iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

David K Smith @professor-dave.bsky.social · 18h

Finished reading this book last night. Narratively it's quite simple, but it's a masterclass in how an author can sometimes create more with less. The writing is beautiful - I devoured it. @keirangoddard www.amazon.co.uk/See-Building...

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David K Smith @professor-dave.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Sweet Sour Tofu Yaki Udon So easy, so tasty. Stir fry whatever you want (chicken, tofu, prawns, beef, veg..) Mix 3tbsp mirin, 2tbsp honey, 2tbsp red miso, 1tbsp rice wine vinegar, 2tsp sesame oil Add to stir fry Add cooked noodles Stir, mix, serve #Foodie #FoodSky #HomeCooking #JapaneseFood

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David K Smith @professor-dave.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

One of the most interesting biographies I discovered during my #DecolonisingChemistry project for the @chemistryatyork.bsky.social curriculum was that of Alice Ball a black chemist, whose leprosy treatment, using carbonyl chemistry to build on traditional medicine, was stolen by a male colleague.

Portrait of Alice Ball including images of the Chaulmoogra plant and its conversion into a leprosy treatment.

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David K Smith @professor-dave.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Chicken Poppa Chipchos French fries / leftover Indian-roast chicken / poppadom shards / sliced red pepper / sliced spring onion / crispy fried onions / mango chutney / mayo / sriracha Perfect junk food at home! Recipes: www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DWLYCR96 #Foodie #FoodSky #HomeCooking

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David K Smith @professor-dave.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

I agree with much of this article about the risks of vaping amongst teenagers. However, I am fairly confident that teens with poor mental health are more likely to vape - i.e., I suspect it's a correlation between vaping and poor mental health, not causation. www.nature.com/articles/d41...

nature.com

Vaping in childhood has bigger health risks than we’d thought

Use of e-cigarettes makes it more likely that young people will experience mental-health disorders and take up smoking. Governments must act.

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David K Smith @professor-dave.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

One of the most fascinating stories, completely new to me, was that of gold-plating. In particular, I enjoyed learning about the remarkable chemistry performed by the Inca in South America to create golden objects from 'tumbaga' using selective redox chemistry. #DecolonisingChemistry

South American object produced by the tumbaga method of depletion gilding

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David K Smith @professor-dave.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

As part of our decolonisation work @chemistryatyork.bsky.social, I have created 25 touchstone global chemical stories, each linked to a key point in our curriculum. 13 'Chemical Histories' and 12 'Scientists'. Over the coming weeks, I will share some as 'quote posts' of this, so they can be found.

DECOLONISING CHEMISTRY

PACKAGE OF MATERIALS FOR YORK CHEMISTRY UNDERGRADUATES

Global Chemical Histories

Contents

FIREWORKS and EXPLOSIVES 2
INDIGO 7
MAKING DYES STICK – MORDANTS 11
CEMENT – BUILDING CIVILISATIONS 15
PERFUMERY 18
MINERAL ACIDS (and ‘ALKALI’) 22
RUBBER 27
PAPERMAKING 31
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY – STANDARDS and UNITS 34
GOLD PLATING 36
SURFACTANTS IN CLEANING 39
LUBRICATION TECHNOLOGY 41
THE HISTORY OF MEDICINE 43

DECOLONISING CHEMISTRY

PACKAGE OF MATERIALS FOR YORK CHEMISTRY UNDERGRADUATES

Global Scientists

Contents

GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER 2
HAR GOBIND KHORANA 7
TU YOUYOU 11
C. V. RAMAN 14
ALICE BALL 19
AP DE SILVA 23
TAKAMINE JŌKICHI 27
BERTRAM OLIVER FRASER-REID 32
MARIE MAYNARD DALY 35
OSAMU SHIMOMURA 39
PRAFULLA CHANDRA RAY 42
MARY ELLIOTT HILL (& CARL McCLELLAN HILL) 46

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David K Smith @professor-dave.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Marco Pierre White gets Jamie Oliver ditched from TV documentary on rockstar chefs because he 'never ran restautants or won Michelin stars'. See also research academics who refuse to acknowledge value of academic teachers that utterly transform pedagogy & curriculum. www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrit...

mirror.co.uk

Jamie Oliver axed from Gordon Ramsay show after brutal Marco Pierre White snub

Marco Pierre White has never been shy about dishing out his opinion regarding Jamie Oliver and he has now claimed that he refused to film a TV show with him

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David K Smith @professor-dave.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

Indian-Spiced Roasties with Crispy Onions / Indian Yorkshire Puddings / Green Beans & Coconut with Mustard Seeds & Curry Leaves / Spiced Courgette with Cumin Seed Accompaniments for Indian-Spiced Roast Chicken. www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1739967038 #Foodie #FoodSky #SundayRoast #FusionFood

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David K Smith @professor-dave.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

Curlews in 'Rockband Photoshoot Formation' at North Cave Wetlands. It's a fab place with varied habitats and the brilliant 'Little Butty Bus' for a proper bacon sandwich and a cup of tea as a reward for the walking! One of our favourites! @yorkswildlife.bsky.social

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David K Smith @professor-dave.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Pork Chop with Miso Apple Caramel Sauce This is a really delicious, easy recipe. I'd put it in a new book, but sadly, sales of my last book (www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1739967038) mean it's just not worth the effort. #Foodie #FoodSky

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David K Smith @professor-dave.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Alan Johnson arguing for 6 weeks paid paternity leave on #r4today. Yes, it's a step in the right direction but its pretty pathetic. What we need is the Scandinavian approach - 15 months shared maternity/paternity leave, and if the man doesn't take at least 3 months of it, then that 3 months is lost.

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David K Smith @professor-dave.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

30% of kids fail SATS aged 11. 30% of kids go on to fail GCSEs aged 16. Historically noone has cared about them, but then complained they struggle to find work. A new pathway of vocational learning from age 14 will provide esteem and valuable learning for many. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

bbc.co.uk

New vocational GCSE subjects to be introduced in schools

New GCSE subjects could include child development and building and construction as vocational courses are being introduced.

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David K Smith @professor-dave.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Ed Davey speaking about 'care' at the LibDem conference is outstanding - please let the party work with Burnham's government to develop a new, compassionate, properly funded National Care Service. #LibDem #LiberalDemocrat #LibDemConference

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David K Smith @professor-dave.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Chicken and Roasted Coriander Curry Probably my favourite curry recipe from my latest book - genuinely it's amazing, very easy, and just makes me feel happy, which is what the book is all about. www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1739967038 #Foodie #FoodSky #BookSky #SoulFood #IndianFood

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David K Smith @professor-dave.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

If you want to understand why ADHD diagnoses in the UK currently appear to be increasing, the following data explain it. The best estimates are that around 5% of people globally actually have ADHD. However, in the UK, only 3.4% of children and 1.8% of adults have a formal diagnosis.

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David K Smith @professor-dave.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

Charles Spencer is extraordinarily compelling in his interview with Laura Kuenssberg, whose main line of questioning appears to be 'but he's the King???'.

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David K Smith @professor-dave.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

Lovely walk up in the Yorkshire Wolds taking in a vintage car rally, some gorgeous dry valleys and a proper pint. Thixendale ifs a true isolated gem, the last place in England to get a TV signal (mid-1990s)!

Vintage car rally in the Yorkshire Wolds - porsche

Signpost near Thixendale - Yorkshire Wolds

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David K Smith @professor-dave.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

Six years ago today, we met Mitts for the first time at the @catsprotection.bsky.social rescue centre in York. Nowadays, he's handsome and happy, the perfect family cat.

'Family Cat' Mitts being carried by the 13yo

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David K Smith @professor-dave.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Crispy Fish Tacos with Mango Salsa and Sriracha Mayo #Foodie #HomeCooking #FoodSky

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David K Smith @professor-dave.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Today's school cooking lesson for the 13yo was Cheese & Bacon Scones! #SpecialEducation #SEND

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David K Smith @professor-dave.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Nacho Lasagne Layer up leftover chilli con/sin carne, dots of sour cream, tortilla chips and grated cheese in an ovenproof dish. Bake, Fan 180, 20-30 min. Serve with guacamole. This was made with leftover vegan chilli (Recipe: www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1739967038) #FoodSky #SimpleRecipes #BookSky

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David K Smith @professor-dave.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Last night in York, Marillion dedicated their prog rock masterpiece, 'Gaza', to Ed Sheeran. It's not anti-semitic to reflect on the suffering of people elsewhere in the world and to say it's wrong, and that noone should have to live like that. #r4today #Marillion #EdSheeran youtu.be/uaBVTtt53FA?...

youtu.be

Gaza

YouTube video by marilliononline

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David K Smith @professor-dave.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Marillion live in York yesterday were incredible - a really special evening. After a near 50 year career in progressive rock, they still play with such energy, musicianship and heart. #Marillion

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David K Smith @professor-dave.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

Lancashire Hotpot I genuinely believe this is one of the greatest English contributions to world cuisine - yet outside Northern England, it's barely known. You can find the recipe in my book: Bluesky Recipes for Difficult Days. www.amazon.co.uk/Bluesky-Reci... #FoodSky #BookSky #Foodie #EnglishFood

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David K Smith @professor-dave.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

The 13yo has Friday double cooking lessons again this year - massive win with these shortbread jammy dodgers to start the year! #SpecialEducation

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David K Smith @professor-dave.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Pan-Fried Hake, Saffron Potatoes, Red Pepper & Tomato, Garlic Mayo The 13yo loves this and its really easy-to-cook! The recipe is in my latest book - Bluesky Recipes for Difficult Days. www.amazon.co.uk/Bluesky-Reci... #Cookbook #FoodSky #Foodie #CookSky #HomeCooking #BookSky

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David K Smith @professor-dave.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

The never-ending school summer holiday took us to Flamingo Land today. This was the 13yo's favourite ride - we went on it 6 times!

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David K Smith @professor-dave.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

Possibly one of the finest drives I have seen in F1 today. Right up there with Senna, Schumacher, Verstappen and Hamilton at their best.

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David K Smith @professor-dave.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

I love potato harvest day! 15 little seed potatoes were planted in two rows back in April, just over 9kg of potatoes get harvested in September. These are Blue Danube - blue skins, bright white skin, brilliant for roasting because of their low water content. #AllotmentLife

Blue Danube potato harvest drying on the floor.

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David K Smith @professor-dave.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

After 7 weeks of summer holiday (still not finished), the Telegraph (combined with all the comments under the article about 'shit parenting') is pushing me to the edge today.

'Your child doesn't have special needs. They're just naughty' - The Telegraph

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David K Smith @professor-dave.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

US-centric coverage of Nature Index 'Top Cities of Chemistry' failing to mention until the end that the Top 10 were actually: Beijing, Shanghai, Nanjing, Guangzhou, Wuhan, Hefei, Hangzhou, Tianjin, Xi'an & Changchun. Indeed, New York, the top US city, only ranked 14th. cen.acs.org/business/inv...

cen.acs.org

Cities of chemistry

C&EN explores which cities have the ingredients for chemical innovation

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David K Smith @professor-dave.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

Horrible case with a chemical I will do anything to avoid working with. I don't think I would sign off any of my team to work with HF in our formal risk assessment processes. My sincerest thoughts and best wishes to all those affected. www.chemistryworld.com/news/hokkaid...

chemistryworld.com

Hokkaido University graduate student dies after exposure to hydrofluoric acid

Two other students stable after receiving minor injuries during fatal accident

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David K Smith @professor-dave.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

After a week away in Austria, one of the things I miss most is being cooked for every day. The culinary level at Hotel der Stubaierhof was exceptional, and as a single dad who has to do everything at home, and who loves food (and even writes cookbooks), it was just such a special treat.

Variety of dishes served at Hotel der Stubaierhof, Neustift.

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David K Smith @professor-dave.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

The cafe terrace at Innsbruck airport must be one of the better places in the world to wait for a plane. It's before security - do not go through security early, it's like a bus station!! Do you know a better spot to wait for a flight?

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David K Smith @professor-dave.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

On the top of many Austrian mountains, they have a 'ball run', where you can chase a wooden ball down a series of tubes. Not sure I will ever take a better action photo than this one of the 13yo joyfully chasing his ball.

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David K Smith @professor-dave.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Mountain Karting with the 13yo was an amazing rush for our last full day in Austria - fast, bumpy, skiddy, all while plunging over 1000 feet in an amazing landscape! #Schlick2000 #Austria #MountainKarting #Stubaital

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David K Smith @professor-dave.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Evening at the top of the Elfer Bahn - one day a week, the cable car runs until 9.30 pm. And it was a truly memorable experience!

Sunset with view of Elferbahn Bergstation and mountains behind

Elferbahn cable car lit brightly against night sky

13yo riding the Elfer Coaster with mountains behind

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David K Smith @professor-dave.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Like a scene from The Sound of Music, yesterday's walk through the Austrian Alps took us past amazing viewpoints to the Maria Waldrast Monastery.

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David K Smith @professor-dave.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

Just finished 'The Wall' by Marlen Haushofer. Set in Austria it made the perfect holiday read, with a mysterious wall sealing off a woman, all alone in an isolated Tyrolean valley. Billed as a dystopia, its actually a type of utopia, and an incredibly powerful feminist tract.

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David K Smith @professor-dave.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

Slide adventure. A nice simple 1 hour downhill path from one cable car station to the next, with 7 slides to help speed you downwards #Stubaital #Schlick2000 #RutscherWeg

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David K Smith @professor-dave.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

Exploring Schlick 2000 in Stubaital - perfect weather, complete escape #Stubaital #Schlick2000 #Austria

Looking across the Stubai valley from a chair lift seat.

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David K Smith @professor-dave.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

In her poverty-stricken childhood, she may have 'only' had a coat of coloured rags stitched together with love by her mum, but through her life, songwriting and philanthropy, she has given the world the most dazzling multicoloured quilt that so many of us feel safe under. youtube.com/watch?v=KFbY...

youtube.com

Dolly Parton - Coat Of Many Colors (Official Audio)

YouTube video by Dolly Parton

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David K Smith @professor-dave.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

Seat with a view - time out in nature At 3200 metres (10500 feet) in the Tyrol. #StubaierGletscher #Austria #Tyrol #TopofTyrol

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David K Smith @professor-dave.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

Music plays an important regulating role in our house - for both of us in different ways. This is the Poco Adagio from Kozeluch's Piano Sonata No. 10 (Opus 8, no.2, 1784). I've been really enjoying learning some of these often-overlooked sonatas.

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David K Smith @professor-dave.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

We do loads of outdoor time, the 13yo has an excellent varied diet, we do all types of regulating activities. However, without medication he cannot manage himself or his emotions, he is extremely challenging, and could not function in any educational setting. www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio...

theguardian.com

The Great ADHD Myth? review – the most controversial show of the year is here

Dr Max Pemberton isn’t uncompassionate or especially radical, but he assembles a team of medics whose stance on the condition is clear from the off. This is a documentary that will incense and offend ...

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David K Smith @professor-dave.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

I'm not sure that I believe wildlife behaves differently towards me since my husband died, but I am absolutely certain that I need nature much more and both interact with it and perceive it very differently since I have been alone. Small things capture much more of my attention.

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