But it was still deeply upsetting. My eyes started to water just writing about it. The good death of a beloved animal who has led a good life is both sad and OK. The inescapability of mortality means we have to accept it but we donβt have to feel good about it.
Reading this brought back memories of our prior black lab, Ceiligh, and our decision to euthanize her once she was diagnosed with significant and incurable cancer.
In addition to everything described in this essay, two other factors made this a very difficult decision:
We made the choice on her behalf. Of course, we made the choice to reduce her suffering, but it was still an active choice for which we were accountable.
Our kids were young enough to not have experienced much loss yet, while also old enough to understand what was happening. Explaining to them why this was the best outcome was difficult.
We valued Ceiligh’s role in our family and welcomed her predecesor, Lucy, knowing that the choice might arise again, while also knowing how much she would enrich our lives.
Finished reading: The Biggest Ideas in the Universe by Sean Carroll. I really appreciated this book. Starting from high school math, Carroll leads you through 200 crisp and entertaining pages to actually show you how to derive Einstein’s Theory of General Relativity. A nice middle ground between the analogies of popular science books and the intense detail of a text book. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series. π
Currently reading: All the Math You Missed by Thomas A. Garrity. Iβm looking forward to this challenge π
Finished reading: Life Is Hard by Kieran Setiya is a good, pragmatic book about how philosophy can help you navigate difficult times. I appreciate Setiyaβs easy going style and his approach is a good complement to Oliver Burkmanβs practical advice π
I was going to say Hussen should table one of two things: every piece of communications material that was ever produced for him by Munch More Media, or his resignation from the government. But Iβm not sure why we canβt have both.
Indeed
πββοΈπ΄ββοΈπββοΈ I’ve cancelled my Strava subscription. This isn’t directly caused by the price increase (though a 100% increase is big!), rather this was a good reason to reconsider the service. Most of the Strava features that I’ve found useful (detailed analytics for the most part) I can also get from the built-in Apple Fitness metrics, augmented by the HealthFit app. So, I’m not seeing the value in keeping the subscription. I’ll keep using the app, though, since I do appreciate the social aspects of the service.
Articles like “We will never be able to live on another planet. Hereβs 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 Earthβs 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 doesnβt have to mean weβre 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.
Decent entertainment: well made and acted. The story was relatively straightforward, until the last episode, which started to hint at trauma and consequences.
Not quite as good as season 1, though still entertaining and outrageous
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.
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 π
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, Iβm not sure it was a successful novel, despite the ambition and fascinating world buildingπ
π§ The Essential Sam Harris is a well done, comprehensive set of podcast episodes that dive into the details of specific topics, including artificial intelligence, consciousness, and morality. I’ve enjoyed each one, so far
πΊ 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 π₯Ά. 0Β°C air temperature and 2Β°C in the water. Now we’re huddled by the fire to warm up π₯
My 2022 focussed on fitness. Strava helpfully summarizes this as over 4,000 km travelled with 1,600 πββοΈ, 2,500 π΄ββοΈ, and 100 πββοΈ. Plus ποΈββοΈ and essential π§ββοΈ sessions. I’ll build on this in 2023 while striving for balance
πββοΈ Nice run along the river. Iβm glad it has warmed up a bit