Margaret Nelson 🌦
@flashmaggie.bsky.social
Don't get out much these days. 9th decad, 2nd wave. Conducted 100s of funerals. Owe a lot to the NHS. Part-time cloud-spotter. Dendrophile. Suffolk 🇬🇧. Excuse typos.
"The cure for boredom is curiousity. There is no cure for curiousity."
- Dorothy Parker.
"The cure for boredom is curiousity. There is no cure for curiousity."
- Dorothy Parker.
Social meadia's full of rumours. Peaple get the wrong end of sticks, then angry about stuff that didn't happen, or it happened, but not the way they thought it did.
Was reminded of this listening to Radio 4 (on the BBC!) about Trump getting things wrong about Nigeria.
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
Was reminded of this listening to Radio 4 (on the BBC!) about Trump getting things wrong about Nigeria.
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
The Global Story - Why Trump is threatening to go 'guns a-blazing' into Nigeria - BBC Sounds
How true are the claims that there is a persecution of Christians in Nigeria?
www.bbc.co.uk
November 12, 2025 at 12:31 PM
Social meadia's full of rumours. Peaple get the wrong end of sticks, then angry about stuff that didn't happen, or it happened, but not the way they thought it did.
Was reminded of this listening to Radio 4 (on the BBC!) about Trump getting things wrong about Nigeria.
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
Was reminded of this listening to Radio 4 (on the BBC!) about Trump getting things wrong about Nigeria.
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
May I recommend this account, @oddthisday.bsky.social, for entertaining stories from history.
Today's is about blowing up a whale. It didn't feel a thing because it was already dead, and rather whiffy.
Today's is about blowing up a whale. It didn't feel a thing because it was already dead, and rather whiffy.
November 12, 2025 at 11:05 AM
May I recommend this account, @oddthisday.bsky.social, for entertaining stories from history.
Today's is about blowing up a whale. It didn't feel a thing because it was already dead, and rather whiffy.
Today's is about blowing up a whale. It didn't feel a thing because it was already dead, and rather whiffy.
Reposted by Margaret Nelson 🌦
Nowhere in the hysterical pile-on against the BBC in the British press has anyone mentioned that BBC News now has 77 million viewers & listeners in the US and has established itself as the second most trusted news source there.
November 11, 2025 at 8:37 AM
Nowhere in the hysterical pile-on against the BBC in the British press has anyone mentioned that BBC News now has 77 million viewers & listeners in the US and has established itself as the second most trusted news source there.
A friend shared this image on Facebook with a story about sleeping pods for the homeless under Dutch bridges.
I can't find any evidence that it's true. Snopes records that a similar story about Iceland wasn't true, and stories about German pods are suspect.
Wish they were.
And what about toilets?
I can't find any evidence that it's true. Snopes records that a similar story about Iceland wasn't true, and stories about German pods are suspect.
Wish they were.
And what about toilets?
November 11, 2025 at 8:05 PM
A friend shared this image on Facebook with a story about sleeping pods for the homeless under Dutch bridges.
I can't find any evidence that it's true. Snopes records that a similar story about Iceland wasn't true, and stories about German pods are suspect.
Wish they were.
And what about toilets?
I can't find any evidence that it's true. Snopes records that a similar story about Iceland wasn't true, and stories about German pods are suspect.
Wish they were.
And what about toilets?
I keep thinking it's Saturday. I often keep thinking it's Saturday, sometimes even on Saturdays.
November 11, 2025 at 7:19 PM
I keep thinking it's Saturday. I often keep thinking it's Saturday, sometimes even on Saturdays.
My sympathies with the people of Kent, many of whom voted Reform, expecting they'd do a good job of governing the county, but unsurprisingly Reform isn't good at governance. They'd mucked up a piss up.
www.thelondoneconomic.com/politics/ref...
www.thelondoneconomic.com/politics/ref...
Reform 'over halfway' towards losing their majority in Kent - as ANOTHER councillor suspended
Around 16% of the Reform councillors who were elected in Kent earlier this year no longer represent the party.
www.thelondoneconomic.com
November 11, 2025 at 7:15 PM
My sympathies with the people of Kent, many of whom voted Reform, expecting they'd do a good job of governing the county, but unsurprisingly Reform isn't good at governance. They'd mucked up a piss up.
www.thelondoneconomic.com/politics/ref...
www.thelondoneconomic.com/politics/ref...
It's 11th November, Armistice Day. I wrote this blog post 14 years ago, but it's still relevant.
Dead Interesting: Some people would rather not remember share.google/fla2N8YquKRx...
Dead Interesting: Some people would rather not remember share.google/fla2N8YquKRx...
Some people would rather not remember
Yesterday, the eleventh day of the eleventh month, was Armistice Day , otherwise known as Remembrance Day. I don't remember how many funeral...
share.google
November 11, 2025 at 6:02 PM
It's 11th November, Armistice Day. I wrote this blog post 14 years ago, but it's still relevant.
Dead Interesting: Some people would rather not remember share.google/fla2N8YquKRx...
Dead Interesting: Some people would rather not remember share.google/fla2N8YquKRx...
Reposted by Margaret Nelson 🌦
“So it was, on that misty morning, that Brenda set off for the capital. She knew not what she would find there, only that the time had come to move on - away from small-minded rural attitudes and people who called her ‘Oreo’ and ‘the wide panda’ - to seek a more fulfilling life.”
November 11, 2025 at 9:36 AM
“So it was, on that misty morning, that Brenda set off for the capital. She knew not what she would find there, only that the time had come to move on - away from small-minded rural attitudes and people who called her ‘Oreo’ and ‘the wide panda’ - to seek a more fulfilling life.”
Reposted by Margaret Nelson 🌦
The days of two big parties are over
Welcome to 21st-century politics: a bitter revolt against power that will consume Labour and the Tories | John Harris
A mood of turbulence and insurgency against the two main parties has been building for years, says Guardian columnist John Harris
buff.ly
November 11, 2025 at 10:31 AM
The days of two big parties are over
If I were to design a system of government it wouldn't include political parties, which waste time and money changing things and attract opinionated ignoramuses, as Douglas Adams pointed out. But as that's not going to happen, let's at least have electoral reform.
electoral-reform.org.uk
electoral-reform.org.uk
Electoral Reform Society - ERS
We are campaigning for a democracy fit for the 21st century.
electoral-reform.org.uk
November 11, 2025 at 5:13 PM
If I were to design a system of government it wouldn't include political parties, which waste time and money changing things and attract opinionated ignoramuses, as Douglas Adams pointed out. But as that's not going to happen, let's at least have electoral reform.
electoral-reform.org.uk
electoral-reform.org.uk
Reposted by Margaret Nelson 🌦
@glennkirschner.bsky.social @weissmann.substack.com @tribelaw.bsky.social
This opens the door for Jack Smith to challenge Trump’s INVALID PARDON
Present the case of Insurrection in the
Supreme Court.
He cannot pardon his co-conspirators or himself.
This opens the door for Jack Smith to challenge Trump’s INVALID PARDON
Present the case of Insurrection in the
Supreme Court.
He cannot pardon his co-conspirators or himself.
November 11, 2025 at 9:42 AM
@glennkirschner.bsky.social @weissmann.substack.com @tribelaw.bsky.social
This opens the door for Jack Smith to challenge Trump’s INVALID PARDON
Present the case of Insurrection in the
Supreme Court.
He cannot pardon his co-conspirators or himself.
This opens the door for Jack Smith to challenge Trump’s INVALID PARDON
Present the case of Insurrection in the
Supreme Court.
He cannot pardon his co-conspirators or himself.
News of the latest judgement on the situation at The Epping Bell Hotel, and the residents' hostility, made me wonder if any of the locals had talked to an asylum-seeker and hear their story, as I have?
The protesters' behaviour bring shame on the UK.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
The protesters' behaviour bring shame on the UK.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
‘We’re seen as criminals’: Epping hotel asylum seekers facing limbo after court ruling
Hardening public attitudes and far-right aggression have left Bell hotel’s inhabitants fearful despite hopes of integrating
www.theguardian.com
November 11, 2025 at 3:26 PM
News of the latest judgement on the situation at The Epping Bell Hotel, and the residents' hostility, made me wonder if any of the locals had talked to an asylum-seeker and hear their story, as I have?
The protesters' behaviour bring shame on the UK.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
The protesters' behaviour bring shame on the UK.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Reposted by Margaret Nelson 🌦
More #murmuration magic this evening, this time over the cricket pitch in #Wardington.Peregrine and Sparrowhawk in attendance!@BTO_Oxfordshire @BanburyMuseum @banburynews
November 25, 2024 at 1:55 AM
More #murmuration magic this evening, this time over the cricket pitch in #Wardington.Peregrine and Sparrowhawk in attendance!@BTO_Oxfordshire @BanburyMuseum @banburynews
It would be interesting to see Trump in a British courtroom, wouldn't it?
Imagine him under cross-examination.
Imagine him under cross-examination.
November 11, 2025 at 12:57 AM
It would be interesting to see Trump in a British courtroom, wouldn't it?
Imagine him under cross-examination.
Imagine him under cross-examination.
Reposted by Margaret Nelson 🌦
“The preparation, textures, and slowness of food scenes in Ghibli films, such as the clatter of bowls, steam rising from soups, and the slurping sounds of characters eating, all evoke sensory comfort; a cinematic version of a warm hug.”
The Ghibli Foodiverse — The Common Table
In the Studio Ghibli foodiverse, food is hearth and home, conjuring a sensual state of longing and belonging, says Sophie Lovell.
thecommontable.eu
November 10, 2025 at 8:55 PM
“The preparation, textures, and slowness of food scenes in Ghibli films, such as the clatter of bowls, steam rising from soups, and the slurping sounds of characters eating, all evoke sensory comfort; a cinematic version of a warm hug.”
Reposted by Margaret Nelson 🌦
Trump is threatening to sue the BBC about a small error, though he really did encourage insurrection.
Don't let him see HIGNFY.
Don't let him see HIGNFY.
November 10, 2025 at 6:50 PM
Trump is threatening to sue the BBC about a small error, though he really did encourage insurrection.
Don't let him see HIGNFY.
Don't let him see HIGNFY.
Reposted by Margaret Nelson 🌦
SUPERB and angrily unvarnished response, by former BBC chairman, Lord Patten.
"I don't think that we should allow ourselves to be bullied into thinking that the BBC is only any good, if it reflects the prejudice of the last person who shouted at it." ~AA
"I don't think that we should allow ourselves to be bullied into thinking that the BBC is only any good, if it reflects the prejudice of the last person who shouted at it." ~AA
November 10, 2025 at 6:40 PM
SUPERB and angrily unvarnished response, by former BBC chairman, Lord Patten.
"I don't think that we should allow ourselves to be bullied into thinking that the BBC is only any good, if it reflects the prejudice of the last person who shouted at it." ~AA
"I don't think that we should allow ourselves to be bullied into thinking that the BBC is only any good, if it reflects the prejudice of the last person who shouted at it." ~AA
“For the last two billion years, there’s been just two sexes and then suddenly, in the last ten years or so, a whole lot more started to get invented.”
Evolutionary biologist
Richard Dawkins at the book launch for 'The War on Science'.
swiftpress.com/book/the-war...
Evolutionary biologist
Richard Dawkins at the book launch for 'The War on Science'.
swiftpress.com/book/the-war...
The War on Science | Swift Press
An unparalleled group of prominent scholars from wide-ranging disciplines detail ongoing efforts to impose ideological restrictions on science and scholarship throughout western society. From assaults...
swiftpress.com
November 10, 2025 at 1:00 PM
“For the last two billion years, there’s been just two sexes and then suddenly, in the last ten years or so, a whole lot more started to get invented.”
Evolutionary biologist
Richard Dawkins at the book launch for 'The War on Science'.
swiftpress.com/book/the-war...
Evolutionary biologist
Richard Dawkins at the book launch for 'The War on Science'.
swiftpress.com/book/the-war...
Why BBC editorial staff need educating.
Thank you Alan.
Thank you Alan.
November 10, 2025 at 12:31 PM
Why BBC editorial staff need educating.
Thank you Alan.
Thank you Alan.
All those pensioner arrests must have cost a bit in time and money.
Terror definition too broad, Starmer to be told.
New advice could undermine the Palestine Action proscription
🖊️ Ethan Croft
New advice could undermine the Palestine Action proscription
🖊️ Ethan Croft
Terror definition too broad, Starmer to be told
New advice could undermine the Palestine Action ban
www.newstatesman.com
November 10, 2025 at 10:29 AM
All those pensioner arrests must have cost a bit in time and money.
Reform's money-saving policy is simple: cease care service provision altogether. Simple!
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Lancashire’s Reform-run council plans to close care homes and day centres
Questions about potential conflict of interest as council’s cabinet member for social care owns private care company
www.theguardian.com
November 10, 2025 at 10:15 AM
Reform's money-saving policy is simple: cease care service provision altogether. Simple!
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
When I was on Twitter I became very aware of anti-BBC opinion, which was generally focused on its news, ignoring the breadth of its output. Accusations of bias have come from all directions. It would be impossible placate all its critics.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
The BBC is facing a coordinated, politically motivated attack. With these resignations, it has given in | Jane Martinson
The corporation should have stood up to the Telegraph, Trump and the Tories. Now, its enemies know how little it takes for it to fold, says Jane Martinson, professor of financial journalism
www.theguardian.com
November 10, 2025 at 9:48 AM
When I was on Twitter I became very aware of anti-BBC opinion, which was generally focused on its news, ignoring the breadth of its output. Accusations of bias have come from all directions. It would be impossible placate all its critics.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Oh fuck off Trump, you blathering idiot!
You did encourage insurrection, and you have pardoned criminals who were encouraged.
A perfect speech? 🙄
You don't know how.
You did encourage insurrection, and you have pardoned criminals who were encouraged.
A perfect speech? 🙄
You don't know how.
November 9, 2025 at 10:48 PM
Oh fuck off Trump, you blathering idiot!
You did encourage insurrection, and you have pardoned criminals who were encouraged.
A perfect speech? 🙄
You don't know how.
You did encourage insurrection, and you have pardoned criminals who were encouraged.
A perfect speech? 🙄
You don't know how.