Monthly archives: May 2023

A brief introduction to Degrowth

This entry was posted in climate change economics on by

Perpetual growth is unsustainable, and making it a priority hurts most people whilst destroying the environment. An alternative is Degrowth, which I’ve heard mentioned, but not got around to investigating. The linked article gives a quick overview of what it entails, and the benefits it would bring.

https://theconversation.com/degrowth-isnt-the-same-as-a-recession-its-an-alternative-to-growing-the-economy-forever-202469

I don’t argue with people John Brown would have shot

This entry was posted in activism politics USA on by

As I kick around plans for a near future story about an independent minded neighbourhood fighting corporate and political corruption, it’s becoming clear that the idealism will need a robust defence. This report on the John Brown Gun Clubs protecting people targeted by the far right in the USA has given me some ideas.

https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-features/john-brown-gun-club-armed-anti-fascist-1234733200/amp/?s=09

When wolves move in, they push smaller carnivores closer to human development – with deadly consequences

This entry was posted in Spinneyhead on by

Interesting developments from rewilding with wolves. The conclusion is more positive than the headline suggests.

https://theconversation.com/when-wolves-move-in-they-push-smaller-carnivores-closer-to-human-development-with-deadly-consequences-202926

I guess I’m a little bit Luddite

This entry was posted in Artificial Intelligence technology on by

In the tradition of the original Luddites, though. As a writer, and occasional artist, I find the whole ChatGPT craze wrong headed and possibly even a danger to what little I currently earn from my creative work.

Just like in the time of the mills, it’s the wealthy and lazy who will gain the most from this technology, at the expense of the struggling artist and artisan.

https://theconversation.com/whats-a-luddite-an-expert-on-technology-and-society-explains-203653

We need to boycott this government

This entry was posted in Free Speech politics on by

Yet another attack on free speech by this Tory government. I bet most of the Free Speech Absolutists, who are so eager for the freedom to be bigoted, are silent on this.

UK anti-boycott bill is attack on freedom of expression, say civil society groups | Protest | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/12/uk-anti-boycott-bill-is-attack-on-freedom-of-expression-say-civil-society-groups

Anything for views

This entry was posted in idiots YouTube on by

‘Plane crash YouTube’ could become the description of the worst kinds of stunt done to clickbait views. It’s obvious that, just like television, an amount of content on YouTube is scripted and skewed to get views. But deliberately crashing a plane has to be a first.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-65567519?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=KARANGA

The Weird Way Australia’s Bushfires Influenced a Weirder La Niña | WIRED

This entry was posted in climate change Weather on by

It’s a complex, interconnected world we live in, and events in one place can influence weather on the other side of the globe. This is an interesting article on how massive wild fires in Australia affected ocean temperatures off South America, which had effects on the whole planet’s weather systems.

The Weird Way Australia’s Bushfires Influenced a Weirder La Niña | WIRED https://www.wired.com/story/the-weird-way-australias-bushfires-influenced-a-weirder-la-nina/

New Product- Detailing parts for science fiction dioramas

This entry was posted in 3d printing diorama Spinneyworld YouTube on by

I’ve been storing up interestingly shaped bottles and packaging to make science fiction flavoured buildings and tech. But I wanted to go further than normal greeblies and plastic strip detailing, and designed some themed parts.

The models are available as STL files from the Spinneyworld store, or as part of the rewards package for Builder level supporters on Patreon.