Ben TG
@ben-tg.bsky.social
professional rocket scientist, amateur astronomer
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Reposted by Ben TG
Your Libby rental was free for you, but did you know it cost the D.C. Public Library $59.99?
The e-book boom (and a complicated pricing model from publishers) has left library systems strapped for cash. But D.C. lawmakers have a plan to fight back. 51st.news/ebooks-are-e...
The e-book boom (and a complicated pricing model from publishers) has left library systems strapped for cash. But D.C. lawmakers have a plan to fight back. 51st.news/ebooks-are-e...
Libraries can't afford e-books. D.C. lawmakers have a plan.
The demand and price for e-books is up — and it’s busting the D.C. Public Library budget.
51st.news
January 28, 2026 at 12:00 AM
Your Libby rental was free for you, but did you know it cost the D.C. Public Library $59.99?
The e-book boom (and a complicated pricing model from publishers) has left library systems strapped for cash. But D.C. lawmakers have a plan to fight back. 51st.news/ebooks-are-e...
The e-book boom (and a complicated pricing model from publishers) has left library systems strapped for cash. But D.C. lawmakers have a plan to fight back. 51st.news/ebooks-are-e...
Reposted by Ben TG
Trash & recycling update:
Snow and ice packed into alleys mean DPW is having a hard time getting trucks in and out. Major disruptions to alley collections are likely all week.
More from CM Allen 👇
www.instagram.com/reel/DUBcbX8...
Snow and ice packed into alleys mean DPW is having a hard time getting trucks in and out. Major disruptions to alley collections are likely all week.
More from CM Allen 👇
www.instagram.com/reel/DUBcbX8...
cmcharlesallen on Instagram: "Trash & recycling update after the storm ❄️🗑️With snow and ice still packed into Ward 6 alleys, DPW is going to have a hard time g…"
Trash & recycling update after the storm ❄️🗑️With snow and ice still packed into Ward 6 alleys, DPW is going to have a hard time getting trash trucks in and out. Trash trucks simply aren’t able to navigate many alleys right now — and that means major disruptions to alley collections are likely all week.DPW has already said collections will be sliding, but realistically, many folks with alley service should plan for missed or delayed pickup this week.I know this is frustrating, and I appreciate everyone’s patience as crews continue digging out across the ward. We'll share updates as soon as I have them.
www.instagram.com
January 27, 2026 at 5:32 PM
Trash & recycling update:
Snow and ice packed into alleys mean DPW is having a hard time getting trucks in and out. Major disruptions to alley collections are likely all week.
More from CM Allen 👇
www.instagram.com/reel/DUBcbX8...
Snow and ice packed into alleys mean DPW is having a hard time getting trucks in and out. Major disruptions to alley collections are likely all week.
More from CM Allen 👇
www.instagram.com/reel/DUBcbX8...
Reposted by Ben TG
DC Public Library will be closed on Sunday, January 25, due to forecasted inclement weather. You can find the latest updates at dclibrary.org
January 24, 2026 at 10:46 PM
DC Public Library will be closed on Sunday, January 25, due to forecasted inclement weather. You can find the latest updates at dclibrary.org
Reposted by Ben TG
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.
Learning about building a "socially and ecologically responsible industrial society."
@capitolhillbooks.bsky.social
@capitolhillbooks.bsky.social
January 17, 2026 at 3:59 PM
Learning about building a "socially and ecologically responsible industrial society."
@capitolhillbooks.bsky.social
@capitolhillbooks.bsky.social
Reposted by Ben TG
Join us tomorrow at 11am starting at Maury Elementary for a 3.5-mile slow ride to go ice skating at Canal Park.
Free hot chocolate and cookies and discounted skating!
Free hot chocolate and cookies and discounted skating!
January 17, 2026 at 4:06 AM
Join us tomorrow at 11am starting at Maury Elementary for a 3.5-mile slow ride to go ice skating at Canal Park.
Free hot chocolate and cookies and discounted skating!
Free hot chocolate and cookies and discounted skating!
Reposted by Ben TG
After only one week, Zohran Mamdani has already taken aim at making NYC more affordable. Two executive orders addressing junk fees and subscription traps show New Yorkers that their new mayor means business. From @ddayen.bsky.social:
trib.al/IXLFTt5
trib.al/IXLFTt5
Mamdani’s First Week - The American Prospect
The mayor has already secured one of his top campaign promises, among other wins on behalf of New Yorkers.
trib.al
January 10, 2026 at 3:00 PM
After only one week, Zohran Mamdani has already taken aim at making NYC more affordable. Two executive orders addressing junk fees and subscription traps show New Yorkers that their new mayor means business. From @ddayen.bsky.social:
trib.al/IXLFTt5
trib.al/IXLFTt5
Reposted by Ben TG
This is cool: “a brand-new service at the MLK Library: Notary Services” www.popville.com/2026/01/psa-...
This is cool: “a brand-new service at the MLK Library: Notary Services” - PoPville
Nice. From the DC Public Library: "We’re thrilled to announce a brand-new service at the MLK Library: the Notary Public Commission! Whether you're finalizing a Power of Attorney, verifying copies of y...
www.popville.com
January 10, 2026 at 1:50 PM
This is cool: “a brand-new service at the MLK Library: Notary Services” www.popville.com/2026/01/psa-...
Reposted by Ben TG
The @councilofdc.bsky.social holds two meetings on Tuesday, Jan. 6:
• Breakfast Meeting – scheduled for 9 a.m.
• Legislative Meeting – scheduled for noon
Here's how to tune in ➡️ dccouncil.gov/how-to-watch-our-january-6-meetings
• Breakfast Meeting – scheduled for 9 a.m.
• Legislative Meeting – scheduled for noon
Here's how to tune in ➡️ dccouncil.gov/how-to-watch-our-january-6-meetings
How to Watch Our January 6 Meetings • Council of the District of Columbia
Members of the public are invited to virtually join the two meetings the Council will be holding on Tuesday, January 6. The first meeting is a pre-Legislative Meeting Breakfast Meeting, […]
dccouncil.gov
January 5, 2026 at 4:45 PM
The @councilofdc.bsky.social holds two meetings on Tuesday, Jan. 6:
• Breakfast Meeting – scheduled for 9 a.m.
• Legislative Meeting – scheduled for noon
Here's how to tune in ➡️ dccouncil.gov/how-to-watch-our-january-6-meetings
• Breakfast Meeting – scheduled for 9 a.m.
• Legislative Meeting – scheduled for noon
Here's how to tune in ➡️ dccouncil.gov/how-to-watch-our-january-6-meetings
ICE detains Venezuelan man illegally brought to US, deports him back to Venezuela. Trump pardons man, makes him special advisor for oil extraction in southern hemisphere, invites him to stay at Florida resort.
January 5, 2026 at 2:51 PM
ICE detains Venezuelan man illegally brought to US, deports him back to Venezuela. Trump pardons man, makes him special advisor for oil extraction in southern hemisphere, invites him to stay at Florida resort.
Reposted by Ben TG
Catching fish launched Ernest Robinson into online stardom.
He’s one of the thousands of people who fish along the District’s rivers and streams each year.
@samdelgado.bsky.social got to know some of them for this story on fishing in D.C. — one of our team's favorite we published this year:
He’s one of the thousands of people who fish along the District’s rivers and streams each year.
@samdelgado.bsky.social got to know some of them for this story on fishing in D.C. — one of our team's favorite we published this year:
'D.C. fishing is a culture': Meet some of the anglers casting into our rivers
We hit the banks of the Potomac and Anacostia with "Ernie the Hog Snatcher" and a host of other locals, who say fishing brings them peace, community, and fun.
51st.news
December 26, 2025 at 4:01 PM
Catching fish launched Ernest Robinson into online stardom.
He’s one of the thousands of people who fish along the District’s rivers and streams each year.
@samdelgado.bsky.social got to know some of them for this story on fishing in D.C. — one of our team's favorite we published this year:
He’s one of the thousands of people who fish along the District’s rivers and streams each year.
@samdelgado.bsky.social got to know some of them for this story on fishing in D.C. — one of our team's favorite we published this year:
Reposted by Ben TG
Inexplicably legal parking IN the heavily pedestrian traffic intersection of 7th and NC Ave SE (Eastern Market) is now bike racks and much safer for all!
December 7, 2025 at 7:26 PM
Inexplicably legal parking IN the heavily pedestrian traffic intersection of 7th and NC Ave SE (Eastern Market) is now bike racks and much safer for all!
Reposted by Ben TG
Afterward, spend Small Business Saturday at the businesses that support a Free DC! See the list of businesses that are committed to protecting our communities this season and all year long. (3/3)
Where to Shop — Free DC
Our money is powerful — and it’s time to direct that power toward businesses that support DC communities, not the attacks of this administration.
freedcproject.org
November 28, 2025 at 8:30 PM
Afterward, spend Small Business Saturday at the businesses that support a Free DC! See the list of businesses that are committed to protecting our communities this season and all year long. (3/3)
Reposted by Ben TG
Rather than simply boycotting e-commerce giants, Free DC is organizing a "procott" in time for holiday shopping.
Their local shopping guide features 50+ spots on board to support D.C.'s autonomy, including @solidstatebooksdc.bsky.social, @metrobardc.bsky.social, @loyaltybooks.bsky.social, and more:
Their local shopping guide features 50+ spots on board to support D.C.'s autonomy, including @solidstatebooksdc.bsky.social, @metrobardc.bsky.social, @loyaltybooks.bsky.social, and more:
This holiday season, Free DC wants you to "procott" these local businesses
While boycotts operate on withholding money, procotts are about spending it.
51st.news
November 30, 2025 at 2:57 PM
Rather than simply boycotting e-commerce giants, Free DC is organizing a "procott" in time for holiday shopping.
Their local shopping guide features 50+ spots on board to support D.C.'s autonomy, including @solidstatebooksdc.bsky.social, @metrobardc.bsky.social, @loyaltybooks.bsky.social, and more:
Their local shopping guide features 50+ spots on board to support D.C.'s autonomy, including @solidstatebooksdc.bsky.social, @metrobardc.bsky.social, @loyaltybooks.bsky.social, and more:
Reposted by Ben TG
Judge Ellis says all these errors, no matter how minor, add up. "[A]t some point, it becomes difficult, if not impossible, to believe almost anything that [DHS] represent[s]."
E.g., a top officer testified protestors had shields with nails in them; there were no nails and mostly it was carboard.
E.g., a top officer testified protestors had shields with nails in them; there were no nails and mostly it was carboard.
November 20, 2025 at 11:10 PM
Judge Ellis says all these errors, no matter how minor, add up. "[A]t some point, it becomes difficult, if not impossible, to believe almost anything that [DHS] represent[s]."
E.g., a top officer testified protestors had shields with nails in them; there were no nails and mostly it was carboard.
E.g., a top officer testified protestors had shields with nails in them; there were no nails and mostly it was carboard.
Reposted by Ben TG
NEW: Tap, Ride, Go now available on @wmata.com 🚌! This major improvement lets customers tap a credit/debit or Apple/google pay so they can quickly tap & ride. Amazing work by Team Metro & our tech partners to get this done to improve America’s Metro System. Thx to all the mascots!
November 19, 2025 at 12:18 AM
NEW: Tap, Ride, Go now available on @wmata.com 🚌! This major improvement lets customers tap a credit/debit or Apple/google pay so they can quickly tap & ride. Amazing work by Team Metro & our tech partners to get this done to improve America’s Metro System. Thx to all the mascots!
Reposted by Ben TG
Replay: New Glenn Mission NG-2 Webcast
YouTube video by Blue Origin
www.youtube.com
November 14, 2025 at 12:30 AM
Reposted by Ben TG
Listen, I'm not saying I endorse brutal mockery of Avi Loeb's claims that every interstellar comet we see is an alien spaceship, but I will link to it because the aliens made me in order to sow doubt about their cometships.
oddnews.com/article/this...
oddnews.com/article/this...
“This Comet Thing Is Aliens,” Says Resident Harvard Fraud Avi Loeb
Like he does every week, without evidence.
oddnews.com
November 11, 2025 at 7:42 PM
Listen, I'm not saying I endorse brutal mockery of Avi Loeb's claims that every interstellar comet we see is an alien spaceship, but I will link to it because the aliens made me in order to sow doubt about their cometships.
oddnews.com/article/this...
oddnews.com/article/this...
Reposted by Ben TG
Page 12 of the Senate shutdown resolution indicates that Democrats know how to use their power to ensure government funding is properly spent, but they actively chose not to prevent Trump from withholding. From @ddayen.bsky.social:
trib.al/aX1moV5
trib.al/aX1moV5
The Most Frustrating Thing About the Shutdown Cave - The American Prospect
Senate Democrats actually know how to use their power to counter Donald Trump and ensure that legislative funding gets spent—but this continuing resolution makes it clear they chose not to.
trib.al
November 11, 2025 at 9:30 PM
Page 12 of the Senate shutdown resolution indicates that Democrats know how to use their power to ensure government funding is properly spent, but they actively chose not to prevent Trump from withholding. From @ddayen.bsky.social:
trib.al/aX1moV5
trib.al/aX1moV5
Reposted by Ben TG
“OpenAI is getting ready to run hat in hand to the taxpayer for subsidies.” After losing more than $13 billion this year, OpenAI officials are angling for a bailout. From @ryanlcooper.com:
trib.al/CUazMCQ
trib.al/CUazMCQ
OpenAI Is Maneuvering for a Government Bailout - The American Prospect
For artificial intelligence to ever pencil out, some truly enormous revenue streams will be required. And if you need trillions of dollars for data centers forever, there’s only one entity to turn to: Uncle Sam.
trib.al
November 8, 2025 at 9:00 PM
“OpenAI is getting ready to run hat in hand to the taxpayer for subsidies.” After losing more than $13 billion this year, OpenAI officials are angling for a bailout. From @ryanlcooper.com:
trib.al/CUazMCQ
trib.al/CUazMCQ
Reposted by Ben TG
Do you know your leaf collection section?
Use DPW's leaf tracker map to find your section, collection schedule, and tips for a smooth pickup.
Section A collections are underway now—Section B is up next!
Use DPW's leaf tracker map to find your section, collection schedule, and tips for a smooth pickup.
Section A collections are underway now—Section B is up next!
November 8, 2025 at 9:03 PM
Do you know your leaf collection section?
Use DPW's leaf tracker map to find your section, collection schedule, and tips for a smooth pickup.
Section A collections are underway now—Section B is up next!
Use DPW's leaf tracker map to find your section, collection schedule, and tips for a smooth pickup.
Section A collections are underway now—Section B is up next!
Check this out.
In Cincinnati the Democratic mayor defeated JD Vance's half brother!!
What a night
#fightfacism
In Cincinnati the Democratic mayor defeated JD Vance's half brother!!
What a night
#fightfacism
November 5, 2025 at 11:55 AM
Check this out.
In Cincinnati the Democratic mayor defeated JD Vance's half brother!!
What a night
#fightfacism
In Cincinnati the Democratic mayor defeated JD Vance's half brother!!
What a night
#fightfacism
