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Melek Ortabasi

@mortabasi.bsky.social
2.2K followers 965 following 6.2K posts

Mother, scholar, voter. Unsinkable. Expertise in World lit, Japanese lit, children’s lit, translation studies, and general saltiness. Contributor to @roganslist.bsky.social since 2017 🤯

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Reposted by Melek Ortabasi
SFU Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences @sfufass.bsky.social · 19m
We had a blast celebrating our newest alumni last week! 🥰 Relive the big day by checking out our Fall 2026 Convocation photo album now up on the FASS Flickr account 📸 Congratulations FASS grads! 🎉 www.sfu.ca/fass/news/20... #mySFUgrad
sfu.ca
Recapping the FASS October 2026 convocation
Congratulations to our October 2026 graduating class! We are so proud of your hard work and achievements.
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Melek Ortabasi @mortabasi.bsky.social · 18m
My department is undergoing an external review this year, and I sent out a call for students and alumni to participate in meetings with the review committee next week. I got a fantastic response! Thanks so much guys 🥲
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Rabbi David Mivasair @mivasair.bsky.social · 2h
You can directly support families in Gaza. We do it every day through Connecting Gaza. Your donation tangibly, directly helps them buy food, water, medical care, shelter and warm clothes for winter. Please join us. www.connectinggaza.org/donate
connectinggaza.org
Donate | Connecting Gaza
Every dollar you give flows directly to Gaza — no intermediaries, no delays. Together, we keep pharmacies stocked, tents dry, and hope alive.
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Desert Flower @crystal159.bsky.social · 3h
Thousands of students, setting fires in the streets and barricading roads with wrought ironwork, brought #Albania’s capital to a standstill on Thursday, as anger over the high cost of education coalesced into violent protests demanding the prime minister’s resignation. #Kushner By NYT staff
nytimes.com
Student Protests in Albania Turn Violent as Calls Grow for Leader’s Resignation
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Marisa Kabas @marisakabas.bsky.social · 2h
I'm looking to speak with a Constitutional Scholar about the Article VI oath and its role in swearing in new members of Congress. If that's you, or you have someone to recommend, reply here or reach out. Signal: marisakabas.04 Email: marisa@thehandbasket.co
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Robert Reich @rbreich.bsky.social · 4h
Alphabet, Amazon, Meta, and Tesla paid just 4.9% of their profits in federal corporate taxes in 2025. They've seen their collective tax bill drop by $95B thanks to two rounds of Trump tax cuts. Meanwhile, tech layoffs in 2026 have already surpassed 2025. Trickle-down economics was always a scam.
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Melek Ortabasi @mortabasi.bsky.social · 2h
Stupid
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Japan Past & Present @jppinfo.bsky.social · 2h
The Yanai Initiative for Globalizing Japanese Humanities and JPP’s Library Services Team are pleased to invite applications for our 2027 Library & Information Specialist Professionalization Workshop on 2/20~21, 2027, to be conducted in both English & Japanese. japanpastandpresent.org/en/news/call...
Call for Participants: Japan Past & Present 2027 Library & Information Specialist Professionalization Workshop
We are pleased to invite applications to participate in our 2027 hybrid Library & Information Specialist Professionalization Workshop, to be hosted at UCLA on February 20 and 21, 2027, and conducted in both English and Japanese.
This workshop will provide an opportunity for Japanese Studies librarians; information specialists and library staff who engage with Japanese resources; and aspiring area studies library and information science specialists to engage in critical discussions and hands-on learning with colleagues from around the world. Speakers and workshop leaders will address issues related to Japanese copyright law, image use, digital tools for library resource management, digitization processes, and more.
Speakers include:
Ryō Akama, Professor, Ritsumeikan University
Adam Lisbon, Associate Professor; Japanese & Korean Studies Librarian, University of Colorado, Boulder)
Shōji Yamada (Nichibunken)
Jennifer Berry (National Museum of Asian Art)
Dawn Childress (UCLA)
Tomoko Bialock (UCLA) 
Shirō Yukawa (Bonn University)
While the workshop will be held in a hybrid format, the Yanai Initiative will sponsor in-person participation for a limited number of librarians, library staff, archivists, and other information professionals who would especially benefit from direct participation and the networking opportunities the workshop presents. We look forward to welcoming to the UCLA campus participants based at diverse institutional contexts around the world, and at various stages in their careers, from aspiring information specialists to those with years of experience. Any specialist responsible for Japanese-language materials at their institution is welcome to apply, regardless of their background. The workshop will include time for discussion of library and information sciences as they pertain to the Japanese humanities more broadly.
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Asheesh Kapur Siddique @asheeshks.org · 2h
Okay Lt Gov Hashmi is remarkable. Just wow!! cardinalnews.org/2026/09/23/h...
cardinalnews.org
Hashmi goes back to the classroom to talk about some important books
The lieutenant governor, a former literature professor, has created a lecture tour on the intersection of literature and politics.
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Democracy Docket @democracydocket.com · 4h
BREAKING: In a win for voters, the Nebraska Supreme Court ruled to allow certain Americans living abroad to vote in state elections. The decision marks a blow to Republicans' nationwide effort to push claims of ineligible voters casting ballots in U.S. elections.
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Colin M. Henry @henryhenryhenry.com · 3h
we are merely in the foothills of the bloated, violent American security state asserting itself as a major political actor
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The Associated Press @apnews.com · 3h
The man who shot the Oregon elementary school attacker has two daughters at the school, his mother says.
bit.ly
Live updates: 16-year-old kills 3 children and a teacher at Oregon elementary school
A 16-year-old opened fire at an elementary school in Bend, Oregon, on Thursday, killing three children and a teacher. He was then shot by a person at the scene, authorities said.
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States Newsroom @statesnewsroom.com · 7h
Trump’s changes to SNAP and Medicaid, including new eligibility and work requirements, are poised to cost states billions and have heightened fears that more Americans will lose access to the nation’s safety net. Visit our dedicated trend page for more. www.newsfromthestates.com/rising-trend...
newsfromthestates.com
Medicaid/SNAP | News From The States
The Trump administration’s tax and spending plan, signed last year, made major changes to the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid, including new eligibility and work…
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Melek Ortabasi @mortabasi.bsky.social · 6h
Honestly have no idea why everyone hasn't figured this out, or why people are even afraid of that pathetic little man.
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Mark Jacob @markjacob.bsky.social · 9h
Abolish ICE.
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Melek Ortabasi @mortabasi.bsky.social · 16h
Thursday toe tufts
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VoteRiders @voteriders.bsky.social · 15/10/2026
Student voters in NH: your student ID can’t be your only proof of identity when you register, request an absentee ballot, or check in to vote! Be sure to bring an accepted form of ID. Review accepted forms of ID at voteriders.org/states/new-h...
wmur.com
Judge: NH voters can use a student ID for back up
A judge ruled that some New Hampshire voters are allowed to use a student ID to help them vote on Wednesday.
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Brad Lander @bradlander.bsky.social · 15/10/2026
In yet another stunning display of ICE cruelty, Oscar Belgal is still being held in solitary confinement (with a bullet still in his neck) at the notorious Metropolitan Detention Center.
Standing with a group of religious leaders & advocates to protest at Metropolitan Detention Center.
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Melek Ortabasi @mortabasi.bsky.social · 18h
No. Shit. 🙄
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Norm Eisen @normeisen.bsky.social · 15/10/2026
BREAKING: The FBI made a video trashing Democrats & hyping Kash Patel, then posted it during early voting Spending your tax dollars to campaign or to hype the director is illegal -- This video did BOTH We want watchdogs to find out who signed off Our @democracydefendersfund.org letter👇 -TN
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Greg Pak @gregpak.net · 15/10/2026
What if you see ICE at the polls? (Don't worry! Read on for the plan!) @indivisible.org roped me in to design and illustrate a new zine! Check it out in this 🧵 - and visit linktr.ee/wewillvote to sign up for the Election Protection Program and find all the resources you need!
Page 1: text reads "WHAT IF YOU SEE ICE AT THE POLLS? (Don't worry! Read on for the plan!)"

Image shows pen and ink drawings of an ICE agent peeking around one side of the word ICE and a determined looking person holding up a cell phone as if to record peering around the other side.
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Catherine Rampell @crampell.bsky.social · 15/10/2026
Ex-Florida congressman Matt Gaetz accused in suit of sex trafficking young women www.miamiherald.com/news/politic...
miamiherald.com
Ex-Florida congressman Matt Gaetz accused in suit of sex trafficking young women
The lawsuit alleges the two women were supplied with drugs, traveled across state lines and were paid to have sex with men, including Gaetz.
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Prisonculture @prisonculture.bsky.social · 21h
Chicago mother sues ICE contractor that jailed her and her baby in a hotel room www.injusticewatch.org/civil-courts...
injusticewatch.org
Chicago mother sues ICE contractor that jailed her and her baby in a hotel room
This story was published in partnership with The Intercept, a nonprofit news organization dedicated to holding the powerful accountable through fearless,
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Melek Ortabasi @mortabasi.bsky.social · 20h
So proud of our amazing student editorial team. It’s a beautiful issue! @sfufass.bsky.social
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Melek Ortabasi @mortabasi.bsky.social · 23h
I just got my exclusive advance copy of our student journal, The Lyre! Launch party in 40 minutes! @sfufass.bsky.social
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Melek Ortabasi @mortabasi.bsky.social · 15/10/2026
I should too but her fluffy tocks are too cute
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Melek Ortabasi @mortabasi.bsky.social · 15/10/2026
LOL she has longish hair and it was out of necessity, if you know what I mean
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Melek Ortabasi @mortabasi.bsky.social · 15/10/2026
I have already voted and it was my pleasure to mark the bubble next to @jenagriswold.bsky.social !
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Melek Ortabasi @mortabasi.bsky.social · 15/10/2026
Thank goodness for fundraising-related work events, or I'd never have a chance to wear my party dresses LOL 🫠
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Melek Ortabasi @mortabasi.bsky.social · 15/10/2026
In the hour since I got up, I have: -made breakfast for Boys 1 & 3 -made Boy 3's lunch/packed his bag -refilled the bird feeder -put the clean dishes away -checked my email -refilled my tea canister -folded the departmental tablecloth I ironed last night -washed the cat's butt
static.klipy.com
Lilo and Stitch: Good Morning Wake Up
ALT: Lilo and Stitch: Good Morning Wake Up
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Melek Ortabasi @mortabasi.bsky.social · 15/10/2026
Excuse me but this is *my* turkey à la mexicana
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Phil Lewis @phillewis.bsky.social · 15/10/2026
WSJ: 'The Trump administration’s investigation into Rep. Ilhan Omar is aimed at building a case to strip her of her U.S. citizenship and ultimately deport her, according to U.S. officials and other people familiar with the probe'
wsj.com
Ilhan Omar Investigation Aims to Build Case for Stripping Her Citizenship
Authorities have subpoenaed members of the Democratic congresswoman’s family as part of a broader look at their immigration paperwork.
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John Annese @johnannese.bsky.social · 15/10/2026
Six days after ICE shot him in the Bronx, Oscar Belgal remains in MDC Brooklyn, and still hasn’t gotten surgery to remove the bullet in his neck. “He has experienced a loss of sensation in half of his face, as well as hearing loss in his left ear.” Gift link: www.nydailynews.com/2026/10/14/l...
nydailynews.com
ICE never identified themselves during NYC shooting of Oscar Belgal, who still has bullet in neck: lawyers
The Legal Aid Society, which now represents the 28-year-old father, filed a habeas corpus petition in Brooklyn Federal Court Wednesday, seeking his “immediate release on reasonable conditions.”
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19thnews @19thnews.org · 15/10/2026
For six months of her pregnancy, Maria was held in an immigrant camp in Texas, where conditions made it impossible for her to care for herself or her baby. Her story is but one example of the troubling conditions for pregnant people in ICE custody.
19thnews.org
Raw chicken, malnutrition and fear: The ‘nightmare’ of being pregnant in an ICE detention camp
For six months of her pregnancy, Maria was held in an immigrant camp in Texas, where conditions made it impossible for her to care for herself or her baby.
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Mike Boylan-Kolchin @mbkplus.bsky.social · 15/10/2026
Wow, wild that they had a president who hit student protestors with his car and also this guy and WAIT THEY'RE THE SAME GUY? And he's still the president?!?
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The New York Times @nytimes.com · 15/10/2026
An ICE agent struck a Mexican construction worker with a vehicle in Houston over the weekend. Texas prosecutors are considering criminal charges against the agent, officials said. nyti.ms/4sa9tXo
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Melek Ortabasi @mortabasi.bsky.social · 15/10/2026
"AI literacy training may help prevent AI-associated learning losses, or, for approximately the same outcome, students could simply not use AI." LOL well put
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Nancy Levine Stearns @nancylevinestearns.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
🚨NEW by me: New ICE facility for unaccompanied migrant kids is about to open in Louisiana. While ICE is sanitizing optics, calling it the "Alexandria Family Staging Center," lawmakers and child advocates are raising the roof warning of child trafficking risks. www.thequeenzone.com/new-ice-faci...
thequeenzone.com
New ICE Facility for Migrant Children Raises Alarm Over Trafficking Risks
A new ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) facility for unaccompanied children, families, and single women is set to...
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Melek Ortabasi @mortabasi.bsky.social · 15/10/2026
It's a small thing, but today I wrote and submitted an abstract to a call for book chapters. Yay me.
static.klipy.com
Tina Says YES! (Bob's Burgers)
ALT: Tina Says YES! (Bob's Burgers)
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Melek Ortabasi @mortabasi.bsky.social · 14/10/2026
Are Democrats in general not going as far as I'd like in embracing progressive goals? Yup Can I push candidates further in that direction by contacting/pushing them? Yup Should I expect candidates to agree with me in every respect before I decide to cast a vote in their favor? Nope VOTE
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Melek Ortabasi @mortabasi.bsky.social · 14/10/2026
They're using our tax dollars to fund this stupid, cruel bit of theater, and are enjoying it.
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Indivisible ❌👑 @indivisible.org · 14/10/2026
We stand with Indivisibles and our partners demanding Oscar Belgal’s release, a full independent investigation, and immediate release of the body camera footage. And we join them in urging the public not to shop at Target until they stop letting DHS use their parking lots as staging sites for ICE!
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White Rose University Consortium @whiteroseuc.bsky.social · 14/10/2026
Applications are open for White Rose Prosper, a career programme for postdocs at Leeds, Sheffield & York across 3 workshops. Apply now: whiterose.ac.uk/what-we-do/w... #Postdoc #AcademicSky #HigherEd
Text reads: “Nothing else will give you the time, space and support to explore your postdoc career like this.”
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Max Fawcett @maxfawcett.bsky.social · 14/10/2026
In which I call out @naomiaklein.bsky.social, the CBC At Issue Panel and every other smart and decent Canadian who still chooses to use the social media site owned by the guy who wants to break our country up. Whatever you're doing on there isn't as important as what he's trying to do to you.
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Melek Ortabasi @mortabasi.bsky.social · 14/10/2026
I’m pretty sure you DON’T want to take a shower 🚿🙀
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Melek Ortabasi @mortabasi.bsky.social · 14/10/2026
Flowers from former students smell the sweetest 🥹💜
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Melek Ortabasi @mortabasi.bsky.social · 13/10/2026
We are fundraising to support our Punjabi Language Program! Please support this important community heritage language at #SFU @sfufass.bsky.social www.sfu.ca/wll/courses/...
sfu.ca
Support Punjabi Language Instruction at SFU
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Melek Ortabasi @mortabasi.bsky.social · 13/10/2026
LOL plus so many other gross things 🫠
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Melek Ortabasi @mortabasi.bsky.social · 13/10/2026
Please don't ask me questions that you could find out the answer to yourself by searching the university website
static.klipy.com
Amy Jackson: Oh, She's Being Salty
ALT: Amy Jackson: Oh, She's Being Salty
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Melek Ortabasi @mortabasi.bsky.social · 13/10/2026
Or, you know, you could just ban fraternities. They really serve no good social or academic purpose whatsoever. They *could,* but they have proven for decades that they don't
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