Mealy blue sage in my garden, Oakland.

Using a particle accelerator to generate 3D CT-scans of carbonized scrolls from Pompeii that can't be unrolled, and then applying machine learning to read words. Truly amazing story. Probably some unknown texts will be revealed!

I'm going to do an online interview with Shirin Leos on October 26. It's going to be a lot of fun. RSVP at the link below--spaces are limited.

TIL that the real-life Rob Roy once killed twelve men single-handed with his broadsword and "the remainder" took to their heels.

I'm a non-drinker, except--it seems--when it comes to Hemingway-endorsed drinks in Europe. This time it's a Bellini in Venice.

Two-handed swords in the armoury at the Doge's palace in Venice. These were built for wide sweeping cuts. It's difficult to appreciate how big these are without getting up close and personal. With @asunalvarez.bsky.social (5' 4") generously appearing for scale.

If it's a perfect sunny afternoon on the island of San Servolo in the Venetian lagoon and you see a tree with a perfect gentle slope at its base, the only thing to do is to take off your shoes and nap.

A street over a now-buried canal in Venice, in an area once notorious for murders in the dark. The underside of an incredibly wealthy city of traders.

I am very happy to report that Terence Hill--the magnificent star of My Name is Trinity, etc.--still rules the airwaves in Italy.

The monkeys of my childhood only stole clothes and then sat out of reach and negotiated for food (not making this up). The new breed want to take over the world. scroll.in/video/105642...

Old school war-gaming. If you recognize these screens, you're a true grognard.

I just noticed that the NYT house style uses "P.D.F." instead of "PDF." Are other publications doing this? Looks odd to me.