Car Shopping. Should You Buy New Or Used? Let Us Help You Decide.

February 27, 2026 The Silo Leave a comment

The car shopping market is presenting drivers with the same classic dilemma: should you buy new or used? But, there are modern-day considerations as several factors and current events shape this debate, including depreciation trends, interest rates and price shifts in both new and used car markets. Making the right choice requires a close look at your financial situation and ownership goals.

Our friends Zach & Ray Shefska, Co-Founders of CarEdge, offer an easy-to-understand breakdown to help consumers make this all-important decision that will impact them for years to come.

When to Buy New:

You plan to keep the car for 5+ years and want the latest features.
You qualify for low APR financing and want predictable monthly payments.
Manufacturer incentives significantly reduce the cost.
To avoid depreciation altogether, consider leasing a new car.

When to Buy Used:

You want to avoid rapid depreciation and pay less upfront.
You’re willing to shop for 3-5 year-old vehicles in good condition.
You don’t mind driving a car with fewer bells and whistles.
You’re prepared to negotiate a great used car deal.

Here are details on some of the key considerations to help you determine whether buying new, buying used, or leasing makes the most sense for you.

Financing Deals Versus Depreciation Risks

New cars are known for their steep depreciation. A new car can lose 20-30% of its value within the first two to three years of ownership. However, buying new has its advantages, too. Manufacturer incentives are sweetening the deal for buyers with attractive lease offers, low APR financing, and cash incentives that simply aren’t available for used car buyers.

Why Buy New?

Incentives Galore: Automakers are offering competitive promotions to attract buyers, including 0% APR financing and cash-back deals.
Peace of Mind: New cars come with full warranties, the latest safety features, and no concerns about wear and tear from previous owners.
Custom Orders: Buying new allows you to select the exact trim, color, and features you want. However, custom orders can come at an even higher price.

Drawbacks of Buying New:

Higher Initial Cost: Even with incentives, new cars come with higher upfront prices compared to used options.
Depreciation Risk: If you plan to sell your car in less than five years, you’ll likely face a significant financial loss due to depreciation.
If you’re considering a new car but worry about depreciation, leasing may be a better option for you. It allows you to enjoy the benefits of driving new without the financial impact of resale value losses.

Interest Rates Matter – New Cars Have Lower Rates

Interest rates are a defining factor in the new versus used car debate. While borrowing costs remain high, automakers make it easier to finance new cars by offering low APR financing. Used car loans, on the other hand, often come with higher interest rates from banks and credit unions.

Why New Cars Win on Interest Rates:

Lower APR Offers: Many manufacturers are advertising rates as low as 0% APR for new car buyers, helping you save thousands over the life of the loan.
Better Loan Terms: Lenders tend to offer more favorable terms for new cars compared to used, including longer loan periods and lower down payment requirements.

Used car loans typically come with interest rates about 5% higher than those for new vehicles. Over a five-year loan term, this can significantly increase the total cost of financing a used car. If monthly payments are a concern, financing a new car with low APR may actually make more financial sense.

However, NEVER negotiate monthly payments – always negotiate the Out-the-Door Price to avoid add-ons and ripoffs.

New Tools Make Negotiating Easier Than Ever

The days of guessing what to pay for a new car are over. Today, buyers have access to tools that provide insight into dealer pricing, invoice costs, and manufacturer incentives.

How to Save Big When Buying New:

Use Dealer Invoice Pricing: This allows you to see what the dealer pays for the car and giving you leverage in negotiations.
Keep Up With Local Market Trends: Today, any car buyer in America can see the ins and outs of their local car market for each make and model..
Compare Offers Across Dealers: With free online tools, you can easily master the art of negotiating. A big part of this is learning how to effectively cross-shop between dealerships. Always compare prices and incentives from multiple dealerships to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Leverage Manufacturer Incentives: Research available incentives to maximize your savings before heading to the dealership. We gather the best incentives in one spot for you.

These tools make it easier than ever to negotiate confidently and secure the best deal on a new car. That said, deals can still be hard to come by without the right negotiating tools.

Why Consider Buying Used?

Lower Upfront Costs: Used cars are more affordable than their new counterparts, making them a better choice for budget-conscious buyers. Saving $100 or more on monthly payments over five to six years really adds up!
Avoid Steep Depreciation: Buying a 3-5 year-old used car allows you to avoid the steepest depreciation period, saving you thousands. If you decide to sell in a few years, you won’t feel the heavy depreciation that a new car buyer in a similar situation would experience.
Used Cars Are Negotiable: As competitive new car incentives remain, fewer car shoppers are heading to the used car lots. A slump in demand is good news for those willing to negotiate used car prices.

Challenges of Buying Used:

Higher Interest Rates: As mentioned earlier, used car loans often come with higher APRs, which can offset some of the savings. The average used car loan rate in North America is nearly 14% APR.
Limited Incentives: Unlike new cars, used vehicles don’t come with manufacturer promotions or warranties. However, you can get a fair deal on an extended warranty.
Condition Concerns: Always get a pre-purchase inspection to avoid surprises with hidden issues.
Despite these challenges, buying used is still the go-to option for many drivers who prioritize affordability and don’t mind sacrificing the latest features.

For many car buyers, a 3-5 year-old used car strikes the perfect balance between affordability, reliability, and long-term value. This “sweet spot” in the used car market offers significant benefits that make it a smart choice for budget-conscious drivers who don’t want to sacrifice quality or performance.

Here’s why a 3-5 year-old used car could be the ideal option for you:

Avoid Steep Depreciation – New cars typically lose 30-40% of their value within the first three years, making depreciation one of the biggest hidden costs of buying new.
Lower Upfront Costs – Compared to buying new, 3-5 year-old used cars are significantly more affordable.
Modern Features Without the Premium – A car that’s 3-5 years old still comes equipped with many of the features found in today’s new models, such as advanced safety systems and driver assistance.
Remaining Warranty Coverage (Depending on Mileage) – A 3-5 year-old car is typically well within its prime and often covered by a portion of the manufacturer’s original powertrain warranty. If coverage is about to run out, get an Extended Warranty quote for peace of mind.
Better Financing Options Compared to Older Cars – While interest rates for used car loans are higher than those for new cars, lenders generally offer better rates for late-model used cars compared to older vehicles. This makes financing a 3-5 year-old car more manageable and less risky.

How to get the best of ‘both worlds’

By choosing a 3-5 year-old used car, you get the best of both worlds: modern features at a lower price, and the ability to avoid the financial pitfalls of buying new. It’s a smart compromise for car buyers looking for value and reliability. To ensure you’re making a wise investment, always research market trends, request vehicle history reports, and schedule a pre-purchase inspection before buying any used car.

Founded in 2019 by father-and-son team Ray and Zach Shefska, CarEdge is a leading platform dedicated to empowering car shoppers with free expert advice, in-depth market insights, and tools to navigate every step of the car-buying journey.

Military

US Sanctions To Disrupt Iran’s Weapons Procurement Networks and Shadow Fleet

February 26, 2026 The Silo Leave a comment

Press release via Thomas “Tommy” Pigott, Principal Deputy Spokesperson

February, 2026. The United States is designating individuals and entities involved in multiple weapons procurement networks based in Iran, Türkiye, and the United Arab Emirates supporting the Iranian regime’s ballistic missile and advanced conventional weapons (ACW) development. We are also sanctioning numerous shadow fleet vessels and their owners or operators that have collectively transported hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of Iranian petroleum, petroleum products, and petrochemical products.

The Iranian regime continues to mismanage its economy, with catastrophic consequences for its people, and prioritizes funding of foreign proxies and missiles over the basic needs of ordinary Iranians. Today, sanctions target the illicit funds that the regime uses to advance its malign and destabilizing ends.

This action implements President Trump’s National Security Presidential Memorandum 2 by countering the Iranian regime’s aggressive development of missiles and other asymmetric and conventional weapons capabilities. It also denies the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps access to assets and resources that sustain its destabilizing activities. The nonproliferation designations today support the reimposition of United Nations restrictive measures and sanctions on Iran, which occurred as a direct result of the Iranian regime’s “significant non-performance” of its nuclear commitments.

The United States will continue to use all available means to expose, disrupt, and counter the Iranian regime’s ability to procure revenue to develop its weapons programs and fund its destabilizing behavior.

The Department of the Treasury’s action was taken pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13382, which targets proliferators of weapons of mass destruction and their supporters, E.O. 13949, the Iran conventional arms authority, and E.O. 13902, which authorizes sanctions related to key sectors of Iran’s economy. For more information on today’s actions, please see the Department of the Treasury’s Press Release.

Supplemental-

Earth

Canada Must Still Reassess Glyphosate Roundup Herbicide Links To Cancer

February 25, 2026 The Silo Leave a comment

It’s been nearly nine years since we published the article below and the water surrounding glyphosate use in Canada is still murky. Roundup is currently being used in an official capacity in certain situations by government agencies such as by the Ministry of the Environment to fight the invasive species Phragmites. Let’s review the earlier article:

Top Scientists Warnings

Dear friends across Canada, top scientists warn the most commonly used herbicide in the world probably causes cancer. Monsanto is demanding the World Health Organization retract their ground-breaking report. And experts say the only way to ensure the science is not silenced is if the public demands action, now. The regulatory system is renowned for being secretive and captured by the agro-chemical industry. But we have a unique moment right now — Canada is officially reassessing glyphosate, with similar processes underway in the US, Europe, and Brazil. And the Netherlands, Sri Lanka, and El Salvador are all looking at a ban. [However, it must be noted that as of today’s posting, Canada Health’s Food Safety Inspection statement is that glyphosate formulations ARE safe CP]The threat is clear — this poison is used on our food, our fields, our playgrounds, and our streets. Let’s get it suspended.

Join the urgent call and tell everyone

Monsanto is up in arms. Glyphosate brings in $6+ billion per year. It is the basis of RoundUp, the chemical cornerstone of Monsanto’s Genetically Modified empire. The company says the WHO report ignored studies showing glyphosate is safe. But these scientists are 17 of the world’s top oncology experts, not a bunch of crazies. They comprehensively reviewed independent studies, excluding those done by companies seeking product approval. Regulators rely mainly on tests done by the companies trying to sell the poisons!

Secret Information Makes Reporting Murky

Key results are kept from the public because they contain ‘commercially confidential information’, and 58% of the scientific panels in the EU Food and Safety Agency are linked to the sector. It’s nuts, but that is the system we have. And that’s why it’s going to take all of us to make sure this crucial independent report isn’t ignored. Some countries have already put bans on glyphosate. Now with the EU, the US, Canada, and Brazil all reviewing it, we have an incredible chance to turn the tide worldwide.

Sixty years ago Monsanto’s pesticide DDT was everywhere until the seminal book Silent Spring showed it could cause cancer — a decade later it was banned. If this could cause cancer, let’s not let it be sold for ten more years. Let’s demand emergency precautionary action now.

Join now and spread the word: https://secure.avaaz.org/en/monsanto_dont_silence_science_loc_cn/?bsOTIab&v=57275

We’ve done it before — helped win a moratorium on bee-killing neonicotinoids in the EU and stop a Monsanto mega seed factory in Argentina. Now let’s protect our health and make sure we aren’t being used as lab rats. This could be a breakthrough moment in the fight for the safe, sustainable agriculture our world needs. With hope, Bert, Marigona, Antonia, Oliver, Alice, Emily, Danny, Nataliya, Ricken and the whole Avaaz team.

More information: New study points to link between weedkiller glyphosate and cancer (FT) http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/8b79a572-cf14-11e4-893d-00144feab7de.html#axzz3XOmCcv9c

Supplemental

Weed Killer, Long Cleared, is Doubted (New York Times) http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/28/business/energy-environment/decades-after-monsantos-roundup-gets-an-all-clear-a-cancer-agency-raises-concerns.html

The Real Reason to Worry About GMOs (Mother Jones) http://www.motherjones.com/tom-philpott/2015/03/bittman-right-its-not-gmos-its-how-theyre-used

Art

The Met to Present a Major Exhibition Dedicated to the Careers of Lee Krasner and Jackson Pollock

February 24, 2026 The Silo Leave a comment

Featuring over 120 works from more than 80 U.S. and international lenders, this exhibition marks the first major New York presentation of either artist’s work in over two decades—and their first at The Met.

Exhibition Dates: October 4, 2026–January 31, 2027
Exhibition Location: The Met Fifth Avenue, Gallery 899, The Tisch Galleries

(New York, February, 2026)—Krasner and Pollock: Past Continuous at The Metropolitan Museum of Artis a major exhibition that charts the full arc of the careers of Lee Krasner (1908–1984) and Jackson Pollock (1912–1956) in parallel, examining the distinct yet connected practices of these artistic peers and life partners. On view October 4, 2026, through January 31, 2027, it marks the first major New York presentation devoted to either artist in more than 20 years, introducing their work to a new generation while reassessing their enduring impacts on modern and contemporary art.

A meeting of two great artists

Krasner and Pollock were emerging artists in New York when they met on the occasion of being included in a 1942 exhibition organized by the artist John Graham. They married in 1945 and moved to Springs, Long Island, where they remained entwined personally, artistically, and professionally until Pollock’s death in 1956. Pollock’s life’s work had secured his legacy, while the nearly three decades that Krasner survived him marked some of the most transformative years of her career. Drawing its subtitle, Past Continuous, from a 1976 painting by Krasner, the exhibition traces parallel lives and practices, first forged by lived experience and then shadowed by memory. It foregrounds the range and art historical significance of Krasner’s work while offering a sustained examination of Pollock’s rich and complex practice.

Number 31. 1950. Jackson Pollock

Outstanding philanthropy

The exhibition is made possible by Kenneth C. Griffin and Griffin Catalyst, Marina Kellen French, and the Barrie A. and Deedee Wigmore Foundation.
Additional support is provided Trevor and Alexis Traina, the Aaron I. Fleischman and Lin Lougheed Fund, The Huo Family Foundation, and Joyce Kwok.

Number 11. 1952. Jackson Pollock

A novel way of reexamining modern art

“With its distinctive premise and scope, Krasner and Pollock: Past Continuous exemplifies The Met’s commitment to reexamining modern art through rigorous scholarship and fresh perspectives,” said Max Hollein, Marina Kellen French Director and Chief Executive Officer of The Metropolitan Museum of Art. “By considering each artist on their own terms while also foregrounding their consequential relationship, the exhibition situates Krasner’s and Pollock’s work within a broader cultural and artistic context—an approach central to the mission of The Met’s Department of Modern and Contemporary Art and to the vision of the forthcoming Oscar L. Tang and H.M. Agnes Hsu-Tang Wing, opening in 2030. This project affirms Krasner and Pollock not only as defining figures of their moment, but as artists whose work continues to shape and inspire future generations.”

What makes an artist revolutionary?

“Krasner and Pollock: Past Continuous begins with the fundamental premise that these artists are equals, partners in life, giants in the history of art, and revolutionaries who defined what abstraction could be,” said David Breslin, Leonard A. Lauder Curator in Charge, Department of Modern and Contemporary Art, The Met. “Each found a partner who would insist on the primacy of art over life; and they both aspired to an art that was forged out of historical connections but that also promised freedom and radical possibility in a world forever changed by war. The exhibition concerns entwined lives but is also about how different artistic directions come from shared terrain.”

“Krasner and Pollock: Past Continuous approaches these artists not as a single story, but as two practices unfolding in proximity over time,” said Brinda Kumar, Associate Curator, Department of Modern and Contemporary Art, The Met. “The exhibition examines how Krasner and Pollock shared a commitment to testing the possibilities of abstraction—through shifts in scale, material, and form—and how those investigations continued to evolve along distinct trajectories.”

Krasner and Pollock: Past Continuous follows each artist’s life and work.

The exhibition highlights their differences as much as their interrelation, with some galleries that place the artists together and others where they are presented independently. Krasner and Pollock were shaped by their distinct upbringings and formative trainings. Krasner adopted and negotiated the tenets of the European avant-garde, particularly Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, and Piet Mondrian. Her training under Hans Hofmann was key to her development. Pollock’s network of broad influences included Thomas Hart Benton and American Regionalism, Mexican mural traditions, Surrealism, and even his own family of artists.

Their early paths unfold as complementary divergences, tracing distinct strands of American modernism that would ultimately converge in the rupture known as Abstract Expressionism. For Pollock, his breakthrough was the “drip” technique, a radical mode of painting that flourished in a condensed but prolific period from 1946 to 1951. Krasner’s varied practice was typified by ceaseless explorations of abstraction, often cued by her abiding interest in the possibilities of nature and color. This manifested in bold collages, gestural canvases and vividly hued hard-edge painting. Historically, Pollock’s reputation has eclipsed Krasner’s. LIFE Magazine asked in 1949 if Pollock was “the greatest living painter in the United States.” His early death and posthumous media attention further amplified his fame and eclipsed critical appraisal of Krasner’s contributions. Today, both artists’ practices are rightly recognized as key to the innovations of art from the mid-20th century onwards. This exhibition continues and amplifies this reevaluation.

Rarely loaned works

Combat. 1965. Lee Krasner

The exhibition draws on The Met collection and rarely loaned works from more than 80 U.S. and international lenders, bringing together over 120 paintings, works on paper, and ephemera to reconsider Krasner’s and Pollock’s careers—both on their own terms and in dynamic relation to each another and their shared artistic context. Major institutional lenders include Peggy Guggenheim Collection, MoMA, the Whitney Museum of American Art, Tate, National Gallery of Art, National Gallery of Victoria, Centre Pompidou, Buffalo AKG Art Museum, Dallas Museum of Art, The Art Institute of Chicago, and SFMoMA. The exhibition will also include several rarely seen works from important private collections.

Organized into 12 chapters that span each artist’s career and are punctuated by defining moments, Krasner and Pollock: Past Continuous unfolds from the 1930s through the postwar years to the end of their respective lives, moving between moments of convergence and difference. The exhibition’s design, informed in part by historic spaces and installations, enhances moments of exchange—across time and practices—while allowing for discrete encounters with works by each artist, from Krasner’s Little Images series and Pollock’s drip paintings of the late 1940s to his monumental canvases in the 1950s and Krasner’s Umber and Earth Green series. The exhibition charts ongoing dialogues—Pollock’s late return to earlier motifs in the mid-1950s and Krasner’s extended engagement through the 1960s and 1970s with artists such as Klee, Picasso, Mondrian, and Matisse. This presentation will reveal two artists in constant negotiation with each other, themselves, and the cultural, political, and aesthetic stakes of their time.

A constellation of landmark works anchor the exhibition’s exploration of both artists’ practices, including Lee Krasner’s Composition (1949), The Seasons (1957), The Eye is the First Circle (1960), and Combat (1965), along with Jackson Pollock’s Stenographic Figure (1942), Guardians of the Secret (1943), Number 1, 1950 (Lavender Mist) (1950), and The Deep (1953). Two earlier exhibitions, Krasner/Pollock: A Working Relationship (co-organized by Guild Hall and Grey Art Gallery, 1981) and Lee Krasner-Jackson Pollock: Kunstlerpaare Kunstlerfreunde (Kunstmuseum Bern, 1989–90), concentrated on the approximately 15-year overlap in the artists lives, from 1941, when they met, until Pollock’s death in 1956. Krasner and Pollock: Past Continuous is the first exhibition to consider both artists’ practices, in their full chronological sweep, together.

The Met has long been significant for both Krasner and Pollock.

Pollock first exhibited a painting at The Met in 1943 in an exhibition in support of World War II. By the end of the decade, he would be among the artists—The Irascibles—who mounted a notable critique of the Museum’s then-prevailing attitude to contemporary art. However, a short while after Pollock’s death, The Met acquired the landmark painting Autumn Rhythm (Number 30) (1950). The Met’s collection of works by Lee Krasner—from her earliest self-portraits to her late magnificent Rising Green (1972)—includes important gifts to the Museum by the artist during her lifetime. The Met was notably also the venue for Krasner’s memorial service in 1984. Krasner and Pollock: Past Continuous builds on this history, marking the Museum’s first major exhibition devoted to either artist. A focused survey, the exhibition traces the arcs of their artistic developments, offering fresh perspectives on two of the most influential figures of 20th-century art.

The exhibition also reflects The Met’s commitment to showcasing artists whose work continues to shape how art is made and understood today. Krasner’s and Pollock’s contributions to modernism and their serious engagement with the possibilities of painting continues to be significant for the work of contemporary artists. In advance of the opening of the Tang Wing for Modern and Contemporary Art, opening in 2030, Krasner and Pollock: Past Continuous models a curatorial approach that reexamines canonical narratives and connects 20th-century innovations to the concerns of today’s artists and audiences.

Palingenesis. 1971. Lee Krasner

Exhibition Catalogue

The exhibition’s accompanying catalogue, Krasner and Pollock: Past Continuous, expands the project’s central themes through newly commissioned texts. Featured essays by the exhibition’s curators as well as Johanna Fateman, Prudence Peiffer, and Matthew Holman consider a range of topics, including Krasner and Pollock’s intertwined creative lives as an artist couple, their strategies of abstraction in the 1950s, and the transatlantic reception of their work, while artist Amy Sillman offers a contemporary painter’s perspective on artistic breakthrough and legacy. The volume also includes an illustrated, interwoven chronology as well as reflections by leading contemporary artists, underscoring the enduring resonance of Krasner’s and Pollock’s work across generations.

The catalogue is made possible by the Pollock-Krasner Foundation.

Additional support is provided by the Aaron I. Fleischman and Lin Lougheed Fund, The Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation, Karen and Sam Seymour, the Wyeth Foundation for American Art, Suzanne Deal Booth, and Kelly Williams and Andrew Forsyth.

For the Silo, Julie Niemi.

Credits and Related Content
Krasner and Pollock: Past Continuous is curated by David Breslin, Leonard A. Lauder Curator in Charge, and Brinda Kumar, Associate Curator, with the assistance of CJ Salapare, Research Associate, all of the Department of Modern and Contemporary Art, The Met.

The Met will host a variety of exhibition-related programs, to be announced at a later date.

Featured Image: Lee Krasner (American, 1908–1984), Bald Eagle, 1955, Oil, paper, and canvas collage on linen, 77 × 51 1/2 in. (195.6 × 130.8 cm), ASOM Collection © 2026 Pollock-Krasner Foundation / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York

Culture

Residential Reinvention In North America

February 23, 2026 The Silo Leave a comment

Maximizing Property Potential Via Popular Home Expansions

For many homeowners, the need for more space arrives long before the desire to move. Growing families, remote work, multigenerational living, and changing lifestyles are pushing homeowners to rethink how their existing homes can evolve. Home additions have become one of the most practical ways to gain space, improve comfort, and increase property value without starting over in a new location. Yet deciding which type of addition makes sense requires a clear understanding of costs, construction complexity, and long term return on investment.

Across the United States as in Canada, home addition costs vary widely depending on region, labor availability, building codes, and design choices. In America, the average cost of a home addition often exceeds the commonly cited figure of $51,000 usd/ $70,000 cad, especially for projects involving plumbing, structural changes, or second story construction. Per square foot costs typically range from roughly $100 usd/ $137 cad to $500 usd/ $684 cad, depending on the type of addition and level of finish. Understanding these ranges helps homeowners plan realistically and avoid budget shock midway through construction.

A dry addition or a wet addition?

One of the most important distinctions in home additions is whether a project is considered a dry addition or a wet addition. Dry additions include spaces such as bedrooms, living rooms, offices, or sunrooms that do not require plumbing. These additions are generally less expensive because they avoid water lines, drains, and complex waterproofing requirements. Wet additions include kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms, which add cost due to plumbing work, additional permits, and stricter building code requirements. Knowing which category your project falls into is one of the most reliable ways to estimate overall expense early in the planning process.

Room additions, often called bump outs, are among the most approachable projects for homeowners looking to add space without a full-scale renovation. These additions typically extend an existing room by a few feet to create more usable square footage. Nationally, bump outs often cost between $250 usd/ $342 cad and $500 usd/ $685 cad per square foot, depending on size and finish. While smaller in scope, they can dramatically improve daily living by relieving cramped layouts and improving functionality.

Adding a second story

Second story additions represent one of the most transformative but also most expensive home addition options. By building upward rather than outward, homeowners can double their living space without sacrificing yard area. These projects often range from $300 usd/ $410 cad to $500 usd/ $685 cad per square foot and require extensive structural reinforcement. Foundations, load bearing walls, and framing may need upgrades to support the added weight. Plumbing, electrical systems, and roofing are also typically impacted. While the upfront cost is significant, second story additions can deliver substantial long term value, particularly for homeowners committed to staying in place for many years.

Sunrooms offer a different kind of expansion, focusing on light, comfort, and connection to the outdoors. These spaces are often used as family rooms, dining areas, or quiet retreats. Costs typically fall between $200 usd/ $274 cad and $400 usd/ $547 cad per square foot, with total project budgets ranging from $40,000 usd/ $55,000 cad to $90,000 usd/ $123,000 cad or more. Three season sunrooms tend to be less expensive, while fully insulated, climate controlled spaces cost more but offer year round usability. Energy efficiency requirements and insulation quality play a major role in pricing.

The most cost effective way to add livable space

Garage conversions are one of the most cost-effective ways to add livable space because they utilize an existing structure. Nationally, these projects often range from $120 to $200 per square foot, with total costs commonly between $20,000 usd/ $27,300 cad and $50,000 usd/ $68,400 cad. Conversions typically involve insulation, drywall, flooring, electrical upgrades, and heating or cooling systems. Adding a bathroom increases both cost and value, but requires plumbing work and additional permits. For homeowners seeking flexibility without major exterior changes, garage conversions often deliver strong value.

Over the garage additions combine vertical expansion with efficient land use. These projects create new living space above an existing garage and commonly cost between $250 usd/ $340 cad and $400 usd/ $550 cad per square foot. Structural reinforcement is often required, and design integration with the main house is critical. When executed well, over the garage additions add bedrooms, guest suites, or home offices without reducing yard space, making them appealing in many suburban and urban settings.

ADU- aka the accessory dwelling unit

Accessory dwelling units have become increasingly popular as homeowners look for rental income opportunities or space for extended family. ADU costs vary widely but often fall between $100,000 usd/ $137,000 cad and $300,000 usd/ $410,400 cad depending on size, design, and site conditions. Well planned ADUs can generate significant returns through rental income while increasing overall property value. In many markets, returns between 50 and 80 percent are possible when long term income and appreciation are considered together.

The most complex home improvement

Kitchen expansions and additions are among the most complex home improvement projects. Building a new kitchen or expanding an existing one typically ranges from $50,000 usd/ $68,400 cad to $150,000 usd/ $205,200 cad or more. These projects involve plumbing, gas lines, electrical systems, ventilation, and often structural changes. High quality finishes, appliances, and cabinetry can significantly increase costs, but kitchens consistently rank among the highest value improvements for resale.

Expensive to be sure

Bathroom additions and expansions also carry meaningful costs but deliver strong returns. Adding a new bathroom often ranges from $30,000 usd/ $41,000 cad to $75,000 usd / $102,600 caddepending on size and plumbing complexity. Expanding an existing bathroom typically costs less but still requires careful planning around waterproofing, ventilation, and fixture selection. Bathrooms add both daily convenience and resale appeal, particularly in homes with limited existing bath space.

What type of addition should you choose?

Choosing the right type of home addition requires balancing personal lifestyle needs with financial considerations. Homeowners should assess how they use their space today, how that use may change in the future, and which additions offer the greatest functional improvement. Equally important is considering how future buyers might perceive the added space. Additions that align with common buyer preferences tend to deliver stronger returns.

Successful home additions are built on careful planning. Hidden costs such as permit fees, utility upgrades, and structural repairs can emerge once construction begins. Understanding local building requirements, maintaining detailed budgets, and setting aside contingency funds are critical steps. Consulting experienced professionals early in the process helps homeowners avoid delays, unexpected expenses, and design mistakes that can be costly to correct later.

It’s not just about square footage

Ultimately, home additions are not just about adding square footage. They are about adapting a home to better serve the people who live there. When thoughtfully planned, an addition can improve daily life, increase long term property value, and allow homeowners to remain in communities they love. With clear expectations, realistic budgets, and informed decision making, home additions can be one of the most rewarding investments a homeowner makes. For the Silo, Jon Grishpul/ Greatbuildz.com.

Reviews

Consider These Hottest Fireplace Trends

February 20, 2026 The Silo Leave a comment

Over the years, fireplaces have been a familiar feature in many homes, however until very recently, they have undergone very little change from the traditional hearth.

Fireplaces are becoming the design focus for many rooms in and outside the house and with new technological advances it’s now possible to do more with the fireplace than ever before.

“We’re seeing some very interesting home designs that incorporate fireplaces in many creative new ways,” said David Coulson, of Napoleon Fireplaces. “While the traditional hearth will be a mainstay for many homes, modern fireplaces with crisp lines and glass frames will continue to rise in popularity with new homes and redesigned rooms. That being said we’re seeing several new trends emerge this season that are really changing the way people are thinking about fireplaces.”

Coulson suggests keeping the following hot trends in mind when looking for a new fireplace.

. Modern: Look for clean, linear lines with less metal and more
glass. People want the full flame and don’t want black or chrome metal frames blocking the view or interfering with the lighting.

. Gas: Gas fireplaces will continue to rise in popularity this season. The convenience of flicking a switch compared to collecting, piling and lighting firewood is quickly winning out. The younger generation of fireplace buyers want a quick lighting fireplace that is cleaner and easier to maintain.

. Outdoors: 2026 will again be a big year for the outdoor fireplace as people create or expand on their backyard oasis. The idea of turning a backyard into another room of your house is fueling the outdoor fireplace trend and Napoleon has developed several new models to accommodate this demand.

. Heat rises: Much like HD televisions, consumers are placing their fireplace inserts higher up on the wall. New technology allows for home
owners to insert enclosed gas fireplaces almost anywhere in the house and many people are taking inspiration from designers who are playing with the traditional ideas of where you find a fireplace.

. Unlikely locations: Much like the migration of fireplaces up the wall, more fireplaces are being installed in unlikely rooms. For example,
Napoleon makes several models which are ideally suited for the kitchen or bathroom. These fireplaces however are typically used to decorate the room, not to provide a main source for heating.

In the end, every room is different so it’s important to find the right fireplace that fits.

About Wolf Steel Ltd.:

It all began in 1976 when a small steel fabrication business launched by Wolfgang Schroeter started manufacturing steel railings in Barrie, Ontario, Canada. At that time, no one could imagine the incredible future that lay ahead for Wolf Steel Ltd. and eventually NapoleonR Fireplaces and NapoleonR Gourmet Grills.

Since the first wood stove rolled off the production line over 40 years ago, Wolf Steel’s commitment was to be distinctive and successful in everything they do. Napoleon’s commitment to producing quality products combined with honest, reliable service has proven to be successful framework to ensuring the continued rapid growth of the company. NapoleonR is an ISO9001 – 2008 registered company and now operates with 750,000+ square feet of manufacturing space and employs over 700 associates.

NapoleonR is North America’s largest privately owned manufacturer of quality wood and gas fireplaces (inserts and stoves), gourmet gas and charcoal grills, outdoor living products, waterfalls and a complete line of Heating & Cooling equipment.

Sci-Tech

5 Free AI Identifying Tools That Are Free

February 19, 2026 The Silo Leave a comment

Fake Photo? Manipulated Video? How to Spot Sham AI

This to preserve the credibility of digital media and safeguard users from falling victim to scams. As synthetic media becomes more sophisticated, identifying AI-generated manipulations presents a unique challenge, but numerous free apps and tools are readily available allowing users to validate photo and video authenticity with ease—a major step forward in safeguarding trust in a world increasingly influenced by AI-generated visuals, ensuring transparency and security in the digital age. More below.

How AI Drives Misinformation

Amid the onslaught of highly concerning news headlines spotlighting how deepfake AI-generated photo and video scams are driving rampant misinformation and wreaking havoc across digital, cultural, workplace, political and other societal frameworks, solutions are emerging combat AI-driven misinformation and fraud before people fall victim to scams.

One AI disruptor transforming the fight against AI fraud is BitMind—an AI deepfake detection authority that offers a suite of free apps and tools that instantly identify and flag AI-generated images before you fall victim.

Built by AI Engineers

Built by a team of AI engineers hailing from leading tech companies like Amazon, Poshmark, NEAR, and Ledgersafe, BitMind’s instant detection of deepfakes helps uphold the credibility of the media, guaranteeing the authenticity of the information we use. A strong deepfake detection enhances digital interactions, supports better decision making and strengthens the integrity of the modern digital world—serving to protect reputations, shield finances and maintain trust for celebrities, politicians, public figures … and everyone else.

For both B2C and B2B use, these 5 BitMind tools are free and accessible to anyone:

AI Detector App: A simple web page where users can drag-and-drop suspicious images for fast deepfake detection results;
Chrome Extension: Flags AI-created content in real-time, while browsing.
X Bot: Verifies if images on X/Twitter are real or AI-generated;
Discord Bot: Verifies if images are real or AI-generated via its Discord Integration;
AI or Not Game: Fun Telegram bot that tests your ability to distinguish between AI-generated and human-created images.

“Recognizing the need to integrate deepfake detection into everyday technology use, our applications fit seamlessly into users’ lives,” notes Ken Miyachi, BitMind CEO. “For example, the BitMind Detection App is a user-friendly application that allows individuals to upload images and quickly assess the likelihood of them being real or synthetic. Additionally, the Browser Extension enhances online security by analyzing images on web pages in real time and providing immediate feedback on their authenticity through our subnet validators. These tools are designed to empower users, enabling them to navigate digital spaces with confidence and security.”

As the world’s first decentralized Deepfake Detection System, BitMind is an open-source technology that enables developers to easily integrate the technology into their existing platforms to provide accurate real-time detection of deepfakes.

“Deepfake technology has emerged as both a marvel and a menace,” continued Miyachi. “With the capacity to create synthetic media that closely mimics reality, deepfakes present unprecedented challenges in privacy, security, and information integrity. Responding to these challenges, we introduced the BitMind Subnet, a breakthrough on the Bittensor network, dedicated to the detection and mitigation of deepfakes.”

According to Miyachi, here are key reasons why BitMind technology is a game changer:

The BitMind Subnet, which represents a pivotal advancement in the fight against AI-generated misinformation. Operating on a decentralized AI platform, this deepfake detection system employs sophisticated AI models to accurately distinguish between real and manipulated content. This not only enhances the security of digital media but also preserves the essential trust in digital interactions.
The BitMind Subnet is equipped with advanced detection algorithms that utilize both generative and discriminative AI technologies to provide a robust mechanism for identifying deepfakes.
BitMind employs cutting-edge techniques, including Neighborhood Pixel Relationships, ensuring competitive accuracy in detection. The operation of the subnet is decentralized, with miners across the network running binary classifiers. This setup ensures that the detection processes are widespread and not confined to any centralized repository, enhancing both the reliability and integrity of the detection results.
Community collaboration is a cornerstone of the BitMind Subnet, actively encouraging the community to contribute to our evolving codebase, and by engaging with developers and researchers, the subnet is continuously improved and updated with the latest advancements in AI.
BitMind combines its extensive industry expertise, cutting-edge academic research, and a deep passion for technology. The team has a proven track record in AI, blockchain, and systems architecture, successfully leading tech projects and founding innovative companies.

What truly sets BitMind apart is their commitment to creating a safer, more transparent digital world where AI benefits humanity, driven by their passion for innovation, security and community engagement. Their technologies are expressly designed to safeguard the integrity of digital media and foster a trustworthy digital ecosystem.

In the modern world full of fake news and increasing cyber threats, BitMind’s innovations are paving the way for a future in which digital trust is not an option, but a necessity. As the threats increase, the global community must be equipped with the means to ingest digital information in a reliable and authentic in order to realize AI’s true potential safely and efficiently. For the Silo, Marsha Zorn.

Finance

Navigating the Great Wealth Transfer: What It Means for Families

February 18, 2026 The Silo Leave a comment

The landscape of North American wealth is on the brink of a historic shift. Current research estimates that between $75 trillion usd and $125 trillion usd ($102.5 trillion cad and $170.8 trillion cad) will change hands over the next two decades in American alone as assets pass from the baby boomer generation to younger heirs. This unprecedented movement of capital, now widely referred to as the Great Wealth Transfer, is set to redefine family finances, generational relationships, and the future of estate planning across North America.

While the transfer represents an extraordinary opportunity for Millennials and Gen Xers, it also carries significant legal and emotional risks. Attorney Don Ford, a Board-Certified expert in Estate Planning and Probate Law with Ford + Bergner LLP, warns that without thoughtful preparation, the same wealth intended to provide security can just as easily fracture families and ignite costly disputes.

A Scale Never Seen Before

“The scale of this transfer is unlike anything we have seen before,” explains Ford, Managing Partner at Ford + Bergner LLP—a Texas-based boutique firm specializing in estate planning, probate, and guardianship. “And when large sums of money move quickly through families that are unprepared, conflict becomes far more likely.”

Why This Is Happening Now

Several forces have converged to accelerate this moment.

Americans are living longer, allowing assets to compound over extended periods. Many individuals entering their later years benefited from decades of sustained market growth, dramatically increasing the value of retirement accounts, real estate holdings, and privately owned businesses. Together, longevity and market performance have produced estates that are often far larger and more complex than families anticipate.

Yet wealth has grown faster than planning.

“Many estate plans are static while wealth is dynamic,” Ford notes. “People create documents years earlier and assume they will still work, even though their family structure, asset values, and risks have changed.”

Why Planning Is an Act of Care

Estate planning is often misunderstood as a tax exercise or paperwork requirement. In reality, it functions as a roadmap that protects families, preserves intent, and prevents conflict.

Effective planning allows families to address challenges before they escalate. Trust structures can provide what Ford describes as “training wheels” for heirs who are not yet equipped to manage significant portfolios. Clear language can reduce ambiguity in blended families, ensuring spouses and children from prior marriages are treated according to the individual’s wishes rather than default statutes.

Business continuity is another frequent flashpoint. Without an agreed-upon succession plan, profitable family enterprises can be forced into liquidation simply because heirs cannot agree on control or direction.

“Planning is not about control from the grave,” Ford says. “It is about clarity while you are still here.”

The Rising Tide of Probate Litigation

As wealth transfers accelerate, probate courts in America are bracing for an increase in estate-related litigation and similar situations are set to occur in Canada and Mexico. According to Ford, several recurring issues are already driving disputes.

Cognitive decline and undue influence are among the most common triggers. As older adults reach their eighties and nineties, dementia and other impairments become more prevalent. Late-life changes to wills or trusts are frequently challenged by heirs who believe a loved one was pressured or lacked capacity.

Blended family dynamics also play a major role. Modern families often include second marriages, stepchildren, and competing expectations. When individuals die without updated documents, intestacy laws can produce outcomes no one intended, fueling resentment and lawsuits.

Ambiguous or outdated estate plans remain another risk factor. DIY documents and boilerplate language often fail under scrutiny, leaving courts to interpret vague instructions. Fiduciary disputes are equally common when executors or trustees are accused of mismanagement, lack of transparency, or favoritism.

Family-owned businesses present some of the most complex conflicts. When multiple heirs disagree over leadership, equity, or control, litigation can become the only path forward, sometimes ending in forced sale.

“The tragedy is that most of these disputes are preventable,” Ford emphasizes. “They arise not from greed, but from silence, assumptions, and documents that were never meant to handle modern family realities.”

The Bottom Line

The Great Wealth Transfer is not merely a financial event. It is a social and legal reckoning that will test families’ communication, planning, and preparedness. As trillions of dollars move between generations, proactive estate planning has become less about wealth preservation and more about relationship preservation.

For families willing to plan with intention, the transfer can strengthen legacies rather than divide them. For those who do not, the cost may be far higher than they ever expected.

For the Silo, Merilee Kern.

Culture

How Your Headshot Forms Impressions In Milliseconds And What To Do About It

February 17, 2026 The Silo Leave a comment

In today’s uber-competitive, rapid-fire workforce, a headshot isn’t about looking good; it’s about being believed. ..in an instant. From LinkedIn profiles and resumes to professional biographies and press mentions, your professional photo becomes the stand-in for you when you’re not in the room. Psychology shows that people form impressions in milliseconds, and your image carries the weight of that decision. The difference between forgettable and compelling is rarely accidental. And the implications can be make-or-break consequential.

The Career Accelerator Headshot:
How to Convey Trust, Authority & Likability in a Single Frame

In business, first impressions often happen before a word is spoken. This is what makes your headshot is more than a picture; it’s a visual handshake, a silent introduction that conveys confidence, likability, and professionalism in a single frame. Like a handshake, it can be firm and reassuring, or limp and forgettable. The difference often lies in small but critical choices.

It Lives Everywhere

A headshot lives everywhere a professional’s reputation does—LinkedIn, websites, pitch decks, press releases. Before colleagues, clients, partners, vendors or hiring managers meet you, they meet your image. That photograph carries cues about how trustworthy you appear, how engaged you seem, and whether you project authority or warmth. Research in psychology consistently shows that people form judgments of competence and likability in milliseconds. Your headshot is the first test of that instinct.

Here are some tips to best ensure your photo visually conveys your desired personal brand image:

Do’s: Making the Most of Your Visual Handshake

Do use genuine expression. Confidence is communicated through the eyes; likability through the mouth. Together they create the balance of authority and warmth that makes people lean in. Forced smiles or stiff stares fail that test. If your smile doesn’t reach your eyes, it is fake.
Do consider the message you want to send. A corporate board member may want gravitas; a startup founder may want energy. There is no right answer other than the one you decide on. The headshot should serve that purpose, not just “look good.”
Do refresh periodically. If your appearance has changed meaningfully, update your headshot. Mismatched expectations can erode trust before you’ve even said hello. A ten year old shot or an AI shot is professional catfishing.

Don’ts: Pitfalls That Undermine Presence

Don’t rely on selfies or casual snapshots. What may work for personal social media rarely translates into professional credibility.
Don’t over-edit. Excessive retouching may erase authenticity and make you look like you lack confidence. A headshot should present the best version of you, not an unrecognizable one.
Don’t ignore body language. Slight posture cues—a tilt, crossed arms, leaning too far back—can signal defensiveness or disengagement. Tilting your head towards the shoulder closest to the camera makes you look weak.

The Broader Impact

A strong headshot doesn’t just open doors; it can also align a team’s brand. When a company or firm presents cohesive, polished headshots across its leadership, it communicates unity, credibility, and attention to detail. Conversely, mismatched or outdated images suggest inconsistency and a lack of care and resources. In an age where clients, investors, and partners often vet online before meeting, those subtle cues matter.

Think of your headshot the way you’d think of a handshake in a critical meeting: intentional, practiced, and aligned with the impression you want to leave. Done well, it can become one of the simplest yet most effective tools in your professional arsenal.

For the Silo, Chris Gillett.

Famed headshot photographer and expression coach Chris Gillett is nationally-regarded for his work helping executives, entrepreneurs and attorneys master the “visual handshake” by combining confidence and likability in every image. Connect with him at www.liketherazor.com

Art

A Review Of Joan Lyons At Stephen Bulger Gallery Toronto

February 16, 2026 The Silo Leave a comment

When I first walked into Stephen Bulger Gallery to see Joan Lyons’s retrospective exhibition, I exclaimed without much thought: These are so contemporary!

A truly inane statement on my part, for many reasons. First, Joan Lyons is a contemporary artist who continues to make work into her 80s. Secondly, the work I was referring to was made in 1973, not the 1700s. And lastly, why would something being “contemporary” necessarily be a compliment?

Untitled (from the Artifacts Portfolio), 1973 © Joan Lyons / courtesy Stephen Bulger Gallery

I guess what I meant is that there’s an enduring quality to the work.

Photography, at its best, can capture something fundamental about the human condition. This is exactly what Lyons does. I look at her photographs, and I see myself, despite the half-century of time between us. Whether a frustrating conversation with a male doctor, a jacket that I could see myself wearing, or the faces of a woman staring unwaveringly at the camera—there I am.

In “Xerox Transfer Drawings: Women’s Portrait Series,” which spanned from 1972-1980, Lyons set out to capture historical representations of women, by women. Through multiple transfers of the Xerox machine—I recall creating similar portraits as a young girl visiting my mom at work—a single image is constructed. “They are not naturalistic, but awkward in gesture, immobile and flattened—women frozen in their representations,” writes Lyons in the accompanying description of the work. “They countermand the idea of a photographic portrait as the record of a fleeting moment. In the 1970s, I was seeking to find myself as a woman within my culture and to locate my art practice within the history of artmaking.”

“Untitled (from Womens’ Portrait Series)” 1974. © Joan Lyons / courtesy Stephen Bulger Gallery

In these photographs, the image plane is skewed at an unnatural angle.

It’s like gravity doesn’t exist. The portraits feel close, as if the bodies are pressed up against the other side of the glass. The lack of any telling historical or geographic information in these images creates an artifact that exists outside of time.

Lyons writes that she was interested in “constructing,” rather than “taking,” a photograph. This construction of a photographic image is central to most, if not all, of Lyons’s work. Her exhibition at Stephen Bulger Gallery through February 28 feels like a journey through the history of photography.

Lyons wasn’t precious about what camera she used or pledged a relentless allegiance to one brand.

Instead, she used various techniques and equipment—including Xerography, screen-printing, Diazo paper, large-format Polaroids, digital cameras and pinhole photography—as a way to communicate. Through the quirks and features of each, Lyons leans into the medium’s uses and misuses, wielding the camera to best capture not only the reality of life but also its undercurrents of emotion.

Polaroids

About her series of large-scale Polaroids from 1980, Lyons writes: “ ‘Presences’ is an investigation of photographic portraiture. The images have a lot to do with multiple selves and with faces as masks. In these long exposures, bodies move, and backgrounds are stationary.” The images are jarring at times; my mind can’t compute how they were achieved. A face is slightly disfigured with motion or seemingly collaged together. In another, a woman in the foreground is oversaturated and blurry, whereas the background is crisply in focus and well saturated. The blend of abstraction and realism compresses time. These photographs are not snapshots meant to capture a single moment. By shunning this style of capture, they capture something more viscerally close to the unusual reality of life.

Me, reflected

I couldn’t help but photograph myself within the negative space of one of the Polaroid photographs, layering my face on top of the subjects. A mask on a mask. A photograph of a photograph. Another layer of history. For the Silo, Tatum Dooley/artforecast.

Featured image- Untitled, from the “Presences” portfolio, 1980 © Joan Lyons / courtesy Stephen Bulger Gallery

Sci-Tech

Science Behind Post Orgasmic Afterglow

February 14, 2026 The Silo Leave a comment

Whether it’s a cozy Valentine’s Day post-coital cuddle or the serene satisfaction following a solo session, the afterglow is that unmistakable halo of happiness we carry long after the climax. Far from being a fleeting sensation, the afterglow is a scientifically grounded phenomenon driven by hormones and emotional connectivity.

Our friends at LELO share everything you need to know about the science of the afterglow and why it deserves a central place in the conversation about pleasure, intimacy, and well-being.

The afterglow is the warm, contented feeling that lingers after sexual activity or orgasm. It’s that magical moment when you feel deeply connected to your partner or yourself. This glowing sensation can last minutes, hours, or even days, influencing how you approach your relationships, work, and personal life with a rejuvenated sense of calm and joy.

The Science Behind the Glow

Orgasm triggers the release of a powerful cocktail of hormones. Oxytocin, often called the “love hormone,” strengthens trust and bonding, especially during partnered intimacy. Dopamine delivers an intense rush of pleasure, while serotonin enhances relaxation and happiness. These hormones are universal, playing the same role whether the experience is shared with a partner or savored solo.

The parasympathetic nervous system also kicks in post-orgasm, reducing stress and fostering a profound sense of well-being. This physiological response underscores that pleasure isn’t just about feeling good in the moment; it’s about nurturing your mind and body in meaningful ways.

The Benefits of the Afterglow

Numerous studies show that the effects of post-orgasmic bliss can persist for up to 48 hours. During this time, the afterglow fosters emotional connection in relationships, boosts mood, and even strengthens immune function. It can also enhance self-esteem, helping you approach your day with confidence and optimism.

Partnered Pleasure

In relationships, the afterglow is an emotional glue, reinforcing bonds and increasing satisfaction. By prolonging this shared connection, couples can navigate conflicts more effectively and deepen their intimacy. The key is to be present and savor the moment together through touch, eye contact, or quiet conversation.

Solo Afterglow

Self-pleasure offers the same hormonal and emotional rewards as partnered sex, making it a powerful form of self-care. Beyond physical release, it’s an act of self-discovery and affirmation, promoting body positivity and emotional recharge. The afterglow from solo sessions is a reminder that connecting with yourself is just as vital as connecting with others.

Extending The Glow

To fully savor the magic of the afterglow, consider these tips:

Extend the Glow: Take a slow, mindful approach to aftercare. A shared bath, journaling about your experience, or meditative breathing can amplify the benefits.

The afterglow is more than a momentary sensation; it’s a testament to the beauty of connection, intimacy, and self-awareness. By leaning into these moments, you embrace the joy of pleasure and unlock a deeper understanding of your emotional and physical needs.

So, next time you bask in that warm, lingering glow, let it remind you of the transformative power of pleasure to nourish your body, mind, and soul. Stay glowing 🙂

Prioritize Connection: For couples, linger in the moment by sharing a cuddle, eye contact, or a few whispered words. For solo sessions, take time to appreciate your body and the joy it brings.

Set the Scene: Create an environment that invites relaxation. Soft lighting, calming music, or a warm blanket can extend the moment’s serenity.

Practice Gratitude: Whether with a partner or alone, reflect on the experience and express gratitude – for your body, your partner, or simply the pleasure itself. For the Silo, Emilie Melloni Quemar/ Lelo.

About LELO
LELO is not “just a sex toy brand”; it’s a self-care movement aimed at those who know that satisfaction transcends gender, sexual
orientation, race, and age. We’re offering the experience of ecstasy without shame, the pleasure of discovering all the wonders of one’s
body, thus facilitating our customers with confidence, that leads to a fulfilled intimate life. LELOi AB is the Swedish company behind LELO,
where offices extend from Stockholm to San Jose, from Sydney to Shanghai

Earth

Beach Raking Threatens Habitat- Help Protect Wasaga’s Piping Plover

February 13, 2026 The Silo Leave a comment

Did you know that the majority of Ontario Wasaga beaches are no longer protected, including critical piping plover habitat? That’s because the Ontario government recently removed Wasaga’s beaches from the Provincial Park and are giving them to the municipality despite fierce opposition from Ontarians, including many of you.

Wasaga’s beaches are the birthplace of 70 percent of all Ontario-fledged piping plovers that have survived to adulthood since the species returned to Ontario in 2007. This irreplaceable habitat is now at immediate risk from destructive mechanical beach and sand dune raking planned by the Town Council for as soon as this spring.

Emergency Order

Although Wasaga’s beaches are no longer in a Provincial Park, there is still a way to protect the piping plover. The Federal government can and should issue an Emergency Order under the Species at Risk Act to protect this endangered shorebird from the destruction of the places where it eats and raises its young.

While this solution seems obvious, ensuring the Federal government does the right thing is not guaranteed. That’s why we urgently need your help. We want to launch a comprehensive public awareness campaign to mobilize Ontarians to push the federal government to fulfill its responsibility and protect Wasaga’s critical piping plover habitat. Will you help us?

Mechanical Raking Of Beaches

Time is running out. The Town of Wasaga Beach has already purchased mechanical raking equipment and announced a development plan that would bring beach clearing and raking to known piping plover nesting and feeding sites.

Mechanical beach raking destroys the natural debris piping plovers need to nest, forage, and hide from predators. Evidence from other Ontario beaches shows that once raking occurs, plovers often fail to return. With only three other active breeding sites left in Ontario, the loss of Wasaga would be catastrophic.

Environmental Defence has successfully fought and saved the homes of this bird before. After years of advocacy, we stopped the illegal bulldozing of piping plover habitat at Saugeen Beach (formerly known as Sauble Beach), and we will use our experience to fight the habitat destruction now threatening Wasaga. We know that only the immediate action of the federal government stands between the loss and the survival of the endangered piping plover on Wasaga’s beaches. The time for action is now.

Tourism Balance Can Be Established

The Town of Wasaga Beach is, and can continue to be, both a thriving home for endangered piping plovers and a world-class tourism destination. Together, we must demand that the federal government issue an Emergency Act under the Species at Risk Act and prevent the irreversible loss of Wasaga’s piping plover habitat. We hope we can count on your support by clicking here.

For the Silo, Tim Gray.

Fashion

George Washington: North America’s Earliest Fashion Influencer

February 12, 2026 The Silo Leave a comment

George Washington standing next to horse (National Gallery of Art) — A print of George Washington by Valentine Green. (National Gallery of Art)

George Washington, who as a general led America to independence from Britain and who went on to serve as the first U.S. president, also nurtured a lifelong interest in men’s fashion.

Washington recognized his attire sent a signal about America’s standing in the world, according to Suited to Lead: The Lives of Six Presidents Through Fashion , an online exhibit of the White House Historical Association. (The exhibit also explores the fashions of presidents John Quincy Adams, Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Harry S. Truman and Jimmy Carter.)

Washington “thought deeply about what his choices conveyed to the public,” says Fiona Hibbard, a graduate student in New York University’s Costume Studies program. Hibbard curated the exhibit while an intern at the society in 2025.

“Washington was interested in projecting an image of authority, unity and American identity,” she says.

The exhibit highlights how Washington’s sartorial choices conveyed leadership and created an early-American aesthetic that endured for generations.

Washington chose blue for the uniforms of the Continental Army to present colonial militias as unified and to clearly differentiate the fighters from British soldiers, known as “redcoats.”

Federal Gazette, January 7, 1789

As a military commander and later as president, Washington appeared in portraits wearing a blue coat trimmed in yellow, with matching waistcoat and breeches.

Emanuel Leutze’s 1851 painting “Washington Crossing the Delaware” (Collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art)

Blue and yellow remained the colors of the United States Army until the Civil War in the 1860s.

Washington also adapted military uniforms to better suit soldiers to their environment by replacing breeches, which only came to the knee, with full-length trousers that better protected the soldiers’ legs as they climbed or scrambled on difficult terrain.

Washington supported American manufacturers, Hibbard says, “something most Americans can relate to and take pride in.”

Before being sworn in as the country’s first president, he ordered high-quality American wool from a Connecticut manufacturer for his brown inaugural suit . He had deliberately avoided using British-imported fabric, according to the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association, which runs Washington’s Virginia estate. Though commonly known as “London Brown,” Washington’s fabric became known as “Congress Brown,” a nod to the new country’s representative form of government.

“George Washington’s inaugural suit was more than attire — it was a statement of national identity,” the association says.

Left: Illustration of George Washington's inauguration (Library of Congress) Right: Washington's inaugural coat (Courtesy of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association) — Washington wore American-made wool for his April 30, 1789, inauguration as the first U.S. president. (Library of Congress, Courtesy of the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association)

For the Silo, Lauren Monsen/ Share America.

Philanthropy

LIFE for Relief and Development in Its 33rd Ramadan: A Call for Unified Humanitarian Efforts to Confront Famine in The Developing World

February 11, 2026 The Silo Leave a comment

As the blessed month of Ramadan approaches—bringing with it the values of mercy and solidarity—this year arrives amid a profoundly harsh humanitarian reality across vast regions of the Arab world.

Among the scattered tents of displacement that have become refuge for the uprooted, and in homes reduced to rubble—leaving behind only ruins, grief, and the names of the missing—some fasting individuals will observe Ramadan at meager tables, continuing their daily struggle to secure the simplest iftar meal after long hours of fasting. Others will fast without knowing how they will obtain their next meal.

Millions of Meals and Thousands of Beneficiaries

Humanitarian initiatives multiply each year, yet their impact varies. Some alleviate hardship, while others fall short of addressing the depth and complexity of ongoing crises.

For 33 years, LIFE for Relief and Development has mobilized its efforts to fulfill its humanitarian mission during the holy month of Ramadan by implementing relief programs focused on meeting the basic needs of the poorest and most vulnerable families. Through the distribution of food parcels and the organization of communal and individual iftar meals, LIFE’s assistance reaches hundreds of thousands of families in need worldwide.

LIFE teams were present in 37 of the 60 countries where the organization operates sustainable development and relief projects. During Ramadan 2025, nearly 6 million meals were distributed through 16,000 nutritionally balanced food baskets. Additionally, 51,000 freshly prepared hot meals were provided, benefiting approximately 97,000 fasting individuals in need.

Gaza: A Communal Iftar Amid the Rubble

Gaza stood at the forefront of LIFE’s efforts. Amid the devastating landscape and the remnants of war, displaced families recall memories of past Ramadans—when loved ones gathered around one table and smiles preceded the meal. Though those scenes now seem distant, LIFE continues to revive the spirit of solidarity, instilling a glimmer of mercy and hope in hearts exhausted by crisis.

LIFE worked to provide food security for 2,883 families—sufficient to sustain them for three months—alongside organizing communal iftar gatherings open to anyone in need. Despite being held atop the rubble, these gatherings brought moments of joy to attendees.

In addition, Eid celebrations were organized for orphans, benefiting 7,660 orphaned families, including 1,200 families at a special Gaza orphan event. Iftar and suhoor meals were also distributed at Al-Aqsa Mosque.

Confronting Famine in Sudan

From Sudan, we spoke with Ms. Rima Bakir, LIFE’s Projects Coordinator in Sudan, who described the scale of suffering:

“Ramadan will arrive for many children in Sudan not with joy, but with hunger and deprivation. They will welcome the month with empty stomachs, fear, exhaustion, and severe food shortages.

Pregnant and nursing women suffer from malnutrition and increasing health risks, while widows bear a doubled burden in securing food for their children after losing the family breadwinner amid rising living costs. They are living through daily hardship and a continuous struggle for survival.

Over the past year, we tracked displaced families in Kassala, where we provided suhoor and iftar meals to 845 families affected by the war. We also distributed nutritionally integrated food baskets weighing approximately 30 kilograms to support children’s healthy growth, in addition to providing clothing for orphans.”

Targeting the Poorest and Most Remote Communities

Regarding this year’s anticipated activities, Omar Mamdouh, Director of Projects, stated:

“We will intensify our teams’ efforts in the poorest areas facing potential famine, according to United Nations reports. We plan to support vulnerable families and displaced populations in crisis zones by strengthening social solidarity and spreading joy through food assistance projects, organizing iftar gatherings, and distributing hot meals and food baskets in remote areas often beyond the reach of charitable organizations.

Before Eid, we will also implement orphan sponsorship initiatives by providing Eid clothing, gifts, and financial and food assistance. We will distribute zakat and charitable donations to the most deserving beneficiaries, in addition to facilitating fidya and kaffarah contributions.”

Ranked Third Among the Best Organizations Fighting Poverty and Hunger

Vicky Robb, Director of International Programs, added:

“We will expand our food assistance projects in developing countries, particularly in displacement camps where children are suffering—such as those along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, in war-affected regions of Sudan and parts of Africa, and in countries facing silent poverty in Southeast Asia.

LIFE distinguishes itself by strategically targeting areas inaccessible to most relief organizations—whether due to the severity of war, as currently in Gaza, Sudan, and Lebanon. Our teams have delivered Ramadan meals and food baskets on foot. In Bangladesh, they navigated deadly floods by boat to reach the hungry. In Afghanistan, despite mud and extremely difficult terrain, food was transported on horseback. In Tanzania, our teams left their own families for days to reach remote communities where hunger persists and infants cry silently from malnutrition. They relied on multiple forms of transportation to ensure aid reached beneficiaries before the start of the holy month.”

For the Silo, Tasneem El-Ridi.

For more information:
http://bit.ly/4rUIsqa
https://linktr.ee/LIFEUSA.ar

Reviews

New Foundry F12 Subwoofer Includes DSP Room Correction

February 10, 2026 The Silo Leave a comment

PS Audio Introduces Its First-Ever Subwoofer: the Foundry F12 With DSP Room Correction–

New subwoofer features a custom high-excursion woofer, built-in amplification and versatile DSP room correction technology–

Boulder, Colorado, February, 2026 – our friends at PS Audio have just the introduced the Foundry F12 subwoofer, the company’s first ever subwoofer.

The Foundry F12 is a ground-up design featuring a high-excursion 12-inch woofer, 1,000 watts of built-in amplification, and advanced room mode correction technology that works in conjunction with PS Audio’s new Foundry control app.

“Designer Chris Brunhaver and I have been working on an ultimate-quality subwoofer for a long time,” said Paul McGowan, PS Audio CEO. “The Foundry F12 is the logical complement to our Aspen series loudspeakers – or any high-quality speaker. With the Foundry F12, reference-quality bass is not limited by room size, placement constraints, or compromise, and the built-in DSP room correction makes it easy to achieve accurate in-room low-frequency response.”

The PS Audio Foundry F12’s driver is a completely new design. It has an extremely long throw – greater than 2-1/2 inches – with a large 10-inch graduated Nomex spider. The motor structure utilizes large magnets, dual shorting rings and other elements to maintain a constant magnetic field throughout the driver’s excursion. The driver employs a paper cone with a carbon fiber dust cap, for high stiffness, low mass, and internal damping.

Ultimate High Current Subwoofer

The Foundry F12 includes a built-in 1,000-watt-continuous high-current amplifier with a massive 1,800-watt power supply. The result is a driver that delivers clean, articulate bass to below 20 Hz, with a fast, accurate response even at high output levels.

The Foundry F12 can be thought of as not just a subwoofer, but a solution to the low-frequency response anomalies every room has. The F12 employs the new Foundry control app, a purpose-designed app for iOS and Android that enables easy setup right from the listening chair. The Foundry app compensates for a listening room’s peaks and dips, (areas of bass reinforcement and cancellation) where most room problems occur.

The user can adjust the Foundry app’s settings either manually or via an auto EQ function. Comprehensive control is provided of volume, crossover point, delay, and parametric EQ. To use the automatic EQ, no external measurement mic is required; the listener just has to point their phone from the listening position and the app does the rest.

If desired, the user can tweak a variety of settings including EQ, high- and low-pass filters, phase, and more, and create custom user presets – for example, one preset for music and another for movies, or a setting for late-night low-volume listening. In addition to remote operation, the Foundry F12 offers rear panel controls, and a comprehensive set of balanced, single-ended and speaker-level connection options.

As an option, a wireless transmitter module is available, to eliminate the need for connecting cables. The transmitter utilizes WiSA E 24/96 wireless technology for extremely low latency and exceptional fidelity, and is compatible with other WiSA devices. For larger rooms and systems, an optional stacking kit enables multiple Foundry F12 subwoofers to be securely connected together for increased output and headroom.

The PS Audio Foundry F12 subwoofer is currently available in satin black or satin white at a suggested US retail price of $2,749 usd/ $3,721 cad. The optional wireless transmitter is available at $199 usd/ $269 cad and the stacking kit for $99 usd/ $132 cad .

For the Silo, Jarrod Barker.

PS Audio Foundry F12 Subwoofer At a Glance:

Custom 12-inch ultra-long-throw driver in sealed enclosure with 1,000 watts continuous of built-in high-current amplification

Extensive manual or automatic DSP control of EQ, delay, volume and other functions via the PS Audio Foundry app

Full complement of rear-panel connections to accommodate any system

Optional WiSA transmitter available for ultimate-quality wireless connectivity

Optional stacking kit allows multiple subwoofers to be connected together

Maximum output: 113 dB @2 meters

Frequency response: -6 dB @ 20 Hz anechoic (ground plane), flat to below 20 Hz in-room with room gain; ±0.5 dB to 500 Hz

Available in satin black and satin white finishes

Compact size for easy placement in any room

Dimensions (H x W x D): 14.75″ W x 16.75″ H x 17.5″ D (18.125″ with grille)

Net weight: 77 lbs.

About PS Audio
Celebrating 50 years of bringing music to life, PS Audio has earned a worldwide reputation for excellence in manufacturing innovative, high-value, leading-edge audio products. Located in Boulder, Colorado at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, PS Audio’s staff of talented designers, engineers, production and support people build each product to deliver extraordinary performance and musical satisfaction. The company’s wide range of award-winning products includes audio components, loudspeakers, power regenerators and power conditioners.

www.psaudio.com

Culture

Why Good is the New Average in Today’s Workforce

February 9, 2026 The Silo Leave a comment

A growing paradox is reshaping the 2026 workforce: strong performers are still losing their jobs. According to a January 2026 HR Dive survey, nearly 50 percent of companies expect layoffs in Q1, even as most plan to hire selectively for growth roles, exposing a market where competence alone no longer protects careers. Strategic growth advisor and ‘The CodeBreaker Mindset‘ author Chitra Nawbatt warns this moment marks the rise of a “competence trap,” where professionals optimize output while organizations quietly reprice value around speed, adaptability, and influence. The result is a workforce operating by outdated rules in a system that has already moved on. Below are more of her insights.

How to Stay Relevant in 2026

Across industries, a growing number of professionals share the same uneasy feeling: despite strong performance and proven competence, job security feels increasingly fragile. That anxiety is not imagined. The rules of work are shifting in plain sight, and the changes are cutting through roles that once felt insulated from disruption.

Layoffs

Layoffs are no longer limited to underperformers or redundant teams. They are appearing in the middle of organizational charts, within core functions, and among employees who were recently labeled essential. According to strategic growth advisor Chitra Nawbatt, author of “The CodeBreaker Mindset: The Unwritten Rules for Success,” this signals a deeper structural change in how companies define value.

“Competence used to buy you time,” Nawbatt explains. “In 2026, competence is table stakes. The market is rewarding a different set of behaviors, and many professionals are still playing by the old rules.”

This shift is often mischaracterized as a simple story about machines replacing people. In reality, the more immediate force is organizational redesign. Companies are flattening decision layers, reducing bureaucracy, and repricing labor around speed and adaptability.

Reuters already reported that Amazon was preparing additional corporate job cuts as part of an effort to streamline its structure and remove management layers, even as it continues to invest selectively in priority roles tied to long term strategy.

“The narrative is convenient,” says Nawbatt. “Blaming technology masks the harder truth. Many organizations are still figuring out how to operate efficiently in a volatile environment, and people get caught in that recalibration.”

Data shows a contradiction

Data from HR leaders underscores the contradiction. A January 2026 survey cited by HR Dive found that nearly half of companies expect layoffs will likely occur in the first quarter, while most also plan to hire selectively for roles tied to growth initiatives.

This dual track of hiring and cutting reveals why performance reviews alone no longer predict job security. The system itself is changing faster than individual output can keep up.

Rise of the CodeBreaker

Nawbatt describes the professionals who thrive in this environment as CodeBreakers. The term does not refer to rule breakers for their own sake, but to people who understand that success is governed by both written rules and unwritten ones.

“Written rules tell you how things are supposed to work,” she says. “Unwritten rules tell you how decisions actually get made when pressure hits. In periods of reorganization, the unwritten rules are what determine who stays and who goes.”

Based on her work advising leaders and teams across multiple industries, Nawbatt outlines five shifts that separate those who remain relevant from those who become interchangeable.

1. Stop optimizing and start reading patterns

Efficiency can feel reassuring in unstable times, but it can also be misleading. Nawbatt emphasizes that productivity without direction often leads professionals deeper into roles that are quietly being deprioritized.

“The winners are not the busiest people,” she notes. “They are the ones who can see where budgets are tightening, where automation is accelerating, and where their work is becoming easier to replace.”

2. Treat unwritten rules as the real operating system

Most professionals are trained to follow job descriptions and formal processes. During restructurings, however, informal dynamics take over. Who is protected, which narratives leadership repeats, and how risk is managed become far more important than stated policies.

“When written and unwritten rules diverge,” Nawbatt says, “the people who notice early have options. Everyone else is reacting.”

3. Build a nonlinear value stack

The traditional career ladder assumed stability and long time horizons. In today’s environment, resilience comes from a portfolio of relevance that spans skills, relationships, and credibility across contexts.

“You are not competing for a seat anymore,” Nawbatt explains. “You are trying to become a node in an ecosystem. The goal is to create value that travels with you when structures change.”

4. Focus on information quality, not quantity

Modern organizations are saturated with dashboards, metrics, and opinions. According to Nawbatt, the ability to distinguish data driven insight from perception driven or manipulation driven narratives is becoming a defining leadership skill.

“Clarity is power,” she says. “The person who can say what is true, what is assumed, and what is being spun becomes indispensable when decisions must be made under uncertainty.”

5. Replace ladders with loops

Career progress in 2026 is less linear and more iterative. Learning, testing, building proof, and compounding impact now matter more than waiting for titles or recognition.

“High performers often get stuck waiting to be noticed,” Nawbatt observes. “CodeBreakers build evidence. They create work that can be demonstrated, taught, and scaled.”

A Market That No Longer Rewards Comfort

If this moment feels uncomfortable, that discomfort may be the point. The market has stopped rewarding stability for its own sake. The professionals most likely to thrive are those who confront change early and adjust with intention.

AI will continue to improve. Organizations will continue to thin. The defining question is not whether people can outwork machines, but whether they can outgrow outdated playbooks.

As Nawbatt puts it, “The CodeBreaker mindset is not about fear. It is about clarity. It is about understanding how systems really work and moving with discernment when those systems shift.”

Sources

For the Silo, Devyn Kerns.

Earth

The Next Era of Nuclear Arms Control

February 7, 2026 The Silo Leave a comment

A picture containing text, sign

AI-generated content may be incorrect.

Here is a recent Substack post from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the next era of nuclear arms control.

The Cold War

During the Cold War, few negotiations proved as complex as those between the United States and the Soviet Union to limit and reduce their vast nuclear arsenals. They required trust between adversaries who had little reason to believe each other’s words, and they relied on intricate, constant systems to verify compliance. American statesmen persevered and reached a series of agreements first with the Soviet Union and then the Russian Federation that left the United States safer.

Everything has its season though and yesterday, New START expired.

Arms control advocates and many voices in the media have tried to cast the expiration as a sign that the United States is initiating a new nuclear arms race. These concerns ignore that Russia ceased implementing the New START treaty in 2023, after flouting its terms for years. A treaty requires at least two parties, and the choice before the United States was to bind itself unilaterally or to recognize that a new era requires a new approach. Not the same old START, but something new. A treaty that reflects that the United States could soon face not one, but two, nuclear peers in Russia and China.

China Arsenal

China’s rapid and opaque expansion of its nuclear arsenal since New START entered into force has rendered past models of arms control, based upon bilateral agreements between the United States and Russia, obsolete. Since 2020, China has increased its nuclear weapons stockpile from the low 200s to more than 600 and is on pace to have more than 1,000 warheads by 2030. An arms control arrangement that does not account for China’s build-up, which Russia is supporting, will undoubtedly leave the United States and our allies less safe.

President Trump has been clear, consistent, and unequivocal that future arms control must address not one, but both nuclear peer arsenals.

Our call for multilateral nuclear arms control and strategic stability talks, presented today in Geneva, reflects the principles President Trump has laid out.

No Longer A Bilateral Issue

First, arms control can no longer be a bilateral issue between the United States and Russia. As the President has made clear, other countries have a responsibility to help ensure strategic stability, none more so than China. Second, we will not accept terms that harm the United States or ignore noncompliance in the pursuit of a future agreement. We have made our standards clear, and we will not compromise them to achieve arms control for arms control’s sake. Third, we will always negotiate from a position of strength. Russia and China should not expect the United States to stand still while they shirk their obligations and expand their nuclear forces. We will maintain a robust, credible, and modernized nuclear deterrent. But we will do so while pursuing all avenues to fulfill the President’s genuine desire for a world with fewer of these awful weapons.

We understand that this process can take time. Past agreements, including New START, took years to negotiate and were built upon decades of precedent. They were also between two powers, not three or more. However, just because something is hard does not mean we should not pursue it or settle for less. No one understands that difficult deals are often the only ones worth having more than President Trump, who has repeatedly underscored the awesome power of nuclear weapons and his desire to reduce global nuclear threats. Today in Geneva, we are taking the first steps into a future where the global nuclear threat is reduced in reality, not merely on paper. We hope others will join us.

Marco Rubio was sworn in as the 72nd Secretary of State on January 21, 2025. The Secretary is creating a Department of State that puts America First.

Fashion

These Deep Sea Diver Hoodies Use British Special Forces Tech

February 7, 2026 The Silo Leave a comment

Over 80% of the deep ocean remains unexplored. And you can see why. With sub zero temperatures, freaky alien-looking creatures, pressures that can crush steel, and the abyss, it’s not the most welcoming.

For divers operating in the coldest, darkest and most hostile environments on Earth – where the water temperature drops below 10°C– the survival system of anyone who values their life is the drysuit.

An impermeable shell that creates a seal of warm air around the body,
wearing a drysuit is a bit like wearing an actual seal.

British Special Forces, S Squadron SBS (Special Boat Service) on patrol during an exercise – “By strength and guile”

And at the heart of this underwater system you won’t find foam,
rubber, or blubber. But fleece. Insanely thick, astonishingly warm,
flexible, fleece.

Naturally you’ll find the most badass drysuit fleece on the planet
belongs to the British Special Forces – guys who don’t mind a bit of
a splash about in some cold water. So we took their fleece – after
asking them nicely – and turned it into the Deep Sea Diver Hoodie
and the Deep Sea Diver Vest.

Model is 6ft 2 / 189cm with a 40 inch / 101cm chest, and wears size Large.

Denser than dense

At 539 grams / 1.2 pounds ! per square metre, this is the densest fleece we’ve ever used. And that means the Deep Sea Diver Hoodie traps more heat than any other hoodie we’ve made. It breathes, wicks, and is fast-drying and odour-resistant. We added egg-shaped pockets for warmth, and a double-lined snorkel hood creates a protective microclimate around your head, sealing in warmth and blocking out the elements.

While traditional heavy fleeces sacrifice mobility for warmth, ours is
engineered for both.

Its four-way elasticity means it bends, stretches
and rebounds in any direction. It moves like a baselayer but insulates
like a winter shell. You can climb in it, sleep in it, or disappear into
a snowstorm in it.

Technical Details

Previous slide
Fabric: Polartec® Power Stretch™ (91% polyester, 9% elastane)
Material weighs: 539 g/m²
Vest weighs 700g
Four-way stretch
Two-way centre-front zip with faux-suede garage and grosgrain guard
Exposed zip hand pockets with internal facing
Elasticated binding at hem and armholes
Flatlock and cover-stitched seams
Machine wash 30°C
Constructed in Portugal

For the Silo, Nick and Steve Tidball- founders Vollebak.

Culture

Secrets to Making a Living Doing What You Love

February 6, 2026 The Silo Leave a comment

Why the path to a sustainable creative life requires prioritizing your own joy and vision before the world offers its validation.

Art by Heather Rios

The path of pursuing a career in the arts for the last fifteen years has taught me that the journey is both as simple and as complex as you can imagine. Early on, I spent so much time wrestling with what to do, what to paint, later on what to post online, and who to reach out to. I was constantly hoping for some miraculous event that would finally put me on the path to my dream life.

I used to think that when someone finally noticed me, I would do the work. I thought that once the work sold, I’d paint bigger, or once I got the grant, I’d finally start that new body of work. But the reality is always the other way around.

The Science of Starting with Joy

We often think that success leads to happiness, but psychological research suggests the opposite is true. According to the “Broaden-and-Build” theory developed by Dr. Barbara Fredrickson, positive emotions like interest and love do more than just make us feel good in the moment. They actually broaden our sense of possibility and our ability to process information.

When you start from a place of doing what you love, your brain is chemically primed to see opportunities that a stressed or “discipline-only” mind would miss. This isn’t just fluffy advice. It is about how our biology responds to interest. Love and curiosity trigger the release of dopamine, which enhances creative problem-solving and cognitive flexibility. By starting with the thing you love, you are literally building the mental resources needed to sustain a career.

Moving Beyond the “When/Then” Trap

The real secret is that the vision must always come before the validation. We often wait for a sign to start, but devotion is required long before the proof arrives. It is not about a hardcore, drill-sergeant lifestyle of waking up at 4:00 AM. It is about really loving what you do and wanting to spend more time doing it. As a byproduct of that time, you get better. You articulate your vision more clearly, and people eventually respond to that.

Just this morning, I received a payment for paintings sold last month. While that feels normal to me now, it was once a burning hope for a younger version of myself who just wanted someone to want the things I loved creating. I’ve realized that I am only responsible for nurturing my own vision and falling in love with the process. People can sense when things are forced or formulaic, but they truly feel passion and love. When you resonate with your own work, the world eventually starts to resonate with it too.

Making the Day a Work of Art

Moving forward, my focus isn’t just on scaling a business or “growing my art career,” but on a deeper question: How can I make my day a work of art? When the path is enjoyable, you don’t have to force yourself to show up. It is kind of like how no one has to force you to get ice cream in the summer. You want that sweet, creamy, delicious dessert. If you are struggling with a creative or even business block, ask yourself if you are making the work for you or if you are following external pressure.

When you make something you are proud of, you naturally want to share it with the world. The social media and the newsletters happen on their own because they are just a byproduct of that excitement.

Let’s keep it simple.

Let’s follow our hearts and respond with love. That is what we, and the world, actually need. For the Silo, Ekaterina Popova/ Create Magazine.

Earth

California Sanctioned Slaughter Will Eradicate Catalina Island Deer

February 5, 2026 The Silo Leave a comment

“Sham restoration sets a deadly precedent for California’s wildlife” – In Defense Of Animals

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Mule deer fawn on the Channel Islands. Photo: NPS

CATALINA ISLAND, Calif. (Feb. , 2026) — In Defense of Animals is expressing profound outrage and sorrow following the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (CDFW) decision to approve the Catalina Island Conservancy’s deadly, controversial, and unpopular plan to eradicate the island’s entire mule deer population. Despite widespread public opposition and a previous victory that forced the abandonment of a helicopter-gunning scheme, state officials have now greenlit a ground-based massacre that will pay professional sharpshooters to hunt down and kill every one of the island’s deer.

Opposition being ignored

This decision ignores the pleas of thousands of residents and the objections of Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn, who previously led the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors to oppose the Conservancy’s killing plan. It also disregards the expert caution of L.A. County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone, who has stated that removing the deer could actually increase fire risks by allowing vegetation fuel loads to grow unchecked — directly contradicting the Conservancy’s primary justification for the slaughter.

“Today is a dark day for California’s wildlife and a betrayal of the public trust,” said Lisa Levinson, Campaigns Director for In Defense of Animals. “The Conservancy has rebranded a massacre as ‘restoration,’ swapping helicopters for ground squads to make the bloodshed more palatable to the public. But the result is the same: the senseless violent death of a beloved herd that has lived peacefully on the island for a century. We are heartbroken that the state has chosen bullets over biology and compassion.”

Mule Deer Generations On Island

Mule deer have been living on Catalina Island for over one hundred years and have integrated into the ecosystem. Despite this, the approved plan allows the Conservancy to hire private contractors to systematically kill the deer over several years, beginning with a fenced “pilot zone” of 10 acres near the Airport in the Sky before expanding to a 105-acre zone and eventually the entire island. While the Conservancy claims, without scientific proof, that the deer threaten native plants and increase fire danger, In Defense of Animals argues these claims are ideologically driven rather than actually proven.

Jack Gescheidt, Wildlife Consultant for In Defense of Animals, condemned the approval as a symptom of a larger industry problem.

“This plan is a sad product of the restoration industry, which often expends huge sums of public dollars to exterminate entire species under the tragically ironic guise of ‘conservation,’” said Gescheidt. “The mule deer integrated into Catalina Island’s ecosystem decades ago. Scapegoating them for climate change and drought-driven vegetation loss is scientifically dishonest. It is madness to authorize and finance wildly expensive and bloody animal extermination campaigns that do nothing to solve the larger ecological problem that is being ignored — the climate crisis. Just leave the deer alone.”

Deer Being Blamed

In Defense of Animals notes that the deer are being blamed for ecological changes driven primarily by human development and climate change. The Conservancy aims to protect “native” vegetation; yet the deer have lived peacefully on Catalina Island for nearly 100 years without suddenly threatening the entire ecosystem. No third-party scientific studies have validated the group’s “invasive” claims.

Furthermore, the Conservancy has made wild, inaccurate estimates of the mule deer population to justify the slaughter. Their estimate of 1,700-2,000 deer was based on a 2021 spotlight survey that extrapolated data from a small subset to the entire island. Islanders, who live nearest the deer, estimate the population is actually between 400 and 800.

“These exaggerations are typical of the ‘exterminate-to-restore’ mentality that falls back on controlling, managing and almost always killing wild plants and animals,” added Gescheidt.

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In Defense of Animals has long championed the rights of wildlife on Catalina Island. Photo: In Defense of Animals

In Defense of Animals has been defending the Catalina Island wildlife for years. It is part of the island’s citizen group, The Coalition to Save Catalina Island Deer with the joint aim of protecting the island’s wild mule deer from any killing or interference, including hunting or sterilization. Over 13,600 In Defense of Animals supporters wrote to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Governor Gavin Newsom, and other officials asking them to oppose this brutal plan.

In Defense of Animals is now calling on its supporters to voice their continued opposition to the Conservancy and state officials.

Levinson called for further action, saying, “We urge the public to keep contacting state officials to tell them this lethal, sham ‘restoration’ sets a deadly precedent for wildlife management across the state.”

For the Silo, Jack Gescheidt.

Fashion

Art Of Camouflage- Rhodesian Brushstroke

February 4, 2026 The Silo Leave a comment

There are an insane variety of camouflage patterns. From subtle and understated but effective (solid polar white for snowy battlefields) to ostentatious and loud but surprisingly battle proven (the Belgian jigsaw pattern anyone?).

Main camo patterns of the world.

A Few Interesting Examples. Be Sure To Click On The B/W Images To View In Color.

You get the idea. But what is the best camouflage pattern?

That is an objective question and no doubt everyone has a personal favorite. Our friends at the kommandostore.com make a pretty solid case for the Rhodesian brushstroke pattern. Let’s take a closer look at the history of the Rhodesian Army and the buildup towards the Bush War where said pattern was dutifully employed.

Rhodesia Leading Up To The Bush War: An Overview

What we now know as Zimbabwe was Southern Rhodesia was one of three states merged in 1953 to form the British-administered Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland (also known as the Central African Federation). This union was largely a marriage of convenience, as the British protectorates of Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland were significantly less developed than self-governing Southern Rhodesia.

However, the Federation balkanized and dissolved in 1963 amid ethnic tensions, political instability, and deep cultural divides. Simultaneously, changing political winds in London favored a policy of rapid decolonization and majority rule. The collapse of the Central African Federation was viewed as proof positive that failing to quickly implement majority rule would result in the collapse of European-lead African governments.

An early type brushstroke pattern.

The reality was more complex.

Western-style democratic republics require a certain level of social infrastructure in order to function as intended. While the white population of the Central African Federation carried western traditions with them from Europe, the myriads of African ethnic groups had long traditions of tribal organization along ethnic lines, with their own rivalries and blood feuds.

To address this, Southern Rhodesia had created the best educational system in Africa, spending enormous sums on literacy programs, primary and secondary schools, vocational education, technical colleges, and universities. On a GDP adjusted basis, Southern Rhodesia’s expenditures on education were not just the best in Africa, they were world leading. By 1959 this approach yielded incredible results with roughly 85% native children enrolled in school, a trend that would only accelerate through the 60s. Similar initiatives had developed road and rail networks, the best healthcare system in Africa, modern water purification, and cheap, plentiful electricity.

The British governed protectorates of Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland enjoyed little of this economic or social development. In these areas western ideas held no hope for the future and only served to destabilize traditional power structures. These communities, dominated by subsistence farming and rural poverty, contrasted sharply with the economic miracle happening just across the border.

Fresh from the bloody partition of India, English politicians failed to appreciate the likelihood of a similarly violent outcome in the push for immediate majority rule in their African colonies.

Amid intense pressure to solve Britain’s problems at home, the UK’s rush to divest its colonies created a power vacuum that China and the USSR were more than happy to exploit by funding, training, and arming the Marxist-nationalist ZANU and ZAPU groups in Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland.

Southern Rhodesia unilaterally declared independence (known as “UDI”), from Britain, forming the state of Rhodesia in 1965. And almost in unison, the Bush War began.

Formed around a small cadre of 10,000 highly experienced WWII combat soldiers and airmen, the Rhodesian military benefited from extensive counter-insurgency experience serving alongside British forces in the Malayan Emergency of the 1950s. Due to the stability, security, and prosperity in Rhodesia, the military had no problem recruiting a racially-integrated and majority native fighting force. The 60s and 70s would also see an influx of adventure seeking British and American expats, including many Vietnam veterans…

Cool Camouflage. Where Can I Get Some?

I thought you’d never ask. Made in South Africa, this legendary camo has been brought back to life by kommandostore and it is epic.

A Blank Canvas

Rhodesian camouflage, often referred to as “Rhodesian Brushstroke” or simply “Rhodie camo” is a distinct and highly effective pattern created during the height of the Cold War. Its development was driven by the unique circumstances of the Rhodesian Bush War (1964-1979), a conflict characterized by high tempo counterinsurgency operations and great power proxy warfare.

Prior to the widespread adoption of Rhodesian Brushstroke, the Rhodesian military primarily used camouflage patterns from allied British and Belgian forces. Specifically, the British WWII Denison, Belgian Moon and Ball, and Belgian Brushstroke patterns. Looking at these camouflages it’s easy to see how they influenced the development of Rhodesia’s indigenous camouflage.

Cut Off

Sanctions after ‘UDI’ aimed to isolate Rhodesia economically and politically, but paradoxically spurred swift industrial and economic development in Rhodesia, including production lines for vital military equipment. Without these sanctions, Rhodesian manufacturer David Whitehead Textiles Ltd, would not have been contracted to develop and manufacture a uniform for the nascent Rhodesian military.

2nd Time’s the Charm

The print itself was Designed by Dianana ‘Di’ Cameron, an young print designer at David Whitehead in Salisbury. Di hand painted different patterns and presented her canvases directly to senior military officials. This rapid iteration allowed Rhodesian camo to be put into production quickly, and changes continued to be made over several years.

Di’s ultimate ‘2nd pattern’ design was distinctly organic, with large, high-contrast of light and dark. Together these elements create a layered three-dimensional effect which was more effective than previous British and Belgian designs. Sadly, Di passed away in South Africa due to a stroke around 1995.

Pictured: Our remix of 2nd pattern brushstroke with a few minor differences.

Design Details

The fabric used in original Rhodesian uniforms was a 100% cotton twill available in two weights: a heavy denim-like fabric for use in hats, smocks, and some pants, and a lighter twill for shirts, trousers, shorts, and the like.

Throughout the Bush war, a half dozen local producers manufactured ‘official’ uniforms in these two David Whitehead fabrics. However, due to the ad-hoc nature of military procurement in Rhodesia, a handful of smaller companies and cottage producers also made their own copies and derivatives in various forms. The quality of these original uniforms varied widely; for example, early ‘1st pattern’ Rhodesian camo was infamous for totally washing out in the sun, and throughout the war fabric quality varied significantly.

Rhodesian uniforms were constructed in a variety of styles with different finishing, and trims. However most garments shared the same generous cut which prioritized range of motion, user comfort, and airflow in the hot African climate. Although some ‘arid’ versions of the Rhodesian uniforms were prototyped and trialed, the vast majority of Rhodesian forces simply used fresh uniforms with vibrant colors in the rainy season, and switched to their ‘salty’ sun-faded uniforms during the dry season.

A Stroke Of Genius?

Over the course of the Bush war, Rhodesian Security Forces became known for their military prowess. So much so that their distinctive camouflage acquired a certain prestige in Southern Africa. This association was so strong that the pattern was retained by Robert Mugabe after his successful conquest of the country. While attempts to field other camouflages were made, a variant of Rhodesian Brushstroke remains the current standard uniform to this day, presumably to lend credibility to the Zimbabwe Defense Forces.

Outside of Rhodesia, elite South African units adopted the print for clandestine cross border raids during Border War years. Due to its popularity, commercial manufacture of the print continued in South Africa after the fall of Rhodesia.

Among the most famous post-war manufacturers was Adder (aka. Adro), a company founded by Johan Niemoller in 1981 after he finished service as a SADF Recce. Known for his legendary contributions to innovative SADF webbing systems, Niemoller became an established military outfitter in the 1980s, supplying both the SADF and ‘other interested parties’ like Executive Outcomes. Niemoller’s businesses also enjoyed substantial commercial sales, with Adder Brushstroke appearing in stores and on the pages of Soldier of Fortune in the late 80s and early 90s.

All-Over-The-Globe

Outside of Africa, Rhodesian Brushstroke also made a notable appearance in the year 2000 during the USMC camouflage trials (which would culminate in the development of the MARPAT family of patterns.) Brushstroke was deemed one of the world’s most effective patterns and was evaluated alongside CADPAT and a modified US Tiger Stripe print.

In the US, Brushstroke can also be credited with inspiring the ‘All-Over Brush’ pattern featured in the US Army’s universal camouflage trials which took place between 2002 and 2004.

North Equipment

The dawn of the ANC government in 1994 shuttered most of South Africa’s defense industrial base, including Niemoller’s textile businesses. At this time all of Niemoller’s manufacturing equipment was moved to his property for storage.

Years later Niemoller’s neighbor, a former SADF Parabat with a keen interest in sewing, approached him with a proposal to restart textile manufacturing work in South Africa for the commercial and private security industry. In short order, all of Niemoller’s equipment was moved just across the road.

Our History With Brushstroke

‘Brushstroke’ camo has been in high demand with survivalists, outdoorsmen, and even militaries worldwide since it’s inception — we even had some of our own made in the early days of our business.

Nowadays, an average Google search brings up a minefield of low-quality, Chinese, drop-shipped casualwear — a minefield for anyone who hasn’t properly done their homework.

On the contrast, we can appreciate the passion that goes into actual high-quality reproduction equipment on the market, but it’s certainly scarce.

Our main aim was to do something a little different than everyone else. When it was finally our turn to try our hand at making ‘Brushstroke’, we wanted to make it in Africa, just like it was in its heyday.

Giving It Our Best Shot.

With the aid of local contacts in South Africa, we stumbled across this local business in 2021 while sourcing manufacturers for South African webbing and clothing.

It would take several years, but this working relationship would eventually evolve into the North Equipment brand and our exclusive, locally made 2nd-pattern-inspired Rhodesian Brushstroke using much of the same equipment and staff used by Adder in the 1980s.

Order Your Brushstroke Camo Here.

Culture

February Blahs? Better Yourself Mentally at Home

February 4, 2026 The Silo Leave a comment

Cold, wintry and stormy weather in February can feel overwhelming. Its drab and grey and icy and it seems like warm days are a vast memory of the past. But there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Imagine a quiet February day in a snowy State or Province.

The sky is a seamless blanket of dull grey, stretching endlessly and merging with the horizon. The sun is a mere suggestion behind thick clouds, offering no warmth or light to the landscape below. Bare trees stand like silent sentinels along the empty streets, their branches reaching out like skeletal fingers against the monochrome backdrop. Patches of old snow cling stubbornly to the frozen ground, now more slush than powder, dulled by the passage of time and footsteps.

The air is crisp and biting, carrying a faint hint of dampness that seeps into your bones. The world feels paused—no birds chirping, no leaves rustling—just the distant hum of a car braving the cold. Sidewalks are lined with puddles reflecting the somber sky, and the occasional streetlamp flickers as if struggling against the gloom. It’s that in-between time where winter refuses to release its grip, yet spring feels like a distant hope.

On days like this, it’s easy to feel a sense of ennui, a kind of restless boredom that settles in like the overcast sky. But sometimes, in the midst of all the grey, you might catch a glimpse of something quietly beautiful—a warm light glowing from a window, the intricate patterns of frost on a windowpane, or the simple joy of a hot drink warming your hands.

A Turn?

These drab February days have a way of making us turn inward, reflecting on the past and dreaming of the future. Have you found any small comforts or surprises that brighten up these grey days?

Read

It may be obvious, but ask yourself this: when was the last time you actually sat down and read something good? We’re not talking about an old hard copy magazine or newspaper (remember those?) or scrolling through your social media accounts – we’re referring to an actual book with a great story that allows you to escape to another world. The merits of reading a book are known universally, yet so many of us have neglected these merits – so why not start now? If you’re thinking of what you can read, try searching online for recommended book lists; we’d start with a list of classic novels which people have enjoyed for years, even centuries.

Start a journal

Starting a journal is related to reading, in a way, but if you’ve never had a diary or your last one was way back in high school, now’s the perfect time to start (or re-start). The mere act of writing in a diary or journal is relaxing and reduces stress, and it’s a brilliant way to get a better perspective on an issue or problem. In addition, by writing in a journal, you can effectively release your concerns, ideas, feelings, and emotions so they don’t have to stay repressed inside you.

Play an easy game or two

It may also be the ideal time to unleash your love for gaming – and if you’ve spent many hours playing games as a child, then you know exactly what we mean. For example, you can play a board game with your loved ones, or if you are flying solo, you can play a nice and easy online game like those casino games that are so popular nowadays (you may even win a prize or two!). Look for the best online casino in Canada, and you can’t go wrong if you choose a popular and trustworthy site. Moreover, playing a game helps you de-stress since you’re concentrating on another thing that’s entirely different from your work or home concerns, and it can definitely put you in an excellent mood if you win.

Listen to your favorite tunes

If you’re finding it increasingly difficult to concentrate, you may need to rejuvenate yourself and recharge – and what better way to do it than by listening to your favorite tunes? So bring out your playlist and spend an hour or two getting lost in the music you love – and if you want something more relaxing, try looking for relaxation or meditation songs online. Listening to music can lower your heart and pulse rate and reduce your stress hormone levels. For the Silo, Diane Hutton.

Feature image: Pixabay.com

Sci-Tech

Running Moltbook AI Social Media Platform Has Serious Security Implications

February 3, 2026 The Silo Leave a comment

What is Moltbook? Reddit for AI Agents

Moltbook, an AI-exclusive social media platform launched just days ago and dubbed the “Reddit for AI agents,” has exploded in popularity online. Within its first week, Moltbook attracted over 1.5 million registered AI agents and more than a million human spectators watching the agents interact with each other, sparking countless posts across human social networks.

The project originated with OpenClaw, an open-source AI agent created by Peter Steinberger that runs locally on a user’s machine. The software allows bots to use a computer and internet services just as a human would. Building on this, entrepreneur Matt Schlicht developed his own OpenClaw agent, named Clawd Clawderberg, and tasked it with coding, moderating, and managing the entire Moltbook platform. Now most moltbots on the platform run on OpenClaw.

Vulnerability of Moltbook

Cybersecurity professionals warn that this setup is terribly insecure and creates massive security vulnerabilities. However, most agree that it’s impossible to suppress public curiosity and discourage experimentation. Instead, they are calling for caution and offering some safety tips.

Karolis Arbaciauskas, head of product at the cybersecurity company NordPass, comments:

“Moltbook and OpenClaw have attracted tech-savvy tinkerers with unprecedented opportunities for experimentation because these tools have virtually no built-in security restrictions but have broad access to users’ computers, apps, and accounts. For example, you can connect to your OpenClaw bot through a messaging app to interact with it while you’re away. It can remember your conversations, read and write files on your computer, browse the web, build applications, and even consult other bots on Moltbook for advice on how to do it best.”

Curiosity Killed The Cat

“While it’s exciting and curious to see what an AI agent can do without any security guardrails, this level of access is also extremely insecure. Therefore, please run Moltbook and your personal bots only in secure, isolated environments.

“Do not give your AI agents access to your real accounts. Instead, create disposable alternatives for them to use. Do not let them use your main browser, especially if you store passwords on it. You should also be cautious with enabling autofill because it creates the risk of the agent having permanent remote access to your credentials. If you want an agent to build something autonomously and anticipate it may need to purchase software or rent server space, link it to a disposable payment card.

“Avoid running Moltbook or OpenClaw agents on your personal or work computers. These AI agents are unpredictable and highly vulnerable to prompt injection attacks. This means if your agent processes an email, document, or webpage containing a hidden malicious instruction, it will likely execute that command in addition to its original task. For example, it could be instructed to send all the credentials, personal data, and payment card information it has access to directly to an attacker.

“The risk isn’t limited to hackers with malicious intent. AI agents could leak users’ data unintentionally. And this is just the tip of the iceberg. Cybersecurity researchers have already identified critical flaws in Moltbook, including an unsecured database that could allow unauthorized users to take control of any AI agent on the site.

Launching Bots That Con?

“It would not be surprising if threat actors, trolls, and scammers have already found their way onto Moltbook and launched bots tasked with conning other AI agents into cryptocurrency schemes or luring them into hidden prompt injections.

“That’s why it is best to buy a separate, dedicated machine and use disposable accounts for any experimentation. It is also advisable to use encryption and a private mesh network as well as to try to harden your bot against prompt injections.”

For the Silo, Gintas Degutis.

Vintage

Classic Simmons British Electronic Drums- Part Art Part Tech Part Icon

February 2, 2026 The Silo 4 Comments

Why on earth do you collect old Simmons electronic drums?” At some point I stopped counting how often I was asked this question. But probably the following story is a part of the answer.

Years ago, in May 2015, a scientific assistant of the National Museum of Music Research in Berlin contacted me. He explained that his institute is running a musical instruments museum. They were planning a special exhibition about the history of electronic musical instruments and if I would be willing to provide a Simmons exhibit. Of course I was!

Presenting Simmons gear is always better than storing it until the end of days. But nothing happened. He did finally contact me again and we negotiated the conditions. He was interested in an SDSV and I preferred to bring it by car (600km) rather than unromantically sending it with a carrier. Although the exhibition was from March to June, the institute needed the exhibits at the end of November in order to make the catalogue in time. So just a week before that deadline, I jumped into my car with a blue SDSV with brain and cymbal pad plus my Suitcase Kit and headed for Berlin.

Incidentally at the same time there was another SDSV for sale in Berlin.

I took the opportunity to bring one kit to the museum but also to bring a new kit back home. However… I had the chance to visit the museum and I am glad that I did. It was extremely cool!

Musical instruments representing all centuries.

Musical instruments I have never heard of. Very impressive. If you happened to have been in the Berlin area between March 25th and June 25th at that time and managed to visit the special exhibition “Good Vibrations – A story about electronic musical instruments” you know exactly what I am talking about. If you missed out- there is always this video to fill the void:

Early in the morning… Don’t make appointments at noon if you have 600km to go

At least not much traffic at that time

12:30. We are about to land soon

First stop in Berlin: Appointment with the seller of a white SDSV pad set. To be honest: A friend of mine asked me NOT to buy those pads and leave them for him. I agreed. He had been waiting for years to find a pad set for his brain. A round of applause for my modesty, please…

There is still some time until I meet the guy from the museum. Time to discover some essential buildings

Finally! The hall of fame!

After we brought the gear inside I explained how to set up the kit right

Inside the box on the left there’s a Mini Moog. The exhibition will include around 70 exhibits

I am invited to visit the museum.

It is much much bigger than I thought. It shows classical instruments from the 17th century as well as contemporary gear. But the focus is on classical instruments. My favorite exhibit is a “Trautonium”, a predecessor of the synthesizer

This is the space for the special exhibition. In some special events some of the gear will be explained and played

The craziest musical instrument I have ever seen. The organ is only the controller of a hall full of instruments like percussion, snares, timpanies, chromatic percussion, organ pipes… all triggered by compressed air.

I counted more than 20 harpsichords. All vintage and all restored in the institutes own workshop

I really recommend this museum if you are interested in music.

I will come and visit again (Will any of the instruments still recognize me?) and of course I went back to pick up my SDSV once the exhibition had ended. For the Silo, Wolfgang Stoelzle. Read much, much more about Simmons drums at Wolfgang’s blog here.

Supplemental- A brief history of Simmons drums

Short segment featuring Silo producer, artist and musician Jarrod Barker playing Simmons drums:

Culture

Breathing- The Undiscovered Zen Secret of Japan

January 31, 2026 The Silo Leave a comment

What Is Missoku?

Missoku is a traditional Japanese breathing practice rooted in Zen philosophy, emphasizing slow, intentional breaths to cultivate calm, focus, and inner awareness. This article explores its origins, cultural significance, and practical steps for integrating Missoku into modern life.

Akikazu Nakamura began his professional journey as a quantum chemist, having graduated from the Department of Applied Chemistry at Yokohama National University. However, it wasn’t long until he turned to the shakuhachi for his future career.

Akikazu studied under numerous shakuhachi masters, including Katsuya Yokohama. He then went on to study composition and jazz theory at Berklee College of Music, USA, graduating summa cum laude. He finished his tertiary studies at the New England Conservatory of Music as a scholarship student in the Master of Music Composition and the Third Stream program.

His compositions are diverse and include orchestral music, choral music, chamber music, big band music, and traditional Japanese music.

He has established a performance method that makes full use of overtones, multiphonics, the traditional Japanese breathing technique of ‘Missoku’, and his own originally developed method of circular breathing, which involves exhaling and inhaling at the same time.

The Zen Origins of Missoku

ミソク

While staying true to the traditions of the Komusō monks and collecting, analyzing, and performing their repertoire, he also performs rock, jazz and classical music using a (previously unknown to the English-speaking world) Japanese Zen breathing technique of Missoku. Realizing that others will benefit from this technique and use it to pave a path towards a peaceful and mindful life, he has shared this zen secret of Japanese culture in this comprehensive book.

Final Thoughts: Rediscovering a Cultural Treasure

The interest in all things Japan, as well as the increasing effort to center both physical and mental health as a core value of any flourishing society, leads to the nexus explored in this book, Missoku, a unique breathing method that has been handed down through Japanese Zen tradition.

Missoku is a form of breathing in which the pelvis is tilted and the abdomen is in an expanded state. It’s proven to be effective in sports, martial arts, dance, theatre, and playing musical instruments. The benefits to overall health and stamina are bountiful. One incentive includes an increase in respiration capacity, which in turn stimulates the brain, balances autonomic nerves, and improves immune defenses.

Why Missoku Matters in Modern Life

Missoku is a lesser‑known Japanese breathing discipline connected to Zen Buddhism and traditional arts such as tea ceremony, martial arts, and calligraphy. It teaches practitioners to synchronize breath with movement and awareness, promoting emotional regulation, clarity, and a grounded sense of presence. The article explains the cultural roots of Missoku, how it differs from Western breathwork, and why it remains an overlooked but powerful tool for stress reduction and mindfulness.

For the Silo, Jarrod Barker.

Vintage

5 ‘Bad Cars’ I Still Want Anyway And Why

January 30, 2026 The Silo Leave a comment

There’s an old joke, later made into an internet meme, that goes something like this: “Have you seen my dog? He has brown fur, he’s missing his right ear, blind in one eye and has three legs. He answers to the name of ‘Lucky’.” An underdog if ever there was one. And it’s in that spirit that I share the next installment of a sadly, almost endless list of cars with not-so-good reputations. They’re cars that for reasons neither I, my parents, my children, my wife, my close friends, nor even mere acquaintances can explain—I still want.

1980–82 Ferrari Mondial 8

What it is: The Mondial was the replacement for the Bertone-designed Ferrari (Dino) 308 GT4, a rather underrated, wedge-shaped mid-engine 2+2. The Mondial incorporated some of the design language of the Berlinetta Boxer and the Testarossa along with a pair of semi-usable rear seats. A cabriolet was added later.

What makes it bad: Road & Track asked if this was Ferrari’s Oldsmobile. Ouch. The two-valve, fuel-injected 3.0-liter V-8 was a bit of a dog. With a little over 210-horsepower, the Mondial 8 took an excruciating 9 seconds to reach 60 miles per hour. Mondial 8s were rust-prone and had fuse boxes reminiscent of the junior electrical engineer educational toy that brother bought my kid for his birthday a few years ago. Some people also found them unattractive. I find that assessment harsh, but truth be told, its predecessor, the 308 GT4 has aged better.

Why I want one: Ten years ago, I had a 308 GTS. It was great. Reliable (once I replaced the fuse box with a modern one), and a lot of fun to drive. Was it fast? Not really, but it sounded great, smelled great, and was wonderful to look at. Sadly, today I’d have to settle for a project car for what I paid for my perfect 21,000-mile 308 back then, so a Mondial is kind of it Ferrari-wise, unless I want to launch a raid on my kids’ college funds. I think the key here is to buy a coupe (the only way the two-valve 8 came). In black, they’re actually quite attractive, and there’s nothing like the sound of the little flat-plane crank V-8 and the tactility of a real gated shifter.

1985–89 Merkur XR4Ti

Merkur xr4ti front three quarter snow — *Ford*

What it is: Ford had one success to its name in importing and selling one of its European sporty cars—the Capri was a sort of mini-Mustang that was hugely popular until exchange rate fluctuations made it less profitable to sell here. By the early 1980s, the exchange rate again favored the U.S. dollar and then-V.P. of Ford Bob Lutz thought it might be a good idea to import an Americanized version of the Ford Sierra, under the banner of “Merkur,” which is German for “Mercury.” Get it? The 2.3-liter turbo four, also found in the Thunderbird Turbo Coupe and SVO Mustang made the XR4Ti a credible E30 BMW competitor, but like every car on this list, there were issues.

What makes it bad: Apparently European Ford quality in the ’80s wasn’t at the top of the priority list and the XR4Ti suffered from electrical problems, overheating, and turbochargers with a short life. Mercury dealers despised them, and with Ford’s then-new 48-month/50,000-mile warranty, they saw tons of them. After 1989, the Merkur signs came down and Ford was done with the XR4Ti and its larger brother the Scorpio. Immediately after warranties expired, Merkurs began the not-so-slow slog into the automotive fossil record.

Why I want one: I love the Merkur’s many quirks like the goofy biplane rear spoiler, and XR4Tis are rare even at RADwood or LeMons events, which is precisely why I want one. Honestly, you could do worse that to put together a collection of Bob Lutz-inspired cars—Everything from a BMW Bavaria, to a Viper and a Pontiac G8. An XR4Ti would fit nicely in the middle, and a perfectly nice one would barely cost five figures.

1980–81 Triumph TR8

Triumph TR8 convertible front three quarter — *Triumph*

What it is: The Triumph TR7 was supposed to be the car that brought the British sports car out of the paleolithic era of pushrod tractor engines and separate bodies and chassis. And while the story that Harris Mann designed it on the back of a cocktail napkin (after a lot of cocktails) might be apocryphal, it’s totally plausible. The idea behind the TR8 was to make buyers forget about the four-cylinder TR7’s odd looks by offering V-8 noise and performance. The ex-Olds/Buick/Pontiac aluminum 3.5-liter V-8 by Rover just about did the trick.

What makes it bad: The same thing that made every British car of the era bad—lousy workmanship, poor quality components from suppliers that still included the infamous Lucas, and low R&D budgets. While the TR8 was predominantly produced in what was arguably one of Jaguar/Rover/Triumph’s better plants (the Rover factory in Solihull which is still cranking out Land Rovers to this day), the TR7’s reputation soiled the TR8.

Why I want one: What can I say? I’m a glutton for punishment, and I happen to love a V-8 stuffed into a small British sports car. Of the three most famous—Shelby Cobra, Sunbeam Tiger and Triumph TR8—only the latter remains affordable. Nice ones can be had in the high-teens to low-20s.

1975–76 Chevrolet Cosworth Vega

1975 Chevrolet Cosworth Vega — *Chevrolet*

What it is: The Cosworth Vega was supposed to be a high-performance version of the compact Vega that had debuted for 1971. Cosworth in the U.K. developed an alloy DOHC cylinder head for the Vega’s four-cylinder, which was mated with Bendix electronic fuel injection. It was very modern, very European.

What makes it bad: While the Vega finally had a smooth, powerful engine, it still made 110 horsepower instead of the anticipated 140. Then there was the fact that it still wore the maligned Vega badge, and while good handling and balance were always part of the package, indifferent assembly quality and rustproofing were in the Vega’s DNA as well. Oh, and it was also barely cheaper than a Corvette.

Why I want one: The magazines of the day touted Cosworth Vegas as instant collectibles, and many of the cars were stored, or intentionally kept with very low miles. The idea of owning a genuine Malaise Era time-capsule is more than intriguing. Plus, I’ve always liked the way Vegas look, a bit like miniature Camaros.

1983–89 Isuzu Impulse

Isuzu Impulse front three quarter — *Isuzu*

What it is: Isuzu had a surprisingly fruitful relationship with the great Giorgetto Giugiaro of Italdesign, and it stretched back to the 1960s, when Giugiaro styled the lovely Isuzu 117 coupe. That car lasted all the way up until 1981, so because of its longevity and popularity, its successor had to be something special. The car was teased as a nearly production-ready Isuzu “Ace of Clubs” concept car. It went on sale the next year as the Piazza outside of North America, and as the Impulse in the U.S. and Canada.

What made it bad: Seemingly, the entire budget for the car went to Italdesign. Brakes, chassis and engine were bargain-basement stuff, as under its pretty Italian skin, the Piazza/Impulse was based on the General Motors T-car platform. That’s right, it wouldn’t be much of a stretch to call the Impulse a Chevette in an Italian suit. Things did get a bit better later in the car’s run with turbocharging and chassis refinements by Lotus, but few were sold and almost none survive.

Why I want one: The low survivorship factor makes these cars exceedingly rare, and it’s one of the few opportunities that anyone has to own something that looks like an ’80s concept car. It’s also an opportunity to be king for a day at RADwood, and when Impulses do turn up, they’re almost always cheap.

For the Silo, Rob Sass.

Culture

Since 2019 Canada Has Accepted Thousands Of Asylum Claims Without Hearings

January 29, 2026 The Silo Leave a comment

This report via our friends at Canadian thinktank C.D. Howe Institute, argues that front-end security screening cannot replace in-person questioning at a hearing.

Accepting Asylum Claims Without Hearings Raises Legal, Security, and Integrity Risks

January, 2026 – Since 2019, the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB) has accepted tens of thousands of asylum claims without holding an oral hearing through a paper-based process known as “File Review.” A new report from the C.D. Howe Institute argues that this policy raises serious legal, security, and governance concerns, may exceed the IRB’s authority, and risks undermining core safeguards in Canada’s asylum system.

In “Accepting Asylum Claims Without a Hearing: A Critique of IRB’s ‘File Review’ Policy,” lawyer James Yousif examines how File Review originated as a pilot during the 2017 Yeates Review, when structural reforms, including the possible dissolution of the Refugee Protection Division (RPD), were under consideration. The policy was formally institutionalized in 2019. Introduced as an efficiency measure, the policy allows certain categories of claims – defined by nationality and claim type – to be accepted without questioning claimants or holding a hearing.

Irreplaceable: Oral Interview

The report argues that front-end security screening cannot replace in-person questioning at a hearing, which can reveal inconsistencies, misrepresentation, and inadmissibility concerns that may not be detectable through document review alone.

The report finds that File Review did not achieve its stated objective of reducing the asylum backlog. Despite substantial increases in IRB staffing, resources, and annual decision output between 2016 and 2024, the backlog expanded dramatically from roughly 17,000 claims to nearly 300,000. Over the same period, Canada’s overall asylum acceptance rate rose to approximately 80 percent, roughly double that of peer jurisdictions.

While global migration pressures, post-pandemic travel patterns, and other policy factors contributed to the surge in claims, the report cautions that maintaining a policy that permits rapid acceptance of claims without hearings may reinforce perceptions of speed, success, and reduced scrutiny – potentially increasing Canada’s attractiveness as an asylum destination.

So Called ‘Soft Law’ Was Used To Implement Policy

The report notes that File Review was implemented by the IRB unilaterally using a Chairperson’s Instruction, a form of internal “soft law” typically used for tribunal operations, not for system-wide policy change. The report also raises concerns about adjudicative independence. It argues that File Review may improperly fetter the discretion of RPD adjudicators, delegate aspects of fact-finding functions to non-adjudicative staff, and impose a mandatory internal consultation process. These features, the report suggests, may be inconsistent with established principles of administrative law.

The report concludes that the File Review policy should be brought to an end and that the default requirement of oral hearings should be restored. While this would likely reduce short-term decision volumes, the author argues that a more rigorous adjudicative process would strengthen long-term system integrity, better protect genuine refugees, and help restore public confidence.

“Efficiency gains that rely on shortcuts may prove illusory,” says Yousif. “A policy that prioritizes speed over scrutiny risks reinforcing the very pressures it is meant to relieve.”

Read the full report here. For the Silo, Percy Sherwood/C.D. Howe Institute.

Fashion

Raketa “Russian Code Qatar Edition” Counterclockwise Wristwatch

January 28, 2026 The Silo Leave a comment

In the beat of the Universe

The “Russian Code”, one of Raketa’s most emblematic models with a counterclockwise movement, is now launched in a version that dedicated to the all cities and countries where Raketa is present in the world. The first exclusive edition of 50 numbered watches is dedicated to Qatar where Raketa is represented by the prestigious retail store “Blue Salon”.

The Raketa brand (meaning “space rocket” in Russian) was created in 1961 in honour of the first manned spaceflight by the Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin. For 65 years, the Raketa Watch Factory has been accompanying space exploration by engineering watches for cosmonauts and drawing continual inspiration from the space. In 2026, the brand will mark this anniversary date with a collection of exclusive space‑themed watch models and collaborations.

The beautiful three-layered dial of the Raketa “Russian Code – Qatar Edition” displays the night sky that was over Qatar on the day it received its independence — September 3, 1971. Depending on the lighting, the blue disk structure emits bright rays of light, bringing to life the constellations printed on the dial.

Behind the elegant design lies the revolutionary concept that time should move in harmony with the natural counterclockwise movement of the planets in our Solar System. Therefore, just like the planets around the Sun, the hands of this model rotate in a counterclockwise direction around the dial. To emphasize this idea, a red circle symbolizing a planet at the tip of the second hand, moves counterclockwise above the applied blue coated numerals.

This edition limited to 50 pieces is available:

▸ In Russia: exclusively in all of Raketa’s channels of sales (online and offline stores) in very limited quantities.
▸ Outside Russia: exclusively at Raketa’s partner and the leading luxury brand store in Qatar: Blue Salon.

Blue Salon

Suhaim Bin Hamad Street, Doha

Email for ordering information: [email protected]

Specifications

Factory:	Raketa Watch Factory (Saint-Petersburg)
Movement:
Calibre:	2615 CR
Functions:	Automatic with reverse direction of hands
Number of jewels:	24
Testing positions:	4
Average rate (s/d):	-10+20
Average running time (h):	40
Frequency/hour:	18.000 / 2.5Hz
Bi-directional automatic winding:	Yes
Stopper of self-winding unit activated during manual winding:	Yes
Decoration:	Nanocoating Neva waves Print
Case:
Material:	Stainless steel
Diameter:	39,5 mm
Front glass:	Sapphire
Back glass:	Mineral
Crown:	Synthetic ruby stone inside the crown
Water resistance:	5 ATM
Hands:	Superluminova
Strap/bracelet:
Material:	Genuine leather
Width:	22 mm
Sex:	Unisex

For the Silo, Jarrod Barker.