Helen McCarthy
@glider.bsky.social
Glider in the night, dancer in the dark, lover of lost rivers and paths in the woods and libraries and half-open doors. Moonlights as a writer.
All images and poems mine unless credited elsewise. AI is only acceptable if it's consensual.
All images and poems mine unless credited elsewise. AI is only acceptable if it's consensual.
Ocado has them online at £2.75, so if you can't get to the shops, fill your basket!
OH and I bought this in a London branch of #MarksandSpencer on Saturday morning for £2.75, because we love dinosaurs and Advent calendars and being encouraged to eat chocolate every day. I am properly disgusted to see it on sale on #Amazon and #eBay at the ripoff price of £10.98. Buy local!
December 1, 2025 at 12:40 PM
Ocado has them online at £2.75, so if you can't get to the shops, fill your basket!
Reposted by Helen McCarthy
Can't believe it's 363 years since that slag John Evelyn recorded skating on the frozen lake in St James's Park, London, watched by Charles II and Queen Catherine. Still freaks my nut in to this day
December 1, 2025 at 11:35 AM
Can't believe it's 363 years since that slag John Evelyn recorded skating on the frozen lake in St James's Park, London, watched by Charles II and Queen Catherine. Still freaks my nut in to this day
Reposted by Helen McCarthy
'The media has not yet picked up on the fact that Northumbria University has also now quietly closed applications to its Music degree. This is a new course, which admitted its first students only five years ago. Staff with excellent research profiles were appointed'. 1/3
A discipline in danger | Alexandra Wilson | The Critic Magazine
I have written previously for The Critic about the closure of Music departments in British universities and it gives me no pleasure to be revisiting the issue. Unfortunately, the domino effect that…
thecritic.co.uk
December 1, 2025 at 11:36 AM
'The media has not yet picked up on the fact that Northumbria University has also now quietly closed applications to its Music degree. This is a new course, which admitted its first students only five years ago. Staff with excellent research profiles were appointed'. 1/3
Reposted by Helen McCarthy
For all the focus on its supposed “left wing bias”, the BBC’s heavy coverage of Rachel Reeves Budget "lies" shows how its political coverage is still largely led by the right-wing press
bylinetimes.com/2025/12/01/r...
bylinetimes.com/2025/12/01/r...
Rachel Reeves and the Daily Mailification of the BBC
For all the focus on its supposed "left wing bias", the BBC's heavy coverage of Conservative allegations of dishonesty against Rachel Reeves shows how its political coverage is still largely led by th...
bylinetimes.com
December 1, 2025 at 11:20 AM
For all the focus on its supposed “left wing bias”, the BBC’s heavy coverage of Rachel Reeves Budget "lies" shows how its political coverage is still largely led by the right-wing press
bylinetimes.com/2025/12/01/r...
bylinetimes.com/2025/12/01/r...
Reposted by Helen McCarthy
Jonathan Gullis defects to Reform saying his former party has "lost touch with the people it was meant to serve".
He should know. When he was in Government he took a five-figure donation from JCB, then stayed silent when it axed hundreds of his constituents' jobs just two weeks later
He should know. When he was in Government he took a five-figure donation from JCB, then stayed silent when it axed hundreds of his constituents' jobs just two weeks later
Conservatives Promote JCB's 'Revolutionary' Pothole Machine While Taking Millions of Pounds in Donations from the Company
Senior Conservatives have repeatedly promoted a pothole repair machine made by a company which has donated huge sums to the party and its MPs
bylinetimes.com
December 1, 2025 at 11:33 AM
Jonathan Gullis defects to Reform saying his former party has "lost touch with the people it was meant to serve".
He should know. When he was in Government he took a five-figure donation from JCB, then stayed silent when it axed hundreds of his constituents' jobs just two weeks later
He should know. When he was in Government he took a five-figure donation from JCB, then stayed silent when it axed hundreds of his constituents' jobs just two weeks later
Reposted by Helen McCarthy
New on my website: original manga and anime artwork, guaranteed unique gifts for the #manga and #anime fans on your list. And still time to get them framed and wrapped before #Christmas.
helenmccarthy.net/gift-ideas-2...
helenmccarthy.net/gift-ideas-2...
Gift Ideas 2025 #2: Real Manga Pages - Helen McCarthy
What do you give the person with everything? Problem solved: original manga art – a page of a published comic, a cover painting or splash page, a sketch. Or maybe an anime cel. A growing number of dea...
helenmccarthy.net
December 1, 2025 at 11:39 AM
New on my website: original manga and anime artwork, guaranteed unique gifts for the #manga and #anime fans on your list. And still time to get them framed and wrapped before #Christmas.
helenmccarthy.net/gift-ideas-2...
helenmccarthy.net/gift-ideas-2...
Reposted by Helen McCarthy
A diverse range of mammals once roamed the planet. This changed dramatically with the arrival of humans, who have become the dominant species through our own population, as well as the animals we breed and raise for food.
What is the distribution of the global mammal kingdom today?
What is the distribution of the global mammal kingdom today?
December 1, 2025 at 10:12 AM
A diverse range of mammals once roamed the planet. This changed dramatically with the arrival of humans, who have become the dominant species through our own population, as well as the animals we breed and raise for food.
What is the distribution of the global mammal kingdom today?
What is the distribution of the global mammal kingdom today?
Vote #Reform and get massive cost increases and less efficient services. No, it wasn't what you were promised, but once they have their publicly funded jobs and expenses for a few years, do they actually care?
Reform UK went into Durham Council promising to find huge savings. They have managed to GROW the authority's deficit by over £11m *in the last two months*.
Grimes recommends “serious consideration” to increasing council tax “by the maximum 5%.” ~AA
northeastbylines.co.uk/news/politic...
Grimes recommends “serious consideration” to increasing council tax “by the maximum 5%.” ~AA
northeastbylines.co.uk/news/politic...
Reform cabinet backs £10mn cuts to start filling Durham’s growing black hole
Reform is now learning that running a big council is not as easy as it probably thought
northeastbylines.co.uk
December 1, 2025 at 10:28 AM
Vote #Reform and get massive cost increases and less efficient services. No, it wasn't what you were promised, but once they have their publicly funded jobs and expenses for a few years, do they actually care?
Reposted by Helen McCarthy
Reform UK went into Durham Council promising to find huge savings. They have managed to GROW the authority's deficit by over £11m *in the last two months*.
Grimes recommends “serious consideration” to increasing council tax “by the maximum 5%.” ~AA
northeastbylines.co.uk/news/politic...
Grimes recommends “serious consideration” to increasing council tax “by the maximum 5%.” ~AA
northeastbylines.co.uk/news/politic...
Reform cabinet backs £10mn cuts to start filling Durham’s growing black hole
Reform is now learning that running a big council is not as easy as it probably thought
northeastbylines.co.uk
December 1, 2025 at 9:50 AM
Reform UK went into Durham Council promising to find huge savings. They have managed to GROW the authority's deficit by over £11m *in the last two months*.
Grimes recommends “serious consideration” to increasing council tax “by the maximum 5%.” ~AA
northeastbylines.co.uk/news/politic...
Grimes recommends “serious consideration” to increasing council tax “by the maximum 5%.” ~AA
northeastbylines.co.uk/news/politic...
Reposted by Helen McCarthy
Two more Conservative MP rejects hop over to Reform UK. Jonathan Gullis and Lia Nici.
More and more, Reform UK looks simply as if the Tories ran off stage, then came back on two minutes lates, wearing a comedy moustache-and-glasses disguise. ~AA
uk.news.yahoo.com/former-tory-...
More and more, Reform UK looks simply as if the Tories ran off stage, then came back on two minutes lates, wearing a comedy moustache-and-glasses disguise. ~AA
uk.news.yahoo.com/former-tory-...
Former Tory MP Jonathan Gullis defects to Reform UK
He joins Daniel Jellyman
uk.news.yahoo.com
December 1, 2025 at 9:57 AM
Two more Conservative MP rejects hop over to Reform UK. Jonathan Gullis and Lia Nici.
More and more, Reform UK looks simply as if the Tories ran off stage, then came back on two minutes lates, wearing a comedy moustache-and-glasses disguise. ~AA
uk.news.yahoo.com/former-tory-...
More and more, Reform UK looks simply as if the Tories ran off stage, then came back on two minutes lates, wearing a comedy moustache-and-glasses disguise. ~AA
uk.news.yahoo.com/former-tory-...
Reposted by Helen McCarthy
Pretty striking to see these two pieces, side-by-side, in the Telegraph and Times last week. ~AA #BrexitDisaster
December 1, 2025 at 10:05 AM
Pretty striking to see these two pieces, side-by-side, in the Telegraph and Times last week. ~AA #BrexitDisaster
Reposted by Helen McCarthy
You know what's pretty cool? Stories.
Novels, movies, tv shows, comics, songs, plays, video games, paintings, people sitting around spinning an enjoyable yarn for their friends... it's awesome.
Novels, movies, tv shows, comics, songs, plays, video games, paintings, people sitting around spinning an enjoyable yarn for their friends... it's awesome.
December 1, 2025 at 9:01 AM
You know what's pretty cool? Stories.
Novels, movies, tv shows, comics, songs, plays, video games, paintings, people sitting around spinning an enjoyable yarn for their friends... it's awesome.
Novels, movies, tv shows, comics, songs, plays, video games, paintings, people sitting around spinning an enjoyable yarn for their friends... it's awesome.
Reposted by Helen McCarthy
Riff Raff - (I Wanna Be A) Cosmonaut [London / Peterborough, UK ; Punk / Pub Rock] (1978) Formed by singer-songwriter Billy Bragg, who would later have a much more successful solo career.
https://redd.it/10ywmig
https://youtu.be/zQinDLyGuxE
https://redd.it/10ywmig
https://youtu.be/zQinDLyGuxE
Riff Raff - (I Wanna Be A) Cosmonaut [London / Peterborough, UK ; Punk / Pub Rock] (1978) Formed by singer-songwriter Billy Bragg, who would later have a much more successful solo career.
youtu.be
December 1, 2025 at 10:18 AM
Riff Raff - (I Wanna Be A) Cosmonaut [London / Peterborough, UK ; Punk / Pub Rock] (1978) Formed by singer-songwriter Billy Bragg, who would later have a much more successful solo career.
https://redd.it/10ywmig
https://youtu.be/zQinDLyGuxE
https://redd.it/10ywmig
https://youtu.be/zQinDLyGuxE
Reposted by Helen McCarthy
The Golden Kamuy anime's final arc will debut on January 5! The theme song for the season's prologue films will be the opening theme for the show.
Golden Kamuy Anime Reveals Final Arc's January 5 Debut, Opening Song Artists
Golden Kamuy: Sapporo Beer Kōjō-hen prequel films' theme song "Kogane no Kanata" (Beyond the Gold) by Awich × ALI is final arc's opening song
www.animenewsnetwork.com
December 1, 2025 at 10:19 AM
The Golden Kamuy anime's final arc will debut on January 5! The theme song for the season's prologue films will be the opening theme for the show.
Reposted by Helen McCarthy
Deniz Tek - R.P.M. [USA/Australia ; Garage Rock / Rock 'N Roll / Surf] (1981) "Singer, guitarist and songwriter plus a founding member of Australian rock group Radio Birdman." The Four Speeds cover.
https://redd.it/1l1k3so
https://youtu.be/2HjQcmUel90
https://redd.it/1l1k3so
https://youtu.be/2HjQcmUel90
Deniz Tek - R.P.M. [USA/Australia ; Garage Rock / Rock 'N Roll / Surf] (1981) "Singer, guitarist and songwriter plus a founding member of Australian rock group Radio Birdman." The Four Speeds cover.
youtu.be
December 1, 2025 at 10:19 AM
Deniz Tek - R.P.M. [USA/Australia ; Garage Rock / Rock 'N Roll / Surf] (1981) "Singer, guitarist and songwriter plus a founding member of Australian rock group Radio Birdman." The Four Speeds cover.
https://redd.it/1l1k3so
https://youtu.be/2HjQcmUel90
https://redd.it/1l1k3so
https://youtu.be/2HjQcmUel90
Reposted by Helen McCarthy
The EV share of new car sales in 🇩🇰 Denmark was 73.7% in November. Of private individuals buying a new car, 91% opted for an EV.
Ny rekord: 91 % af alle private, der fik leveret en ny bil i november, valgte en elbil 🚗🔌
Den samlede elbilandel nåede samtidig 73,7 % – også det en klar rekord.
9 ud af de 10 mest solgte biler i november var rene elbiler (BMW X1 tæller både fossile- og elvarianter).
Den samlede elbilandel nåede samtidig 73,7 % – også det en klar rekord.
9 ud af de 10 mest solgte biler i november var rene elbiler (BMW X1 tæller både fossile- og elvarianter).
December 1, 2025 at 6:35 AM
The EV share of new car sales in 🇩🇰 Denmark was 73.7% in November. Of private individuals buying a new car, 91% opted for an EV.
Reposted by Helen McCarthy
Remember those lost.
Fight the stigma.
Educate.
Fight the stigma.
Educate.
December 1, 2025 at 7:13 AM
Remember those lost.
Fight the stigma.
Educate.
Fight the stigma.
Educate.
Reposted by Helen McCarthy
A reminder that one of Wes Streeting's junior ministers is talking enthusiastically about 'cashing in' on NHS data (www.ft.com/content/0531...).
December 1, 2025 at 10:20 AM
A reminder that one of Wes Streeting's junior ministers is talking enthusiastically about 'cashing in' on NHS data (www.ft.com/content/0531...).
An Advent thread worth following! So many goodies!
#BeatlesAdvent Day 1
Newspaper ad for screenings of A Hard Day's Night, brought back to cinemas at Christmas 1964.
Newspaper ad for screenings of A Hard Day's Night, brought back to cinemas at Christmas 1964.
December 1, 2025 at 10:22 AM
An Advent thread worth following! So many goodies!
The V&A's Marie Antoinette extravaganza is the first exhibition I plan to see in 2026. The rest of 2025 is work, family, fun and three shows in Paris: Takahata, Manga: Tout un Art and Poiret.
www.lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v4...
www.lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v4...
Anne Higonnet · At the V&A: ‘Marie-Antoinette Style’
She is the queen of excess, who teaches us the lessons of history with shepherdess costumes and lace ruffles. Marie-...
www.lrb.co.uk
November 30, 2025 at 11:17 AM
The V&A's Marie Antoinette extravaganza is the first exhibition I plan to see in 2026. The rest of 2025 is work, family, fun and three shows in Paris: Takahata, Manga: Tout un Art and Poiret.
www.lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v4...
www.lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v4...
This is the first exhibition I plan to see in 2026. The rest of 2025 is taken up with work, family and three shows in Paris.
‘The exhibition delights. So many pastel skirt billows contrasting with tightly laced bodies. Such big hair and such tiny mules!’
Anne Higonnet on Marie-Antoinette’s style, at the V&A.
www.lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v4...
Anne Higonnet on Marie-Antoinette’s style, at the V&A.
www.lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v4...
Anne Higonnet · At the V&A: ‘Marie-Antoinette Style’
She is the queen of excess, who teaches us the lessons of history with shepherdess costumes and lace ruffles. Marie-...
www.lrb.co.uk
November 30, 2025 at 11:14 AM
This is the first exhibition I plan to see in 2026. The rest of 2025 is taken up with work, family and three shows in Paris.
Reposted by Helen McCarthy
It's also the only time you'll ever hear a pre-Star Wars David Prowse very audibly break character when Tony Anholt smacks his rubber-suited alien character in the dick with a fire extinguisher.
If Space:1999 has taught us anything, it’s that all aliens are British.
November 30, 2025 at 11:04 AM
It's also the only time you'll ever hear a pre-Star Wars David Prowse very audibly break character when Tony Anholt smacks his rubber-suited alien character in the dick with a fire extinguisher.
Reposted by Helen McCarthy
🦊 Why not buy my book, Reynard the Fox, for Christmas – the perfect stocking filler! Marina Warner described it as "marvellously spirited and adroit storytelling.Reynar" To buy a signed and gift-wrapped book, order directly from me! DM to purchase or go to my Etsy shop here: etsy.com/uk/listing/1...
November 27, 2025 at 5:05 PM
🦊 Why not buy my book, Reynard the Fox, for Christmas – the perfect stocking filler! Marina Warner described it as "marvellously spirited and adroit storytelling.Reynar" To buy a signed and gift-wrapped book, order directly from me! DM to purchase or go to my Etsy shop here: etsy.com/uk/listing/1...
Reposted by Helen McCarthy
OBrien on hard truths for Europe 🎯👇
"It starts with one simple word—truth. Europeans needed to understand that they were on their own. They needed to prepare to support Ukraine on their own, to stop deferring to the USA, to prepare the continent greater for strategic autonomy and self-defense.
"It starts with one simple word—truth. Europeans needed to understand that they were on their own. They needed to prepare to support Ukraine on their own, to stop deferring to the USA, to prepare the continent greater for strategic autonomy and self-defense.
Just sent out my free weekend update. Though the reporting this week made it crystal clear that the Trump administration is with Putin, that was not a bad thing for Ukraine. Accepting the truth is the first step to recovery-and the truth cannot now be denied. open.substack.com/pub/phillips...
Weekend Update #161: Not A Bad Week For Ukraine
Truth, Democracy and Corruption, Possible High Command Changes, Are European Gloves Coming Off?
open.substack.com
November 30, 2025 at 11:00 AM
OBrien on hard truths for Europe 🎯👇
"It starts with one simple word—truth. Europeans needed to understand that they were on their own. They needed to prepare to support Ukraine on their own, to stop deferring to the USA, to prepare the continent greater for strategic autonomy and self-defense.
"It starts with one simple word—truth. Europeans needed to understand that they were on their own. They needed to prepare to support Ukraine on their own, to stop deferring to the USA, to prepare the continent greater for strategic autonomy and self-defense.
Reposted by Helen McCarthy
Genuinely delightful podcast and really interesting
BRAND NEW 🍏 How Do You Like Them Apples? 🍎
From the Garden of Hesperides to the Garden of Eden, from the Atalanta and the Trojan War to The Beatles and the iPhone, apples are laden with often conflicting symbolism.
🎧 open.spotify.com/episode/70jw...
🎧 podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/a...
From the Garden of Hesperides to the Garden of Eden, from the Atalanta and the Trojan War to The Beatles and the iPhone, apples are laden with often conflicting symbolism.
🎧 open.spotify.com/episode/70jw...
🎧 podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/a...
BONUS - How Do You Like Them Golden Apples?
open.spotify.com
November 29, 2025 at 9:52 PM
Genuinely delightful podcast and really interesting