Microposts

Articles like “We will never be able to live on another planet. Here’s why” highlight an important tension. As a fan of science fiction, I’m really excited by the prospect of space exploration and agree that, eventually, we need to find additional places to live and thrive.

But:

Astronomical observations and Earth’s geological record are clear: the only planet that can support us is the one we evolved with. There is no plan B. There is no planet B. Our future is here, and it doesn’t have to mean we’re doomed.

And, so, we need to take much better care of our planet. There’s lots of excitement here too: clean energy, resilient infrastructure, better agriculture. Along with some real existential dread and disapointment with our behaviour so far.

I like to think we can do both of these things: explore beyond our planet, while taking good care of what we have. Sometimes the balance seems off though.

📺 Echo 3 (2022) - ★★☆☆☆

Echo 3 poster

Decent entertainment: well made and acted. The story was relatively straightforward, until the last episode, which started to hint at trauma and consequences.

I was feeling a bit worn out. So, skipped this morning’s swim and slept in. This did wonders for my Readiness To Train score, which hadn’t been green for a week. A reminder, which should be unecessary, of the importance of rest.

A fitness tracking app displays running statistics, including a distance of 21.43 km, a duration of 2:06:00, and 1633 kcal burned, with a line graph showing performance over a week.

Finished reading: Elder Race by Adrian Tchaikovsky. A fun read. I really liked the structure of alternating each chapter between fantasy and sci-fi, plus the story was intriguing 📚

Finished reading: Perhaps the Stars by Ada Palmer. A satisfying ending to the Terra Ignota series. I really enjoyed this series, though it can be a tough read. Jammed full of ideas and rich details, which can seem overwhelming at times. In the end, I’m not sure it was a successful novel, despite the ambition and fascinating world building📚

📺 Slow Horses seasons 1 and 2 are both great. I enjoyed the sarcastic competence of the rejects at Slough House

Started 2023 with a polar bear swim 🥶. 0°C air temperature and 2°C in the water. Now we’re huddled by the fire to warm up 🔥

Three people are standing on a beach wrapped in towels, smiling at the camera.A group of people, wrapped in towels, stands together on a sandy beach with the ocean in the background.

My 2022 focussed on fitness. Strava helpfully summarizes this as over 4,000 km travelled with 1,600 🏃‍♂️, 2,500 🚴‍♂️, and 100 🏊‍♂️. Plus 🏋️‍♂️ and essential 🧘‍♂️ sessions. I’ll build on this in 2023 while striving for balance

A Strava summary showcases Matt Routley's 2022 activity totals, highlighting 301 active days, a top sport, 26,939 meters of elevation, and a distance of 4,223 kilometers.

Finished reading: I wanted to like The Gun, the Ship, and the Pen by Linda Colley. The main thesis is that as societies became more complex and conflicts more intense, governments needed to develop written constitutions to cede rights to their citizens and keep them participating in wars. I found getting through the details a tough slog that distracted from the broader narrative. 📚