Ian Falkingham

Excellent piece on what the reaction to the mansion tax tells us about whose voices get listened to in this country… and whose do not.

Good Gifts 2025 Use your Secret Santa or present giving to support charities, museums and small businesses.

Planning to start your Christmas shopping this weekend?

I've got you covered with over 100 links to charities, museums and small businesses selling interesting things which will bring joy not landfill.

#GoodGifts

Two black and white cats curl up in their baskets beside a large radiator

Keith and Betty have the weekend sorted.

From the company that brought you the baby milk scandal and whose CEO tried to tell you that access to water wasn’t a human right. Boycott Nestle.

Small deer in the woods

Deer dear

The world’s first trillionaire initiated a move that has left more than half a million people dead, most of whom are children.

A duckling looks up towards the camera

Lovely shot

A large black and white cat looks crossly towards the camera

And cats… Keith will not brook any delay in the delivery of breakfast no. 1

One great thing to see at the Cincinnati #NoKings rally was lots of people engaging with local organizations that had tables – there were political organizers, labor unions, charitable organizations, human rights groups. Looking for a next step? Reach out to your local organizations.

It won’t be meaningful until he faces a courtroom.

A heron stands in shallow water in which his reflection is clearly visible

Heron

A wall covered in bright green moss and fallen leaves, with a fast flowing river behind

Autumn colours

There may be a Stingray cover too if you look at that in a future episode.

YouTube video by Chocosphere1 The Lost T-Shirts of Atlantis - Fireball XL5

Well, I just have to share this cover of the Fireball XL-5 theme by the much missed Lost T-Shirts of Atlantis… not sure it will change @lizbethmyles.bsky.social’ mind though 😉 youtu.be/jrWds1ENZWg?...

“Conservatism consists of exactly one proposition, to wit: There must be in-groups whom the law protects but does not bind, alongside out-groups whom the law binds but does not protect” Francis Wilhoit (but he didn’t make it rhyme).

Very sad to hear this. He was the greatest poet we had.

Farewell Amazon Fresh: the no tills thing was all a bit too awkward | Jason Okundaye The ‘just walk out’ innovation promised frictionless shopping – but these days, maybe we all need a bit less tech in our lives, says assistant newsletter editor Jason Okundaye

Farewell Amazon Fresh: the no tills thing was all a bit too awkward | Jason Okundaye

This book is essential reading. Really recommend to anyone concerned about what is happening as we slide towards authoritarianism.

I mean… Ghosts… has to be in there (but immediately googles to find where he can watch Bilko in the UK).

Steve Earle is officially the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry!

Watch Steve’s induction at the link below.

youtu.be/w7cltuw2vwM?...

Yes, we are. Also, while I like some of the new SW stuff (Andor and Ashoka) I also think it’s fine that new Star Wars is for 12 year olds now and not me.

That is amazing!

Liberal Britain has not been in such danger in 50 years The resistible rise of the Trumpite right

Liberal Britain has not been in such danger in my lifetime
Piece from me on the abysmal failure of Conservatives and Labour to take down Nigel Farage

open.substack.com/pub/nickcohe...

A bright plastic toy in the form of a princess sits on the plinth of a much larger bronze statue of an older man

Friendship

A cat peeps out from behind the leaves of a hosta

Hiding from the paparazzi

Extremism sweeps the British right Trump envy, mudbloods and the new fanaticism

The authentically English way to deal with right-wing fanatics is to tell them to "fuck off".
Piece from me on conservatives' macabre racial obsessions
open.substack.com/pub/nickcohe...

EU's 27 countries struggle to find a united voice on Gaza EU foreign policy decisions have to be unanimous, so one objection can block the EU from taking action.

The Commission stated the evident: Israel is breaching the EU-Israel Association Agreement. Acknowledging human rights violations is easy. Acting is harder. The EU must suspend the agreement to save lives in Gaza. Our Middle East Humanitarian Advisor talks to the BBC: www.bbc.com/news/article...

Timothy Snyder Speaks, ep. 10: Pompeo or Pompeii? Climate Security is National Security Podcast Episode · Timothy Snyder speaks · 15/05/2019 · 12m

It’s from 2018 but listen to this explanation of how Trump’s administration ignores real threats in favour of treating national security as part of the entertainment industry (by Timothy Snyder). podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/t...

An all-together very odd book.

It's a fantastic book - download it - buy it - or just borrow it and read it. The Dust Bowl Triolgy are worth the effort.