🐸 Empathy1st ❌👑
LightNews LightNews
banner
empathy1st.bsky.social
🐸 Empathy1st ❌👑
@empathy1st.bsky.social
17K followers 9.9K following 900 posts
I'm an educator who cares about human rights, science, and democracy.

#HumanRights
#CovidIsAirborne
#EndGunViolence
#IndigenousAlly

Canadian/American living in Los Angeles County on Chumash land.

Avatar: circle mosaic
Picture: mossy tree
Posts Replies Media Videos
empathy1st.bsky.social
I just found out you can donate to food banks through Instacart.

It says there are no service or delivery fees involved.

#Resist
#HelpYourNeighbor
#OnYourSide
#NoKings
#FeedPeople
Image shows a screenshot from the Instacart website of a tab that gives you an option to donate to various foodbanks throughout the country. It has a light pink background with a picture of a green grocery bag filled with cereal, peanut butter and other groceries. It says "Instacart / Feeding America" Donate groceries & essentials to your local food banks." with a "Donate now" button you can click on.
November 1, 2025 at 5:08 PM
empathy1st.bsky.social
I was literally just thinking the same thing.

It turns my stomach that you can't do anything without being bombarded with adds.

I went to read an article and got this shoved in my face.
Screenshot of WIRED front page covered with adds for Amazon Prime. The main article shows a picture of a blue cartoon fist holding headphones in between two green and black speakers. The title "ABSOLUE BEST PRIME DAY DEALS" is written in red and blue bubble letters and the whole picture is in front of a blue-to-black gradient background. The beginning test of the article reads: "The Absolute Best Prime Day Deals Amazon's Fall 2025 Prime Day sale has great deals on WIRED-tested favorites like Kindles, laptops, Apple Watches, robot vacs, and more...
October 8, 2025 at 6:10 PM
empathy1st.bsky.social
Screenshot of WIRED article: "Defense Department Scrambles to Pretend It’s Called the War Department" "Within hours of Trump’s order, Pentagon officials rebranded the department’s social media platforms. The Department of Defense’s official Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts quietly rolled out the “Department of War” name and seal, adopting labels at odds with its legal identity. As of around 6 pm ET on Friday, the new Department of War page still lists all the department's other social channels and its website as using the “Defense” name, as did its YouTube channel. How far the rebranding might go is unclear, but any comprehensive effort would saddle taxpayers with costs in the hundreds of millions, if not billions, of dollars, as every sign, logo, uniform, computer system, and piece of official paperwork tied to the Pentagon’s identity across the globe would need to be replaced."
October 8, 2025 at 5:54 PM
empathy1st.bsky.social
"The Pentagon’s website and social media channels were overhauled...to reflect the [DoD's] new 'Department of War' persona."...

www.wired.com/story/depart...
Screenshot from WIRED article: "Defense Department Scrambles to Pretend It’s Called the War Department" Every prior name change—from the War Department created by Congress in 1789, to the National Military Establishment in 1947, to the Department of Defense in 1949—came through legislation. Allies in Congress quickly introduced a bill to back Friday's change to the so-called Department of War, but the administration appears to be seeking a workaround anyway, as it has done in the past, whether by invoking sweeping emergency powers or withholding congressionally approved foreign aid. Currently, “Department of War” is a “secondary” title after the Department of Defense.
October 8, 2025 at 5:54 PM
empathy1st.bsky.social
Here is a copy of PUBLIC LAW 116–1—JAN. 16, 2019
#resist

ttps://www.congress.gov/116/plaws/publ1/PLAW-116publ1.pdf
Screenshot of first page of PUBLIC LAW 116–1—JAN. 16, 2019 133 STAT. 3 (pdf) The highlighted portion reads as follows: "Each employee of the United States Government or of a District of Columbia public employer furloughed as a result of a covered lapse in appropriations shall be paid for the period of the lapse in appropriations, and each excepted employee who is required to perform work during a covered lapse in appropriations shall be paid for such work, at the employee’s standard rate of pay, at the earliest date possible after the lapse in appropriations ends, regardless of scheduled pay dates."
October 7, 2025 at 3:31 PM
empathy1st.bsky.social
Wastewater levels of #Covid are high across the U.S., but is anybody even paying attention?

Protecting your health has become a new form of resistance.

You get ONE body.

Protect it.

Get Vaccinated and MASK UP in public.

#MaskUp
#WearARespie
#WearAMask
data.wastewaterscan.org?charts=CjIQA...
Screenshot of Wastewater SCAN Dashboard showing all states colored red (meaning high levels of SARS-CoV-2). The National Overview for SARS-CoV-2 reads, "Upward trend for the last 21 days and high concentration."
August 19, 2025 at 1:56 AM
empathy1st.bsky.social
Don't let anyone tell you Covid doesn't affect children.

With Covid on the rise in the U.S. (and elsewhere) PLEASE protect your kids.

Help them mask up in public spaces.

Remember... There is no cure yet for Long Covid.

#MaskUp
#CovidIsntOver
#Covid
publications.aap.org/pediatrics/a...
Figure2: Organ system involvement of PASC in children. Legend: The figure outlines symptoms and conditions, grouped by body system, which have been associated with the PASC.
June 17, 2025 at 4:25 AM
empathy1st.bsky.social
"A large swath of protesters walked onto the 101 freeway in downtown Los Angeles around 3:40 p.m. local time, bringing traffic on the southbound lane to a halt."

#Resist
#NoKings

www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
Picture shows protester blocking traffic on the 101 freeway in Los Angeles close to the Alameda and Union Station exit.
June 8, 2025 at 11:49 PM
empathy1st.bsky.social
"Tear gas and pellets fired without any widespread warning."

"Several hundred protesters began chanting and hoisting signs in front of the dozens of police in riot gear and more than 2 dozen National Guard...Most protesters were peaceful..."

#Resist
#NoKings
www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
Picture shows a city street in LA filled with protesters and tear gas canisters emitting gas.
June 8, 2025 at 11:42 PM
empathy1st.bsky.social
Wastewater levels of #SARSCov2 are showing high along the Northeastern states.

#Covid can cause long term damage to your organs including heart and brain.

Protect yourself. Wear an #N95

data.wastewaterscan.org?charts=CjIQA...
www.cedars-sinai.org/newsroom/ame...
news.uthscsa.edu/long-covid-a...
Picture shows a screenshot of SCAN Wastewater data site's SARS-Cov-2 wastewater levels across the U.S.. Massachusetts, Maine, Pennsylvania, and Vermont are showing high levels. Texas, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, Kentucky, Virginia, Georgia, and the Carolinas are showing medium levels. All other states are showing low levels.
June 6, 2025 at 2:58 AM
empathy1st.bsky.social
Measles has been detected in Sacramento wastewater between May 20-25 2025.

#Measles
#MaskUp
#airborne

data.wastewaterscan.org/tracker/?cha...
Picture shows screenshot of SCAN Wastewater Data website showing a heat map of measles detected in wastewater in California. Measles was detected in Sacramento between May 20 and May 25 2025.
June 6, 2025 at 2:38 AM
empathy1st.bsky.social
"COVID19 can affect the function of multiple organs in the body, including the lungs, heart, brain, kidneys, and liver. Bc of this, Long COVID is associated with a broad range of symptoms including respiratory, neurological, cardiac and psychological problems..."
www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/l...
Long COVID can affect anyone, including children, and it can develop in people who had asymptomatic, mild, or severe COVID-19. Some people, however, are at increased risk, including: People who have had severe COVID-19, in particular those who required hospitalization or intensive care People with underlying health conditions such as diabetes, asthma, or obesity People who have not gotten a COVID-19 vaccine People who had multisystem inflammatory syndrome (known as MIS-C in children and MIS-A in adults) during or after COVID-19 Women and older people may also be at increased risk for Long COVID as well as those who have repeat SARS-CoV-2 infections. According to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Center for Health Statistics data brief, in the U.S., adults between 35 and 49 years of age are the age group most likely to have had Long COVID previously or to currently have Long COVID.
May 26, 2025 at 1:41 AM
empathy1st.bsky.social
Many people don't know that #birdflu is found in more than just birds.
Use the search engine on the website to find which mammals have been affected in your area.

If you find a dead animal outside, make sure to protect yourself by wearing gloves and an N95.

#H5N1
www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-po...
Picture shows a map of the U.S. with points indicating where mammals with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza have been found. Data with specific information and locations can be found in the table below the map (on the website). Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Mammals Last Modified: March 25, 2025 There are many species that are potentially susceptible to highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). In addition to birds and poultry, H5N1 viruses have been detected in some mammals (see list below). Infection may cause illness, including severe disease and death in some cases.
March 29, 2025 at 3:27 PM
empathy1st.bsky.social
What if ICE comes in anyway....?

www.latimes.com/california/s...
What if ICE comes in my home anyway? According to advocates, you have the right to say: “I do not consent to this entry or search.” Don’t physically resist but instead you have the right to document what happens, including: Officer names and badge numbers Details of their actions Gather contact information for any present witnesses After agents have left, you have the right to reach out to and consult with a legal representative.
February 22, 2025 at 7:04 PM
empathy1st.bsky.social
The LA Times gives advice about what to do if you are visited by ICE...

www.latimes.com/california/s...
Here is what the experts told us: What can you do if ICE knocks on your door? If you’re home alone or with family members and you hear a knock at the door, check the window, security camera or peephole so you can identify if ICE agents are outside. When you find yourself in this situation, the first step is to keep your door closed and locked, advised advocacy groups and legal experts. You must open your door and allow agents inside your home is if they present a valid search warrant. Advocates say agents must identify themselves and show you the warrant by putting it against the window or slipping it under your door. A valid warrant must be: Issued by a court. Have the correct name and address of the person being seized. Signed by a judge or magistrate judge. An invalid warrant would be: Issued by the Department of Homeland Security An ICE administrative document (Form I-200 or Form I-205) Signed by an Immigration officer This can be an overwhelming, stressful and scary situation. All those emotions are valid, said Pedro Trujillo, director of organizing for the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights. Take a moment to gather yourself, he suggests, because there isn’t a time limit on the visit. If you need help verbalizing your rights, show the agent a Red Card that helps explain your rights. Red Cards can be downloaded from the website for the Immigration Legal Resource Center. By showing this card, you’re affirming that you want to remain silent and wish to speak to a lawyer. The card states that the person ICE agents are inquiring about has the right to decline answering questions and signing or handing over documents based on their 5th Amendment rights under the U.S. Constitution. You can present this card to agents, whether it’s a physical copy or a photo on your phone, by displaying it through the window.
February 22, 2025 at 7:04 PM
empathy1st.bsky.social
I buy my 3M Auras from Home Depot. They aren't cheap ( ~$2.00 each) however the CDC has advised on how you can reuse them.

Basically, if your mask isn't soiled, you can store it in a paper bag (for >72 hours to let any germs die) and then use it again. (5x max).

archive.cdc.gov#/details?url...
(From CDC archives) Strategies for Optimizing the Supply of N95 Respirators One potentially effective strategy to mitigate the contact transfer of pathogens from the respirator to the wearer could be to issue each HCP who may be exposed to patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection a minimum of five respirators. Each respirator will be used on a particular day and stored in a breathable paper bag until the next week. This will result in each worker requiring a minimum of five N95 respirators if they put on, take off, care for them, and store them properly each day. This amount of time in between uses should exceed the 72 hour expected survival time for SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19).4 If this strategy is used, the total number of donnings should still not exceed five times before discarding the respirator, when no manufacturer instructions are provided to indicate otherwise.
January 26, 2025 at 3:50 PM
empathy1st.bsky.social
Resources for those impacted by #Wildfires...

#Palisades
#Eaton
#Hurst
#Fires

Free Uber, Lyft, and Metro rides.

Free Air B&B stays.

Please see details below.

lacounty.gov/emergency/?u...
Resources for residents impacted by wildfires: Lyft: Riders in need can use the code CAFIRERELIEF25, valid for 2 rides up to $25 each ($50 total) for 500 riders from now until 1/15 at 11:59 p.m. Uber: Use promo code WILFIRE25 in the wallet section of your Uber app to redeem a free Uber ride up to $40. Airbnb: Airbnb, partnership with 211 LA, is offering free temporary housing for residents displaced or forced to evacuate due to the recent wildfires. Submit your information in this form to receive notifications on availability. Please note, spaces are limited, and completing the form does not guarantee a stay. Eligibility criteria apply. Metro: Fare collection for rides on Metro has been suspended systemwide.
January 9, 2025 at 11:38 PM
empathy1st.bsky.social
Here is also where to keep track of evacuation orders for the #Eaton #Fire in the Pasadena area...
www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/20...
#Palisades
Screenshot of the evacuation map taken 01/09/2025 about 2:20pm PST. Please refer to the website for the most up-to-date/current info.
January 9, 2025 at 10:34 PM
empathy1st.bsky.social
Here is where to keep track of the location of the #Hurst and #Palisades #Fires burning in the Los Angeles County area and the current evacuation orders.
#HurstFire
#Palisades
www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/20...
Screenshot of the evacuation map taken 01/09/2025 about 2:20pm PST. Please refer to the website for the most up-to-date/current info. Screenshot of the evacuation map taken 01/09/2025 about 2:20pm PST. Please refer to the website for the most up-to-date/current info.
January 9, 2025 at 10:25 PM
empathy1st.bsky.social
I made this #Vegan Apple Cake for my parents and family at Christmas. It was such a hit that I made a second one. They were surprised when I told them it didn't have any milk or eggs in it.
Don't want to pay for eggs? No problem.
We don't need to rely on animal products to eat well.
Hope you enjoy!
APPLE UPSIDE DOWN CAKE Batter: Mix soy milk and vinegar and let sit for 5 minutes. Then add the other wet ingredients: 2 cups soy milk (plain or vanilla) 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar 2 Tbsp vanilla 2/3 cup canola oil Sift together: 3 ½ cups cake and pastry flour 2 cups white sugar 2 tsp baking soda 2 tsp baking powder 1 tsp salt 2 Tbsp cinnamon 1 ½ tsp cloves 1 ½ tsp allspice Combine all batter ingredients with an electric mixer. Crumble Mixture: Mix with your hands into a crumble: 2/3 cup virgin coconut oil (at room temperature -not melted) 2 cups brown sugar 4 Tbsp cinnamon 4 apples chopped into 1” chunks. 1 cup golden (Sultana) raisins Line bottom of pan with most of the crumble mixture. (Save a little bit.) Layer apple chunks on top and press down into mixture. Sprinkle raisins on top of apples. Carefully pour batter across the top to cover the apples. Add a few apple chunks on the top of the cake, and sprinkle the remaining crumble on top for decoration. Bake at 350F for 35-45 minutes.
January 3, 2025 at 3:55 PM
empathy1st.bsky.social
Here's someone looking for trouble...
Screenshot of 3 skeets by God Emperor ‪geotus Skeet 1: ‪ Be an absolute shame if you ALL quote post this. The American people gave President Trump a mandate by giving him the electoral and popular vote. Do the deeds, sir. Skeet 2: What’s all my MAGA people think of this Social Network? Should we paint it red? Skeet 3: Project 2025 called. I need names of lefties on here. We have a work camp that is short on workers.
November 23, 2024 at 5:32 PM
empathy1st.bsky.social
Keeping track of #H5N1 in wastewater...

Here is an interactive dashboard where you can keep track of infectious diseases in your area, (depending on which county you live in.)

I live in LA County. Not real happy about this 👇.

#HPAI
data.wastewaterscan.org/tracker?char...
Screenshot from the WastewaterSCAN Dashboard Picture shows a heat map of Influenza H5 in Los Angeles County California. H5 was detected in wastewater between October 28 and November 17.
November 21, 2024 at 5:07 AM
empathy1st.bsky.social
4/
If you find a dead animal or bird in your yard, make sure you wear gloves and a NIOSH approved #respirator #N95 (not a surgical mask) to protect yourself.

Also, if you are picnicking outdoors, make sure you disinfect surfaces properly.
Bird droppings can carry #H5N1.

www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/pre...
Recommendations for the Public Avoid exposure to sick or dead animals. If you are unable to avoid exposure, avoid unprotected (not using respiratory and eye protection) exposures to sick or dead animals including wild birds, poultry, other domesticated birds, and other wild or domesticated animals, as well as with animal feces, litter, or materials contaminated by birds or other animals with suspected or confirmed HPAI A(H5N1) virus infection. Personal protective equipment (PPE) should be worn when in direct or close contact (within about six feet) with sick or dead animals including poultry, wild birds, backyard bird flocks, or other animals, animal feces, litter, or materials potentially contaminated with HPAI A(H5N1) viruses. PPE includes properly fitted unvented or indirectly vented safety goggles, disposable gloves, boots or boot covers, a NIOSH-Approved particulate respirator (e.g., N95® filtering facepiece respirator, ideally fit-tested), disposable fluid-resistant coveralls, and disposable head cover or hair cover. Adding a face shield over the top of goggles and a fluid resistant apron can enhance protection. Additional information on PPE recommendations for workers can be found online. Cook poultry, eggs, and beef to a safe internal temperature to kill bacteria and viruses. Refer to CDC's safer foods table for a complete list of safe internal temperatures. Choosing pasteurized milk and products made with pasteurized milk is the best way to keep you and your family safe. Unpasteurized (raw) milk and products made from raw milk, including soft cheese, ice cream, and yogurt, can be contaminated with germs that can cause serious illness, hospitalization, or death. Pasteurization kills bacteria and viruses, like avian influenza A viruses, in milk.
November 20, 2024 at 3:00 PM
empathy1st.bsky.social
3/
The CDC's latest report about HPAI in animals can be found here👇.

"Human infections with avian influenza viruses can happen when enough virus gets into a person's eyes, nose or mouth, or is inhaled."

#airborne
www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/sit...
Detections in Animals 10,604 wild birds detected as of 11/19/2024 50 jurisdictions with bird flu in wild birds 108,412,219 poultry affected as of 11/19/2024 49 states with outbreaks in poultry 549 dairy herds affected as of 11/18/2024 15 states with outbreaks in dairy cows These data will be updated daily, Monday through Friday, after 4 p.m. to reflect any new data. human infections with avian influenza viruses can happen when enough virus gets into a person's eyes, nose or mouth, or is inhaled. This can happen when virus is in the air (in droplets or possibly dust) and a person breathes it in, or when a person touches something that has virus on it and then touches their mouth, eyes or nose.
November 20, 2024 at 3:00 PM
empathy1st.bsky.social
Heads up!

Here are some lists that might be being used to troll the covid-cautious community...
I don't mind being blocked, but being trolled is another matter.
Use the clearsky link to see if you are on any lists:
(Click on "lists" tab and wait a few minutes..-it's slow).
clearsky.app
Clip shows 2 lists made by user "taipan168.bsky.social" List 1: Mute/block list of COVID anxious accounts List 2: COVID anxious accounts to mute/block or laugh at (your choice)
November 17, 2024 at 10:14 PM