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Rob Dale @robdale.bsky.social · 1h

Windows 10 security updates end today, generating a huge mountain of e-waste. 14 October 2025 is, checks notes, International E-Waste Day. What an incredible irony!

If it is any compensation I will be turning old hard drives into external drives, and turning a defunct laptop into a chrome book.

Rachel Carson Center for Environment & Society @carsoncenter.bsky.social · 2h

Today, on the 14 October 2025, is International E-Waste Day (IEWD).

This year’s specific focus is on Critical Raw Materials (CRMs), the “elements that are mined in only a handful of countries and that are crucial to foster the green and digital transition.” (WEEE Forum)

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Rob Dale @robdale.bsky.social · 5h

But it is possible to post to everyone directly! It is the most maddening waste of time.

Rob Dale @robdale.bsky.social · 5h

One thing I will never get my head around in universities is the process where someone writes to ask you to forward an email to a mailing list or another recipient. All email addresses are in a global address book. Every week someone forwards an email from another part of the institution to us.

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Rob Dale @robdale.bsky.social · 1d

Another big chunk of writing done! Woohoo!

a colorful background with the words woohooo on it

ALT: a colorful background with the words woohooo on it

media.tenor.com

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Rob Dale @robdale.bsky.social · 1d

Congratulations

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Rob Dale @robdale.bsky.social · 1d

It is later than you think!
www.theguardian.com/environment/...

Planet’s first catastrophic climate tipping point reached, report says, with coral reefs facing ‘widespread dieback’

Unless global heating is reduced to 1.2C ‘as fast as possible’, warm water coral reefs will not remain ‘at any meaningful scale’, a report by 160 scientists from 23 countries warns

www.theguardian.com

Rob Dale @robdale.bsky.social · 3d

www.nytimes.com/2025/10/11/w...

Understanding Post-Soviet Tyranny, in Order to Fight It

www.nytimes.com

Rob Dale @robdale.bsky.social · 3d

Congratulations.

Rob Dale @robdale.bsky.social · 3d

I sat in an extremely comfy office chair today. Wish I had thought to look at the model, not that I could probably afford one.

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Rob Dale @robdale.bsky.social · 4d

on.ft.com/4h0iJHK

Mapping the shifting mental boundaries of Europe

Two books look at how so much central and eastern Europe identity has long been defined by an animosity to Moscow

on.ft.com

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Rob Dale @robdale.bsky.social · 4d

Just made a complete fool of myself thinking the seats I normally sit in the cafe outside the Brotherton Library were ok to sit in. Apparently, I haven't noticed they were being used as a kind of pop up IT helpdesk. Just thought people were working on their laptops.

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Rob Dale @robdale.bsky.social · 4d

Back in one of my happy places today. The Brotherton in Leeds. SCONUL is a wonderful thing!

The Brotherton Library Done at the University of Leeds.

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Rob Dale @robdale.bsky.social · 4d

World Mental Health Day - As Jerry Springer used to say "Take care of yourself, and each other."

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Rob Dale @robdale.bsky.social · 4d

🙏🏼

Rob Dale @robdale.bsky.social · 4d

Yes, in 1945 and 1948. In 1948 I think the nominee was a Prof from Charles University in Prague, which is even harder to fathom.

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Rob Dale @robdale.bsky.social · 4d

Yes, but Stalin was nominated twice, which is often a mind-bending fact for undergraduates.

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Rob Dale @robdale.bsky.social · 4d

This can't be far from where my Mum lives.

Rob Dale @robdale.bsky.social · 5d

I see the point, but when the job is created doesn't that money just come from somewhere else in the public budget?

Rob Dale @robdale.bsky.social · 5d

(D) How does this create economic growth? Doesn't it just juggle where disposable money in the economy is being spent? Can an economist explain?

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Rob Dale @robdale.bsky.social · 5d

(B) If the restaurant stays open later, ok I might have another pint of Tetley's there, but otherwise I might have just had that at the pub nextdoor. (C) Pubs and restaurants are often shutting early because they can't pay staff for long hours. How will stay open longer 🧵 continues

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Rob Dale @robdale.bsky.social · 5d

Again, I need an economist to explain: www.theguardian.com/business/202... How does extending licences boost economic growth? Isn't this increasingly desperate? (A) If I stay on in the pub and spend £20 more on mild, isn't that just £20 I don't spend on the weekly shop? 🧵

Pubs to stay open until early hours in push for UK growth

Exclusive: Plans for England and Wales would help ailing hospitality sector but health experts criticise plans

www.theguardian.com

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Rob Dale @robdale.bsky.social · 5d

The endless attacks on the humanities in the UK are so short sighted. Reading books is a joy, and a life well spent. The one thing that got me through some very dull jobs in the years between BA, MA and PhD was reading on the bus or train to and from work, and in the evenings.

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Rob Dale @robdale.bsky.social · 5d

Also isn't it an indictment of our society that a career in nursing, or care, or retail, or working in a cafe, or cleaning etc. aren't also valued and don't allow people to carve out a secure life.

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Rob Dale @robdale.bsky.social · 5d

Surely the prob isn't arts+hums but the lack of good jobs. If everyone has brilliant maths + a science, I don't think it will create lots of high paying jobs. Isn't it more likely to lower pay in the sector? We understand not everyone can play pro footie similarly only so many biotech jobs.

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Rob Dale @robdale.bsky.social · 6d

I think our whole staff network runs on W10 still. I assume a deal has been done to get a year of extra security support. There isn't much money around so perhaps explains it.

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