Elephant with a Pen
@elephant-with-pen.bsky.social
Comics, movies, research...and all the things that make us human (beyond finding squares containing traffic lights).
Can't draw,... but taking tiny steps on the journey towards a graphic novel...maybe.
Can't draw,... but taking tiny steps on the journey towards a graphic novel...maybe.
Was asked to summarize 2025 in one word and arrived at "disappointing". Which led to the discovery: well yes, this really seems to stem from "removing someone from their post".
Being disappointed seems so much frequent than the latter...even if it WOULD lessen the disappointment.
Being disappointed seems so much frequent than the latter...even if it WOULD lessen the disappointment.
December 24, 2025 at 9:30 AM
Was asked to summarize 2025 in one word and arrived at "disappointing". Which led to the discovery: well yes, this really seems to stem from "removing someone from their post".
Being disappointed seems so much frequent than the latter...even if it WOULD lessen the disappointment.
Being disappointed seems so much frequent than the latter...even if it WOULD lessen the disappointment.
Year-end recap lists are popping up everywhere. Given that I am quite fond of libraries, it may come at no surprise that I re-post this one on the most popular books/authors from 40 libraries in the US via bookriot.
Most entries: The Women by Kristin Hannah (32 lists).
Most entries: The Women by Kristin Hannah (32 lists).
The Most Popular Books In US Public Libraries in 2025
What were the most popular books checked out in US libraries in 2025? Here are the top fiction and nonfiction titles across 40 libraries.
bookriot.com
December 23, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Year-end recap lists are popping up everywhere. Given that I am quite fond of libraries, it may come at no surprise that I re-post this one on the most popular books/authors from 40 libraries in the US via bookriot.
Most entries: The Women by Kristin Hannah (32 lists).
Most entries: The Women by Kristin Hannah (32 lists).
In a time, where good news are in short supply, maybe the planned re-naming of a street in New York as "Jack Kirby Way" brings a smile to your face. Or put as a movie quote: "#32: Enjoy the little things"...
www.comicsbeat.com/nyc-council-...
www.comicsbeat.com/nyc-council-...
NYC Council approves JACK KIRBY WAY street
After decades of effort, intersection of Essex and Delancey streets on the Lower East Side will be named Jack Kirby Way!
www.comicsbeat.com
December 22, 2025 at 9:45 AM
In a time, where good news are in short supply, maybe the planned re-naming of a street in New York as "Jack Kirby Way" brings a smile to your face. Or put as a movie quote: "#32: Enjoy the little things"...
www.comicsbeat.com/nyc-council-...
www.comicsbeat.com/nyc-council-...
Given the number of "just the tips of the iceberg" incidents reported in the media, I see a potential explanation, why people may have trouble in believing in human made climate change -.-
December 21, 2025 at 9:15 AM
Given the number of "just the tips of the iceberg" incidents reported in the media, I see a potential explanation, why people may have trouble in believing in human made climate change -.-
Has been a while since I came across Yeats, but...oof these last few lines.
www.scottishpoetrylibrary.org.uk/poem/he-wish...
www.scottishpoetrylibrary.org.uk/poem/he-wish...
He wishes for the Cloths of Heaven
Had I the heavens’ embroidered cloths, / Enwrought with golden and silver light, / The blue and the dim and the dark cloths / Of night...
www.scottishpoetrylibrary.org.uk
December 20, 2025 at 9:45 AM
Has been a while since I came across Yeats, but...oof these last few lines.
www.scottishpoetrylibrary.org.uk/poem/he-wish...
www.scottishpoetrylibrary.org.uk/poem/he-wish...
It's fascinating how humans can be captivated by anything. A Nature study analyzed US Billboard tracks over 50 years, revealing a trend towards darker moods and simpler tunes. I'm glad someone was curious enough to investigate.
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Societal crises disrupt long-term increases in stress, negativity, and simplicity in US Billboard song lyrics from 1973 to 2023 - Scientific Reports
Scientific Reports - Societal crises disrupt long-term increases in stress, negativity, and simplicity in US Billboard song lyrics from 1973 to 2023
www.nature.com
December 19, 2025 at 10:45 AM
It's fascinating how humans can be captivated by anything. A Nature study analyzed US Billboard tracks over 50 years, revealing a trend towards darker moods and simpler tunes. I'm glad someone was curious enough to investigate.
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Ratified on December 6, the Thirteenth Amendment was proclaimed on December 18, 1865 and abolished slavery and involuntary servitude. That it can still be used as a punishment though...
Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution - Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org
December 18, 2025 at 9:15 AM
Ratified on December 6, the Thirteenth Amendment was proclaimed on December 18, 1865 and abolished slavery and involuntary servitude. That it can still be used as a punishment though...
The new CEO at Mozilla:
"[Firefox] will evolve into a modern AI browser and support a portfolio of new and trusted software additions" and "AI should always be a choice — something people can easily turn off. " [read: default is on]
I hope they reconsider this!
"[Firefox] will evolve into a modern AI browser and support a portfolio of new and trusted software additions" and "AI should always be a choice — something people can easily turn off. " [read: default is on]
I hope they reconsider this!
Mozilla’s Next Chapter: Building the World’s Most Trusted Software Company | The Mozilla Blog
Today, I step into the role of CEO of Mozilla Corporation. It is a privilege to lead an organization with a long history of standing up for people and buil
blog.mozilla.org
December 17, 2025 at 7:42 PM
The new CEO at Mozilla:
"[Firefox] will evolve into a modern AI browser and support a portfolio of new and trusted software additions" and "AI should always be a choice — something people can easily turn off. " [read: default is on]
I hope they reconsider this!
"[Firefox] will evolve into a modern AI browser and support a portfolio of new and trusted software additions" and "AI should always be a choice — something people can easily turn off. " [read: default is on]
I hope they reconsider this!
For obivous reasons it is easy to pique my interest with a "graphic novel", but the press release at imagecomics for Katia Vecchio's "Memories of Giselle" strikes quite a chord with me...
Looking forward to give it a try.
imagecomics.com/press-releas...
Looking forward to give it a try.
imagecomics.com/press-releas...
GRAPHIC NOVEL MEMORIES OF GISELLE A HARD-HITTING COMING-OF-AGE STORY ABOUT OVERCOMING CHILDHOOD TRAUMA, ABUSE
Critically-acclaimed cartoonist Katia Vecchio ( Silver Vessels, Painted ) will make her Image Comics debut with the forthcoming original graphic novel, Memories of Giselle . This hard-hitting…
imagecomics.com
December 16, 2025 at 9:45 AM
For obivous reasons it is easy to pique my interest with a "graphic novel", but the press release at imagecomics for Katia Vecchio's "Memories of Giselle" strikes quite a chord with me...
Looking forward to give it a try.
imagecomics.com/press-releas...
Looking forward to give it a try.
imagecomics.com/press-releas...
To quote from the article:
"Datacentres, AI gigafactories and affordable housing may be exempt from mandatory environmental impact assessments in the EU"
This seems like such an odd way, the EU commission chooses to improve the lives of their citizens...
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/d...
"Datacentres, AI gigafactories and affordable housing may be exempt from mandatory environmental impact assessments in the EU"
This seems like such an odd way, the EU commission chooses to improve the lives of their citizens...
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/d...
EU proposes loosening rules on AI gigafactories in green rollback
Latest package in dismantling of environmental rules also suggests repealing hazardous chemicals database
www.theguardian.com
December 15, 2025 at 9:45 AM
To quote from the article:
"Datacentres, AI gigafactories and affordable housing may be exempt from mandatory environmental impact assessments in the EU"
This seems like such an odd way, the EU commission chooses to improve the lives of their citizens...
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/d...
"Datacentres, AI gigafactories and affordable housing may be exempt from mandatory environmental impact assessments in the EU"
This seems like such an odd way, the EU commission chooses to improve the lives of their citizens...
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/d...
Interesting review of the 1980's republishing of "Night Drive" by Richard Sala, published by Fantagraphics. Previously out of print, Quaintance highlights the blending of comic and supplementary writing and material included in this new edition.
www.comicsbeat.com/graphic-nove...
www.comicsbeat.com/graphic-nove...
Graphic Novel Review: NIGHT DRIVE delivers must-read Richard Sala source code
The new hardcover edition of Night Drive collects cartoonist Richard Sala's long out-of-print early works, with great supplementary material.
www.comicsbeat.com
December 14, 2025 at 10:15 AM
Interesting review of the 1980's republishing of "Night Drive" by Richard Sala, published by Fantagraphics. Previously out of print, Quaintance highlights the blending of comic and supplementary writing and material included in this new edition.
www.comicsbeat.com/graphic-nove...
www.comicsbeat.com/graphic-nove...
Amidst the success stories from the Game Awards, the steep cost of showcasing trailers (up to $1 million for a 3-minute slot) pose a whole new level of challenges small developers face in gaining attention.
www.gamedeveloper.com/marketing/re...
www.gamedeveloper.com/marketing/re...
Report: The Game Awards trailers can cost devs up to $1 million
According to reports, showing a trailer at the Game Awards can cost developers up to $450,000 for a 60-second trailer, and $1 million for three minutes.
www.gamedeveloper.com
December 13, 2025 at 10:15 AM
Amidst the success stories from the Game Awards, the steep cost of showcasing trailers (up to $1 million for a 3-minute slot) pose a whole new level of challenges small developers face in gaining attention.
www.gamedeveloper.com/marketing/re...
www.gamedeveloper.com/marketing/re...
The Game Awards have announced this year's champions, with Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 dominating multiple categories. Hades II grabs "Best Action Game," but I feel it would have deserved more than that.
Still, an amazing year to have computer games as a hobby.
thegameawards.com
Still, an amazing year to have computer games as a hobby.
thegameawards.com
The Game Awards - December 11, 2025
The global celebration of video games. Streams live on all platforms
thegameawards.com
December 12, 2025 at 10:00 AM
The Game Awards have announced this year's champions, with Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 dominating multiple categories. Hades II grabs "Best Action Game," but I feel it would have deserved more than that.
Still, an amazing year to have computer games as a hobby.
thegameawards.com
Still, an amazing year to have computer games as a hobby.
thegameawards.com
While companies need the autonomy to choose their business partners, these choices can also mirror their values.
www.theguardian.com/global-devel...
www.theguardian.com/global-devel...
Meta shuts down global accounts linked to abortion advice and queer content
More than 50 organisations report sites being restricted or removed, with abortion hotlines blocked and posts showing non-explicit nudity triggering warnings
www.theguardian.com
December 12, 2025 at 7:45 AM
While companies need the autonomy to choose their business partners, these choices can also mirror their values.
www.theguardian.com/global-devel...
www.theguardian.com/global-devel...
I know at least two people in a broader circle who claim the AI "understands them better" (they wouldn't use quotation marks) than their partners. This is not just some old vs. young thing.
www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
‘I feel it’s a friend’: quarter of teenagers turn to AI chatbots for mental health support
Experts warn of dangers as England and Wales study shows 13- to 17-year-olds consulting AI amid long waiting lists for services
www.theguardian.com
December 11, 2025 at 9:45 AM
I know at least two people in a broader circle who claim the AI "understands them better" (they wouldn't use quotation marks) than their partners. This is not just some old vs. young thing.
www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
The 2026 Critics Choice Awards nominations seem to be concentrated heavily on few movies.
Sinners: 17
One Battle After Another: 14
Frankenstein: 11
Hamnet: 11
Different time/award, but "The Color Purple" (1985) had 17 Academy Award nominations and received zero.
comicsbulletin.com/sinners-burn...
Sinners: 17
One Battle After Another: 14
Frankenstein: 11
Hamnet: 11
Different time/award, but "The Color Purple" (1985) had 17 Academy Award nominations and received zero.
comicsbulletin.com/sinners-burn...
'Sinners' Burns Through the Critic Choice Awards With a Sweeping 17 Nominations
'Sinners' is a frontrunner at the Critics Choice Awards with 17 nominations across key categories and its competition
comicsbulletin.com
December 10, 2025 at 9:45 AM
The 2026 Critics Choice Awards nominations seem to be concentrated heavily on few movies.
Sinners: 17
One Battle After Another: 14
Frankenstein: 11
Hamnet: 11
Different time/award, but "The Color Purple" (1985) had 17 Academy Award nominations and received zero.
comicsbulletin.com/sinners-burn...
Sinners: 17
One Battle After Another: 14
Frankenstein: 11
Hamnet: 11
Different time/award, but "The Color Purple" (1985) had 17 Academy Award nominations and received zero.
comicsbulletin.com/sinners-burn...
I wonder if the shareholders hold any non-monetary option on the thought that - among a number of changes - CNN could go to Larry Ellison, Jared Kushner, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and the Qatar Investment Authority.
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
Paramount launches $108.4bn hostile bid for Warner Bros Discovery
Paramount’s bid for the entire company counters $82.7bn Netflix deal for WBD’s studio and streaming operation
www.theguardian.com
December 9, 2025 at 9:45 AM
I wonder if the shareholders hold any non-monetary option on the thought that - among a number of changes - CNN could go to Larry Ellison, Jared Kushner, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and the Qatar Investment Authority.
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
The NY Times falls short with its piece on Hannah Arendt. Although her insights on the Eichmann trial and the banality of evil are noteworthy, they overlook her offensive comments and her reluctance to publicly retract them, despite private admissions of misjudgment.
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/05/b...
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/05/b...
Hannah Arendt Is Not Your Icon
Fifty years after her death, the German-born political thinker has been enshrined as a prophet for our times. What did she actually say?
www.nytimes.com
December 8, 2025 at 10:01 AM
The NY Times falls short with its piece on Hannah Arendt. Although her insights on the Eichmann trial and the banality of evil are noteworthy, they overlook her offensive comments and her reluctance to publicly retract them, despite private admissions of misjudgment.
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/05/b...
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/05/b...
Ouch - Humble Bundle (read IGN) with another unpopular move. If you have unreedemed Steam Keys, they seem to replace those with either Epic Game Store or GOG-Keys without further notice.
While the latter are at least DRM free, the former are... less well received.
github.com/AlexanderThe...
While the latter are at least DRM free, the former are... less well received.
github.com/AlexanderThe...
Humble Bundle Key Redemption Issues Tracker
Github repo with expiration dates for keys and an overview of at least 6 games being redeemed on a different platform
github.com
December 7, 2025 at 9:15 AM
Ouch - Humble Bundle (read IGN) with another unpopular move. If you have unreedemed Steam Keys, they seem to replace those with either Epic Game Store or GOG-Keys without further notice.
While the latter are at least DRM free, the former are... less well received.
github.com/AlexanderThe...
While the latter are at least DRM free, the former are... less well received.
github.com/AlexanderThe...
Dark Horse Comics is set to release the sixth of seven total short stories from Sapkowski's debut novel "The Witcher" in August 2026. The graphic novel "The last wish" will be written by CD Projekt RED's editor/writer Marcin Zwierzchowsk with art by Guillermo Fajardo.
screenrant.com/new-witcher-...
screenrant.com/new-witcher-...
The Witcher Will Officially Return in 2026 With a Brand-New Series (Exclusive)
The Witcher officially announces its next adaptation, bringing Geralt's original short story "The Last Wish" to life in a new series from Dark Horse.
screenrant.com
December 6, 2025 at 7:08 PM
Dark Horse Comics is set to release the sixth of seven total short stories from Sapkowski's debut novel "The Witcher" in August 2026. The graphic novel "The last wish" will be written by CD Projekt RED's editor/writer Marcin Zwierzchowsk with art by Guillermo Fajardo.
screenrant.com/new-witcher-...
screenrant.com/new-witcher-...
64 GB of DDR5 are now around the same price as a PS5... I wonder which technology could drive this continued climb.
December 4, 2025 at 5:58 AM
64 GB of DDR5 are now around the same price as a PS5... I wonder which technology could drive this continued climb.
I had mentioned the near perfect condition of the Superman Comic going to auction. A breathtaking $9 Million for one comic...
www.gamesradar.com/comics/dc-co...
www.gamesradar.com/comics/dc-co...
One of the rarest Superman comics in existence just sold for over $9 million at auction, making it the most valuable comic of all time
A near perfect copy of 1939's Superman #1, one of the rarest comics in existence, is now the most expensive comic ever
www.gamesradar.com
December 3, 2025 at 10:30 AM
I had mentioned the near perfect condition of the Superman Comic going to auction. A breathtaking $9 Million for one comic...
www.gamesradar.com/comics/dc-co...
www.gamesradar.com/comics/dc-co...
What a jarring experience. I was travelling through a country with remarkable hospitality these last few days, meeting generous souls at every turn. Yet, a dear friend of mine pointed out they will never be able visit due to the risk of of capital punishment just for being who they are.
December 2, 2025 at 10:30 AM
What a jarring experience. I was travelling through a country with remarkable hospitality these last few days, meeting generous souls at every turn. Yet, a dear friend of mine pointed out they will never be able visit due to the risk of of capital punishment just for being who they are.
New month - new list of Top Ten picks from the nationwide library staff picks list for adult fiction and non-fiction.
libraryreads.org/wp-content/u...
libraryreads.org/wp-content/u...
December 1, 2025 at 8:15 PM
New month - new list of Top Ten picks from the nationwide library staff picks list for adult fiction and non-fiction.
libraryreads.org/wp-content/u...
libraryreads.org/wp-content/u...
I started reading "My Friends" by Backman without knowing what to expect. It's well-written, but I found told in a painfully believable way that I had to take a break. I have the feeling this book can leave (uncover) scars and picking it up again is daunting.
app.thestorygraph.com/books/8a0e52...
app.thestorygraph.com/books/8a0e52...
My Friends by Fredrik Backman
#1 New York Times bestselling author Fredrik Backman, who “captures the messy essence of being h...
app.thestorygraph.com
November 25, 2025 at 10:00 AM
I started reading "My Friends" by Backman without knowing what to expect. It's well-written, but I found told in a painfully believable way that I had to take a break. I have the feeling this book can leave (uncover) scars and picking it up again is daunting.
app.thestorygraph.com/books/8a0e52...
app.thestorygraph.com/books/8a0e52...