Edgardo Block
@edgardoblock.bsky.social
Personal account for personal comments, which are solely my responsibility and no one else’s.
Argentina-born American, transport infrastructure professional. Started the very empty @evalpavement.bsky.social.
Argentina-born American, transport infrastructure professional. Started the very empty @evalpavement.bsky.social.
Pinned
Well, I’m going to play “Battle of the Chopin waltzes.” We* will play with 16 of them; 14 recorded by Dinu Lipatti and two more of my choosing. Lack of a voting app on bluesky means we’ll just do this by hand. I will pin this thread and add a link to each vote.
Rules for playing: +
Rules for playing: +
From my reply but pointing to the head skeet.
Great teams I have watched
the AC Milan of van Basten, Gullit, Baresi Costacurta and company (late 80s) (I don’t even like AC Milan)
Barcelona through the Rijkaard+Guardiola+Vilanova era
( Ronaldinho Henry Iniesta Alonso and Messi Puyol Pique)
… +
Great teams I have watched
the AC Milan of van Basten, Gullit, Baresi Costacurta and company (late 80s) (I don’t even like AC Milan)
Barcelona through the Rijkaard+Guardiola+Vilanova era
( Ronaldinho Henry Iniesta Alonso and Messi Puyol Pique)
… +
A question: My sense is that in Soccer, the best club teams tend to have more talent than the best international teams, something that doesn’t seem to be true in other sports.
Is that just a product of my relatively limited understanding of soccer, or is this a real thing? And if so, why is that?
Is that just a product of my relatively limited understanding of soccer, or is this a real thing? And if so, why is that?
February 13, 2026 at 2:00 AM
From my reply but pointing to the head skeet.
Great teams I have watched
the AC Milan of van Basten, Gullit, Baresi Costacurta and company (late 80s) (I don’t even like AC Milan)
Barcelona through the Rijkaard+Guardiola+Vilanova era
( Ronaldinho Henry Iniesta Alonso and Messi Puyol Pique)
… +
Great teams I have watched
the AC Milan of van Basten, Gullit, Baresi Costacurta and company (late 80s) (I don’t even like AC Milan)
Barcelona through the Rijkaard+Guardiola+Vilanova era
( Ronaldinho Henry Iniesta Alonso and Messi Puyol Pique)
… +
proper tres leches
February 13, 2026 at 1:13 AM
proper tres leches
what are the chances John Bolton is the only one who realizes something true that no one else sees? (my reaction whether to read a monthly Atlantic article when I get just one click)
Write down the p for that, subtract from 1, which is the chance he’s pushing his world view, and click elsewhere. +
Write down the p for that, subtract from 1, which is the chance he’s pushing his world view, and click elsewhere. +
February 11, 2026 at 4:07 AM
what are the chances John Bolton is the only one who realizes something true that no one else sees? (my reaction whether to read a monthly Atlantic article when I get just one click)
Write down the p for that, subtract from 1, which is the chance he’s pushing his world view, and click elsewhere. +
Write down the p for that, subtract from 1, which is the chance he’s pushing his world view, and click elsewhere. +
So it’s a 1985 throwback, long live Raymond Berry!
February 9, 2026 at 3:03 AM
So it’s a 1985 throwback, long live Raymond Berry!
Reposted by Edgardo Block
Disturbingly detailed analysis of my first rewatch incoming
February 9, 2026 at 2:30 AM
Disturbingly detailed analysis of my first rewatch incoming
Who is doing the most granular (frequent) bad bunny liveskeeting I do not have access to TV and the wifi is slooooow
February 9, 2026 at 1:26 AM
Who is doing the most granular (frequent) bad bunny liveskeeting I do not have access to TV and the wifi is slooooow
the world is now ready for “The Last Ski Jump”
George R.R. Martin wrote a story with this premise called "The Last Super Bowl." But in truth, humans want new things that are real. It's amusing to simulate Tyson v. Ali, but we know it's just a simulation. Sports is engaging because it isn't a sim.
people who say that all creative endeavor can be replaced with AI probably need to reckon with the fact that all televised sports events with human athletes could easily be replicated by high-definition computer-animated simulations….and yet we don’t do this and no one seems to want to.
February 8, 2026 at 10:18 PM
the world is now ready for “The Last Ski Jump”
Still a good benchmark
I was once given a file of data. supposedly authoritative (official,) but with unknown accuracy. Upon a quick random check comprising 30 records, my sample yielded 7 errors, and on expanding my check I estimates it was about 80% accurate, but with no pattern; any record had an 80% chance… +
the nuzzi profile in nyt feels like… a betrayal to political reporters who do deep & serious investigative work *without* hiding their love affairs with the candidates they were trusted to report on…
February 8, 2026 at 3:19 PM
Still a good benchmark
Reposted by Edgardo Block
It's Superbowl Sunday! So here's our traditional, and predictable Superb Owl.
🏈🦉
#SuperbOwl #SuperbOwl2026
🏈🦉
#SuperbOwl #SuperbOwl2026
February 8, 2026 at 2:57 PM
It's Superbowl Sunday! So here's our traditional, and predictable Superb Owl.
🏈🦉
#SuperbOwl #SuperbOwl2026
🏈🦉
#SuperbOwl #SuperbOwl2026
Reposted by Edgardo Block
Keep this in mind when people claim cars mean business — closing Central #Madrid to cars over holidays resulted in a 9.5% boost in retail spending on its main shopping street: STUDY.
There was also a 71% drop in air pollution.
Via @carltonreid.com in @forbes.com. #citymakingmath #citiesforpeople
There was also a 71% drop in air pollution.
Via @carltonreid.com in @forbes.com. #citymakingmath #citiesforpeople
Closing Central Madrid To Cars Resulted In 9.5% Boost To Retail Spending, Finds Bank Analysis
City of Madrid significantly boosted the takings of its shops and restaurants last Christmas by banning cars from the CBD, finds an analysis by Spain's second largest bank.
www.forbes.com
February 8, 2026 at 5:09 AM
Keep this in mind when people claim cars mean business — closing Central #Madrid to cars over holidays resulted in a 9.5% boost in retail spending on its main shopping street: STUDY.
There was also a 71% drop in air pollution.
Via @carltonreid.com in @forbes.com. #citymakingmath #citiesforpeople
There was also a 71% drop in air pollution.
Via @carltonreid.com in @forbes.com. #citymakingmath #citiesforpeople
as a visitor to NYC, I support this!
New York City's curbside outdoor dining will return to being year-round. This feature is a big plus and something the city needs to support and encourage. They really shot themselves in the foot last year with the changes they had made. nyc.streetsblog.org/2026/02/04/c...
City Council to Bring Back Year-Round Outdoor Dining After Adams-Era Decimation - Streetsblog New York City
New York City's curbside outdoor dining will return to being year-round, Council Speaker Julie Menin announced on Wednesday.
nyc.streetsblog.org
February 8, 2026 at 1:30 PM
as a visitor to NYC, I support this!
I would like to say something here, but in my case the best course of action is to Dr Pössel’s initial skeet into the conversation and keep on reading all the way through this conversation. Tell me if you don’t feel like picking up physics
The brief version of my previous argument: by insisting that cosmic expansion is not „motion through space,“ we are cutting ourselves off from the usual concepts of acceleration and force, which are derived from describing motion in space. But for questions like „if the cosmos expands, do 1/ 🔭🧪🎢⚛️
Near the top of the FAQs I get from curious readers:
How can galaxies collide if the Universe is expanding?
The short answer is: gravity. The longer answer is fun to read, IIDSSM.
www.scientificamerican.com/article/if-t...
🔭 🧪
How can galaxies collide if the Universe is expanding?
The short answer is: gravity. The longer answer is fun to read, IIDSSM.
www.scientificamerican.com/article/if-t...
🔭 🧪
February 7, 2026 at 1:37 PM
I would like to say something here, but in my case the best course of action is to Dr Pössel’s initial skeet into the conversation and keep on reading all the way through this conversation. Tell me if you don’t feel like picking up physics
*We have a winner! It’s Option 1, the Opus 34 #1 Waltz.
Although I must say, I don’t know if it’s Rubinstein or it’s just underrated, but the Opus 64 #3 one gave it a better run than I would have thought before listening it for this battle. Introspective, complex, really very grown-up Chopin
Although I must say, I don’t know if it’s Rubinstein or it’s just underrated, but the Opus 64 #3 one gave it a better run than I would have thought before listening it for this battle. Introspective, complex, really very grown-up Chopin
Voting closes 11:59PM tomorrow February 5th.
February 7, 2026 at 3:09 AM
*We have a winner! It’s Option 1, the Opus 34 #1 Waltz.
Although I must say, I don’t know if it’s Rubinstein or it’s just underrated, but the Opus 64 #3 one gave it a better run than I would have thought before listening it for this battle. Introspective, complex, really very grown-up Chopin
Although I must say, I don’t know if it’s Rubinstein or it’s just underrated, but the Opus 64 #3 one gave it a better run than I would have thought before listening it for this battle. Introspective, complex, really very grown-up Chopin
Jamaica wins the cutest “Country name in Italian” contest 🇯🇲
February 7, 2026 at 2:27 AM
Jamaica wins the cutest “Country name in Italian” contest 🇯🇲
Reposted by Edgardo Block
Call for Contributions to a Sourcebook for Histories of Weather & Weathering teleskopos.wordpress.com/2026/02/05/c...
Full details linked and here teleskopos.wordpress.com/wp-content/u...
It will be edited by me, @lottaleiwo.bsky.social and Tamara Culkins. Please share! #histSTM #envhist 🗃️📜
Full details linked and here teleskopos.wordpress.com/wp-content/u...
It will be edited by me, @lottaleiwo.bsky.social and Tamara Culkins. Please share! #histSTM #envhist 🗃️📜
Call for Contributions: Histories of Weather & Weathering
Call for Contributions: A Sourcebook for Histories of Weather and Weathering (working title) Editors: Rebekah Higgitt, Tamara Caulkins and Lotta Leiwo We invite contributions to this planned open a…
teleskopos.wordpress.com
February 6, 2026 at 10:01 AM
Call for Contributions to a Sourcebook for Histories of Weather & Weathering teleskopos.wordpress.com/2026/02/05/c...
Full details linked and here teleskopos.wordpress.com/wp-content/u...
It will be edited by me, @lottaleiwo.bsky.social and Tamara Culkins. Please share! #histSTM #envhist 🗃️📜
Full details linked and here teleskopos.wordpress.com/wp-content/u...
It will be edited by me, @lottaleiwo.bsky.social and Tamara Culkins. Please share! #histSTM #envhist 🗃️📜
Reposted by Edgardo Block
But a recurring pattern where each Prime Minister gets trapped in a cliquish intellectual bunker that magnifies bad decision-making and disrupts open channels of dialogue with key aspects of state and society is an indicator of structural dysfunction enabling personal failings.
Johnson's downfall was entirely due to his own failings and choices. Sunak's fate was sealed even before he took office, but even he chose to pursue an agenda that highlighted his government's failure to deliver on its pledges (e.g. the Rwanda scheme) and advantaged opponents.
February 6, 2026 at 12:23 PM
But a recurring pattern where each Prime Minister gets trapped in a cliquish intellectual bunker that magnifies bad decision-making and disrupts open channels of dialogue with key aspects of state and society is an indicator of structural dysfunction enabling personal failings.
Reposted by Edgardo Block
doing my best to stay sane while bearing witness to the current madness.
wrote a rainy day song for my new kids’ album. thought of the smiles it would bring to the faces of my wee fans. sigh.
wrote a rainy day song for my new kids’ album. thought of the smiles it would bring to the faces of my wee fans. sigh.
February 6, 2026 at 3:45 AM
doing my best to stay sane while bearing witness to the current madness.
wrote a rainy day song for my new kids’ album. thought of the smiles it would bring to the faces of my wee fans. sigh.
wrote a rainy day song for my new kids’ album. thought of the smiles it would bring to the faces of my wee fans. sigh.
“Interring Times”
👀 Apparently, Ross Douthat invited Seth Harp to debate him on Douthat's "Interesting Times" NYT podcast. Harp says that the episode was recorded, Douthat got crushed, and RD/NYT decided not to publish it.
What? x.com/sethharpesq/...
What? x.com/sethharpesq/...
February 6, 2026 at 3:51 AM
“Interring Times”
No new pictures. Where are you at mentally?
February 6, 2026 at 3:42 AM
No new pictures. Where are you at mentally?
Reposted by Edgardo Block
Well, I’m going to play “Battle of the Chopin waltzes.” We* will play with 16 of them; 14 recorded by Dinu Lipatti and two more of my choosing. Lack of a voting app on bluesky means we’ll just do this by hand. I will pin this thread and add a link to each vote.
Rules for playing: +
Rules for playing: +
February 5, 2026 at 3:34 AM
Well, I’m going to play “Battle of the Chopin waltzes.” We* will play with 16 of them; 14 recorded by Dinu Lipatti and two more of my choosing. Lack of a voting app on bluesky means we’ll just do this by hand. I will pin this thread and add a link to each vote.
Rules for playing: +
Rules for playing: +
spot on - keen observation: It’s healthy to identify the opposite of doomerism and articulate it - this observation comes right into focus
Some people think the opposite of ‘doomerism’ is just to say that what the Democrats are doing is ‘good!’
February 5, 2026 at 4:05 AM
spot on - keen observation: It’s healthy to identify the opposite of doomerism and articulate it - this observation comes right into focus
Battle of the Chopin Waltzes
First pairing - two in A-flat Major
*LIKE* FOR Option 1
A-flat Major Op34 #1
youtu.be/Bc3cKqurmLY?...
*REPLY* FOR Option 2 with the number 2
A-flat Major Op 64 #3
youtu.be/Dmzx7Psjm0M?...
First pairing - two in A-flat Major
*LIKE* FOR Option 1
A-flat Major Op34 #1
youtu.be/Bc3cKqurmLY?...
*REPLY* FOR Option 2 with the number 2
A-flat Major Op 64 #3
youtu.be/Dmzx7Psjm0M?...
[8K] Seong-Jin Cho – Chopin: Waltz No. 2 in A-Flat Major, Op. 34 No. 1| kiwa LIVE session
YouTube video by STUDIO KIWA
youtu.be
February 5, 2026 at 3:47 AM
Battle of the Chopin Waltzes
First pairing - two in A-flat Major
*LIKE* FOR Option 1
A-flat Major Op34 #1
youtu.be/Bc3cKqurmLY?...
*REPLY* FOR Option 2 with the number 2
A-flat Major Op 64 #3
youtu.be/Dmzx7Psjm0M?...
First pairing - two in A-flat Major
*LIKE* FOR Option 1
A-flat Major Op34 #1
youtu.be/Bc3cKqurmLY?...
*REPLY* FOR Option 2 with the number 2
A-flat Major Op 64 #3
youtu.be/Dmzx7Psjm0M?...
Well, I’m going to play “Battle of the Chopin waltzes.” We* will play with 16 of them; 14 recorded by Dinu Lipatti and two more of my choosing. Lack of a voting app on bluesky means we’ll just do this by hand. I will pin this thread and add a link to each vote.
Rules for playing: +
Rules for playing: +
February 5, 2026 at 3:34 AM
Well, I’m going to play “Battle of the Chopin waltzes.” We* will play with 16 of them; 14 recorded by Dinu Lipatti and two more of my choosing. Lack of a voting app on bluesky means we’ll just do this by hand. I will pin this thread and add a link to each vote.
Rules for playing: +
Rules for playing: +
Reposted by Edgardo Block
New from 404 Media: the FBI has been unable to get into the iPhone of raided Washington Post journalist because the phone had Lockdown Mode enabled. Apple markets Lockdown Mode mostly to stop spyware like NSO. Here, a real world example of it stopping access too www.404media.co/fbi-couldnt-...
FBI Couldn’t Get into WaPo Reporter’s iPhone Because It Had Lockdown Mode Enabled
Lockdown Mode is a sometimes overlooked feature of Apple devices that broadly make them harder to hack. A court record indicates the feature might be effective at stopping third parties unlocking some...
www.404media.co
February 4, 2026 at 2:07 PM
New from 404 Media: the FBI has been unable to get into the iPhone of raided Washington Post journalist because the phone had Lockdown Mode enabled. Apple markets Lockdown Mode mostly to stop spyware like NSO. Here, a real world example of it stopping access too www.404media.co/fbi-couldnt-...