Posted inUncategorized
I Leave Twitter
The thing that finally prompted me actually to close my Twitter account was seeing something on Bluesky that said that Elon Musk had changed the terms and conditions to require…
Posted inUncategorized
Et Ecce Terrae Motus
I can’t remember how this bit of music got into my life. I’ve been listening to it every now and again since I had a CD player – and I think I may have bought it for no other reason than it was cheap and looked intriguing. But it has always carried me away to somewhere mystical. I’ve never spotted a performance of it anywhere, and it occurred to me that I know nothing whatever about it apart from its name. So here’s a what I found out with a bit of googling, AI and editing.
Posted inUncategorized
Why I’m Bitter about Twitter
Twitter was fun while it lasted, and it lasted a long time. But nothing lasts forever, and especially in online media, nothing is in a vacuum. What happens outside a…
Posted inUncategorized
Trump wins and I feel elated
Donald Trump speaks at an event about his plan for defeating current President Joe Biden Although I didn’t want Trump to win, and I can see a lot of downsides…
Posted inUncategorized
Bournville by Jonathan Coe
Jonathan Coe is a British novelist and writer known for his satirical and often politically charged works. Born on 19 August 1961 in Birmingham, England, Coe has garnered acclaim for his ability to blend humour with incisive social commentary.
Posted inTolkien
Rings of Power Season 2: 1-3
Despite improvements in writing and longer story segments, this series struggles to overcome its inherited plot issues. While not as bad as feared, it remains slow and unengaging. Poor lighting in dark scenes further detracts from the experience. Overall, it's hardly compelling, but curiosity may keep some viewers watching.
Posted inModern Life
The Decline and Fall of the House of Twitter
I first encountered Twitter at a 2008 science blogging conference, where it was hailed as the future of real-time data sharing. Initially, it was a vibrant platform for news and friendships, but over time, it became less enjoyable, especially post-Musk takeover. Now, I’m moving on to Bluesky.
Posted inDrama
Douglas Is Cancelled
"Douglas Is Cancelled" on ITV is a masterpiece of television. With a gripping plot, brilliant script, and outstanding performances, it explores how we navigate a world where every moment can be recorded. Addressing current issues like sexism and toxic masculinity, this four-hour series is both thought-provoking and highly entertaining.
Posted inHistorical Documents World War 2
The Liberation of Paris
The Liberation of Paris, 80 years ago, holds personal significance as my grandfather participated in it. Though not a tale of heroic combat, his role driving supplies to the front lines offers a unique perspective on this historic event. It shaped his life, turning him into a lifelong Francophile and influencing his post-war travels across France, Belgium, and Switzerland.
Posted inC20th
Showbiz Anecdote and the Kind of Person who becomes a Reform Activist
In the summer of 1983 I became the first member of my family to be awarded a degree. I returned to the seaside town I grew up in with the letters BSc(Hons) after my name. I then became the first member of my family to sign up on the dole. The poor economic prospects of the inhabitants of coastal resorts are fairly well known nowadays, but back then it was something that was obvious enough if you lived in one but which weren’t that well known in the rest of the country. But nonetheless it was a frustrating time. The only source of work I had access to was the Job Centre which offered the odd paid gig for which there was considerable competition. I did a bit of moving of office furniture.