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.
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.
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/
This BBC article dances around the truth of Elon Musk’s support for Trump- they’re both vile people, only interested in stroking their own egos and inflating their bank balances. Neither of them has a political ideology beyond saying what they think will get them the clicks or votes.
Acts of violence are labelled differently depending upon the perpetrators. But it’s not ‘two-tier’ the way the racist politicians want us to believe. Extremist acts by white right wingers are not treated with the same seriousness as they would be by other (most specifically Islamist) groups. Downplaying the threats posed by racists has led us to the state we’re in, and is one of the root causes of the past week’s riots.
The Conversation has a selection of articles looking into the roots of this week’s violence. This article links to them, and gives an overview of each. I’ll be reading them all later.
The concept of Middle Aged Radicalisation bemuses me. Much as I try to pretend I’m younger, my knees remind me every day that I’m definitely in my 50s. However, the Internet has existed for over 20 years, and I’ve been on it since soon after it became a thing. I may not be a scholar of memes, but I’ve seen enough to have some savvy over what people are trying to feed me. It’s a shock to find that others my age know so little about it.
I think it’s the latter, but the other two are valid. Jenrick is one of those politicians who will say what they think will help their career. His comments about arresting people for saying Allahu Akbar were definitely stupid and racist, but also an obvious pitch to the worst members of the Tory party.
So yes, he is stupid, because he’s chosen racism as his way to get noticed, without a are for the damage it does. People have died because of the sort of language he chooses to use.
May he get the Tory leadership, and be dragged back to obscurity by it, along with all the scum he courts, and the Reform arseholes they’re emulating.
Vacant commercial properties are getting second lives as cannabis farms. This seems to be particularly bad in Wales, according to the article, where the after effects if covid and austerity have left shopping streets dead.
Here’s a fascinating piece on how an unknown soldier was finally identified over a century on from his death in World War 1.
From the racist rabble rousing on Twitter, to organisation over Telegram, with the punchline of livestreamed incriminating evidence on TikTok, people will be studying the use of technology in these race riots for years.
I was really impressed by this little kit when I got it. From the concept to the packaging, it’s all really well thought out. And it didn’t take long at all to put together.
Its full name is 1/72 Choi-Pla No.014 JGSDF Type 07 Tank Nacchin Prototype with Weapon set, and I got mine from Hobbylink Japan (affiliate link).