iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Well, work (+other things) delayed my entry to #histscalemodels #ItaliaGB, but I couldn't miss it! My first idea wasn't quite 'right', but I think it's resolved now. So. I'm trying (will I get there?) is 2 displays of 2 aircraft each. Thankfully simple (ha) single seat fighters. V Italian so far!

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James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Pats the shelves of “why do you buy DVDs?”

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Ben Monreal @benmonreal.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

The science behind this started in my classroom! I was teaching undergrad environmental fluid mechanics ("The Physics of California") at UCSB; one student's final paper was the baby-steps first look at this; he re-attacked the problem (and named the phenomenon) as a grad student at UCSD.

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James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

The New Yorker, January 13, 1940, the great Charles Addams. Wouldn’t want to be without the two great visually subversive, witty and destabilising cartoonists from the New Yorker stable, Addams, or Arno. An analysis of the cartoon in the first link.

A very strange cartoon of two skiers that looks normal at first glance. See the article in the following link for detail.

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James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

I’m presenting the Wellesley story at the Aviation Historical Society of Australia’s Melbourne meeting 7.30 on Wednesday night. It’s a great story, I’ll try and do it justice… If you’re able to join us, it’d be good to see you! Also available on Zoom for members: www.ahsa.org.au/wp/ahsa/ahsa...

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James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 15/08/2026

Getting back to #DrawingAugust, #DrawingAugust2036, a quick and companionable sketch at the local Ecotherapy park with @bevlaing.bsky.social. She got the brushes out and did one lovely one, I rattled off a few quick ink notes. Individual art to follow!

Two drawing notebooks, one, smaller one, with an ink sketch, the bigger with a watercolour painting, both showing a building and plants from slightly different viewpoints. By James Kightly and Bev Laing.

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James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

Today’s #DrawingAugust #DrawingAugust2026 A curious set of belted Galloways who came to the gate as I was undoubtedly the most interesting thing they saw on the day. Being up a rural dead end.

Pencil outline sketch of a group of cows in a field with a gate just visible in the foreground. By James Kightly.

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James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

Missed a couple, here’s a recent drawing for #DrawingAugust, #DrawingAugust2026 from BC, Canada. Another grabbed sketch with a view to a return and another go. I liked the trees peaking over the very straight lines and triangles of the cabin roof and windows. Drawing board and ruler next time.

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James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

Tonight’s the datapoint for the 2026 Census – Australia; you (if in Aus, and not a diplomat) might’ve filled it out already, or be doing it soon, but as the envelope says: ‘please return without delay’. 1/3

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James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 08/08/2026

Another sketch from the RAAF Museum, a proper aircraft. Well, sort of. It’s a detail of the Maurice Farman Shorthorn, which could be described in many ways, few of them flattering. #DrawingAugust / #DrawingAugust2026.

Ink sketch of the nacelle of an aircraft. By James Kightly.

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James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

Today I liked the contrasting shapes and solidity of colour between the birds and the tree. Another quick one laid down for review and later variations. #DrawingAugust / #DrawingAugust2026.

A drawing of some birds in a tree, black cockatoos in a poplar. By James Kightly.

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James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

No question that jets are easier to draw than proper aircraft with props, wires and extra wings. Here’s the RAAF Museum’s Macchi jet trainer sketched today for #DrawingAugust / #DrawingAugust2026.

Photograph of a sketch of a jet aircraft seen from above with the sketch of it in ink seen in front. By James Kightly.

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James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

Lines and curves. I can see taking this in several different directions (ink? Paint?) so stopping here and having a think - for today’s #DrawingAugust / #DrawingAugust2026.

A pencil drawing of a knife, fork and spoon. By James Kightly.

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Brian Groom @groomb.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

Stockport Gloom: From Rostron Brow To St. Mark’s, pencil drawing by Dave Hartley.

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Chris Sams @jerijerod14.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

This week’s #podcast looks at archaeology/grave robbery on ship wrecks, my interpretation as to the right/wrong of it including HMS Invincible, Titanic, Mary Rose and Prince of Wales. open.spotify.com/episode/1pWg... #history #navalhistory #archaeology

open.spotify.com

Wreck pillaging

Maritime History with Chris Sams (live and unplugged) · Episode

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James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

Drawing something on the table and ‘bringing it to life’. A sketchy sketch, a fun idea. Maybe return to it with more time / detail, but I’m happy with it as it is… Yes, it’s a real subject, someone may guess the aircraft type, and if they’re clever, the kit, too. #drawingaugust #drawingaugust2026

An ink drawing of a model aeroplane box with the model coming off the top of the box.

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James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

Day 3 of #DrawingAugust. My partner picked local buildings buildings, and we sketched from the car - it was sharp and cold out there! Our local post office, a standard building type, but heavily modified of the years.

Pencil drawing of a building seen between trees. By James Kightly.

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James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 02/08/2026

Here’s a quick smash to get loosened up and into the habit. Started with trying to get the curves of the oval’s fence, then sketched in the details. Started a bit rough (not convinced by the perspective curves) not great, but happy to have had the bash and get going with Day 2 of #DrawingAugust !

Drawing of the edge of a football oval, buildings and trees, with the real thing behind… By James Kightly.

The first go at the decline curves before more detail was added. Not great curves, but gotta try!

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Jonathan L. Howard @jonathanlhoward.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

Oh, I love dumpy little transporters like this feller. BBC News - 1950s Bristol Freighter Type 170 to be restored - BBC News www.bbc.co.uk/news/videos/...

bbc.co.uk

1950s Bristol Freighter Type 170 to be restored

The Bristol Freighter Type 170 is believed to be the last remaining aircraft of its kind in Europe.

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James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

As it’s the 1st, it’s the start of #DrawingAugust. Not managed a sketch today, but here’s a previously unshared one from under a month ago, and done on the other side of the Pacific.

A pencil drawing by James Kightly of a set of trees, with a water inlet between foreshore and distant hillside.

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angerj.eurosky.social @angerj.eurosky.social · 29/07/2026

I was just scrolling down the drawings lots of us did for last year's #DrawingAugust. What a bunch of lovely drawings. Do join us this August. A drawing a day, or whenever you can, and post it on here with the #. I am going small this year...

Photo of a small square spiral bound sketchbook with a drawn label on the front saying '#DrawingAugust' 2026.

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jessamyn @librarian.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

I work at a public library. People who want to use AI seem to have no trouble doing so. People who don't want to use AI have a harder time. I crowdsourced and then finalized this document "How to disable or avoid intrusive AI" and then gave it a short URL: notoai.org Please pass along if it's useful

An aircraft passenger oxygen mask: a drop down passenger mask with air bag and yellow plastic mouth and nose cover, oxygen tube has been cut; Demonstration model used by flight attendant crew for passenger instruction. Has text on the side indicating that it's non-functional.

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Mar Hicks @histoftech.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

Tweet so good I printed it out and put it on my wall. I referred to it in a conference talk today @hypervisible.blacksky.app

Tweet

quantified (br)other @hypervisible
When you say "no one knew" with regard to tech, what that almost. always means is "I wasn't listening."

4:10 PM • 3/29/21: Twitter Web App
143 Retweets 21 Quote Tweets 798 Likes

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James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

The arrogant assumption that Americans can operate outside the law seems normal to them (as imperialists do) and amusing when they spot that others may not agree. They’re. Not. Special. Make good law. Follow it. Don’t try to operate beyond the law. That’s bad.

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James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 12/07/2026

No rest for the wick... #histscalemodels groupbuilders evidently. Our slave driving @jaaaagirr.bsky.social already lining up the next one! If only I didn't have TUTTO IL MONDO of Italian models already in the build plan from the stash, I might've escaped! Peccato. (Joking aside, these are fun.)

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Helen Day @lbflyawayhome.bsky.social · 05/07/2026

On this day 5th July 1948 the NHS was born. (The Nurse, 1963 Artist: John Berry)

The illustration that became a cover picture for the book, showing a nurse in traditional uniform supporting a young girl in a red coat and with her leg in plaster

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James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

Commemorating Canada Day in the Strong and Free North! Always great to share a bit of special Canadian aviation, here with Philthy Vabre at the The KF Centre for Excellence, and (a long time ago) the Air Canada operated Lockheed 10 Electra while visiting the Canada Aviation and Space Museum.

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James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

So grateful to be in a world with one Mel Brooks. None is too few. Two would be too much. One Mel is just right.

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James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

Fascinating great set! And why constant scale adds another kind of insight.

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James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

AI. Don't. An interesting and crucial analysis from the UN's Uni. There are two fundamental issues with the current state of AI, becoming very evident, despite noise from AI boosters. Cost, as outlined here. The other is 'outsourcing your thinking'. unu.edu/inweh/collec...

unu.edu

Environmental Cost of Artificial Intelligence: Carbon, Water, and Land Footprints

AI’s rapid growth drives huge energy, water, and land use, raising environmental and equity challenges across its global infrastructure.

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James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 20/06/2026

Clearly a special moment we need to see more of. Horseback archer 1, helicopter splode. If you’re not already following @chopperfireball.bsky.social, do.

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James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

It’s great to collaborate with other amazing aviation people, and sometimes the titles some of us get might sound a bit grand, but in fact really reflect the dedication of amazing organisations and members. Thanks to them all for sharing and collaborating!

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Sammy Flex the Unproblematic King @sammyflex.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

#OnThisDay 17 June 1945: French and Soviet personnel of the Normandie-Niemen Squadron with their Yak-3 fighters are greeted by Gen. de Lattre de Tassigny at Stuttgart, Germany, during their return flight to France. #WWII #WW2 #MilitaryHistory #AviationHistory #France #USSR #Aviation

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James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

Did you hear the one when two Aussies and a Canadian walk into a Centre for Excellence? It's going to be amazing at @avculturesconf.bsky.social and you can still join us and watch the engine run of the Mosquito! (Weather and tech allowing, of course...) aviationcultures.org/aviation-cul...

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James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

Personal circs have been v disruptive (as expected) for the two #BastilleBuild #HistScaleModels from me, but 'ta da'! Here's show shots of the finished Bréguet 693 and Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's Bloch MB 174. More in a while, on the built and story, when I next get a chance. In the meantime, enjoy!

Photo of the model aircraft 'flying' over distant trees. Both model and photo by James Kightly.

Photo of two models, both on stands on bases. One has a French roundel and glass base, the other a miniature book on a wooden base. Both models and photo by James Kightly.

Photo the model, on a base. The book is called 'Pilote de Guerre' by Antone de St-Exupery, and the aircraft is the Bloch 174, the type he flew and wrote about in the book. Both model and photo by James Kightly.

Photo of the model aircraft parked on an airfield. Both model and photo by James Kightly.

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James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 13/06/2026

Get a load of that Phil at the end of this video. But we couldn’t have done it without him - and our great team. Join us, in Kelowna or online!

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James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

We're luck to have such a diversely skilled, willing and generously helpful set of active supporters, or @avculturesconf.bsky.social couldn't do what we do. Here's a shout out to just a few of our key current supporters!

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Helen Day @lbflyawayhome.bsky.social · 08/06/2026

Lovely bit of social history, here. View from the Royal Festival Hall, 1950. This beautiful image was produced by SR Badmin for a set of contemporary postcards celebrating the Festival of Britain. And best of all … (1/2)

A postcard from the festival hall looking out over the Thames to the North bank

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James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 03/06/2026

A bit of significant visual progress today on the two #BastilleBuild #HistScaleModels from me. Bases! Wires! It's all a lot out of order, but it'll all make sense / come together by the end. I'm sure. Certain. Next, a spray of the undersides. (Masking not shown.)

Photo of the model on a brass rod that fits onto a glass and brass base. Classy, I hope, not brassy.

The other model with a rod holding it above a wooden base.

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Aviation Cultures Conference @avculturesconf.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

Our reel talking about the Sabre type, reflecting the RAAF's CAC (Avon) Sabre vs the Canadair example, illustrated with the Sabre at Moorabbin Air Museum and the former flying example A94-983. vimeo.com/1194693094?f...

vimeo.com

CAC Sabre, Moorabbin & Flying

A Reel talking about the Sabre type, reflecting the RAAF's CAC (Avon) sabre vs the Canadair example, illustrated with the Sabre at Moorabbin Air Museum and the former flying example A94-983.

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James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 25/05/2026

Going through this programme reminds me, again, of how much great content and terrific presenters are liked up with this Aviation Cultures event in association with KF Centre for Excellence and the CAHS. We'd be delighted if you join us in mid June. See you there!

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Aviation Cultures Conference @avculturesconf.bsky.social · 24/05/2026

Our friends at the KF Centre for Excellence are celebrating the first flight of the DHC Chipmunk a couple of days ago, so here’s a quick antipodian mention, including a VERY early example, still flying in Australia. 1/2 vimeo.com/1186608842?f...

vimeo.com

AvCultures at the Antiquers Corowa

An introduction to Aviation Cultures Conference Mk.VIII filmed by Aviation Cultures President James Kightly at the Antique Aeroplane Association of Australia's annual fly-in at Corowa, NSW, Australia.

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James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 24/05/2026

Good. Keep making corporations pay tax. In fact, pass new laws to make corporations pay more tax.

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James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 23/05/2026

Good news! Desert war, title inc. Rommel. Job done. Apparently there’s more. Quiteabitmore says @crusaderproject.bsky.social , and they should know.

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James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 23/05/2026

Mmm. That’s my forehead AND a big Bristol… Another fun, quick Reel made at the Moorabbin Air Museum, with the Bolly from the Canada Aviation & Space Museum guesting. Can you spot the shots from 2014?

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Lauren Donovan Ginsberg @laurenginsberg.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

It's not 1536, but Anne Boleyn has taken over the news. Recently a team of computer scientists, electrical engineers and a historical novelist think they have discovered the “true face” of Anne (& her mother) by applying AI-based computational facial recognition to Holbein sketches. The catch? /1

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Emily M. Bender @emilymbender.bsky.social · 19/05/2026

Wow some terrible reporting about Google's latest horrible ideas about how to distort information access in the name of "convenience" (or something): techcrunch.com/2026/05/19/g... A short thread 🧵>>

techcrunch.com

Google Search as you know it is over | TechCrunch

Google is transforming Search from a list of links into an AI-powered experience filled with conversational answers, autonomous agents, and interactive interfaces — a shift that could further reduce t...

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Aviation Cultures Conference @avculturesconf.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

The faces you make when the Reel filing is going well... ...and when it isn't. @philthyavnurd.bsky.social & @jdkightly.bsky.social getting it 'in the can' (or not) for @avculturesconf.bsky.social. Stay tuned! Better still join us at the even 'IRL', or online: aviationcultures.org/aviation-cul...

James Kightly smiling into the camera in a museum environment.

Phil Vabre (left) and James not smiling into the camera. There are lights behind them, but the one above James' head is not on.

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Sight and Sound magazine @sightsoundmag.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

In 1951, Sight and Sound created a special 74-page supplement to accompany the Festival of Britain's film programme Seventy-five years later, it is now available to be read online in full for the first time Read here for free: www.bfi.org.uk/features/obj...

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Evan Urquhart @evanurquhart.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

There wasn't a problem with trans people in sports at any level. Trans women have never dominated any sport. If trans people were proportionately represented in women's Olympic gold medals (just to take an easy example) we'd see a few trans women take gold every year, instead of zero ever.

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