Ben Werdmuller

A novel is born

I’m obsessed with this kind of thing: an author self-publishing across various media using the internet as a kind of canvas. So obsessed that I really want to try it myself. [Link]

Here's why California has the lowest COVID rate in the nation

““If the small inconvenience of wearing a mask could protect my neighbor, I wear one with a smile,” he said. “Similarly, if the science, my own self-interest and the protection of my neighbors all are promoted by getting a vaccine, I’m happy to join my neighbors in line.

Apple and Google Remove ‘Navalny’ Voting App in Russia

"Google removed the app Friday morning after the Russian authorities issued a direct threat of criminal prosecution against the company’s staff in the country, naming specific individuals, according to a person familiar with the company’s decision. The move comes one day after a Russian lawmaker raised the

Fairness Friday: People’s Programs

I’m posting Fairness Fridays: a new community social justice organization each week. I donate to each featured organization. If you feel so inclined, please join me. This week I’m donating to People’s Programs. Based in Oakland, People's Programs is a grassroots community organization that serves

Troll farms reached 140 million Americans a month on Facebook before 2020 election

"The report reveals the alarming state of affairs in which Facebook leadership left the platform for years, despite repeated public promises to aggressively tackle foreign-based election interference. MIT Technology Review is making the full report available, with employee names redacted, because it is in the public interest."

Restore point

Not too long after I wrote my blog post about cars, my car was broken into. Unfortunately, I'd made the unwise decision to leave my backpack in the boot, with all of my devices save my phone. They were swiped unceremoniously. I feel pretty stupid about it: never

What I learned from a year on Substack

“The result is a job that feels more durable, and sustainable, than any other employment I’ve had. In the past, to lose my job might require only a bad quarter in the ad market, the loss of an ally in upper management, or the takeover of my company by

Home computing pioneer Sir Clive Sinclair dies aged 81

"His first home computer, the ZX80, named after the year it appeared, revolutionised the market, although it was a far cry from today’s models. At £79.95 in kit form and £99.95 assembled, it was about one-fifth of the price of other home computers at the

Ministers plan legal requirement for broadcasters to make 'clearly British' shows like Only Fools and Horses

"Fleabag, Derry Girls and Only Fools and Horses were cited as the kind of “distinctively British” programmes that would meet the obligation. Ofcom will be asked to draw up a workable definition of the concept." I'm not positive, but this might be the dumbest thing I&

The Very First Webcam Was Invented to Keep an Eye on a Coffee Pot at Cambridge University

I don't feel old, generally, except when I read pieces like this. I remember accessing this webcam like it was yesterday ... [Link]

We are benefitting hugely from Brexit, says Estonia’s prime minister

"“We have seen more than 4,000 British companies coming to Estonia,” Kallas continued, explaining that the UK companies’ main reasons were access to the EU, the country’s tax system, as well as Estonia’s flourishing tech scene and digital infrastructure." Brexit was such a stupid own

How one coder became Indonesia’s misinformation guru

"To the overwhelming majority of observers, Fahmi successfully treads the line between the interests of entities who could be either his clients or his targets. Drone Emprit is one of a kind. With it, Fahmi has established credibility as a misinformation authority in a noisy landscape." [Link]