Natalie Draper

It truly stuns me how many people who should know better (are critical thinkers, are in the humanities and the arts, are against capitalism, care about the planet, etc.) are little by little becoming completely obsessed with AI.

We are seeing in real time why DC needs the full power and protection of statehood.

Deploying the National Guard to a state without a request from state leaders is unlawful.

The fact that he could do it in the capital city is a massive vulnerability to our entire national democracy.

Love these. Debussy and Part are great for this.

YouTube video by Ensemble Klang - Topic Debris & Alchemy I

What’s your favorite music for calming anxiety? For me, it’s Kate Moore’s Debris & Alchemy. All three mvmts are 💯. I went on a bender of listening to this piece during the last bit of my doctorate. Going back to it recently because yikes the world right now. Would be happy for other suggestions!

Shoutout to my academic friends on here who are drowning in pre-semester emails. A big part of my email volume is probably because I'm chairing this year (😱), but oof it's a lot. On the other hand, I'm *finally* getting to that point where I think I'm ready to get back to it, so that's a good sign.

I remember reading somewhere someone describing leaving the country to move to Europe as similar to leaving an abusive relationship. I’ve been thinking about that some this summer. We have no plans to leave, but there’s really no other way to describe this administration other than abusive.

US Air Force to deny retirement pay to transgender service members being separated from the service | CNN Politics The U.S. Air Force said Thursday it would deny all transgender service members who have served between 15 and 18 years the option to retire early and would instead separate them without retirement ben...

The US Air Force said it would deny all transgender service members who have served between 15 and 18 years the option to retire early and would instead separate them without retirement benefits.

The thing is - we’re still in the early stages of all of this. It’s only been a little over 6 months. 🙈

I’m not sure why, but today might have been the day my inbox died. So many work emails that I haven’t even had time to process the fact that humans think it’s a good idea to put a nuclear reactor on the moon. Def a beer night. 😵‍💫

I know that there are far, far more disturbing things going on right now but what the actual.

From California to Tennessee, the effects of the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown have reached a place most wouldn’t think to look: the kennels of overcrowded animal shelters. wapo.st/4mfYnwh

I woke up with the dies irae in my head and that checks out for August 1st. 😂

I am losing my mind. The amount of trauma and PTSD that this woman will have just from the natural loss - and then add jail time and all this crap on top of that. Why would any woman want to have a child in a red state at this point?

Trump administration to destroy birth control intended as aid Belgium, the United Nations and aid groups say they have offered to save $9.7 million in supplies kept in a Belgian warehouse.

$9.7 million just to be thrown away. Described as “abortifacient commodities.” I don’t have words for how idiotic and misogynistic this administration is.

IFC Center - Monk in Pieces Thursday, July 24 at 6:45 p.m.: Sneak Preview + Q&A with Meredith Monk, director Billy Shebar, and producer Susan Margolin moderated by WNYC’s John Schaefer after the show Friday, July 25 at 6:45 p.m....

New documentary about the great Meredith Monk opens on Friday at IFC after a sold-out sneak preview on Thursday evening. The trailer makes this film look beautiful and fun, which is also to say accurate and appropriate. www.ifccenter.com/films/monk-i...

Had a migraine since yesterday afternoon and treated myself to a Reuben and a fountain Pepsi today and both turned out to be medicinal. Feeling much better. Sometimes you just need a deli sandwich. 🤷🏻‍♀️

I am doing periodic deep-cleans of various things in the house this summer and today I tackled our spice cabinet and hoo boy check your expiration dates, my friends.

YouTube video by Chris Cresswell - Composer WCNY and PBS Need Your Support

I'm soft launching my Youtube channel with my story about why @pbs.org and public broadcasting matters. PBS and NPR may be defunded, but they aren't defeated. Please donate today if you're are able.

www.wcny.org/donate

www.youtube.com/watch?v=18rK...

Syracuse friends - get yourselves to Alto Cinco for their July special gazpacho. It’s 💯.

It is literally perfect outside right now - sunny, 70s, and less humid than usual. Puts me in a good mood for the end of the week. ❤️ Once in a while (and only in the summer and fall) Syracuse gets it right. 😂

Lol

Omfg he was represented by Jonathan Mitchell.

😂 Truly!!

I say this every year, but I deeply resent the fact that Target (and others, I’m sure) has their back-to-school display fully up right after July 4. Give. Us. Some. Peace.

‘A day of loss’: Boston University to lay off 120 people citing federal funding impacts Boston University is laying off 120 people, eliminating another 120 vacancies and reducing its budget by 5%.

The hits on higher ed just keep coming.

Lovely black cat ensconced in the same nest.

Now Luna’s doing it, too. Monkey see, monkey do.

Lovely tuxedo cat peeks out from a nest of blankets and pillows.

When you seek shelter from the afternoon thunderstorm.

Lovely black cat and lovely tuxedo cat are snuggling on a window seat with the tuxedo cat’s head resting by the black cat’s bum and the tuxedo cat’s little white paw extended to touch the black cat’s paw.

Holding hands while snoozing. 😻

One of my cats is hiding under a bed and the other one’s eyes are huge and she’s cowering in a corner. I hate fireworks.