I’m having one of my occasional periods of fascination with buildings. Not the incredible creations Hanif Kara helped create, so much, but his story, and the relationship between structural engineers and the architects they help is fascinating.
https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2024/oct/08/hanif-kara-soane-medal-will-alsop-zaha-hadid
There’s a thought that’s been bugging me for the last few weeks. And it’s, well, *about* weeks.
Where did they come from?
I don’t mean as in how does time work? But more, where did the concept of the week (and the month, for that matter) come from? And how did 7 days- five ‘week’ and two ‘weekend’- become the international standard?*
There has to be an interesting tale to tell around this thought. I bet there were conflicts aplenty, between tribes, countries, cultures and religions. Lots of politics and intrigue, probably some action and romance. Blockbuster stuff.
If somebody wants to fund my time to write a pop history book on the subject, drop me a line.
*I imagine there are still cultures and countries operating on timetables different to the 7 day version. I would, of course, cover those as well.
AI use is making certain words and phrases more prevalent (the article contains a table of ChatGPT’s 50 most overused words, usefully compiled by ChatGPT). So essays etc. written by AI all merge together into a sort of verbal sludge.
The article suggests some ways to counteract this tendency. The one they missed out- the only one that is truly valid- is to not use AI at all. If you are required to present your thoughts on a subject, and show your knowledge about it, the words need to make their way from your brain to the screen or page as directly as possible. Prompts are cheating.
Just a few Victorian slang phrases to show that they were at least as oddball as we are today.
A tax on private planes and superyachtd could bring much needed revenue in, making billionaires pay for some of the harm they’re doing. Judging by the quote at the end of the article, I don’t think this government has the sense or courage to do it, though.
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/sep/18/superyacht-private-jet-oxfam-climate-finance
The drone war in Ukraine keeps evolving. Ukraine now has small drones to deliver thermite attacks, which sounds terrifying.
Bis were one of those bands I liked but, somehow, I never bought any of their albums. Good to see they’re celebrating 30 years.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn7l51lg465o
In an unsurprising development, it appears that several rightwing commentators in the US have been getting funding from Russia, with encouragement to push pro-Putin talking points. They’re claiming they never knew where the money was coming from, and from what I know about them, I’m willing to believe that they really are that stupid.
A quick look at the history and flaws of the horseshoe theory of extreme politics.
It certainly sounds it. The creation process generates more heat than it uses- meaning manufacture could be self sustaining, or used as energy generation. Once made, it acts as a form of carbon capture, putting it back into the ground. And once in the ground, it can aid water retention, improve soil structure, and aid access to nutrients.
There are some potential issues, mainly around the possibility of contamination depending upon the feed stock, but this sounds like a technology we should all be thinking about.
New in the Spinneyworld shop- and the to-build pile- is this Kaido style Skyline from Aoshima. You can get the super detail bundle mentioned at the end of the bundle here.
I wrote Pickers about breaking into a seed and equipment repository in the Alps. Maybe there needs to be a sequel about one on the moon.
https://www.wired.com/story/scientists-want-to-build-a-doomsday-vault-on-the-moon/
The use of biofuels in aviation is just beginning, and it has a long way to go to cut even the current levels of pollution, let alone that from projected rises in air travel. But it’s a start. Couple it with sensible replacements for short haul flights, and it may be worthwhile.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cg64pwxzln4o
I just like the phrase, ‘Beaver Bombing’, and the idea of an anarchic rewilding of the country.
An erotic romance has been criticised for having a misleading, cartoony cover, making it appear appropriate for younger readers. A book cover designer breaks down a few of the considerations and choices that go into the the art.
An expert on extremism gives their opinion on the nature of the groups and individuals involved in the recent riots.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c74lwnxxxzjo
Just like Stalin before him, Putin is trying to eradicate evidence of Ukraine’s culture, history, and identity. An art exhibition in London is a reminder of the Soviet efforts, and chance to reflect on current ones.
Evacuated artworks exhibit details attempts to wipe out Ukrainian culture – and shows what survives
Heat pumps are an incredible technology, and a key part of cutting the carbon impact of heating and cooling homes. But no technology is perfect. Air heat pumps can be less efficient in high winds and when it is cold and humid. Luckily, manufacturers have spotted these issues, and are improving the technology as they go.
https://www.wired.com/story/how-heat-pumps-are-affected-by-climate-change/
Carefully managed, solar farms can produce more than just renewable energy. They’ve been found to boost wildflower growth and pollinators. Done properly, the land they’re on can still be used for some forms of farming.
https://theconversation.com/new-solar-farms-can-benefit-nature-heres-how-235991
Which it may be doing, this article suggests, but not before making online discourse exceptionally toxic.
Gamergate’s Legacy Lives on in Attacks Against Kamala Harris
https://www.wired.com/story/gamergates-legacy-lives-on-in-attacks-against-kamala-harris/