Never understood why masks have become a political issue. For me, triple vaxxed, I’m busy and I want to reduce the risk so I can do my work. I might still catch it because I also want to get on with life. It’s all about statistics. Ideology is pointless when dealing with Nature.

What did everyone get for @SpaceX IPO share allocations?

Michelin-starred restaurant's presentation of a smoked apple worth $400🍎

So much for Labour’s promise to be ruthless in the pursuit of growth. Mad Ed Miliband’s tender process for the UK’s planned new fleet of nuclear reactors has descended into farce with bidders required to show a ‘higher-than-usual’ commitment to ‘social value’. Companies were asked how they would create jobs for those “who face barriers to employment”, which included “refugees, people who have recently immigrated or are seeking asylum”. The tender said businesses that applied should outline plans to ensure 50 per cent of those working on the contract were women.

📢 FCSA is delighted to welcome Andy Chamberlain as our new Head of Strategic Policy. Andy is one of the most respected voices in the self-employed sector, having spent many years at IPSE where he led policy work on IR35, off-payroll reforms, and a wide range of issues affecting freelancers and contractors. With his wealth of experience, industry knowledge, and commitment to raising standards, Andy will play a key role in strengthening FCSA’s mission to champion compliance, trust, and transparency across the contractor supply chain. Read more about Andy’s appointment here 👉 fcsa.org.uk/andy-chamberlain… #FCSA #Policy #Contractors #Freelancers #Compliance

Shifting PAYE responsibility to recruiters isn’t the fix it seems. The latest article from The Global Recruiter suggests that recruitment agencies should take over PAYE payments for workers employed through umbrella companies. At first glance, this might sound like a solution, but in practice, it’s a recipe for confusion, delays, and increased risk across the supply chain. From doubled financial interactions to cash flow challenges, proof and reconciliation issues, and the fact that not all recruiters have the expertise or compliance track record needed, this model fails to protect workers or simplify compliance. The sector already has the tools and frameworks to ensure real-time transparency and accountability, such as licensed umbrellas and veriPAYE verification. Strengthening these safeguards is the real solution. Read the full analysis here: fcsa.org.uk/shifting-paye-pa…

Meet Romulus & Remus—the world’s first de-extinct animals brought back from extinction using DNA from 72,000-year-old fossils. Follow to watch these dire wolves grow and to discover the next species we’re working to bring back.

Blade Runner (1982) - Just the Voice-Over Cut Ridley Scott removed the much-hated narration in 1992, along with the 'happy ending'. You can clearly hear Harrison Ford's contempt for it. I'm unsure if I miss it or not...

Thank you for your interest in Astronomer.