iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Phil Stevens :tinoflag: @phil-stevens.mastodon.nz.ap.brid.gy · 19h

So, I do sysadmin for an online media outfit. Most of the stack is PHP-free, but there is a collection of blogs that republish stories in Wordpress sites, so I had to respond to the massive CVE that dropped this week. Got patches into place and settled in to […] [Original post on mastodon.nz]

A graph of server network traffic showing a long period of low levels, then a rise near the end with a massive spike and a few moderate ones embedded within.

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Phil Stevens :tinoflag: @phil-stevens.mastodon.nz.ap.brid.gy · 07/09/2026

Lago de las Ovejas We haven't seen the ephemeral body of water in a few years but it was brimful today.

A few wet sheep stand in a paddock with a large flooded section.

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Phil Stevens :tinoflag: @phil-stevens.mastodon.nz.ap.brid.gy · 29/08/2026

I'm expecting a bit of protracted wrangling to ensue,, so we're going to mount some of the panels on the ground for now. Since it's only going to be for a few months (crossing fingers) I'm using untreated timber that can be repurposed or turned into biochar. The […] [Original post on mastodon.nz]

Pine posts with wood vinegar creosote applied, turning the coated portions black.

Ground mount frame for solar panels in a corner of a muddy paddock.

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Phil Stevens :tinoflag: @phil-stevens.mastodon.nz.ap.brid.gy · 29/08/2026

So the new tiny home that arrived last month is a very well-designed and constructed contraption. But when we got some scaffolding ahead of mounting solar panels on the roof, I went up top to do a bit of measurement and assessment, and was appalled when I found […] [Original post on mastodon.nz]

Closeup of coated metal roofing showing numerous chips and rust.

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Phil Stevens :tinoflag: @phil-stevens.mastodon.nz.ap.brid.gy · 27/08/2026

@janef0421 Rosy forecasting is an inbuilt feature of late-stage capitalism. The economists and pundits overwhelmingly overestimate the upside and disregard the ability for recessionary impulses to hang around like a bad chest cold. The image sums it up. Look at […] [Original post on mastodon.nz]

The infamous "hairy chart" showing how economists' predicted interest rate movements compare to what actually happened in the real world.

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Phil Stevens :tinoflag: @phil-stevens.mastodon.nz.ap.brid.gy · 24/08/2026

I guess it's just another marker proving how far I am outside the target audience that I will go out of my way to avoid videos that use the cringe "shocked face" as their clickbait teaser.

Image pair with a stereotypical cringe shocked face Youtube thumbnail on top and a cropped version of Edvard Munch's The Scream below.

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Phil Stevens :tinoflag: @phil-stevens.mastodon.nz.ap.brid.gy · 22/08/2026

@va2lam This got me wondering about the likelihood of another GBR mass bleaching event tied to the super El Niño that's firmly in place. The broad trend is for cooling of surface waters in the tropical western Pacific, but that doesn't rule out localised marine […] [Original post on mastodon.nz]

SSTA visualisation of the Pacific Ocean on 22 August 2026, showing classic El Niño signature of a plume of unusually warm water stretching across the equatorial eastern half (depicted in deep red), with slightly cooler than average waters across the island nations and the Coral Sea, coloured in light blue.

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Phil Stevens :tinoflag: @phil-stevens.mastodon.nz.ap.brid.gy · 22/04/2026

One of my favourite things about rainy spells in autumn is the profusion of weird fungi. These popped up the other day, and so did a bunch of basket fungus.

Close-up photo of five egg cup fungus fruiting bodies, showing the radial markings on the inside of the front three cups and the paper-like covers still on the rear ones. Inside each of the cups are 5-6 spore-laden discs (the "eggs") and some rainwater. Under the fungus cluster is mulch comprising wood chips, bark, and leaves.

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Phil Stevens :tinoflag: @phil-stevens.mastodon.nz.ap.brid.gy · 15/02/2026

Oh, what's this? AirBnB notifying me of updates to their T&Cs? Including their privacy policy? Do I really want to read through all of this to find out how asymmetrical the relationship is? Delete account. Done. Your business model is a major contributor to the […] [Original post on mastodon.nz]

Screenshot of an email from AirBnB

Text:

Our Terms and Privacy Policy are changing

We're updating our Terms of Service, Payments Terms of Service,
other terms and policies including those listed below (“Terms”),
and our Privacy Policy.
These updates will support our evolving business and new
features, provide additional clarity regarding how personal
information is processed, and address upcoming laws and
regulations.
The updated Terms and Privacy Policy will generally go into
effect for existing users on April 20, 2026. After that date, you

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Phil Stevens :tinoflag: @phil-stevens.mastodon.nz.ap.brid.gy · 15/02/2026

Never mind. Right at 0900 I checked the Powerco planned outages website again and it appears that managerial prudence has entered the chat:

Screenshot of a lines company website to look up planned outages. The window shows the details of a scheduled power cut that was cancelled at the last minute because of a weather emergency in the region.

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Phil Stevens :tinoflag: @phil-stevens.mastodon.nz.ap.brid.gy · 14/02/2026

Now Tairāwhiti is in the crosshairs again. Just like last month, the seas to the north and east are superheated and providing massive amounts of water and energy to evolving low pressure systems. Climate destruction will mean more and bigger events like this […] [Original post on mastodon.nz]

Graphic depicting weather model data and showing a large area of heavy rainfall concentrated to the north of the North Island and extending across the East Cape.

Weather model graphic from https://earth.nullschool.net showing the atmospheric moisture content around Aotearoa. A large region of high levels extends from the tropics to the northern and eastern coastlines.

Weather model visualisation depicting the sea surface temperature anomaly around Aotearoa on 14 Feb 2026. Nearly all waters are hotter than normal, with a large patch to the east of the North Island coloured yellow to denote more than 3C above historical average.

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Phil Stevens :tinoflag: @phil-stevens.mastodon.nz.ap.brid.gy · 25/01/2026

The zone where those two airstreams were merging and slamming onshore moved south as the day went on. Here is what it looked like by evening as the brunt of the storm lashed the western Bay of Plenty. The winds at this point look like they're being forced […] [Original post on mastodon.nz]

Graphic rendering of model data showing rainfall rates in the storm of Wed 21 January 2026 over Aotearoa New Zealand. There is a large area of purple and red over the Bay of Plenty, depicting intense rain of 10 mm per hour and higher.

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Phil Stevens :tinoflag: @phil-stevens.mastodon.nz.ap.brid.gy · 25/01/2026

The trigger for all that all that atmospheric water and energy to transform into huge amounts of rainfall is provided by the low-level airflow hitting the exposed coastline. This image shows precipitation rates around midday Wednesday, when the heaviest falls […] [Original post on mastodon.nz]

Model visualisation of rainfall rates associated with the storm of 21 Jan 2026, showing an area of heavy precipitation along the east coast of Northland depicted by purple and red colours. Lighter rainfall is spread across most of the North Island and is represented by shades of blue and grey.

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Phil Stevens :tinoflag: @phil-stevens.mastodon.nz.ap.brid.gy · 25/01/2026

Next we look at the intense amounts of water vapour those superheated seas pumped into the air. This is a classic atmospheric river, with the low-level winds carrying warm and wet tropical air from the vicinity of New Caledonia and pointing it straight at […] [Original post on mastodon.nz]

Graphical visualisation of total precipitable water in the air over and around Aotearoa New Zealand on Wednesday, 21 January 2026 as a storm began to dump record-breaking amounts of rain. There is a large band of teal with a grey centre extending from New Caledonia to the tip of Northland, indicating values in excess of 70 kg/m2. Overlaid on this are wind streamlines showing the low-level flow that is the current of an atmospheric river.

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Phil Stevens :tinoflag: @phil-stevens.mastodon.nz.ap.brid.gy · 25/01/2026

The second image shows the sea surface temperature anomaly for the same area at that time. That big angry-looking patch of reds and yellows to the north and east of Te Ika o Maui is telling us that the waters there are 1-4 degrees warmer than the recorded average […] [Original post on mastodon.nz]

Model visualisation of the sea surface temperature anomaly around Aotearoa New Zealand, showing a large area of red and yellow to the north and east of the North Island, indicating waters 1-3 C above historical average temperatures.

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Phil Stevens :tinoflag: @phil-stevens.mastodon.nz.ap.brid.gy · 25/01/2026

The weather keeps driving me indoors, so I had a little time to look at model visualisations on earth.nullschool.net and zoom in on a few bits of data that are relevant to the tragedy that unfolded over the past several days in #Aotearoa as we saw yet […] [Original post on mastodon.nz]

Model image of sea surface temperatures around Aotearoa New Zealand. To the north the colours go from orange to deep red, indicating waters as warm as 30 C. To the south the colours grade from gold to green, showing temperatures from 20 down to 12 degrees.

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Phil Stevens :tinoflag: @phil-stevens.mastodon.nz.ap.brid.gy · 17/01/2026

In the same bed where a lot of wine caps came up recently...a shaggy parasol. Any #AoNZ folk eat these and have reviews? #mushtodon

Oblique top view of a shaggy parasol mushroom, Chlorophyllum brunneum. The cap is white, with a scalloped edge, and has a pattern of textured scales across the top.

Side view of a shaggy parasol mushroom, Chlorophyllum brunneum. The cap is white, with a scalloped edge, and has a pattern of textured scales across the top. The stem has a fluted appearance.

Direct top view of a shaggy parasol mushroom, Chlorophyllum brunneum. The cap is white, with a scalloped edge, and has a pattern of textured scales across the top. It resembles a lightly browned meringue puff.

Oblique side view of a shaggy parasol mushroom, Chlorophyllum brunneum. The cap is white, with a scalloped edge, and has a pattern of textured scales across the top.

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Phil Stevens :tinoflag: @phil-stevens.mastodon.nz.ap.brid.gy · 16/01/2026

There's a flush of summer greens in the turmeric pots in the glasshouse. Mostly amaranth, with a scattering of purslane, fathen, and nightshade, plus a couple of things I won't eat like inkweed. A great way to extend the last lettuce pickings of the season. This […] [Original post on mastodon.nz]

Lush growth of amaranth seedlings in large pots in a glasshouse.

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Phil Stevens :tinoflag: @phil-stevens.mastodon.nz.ap.brid.gy · 02/01/2026

My, my, maimai. Winds got a little much for you, I see.

A maimai (duck blind) made of corrugated iron with most of its roof blown off and on the grass behind the structure, surrounded by a willow thicket.

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Phil Stevens :tinoflag: @phil-stevens.mastodon.nz.ap.brid.gy · 02/01/2026

The rainy weather we've had recently has brought out a massive flush of winecaps in some of the deep-mulched gardens. I've been picking a few every day this week but today was the best...a couple of them were 20 cm across. Had I left them they might have grown to […] [Original post on mastodon.nz]

A winecap mushroom emerging from wood chips and grass. The top is chestnut brown and reflective.

A large winecap mushroom growing in straw between walking onions.

A clump of brown winecap mushrooms emerging from straw under bean leaves.

Two newly formed winecap mushrooms emerging from straw and wood chips. The tops are round and reddish brown.

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Phil Stevens :tinoflag: @phil-stevens.mastodon.nz.ap.brid.gy · 30/12/2025

Sun's up, wind has died down, and chainsaws are going all around the village. This was the biggest casualty, a huge spreading 30-year old silk tree that the kids' swing used to hang from. I might winch the trunk back upright and see if it resprouts. Lots of smaller trees down as well. #climateChaos

Photo of large silk tree uprooted and laying on grassy area with a low stone retaining wall underneath.

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Phil Stevens :tinoflag: @phil-stevens.mastodon.nz.ap.brid.gy · 24/12/2025

I like how these little dudes wait until the raspberries are pretty much over before they pop open.

Clusters of deep red wineberries amid brambles and tall grass.

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Phil Stevens :tinoflag: @phil-stevens.mastodon.nz.ap.brid.gy · 22/12/2025

Here we are at last. One started unfurling this afternoon and fully opened by dinnertime. So it's not a strict night bloomer in the same way the cereus back home was. Smell is intoxicating. The next two should get their act together tomorrow. #bloomScrolling

Cactus flower with view of pistil and stamens.

Cactus flower in the process of opening, with petals spread just enough to get a glimpse inside.

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Phil Stevens :tinoflag: @phil-stevens.mastodon.nz.ap.brid.gy · 20/12/2025

But I did spot a couple of mighty hunters on the prowl.

Newly hatched praying mantis on green cactus.

Tiny praying mantis perched on cactus flower bud, in silhouette.

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Phil Stevens :tinoflag: @phil-stevens.mastodon.nz.ap.brid.gy · 20/12/2025

Not tonight, apparently. Hardly any growth in 24 hours, maybe because it was so cool and windy today.

Tops of a large columnar cactus with several flower buds. Three are on the verge of opening.

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Phil Stevens :tinoflag: @phil-stevens.mastodon.nz.ap.brid.gy · 19/12/2025

First time this one has flowered. The biggest ones look like they'll open for the solstice. In the Sonoran Desert, la reina de la noche often blooms between the shortest night and El Dia de San Juan.

Top section of a columnar cactus with large flower buds getting ready to open.

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Phil Stevens :tinoflag: @phil-stevens.mastodon.nz.ap.brid.gy · 18/12/2025

Here are all three nestlings a week ago showing a bit more of their fuzz. We expect them to fledge in the coming week.

Three downy ruru nestlings in a hollow tree, all looking out at the camera.

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Phil Stevens :tinoflag: @phil-stevens.mastodon.nz.ap.brid.gy · 18/12/2025

Earlier this week I went down to our nearby bush remnant with my neighbour who's a mad keen wildlife photographer to spend some time with this ruru family. We hung out for about 45 minutes just ahead of dusk and watched as pop brought snacks about every couple of […] [Original post on mastodon.nz]

A ruru youngster with some downy fuzz still showing on its head, perched on a branch and lifting its wings in a shrug.

Young ruru, about six weeks, standing on dead wood in front of a hollow tree. Staring directly at the camera.

Adult male ruru perched on angled branch and looking directly at the camera.

Adult female ruru perched on steeply angled branch and looking at camera.

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Phil Stevens :tinoflag: @phil-stevens.mastodon.nz.ap.brid.gy · 17/12/2025

A bit laterin the day, the in-house product review specialist got to work testing the materials. #secretSantaAoNZ

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Phil Stevens :tinoflag: @phil-stevens.mastodon.nz.ap.brid.gy · 16/12/2025

One more thing to unwrap today: A very early fig. Have a look at this unit.

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Phil Stevens :tinoflag: @phil-stevens.mastodon.nz.ap.brid.gy · 16/12/2025

And now to that other package. It bends, so it's not VHS or Beta. A book? Yay! It's one I haven't read and ticks all the boxes for my summer sci-fi binge (that's a 12-month programme, for anyone who wants to replicate it). #secrretSantaAoNZ

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Phil Stevens :tinoflag: @phil-stevens.mastodon.nz.ap.brid.gy · 16/12/2025

Like Russian dolls, the mysteries go deeper. Here are the bags in full 3D trim. #secretSantaAoNZ

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Phil Stevens :tinoflag: @phil-stevens.mastodon.nz.ap.brid.gy · 16/12/2025

Recursive unboxing step. The small box has a tiny wool planting bag and a packet of sunflower seeds. These will be deployed today. The larger box has a set of bags in two sizes and three seed varieties. Might wait until the hottest part of summer passes to give […] [Original post on mastodon.nz]

Closeup view of label on wool seed raising kit, listing the contents:

3x seed packs
1x Peak bed mini
6x Peak pots

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Phil Stevens :tinoflag: @phil-stevens.mastodon.nz.ap.brid.gy · 16/12/2025

Big one first. Of course. This is SO COOL. I've been wanting to try one of these, both because I'm on a seemingly endless pathway to deplasticking my gardening, and because as a small-scale raiser of sheep I really want to see us using more wool and using it […] [Original post on mastodon.nz]

A large box from Floating Peaks: THE VEGE PACK. A smaller box with a cartoon sheep saying "Wool you grow with me?" And a felted wool mat.

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Phil Stevens :tinoflag: @phil-stevens.mastodon.nz.ap.brid.gy · 16/12/2025

As I had discerned from careful tactile examination (and I will admit to a gentle shake or two), there were two wrapped gifts inside. Bonus: the wrapping paper has been enjoyed previously so I'm getting the afterglow.

Two gifts, one somewhat bulky and wrapped in poinsettia-themed paper, and the other about the size and shape of a VHS cassette wrapped in a patterned paper with black stripes and gold dots.

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Phil Stevens :tinoflag: @phil-stevens.mastodon.nz.ap.brid.gy · 16/12/2025

Ok, had a midmorning lull and got into my #secretSantaAoNZ package. Full unwrapping and reaction thread follows.

A green paper wrapped parcel as delivered by courier, sitting on a scuffed wooden coffee table.

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Phil Stevens :tinoflag: @phil-stevens.mastodon.nz.ap.brid.gy · 12/12/2025

For the first time, the pōhutukawa in the paddock has put on a real show. 25-year-old tree, about 6m tall.

Pōhutukawa tree covered in bright red flowers.

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Phil Stevens :tinoflag: @phil-stevens.mastodon.nz.ap.brid.gy · 26/11/2025

@mattblaze Looks like the roof has collapsed in the meantime. But on the plus side, check out the paint job!

Photograph of forlorn, partly ruined stone shack next to a tree in a bleak desert location.

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