Ben Forrest
scribener.bsky.social
Ben Forrest
@scribener.bsky.social
Aviation journalist. Basketball enthusiast. Word nerd. Amateur cyclist.
One of the main reasons I still prefer Google to ChatGPT for quick research queries:

ChatGPT over-relies on weak or questionable sources, like Wikipedia and other non-official sites.

At least with Google, I can navigate to reliable, rock-solid sources.

I worry that most people won’t do this.
October 10, 2025 at 5:24 PM
Reposted by Ben Forrest
From @scribener.bsky.social, for Skies Magazine: « Her nearly two decades in the role have witnessed a major expansion of the organization’s capabilities, adding a paint facility, AMO-rated welding capability, and approval to manufacture and certify aeronautical products. » More below. | 🛩️ 🦆 👩🏻‍✈️ 🧰 🥇
The art of seaplane maintenance: Erika Nixon’s inspiring journey at Harbour Air - Skies Mag
After years of searching, Nixon found her calling as maintenance manager at one of the world’s largest seaplane airlines.
skiesmag.com
September 22, 2025 at 3:31 PM
Installed road tires on my Broam, in a bid to make it faster on pavement.

They didn’t provide the immediate boost I hoped for, but I think that’s partly down to my conditioning.

They do corner well, and feel comfortable at 40 km/h-plus.

I’ll reserve further judgment until I’ve broken them in.
July 1, 2025 at 1:49 AM
Reposted by Ben Forrest
From @scribener.bsky.social, writing for Skies Magazine: « After initial trials … the company is now developing a larger prototype built on a Cessna 150. Ribbit’s targeted sweet spot is six- to 19-passenger planes, which it believes could carry significantly more cargo at a lower cost … » | 🛩️ 📡 🥇
Ribbit’s plan to bring pilotless cargo flights to Canada’s North - Skies Mag
This Toronto-based start-up retrofits legacy aircraft with advanced autopilot systems designed for autonomous cargo flights.
skiesmag.com
May 12, 2025 at 7:29 PM
Reposted by Ben Forrest
It’s weird to live in a time when basic principles like cruelty is wrong, cheating is empty & the idea that curiosity, generosity, originality, the satisfaction of earned accomplishments & loving intimacy are the center of a good life feel like countercultural concepts
May 7, 2025 at 4:44 PM
I’m finally mature and self-aware enough to admit most of my favourite bands are awful at writing and playing music.
May 6, 2025 at 6:34 PM
I wonder if the secret to dealing with Trump is simply to not upstage him on television.
May 6, 2025 at 5:38 PM
When I feel sad, restless or adrift, I can’t help but think I can solve all my problems by buying something I don’t need.

Also: Ice cream. I usually want ice cream.
April 29, 2025 at 7:27 PM
Reposted by Ben Forrest
On being called DEI and why it isn’t the burn they think it is
April 24, 2025 at 5:07 PM
After-work bike ride on the Goderich to Guelph trail was … glorious.
April 23, 2025 at 12:24 AM
I don’t see how that cringey new Jordan ad helps Luka, but … OK, whatever.

The shoes are nice, so he can do whatever he wants, I guess.

No possible way this could backfire on him.

Bulletproof argument.
April 23, 2025 at 12:19 AM
Reposted by Ben Forrest
🎉 Congrats, Skies Magazine! 🎉

@scribener.bsky.social is nominated for Best Editorial, Column, or Regularly Featured Department for Faces of Flight! ✈️👏
📖 Read more: zurl.co/y9voj

#B2BAwards #NMAB2B #AviationJournalism
April 22, 2025 at 3:01 PM
So, I guess the Jays did the deal they had to do to keep the player they had to keep.

As a Canadian who didn’t want to see him walk, this makes me a little bit happy.

Can we all just try to be happy for just a little while?
April 8, 2025 at 8:24 PM
A noon-hour bike ride is my favourite soul cleanse. #cycling
April 1, 2025 at 4:31 PM
It’s weird how there’s only one character in Family Guy with a New England accent.
March 19, 2025 at 1:43 PM
Holy shit.
In an interview, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the health and human services secretary, outlined a strategy for containing the measles outbreak in West Texas that strayed far from mainstream science, relying heavily on fringe theories about prevention and treatments.
Without Offering Proof, Kennedy Links Measles Outbreak to Poor Diet and Health
In a recent interview, the health secretary also suggested that the measles vaccine had harmed children in West Texas, center of an outbreak.
www.nytimes.com
March 10, 2025 at 10:49 PM
Twenty years ago:

- VJs and Sportscenter anchors were arguably the coolest talking heads on TV

- Newspaper columnist was a common, artful and desirable job

- People believed in facts

- We could disagree with one another without starting a culture war.

Simpler times!
a man looking out over the ocean from a pier
ALT: a man looking out over the ocean from a pier
media.tenor.com
March 10, 2025 at 10:45 PM
Today is

National Ride Your Bike, as Long as it’s Safe to Do So, Day.

It is a recurring holiday that happens approximately 365 days a year.
March 7, 2025 at 5:56 PM
Wearing shorts on a rainy winter day in southern Canada when there’s still a ton of snow on the ground is a not-so-subtle plea for attention.
March 6, 2025 at 2:00 AM
25 km of cycling after work today.

About 10 km on muddy gravel roads.

Had a blast, despite my underwhelming speed and dirt-drenched kit.

Spring is on its way.

Paris to Ancaster … probably not in the cards this year, but looks more appealing than it did a month ago.
March 4, 2025 at 11:19 PM
Conan’s Oscars monologue was a masterpiece.

Thank you, kind sir.

#oscars2025
March 3, 2025 at 2:53 AM
A Canadian changed the lyrics to the national anthem at a hockey game today in protest, and we were totally OK with it.

Because Canadians don’t cling to the absurd belief that a founding text is sacred.

We care more about *practicing* freedom of expression than we do about cultural artifacts.
February 21, 2025 at 3:24 AM
Turns out Canadian hockey fans can sing our anthem in a hostile rink louder than the Americans can boo it.
a man in a suit and tie is making a face and saying `` im so proud '' .
ALT: a man in a suit and tie is making a face and saying `` im so proud '' .
media.tenor.com
February 21, 2025 at 3:03 AM
17 km in the snow.

Had a blast.
February 10, 2025 at 10:59 PM