Michelle
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perfectcircle77.bsky.social
Michelle
@perfectcircle77.bsky.social
760 followers 730 following 750 posts
ND wife & mum to autistic teens. Knitter, reader, podcast junkie, slow Parkrunner, occasional baker, Blackburn Rovers fan, freelance transcriber.
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perfectcircle77.bsky.social
I need all of you to go and sign up to American Friction’s patreon now so I can hear this!
chrisjonesprod.bsky.social Chris Jones @chrisjonesprod.bsky.social · 13h
If you can get at least 49 other patreon backers we will do it and you bet it will likely be the most enthusiastic episode of all time!
December 13, 2025 at 6:18 PM
perfectcircle77.bsky.social
More mince pies made because today is coming home day for my eldest and they love mince pies. Cannot wait to get my kid back 😁
A plate of mince pies, golden crust, filling and golden pastry stars on top
December 13, 2025 at 2:06 PM
perfectcircle77.bsky.social
Fuck’s sake, what is wrong with the BBC? It is ridiculous that Robin has been put in this position and leaving Monkey Cage. What a loss. But sure, the right wing will tell you how the BBC is pro trans, what a fucking joke.
robinince.bsky.social Robin Ince @robinince.bsky.social · 1d
Very sad that I felt I had no choice but to resign from The Infinite Monkey Cage - a victory for the transphobes and other bigots - I did it because so much of the media has chosen to believe the kind and empathetic people are a fiction - they are real and so often unrepresented.
This is the saddest day of my professional life. Today is not only the final recording of the latest series of The Infinite Monkey Cage, it is my last ever Monkey Cage. I never thought that I would have to leave the show. I always imagined going on until | dropped dead under the studio lights due to a brain aneurysm caused by my final attempt to understand notions of quantum gravity or the shock of being told about fly maggot infestations in the sacks of macaque monkeys. I resigned in September, after sixteen years of dedication to the show, A show that I named and helped develop over all those years. Unfortunately, my opinions outside the BBC have been considered problematic for sometime, whether it has been voicing support for the trans community, criticism of Donald Trump, numerous other outlandish opinions, including once gently criticising Stephen Fry. These things were considered to conflict with being a freelance BBC science presenter In a recent meeting where BBC Studio executives again voiced problems with me, I realised my choices. Obedience and being quieter to remain making Monkey Cage, or 'Resign and have the freedom to speak out against what I believe are injustices'. • I chose the latter. It broke my heart. I love this show and I love the audience, and it is because of the audience in particular, that this decision was so difficult to make. I kept thinking about all the extremist voices promoting hate and division. They are being given so many platforms, while voices that represent kindness, open mindedness, empathy seem to be scarcer and scarcer. I felt I couldn't pamper myself with the luxury of silence. One of my many privileges is that I am able to resign and I can speak out even if it is to the detriment of my career. I have thought a lot about my heroes, Sinead O Connor, James Baldwin, Audre Lorde, and so many more. I think of Sinead's words, "the job of an artist is to be themselves at any cost". James Baldwin said prejudice was really just a word for cowardice. Audre Lorde, viewing her life, wrote that her only regrets were her silences. I think of my father as I resign, he brought me up to believe in fairness , justice and kindness. Though my heart is broken, it is also full of fire. I apologise to our incredible listeners for my departure, your love of the show means a great deal. I am so sorry to let you down. I hope that you can understand my reasoning. I have to accept that I am not what the current BBC expects of their freelance presenters. Despite this I should add that I have always worked far more than my contracted hours to try and ensure the show was always the best it could be, as well as making myself accessible and responsive to the audience wherever and whenever I met them. Every night, we have recorded, I have been filled with determination to make the best show possible. This was not "just a job" I hope that with my departure I can be a better ally to the LGBTQ community, to the neurodivergent community, to activists fighting against those who aim to brutalise society, to those currently in prison on hunger strike, and to all those who fight for a more inclusive world. From many conversations, I know there are many Monkey Cage listeners who support these communities and activists too. The strawberry is dead. Long live the strawberry. B
December 13, 2025 at 9:58 AM
Reposted by Michelle
dorianlynskey.bsky.social
I challenge you to think of one thing you would less like to do
December 13, 2025 at 9:49 AM
perfectcircle77.bsky.social
Being a hi-viz hero at a cold #parkrun this morning for my 25th volunteer.
December 13, 2025 at 9:50 AM
Reposted by Michelle
soapachu.bsky.social
YES YOU STUPID FUCKS
December 12, 2025 at 9:24 AM
Reposted by Michelle
pennywpennyw.bsky.social
🔹🔷🟦 #FridayQuiz 🟦🔷🔹

🔹 Like, share and repost
🔹 Have a go and good luck!
🔹 Share your score below with a gif
🔹 Share the quiz with whoever you want!

Happy #Friday!

docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
December 12, 2025 at 4:37 AM
perfectcircle77.bsky.social
This is insane. Also, just because I am vocal online about my dislike of Trump and his friends, doesn’t mean my siblings or parents should be investigated or stopped from entering the country because of it. Always wanted to see NYC, I guess now I won’t.
simonmarksfsn.bsky.social Simon Marks @simonmarksfsn.bsky.social · 2d
This is the full list of info the US is proposing to require from applicants for an ESTA (electronic travel authorisation) to secure visa-free travel to America. This would apply to every UK holidaymaker, conference attendee or businessperson. public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2025-22461.pdf
December 11, 2025 at 9:18 PM
Reposted by Michelle
athenakugblenu.bsky.social
They shut down MOTD because Gary Lineker said these exact words about the far right in this country. These are unserious people and it was always going to be little too late when it comes to dealing with the far right agenda

www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
US engaging in ‘extreme rightwing tropes’ reminiscent of 1930s, British MPs warn
House of Commons calls on Keir Starmer to condemn Donald Trump’s ‘interference’ in European politics
www.theguardian.com
December 11, 2025 at 3:44 PM
Reposted by Michelle
dhothersall.bsky.social
"Protect our women and children" is the cry of the anti-immigrant and the anti-trans campaigners, yet the overwhelming majority of child sexual abuse in this country is by family members, and the biggest source of violence against women is domestic abuse. "Stranger danger" was always a diversion.
lizziedearden.bsky.social Lizzie Dearden @lizziedearden.bsky.social · 2d
“If you were a member of the public, you would think that grooming gangs is the biggest threat to children in our country,” says the director of Britain's Child Sexual Exploitation Taskforce

“But in the overall statistics, that represents just over 0.5% of offending”
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/10/w...
Britain Releases New Data on ‘Grooming Gangs’ and Child Sexual Abuse
www.nytimes.com
December 11, 2025 at 11:04 AM
Reposted by Michelle
jonnelledge.bsky.social
"A sense that something has broken does not entail questioning the decency or inventiveness of the British people (although, who among us). It’s got nothing to do with the soul of the people, but instead concerns the functioning of the state."

No, Prime Minister, Things Weren’t Fine Before
No, Prime Minister, Things Weren’t Fine Before
Also this week: some notes on an evil death monkey; and the interactive map of the Roman Empire you’ve always dreamed of.
jonn.substack.com
December 11, 2025 at 9:17 AM
Reposted by Michelle
biggreenbooks.bsky.social
IT'S WEDNESDAY!

It's #buyastrangerabook day.

The grooviest of all the days.

I'll give out THREE books.

FOR FREE.

If you'd like one, let me know.

Also, if you'd like to #BuyAStrangerABook too, let me know.

It's a thing! Look.

www.biggreenbookshop.com/stuff-you-mi...

UK only.
December 10, 2025 at 12:20 PM
perfectcircle77.bsky.social
Super informative, as Arthur’s pods generally are. Very much worth your time today.
December 10, 2025 at 10:32 AM
perfectcircle77.bsky.social
Hope my eldest gets a job with ESA after their degree because if they go to NASA I won’t be able to visit. JFC
clarajeffery.bsky.social Clara Jeffery @clarajeffery.bsky.social · 4d
This is INSANE www.nytimes.com/2025/12/09/t...

and these are our closest allies!
Travelers visiting the United States from countries like Britain, France, Germany and South Korea could soon have to undergo a review of up to five years of their social media history, according to a proposal filed on Tuesday by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The change would affect visitors eligible for the visa waiver program, which allows people from 42 countries to travel to the United States for up to 90 days without a visa as long as they first obtain electronic travel authorization. In a document filed on Tuesday in the Federal Register, C.B.P. said it plans to ask applicants for a long list of personal data including social media, email addresses from the last decade, and the names, birth dates, places of residence and birthplaces of parents, spouses, siblings and children. Under the current system, applicants from visa waiver countries must enroll in the Electronic System for Travel Authorization program. They pay $40 and submit an email address, home address, phone number and emergency contact information. The authorization is good for two years.
December 10, 2025 at 9:51 AM
perfectcircle77.bsky.social
Given that they did this to Shamima Begum and she didn’t even hold dual citizenship and wasn’t tried, this comes as no fucking surprise. Great to know they would deport my husband, (and probably my kids despite their lack of dual citizenship but their dad’s birthplace). Cunts.
December 9, 2025 at 12:53 PM
Reposted by Michelle
ohgodwhatnow.bsky.social
🚨OUT NOW🚨 Social media’s sewer pipe of white nationalism, conspiracy thought and violent far-right incitement is seeping into mainstream politics. But where is it all coming from? @zoegrunewald.bsky.social jumps into the hosting seat for the first time in our latest! 👉 linktr.ee/ohgodwhatnow...
December 9, 2025 at 11:38 AM
Reposted by Michelle
whittlebrfc.bsky.social
Perfect metaphor for the state Rovers are in now, almost glad it’s been laid bare for all to see. Need to get serious about Venkys Out now
December 6, 2025 at 4:47 PM
perfectcircle77.bsky.social
Splashy puddle filled #parkrun this morning. Two weeks off meant it was a little harder than usual but I went.
December 6, 2025 at 10:37 AM
Reposted by Michelle
davidleavitt.bsky.social
December 5, 2025 at 10:19 PM
perfectcircle77.bsky.social
I completely forgot the word ciabatta in the sandwich shop today and just had to stand there pathetically while she went through the list of bread until she said it. Probably need a new sandwich place now.
December 5, 2025 at 12:50 PM
Reposted by Michelle
brfcs.bsky.social
Listen to a whelming episode of the 4000 Holes podcast right here…your essential review of November’s topsy-turvyness. ⚪️🔵
Jekyll & Hyde, Player of the Month, Big Val Deep Dive, Festive Memories…& much more. 🌹🎄

www.brfcs.com/podcasts/the...
December 5, 2025 at 7:21 AM
Reposted by Michelle
pennywpennyw.bsky.social
🔹🔷🟦 #FridayQuiz 🟦🔷🔹

🔹 Like, share and repost
🔹 Have a go and good luck!
🔹 Share your score below with a gif
🔹 Share the quiz with whoever you want!

Happy #Friday!

docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
December 5, 2025 at 6:41 AM
Reposted by Michelle
ichnologist.bsky.social
And yes, I must link to the original video, and you must share it: I don't make the rules.

youtu.be/jPCJIB1f7jk?...
Lip Sync Battle - Tom Holland
YouTube video by Comedy Central Latinoamérica
youtu.be
December 3, 2025 at 1:27 PM
Reposted by Michelle
mattgreencomedy.com
My online show is now onsale! Your last chance to see my tour show live - from the comfort of your own home. This Sunday 7th December at 7pm. See you there!

Tickets are available here: ko-fi.com/s/3c9776c027
Ticket for Matt Green: Legitimate Concerns Zoom show on Sunday 7 December at 7pm (GMT) - Matt Green's Ko-fi Shop
A link to a Zoom show on Sunday 7th December at 7pm (GMT). The show will last around 1 hour 45 mins including an interval. When you purchase a tick...
ko-fi.com
December 2, 2025 at 12:14 PM
Reposted by Michelle
athenakugblenu.bsky.social
let me tell you what is wrong with the world. I saw a video on the BBC with the title "should 4 year olds use face masks". I obvs did not watch. Of course a 4 year old should not use a face mask. They don't need skincare. They need literacy. ffs. The space we make for drivel is going to destroy us
December 1, 2025 at 11:56 AM