WalksWithPurpose
@karstenrutt.bsky.social
Handle rearranges to "Star Trek nut." Lifelong Progressive Democrat. Editor/writer/writing coach. I love animals, art, history, languages, literature, logic, music, philosophy, puzzles, truth. She/her
Reposted by WalksWithPurpose
Ursula K. Le Guin died #OTD in 2018.
First female author to win both the Nebula & Hugo awards for Best Novel for 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘓𝘦𝘧𝘵 𝘏𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘋𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 (1970). In total, she won 8 Hugo & 6 Nebula awards. Second woman Grand Master of the #ScienceFiction & Fantasy Writers of America. #scifi #literature #booksky
First female author to win both the Nebula & Hugo awards for Best Novel for 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘓𝘦𝘧𝘵 𝘏𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘋𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 (1970). In total, she won 8 Hugo & 6 Nebula awards. Second woman Grand Master of the #ScienceFiction & Fantasy Writers of America. #scifi #literature #booksky
January 22, 2026 at 5:11 PM
Ursula K. Le Guin died #OTD in 2018.
First female author to win both the Nebula & Hugo awards for Best Novel for 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘓𝘦𝘧𝘵 𝘏𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘋𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 (1970). In total, she won 8 Hugo & 6 Nebula awards. Second woman Grand Master of the #ScienceFiction & Fantasy Writers of America. #scifi #literature #booksky
First female author to win both the Nebula & Hugo awards for Best Novel for 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘓𝘦𝘧𝘵 𝘏𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘋𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 (1970). In total, she won 8 Hugo & 6 Nebula awards. Second woman Grand Master of the #ScienceFiction & Fantasy Writers of America. #scifi #literature #booksky
Reposted by WalksWithPurpose
The United States has officially withdrawn from the World Health Organization.
This is a shameful move that puts both Americans and people all over the world at greater risk from disease outbreaks, which require international collaboration to contain.
This is a shameful move that puts both Americans and people all over the world at greater risk from disease outbreaks, which require international collaboration to contain.
January 23, 2026 at 1:57 AM
The United States has officially withdrawn from the World Health Organization.
This is a shameful move that puts both Americans and people all over the world at greater risk from disease outbreaks, which require international collaboration to contain.
This is a shameful move that puts both Americans and people all over the world at greater risk from disease outbreaks, which require international collaboration to contain.
Reposted by WalksWithPurpose
Thank you for your resilience, your persistent brilliance...it transformed how the world navigates & understands our planet. Your work touches nearly every modern device & journey and more people should know your name.
Goodnight and godspeed, Gladys West.🕯️
thezebra.org/2026/01/18/d... #WomenInSTEM
Goodnight and godspeed, Gladys West.🕯️
thezebra.org/2026/01/18/d... #WomenInSTEM
Dr. Gladys West, Mathematician Whose Work Made GPS Possible, Dies at 95
ALEXANDRIA, VA — Dr. Gladys West, the pioneering mathematician whose work laid the foundation for modern GPS technology, has died. She passed away
thezebra.org
January 20, 2026 at 12:00 AM
Thank you for your resilience, your persistent brilliance...it transformed how the world navigates & understands our planet. Your work touches nearly every modern device & journey and more people should know your name.
Goodnight and godspeed, Gladys West.🕯️
thezebra.org/2026/01/18/d... #WomenInSTEM
Goodnight and godspeed, Gladys West.🕯️
thezebra.org/2026/01/18/d... #WomenInSTEM
Reposted by WalksWithPurpose
The world is so broken that somehow Cow Tools are real now -
Back-scratching bovine leads scientists to reassess intelligence of cows www.theguardian.com/science/2026...
Back-scratching bovine leads scientists to reassess intelligence of cows www.theguardian.com/science/2026...
Back-scratching bovine leads scientists to reassess intelligence of cows
Brown Swiss in Austria has been discovered using tools in different ways – something only ever seen in humans and chimpanzees
www.theguardian.com
January 19, 2026 at 6:10 PM
The world is so broken that somehow Cow Tools are real now -
Back-scratching bovine leads scientists to reassess intelligence of cows www.theguardian.com/science/2026...
Back-scratching bovine leads scientists to reassess intelligence of cows www.theguardian.com/science/2026...
Reposted by WalksWithPurpose
i think this MLK day the thing to focus on is the strategic focus and tactical brilliance of the civil rights movement and the way it was laser focused on a set of achievable goals
January 19, 2026 at 3:05 PM
i think this MLK day the thing to focus on is the strategic focus and tactical brilliance of the civil rights movement and the way it was laser focused on a set of achievable goals
Reposted by WalksWithPurpose
"Activists who packed the rafters in the Assembly chambers in Trenton’s Statehouse cheered loudly after the bill’s passage, hailing it as a landmark moment for immigrant rights..."
www.newsfromthestates.com/article/divi...
www.newsfromthestates.com/article/divi...
Divided NJ Legislature gives final passage to three anti-ICE bills
After a marathon voting session marked by tense debate, the Legislature Monday night sent a package of bills that would limit local police cooperation in immigration enforcement to Gov. Phil Murphy’s ...
www.newsfromthestates.com
January 17, 2026 at 10:22 PM
"Activists who packed the rafters in the Assembly chambers in Trenton’s Statehouse cheered loudly after the bill’s passage, hailing it as a landmark moment for immigrant rights..."
www.newsfromthestates.com/article/divi...
www.newsfromthestates.com/article/divi...
Reposted by WalksWithPurpose
As a three-time combat veteran, I get pretty damn hot when a five-time draft dodger like Donald Trump pounds his chest and bangs the war drums.
America is over it.
No more sending our sons & daughters to fight for oil.
America is over it.
No more sending our sons & daughters to fight for oil.
January 16, 2026 at 5:39 PM
As a three-time combat veteran, I get pretty damn hot when a five-time draft dodger like Donald Trump pounds his chest and bangs the war drums.
America is over it.
No more sending our sons & daughters to fight for oil.
America is over it.
No more sending our sons & daughters to fight for oil.
I think it's important to retain a sense of humor during these dangerous, troubling times. For me, it's easier to be hopeful if I have something to smile out. Fortunately, I have a silly, goofy cat who makes me smile.
More than 200,000 Danish citizens have signed a petition to buy California as a response to Trump’s attempt to take Greenland.
They say they will provide Californians with “rule of law, universal health care, fact-based politics, and a lifetime supply of Danish pastries.”
They say they will provide Californians with “rule of law, universal health care, fact-based politics, and a lifetime supply of Danish pastries.”
January 17, 2026 at 7:28 PM
I think it's important to retain a sense of humor during these dangerous, troubling times. For me, it's easier to be hopeful if I have something to smile out. Fortunately, I have a silly, goofy cat who makes me smile.
Reposted by WalksWithPurpose
Just an FYI: my Get Out the Vote efforts do not belie the fact that Trump will do everything he can to stop the midterms, and do not in any way intend to imply that voting is our ONLY cause of action, or that we must do nothing until we vote.
Despite Trump's efforts, we still need to vote.
Despite Trump's efforts, we still need to vote.
January 15, 2026 at 5:57 PM
Just an FYI: my Get Out the Vote efforts do not belie the fact that Trump will do everything he can to stop the midterms, and do not in any way intend to imply that voting is our ONLY cause of action, or that we must do nothing until we vote.
Despite Trump's efforts, we still need to vote.
Despite Trump's efforts, we still need to vote.
Reposted by WalksWithPurpose
🚨BREAKING: The Virginia House of Delegates approved a Democratic-backed constitutional amendment Wednesday that would allow lawmakers to redraw the state’s congressional districts mid-decade, a significant step toward countering nationwide GOP gerrymanders. www.democracydocket.com/news-alerts/...
Virginia House passes amendment allowing redistricting to counter GOP gerrymanders
Read more here.
www.democracydocket.com
January 14, 2026 at 10:43 PM
🚨BREAKING: The Virginia House of Delegates approved a Democratic-backed constitutional amendment Wednesday that would allow lawmakers to redraw the state’s congressional districts mid-decade, a significant step toward countering nationwide GOP gerrymanders. www.democracydocket.com/news-alerts/...
Reposted by WalksWithPurpose
Elected officials have to stop posting like bystanders who have no power.
January 13, 2026 at 8:35 PM
Elected officials have to stop posting like bystanders who have no power.
Reposted by WalksWithPurpose
A project to dismantle ICE will be years in the making. This is because you will have opponents [not just in the fascist GOP but also in the Democratic party]. And that means that organizing campaigns will have to be strategic and they will always be subject to being undermined by purported "allies"
January 12, 2026 at 9:02 PM
A project to dismantle ICE will be years in the making. This is because you will have opponents [not just in the fascist GOP but also in the Democratic party]. And that means that organizing campaigns will have to be strategic and they will always be subject to being undermined by purported "allies"
Reposted by WalksWithPurpose
Grateful to @geneweingarten.bsky.social for bringing up a story of a murder in the Civil Rights era that I had never heard of, one that has particular relevance right now.
geneweingarten.substack.com/p/this-has-h...
geneweingarten.substack.com/p/this-has-h...
This Has Happened Before
Viola Liuzzo was 39 years old when she was murdered. It was March 25, 1965.
geneweingarten.substack.com
January 12, 2026 at 6:54 PM
Grateful to @geneweingarten.bsky.social for bringing up a story of a murder in the Civil Rights era that I had never heard of, one that has particular relevance right now.
geneweingarten.substack.com/p/this-has-h...
geneweingarten.substack.com/p/this-has-h...
Reposted by WalksWithPurpose
DID YOU KNOW? The Amazon & Congo Basin forests produce 20% of the world's oxygen & absorb 2.2 billion metric tons of CO2 annually! Let's preserve these lungs of the Earth! NO TO DEFORESTATION & ECOCIDE! REPOST & SHARE if you care! #ClimateAction #EnvironmentalSustainability
January 13, 2026 at 3:26 AM
DID YOU KNOW? The Amazon & Congo Basin forests produce 20% of the world's oxygen & absorb 2.2 billion metric tons of CO2 annually! Let's preserve these lungs of the Earth! NO TO DEFORESTATION & ECOCIDE! REPOST & SHARE if you care! #ClimateAction #EnvironmentalSustainability
Thread. Worthwhile reading.
In case anyone didn’t believe in the literacy crisis among the kids, my eighth graders loudly complained about being given a six page story and it took many of them about an hour and a half to read it. And then lots of them said they didn’t get very basic things in the story. And I’m so tired.
January 11, 2026 at 6:31 PM
Thread. Worthwhile reading.
Reposted by WalksWithPurpose
Cotterite is an exceedingly rare form of quartz known from one Irish locality in Co. Cork. I was privileged to be present when Ben (7) brought it into the museum @nmireland.bsky.social Full story just published in Irish Naturalists’ Journal @injournal.bsky.social
www.irishtimes.com/environment/...
www.irishtimes.com/environment/...
Boy (7) strikes it lucky by finding one of the world’s rarest minerals near his home in Cork
Within seconds of handing it over to an expert, it was clear quartz discovery was very special
www.irishtimes.com
January 10, 2026 at 8:11 AM
Cotterite is an exceedingly rare form of quartz known from one Irish locality in Co. Cork. I was privileged to be present when Ben (7) brought it into the museum @nmireland.bsky.social Full story just published in Irish Naturalists’ Journal @injournal.bsky.social
www.irishtimes.com/environment/...
www.irishtimes.com/environment/...
Reposted by WalksWithPurpose
As we begin 2026, a new development threatens to further undermine voting by mail. A recent rule change at the U.S. Postal Service means that postmarks will no longer reflect the date a piece of mail was deposited at a local post office. www.democracydocket.com/opinion/how-...
How new USPS rules put the right to vote at risk
Read more here.
www.democracydocket.com
January 8, 2026 at 8:41 PM
As we begin 2026, a new development threatens to further undermine voting by mail. A recent rule change at the U.S. Postal Service means that postmarks will no longer reflect the date a piece of mail was deposited at a local post office. www.democracydocket.com/opinion/how-...
Reposted by WalksWithPurpose
RFK Jr.'s decision to gut the childhood immunization schedule - with no consultation from reputable experts - is reckless and puts children’s lives at risk.
January 7, 2026 at 6:11 PM
RFK Jr.'s decision to gut the childhood immunization schedule - with no consultation from reputable experts - is reckless and puts children’s lives at risk.
Reposted by WalksWithPurpose
This. Leadership should endorse.
I am impeaching Secretary Kristi Noem, who is an incompetent leader and a disgrace to our democracy.
She wreaked havoc in the Chicagoland area and has brought her reign of terror to Minneapolis. One of her rogue ICE agents shot and killed an innocent woman today. It must come to an end.
She wreaked havoc in the Chicagoland area and has brought her reign of terror to Minneapolis. One of her rogue ICE agents shot and killed an innocent woman today. It must come to an end.
January 8, 2026 at 12:49 AM
This. Leadership should endorse.
Reposted by WalksWithPurpose
My absolute favorite thing about writing is how you can do it at any age. I remember learning as a kid that one of my favorite authors, Shirly S. Tepper, didn't write her first novel until she was over 50, and she had an entire bookshelf in the bookstore!
(thread) #booksky #publishing
(thread) #booksky #publishing
January 7, 2026 at 3:42 PM
My absolute favorite thing about writing is how you can do it at any age. I remember learning as a kid that one of my favorite authors, Shirly S. Tepper, didn't write her first novel until she was over 50, and she had an entire bookshelf in the bookstore!
(thread) #booksky #publishing
(thread) #booksky #publishing
Reposted by WalksWithPurpose
Almost 90% of Greenland’s population is Indigenous, in case you’re wondering why the rich white men in the gilded White House think they can just take their land.
January 7, 2026 at 3:24 PM
Almost 90% of Greenland’s population is Indigenous, in case you’re wondering why the rich white men in the gilded White House think they can just take their land.
Reposted by WalksWithPurpose
Great piece explaining the how the Maduro arrest violates international law. @Just_Security. www.justsecurity.org/127981/inter...
International Law and the U.S. Military and Law Enforcement Operations in Venezuela
Experts survey the international law issues of Operation Absolute Resolve.
www.justsecurity.org
January 4, 2026 at 5:23 PM
Great piece explaining the how the Maduro arrest violates international law. @Just_Security. www.justsecurity.org/127981/inter...
Reposted by WalksWithPurpose
@morgfair.bsky.social
Hi. Can you repost this beautiful dog. Her name is MELIA. At the shelter 843 days. She needs a quiet adult only home. No dogs. Cats are ok.
Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter
(516) 785-5220
3320 Beltagh Avenue , Unit
Wantagh, NY 11793
Hi. Can you repost this beautiful dog. Her name is MELIA. At the shelter 843 days. She needs a quiet adult only home. No dogs. Cats are ok.
Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter
(516) 785-5220
3320 Beltagh Avenue , Unit
Wantagh, NY 11793
January 3, 2026 at 12:58 AM
@morgfair.bsky.social
Hi. Can you repost this beautiful dog. Her name is MELIA. At the shelter 843 days. She needs a quiet adult only home. No dogs. Cats are ok.
Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter
(516) 785-5220
3320 Beltagh Avenue , Unit
Wantagh, NY 11793
Hi. Can you repost this beautiful dog. Her name is MELIA. At the shelter 843 days. She needs a quiet adult only home. No dogs. Cats are ok.
Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter
(516) 785-5220
3320 Beltagh Avenue , Unit
Wantagh, NY 11793
Reposted by WalksWithPurpose
January 1, 2026 at 4:11 PM