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Monica

@monwan.bsky.social
936 followers 500 following 1.8K posts

Top political issues: Protecting 14th/19th Amendments, Ranked Choice Voting and privacy. Fan of Jane Austen, Henry Cavill, red pandas, otters, and the Oxford comma. (Chicago area) Reader, writer, editor of novels (JMW Editor - www.jmweditor.com)

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Reposted by Monica
Monica @monwan.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
I am "vacuuming in a t-shirt and underwear" years old. #IYKYK
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Monica @monwan.bsky.social · 2h
judgeschlegel.substack.com/p/but-i-told...
judgeschlegel.substack.com
But I Told My Agent Not To
Over the past few weeks, AI agents have started moving from something we have been talking about to something ordinary people may actually use.
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Chicago Alerts @chicagoalerts.com · 9h
Hey Chicago, the 95th St bridge is taking a breather today until 2:30pm. Pedestrians and drivers, please find another way! 🚧🌉
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Klingon Pop Warrior @klingonpopwarrior.com · 9h
It's interesting how it's always "deport all the illegals" and "ban all trans people from bathrooms" to "protect women." But it's never "shut down all the fraternities." It's almost like it's not actually about protecting women.....🤔
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Julia Is Waving, Not Drowning @booktweeting.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
A HAUNTING DYSTOPIAN NOVEL, inspired by Orwell's 1984, set in a climate-collapsed world where an authoritarian government oppresses its perceived enemies--including the protagonist and other gay men. Delicate, vivid prose. B PLUS 💙📚 #bookreviews #SelfPublishedSunday bookshop.org/p/books/the-...
bookshop.org
The Drowning Man
The Drowning Man is the story of Frank, unwilling resident of "another city, on another map". Following the discovery of his proscribed relationship with a man, he was forced to denounce his partner a...
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Julia Is Waving, Not Drowning @booktweeting.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
do you love Ann Leckie? do you love Lois McMaster Bujold? have you somehow never read C. J. Cherryh? you have an enormous treat ahead of you in this Humble Bundle! #BookSky 💙📚
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Julia Is Waving, Not Drowning @booktweeting.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
#BookSky 💙📚 #CatSky
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Jon Green Books @jonmgreenbooks.bsky.social · 16h
Buried Deep (and other stories) By Naomi Novik Read this if: You want a solid selection of Shirts stories that starts off a bit rough, but has some absolutely stellar pieces that show why Novik is so beloved. #booksky #bookreview #shortstories #review Microreviews:
Naomi Novik’s short story collection: “Buried Deep”
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Emma | 𝚍𝚊𝚖𝚙𝚙𝚎𝚋𝚋𝚕𝚎𝚜.𝚌𝚘𝚖 @damppebbles.bsky.social · 15h
#fivestarflashback ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ #BookReview: The Killer Question by Janice Hallett @viperbooks.bsky.social #TheKillerQuestion #damppebbles ➡️ buff.ly/fMipQbJ #whattoread #bookish #BookSky #skybrarians #bookrecs #bookrecommendation
buff.ly
#BookReview: The Killer Question by Janice Hallett @viperbooks.bsky.social #TheKillerQuestion #BookTwitter #booktwt #BookSky #damppebbles
“The answer is murder. The question is whodunnit? A quiet country pub stands empty, its windows boarded up. And its kindly landlords, Mal and Sue Eastwood, are missing. What could have happen…
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Ursula K. Le Guin @ursulakleguin.com · 01/10/2026
🌟Shortlisted for the 2026 Ursula K. Le Guin Prize for Fiction🌟 Hiron Ennes's maximalist, visceral story of revolution explores resistance, repression, cycles of violence, and the way art and culture are the materials of social change—but can also be key to the consolidation of power.
A copy of The Works of Vermin by Hiron Ennes on a black shelf next to a small glass vase full of greenery“They say all good stories begin with a dead man. That’s the phrase, isn’t it? Every good show begins with a death and ends with a marriage. It’s how the great dramatist Aufhocker puts it—or at least the people who confidently misquote him, and there really isn’t a worthy distinction between the two.”
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C.J. Subko @cjsubko.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
I suspect that so many women like to read about villains because villains show you who they are. They don't pretend to be "nice guys." I'm very sure there's more to it, but I wonder if this isn't a part.
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Shylo @shylo.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
I need ideas for rituals for grief and release. This seems like a good BlueSky question.
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Rocky N. Bullwinkle @lproulx.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Deep thoughts.
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Daily Sondheim Lyric @dailysondheimlyric.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Nice is different than good
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Monica @monwan.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Despite the flaws in Galen's spy series, the writing is good enough that I keep reading more. I read the novella "The Spy Wore Blue". I'm not sure if this is supposed to bring any other spy movies to mind.
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Monica @monwan.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
I finished reading "True Spies" by Shana Galen, continuing her spy series. This one brings to mind the movie True Lies, but set in Regency England. Mostly enjoyable, but a few discrepancies that were noticeable. At the beginning, it read as if the wife stayed home when hubby was "late".
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MP Book Reviews 🇬🇧🇪🇺 @mpbookreviews.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Review #BookReview: Love Comes to Light by Andrew Grey 4 of 5 stars
dlvr.it
Review #BookReview: Love Comes to Light by Andrew Grey 4 of 5 stars
Love Comes to Light by Andrew Grey My rating: 4 of 5 stars Arik, struggling after a severe hand injury, goes to Pleasanton to work with Ken Brighton and meets Reg Thompson — a huge biker with a gentle heart. Arik slowly looks past Reg’s intimidating exterior, but when he discovers some of Reg’s club members are involved in drugs, the same world that caused his injury, he pulls away. Reg only understands why once the truth comes out, and both men must face the dangerous direction the club is heading. This was a story full of emotion and vulnerability, especially as Arik struggled with his hand injury, the impact on his painting career, and his growing feelings for Reg Thompson. Reg was an absolute teddy bear — steady, emotionally aware, and wonderfully gentle in every interaction. As the story went on, I found myself increasingly frustrated with Arik. He hadn’t truly tried to heal or adapt after his injury, and instead seemed to give up entirely. His massive chip on his shoulder and his complete shutdown after discovering the drug connection felt immature and made him harder to sympathize with. Still, there were moments I really enjoyed, especially the interactions within the wider circle of characters. Patrick was a standout — his observations and advice added warmth, clarity, and a much‑needed grounding presence. A story with strong emotional threads, even if much of it leaned toward a more clinical tone. This was an MM story with mature content. I rounded my review value as it was the 4 side of 3. Buy from Amazon
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Monica @monwan.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Starting the "fall cleaning", which includes going through everything to decide if anything should be donated or tossed, and getting things "back in their place". #DoesItBringYouJoy
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Chicago Alerts @chicagoalerts.com · 28/09/2026
🎬🚨 : Expect to see smoke special effects near U of C, Obama Center & Griffin Museum due to filming on Mon, 9/28 & Tues, 9/29 from 7am-5pm. No cause for alarm! 🎥🌁
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Monica @monwan.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Saw the Lee Miller exhibit at the Art Institute. Fashion model to WII photojournalist. "Believe It" Vogue article, to push back on people who didn't want to believe the Nazi had the concentration camps and death camps.
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Monica @monwan.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Film you've watched more than six times with a gif.
static.klipy.com
Henry Cavill & Armie Hammer: It Won't Match
Alt: Henry Cavill in the movie "The Man from UNCLE". In a clothes boutique with Cavill (playing Napoleon Solo) says: "It Won't Match".
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Emma Barry @authoremmabarry.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
If it was written by a train conductor, it would be called "Choo-chooing Texas."
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Music Box Theatre @musicboxtheatre.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Tomorrow night! Go backstage with Martin Short, Eugene Levy, and more, with the new doc YOU HAD TO BE THERE! Monday 9/28 at 7pm, followed by a Q&A with Director Nick Davis moderated by The Second City's @kleonard.bsky.social Get Tickets Now: musicboxtheatre.com/films-and-ev...
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are you not infotained @alopex-ii.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
If it was written by a mouse it would be called “Cheesin Texas”
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Monica @monwan.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
When it comes to pop culture, I have hit the age when I am culturally irrelevant. Stores and restaurants play music I like because my generation is the one likely paying the bills at those locations. Which means they are playing music from 1990-2010. That is why I haven't heard that song.
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Monty Blazar @montypla.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
This is, in fact, the first time I have heard of this song. While reading it, at first I thought "Choosin Texas" was some sort of bad political slogan.
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Monica @monwan.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
For a commercial that is supposedly touting the greatness of the US, it sure does focus on one politician. In a very uninspiring way.
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Monica @monwan.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Sigh... I just tried to use the volume button to zoom in on the tv screen to read the "text message".
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Monica @monwan.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
I am "vacuuming in a t-shirt and underwear" years old. #IYKYK
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Barry Butler Photography @barrybutler9.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Fire on Friday. Today's sunrise over the Chicago skyline.
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MP Book Reviews 🇬🇧🇪🇺 @mpbookreviews.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Review #BookReview: The Dragon's Reluctant Manny by Colbie Dunbar 3 of 5 stars
dlvr.it
Review #BookReview: The Dragon's Reluctant Manny by Colbie Dunbar 3 of 5 stars
The Dragon's Reluctant Manny by Colbie Dunbar My rating: 3 of 5 stars Ledger takes a live‑in manny job to save his funding and quickly realizes the three “spirited” kids run hot, leave scorch marks, and aren’t exactly normal. Their father, Theron, is just as impossible to ignore, blurring lines with every quiet, intimate moment. As Ledger falls for all of them, he starts sensing the truth he’s missed: this family is hiding something fiery — and life‑changing. I enjoyed this story, especially the three children who were absolutely hilarious at times and so affectionate as they quickly grew to love Ledger. Their chaotic sweetness lit up the whole book. I found Theron a little harder to connect with, but the contrast between his guarded nature and Ledger’s warmth made their dynamic interesting. The emotions and feelings throughout were clear, easy to understand, and woven naturally into the family moments, the slow‑burn connection, and the growing sense of belonging. A charming, emotional read with plenty of heart — and plenty of accidental fire. This was an MM story with mature content and MPREG. Buy from Amazon
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Chicago Transportation Alerts @ctaalerts.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
🚍 Southbound 90 Harlem buses are temporarily rerouted due to street blockage near Harlem 🟩 Green Line.
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Chicago Transportation Alerts @ctaalerts.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
UPDATE: O'Hare-bound Blue trains are running with residual delays following earlier police activity at Clark/Lake. Service is resuming, allow extra time.
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aka60643 🐈‍⬛ 🇺🇦🌻💙💙🇲🇽 @aka60643.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Good morning #Chicago. Happy Friday!
Intense red and pink sunrise sky
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Monica @monwan.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
I'm getting my first auto insurance dividend check since the mid-2000s, and I'm way too giddy about it. The dollar amount isn't huge, so I think my giddiness is because of how huge a similar amount of money meant to me back when we used to get these annually, back when I made very little money.
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Justin Eger @fugitivecourier.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Quote post with some joy. I'll come up with something better later, but for now, you gotta respect the classics... youtu.be/jPCJIB1f7jk?...
youtu.be
Lip Sync Battle - Tom Holland
YouTube video by Comedy Central Latinoamérica
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Schrödinger's Sneetch Belly @rtodkelly.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Please know that this is one of my few legitimate areas of actual, high-level professional expertise: Kicking the healthiest people off of a health insurance program will bankrupt it. Not 'could;' not 'might,' not 'probably," but absolutely will, with mathematical certainty.
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Pollitt @pollitt.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
It's World Hobbit Day and I think that explains part of why I just want to put my feet up, have a glass of wine, and nosh on bread and cheese (I did do the bread and cheese thing for lunch bc I made my first sourdough loaves of the year Sunday night 🥰)
static.klipy.com
Gandalf Dancing at Hobbit Party
ALT: Gandalf Dancing at Hobbit Party
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Mezentine @mezentine.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
This isn’t even *really* about the stimulus money, not the checks. It’s partially about the enhanced unemployment insurance but it’s also clear just loosening spending restrictions on allocated funds clears a logjam.
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Monica @monwan.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Another reason I like my yoga studio: All the yoga teachers basically say: "Breathing is the only thing that is mandatory. Everything else is optional."
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Ken Jennings @kenjennings.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
"Gentlemen, our 29% approval rating is too high. Let's start take away people's health care."
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Barry Butler Photography @barrybutler9.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Today's Chicagohenge. This morning's start on the day of the Autumnal Equinox in Chicago.
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Chicago Transportation Alerts @ctaalerts.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
UPDATE: 🟩 Green Line trains are running w/ major delays following an unauthorized person on the tracks near Ashland/63rd. Service is resuming, allow extra time.
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D.N. Schmidt, SF author🪐📚 @dnschmidt.com · 22/09/2026
It’s the first day of autumn! Remember to switch from regular depression back to seasonal depression!
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Six is ravenous and profane. @thesix.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
For such a silly (but fun enough) film I find myself stuck on this quite a lot.
An exchange in which Black suffragette  Edith Grayston (Susan Wokoma)and white man Sherlock Holmes (Henry Cavill) discus call to action and complacency derived from privilege. The movie is Enola Holmes (2020).

“You haven't any hope of understanding any of this. You do know that? Because you don't know what it is to be without power.”
“Politics doesn't interest you. Why?”
“Because it's fatally boring.”
“Because you have no interest in changing a world that suits you so well.”
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Monica @monwan.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
DJT's aggregate disapproval rating is 58.2% (approval 39.7%). FOX finally did a poll. His numbers are worse there. www.realclearpolling.com/polls/approv...
realclearpolling.com
President Trump Job Approval | RealClearPolling
President Trump Job Approval | RealClearPolling
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The Whimsical Muse @whimsicalmuse.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Just a friendly reminder to surround yourself with the kind of people who support their local library, theatre, bakery, bookstore, and café.
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Rob Bignell, Editor/Author @inventingreality.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
A book I recently edited was published this weekend!
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hmmadness.bsky.social @hmmadness.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
Next up a suggestion from @reelrank.bsky.social through their Medium articles. The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare from 2024. Both Henry Cavill and Alan Ritchson? Sold! Plus killing Nazi's is a huge bonus. D:Guy Ritchie #Reelrank #Filmsky
The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare 2024
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Monica @monwan.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
health.yahoo.com/your-body/wo...
health.yahoo.com
Period blood has long been seen as ‘waste.’ Scientists are rediscovering its healing potential.
Females have had periods for millennia, but science is just now learning how helpful period blood may be in medical diagnosis and treatment.
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