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Marcus Mauney

@marcusmauney.bsky.social
2.7K followers 6.3K following 3.4K posts

Scribbler. Working on Prosopography in the 3rd Century Roman Empire. Late Roman Empire/Late Antiquity/Early Middle Ages enjoyer. North Carolina expat in California. Appalachian and old man undergrad.

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Marcus Mauney @marcusmauney.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
This from a guy who can barely be bothered to show up for his own job.
A Reddit post complaining about how Kai is usually absent from the show he says he hosts.
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Marcus Mauney @marcusmauney.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
A little over 40 liters.
A selection of firkins.
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Marcus Mauney @marcusmauney.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
A little over 40 liters usually.
A selection of firkins.
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Marcus Mauney @marcusmauney.bsky.social · 26/07/2026
There's honestly too many for me to choose from so I'm just gonna drop this Murder's Row of 1999 releases as a flex.
Screenshot from the "1999 in film" Wikipedia page that includes the movies:

Being John Malkovich
Eyes Wide Shut
Toy Story 2
Magnolia
The Mummy
The Sixth Sense
Tarzan
Fight Club
The Green Mile
The World is Not Enough
The Matrix
All About My Mother
American Beauty
Star Wars: Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace
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Marcus Mauney @marcusmauney.bsky.social · 10/06/2026
Evergreen
Nancy Mace with a table full of beans, grinning like a dipshit.
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Marcus Mauney @marcusmauney.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
Since none of these cowardly assholes ever signs their name to the garbage they write.
Opinion Leadership and Editorial Board: A Full List of Cowards

Adam O'Neal: Opinion Editor
James Hohmann: Deputy Opinion Editor
Mark Lasswell: Deputy Opinion Editor
Mili Mitra: Director of Operations and Strategy
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Marcus Mauney @marcusmauney.bsky.social · 29/04/2026
A twenty-part television series, and a musical based on it, were later produced.
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Marcus Mauney @marcusmauney.bsky.social · 27/04/2026
We have no choice but to send his most feared adversary:
Maxine Waters makes Michael Tracey piss himself.
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Marcus Mauney @marcusmauney.bsky.social · 21/04/2026
McClatchy owned publications: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McClatchy
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Marcus Mauney @marcusmauney.bsky.social · 31/03/2026
Helpful to remember this is the speechwriter writing this drek.
A picture of the current speechwriter for Pete Hegseth and the Pentagon. Pictured is a pale man wearing tortoise shell glasses, thinning blonde hair combed over, and a grin like he enjoys smelling his own farts.
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Marcus Mauney @marcusmauney.bsky.social · 28/03/2026
Here's one of ours. Lady, a dachshund cocker spaniel mix. She's like a tiny empress that demands respect and treats but can't keep her shoes tied.
A dachshund cocker spaniel mix, resting her head on her paws on my leg. Her name is Lady.
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Marcus Mauney @marcusmauney.bsky.social · 17/03/2026
Just sitting here, minding my own business in the middle of my Star Trek rewatch and bam, Tactical Officer @diedrichbader.bsky.social jump scare.
Screenshot of Diedrich Bader, on the bridge of the Enterprise, playing a tactical officer in Star Trek: The Next Generation.
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Marcus Mauney @marcusmauney.bsky.social · 10/03/2026
Things are so bad in Destiny 2 right now the Commander of the Vanguard is moonlighting as a local elementary school teacher. #Bungie #Destiny2
A sign inside a school gym that reads 5th Zavala.
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Marcus Mauney @marcusmauney.bsky.social · 09/02/2026
The flags of all the countries of the Americas.
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Marcus Mauney @marcusmauney.bsky.social · 30/01/2026
💔
John Candy welcoming Catherine O'Hara to the good place and offering her a ride with his polka band.
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Marcus Mauney @marcusmauney.bsky.social · 06/01/2026
Ok @support.bsky.team it has been weeks and I'm still getting 2 week old NFL tweets served into my Discover feed. There doesn't seem to be an issue with @minakimes.bsky.social starter pack but they're all accounts in that pack. Plenty of active users too so there's no reason to push old content.
Old posts continually showing up in Discover feed.
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Marcus Mauney @marcusmauney.bsky.social · 08/12/2025
A tiny baby earthquake in the backyard. 3.6.
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Marcus Mauney @marcusmauney.bsky.social · 01/11/2025
How could you possibly find this uncomfortable?
Heidi Klum dressed up as a worm.
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Marcus Mauney @marcusmauney.bsky.social · 09/10/2025
Peter Griffin in a studio audience, standing and pointing saying: He said it! He said the thing!
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Marcus Mauney @marcusmauney.bsky.social · 09/10/2025
"Grab his dick and twist it" guy
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Marcus Mauney @marcusmauney.bsky.social · 06/10/2025
I had a couple of folks ask me for a quick explainer on what the government shut down is about. Here goes:

How is the government shut down right now when Republicans control every branch of government?

Basically, in order for Congress (which includes both the Senate and the House of Representatives) to pass a budget for the government to function, they need 60 votes out of 100 in the Senate and 218 out of 435 votes in the House. The GOP has the votes in the House but need Dem votes in the Senate to make 60.

The Republicans wrote a heinous budget bill with massive cuts that will harm the American people and further erode Democracy so, Democrats have refused to just sign on to the bill as Republicans have written it and want to negotiate a comprise.

Dems focal point has been on one single negative in the budget - the fact that the GOP budget will gut federal subsidies for healthcare for qualifying families that will result in an astronomical spike in premiums. Dems have asked for those subsidies stay in place to allow families to keep their healthcare. They've asked for no other concession, even though there are plenty of other issues in the budget. Despite that single ask, Republicans have flatly refused to negotiate or back off on killing the subsidies, going so far as to send their members home for vacation (which has the added benefit of allowing the Speaker of the House to continue NOT seating the new Democratic Congresswoman from Texas, Rep. Adelita Grijalva, who would be the deciding vote in releasing the Epstein files). The GOP's demand is that the Dems rubber stamp whatever they do, no matter the issue, when they don't even have the votes to do what they want in their own party. Its un-Democratic and un-American.

So, there you have it. The GOP is so desperate to cut healthcare from millions of Americans and to protect pedophiles, they've shut down the federal government. A shutdown they have the power to reverse any time they choose.
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Marcus Mauney @marcusmauney.bsky.social · 29/09/2025
Good read.
For most of the twentieth century, institutions whose authority rested on nonpartisan expertise influenced America’s public sphere through a top-down communications model. Think tanks, modern universities, and social and advocacy organizations produced writing and research aimed at policymakers and elites. Public communication was seen as the last stage of the process. Press releases alerted a relatively manageable set of high-profile outlets to new writings. Carefully crafted content passed through media gatekeepers who determined what deserved public attention. Through op-eds, Sunday talk shows, and briefings, experts could bring their work to the attention of politicians, executives, and other decisionmakers who could act on their ideas. The public—especially the educated and politically engaged—could be reached through a relatively small number of channels. 

Even as cable news expanded and partisan outlets like Fox News emerged, this approach held: Institutions created, gatekeepers validated, audiences consumed. The top-down, centralized approach rewarded polish, institutional prestige, and insider relationships with gatekeepers. A high degree of shared trust gave credence to the choices of the gatekeepers; legitimacy was communicated through successful participation in this hierarchy.

That system has collapsed. 

Today, public attention flows through a far more diffuse, competitive ecosystem—one where influence is shaped by networks rather than hierarchies. The old gatekeepers have been replaced by new ones: algorithms that curate content, high-follower social media accounts that influence what goes viral, and deeply engaged niche creators who enjoy immense legitimacy within their communities. The newly influential are not simply broadcasters at the top of a different hierarchical order—they determine what content matters in conjunction with active, participating audiences. Legitimacy is now conferred on those who master resonance, immediacy, emotional connec
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Marcus Mauney @marcusmauney.bsky.social · 27/09/2025
The truly insane part of this is that it's completely fabricated. Its beautiful out here in California and Oregon. People in Portland are sharing videos of a sunny Saturday afternoon walking their dogs or going to yoga, Senator Ron Wyden is literally posting video from outside the ICE facility and the streets are empty, but there is an entire media ecosystem that has tried for years (and has been largely successful) in convincing Americans that don't know any better that cities, in particular West Coast cities, are horrible hellacapes under "Antifa" occupation. Absolutely farcical and all for political gain and power. Our entire system, Congress, the news media, political leaders that are in positions to stop this, or at the very least show the truth, refuse to do so out of fear or to seek profit. A system that allows a deranged President to call for live ammunition against our own citizens, and the military obeys him, because of a fever dream cooked up by right wing radicals and nurtured in a corrupt ecosystem.

A disgusting failure of our society. 

If you're sitting there watching literally any program that is telling you this bullshit is remotely true or justified you're in it, you're in their propaganda network, and you're not even questioning it.
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Marcus Mauney @marcusmauney.bsky.social · 26/09/2025
The boys in the group chat are never gonna believe this. @jcsalterego.bsky.social
Man touching the hand of God.Jerry liked my post.
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Marcus Mauney @marcusmauney.bsky.social · 16/09/2025
Meanwhile in the US:

Trump: The sky is a big, beautiful green!

Right wing media: He's so right! It IS green. Libtards have been lying to you your entire life. 

Main stream media: Trump says the sky is green. Democrats say it's blue. Here's a panel of 8 people to debate the issue. 

*Debate ensues*

Main stream media: Well both sides have great points, voters will have to decide if they want to acknowledge the sky is green or if they want to persist in calling it blue. 

MAGA voter: See! It's green you lying commie.

Liberals/Leftists: You're lying to people and now the media can't even state that fact!

Average voter: Why are Democrats so angry?! Anyone see the last episode of America's Next Top Model?
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Marcus Mauney @marcusmauney.bsky.social · 14/09/2025
Jesus, I see what you've done for other people, and I want that for me.
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Marcus Mauney @marcusmauney.bsky.social · 14/08/2025
When the algorithm hits.
A post about The Onion being cleared to renew their attempt to buy Alex Jones's InfoWars and quoting Ben Collins. The post immediately beneath it is Ben Collins confirming his quote.
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Marcus Mauney @marcusmauney.bsky.social · 12/08/2025
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Marcus Mauney @marcusmauney.bsky.social · 10/08/2025
Show me your quick getaway vehicle.
SeaQuest DSV
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Marcus Mauney @marcusmauney.bsky.social · 04/07/2025
A man in a suit being tackled by other men in suits while grasping a microphone and saying "Would".
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Marcus Mauney @marcusmauney.bsky.social · 14/06/2025
Great turn out at the #NoKings rally in Dublin, CA. A peaceful, festival like atmosphere. Lots of cheers and lots of honking cars. Only one counter protester showed up with his sad Trump flag and sign along with a blown up picture of a man pointing a gun and an ad for his "gun cleaning" business.
Pride flag alongside the state and the US flags.No Kings rallyWoman holding a sign that says No KingsA man in a cowboy hat holding a sign that says "Donald you ignorant slut".
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Marcus Mauney @marcusmauney.bsky.social · 02/06/2025
Nathan Felder "Out on the town" meme.
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Marcus Mauney @marcusmauney.bsky.social · 25/05/2025
The real deal 😃
Picture of a toy submarine with a boy inside.
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Marcus Mauney @marcusmauney.bsky.social · 24/05/2025
💅
Jake Tapper sucks.
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Marcus Mauney @marcusmauney.bsky.social · 21/05/2025
Monstrous.
Guardian article headline: First Thing: UN says 14,000 babies could die in Gaza in the next 48 hours under Israeli aid blockade.
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Marcus Mauney @marcusmauney.bsky.social · 30/04/2025
Me: I won't talk politics I promise.
Me after 2 drinks:

Picture: Scene from the show Rome where Julius Caesar, on horseback, harangues legionnaires with a cry of "Our beloved Republic is in the hands of madmen!"
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Marcus Mauney @marcusmauney.bsky.social · 14/04/2025
👀
https://discord.gg/g72Dxvq9
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Marcus Mauney @marcusmauney.bsky.social · 25/03/2025
The Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer thrilled to be sitting with Archbishop Timothy Dolan and Donald Trump. He's pictured with a big grin giving a thumbs up.
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Marcus Mauney @marcusmauney.bsky.social · 19/03/2025
i used to run with a pretty tough gang when i was younger the gang:
Cast photo from The Goonies.
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Marcus Mauney @marcusmauney.bsky.social · 18/03/2025
Post a ship that's not Star Wars or Star Trek.
The RV style spaceship from the movie Spaceballs.
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Marcus Mauney @marcusmauney.bsky.social · 06/03/2025
A cat, smoking weed, with the caption overhead "Fuck the patriarchy."
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Marcus Mauney @marcusmauney.bsky.social · 03/03/2025
You mean DOGE fanboy @rokhanna.bsky.social? The guy who was all pumped up about working with DOGE? Not only is this guy the actual swamp, he helped stock it with alligators.
Ro Kanna slobbering all over Elon Musk's boots.
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Marcus Mauney @marcusmauney.bsky.social · 23/02/2025
I personally know someone who is transgender and I support them. If you would like to know more, please ask questions so I can inform you better.
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Marcus Mauney @marcusmauney.bsky.social · 23/01/2025
A drawing of a horse, smoking a cigarette, with a blanket over it that reads "Don't give up. You can cuss the whole time, just don't give up."
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Marcus Mauney @marcusmauney.bsky.social · 12/01/2025
A drawing of a bunny holding a lit matchstick in its mouth with the words "We can't just vote the fascism away, the time has come to disobey."
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Marcus Mauney @marcusmauney.bsky.social · 23/12/2024
Low-fi Christmas beats and making some goulash for the family. Good vibes to end the weekend.
Chopped onions, pasta, seasoning, and two fingers of Oban.Cooking up the hamburger meat and pasta.
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Marcus Mauney @marcusmauney.bsky.social · 15/12/2024
Rick Grimes from The Walking Dead meme where he's crying to Carl.
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Marcus Mauney @marcusmauney.bsky.social · 09/12/2024
How about some Cape Suzette as a treat?
An overhead view of Cape Suzette, the fictional home of Balloo and the other characters of Tailspin.
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Marcus Mauney @marcusmauney.bsky.social · 25/11/2024
Apropos:
Umberto Eco quote: "Those who buy only one book, read only that one and then get rid of it. They simply apply the consumer mentality to books, that is, they consider them a consumer product, a good. Those who love books know that a book is anything but a commodity."
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Marcus Mauney @marcusmauney.bsky.social · 23/11/2024
Spider-Man meme pointing out the irony and hypocrisy of the outrage grift economy.
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