Ian Banks
@atoll.ltd
"...all good things-trout as well as eternal salvation-come by grace and grace comes by art and art does not come easy": Norman Maclean
Martin Roemers wonderful exhibition/book Homo Mobilis asks “what does a vehicle tell us about status, culture and personal identity?” Photographs from around the world always taken against a white background - drivers and their cars, trucks, motorcycles & hand carts www.panos.co.uk/photography-...
Homo Mobilis — Panos Pictures
www.panos.co.uk
January 10, 2026 at 8:01 PM
Martin Roemers wonderful exhibition/book Homo Mobilis asks “what does a vehicle tell us about status, culture and personal identity?” Photographs from around the world always taken against a white background - drivers and their cars, trucks, motorcycles & hand carts www.panos.co.uk/photography-...
To understand Greenland importance forget GIUK gap security & focus on race for Rare Earth Elements like at LKAB iron ore mine at Kiruna, Sweden & fact “China controls 85% of the final processing of light rare earths and it controls 100% of the heavy rare earths” www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Freedom from China? The mine at the centre of Europe’s push for rare earth metals
Swedish producer is trying to to accelerate the process of extracting the elements vital for hi-tech products
www.theguardian.com
January 10, 2026 at 6:16 PM
To understand Greenland importance forget GIUK gap security & focus on race for Rare Earth Elements like at LKAB iron ore mine at Kiruna, Sweden & fact “China controls 85% of the final processing of light rare earths and it controls 100% of the heavy rare earths” www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Forget a ‘No Joy January’ of tea-totalism . Can’t resist the last if my Jura single malt in a hip flask for Tatton Park watching the Fallow Deer. (and of course in congratulations of nearby Macclesfield FC win in the FACup 3-rd round v Crystal Palace today!!)
January 10, 2026 at 2:47 PM
Forget a ‘No Joy January’ of tea-totalism . Can’t resist the last if my Jura single malt in a hip flask for Tatton Park watching the Fallow Deer. (and of course in congratulations of nearby Macclesfield FC win in the FACup 3-rd round v Crystal Palace today!!)
You can’t beat early round FACup 1:0 to the Silkmen with a goal by captain courageous Paul Dawson just before halftime. You couldn’t make it up any better! www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
FA Cup LIVE: Build-up, team-news, live text and score updates from the third round of the FA Cup
Follow build-up, team-news, live text and score updates from the third round of the FA Cup.
www.bbc.co.uk
January 10, 2026 at 1:01 PM
You can’t beat early round FACup 1:0 to the Silkmen with a goal by captain courageous Paul Dawson just before halftime. You couldn’t make it up any better! www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
Always loved Dan Walker & Football Focus at FACup lower divisions. Lost its way recently but let’s see how very capable Mark Chapman gets on as 6th tier Macclesfield FC take on holders Crystal Palace. Moving start with Wayne Rooney and brother interview re Ethan McLeod www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
BBC Sport - The FA Cup, 2025/26, Third Round: Macclesfield v Crystal Palace
Live coverage of non-league Macclesfield v Crystal Palace in the FA Cup third round.
www.bbc.co.uk
January 10, 2026 at 12:06 PM
Always loved Dan Walker & Football Focus at FACup lower divisions. Lost its way recently but let’s see how very capable Mark Chapman gets on as 6th tier Macclesfield FC take on holders Crystal Palace. Moving start with Wayne Rooney and brother interview re Ethan McLeod www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
Wasn’t familiar with @news.sky.com long-form interviews but this of @zackpolanski.bsky.social by Political Correspondent Alexandra Rogers in Calais is excellent. ‘Hope not Hate’ message comes through well - as does party’s growing support - but also need for more substance to Green economic policy
Can Zack Polanski's anti-establishment message beat Nigel Farage on migration?
Can Zack Polanski's anti-establishment message beat Nigel Farage on migration?
Zack Polanski might not appear the most natural ally of Reform voters.
news.sky.com
January 10, 2026 at 8:51 AM
Wasn’t familiar with @news.sky.com long-form interviews but this of @zackpolanski.bsky.social by Political Correspondent Alexandra Rogers in Calais is excellent. ‘Hope not Hate’ message comes through well - as does party’s growing support - but also need for more substance to Green economic policy
Small man (hands) syndrome and Napoleon Complex revisited? “History shows that periods marked by rising debt, military overreach, and political improvisation tend to spill directly into global markets” investorsdaily.co.uk/geopolitics/...
On to Moscow! | Investor's Daily
That is the magic of History...leaders are delusional when they need to be, and then, crowds fall into line behind the goofiest, most destructive programs. ‘On to Moscow,’ yell the soldiers...
investorsdaily.co.uk
January 10, 2026 at 7:56 AM
Small man (hands) syndrome and Napoleon Complex revisited? “History shows that periods marked by rising debt, military overreach, and political improvisation tend to spill directly into global markets” investorsdaily.co.uk/geopolitics/...
How to protect your finances and avoid any imminent tech meltdown and bubble of AI Armageddon? My advice, take ownership yourself & keep informed. Also read ‘cup-half-empty’ Bill Bonner in Moneyweek or Investors Daily as his fearmongery will temper all complacency www.theguardian.com/money/2026/j...
AI bubble: five things you need to know to shield your finances from a crash
Some experts have voiced fears a tech meltdown could hit our savings and pensions – here’s how to protect yourself
www.theguardian.com
January 10, 2026 at 7:51 AM
How to protect your finances and avoid any imminent tech meltdown and bubble of AI Armageddon? My advice, take ownership yourself & keep informed. Also read ‘cup-half-empty’ Bill Bonner in Moneyweek or Investors Daily as his fearmongery will temper all complacency www.theguardian.com/money/2026/j...
I was happy on Twitter from 2009 racking up 10k posts, but transition into X was a step too far for me. Happy to have boycotted it entirely since on moral principles. Ofcom censorship of it, in absence of undertaking for more ethical self-regulation, seems sadly needed www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Musk says X outcry is 'excuse for censorship'
The government is urging Ofcom to use all its powers – up to and including an effective ban – against X.
www.bbc.co.uk
January 10, 2026 at 7:36 AM
I was happy on Twitter from 2009 racking up 10k posts, but transition into X was a step too far for me. Happy to have boycotted it entirely since on moral principles. Ofcom censorship of it, in absence of undertaking for more ethical self-regulation, seems sadly needed www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
In federal Crans-Montana canton of Valais, annual fire safety checks are managed by Mayor dept - but only 40 of 128 bars checked 2025. Yet Switzerland (with highest wealth per adult worldwide) Federal Council has loosened restrictions on other building controls! Madness www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Anger at Swiss ski bar resort at failure to protect people
The New Year's Eve fire at a bar in Crans-Montana killed 40 people and injured 116.
www.bbc.co.uk
January 10, 2026 at 7:05 AM
In federal Crans-Montana canton of Valais, annual fire safety checks are managed by Mayor dept - but only 40 of 128 bars checked 2025. Yet Switzerland (with highest wealth per adult worldwide) Federal Council has loosened restrictions on other building controls! Madness www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Greens are open to anti-Farage pact with Labour but hoping that this wouldn’t stop this battle royale of a political face off. More dramatic WWE ring craft than UFL sluggery am imagining.
January 9, 2026 at 6:06 PM
Greens are open to anti-Farage pact with Labour but hoping that this wouldn’t stop this battle royale of a political face off. More dramatic WWE ring craft than UFL sluggery am imagining.
Loving the @jimmoir1.bsky.social bug colour wheel. Would love a freshwater invertebrate one, but difficult in largely olive monochromes
January 9, 2026 at 5:56 PM
Loving the @jimmoir1.bsky.social bug colour wheel. Would love a freshwater invertebrate one, but difficult in largely olive monochromes
Ideologue-in-chief Stephen Miller said real world...”is governed by strength that is governed by force that is governed by power”. But in philosophy, true strength & power is largely inner mastery & self-control not an ability to dominate external events or others theconversation.com/stephen-mill...
Stephen Miller: portrait of Donald Trump’s ideologue-in-chief
Miller is one of the few officials to serve in both of Trump’s terms of office.
theconversation.com
January 9, 2026 at 5:19 PM
Ideologue-in-chief Stephen Miller said real world...”is governed by strength that is governed by force that is governed by power”. But in philosophy, true strength & power is largely inner mastery & self-control not an ability to dominate external events or others theconversation.com/stephen-mill...
Only true public inquiry is appropriate now. Suspect like Grenfell Tower final report, tragedy was result of "decades of failure" of multiple people & organisations showing various degrees of incompetence dishonesty & systemic de-prioritization of safety over cost www.theguardian.com/world/2026/j...
‘An incomprehensible nightmare’: grief turns to anger over Swiss bar fire as Le Constellation owner arrested
Jacques Moretti arrested on Friday as lawyers representing families of victims say investigators are not moving fast enough
www.theguardian.com
January 9, 2026 at 5:02 PM
Only true public inquiry is appropriate now. Suspect like Grenfell Tower final report, tragedy was result of "decades of failure" of multiple people & organisations showing various degrees of incompetence dishonesty & systemic de-prioritization of safety over cost www.theguardian.com/world/2026/j...
Loving my first intro to Skye Newman care of BBC World Service news just now open.spotify.com/album/0bGffr...
Lonely Girl
open.spotify.com
January 9, 2026 at 3:03 PM
Loving my first intro to Skye Newman care of BBC World Service news just now open.spotify.com/album/0bGffr...
“buying is possible but I think we are knocking on an open door” Err doesnt U.S-Greenland Defense Agreement Article II already cover NATO defense ( incl. future Golden Dome & GIUK Gap)? Elephant in room is they need to compete with China dominance of critical Rare Earth Elements (REEs) extraction.
Sen. McCormick: "I think we're pushing on an open door here. Greenland, the Danish people, they want America in Greenland."
January 9, 2026 at 2:56 PM
“buying is possible but I think we are knocking on an open door” Err doesnt U.S-Greenland Defense Agreement Article II already cover NATO defense ( incl. future Golden Dome & GIUK Gap)? Elephant in room is they need to compete with China dominance of critical Rare Earth Elements (REEs) extraction.
After joyfully watching brilliant Mexican film Radical 2 days running now, I was inspired to read Wired article that informed it - & then on to Sugata Mitra & his Indian ‘Hole in the Wall’ experiment. Will cherish his inspiring TEDX talk alongside that of Sir Ken Robinson youtube.com/watch?v=VGF3...
The Future of Learning | Sugata Mitra | TEDxNewcastle
YouTube video by TEDx Talks
youtube.com
January 9, 2026 at 12:23 PM
After joyfully watching brilliant Mexican film Radical 2 days running now, I was inspired to read Wired article that informed it - & then on to Sugata Mitra & his Indian ‘Hole in the Wall’ experiment. Will cherish his inspiring TEDX talk alongside that of Sir Ken Robinson youtube.com/watch?v=VGF3...
Reposted by Ian Banks
Guided by his moral compass?
January 9, 2026 at 9:29 AM
Guided by his moral compass?
Benedict Cumberbat and lots more uplifting views to reboot our hope and sad view of current world affairs…. www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Week in wildlife: rare gorilla twins, racing camels and a psychedelic spider
This week’s best wildlife photographs from around the world
www.theguardian.com
January 9, 2026 at 9:00 AM
Benedict Cumberbat and lots more uplifting views to reboot our hope and sad view of current world affairs…. www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Donald Trump is quoted saying “I don’t need international law” and that his power is limited only by his “own morality”. So presumably this is his unique blend of moral nihilism serving "God and mammon” where nothing is right or wrong and morality does not exist? www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
‘I don’t need international law’: Trump says power constrained only by ‘my own morality’
President says morality ‘the only thing that can stop me’ in New York Times interview on limits to his authority
www.theguardian.com
January 9, 2026 at 8:56 AM
Donald Trump is quoted saying “I don’t need international law” and that his power is limited only by his “own morality”. So presumably this is his unique blend of moral nihilism serving "God and mammon” where nothing is right or wrong and morality does not exist? www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
I am not sure in these risks of pushing world back to the age of empires. More like fast-forward it to a fantasy nightmare controlled by an evil wannabe Galactic Emperor as new Sith & supported by Darth Vance & Hegseth, his supreme commander of war & the Imperial fleet www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Bowen: Trump risks pushing world back to age of empires
Donald Trump wants and needs quick victories. Taking Maduro is the decisive win he has craved, writes Jeremy Bowen.
www.bbc.co.uk
January 9, 2026 at 8:46 AM
I am not sure in these risks of pushing world back to the age of empires. More like fast-forward it to a fantasy nightmare controlled by an evil wannabe Galactic Emperor as new Sith & supported by Darth Vance & Hegseth, his supreme commander of war & the Imperial fleet www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Renee Good homicide “occurred just a few miles from where in 2020, Minneapolis police killed George Floyd during an attempted arrest, setting off nationwide Black Lives Matters protests”. Hoping similar public movement reacts to manipulated Newspeak of Homeland Security www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Two starkly opposed Americas laid bare by deadly ICE shooting
The incident is threatening to inflame a deeply contentious debate over immigration enforcement.
www.bbc.co.uk
January 9, 2026 at 8:29 AM
Renee Good homicide “occurred just a few miles from where in 2020, Minneapolis police killed George Floyd during an attempted arrest, setting off nationwide Black Lives Matters protests”. Hoping similar public movement reacts to manipulated Newspeak of Homeland Security www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
@zackpolanski.bsky.social Appreciate your wonderful recital of Zephaniah’s ‘The British Poem’ is abridged edit, but it a big error to have omitted “Afghans, Spanish, Turkish, Kurdish, Japanese” line. To discover such editorial manipulation, even done in good faith, has spoiled impact for me, sorry.
January 9, 2026 at 8:18 AM
@zackpolanski.bsky.social Appreciate your wonderful recital of Zephaniah’s ‘The British Poem’ is abridged edit, but it a big error to have omitted “Afghans, Spanish, Turkish, Kurdish, Japanese” line. To discover such editorial manipulation, even done in good faith, has spoiled impact for me, sorry.
Was happy reading of the rewilding of Matthew Zipple behavioral ecologist at Cornell University who releases lab mice into a lush green field. Then read his conclusion more research should include extra preclinical testing on animals living outside of lab conditions! Sad defector.com/what-a-week-...
What A Week Of Freedom Can Do For A Lab Mouse | Defector
Each time Matthew Zipple, a behavioral ecologist at Cornell University, releases a mouse that was born and raised in a laboratory into the green expanse of a field, he is amazed. He transports the mou...
defector.com
January 9, 2026 at 7:57 AM
Was happy reading of the rewilding of Matthew Zipple behavioral ecologist at Cornell University who releases lab mice into a lush green field. Then read his conclusion more research should include extra preclinical testing on animals living outside of lab conditions! Sad defector.com/what-a-week-...