Jo Zebedee@TheSecretBookshelf
@jozebwrites.bsky.social
Writes blasting sci fi and fantasy. Dogsbody at Secret Bookshelf Carrickfergus. Consultant in all things management
Reposted by Jo Zebedee@TheSecretBookshelf
Well now, would you look at that?
A massive study of NEARLY 300,000 people in the United States found that receiving an updated 2024-2025 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine REDUCED people’s risk of SEVERE disease AND death in ALL age groups, REGARDLESS of immunity from prior infection or vaccination.
A massive study of NEARLY 300,000 people in the United States found that receiving an updated 2024-2025 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine REDUCED people’s risk of SEVERE disease AND death in ALL age groups, REGARDLESS of immunity from prior infection or vaccination.
February 16, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Well now, would you look at that?
A massive study of NEARLY 300,000 people in the United States found that receiving an updated 2024-2025 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine REDUCED people’s risk of SEVERE disease AND death in ALL age groups, REGARDLESS of immunity from prior infection or vaccination.
A massive study of NEARLY 300,000 people in the United States found that receiving an updated 2024-2025 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine REDUCED people’s risk of SEVERE disease AND death in ALL age groups, REGARDLESS of immunity from prior infection or vaccination.
Reposted by Jo Zebedee@TheSecretBookshelf
So when thousands of women (and children) were being duplicated--including in non-consensual AI porn--it was no big deal. But it took "only a 15-sec clip" of these two famous white men to draw outrage and fear. Gotcha. Cool cool.
It took only a 15-second clip of Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt duking it out on a crumbling rooftop — made by A.I. with a two-sentence prompt and the click of a button — to draw swift outrage, and sizable fear, from Hollywood.
"It’s nothing short of terrifying," one scriptwriter said.
"It’s nothing short of terrifying," one scriptwriter said.
Why an A.I. Video of Tom Cruise Battling Brad Pitt Spooked Hollywood
A 15-second clip created by an artificial intelligence tool owned by the Chinese technology company ByteDance appears more cinematic than anything so far.
nyti.ms
February 16, 2026 at 8:36 PM
So when thousands of women (and children) were being duplicated--including in non-consensual AI porn--it was no big deal. But it took "only a 15-sec clip" of these two famous white men to draw outrage and fear. Gotcha. Cool cool.
Reposted by Jo Zebedee@TheSecretBookshelf
If you're in a position to vote on this, do the South Pacific a solid and vote for Brisbane.
The last time Worldcon was scheduled down here it was 2020 in Wellington and it didn't happen in person. Will have been 18 years by 2028 since we got an accessible in-person con. Put the World in Worldcon.
The last time Worldcon was scheduled down here it was 2020 in Wellington and it didn't happen in person. Will have been 18 years by 2028 since we got an accessible in-person con. Put the World in Worldcon.
February 16, 2026 at 10:22 PM
If you're in a position to vote on this, do the South Pacific a solid and vote for Brisbane.
The last time Worldcon was scheduled down here it was 2020 in Wellington and it didn't happen in person. Will have been 18 years by 2028 since we got an accessible in-person con. Put the World in Worldcon.
The last time Worldcon was scheduled down here it was 2020 in Wellington and it didn't happen in person. Will have been 18 years by 2028 since we got an accessible in-person con. Put the World in Worldcon.
Reposted by Jo Zebedee@TheSecretBookshelf
Still no better bit of prophecy than this from @jessehawken.bsky.social in 2018 😡
February 14, 2026 at 5:07 PM
Still no better bit of prophecy than this from @jessehawken.bsky.social in 2018 😡
A good day convention planning for @norncon.bsky.social :)
February 14, 2026 at 8:07 PM
A good day convention planning for @norncon.bsky.social :)
Reposted by Jo Zebedee@TheSecretBookshelf
Bursary applications!
We have a number of bursaries available for the convention, giving full access to all panels, events and shenanigans.
If you would like to apply please message the page or mail [email protected]
🙂
We have a number of bursaries available for the convention, giving full access to all panels, events and shenanigans.
If you would like to apply please message the page or mail [email protected]
🙂
February 14, 2026 at 8:07 PM
Bursary applications!
We have a number of bursaries available for the convention, giving full access to all panels, events and shenanigans.
If you would like to apply please message the page or mail [email protected]
🙂
We have a number of bursaries available for the convention, giving full access to all panels, events and shenanigans.
If you would like to apply please message the page or mail [email protected]
🙂
Reposted by Jo Zebedee@TheSecretBookshelf
Starmer says he will pursue “closer economic alignment” with the EU.
“We must look at where we can move closer to the single market… the prize here is greater security and stronger growth.”
“We must look at where we can move closer to the single market… the prize here is greater security and stronger growth.”
February 14, 2026 at 10:30 AM
Starmer says he will pursue “closer economic alignment” with the EU.
“We must look at where we can move closer to the single market… the prize here is greater security and stronger growth.”
“We must look at where we can move closer to the single market… the prize here is greater security and stronger growth.”
Reposted by Jo Zebedee@TheSecretBookshelf
He can do that easily of course because he has freedom of movement as an Irish national
February 14, 2026 at 9:14 AM
He can do that easily of course because he has freedom of movement as an Irish national
Reposted by Jo Zebedee@TheSecretBookshelf
On the relaunch of his iconic take on Irish mythology, The Call, it’s perfect to introduce guest Peadar Ó Guilín.
Peadar’s first novel, The Inferior, "a stark, dark tale,” was translated into eight languages.
His next novel, "The Sword Garden", will be published by Wizard's Tower Press, in April
Peadar’s first novel, The Inferior, "a stark, dark tale,” was translated into eight languages.
His next novel, "The Sword Garden", will be published by Wizard's Tower Press, in April
February 12, 2026 at 9:03 PM
On the relaunch of his iconic take on Irish mythology, The Call, it’s perfect to introduce guest Peadar Ó Guilín.
Peadar’s first novel, The Inferior, "a stark, dark tale,” was translated into eight languages.
His next novel, "The Sword Garden", will be published by Wizard's Tower Press, in April
Peadar’s first novel, The Inferior, "a stark, dark tale,” was translated into eight languages.
His next novel, "The Sword Garden", will be published by Wizard's Tower Press, in April
Reposted by Jo Zebedee@TheSecretBookshelf
Epstein survivors raise their hands to signal they've been ignored by Trump's DOJ as AG Pam Bondi refuses to look at them
(Roberto Schmidt/AFP via Getty)
(Roberto Schmidt/AFP via Getty)
February 11, 2026 at 5:46 PM
Epstein survivors raise their hands to signal they've been ignored by Trump's DOJ as AG Pam Bondi refuses to look at them
(Roberto Schmidt/AFP via Getty)
(Roberto Schmidt/AFP via Getty)
Reposted by Jo Zebedee@TheSecretBookshelf
Guest announcement!
Oisín McGann is an award-winning writer and illustrator. His latest novel is 'Steel-Plate Subversive', an alternative history espionage thriller.
He lives somewhere in the Irish countryside, where people don't have to hear him ranting about AI slop.
@oisinmcgann.bsky.social
Oisín McGann is an award-winning writer and illustrator. His latest novel is 'Steel-Plate Subversive', an alternative history espionage thriller.
He lives somewhere in the Irish countryside, where people don't have to hear him ranting about AI slop.
@oisinmcgann.bsky.social
February 9, 2026 at 10:25 AM
Guest announcement!
Oisín McGann is an award-winning writer and illustrator. His latest novel is 'Steel-Plate Subversive', an alternative history espionage thriller.
He lives somewhere in the Irish countryside, where people don't have to hear him ranting about AI slop.
@oisinmcgann.bsky.social
Oisín McGann is an award-winning writer and illustrator. His latest novel is 'Steel-Plate Subversive', an alternative history espionage thriller.
He lives somewhere in the Irish countryside, where people don't have to hear him ranting about AI slop.
@oisinmcgann.bsky.social
Reposted by Jo Zebedee@TheSecretBookshelf
It's not even midnight and we're already at "Deport Elmo."
February 9, 2026 at 3:15 AM
It's not even midnight and we're already at "Deport Elmo."
Reposted by Jo Zebedee@TheSecretBookshelf
Of all the easy things you can do to help the environment, conserve water for communities not corporations, not perpetuate scams, support the labor and rights of creators... *not* using generative AI is the fucking easiest. You absolutely deserve to be shamed for using it for image and text creation
February 6, 2026 at 10:18 PM
Of all the easy things you can do to help the environment, conserve water for communities not corporations, not perpetuate scams, support the labor and rights of creators... *not* using generative AI is the fucking easiest. You absolutely deserve to be shamed for using it for image and text creation
Reposted by Jo Zebedee@TheSecretBookshelf
The Washington Post has laid off every reporter and editor covering the Middle East and Ukraine. Looks like Trump doesn’t want any reporting of those critical areas.
February 6, 2026 at 5:52 PM
The Washington Post has laid off every reporter and editor covering the Middle East and Ukraine. Looks like Trump doesn’t want any reporting of those critical areas.
Reposted by Jo Zebedee@TheSecretBookshelf
Thanks to @martindoyle.bsky.social for covering our SOLO shortlisting double-whammy news!
“[G]etting onto on to the same major shortlists as publishers that measure their turnover in the hundreds of millions is what gets us out of bed on a cold wet morning!”
www.irishtimes.com/culture/book...
“[G]etting onto on to the same major shortlists as publishers that measure their turnover in the hundreds of millions is what gets us out of bed on a cold wet morning!”
www.irishtimes.com/culture/book...
Children’s Books Ireland Awards shortlist revealed
Paul Howard takes on a united Ireland; lots more book news and events; and please take part in our books newsletter survey
www.irishtimes.com
February 6, 2026 at 2:39 PM
Thanks to @martindoyle.bsky.social for covering our SOLO shortlisting double-whammy news!
“[G]etting onto on to the same major shortlists as publishers that measure their turnover in the hundreds of millions is what gets us out of bed on a cold wet morning!”
www.irishtimes.com/culture/book...
“[G]etting onto on to the same major shortlists as publishers that measure their turnover in the hundreds of millions is what gets us out of bed on a cold wet morning!”
www.irishtimes.com/culture/book...
Reposted by Jo Zebedee@TheSecretBookshelf
I asked if I could write a review of The #Muppet Show 50th Anniversary Special and they said yes jrnl.ie/6948013
I asked if I could write a review of The Muppet Show 50th Anniversary Special and they said yes
It’s not easy being greenlit.
jrnl.ie
February 6, 2026 at 2:21 PM
I asked if I could write a review of The #Muppet Show 50th Anniversary Special and they said yes jrnl.ie/6948013
Reposted by Jo Zebedee@TheSecretBookshelf
We’re delighted to have writer RB Kelly joining us as a guest, who grew up in Northern Ireland and started writing stories as soon as she was old enough to hold a pen. Her debut novel, Edge of Heaven, was shortlisted for the Arthur C Clarke Award.
February 5, 2026 at 4:23 PM
We’re delighted to have writer RB Kelly joining us as a guest, who grew up in Northern Ireland and started writing stories as soon as she was old enough to hold a pen. Her debut novel, Edge of Heaven, was shortlisted for the Arthur C Clarke Award.
Reposted by Jo Zebedee@TheSecretBookshelf
I'm reading Shroud at the moment (physical copy, from The Secret Bookshelf in Carrickfergus) - *loving* it - it's superb!! (Both the book and the shop) @aptshadow.bsky.social @jozebwrites.bsky.social
February 5, 2026 at 1:25 PM
I'm reading Shroud at the moment (physical copy, from The Secret Bookshelf in Carrickfergus) - *loving* it - it's superb!! (Both the book and the shop) @aptshadow.bsky.social @jozebwrites.bsky.social
@norncon.bsky.social - @aptshadow.bsky.social will be a guest of honour!
I'm reading Shroud at the moment (physical copy, from The Secret Bookshelf in Carrickfergus) - *loving* it - it's superb!! (Both the book and the shop) @aptshadow.bsky.social @jozebwrites.bsky.social
February 5, 2026 at 2:54 PM
@norncon.bsky.social - @aptshadow.bsky.social will be a guest of honour!
Reposted by Jo Zebedee@TheSecretBookshelf
Listen, this headline is a better endorsement of the Digital Services Act than any 1000 words I could come up with.
There has been criticism of the European Union's Digital Services Act at a committee hearing in the United States.
Linehan among critics in US of EU Digital Services Act
There has been criticism of the European Union's Digital Services Act at a committee hearing in the United States.
www.rte.ie
February 4, 2026 at 9:58 PM
Listen, this headline is a better endorsement of the Digital Services Act than any 1000 words I could come up with.
Reposted by Jo Zebedee@TheSecretBookshelf
Democracy Dies Right There In Front Of You, While You’re Watching.
‘It’s an absolute bloodbath’: Washington Post lays off hundreds of workers
Former Post executive editor blasts owner Jeff Bezos’s ‘sickening efforts to curry favor’ with Trump
www.theguardian.com
February 4, 2026 at 6:37 PM
Democracy Dies Right There In Front Of You, While You’re Watching.
Reposted by Jo Zebedee@TheSecretBookshelf
Well now, would you look at that? A massive, 4-YEAR-LONG study of NEARLY 30 MILLION people in France found that individuals who received a COVID-19 mRNA vaccine had a 74% LOWER risk of death from severe COVID-19 compared to unvaccinated individuals and ZERO increased risk of all-cause mortality.
February 3, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Well now, would you look at that? A massive, 4-YEAR-LONG study of NEARLY 30 MILLION people in France found that individuals who received a COVID-19 mRNA vaccine had a 74% LOWER risk of death from severe COVID-19 compared to unvaccinated individuals and ZERO increased risk of all-cause mortality.
Reposted by Jo Zebedee@TheSecretBookshelf
We have enough evidence for UBI in general that this policy should be a given. But the difference is, to understand UBI works is to believe that people are fundamentally good. And a big chunk of society is built around the belief, *must maintain the belief* that people are fundamentally bad.
"By the end of the two-year period, 94% of participants reported they were housed."
A million pilot programs show the same thing: when people are given enough money to afford housing, homelessness ends.
Other supports matter, but housing comes first. Not policing. Not moralizing. Homes.
A million pilot programs show the same thing: when people are given enough money to afford housing, homelessness ends.
Other supports matter, but housing comes first. Not policing. Not moralizing. Homes.
Homeless Oregon youth got $1,000 a month for two years. Most found housing after • Oregon Capital Chronicle
Oregon is the second of its kind in the nation to implement the direct cash transfer program after New York City.
oregoncapitalchronicle.com
February 4, 2026 at 2:54 PM
We have enough evidence for UBI in general that this policy should be a given. But the difference is, to understand UBI works is to believe that people are fundamentally good. And a big chunk of society is built around the belief, *must maintain the belief* that people are fundamentally bad.
This is me. Makes description fun
'for an estimated 4% of people, this mental imagery is weak or absent. When researchers ask them to imagine something familiar, they might have a concept of what it is, and words and associations might come to mind, but they describe their mind’s eye as dark or even blank.'
Many people have no mental imagery. What’s going on in their brains?
People with aphantasia are offering a window into consciousness.
www.nature.com
February 4, 2026 at 12:22 PM
This is me. Makes description fun
Reposted by Jo Zebedee@TheSecretBookshelf
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić on local TV: “These Epstein documents are appearing, and I now expect a strike on Iran and other major developments within the next 48 hours.”
February 1, 2026 at 2:47 PM
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić on local TV: “These Epstein documents are appearing, and I now expect a strike on Iran and other major developments within the next 48 hours.”