daniellew150

[daniellew150]

This is awesome. The sunglasses are so good, but add the cars in as well????

various F1 cars reflected in a woman's sunglasses during the 1970 FRENCH GRAND PRIX

CHRIS AMON'S MARCH 701 FORD, MCLAREN M14A FORDS & JEAN-PIERRE BELTOISE'S MATRA MS120

[daniellew150]

Tomorrow is the day.

After two months of training tomorrow I hit the roads. train into London for a 6:30am start then 130km through the Kent countryside. Should be a fun day out with a good group. Hopefully will not be too wet and windy, but the forecast isn't looking good...

[daniellew150]

Training hard

I've somehow managed to get roped into doing a 130km bike ride for charity in mid June... At this point, I'm still trying to get back to some level of fitness after GRS last year, and it has taken a LONG time to feel comfortable on the bike again.

Today was day one of trying to do some longer rides and I think it went ok. Had to do it on Zwift as weather was terrible, but managed 60km in two hours, so nearly half way to what I need to do.

Plan is to do at least an hour a day and then long rides at the weekends.

Some good motivation to get fit, but it's pretty daunting right now.

[daniellew150]

thank you (& November & Devon) for talking about the case report on TrashFuture! I can’t make myself read the thing (plus I have uni essays to write so don’t have the time) but now I can explain why it’s shit to my parents

and thank you all for what you said at the end - it was really impactful & made me cry. I’d already pledged to myself not to become another one of those statistics but hearing that from three people I look up to helps to cement that commitment to live even though things are fucked

I was proud of that episode, I think we did some moral good by making it if nothing else. I'm glad it's a useful resource for you

[daniellew150]

IDK... feels like I've seen something like this somewhere before... Kit Malthouse or Liz truss????

[daniellew150]

if you're just joining us, george takei is having to educate jk rowling on holocaust denial

[daniellew150]

I adore XKCD and this one made me laugh so hard. I love that someone actually had to do the research into oops we’ve been picking up the microwave with the radio telescope.

[daniellew150]

I played this so much on the BBC B, in the one school computer room during lunch breaks

Spy Hunter (1984)

[daniellew150]

Things of 2023, Part 5, Streaming & Movies

Looking back, I have barely watched anything this year, so let’s see what I can come up with.

Disney+

I started both Ashoka and Andor, but haven’t finished either of them. Not sure why, just couldn’t get excited for them. Will try again at some point. 

I did enjoy the Brawn F1 Story. I was surprised how well Keanu Reeves did as presenter, and it was a nice bit of nostalgia, though I didn’t learn anything I didn’t know already.

Netflix

I think the standout was the Mark Cavendish documentary. A great insight into the mind of probably the greatest sprinter in cycling history.  Sticking on the cycling theme, Tour de France Unchained was also very good (think drive to survive for cycling). 

Other than that, not sure it was worth the money this year.

Nebula

I got a Nebula subscription for one reason, and that was to watch the recording of The Prince. Just brilliant, and now also get early access to Philosophy Tube and a ton of other great videos. I think next year will have some great content. 

Amazon Prime

Good Omens 2. Nothing else to say. 

Cinema

Actually getting out of the house I did go and watch Oppenheimer in the cinema, was a bit long, but worth the effort. 

[daniellew150]

Things of 2023, Part 4, YouTube

I think I probably watch more YouTube than any streaming service.  Definitely some carry over from last year, but so good they need to be called out. 

PhilosophyTube

Just goes from strength to strength. The production values are way above what you would expect for an independent creator. I don’t think there is a single video Abigail has put out this year that I haven’t watched at least three times. Effective Altruism, Ethical AI and Plagiarism have all been stand outs, and I cannot wait to see what 2024 brings. 

Well There’s Your Problem

Another channel that just keeps getting better. It was wonderful to see them break the 100K subscriber barrier, and they didn’t disappoint. My favourites this year have been the most recent one on the De Havilland Comet, Helios Airways Flight 522, and Therac-25. Hard to believe again how much effort goes into creating these (and the bonus Patreon episodes are worth every penny). 

That Pedal Show

What can I say? this has been a crazy year, Noel Gallagher, Johnny Marr, Mike Vennart, Chris Shiflett, and that’s just some of the guests. The One Guitar, One Amp, No Pedals challenge. The Coronation Pickin’ challenge, are just a small number of the great videos, to put out around an hour long video once a week is insane, add in the Monday VCQ’s and it’s just awesome. I was also in a position to go on one of their Experience Days back in January, and it was mind blowing, to play some of that gear and really revel in the ability to play at volume was fantastic. 2024 is going to be the year I find a way to do that more often.  Well done Dan & Mick. 

The JHS Show

Not watched the JHS Pedals channel as much this year, but the NOTAKLON launch has to go down as one of the best product launches I think I have ever seen. 

Penfriend

I found Laura through the Obey Robots record, but her work as Penfriend is also brilliant, and her live streamed gigs are just a chilled out joy to watch. 

Colin Furze

Nutcase who is building a whole tunnel system under his house. Not much more to say really. 

hbomberguy

New to me this year, but his nearly 4 hour long video on Plagiarism on YouTube was amazing, the time and effort required to do so much investigation is crazy. Well worth a watch (if you have 4 hours to spare). 

So many others, but these I think are the cream of the crop for 2023. 

[daniellew150]

Things of 2023, Part 3, Music

New music is still proving to be a bit of a struggle but here goes. 

Foo Fighters: But here we are. 

This is an amazing come back from a terrible loss. Heartfelt and poignant. I wasn’t expecting any new music so soon, but so glad it exists. Also very much looking forward to seeing them live again in June next year with friends and family.

Empire State Bastard - Rivers of Heresy.

Struggled to get into this one. It’s Simon Neil and Mike Vennart, but nothing like Biffy Clyro, extremely heavy. Need to listen to it more I think.

Obey Robots - One in a thousand.

I think this is probably my favourite new album of the year. Laura Kidd (Penfriend and She Makes War) and Rat (Ned’s Atomic Dustbin) join forces to make a wonderful record. Stand out tracks, One of these days, Porcupine and Let it snow. Just brilliant

Beabadoobee - Fake it flowers.

Not strictly new, but new to me, stand out tracks for me. Care, Charlie Brown. Great guitars and vocals. 

All Ears Avow - Feel the Push

Another new to me record, Technophobia is a great song, catchy riffs and some amazing singing. 

Brimheim - RATKING

This one should almost wait for next year, as only a couple of tracks are available so far, but Brand New Woman and Literally Everything are so good, looking forward to hearing the rest of the album.

Boris 

This is an odd one, don’t really have an album to pick as I only heard about them yesterday…. Japanese rock, been around for a long time and have a huge back catalogue, but what I’ve heard so far is great.  Akuma No Kama, Pink and Heavy Friends are brilliant.

Cavetown - Cavetown & Lemon Boy

Again these were new to me this year, when I was preparing myself to see them live back in February. Lemon Boy is a great title track and Devil Town is just delightfully silly. The gig itself was a lot of fun and would go see them again. 

[daniellew150]

Things of 2023, Part 2: Podcasts

I could pretty much copy and paste this from last year so just going to call out some stand out bits and pieces. 

Kill James Bond! 

Continues to go from strength to strength. This year we’ve been treated to The Man From Uncle, Rambo, the SAG AFTRA and WGA strike busting of the Euro Spies. But the Austin Powers live shows were something else. I was lucky enough to make it to night one, and wish I could have made all three as were just perfect. Then rounding out the year with Master and Commander, Die Hard 2 AND Goldfinger No Notes, Wonderful. Links to some of the standouts:

Austin Powers night 1: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/kill-james-bond/id1554716458?i=1000610790043

Master and Commander: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/kill-james-bond/id1554716458?i=1000638500615

Trashfuture 

Seems to be my year for going to watch live podcast recordings. I managed to make it to two TF live shows, in February for the review of ‘Out of the Blue, The unexpected rise and rapid fall of Liz Truss’ and in November, for the Nadine Dorries book.. 

The ongoing reporting on crazy startups and Neom have been fantastic. 

Would recommend starting with these:

TF Live Nadine Dorries book: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/trashfuture/id1261944206?i=1000639731930

The equitable Lagoon: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/trashfuture/id1261944206?i=1000614916195

TF Live Liz Truss: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/trashfuture/id1261944206?i=1000601353994

Out with Suzi Ruffell 

Another amazing set of guests this year. Always makes me think about how our community is so diverse and vibrant. I have learnt so much from this podcast that I really should have known already. 

Charlie Martin: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/out-with-suzi-ruffell/id1505466130?i=1000608287774

Skin: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/out-with-suzi-ruffell/id1505466130?i=1000603859691

The Gargle

Just a weekly dose of the most ridiculous non political news, and also now next year will give me a book for the books list of 2024 with The D’Ancey LaGuarde Reader. 

Wiggles | Grok AI | ApeFest eyes: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-gargle/id1552687312?i=1000634257511

[daniellew150]

Things of 2023, Part 1, Books.

I enjoyed sharing this last year, so trying to make it a tradition. Managed a few more books this year, and there are some I bought but didn’t have time to read, so I guess they will make it into next year’s list. 

So let’s get into it. 

Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman: Good Omens.

Not a new one, but quite possibly one of my favourite books of all time, I think this is the third copy I’ve owned over the years. It’s fun, dark, and the characterisation is just wonderful. I always enjoyed Newt’s journey of trying to find who he really is, but I think that is probably true of all the major characters.

The adaptation on Amazon was brilliant, and season 2 has set up the finale nicely, really looking forward to finding out what Terry and Neil came up with.

Ben Aaronovitch: Rivers of London and Moon Over Soho.

Rivers of London was a recommendation from a work friend, was a great call, part supernatural thriller, part police procedural. It’s got plenty of laughs, some proper scares. The main characters are superbly rounded and made me want to read the rest of the series. Managed book two, Moon Over Soho, and it follows on brilliantly. It has plenty of ongoing themes, but with a great new mystery (or two) to deal with. Will definitely be looking at the rest of the series (I think I have another 8 books to go!). 

Hiron Ennes: Leech

Wasn’t sure if I should include this one as I haven’t finished it yet, but decided I would definitely have finished it by new year, so counts towards 2023. Very creepy and dark, with a bit of body horror but a really intriguing plot. Can’t wait to find out what happens.

Erin Morgenstern: The Night Circus.

This one didn’t make it into the picture as I’ve lent the book to someone. This was another recommendation and was mind blowing. A centuries long magical battle, which is also a love story. Not just between the protagonists, but people who they meet along the way. The description of the circus is so vivid that it really comes to life. If I get my copy back, this is one I will definitely read again and again.

Neil Gaiman: Sandman (book 1).

I’d obviously heard about this for years, and really enjoyed the Netflix series last year, so decided I should go look at the source material. Definitely worth it. Great stories and wonderful illustration. Another one where I will have to get the rest of the series at some point. 

Robin Ince: Bibliomaniac.

I’ve read a few of Robin’s books now, and I love the narrative style. This one is a tour of Britain’s bookshops (the book tour for The Importance of Being Interested that I read last year). Couple of bits that really made me chuckle, one about my home town, quoting another author as “a dull spot which even drink can’t enliven much” . Another was Shakespeare themed pun shop names (a chiropodist called Two Gentlemen of Verruca for example). 

Matt Parker: Humble Pi. 

Another one that didn’t make the photo, I was lent this one, and have now returned it. This is right up my street, stories of maths and engineering and how they can cause problems if not used properly. Feels like a book version of the Well There’s Your Problem podcast. 

Cariad Lloyd: You are not alone.

Feels reductive to call this a spin off from Cariad’s podcast, but that is definitely the starting point. A fantastic book on grief and grieving, interwoven with Cariad’s own story of her father’s death when she was a teenager. I found it so useful to process some of my own emotions around death of family members, but also other forms of grief (loss of relationships). This is an amazing resource, and remember the five steps of grief were never meant for the way they are used today.

Mattie Lubchansky: Boys Weekend.

I came across Mattie as a guest on various podcasts, and their cartoons on The Nib, so when Boys Weekend came out I ordered it immediately. A great graphic novel about navigating old friendships as a trans person, but also giving capitalism an absolute kicking. Loved it, and recently heard there will be a sequel in 2025.. stay tuned.

Julie McDowell: Attack Warning Red!

Another book from one of my favourite podcasts (Atomic Hobo). An amazingly well researched book on Civil Defence in Britain as it came out of the Second World War, and into the potential atomic horrors of the Cold War. A wonderful mix of whimsy and terrifying details. 

Jake & Hannah Graf: Becoming Us. 

I’ve read quite a few biographies of Trans people at this point, but this is two stories in one, with a proper happy ending. Reading two very different lives, but both with a common thread. A chance encounter leading to a wonderful family. It really is a book about hope. 

Munroe Bergdorf: Transitional.

Another Trans life story, but with a really interesting twist, how life is change, and everything is a transitional state in many ways. Wonderfully written with again a huge amount of joy. So many of these books have changed the way I view myself and how I approach the world, this is another one that has moved my mindset again. 

Garbage: This is the noise that keeps me awake.

A proper coffee table book. A lovely object, that charts the history of one of my favourite bands. Garbage mean a lot to me, they are one of the groups that helped me realise I could be myself. I love the inclusion of the band cocktail recipes. 

James Hetfield: Messengers, The Guitars of James Hetfield.

As a Metallica fan, and a guitarist this is a fantastic book. Some band history, some truly fantastic photography and just some wonderful guitars. Will always love the ESP V with the Hot Rod flames, but seeing an authentic 1958 Gibson Explorer is brilliant. 

[daniellew150]

I just want to know which Commodore L Ron Hubbard thought he was? C64 or Amiga?

So here's my vibe: I'm currently considering getting a PhD just so that I can insist people call me "professor" instead of using any gendered honorific. I want to encourage people not to use gendered pronouns for me in the meantime but I also don't jive with "it" and most neopronouns tend to cause too much confusion for the folks in my life, so I kinda just roll with whatever and it doesn't *bother* me but also I just want to be a robot that can swap gender presentation when- and however, because my brain is more important than my genitals by several orders of magnitude! I don't think I'm looking for advice or answers so much as I have a job where expressing this stuff in public could actually cause problems but I also need to express it, and you just happen to be the parasocial relationship I can throw this at? Anyway thanks for being hot and awesome.

thank you, professor

[daniellew150]

This is epic news. Well done to Lego. To every other corporation, what are YOU doing?

[daniellew150]

“scratch a transphobe and a misogynist bleeds”

siobhan o'leary gives us a brilliant deconstruction of transphobia, and transmisogyny specifically

Source: https://twitter.com/siobhanftb/status/1020309083423821825?s=21

[daniellew150]

Make your gender unknowable.