Melissa Becce

I think it's a tie for me between picking pumpkins at the neighboring farm and doing a stint of housekeeping at a retreat lodge. In both cases I think I lasted one day before deciding it was not for me (there were many other jobs that I held for far too long before and after).

Want to learn about modern Lebanese history and politics? The 5th and final class of the year is happening this November. Registrations now open! thefirethesetimes.com/lebanonclass @thefirethesetimes.com

Hi, I'm a ruptured appendix at age 4.

This workshop looks amazing!

My doctor is pretty convinced that's why I'm sick now; he thinks the thyroiditis and goiter started once I hit too many months of chronic stress. I'm trying my best to get better, and that's why I seriously appreciate the support/shares/boosts; it truly means a lot. gofund.me/7872605fc

Covid is different for everyone. Some get it and are fine in a few days others get it and never fully recover with new health issues and expensive medical bills. Please If you had Covid and ended up ok do not be disrespectful to those who never recovered and now have Long Covid.

Before I got Long COVID, I volunteered actively for non-profits, schools, and religious organizations. I've had to scale back and drop service work, and I've had to say no to helping with causes I would like to support.

"Having long thought about doing a bookish post, that exchange from April 30 prompts my attempt to expand on my To-Be-Read (TBR) list from my Disability Justice Psychoeducation webpage, so I hope these insights resonate." 📚 www.equitableforall.com/articles/10-...

Moderate Expectations

It would have to be "halcyon", which was the end to my National Spelling Bee adventure.

Words in politics, which is way more relevant now than it should be.

These are incredibly cute *and* useful!

My one-hour special “Rick Steves Iran: Yesterday and Today,” which helps humanize 90 million Iranian people, is streaming free and ad-free at www.ricksteves.com/watch-iran.

You may have heard it's our Spring Fund Drive. You probably also heard that we're not asking our donors to give money again. Instead we're asking you to talk about us. So we thought you might like to have the facts about us. (And please share our website, too! www.equalaccesspublicmedia.org)

Thrilled to announce the world premiere of our new documentary, *Becoming Benjamin Lay*, Sat., Apr. 11, 2026, 4:00 pm, Carnegie Library, 419 Library St., Braddock, PA. Please help us spread the word by social media/personal contacts. Tickets ($10) available here: www.eventbrite.com/e/becoming-b...

This week marked the anniversary of the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. We’ve summarized our thoughts a bit below, but tl;dr: Unfortunately, COVID-19 is still with us, & although we may be tired of hearing about it, it’s extremely important to continue to take steps to protect ourselves & others.

And also because I care about you! If there's a simple tool that is very effective at preventing this awful disease and helping you avoid my experience, I want you to know about it.

These are adorable *and* useful.

This is a jewel of a book. Heartily recommend.

This is the year I'm finally piloting February Fiction for Fun (#FeFiFoFu). I need a short, simple, practice of joy and creativity more than ever. For at least 15 minutes a day from today to 2/28, I'll be working on my fiction WIP. Feel free to join me!

Offer: free 30-40 mins virtual author visits for MPS elementary classrooms going virtual to stay safe from I.C.E.’s domestic terrorism of my hometown. DM me. Please share.

Hi, I'm Ruptured Appendix (age 4).

Machiavelli's The Prince (original Italian)

These PDFs are fantastic for *anyone* who struggles with procrastination, motivation, and just getting things done. Get them now and you can reprint and use them endlessly!

This is a fantastic deal. The PDFs are full of amazing, creative jump starters for your brain and energy and tools to help you focus.

It's that time of year again.

Haha I was just about to say this. STEP 1: Make a Gantt chart for Thanksgiving prep STEP 2: Finish Thanksgiving prep in February, full of self-loathing, just like every other Gantt chart project

My last Brother laser multi-function printer lasted me 15 years. So naturally I bought the same Brother printer again, just 15 years newer.

I made this salad a lot in my graduate years: Can of chickpeas or white beans Can of tuna Cut up bell peppers or tomatoes Olive oil Red wine vinegar Salt and Pepper Can also add rice or quinoa if you have it or other veggies like zucchini

See a tuxedo post a tuxedo

youtu.be/gHAIjSkmnYI?...

Employees across multiple divisions agree: They can't imagine how the department will fulfill its legal obligations with roughly half its staff gone.

“This isn’t a coincidence. It’s the result of federal policy choices — most immediately, sweeping job cuts across public-sector agencies where Black women have long held the strongest foothold in middle-class employment.”

One of the most straightforward, radical, life affirming actions you can take right now is wearing a K/N95 mask. Community care & self care rolled into one easy act. Show up for yourself and your neighbors.

Christians with #LongCOVID and those still taking COVID-19 precautions feel abandoned by their religious institutions. In a Sick Times survey, the majority of respondents reported their churches are failing to acknowledge Long COVID. Some are creating their own spaces in response. bit.ly/4dRQZn7

An historian friend shared this Quaker-related piece of National Spelling Bee history, and now you can enjoy it too.

The professor tells me in past semesters her mask wearing inspired a few students to mask too, but this semester she has masked alone, but when I ask if she has wanted to stop, she says: “no it’s good for students to see someone doing the right thing when everyone else given up.”

A friend who did not realize her driver's license had expired until she got to TSA (and who did not have her passport) was able to use her Costco ID to fly instead. So putting it with your ID is valid!

🚨 BREAKING: Long COVID research grants rescinded earlier this week have been restored, according to researchers & patient reps. Advocates organized quickly yesterday in response to the news, helping reverse the decision. Exclusive in @thesicktimes.bsky.social thesicktimes.org/2025/03/28/u...

Disability justice asks: What if care wasn’t conditional? What if rest wasn’t earned? What if worth didn’t hinge on how useful you are to someone else?

There is a common thread among the TV that appeals to me right now and that thread is...competence.

They're called public records for a reason. Starting today, WIRED will *stop paywalling* articles that are primarily based on public records obtained through the Freedom of Information Act, becoming the first publication to partner with @freedom.press to offer this for our new coverage.

This. All of this.

A team of volunteer archivists has recreated the Centers for Disease Control website exactly as it was the day Donald Trump was inaugurated. The site, called RestoredCDC.org, went live Tuesday and is currently being hosted in Europe. Read more: www.404media.co/archivists-r...

Today @thesicktimes.bsky.social: I spoke to several federal workers with Long COVID who are deeply concerned about their future employment under the Trump administration. thesicktimes.org/2025/03/03/f...

I can't stop laughing at this (source: imgur.com/gallery/take...)