Alastair Horne
@pressfuturist.bsky.social
Lecturer in Publishing at the University of Stirling. Researcher of smartphone storytelling. Author of seven books for Amber on Paris, London, Scotland, cemeteries (twice), chess, & dragons. Erstwhile doer of other things. Baritone. Often mediocre. He/Him
Pinned
Alastair Horne
@pressfuturist.bsky.social
· Nov 15
Evening all! I’m a lecturer in publishing studies at the University of Stirling, as well as the author of a few books for Amber Books. I sort of built what passes for my career by being on Twitter, so I’m sorry to see it go, but needs must.
Back in a phase of waking up with a headache, and it’s really not helpful right now.
November 28, 2025 at 9:38 AM
Back in a phase of waking up with a headache, and it’s really not helpful right now.
Reposted by Alastair Horne
Plan 2 student loan grads - many of whom were mugged off during the pandemic - already took a repayment threshold freeze, and now getting another one. Now likely the cohort will receive a minus subsidy for their HE - we're now almost certainly set to profit from their participation in the long run
November 27, 2025 at 11:52 AM
Plan 2 student loan grads - many of whom were mugged off during the pandemic - already took a repayment threshold freeze, and now getting another one. Now likely the cohort will receive a minus subsidy for their HE - we're now almost certainly set to profit from their participation in the long run
So, I have a ready meal whose best before date is tomorrow. However, on opening the package today, I've discovered that the seal has been pierced (almost certainly when I bought it earlier this week). It should still be fine to eat, shouldn't it? (It's vegetarian.)
November 27, 2025 at 5:30 PM
So, I have a ready meal whose best before date is tomorrow. However, on opening the package today, I've discovered that the seal has been pierced (almost certainly when I bought it earlier this week). It should still be fine to eat, shouldn't it? (It's vegetarian.)
Reposted by Alastair Horne
For @thebookseller.com I'm looking to speak to bookshops / booksellers about how the business rates changes in the budget are going to affect them - if that's you, please email me at [email protected].
November 27, 2025 at 11:38 AM
For @thebookseller.com I'm looking to speak to bookshops / booksellers about how the business rates changes in the budget are going to affect them - if that's you, please email me at [email protected].
“It’s only fair that you pay back the costs of going to university because you’ll get a better paid job at the end of it … but we’re going to make you pay back those costs even if you get a job at near minimum wage because we’d otherwise have to tax millionaires.”
Threshold for repaying student loans to converge with minimum wage on.ft.com/3M2AYkD
Threshold for repaying student loans to converge with minimum wage
Surprise move from chancellor means some university graduates in England may have to pay back debts sooner
on.ft.com
November 27, 2025 at 8:38 AM
“It’s only fair that you pay back the costs of going to university because you’ll get a better paid job at the end of it … but we’re going to make you pay back those costs even if you get a job at near minimum wage because we’d otherwise have to tax millionaires.”
Dreamt the night before last that I was living in a flat where the doors didn’t shut flush and you had to angle multiple doors very carefully to avoid there being sight lines and I’ve since realised all that was influenced by the video of a man in a glass box with the polar bear outside.
November 27, 2025 at 8:27 AM
Dreamt the night before last that I was living in a flat where the doors didn’t shut flush and you had to angle multiple doors very carefully to avoid there being sight lines and I’ve since realised all that was influenced by the video of a man in a glass box with the polar bear outside.
Reposted by Alastair Horne
"This is not an essay about psychogeography or being a flâneur, it is a question of what about settling somewhere is it that resists what is otherwise one of life’s great pleasures."
@sylvswarren.bsky.social writes about familiar walks she describes as 'mizmazes.
[via @thearsonista.bsky.social]
@sylvswarren.bsky.social writes about familiar walks she describes as 'mizmazes.
[via @thearsonista.bsky.social]
Mizmaze by Sylvia Warren
The first time I walked a city without direction was in Florence. Before that trip each day was regimented by parents—a designated set of sites to visit, walking through the streets was a chore bet…
burninghousepress.com
November 26, 2025 at 12:04 AM
"This is not an essay about psychogeography or being a flâneur, it is a question of what about settling somewhere is it that resists what is otherwise one of life’s great pleasures."
@sylvswarren.bsky.social writes about familiar walks she describes as 'mizmazes.
[via @thearsonista.bsky.social]
@sylvswarren.bsky.social writes about familiar walks she describes as 'mizmazes.
[via @thearsonista.bsky.social]
Reposted by Alastair Horne
Juries are not perfect.
Many of the worst miscarriages of justice have followed jury trials.
But the merit of juries is not so much the power they have, but the power they prevent others from having.
They mean a judge cannot just nod-along with prosecution evidence and give a guilty verdict.
Many of the worst miscarriages of justice have followed jury trials.
But the merit of juries is not so much the power they have, but the power they prevent others from having.
They mean a judge cannot just nod-along with prosecution evidence and give a guilty verdict.
November 25, 2025 at 7:12 PM
Juries are not perfect.
Many of the worst miscarriages of justice have followed jury trials.
But the merit of juries is not so much the power they have, but the power they prevent others from having.
They mean a judge cannot just nod-along with prosecution evidence and give a guilty verdict.
Many of the worst miscarriages of justice have followed jury trials.
But the merit of juries is not so much the power they have, but the power they prevent others from having.
They mean a judge cannot just nod-along with prosecution evidence and give a guilty verdict.
Can't help feeling that Marseille-Newcastle would be a more appealing fixture if it weren't Coercive Control against BoneSaw Bloodmoney.
November 25, 2025 at 9:15 PM
Can't help feeling that Marseille-Newcastle would be a more appealing fixture if it weren't Coercive Control against BoneSaw Bloodmoney.
Another three of Nazi Nigel's contemporaries allege he was a teenage racist.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Three more ex-pupils at school with Nigel Farage reject ‘banter’ claims
Exclusive: Dulwich college contemporaries ‘rubbish’ Reform UK leader’s suggestion alleged racist taunts not intended to hurt
www.theguardian.com
November 25, 2025 at 9:13 PM
Another three of Nazi Nigel's contemporaries allege he was a teenage racist.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
I was interviewed by our new student Instagram account - please give them a follow!
www.instagram.com/uospublishin...
www.instagram.com/uospublishin...
Publishing Studies at the University of Stirling on Instagram: "Part 1 of our ‘Meet the Faculty’ posts. 🖊️
Introducing Publishing Studies Lecturer and Course Director, Alastair Horne!
#uos #stirlin...
uospublishing on November 25, 2025: "Part 1 of our ‘Meet the Faculty’ posts. 🖊️
Introducing Publishing Studies Lecturer and Course Director, Alastair Horne!
#uos #stirling #postgraduate #masters #u...
www.instagram.com
November 25, 2025 at 9:08 PM
I was interviewed by our new student Instagram account - please give them a follow!
www.instagram.com/uospublishin...
www.instagram.com/uospublishin...
Reposted by Alastair Horne
It goes without saying that the neoliberal language of a higher education "market" from which providers will "exit" is bleak. No media organisation challenges it, though. They all just repeat the mantra, as though education could never be a public good.
November 25, 2025 at 8:02 PM
It goes without saying that the neoliberal language of a higher education "market" from which providers will "exit" is bleak. No media organisation challenges it, though. They all just repeat the mantra, as though education could never be a public good.
Reposted by Alastair Horne
"exiting the market" is a fun euphemism for thousands of students left without a school, thousands of people put out of work, entire local economies destroyed, and priceless knowledge lost.
I never thought it would be possible to have a stupider university policy than the Tories, but Labour schooled me.
www.theguardian.com/education/20...
www.theguardian.com/education/20...
Fifty higher education providers at risk of exiting market in England, MPs told
Regulator says 24 are at more immediate risk and may have to stop degree courses within next 12 months
www.theguardian.com
November 25, 2025 at 8:09 PM
"exiting the market" is a fun euphemism for thousands of students left without a school, thousands of people put out of work, entire local economies destroyed, and priceless knowledge lost.
Reposted by Alastair Horne
"I was dreamin' of the past - 1939 Germany -
And my heart was beating fast
I began to lose control
I began to lose control
I didn't mean to hurt you
I'm sorry that I made you cry
Oh now, I didn't want to hurt you
I'm just an entirely, genuinely non-racist guy."
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
And my heart was beating fast
I began to lose control
I began to lose control
I didn't mean to hurt you
I'm sorry that I made you cry
Oh now, I didn't want to hurt you
I'm just an entirely, genuinely non-racist guy."
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Nigel Farage responds to racism claims saying he never ‘tried to hurt anybody’
Reform leader denies racist or antisemitic behaviour ‘with intent’ at school, but says he can’t remember everything from 49 years ago
www.theguardian.com
November 25, 2025 at 12:16 PM
"I was dreamin' of the past - 1939 Germany -
And my heart was beating fast
I began to lose control
I began to lose control
I didn't mean to hurt you
I'm sorry that I made you cry
Oh now, I didn't want to hurt you
I'm just an entirely, genuinely non-racist guy."
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
And my heart was beating fast
I began to lose control
I began to lose control
I didn't mean to hurt you
I'm sorry that I made you cry
Oh now, I didn't want to hurt you
I'm just an entirely, genuinely non-racist guy."
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
This rhetoric would be so much more convincing if you weren’t resolutely ignoring the higher education crisis. Universities are in freefall and all Labour can do is introduce a tax to shrink international student numbers even further.
Always the way, isn't it? Graduate from top uni says other people shouldn't aspire to go to university.
The Prime Minister's target – two thirds of young people getting a degree or an apprenticeship – is the right one. Only Labour backs our young people.
www.mirror.co.uk/news/politic...
The Prime Minister's target – two thirds of young people getting a degree or an apprenticeship – is the right one. Only Labour backs our young people.
www.mirror.co.uk/news/politic...
Reform UK bigwig who went to top university says fewer others should do the same
Reform UK's former chairman calls for "fewer people going to university" after benefiting from a degree from one of the country's most prestigious ones himself
www.mirror.co.uk
November 25, 2025 at 7:08 PM
This rhetoric would be so much more convincing if you weren’t resolutely ignoring the higher education crisis. Universities are in freefall and all Labour can do is introduce a tax to shrink international student numbers even further.
The wilful complacency of Labour’s education ministers borders on the criminal. Neither Jacqui Smith nor Bridget Phillipson have the slightest interest in actually doing their jobs and trying to prevent the higher education sector imploding.
'But skills minister Jacqui Smith (pictured right), whose brief includes higher education, and the Office for Students chief executive Susan Lapworth disputed that a provider was on the brink.
“I do not think that before the end of the year there is an imminent collapse,” Smith said.' 3/3
“I do not think that before the end of the year there is an imminent collapse,” Smith said.' 3/3
November 25, 2025 at 6:31 PM
The wilful complacency of Labour’s education ministers borders on the criminal. Neither Jacqui Smith nor Bridget Phillipson have the slightest interest in actually doing their jobs and trying to prevent the higher education sector imploding.
The Orwell Prize absolutely embarrassing itself here.
🔴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/2025/11/25/m...
Critics say “Orwell would have enjoyed the irony” of the former Conservative minister’s appointment
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 6:24 PM
The Orwell Prize absolutely embarrassing itself here.
That's definitely David Lynch.
The Tontine Heads behind the Provand's Lordship in Glasgow. Dating from the 19th Century, these heads originally adorned keystones of arches in the Tontine Hotel at Glasgow Cross.
#glasgow #sculpture #tontineheads #provandslordship
#glasgow #sculpture #tontineheads #provandslordship
November 25, 2025 at 4:54 PM
That's definitely David Lynch.
Saudi Arabia-owned FIFA fiddles its own rules so R*naldo isn't banned from the World Cup.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
Cristiano Ronaldo able to play at World Cup despite red card against Republic of Ireland
Cristiano Ronaldo will be able to play for Portugal in their opening World Cup game despite his red card against the Republic of Ireland.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 25, 2025 at 4:52 PM
Saudi Arabia-owned FIFA fiddles its own rules so R*naldo isn't banned from the World Cup.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
Reposted by Alastair Horne
I'm so excited to see we've raised over 5k so far on the #Creatives4Sudan auction. Can you help us get to £10k? I'm offering a personalised original Loki drawing, and I really will go all out to make it as funny as possible. app.galabid.com/creatives4su... #KidLitUK #KeepEyesOnSudan
Sorry, GalaBid took too long to load. Please check your internet speed or try again.
app.galabid.com
November 25, 2025 at 12:30 PM
I'm so excited to see we've raised over 5k so far on the #Creatives4Sudan auction. Can you help us get to £10k? I'm offering a personalised original Loki drawing, and I really will go all out to make it as funny as possible. app.galabid.com/creatives4su... #KidLitUK #KeepEyesOnSudan
Reposted by Alastair Horne
A lovely and gentle story about kindness and community with gorgeous illustrations by Xin Yue Zhu.
Mama’s Special Wonton Soup by Wai Mei Wong
Spyglass Books pop-up children’s bookshop is on 8th-11th Dec at Curioso, 27 Albert Place, Edinburgh, EH7 5HN
Mama’s Special Wonton Soup by Wai Mei Wong
Spyglass Books pop-up children’s bookshop is on 8th-11th Dec at Curioso, 27 Albert Place, Edinburgh, EH7 5HN
November 25, 2025 at 11:59 AM
A lovely and gentle story about kindness and community with gorgeous illustrations by Xin Yue Zhu.
Mama’s Special Wonton Soup by Wai Mei Wong
Spyglass Books pop-up children’s bookshop is on 8th-11th Dec at Curioso, 27 Albert Place, Edinburgh, EH7 5HN
Mama’s Special Wonton Soup by Wai Mei Wong
Spyglass Books pop-up children’s bookshop is on 8th-11th Dec at Curioso, 27 Albert Place, Edinburgh, EH7 5HN
"I was dreamin' of the past - 1939 Germany -
And my heart was beating fast
I began to lose control
I began to lose control
I didn't mean to hurt you
I'm sorry that I made you cry
Oh now, I didn't want to hurt you
I'm just an entirely, genuinely non-racist guy."
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
And my heart was beating fast
I began to lose control
I began to lose control
I didn't mean to hurt you
I'm sorry that I made you cry
Oh now, I didn't want to hurt you
I'm just an entirely, genuinely non-racist guy."
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Nigel Farage responds to racism claims saying he never ‘tried to hurt anybody’
Reform leader denies racist or antisemitic behaviour ‘with intent’ at school, but says he can’t remember everything from 49 years ago
www.theguardian.com
November 25, 2025 at 12:16 PM
"I was dreamin' of the past - 1939 Germany -
And my heart was beating fast
I began to lose control
I began to lose control
I didn't mean to hurt you
I'm sorry that I made you cry
Oh now, I didn't want to hurt you
I'm just an entirely, genuinely non-racist guy."
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
And my heart was beating fast
I began to lose control
I began to lose control
I didn't mean to hurt you
I'm sorry that I made you cry
Oh now, I didn't want to hurt you
I'm just an entirely, genuinely non-racist guy."
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
And that's my media studies teaching over for 2025. Who knows whether I'll be asked to run seminars again next semester? A couple of students asked about job security in academia (as a side topic to the main topic of job security in the media), so that was an interesting (generalised) conversation.
November 25, 2025 at 11:08 AM
And that's my media studies teaching over for 2025. Who knows whether I'll be asked to run seminars again next semester? A couple of students asked about job security in academia (as a side topic to the main topic of job security in the media), so that was an interesting (generalised) conversation.
The Guardian has silently corrected its TV review that assumed that Kenneth Clark the historian must also be Ken Clark the Tory MP.
November 25, 2025 at 8:34 AM
The Guardian has silently corrected its TV review that assumed that Kenneth Clark the historian must also be Ken Clark the Tory MP.
"Tumble outta bed and I stumble to the kitchen
Pour myself a cup of ambition
And yawn and stretch and try to come to life"
Pour myself a cup of ambition
And yawn and stretch and try to come to life"
Final alarm goes off at 7 and, while my bike is away having its chain repaired, I get the 07:37 bus from the stop six minutes away from my door and am ideally at my desk by 7:55.
I can't say I'm genuinely awake, but I'm here.
I can't say I'm genuinely awake, but I'm here.
November 25, 2025 at 8:15 AM
"Tumble outta bed and I stumble to the kitchen
Pour myself a cup of ambition
And yawn and stretch and try to come to life"
Pour myself a cup of ambition
And yawn and stretch and try to come to life"