Jun. 10th, 2025 01:51 am
Jun. 9th, 2025 11:42 pm
How to Make Comfrey Liquid Fertilizer Part 2: Leaves
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ysabetwordsmithToday I started making liquid fertilizer from Russian comfrey. Begin with Part 1: Jugs. With those done, I harvested leaves.
( Walk with me ... )
( Walk with me ... )
Jun. 9th, 2025 10:55 pm
How to Make Comfrey Liquid Fertilizer Part 1: Jugs
ysabetwordsmithToday I started making liquid fertilizer from Russian comfrey. This plant fills a lot of guild roles in permaculture including fertilizer, miner, mulcher, protector, attractor. I have been using it primarily as a bee plant that I can also slash-and-drop several times a season. I grow it under many of my trees and there's some in the prairie garden too.
There are various ways to make liquid fertilizer from comfrey. I will be testing two: 1) a small amount of comfrey leaves in a large amount of water, and 2) only comfrey leaves crammed tightly in a jug. (See Part 2: Leaves.)
( Walk with me ... )
There are various ways to make liquid fertilizer from comfrey. I will be testing two: 1) a small amount of comfrey leaves in a large amount of water, and 2) only comfrey leaves crammed tightly in a jug. (See Part 2: Leaves.)
( Walk with me ... )
Jun. 9th, 2025 11:25 pm
An Anti-Acknowledgement
pennswoodsAt this latest conference, a number of people were asking me about the status of my book and I confessed that it had not come along as quickly as I hoped because real-world things keep happening that were forcing me to reconsider or grapple with what I had planned to write: the proliferation of Gen AI, policies and laws limiting access to social media, Trump and his bullshit, and JK Rowling and hers.
One of my colleagues suggested that I write this somewhere in my book. I decided this was a good idea and added it to the acknowledgements section as a way to acknowledge the things that hindered the writing before I acknowledge all the people who have helped me along the way. Below is a draft of this anti-acknowledgement:
( Read more... )
One of my colleagues suggested that I write this somewhere in my book. I decided this was a good idea and added it to the acknowledgements section as a way to acknowledge the things that hindered the writing before I acknowledge all the people who have helped me along the way. Below is a draft of this anti-acknowledgement:
( Read more... )
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Jun. 9th, 2025 09:08 pm
Brains
ysabetwordsmithKrakencoder predicts brain function 20x better than past methods
Scientists at Weill Cornell Medicine have developed a new algorithm, the Krakencoder, that merges multiple types of brain imaging data to better understand how the brain s wiring underpins behavior, thought, and recovery after injury. This cutting-edge tool can predict brain function from structure with unprecedented accuracy 20 times better than past models and even estimate traits like age, sex, and cognitive ability.
That ... sounds pretty exactly like something over in Terramagne. It's part of Thalassia's health care system, although they've had theirs for a while. *ponder* I think the ~20 year gap between here and there is holding steady.
Scientists at Weill Cornell Medicine have developed a new algorithm, the Krakencoder, that merges multiple types of brain imaging data to better understand how the brain s wiring underpins behavior, thought, and recovery after injury. This cutting-edge tool can predict brain function from structure with unprecedented accuracy 20 times better than past models and even estimate traits like age, sex, and cognitive ability.
That ... sounds pretty exactly like something over in Terramagne. It's part of Thalassia's health care system, although they've had theirs for a while. *ponder* I think the ~20 year gap between here and there is holding steady.
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Jun. 9th, 2025 09:03 pm
Summer of the 69
ysabetwordsmith![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
summerofthe69 is now open! You can see the calendar here and the comment prompt post. The initial theme is "First Time 69: Everyone has to start somewhere."Welcome to Summer of the 69, an event focused on creative works about the sexual position, open to all fandoms and to original works. Participation is through two means: A comment meme and weekly themes, running from June 9th through September 6th.
Poke a bigot in the eye, make some sexy stuff!
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Jun. 9th, 2025 08:28 pm
Call for Themes
ysabetwordsmithWe've reached the end of scheduled themes for the Poetry Fishbowl project. It's time to brainstorm some new themes! These are a few that I've jotted down earlier, ones that I've thought up or people have suggested, to give you an idea what kind of stuff might be suitable:
* Angels and Demons
* Apocalyptic Visions
* Emotional Regulation
* Faeries and Fey
* Fixit
* Pirates, Rascals, and Rogues
* Time Travel
* Westerns
What other themes would you like to see me write about? What would you like to buy? Suggest them in a comment below this post.
( Read more... )
* Angels and Demons
* Apocalyptic Visions
* Emotional Regulation
* Faeries and Fey
* Fixit
* Pirates, Rascals, and Rogues
* Time Travel
* Westerns
What other themes would you like to see me write about? What would you like to buy? Suggest them in a comment below this post.
( Read more... )
Jun. 9th, 2025 04:27 pm
History
ysabetwordsmithNew evidence reveals advanced maritime technology in the philippines 35,000 years ago
In a bold reimagining of Southeast Asia s prehistory, scientists reveal that the Philippine island of Mindoro was a hub of human innovation and migration as far back as 35,000 years ago. Advanced tools, deep-sea fishing capabilities, and early burial customs show that early humans here weren t isolated they were maritime pioneers shaping a wide-reaching network across the region.
In a bold reimagining of Southeast Asia s prehistory, scientists reveal that the Philippine island of Mindoro was a hub of human innovation and migration as far back as 35,000 years ago. Advanced tools, deep-sea fishing capabilities, and early burial customs show that early humans here weren t isolated they were maritime pioneers shaping a wide-reaching network across the region.
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Jun. 9th, 2025 01:39 pm
Monday Update 6-9-25
ysabetwordsmithThese are some posts from the later part of last week in case you missed them:
Pride Month
Birdfeeding
Early Humans
Today's Adventures
Birdfeeding
Philosophical Questions: Looks
Today's Adventures
Poem: "The Result of Your Own Bad Behavior"
Poem: "When Warmth and Gentleness Are Needed"
Poem: "Emodox"
Birdfeeding
Skate Park
Follow Friday 6-6-25: Active Communities on Dreamwidth Spring 2025 J-Z
Recipes
New Crowdfunding Project: "Aces and Aros"
Poem: "All It Takes to Be Invulnerable"
Poem: "The Bond with a Dog"
Birdfeeding
Read "Do you ever dream of land?"
Books
Wildlife
Birdfeeding
Good News
"Not a Destination, But a Process" has 138 comments. "The Democratic Armada of the Caribbean" has 89 comments.
Last week's Poetry Fishbowl went well. I actually finished a draft of the last obligatory poem yesterday, just need to get that tallied, proofread, and thumnailed. \o/
summerofthe69 is now open! You can see the calendar here and the initial theme is "First Time 69: Everyone has to start somewhere."
"In the Heart of the Hidden Garden" belongs to the Antimatter and Stalwart Stan thread of the Polychrome Heroics series. It needs $86 to be fully funded. Lawrence shows Stan around the campus at the University of Nebraska-Omaha.
The weather has been warm and wet here. It rained again last night. Seen at the birdfeeders this week: a mixed flock of sparrows and house finches, two mourning doves, a male cardinal, a catbird, and a fox squirrel. Astilbe, snowball bush, and daylilies have flower buds. Peonies are done blooming. Privet and mock orange are winding down. Currently blooming: dandelions, honeysuckle, pansies, violas, marigolds, petunias, red salvia, wild strawberries, verbena, lantana, sweet alyssum, zinnias, snapdragons, blue lobelia, perennial pinks, impatiens, oxalis, moss rose, yarrow, red coreopsis, anise hyssop, firecracker plant, tomatoes, tomatillos, dogwood, Asiatic lilies, cucumber. Raspberries, blackberries, and tomatoes have green fruit. Wild strawberries and mulberries are ripe.
Pride Month
Birdfeeding
Early Humans
Today's Adventures
Birdfeeding
Philosophical Questions: Looks
Today's Adventures
Poem: "The Result of Your Own Bad Behavior"
Poem: "When Warmth and Gentleness Are Needed"
Poem: "Emodox"
Birdfeeding
Skate Park
Follow Friday 6-6-25: Active Communities on Dreamwidth Spring 2025 J-Z
Recipes
New Crowdfunding Project: "Aces and Aros"
Poem: "All It Takes to Be Invulnerable"
Poem: "The Bond with a Dog"
Birdfeeding
Read "Do you ever dream of land?"
Books
Wildlife
Birdfeeding
Good News
"Not a Destination, But a Process" has 138 comments. "The Democratic Armada of the Caribbean" has 89 comments.
Last week's Poetry Fishbowl went well. I actually finished a draft of the last obligatory poem yesterday, just need to get that tallied, proofread, and thumnailed. \o/
summerofthe69 is now open! You can see the calendar here and the initial theme is "First Time 69: Everyone has to start somewhere.""In the Heart of the Hidden Garden" belongs to the Antimatter and Stalwart Stan thread of the Polychrome Heroics series. It needs $86 to be fully funded. Lawrence shows Stan around the campus at the University of Nebraska-Omaha.
The weather has been warm and wet here. It rained again last night. Seen at the birdfeeders this week: a mixed flock of sparrows and house finches, two mourning doves, a male cardinal, a catbird, and a fox squirrel. Astilbe, snowball bush, and daylilies have flower buds. Peonies are done blooming. Privet and mock orange are winding down. Currently blooming: dandelions, honeysuckle, pansies, violas, marigolds, petunias, red salvia, wild strawberries, verbena, lantana, sweet alyssum, zinnias, snapdragons, blue lobelia, perennial pinks, impatiens, oxalis, moss rose, yarrow, red coreopsis, anise hyssop, firecracker plant, tomatoes, tomatillos, dogwood, Asiatic lilies, cucumber. Raspberries, blackberries, and tomatoes have green fruit. Wild strawberries and mulberries are ripe.
Jun. 9th, 2025 01:34 pm
Whales
ysabetwordsmithWhales blow bubble rings--And they might be talking to us
Newly documented behavior in a recently published paper by SETI Institute and UC Davis team members may offer insights into nonhuman intelligence--and help shape the search for life beyond Earth.
Humpback whales have been observed blowing bubble rings during friendly interactions with humans a behavior never before documented. This surprising display may be more than play; it could represent a sophisticated form of non-verbal communication. Scientists from the SETI Institute and UC Davis believe these interactions offer valuable insights into non-human intelligence, potentially helping refine our methods for detecting extraterrestrial life. Their findings underscore the intelligence, curiosity, and social complexity of whales, making them ideal analogues for developing communication models beyond Earth.
Newly documented behavior in a recently published paper by SETI Institute and UC Davis team members may offer insights into nonhuman intelligence--and help shape the search for life beyond Earth.
Humpback whales have been observed blowing bubble rings during friendly interactions with humans a behavior never before documented. This surprising display may be more than play; it could represent a sophisticated form of non-verbal communication. Scientists from the SETI Institute and UC Davis believe these interactions offer valuable insights into non-human intelligence, potentially helping refine our methods for detecting extraterrestrial life. Their findings underscore the intelligence, curiosity, and social complexity of whales, making them ideal analogues for developing communication models beyond Earth.
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Jun. 9th, 2025 01:15 pm
Birdfeeding
ysabetwordsmithToday is partly sunny, mild, and damp. It rained thoroughly last night.
I fed the birds. I haven't seen much activity today though.
I put out water for the birds.
On the old picnic table, a cucumber is blooming.
EDIT 6/9/23 -- I did the indoor setup for the two jugs I'll be using to make comfrey liquid fertilizer, and took pictures.
EDIT 6/9/23 -- I tore up a handful of comfrey leaves for the first jug, put them in it, and filled the rest of the way with water. If it works, this will produce a dilute solution of liquid fertilizer.
EDIT 6/9/23 -- I started filling the second jug. This one needs to be entirely full of comfrey leaves. I only got about halfway before I ran out of energy. I'll have to work on it more later.
I've seen a mixed flock of sparrows and house finches plus two mourning doves.
EDIT 6/9/23 -- We went out to Fox Ridge and Lake Charleston. So many things are blooming! :D
EDIT 6/9/23 -- I added more comfrey leaves to the second jug. It's mostly full now, but not tightly packed, so it still needs more leaves stuffed in.
EDIT 6/9/23 -- I added more comfrey leaves to the second jug. While it's possible to push down the mass, it springs back immediately, making it hard to keep additional material inside. I'll call it done for now. If the stuff wilts down by tomorrow, I may add more then.
As it is getting dark, I am done for the night.
I fed the birds. I haven't seen much activity today though.
I put out water for the birds.
On the old picnic table, a cucumber is blooming.
EDIT 6/9/23 -- I did the indoor setup for the two jugs I'll be using to make comfrey liquid fertilizer, and took pictures.
EDIT 6/9/23 -- I tore up a handful of comfrey leaves for the first jug, put them in it, and filled the rest of the way with water. If it works, this will produce a dilute solution of liquid fertilizer.
EDIT 6/9/23 -- I started filling the second jug. This one needs to be entirely full of comfrey leaves. I only got about halfway before I ran out of energy. I'll have to work on it more later.
I've seen a mixed flock of sparrows and house finches plus two mourning doves.
EDIT 6/9/23 -- We went out to Fox Ridge and Lake Charleston. So many things are blooming! :D
EDIT 6/9/23 -- I added more comfrey leaves to the second jug. It's mostly full now, but not tightly packed, so it still needs more leaves stuffed in.
EDIT 6/9/23 -- I added more comfrey leaves to the second jug. While it's possible to push down the mass, it springs back immediately, making it hard to keep additional material inside. I'll call it done for now. If the stuff wilts down by tomorrow, I may add more then.
As it is getting dark, I am done for the night.
Jun. 11th, 2025 01:06 pm
Birdsong of Shaker Way by Ann-Margaret Lim
conulyEvery day is perfect, if
when you wake, you hear birds
in the garden, in the yard. Birds
up and down, ushering in one more day
in all the houses on Shaker Way. Birds
on telephone lines, light posts. Birds
twit, twittering on trees
hailing fellow birds
with a nod of beak—gray kingbird;
top-hatted, streamertail
tuxedoed, doctor bird—
busy-bodied hummingbird
tucking in, out, of pink, red ixoras
punch-drunk in love. Birds
preening for, chatting up other birds—
the oriole, the grass quit, in mid-song
on the lawn, in a dance of birds
an all-day-long conference of bird;
red-headed woodpecker
—drummer boy, or girl bird
in this daily symphony of birds
—an orchestra on Shaker Way
in serenade of each perfect day with birds—
from the very first mockingbird
heralding, in solo warble
one more day, filled with birds—
brightened, lightened, trilled by birds:
precious, diamond-throated
sweet song, miracle-toting birds
the-gift-of-day-is-here birds.
Bird, bird, bird. Hello bird.
You lift me up bird.
You sing the day beautiful, bird.
***********
Link
when you wake, you hear birds
in the garden, in the yard. Birds
up and down, ushering in one more day
in all the houses on Shaker Way. Birds
on telephone lines, light posts. Birds
twit, twittering on trees
hailing fellow birds
with a nod of beak—gray kingbird;
top-hatted, streamertail
tuxedoed, doctor bird—
busy-bodied hummingbird
tucking in, out, of pink, red ixoras
punch-drunk in love. Birds
preening for, chatting up other birds—
the oriole, the grass quit, in mid-song
on the lawn, in a dance of birds
an all-day-long conference of bird;
red-headed woodpecker
—drummer boy, or girl bird
in this daily symphony of birds
—an orchestra on Shaker Way
in serenade of each perfect day with birds—
from the very first mockingbird
heralding, in solo warble
one more day, filled with birds—
brightened, lightened, trilled by birds:
precious, diamond-throated
sweet song, miracle-toting birds
the-gift-of-day-is-here birds.
Bird, bird, bird. Hello bird.
You lift me up bird.
You sing the day beautiful, bird.
Link
Jun. 10th, 2025 08:38 am
Trying to rapidly finish Prodigy, on Season 2
conulyRok continues to be the best at everything, and deserves all the hugs. Though I remain baffled how ST thinks they can on one hand have post-scarcity nearly everywhere (including, one presumes, in places just outside of the Federation where they can easily abscond with probable Federation citizens) and also have seedy underbellies everywhere as well. The problem is that they never actually worked out how it all works, and I think the only solution is to ditch the idea that even the Federation really has no currency and is totally post-scarcity. Everybody has their basic needs met, I'll agree is supported by the writing. Anything past that, no.
Anyway, Rok's friend in her tragic backstory was clearly no more able to leave that situation than she was and though I can see there's too much plot for that to happen in canon I really hope they could rescue him.
Speaking of tragic backstories, I cannot believe a. that Dal tried to say his was the worst and b. his version of being "the worst" absolutely skips past the part where ( Read more... ) But seriously, dude, you grew up as a slave on a mine full of child slaves. It's not a situation people get into because their life was just so great beforehand. If everything was hunky-dory, none of you would've been targeted in the first damn place. You all have a terrible backstory, you don't need to prove it!
Moving on, Murf continues to also be the best, but ffs, can somebody get him an AAC? Or a whiteboard, at least? Teach him sign language? This is a solved problem even in the real world, surely Starfleet can figure it out!
Nothing to say about Jankom, he's just there. *shrug* And I feel kinda ditto about Zero, tbh. I mean, I like them, but....
Ma'Jel, between her cool hair and her increasingly consternated expression as the turbolift got more and more crowded, is clearly not one of the most unemotional Vulcans out there. (I don't care what Vulcans say, the opposite of "logical" is not "emotional", it's just "illogical".) I feel like she and our darling T'Lyn would have a lot to talk about.
The adults on the ship - this show is clearly trying to walk a fine line between keeping them competent and allowing the kids to run circles around them. I'm not sure it always works, but I appreciate the effort, and also I appreciate how they were careful to make it clear that the adults, whether they're being strict or a bit Too Much, are only acting the way they do because they're sympathetic. (Frankly, all the kids could stand to appreciate their new situation a bit more - except Rok, she already gets it - but I understand why they're struggling a bit.)
( Gets a bit spoilery )
**************
( Ugh, the news )
Anyway, Rok's friend in her tragic backstory was clearly no more able to leave that situation than she was and though I can see there's too much plot for that to happen in canon I really hope they could rescue him.
Speaking of tragic backstories, I cannot believe a. that Dal tried to say his was the worst and b. his version of being "the worst" absolutely skips past the part where ( Read more... ) But seriously, dude, you grew up as a slave on a mine full of child slaves. It's not a situation people get into because their life was just so great beforehand. If everything was hunky-dory, none of you would've been targeted in the first damn place. You all have a terrible backstory, you don't need to prove it!
Moving on, Murf continues to also be the best, but ffs, can somebody get him an AAC? Or a whiteboard, at least? Teach him sign language? This is a solved problem even in the real world, surely Starfleet can figure it out!
Nothing to say about Jankom, he's just there. *shrug* And I feel kinda ditto about Zero, tbh. I mean, I like them, but....
Ma'Jel, between her cool hair and her increasingly consternated expression as the turbolift got more and more crowded, is clearly not one of the most unemotional Vulcans out there. (I don't care what Vulcans say, the opposite of "logical" is not "emotional", it's just "illogical".) I feel like she and our darling T'Lyn would have a lot to talk about.
The adults on the ship - this show is clearly trying to walk a fine line between keeping them competent and allowing the kids to run circles around them. I'm not sure it always works, but I appreciate the effort, and also I appreciate how they were careful to make it clear that the adults, whether they're being strict or a bit Too Much, are only acting the way they do because they're sympathetic. (Frankly, all the kids could stand to appreciate their new situation a bit more - except Rok, she already gets it - but I understand why they're struggling a bit.)
( Gets a bit spoilery )
( Ugh, the news )
Jun. 9th, 2025 08:13 am
2025/087: How to Survive in Ancient Greece — Robert Garland
tamaranth2025/087: How to Survive in Ancient Greece — Robert Garland
Greek religion does not promote morality. Piety towards the gods and the dead, not good behaviour, is its central aim. [loc. 350]
Read in fits and starts between other books, mostly for the fascinating factoids and descriptions of legal process in classical Greece. Presented as a handbook for time-travellers, How to Survive in Ancient Greece is good at highlighting some key differences: the improbability of growing old, the more equitable distribution of wealth (1% really wealthy, 1% really poor, 'the majority of Athenians are very poor by our standards'), the less equitable treatment of women. Entertaining, engaging, informative.
Jun. 8th, 2025 07:39 pm
Pride Month
ysabetwordsmith31 Ideas To Take Action & Celebrate Pride Month In 2025
June is Pride Month! This month-long celebration is an opportunity to celebrate the very human and very beautiful spectrum of gender and sexuality, all while coming together to fight for widespread equality and justice in the LGBTQ+ community.
June is Pride Month! This month-long celebration is an opportunity to celebrate the very human and very beautiful spectrum of gender and sexuality, all while coming together to fight for widespread equality and justice in the LGBTQ+ community.
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Jun. 9th, 2025 08:33 pm
Well, I read the news
conulyOr, anyway, I glanced at the headlines and oh fuck no. Can I just go back to bed, and somebody wake me when things improve?
Jun. 8th, 2025 02:48 pm
Birdfeeding
ysabetwordsmithToday is mostly sunny, humid, and warm. It rained yesterday and last night.
I fed the birds. I've seen a few sparrows and house finches.
I dropped the Java moss into the trough pond. It floated. If it doesn't sink after absorbing water, I may need to find a rock to put on it.
I put out water for the birds.
EDIT 6/8/25 -- I did a bit of weeding in the septic garden and new picnic table.
EDIT 6/8/25 -- I did some work around the patio.
EDIT 6/8/25 -- I sowed cypress vine seeds around the support wire and in the septic garden. Some of the earlier ones have sprouted, but I plant extra because they often get eaten.
I gathered a few poppy seeds.
The first Asiatic lilies are blooming, white with pink tips, around the telephone pole. :D Daylilies have buds.
I've seen a male cardinal at the hopper feeder.
Lots of things are sprouting in the septic garden. \o/
EDIT 6/8/25 -- I picked half a bag of mulberries in the south lot and along the front fence.
I've seen a mixed flock of sparrows and house finches plus a mourning dove.
EDIT 6/8/25 -- I picked half a bag of mulberries along the front fence and in the savanna.
EDIT 6/8/25 -- I pulled weeds from the tulip bed.
EDIT 6/8/25 -- I pulled weeds along the strip garden.
The sky clouded over in the afternoon and feels like it might rain again.
EDIT 6/8/25 -- I pulled weeds around the edge of the house yard.
As it is getting dark, I am done for the night.
I fed the birds. I've seen a few sparrows and house finches.
I dropped the Java moss into the trough pond. It floated. If it doesn't sink after absorbing water, I may need to find a rock to put on it.
I put out water for the birds.
EDIT 6/8/25 -- I did a bit of weeding in the septic garden and new picnic table.
EDIT 6/8/25 -- I did some work around the patio.
EDIT 6/8/25 -- I sowed cypress vine seeds around the support wire and in the septic garden. Some of the earlier ones have sprouted, but I plant extra because they often get eaten.
I gathered a few poppy seeds.
The first Asiatic lilies are blooming, white with pink tips, around the telephone pole. :D Daylilies have buds.
I've seen a male cardinal at the hopper feeder.
Lots of things are sprouting in the septic garden. \o/
EDIT 6/8/25 -- I picked half a bag of mulberries in the south lot and along the front fence.
I've seen a mixed flock of sparrows and house finches plus a mourning dove.
EDIT 6/8/25 -- I picked half a bag of mulberries along the front fence and in the savanna.
EDIT 6/8/25 -- I pulled weeds from the tulip bed.
EDIT 6/8/25 -- I pulled weeds along the strip garden.
The sky clouded over in the afternoon and feels like it might rain again.
EDIT 6/8/25 -- I pulled weeds around the edge of the house yard.
As it is getting dark, I am done for the night.
Jun. 8th, 2025 05:01 pm
Stories of violent death: novels and opera
nineveh_uk1) The Shortest Way to Hades, Sarah Caudwell. Light, bright, a lot of fun, and a clever mystery. Also a pleasant change to have a detective story that doesn't involve sexual violence. I found myself thinking partway through that the most 80s thing about this 80s book is not the absence of email or mobile phones and that documents are typed, the boozy lunches, the fact that every single character with the possible exception of Hilary* is undoubtedly a Tory, but a relatively junior barrister not only owning a car but driving it through central London in the afternoon as apparently the quickest way to get anywhere.
2) Silent Parade, Keigo Higashino. Not lacking sexual violence (though no detailed description), but very good, and the thing that was annoying me as I was thinking "but why aren't they all doing X" turned out to be a twist, so that was fine. I'd not read any Higashino before and this was clever, readable, and I'll read more. I just wish that UK translations of Japanese novels would indicate at the beginning which way round they are putting the family name and given name. Either is fine, but since it seems to vary which is chosen in different books, I would like it to be made clear so I know.
3) Simon Boccanegra, Verdi. Opera North semi-staged production at the Royal Festival Hall, which means comfy seats, excellent sightlines, and much cheaper prices than otherwise in London. Rather tortuous trains, which the presence ofantisoppist made more endurable. The performances, vocal and orchestral, were fantastic and it was a thoroughly enjoyable evening, but it's not going to join the list of my favourite operas because while the music is great, the drama isn't so strong. Too much of the plot happens off-stage with characters then reporting to others, ultimately I wasn't moved by the piece as a whole in the way I want to be by the operas that really work for me.
*Possible Liberal Party?
2) Silent Parade, Keigo Higashino. Not lacking sexual violence (though no detailed description), but very good, and the thing that was annoying me as I was thinking "but why aren't they all doing X" turned out to be a twist, so that was fine. I'd not read any Higashino before and this was clever, readable, and I'll read more. I just wish that UK translations of Japanese novels would indicate at the beginning which way round they are putting the family name and given name. Either is fine, but since it seems to vary which is chosen in different books, I would like it to be made clear so I know.
3) Simon Boccanegra, Verdi. Opera North semi-staged production at the Royal Festival Hall, which means comfy seats, excellent sightlines, and much cheaper prices than otherwise in London. Rather tortuous trains, which the presence of
antisoppist made more endurable. The performances, vocal and orchestral, were fantastic and it was a thoroughly enjoyable evening, but it's not going to join the list of my favourite operas because while the music is great, the drama isn't so strong. Too much of the plot happens off-stage with characters then reporting to others, ultimately I wasn't moved by the piece as a whole in the way I want to be by the operas that really work for me.*Possible Liberal Party?
Jun. 7th, 2025 11:57 pm
Early Humans
ysabetwordsmith3,500-year-old graves reveal secrets that rewrite bronze age history
Around 1500 BC, radical changes occurred in people's lives: they ate and lived differently, and the social system was also reorganized.
Bronze Age life changed radically around 1500 BC in Central Europe. New research reveals diets narrowed, millet was introduced, migration slowed, and social systems became looser challenging old ideas about nomadic Tumulus culture herders.
Around 1500 BC, radical changes occurred in people's lives: they ate and lived differently, and the social system was also reorganized.
Bronze Age life changed radically around 1500 BC in Central Europe. New research reveals diets narrowed, millet was introduced, migration slowed, and social systems became looser challenging old ideas about nomadic Tumulus culture herders.
