that Harris is polling highest isn't an indication that most people are steadfastly behind her but rather that the field hasn't even started consolidating.
And if Mamdani taught us anything, it's that there's a huge lane for someone willing to talk directly about policy here.
And if Mamdani taught us anything, it's that there's a huge lane for someone willing to talk directly about policy here.
Democratic Presidential Polling:
🔵 Harris 34%
🔵 Newsom 20%
🔵 Shapiro 10%
🔵 Buttigieg 10%
🔵 AOC 7%
🔵 Booker 6%
🔵 Moore 3%
Rasmussen / Jan 27, 2026
🔵 Harris 34%
🔵 Newsom 20%
🔵 Shapiro 10%
🔵 Buttigieg 10%
🔵 AOC 7%
🔵 Booker 6%
🔵 Moore 3%
Rasmussen / Jan 27, 2026
February 5, 2026 at 12:42 AM
Hot take but the fact that Harris is polling highest isn't an indication that most people are steadfastly behind her but rather that the field hasn't even started consolidating.
And if Mamdani taught us anything, it's that there's a huge lane for someone willing to talk directly about policy here.
And if Mamdani taught us anything, it's that there's a huge lane for someone willing to talk directly about policy here.
Reposted by Kaz
Josh Shapiro is a disgusting worm. Krasner’s opinion here should be the message of every elected democrat in the U.S.
February 3, 2026 at 6:58 PM
Josh Shapiro is a disgusting worm. Krasner’s opinion here should be the message of every elected democrat in the U.S.
Collective judgement is silly, overly simplistic, and fundamentally wrong. In Gervais' mind "celebrities" as a collective (one to which Gervais himself belongs) may be "in no position to lecture the public," but good people like Big Bunny have the credibility and responsibility to speak up.
Ricky Gervais calls out Grammy winners for making political acceptance speeches: "You're in no position to lecture the public about anything"
Ricky Gervais calls out Grammy winners for making political acceptance speeches: "You're in no position to lecture the public about anything"
Gervais cited his own 2020 Golden Globes monologue, in which he urged winners not to use their acceptance speeches "as a platform to make a political speech."
decider.com
February 3, 2026 at 4:56 AM
Collective judgement is silly, overly simplistic, and fundamentally wrong. In Gervais' mind "celebrities" as a collective (one to which Gervais himself belongs) may be "in no position to lecture the public," but good people like Big Bunny have the credibility and responsibility to speak up.
Reposted by Kaz
Brazilian influencer who defended US immigration crackdown arrested by ICE
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
Brazilian influencer who defended US immigration crackdown arrested by ICE
Trump supporter Júnior Pena falsely claimed migrants being rounded up, including Brazilians, were ‘all crooks’
www.theguardian.com
February 2, 2026 at 7:38 PM
Brazilian influencer who defended US immigration crackdown arrested by ICE
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
I don't want to do the whole "nowhere else in the world" shtick but the density of this kind of sublime cultural fusion in the US is really incredible. It is quite literally what makes the US the US.
Sixteen years in MN and I’ve never set foot in this miraculous place: a midwestern dive bar where everyone is Hmong, with an attached pool hall, EDM stage, and where you can order pho until midnight. The idea people would want to kick immigrants out of this region is insane.
January 31, 2026 at 11:50 AM
I don't want to do the whole "nowhere else in the world" shtick but the density of this kind of sublime cultural fusion in the US is really incredible. It is quite literally what makes the US the US.
Reposted by Kaz
Unfriendly reminder, AI is being used to destroy trust. Do not normalize the use of AI. AI can not reliably enhance videos or low-quality images.
This is the quiet replacement of reality. Do not let this be normalized.
This is the quiet replacement of reality. Do not let this be normalized.
January 29, 2026 at 12:05 AM
Unfriendly reminder, AI is being used to destroy trust. Do not normalize the use of AI. AI can not reliably enhance videos or low-quality images.
This is the quiet replacement of reality. Do not let this be normalized.
This is the quiet replacement of reality. Do not let this be normalized.
Reposted by Kaz
100%. I honestly believe political leaders ask too little of people. The thinking is you need an extraordinarily low bar - so ask people for money or to sign something. People want to be part of something and they're eager to do real meaningful work in defense of their community and their rights.
I have begun to think that Minnesota pushback to ICE was unique and a model because it gave people something to do. It wasn’t about just going out in streets for rallying purposes. People had a mission: videos, whistles, information and communication flow to communities. They had something to do.
January 28, 2026 at 3:10 AM
100%. I honestly believe political leaders ask too little of people. The thinking is you need an extraordinarily low bar - so ask people for money or to sign something. People want to be part of something and they're eager to do real meaningful work in defense of their community and their rights.
Reposted by Kaz
Two Democratic members of Congress attacked in three days. Maxwell Frost was assaulted on Saturday, Ilan Omar tonight.
January 28, 2026 at 2:03 AM
Two Democratic members of Congress attacked in three days. Maxwell Frost was assaulted on Saturday, Ilan Omar tonight.
Reposted by Kaz
As Mark Winchester @archerknewsmit.bsky.social has noted, “foreigner problem” and “foreigner policy” are terms that have come into currency only in the past year
Nakano Kōichi ran a search on Asahi Shimbun database and saw such terms had no or only single digit hits until 2024, but 3 digits in 2025
Nakano Kōichi ran a search on Asahi Shimbun database and saw such terms had no or only single digit hits until 2024, but 3 digits in 2025
January 27, 2026 at 8:25 AM
As Mark Winchester @archerknewsmit.bsky.social has noted, “foreigner problem” and “foreigner policy” are terms that have come into currency only in the past year
Nakano Kōichi ran a search on Asahi Shimbun database and saw such terms had no or only single digit hits until 2024, but 3 digits in 2025
Nakano Kōichi ran a search on Asahi Shimbun database and saw such terms had no or only single digit hits until 2024, but 3 digits in 2025
Reposted by Kaz
Knowing fucking anything is "professorial" and "condescending." Only a level of ignorance & belligerence that matches the dumbest 20% of the population is truly authentic.
This is why the GOP is full of rich nepo-baby Ivy league graduates trying their level best to act as stupid as they can.
This is why the GOP is full of rich nepo-baby Ivy league graduates trying their level best to act as stupid as they can.
January 27, 2026 at 6:51 AM
Knowing fucking anything is "professorial" and "condescending." Only a level of ignorance & belligerence that matches the dumbest 20% of the population is truly authentic.
This is why the GOP is full of rich nepo-baby Ivy league graduates trying their level best to act as stupid as they can.
This is why the GOP is full of rich nepo-baby Ivy league graduates trying their level best to act as stupid as they can.
Reposted by Kaz
