Community service

February 20, 2026
The bird is a beautiful silver-gray, and as she dies twitching in the lasernet I’m grateful for two things: First, that she didn’t make a sound. Second, that this will be the very last time.  They’re called corpse doves—because the darkest part of their gray plumage surrounds the lighter part, giving the impression that skeleton…

Measles cases are rising. Other vaccine-preventable infections could be next.

February 20, 2026
There’s a measles outbreak happening close to where I live. Since the start of this year, 34 cases have been confirmed in Enfield, a northern borough of London. Most of those affected are children under the age of 11. One in five have needed hospital treatment. It’s another worrying development for an incredibly contagious and potentially…