March 2022

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Big News 
Ukraine in need. I usually focus on science and technology news but this month the story that has dominated the headlines has been the atrocities happening in the war between Russia and Ukraine. It’s an ever changing situation and each day there are new stories of death and destruction that break my heart. If you have the ability all I can recommend is trying to help those who are in need, whether it’s donating to Crisis Relief through the UN or supporting the refugees fleeing the war any help you can offer might make the world a little less terrible. 

Heatwaves at the Earths poles. In scientific, and almost as worrying, news both Antarctica and the Arctic have been hit by monumental heatwaves. It is likely just a coincidence that both poles were struck by heatwaves 30⁰C higher than normal, but it is a bad omen for the future of climate change. Sadly, it is predicted that large-scale climate shifts like this are only going to occur more frequently and be more variable. I would like to think that this type of event would be enough to scare governments into taking climate change more seriously, however the realist in me doubts it.  

 
Little News
UK online safety bill. This month UK Parliament have been scrutinising the Online Safety Bill which aims to make the internet a safer environment. If it becomes law the bill would force platforms, search engines and social media companies to assess the risks their services can create and take measures to minimise those risks. The government hopes this will help combat online abuse, reduce the spread of cybercrime and combat the growing exploitation of users data. There has been some doubt around the bill; while it has good intentions the internet is a rapidly changing environment and it is difficult for government legislation to keep up with the latest developments.  

What I’ve been enjoying this month 
Betrayal at house on the Hill. Now that COVID restrictions have eased I’m back to seeing friends semi-regularly (I’m stilling being cautious and testing regularly because I’m not a complete moron). The best thing about seeing friends for me is board games, and my current favourite is Betrayal at House on the Hill. During the first half of the game you work together as explorers in a haunted house, finding rooms, picking up items and experiencing supernatural events. But during the second half you a betrayed by a fellow explorer and have to fight for survival to escape a traitor and super natural entity. It can be a little complex but it’s an incredibly enjoyable game, and always leads to some hilarious moments. Plus it has dozens of different scenarios so it has brilliant re-play value.  

In case you missed it I wrote post recently where wrote letter to myself, it is my attempt to highlight everything I wish I’d known 4 years ago, before I started doing a PhD. Go check it out and let me know what you think.  

Until next month and with kindness,  

Steve  

P.S: If you want to read more content from me then check out my blog.