Recently updated blogs

A few months ago I shared some research that explored pathways to transformation and asked y’all to speculate on whether the more common pathway was Collapse and New Equilibrium. I confessed that the study team guessed Collapse and the actual research found that New Equilibrium (NE) was the more common route. Let’s take a closer […] The post Let’s Get Loopy first appeared on Hinesight....for Foresight.

3 different doctors told us my wife’s colon needed to be removed. This ongoing ordeal began last spring when she sent a fecal sample to Cologuard, a company that advertises frequently since the medical establishment has become fixated on reducing deaths from colon cancer. The results found genetic markers suggesting my wife might have colon cancer. The doctor ordered a colonoscopy. This procedure entails sticking a camera up a person’s …

*Can you attach a turbine to Nikola so we can generate power while he spins in his grave

The original Liberty Square trash can design is a delightful rarity in early Magic Kingdom photographs. This practical design features a cream-colored can adorned with tan vertical stripes on the sides, top, front door, and rear wall. This design graced the park until at least the early 1980s, though its exact retirement date remains a bit of a mystery.In this photo from December 1971, just two months after Walt Disney …

We’ve already featured CHBB (or Liaisons Dangereuses as they later became known) in our 80s HITS series, but thanks to a friend I noticed that their original cassette recordings have been reissued by Soulsheriff Records. It’s the same Swiss label that reissued Liaisons Dangereuses in 2013. On CHBB you get the complete discography of Chrislo Haas and Beate Bartel’s tapes as well as unreleased material pre-LD (1981). I’m so happy …

By Sean FerrellHangry Dwarf PressOSE/5eLevel 6. Ha! There used to be a wizards tower here, but an earthquake changed that. The tower fell, and no one ever heard from the old wizard again. Some say he was responsible for the quake. Some say he left powerful magic behind. Some say he was conducting terrible experiments. Some say all of the rumors are true. This ten page adventure uses five pages …

The popular social media forum Reddit includes a category for the topic of hermits. The category was created in 2012 and has over 6,500 members. The site presents itself “for those who walk the path of solitudel,” duscussing personal solitude, friendship, loneliness, and lifestyle. IRL: https://www.reddit.com/r/Hermit/?rdt=35190

Few Earth science concepts are as controversial and enticing as the Gaia hypothesis—the idea, first introduced by chemist James Lovelock and microbiologist Lynn Margulis in the 1970s, that Earth itself behaves like a self-perpetuating organism, with living organisms interacting with the nonliving Earth to maintain and even improve conditions for life. Some experts have noted that large-scale planetary perturbations such as climate change and an overuse of resources can wipe …

It’s been a little over a month since I quit my job and decided to work on 750 Words full time for about 6 months (or however long my portioned savings last). The experiment is to see if it might be possible to survive without getting another job in tech for even longer than that, because working on this would be so much more fulfilling and fun. The goal remains: …

Who says ufology doesn't possess quantitative data? Counting down towards Thanksgiving with almost two dozen touted witnesses to the 1989 alleged abduction of Linda Cortile (Napolitano). But immediately things become less clear-cut, the witness list falters, and the abduction turns into a complicated and problematic saga of personalities, purposes, and, frankly, mental pain. Atlas Obscura takes us physically away from this with 10 Places That Will Make You Believe Aliens …

And it’s a good one, I’m delighted to say. The relevant excerpt for me: “[A] cleverly entertaining sci-fi romp… Scalzi’s ability to balance scathing satire with heartfelt optimism shines.” I’m shiny! The full review is here. Not anything particularly spoilery about it at this point. — JS

Now That’s What I Call a MusicalNew Victoria Theatre If you’re craving a night of toe-tapping 80s hits and breezy humour, Now That’s What I Call a Musical might be just the ticket. Currently touring the UK, this jukebox musical delivers big on nostalgia, though it stumbles in depth and pacing. With a talented cast and high-energy set pieces, it’s a fun evening out, even if it doesn’t push any …

This is the HECTOR V2: a humanoid robot with 5 DoF legs and 4 DoF arms that supports dynamic locomotion. It has a modular design and can overcome uneven terrain. This robot stands 0.85m tall. It lasts up to 2 hours on battery. It has an open source simulation software. The below video shows it in Mojave Desert under extreme conditions. For this test, the researchers didn’t use any protective …

We’ve been watching some remarkable short films from 1923. One features an on-stage comedian launching a barrage of jokes, e.g. “No matter how much the boss likes you, you can’t work in a bank and bring home samples.” Another short features legendary pianist and composer Eubie Blake, who plays with truly dazzling skill and wit. Ah, now here are black … Continue reading →

Photo: © Stan BanosWell, must say I did way, way better in procuring new images this year than I had dared think possible- all in a city now bereft of over half its downtown population and services (no joke). I actually managed to get fifty genuine keepers this year, which amazes me more than anyone- a guy who for decades struggled for 2-3-4 per year (if lucky)- while living in …