Simon Wood
@mastodon.simonwood.info
Lecturer in Medical Education at Cardiff University, lapsed mathematician, garden railway builder & Doctor Who appreciator.
[bridged from https://mastodon.social/@simonwood on the fediverse by https://fed.brid.gy/ ]
[bridged from https://mastodon.social/@simonwood on the fediverse by https://fed.brid.gy/ ]
Reposted by Simon Wood
Probably an unpopular take: I don't believe the EU can create an alternative tech stack. It needs to foster an independent ecosystem; anything less will just benefit all the people who already know how to get EU grants. What's needed is the conditions for real innovation, which are a culture and […]
Original post on werd.social
werd.social
January 25, 2026 at 2:03 PM
Probably an unpopular take: I don't believe the EU can create an alternative tech stack. It needs to foster an independent ecosystem; anything less will just benefit all the people who already know how to get EU grants. What's needed is the conditions for real innovation, which are a culture and […]
Reposted by Simon Wood
OK so if you bought a copy of Issue 2 it will be in the post by end of day tomorrow.
UK copies should start arriving by the end of the week.
Orders are still open on the website - buy now while stocks last!
unchcrosswords.com
#CrypticCrosswords
UK copies should start arriving by the end of the week.
Orders are still open on the website - buy now while stocks last!
unchcrosswords.com
#CrypticCrosswords
Unch Crossword Magazine
Unch, the clued-up crossword magazine
unchcrosswords.com
January 19, 2026 at 7:36 PM
OK so if you bought a copy of Issue 2 it will be in the post by end of day tomorrow.
UK copies should start arriving by the end of the week.
Orders are still open on the website - buy now while stocks last!
unchcrosswords.com
#CrypticCrosswords
UK copies should start arriving by the end of the week.
Orders are still open on the website - buy now while stocks last!
unchcrosswords.com
#CrypticCrosswords
Reposted by Simon Wood
we all need a little less raging against the dying of the light and a little more coordinated tactical assault on the darkness factory
January 17, 2026 at 7:46 PM
we all need a little less raging against the dying of the light and a little more coordinated tactical assault on the darkness factory
Reposted by Simon Wood
January 15, 2026 at 4:59 PM
Well this will have to pass for good news. Announcement of the "I can't believe it's not HS2" Birmingham-Manchester rail link. https://www.itv.com/news/2026-01-13/new-manchester-to-birmingham-rail-link-planned-but-its-not-hs2?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub
January 13, 2026 at 8:08 PM
Well this will have to pass for good news. Announcement of the "I can't believe it's not HS2" Birmingham-Manchester rail link. https://www.itv.com/news/2026-01-13/new-manchester-to-birmingham-rail-link-planned-but-its-not-hs2?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub
Obviously, Steed down at #12 is a travesty. But generally quite a respectable list, with a small handful of spies who have evaded my surveillance. I will investigate... https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2026/jan/13/best-spy-tv-shows-night-manager-avengers-24-danger-mouse
From 24 to Danger Mouse: it’s TV’s all-time top spies!
A spy with a superhumanly good bladder, a crime-fighting rodent who lives in a postbox, and piles of dodgy 80s wigs … we rate the best small-screen spooks. Who comes out on top?
www.theguardian.com
January 13, 2026 at 8:08 PM
Obviously, Steed down at #12 is a travesty. But generally quite a respectable list, with a small handful of spies who have evaded my surveillance. I will investigate... https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2026/jan/13/best-spy-tv-shows-night-manager-avengers-24-danger-mouse
If I'm reading this right, this bundle with the educator discount is something of a steal? Includes Final Cut, Logic and Pixelmator for $30/year? Probably turn out not to be available in the UK or something… […]
Original post on mastodon.social
mastodon.social
January 13, 2026 at 4:28 PM
If I'm reading this right, this bundle with the educator discount is something of a steal? Includes Final Cut, Logic and Pixelmator for $30/year? Probably turn out not to be available in the UK or something… […]
[UK Politics]
Zahawi says his defection will come as a shock to some but others will not be surprised.
I’ll admit I wasn't expecting it, but maybe he's right it's not surprising that the man who withdraw support from Johnson 48 hours after being appointed his chancellor (and then later called […]
Zahawi says his defection will come as a shock to some but others will not be surprised.
I’ll admit I wasn't expecting it, but maybe he's right it's not surprising that the man who withdraw support from Johnson 48 hours after being appointed his chancellor (and then later called […]
Original post on mastodon.social
mastodon.social
January 12, 2026 at 12:03 PM
[UK Politics]
Zahawi says his defection will come as a shock to some but others will not be surprised.
I’ll admit I wasn't expecting it, but maybe he's right it's not surprising that the man who withdraw support from Johnson 48 hours after being appointed his chancellor (and then later called […]
Zahawi says his defection will come as a shock to some but others will not be surprised.
I’ll admit I wasn't expecting it, but maybe he's right it's not surprising that the man who withdraw support from Johnson 48 hours after being appointed his chancellor (and then later called […]
If sleet is half way between snow and rain, what is it when it's half snow half hail? Snail?
Anyway, it's snailing here now.
Anyway, it's snailing here now.
January 5, 2026 at 12:38 PM
If sleet is half way between snow and rain, what is it when it's half snow half hail? Snail?
Anyway, it's snailing here now.
Anyway, it's snailing here now.
Reposted by Simon Wood
I don't like patriotism; I think it's arbitrary to be proud of country, and I think it's a pretty slippery funnel into nationalism. Flag-waving feels fascist to me.
But it turns out that politicians who preach real multiculturalism and inclusive care for the vulnerable make me feel patriotic.
But it turns out that politicians who preach real multiculturalism and inclusive care for the vulnerable make me feel patriotic.
January 1, 2026 at 10:20 PM
I don't like patriotism; I think it's arbitrary to be proud of country, and I think it's a pretty slippery funnel into nationalism. Flag-waving feels fascist to me.
But it turns out that politicians who preach real multiculturalism and inclusive care for the vulnerable make me feel patriotic.
But it turns out that politicians who preach real multiculturalism and inclusive care for the vulnerable make me feel patriotic.
Reposted by Simon Wood
Get your 2026 self a little treat!
Unch Issue 2 is out in January - you can ensure you don't miss out by pre-ordering a copy now...
Go to unchcrosswords.com to reserve YOURS!
This one has eight of our usual standard cryptics, plus a fun alphabetical *and* an exciting thematic as well!
Unch Issue 2 is out in January - you can ensure you don't miss out by pre-ordering a copy now...
Go to unchcrosswords.com to reserve YOURS!
This one has eight of our usual standard cryptics, plus a fun alphabetical *and* an exciting thematic as well!
Unch Crossword Magazine
Unch, the clued-up crossword magazine
unchcrosswords.com
December 11, 2025 at 4:49 PM
Get your 2026 self a little treat!
Unch Issue 2 is out in January - you can ensure you don't miss out by pre-ordering a copy now...
Go to unchcrosswords.com to reserve YOURS!
This one has eight of our usual standard cryptics, plus a fun alphabetical *and* an exciting thematic as well!
Unch Issue 2 is out in January - you can ensure you don't miss out by pre-ordering a copy now...
Go to unchcrosswords.com to reserve YOURS!
This one has eight of our usual standard cryptics, plus a fun alphabetical *and* an exciting thematic as well!
[UK Politics]
Hmmm. I wonder if the UK government ongoing failure to innovate on productivity could have anything to do with them regarding 'clocking in' as a performance metric… 🤔 https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/dec/23/four-day-week-sign-of-failure-england-councils-told-steve-reed
Hmmm. I wonder if the UK government ongoing failure to innovate on productivity could have anything to do with them regarding 'clocking in' as a performance metric… 🤔 https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/dec/23/four-day-week-sign-of-failure-england-councils-told-steve-reed
Four-day week may be considered a sign of failure, England councils told
Local government secretary writes to town halls warning them against ‘part-time work for full-time pay’
www.theguardian.com
December 23, 2025 at 11:31 AM
[UK Politics]
Hmmm. I wonder if the UK government ongoing failure to innovate on productivity could have anything to do with them regarding 'clocking in' as a performance metric… 🤔 https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/dec/23/four-day-week-sign-of-failure-england-councils-told-steve-reed
Hmmm. I wonder if the UK government ongoing failure to innovate on productivity could have anything to do with them regarding 'clocking in' as a performance metric… 🤔 https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/dec/23/four-day-week-sign-of-failure-england-councils-told-steve-reed
Reposted by Simon Wood
I've seen a few people post on Mastodon about how they would love a model railway, but can't, cos of space limitations. What if I was to tell you that you can enjoy model railways, even if you live in a tiny apartment.
This is a thread about standards and community.
1/n
This is a thread about standards and community.
1/n
December 20, 2025 at 9:26 AM
I've seen a few people post on Mastodon about how they would love a model railway, but can't, cos of space limitations. What if I was to tell you that you can enjoy model railways, even if you live in a tiny apartment.
This is a thread about standards and community.
1/n
This is a thread about standards and community.
1/n
Not that this limited change to re-enable downloads for some books would sway me, but too late Amazon, I've ditched my Kindle now (h/t @cubicgarden) https://www.pocket-lint.com/amazon-changing-kindle-drm/
Amazon is changing how its Kindle DRM works, but only for these titles
Kindle users will be able to download specific titles they've bought as a PDF or EPUB file next year, but only if the author permits it.
www.pocket-lint.com
December 18, 2025 at 9:52 AM
Not that this limited change to re-enable downloads for some books would sway me, but too late Amazon, I've ditched my Kindle now (h/t @cubicgarden) https://www.pocket-lint.com/amazon-changing-kindle-drm/
Don't buy Apple gift cards. “It’s digital Russian roulette.” https://tidbits.com/2025/12/17/compromised-apple-gift-card-leads-to-apple-account-lockout/
Compromised Apple Gift Card Leads to Apple Account Lockout - TidBITS
After trying to redeem an Apple Gift Card, Apple developer and author Paris Buttfield-Addison was locked out of his Apple Account with no explanation. Despite extensive media coverage and contact from Apple’s Executive Relations, his account remains locked days later, raising concerning questions about what happens to users without high-profile connections—and whether Apple Gift Cards are safe.
tidbits.com
December 18, 2025 at 9:46 AM
Don't buy Apple gift cards. “It’s digital Russian roulette.” https://tidbits.com/2025/12/17/compromised-apple-gift-card-leads-to-apple-account-lockout/
RE: https://mastodon.social/@MonaApp/115727391556105570
Upgraded to Mona 7. Smooth process, simple to use my Pro Max discount to purchase Ultra - all my settings and customisations came across, only thing that didn't sync was my timelines. Already settled in nicely, every difference I've […]
Upgraded to Mona 7. Smooth process, simple to use my Pro Max discount to purchase Ultra - all my settings and customisations came across, only thing that didn't sync was my timelines. Already settled in nicely, every difference I've […]
Original post on mastodon.social
mastodon.social
December 17, 2025 at 3:39 PM
RE: https://mastodon.social/@MonaApp/115727391556105570
Upgraded to Mona 7. Smooth process, simple to use my Pro Max discount to purchase Ultra - all my settings and customisations came across, only thing that didn't sync was my timelines. Already settled in nicely, every difference I've […]
Upgraded to Mona 7. Smooth process, simple to use my Pro Max discount to purchase Ultra - all my settings and customisations came across, only thing that didn't sync was my timelines. Already settled in nicely, every difference I've […]
I loved this viaduct. This is very sad. #speysideway #garmouthviaduct https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c1m87jlv97ro
December 15, 2025 at 1:44 PM
I loved this viaduct. This is very sad. #speysideway #garmouthviaduct https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c1m87jlv97ro
I still don't really see why a bridge-height bar across the road wouldn't also “detect over-height vehicles approaching a low railway bridge and] warn any driver that they will not be able to pass under an upcoming bridge” and be deployable more quickly… [ […]
Original post on mastodon.social
mastodon.social
December 15, 2025 at 11:26 AM
I still don't really see why a bridge-height bar across the road wouldn't also “detect over-height vehicles approaching a low railway bridge and] warn any driver that they will not be able to pass under an upcoming bridge” and be deployable more quickly… [ […]
Yay! The evenings are getting longer 🥳 (though I’m not convinced it’s 5 seconds… 0.5 maybe?) https://fed.brid.gy/r/https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:vadc5ou2fobayi4fzmj3r5qc/post/3m7xirb5o5g23
Solar Cardiff (@cardiff.solar.v.cx)
The sun will rise in #Cardiff #Wales tomorrow at 8:11, 50 seconds later than the day before. It will set at 16:03, 5 seconds later than the day before.
bsky.app
December 14, 2025 at 8:28 PM
Yay! The evenings are getting longer 🥳 (though I’m not convinced it’s 5 seconds… 0.5 maybe?) https://fed.brid.gy/r/https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:vadc5ou2fobayi4fzmj3r5qc/post/3m7xirb5o5g23
“I read the CIA Factbook, Christine, written by you. Britain’s entry: ‘slightly smaller than Oregon.’” Oh, I did love the first couple of series of #Spooks. Great article by Melissa Beattie here on 2.6 and Anglo-American relationships @CSTonlinetv […]
Original post on mastodon.social
mastodon.social
December 12, 2025 at 3:09 PM
“I read the CIA Factbook, Christine, written by you. Britain’s entry: ‘slightly smaller than Oregon.’” Oh, I did love the first couple of series of #Spooks. Great article by Melissa Beattie here on 2.6 and Anglo-American relationships @CSTonlinetv […]
Today I learned that Michael Palin (who was being interviewed, a bit randomly with Kylie Minogue on R2) was in Home and Away… 😮 https://youtu.be/261ugmDCcBU?si=JcDrNi3M_DVWKm_g
December 12, 2025 at 11:06 AM
Today I learned that Michael Palin (who was being interviewed, a bit randomly with Kylie Minogue on R2) was in Home and Away… 😮 https://youtu.be/261ugmDCcBU?si=JcDrNi3M_DVWKm_g
Reposted by Simon Wood
If you've not read them, I highly recommend picking up this Murderbot Diaries book bundle from Humble Bundle. Great books, I just polished off the last one and still want more!
https://www.humblebundle.com/books/martha-wells-murderbot-and-more-tor-books-encore
https://www.humblebundle.com/books/martha-wells-murderbot-and-more-tor-books-encore
December 11, 2025 at 4:36 PM
If you've not read them, I highly recommend picking up this Murderbot Diaries book bundle from Humble Bundle. Great books, I just polished off the last one and still want more!
https://www.humblebundle.com/books/martha-wells-murderbot-and-more-tor-books-encore
https://www.humblebundle.com/books/martha-wells-murderbot-and-more-tor-books-encore
Apple have finally announced an air date for #tehran season 3 (only a year after it aired in Israel) it starts 9 Jan. (Ok, Apple, now release The Savant) https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/tv/articles/tehran-lands-season-3-release-150000350.html
‘Tehran’ Lands Season 3 Release Date & Season 4 Renewal At Apple TV
Apple confirmed today that veteran actor Hugh Laurie has joined the cast of Tehran, which has finally received a Season 3 release date alongside a Season 4 renewal. Tehran season 3 will debut on Apple TV on January 9, with one episode followed by new episodes every Friday through February 27. Check out a first …
www.yahoo.com
December 4, 2025 at 6:19 PM
Apple have finally announced an air date for #tehran season 3 (only a year after it aired in Israel) it starts 9 Jan. (Ok, Apple, now release The Savant) https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/tv/articles/tehran-lands-season-3-release-150000350.html
Reposted by Simon Wood
This looks genuinely excellent for #Cardiff and applaud @transportforwales.bsky.social for not proposing a value-engineered box (though let’s see the reality before judging!).
One big problem here though is clearly an UNCOVERED route to the tram platform. It rains in Wales *a lot*, we need roofs!
One big problem here though is clearly an UNCOVERED route to the tram platform. It rains in Wales *a lot*, we need roofs!
£140 million funding approved for Cardiff Central station revamp
The £140 million revamp of Cardiff Central railway station has been given the green light as funding is approved.
news.tfw.wales
December 4, 2025 at 2:05 PM
This looks genuinely excellent for #Cardiff and applaud @transportforwales.bsky.social for not proposing a value-engineered box (though let’s see the reality before judging!).
One big problem here though is clearly an UNCOVERED route to the tram platform. It rains in Wales *a lot*, we need roofs!
One big problem here though is clearly an UNCOVERED route to the tram platform. It rains in Wales *a lot*, we need roofs!