@mindstalk.bsky.social
Interests: liberal, atheist, urbanism, public transit, Tolkien, Silmarillion, walking, anime, yuri, Bujold, Liaden, fanfic, KF94s, N95s.
My top Twitter thread (scroll past 18/end, it keeps going): https://mindstalk.net/15minComp.html
My top Twitter thread (scroll past 18/end, it keeps going): https://mindstalk.net/15minComp.html
Reposted
I know these moms are genuinely worried, but like, everyone else at the daycare got vaccinated and are fine??? Do they think those kids’ parents don’t care about their kids? Or that those kids are gonna grow up wrong?
I hate how much the health grifters have scrambled people’s brains.
I hate how much the health grifters have scrambled people’s brains.
January 17, 2026 at 3:36 PM
I know these moms are genuinely worried, but like, everyone else at the daycare got vaccinated and are fine??? Do they think those kids’ parents don’t care about their kids? Or that those kids are gonna grow up wrong?
I hate how much the health grifters have scrambled people’s brains.
I hate how much the health grifters have scrambled people’s brains.
Reposted
A student asked me on Wednesday why I was masking again. I said I had gotten a cold over winter break, and it reminded me that I hate being sick.
Child: But I'm not sick!!
Email from child's mother, this morning: Child has been at home yesterday and today with the flu.
🤨
Child: But I'm not sick!!
Email from child's mother, this morning: Child has been at home yesterday and today with the flu.
🤨
January 16, 2026 at 7:37 PM
A student asked me on Wednesday why I was masking again. I said I had gotten a cold over winter break, and it reminded me that I hate being sick.
Child: But I'm not sick!!
Email from child's mother, this morning: Child has been at home yesterday and today with the flu.
🤨
Child: But I'm not sick!!
Email from child's mother, this morning: Child has been at home yesterday and today with the flu.
🤨
Reposted
Went to an aquarium supply store last night and was delighted to see the staff in N95 masks and all customers still required to wear masks also. I wish I saw more places still doing this. The “Covid surcharges” sign behind the till particularly got me 😂
#YEG #CovidIsNotOver
#YEG #CovidIsNotOver
January 13, 2026 at 1:48 PM
Went to an aquarium supply store last night and was delighted to see the staff in N95 masks and all customers still required to wear masks also. I wish I saw more places still doing this. The “Covid surcharges” sign behind the till particularly got me 😂
#YEG #CovidIsNotOver
#YEG #CovidIsNotOver
Reposted
i got the "when are you going to stop wearing your seatbelt? you're not on a racetrack.
when are you going to stop eating vegetables? your growth plates have already closed."
counter-fallacies locked and loaded mentally lol fight moronic with moronic
when are you going to stop eating vegetables? your growth plates have already closed."
counter-fallacies locked and loaded mentally lol fight moronic with moronic
January 17, 2026 at 8:41 PM
i got the "when are you going to stop wearing your seatbelt? you're not on a racetrack.
when are you going to stop eating vegetables? your growth plates have already closed."
counter-fallacies locked and loaded mentally lol fight moronic with moronic
when are you going to stop eating vegetables? your growth plates have already closed."
counter-fallacies locked and loaded mentally lol fight moronic with moronic
Reposted
Makes me think back to how there was MAJOR resistance to the idea doctor's should wash their hands before SURGERY, because they felt implying something as prestigious as a doctor being dirty was insulting.
January 18, 2026 at 12:58 AM
Makes me think back to how there was MAJOR resistance to the idea doctor's should wash their hands before SURGERY, because they felt implying something as prestigious as a doctor being dirty was insulting.
Reposted
I'm at the point now where, going into year 7 of this, airborne mitigations are second nature, like brushing my teeth or wearing sunglasses. That's why it's odd when someone says these habits are pathological. Do we say that about handwashing or flossing?
January 17, 2026 at 8:33 PM
I'm at the point now where, going into year 7 of this, airborne mitigations are second nature, like brushing my teeth or wearing sunglasses. That's why it's odd when someone says these habits are pathological. Do we say that about handwashing or flossing?
Reposted
Very interesting study. Suggests that the infective dose of flu virus is fairly high, people with flu are not that infectious if not coughing or sneezing, good air circulation reduces risk, and N95 masks likely to be protective.
In this piece I’m quoted about cough as a mechanism of viral spread — decreasing cough frequency would decrease transmission via that route www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a7002...
Scientists Put Flu Patients in a Room With Healthy People—No One Got Sick. Why?
Plus, a couple of practical takeaways.
www.womenshealthmag.com
January 17, 2026 at 6:30 PM
Very interesting study. Suggests that the infective dose of flu virus is fairly high, people with flu are not that infectious if not coughing or sneezing, good air circulation reduces risk, and N95 masks likely to be protective.
What anti-vax leads to:
The South Carolina measles outbreak is growing at an astounding speed
More than 500 people are in a 21-day quarantine and about 200 are "actively infected." The largest outbreak currently in the U.S. has spread to at least three other states
More than 500 people are in a 21-day quarantine and about 200 are "actively infected." The largest outbreak currently in the U.S. has spread to at least three other states
'Staring over the edge': South Carolina measles outbreak doubles in a week
More than 500 people are in a 21-day quarantine and about 200 are "actively infected." The largest outbreak currently in the U.S. has spread to at least three other states.
www.nbcnews.com
January 18, 2026 at 12:57 AM
What anti-vax leads to:
Reposted
Measles can last for up to 2 hrs in the air after an infected person leaves the area! Mask up, people! And NOT a surgical mask! It must be an N95 respirator.
The South Carolina measles outbreak is growing at an astounding speed
More than 500 people are in a 21-day quarantine and about 200 are "actively infected." The largest outbreak currently in the U.S. has spread to at least three other states
More than 500 people are in a 21-day quarantine and about 200 are "actively infected." The largest outbreak currently in the U.S. has spread to at least three other states
'Staring over the edge': South Carolina measles outbreak doubles in a week
More than 500 people are in a 21-day quarantine and about 200 are "actively infected." The largest outbreak currently in the U.S. has spread to at least three other states.
www.nbcnews.com
January 17, 2026 at 4:53 PM
Measles can last for up to 2 hrs in the air after an infected person leaves the area! Mask up, people! And NOT a surgical mask! It must be an N95 respirator.
Why do Republicans want more sick kids?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention dropped its advice that kids get an annual flu shot at a time when flu cases and hospitalizations are surging. n.pr/49SAnLG
Flu shot recommendation for kids dropped just as the illness rages
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention dropped its advice that kids get an annual flu shot at a time when flu cases and hospitalizations are surging.
n.pr
January 14, 2026 at 1:42 PM
Why do Republicans want more sick kids?
Reposted
PLEASE SHARE 🧪‼️
Vaccination schedules on the CDC website have already started changing under RFK Jr.
Scientific American has published a guide to the EVIDENCE-BASED vaccine recommendations in place BEFORE ACIP members were removed by the administration.
www.scientificamerican.com/article/see-...
Vaccination schedules on the CDC website have already started changing under RFK Jr.
Scientific American has published a guide to the EVIDENCE-BASED vaccine recommendations in place BEFORE ACIP members were removed by the administration.
www.scientificamerican.com/article/see-...
Here’s Your Cheat Sheet for Vaccine Recommendations Backed by Science
These graphics will guide you through science-based vaccine guidelines for children and adults
www.scientificamerican.com
January 6, 2026 at 5:03 PM
PLEASE SHARE 🧪‼️
Vaccination schedules on the CDC website have already started changing under RFK Jr.
Scientific American has published a guide to the EVIDENCE-BASED vaccine recommendations in place BEFORE ACIP members were removed by the administration.
www.scientificamerican.com/article/see-...
Vaccination schedules on the CDC website have already started changing under RFK Jr.
Scientific American has published a guide to the EVIDENCE-BASED vaccine recommendations in place BEFORE ACIP members were removed by the administration.
www.scientificamerican.com/article/see-...
Cheaper multibedroom housing.
Better public schools.
Free college.
Better public schools.
Free college.
leftist plan to increase the birthrate:
- universal health care
- free child care
- better paid family leave
- better workforce protections so they can't lay you off while you're pregnant and be like "no it was for something else i swear"
ok i did it
www.npr.org/2026/01/12/n...
- universal health care
- free child care
- better paid family leave
- better workforce protections so they can't lay you off while you're pregnant and be like "no it was for something else i swear"
ok i did it
www.npr.org/2026/01/12/n...
As birthrates tumble, some progressives say the left needs to offer ideas and solutions
The US and other countries face aging, shrinking populations. Conservatives have shaped debate over the issue. Some liberals say it's time for progressives to weigh in.
www.npr.org
January 14, 2026 at 12:18 PM
Cheaper multibedroom housing.
Better public schools.
Free college.
Better public schools.
Free college.
SARS2 vaccine efficacy, USA data. From texanalysis.com
Reminder that Jan 2022 is when most of the world (outside of China [strong zero-covid policies] and always-maskers), vaccinated or not, got Omicron. Deaths spiked but not nearly as much as they could have.
Reminder that Jan 2022 is when most of the world (outside of China [strong zero-covid policies] and always-maskers), vaccinated or not, got Omicron. Deaths spiked but not nearly as much as they could have.
January 13, 2026 at 4:40 AM
SARS2 vaccine efficacy, USA data. From texanalysis.com
Reminder that Jan 2022 is when most of the world (outside of China [strong zero-covid policies] and always-maskers), vaccinated or not, got Omicron. Deaths spiked but not nearly as much as they could have.
Reminder that Jan 2022 is when most of the world (outside of China [strong zero-covid policies] and always-maskers), vaccinated or not, got Omicron. Deaths spiked but not nearly as much as they could have.
A public health agency giving actual public health advice.
Getting ready for the workweek and not feeling well? Staying home is best for you and others, but we know, unfortunately, not everyone has that choice. If you have to go out, take steps to protect your health and the health of others.
January 12, 2026 at 5:53 AM
A public health agency giving actual public health advice.
Reposted
My only quibble here is the term "every encounter", as if respirators should only be worn close to a patient. When you want into a room where someone was exhaling virus 15 minutes ago you need to be wearing a respirator. Continuous use is what the science tells us is required, not episodic use.
SURGICAL MASKS DO NOT PROTECT
So encouraging to see the sheer strength of feeling amongst so many highly-respected scientists & medical practitioners from across the world making representations to WHO
This letter from World Health Network is a must-read
tinyurl.com/WHN-Letter-t...
So encouraging to see the sheer strength of feeling amongst so many highly-respected scientists & medical practitioners from across the world making representations to WHO
This letter from World Health Network is a must-read
tinyurl.com/WHN-Letter-t...
Open Letter to WHO: A Call for the Universal use of Respirators in Healthcare - WHN
January 7, 2026 The letter below (a button to download it as a .pdf file is at the bottom of this page) was sent to seven top officials at the World Health Organization on Wednesday 7 January. Press c...
tinyurl.com
January 10, 2026 at 6:40 PM
My only quibble here is the term "every encounter", as if respirators should only be worn close to a patient. When you want into a room where someone was exhaling virus 15 minutes ago you need to be wearing a respirator. Continuous use is what the science tells us is required, not episodic use.
Read the thread for context.
ALL LANES ARE BUS LANES NOW
OUT OF THE WAY, PUNY SUV
OUT OF THE WAY, PUNY SUV
January 11, 2026 at 5:08 AM
Read the thread for context.
Reposted
Sickness, Disability, and Death in NHS England Staff
The three graphs that *every person* needs to see.
The question that every single person needs to ask their government:
What are you doing to protect me from Covid infection?
The three graphs that *every person* needs to see.
The question that every single person needs to ask their government:
What are you doing to protect me from Covid infection?
January 10, 2026 at 6:45 AM
Sickness, Disability, and Death in NHS England Staff
The three graphs that *every person* needs to see.
The question that every single person needs to ask their government:
What are you doing to protect me from Covid infection?
The three graphs that *every person* needs to see.
The question that every single person needs to ask their government:
What are you doing to protect me from Covid infection?
Reposted
This is one of the reasons why microtransit/on-demand transit service is less reliable than fixed route service 🫠
It gets so busy that riders won’t be able to request a trip 😭🚐
It gets so busy that riders won’t be able to request a trip 😭🚐
January 6, 2026 at 3:25 PM
This is one of the reasons why microtransit/on-demand transit service is less reliable than fixed route service 🫠
It gets so busy that riders won’t be able to request a trip 😭🚐
It gets so busy that riders won’t be able to request a trip 😭🚐
Reposted
In conclusion:
(2/2)
(2/2)
January 8, 2026 at 6:24 PM
In conclusion:
(2/2)
(2/2)
Reposted
We don’t know who needs to hear this, but the flu is getting out of hand. And we needed to make a post about it. Here are our pretty direct thoughts, because sometimes our social media manager/infographic designer is tired & can’t think of a way to put it more gently. Please make good choices. (1/2)
January 8, 2026 at 6:23 PM
We don’t know who needs to hear this, but the flu is getting out of hand. And we needed to make a post about it. Here are our pretty direct thoughts, because sometimes our social media manager/infographic designer is tired & can’t think of a way to put it more gently. Please make good choices. (1/2)
Reposted
Face masks ‘inadequate’ and should be swapped for respirators, WHO is advised
Face masks ‘inadequate’ and should be swapped for respirators, WHO is advised
Experts are urging guideline changes on what health professionals should wear to protect against flu-like illnesses including Covid
www.theguardian.com
January 9, 2026 at 1:43 PM
Face masks ‘inadequate’ and should be swapped for respirators, WHO is advised
Reposted
I got last year’s flu; I firmly believe I would have been hospitalized w/o the vaccine. I couldn’t eat solid food for three days. The thought of having to chew an entire meal was exhausting and I was like thanks no thanks I’ll just go hungry today. My husband doordashed so many smoothies that week
January 7, 2026 at 3:38 PM
I got last year’s flu; I firmly believe I would have been hospitalized w/o the vaccine. I couldn’t eat solid food for three days. The thought of having to chew an entire meal was exhausting and I was like thanks no thanks I’ll just go hungry today. My husband doordashed so many smoothies that week
"it's just a flu"
I always at least intended to get the flu vax but in 2010 as slow to get around to it. Worked from home, young, healthy, wasn't concerned.
I was in miserable and in bed for a week. Took months before I could go up the stairs without getting winded.
I was in miserable and in bed for a week. Took months before I could go up the stairs without getting winded.
January 8, 2026 at 10:27 AM
"it's just a flu"
Reposted
If you like this, you may also like the much longer version:
youtu.be/SmMRVeRs3vU
youtu.be/SmMRVeRs3vU
Commuting in the snow (Utrecht, Netherlands)
YouTube video by BicycleDutch
youtu.be
January 6, 2026 at 11:10 PM
If you like this, you may also like the much longer version:
youtu.be/SmMRVeRs3vU
youtu.be/SmMRVeRs3vU