Kester J Leek
@kesterjleek.bsky.social
Join Your Party: https://in.yourparty.uk/users/sign_up
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Join Your Party - Putney: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourpartyputney
Reposted by Kester J Leek
For a while, I collected the worst jokes UK political correspondents ascribed to MPs, especially those sent via WhatsApp.
Because I despise you, I'm migrating the thread here, starting with this absolute *shiter* from 2022, so we can share in the horror together. Please send me the worst you have.
Because I despise you, I'm migrating the thread here, starting with this absolute *shiter* from 2022, so we can share in the horror together. Please send me the worst you have.
December 17, 2025 at 2:35 PM
For a while, I collected the worst jokes UK political correspondents ascribed to MPs, especially those sent via WhatsApp.
Because I despise you, I'm migrating the thread here, starting with this absolute *shiter* from 2022, so we can share in the horror together. Please send me the worst you have.
Because I despise you, I'm migrating the thread here, starting with this absolute *shiter* from 2022, so we can share in the horror together. Please send me the worst you have.
Reposted by Kester J Leek
very helpful, definitive, absolutely nothing to question about it, ranking of global news organisations by the FT giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/...
December 17, 2025 at 10:43 AM
very helpful, definitive, absolutely nothing to question about it, ranking of global news organisations by the FT giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/...
Reposted by Kester J Leek
For years, many self declared clever-clogs have spewed counter positions which are fundamentally flawed and wrong in multiple ways.
I worked with a global populations calculation and forecasting group. The Bsky thread which accompanies this article is exceptional, wide-thinking, clear and correct.
I worked with a global populations calculation and forecasting group. The Bsky thread which accompanies this article is exceptional, wide-thinking, clear and correct.
So yes, do both if you want to, while being aware that one activity is useful and the other is futile. But be aware that for most population obsessives, it's either/or, and is used to avoid moral responsibility and effective action.
More on all this here: www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
13/13
More on all this here: www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
13/13
The facts are stark: Europe must open the door to migrants, or face its own extinction | George Monbiot
These are the facts: plummeting birth rates mean that without attracting immigration, many countries are sliding towards collapse, says Guardian columnist George Monbiot
www.theguardian.com
December 15, 2025 at 11:09 AM
For years, many self declared clever-clogs have spewed counter positions which are fundamentally flawed and wrong in multiple ways.
I worked with a global populations calculation and forecasting group. The Bsky thread which accompanies this article is exceptional, wide-thinking, clear and correct.
I worked with a global populations calculation and forecasting group. The Bsky thread which accompanies this article is exceptional, wide-thinking, clear and correct.
Reposted by Kester J Leek
Labour’s Darren Jones was at the Treasury while it drove through cuts to housing benefit and disability benefits
He claimed £39,428 in rent expenses in 2024/25. If he claims £3,750 a month for the whole year, his annual total will be more than his constituents are paid each year on average
He claimed £39,428 in rent expenses in 2024/25. If he claims £3,750 a month for the whole year, his annual total will be more than his constituents are paid each year on average
December 1, 2025 at 4:33 PM
Labour’s Darren Jones was at the Treasury while it drove through cuts to housing benefit and disability benefits
He claimed £39,428 in rent expenses in 2024/25. If he claims £3,750 a month for the whole year, his annual total will be more than his constituents are paid each year on average
He claimed £39,428 in rent expenses in 2024/25. If he claims £3,750 a month for the whole year, his annual total will be more than his constituents are paid each year on average
Reposted by Kester J Leek
Senior MPs including Kemi Badenoch, Robert Jenrick and Darren Jones are claiming tens of thousands of pounds a year in taxpayer-funded rent expenses while either calling for or implementing benefit cuts on the poorest
By me, for the Big Issue www.bigissue.com/news/politic...
By me, for the Big Issue www.bigissue.com/news/politic...
Revealed: MPs rack up huge rent expenses while pushing through cuts to benefits
MPs are allowed to rent a second home, but while they are simultaneously cutting benefits for the vulnerable, the cost feels hard to swallow.
www.bigissue.com
December 1, 2025 at 4:29 PM
Senior MPs including Kemi Badenoch, Robert Jenrick and Darren Jones are claiming tens of thousands of pounds a year in taxpayer-funded rent expenses while either calling for or implementing benefit cuts on the poorest
By me, for the Big Issue www.bigissue.com/news/politic...
By me, for the Big Issue www.bigissue.com/news/politic...
Reposted by Kester J Leek
I wanted dinner recommendations so I scraped 13,000+ London restaurants and accidentally discovered Google Maps is running a shadow economy. Anyway here's a dashboard and a political economy thesis: open.substack.com/pub/laurenle...
How Google Maps quietly allocates survival across London’s restaurants - and how I built a dashboard to see through it
I wanted a dinner recommendation and got a research agenda instead. Using 13000+ restaurants, I rebuild its ratings with machine learning and map how algorithmic visibility actually distributes power.
open.substack.com
December 9, 2025 at 7:53 AM
I wanted dinner recommendations so I scraped 13,000+ London restaurants and accidentally discovered Google Maps is running a shadow economy. Anyway here's a dashboard and a political economy thesis: open.substack.com/pub/laurenle...
Reposted by Kester J Leek
"Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.” — John F. Kennedy Jr.
“Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.” — Robert F. Kennedy Sr.
"Mommy milky." — Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
“Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.” — Robert F. Kennedy Sr.
"Mommy milky." — Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
RFK Jr: "All of the ingenuity of corporate America has not produced an infant formula that is superior in nutrition and all the qualities that we want to the infant formula that God made, which is the infant formula in a mother's breast."
December 8, 2025 at 9:17 PM
"Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.” — John F. Kennedy Jr.
“Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.” — Robert F. Kennedy Sr.
"Mommy milky." — Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
“Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.” — Robert F. Kennedy Sr.
"Mommy milky." — Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Reposted by Kester J Leek
Music mashup - combine two songs/albums/groups to make more interesting replacements
EG: Here Comes Benny and The Warm Jets (Elton/Eno)
GO
EG: Here Comes Benny and The Warm Jets (Elton/Eno)
GO
December 6, 2025 at 11:34 AM
Music mashup - combine two songs/albums/groups to make more interesting replacements
EG: Here Comes Benny and The Warm Jets (Elton/Eno)
GO
EG: Here Comes Benny and The Warm Jets (Elton/Eno)
GO
Reposted by Kester J Leek
Parts of the UK left significantly over-emphasise "comms", "messaging" etc at the expense of policy substance. No doubt those things are very important. But if you look closely at e.g. AOC & Mamdani they have a serious grasp of the relevant subject areas, without which their messaging wouldn't work
December 3, 2025 at 8:08 AM
Parts of the UK left significantly over-emphasise "comms", "messaging" etc at the expense of policy substance. No doubt those things are very important. But if you look closely at e.g. AOC & Mamdani they have a serious grasp of the relevant subject areas, without which their messaging wouldn't work
Reposted by Kester J Leek
It's so weird when Nazis talk like Nazis.
It's like they're Nazis or something.
(Browswer Ballett nailed it in 2019: "Playing the Nazi Card in the Third Reich" w/ English subtitles.)
It's like they're Nazis or something.
(Browswer Ballett nailed it in 2019: "Playing the Nazi Card in the Third Reich" w/ English subtitles.)
October 14, 2025 at 6:27 PM
It's so weird when Nazis talk like Nazis.
It's like they're Nazis or something.
(Browswer Ballett nailed it in 2019: "Playing the Nazi Card in the Third Reich" w/ English subtitles.)
It's like they're Nazis or something.
(Browswer Ballett nailed it in 2019: "Playing the Nazi Card in the Third Reich" w/ English subtitles.)
Reposted by Kester J Leek
Living in the burbs is the antithesis of what it is to be human and the food culture in rural areas is awful. Cities are why all this is even worth it.
December 3, 2025 at 7:12 PM
Living in the burbs is the antithesis of what it is to be human and the food culture in rural areas is awful. Cities are why all this is even worth it.
Reposted by Kester J Leek
cities fucking rule, actually
December 3, 2025 at 4:47 PM
cities fucking rule, actually
Reposted by Kester J Leek
This is one of those things that I think is quietly important – when these people are talking shit about cities, Portland or Minneapolis or New York or Charlotte or wherever, you have to loudly say, “no, fuck you, you’re lying, that town and its people whip ass and you’re the asshole”
“I walk around Portland, and I go, ‘Fuck you, assholes. Portland is fine.’” - John Darnielle, @themountaingoats.bsky.social. We're proud to claim you as a Portlander, sir.
The Mountain Goats Ascend to Revolution Hall
Mountain Goats frontman John Darnielle discusses musicals, his new album, and why he keeps coming home to Portland.
www.wweek.com
December 3, 2025 at 4:46 PM
This is one of those things that I think is quietly important – when these people are talking shit about cities, Portland or Minneapolis or New York or Charlotte or wherever, you have to loudly say, “no, fuck you, you’re lying, that town and its people whip ass and you’re the asshole”
Reposted by Kester J Leek
This is awesome. Art and science. Culture.
December 2, 2025 at 11:29 AM
This is awesome. Art and science. Culture.
Reposted by Kester J Leek
There are lines from some songs that stick with you and pop into your head repeatedly over the years. From this song for me it's:
"I never done good things
I never done bad things
I never did anything out of the blue".
"I never done good things
I never done bad things
I never did anything out of the blue".
November 26, 2025 at 7:34 PM
There are lines from some songs that stick with you and pop into your head repeatedly over the years. From this song for me it's:
"I never done good things
I never done bad things
I never did anything out of the blue".
"I never done good things
I never done bad things
I never did anything out of the blue".
Reposted by Kester J Leek
#MusicInMusic
Ashes to Ashes - David Bowie
Do you remember a guy that's been in such an early song?
I've heard a rumour from Ground Control
Oh no, don't say it's true
Ashes to ashes, funk to funky
We know Major Tom's a junky
My mama said to get things done
You'd better not mess with Major Tom
Ashes to Ashes - David Bowie
Do you remember a guy that's been in such an early song?
I've heard a rumour from Ground Control
Oh no, don't say it's true
Ashes to ashes, funk to funky
We know Major Tom's a junky
My mama said to get things done
You'd better not mess with Major Tom
David Bowie - Ashes To Ashes (Official Video)
YouTube video by David Bowie
youtu.be
November 25, 2025 at 11:26 PM
#MusicInMusic
Ashes to Ashes - David Bowie
Do you remember a guy that's been in such an early song?
I've heard a rumour from Ground Control
Oh no, don't say it's true
Ashes to ashes, funk to funky
We know Major Tom's a junky
My mama said to get things done
You'd better not mess with Major Tom
Ashes to Ashes - David Bowie
Do you remember a guy that's been in such an early song?
I've heard a rumour from Ground Control
Oh no, don't say it's true
Ashes to ashes, funk to funky
We know Major Tom's a junky
My mama said to get things done
You'd better not mess with Major Tom
Reposted by Kester J Leek
"If that Adams quote is ringing any bells, that’s probably because it’s been widely reproduced all over the internet – though often, strangely, with slightly different wording which pushes the cut off to 35, in a manner that makes it look hilariously like some tech-savvy 33 year felt miffed."
November 26, 2025 at 3:40 PM
"If that Adams quote is ringing any bells, that’s probably because it’s been widely reproduced all over the internet – though often, strangely, with slightly different wording which pushes the cut off to 35, in a manner that makes it look hilariously like some tech-savvy 33 year felt miffed."
Reposted by Kester J Leek
Why does this government find it so hard to tell Israel: you’re wrong, what you’re doing is illegal, and we are not going to let you get away with genocide.
November 26, 2025 at 10:44 AM
Why does this government find it so hard to tell Israel: you’re wrong, what you’re doing is illegal, and we are not going to let you get away with genocide.
Reposted by Kester J Leek
Photographer Jake Chessum remembers photographing David Bowie in 1995
Photographer Jake Chessum remembers photographing David Bowie in 1995
My shoot with David Bowie was at a house in Fulham in May 1995. I grew up on Bowie…my friend bought Ziggy Stardust, Low, Heroes and Scary Monsters on vinyl for £2.99 at Our Price Records in C…
www.davidbowienews.com
November 25, 2025 at 10:55 PM
Photographer Jake Chessum remembers photographing David Bowie in 1995
Reposted by Kester J Leek
It is significant that Martin Lewis (and not, say, Richard Tice) is blaming government 'policy costs' for energy price rises.
November 25, 2025 at 6:30 AM
It is significant that Martin Lewis (and not, say, Richard Tice) is blaming government 'policy costs' for energy price rises.
Reposted by Kester J Leek
"We grant people different rights based on their genetic heritage and on which scrap of land they happened to be born on. That’s mad, isn’t it?"
I just think, when debating immigration and so on, that we should try not to lose sight of the fact that "nationality" is a made up thing.
I just think, when debating immigration and so on, that we should try not to lose sight of the fact that "nationality" is a made up thing.
Why does nationality matter, anyway?
Deciding someone's legal rights based on a nebulous combination of birthplace and parentage is a bit weird
www.newstatesman.com
November 23, 2025 at 11:33 AM
"We grant people different rights based on their genetic heritage and on which scrap of land they happened to be born on. That’s mad, isn’t it?"
I just think, when debating immigration and so on, that we should try not to lose sight of the fact that "nationality" is a made up thing.
I just think, when debating immigration and so on, that we should try not to lose sight of the fact that "nationality" is a made up thing.
Reposted by Kester J Leek
completely outside of politics, this is so charming
November 21, 2025 at 4:26 PM
completely outside of politics, this is so charming
Reposted by Kester J Leek
It’s so interesting to read this article 31 years later…
''Star Trek: The Next Generation'' readies for last episode
After seven successful seasons, the cast will move the TV series to film
ew.com
November 21, 2025 at 1:30 AM
It’s so interesting to read this article 31 years later…
Reposted by Kester J Leek
This might be the single funniest thing that has happened during this incredibly cursed year
November 21, 2025 at 9:59 PM
This might be the single funniest thing that has happened during this incredibly cursed year
Reposted by Kester J Leek
"When we have lost our pubs, drown our empty selves. For we have lost the last of England." - Hilaire Belloc
November 20, 2025 at 7:52 PM
"When we have lost our pubs, drown our empty selves. For we have lost the last of England." - Hilaire Belloc