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Tim Chen Allen

@timchenallen.bsky.social
566 followers 732 following 246 posts

AI Engineer/Data Scientist. I love Ypsilanti. Father of sighthounds. Former parkour athlete. Current Tolkien lover. Sober since 1995.

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Tim Chen Allen @timchenallen.bsky.social · 16/11/2025
@ulabeast.bsky.social was interviewed on CBS’s “The Takeout” about “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” and its namesake ship. She was amazing. www.cbsnews.com/video/folk-r...
cbsnews.com
Folk rock ballad memorializing sinking of SS Edmund Fitzgerald endures 50 years later
You might know the name of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald tragedy from the annals of history, the hit song from 1976, or, most recently, on the hit show, "Severance." Neda Ulaby, a reporter for NPR's arts d...
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Tim Chen Allen @timchenallen.bsky.social · 02/07/2025
Thanks all for the birthday wishes! My amazing wife, @ulabeast.bsky.social, and I spent it dancing like maniacs here in Port Townsend, Washington, with our wonderful friends Heather and Jeffrey. We’re on our way to Vancouver for a few days.
A group of older dancers smiling and standing around some drums
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Tim Chen Allen @timchenallen.bsky.social · 12/06/2025
I’ve worked for the 3 FEMA officials mentioned in this article. They know more about coordinating disaster response than anyone I know. Their departure as Hurricane season begins is bad news. If you live on the Gulf or Eastern Seaboard you should be very concerned www.cbsnews.com/news/jeremy-...
cbsnews.com
Head of FEMA's storm response center leaving agency amid leadership exodus
Jeremy Greenberg, the head of FEMA's National Response Coordination Center, submitted his resignation Wednesday and will depart the agency in two weeks.
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Tim Chen Allen @timchenallen.bsky.social · 21/05/2025
I received the 2024 FEMA Administrator’s Award for Innovation… three months after I left the Agency… awarded by Cam Hamilton, who is also no longer with FEMA. Still, grateful for the recognition.
Gray-haired smiling man holding a framed award from FEMA and a challenge coin.
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Tim Chen Allen @timchenallen.bsky.social · 02/05/2025
Donate to National Public Radio. I just doubled my monthly contribution. NPR+ gives you ad-free NPR podcasts and supports your local public radio station: plus.npr.org
plus.npr.org
NPR Plus | Access NPR+
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Tim Chen Allen @timchenallen.bsky.social · 15/04/2025
The Michigan Ave @ypsilibrary.org opened yesterday! I’m so happy. I checked out my first book from there yesterday!
Happy man holding a copy of the book “The Great Crash 1929” in front of a librarian.
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Tim Chen Allen @timchenallen.bsky.social · 22/03/2025
Another great day volunteering at the Detroit Institute of Arts! I love working with visitors here.
Smiling man, with a tie standing in the Great Hall of the Detroit Institute of Arts, wearing a badge that says “Hablo Español” (I speak Spanish) and a neck leash that says U.S. Marine Corps.
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Tim Chen Allen @timchenallen.bsky.social · 24/02/2025
HAIR WARS! My volunteer shift at the Detroit Institute of the Arts coincided with Detroit’s historic Hair Wars beauty battle. The gentleman seated here, surrounded by women wearing his elegant creations, is Wishbone, the self-proclaimed “Michael Jackson of Hair”. It was a privilege to be present.
Elegantly dressed man with a cape surrounded by beautifully dressed women with elaborate hairstyles in the Great Hall of the Detroit Institute of the Arts
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Tim Chen Allen @timchenallen.bsky.social · 19/02/2025
An NPR story about the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima by @ulabeast.bsky.social. Pertinent to us as my son is a USMC Sgt in Japan now. www.npr.org/2025/02/17/n...
npr.org
The Battle of Iwo Jima began 80 years ago. Listen to recordings from the frontlines
The Library of Congress preserved recordings from Marine Corp combat correspondents at Iwo Jima that included interviews with soldiers, music and the sounds of war.
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Tim Chen Allen @timchenallen.bsky.social · 18/02/2025
At Kelsey Museum of Archeology at U of Michigan. So many artifacts of powerful men seeking immortality through the work of their subjects. Almost all had a placard next to them marked “unknown ruler“. “My name is #Ozymandias, King of Kings; Look on my Works, ye Mighty, and despair!”
Man smiling in front of of the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology at the University of Michigan
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Tim Chen Allen @timchenallen.bsky.social · 16/02/2025
I’m officially retired from #FEMA now. 27 years of federal service, 17 at FEMA. I’m excited to continue working nearer to home in #Ypsilanti, and grateful to have served the survivor w so many amazing people. Gratitude for my wife, @ulabeast.bsky.social, for supporting this transition.
Smiling man standing in front of FEMA headquarters in Washington, DC
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Tim Chen Allen @timchenallen.bsky.social · 08/02/2025
After 27 years of Federal Government service, 17 at FEMA, I’m retiring next Friday. I’m taking these #FEMA polos to HQ to give to the next generation of Emergency Managers. On people’s worst days they are the helpers.
A stack of nine FEMA polo shirts on a suitcase
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Tim Chen Allen @timchenallen.bsky.social · 08/02/2025
I’m now addicted to Cardio Quest, a phone game that lets you fight monsters and bosses using your heart rate as fuel. If you liked Zombies Run! you’ll probably like this (www.mycardioquest.com) #CardioQuest #ZombiesRun #ZRX #Gamification
Medieval warrior armed with axe and shield in role-playing type game on screenMonster the warrior is fighting along with scores in role-playing game in screen
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Tim Chen Allen @timchenallen.bsky.social · 25/01/2025
Went with @ulabeast.bsky.social and our friend Dean to the Detroit Masonic Temple to see the Candlelight Concert: Rings and Dragons, with music from LOTR and Game of Thrones. A beautiful and unique experience! Lots of folks dressed as elves! @candlelightconcert.bsky.social
A string quartet playing amidst a sea of candles in a high-vaulted room with intricate painted patterns on the walls and ceiling.
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Tim Chen Allen @timchenallen.bsky.social · 23/01/2025
I finally finished The Silmarillion and I’m heading right back into The Lord of the Rings! #tolkien #ringsofpower
A hand holding a dog eared copy of JRR Tolkien’s The Silmarillion in front of a copy of The Lord of the Rings
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Tim Chen Allen @timchenallen.bsky.social · 23/01/2025
Wyrd Byrd in Ypsilanti held its 2nd Intro to #DnD session and it was amazing! Shawn’s got a great idea and it looks like it’s picking up steam
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Tim Chen Allen @timchenallen.bsky.social · 18/01/2025
@ulabeast.bsky.social and I are still on our honeymoon in Belize! I’ll do a photo dump when we get home. We were at the Mayan city of Xunantunich a couple days ago here
Older couple smiling in front of a Mayan ruin
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Tim Chen Allen @timchenallen.bsky.social · 15/01/2025
30 years sober today. We can do together what I could never do alone. Thank you all.
30 year sobriety coin held in a man’s hand
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Tim Chen Allen @timchenallen.bsky.social · 13/01/2025
@ulabeast.bsky.social and I are in our honeymoon in Belize!
Older couple holding hands and looking back at the camera from their seats on a small airplane over the oceanOlder couple happily smiling at the camera as the step off a plane in the sunshine
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Tim Chen Allen @timchenallen.bsky.social · 08/01/2025
My second shift as a Gallery Services Volunteer at the Detroit Institute of the Arts this past Sunday. I’m headed back tomorrow for another shift! #dia #detroit
Man in suit poses comically in a large room with light-colored marble floors, marble walls, and a gold-colored painted domed ceiling
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Tim Chen Allen @timchenallen.bsky.social · 07/01/2025
High Scope Mansion tonight. This is 150’ from our house #Ypsilanti is an incredible place.
High Scope Mansion in the moonlight of Ypsilanti
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Tim Chen Allen @timchenallen.bsky.social · 02/01/2025
Our back gate’s hinge broke. Hardware store didn’t have a replacement. Yep: I use a hose clamp. My dad will never truly be gone as long as jury-rigs like this exist
Man in furry hat pointing at a fence repair he made by replacing a broken hinge with a hose clamp
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Tim Chen Allen @timchenallen.bsky.social · 28/12/2024
I just finished my first shift at the Detroit Institute of the Arts as a Gallery Services Volunteer. What an amazing museum. Eager for my next shift. #HiMom
Smiling middle-aged man with glasses standing in front of the Detroit Institute of the Arts
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Tim Chen Allen @timchenallen.bsky.social · 27/12/2024
I’ve always wondered: is this story from page 80 of the Big Book the origin of Mr. Potter in “It’s a Wonderful Life”? The BB is from 1934 and the short story the movie is based on is from 1943. Anyway, I always joke that Mr. Potter must have been one of us! #sobersky #recoveryposse
he accepted a sum of money from a bitterly-hated business rival, giving him no receipt for it. He subsequently denied having received the money and used the incident as a basis for discrediting the man. He thus used his own wrongdoing as a means of destroying the reputation of another. In fact, his rival was ruined.
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Tim Chen Allen @timchenallen.bsky.social · 20/12/2024
#Ypsilanti snowfall this morning with our #sighthounds Zeno and Zoom
Man in knit cap on snowy forest roadTwo sighthound dogs, one white in a purple jacket, one black in a green jacket, standing in the snow
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Tim Chen Allen @timchenallen.bsky.social · 19/12/2024
Dungeons & Dragons 101 at Wyrd Byrd in #Ypsilanti tonight was amazing. Our party survived a savage giant mouse attack! The owner/DM, Shawn, hopes to run a monthly game right here in the heart of Ypsi! #dnd
Storefront of Wyrd Byrd, a shop with 45 rpm records and books displayed in the window.
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Tim Chen Allen @timchenallen.bsky.social · 18/12/2024
My brother Pete and I play Dungeons & Dragons on Zoom most weeks. We’re 1,000 miles apart, but when we’re playing it’s like we’re kids again. We love doing the voices and everything. I’m grateful we have this to keep us close. #dnd
Screenshot of two smiling adult brothers playing Dungeons and Dragons via Zoom. The brother on the left is role playing a character from the game.
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Tim Chen Allen @timchenallen.bsky.social · 15/12/2024
Our Greyhound Zoom managing to be an even bigger good with a tongue boop. #greyhound
Black greyhound dog stretching with his tongue sticking out the side of his mouth
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Tim Chen Allen @timchenallen.bsky.social · 14/12/2024
I’m from rural Texas (Lumberton!) and I’m bad at being cold. #Ypsilanti is 14F today. Having a furry hat like this makes life slightly more bearable.
Man in furry ear flap hat looking right into the camera
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Tim Chen Allen @timchenallen.bsky.social · 13/12/2024
Sitting in an empty theater waiting for the 9am showing of “The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim”. Good to have a wife who gets me (thanks @ulabeast.bsky.social) #tolkien
Older hyper enthusiastic Tolkien fan sitting in an empty movie theaterText exchange:
Husband: I’m absolutely alone in this theater
Wife: You are the One True Fan
Husband: One Fan to Nerd Then All
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Tim Chen Allen @timchenallen.bsky.social · 11/12/2024
Neda and me (@ulabeast.bsky.social)
A couple in front of a chalkboard,with a halo over the woman and horns over the man, in three poses: looking forward, the man kissing the woman, and the woman passionately kissing the man with his face in her hands
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Tim Chen Allen @timchenallen.bsky.social · 05/12/2024
Just got “The Making of Original Dungeons & Dragons 1970–1977”. The thoughtful Preface and Forward by @doctorcomics.bsky.social and @increment.bsky.social address some issues moral issues in the original text. I love the 2024 PHB’s inclusive language and illustrations.
Front cover of the book “The Making of Original Dungeons & Dragons 1970–1977”. The cover features a dark red background with gold letters and an enormous gold ampersand.
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Tim Chen Allen @timchenallen.bsky.social · 05/12/2024
*A new Tolkien film!* I just got a matinee ticket for “The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim”. Time to pull out LOTR and read the Appendices! Okay I’ll admit, I’ve never read the appendices through. I glanced at them for “Rings of Power”. I’m excited to see what all is there!
Movie poster with painting of six epic humanoid (and one eagle) Tolkien figures standing ready for battle over the words “The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim”. Colors are dark with a stormy sky background and amassed troops armed with lances in the foreground, all tinged with the color of blood.
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Tim Chen Allen @timchenallen.bsky.social · 03/12/2024
I finally created manually a D&D character using the new 2024 Player’s Handbook: a Barbarian named Kai. I hadn’t done that since #DnD 2nd Edition! It was a real education in how D&D works now. I’ll build a few more and then play one at Adventurer’s League at Golden Rhino Games here in #Ypsilanti!
Screenshot of a Dungeons & Dragons character sheet for a Barbarian named Kai. Str 15, Dec 14, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 12, Cha 10!
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Tim Chen Allen @timchenallen.bsky.social · 02/12/2024
Zeno and Zoom enjoying the snow. Thanks for the furry hat, @ulabeast.bsky.social! #sighthounds #ypsilanti
Man in furry hat with two sighthound dogs (a black Greyhound and cream Sloughi) in a snowy field in Ypsilanti, Michigan
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Tim Chen Allen @timchenallen.bsky.social · 01/12/2024
Here’s me explaining Median Polish, a statistical Exploratory Data Analysis (EDA) technique, back in 2013 when I was a student at the University of the District of Columbia. I had long hair! #statistics #datascience
youtu.be
Median Polish - Exploratory Data Analysis
YouTube video by Timothy Chen Allen
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Tim Chen Allen @timchenallen.bsky.social · 29/11/2024
Our very fast #greyhound boys Zoom and Zeno. Zoom is a black American Greyhound and Zeno is a cream Sloughi/Saluki. @ulabeast.bsky.social #AnnArbor #Michigan #sighthounds
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Tim Chen Allen @timchenallen.bsky.social · 29/11/2024
JP Kloess’s “The Silmarillion in More than 3 Minutes” is a wonderful resource and funny to boot. A nice framework that lets me keep track of all the F-name elves!
youtu.be
The Silmarillion in More Than 3 Minutes: A Condensed Version of the History of Middle-earth
YouTube video by JP Kloess
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Tim Chen Allen @timchenallen.bsky.social · 27/11/2024
I just got a tour from the docent, Jacqueline, at the #Ypsilanti Historical Society Museum! What a great tour and an amazing history.
Happy older man with purple t-shirt standing in front of the Ypsilanti Historical Society building
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Tim Chen Allen @timchenallen.bsky.social · 25/11/2024
Mark Fisher’s “The Encyclopedia of Arda” is an incredible #Tolkien resource. It has entries on everything, all referenced back to their sources. I use this every day reading The #Silmarillion
glyphweb.com
The Encyclopedia of Arda
An interactive encyclopedia of the world of J.R.R. Tolkien with thousands of entries, and interactive features including a chronicle, calendar and lexicon of Elvish names.
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Tim Chen Allen @timchenallen.bsky.social · 24/11/2024
I’ve listened to the first hour of the Andy Serkis version of “The #Silmarillion” and I love it. The Martin Shaw version was always good, but Serkis just has such an expressive voice and style. #tolkien
The front cover of the audiobook “The Silmarillion” read by Andy Serkis. The artwork is of a Balrog.
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Tim Chen Allen @timchenallen.bsky.social · 22/11/2024
My mom, Kim Chen Allen, passed away on October 27, 2024. She had a great life. I miss her.
obituaries.nola.com
Remembering the life of Kim Allen
Kim Allen passed away. This is the full obituary where you can express condolences and share memories. Published in the The Times-Picayune on 2024-11-21.
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Tim Chen Allen @timchenallen.bsky.social · 22/11/2024
Ypsilanti got snow today! #ypsi #ypsilanti
Tim Allen wearing a ear flap hat and scarf on a snowy sidewalk in Ypsilanti, MichiganTrees covered in snow in Ypsilanti, MichiganA Victorian house (I think!) covered in snow in Ypsilanti, Michigan
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Tim Chen Allen @timchenallen.bsky.social · 21/11/2024
I love steel guitar, and Paul Franklin is one of the best. A beautiful report from NPR’s @nedau.bsky.social
npr.org
He's been nominated 32 times for CMA Musician of the Year — but never won
Steel pedal guitarist Paul Franklin set a CMA record as a 32-time nominee for Musician of the Year. Will this year be different?
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Reposted by Tim Chen Allen
Ypsilanti District Library @ypsilibrary.org · 19/11/2024
YDL has officially joined Bluesky, and we will no longer be posting library updates on X. If you're already on Bluesky, follow us @ypsilibrary!
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Tim Chen Allen @timchenallen.bsky.social · 19/11/2024
Here is my Genre Map from the #StoryGraph app, an alternative to Goodreads (inspired by @readingthislife.bsky.social) #booksky
Ordered bar chart, each bar representing a book genre (e.g. Fantasy, Classics, Science Fiction) and bar length representing the number of books read in that genre (e.g. 27, 21, 18)
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Tim Chen Allen @timchenallen.bsky.social · 18/11/2024
My wife asked for a Silmarillion quote applicable to current times. There are so many. #booksky #tolkien #silmarillion
The other had now achieved a unity of its own; but it was loud, and vain, and endlessly repeated; and it had little harmony, but rather a clamorous unison as of many trumpets braying upon a few notes. And it essayed to drown the other music by the violence of its voice, but it seemed that its most triumphant notes were taken by the other and woven into its own solemn pattern.
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Reposted by Tim Chen Allen
Windy Woods Designs @FWA @windywoodsdesigns.bsky.social · 15/11/2024
Head over to the Ypsilanti Freighthouse on November 24th for Tales of the Cryptid Vol 2. Come support your local artists and check out all the cryptid themed art. #Cryptid #Ypsilanti #HolyBones #Mothman
An event graphic of a purple wooded night scene. Overlaying that scene is information on an event called Tales from the Cryptid Volume 2 on November 24th in Ypsilanti Mi. Mothman and Fresno Nightcrawler art overlays the infographic.
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Tim Chen Allen @timchenallen.bsky.social · 18/11/2024
Out on the morning stroll with our sighthounds, Zeno and Zoom #sighthounds #ypsilanti
Two tall sighthounds, Zeno, a cream-colored Sloughi and Zoom, a black-colored American Greyhound, stand on a leaf-strewn path in the early morning in Ypsilanti, Michigan
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Tim Chen Allen @timchenallen.bsky.social · 18/11/2024
I’m reading JRR Tolkien’s The Silmarillion again. After reaching numeric reading goals for a few years, I’ve decided to get deep into Tolkien for 2025. #tolkien #silmarillion #booksky 💙📚
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