Rob Polk
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curiousrob.bsky.social
Rob Polk
@curiousrob.bsky.social
Husband of 💪🏼 Physician, Dad of 7, #MG Author (Operation Tree Roper), 5th Grade Catholic School Teacher, Public School Board Member, Climbing Arborist, Business Creator (Tree Monkeys, LLC) in Scottsbluff, Nebraska.

Jesus fan.

(He said LOVE, not deport.)
Pinned
Here's an owl from early this morning. #uplift
There exists what is true and there exists what we believe. We should strive to make them the same.
December 7, 2025 at 5:18 AM
Reposted by Rob Polk
We are witnessing the first documented case of mutual intelligence degradation between humans and machines.
This is not theory. This is peer-reviewed science.

MIT tracked 54 humans using ChatGPT for 4 months. Result: weakest brain connectivity of any group tested.
open.substack.com/pub/shanakaa...
The Cognitive Collapse Thesis: How Polluted Information Loops Are Degrading Both Machine and Human Intelligence—And What It Means for Capital, Power, and Civilization
A Strategic Intelligence Assessment for Decision-Makers Navigating the Most Consequential Technological Inflection Since Electricity
open.substack.com
December 6, 2025 at 1:35 PM
Reposted by Rob Polk
Coming up Jan. 27/29, online via @highlightsfound.bsky.social, what works, what doesn't, query letter basics, case studies, handouts, and more! It will be recorded. $59.

Please repost and otherwise spread the word.

Registration is open: www.highlightsfoundation.org/workshop/suc...
December 5, 2025 at 11:03 PM
Would love to connect with other #Catholics who value Jesus' teachings and reject the hateful populist power seekers. Are you out there?
December 5, 2025 at 5:03 AM
Reposted by Rob Polk
If you've got fossil-loving kids in your life, they might want to know what happened after dinosaurs went extinct. Rhinos in Nebraska tells the tale! Order from francieandfinch.indielite.org/book/9781250... to get a signed copy. @mackidsbooks.bsky.social

#paleontology #kidlit #holidaygiving #STEM
December 4, 2025 at 7:36 PM
Reposted by Rob Polk
"The U.S. bishops must protect the Body of Christ despite any criticism and retaliation from the false faithful who love the MAGA nation more than the Holy Family present among immigrant families." #PrayForAmerica www.ncronline.org/opinion/gues...
For Catholics, mass deportations are immoral
A robust pastoral plan across the country that recognizes Christ in the migrant is needed urgently for the even darker days ahead.
www.ncronline.org
December 4, 2025 at 11:48 AM
My senior has always shied away from attention, but he's got a gorgeous voice, acting potential, and a girlfriend in the choir. Imagine our surprise today when - while preparing his legendary Thanksgiving macaroni - he calmly announced he joined choir next semester and is TRYING OUT FOR THE MUSICAL!
November 27, 2025 at 7:33 PM
Reposted by Rob Polk
Look who came to visit 🥰
#hummingbird
November 23, 2025 at 10:37 PM
Cool opportunity rn, #kidlit writers!
I'm reading queries for the next few hours. Anyone have #askagent questions about querying, writing, or publishing? Happy to answer questions for a bit.
November 22, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Reposted by Rob Polk
Solange Knowles’ Saint Heron has launched a free digital archival library of literature by Black and brown authors, poets, and artists. Readers can borrow rare and out-of-print books for up to 45 days
Solange Opens Free Digital Library Of Rare Black Books
Solange has launched a digital library archive of Black and brown authors where readers can borrow books at no cost.
peopleofcolorintech.com
November 18, 2025 at 11:58 PM
Reposted by Rob Polk
FYI, I have updated the section of my site where I give basic information about #kidlit agents--what they do, how to find one, how to assess their website, resources to use.
You can start here:

www.underdown.org/agents.htm
November 12, 2025 at 10:07 PM
Here's an owl from early this morning. #uplift
November 11, 2025 at 12:26 AM
Reposted by Rob Polk
“Jesus says very clearly: At the end of the world, we are going to be asked, how did you receive the foreigner? Did you receive him, and welcome him, or not?” #PopeLeoXIV #LiveTheGospel #WelcomeTheStranger www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news...
Pope: ‘Spiritual rights’ of migrant detainees must be respected - Vatican News
In remarks to journalists in Castel Gandolfo, Pope Leo calls for “deep reflection” on the treatment of migrants in the United States, urges
www.vaticannews.va
November 5, 2025 at 3:19 AM
Tonight reminds me that true leadership involves listening, caring, and wanting to serve others over self. #Christian #election
November 5, 2025 at 3:04 AM
Reposted by Rob Polk
It fascinates me that giving to charities is considered noble and praiseworthy, but creating a society that doesn't require charity is considered socialist and bad.
November 5, 2025 at 2:43 AM
Reposted by Rob Polk
I'm now open to queries at querytracker.net/query/Michel... !! Do not send queries to my email as they will be deleted. I'm open until 10 pm EST on November 7th, accepting all Middle Grade and Young Adult. Also accepting Adult Mystery, Fantasy, Romantasy, Science Fiction and Horror.
Query Michelle Hauck at Storm Literary Agency
QueryTracker.net
November 3, 2025 at 1:26 PM
Reposted by Rob Polk
My regular reminder to sign up for my newsletter so you won't miss news of workshops I'm giving, updates to my website The Purple Crayon, and the like. Simple form on my Contact page. Infrequent mailings: www.underdown.org/contact.htm#...
November 2, 2025 at 10:28 PM
My wife sent me this song link knowing I'd love it. I hope you like it to. #Christian #Catholic #GOP #Republican #MAGA youtu.be/FtJZoBgSfvA?...
I Never Said That (RedWords)
YouTube video by JoshM - Topic
youtu.be
October 31, 2025 at 10:47 PM
Reposted by Rob Polk
So African Grey Parrots have better morals and empathy than our current billionaires. #billionairesareamericaswelfarequeens
October 31, 2025 at 1:16 AM
Reposted by Rob Polk
They are probably the only retailer who really means it when they say “I’ll look in the back” for an item because they have no other way of knowing their stock except physically going and looking for it!
October 30, 2025 at 3:52 AM
Reposted by Rob Polk
Seattle area friends, there are four more performances of Stage of Fools at Seattle Public Theater. The Stranger called it "hilariously cathartic" & The Sound On-Stage called it "brilliant" and "raucously hilarious"! Tickets start at $10 - don't miss it! www.seattlepublictheater.org/current-prod...
October 29, 2025 at 8:40 PM
Reposted by Rob Polk
This photo of my desk means I'm open for #kidlit developmental editing and career/submissions consulting--and possibly other things too (just ask!). I'm not a copyeditor or proofreader and usually do line-editing only as part of a larger project.

More info.: www.underdown.org/pced.htm
October 24, 2025 at 9:30 PM