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Amy MacPherson

@amymacpherson.bsky.social
439 followers 378 following 321 posts

Living in Ottawa on unceded Anishinabe territory. Photos and opinions my own unless otherwise specified. Don’t expect much, though, since I’m mostly just lurking here while procrastinating. She/her. Banner: trees against a sunset sky PFP: calico cat

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Reposted by Amy MacPherson
Sandy Horne @sandyhorne.bsky.social · 13h
With Halloween coming up, it's time for the reminder to avoid buying/using fake spiderwebs. They can entangle and entrap birds. There's some good alternative ideas on this web page ... birdlife.org.au/news/bird-sa...
birdlife.org.au
Bird-safe Halloween decorations - BirdLife Australia
How to celebrate Halloween with bird-friendly decorations.
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Amy MacPherson @amymacpherson.bsky.social · 21h
I just finished this excellent book, after waiting weeks for it to become available from my local library! The timing worked out, it was appropriate reading for National Truth and Reconciliation Day in Canada. Congratulations to @stephengrahamjones.com!
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Punished Cat Guy (extra punished Cenobite version) @majima.club · 23h
*record scratch* Yep, that’s me. You’re probably wondering how I got into this situation… (reposted with alt text because this is an absolute treasure. Photo credit: Kevin Lohman @kevinlohman.bsky.social)
Professional photograph of a squirrel leaping down from a branch at a very startled-looking owl. The owl’s yellow eyes are wide as it looks over its shoulder up at the squirrel who clearly has zero regard for his own life, his mouth open as if shouting WITNESS ME, or potentially some sort of justification for this surprise attack, Inigo Montoya style. Whatever the Owl has to say in return is definitely in all caps. 

Caption reads: 
CALIFORNIA POST
California squirrel's flying attack is finalist in national wildlife photo competition
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Reposted by Amy MacPherson
Dr. Emily S Choy (she/her), FRCGS @emilyschoy.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Come join my department at McMaster! We are searching for a Plant Biology professor! Please share widely! www.academicwork.ca/jobs/tenure-...
academicwork.ca
Tenure-Track Assistant Professor in Plant Biology
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Ottawa Public Health @ottawapublichealth.ca · 02/10/2026
We know many of you are starting to think about respiratory illness season, so we're back with weekly updates to share what we're seeing. Our Respiratory Illness Dashboard provides up-to-date information on local influenza, COVID-19 and RSV activity trends in our community.
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Elisabeth Van Every @e-van-every.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Hey, it's October, which means we're moving into cooler weather and people spending more time indoors and higher risk of airborne illness. You should get some masks. Bona Fide masks carries a wide selection of KN95 masks (including colors!) and you can get 25% off this month with code HOPE25.
bonafidemasks.com
Face Masks | PPE | Face Coverings | Bona Fide Masks
Shop authentic N95 and KN95 masks from Bona Fide Masks®, a trusted US-based company with exclusive distribution partnerships with top brands like Powecom and Harley Commodity. We are committed to...
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APTN News @aptnnews.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
In honour of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Dorothy Ratch shared a picture of a young grass dancer performing at the local high school in honour of residential school survivors.
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APTN News @aptnnews.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Orange shirts flooded Parliament Hill for the 6th annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This year’s gathering comes at a time of challenge, with residential school denialism on the rise and some saying the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action are losing momentum.
youtu.be
Survivors’ Flag raised on Parliament Hill as Canada marks Orange Shirt Day | APTN News
Orange shirts flooded Parliament Hill in Ottawa for the 6th annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This year’s gathering comes at a time of challenge, with residential school denialism on…
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APTN News @aptnnews.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
The N.W.T. had the highest percentage of students in residential schools of any area in Canada. On the banks of the Hay River, a community walk on Sept. 30 was a statement that every child matters.
aptnnews.ca
Kátł'odeeche Elder says dene culture helps with healing
An Elder from the dene community of Kátł'odeeche First Nation says culture helps him heal from the scars of residential schools.
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Reposted by Amy MacPherson
APTN News @aptnnews.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
One of the largest gatherings for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation took place in Winnipeg, with thousands marching through downtown. The day began at The Forks as families of residential school survivors shared their stories.
youtu.be
Family share stories as thousands gather for Orange Shirt Day in Winnipeg | APTN News
One of the largest gatherings for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation took place in Winnipeg, with thousands marching through downtown. The day began at The Forks as families of residential…
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APTN News @aptnnews.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Canada's Minister of Indigenous Services Mandy Gull-Masty was in Thunder Bay, Ontario, on Wednesday to participate in Orange Shirt Day with residential school survivors and to speak out about the rise of denialism.
youtu.be
‘This is appalling’: Mandy Gull-Masty speaks out against residential school denialism | APTN News
Canada's Minister of Indigenous Services Mandy Gull-Masty was in Thunder Bay, Ontario, on Wednesday to participate in Orange Shirt Day with residential school survivors and to speak out about the…
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APTN News @aptnnews.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
The Every Child Matters Powwow in Saskatoon was a colourful celebration of First Nations culture and a safe place to remember residential school survivors and the children who never made it home.
aptnnews.ca
Residential school survivor calls for understanding at Powwow
Organizers say the Every Child Matters powwow helps people understand what the orange shirt means to residential school survivors.
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Arachtober @arachtober.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
October 1st marks the start of the 20th year of #Arachtober! Join the celebration throughout October by sharing your photos of #spiders, scorpions, and other #arachnids using #Arachtober. Explore the hashtag and connect with other enthusiasts around the world. Learn more at Arachtober.com
Arachtober 2026 written in spider web.
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Prof. Jeff Ollerton @jeffollerton.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Want to conserve #birds, #mammals and other vertebrates? Then don’t forget their #insects. Our new Nature Reviews Biodiversity paper explores the many ways vertebrates depend on insects — for food, shelter, protection and much more. I’ve written about it here: jeffollerton.co.uk/2026/09/30/w...
jeffollerton.co.uk
Want to conserve birds and mammals? Then conserve their insects – our new paper in Nature Reviews Biodiversity sets out the details
It’s sometimes easy to forget quite how much of the living world depends upon insects. That might seem an odd thing for someone who has spent much of his career studying insects and their relations…
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Physghoul 👻 🎃 @physgal.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Just needs alt-text:
How to avoid sexual assault! A QUICK AND EASY GUIDE* 

sexual violence centre cork 

1 DON'T PUT DRUGS IN PEOPLE'S DRINKS 

4 WHEN YOU SEE A WOMAN WALKING BY HERSELF, LEAVE HER ALONE. 

3 WHEN YOU COME ACROSS SOMEONE WHO IS DRUNK OR ASLEEP, THE BEST THING TO DO IS NOT RAPE THEM. 

6 CARRY A WHISTLE. IF YOU THINK YOU MIGHT RAPE SOMEONE, BLOW THE WHISTLE UNTIL SOMEONE COMES TO STOP YOU.

2 USE THE BUDDY SYSTEM! IF YOU CAN'T STOP YOURSELF FROM SEXUALLY ASSAULTING SOMEONE, ASK A TRUSTED FRIEND TO ACCOMPANY YOU AT ALL TIMES TO STOP YOU. 

5 IF YOU ARE IN A LIFT AND SOMEONE STEPS IN, REMEMBER NOT TO SEXUALLY ASSAULT THEM.

*for perpetrators.
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Rachel Gilmore @rachelgilmore.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Update: environmental groups say yeah, this announcement isn’t sufficient to mitigate the harms of the powers the government is giving itself with respect to endangered species (like the whales!). Soooooo a nice move in general, but insufficient in context. Which means Carney is indeed full of it.
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Jo Latimore @jolatimore.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Wisconsin study: Herbicide treatments for invasive Eurasian watermilfoil in lakes harm native plants and may even intensify the impact of the invasion. Whole-lake treatments, most likely to control invasive plants, are also most likely to harm native plants. authors.elsevier.com/a/1nqx614Z6t...
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Amy MacPherson @amymacpherson.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
The Metcalfe Fair (October 1-4, 2026) probably has a different opinion about when festival season ends!
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Laura Helmuth @laurahelmuth.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Not everybody knows this, and everybody should. On Sept. 26, 1983, a Soviet nuclear warning system alerted Stanislav Yevgrafovich Petrov that the U.S. had launched a missile attack. He did not retaliate, preventing WWIII. This is a post about AI. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stanisl...
en.wikipedia.org
Stanislav Petrov - Wikipedia
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Pookleblinky @pookleblinky.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
It's funny that for years now people have been saying that using generative AI very obviously deskills you, and people kept going no no you're wrong you Luddite And now all the genAI CEO's keep coming out in public to announce they forgot how to read and do math and can't remember their address etc
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OC Transpo @octranspo.com · 26/09/2026
Bon matin de TRANSPORT EN COMMUN GRATUIT à tous! ☀️ AUJOURD’HUI, de 10 h à 14 h, notre équipe tiendra un événement portes ouvertes à la station Place d’Orléans! 1/2
Illustration d’un tableau en liège sur lequel figurent des photos de résidents et de sites emblématiques d’Ottawa. Le texte indique : « Fin de semaine de transport en commun gratuit. 26 et 27 septembre 2026. »
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OC Transpo @octranspo.com · 26/09/2026
Good FREE TRANSIT morning everyone! ☀️ From 10 am to 2 pm TODAY, our team will be hosting an Open House event at Place d’Orléans Station! We are also bringing out a vintage bus AND MORE to the Ottawa 200 Block Party, from 10 am to 10pm 🎂 1/2
Illustration of corkboard with images of residents and popular Ottawa landmarks. Text reads "[f]ree transit weekend. September 26 & 27, 2026".
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City of Ottawa @en.ottawa.ca · 24/09/2026
There is so much happening downtown on Saturday, September 26, we don't want you to suffer from #FOMO200. Use this map to help find your way to the Ottawa 200 Block Party, Soundscape, the Bytown Museum, Ottawa Art Gallery and Nuit Blanche. Plan your day here: bit.ly/4dG043v
A map of downtown Ottawa, titled OTTAWA 200 DAY,  highlighting City Hall, the ByWard Market, the Plaza Bridge and the Ottawa Art Gallery.
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Corey Callaghan @coreytcallaghan.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Do you use #iNaturalist data in research—or advise students who do? We put together a practical guide to using iNaturalist data in scientific research, covering how to access, acquire, analyze, and attribute the data, with examples in R and Python. Paper: doi.org/10.1093/bios... #ecology
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OC Transpo @octranspo.com · 24/09/2026
Cette fin de semaine, le transport en commun sera GRATUIT! Et si vous en profitiez pour assister à plusieurs événements sportifs? SAMEDI 🏈 Prenez un autobus du circuit 6 ou 7 pour voir le ROUGE et NOIR d’Ottawa affronter les Stampeders de Calgary à la Place TD! 1/3
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OC Transpo @octranspo.com · 24/09/2026
This weekend, your ride is FREE! So why not catch all the plays? SATURDAY: 🏈 Take Route 6 or 7 to watch the Redblacks take on the Calgary Stampeders at TD Place! 🚒 OR Line 1 to the @ottawafiretruckpull AT the By Ward Market! 1/3
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City of Ottawa @en.ottawa.ca · 22/09/2026
Vote early #OttCity! Special Advance Voting Days for Ottawa’s 2026 Municipal Elections run October 1 to 4. Vote at any of 10 locations across the city, regardless of your qualifying address. Find voting locations and more: bit.ly/3SW1pfK #OttVote
Elections Ottawa special advance voting runs October 1 to 4, 2026, from 10 am to 8 pm at 10 locations across Ottawa. 

- CARDELREC Recreation Complex (Goulbourn) 
- Churchill Seniors Recreation Centre  
- City Hall 
- François Dupuis Recreation Centre 
- Greely Community Centre 
- Diane Deans Greenboro Community Centre 
- Minto Recreation Complex – Barrhaven 
- Nepean Sportsplex 
- Richcraft Recreation Complex – Kanata 
- St-Laurent Complex
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City of Ottawa @en.ottawa.ca · 22/09/2026
Getting around #OttCity by bike? Our cycling maps and trip-planning tools can help you find the best route, whether you're commuting or exploring. Explore cycling resources: bit.ly/4yOn4Wc For more trip-planning tools and weekly updates: bit.ly/3UGPAdA
An aerial image of a cyclist on a cycling path
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Sean Eric Fagan @kithrup.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
#HeadsUp: As spotted by @galatfemme.bsky.social, The Last Graduate (The Scholomance Book 2) by @naominovik.bsky.social is on US ebook sale for $2; I got some copies for random giveaway, although I might try to wait until the other books go on sale.
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Sarah Tuttle @niais.cryptoanarchy.network · 19/09/2026
What's the rule? DO NOT. PICK UP. OR TOUCH. THE BATS.
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Amy MacPherson @amymacpherson.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
This would be such a cool job! 🐝🦋🐞🐜🦗🦟🪰🪲🪳🕷️🐛
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Reposted by Amy MacPherson
Asher Cutter @asherdcutter.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Come to @romtoronto.bsky.social and EEB in Toronto! ROM is seeking entomologist/arachnologist curator who would also be faculty in EEB at UofT royalontariomuseum.applytojob.com/apply/mdMTpA...
royalontariomuseum.applytojob.com
Curator of Insects & Arachnids - Royal Ontario Museum - Career Page
Apply to Curator of Insects & Arachnids at Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto, ON, Canada.
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Stephanie Baker @stephabaker.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Covid in 98% of airport air samples. A reminder that you can wear an n95 when you travel, even if you don’t wear one all the time, and why wouldn’t you want to avoid getting sick while you’re on a trip?
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Chris MacQuarrie @cmacquar.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
First detection of spotted lanternfly confirmed in Canada. inspection.canada.ca/en/plant-hea...
inspection.canada.ca
Spotted lanternfly Spot it? Snap it, catch it and report it - inspection.canada.ca
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Tyler King @tyleraking.com · 17/09/2026
“A senior executive at Microsoft said A.I. systems built on the work of others will be seen as ‘an astonishing theft of unprecedented proportions’ and possibly the greatest robbery of labor in human history, according to court documents unredacted Thursday in an ongoing Manhattan lawsuit.”
orlandosentinel.com
Docs in A.I. copyright suit reveal startling admission by Microsoft exec over ‘astonishing theft’
The admission appeared in a newly unredacted filing in the landmark copyright infringement legal battle playing out between newspapers like the Orlando Sentinel and tech companies Microsoft and OpenAI...
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CTV News Ottawa @ctvnewsottawa.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Snowbirds to fly final show over capital region this weekend
bit.ly
Snowbirds to fly final show over capital region this weekend
The Snowbirds are making their final appearance in the Ottawa-Gatineau region this weekend at the AERO Gatineau airshow.
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Erin L. Thompson @artcrimeprof.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
In 1965, an American scholar bought her first stolen god from two boys outside a Kathmandu temple. Grains of rice were still stuck to it — offerings from worshippers. She paid less than $2 and wrote in her diary: "I don't think the temple will miss it at all." 🧵 www.himalmag.com/mary-slusser...
himalmag.com
Mary Slusser’s secret loot of Nepal’s sacred art and heritage
A US scholar made her name as an expert on Nepal’s cultural heritage – while illicitly buying sacred artefacts and smuggling them out to the United States
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City of Ottawa @en.ottawa.ca · 16/09/2026
Giveaway Weekend is back on Saturday October 3 and Sunday, October 4. Simply place your gently used possessions at the curb during Giveaway Weekend and let someone else discover a new favourite.  Learn more: bit.ly/4gTGzGW
A treasure chest with various household items in at the end of a driveway. Text: Hidden treasures. Giveaway Weekend.  Saturday, October 3 and Sunday, October 4.
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The Beaverton @thebeaverton.com · 14/09/2026
Tech oligarchs agree calling AI "too dangerous" way cooler than just admitting it doesn't work
thebeaverton.com
Tech oligarchs agree calling AI "too dangerous" way cooler than just admitting it doesn't work
SILICON VALLEY - The CEOs of OpenAI, Anthropic, and GrokAI have released a statement agreeing that claiming artificial intelligence "could potentially kill all humans" sounds much more awesome than just admitting that they blew a fortune on glorified chatbots.
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Denis - The COVID Info Guy @thecovidinfoguy.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
A Canadian study of nearly 9,000 adults looked at repeat COVID infections. Researchers found that people who reported having COVID at least twice had 76% higher odds of being diagnosed with a new health condition, across 21 conditions studied, compared with those who reported never being infected.
medicaldaily.com
Adults with Two or More COVID Infections Had 76% Higher Odds of a New Diagnosis in Canadian Survey
A Canadian survey tied repeat COVID-19 infections to 76% higher odds of a new diagnosis. Here is what it shows and what it cannot prove.
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Titan Books @titanbooks.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
We're thrilled to reveal the cover for A SPOONFUL OF TROUBLE by @tkingfisher.com, the tale of a princess who decides to take fate into her own hands with the help of a goddess, a goat, and a healthy dose of self-confidence. February 2027 Cover: Natasha MacKenzie
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Chise @sailorrooscout.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
May I remind everyone that there is currently NO cure for rabies. May I also remind everyone there is absolutely NO scientific proof connecting ANY vaccine that we produce today with autism. This is true regarding vaccination in both humans AND in dogs. Vaccinate your pets please.
Worries about vaccination rates in dogs
As rabies seems to be spreading more in wildlife, veterinarians are especially worried about vaccine hesitancy spreading among pet owners, a dangerous trend that could lead to more dogs - and their owners
- becoming infected. A 2023 study published in the journal Vaccine found in nationally representative
sample of Americans that nearly 40% believed canine vaccines were unsafe and 37% believed that vaccines could lead their dogs to develop cognitive issues, such as autism.
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SK Winnicki, PhD 🏳️‍⚧️ @skwinnicki.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Whenever I read people are skipping rabies vaccines for their dogs because of worries the dogs will get autism it reminds me that we're dealing with people who don't understand autism *or* dogs "what if my dog becomes hypersensitive to stimuli, easily distractible, has issues reading social cues?"
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Kate Elliott @kateelliottsff.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
I am not first and will be far from the last to say this: I have purchased so many books because I saw them recommended or publicized here on bsky. I cannot urge you all enough to KEEP TALKING ABOUT BOOKS. I know it's easier to talk up someone else's book, but this also means you, the shy author.
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Amy MacPherson @amymacpherson.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
#SharksNearMe
A screenshot from Pokemon Go showing a player surrounded by gibles, little grey shark-dragons.
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NE Ohio Regional Sewer District @neorsd.org · 11/09/2026
Never forget. But what if we have nothing to remember?
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Kate Heartfield @kateheartfield.com · 11/09/2026
The ebook of Mercutio is on sale in the US and Canada for $0.99, at all retailers, I think. Not sure how long that will be the case. It's a strange medieval prequel to Romeo & Juliet with bad fairies, Umberto Eco meets Susanna Clarke, going for a song at the moment www.kateheartfield.com/mercutio/
kateheartfield.com
Mercutio
Coming soon from HarperVoyager UK. May 7, 2026: UK hardcover edition and ebook. Worldwide audiobook. August 18, 2026: Canada paperback, hardcover and ebook. June 2027: US paperback edition (this will ...
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City of Ottawa @en.ottawa.ca · 12/09/2026
Shanah Tovah, #OttCity! Wishing a joyful and sweet New Year to all celebrating Rosh Hashanah, a time of reflection, renewal, and hope.
Apples and a jar of honey are on the bottom right corner. Rosh Hashanah is written in the bottom left corner in the foreground.
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Shakira Kurosawa @jamtoday.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
BC's Red Bandana game is today, in honor of Welles Crowther, a BC grad who led people to safety by guiding them with the bandana he always carried with him, something bright they could see through the debris. He went back up two more times to help, but did not make it out from the third attempt.
si.com
Red Bandanna Game: Why Boston College vs. Rutgers Is About Far More Than Football
On the 25th anniversary of 9/11, the Eagles and Scarlet Knights will meet in an emotional matchup to honor Welles Crowther, “the Man in the Red Bandanna.”
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Amy MacPherson @amymacpherson.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Cows wandering around a provincial highway, not a good combination! Heads up #ottcity drivers.
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