Mark O’Neill 🐻
@radiobeartime.com
Ursine Plenipotentiary. Defrocked astrophysicist. Aire échta for hire.
Official sponsor of the 🐻 emoji
“O fish, are you constant to the old covenant?”
Was @marxculture on Twitter
Official sponsor of the 🐻 emoji
“O fish, are you constant to the old covenant?”
Was @marxculture on Twitter
Pinned
Mark O’Neill 🐻
@radiobeartime.com
· Dec 21
Interviewer: Can you explain this gap in your resume?
Assyriologist: Du[ring] grad sch[ool] I [took?] a position ... [13 lines illegible] ... now.
Assyriologist: Du[ring] grad sch[ool] I [took?] a position ... [13 lines illegible] ... now.
Interviewer: Can you explain this gap in your resume?
Bear: Big pause
Bear: Big pause
Reposted by Mark O’Neill 🐻
An editor should have caught this. "Beloved" is obviously a redundant and unnecessary modifier.
January 7, 2026 at 6:00 PM
An editor should have caught this. "Beloved" is obviously a redundant and unnecessary modifier.
Lads
Finally had a response from Cabinet Office to my FoI request for documents about the non-working Civil Service Pensions site.
They've gone for the "Excessive cost" rejection otherwise known as the "non-compliance with the Public Records Act" option ;)
I shall send in individual asks :)
Finally had a response from Cabinet Office to my FoI request for documents about the non-working Civil Service Pensions site.
They've gone for the "Excessive cost" rejection otherwise known as the "non-compliance with the Public Records Act" option ;)
I shall send in individual asks :)
January 7, 2026 at 6:08 PM
Lads
Finally had a response from Cabinet Office to my FoI request for documents about the non-working Civil Service Pensions site.
They've gone for the "Excessive cost" rejection otherwise known as the "non-compliance with the Public Records Act" option ;)
I shall send in individual asks :)
Finally had a response from Cabinet Office to my FoI request for documents about the non-working Civil Service Pensions site.
They've gone for the "Excessive cost" rejection otherwise known as the "non-compliance with the Public Records Act" option ;)
I shall send in individual asks :)
Reposted by Mark O’Neill 🐻
If this appalls you, please consider joining the campaign to boycott Air France, the carrier with a contract to fly detainees out of the UK. And let them know why you won't be flying with them via the link below. Airlines' reputations matter to them. 1/2
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
First flight of 2026 under UK ‘one in, one out’ asylum scheme cancelled
Detainees under scheme to return people entering UK on small boats told their plane tickets have been cancelled
www.theguardian.com
January 7, 2026 at 5:43 PM
If this appalls you, please consider joining the campaign to boycott Air France, the carrier with a contract to fly detainees out of the UK. And let them know why you won't be flying with them via the link below. Airlines' reputations matter to them. 1/2
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
Reposted by Mark O’Neill 🐻
"There's nothing we can do to stop the UK government, the Labour Party and our MPs from posting on a sexual abuse image factory" sounds even more ridiculous
I’m not sure “there’s nothing we can do about the sexual abuse image factory ask OfCom” is going to hold much water as a line taken by a government which (a) has a huge majority (b) just passed legislation to regulate what people can access online
Keir Starmer's spokesman tells me that X and Grok's creation of sexual deepfakes of children is "completely unacceptable" but again won't commit to taking direct action against them, or to stop posting there.
Says "all options are on the table" but suggests it's a matter for Ofcom, not Government
Says "all options are on the table" but suggests it's a matter for Ofcom, not Government
January 7, 2026 at 5:08 PM
"There's nothing we can do to stop the UK government, the Labour Party and our MPs from posting on a sexual abuse image factory" sounds even more ridiculous
Reposted by Mark O’Neill 🐻
Just for fun [FREE ALBUM], by batchas
16 track album
batchas.bandcamp.com
January 7, 2026 at 4:42 PM
Reposted by Mark O’Neill 🐻
Extremely niche Lincolnshire question: Is there anywhere you could go for a countryside walk for a few hours, starting from somewhere on the railway line between Scunthorpe and Grimsby? Whenever I've been before my main conclusion is.... it pretty flat.
January 7, 2026 at 4:42 PM
Extremely niche Lincolnshire question: Is there anywhere you could go for a countryside walk for a few hours, starting from somewhere on the railway line between Scunthorpe and Grimsby? Whenever I've been before my main conclusion is.... it pretty flat.
Genius politics there from Starmer, you can't be sacked for a disastrous showing in May 7th polls if you help start WWIII in January.
UK MoD states: "The UK and U.S. defence and security relationship is the deepest in the world and the UK provided enabling support in full compliance with international law."’
January 7, 2026 at 4:43 PM
Genius politics there from Starmer, you can't be sacked for a disastrous showing in May 7th polls if you help start WWIII in January.
Tonight Matthew I shall be watching "The Bedford Incident" and "Threads"
Times Defence Ed: ‘BREAKING: UK Ministry of Defence confirms it helped the US capture Bella 1.
Statement says "RFA Tideforce provided support for U.S. forces pursuing and interdicting the Bella 1, while the RAF provided surveillance support from the air."’ 1/
Statement says "RFA Tideforce provided support for U.S. forces pursuing and interdicting the Bella 1, while the RAF provided surveillance support from the air."’ 1/
January 7, 2026 at 4:37 PM
Tonight Matthew I shall be watching "The Bedford Incident" and "Threads"
Reposted by Mark O’Neill 🐻
#12inchTuesday If you haven’t heard the Dub Discomix on the b-side of this, then you’re in for a treat
▶️ youtu.be/Pb4Vz9Gtbzs
▶️ youtu.be/Pb4Vz9Gtbzs
January 6, 2026 at 8:48 PM
#12inchTuesday If you haven’t heard the Dub Discomix on the b-side of this, then you’re in for a treat
▶️ youtu.be/Pb4Vz9Gtbzs
▶️ youtu.be/Pb4Vz9Gtbzs
👀
Times Defence Ed: ‘BREAKING: UK Ministry of Defence confirms it helped the US capture Bella 1.
Statement says "RFA Tideforce provided support for U.S. forces pursuing and interdicting the Bella 1, while the RAF provided surveillance support from the air."’ 1/
Statement says "RFA Tideforce provided support for U.S. forces pursuing and interdicting the Bella 1, while the RAF provided surveillance support from the air."’ 1/
January 7, 2026 at 4:30 PM
👀
FIFA like all major sporting bodies hate their players with a burning ferocity.
World Cup players to have lifelike ‘AI avatars’ for use in VAR offside decisions
World Cup players to have lifelike ‘AI avatars’ for use in VAR offside decisions
Fifa claims personalised avatars will improve precision and speed of decision making
www.irishtimes.com
January 7, 2026 at 4:11 PM
FIFA like all major sporting bodies hate their players with a burning ferocity.
Reposted by Mark O’Neill 🐻
Ofcom not beating the allegations that this is about control rather than protecting children.
January 7, 2026 at 3:21 PM
Ofcom not beating the allegations that this is about control rather than protecting children.
Reposted by Mark O’Neill 🐻
If Europe were serious we'd start doing everything possible to interfere with American elections
January 7, 2026 at 3:34 PM
If Europe were serious we'd start doing everything possible to interfere with American elections
Reposted by Mark O’Neill 🐻
Is there a list anywhere of the main UK organisations and MPs and public figures who remain on X? So we know.
The most telling thing about the grok business is that the government refuse to take any meaningful action.
VAWG and CSAM are less important than whatever reason they have for not acting be it fear, greed, stupidity or corruption.
This is a truly bizarre situation. I can recall nothing like it.
VAWG and CSAM are less important than whatever reason they have for not acting be it fear, greed, stupidity or corruption.
This is a truly bizarre situation. I can recall nothing like it.
January 7, 2026 at 3:19 PM
Is there a list anywhere of the main UK organisations and MPs and public figures who remain on X? So we know.
Reposted by Mark O’Neill 🐻
Reintroducing wolves and giving contraceptives to deer among ideas for wildlife legislation
Reintroducing wolves and giving contraceptives to deer among ideas for wildlife legislation
Proposals to Government for new legislation also include calls to introduce beavers and stop social media influences from ‘stressing out’ puffins
www.irishtimes.com
January 7, 2026 at 3:21 PM
Reintroducing wolves and giving contraceptives to deer among ideas for wildlife legislation
Reposted by Mark O’Neill 🐻
A good follow-up, I guess, would be "How many users do other CSAM sites need before the government starts using them?"
It's completely unacceptable in every sense, except the very literal one, in which we are going to accept it.
Keir Starmer's spokesman tells me that X and Grok's creation of sexual deepfakes of children is "completely unacceptable" but again won't commit to taking direct action against them, or to stop posting there.
Says "all options are on the table" but suggests it's a matter for Ofcom, not Government
Says "all options are on the table" but suggests it's a matter for Ofcom, not Government
January 7, 2026 at 1:39 PM
A good follow-up, I guess, would be "How many users do other CSAM sites need before the government starts using them?"
Now want rice :(
be kikkoman
start a soy sauce company in the year 1600
make soy sauce for 420 years
keep making soy sauce for another 420 years
in outer space people still want soy sauce
start a soy sauce company in the year 1600
make soy sauce for 420 years
keep making soy sauce for another 420 years
in outer space people still want soy sauce
January 7, 2026 at 3:14 PM
Now want rice :(
Reposted by Mark O’Neill 🐻
It’s hard to complain about a ‘stakeholder state’ preventing government from delivering for the people when it is the government that is promoting the institutions of the stakeholder state over the interests of the people.
Keir Starmer's spokesman tells me that X and Grok's creation of sexual deepfakes of children is "completely unacceptable" but again won't commit to taking direct action against them, or to stop posting there.
Says "all options are on the table" but suggests it's a matter for Ofcom, not Government
Says "all options are on the table" but suggests it's a matter for Ofcom, not Government
January 7, 2026 at 3:07 PM
It’s hard to complain about a ‘stakeholder state’ preventing government from delivering for the people when it is the government that is promoting the institutions of the stakeholder state over the interests of the people.
Reposted by Mark O’Neill 🐻
From yesterday: Job ad: Editorial Assistant at Free Movement | Free Movement
Job ad: Editorial Assistant at Free Movement - Free Movement
Free Movement is seeking an Editorial Assistant to join our small team. You’ll be working with the Editor (Jasmine Quiller-Doust) and Training Manager (Rachel
freemovement.org.uk
January 7, 2026 at 3:10 PM
From yesterday: Job ad: Editorial Assistant at Free Movement | Free Movement
Great
Now if we can just get 4 of their new frigates and maybe they could build the Metro for us too
Now if we can just get 4 of their new frigates and maybe they could build the Metro for us too
China wants to import more Irish food and a stake in Irish wind energy, Taoiseach says
China wants to import more Irish food and a stake in Irish wind energy, Taoiseach says
Micheál Martin says during visit to China that premier Li Qiang wants a more open trading environment
www.irishtimes.com
January 7, 2026 at 2:59 PM
Great
Now if we can just get 4 of their new frigates and maybe they could build the Metro for us too
Now if we can just get 4 of their new frigates and maybe they could build the Metro for us too
The most telling thing about the grok business is that the government refuse to take any meaningful action.
VAWG and CSAM are less important than whatever reason they have for not acting be it fear, greed, stupidity or corruption.
This is a truly bizarre situation. I can recall nothing like it.
VAWG and CSAM are less important than whatever reason they have for not acting be it fear, greed, stupidity or corruption.
This is a truly bizarre situation. I can recall nothing like it.
January 7, 2026 at 2:58 PM
The most telling thing about the grok business is that the government refuse to take any meaningful action.
VAWG and CSAM are less important than whatever reason they have for not acting be it fear, greed, stupidity or corruption.
This is a truly bizarre situation. I can recall nothing like it.
VAWG and CSAM are less important than whatever reason they have for not acting be it fear, greed, stupidity or corruption.
This is a truly bizarre situation. I can recall nothing like it.
Reposted by Mark O’Neill 🐻
any UK archive friends interested in a small archive-adjacent project? paid and entirely remote. DM me
January 6, 2026 at 1:20 PM
any UK archive friends interested in a small archive-adjacent project? paid and entirely remote. DM me
Reposted by Mark O’Neill 🐻
Kemi Badenoch’s spokesperson has said that the shadow attorney general Lord Wolfson has recused himself from any legal advice over Ukraine or Russia because he is representing Roman Abramovich - which would include anything about the deployment of UK troops. That’s a bit awkward.
January 7, 2026 at 1:28 PM
Kemi Badenoch’s spokesperson has said that the shadow attorney general Lord Wolfson has recused himself from any legal advice over Ukraine or Russia because he is representing Roman Abramovich - which would include anything about the deployment of UK troops. That’s a bit awkward.
Reposted by Mark O’Neill 🐻
Considering a 150 year old British institution was sold off to a loss-making overseas company I'm surprised at how little interest the story has had so far. Apparently a national paper is picking this up so could be something bigger is coming. Anyway, some background here.
EXCLUSIVE: C&G insiders turn on trustees for 'unethical sale'
Leaked documents reveal governing council was 'kept in the dark' about the sell-off. Allegations of bullying and intimidation at the privatised company emerge.
open.substack.com
January 7, 2026 at 1:42 PM
Considering a 150 year old British institution was sold off to a loss-making overseas company I'm surprised at how little interest the story has had so far. Apparently a national paper is picking this up so could be something bigger is coming. Anyway, some background here.
Remember Monday when Morgan the YFG was saying that the government needed to connect emotionally with voters?
Well I think they have managed to achieve that!
Well I think they have managed to achieve that!
Keir Starmer's spokesman tells me that X and Grok's creation of sexual deepfakes of children is "completely unacceptable" but again won't commit to taking direct action against them, or to stop posting there.
Says "all options are on the table" but suggests it's a matter for Ofcom, not Government
Says "all options are on the table" but suggests it's a matter for Ofcom, not Government
January 7, 2026 at 1:41 PM
Remember Monday when Morgan the YFG was saying that the government needed to connect emotionally with voters?
Well I think they have managed to achieve that!
Well I think they have managed to achieve that!