Judging book covers

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.

https://theconversation.com/explicit-novel-icebreaker-is-under-fire-for-its-misleading-cover-a-book-designer-explains-and-reveals-how-covers-work-237315


Putin’s cultural war on Ukraine

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

https://theconversation.com/evacuated-artworks-exhibit-details-attempts-to-wipe-out-ukrainian-culture-and-shows-what-survives-234006


The limits of heat pumps

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/


‘Two-tier’ exists, but it’s not what ‘they’ want you to think it is

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.

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/article/2024/aug/11/uk-two-tier-treats-far-right-attacks-less-harshly-islamist-violence-rusi


What caused the White riot?

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.

https://theconversation.com/uk-riots-five-essential-reads-on-what-triggered-a-week-of-violence-236536


Is Robert Jenrick stupid, racist, or just another empty space?

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.

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/article/2024/aug/09/how-did-robert-jenrick-go-from-centrist-tory-to-anti-immigration-hardliner


These will be known as the Social Media Riots

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.

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/article/2024/aug/07/uk-police-monitoring-tiktok-for-evidence-of-criminality-at-far-right-riots


Unboxing a delivery from Japan

Here are the latest batch of cool things I’ve had delivered from Hobbylink Japan. If you’d like some of them for yourself, the links are below (affiliate links)

Figure-Rise Standard Kikoru Shinomiya

1/32 Street Corner

1/24 Ings Z Power Wing Set

Hand Unit Wild Hand

1/72 Choi-Pla No.014 JGSDF Type 07 Tank Nacchin Prototype with Weapon set

Cleopatra with Obelisk Tower