Reposted by Derek BlackReal Gaz on a proper bike: gazza_d@toot.bike @gazza-d.bsky.social · 9hA day successfully dodging torrential rain showers and visiting the Kelpies and the Wheel in Falkirk. Both stunning in their own way. Sadly far too windy to get the drone up. The Wheel is amazing. Bonkers and brilliant engineering. 6623
Reposted by Derek BlackRoland Smith @rolandmcs.bsky.social · 14h'The driver of Britain’s water shortages isn’t data centres, it is a 30 year failure to build the reservoirs we need to meet demand'. A deeper dive. www.samdumitriu.com/p/will-data-...samdumitriu.comWill data centres drink us dry?Worry less about how we store data, and more about how we store water 66724
Reposted by Derek BlackPhilip Ball @philipcball.bsky.social · 14hThe chemistry Nobel this year got me remembering what it was like to receive groundbreaking research like Soai's key paper at Nature. Sometimes you knew it; sometimes (as in this case) you didn't. www.chemistryworld.com/opinion/what...chemistryworld.comWhat’s it like to be the first person privy to Nobel-worthy work?As Philip Ball, handling editor of Kensō Soai's 1995 paper reveals, sometimes you're oblivious to it 1223
Reposted by Derek BlackProf Ray Wills @profraywills.futuresmart.com.au · 11/10/2026Battery electric car sales majority arriving in Australia soon bsky.app/profile/prof... 291
Reposted by Derek BlackGuelph On Two Wheels :yesbike: @guelphontwowheels.guelph.social.ap.brid.gy · 09/10/2026Some days, I just want to be chauffeured around in something expensive. That's where my bus pass comes in. #transit #urbanism 001
Reposted by Derek BlackRoland Smith @rolandmcs.bsky.social · 10/10/2026In fact, how about we hear from all those British political figures who seemed to think Trump is/was the bees knees. Don't be shy, we want a full-throated opinion on this. 621224
Reposted by Derek BlackAlexander Clarkson @aphclarkson.bsky.social · 10/10/2026The Putin regime's entire geopolitical strategy hinges on Trump and MAGA hacks ruling the US over decades when there are signs building of such a massive backlash against Trumpism in American society that it has the potential to viciously savage everyone associated with Trump 28617
Reposted by Derek BlackPhilip Ball @philipcball.bsky.social · 10/10/2026Lots of ongoing talk about "superintelligence", AI consciousness/feelings, and the like, so I figured it would be worth giving this another round. The AI industry is going to keep pushing its crappy narratives, but we don't have to do their work for them. www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/ideas/techno...prospectmagazine.co.ukWe’re all going to die, but not from AIThat artificial intelligence could destroy humanity is a story imposed by the AI industry itself. It’s time to challenge it 1236
Reposted by Derek BlackSam Freedman @samfr.bsky.social · 10/10/2026On the substack this week.... I looked at the route back into the EU. It's going to become increasingly obvious that the politics works for a manifesto pledge. What are the barriers? What would a negotiation look like? How might another referendum play out? samf.substack.com/p/the-route-...samf.substack.comThe route back into the EUBack in 2022 I wrote about the long-term prospects for undoing Brexit and made two predictions. 3598
Reposted by Derek BlackSimon Nixon @nixonsimon.bsky.social · 10/10/2026The euro has an 83% approval rates in the countries that use it and former eurozone crises countries are growing faster than Britain with falling debt and lower borrowing costs. So why is the euro question considered so toxic to the UK Rejoin debate? My latestnixons.substack.comShould Britain Adopt the Euro?Politically, it may be a non-starter. But what about the economics? An alternative history and a rerun of Gordon Brown's famous five tests. Part two of two 5217
Reposted by Derek BlackNikita Romanov @nr.mastodon.scot.ap.brid.gy · 09/10/2026Even the rain came out to see the unveiled Nelson Mandela statue. #Glasgow #scotland #UK 000
Reposted by Derek BlackEdinburgh Festival of Cycling @edfoc.bsky.social · 09/10/2026What better way to celibate the publication of this important report, than joining the Cargo Bike Carnival on Sunday!?! Come and join us on the Meadows from 11:00 to 14:00 033
Reposted by Derek BlackSam Freedman @samfr.bsky.social · 09/10/2026On Badenoch's Reform alliance problem. 8536
Reposted by Derek Blackkim_harding ✅ @kim-harding.mastodon.scot.ap.brid.gy · 09/10/2026More than half of Canadians are avoiding buying American goods, poll finds www.independent.co.uk/news/world/am… Canadian shoppers are pressuring grocery stores to respond, with nearly nine in 10 wanting clear labels on […]mastodon.scotOriginal post on mastodon.scot 033
Reposted by Derek BlackTom Clark @tom-clark.bsky.social · 09/10/20262004: live-streamed killing of Ken Bigley held to reveal the uniquely medieval barbarism of modern Jihaddis 2026: live-streamed killing becomes US Govt policy www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...bbc.co.ukFort Hood attacker's execution by firing squad will be livestreamed, Pentagon saysPete Hegseth says the execution will be public, but a legal expert says the "unprecedented" decision is on "uncertain legal terrain". 44322
Reposted by Derek BlackTim J @timtfj.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy · 09/10/2026Bring back þe letter þ. How can you þrow out þe only rune in your alphabet? Also bring back ð. But ðis time, except in very common words like þe which look nice þe oðer way round, don't treat ðem as interchangeable. Use ð for þe voiced one and þ for þe unvoiced one, like ðey do in Icelandic […]mastodon.socialOriginal post on mastodon.social 131893
Reposted by Derek BlackBest for Britain @bestforbritain.org · 08/10/2026NEW YOUGOV POLL 🚨 52% of people would vote to rejoin the EU, only 27% want to stay outside 21338111
Reposted by Derek BlackAndy @andydrummond.eurosky.social · 07/10/2026#Eurovelo is awesome, have been on short sections of EV1 and EV6 on holiday. Long distance protected bike paths are a really big tourist draw and something the UK is lacking. 033
Reposted by Derek BlackAstronomer Royal for Scotland | Catherine Heymans @astroroyalscot.bsky.social · 08/10/2026So sad to hear that the iconic, trailblazing, Apollo 11 moon landing software engineering lead, Margaret Hamilton, is no longer with us. Love this image of her, standing next to a print out of the software that landed Buzz Aldrin and Neil Amstrong on the moon! 👩🔬🔭🛰️🧪 ℹ️: www.bbc.co.uk/news/article... 8863238
Reposted by Derek BlackPhilip Ball @philipcball.bsky.social · 07/10/2026In this piece for @prospectmagazine.co.uk I argue that it is time we stopped letting the AI/tech industry dictate the narrative, and I attempt to dismantle the self-serving terminology and myths it has created. www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/ideas/techno...prospectmagazine.co.ukWe’re all going to die, but not from AIThat artificial intelligence could destroy humanity is a story imposed by the AI industry itself. It’s time to challenge it 37032
Reposted by Derek BlackAlexander Clarkson @aphclarkson.bsky.social · 07/10/2026The message Labour, Grüne, Linke, PSOE, PD and the rest of European Socialism and Social Democracy need to ram home is without social security there is no military security Welfare systems aren't bleeding business, they're underpinning social stability and military power needed for trade and growth 03615
Reposted by Derek Blackkim_harding ✅ @kim-harding.mastodon.scot.ap.brid.gy · 04/10/2026Tram Trains for Edinburgh www.ttfe.org.uk We are campaigning for a tram-train service on Edinburgh's South Suburban Railway, connecting communities across the south of the city with fast, frequent, modern public transport.ttfe.org.ukHome — Tram Trains for EdinburghA campaign to restore passenger services on Edinburgh's south suburban railway 001
Reposted by Derek Blackkim_harding ✅ @kim-harding.mastodon.scot.ap.brid.gy · 04/10/2026I travelled all over the country on a €63 monthly rail pass: readers’ favourite holidays in Germany www.theguardian.com/travel/2026/oct… Actually in my case, I travelled mostly in the south of the country with the […]mastodon.scotOriginal post on mastodon.scot 021
Reposted by Derek BlackRoland Smith @rolandmcs.bsky.social · 04/10/2026New Soft Landing podcast: 'Liberals and Liberalism', with the one & only @iandunt.bsky.social. We look at liberalism today, under constant attack from populism. We also cover: Andy Burnham; Trump; binary thinking; the need for belonging; even men who cry... rolandmcs.substack.com/p/podcast-li...rolandmcs.substack.comPodcast: Liberals and Liberalism with Ian DuntThe state of western liberalism today, under constant attack from anti-liberal right-wing populism 2359
Reposted by Derek BlackMark Chadbourn @chadbourn.bsky.social · 03/10/2026Russia’s 2027 budget: military costs expected to spiral, at least by 40%. Unsustainable, of course, that’s why they’re proposing a 10% cut in real terms for development, infrastructure and healthcare and a 5% cut in education.mailchi.mpRussia plans record military spending 816052
Reposted by Derek Blackwalkhighlands @walkhighlands.co.uk · 03/10/2026We've teamed up with @scotsquirrels.bsky.social for the eighth annual Great Scottish Squirrel Survey held over the next week - and we urge as many of you as possible to get involved - by taking part and by spreading the word. www.walkhighlands.co.uk/news/scotlan...walkhighlands.co.ukScotland’s red squirrel celebration is backSaving Scotland’s Red Squirrels is running the eighth annual Great Scottish Squirrel Survey next week, and everyone can get involved Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels (SSRS) is calling on the public ... 098
Reposted by Derek BlackEdinburgh Festival of Cycling @edfoc.bsky.social · 02/10/2026Europe needs 105,000 more bike mechanics by 2032 bikebiz.com/europe-needs... A new analysis shows that Europe’s bicycle industry will need to recruit around 105,000 additional mechanics by 2032, a requirement equivalent to 60% of the entire workforce it employs today.bikebiz.comEurope needs 105,000 more bike mechanics by 2032 - BikeBizNew analysis published by the NextGen Mechanics initiative and ECI shows that the industry needs 105,000 additional bike mechanics by 2032. 045
Reposted by Derek BlackEdinburgh Critical Mass @edcriticalmass.mastodon.scot.ap.brid.gy · 30/09/2026Ready an other Critical Mass ride? Join us this Friday 2nd of October, 7.30pm, Middle meadow walk for an evening ride going through the city centre and finishing on Bristo Square! These Friday night rides will be slightly different from the Saturday ones, the […] [Original post on mastodon.scot] 022
Reposted by Derek BlackAlexander Clarkson @aphclarkson.bsky.social · 02/10/2026I'd go further and argue Euro membership is an opportunity not a threat whether in trade, financial markets, or how UK personnel could come to shape the ECB. Building a sustainable outcome for the UK in the EU has to look beyond FoM and start engaging with how to integrate in Schengen and Euro 77122
Reposted by Derek BlackMark Chadbourn @chadbourn.bsky.social · 02/10/2026In a matter of days Ukraine has retaken land on the frontline that it took Russia a year and tens of thousands of lives to occupy. Putin is on the back foot and desperate. Ukrainian intelligence says he’s now removed restrictions on the air campaign so they can target schools and hospitals. 30577187
Reposted by Derek BlackAstronomer Royal for Scotland | Catherine Heymans @astroroyalscot.bsky.social · 01/10/2026🥳 New Observatory alert! (Yes, she cuts ribbons!) Huge congratulations to Dr Charles Wang and all the wonderful #Aberdeen University team who have built the brand new Anne Cruickshank Observatory! 🔭🏴 ℹ️: www.abdn.ac.uk/news/26204/ 🎥: Dave Galloway NorthSound1 710020
Reposted by Derek BlackAlexander Clarkson @aphclarkson.bsky.social · 01/10/2026As long as British voters are not able to cope with trade-offs of Euro and Schengen then the healthiest option for the EU is a UK in the Single Market with a Customs Union but not a full member. The Brits have a choice between being a rule taker with benefits or a rule taker with nothing. 85610
Reposted by Derek BlackJaap Burger @burger-jaap.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy · 01/10/2026France appears unstoppable when it comes to electrification: in September, electric cars already accounted for 42 per cent of new car sales. Since the start of the summer, this share has been rising by several percentage points every month. Is the oil price crisis one of the factors behind this? 215
Reposted by Derek BlackSimon Evans @drsimevans.carbonbrief.org · 30/09/2026NEW ANALYSIS: Record wind and solar save UK from gas imports worth £5.9bn during Hormuz crisis 🌤️ wind/solar generation up 14% in 2026 to date 🏭 gas down ~10% 🚢 >100 LNG cargoes avoided 12549219
Reposted by Derek BlackIan Dunt @iandunt.bsky.social · 30/09/2026A country that will not fix its mistakes is a country that has given up on the future. And Brexit was, it’s now clear, a terrible, terrible mistake inews.co.uk/opinion/brex... 491100325
Reposted by Derek BlackSam Freedman @samfr.bsky.social · 28/09/2026Times this morning. Me in December last year. It was pretty damn obvious this would happen to anyone who did the maths. samf.substack.com/p/the-oversh... 22696195
Reposted by Derek BlackAlexander Clarkson @aphclarkson.bsky.social · 28/09/2026The average length of Roman-Persian wars was 7-15 years. The average length of Ottoman-Persian wars was 5-10 years. Forever wars are not the exception, they're the norm. 412033
Reposted by Derek BlackClaire McNab @2legged.mastodon.ie.ap.brid.gy · 27/09/2026The criminality of England's oldies cintinues to shock. #MerseysidePolice today arrested a 94 year old #terrorist in Liverpool. Even worse, the terrorist #MargaretOwen is also a Jewish human rights barrister,. It's scary to think of the risks to #AndyBurnham's […] [Original post on mastodon.ie] 052
Reposted by Derek BlackIan Dunt @iandunt.bsky.social · 27/09/2026I could quote pretty much this entire article by @mjrobbins.com on the bizarre psychology of the AI apocalypse freaks, but you should just read it instead. Such a relief to see someone express my feelings so eloquently. martinrobbins.substack.com/p/the-ai-apo... 40406111
Reposted by Derek BlackSellaTheChemist @sellathechemist.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy · 26/09/2026I'll be on BBC World Service's Weekend programme from 06:30 UK time tomorrow morning (Sunday). I've just been through the 2 1/2 hours with the editor. It's going to be an unexpectedly varied thing. Lots to talk about: music, the UN, East Africa, Afghanistan, mountain climbing and sheep. As usual […]mastodon.socialOriginal post on mastodon.social 1411
Reposted by Derek BlackAstronomer Royal for Scotland | Catherine Heymans @astroroyalscot.bsky.social · 26/09/2026I absolutely love the idea of everyone across the world, looking up at the cosmos, together. Join in the international fun for 100 hours of stargazing! The challenges start this Thursday! 🔭🎢🧪⚛️ ℹ️: 100hours.online 55321
Reposted by Derek BlackRoland Smith @rolandmcs.bsky.social · 24/09/2026These guys are protesting about 'groups of fighting age men threatening local areas'. You've got to admire the irony. 481121302
Reposted by Derek BlackSimon Nixon @nixonsimon.bsky.social · 24/09/2026How four decades of consuming public wealth rather than building it has eroded Britain’s resilience and its long-term debt sustainability - first in a two part series on how Britain wrecked its balance sheet and how to repair itnixons.substack.comHow Britain Wrecked its Balance SheetFour decades of consuming public wealth rather than building it has eroded Britain’s resilience and its long-term debt sustainability, leaving the country acutely vulnerable to deglobalisation 02414
Reposted by Derek Black∫∀⊂∅ @laslab.waag.social.ap.brid.gy · 24/09/2026How to keep your kids entertained on a long distance train. Very luxurious train for Norwegian railways. #innotrans #trains 095
Reposted by Derek BlackThe Man in Seat 61 @seatsixtyone.bsky.social · 24/09/2026INTERRAIL PASS SALE! From Thursday 24 September until Wednesday 30 September 2026, save 50% on long-validity Interrail Global Passes (one month continuous or longer) and 15% on shorter-duration Global Passes, and One Country Passes (all validities). www.interrail.com/en/interrail...interrail.comInterrail Global Pass for EuropeThe Interrail Global Pass is the fun and cheap way to see more of Europe. Travel to up to 33 countries with one train Pass! 912953
Reposted by Derek BlackArchie Hall @archiehall.bsky.social · 23/09/2026My latest for @economist.com: AI writing is taking over politics. 10% of what was is said in Parliament is now AI-drafted, per Pangram. Yet more in the House of Representatives, or in Australia and Canada. Link: www.economist.com/britain/202... And a 🧵 below, w/ some main offenders 811865
Reposted by Derek BlackLazarou Monkey Terror 🚀💙🌈 @lazarou.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy · 23/09/2026The way the global media seemed to make out Trump had a win when the real story is that Trump once again was outwitted. They are not on our side and we should stop pretending they are. #trump #Denmark #Media #FourthEstate #Politics 4348
Reposted by Derek BlackIan Dunt @iandunt.bsky.social · 23/09/2026This week on Origin Story: The life & ideas of John Rawls, the most celebrated liberal philosopher of the post-war period. These are some of the most beautiful arguments in progressive thought. We do it as a one hour crash course. Everything you need to know. podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/j... 2641699
Reposted by Derek BlackEdinburgh Critical Mass @edcriticalmass.mastodon.scot.ap.brid.gy · 23/09/2026New Critical Mass this very Saturday, 2pm from middle meadow walk. This time we will ride towards Cluny Gardens and King's Building. A route used by many students daily but that could be made a lot safer for cycling. If you've never taken part in a Critical […] [Original post on mastodon.scot] 003
Reposted by Derek BlackRoland Smith @rolandmcs.bsky.social · 22/09/2026Despite all the doom and gloom, I can't help noticing that Russia has already been attacking a smaller neighbour for the last 4 years and made little progress, while losing absurd amounts of kit and hundreds of thousands of men. 7512