MG Zimeta
@mgzimeta.bsky.social
Ethio-Brit literary journalist | Geopolitics & society | Former refugee | Philosophy PhD | Words in LRB, Paris Review, The Atlantic etc | Broadcasts for BBC TV and radio | website mgzimeta.com | For tech policy I'm @TechMilly.bsky.social
Pinned
MG Zimeta
@mgzimeta.bsky.social
· Jan 9
M.G. Zimeta | Among Robots
At the Pepper Parlor restaurant in central Tokyo, each table had a short robot called Pepper with articulated plastic...
www.lrb.co.uk
Bizarre developments at Meta recently, including AI 'Liv' breaking new ground in digital blackface and being a robot Magical Negro at the same time.
It made me think about how we relate to robots and each other. Here's my new piece for @londonreview.bsky.social : www.lrb.co.uk/blog/2025/ja...
🧵1/2
It made me think about how we relate to robots and each other. Here's my new piece for @londonreview.bsky.social : www.lrb.co.uk/blog/2025/ja...
🧵1/2
The Institute for Global Value Inquiry (IGVI) is newly created for Global South research in humanities & social sciences, and is now offering funding in a workstream on African Gender Equality Research
igvi.org/african-gend...
Pls do explore and share with others
Tagging @southsouthmvmt.bsky.social
igvi.org/african-gend...
Pls do explore and share with others
Tagging @southsouthmvmt.bsky.social
African Gender Equality Research Group – Institute of Global Value Inquiry
igvi.org
February 15, 2025 at 10:37 AM
The Institute for Global Value Inquiry (IGVI) is newly created for Global South research in humanities & social sciences, and is now offering funding in a workstream on African Gender Equality Research
igvi.org/african-gend...
Pls do explore and share with others
Tagging @southsouthmvmt.bsky.social
igvi.org/african-gend...
Pls do explore and share with others
Tagging @southsouthmvmt.bsky.social
Reposted by MG Zimeta
It feels tactical to say this but if you like a text someone has written here consider sharing it. Likes on Bsky signal your approval, but they don’t bump it or amplify it because there’s no algorithm. *Sharing* independent writer’s work helps us find and grow an audience!
February 2, 2025 at 1:54 PM
It feels tactical to say this but if you like a text someone has written here consider sharing it. Likes on Bsky signal your approval, but they don’t bump it or amplify it because there’s no algorithm. *Sharing* independent writer’s work helps us find and grow an audience!
Please sign & share this petition to save the Prince Charles Cinema which is at risk of closing because the landlord, Criterion Capital, wants to change the lease so they are always on 6 months' notice.
Insecure tenure will also make it harder for PCC to invest in a longer-term future.
#SaveThePCC
Insecure tenure will also make it harder for PCC to invest in a longer-term future.
#SaveThePCC
#SaveThePCC
Some of you may have read about the situation regarding our new landlord wishing to add a new redevelopment break clause, with only 6 months notice to our lease.
For now, we're simply asking you all to share & sign the petition below;
you.38degrees.org.uk/p/princechar...
Some of you may have read about the situation regarding our new landlord wishing to add a new redevelopment break clause, with only 6 months notice to our lease.
For now, we're simply asking you all to share & sign the petition below;
you.38degrees.org.uk/p/princechar...
Save The Prince Charles Cinema
The iconic Prince Charles Cinema in London’s West End future is under serious threat!
We are beyond disappointed that our landlords Zedwell LSQ Ltd and their ultimate parent company Criterion Capital...
you.38degrees.org.uk
January 28, 2025 at 8:44 PM
Please sign & share this petition to save the Prince Charles Cinema which is at risk of closing because the landlord, Criterion Capital, wants to change the lease so they are always on 6 months' notice.
Insecure tenure will also make it harder for PCC to invest in a longer-term future.
#SaveThePCC
Insecure tenure will also make it harder for PCC to invest in a longer-term future.
#SaveThePCC
TIL that Elfriede Jelinek wrote the libretto for the opera of David Lynch's "Lost Highway". Of course she did. How wonderful for them both.
January 22, 2025 at 11:39 PM
TIL that Elfriede Jelinek wrote the libretto for the opera of David Lynch's "Lost Highway". Of course she did. How wonderful for them both.
Reposted by MG Zimeta
Permanent mood.
January 20, 2025 at 9:00 PM
Permanent mood.
Reposted by MG Zimeta
January 20, 2025 at 4:47 PM
Reposted by MG Zimeta
I want to remind Londoners that our city is—and always will be—a place for everyone.
We’ll continue to celebrate London as the diverse, open and welcoming city it is.
We’ll continue to celebrate London as the diverse, open and welcoming city it is.
January 20, 2025 at 5:45 PM
I want to remind Londoners that our city is—and always will be—a place for everyone.
We’ll continue to celebrate London as the diverse, open and welcoming city it is.
We’ll continue to celebrate London as the diverse, open and welcoming city it is.
Reposted by MG Zimeta
someone on tiktok said, “we’ve got 7 lex luthors and no superman,” and i can’t stop thinking about it
January 18, 2025 at 10:57 PM
someone on tiktok said, “we’ve got 7 lex luthors and no superman,” and i can’t stop thinking about it
RIP David Lynch. You lived well. And I will always be grateful for Mulholland Drive.
January 16, 2025 at 6:40 PM
RIP David Lynch. You lived well. And I will always be grateful for Mulholland Drive.
Reposted by MG Zimeta
‘At a workshop on AI and religion, someone observed that most AI was being developed with the primary purpose of selling advertising: “But what could AI be like if it was stewarded by the Dalai Lama?”’
@mgzimeta.bsky.social meets an android monk, on the blog: www.lrb.co.uk/blog/2025/ja...
@mgzimeta.bsky.social meets an android monk, on the blog: www.lrb.co.uk/blog/2025/ja...
M.G. Zimeta | Among Robots
At the Pepper Parlor restaurant in central Tokyo, each table had a short robot called Pepper with articulated plastic...
www.lrb.co.uk
January 12, 2025 at 12:50 PM
‘At a workshop on AI and religion, someone observed that most AI was being developed with the primary purpose of selling advertising: “But what could AI be like if it was stewarded by the Dalai Lama?”’
@mgzimeta.bsky.social meets an android monk, on the blog: www.lrb.co.uk/blog/2025/ja...
@mgzimeta.bsky.social meets an android monk, on the blog: www.lrb.co.uk/blog/2025/ja...
I've put a video clip of some of my interactions with Pepper robot here (G-drive link): tinyurl.com/brhxbrdy
0:40 for its hallucinating movements, 5:30 for is it more intelligent than humans, and 7:00 for do androids dream of electric sheep
(Warning: the camerawork is a bit Blair Witch Project...)
0:40 for its hallucinating movements, 5:30 for is it more intelligent than humans, and 7:00 for do androids dream of electric sheep
(Warning: the camerawork is a bit Blair Witch Project...)
January 11, 2025 at 11:10 AM
I've put a video clip of some of my interactions with Pepper robot here (G-drive link): tinyurl.com/brhxbrdy
0:40 for its hallucinating movements, 5:30 for is it more intelligent than humans, and 7:00 for do androids dream of electric sheep
(Warning: the camerawork is a bit Blair Witch Project...)
0:40 for its hallucinating movements, 5:30 for is it more intelligent than humans, and 7:00 for do androids dream of electric sheep
(Warning: the camerawork is a bit Blair Witch Project...)
Bizarre developments at Meta recently, including AI 'Liv' breaking new ground in digital blackface and being a robot Magical Negro at the same time.
It made me think about how we relate to robots and each other. Here's my new piece for @londonreview.bsky.social : www.lrb.co.uk/blog/2025/ja...
🧵1/2
It made me think about how we relate to robots and each other. Here's my new piece for @londonreview.bsky.social : www.lrb.co.uk/blog/2025/ja...
🧵1/2
M.G. Zimeta | Among Robots
At the Pepper Parlor restaurant in central Tokyo, each table had a short robot called Pepper with articulated plastic...
www.lrb.co.uk
January 9, 2025 at 8:39 PM
Bizarre developments at Meta recently, including AI 'Liv' breaking new ground in digital blackface and being a robot Magical Negro at the same time.
It made me think about how we relate to robots and each other. Here's my new piece for @londonreview.bsky.social : www.lrb.co.uk/blog/2025/ja...
🧵1/2
It made me think about how we relate to robots and each other. Here's my new piece for @londonreview.bsky.social : www.lrb.co.uk/blog/2025/ja...
🧵1/2
Reposted by MG Zimeta
Do I know anyone who has connections with the bookselling trade? The fab folks at @workingclassicists.bsky.social are looking to find a UK seller for this excellent publication so shout if you have any leads!
ANNOUNCING...
A Periodic Table of Greek Mythology - our first book! 🎉
📅Available 5th Feb 2025 (but you can preorder now)
🤝 In collaboration with @contubernales.bsky.social
✍️ 117 different writers
🖼️ Periodic Table Poster by @corabeth.bsky.social
👇 Read more...
A Periodic Table of Greek Mythology - our first book! 🎉
📅Available 5th Feb 2025 (but you can preorder now)
🤝 In collaboration with @contubernales.bsky.social
✍️ 117 different writers
🖼️ Periodic Table Poster by @corabeth.bsky.social
👇 Read more...
January 4, 2025 at 4:51 PM
Do I know anyone who has connections with the bookselling trade? The fab folks at @workingclassicists.bsky.social are looking to find a UK seller for this excellent publication so shout if you have any leads!
Here's a thread of some handy starter packs I've found in some of my main areas of interest - Ancient Greek, speculative fiction, literary nonfiction, decolonisation & dad jokes🥁
I'm also on the lookout for any on creative nonfiction and on Black intellectuals. Will update the thread if I find them
I'm also on the lookout for any on creative nonfiction and on Black intellectuals. Will update the thread if I find them
January 3, 2025 at 11:35 AM
Here's a thread of some handy starter packs I've found in some of my main areas of interest - Ancient Greek, speculative fiction, literary nonfiction, decolonisation & dad jokes🥁
I'm also on the lookout for any on creative nonfiction and on Black intellectuals. Will update the thread if I find them
I'm also on the lookout for any on creative nonfiction and on Black intellectuals. Will update the thread if I find them
Reposted by MG Zimeta
Update…
Due to a weird situation we are currently making basically no money on preorders unless they come from Contubernales directly.
Please don’t worry if you’ve already ordered from Amazon, but if you CAN wait for 5th Feb or order from @contubernales.bsky.social that would help us out a lot!
Due to a weird situation we are currently making basically no money on preorders unless they come from Contubernales directly.
Please don’t worry if you’ve already ordered from Amazon, but if you CAN wait for 5th Feb or order from @contubernales.bsky.social that would help us out a lot!
ANNOUNCING...
A Periodic Table of Greek Mythology - our first book! 🎉
📅Available 5th Feb 2025 (but you can preorder now)
🤝 In collaboration with @contubernales.bsky.social
✍️ 117 different writers
🖼️ Periodic Table Poster by @corabeth.bsky.social
👇 Read more...
A Periodic Table of Greek Mythology - our first book! 🎉
📅Available 5th Feb 2025 (but you can preorder now)
🤝 In collaboration with @contubernales.bsky.social
✍️ 117 different writers
🖼️ Periodic Table Poster by @corabeth.bsky.social
👇 Read more...
January 3, 2025 at 1:35 AM
Update…
Due to a weird situation we are currently making basically no money on preorders unless they come from Contubernales directly.
Please don’t worry if you’ve already ordered from Amazon, but if you CAN wait for 5th Feb or order from @contubernales.bsky.social that would help us out a lot!
Due to a weird situation we are currently making basically no money on preorders unless they come from Contubernales directly.
Please don’t worry if you’ve already ordered from Amazon, but if you CAN wait for 5th Feb or order from @contubernales.bsky.social that would help us out a lot!
Reposted by MG Zimeta
OMG! Art Spiegelman, who created "Maus," is teaming up with Joe Sacco, who created the graphic novels "Palestine" and "Footnotes in Gaza," for a new graphic novel about #Gaza today. If they get it published it will be a cultural earthquake!
bleedingcool.com/comics/art-s...
bleedingcool.com/comics/art-s...
Art Spiegelman And Joe Sacco Working Together On New Comic About Gaza
Art Spiegelman, author of Maus and Joe Sacco, author of Palestine, are working together on a new graphic novel about Gaza.
bleedingcool.com
January 2, 2025 at 10:11 PM
OMG! Art Spiegelman, who created "Maus," is teaming up with Joe Sacco, who created the graphic novels "Palestine" and "Footnotes in Gaza," for a new graphic novel about #Gaza today. If they get it published it will be a cultural earthquake!
bleedingcool.com/comics/art-s...
bleedingcool.com/comics/art-s...
Reposted by MG Zimeta
always thought there should be more Kantian motivational posters
January 1, 2025 at 5:42 PM
always thought there should be more Kantian motivational posters
Reposted by MG Zimeta
The complete transcript of a conversation between Stuart Hall and C.L.R. James, conducted for the BBC in 1976 but never aired, introduced by Phoebe Braithwaite https://buff.ly/4gs5C19
A Microcosm of the World | C.L.R. James, Stuart Hall, Phoebe Braithwaite
In May 1976, the Jamaican-born cultural theorist Stuart Hall sat down in the BBC’s studios in West London to interview the Trinidadian-born intellectual
buff.ly
December 22, 2024 at 1:31 PM
The complete transcript of a conversation between Stuart Hall and C.L.R. James, conducted for the BBC in 1976 but never aired, introduced by Phoebe Braithwaite https://buff.ly/4gs5C19
Reposted by MG Zimeta
Welcome to BookSky! 💙📚
1️⃣ save/pin the feed if you're enjoying it
2️⃣ repost to help us find more bibliophiles
3️⃣ use 💙📚 or 📚💙 to post to feed
4️⃣ more niche feeds on my profile (some are NSFW)
FAQ 👉🏻 bit.ly/bookskyFAQ
1️⃣ save/pin the feed if you're enjoying it
2️⃣ repost to help us find more bibliophiles
3️⃣ use 💙📚 or 📚💙 to post to feed
4️⃣ more niche feeds on my profile (some are NSFW)
FAQ 👉🏻 bit.ly/bookskyFAQ
December 17, 2023 at 10:53 PM
Welcome to BookSky! 💙📚
1️⃣ save/pin the feed if you're enjoying it
2️⃣ repost to help us find more bibliophiles
3️⃣ use 💙📚 or 📚💙 to post to feed
4️⃣ more niche feeds on my profile (some are NSFW)
FAQ 👉🏻 bit.ly/bookskyFAQ
1️⃣ save/pin the feed if you're enjoying it
2️⃣ repost to help us find more bibliophiles
3️⃣ use 💙📚 or 📚💙 to post to feed
4️⃣ more niche feeds on my profile (some are NSFW)
FAQ 👉🏻 bit.ly/bookskyFAQ
Reposted by MG Zimeta
I wrote limerick:
--
There was a fun website called Twitter
That changed owners and became a lot *****er
So this is why
I'm now at BlueSky
Hoping to avoid far-right porn bot litter
--
Thoughts, feedback, marks out of 10 etc?
--
There was a fun website called Twitter
That changed owners and became a lot *****er
So this is why
I'm now at BlueSky
Hoping to avoid far-right porn bot litter
--
Thoughts, feedback, marks out of 10 etc?
November 17, 2024 at 2:51 PM
I wrote limerick:
--
There was a fun website called Twitter
That changed owners and became a lot *****er
So this is why
I'm now at BlueSky
Hoping to avoid far-right porn bot litter
--
Thoughts, feedback, marks out of 10 etc?
--
There was a fun website called Twitter
That changed owners and became a lot *****er
So this is why
I'm now at BlueSky
Hoping to avoid far-right porn bot litter
--
Thoughts, feedback, marks out of 10 etc?
Reposted by MG Zimeta
Today’s Historic Front Page: November 6, 2024
theonion.com/todays-histo...
theonion.com/todays-histo...
November 6, 2024 at 9:59 PM
Today’s Historic Front Page: November 6, 2024
theonion.com/todays-histo...
theonion.com/todays-histo...
Shortly after Trump's 2016 victory @londonreview.bsky.social published this piece by Adam Shatz which stayed with me for an incredible comment by feminist historian Joan Scott, comparing Trump to the Freudian father whose transgressions confirm his power to impose law: www.lrb.co.uk/blog/2016/no...
November 6, 2024 at 3:26 PM
Shortly after Trump's 2016 victory @londonreview.bsky.social published this piece by Adam Shatz which stayed with me for an incredible comment by feminist historian Joan Scott, comparing Trump to the Freudian father whose transgressions confirm his power to impose law: www.lrb.co.uk/blog/2016/no...