digest

October 2026 Digest

Curated resources for tired teachers.

Two Pokemon cards I pulled from the 30th Anniversary Set this past month.

Welcome to the monthly newsletter! As a reminder, there are now two membership tiers: Ally ($2/mo or $20/yr) and Accomplice ($5/mo or $50/yr). Hosting ain't cheap, so consider supporting! You can also make a one-time donation.

This is a free post for all subscribers. Don't forget to check out my explainer post on why I switched to Ghost.

Hello loyal readers,

This one is shorter than usual because, rather than spending all day reading and creating art like my ancestors probably wanted for me, I am now back to work with the new semester. Ugh!

Your continued support is appreciated as I complete my transition from "content creator" to "auteur who posts once every few months with something truly special". For more of my writing, make sure you read (and share) my latest on how I'm treating my students this semester and my thoughts on the Last Ditch bar situation. Happy reading!

Action Items

If you have any scientific credibility at all, you can endorse this statement made by mathematicians against AI.
If you want to discuss LLM use with your workplace, here's a toolkit for discussing LLM use with your department and here's a toolkit for your laboratory.

Science

A very comprehensive study of ~27,000 students showing cognitive decline in AI users.
A paper claiming that using AI doesn't destroy your brain was recently retracted. Yet another retracted pro-AI article!
Research showing how AI's environmental impact changes depending on the region the data center is located.
A breakdown of PFAS use in intimate wear.

Opinions

Did you know that Hemingway was transfeminine? I didn't, but fortunately now I do!
Naomi Klein and Astra Taylor are here to argue that Big Tech and Big Oil have "fused".

Watch History

Amanda Hootman, content creator and character actor at Universal Studios, has bravely announced that she quit her job over Harry Potter. To honor her bravery, go support this petition she shared about how her fellow workers were treated!
A breakdown of how anti-trans positions are inherently non-scientific.
Apparently, it's easier than ever to get into 3D modeling. Maybe now's the time for me to try?

Gamer Girl Corner

I've been thoroughly enjoying Metroid Dread in my non-working moments this month. My experience with the game oscillates between incredibly frustrating (dealing with the robots hunting you down in certain areas of the game) and incredibly rewarding (killing said robots). If you've never given this style of game a try, now's the time to do it, what with Metroid Ravenous on the way.

Bops, Vibes, & Jams

Rapsody's new project, God Gotta Afro & Gold Hoops, is out now! Fav tracks: "Apple Juice", "Black Love feat. Malice".
YouTuber music is good now? Gabi Belle's new city pop project, City Girl, is a delightful listen.