Ben Barclay
@benbarclay.bsky.social
Translator and textbook writer. Post on climate, energy, health, Spain, Brexit and other stuff.
Produce VoiceMap audio tours of Andalucía: https://voicemap.me/publisher/ben-barclay#tours
Substack: https://thegreentransition.substack.com/
Produce VoiceMap audio tours of Andalucía: https://voicemap.me/publisher/ben-barclay#tours
Substack: https://thegreentransition.substack.com/
Pinned
Ben Barclay
@benbarclay.bsky.social
· Dec 31
It’s been a year of ups and too many downs for the world, but on a personal level it’s been fantastic criss-crossing Andalucia to research and test 7 new audio tours.
Here’s a quick reminder why you should visit these 7 fantastic places even if you have no interest in doing one of my tours.
🧵
Here’s a quick reminder why you should visit these 7 fantastic places even if you have no interest in doing one of my tours.
🧵
Norwegian encyclopaedia Store norske leksikon complaining that AI summaries cite them as reference but info doesn’t always coincide.
Most worryingly where the AI summary says a particular mushroom isn’t poisonous if you cook it long enough, citing their article which says that’s an old wives’ tale.
Most worryingly where the AI summary says a particular mushroom isn’t poisonous if you cook it long enough, citing their article which says that’s an old wives’ tale.
Det er kjekt at folk no har oppdaga ting eg har sagt sidan 2023, men det hadde vore endå kjekkare om dei høyrde på meg frå starten av
www.khrono.no/mener-google...
www.khrono.no/mener-google...
Mener Google feilsiterer Store norske leksikon
På Googles KI-oppsummeringer står det informasjon som angivelig er hentet fra Store norske leksikon. Men det stemmer ikke, sier sjefredaktør Erik Bolstad.
www.khrono.no
November 28, 2025 at 7:53 AM
Norwegian encyclopaedia Store norske leksikon complaining that AI summaries cite them as reference but info doesn’t always coincide.
Most worryingly where the AI summary says a particular mushroom isn’t poisonous if you cook it long enough, citing their article which says that’s an old wives’ tale.
Most worryingly where the AI summary says a particular mushroom isn’t poisonous if you cook it long enough, citing their article which says that’s an old wives’ tale.
Reposted by Ben Barclay
1/ JUST IN: The security chief Chris Tang has said that the death toll in the Tai Po fire has risen to 128. In full: buff.ly/6HVaFLa
November 28, 2025 at 7:15 AM
1/ JUST IN: The security chief Chris Tang has said that the death toll in the Tai Po fire has risen to 128. In full: buff.ly/6HVaFLa
Reposted by Ben Barclay
🚨🚨 Welcome news: #socialmedia giants including #Meta and #TikTok will be held liable for financial fraud for the first time under new EU rules agreed by @europarl.europa.eu and @consilium.europa.eu yesterday. www.politico.eu/article/soci...
Social media giants liable for financial scams under new EU law
The new rules set a dangerous precedent, big tech companies say.
www.politico.eu
November 28, 2025 at 6:52 AM
🚨🚨 Welcome news: #socialmedia giants including #Meta and #TikTok will be held liable for financial fraud for the first time under new EU rules agreed by @europarl.europa.eu and @consilium.europa.eu yesterday. www.politico.eu/article/soci...
Reposted by Ben Barclay
On Thanksgiving, around midnight, President Trump decides to insult a variety of people.
November 28, 2025 at 5:15 AM
On Thanksgiving, around midnight, President Trump decides to insult a variety of people.
Reposted by Ben Barclay
Today's 70% fall in net migration to 205,000 was not one of the six stories in BBC ten o'clock news.
Ta massive assymetry in whether rises in immigration and falls in immigration are considered newsworthy by broadcasters
Down by 140k isn't thought to be.
Up by 140k undoubtedly would be.
Ta massive assymetry in whether rises in immigration and falls in immigration are considered newsworthy by broadcasters
Down by 140k isn't thought to be.
Up by 140k undoubtedly would be.
November 27, 2025 at 10:05 PM
Today's 70% fall in net migration to 205,000 was not one of the six stories in BBC ten o'clock news.
Ta massive assymetry in whether rises in immigration and falls in immigration are considered newsworthy by broadcasters
Down by 140k isn't thought to be.
Up by 140k undoubtedly would be.
Ta massive assymetry in whether rises in immigration and falls in immigration are considered newsworthy by broadcasters
Down by 140k isn't thought to be.
Up by 140k undoubtedly would be.
Reposted by Ben Barclay
"a single person of this demographic may have committed a crime, therefore we must punish the entire demographic" is a policy response you may recognize from fascist governments dedicated to ethnic cleansing elsewhere.
November 27, 2025 at 5:52 AM
"a single person of this demographic may have committed a crime, therefore we must punish the entire demographic" is a policy response you may recognize from fascist governments dedicated to ethnic cleansing elsewhere.
Although it was always explained that net immigration of almost 1 million in a year was significantly due to one-off effects, it’s been difficult to have a discussion about immigration without someone saying “but Labour have to do something. 1 million a year isn’t sustainable.”
I'm not sure how much it is appreciated that there will be significant emigration coming. Those here on graduate visas coming to an end, the toughening up of skilled worker rules re. salaries/sponsorable roles and the 'earned settlement' changes to come. Lots of people are going to leave.
November 27, 2025 at 4:03 PM
Although it was always explained that net immigration of almost 1 million in a year was significantly due to one-off effects, it’s been difficult to have a discussion about immigration without someone saying “but Labour have to do something. 1 million a year isn’t sustainable.”
Castle of the day: Iznajar.
First built by the Muslims in the 8th century, it was held by the rebels during the rebellion of Ibn Hafsun around the turn of the 10th C, and then stood on the frontier of the Taifa of Granada (11 C) and the Nasrid Kingdom of Granada 13-15 C).
First built by the Muslims in the 8th century, it was held by the rebels during the rebellion of Ibn Hafsun around the turn of the 10th C, and then stood on the frontier of the Taifa of Granada (11 C) and the Nasrid Kingdom of Granada 13-15 C).
November 27, 2025 at 2:51 PM
Castle of the day: Iznajar.
First built by the Muslims in the 8th century, it was held by the rebels during the rebellion of Ibn Hafsun around the turn of the 10th C, and then stood on the frontier of the Taifa of Granada (11 C) and the Nasrid Kingdom of Granada 13-15 C).
First built by the Muslims in the 8th century, it was held by the rebels during the rebellion of Ibn Hafsun around the turn of the 10th C, and then stood on the frontier of the Taifa of Granada (11 C) and the Nasrid Kingdom of Granada 13-15 C).
Like many others who use the phrase “Enemy of the People”, Trump clearly has no idea about where it comes from.
Spoiler: the “enemy” is the good guy.
Spoiler: the “enemy” is the good guy.
November 27, 2025 at 7:23 AM
Like many others who use the phrase “Enemy of the People”, Trump clearly has no idea about where it comes from.
Spoiler: the “enemy” is the good guy.
Spoiler: the “enemy” is the good guy.
Reposted by Ben Barclay
Violence is never the answer and must be swiftly condemned by all.
The National Guard are volunteers. They sign up to leave their jobs and families at a moment’s notice to serve their country.
This is a heartbreaking day for DC and our nation. My thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones.
The National Guard are volunteers. They sign up to leave their jobs and families at a moment’s notice to serve their country.
This is a heartbreaking day for DC and our nation. My thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones.
Two National Guard members shot just blocks from the White House
FBI Director Kash Patel says two West Virginia National Guard members who were shot just blocks from the White House are still alive and in critical condition.
apnews.com
November 26, 2025 at 10:12 PM
Violence is never the answer and must be swiftly condemned by all.
The National Guard are volunteers. They sign up to leave their jobs and families at a moment’s notice to serve their country.
This is a heartbreaking day for DC and our nation. My thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones.
The National Guard are volunteers. They sign up to leave their jobs and families at a moment’s notice to serve their country.
This is a heartbreaking day for DC and our nation. My thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones.
Reposted by Ben Barclay
Antarctica might be quite soggy underneath its ice cover. New research to be presented at #AGU25 indicates saturated sediments or rock potentially hundreds of meters thick on the frozen continent.
eos.org/articles/the...
eos.org/articles/the...
The Land Beneath Antarctica’s Ice Might Be Full of Water - Eos
Seismic surveys hint at the extent of a potential groundwater system in the White Continent.
eos.org
November 26, 2025 at 3:26 PM
Antarctica might be quite soggy underneath its ice cover. New research to be presented at #AGU25 indicates saturated sediments or rock potentially hundreds of meters thick on the frozen continent.
eos.org/articles/the...
eos.org/articles/the...
Reposted by Ben Barclay
Middle aged man. Cancer of the oesophagus diagnosis. His mum being treated for myeloma
“A pox on those who would talk down the NHS, who would underfund it, defund it and even seek to dismantle it. A pox on them,
apple.news/AIlG8GsfESGi...
“A pox on those who would talk down the NHS, who would underfund it, defund it and even seek to dismantle it. A pox on them,
apple.news/AIlG8GsfESGi...
‘He suggested we go to a quiet room to talk. I knew that was not good news’ — The Observer
My cancer diagnosis was the last thing anyone expected or needed – but especially my mum, while going through chemotherapy herself
apple.news
November 26, 2025 at 10:06 PM
Middle aged man. Cancer of the oesophagus diagnosis. His mum being treated for myeloma
“A pox on those who would talk down the NHS, who would underfund it, defund it and even seek to dismantle it. A pox on them,
apple.news/AIlG8GsfESGi...
“A pox on those who would talk down the NHS, who would underfund it, defund it and even seek to dismantle it. A pox on them,
apple.news/AIlG8GsfESGi...
Reposted by Ben Barclay
A good day for Ed Miliband: mansion tax introduced, green levies moved off bills to taxation, ban on new North Sea oil and gas licences confirmed.
November 26, 2025 at 9:59 PM
A good day for Ed Miliband: mansion tax introduced, green levies moved off bills to taxation, ban on new North Sea oil and gas licences confirmed.
“There is a lot that we have not yet figured out.”
Such true words.
But sad news and unlikely to lead anywhere good.
Such true words.
But sad news and unlikely to lead anywhere good.
JD Vance: “There was a shooting outside the White House a couple of hours ago.
“We still don't know the motive.
“There is a lot that we have not yet figured out.”
“We still don't know the motive.
“There is a lot that we have not yet figured out.”
November 26, 2025 at 9:01 PM
“There is a lot that we have not yet figured out.”
Such true words.
But sad news and unlikely to lead anywhere good.
Such true words.
But sad news and unlikely to lead anywhere good.
Reposted by Ben Barclay
This (PUBLISHED!) paper is gaga: Hold on tight, all from world OWID data!
- vax cannot have saved lives: excess was higher in 2021 than 2020 so 2021 excess is from vax
- 40% of the pop was vaxed so 40% of deaths was vaxed
Ergo: vaxed had 15% higher mortality than unvaxed🤪
- vax cannot have saved lives: excess was higher in 2021 than 2020 so 2021 excess is from vax
- 40% of the pop was vaxed so 40% of deaths was vaxed
Ergo: vaxed had 15% higher mortality than unvaxed🤪
November 26, 2025 at 6:48 PM
This (PUBLISHED!) paper is gaga: Hold on tight, all from world OWID data!
- vax cannot have saved lives: excess was higher in 2021 than 2020 so 2021 excess is from vax
- 40% of the pop was vaxed so 40% of deaths was vaxed
Ergo: vaxed had 15% higher mortality than unvaxed🤪
- vax cannot have saved lives: excess was higher in 2021 than 2020 so 2021 excess is from vax
- 40% of the pop was vaxed so 40% of deaths was vaxed
Ergo: vaxed had 15% higher mortality than unvaxed🤪
Listening to a description of the urban development of a small Andalucían town. Like the comment about one of the convents:
"Not much is known about the building, but it could only have had a short life, as 250 years later it was expropriated and replaced..."
"Not much is known about the building, but it could only have had a short life, as 250 years later it was expropriated and replaced..."
November 26, 2025 at 5:08 PM
Listening to a description of the urban development of a small Andalucían town. Like the comment about one of the convents:
"Not much is known about the building, but it could only have had a short life, as 250 years later it was expropriated and replaced..."
"Not much is known about the building, but it could only have had a short life, as 250 years later it was expropriated and replaced..."
"An extreme case of road rage."
A British man broke down in court on Wednesday as he dramatically changed his plea and admitted deliberately ploughing his car into crowds at Liverpool's Premier League victory parade in May, injuring scores of people ➡️ u.afp.com/ShMH
November 26, 2025 at 4:40 PM
"An extreme case of road rage."
Doesn't sound promising.
UPDATE Military officers in Guinea-Bissau said on Wednesday they were taking "total control" of the country while suspending its electoral process and closing its borders, three days after the poverty-stricken west African nation's elections ➡️ u.afp.com/ShQ8
November 26, 2025 at 4:38 PM
Doesn't sound promising.
Reposted by Ben Barclay
Overall, a good budget.
But: mostly small changes. End of two-child cap essential but overdue. Plenty of risks to headroom. Arguably not enough done on cost of living.
But: mostly small changes. End of two-child cap essential but overdue. Plenty of risks to headroom. Arguably not enough done on cost of living.
November 26, 2025 at 1:47 PM
Overall, a good budget.
But: mostly small changes. End of two-child cap essential but overdue. Plenty of risks to headroom. Arguably not enough done on cost of living.
But: mostly small changes. End of two-child cap essential but overdue. Plenty of risks to headroom. Arguably not enough done on cost of living.
Reposted by Ben Barclay
If correct, this would be a much better move to encourage people to move to more carbon forms of heating (eg heat pumps).
Rachel Reeves decides against cutting VAT on energy bills in Budget
The Chancellor is expected to remove some social and environmental levies from electricity bills instead, for example those that fund energy efficiency in low income or vulnerable households.
buff.ly/lDgCTaM
The Chancellor is expected to remove some social and environmental levies from electricity bills instead, for example those that fund energy efficiency in low income or vulnerable households.
buff.ly/lDgCTaM
November 26, 2025 at 9:43 AM
If correct, this would be a much better move to encourage people to move to more carbon forms of heating (eg heat pumps).
The potential loss of the right to appeal seems more dangerous, particularly if you couple it with a system that makes conviction more likely in the first place.
As I say, I don’t claim any expertise and am open to other views.
It does seem part of a pattern of this govt…
1/
As I say, I don’t claim any expertise and am open to other views.
It does seem part of a pattern of this govt…
1/
Question is also 1/1 judge vs 10/11-12, 9/10 or 7-8/8 jurors finding you guilty.
Without claiming any expertise, you would think statistically a defendant‘’s chances are better with a jury, even if in some cases the opposite will be true.
And if true, whether it’s good or bad is open to debate.
Without claiming any expertise, you would think statistically a defendant‘’s chances are better with a jury, even if in some cases the opposite will be true.
And if true, whether it’s good or bad is open to debate.
November 26, 2025 at 7:05 AM
The potential loss of the right to appeal seems more dangerous, particularly if you couple it with a system that makes conviction more likely in the first place.
As I say, I don’t claim any expertise and am open to other views.
It does seem part of a pattern of this govt…
1/
As I say, I don’t claim any expertise and am open to other views.
It does seem part of a pattern of this govt…
1/
Reposted by Ben Barclay
It’s not actually that far from other things Tate has said so it didn’t feel notable enough to debunk yesterday. But now that we’re moving to day two of this circulating, this tweet is fake.
November 24, 2025 at 2:31 PM
It’s not actually that far from other things Tate has said so it didn’t feel notable enough to debunk yesterday. But now that we’re moving to day two of this circulating, this tweet is fake.
Reposted by Ben Barclay
CATL breaks ground on battery plant in Spain
About 2,000 Chinese workers will participate in the factory's construction, with production expected to start by late 2026, according to Reuters. cnev.co/ERJE3MZ 👇
About 2,000 Chinese workers will participate in the factory's construction, with production expected to start by late 2026, according to Reuters. cnev.co/ERJE3MZ 👇
CATL breaks ground on battery plant in Spain
About 2,000 Chinese workers will participate in the factory's construction, with production expected to start by late 2026, according to Reuters.
cnev.co
November 26, 2025 at 6:31 AM
CATL breaks ground on battery plant in Spain
About 2,000 Chinese workers will participate in the factory's construction, with production expected to start by late 2026, according to Reuters. cnev.co/ERJE3MZ 👇
About 2,000 Chinese workers will participate in the factory's construction, with production expected to start by late 2026, according to Reuters. cnev.co/ERJE3MZ 👇
Reposted by Ben Barclay
Gove has been an extremely poisonous influence on our politics. Undermining expert consensus on Brexit [had enough of experts, etc] and lying his way through the whole process in the aftermath of the Referendum. A travesty that he is on this panel of judges assessing political writing.
I’m a past winner of the Orwell Prize & won partly because I exposed Vote Leave’s unlawful activities.
Michael Gove was its co-convener & refused to answer a single q. He’s now a judge of the prize & our world is truly one that Orwell would recognise
bylinetimes.com/2025/11/25/m...
Michael Gove was its co-convener & refused to answer a single q. He’s now a judge of the prize & our world is truly one that Orwell would recognise
bylinetimes.com/2025/11/25/m...
Michael Gove Made Orwell Prize Judge Despite Record of Attacking Journalists and Dodging Scrutiny
Critics say "Orwell would have enjoyed the irony" of the former Conservative minister's appointment
bylinetimes.com
November 25, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Gove has been an extremely poisonous influence on our politics. Undermining expert consensus on Brexit [had enough of experts, etc] and lying his way through the whole process in the aftermath of the Referendum. A travesty that he is on this panel of judges assessing political writing.
Reposted by Ben Barclay
To illustrate how disingenuous this campaign is
“85% have made payments to get better cars” does *not* mean “85% have bought Beamers”. Most people don’t lease Beamers with the scheme. The extra payments are adaptations to allow disabled people to use the cars, wheelchair hoists for eg
“85% have made payments to get better cars” does *not* mean “85% have bought Beamers”. Most people don’t lease Beamers with the scheme. The extra payments are adaptations to allow disabled people to use the cars, wheelchair hoists for eg
November 25, 2025 at 1:59 PM
To illustrate how disingenuous this campaign is
“85% have made payments to get better cars” does *not* mean “85% have bought Beamers”. Most people don’t lease Beamers with the scheme. The extra payments are adaptations to allow disabled people to use the cars, wheelchair hoists for eg
“85% have made payments to get better cars” does *not* mean “85% have bought Beamers”. Most people don’t lease Beamers with the scheme. The extra payments are adaptations to allow disabled people to use the cars, wheelchair hoists for eg