diff --git a/src/blueski.defaults b/src/blueski.defaults
index b6860f10..cbcff1ac 100644
--- a/src/blueski.defaults
+++ b/src/blueski.defaults
@@ -45,7 +45,7 @@ speech_reporting = boolean(default=True)
 
 [templates]
 post = string(default="$display_name, $safe_text $date.")
-person = string(default="$display_name (@$screen_name). $followers followers, $following following, $posts posts.")
+person = string(default="$display_name (@$screen_name). $followers followers, $following following, $posts posts. Joined $created_at.")
 notification = string(default="$display_name $text, $date")
 
 [filters]
diff --git a/src/controller/blueski/handler.py b/src/controller/blueski/handler.py
index 334a159a..3601df53 100644
--- a/src/controller/blueski/handler.py
+++ b/src/controller/blueski/handler.py
@@ -358,7 +358,7 @@ class Handler:
                 templates_cfg = buffer.session.settings.get("templates", {})
                 template_state = {
                     "post": templates_cfg.get("post", "$display_name, $safe_text $date."),
-                    "person": templates_cfg.get("person", "$display_name (@$screen_name). $followers followers, $following following, $posts posts."),
+                    "person": templates_cfg.get("person", "$display_name (@$screen_name). $followers followers, $following following, $posts posts. Joined $created_at."),
                     "notification": templates_cfg.get("notification", "$display_name $text, $date"),
                 }
                 dlg.set_template_labels(template_state["post"], template_state["person"], template_state["notification"])
diff --git a/src/controller/buffers/blueski/base.py b/src/controller/buffers/blueski/base.py
index 71beb9ac..1e82d75a 100644
--- a/src/controller/buffers/blueski/base.py
+++ b/src/controller/buffers/blueski/base.py
@@ -108,6 +108,9 @@ class BaseBuffer(base.Buffer):
                 index = self.buffer.list.get_selected()
                 if index < 0:
                     return
+                # Only update if the list has at least 3 columns (Author, Text, Date)
+                if self.buffer.list.list.GetColumnCount() < 3:
+                    return
 
                 def g(obj, key, default=None):
                     if isinstance(obj, dict):
@@ -474,41 +477,46 @@ class BaseBuffer(base.Buffer):
         self.send_message()
 
     def send_message(self, *args, **kwargs):
-         # Global shortcut for DM
-         item = self.get_item()
-         if not item:
-              output.speak(_("No user selected to message."), True)
+         # Global shortcut for DM - similar to Mastodon's implementation
+
+         # Use the robust author extraction method
+         author_details = self.get_selected_item_author_details()
+         if not author_details:
+              output.speak(_("No item selected."), True)
               return
-         
-         author = getattr(item, "author", None) or (item.get("post", {}).get("author") if isinstance(item, dict) else None)
-         if not author:
-              # Try item itself if it's a user object (UserBuffer)
-              author = item
-         
-         did = getattr(author, "did", None) or author.get("did")
-         handle = getattr(author, "handle", "unknown") or (author.get("handle") if isinstance(author, dict) else "unknown")
+
+         did = author_details.get("did")
+         handle = author_details.get("handle") or "unknown"
 
          if not did:
+              output.speak(_("Could not identify user to message."), True)
               return
 
-         # Show simple text entry dialog for sending DM
-         dlg = wx.TextEntryDialog(None, _("Message to {0}:").format(handle), _("Send Message"))
-         if dlg.ShowModal() == wx.ID_OK:
-             text = dlg.GetValue()
+         # Use full post dialog like Mastodon
+         title = _("Conversation with {0}").format(handle)
+         caption = _("Write your message here")
+         initial_text = "@{} ".format(handle)
+
+         post = blueski_messages.post(session=self.session, title=title, caption=caption, text=initial_text)
+         if post.message.ShowModal() == wx.ID_OK:
+             text, files, cw_text, langs = post.get_data()
              if text:
-                 try:
-                     api = self.session._ensure_client()
-                     dm_client = api.with_bsky_chat_proxy()
-                     # Get or create conversation
-                     res = dm_client.chat.bsky.convo.get_convo_for_members({"members": [did]})
-                     convo_id = res.convo.id
-                     self.session.send_chat_message(convo_id, text)
-                     self.session.sound.play("dm_sent.ogg")
-                     output.speak(_("Message sent."), True)
-                 except Exception as e:
-                     log.error("Error sending Bluesky DM: %s", e)
-                     output.speak(_("Failed to send message."), True)
-         dlg.Destroy()
+                 def do_send():
+                     try:
+                         api = self.session._ensure_client()
+                         dm_client = api.with_bsky_chat_proxy()
+                         # Get or create conversation
+                         res = dm_client.chat.bsky.convo.get_convo_for_members({"members": [did]})
+                         convo_id = res.convo.id
+                         self.session.send_chat_message(convo_id, text)
+                         wx.CallAfter(self.session.sound.play, "dm_sent.ogg")
+                         wx.CallAfter(output.speak, _("Message sent."))
+                     except Exception as e:
+                         log.error("Error sending Bluesky DM: %s", e)
+                         wx.CallAfter(output.speak, _("Failed to send message."), True)
+                 call_threaded(do_send)
+         if hasattr(post.message, "Destroy"):
+             post.message.Destroy()
 
     def view(self, *args, **kwargs):
         self.view_item()
@@ -800,7 +808,7 @@ class BaseBuffer(base.Buffer):
                  post_template = template_settings.get("post", "$display_name, $safe_text $date.")
                  return templates.render_notification(item, template, post_template, self.session.settings, relative_times, offset_hours)
              if self.type in ("user", "post_user_list"):
-                 template = template_settings.get("person", "$display_name (@$screen_name). $followers followers, $following following, $posts posts.")
+                 template = template_settings.get("person", "$display_name (@$screen_name). $followers followers, $following following, $posts posts. Joined $created_at.")
                  return templates.render_user(item, template, self.session.settings, relative_times, offset_hours)
              template = template_settings.get("post", "$display_name, $safe_text $date.")
              return templates.render_post(item, template, self.session.settings, relative_times, offset_hours)
@@ -888,20 +896,43 @@ class BaseBuffer(base.Buffer):
             return getattr(obj, key, default)
 
         author = None
+
+        # Check if item itself is a user object (UserBuffer, FollowersBuffer, etc.)
         if g(item, "did") or g(item, "handle"):
             author = item
         else:
-            author = g(item, "author")
+            # Use the same pattern as compose_post: get actual_post first
+            # This handles FeedViewPost (item.post) and PostView (item itself)
+            actual_post = g(item, "post", item)
+            author = g(actual_post, "author")
+
+            # If still no author, try other nested structures
             if not author:
-                post = g(item, "post") or g(item, "record")
-                author = g(post, "author") if post else None
+                # Try record.author
+                record = g(item, "record")
+                if record:
+                    author = g(record, "author")
+
+            # Try subject (for notifications)
+            if not author:
+                subject = g(item, "subject")
+                if subject:
+                    actual_subject = g(subject, "post", subject)
+                    author = g(actual_subject, "author")
 
         if not author:
             return None
 
+        did = g(author, "did")
+        handle = g(author, "handle")
+
+        # Only return if we have at least did or handle
+        if not did and not handle:
+            return None
+
         return {
-            "did": g(author, "did"),
-            "handle": g(author, "handle"),
+            "did": did,
+            "handle": handle,
         }
     
     def process_items(self, items, play_sound=True, avoid_autoreading=False):
diff --git a/src/controller/buffers/blueski/chat.py b/src/controller/buffers/blueski/chat.py
index 64a58132..607f6257 100644
--- a/src/controller/buffers/blueski/chat.py
+++ b/src/controller/buffers/blueski/chat.py
@@ -1,8 +1,10 @@
 # -*- coding: utf-8 -*-
 import logging
 import wx
+import widgetUtils
 import output
 from .base import BaseBuffer
+from controller.blueski import messages as blueski_messages
 from wxUI.buffers.blueski import panels as BlueskiPanels
 from sessions.blueski import compose
 from mysc.thread_utils import call_threaded
@@ -10,16 +12,107 @@ from mysc.thread_utils import call_threaded
 log = logging.getLogger("controller.buffers.blueski.chat")
 
 class ConversationListBuffer(BaseBuffer):
+    """Buffer for listing conversations, similar to Mastodon's ConversationListBuffer."""
+
     def __init__(self, *args, **kwargs):
         kwargs["compose_func"] = "compose_convo"
         super(ConversationListBuffer, self).__init__(*args, **kwargs)
         self.type = "chat"
         self.sound = "dm_received.ogg"
-        
+
     def create_buffer(self, parent, name):
         self.buffer = BlueskiPanels.ChatPanel(parent, name)
         self.buffer.session = self.session
 
+    def bind_events(self):
+        """Bind events like Mastodon's ConversationListBuffer."""
+        self.buffer.set_focus_function(self.onFocus)
+        widgetUtils.connect_event(self.buffer.list.list, widgetUtils.KEYPRESS, self.get_event)
+        widgetUtils.connect_event(self.buffer.list.list, wx.EVT_LIST_ITEM_RIGHT_CLICK, self.show_menu)
+        widgetUtils.connect_event(self.buffer.list.list, wx.EVT_LIST_KEY_DOWN, self.show_menu_by_key)
+        # Buttons
+        if hasattr(self.buffer, "post"):
+            widgetUtils.connect_event(self.buffer, widgetUtils.BUTTON_PRESSED, self.on_post, self.buffer.post)
+        if hasattr(self.buffer, "reply"):
+            widgetUtils.connect_event(self.buffer, widgetUtils.BUTTON_PRESSED, self.reply, self.buffer.reply)
+        if hasattr(self.buffer, "new_chat"):
+            widgetUtils.connect_event(self.buffer, widgetUtils.BUTTON_PRESSED, self.on_new_chat, self.buffer.new_chat)
+
+    def get_item(self):
+        """Get the last message from the selected conversation (like Mastodon)."""
+        index = self.buffer.list.get_selected()
+        if index > -1 and self.session.db.get(self.name) is not None and len(self.session.db[self.name]) > index:
+            convo = self.session.db[self.name][index]
+            # Return lastMessage for compatibility with item-based operations
+            last_msg = getattr(convo, "lastMessage", None) or (convo.get("lastMessage") if isinstance(convo, dict) else None)
+            return last_msg
+        return None
+
+    def get_conversation(self):
+        """Get the full conversation object."""
+        index = self.buffer.list.get_selected()
+        if index > -1 and self.session.db.get(self.name) is not None and len(self.session.db[self.name]) > index:
+            return self.session.db[self.name][index]
+        return None
+
+    def get_convo_id(self, conversation):
+        """Extract conversation ID from a conversation object, handling different field names."""
+        if not conversation:
+            return None
+        # Try different possible field names for the conversation ID
+        for attr in ("id", "convo_id", "convoId"):
+            val = getattr(conversation, attr, None)
+            if val:
+                return val
+            if isinstance(conversation, dict) and attr in conversation:
+                return conversation[attr]
+        return None
+
+    def on_new_chat(self, *args, **kwargs):
+        """Start a new conversation by entering a handle."""
+        dlg = wx.TextEntryDialog(None, _("Enter the handle of the user (e.g., user.bsky.social):"), _("New Chat"))
+        if dlg.ShowModal() == wx.ID_OK:
+            handle = dlg.GetValue().strip()
+            if handle:
+                if handle.startswith("@"):
+                    handle = handle[1:]
+                def do_create():
+                    try:
+                        # Resolve handle to DID
+                        profile = self.session.get_profile(handle)
+                        if not profile:
+                            wx.CallAfter(output.speak, _("User not found."), True)
+                            return
+                        did = getattr(profile, "did", None) or (profile.get("did") if isinstance(profile, dict) else None)
+                        if not did:
+                            wx.CallAfter(output.speak, _("Could not get user ID."), True)
+                            return
+                        # Get or create conversation
+                        convo = self.session.get_or_create_convo([did])
+                        if not convo:
+                            wx.CallAfter(output.speak, _("Could not create conversation."), True)
+                            return
+                        convo_id = self.get_convo_id(convo)
+                        user_handle = getattr(profile, "handle", None) or (profile.get("handle") if isinstance(profile, dict) else None) or handle
+                        title = _("Chat: {0}").format(user_handle)
+                        # Create the buffer
+                        import application
+                        wx.CallAfter(
+                            application.app.controller.create_buffer,
+                            buffer_type="chat_messages",
+                            session_type="blueski",
+                            buffer_title=title,
+                            kwargs={"session": self.session, "convo_id": convo_id, "name": title},
+                            start=True
+                        )
+                        # Refresh conversation list
+                        wx.CallAfter(self.start_stream, True, False)
+                    except Exception:
+                        log.exception("Error creating new conversation")
+                        wx.CallAfter(output.speak, _("Error creating conversation."), True)
+                call_threaded(do_create)
+        dlg.Destroy()
+
     def start_stream(self, mandatory=False, play_sound=True):
         count = self.get_max_items()
         try:
@@ -28,33 +121,98 @@ class ConversationListBuffer(BaseBuffer):
             self.session.db[self.name] = []
             self.buffer.list.clear()
             return self.process_items(items, play_sound)
-        except Exception as e:
-            log.error("Error fetching conversations: %s", e)
+        except Exception:
+            log.exception("Error fetching conversations")
+            output.speak(_("Error loading conversations."), True)
             return 0
 
+    def fav(self):
+        pass
+
+    def unfav(self):
+        pass
+
+    def can_share(self):
+        return False
+
     def url(self, *args, **kwargs):
-        # In chat list, Enter (URL) should open the chat conversation buffer
+        """Enter key opens the chat conversation buffer."""
         self.view_chat()
 
     def send_message(self, *args, **kwargs):
-        # Global shortcut for DM
-        self.view_chat()
+        """Global DM shortcut - reply to conversation."""
+        return self.reply()
+
+    def reply(self, *args, **kwargs):
+        """Reply to the selected conversation (like Mastodon)."""
+        conversation = self.get_conversation()
+        if not conversation:
+            output.speak(_("No conversation selected."), True)
+            return
+
+        convo_id = self.get_convo_id(conversation)
+        if not convo_id:
+            log.error("Could not get conversation ID from conversation object")
+            output.speak(_("Could not identify conversation."), True)
+            return
+
+        # Get participants for title
+        members = getattr(conversation, "members", []) or (conversation.get("members", []) if isinstance(conversation, dict) else [])
+        user_did = self.session.db.get("user_id")
+        others = [m for m in members if (getattr(m, "did", None) or (m.get("did") if isinstance(m, dict) else None)) != user_did]
+        if not others:
+            others = members
+
+        if others:
+            first_user = others[0]
+            username = getattr(first_user, "handle", None) or (first_user.get("handle") if isinstance(first_user, dict) else None) or "unknown"
+        else:
+            username = "unknown"
+
+        title = _("Conversation with {0}").format(username)
+        caption = _("Write your message here")
+        initial_text = "@{} ".format(username)
+
+        post = blueski_messages.post(session=self.session, title=title, caption=caption, text=initial_text)
+        if post.message.ShowModal() == wx.ID_OK:
+            text, files, cw_text, langs = post.get_data()
+            if text:
+                def do_send():
+                    try:
+                        self.session.send_chat_message(convo_id, text)
+                        wx.CallAfter(self.session.sound.play, "dm_sent.ogg")
+                        wx.CallAfter(output.speak, _("Message sent."))
+                        wx.CallAfter(self.start_stream, True, False)
+                    except Exception:
+                        log.exception("Error sending message")
+                        wx.CallAfter(output.speak, _("Failed to send message."), True)
+                call_threaded(do_send)
+        if hasattr(post.message, "Destroy"):
+            post.message.Destroy()
 
     def view_chat(self):
-        item = self.get_item()
-        if not item: return
-        
-        convo_id = getattr(item, "id", None) or item.get("id")
-        if not convo_id: return
-        
+        """Open the conversation in a separate buffer."""
+        conversation = self.get_conversation()
+        if not conversation:
+            output.speak(_("No conversation selected."), True)
+            return
+
+        convo_id = self.get_convo_id(conversation)
+        if not convo_id:
+            log.error("Could not get conversation ID from conversation object: %r", conversation)
+            output.speak(_("Could not identify conversation."), True)
+            return
+
         # Determine participants names for title
-        members = getattr(item, "members", []) or item.get("members", [])
-        others = [m for m in members if (getattr(m, "did", None) or m.get("did")) != self.session.db["user_id"]]
-        if not others: others = members
-        names = ", ".join([getattr(m, "handle", "unknown") or m.get("handle") for m in others])
-        
+        members = getattr(conversation, "members", []) or (conversation.get("members", []) if isinstance(conversation, dict) else [])
+        user_did = self.session.db.get("user_id")
+        others = [m for m in members if (getattr(m, "did", None) or (m.get("did") if isinstance(m, dict) else None)) != user_did]
+        if not others:
+            others = members
+        names = ", ".join([getattr(m, "handle", None) or (m.get("handle") if isinstance(m, dict) else None) or "unknown" for m in others])
+
         title = _("Chat: {0}").format(names)
-        
+
         import application
         application.app.controller.create_buffer(
             buffer_type="chat_messages",
@@ -64,14 +222,19 @@ class ConversationListBuffer(BaseBuffer):
             start=True
         )
 
+    def destroy_status(self):
+        pass
+
 class ChatBuffer(BaseBuffer):
+    """Buffer for displaying messages in a conversation, similar to Mastodon's ConversationBuffer."""
+
     def __init__(self, *args, **kwargs):
         kwargs["compose_func"] = "compose_chat_message"
         super(ChatBuffer, self).__init__(*args, **kwargs)
         self.type = "chat_messages"
         self.convo_id = kwargs.get("convo_id")
         self.sound = "dm_received.ogg"
-        
+
     def create_buffer(self, parent, name):
         self.buffer = BlueskiPanels.ChatMessagePanel(parent, name)
         self.buffer.session = self.session
@@ -87,27 +250,76 @@ class ChatBuffer(BaseBuffer):
             self.buffer.list.clear()
             items = list(reversed(items))
             return self.process_items(items, play_sound)
-        except Exception as e:
-            log.error("Error fetching chat messages: %s", e)
+        except Exception:
+            log.exception("Error fetching chat messages")
             return 0
 
+    def get_more_items(self):
+        output.speak(_("This action is not supported for this buffer"), True)
+
+    def fav(self):
+        pass
+
+    def unfav(self):
+        pass
+
+    def can_share(self):
+        return False
+
+    def destroy_status(self):
+        pass
+
+    def url(self, *args, **kwargs):
+        """Enter key opens reply dialog in chat."""
+        self.on_reply(None)
+
     def on_reply(self, evt):
-        # Open a text entry chat box
-        dlg = wx.TextEntryDialog(None, _("Message:"), _("Send Message"), style=wx.TE_MULTILINE | wx.OK | wx.CANCEL)
-        if dlg.ShowModal() == wx.ID_OK:
-            text = dlg.GetValue()
+        """Open dialog to send a message in this conversation."""
+        if not self.convo_id:
+            output.speak(_("Cannot send message: no conversation selected."), True)
+            return
+
+        # Get conversation title from buffer name or use generic
+        title = _("Send Message")
+        if self.name and self.name.startswith(_("Chat: ")):
+            title = self.name
+        caption = _("Write your message here")
+
+        post = blueski_messages.post(session=self.session, title=title, caption=caption, text="")
+        if post.message.ShowModal() == wx.ID_OK:
+            text, files, cw_text, langs = post.get_data()
             if text:
-                 def do_send():
-                      try:
-                           self.session.send_chat_message(self.convo_id, text)
-                           wx.CallAfter(self.session.sound.play, "dm_sent.ogg")
-                           wx.CallAfter(output.speak, _("Message sent."))
-                           wx.CallAfter(self.start_stream, True, False)
-                      except Exception:
-                           wx.CallAfter(output.speak, _("Failed to send message."), True)
-                 call_threaded(do_send)
-        dlg.Destroy()
+                def do_send():
+                    try:
+                        self.session.send_chat_message(self.convo_id, text)
+                        wx.CallAfter(self.session.sound.play, "dm_sent.ogg")
+                        wx.CallAfter(output.speak, _("Message sent."))
+                        wx.CallAfter(self.start_stream, True, False)
+                    except Exception:
+                        log.exception("Error sending chat message")
+                        wx.CallAfter(output.speak, _("Failed to send message."), True)
+                call_threaded(do_send)
+        if hasattr(post.message, "Destroy"):
+            post.message.Destroy()
+
+    def reply(self, *args, **kwargs):
+        """Handle reply action (from menu or keyboard shortcut)."""
+        self.on_reply(None)
 
     def send_message(self, *args, **kwargs):
-         # Global shortcut for DM
-         self.on_reply(None)
+        """Global shortcut for DM."""
+        self.on_reply(None)
+
+    def remove_buffer(self, force=False):
+        """Allow removing this buffer."""
+        from wxUI import commonMessageDialogs
+        if force == False:
+            dlg = commonMessageDialogs.remove_buffer()
+        else:
+            dlg = widgetUtils.YES
+        if dlg == widgetUtils.YES:
+            if self.name in self.session.db:
+                self.session.db.pop(self.name)
+            return True
+        elif dlg == widgetUtils.NO:
+            return False
diff --git a/src/controller/buffers/blueski/timeline.py b/src/controller/buffers/blueski/timeline.py
index 23549982..1dc87579 100644
--- a/src/controller/buffers/blueski/timeline.py
+++ b/src/controller/buffers/blueski/timeline.py
@@ -128,6 +128,67 @@ class NotificationBuffer(BaseBuffer):
         self.buffer = BlueskiPanels.NotificationPanel(parent, name)
         self.buffer.session = self.session
 
+    def _hydrate_notifications(self, notifications):
+        """Fetch subject post text for like/repost notifications."""
+        if not notifications:
+            return notifications
+
+        def g(obj, key, default=None):
+            if isinstance(obj, dict):
+                return obj.get(key, default)
+            return getattr(obj, key, default)
+
+        # Collect URIs for likes/reposts that need subject post text
+        uris_to_fetch = []
+        for notif in notifications:
+            reason = g(notif, "reason", "")
+            if reason in ("like", "repost"):
+                reason_subject = g(notif, "reasonSubject") or g(notif, "reason_subject")
+                if reason_subject and isinstance(reason_subject, str):
+                    uris_to_fetch.append(reason_subject)
+
+        if not uris_to_fetch:
+            return notifications
+
+        # Fetch posts in batch
+        posts_map = {}
+        try:
+            api = self.session._ensure_client()
+            if api and uris_to_fetch:
+                # getPosts accepts up to 25 URIs at a time
+                for i in range(0, len(uris_to_fetch), 25):
+                    batch = uris_to_fetch[i:i+25]
+                    res = api.app.bsky.feed.get_posts({"uris": batch})
+                    for post in getattr(res, "posts", []):
+                        uri = g(post, "uri")
+                        if uri:
+                            record = g(post, "record", {})
+                            text = g(record, "text", "")
+                            posts_map[uri] = text
+        except Exception as e:
+            log.error("Error fetching subject posts for notifications: %s", e)
+
+        # Attach subject post text to notifications
+        enriched = []
+        for notif in notifications:
+            reason = g(notif, "reason", "")
+            if reason in ("like", "repost"):
+                reason_subject = g(notif, "reasonSubject") or g(notif, "reason_subject")
+                if reason_subject and reason_subject in posts_map:
+                    # Create a modified notification with subject post text
+                    if isinstance(notif, dict):
+                        notif = dict(notif)
+                        notif["_subject_text"] = posts_map[reason_subject]
+                    else:
+                        # For ATProto model objects, add as attribute
+                        try:
+                            notif._subject_text = posts_map[reason_subject]
+                        except AttributeError:
+                            pass
+            enriched.append(notif)
+
+        return enriched
+
     def start_stream(self, mandatory=False, play_sound=True):
         count = self.get_max_items()
         api = self.session._ensure_client()
@@ -139,6 +200,7 @@ class NotificationBuffer(BaseBuffer):
             self.next_cursor = getattr(res, "cursor", None)
             if not notifications:
                 return 0
+            notifications = self._hydrate_notifications(notifications)
             return self.process_items(notifications, play_sound)
         except Exception as e:
             log.error("Error fetching notifications: %s", e)
@@ -155,6 +217,7 @@ class NotificationBuffer(BaseBuffer):
             res = api.app.bsky.notification.list_notifications({"limit": count, "cursor": self.next_cursor})
             notifications = list(getattr(res, "notifications", []))
             self.next_cursor = getattr(res, "cursor", None)
+            notifications = self._hydrate_notifications(notifications)
             added = self.process_items(notifications, play_sound=False)
             if added:
                 output.speak(_(u"%s items retrieved") % added, True)
@@ -162,7 +225,8 @@ class NotificationBuffer(BaseBuffer):
             log.error("Error fetching more notifications: %s", e)
 
     def add_new_item(self, notification):
-        return self.process_items([notification], play_sound=True)
+        notifications = self._hydrate_notifications([notification])
+        return self.process_items(notifications, play_sound=True)
 
 
 class Conversation(BaseBuffer):
diff --git a/src/controller/mainController.py b/src/controller/mainController.py
index 10ea6756..d1d8e95c 100644
--- a/src/controller/mainController.py
+++ b/src/controller/mainController.py
@@ -290,6 +290,7 @@ class Controller(object):
         self.started = True
         if len(self.accounts) > 0:
             b = self.get_first_buffer(self.accounts[0])
+            self.menubar_current_handler = b.session.type
             self.update_menus(handler=self.get_handler(b.session.type))
 
     def _start_session_buffers(self, session):
@@ -698,8 +699,13 @@ class Controller(object):
 
     def send_dm(self, *args, **kwargs):
         buffer = self.get_current_buffer()
+        if buffer is None:
+            output.speak(_("No buffer selected."), True)
+            return
         if hasattr(buffer, "send_message"):
             buffer.send_message()
+        else:
+            output.speak(_("Cannot send messages from this buffer."), True)
 
     def post_retweet(self, *args, **kwargs):
         buffer = self.get_current_buffer()
@@ -959,21 +965,81 @@ class Controller(object):
         self.view.check_menuitem("autoread", autoread)
 
     def update_menus(self, handler):
+        # Initialize storage for hidden menu items if not present
+        if not hasattr(self, "_hidden_menu_items"):
+            self._hidden_menu_items = {}
+        if not hasattr(self, "_original_menu_labels"):
+            self._original_menu_labels = {}
+
         if hasattr(handler, "menus"):
             for m in list(handler.menus.keys()):
                 if hasattr(self.view, m):
                     menu_item = getattr(self.view, m)
+                    # Store original label on first encounter
+                    if m not in self._original_menu_labels:
+                        self._original_menu_labels[m] = menu_item.GetItemLabel()
+
                     if handler.menus[m] == "HIDE":
-                        menu_item.Enable(False)
-                        menu_item.SetItemLabel("")
+                        # Actually hide the menu item by removing it from parent menu
+                        if m not in self._hidden_menu_items:
+                            try:
+                                parent_menu = menu_item.GetMenu()
+                                if parent_menu:
+                                    # Store menu item info for restoration
+                                    position = self._find_menu_item_position(parent_menu, menu_item)
+                                    item_id = menu_item.GetId()
+                                    # Remove returns the removed item - store that reference
+                                    removed_item = parent_menu.Remove(item_id)
+                                    if removed_item:
+                                        self._hidden_menu_items[m] = {
+                                            "menu": parent_menu,
+                                            "item": removed_item,
+                                            "position": position
+                                        }
+                            except Exception as e:
+                                log.error(f"Error hiding menu item {m}: {e}")
                     elif handler.menus[m] == None:
+                        # Restore if hidden, then disable
+                        self._restore_menu_item(m)
                         menu_item.Enable(False)
                     else:
+                        # Restore if hidden, then enable with new label
+                        self._restore_menu_item(m)
                         menu_item.Enable(True)
                         menu_item.SetItemLabel(handler.menus[m])
         if hasattr(handler, "item_menu"):
             self.view.menubar.SetMenuLabel(1, handler.item_menu)
 
+    def _find_menu_item_position(self, menu, item):
+        """Find the position of a menu item within its parent menu."""
+        for i, menu_item in enumerate(menu.GetMenuItems()):
+            if menu_item.GetId() == item.GetId():
+                return i
+        return -1
+
+    def _restore_menu_item(self, name):
+        """Restore a previously hidden menu item."""
+        if not hasattr(self, "_hidden_menu_items"):
+            return
+        if name not in self._hidden_menu_items:
+            return
+        info = self._hidden_menu_items[name]
+        parent_menu = info["menu"]
+        item = info["item"]
+        position = info["position"]
+        try:
+            # Re-insert at original position
+            if position >= 0 and position < parent_menu.GetMenuItemCount():
+                parent_menu.Insert(position, item)
+            else:
+                parent_menu.Append(item)
+            # Restore original label if available
+            if hasattr(self, "_original_menu_labels") and name in self._original_menu_labels:
+                item.SetItemLabel(self._original_menu_labels[name])
+        except Exception as e:
+            log.error(f"Error restoring menu item {name}: {e}")
+        del self._hidden_menu_items[name]
+
     def fix_wrong_buffer(self):
         buf = self.get_best_buffer()
         if buf == None:
diff --git a/src/sessions/blueski/compose.py b/src/sessions/blueski/compose.py
index a6fe36b2..73e686a8 100644
--- a/src/sessions/blueski/compose.py
+++ b/src/sessions/blueski/compose.py
@@ -222,42 +222,65 @@ def compose_notification(notification, db, settings, relative_times, show_screen
     # Notification reason/type
     reason = g(notification, "reason", "unknown")
 
-    # Get post text if available
+    # Get post text - try multiple locations depending on notification type
     record = g(notification, "record", {})
+    post_text = ""
+
+    # For mentions, replies, quotes: text is in the record itself
     post_text = g(record, "text", "")
 
-    # Format like Mastodon: "{username} has action: {status}"
+    # For likes and reposts: try to get the subject post text
+    if not post_text and reason in ("like", "repost"):
+        # First check for hydrated subject text (added by NotificationBuffer)
+        post_text = g(notification, "_subject_text", "")
+
+        # Check if there's a reasonSubject with embedded post data
+        if not post_text:
+            reason_subject = g(notification, "reasonSubject") or g(notification, "reason_subject")
+            if reason_subject:
+                # Sometimes the subject post is embedded
+                subject_record = g(reason_subject, "record", {})
+                post_text = g(subject_record, "text", "")
+
+        # Check if there's subject post data in other locations
+        if not post_text:
+            subject = g(record, "subject", {})
+            subject_text = g(subject, "text", "")
+            if subject_text:
+                post_text = subject_text
+
+    # Format: action text without username (username is already in column 0)
     if reason == "like":
         if post_text:
-            text = _("{username} has added to favorites: {status}").format(username=user_str, status=post_text)
+            text = _("has added to favorites: {status}").format(status=post_text)
         else:
-            text = _("{username} has added to favorites").format(username=user_str)
+            text = _("has added to favorites")
     elif reason == "repost":
         if post_text:
-            text = _("{username} has reposted: {status}").format(username=user_str, status=post_text)
+            text = _("has reposted: {status}").format(status=post_text)
         else:
-            text = _("{username} has reposted").format(username=user_str)
+            text = _("has reposted")
     elif reason == "follow":
-        text = _("{username} has followed you.").format(username=user_str)
+        text = _("has followed you.")
     elif reason == "mention":
         if post_text:
-            text = _("{username} has mentioned you: {status}").format(username=user_str, status=post_text)
+            text = _("has mentioned you: {status}").format(status=post_text)
         else:
-            text = _("{username} has mentioned you").format(username=user_str)
+            text = _("has mentioned you")
     elif reason == "reply":
         if post_text:
-            text = _("{username} has replied: {status}").format(username=user_str, status=post_text)
+            text = _("has replied: {status}").format(status=post_text)
         else:
-            text = _("{username} has replied").format(username=user_str)
+            text = _("has replied")
     elif reason == "quote":
         if post_text:
-            text = _("{username} has quoted your post: {status}").format(username=user_str, status=post_text)
+            text = _("has quoted your post: {status}").format(status=post_text)
         else:
-            text = _("{username} has quoted your post").format(username=user_str)
+            text = _("has quoted your post")
     elif reason == "starterpack-joined":
-        text = _("{username} has joined your starter pack.").format(username=user_str)
+        text = _("has joined your starter pack.")
     else:
-        text = f"{user_str}: {reason}"
+        text = reason
 
     # Date
     indexed_at = g(notification, "indexedAt", "") or g(notification, "indexed_at", "")
@@ -315,10 +338,10 @@ def compose_user(user, db, settings, relative_times, show_screen_names=False, sa
             ts = ""
 
     # Format like Mastodon: "Name (@handle). X followers, Y following, Z posts. Joined date"
-    if ts:
-        return [_("%s (@%s). %s followers, %s following, %s posts. Joined %s") % (display_name, handle, followers, following, posts, ts)]
-    else:
-        return [_("%s (@%s). %s followers, %s following, %s posts.") % (display_name, handle, followers, following, posts)]
+    # Use the exact same translatable string as Mastodon (sessions/mastodon/compose.py)
+    if not ts:
+        ts = _("unknown")
+    return [_("%s (@%s). %s followers, %s following, %s posts. Joined %s") % (display_name, handle, followers, following, posts, ts)]
 
 
 def compose_convo(convo, db, settings, relative_times, show_screen_names=False, safe=True):
diff --git a/src/sessions/blueski/session.py b/src/sessions/blueski/session.py
index b2e77a44..a23e82e6 100644
--- a/src/sessions/blueski/session.py
+++ b/src/sessions/blueski/session.py
@@ -528,12 +528,18 @@ class Session(base.baseSession):
         api = self._ensure_client()
         if not actors:
             return {"items": []}
-        try:
-            res = api.app.bsky.actor.get_profiles({"actors": actors})
-            return {"items": getattr(res, "profiles", []) or []}
-        except Exception:
-            log.exception("Error fetching Bluesky profiles batch")
-            return {"items": []}
+        # API limit is 25 actors per request, batch if needed
+        all_profiles = []
+        batch_size = 25
+        for i in range(0, len(actors), batch_size):
+            batch = actors[i:i + batch_size]
+            try:
+                res = api.app.bsky.actor.get_profiles({"actors": batch})
+                profiles = getattr(res, "profiles", []) or []
+                all_profiles.extend(profiles)
+            except Exception:
+                log.exception("Error fetching Bluesky profiles batch")
+        return {"items": all_profiles}
 
     def get_post_likes(self, uri: str, limit: int = 50, cursor: str | None = None) -> dict[str, Any]:
         api = self._ensure_client()
@@ -734,24 +740,57 @@ class Session(base.baseSession):
         api = self._ensure_client()
         # Chat API requires using the chat proxy
         dm_client = api.with_bsky_chat_proxy()
-        res = dm_client.chat.bsky.convo.list_convos({"limit": limit, "cursor": cursor})
-        return {"items": res.convos, "cursor": res.cursor}
+        dm = dm_client.chat.bsky.convo
+        params = {"limit": limit}
+        if cursor:
+            params["cursor"] = cursor
+        try:
+            res = dm.list_convos(params)
+            return {"items": res.convos, "cursor": getattr(res, "cursor", None)}
+        except Exception:
+            log.exception("Error listing conversations")
+            return {"items": [], "cursor": None}
 
     def get_convo_messages(self, convo_id: str, limit: int = 50, cursor: str | None = None) -> dict[str, Any]:
         api = self._ensure_client()
         dm_client = api.with_bsky_chat_proxy()
-        res = dm_client.chat.bsky.convo.get_messages({"convoId": convo_id, "limit": limit, "cursor": cursor})
-        return {"items": res.messages, "cursor": res.cursor}
+        dm = dm_client.chat.bsky.convo
+        params = {"convoId": convo_id, "limit": limit}
+        if cursor:
+            params["cursor"] = cursor
+        try:
+            res = dm.get_messages(params)
+            return {"items": res.messages, "cursor": getattr(res, "cursor", None)}
+        except Exception:
+            log.exception("Error getting conversation messages")
+            return {"items": [], "cursor": None}
 
     def send_chat_message(self, convo_id: str, text: str) -> Any:
         api = self._ensure_client()
         dm_client = api.with_bsky_chat_proxy()
-        return dm_client.chat.bsky.convo.send_message({
-            "convoId": convo_id,
-            "message": {
-                "text": text
-            }
-        })
+        dm = dm_client.chat.bsky.convo
+        try:
+            return dm.send_message({
+                "convoId": convo_id,
+                "message": {
+                    "text": text
+                }
+            })
+        except Exception:
+            log.exception("Error sending chat message")
+            raise
+
+    def get_or_create_convo(self, members: list[str]) -> dict[str, Any] | None:
+        """Get or create a conversation with the given members (DIDs)."""
+        api = self._ensure_client()
+        dm_client = api.with_bsky_chat_proxy()
+        dm = dm_client.chat.bsky.convo
+        try:
+            res = dm.get_convo_for_members({"members": members})
+            return res.convo
+        except Exception:
+            log.exception("Error getting/creating conversation")
+            return None
 
     # Streaming/Polling methods
 
diff --git a/src/sessions/blueski/templates.py b/src/sessions/blueski/templates.py
index a7b234bf..ebb5b61d 100644
--- a/src/sessions/blueski/templates.py
+++ b/src/sessions/blueski/templates.py
@@ -227,32 +227,42 @@ def render_notification(notification, template, post_template, settings, relativ
     screen_name = _g(author, "handle", "")
     reason = _g(notification, "reason", "unknown")
     record = _g(notification, "record") or {}
+
+    # Get post text - try multiple locations depending on notification type
     post_text = _g(record, "text", "") or ""
 
+    # For likes and reposts: try to get the subject post text
+    if not post_text and reason in ("like", "repost"):
+        # First check for hydrated subject text (added by NotificationBuffer)
+        post_text = _g(notification, "_subject_text", "") or ""
+
+        # Check if there's a reasonSubject with embedded post data
+        if not post_text:
+            reason_subject = _g(notification, "reasonSubject") or _g(notification, "reason_subject")
+            if reason_subject:
+                subject_record = _g(reason_subject, "record", {})
+                post_text = _g(subject_record, "text", "") or ""
+
+        # Check subject in record
+        if not post_text:
+            subject = _g(record, "subject", {})
+            post_text = _g(subject, "text", "") or ""
+
+    # Format: action text without username (username is already in display_name for template)
     if reason == "like":
-        text = _("{username} has added to favorites: {status}").format(
-            username=display_name, status=post_text
-        ) if post_text else _("{username} has added to favorites").format(username=display_name)
+        text = _("has added to favorites: {status}").format(status=post_text) if post_text else _("has added to favorites")
     elif reason == "repost":
-        text = _("{username} has reposted: {status}").format(
-            username=display_name, status=post_text
-        ) if post_text else _("{username} has reposted").format(username=display_name)
+        text = _("has reposted: {status}").format(status=post_text) if post_text else _("has reposted")
     elif reason == "follow":
-        text = _("{username} has followed you.").format(username=display_name)
+        text = _("has followed you.")
     elif reason == "mention":
-        text = _("{username} has mentioned you: {status}").format(
-            username=display_name, status=post_text
-        ) if post_text else _("{username} has mentioned you").format(username=display_name)
+        text = _("has mentioned you: {status}").format(status=post_text) if post_text else _("has mentioned you")
     elif reason == "reply":
-        text = _("{username} has replied: {status}").format(
-            username=display_name, status=post_text
-        ) if post_text else _("{username} has replied").format(username=display_name)
+        text = _("has replied: {status}").format(status=post_text) if post_text else _("has replied")
     elif reason == "quote":
-        text = _("{username} has quoted your post: {status}").format(
-            username=display_name, status=post_text
-        ) if post_text else _("{username} has quoted your post").format(username=display_name)
+        text = _("has quoted your post: {status}").format(status=post_text) if post_text else _("has quoted your post")
     else:
-        text = "{user}: {reason}".format(user=display_name or screen_name, reason=reason)
+        text = reason
 
     indexed_at = _g(notification, "indexedAt") or _g(notification, "indexed_at")
     date = process_date(indexed_at, relative_times, offset_hours) if indexed_at else ""
diff --git a/src/wxUI/buffers/blueski/panels.py b/src/wxUI/buffers/blueski/panels.py
index 8177ab3b..950ef910 100644
--- a/src/wxUI/buffers/blueski/panels.py
+++ b/src/wxUI/buffers/blueski/panels.py
@@ -105,27 +105,44 @@ class UserPanel(wx.Panel):
         self.list.list.SetFocus()
 
 class ChatPanel(wx.Panel):
+    """Panel for conversation list, similar to Mastodon's conversationListPanel."""
     def __init__(self, parent, name, account="Unknown"):
         super().__init__(parent, name=name)
         self.name = name
         self.account = account
         self.type = "chat"
-        
+
         self.sizer = wx.BoxSizer(wx.VERTICAL)
 
-        # List: Participants, Last Message, Date
-        self.list = widgets.list(self, _("Participants"), _("Last Message"), _("Date"), style=wx.LC_REPORT | wx.LC_SINGLE_SEL | wx.LC_VRULES)
+        # List: User, Text, Date (like Mastodon)
+        self.list = widgets.list(self, _("User"), _("Text"), _("Date"), style=wx.LC_REPORT | wx.LC_SINGLE_SEL | wx.LC_VRULES)
         self.list.set_windows_size(0, 200)
         self.list.set_windows_size(1, 600)
         self.list.set_windows_size(2, 200)
         self.list.set_size()
-        
+
+        # Buttons (like Mastodon: Post, Reply)
+        self.post = wx.Button(self, -1, _("Post"))
+        self.reply = wx.Button(self, -1, _("Reply"))
+        self.new_chat = wx.Button(self, -1, _("New Chat"))
+        btnSizer = wx.BoxSizer(wx.HORIZONTAL)
+        btnSizer.Add(self.post, 0, wx.ALL, 5)
+        btnSizer.Add(self.reply, 0, wx.ALL, 5)
+        btnSizer.Add(self.new_chat, 0, wx.ALL, 5)
+        self.sizer.Add(btnSizer, 0, wx.ALL, 5)
+
         self.sizer.Add(self.list.list, 1, wx.EXPAND | wx.ALL, 5)
         self.SetSizer(self.sizer)
 
     def set_focus_function(self, func):
         self.list.list.Bind(wx.EVT_LIST_ITEM_FOCUSED, func)
 
+    def set_position(self, reversed=False):
+        if reversed == False:
+            self.list.select_item(self.list.get_count()-1)
+        else:
+            self.list.select_item(0)
+
     def set_focus_in_list(self):
         self.list.list.SetFocus()
 
@@ -136,6 +153,7 @@ class ChatMessagePanel(HomePanel):
         # Adjust buttons for chat
         self.repost.Hide()
         self.like.Hide()
+        self.dm.Hide()  # Hide Chat button since we're already in a chat
         self.reply.SetLabel(_("Send Message"))
         
         # Refresh columns