Jane of the Redwoods

Here is the formal letter the NIH sent today to UCLA Chancellor Julio Frenk.

“These projects are fully reinstated, and the letter dated July 31, 2025 is rescinded without conditions. Funds will be made available immediately and are no longer suspended, terminated, or restricted.”

Listen Russ, you are a malignant political hack.

We will not be intimidated by your threat to engage in mass firings.

Get lost.

That worked out so well over at GSA.

This is very accurate

I 🩵 Senator Mark Warner

The Washington cookbook is subtitled “a tasteful tour of the nations capital“. It is a benefit for the Washington Opera at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The book’s cover and illustrations are done by Lily Spandorf.

#DCbackstory

China will end up annexing Russia like Russia annexed Crimea.

Putin to Zelenskyy:

Please come to Moscow and drink tea 🫖🪆

Photograph of the cover of a cookbook called the Washington cookbook. It features a picture of the US Capitol building dome in white, in relief against a royal blue background. The plastic binding is red. This book is a compilation of recipes from various kindhearted contributors. The entire book is printed in dark blue. Against White. They used high-quality paper and got a ragged edge. Quite nice quality product considering this book is what 40 years old, it’s aging better than I am.

The last time I wrote a thread about a book was on Twitter, and it was about a thrift-store find, Kremlin Capitalism.

But for Blue Sky, I’d like to begin with a gentler topic, which is a gem found at an estate sale today.

May I present

The Washington Cookbook from 1982.

Oh my God

If compliments make you feel super awkward, this comic is for you When someone says something nice about us, it can make us feel awkward and uncomfortable. Researchers explain the science behind those emotions — and make the case for accepting genuine praise.

When someone says something nice about us, it can make us feel awkward and uncomfortable. Researchers explain the science behind those emotions — and make the case for accepting genuine praise.

1/ Even as Vladimir Putin appears to be envisaging the war in Ukraine continuing indefinitely, Russian soldiers have had enough. An online poll suggests that many of the soldiers on the front line do not want to fight on to a decisive Russian victory. ⬇️

#haikufeels (smile) #haiku #poem #poetry #blueskypoet #flowers #bloomscrolling

Who can resist
Her big bright smile
Beautiful sunflower

Those of us who do not remember history, are condemned to repeat it.

In case anyone is looking for a cool place to take a summer vacation may I recommend the San Francisco Bay Area. We are experiencing coolest temperature since 1997. Today was a low record. Bring a jacket! Maybe a sweater, too!

You are warned this is best read on an empty stomach

Just posting a horrific read from a deposition years ago which alleges Trump and Epstein took turns despoiling a 13-year-old virgin who dreamed of becoming a model

Why Russia Loves the Idea of California Seceding Once again, Moscow is winking at a long-shot breakaway movement in the U.S.

Well, isn’t that crazy? Because the first guy I saw promoting CaExit now lives in Moscow, Russia.

www.politico.com/magazine/sto...

What are you folks? Drumming up support for Cal Exit?

Yep. Last time I checked, the LAPD was not a hot bed of liberalism. And that’s before we get to the sheriffs.

Make America Normal Again

We are deeply saddened at @fsfp.bsky.social by the news of Bill Moyers's passing. He was an extraordinary human being, a true champion and hero for our democracy. And he was a special friend to us. We are thinking of his family during this difficult time. Our tribute to Bill is linked below.

It’s checkmate until 2027.

Map of North Africa showing Russian presence in eight countries

Russia’s mercenary Wagner Group has been renamed the Africa Corps and brought under direct control of the Russian Defense Ministry. Here’s where they’re operating in Africa: (graphic via Rand Corp)

You know what’s radical?

Masked “agents” grabbing people off the street and disappearing them without due process.

Senator @chrismurphyct.bsky.social post intel briefing:

1) "I do not think the president was telling the truth when he said this program was 'obliterated.'"

2) "It still appears that we have only set back the Iranian nuclear program by a handful of months."

3) Questions absence of DNI Gabbard

"The bishops are grateful that the One Big Beautiful Bill Act includes provisions that promote the dignity of human life and support parental choice in education. These are commendable provisions that are important priorities for the bishops. Still, Congress must be consistent in protecting human life and dignity and make drastic changes to the bill to protect those most in need. As Pope Leo XIV recently stated, it is the responsibility of politicians to promote and protect the common good, including by working to overcome great wealth inequality. This bill does not answer this call. It takes from the poor to give to the wealthy. It provides tax breaks for some while undermining the social safety net for others through major cuts to nutrition assistance and Medicaid. It fails to protect families and children by promoting an enforcement-only approach to immigration and eroding access to legal protections. It harms God's creation and future generations through cuts to clean energy incentives and environmental programs.

INBOX: Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, head of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, is urging lawmakers to change the GOP-led “Big, Beautiful Bill” budget proposal, citing Pope Leo to argue that the bill “takes from the poor to give to the wealthy.”

It’s the strongest language USCCB has used yet