Xander Flatt
@xanderflatt.bsky.social
Working in local government policy, data (analysis and visualisation), and making information accessible.
Interested in film, music, art, culture, politics, sport, news and the weather.
East Lothian/Edinburgh
Nae Paseran
He/him
Interested in film, music, art, culture, politics, sport, news and the weather.
East Lothian/Edinburgh
Nae Paseran
He/him
Pinned
Xander Flatt
@xanderflatt.bsky.social
· Apr 20
"The distribution of knowledge is the key contemporary task. Knowledge empowers people. If people know the rules and are sensitised by art, humour and creativity, they are much more likely to accept change."
- Antanas Mockus
- Antanas Mockus
Reposted by Xander Flatt
Lidl has put Toy Banks in stores where you can donate a gift for a child who wouldn’t otherwise have one on Christmas Day.
Must be unopened and dropped off by 15th. Wonderful thing to do if you can (and there’s loads of cheap but great toy deals online still). www.lidl.co.uk/c/christmas-...
Must be unopened and dropped off by 15th. Wonderful thing to do if you can (and there’s loads of cheap but great toy deals online still). www.lidl.co.uk/c/christmas-...
Lidl's Toy Bank Donation
We’ve brought back our Lidl Toy Bank Donation, in partnership with Neighbourly, where you can make unopened toy donations. Help share joy over Christmas.
www.lidl.co.uk
December 11, 2025 at 9:43 AM
Lidl has put Toy Banks in stores where you can donate a gift for a child who wouldn’t otherwise have one on Christmas Day.
Must be unopened and dropped off by 15th. Wonderful thing to do if you can (and there’s loads of cheap but great toy deals online still). www.lidl.co.uk/c/christmas-...
Must be unopened and dropped off by 15th. Wonderful thing to do if you can (and there’s loads of cheap but great toy deals online still). www.lidl.co.uk/c/christmas-...
Like i said no one in the world plays the game like FIFA www.nytimes.com/athletic/686...
Is it ‘soccer’ or ‘football?’ President Trump wants to rename the NFL
The President said "it really doesn't make sense" to call American football by that name.
www.nytimes.com
December 10, 2025 at 7:32 PM
Reposted by Xander Flatt
We are as far from Daft Punk’s Discovery (2001) as the samples used in it
a man in a suit and tie is reading a newspaper while wearing a futuristic helmet .
Alt: Robot in business suit looks up from reading a newspaper
media.tenor.com
January 6, 2025 at 5:50 PM
We are as far from Daft Punk’s Discovery (2001) as the samples used in it
If a piece of technology is invented at any point before you turn 15, it's a normal part of everyday life. Before 30, it's an interesting new development.
After 35? It is witchcraft and has no place in this world
After 35? It is witchcraft and has no place in this world
I'm being forced to use discord. I am not a gamer. I am not used to this. Making me learn a new thing at 35 is elder abuse.
December 10, 2025 at 5:46 AM
If a piece of technology is invented at any point before you turn 15, it's a normal part of everyday life. Before 30, it's an interesting new development.
After 35? It is witchcraft and has no place in this world
After 35? It is witchcraft and has no place in this world
In sports news elsewhere on the BBC website:
"Partial victory for boxer who lost by knock out, but slightly hurt opponent's fist with their face in the process"
"Partial victory for boxer who lost by knock out, but slightly hurt opponent's fist with their face in the process"
December 9, 2025 at 10:47 AM
In sports news elsewhere on the BBC website:
"Partial victory for boxer who lost by knock out, but slightly hurt opponent's fist with their face in the process"
"Partial victory for boxer who lost by knock out, but slightly hurt opponent's fist with their face in the process"
Giving people with money access to artistic talent without giving people with artistic talent access to money is theft.
McDonald's has released an AI-generated Christmas ad
The studio behind it says they 'hardly slept' for several weeks while writing AI prompts and refining the shots — 'AI didn't make this film. We did'
Comments have been turned off on YouTube
The studio behind it says they 'hardly slept' for several weeks while writing AI prompts and refining the shots — 'AI didn't make this film. We did'
Comments have been turned off on YouTube
December 9, 2025 at 10:35 AM
Giving people with money access to artistic talent without giving people with artistic talent access to money is theft.
Reposted by Xander Flatt
All happy Star Trek fans are alike; each unhappy Star Trek fan is unhappy in their own way.
December 8, 2025 at 12:23 PM
All happy Star Trek fans are alike; each unhappy Star Trek fan is unhappy in their own way.
Reposted by Xander Flatt
I once applied for a job as a proofreader/copy editor. The advert was so badly written that I assumed it was a test and sent the advert, with annotated corrections, alongside my application.
It was not a test. They were very
upset.
I did not get that job.
It was not a test. They were very
upset.
I did not get that job.
December 8, 2025 at 10:04 PM
I once applied for a job as a proofreader/copy editor. The advert was so badly written that I assumed it was a test and sent the advert, with annotated corrections, alongside my application.
It was not a test. They were very
upset.
I did not get that job.
It was not a test. They were very
upset.
I did not get that job.
Reposted by Xander Flatt
Decision in the Sandie Peggie case.
She was not directly or indirectly discriminated against, her claim of victimisation fails entirely, her claim of harassment fails largely and her claim against Beth Upton fails entirely. www.judiciary.uk/judgments/sa...
She was not directly or indirectly discriminated against, her claim of victimisation fails entirely, her claim of harassment fails largely and her claim against Beth Upton fails entirely. www.judiciary.uk/judgments/sa...
Sandie Peggie -v- Fife Health Board and another (judgment and summary) - Courts and Tribunals Judiciary
Case number: 4104864/2024 Employment Tribunal, Scotland 8 December 2025 Before: Employment Judge A KempTribunal Member L BrownTribunal Member C Russell Between: Mrs Sandie Peggie -v- Fife Health Board...
www.judiciary.uk
December 8, 2025 at 1:33 PM
Decision in the Sandie Peggie case.
She was not directly or indirectly discriminated against, her claim of victimisation fails entirely, her claim of harassment fails largely and her claim against Beth Upton fails entirely. www.judiciary.uk/judgments/sa...
She was not directly or indirectly discriminated against, her claim of victimisation fails entirely, her claim of harassment fails largely and her claim against Beth Upton fails entirely. www.judiciary.uk/judgments/sa...
Season's Beatings! We're once again kicking off our grown-up* festive film viewing with @joshmillerlite.bsky.social and @patcasey.bsky.social's modern classic 'Violent Night'.
*Many kids' films have been watched already
*Many kids' films have been watched already
December 7, 2025 at 7:55 PM
Season's Beatings! We're once again kicking off our grown-up* festive film viewing with @joshmillerlite.bsky.social and @patcasey.bsky.social's modern classic 'Violent Night'.
*Many kids' films have been watched already
*Many kids' films have been watched already
Matthew Lillard is pretty close to the personification of the best advice for actors: Take the JOB seriously, but don't take yourself seriously.
QT, on the other hand, is a deeply horrible person.
QT, on the other hand, is a deeply horrible person.
I am embarrassed to have an opinion about what a director I’ve only seen I think 3 movies by said on a podcast but every time I’ve ever seen Matthew Lillard in a movie I’ve enjoyed it; giving props to work you like rules over being catty and rude, & people who think catty and rude is good are bores
December 7, 2025 at 6:40 PM
Matthew Lillard is pretty close to the personification of the best advice for actors: Take the JOB seriously, but don't take yourself seriously.
QT, on the other hand, is a deeply horrible person.
QT, on the other hand, is a deeply horrible person.
Translation:
"We're not against immigrants as a concept, we're just against the poor and vulnerable ones."
"We're not against immigrants as a concept, we're just against the poor and vulnerable ones."
December 7, 2025 at 9:19 AM
Translation:
"We're not against immigrants as a concept, we're just against the poor and vulnerable ones."
"We're not against immigrants as a concept, we're just against the poor and vulnerable ones."
Reposted by Xander Flatt
Guy Fawkes signature before and after watching this World Cup Draw
December 5, 2025 at 6:25 PM
Guy Fawkes signature before and after watching this World Cup Draw
My theory is that Deckard is a replicant, but he's been given the memories of the Blade Runner, Gaff (Olmos).
In the film, replicants are harder to detect if they have been given memories and don't know they're replicants (like Rachael), and it would explain why Gaff hates Deckard.
#Filmsky 📽️
In the film, replicants are harder to detect if they have been given memories and don't know they're replicants (like Rachael), and it would explain why Gaff hates Deckard.
#Filmsky 📽️
Watched Bladerunner again last night. Would have been so much better if they had gone with the original idea, that instead of origami unicorns, Edward James Olmos’ character had made balloon animals.
“It’s too bad she won’t live;
but then again
SQUEEEK-SQUEEEK-SQUEEEEEEK-SQUEEEEK
Who does?”
“It’s too bad she won’t live;
but then again
SQUEEEK-SQUEEEK-SQUEEEEEEK-SQUEEEEK
Who does?”
November 28, 2025 at 7:33 PM
My theory is that Deckard is a replicant, but he's been given the memories of the Blade Runner, Gaff (Olmos).
In the film, replicants are harder to detect if they have been given memories and don't know they're replicants (like Rachael), and it would explain why Gaff hates Deckard.
#Filmsky 📽️
In the film, replicants are harder to detect if they have been given memories and don't know they're replicants (like Rachael), and it would explain why Gaff hates Deckard.
#Filmsky 📽️
Reposted by Xander Flatt
Gayle's been working super hard finding festive things for families to do in Edinburgh, going to be a busy few weeks 👇🏻
open.substack.com/pub/gaylesgu...
open.substack.com/pub/gaylesgu...
Gayle's Guide ✨ 27th Nov 25
Issue 82 - Fair Saturday, St Andrew's Day celebrations, Christmas music workshops and much more!
open.substack.com
November 27, 2025 at 8:07 AM
Gayle's been working super hard finding festive things for families to do in Edinburgh, going to be a busy few weeks 👇🏻
open.substack.com/pub/gaylesgu...
open.substack.com/pub/gaylesgu...
📽️ #Filmsky
What TV moment should be the opposite of "Jump the Shark?'
Instead of the moment that signifies a TV show has gone bad, what example would you use to describe a moment that meant a TV show became unmissable?
Something like "Beheading the Ned"
What TV moment should be the opposite of "Jump the Shark?'
Instead of the moment that signifies a TV show has gone bad, what example would you use to describe a moment that meant a TV show became unmissable?
Something like "Beheading the Ned"
November 26, 2025 at 7:47 AM
📽️ #Filmsky
What TV moment should be the opposite of "Jump the Shark?'
Instead of the moment that signifies a TV show has gone bad, what example would you use to describe a moment that meant a TV show became unmissable?
Something like "Beheading the Ned"
What TV moment should be the opposite of "Jump the Shark?'
Instead of the moment that signifies a TV show has gone bad, what example would you use to describe a moment that meant a TV show became unmissable?
Something like "Beheading the Ned"
This statement is always true regardless of when the last Muppets movie was released.
Yesterday? Great, gimme another.
Yesterday? Great, gimme another.
hear me out we need another muppets movie
November 23, 2025 at 10:55 AM
This statement is always true regardless of when the last Muppets movie was released.
Yesterday? Great, gimme another.
Yesterday? Great, gimme another.
I mostly know two kinds of people; those with smart homes, who use AI and have every IOT connected device known to humankind...
... and people that work in I.T/Tech who own a printer connected with an ethernet cable who keep hammer next to it in case it makes a noise they don't like.
... and people that work in I.T/Tech who own a printer connected with an ethernet cable who keep hammer next to it in case it makes a noise they don't like.
“AI workers said they distrust the models they work on because of a consistent emphasis on rapid turnaround time at the expense of quality.”
Meet the AI workers who tell their friends and family to stay away from AI
When the people making AI seem trustworthy are the ones who trust it the least, it shows that incentives for speed are overtaking safety, experts say
www.theguardian.com
November 22, 2025 at 7:07 PM
I mostly know two kinds of people; those with smart homes, who use AI and have every IOT connected device known to humankind...
... and people that work in I.T/Tech who own a printer connected with an ethernet cable who keep hammer next to it in case it makes a noise they don't like.
... and people that work in I.T/Tech who own a printer connected with an ethernet cable who keep hammer next to it in case it makes a noise they don't like.
The word 'fneese' became 'sneeze' due to a printing error.
Man, everything is so bleak, anyone got a fun fact or little bit of trivia they want to share
November 22, 2025 at 8:21 AM
The word 'fneese' became 'sneeze' due to a printing error.
This is important. CT arrears are a strong indicator of the potential to fall into poverty.
If money's tight, you stop paying CT way before you cut back on food, heating, etc.
It's hard to clear too. If you have a small windfall, you buy food. You don't chip away at your CT debt.
If money's tight, you stop paying CT way before you cut back on food, heating, etc.
It's hard to clear too. If you have a small windfall, you buy food. You don't chip away at your CT debt.
Council Tax arrears in England have risen every year since Council Tax Reduction was localised.
Read 'The localisation era' now to learn more ⤵️ buff.ly/oPhDMwI
Read 'The localisation era' now to learn more ⤵️ buff.ly/oPhDMwI
November 20, 2025 at 10:25 AM
This is important. CT arrears are a strong indicator of the potential to fall into poverty.
If money's tight, you stop paying CT way before you cut back on food, heating, etc.
It's hard to clear too. If you have a small windfall, you buy food. You don't chip away at your CT debt.
If money's tight, you stop paying CT way before you cut back on food, heating, etc.
It's hard to clear too. If you have a small windfall, you buy food. You don't chip away at your CT debt.
Reposted by Xander Flatt
*to be sung to the tune of 'Shaft'...
November 14, 2025 at 2:52 PM
*to be sung to the tune of 'Shaft'...
Almost forgot to wish everyone a happy There's a Circulatory System Walking Through the Kitchen Day.
I hope you all remembered to leave a wee dram out for the circulatory system walking through the kitchen.
I hope you all remembered to leave a wee dram out for the circulatory system walking through the kitchen.
November 10, 2025 at 7:50 PM
Almost forgot to wish everyone a happy There's a Circulatory System Walking Through the Kitchen Day.
I hope you all remembered to leave a wee dram out for the circulatory system walking through the kitchen.
I hope you all remembered to leave a wee dram out for the circulatory system walking through the kitchen.
New Girl > Friends.
I said what I said.
I said what I said.
November 3, 2025 at 5:12 PM
New Girl > Friends.
I said what I said.
I said what I said.