Ben Smith

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In defence of the Liam Jessop selection

Dec 4, 2024 | medium.com | Ben Smith

26 minutes played. 1–0 down after 12 seconds. A further goal conceded shortly after. Substituted off. Not the ideal debut start for any defender. Ben Smith·Follow5 min read·--And yet, that is the fate Chesterfield youngster Liam Jessop had to endure during the Spireites’ 3–0 defeat down at Milton Keynes Dons on Tuesday night. The right-back was beaten in the build-up to the first goal, and then left powerless to prevent Alex Gilbey connecting with a cross to secure the hosts their second.
Reducing global AI competition through the Commerce Control List and Immigration reform: a dual-pronged approach — LessWrong

Sep 3, 2024 | lesswrong.com | Ben Smith

This essay proposes a dual approach to enhance U.S. competitiveness in AI while safeguarding national security. First, it calls for strengthening security measures in frontier AI labs by leveraging existing legal frameworks like ITAR and EAR to restrict access to sensitive technologies and implementing robust background checks. Second, it advocates for liberalizing skilled immigration, particularly from China, by expanding the number of employment visas.
Day 26-28 (Tour) Biking in different countries

Aug 16, 2024 | medium.com | Ben Smith

Near the end of my bike touring trip I noticed the insanity of British roads for biking in comparison to some of the amazing Swiss and German roads, where they often provide a completely separate bike track. The pictures below were taken along the Romantic Rhine, along a busy road, but having a separate road entirely for bikes we felt safe and not in any danger of being clipped or hit by traffic and we didn’t have to slow down the traffic down and piss off the drivers either.
Day 24/25 – Floating the Aare 4 times and going home!

Aug 16, 2024 | medium.com | Ben Smith

I was super scared this morning as I wanted to float down the Aare all the way from the campsite, but I didn’t know how to be safe. I thought I should bring a float or my waterproof saddle-bag but I realised this might impair me and what I needed was just to swim… when I went to the waters edge I met a lady who was about 70 years old and had done it many times before.
Day 22 - The Eiger Trail

Aug 11, 2024 | medium.com | Ben Smith

I couldn’t leave Interlaken without atleast not getting as close to the Eiger as possible. After yesterday’s ride I felt tired but this wasn’t too difficult a hike. The sun was strong the UV rating was 8/11 you really felt it and I got burned high up with no clouds, but was epic to see Eiger so clearly, when it is usually in cloud. Getting there I took the train. First to Grindlewald, which was normallt priced and easy, but then you have to take a mountain train that goes up intensely steep peaks.
Day 21 - Bike ride from Interlaken to Grindlewald via Grosse Scheideg!

Aug 11, 2024 | medium.com | Ben Smith

The lake of Brienzersee was just beautiful, so blue and crystal clear with pontoons for people to swim and sunbathe on and then floating planes. Looked like paradise!The valley of Meringen was also super beautiful with vast stretching landscapes and farms and waterfalls falling high up from the mountains.
Day 19 - Leaving Zermat arriving in Interlaken

Aug 11, 2024 | medium.com | Ben Smith

The day had come I knew I needed to leave and go to see the Eiger and Grindlewald. I booked my coach and boat back that day so I had some certainty when I would return. FlixBus from Bern to Brussels, they take bikes. And then train or cycle to Dunkirk and then Ferry to Dover the next day. Felt sad to say by to my climbing buddies but I will train and get good so maybe I can actually summit a mountain with them next year. I think they will be there every year.
Tour bike and hike De Switzerland

Aug 8, 2024 | medium.com | Ben Smith

My trip to the mountains I met these Germans last night in the campsite in Interlaken. They found my trip hilarious so I thought I’d write up a summary. So yeah basically I never really had any intention to alpine climb or camp here. After spending 1 week with Darren cycling along the Rhine and saying goodbye, which at the time seemed terrifying as I had no idea where I was going how I was really going to get there ( could I cycle 200km on my bike even?) I set off.
Day 17 - Mountaineering

Aug 6, 2024 | medium.com | Ben Smith

To climb a proper mountain at high altitude, like 4000m you need proper gear. You need warm clothes, preferably waterproof, hiking boots, crampons, ice axe, ropes, carabiners , a hiking or climbing partner, to check the weather on the peak (many mountaineers get hit by lightening in storms or rain clouds) and mountain rescue insurance! Jules, the cool Japanese alpinist here, was telling me he was rescued once. The Swiss rescue services here are second to none.
Day 15 - Zermat hike to the lake Stellisie

Aug 6, 2024 | medium.com | Ben Smith

Realised I couldn’t make coffee in the morning so the first thing I did after waking up was go buy a camping stove. Was awesome to wake up to the Matterhorn:Spent another 60/70 quid to get a camping stove and cup. But it’s essential. Then later on in the day I took my bike and ride it up to the 5 lakes hike. You can take a train or lift but I wanted to cycle. Followed this forest path up, passed some great views of the Matterhorn and loads of butterflies!Paddy messaged me when I was near the top.