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Samanta Varela, Ph. D.

@samvrl.bsky.social
154 followers 125 following 9 posts

Interested in the study of risk, disasters, and robotics 🤖. scholar.google.com/citations?user=F…

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Samanta Varela, Ph. D. @samvrl.bsky.social · 10/02/2026
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/07/m...
nytimes.com
Michael Pollan Says Humanity Is About to Undergo a Revolutionary Change
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Reposted by Samanta Varela, Ph. D.
El Economista @eleconomista.com.mx · 25/01/2026
🏢 Empresas | 🤖💊 La IA transforma la logística médica en México. Modelos inteligentes de abasto podrían reducir el desabasto de medicamentos 📦🇲🇽
eleconomista.com.mx
La IA aplicada a la logística médica disminuirían el desabasto de medicamentos en México
Con un modelo de abasto inteligente cada receta se vincula con el inventario disponible y la logística necesaria para surtirla.
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Reposted by Samanta Varela, Ph. D.
Anza-Borrego Desert Research Center @anzaborrego.bsky.social · 21/11/2025
A rain shower yesterday afternoon with crepuscular rays filtering through the mist (Photo: Sicco Rood).
A rain shower yesterday afternoon with crepuscular rays filtering through the mist.
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The Economist @economist.com · 08/11/2025
The sophistication of AI friends is growing. The next version of ChatGPT will be able to act “more humanlike” and “like a friend” and will also allow “erotica” for verified adults, according to Sam Altman, OpenAI’s boss
econ.st
A new industry of AI companions is emerging
It may have profound implications for society and what it means to be human
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Reposted by Samanta Varela, Ph. D.
Public Administration @journalpa.bsky.social · 04/11/2025
"Accountability in Government Use of AI: Citizen Concerns and Preferences" by Naikang Feng & Yanto Chandra answers the question about how ordinary citizens perceive accountability policies in government AI use. doi.org/10.1111/padm...
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Reposted by Samanta Varela, Ph. D.
Columbia University Press @columbiaup.bsky.social · 02/11/2025
Now available! This Columbia University Earth Institute Sustainability Primer, DISASTERS AND DEVELOPMENT, will be useful for undergraduate and graduate courses, and it is relevant and accessible to practitioners and other interested readers. buff.ly/CYDBmsM #NaturalDisasters @climate.columbia.edu
Promotional graphic for 9780231206365 Disasters and Development, by John C. Mutter and Sonali Deraniyagala. It includes the book's cover, a blurb, and a 20% discount with code CUP20SM at cup.columbia.edu.
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The Wall Street Journal @wsj.com · 31/10/2025
The loading-the-dishwasher struggle is real. Even—or especially—for the $20,000 1X Neo humanoid home robot. 🔗: on.wsj.com/47whlZ1
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EcoInventos @ecoinventos.bsky.social · 25/10/2025
Japón inaugura el primer centro de datos 100% libre de emisiones que funciona con nieve, viento y energía solar. ecoinventos.com/japon-inaugu...
ecoinventos.com
Japón inaugura el primer centro de datos 100% libre de emisiones que funciona con nieve, viento y energía solar
Está en Ishikari, Hokkaido, donde las temperaturas invernales bajan hasta -5 °C, lo que permite usar aire frío natural para refrigerar los servidores.
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The New Yorker @newyorker.com · 07/10/2025
Older technologies have aided and perhaps enfeebled writers. “But with A.I. we’re so thoroughly able to outsource our thinking that it makes us more average, too,” Kyle Chayka writes.
newyorker.com
A.I. Is Homogenizing Our Thoughts
Recent studies suggest that tools such as ChatGPT make our brains less active and our writing less original.
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The New Yorker @newyorker.com · 30/09/2025
A psychotherapist decided to treat ChatGPT as if it were his patient. The experience left him “alternately gratified and horrified,” and, above all, unable to pull himself away.
newyorker.com
Putting ChatGPT on the Couch
When I played doctor with the chatbot, the simulated patient confessed problems that are real—and that should worry all of us.
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El Economista @eleconomista.com.mx · 28/09/2025
🏢 Empresas | 🌟 CloudHQ destinará $4,800M a 6 centros de datos en Querétaro. 7,200 empleos en el sector de IA 📈 www.eleconomista.com.mx/empresas/8-c...
eleconomista.com.mx
8 Claves de la millonaria inversión de CloudHQ en México para fortalecer la infraestructura de IA
La primera etapa de este proyecto representa una inversión previa de 250 millones de dólares.
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ASPA’s Section on Int’l & Comparative Administration @aspasica.bsky.social · 22/08/2025
Volume 7, Issue 1 of the Occasional Paper Series #SICA_OPS is published! This volume compiles research and practitioner insights focused on policy responses and governance challenges during and after the COVID-19 pandemic in Asia. Read it here: www.sicaaspa.org/view-all-iss...
sicaaspa.org
View all issues | SICA
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The New York Times @nytimes.com · 19/08/2025
Beyond the risk of drowning, floodwaters are often full of sewage, medical waste, industrial chemicals and more. And even after the storm is over, many hazards can remain. Here's what to know.
nyti.ms
The Unseen Health Dangers of Floodwaters
Even if the water looks safe, it could be filled with sewage and other hazards.
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El Economista @eleconomista.com.mx · 11/08/2025
🔴 Política | CDMX activa Alerta Roja por intensas lluvias y granizo: afectaciones y cierres en transporte. www.eleconomista.com.mx/politica/cdm...
eleconomista.com.mx
CDMX activa Alerta Roja por intensas lluvias y granizo: afectaciones y cierres en transporte
La tarde de este domingo en la mayoría de las alcaldías de la CDMX enfrentan lluvias y caída de granizo, con encharcamientos y cierres parciales en el
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The New York Times @nytimes.com · 27/07/2025
At Alpha School in Austin, Texas, students spend just two hours a day on academics, led by artificial intelligence tools. The remaining hours rely on A.I. and an adult “guide” to develop other skills. New Alpha schools are set to open in about a dozen cities this fall. nyti.ms/3UuHfGC
A child typing on a laptop. A headline reads: "A.I.-Driven Education: Coming to a School Near You" Photo by Desiree Rios for The New York Times
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The Economist @economist.com · 27/07/2025
For common allergens, such as pollen and dust mites, immunotherapy—in the form of drops, shots or tablets—is now highly effective for most people. Progress has been slower for food allergies, but that is changing
econ.st
Can you overcome an allergy?
Treatment is improving, even for the most dangerous
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Lisa Reyna Loe @lisaloe.bsky.social · 06/07/2025
🚨 As Central Texas continues to process the flooding devastation and loss of life and property, please consider donating to the vetted organizations listed in the screenshots as well as those listed in the Austin American Statesman. 👉🏽 www.statesman.com/story/news/s...
Kerr County Flood Relief Fund
The Kerr County Flood Relief Fund supports relief and rebuilding efforts after the flood of July 4, 2025. Your generosity helps our neighbors recover.
The Community Foundation - a 501(c)(3) public charity serving the Texas Hill Country - will direct funds to vetted organizations providing rescue, relief, and recovery efforts as well as flood assistance. The Fund will support the communities of Hunt, Ingram, Kerrville, Center Point, and Comfort. All donations are tax-deductible, and you will receive a receipt for your gift.betoorourke on IG:
 As we pray for our fellow Texans who have been impacted by this devastating flooding, please make a donation to support the ongoing recovery and relief efforts:
1) The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill.
Country's Kerr County Flood Relief Fund is at cftexashillcountry.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/
fund?funit_id=4201
2) The Central & South Texas chapter of the American Red Cross is at redcross.org/local/ texas/central-and-south-texas.html
Be sure to put "Guadalupe River/Kerr County Flood" or "TX Hill Country Chapter" in the memo/ designation field.
3) The Austin American-Statesman and Austin Monthly both have running lists of where you can donate in and near Austin.
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Animal Político @pajaropolitico.bsky.social · 09/07/2025
📱¿Necesitamos una nueva app de mensajería? Parecería que no, pues ya tenemos varias opciones como WhatsApp, Telegram, Messenger, etc. Sin embargo, eso podría cambiar con Bit Chat, el nuevo experimento de Jack Dorsey. @animalmx.bsky.social te cuenta más detalles.
animalpolitico.com
Bit Chat, la nueva app de mensajería del creador de Twitter que funciona sin internet
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Texas Tribune @texastribune.org · 05/07/2025
Here's how you can help those impacted by the catastrophic flooding in Texas Hill Country, along with safety tips for dealing with flood warnings and what to do when you encounter flood waters.
texastribune.org
Hill Country flooding: Here’s how to give and receive help
Catastrophic flooding in the Texas Hill Country has killed 32 people, including 18 children, with seven victims still unidentified. Rescue crews are searching for 27 missing girls from Camp Mystic. Mo...
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Technology and Information Policy Institute (UT Austin) @texastipi.bsky.social · 04/07/2025
🤖 At #ASPA2025, Dr. Samanta Varela Castro reflected on robots as socio-technical actors in public space. How do form, movement & interface shape public trust? Tensions between street-level bureaucracy & spatial organizing raise key questions on ethics, design & discretion. #HRI #PublicAdmin
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The New York Times @nytimes.com · 01/07/2025
Has A.I. become a part of your daily work routines, or helped you with a breakthrough? We want to know what it assists you with and if it has failed you in some way. Let us know in this form.
trib.al
Tell Us: How Are You Using A.I. at Work?
Has A.I. become a part of your daily work routines? We want to know.
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El Economista @eleconomista.com.mx · 16/06/2025
#ArteEIdeas | Estados Unidos decidió este lunes reforzar la protección federal de todas las especies de pangolines, los únicos mamíferos de piel escamosa y los que sufren más tráfico ilegal en el mundo. 🇺🇸🦔
eleconomista.com.mx
Estados Unidos refuerza la protección del pangolín: El mamífero más traficado del mundo
Estados Unidos decidió este lunes reforzar la protección federal de todas las especies de pangolines, los únicos mamíferos de piel escamosa y los que
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Water Hub @waterhub.bsky.social · 30/05/2025
When fires swept through Altadena and Pacific Palisades, they didn’t just destroy homes — they hit water systems too. Small utilities are struggling to rebuild, and rates may rise without more support. @ianjames.bsky.social for @latimes.com: www.latimes.com/environment/...
latimes.com
Smaller water districts were hit hardest by L.A. firestorms, UCLA report finds
The January firestorms damaged water systems in large areas of Altadena and Pacific Palisades. In a new report, UCLA researchers examine the toll on 11 community water systems.
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Animal Político @pajaropolitico.bsky.social · 25/05/2025
🧠Con el desarrollo de la Inteligencia Artificial, algunas personas optan por utilizar a chatbots como psicólogos. No obstante, especialistas consideran que estos programas informáticos son "terapeutas inexpertos". Vía BBC Mundo.
animalpolitico.com
“Mi psicólogo de IA me ayudó a superar momentos difíciles”: los riesgos y beneficios de usar un chatbot como terapeuta
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Animal Político @pajaropolitico.bsky.social · 25/05/2025
👩‍🌾#HoyEnAnimal | Agricultores y productores de Mexicali, Baja California, emplean prácticas sostenibles para conservar el río Colorado. Los campesinos utilizan el cauce de manera eficiente y siembran ciertas especies para contrarrestar la crisis hídrica.
animalpolitico.com
Los ranchos tradicionales en Mexicali se transforman para conservar el río Colorado
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NOAA Climate.gov @climate.noaa.gov · 23/05/2025
Sunburns not only increase your risk of skin cancer but also increase your risk of heat-related illness and dehydration. On #DontFryDay, learn how to protect your skin by finding shade and wearing protective clothing. Learn more: bit.ly/3Vhzzcc #HeatSafety #NIHHIS
A person resting on a hot day. The text says, “Protect yourself from heat and sun. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol. Beverages with electrolytes can also help protect against heat stress. Apply sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) every two hours. Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, and light-colored clothing. Take regular breaks in the shade.”
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🉑 𝚖𝚒𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚎𝚕 𝚑𝚘𝚠𝚕𝚎𝚝𝚝 〽️ 𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 @howlettm.bsky.social · 23/05/2025
Just out and OA in Policy Design & Practice: "Educating for uncertainty: Integrating abductive reasoning into the public policy curriculum" by M Ramesh & Michael Howlett @howlettm www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
tandfonline.com
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PA Theory Network @patheorynetwork.bsky.social · 15/05/2025
🚀 PATNet 2025 is going METAVERSE! 🎮 Panels, poker, Tetris, & beachside networking—where theory gets playful. 🧠 Public Administration & Democracy’s Promise 📅 June 12–15, 2025 | 📍 In the Metaverse 🎥 Featuring @poojapaswan.bsky.social (Chair), Nuri (EIC ATP), & Edgar 🔗 Register + teaser inside!
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Samanta Varela, Ph. D. @samvrl.bsky.social · 29/04/2025
¿Qué nos invita a interactuar con un #robot en un espacio público y qué nos preocupa? Estaré en una clase abierta para Escuela de Gobierno Uniandes con el Profesor Juan David Gutiérrez el 6 de mayo a las 6pm hora Bogotá. Aquí la liga: lnkd.in/g-_5nUY3
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Daniel Aldrich @danielaldrich.bsky.social · 15/04/2025
In Idaho and elsewhere insurance companies are ending coverage in high-risk areas, leaving many without coverage as wildfire season approaches www.yahoo.com/news/homeown...
yahoo.com
Homeowners stunned after losing insurance coverage for reasons beyond their control: 'We got a letter saying that they were dropping us'
"In three months, we've had three insurance companies."
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Digital Science @digital-science.com · 07/04/2025
📣 How can keywords help you assess the impact of scientific publications? Find out in Part 2 of @altmetric.com's webinar series with Ashraf Maleki (University of Turku) @utu.fi Discover citation & altmetrics trends and topics driving attention. 🔗 Register now: www.altmetric.com/event/keywor...
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Samanta Varela, Ph. D. @samvrl.bsky.social · 04/04/2025
These past few days have been very rewarding. Visiting Washington, D.C. for the first time was an unforgettable experience—the city's iconic monuments left me inspired and admiring the history of this great country. #SoHappy
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Samanta Varela, Ph. D. @samvrl.bsky.social · 22/03/2025
Great research at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. They are understanding adaptive strategies plants use to thrive, despite grazing and fire.
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EPA Journal @epa-journal.bsky.social · 10/03/2025
C. M. Radaelli explores ToPP's impact on EU policy research and advocates its integration with theories on implementation, evaluation, and governance, in the upcoming SI, guest-edited by C. Weible. #PolicyStudies #policyprocess #publicpolicy #polisci onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10....
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Samanta Varela, Ph. D. @samvrl.bsky.social · 08/03/2025
Aquí la perspectiva actual de política pública sobre desastres en México youtube.com/watch?v=MAJz...
youtube.com
Curso: Sistema Nacional de Protección Civil, Tema 1
YouTube video by Coordinación Nacional de Protección Civil
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Samanta Varela, Ph. D. @samvrl.bsky.social · 13/02/2025
An interesting piece on research storytelling. medium.com/@munasabiha/...
medium.com
What’s your research story?
Last week, I had the incredible opportunity to attend a workshop on research storytelling. It was a transformative experience that reshaped…
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El Economista @eleconomista.com.mx · 08/02/2025
#Internacionales | 🇨🇱 Chile declara estado de emergencia preventivo por riesgo de incendios. 🌡️ Las temperaturas extremas amenazan las regiones de Maule y Ñuble.
eleconomista.com.mx
Chile declara estado de emergencia por amenaza de incendios
El mandatario chileno declarará el toque de queda en una serie de comunidades que dará a conocer en las próximas horas.
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El Economista @eleconomista.com.mx · 01/02/2025
#ArteEIdeas | 📅 ¡Celebremos el Día Nacional del Ajolote! Un día para proteger a este emblemático anfibio mexicano. 🦎 🇲🇽
eleconomista.com.mx
Día Nacional del Ajolote: ¿Por qué es tan especial y cómo protegerlo?
Culturalmente, el ajolote ha sido una figura significativa en la mitología mexica, donde se le asociaba con Xólotl, el dios del fuego y los espíritus. Su
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Ada Lovelace Institute @adalovelaceinst.bsky.social · 24/01/2025
AI companions are on the rise, but what are the possible long-term effects on people and society? @jamiebernardi.bsky.social examines the potential benefits and risks - both individual and systemic - of this type of AI service. www.adalovelaceinstitute.org/blog/ai-comp...
adalovelaceinstitute.org
Friends for sale: the rise and risks of AI companions
What are the possible long-term effects of AI companions on individuals and society?
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Daniel Aldrich @danielaldrich.bsky.social · 17/01/2025
Cascading disaster : While firefighters begin containing the Los Angeles wildfires, the land left behind is at a higher risk of floods and debris flows www.nytimes.com/2025/01/16/c...
nytimes.com
The Next Threat to L.A.? Rainfall That Could Cause Landslides
While firefighters begin containing the Los Angeles wildfires, the land left behind is at a higher risk of floods and debris flows.
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Ana-Maria Dimand @anadimand.bsky.social · 14/01/2025
Award opportunities
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Samanta Varela, Ph. D. @samvrl.bsky.social · 14/01/2025
hazards.colorado.edu/news/center-...
hazards.colorado.edu
Wildfires—Resources, Reports, and Guidance for Researchers and Their Partners
As California fires burn, the Natural Hazards Center has compiled reports with lessons learned from previous wildfires as well as a list of funding opportunities, tools, and other resources for resear...
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Samanta Varela, Ph. D. @samvrl.bsky.social · 10/01/2025
www.charitynavigator.org/discover-cha...
charitynavigator.org
Los Angeles Fires
Highly rated charities providing relief and recovery to those impacted by fires in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles and surrounding California areas.
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Jeremy Schwartz @jschwartzreporter.bsky.social · 30/12/2024
No one covers Austin’s Latino community and cultura like the amazing Austin Vida team. Help them continue their mission of amplifying Latinidad in the capital city and unlock triple matching funds by donating before the end of year! austinvida.com/support-us/?...
austinvida.com
Support Us — Austin Vida
Help us uplift and inform our local comunidad
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Natural Hazards Center @hazcenter.bsky.social · 18/12/2024
During extreme weather like the #QuadStateTornado, people with disabilities may miss warnings or struggle to get out of harm’s way. This #WeatherReady dataset takes stock of those difficulties to develop more inclusive disaster planning: bit.ly/3DixTbD
Destructive tornado tears apart the countryside near Minden, Iowa
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Raul Pacheco-Vega @raulpachecovega.bsky.social · 18/12/2024
My article with Kate Parizeau, "Doubly Engaged Ethnography: Opportunities and Challenges When Working With Vulnerable Communities" (#Free2DownloadAndRead) has 28 citations in 2024 alone. So grateful that you cite our work AND that it's useful to you all. journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10....
journals.sagepub.com
Doubly Engaged Ethnography: Opportunities and Challenges When Working With Vulnerable Communities - Raul Pacheco-Vega, Kate Parizeau, 2018
Understanding the unique challenges facing vulnerable communities necessitates a scholarly approach that is profoundly embedded in the ethnographic tradition. U...
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Natural Hazards Center @hazcenter.bsky.social · 17/12/2024
We're seeking great ideas for the 2025 Natural Hazards Research and Applications Workshop. The submission form is LIVE: bit.ly/3VJeaIp
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EL PAÍS @elpais.com · 16/12/2024
Sanidad y las comunidades aprueban la creación de una nueva figura, el “administrativo de salud”, cuya principal función será liberar tiempo para que el personal médico y de enfermería puedan dedicárselo a los enfermos
buff.ly
Sanidad y las comunidades crean la figura del “administrativo en salud” para liberar de burocracia a médicos y enfermeras
El Consejo Interterritorial aprueba también la creación en cada autonomía de un registro de objetores al aborto, que podrá ser total o solo en algunos supuestos
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The New York Times @nytimes.com · 16/12/2024
You probably know “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy,” a highlight of “The Nutcracker” and a holiday staple. Listen to how Tchaikovsky used the celesta, which in 1892 had recently been invented, to signal playfulness and fantasy as he unleashed the potential of the new instrument. nyti.ms/3ZXs9gy
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🉑 𝚖𝚒𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚎𝚕 𝚑𝚘𝚠𝚕𝚎𝚝𝚝 〽️ 𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 @howlettm.bsky.social · 16/12/2024
New Cambridge Element of Public Policy - "Policy Entrepreneurs, Crises, and Policy Change" by Evangelia Petridou, Jörgen Sparf, Nikolaos Zahariadis and Thomas Birkland. Open Access at cup.org/4iLSxkX
cup.org
Policy Entrepreneurs, Crises, and Policy Change
Cambridge Core - Political Economy - Policy Entrepreneurs, Crises, and Policy Change
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