Ian Halstead イアン・ハルステッド
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ianhalst.bsky.social
Ian Halstead イアン・ハルステッド
@ianhalst.bsky.social
870 followers 540 following 2.9K posts
Retired graphic artist and web designer. History, music – bass guitarist – silversmithing, book gorger with a pile of as yet unread books taller than I am.
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ianhalst.bsky.social
Ian Halstead イアン・ハルステッド @ianhalst.bsky.social · Jan 9
November Australian Road Trip images. All near Armidale in the New England National Park. Point Lookout and nearby viewpoints looking over part of the Gondwana Rainforest areas.
Looking east from a high vantage point, several successive forested ridge lines disappear into the horizon, each taking on a hue which is bluer than the preceding ridge. This is subtropical rainforest. Branches from nearby trees are in the foreground, with no visible floor, as the nearest ridge line moves from centre image to the left. A large notice board at the viewing point, naming the peaks which are visible on the ridge lines. The headline and a caption read “Gondwana Rainforests of Australia Point Lookout, New England National Park Experience ancient earth This broad valley has been millions of years in the making. Rain and water gushing into the gullies and tributaries of the Bellinger River have gradually eaten away the once-dominant Ebor Volcano. Landslips and countless cascading streams continue to gnaw ceaselessly into the Great Eastern Escarpment. Our host for the stay in Armidale, Gillian’s brother looking out from another vantage point over the forest. Well signposted and constructed, the viewing points and platforms allow a safe way to enjoy the superb views. A solidly built wooden deck is surrounded by sturdy barriers and railings, low enough to be unobtrusive but high enough to provide safety. A Eucalyptus tree appears from the left, with branches over the decking. A view down one of the valleys between forested ridges. The forested valley recedes left to right, almost disappearing into a blue haze near the horizon.
ianhalst.bsky.social
Welcome to the future that’s here now. Worth watching even if you are not technically minded – the implications posed towards the end are a little alarming.
(Description: AI agents manage to collaborate to bypass initial security boundaries. How and why).
www.youtube.com/watch?v=87Dy...
Black Hat USA 2026: The 'Breaking' News: The OpenAI–Hugging Face Incident
YouTube video by Black Hat
www.youtube.com
August 9, 2026 at 6:54 PM
Reposted by Ian Halstead イアン・ハルステッド
realcaptainhaddock.bsky.social
LOL
August 9, 2026 at 7:30 AM
ianhalst.bsky.social
2026 Commonwealth Games 94kg category weightlifting. Interesting to see how tactical the contest was. Each competitor has three lifts, and pitching them at the most optimum weight, dependant on what your competitors perform, is a real skill in itself, never mind the lifts.
August 5, 2026 at 3:28 PM
ianhalst.bsky.social
A few images from the recent 2026 Commonwealth Games held in Glasgow. The event was for the Men’s Artistic Gymnastics, with pommel horse, still rings, high bar, parallel bars and floor area exercises.
August 2, 2026 at 10:24 AM
ianhalst.bsky.social
Had a bit of a break from posting, but I thought these two photos summed up Scottish weather at the moment. Sunshine and rain clouds, gold, green and grey.
Looking toward the Campsie hills from a track near Endrick Water. Polly the Podenco cross stands facing the camera, on the left side of the track, which curves around to the right and disappears from view behind trackside bushes. A harvested field is in the midground, with a stand of tall trees and rising ground behind. A harvested barley field dominates the foreground in the sunshine. Trees along the hidden riverbank traverse across the image and beyond the dark bulk of the Campsie hills lie under overcast grey sky.
August 1, 2026 at 10:19 AM
ianhalst.bsky.social
A standing wave in this water feature lid has created concentric rings in the rusting process of this Corten steel cylinder. The pump forces water gently out around the central LED light, and ripple reflections off the outer lip of the lid have left this pattern.
A water feature sits in a gap in a low wall at the side of a garden. The wall is around 300mm high and faced with anthracite coloured tiles. A rear wall behind the feature is taller at twice the height and features Mediterranean style patterned tiles in orange, light and dark grey. The water feature sits on a bed of pebbles, with the front edge cutting into the patio edging. The water feature itself is cylindrical and made of Corten steel, designed to rust on the surface. The top features a separate lid with a raised lip around the circumference. A gap between it and the outer ring of the top, a central LED light and water exit around the light. The lid fills with water which then cascades over the sidewall around the lid, into the gap. The pump pulses slightly creating a standing wave between pulses and the reflection from the inner surface of the lip. This standing wave has created a pattern of concentric circles in the rusting process.
July 19, 2026 at 10:37 AM
ianhalst.bsky.social
It’s not about leaving all fossil fuels in the ground. It’s about not burning them for power generation, in aircraft, in ships and vehicles etc. some of that list is challenging but not impossible. We still need oil and gas for producing lubricants, paints, chemical synthesis, plastics etc.
July 18, 2026 at 12:36 PM
ianhalst.bsky.social
Back home in Scotland now, but here are a few more photos from
A stay near Dunwich in Suffolk. These are from the Walberswick and Southwold area.
A grassy bank rises in the foreground – the camera was tilted upwards, so only the crest of the bank is visible. A Cirrus strewn blue sky is behind the bank, with a patch of herringbone clouds to the right. A path on the edge of marshland used for cattle grazing leads to Southwold from the River Blyth. A grassed earth bank is on the right of the path, and a wide verge of tall grasses is on the left, with marshland beyond. Red tiled roofs of Southwold are seen in the distance, with the top of the lighthouse protruding above the town. A view of the River Blyth with boats moored on Beth’s lining the river. Boat masts protrude skywards like a sparse bamboo forest. The river curves around first left to right, and then right to left as it heads for the sea. A seagull stands atop a small ventilation structure with louvred sides and painted dark blue with what looks like an apexed lead roof. This structure itself sits on the right flank of an apexed house roof. The view is of the gable end wall and the soffits, which partially hide the ventilation structure.
June 22, 2026 at 1:13 PM
ianhalst.bsky.social
I do like a dose of Suffolk coastline, this time near Dunwich.
Standing on the sandy beach, which becomes babbles near the cliffs on the left, looking north towards Southwold. The beach arcs around to the right into the distance. Thin wispy clouds mute the blue sky. Looking south east from the beach, with the sea on the left. Polly the hairy Podenco and Gillian are to the left and right of the image respectively. Polly is sniffing the sand, whilst Gillian captures Polly on her phone. Trees on top of the cliffs are silhouetted by the sun behind them. The view looking north east, from part way down the stairs leading from the cliff top. On the extreme top left a row of trees adorned the cliff top, with low bushes and foliage below, giving way to a pebbled band covered by patches of sea kale. A sandy strip of beach separates the pebbled band from the sea.
June 16, 2026 at 7:39 AM
ianhalst.bsky.social
A walk from Fintry up and past Dunmore Fort, along the escarpment and back down to Fintry completing a loop.
The path through Fintry Wood, with a fallen tree blocking the path but easy to clamber over. A dense deciduous wood with ground foliage cover, and with glimpses of a grey cloudy sky through the tree canopy. Having exited the wood, the path takes us up a reasonably steep incline towards Dunmore Fort, now a ruined pile of stones. The path bends upwards to the right, around a raised area covered in ferns. Beyond, the ridge line of the Campsie Fells and a grey cloudy sky is seen. Gillian in control of two dogs, Zelda on the left and Polly on the right is on the extreme right of the image, facing up the path. The view on the descent, with the valley floor and some houses in Fintry visible in the distance at the foot of the hill which is being descended. A patch of sunlight has caught a field below the clouds in the distance. A wire fence is in the foreground. The view on the ascent looking south east. The hills on the far side of the valley are capped by cloud, which is caught by by sunlight towards the right. Some of Fintry village can be seen on the valley floor, with steeply rising land to the right of the path, covered in grass tussocks.
June 4, 2026 at 7:58 PM
ianhalst.bsky.social
日本で私がした最も楽しいことの一つは、名古屋と長野間の列車の旅で、都市間を中泉堂トレイルを数日間走ったことです。 私は時々、最後に見てから誰かが旅をYouTubeにアップロードしたかどうか、2017年以降の変化について確認します。

音やアナウンス、そしてシナノ・リミテッド・エクスプレスのジングルは、とても懐かしいです。
June 2, 2026 at 11:55 AM
ianhalst.bsky.social
Beside the shores of Loch Lomond.
Rowardennan, near the twin jetties at the loch side. The slopes of Ben Lomond are visible on the right with the loch disappearing into the distance roughly in the direction of Arrochar.
May 26, 2026 at 1:19 PM
ianhalst.bsky.social
The shade from two Japanese maple trees is very welcome in the garden.
This Acer tree has wine coloured leaves, some of which are caught by the sun and glow in a crimson colour. A cloudless blue sky and a corner of the house are behind. This Acer tree has yellow green leaves with the sun directly behind the canopy, many are in direct sunlight.
May 26, 2026 at 9:35 AM
ianhalst.bsky.social
Ten minutes away by car… peace and (mainly) quiet when logging is not in progress.
Looking over to Gartmore with Queen Elizabeth Forest Park beyond. In the foreground can be seen a part of a working forest with active felling and management. The cloud base is just a little higher than the far hills. Inside the working forest – this trail links two forest roads, one with full public access and when with restricted access beyond where the trail starts. Dense banks of fir trees flank the trail. Fir trees tower above the trail on either side. The trail bends slightly to the left.
May 24, 2026 at 5:19 PM
ianhalst.bsky.social
Getting the hang of this Dutch Oven bread malarkey.
Fresh from the deep cast iron casserole dish acting as a Dutch Oven, a round loaf of bread sits on a sheet of greaseproof paper. The outside is crusty with cracks in the surface revealing glimpses of the open bread texture beneath. The crust varies from a dark tan colour to a beige colour with golden brown patches.
May 22, 2026 at 11:56 AM
Reposted by Ian Halstead イアン・ハルステッド
iwillnotbesilenced.bsky.social
Natalie Anne Kyriacou OAM - an Australian environmentalist, social justice advocate & author, delivers a powerful and deeply provocative address.

Opening with the question, “How do you think we will be written about in history books?”
May 17, 2026 at 2:03 AM
ianhalst.bsky.social
A few years ago I started making guitar shaped badges for musician friends and acquaintances. I was a complete beginner, so the designs were kept simple as silhouettes. Materials used were sterling silver and 14 carat gold. I’ve not made any more for a while now.
A 14 carat gold Warwick left handed bass guitar pictured positioned below a sterling silver Fender Precision, both in the form of pin-on badges. They are minimalist designs devoid of detail, giving the correct overall shape only. The rear of the hold Warwick bass badge, showing the pin and retainer made from 14 carat gold wire. A sterling silver badge in the form of a semi-acoustic Gibson bass guitar and highly polished. A Fender Telecaster badge in sterling silver part way through manufacture. The basic shape has been cutout of sheet silver and filed to smooth edges. Awaiting a pin being soldered to the reverse and final polishing.
May 17, 2026 at 10:58 AM
Reposted by Ian Halstead イアン・ハルステッド
countbinface.bsky.social
Repost if you’d like me to represent the UK at #Eurovision 2027.
May 16, 2026 at 8:25 PM
Reposted by Ian Halstead イアン・ハルステッド
gailmyerscough.co.uk
Independent creative businesses are quietly having a tough time right now.

So if there’s a maker, illustrator or designer whose work you love, this is a good time to tell people about them. Buy something if you can. Share their work if you can’t.

This is me www.gailmyerscough.co.uk
Gail Myerscough | Surface Pattern Designer & Illustrator | Manchester
Bold illustrated wall art, greeting cards and homewares designed in Manchester. Inspired by architecture, music and mid century design. Made in the UK.
www.gailmyerscough.co.uk
May 16, 2026 at 8:39 AM
ianhalst.bsky.social
1/3 Putting this up here before it goes on eBay etc.
Roland Juno-60 in pristine condition and all keys (contacts thoroughly cleaned), buttons, switches and sliders working as they should.
Top view of the keyboard with the JSQ-60 unit (out of the photograph) connected to the port on the rear of the keyboard, and the mains cable with Euro plug to UK plug adapter. A top view of the JSQ-60 digital keyboard recorder (sequencer) unit. The rear of the keyboard showing the Input and output jack sockets, tuning control, output level switch and memory protect switch. The keyboard voltage and serial number and “Warning: shock hazard – do not open" plates.
May 1, 2026 at 10:50 AM
ianhalst.bsky.social
1/3 “I’ll never buy an SUV – estate cars are much more practical.”
My legs, knees and hips disagreed. Yes, it’s come down to how easy it is to get in and out of a car – the previous one had slightly lowered suspension and after a longish journey, getting out was a bit awkward. Hello Toyota RAV4
April 29, 2026 at 8:56 AM
ianhalst.bsky.social
I was looking for washers in our plumbing box and found… this! I think it belonged to my father in law. Essentially a small rocket motor for aircraft, car and boat models.
The Jetex 50c box containing the rocket motor. “JETEX 50c JET POWER UNIT For jet propelled model aircraft, hydroplanes and racing cars.” The box is hand marked 7/3, possibly the price – seven shillings and three pence. The box lid is open showing the contents, which have now acquired a dark rusty patina. On the left is the rocket motor, a round nosed cylinder with the rocket exhaust section held on the far end with a wire clip which fixes over the rounded nose. To the right are two circular metal tins, the larger one being next to the motor, the smaller being on the right hand side of the box. The smaller tin lid will need careful prising open at some point, the lid cannot be removed by hand. A close up of the nozzle end of the motor – essentially a hole in a rounder blister on the bottom section held in place by the wire clip. Next to this is the larger metal circular tin with the lid removed, revealing two fine metal gauze disks, used in the motor.
April 29, 2026 at 8:33 AM
ianhalst.bsky.social
Another day, another type of weather! 😆
Looking South West to the Campsie Hills, the tops partially hidden by low cloud. A hedge occupies the foreground, beyond which the land gradually rises to a low ridge in front of the Campsies. Looking South towards the Campsie Hills, the tops being kissed by low cloud and mist. A foreground hedge obscures the lower part of the view.
April 28, 2026 at 2:10 PM
ianhalst.bsky.social
Another batch of cheese scones fresh from the oven. 😋
Six cheese scones resting on a non-stick baking tray and viewed from above. Each one is coated with grated and melted Red Leicester cheese on the top.
April 28, 2026 at 2:01 PM
Reposted by Ian Halstead イアン・ハルステッド
konkretbitte.eurosky.social
@psomkar1

F: Wo sehen Sie sich in 5 Jahren?

A: Ich ... 🎯
Ein improvisierter Speer aus einem Holzstock, dessen Spitze durch eine grüne, blattförmige Leiterplatte mit elektronischen Bauteilen ersetzt wurde, die mit durchsichtigem Klebeband befestigt ist.
April 21, 2026 at 2:30 PM