J.D. Ho
@nematode.bsky.social
Backyard Alchemy (River River, 2026). They/them.
The grammatical 'colon' and the anatomical 'colon' are not etymologically related. The anatomical 'colon' comes from the Greek ‘kolon’ which means “large intestine.” The grammatical 'colon' comes from the Greek ‘kōlon’ which means “limb.” Both are a means to an end.
Also, today I complimented a stranger on his spotted lanternfly killing technique. Wow!!! He was a pro!!!
Made progress on my book today thanks to my excellent writing buddies @hanvanderhart.bsky.social, @jgriffingraham.bsky.social, and @danielbolnick.bsky.social. Truly, you cannot do it alone.
Get yourself a friend who casually recommends your book to the nyt and puts you in the same sentence as Annie Dillard. Full disclosure, I helped him clean invasive weeds out of his pond.
Daniel Bolnick@danielbolnick.bsky.social · 3w agoIf you enjoyed Dillard’s writing, may I recommend another wonderful voice @nematode.bsky.social whose new book Backyard Alchemy is a joy to read as well.
Hear @jgriffingraham.bsky.social read from The Fall of Iris Henley on Episode 91! Listen here: share.transistor.fm/s/dc0a1b63 📚💜🎙️
Do you have Red Astrachan apples? Can you share photos (and location)? There are two distinct phenotypes and I want to know more about their geographical distribution.
Today I fixed my door with two random screws from my giant random screw box. Don't ever let anyone tell you to throw that box out, no matter how huge it is and how many years you've had it without ever using a screw from it.
Of genres and perceptions, of commercial and pulp writing (Fanny Howe!), of beautiful language and sentences that bring us joy, of public libraries and of blue collar readers and writing technology and more! Hear novelist Jennifer Graham read on Episode 91! 📚💜🎙️🎧 share.transistor.fm/s/dc0a1b63
Another great moment at the Uplands Park Bioblitz bee walk was when a female Colletes I had on my hand starting blowing bubbles to concentrate nectar after I had just talked about that process! Some folks got good photos of it! I really did feel like the bee whisperer! Haha! #bees
Good morning to our A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT: essays on form & water Kickstarter launch! 📚❤️ www.kickstarter.com/projects/riv...
A River Runs Through It: Essays on Form & Water
An anthology exploring rivers and writing, forthcoming from River River Books in Fall 2026.
kickstarter.com
At the point where I have to do deep thinking about my book structure. I ordered 5 lbs of coffee.
Posting bee observations on iNaturalist means you are contributing to scientific research that can help conserve native bees. Plus, you are more likely to get multiple people looking at your observations and getting the best possible identification from your photos. #bees
Little Melissodes microsticta drying out before she starts work for the day. Ants were farming aphids on the elecampane, so of course I got covered in them! #rileyparkcommunitygarden #bees
This chapter on insect diets is has some great snarky prose: "data almost as hard to digest as the chitinous bodies of the insects themselves"
It's raining today in Vancouver. Bees will be hunkering down for the time being. And when the sun returns, it will be back to beezness. #bees
Almost done with the barf draft of my new book, which is not individual essays but rather one topic in chapters. Please tell me about your favorite manuscript organization tools/methods!
A little leafcutter bee casts a shadow on a mallow leaf as she forages in nodding onion. #bees #rileyparkcommunitygarden
Halictus rubicundus is a ground-nesting bee that seems to do well in urban settings. That doesn't mean we should take her for granted. Every time green space is paved over, we lose potential habitat for this lovely gentle bee. #victorygardensforbees #bees
Agapostemon on cosmos. #rileyparklearninggarden I really love seeing gardens in Vancouver that have been created and tended with care with grassroots community support. Thank you to the gardeners. #bees
Many of us are relying on the welcome chill of air con during historic heatwaves 🥵 Here's a look at the chemical compounds keeping us cool in @cenmag.bsky.social: cen.acs.org/articles/95/... #ChemSky🧪
The last episode of Brilliant Minds airs tomorrow. This show has been a lifeline for me during an incredibly hard two years. Will I ever find another show like it? Accepting suggestions. www.nbc.com/brilliant-mi... #BrilliantMinds
Brilliant Minds - NBC.com
Brilliant Minds - Premieres September 22 at 10/9c. Zachary Quinto returns as gifted neurologist Dr. Wolf.
nbc.com
Science reporting might seem daunting if you’re new to the beat or aren’t working with a science-focused outlet. Our Covering Science at the Local Level peer mentoring Slack can help you find community. Learn more:
Covering Science at the Local Level: A Peer-Mentoring Community - The Open Notebook
The Open Notebook's Covering Science peer-mentoring program is a diverse community of practice for local and general assignment reporters and editors who are interested in adding more science…
theopennotebook.com
It was a lovely day to go to the UBC Farm Market. Saw this sweet hummer at the nearby Nobel Community Garden. I love the way she's conserving energy by perching on the stem of the crocosmia to feed from the blossoms.
