jennyshank.bsky.social - Profile | ThreadSky | a Reddit-style client for Bluesky

I'm helping my son memorize polyatomic ion formulas for chemistry. I came up with a way to remember ammonium: You arrive at an exclusive club with a paid escort whose attire is deemed inappropriate. The bouncer says, "No hos for plus one." That is, NH4+ Feel free to use in your own daily life.

submitted 2 days ago • 1 comment

Ah, I’ve just witnessed the first sign of false spring in Colorado: a truck driving down the street with windows down and subwoofers cranked loud enough you can feel the bass inside your house.

submitted 8 days ago • 0 comments

I loved all the movie references in "The Substance"--the hallway from "The Shining," music from "2001," lines echoing "Frankenstein," torrents of blood like "Carrie," dashes of "Brazil" in the camera angles, lighting and absurdity. A wonderful diversion to watch when you need one!

submitted 13 days ago • 0 comments

In this month's Tumbleweed, I tell a story about how during a time of great peril in America, Richard Wright was given the assignment of tabulating the rising price of groceries. Even though he had little encouragement, he decided to write a book instead. The book became "Native Son." bit.ly/3CVw4Sc

submitted 14 days ago • 0 comments

My daughter is away from Colorado at college near L.A., so I made her a pop up valentine with Aaron Gordon dunking on LeBron, just so she keeps her priorities straight. #Denver

submitted 17 days ago • 0 comments

I'm so proud to share this year's Southwest Books of the Year that I volunteer on the Review Panel for: www.library.pima.gov/southwestboo...

submitted 18 days ago • 1 comment

I'm looking forward to teaching a morning session about classic story structures (like the quest and a stranger comes to town) and popular alternative structures (like the crazy neighbor story) at this year's Arapahoe Community College Lit Fest! February 22, just $30 for students: bit.ly/4jXUgDY

submitted 19 days ago • 0 comments

I appreciate Trader Joe's honoring Nikola Jokić with this sweet potato sponsorship. Perfect product for him to endorse. @denver-nuggets.bsky.social

submitted 20 days ago • 0 comments

Come celebrate the release of Erika Krouse's SAVE ME, STRANGER with a happy hour, reading, and Q&A at Lighthouse Writers Workshop in Denver on Saturday, February 22! Join in person: bit.ly/3Qxs51z or on Zoom: bit.ly/4aW4fWh

submitted 21 days ago • 0 comments

Broncos fans, I know we're watching this deliciousness to its very end.* *typed by a person still scarred by three Broncos Super Bowl routs over four years during my childhood.

submitted 22 days ago • 0 comments

Where do I order this Isolator?

submitted 24 days ago • 0 comments

Today the workers of my favorite Colorado grocery store, King Soopers, begin their 2-week strike, aiming to prevent cuts to health benefits. I will observe the two-week boycott in honor of Teri Leiker, who bagged my groceries for years before she was killed while she was working. bit.ly/4hs1m21

submitted 25 days ago • 0 comments

Canada, take the wheel.

submitted 30 days ago • 0 comments

25% of NBA all-stars have a 5 to 6-letter name that begins with Ja.

submitted 32 days ago • 0 comments

I'm teaching a Zoom class on personal essays through Lighthouse Writers Workshop starting Feb 3! Come learn how we can expand our personal essays by incorporating cultural and historical touchstones, art criticism, research, and other sources. Mondays, 6:30-8:30 MST! bit.ly/4jC68LI

submitted 34 days ago • 1 comment

As I ponder doing without certain products, I mostly think it would be fine, but not for everything. I am considering creating a strategic coffee reserve in my basement.

submitted 36 days ago • 0 comments

Blooming cactus, Tucson, Arizona.

submitted 37 days ago • 1 comment

Here's some good news: Jamie Jackson, who was the center on my high school basketball team (go Denver TJ Spartans!) has just been selected in the vacancy election for Colorado House District 41 representative. Read all about her to learn why she's going to be a phenomenal legislator: bit.ly/4hsWEAS

submitted 38 days ago • 0 comments

I'm volunteering on the John Leonard committee again and I can't wait to get reading all these fabulous finalists!

submitted 39 days ago • 0 comments

Here at the Frank Black concert at the Paramount in Denver, it’s like a Gen X conclave. We all look like grizzled old roadies. It’s awesome.

submitted 40 days ago • 0 comments

My son said he doesn't believe that anyone was ever given a wedgie or a swirly. "No one was ever bullied in that way," he said. "Yes," I insisted. "In the '80s, some of the wedgies were even atomic!" He remains skeptical, and I'm glad that he's never seen such inhumanity.

submitted 41 days ago • 3 comments

Last time I was in D.C., I got to see the MLK memorial for the first time while the cherry trees were in bloom.

submitted 42 days ago • 1 comment

My brilliant friend Erika Krouse has a story collection, SAVE ME STRANGER, out Tuesday. I was lucky enough to witness the process of creation, and it was so gratifying to read this LA Times review by @ilanaslightly.bsky.social that GETS the stories & expresses their essence so well! bit.ly/40BAW7Y

submitted 44 days ago • 3 comments

Inside each Victor Wembanyama is a successively smaller Victor Wembanyama, and inside the final Victor Wembanyama is a toothpick.

submitted 45 days ago • 0 comments

In this month's Tumbleweed, I write about how I once encountered Edwidge Danticat in Meow Wolf, how this dreamlike, immersive art space invites you to snoop like a kid and experience wonder, and how we can create surprises for others. bit.ly/42fEn5s

submitted 46 days ago • 0 comments