jskucha.bsky.social
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jskucha.bsky.social
@jskucha.bsky.social
· Nov 10
This week's episode is from our 26th county - Somerset.
Episode 244 - Rocky West Somerset beach (31 mins)
An empty beach. An empty landscape. Under October blue skies.
> bit.ly/LenLil1
Episode 244 - Rocky West Somerset beach (31 mins)
An empty beach. An empty landscape. Under October blue skies.
> bit.ly/LenLil1
Heavenly
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My youngest daughter is running the London marathon in 2026. She’s raising money for #SaintFrancisHospice who are looking after me and supporting my family. Any donation, whatever the amount, would be amazing. These guys (and my daughter) are superstars! Thank you.
#LondonMarathon
#BreastCancer
#LondonMarathon
#BreastCancer
TAMARA’S RUNNING THE LONDON MARATHON 2026 !!!
It’s my second official marathon, but the most meaningful. This time, I’m running through my home city for someone so incredibly special to me: my darling Mum. I’m proud to be supporting Saint Francis
2026tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com
December 15, 2025 at 6:50 PM
My youngest daughter is running the London marathon in 2026. She’s raising money for #SaintFrancisHospice who are looking after me and supporting my family. Any donation, whatever the amount, would be amazing. These guys (and my daughter) are superstars! Thank you.
#LondonMarathon
#BreastCancer
#LondonMarathon
#BreastCancer
Reposted by jskucha.bsky.social
The UK has 160 black professors (25% are women) out of a total of 22,885.
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) offers funding opportunities, 81% of awards go to white applicants, 1% to black.
The statistics are likely to discourage black scholars from pursuing academic/science careers.
Need action.
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) offers funding opportunities, 81% of awards go to white applicants, 1% to black.
The statistics are likely to discourage black scholars from pursuing academic/science careers.
Need action.
December 15, 2025 at 7:08 PM
The UK has 160 black professors (25% are women) out of a total of 22,885.
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) offers funding opportunities, 81% of awards go to white applicants, 1% to black.
The statistics are likely to discourage black scholars from pursuing academic/science careers.
Need action.
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) offers funding opportunities, 81% of awards go to white applicants, 1% to black.
The statistics are likely to discourage black scholars from pursuing academic/science careers.
Need action.
Reposted by jskucha.bsky.social
1. As a result of the current high prevalence of influenza and the accompanying media coverage of the spread of the disease, I've been asked about mitigations by a number of friends who take *no precautions against SARS-CoV-2*. A few observations regarding these conversations:
December 15, 2025 at 1:01 PM
1. As a result of the current high prevalence of influenza and the accompanying media coverage of the spread of the disease, I've been asked about mitigations by a number of friends who take *no precautions against SARS-CoV-2*. A few observations regarding these conversations:
Reposted by jskucha.bsky.social
You are ABSOLUTELY NOT going to regret listening to this bird:
A male rock ptarmigan (Lagopus muta) in winter plumage.
Ptarmigan is from Gaelic 'tarmachan' meaning "croaker". The p- was added when people mistakenly assumed it was a Greek word.
A bird forever warning people: "A werewolf!" (just in case of werewolves).
Ptarmigan is from Gaelic 'tarmachan' meaning "croaker". The p- was added when people mistakenly assumed it was a Greek word.
A bird forever warning people: "A werewolf!" (just in case of werewolves).
December 6, 2025 at 5:10 PM
You are ABSOLUTELY NOT going to regret listening to this bird:
Reposted by jskucha.bsky.social
GIVE AWAY! // AKA WE DID IT AGAIN!
Since The Night Guest is coming out in paperback we decided to try to gift another copy bitten by Uggi. And it went … a little *too* well. (See picture 🧵)
Like and share this post and on December 30th I will select a winner and send them this teeth marked copy!
Since The Night Guest is coming out in paperback we decided to try to gift another copy bitten by Uggi. And it went … a little *too* well. (See picture 🧵)
Like and share this post and on December 30th I will select a winner and send them this teeth marked copy!
December 15, 2025 at 1:49 PM
GIVE AWAY! // AKA WE DID IT AGAIN!
Since The Night Guest is coming out in paperback we decided to try to gift another copy bitten by Uggi. And it went … a little *too* well. (See picture 🧵)
Like and share this post and on December 30th I will select a winner and send them this teeth marked copy!
Since The Night Guest is coming out in paperback we decided to try to gift another copy bitten by Uggi. And it went … a little *too* well. (See picture 🧵)
Like and share this post and on December 30th I will select a winner and send them this teeth marked copy!
Reposted by jskucha.bsky.social
Overheard in the supermarket. Two teenagers.
1: 'Where's Dad?'
2 (with ineffable weariness): 'In the cheese aisle, having the time of his life.'
1: 'Where's Dad?'
2 (with ineffable weariness): 'In the cheese aisle, having the time of his life.'
December 15, 2025 at 11:35 AM
Overheard in the supermarket. Two teenagers.
1: 'Where's Dad?'
2 (with ineffable weariness): 'In the cheese aisle, having the time of his life.'
1: 'Where's Dad?'
2 (with ineffable weariness): 'In the cheese aisle, having the time of his life.'
Reposted by jskucha.bsky.social
And in response to headlines like "there is no need for masks", here is the 1 minutes from my interview where I discuss basic preventative measures (including masks!).
Also note that NHS stats like A&E and Ambulance waits are lower than same time 3 years ago, even with earlier flu wave.
Also note that NHS stats like A&E and Ambulance waits are lower than same time 3 years ago, even with earlier flu wave.
December 15, 2025 at 12:18 PM
And in response to headlines like "there is no need for masks", here is the 1 minutes from my interview where I discuss basic preventative measures (including masks!).
Also note that NHS stats like A&E and Ambulance waits are lower than same time 3 years ago, even with earlier flu wave.
Also note that NHS stats like A&E and Ambulance waits are lower than same time 3 years ago, even with earlier flu wave.
Reposted by jskucha.bsky.social
Rob Reiner: the guy who directed that film you love. A short piece about one of the greatest runs of terrific movies from any director in the history of cinema.
thecritic.co.uk/than...
thecritic.co.uk/than...
December 15, 2025 at 10:37 AM
Rob Reiner: the guy who directed that film you love. A short piece about one of the greatest runs of terrific movies from any director in the history of cinema.
thecritic.co.uk/than...
thecritic.co.uk/than...
Reposted by jskucha.bsky.social
Horrible news all over the place at the moment so how about a totally inconsequential conversation? I’m cooking Xmas dinner this year and have had various food requests from family members including onion rings. I’ve never heard of this being a Xmas thing. What are your unusual Xmas food traditions?
December 15, 2025 at 11:01 AM
Horrible news all over the place at the moment so how about a totally inconsequential conversation? I’m cooking Xmas dinner this year and have had various food requests from family members including onion rings. I’ve never heard of this being a Xmas thing. What are your unusual Xmas food traditions?
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Thought the boiler was acting up, making strange sounds. But no, it’s my neighbour out in his front garden - in the pouring rain! - playing the bagpipes. That’s dedication.
#bagpipes
#bagpipes
December 15, 2025 at 10:26 AM
Thought the boiler was acting up, making strange sounds. But no, it’s my neighbour out in his front garden - in the pouring rain! - playing the bagpipes. That’s dedication.
#bagpipes
#bagpipes
Reposted by jskucha.bsky.social
Yesterday we had some unusual, festive visitors who stopped off at the library on their way to work! 🦌🦌
This is Aztec and Jelly, the Cairngorm Reindeer, on their way to meet Christmas shoppers at William Shearer's wonderful shop in Kirkwall.
This is Aztec and Jelly, the Cairngorm Reindeer, on their way to meet Christmas shoppers at William Shearer's wonderful shop in Kirkwall.
December 15, 2025 at 10:55 AM
Yesterday we had some unusual, festive visitors who stopped off at the library on their way to work! 🦌🦌
This is Aztec and Jelly, the Cairngorm Reindeer, on their way to meet Christmas shoppers at William Shearer's wonderful shop in Kirkwall.
This is Aztec and Jelly, the Cairngorm Reindeer, on their way to meet Christmas shoppers at William Shearer's wonderful shop in Kirkwall.
Reposted by jskucha.bsky.social
mixed use, walkable neighborhoods. rome, 1967
December 15, 2025 at 12:03 AM
mixed use, walkable neighborhoods. rome, 1967
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Squirrels Survive Winter without hibernating! They bury nuts, seeds & fungi in many spots to find later & build insulated nests (dreys) from twigs, leaves & moss, often sharing them with other squirrels for warmth, they sleep more but don't enter the deep metabolic state of hibernation. #squirrels
December 15, 2025 at 7:25 AM
Squirrels Survive Winter without hibernating! They bury nuts, seeds & fungi in many spots to find later & build insulated nests (dreys) from twigs, leaves & moss, often sharing them with other squirrels for warmth, they sleep more but don't enter the deep metabolic state of hibernation. #squirrels
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Shocked by the awful death of Rob Reiner. I spoke with him for over an hour last night. We talked about his work and his plans for the future. I always enjoyed his company. We met at his Dad's in 1975. Last thing he said to me was "See you next year.." Such a terrible end. Such a sweet man.
December 15, 2025 at 6:26 AM
Shocked by the awful death of Rob Reiner. I spoke with him for over an hour last night. We talked about his work and his plans for the future. I always enjoyed his company. We met at his Dad's in 1975. Last thing he said to me was "See you next year.." Such a terrible end. Such a sweet man.
Reposted by jskucha.bsky.social
Today’s new post - The Greshams of Norfolk and London. An influential 16th century family who have left their mark on the London of today alondoninheritance.com
December 14, 2025 at 8:47 AM
Today’s new post - The Greshams of Norfolk and London. An influential 16th century family who have left their mark on the London of today alondoninheritance.com
Reposted by jskucha.bsky.social
BREAKING: Australian police say the two gunmen involved in the Bondi shooting were a father and son.
- A 50 year-old who had a licence for 6 firearms and is now dead.
- His 24 year-old son remains in hospital in a critical but stable condition.
- A 50 year-old who had a licence for 6 firearms and is now dead.
- His 24 year-old son remains in hospital in a critical but stable condition.
December 14, 2025 at 8:33 PM
BREAKING: Australian police say the two gunmen involved in the Bondi shooting were a father and son.
- A 50 year-old who had a licence for 6 firearms and is now dead.
- His 24 year-old son remains in hospital in a critical but stable condition.
- A 50 year-old who had a licence for 6 firearms and is now dead.
- His 24 year-old son remains in hospital in a critical but stable condition.
Reposted by jskucha.bsky.social
Last minute pre-Christmas self-promotion: The Haunted Wood has been named top non-fiction paperback of the year in The Times (and in the Guardian’s top 30). So feel free to buy a copy for a loved one…
The 31 best paperbacks of 2025
From prizewinners and heartbreakers to comedies and tragic true stories, here’s what our critics most enjoyed this year
www.thetimes.com
December 14, 2025 at 7:04 PM
Last minute pre-Christmas self-promotion: The Haunted Wood has been named top non-fiction paperback of the year in The Times (and in the Guardian’s top 30). So feel free to buy a copy for a loved one…
Reposted by jskucha.bsky.social
"Fun & joy are very powerful political forces & not ones the left are terribly used to dealing with"
The final print edition of Byline Times may be my favourite of the year. What is the 'politics of feeling' & why does it matter?
Plus 'A Red Top Christmas Carol' with a Mr Murdoch & his 3 Spirits 👇
The final print edition of Byline Times may be my favourite of the year. What is the 'politics of feeling' & why does it matter?
Plus 'A Red Top Christmas Carol' with a Mr Murdoch & his 3 Spirits 👇
December 13, 2025 at 12:38 PM
"Fun & joy are very powerful political forces & not ones the left are terribly used to dealing with"
The final print edition of Byline Times may be my favourite of the year. What is the 'politics of feeling' & why does it matter?
Plus 'A Red Top Christmas Carol' with a Mr Murdoch & his 3 Spirits 👇
The final print edition of Byline Times may be my favourite of the year. What is the 'politics of feeling' & why does it matter?
Plus 'A Red Top Christmas Carol' with a Mr Murdoch & his 3 Spirits 👇
Reposted by jskucha.bsky.social
I've been a professional photographer for many years. I've taken tens of thousands of photos and even sold several.
This is my favourite ever photo: Mum and Dad (no longer here), my nephew and my cousins' kids.
This is my favourite ever photo: Mum and Dad (no longer here), my nephew and my cousins' kids.
December 14, 2025 at 7:31 PM
I've been a professional photographer for many years. I've taken tens of thousands of photos and even sold several.
This is my favourite ever photo: Mum and Dad (no longer here), my nephew and my cousins' kids.
This is my favourite ever photo: Mum and Dad (no longer here), my nephew and my cousins' kids.
Reposted by jskucha.bsky.social
A very good thread.
Few thoughts on the "Polish exodus" from the UK.
1. It's not an 'exodus', it's a slow drip. We're fine, thanks.
2. Migration is really complicated.
3. The absolute cheek of the very same media attacking Poles for years lamenting their departure.
4. What you can do?
THREAD 🧵
1. It's not an 'exodus', it's a slow drip. We're fine, thanks.
2. Migration is really complicated.
3. The absolute cheek of the very same media attacking Poles for years lamenting their departure.
4. What you can do?
THREAD 🧵
December 14, 2025 at 7:32 PM
A very good thread.
Reposted by jskucha.bsky.social
Belarusian protest leader Maria Kolesnikova said she did not regret anything as she spoke after her release.
She was released along with 122 other prisoners after more than five years in prison for opposing Belarus's President Alexander Lukashenko jrnl.ie/6903521
She was released along with 122 other prisoners after more than five years in prison for opposing Belarus's President Alexander Lukashenko jrnl.ie/6903521
Freed Belarus protest leader Maria Kolesnikova says she doesn't 'regret anything'
Over 120 prisoners were freed under a deal brokered by the US.
jrnl.ie
December 14, 2025 at 8:04 PM
Belarusian protest leader Maria Kolesnikova said she did not regret anything as she spoke after her release.
She was released along with 122 other prisoners after more than five years in prison for opposing Belarus's President Alexander Lukashenko jrnl.ie/6903521
She was released along with 122 other prisoners after more than five years in prison for opposing Belarus's President Alexander Lukashenko jrnl.ie/6903521
Reposted by jskucha.bsky.social
To hell with modesty.
December 14, 2025 at 7:33 PM
To hell with modesty.
Reposted by jskucha.bsky.social
One of the worst parts of the modern condition is having to listen to billionaires airing out the stupidest policy ideas, random musings, and other mental detritus. It’s unbearable.
December 12, 2025 at 3:04 PM
One of the worst parts of the modern condition is having to listen to billionaires airing out the stupidest policy ideas, random musings, and other mental detritus. It’s unbearable.
Reposted by jskucha.bsky.social
I gave up my Observer subscription when the Guardian sold it to Tortoise and immediately sacked @carolecadwalla.bsky.social . I still take the Saturday Guardian, but found this really difficult to read in the Eye.
December 14, 2025 at 2:26 PM
I gave up my Observer subscription when the Guardian sold it to Tortoise and immediately sacked @carolecadwalla.bsky.social . I still take the Saturday Guardian, but found this really difficult to read in the Eye.
Reposted by jskucha.bsky.social
New South Wales Police say 11 people have now been killed in that shooting at Bondi Beach targeting the Jewish community, with 29 taken to hospital - including a child
An event being held at the beach to mark the start of Hanukkah had more than 1,000 in attendance, police say
An event being held at the beach to mark the start of Hanukkah had more than 1,000 in attendance, police say
December 14, 2025 at 12:41 PM
New South Wales Police say 11 people have now been killed in that shooting at Bondi Beach targeting the Jewish community, with 29 taken to hospital - including a child
An event being held at the beach to mark the start of Hanukkah had more than 1,000 in attendance, police say
An event being held at the beach to mark the start of Hanukkah had more than 1,000 in attendance, police say