Alastair Millar
@skriptorium.info
Translator & flash sf writer (BSFA); 🇨🇿/🇬🇧
Posts eclectically (archaeology, travel, current affairs, words)
❤️good coffee & bad puns; 🚫 genAI; unsolicited DM = block
Happily married; he/him; 🏳️🌈/🏳️⚧️ ally; #NAFO fella; 🇺🇦 🇬🇪
Links: https://linktr.ee/alastairmillar
Posts eclectically (archaeology, travel, current affairs, words)
❤️good coffee & bad puns; 🚫 genAI; unsolicited DM = block
Happily married; he/him; 🏳️🌈/🏳️⚧️ ally; #NAFO fella; 🇺🇦 🇬🇪
Links: https://linktr.ee/alastairmillar
Pinned
Alastair Millar
@skriptorium.info
· Jun 16
My flash science fiction collection, 'Mars & More', is still available!
If you'd like to get YOUR hands on some punchy, bite sized SF, you can find the ebook here: books2read.com/MarsMore
Or order in print (paperback) through your favourite bookstore: the ISBN is 979-8-227-17966-1
If you'd like to get YOUR hands on some punchy, bite sized SF, you can find the ebook here: books2read.com/MarsMore
Or order in print (paperback) through your favourite bookstore: the ISBN is 979-8-227-17966-1
My latest flash fiction story, 'The Fire Wrangler', a piece of science fantasy this time, is included here, along some great writers. Why not take a look? 😉
scifansat.com/bibi/?book=S...
scifansat.com/bibi/?book=S...
AVAILABLE NOW: The latest issue of #SciFanSat Magazine is ablaze with talent and hot off the presses at scifansat.com! Enjoy sizzling speculative stories of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and More!
We light a signal fire of thanks to all our contributing #SFF authors, and the readers just like you!
We light a signal fire of thanks to all our contributing #SFF authors, and the readers just like you!
November 29, 2025 at 6:42 PM
My latest flash fiction story, 'The Fire Wrangler', a piece of science fantasy this time, is included here, along some great writers. Why not take a look? 😉
scifansat.com/bibi/?book=S...
scifansat.com/bibi/?book=S...
Donald Tusk nailed it this morning.
November 29, 2025 at 1:41 PM
Donald Tusk nailed it this morning.
Absolutely. Which is why Trump sent a businessman instead of a diplomat to 'negotiate' - just as he sent Kushner to the Middle East. It's always, *always*, about the grift, and lining his own pockets.
It’s clear that the primary interest of the US in “peace negotiations” is to create opportunities for Trump, Witkoff, their family members, business partners and cronies to make billions from business deals with Russia, and Ukraine is just the annoying nuisance in the way.
November 29, 2025 at 1:30 PM
Absolutely. Which is why Trump sent a businessman instead of a diplomat to 'negotiate' - just as he sent Kushner to the Middle East. It's always, *always*, about the grift, and lining his own pockets.
This made me laugh, so... here it is.
November 29, 2025 at 10:50 AM
This made me laugh, so... here it is.
Reposted by Alastair Millar
53 years ago, on the 29th of November 1972, Atari released Pong, which was originally created by Allan Alcorn as a training exercise. It was based on the ping-pong game available on the Magnavox Odyssey home video game console. Pong was the first commercially successful video game. #otd #history 🗃️
November 29, 2025 at 9:46 AM
Re. Hegseth's order to kill survivors of a strike on an alleged drug trafficking boat, this is the level that the US has sunk to.:
In 1945, commander Heinz-Wilhelm Eck ordered his men to fire on the survivors of a Greek merchantman sunk by U-852.
Eck was subsequently convicted and executed.
In 1945, commander Heinz-Wilhelm Eck ordered his men to fire on the survivors of a Greek merchantman sunk by U-852.
Eck was subsequently convicted and executed.
November 29, 2025 at 5:46 AM
Re. Hegseth's order to kill survivors of a strike on an alleged drug trafficking boat, this is the level that the US has sunk to.:
In 1945, commander Heinz-Wilhelm Eck ordered his men to fire on the survivors of a Greek merchantman sunk by U-852.
Eck was subsequently convicted and executed.
In 1945, commander Heinz-Wilhelm Eck ordered his men to fire on the survivors of a Greek merchantman sunk by U-852.
Eck was subsequently convicted and executed.
Γνῶθι σεαυτόν - know thyself.
A man: who, knowing his whole true self, cannot be used or possessed by any power other than himself, and whose life therefore is lived for life’s sake and never in the service of ruin, or pain, or hatred, or the dark.
November 29, 2025 at 5:27 AM
Γνῶθι σεαυτόν - know thyself.
🇬🇪 One whole YEAR of not giving in to Russophile authoritarianism in Georgia, demonstrating EVERY NIGHT. 🇬🇪
‼️Do not forget them. Do not abandon them.‼️
‼️Do not forget them. Do not abandon them.‼️
⭕️ November 28 | One year of continuous protest on Rustaveli Avenue | Drone footage
Video: Levan Zazadze
#GeorgiaProtsests
Video: Levan Zazadze
#GeorgiaProtsests
November 29, 2025 at 5:25 AM
🇬🇪 One whole YEAR of not giving in to Russophile authoritarianism in Georgia, demonstrating EVERY NIGHT. 🇬🇪
‼️Do not forget them. Do not abandon them.‼️
‼️Do not forget them. Do not abandon them.‼️
This.
This is why printed books are still so important.
This is why printed books are still so important.
We can read 4000 year old texts. We can't open 20 year old digital documents
November 29, 2025 at 5:19 AM
This.
This is why printed books are still so important.
This is why printed books are still so important.
Something to think about.
November 29, 2025 at 5:06 AM
Something to think about.
Another sign that American unreliability is encouraging even allied countries to replace the US as a supplier.
❗️The 🇸🇪Swedish Ministry of Defence has ordered the development from scratch of a new cruise missile, with a prototype to be ready in 18 months.
November 28, 2025 at 2:37 PM
Another sign that American unreliability is encouraging even allied countries to replace the US as a supplier.
Good.
Russia's economic collapse is progressing nicely. Russia's railway monopoly is $51 billion in debt and needs a bailout.
November 28, 2025 at 1:14 PM
Good.
The sheer number of Ukrainian refugees in the Czech Rep. has meant that the country is actually benefiting financially from its support for them - they pay more in taxes etc. than they cost. That surplus (which mostly goes to Ukraine as aid) is what the incoming government really has its eyes on.
❗️Since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of 🇺🇦Ukraine, the 🇨🇿Czech Republic has spent a total of 3.85 billion euros on aid to Ukraine and on accommodating Ukrainian refugees.
November 28, 2025 at 11:02 AM
The sheer number of Ukrainian refugees in the Czech Rep. has meant that the country is actually benefiting financially from its support for them - they pay more in taxes etc. than they cost. That surplus (which mostly goes to Ukraine as aid) is what the incoming government really has its eyes on.
A good article that, however, seems to ignore one issue: the current US regime & its techbro symbiotes would rather pressure allies to drop/change their regulations than comply with them. And that's what's really losing them business to the Chinese, who do not have a similar policy.
Superior AI tech means nothing if U.S. firms can’t legally compete. Once allies choose a compliant rival, the opportunity can disappear for a decade.
How Washington Is Losing the AI Race No One Is Tracking
Spain — a NATO ally and founding member of the European Union — chose a Chinese company to manage its law enforcement wiretap systems. The €12.3 million
warontherocks.com
November 28, 2025 at 10:58 AM
A good article that, however, seems to ignore one issue: the current US regime & its techbro symbiotes would rather pressure allies to drop/change their regulations than comply with them. And that's what's really losing them business to the Chinese, who do not have a similar policy.
This new defensive initiative matters because it's backed by the Czech military's Chief of General Staff, and comes despite the possible ambivalence of the incoming Czech government to Ukraine.
84 interceptors are already funded - YOU can help here:
www.charlieone.cz/en
Slava ukraini! 🇺🇦
#nafo
84 interceptors are already funded - YOU can help here:
www.charlieone.cz/en
Slava ukraini! 🇺🇦
#nafo
In the Czech Republic, a fundraising campaign has been launched to raise money for interceptor drones that will target and destroy Russian drones over Ukraine
militarnyi.com/en/news/fund...
militarnyi.com/en/news/fund...
Fundraising for Interceptor Drones for Ukraine Launched in Czech Republic - Militarnyi
In the Czech Republic, a fundraising campaign has been launched to raise money for interceptor drones that will target and destroy Russian drones over Ukraine
militarnyi.com
November 28, 2025 at 10:01 AM
This new defensive initiative matters because it's backed by the Czech military's Chief of General Staff, and comes despite the possible ambivalence of the incoming Czech government to Ukraine.
84 interceptors are already funded - YOU can help here:
www.charlieone.cz/en
Slava ukraini! 🇺🇦
#nafo
84 interceptors are already funded - YOU can help here:
www.charlieone.cz/en
Slava ukraini! 🇺🇦
#nafo
Seen on Threads:
"There is no such thing as an AI Artist. You are little more than the person commissioning the work. Being more specific in what you’re asking for doesn’t make you an artist".
Nuff said.
"There is no such thing as an AI Artist. You are little more than the person commissioning the work. Being more specific in what you’re asking for doesn’t make you an artist".
Nuff said.
November 28, 2025 at 8:11 AM
Seen on Threads:
"There is no such thing as an AI Artist. You are little more than the person commissioning the work. Being more specific in what you’re asking for doesn’t make you an artist".
Nuff said.
"There is no such thing as an AI Artist. You are little more than the person commissioning the work. Being more specific in what you’re asking for doesn’t make you an artist".
Nuff said.
This was a new word to me! 😁
Fun trivia for anyone who likes vocabulary: putting fat onto a piece of meat before cooking (common with wild fowl like partridge and pheasant because they're quite lean) is called barding. You bard your birds and they come out perfect and juicy.
I also use the bacon method. Although turkey is Christmas dinner where I come from.
November 28, 2025 at 8:02 AM
This was a new word to me! 😁
Playmobil totally nailing it with this advent calendar: not only relevant thanks to the Louvre incident, but even includes a search robot!
And it is indeed real, not a fake: details on the Playmobil website at:
www.playmobil.com/en-gb/advent...
And it is indeed real, not a fake: details on the Playmobil website at:
www.playmobil.com/en-gb/advent...
November 28, 2025 at 7:56 AM
Playmobil totally nailing it with this advent calendar: not only relevant thanks to the Louvre incident, but even includes a search robot!
And it is indeed real, not a fake: details on the Playmobil website at:
www.playmobil.com/en-gb/advent...
And it is indeed real, not a fake: details on the Playmobil website at:
www.playmobil.com/en-gb/advent...
Gorgeous 🤩
One of the Binham Bracteates - a decorated gold disk worn as a pendant which was discovered as part of hoard in 2004 at Binham in Norfolk. Dating to 475–525, the pendant is part of the collections at Norwich Castle. 📸 My own. #FindsFriday #NorwichCastle
November 28, 2025 at 7:51 AM
Gorgeous 🤩
Just the US government using a holiday to casually announce that it plans to invade a sovereign state.
We all know that what really attracts Trump and his coterie is Venezuela's oil, whatever the human cost.
We all know that what really attracts Trump and his coterie is Venezuela's oil, whatever the human cost.
President Donald Trump suggested Thursday during a Thanksgiving call to service members that the United States is preparing to take new action 'by land' against drug trafficking networks in Venezuela.
Read more: https://cnn.it/485UIwd
Read more: https://cnn.it/485UIwd
November 28, 2025 at 4:48 AM
Just the US government using a holiday to casually announce that it plans to invade a sovereign state.
We all know that what really attracts Trump and his coterie is Venezuela's oil, whatever the human cost.
We all know that what really attracts Trump and his coterie is Venezuela's oil, whatever the human cost.
So Russia is supposedly willing to 'promise' not to attack Europe, but we know how little that's worth - and see their ongoing acts of aggression against us.
But the useful idiots in the current US regime are likely to swallow it whole, which is of course the point.
But the useful idiots in the current US regime are likely to swallow it whole, which is of course the point.
Putin demands Kyiv withdraw forces from Eastern Ukraine
The Russian president reiterated his maximalist demands over occupied areas of Ukraine, and insisted Moscow has no plans of slowing down its full-scale invasion or even negotiating with Kyiv.
www.euronews.com
November 28, 2025 at 4:38 AM
So Russia is supposedly willing to 'promise' not to attack Europe, but we know how little that's worth - and see their ongoing acts of aggression against us.
But the useful idiots in the current US regime are likely to swallow it whole, which is of course the point.
But the useful idiots in the current US regime are likely to swallow it whole, which is of course the point.
Reposted by Alastair Millar
Honeyfuggle [HUHN-ee-FUHG-uhl]
(v.)
-To flatter or sweet-talk to get what you want.
-To wheedle, blandish or cajole; to ballyhoo.
Used in a sentence:
“Oh, sweetie, if you think you can honeyfuggle me with your your mellifluous compliments—think again!”
(v.)
-To flatter or sweet-talk to get what you want.
-To wheedle, blandish or cajole; to ballyhoo.
Used in a sentence:
“Oh, sweetie, if you think you can honeyfuggle me with your your mellifluous compliments—think again!”
November 27, 2025 at 1:14 AM
Honeyfuggle [HUHN-ee-FUHG-uhl]
(v.)
-To flatter or sweet-talk to get what you want.
-To wheedle, blandish or cajole; to ballyhoo.
Used in a sentence:
“Oh, sweetie, if you think you can honeyfuggle me with your your mellifluous compliments—think again!”
(v.)
-To flatter or sweet-talk to get what you want.
-To wheedle, blandish or cajole; to ballyhoo.
Used in a sentence:
“Oh, sweetie, if you think you can honeyfuggle me with your your mellifluous compliments—think again!”
Being GenX myself, I apparently missed the rise of "AI veganism".
(NB: For both ethical and environmental reasons I thoroughly dislike GenAI myself, and do not use it in my writing or work.)
(NB: For both ethical and environmental reasons I thoroughly dislike GenAI myself, and do not use it in my writing or work.)
AI vegans: Why Gen-Z are turning against chatbots
A cohort of young, environmentally conscious people labelled ‘AI vegans’ is leading the charge against ChatGPT and other forms of generative AI.
www.euronews.com
November 27, 2025 at 3:43 PM
Being GenX myself, I apparently missed the rise of "AI veganism".
(NB: For both ethical and environmental reasons I thoroughly dislike GenAI myself, and do not use it in my writing or work.)
(NB: For both ethical and environmental reasons I thoroughly dislike GenAI myself, and do not use it in my writing or work.)
Ouch. True, though.
“Alliances are built on common values and a common threat perception. Trump shares nether of those with us and I would argue he doesn’t share it with most Europeans.”
- Jacob Kaarsbo, former chief analyst at the Danish defence intelligence agency.
“Alliances are built on common values and a common threat perception. Trump shares nether of those with us and I would argue he doesn’t share it with most Europeans.”
- Jacob Kaarsbo, former chief analyst at the Danish defence intelligence agency.
Denmark sets up ‘night watch’ to monitor Trump after Greenland row
US president’s threat to seize territory prompts intelligence briefings reminiscent of Game of Thrones patrol
www.theguardian.com
November 27, 2025 at 3:37 PM
Ouch. True, though.
“Alliances are built on common values and a common threat perception. Trump shares nether of those with us and I would argue he doesn’t share it with most Europeans.”
- Jacob Kaarsbo, former chief analyst at the Danish defence intelligence agency.
“Alliances are built on common values and a common threat perception. Trump shares nether of those with us and I would argue he doesn’t share it with most Europeans.”
- Jacob Kaarsbo, former chief analyst at the Danish defence intelligence agency.
This Facebook post on "AI detection" and how it is actually harming communication is an absolute must read.
Did you know, for example, that LinkedIn may reduce your reach if it determines that you used AI - even if you're just a clear writer, and didn't?
www.facebook.com/surfnukumoi/...
Did you know, for example, that LinkedIn may reduce your reach if it determines that you used AI - even if you're just a clear writer, and didn't?
www.facebook.com/surfnukumoi/...
Genny Harrison
Earlier today, someone sent me a screenshot. It was my essay about Bard the Bowman from Tolkien’s “The Hobbit,” fed through an AI detector, with a score blazing across the top: “100% AI-generated.”...
www.facebook.com
November 27, 2025 at 7:48 AM
This Facebook post on "AI detection" and how it is actually harming communication is an absolute must read.
Did you know, for example, that LinkedIn may reduce your reach if it determines that you used AI - even if you're just a clear writer, and didn't?
www.facebook.com/surfnukumoi/...
Did you know, for example, that LinkedIn may reduce your reach if it determines that you used AI - even if you're just a clear writer, and didn't?
www.facebook.com/surfnukumoi/...