Nicola Whyte

How other countries do student debt better As graduates from England struggle under crippling levels of debt, Mary Downer looks at the alternatives

How other countries do student debt better

www.thetimes.com/article/076c....

You'll be amazed how satisfying this is.

It really would. The arts are not just a huge part of this country's global output, but most at risk from the AI they're forcing down everyone's throats.

Should artists get a basic income like they do in Ireland? Could the government pay salaries to musicians and artists - no strings attached like they do in Ireland?

I had no idea this was a thing in Ireland. Recognising the value of artistic development and output. Extraordinary.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

The way this would save so many of us.

I came to Minneapolis to report on what's going on, and one of the main questions I showed up with is "just what is the scale of the resistance?" After all, we're all used to the news calling Portland a "war zone" or whatever when it's just some protests in one part of town.

What's the deal with Bluesky age verification? I'm really reluctant to upload a face scan or a photo of my ID, but it won't accept any payment card. I'd quite like access to my chats again.

I think a lot of people who don't often write (or who just don't care) understand how easy it is to spot "AI" text once you've been exposed to it. It's gotten to the point that I can look at a piece of "AI" writing and tell if it was written by ChatGPT or some other LLM. They have "house styles."

This afternoon, I'm watching Dial M for Murder followed by Rear Window while eating a massive bag of Doritos. Ending the year as on brand as possible.

Love seeing people carrying random chairs home from the charity shop in the run up to Christmas. People making room for others during the season.

The Batman: 'They think I'm hiding in the shadows...'
me, watching The Batman for the first time: say i AM the shadows, say i AM the shadows
The Batman: '... but I AM the shadows.'
me: YESSSSSSSS

This looks amazing! Congratulations!

A new copy of my hardback book The Grapples Of Wrath, which shows a striped deckchair (on the beach in front of Brighton pier). There is a lucha mask hanging from the back corner, and it’s dripping what appears to be blood

It’s here! My new book is out in three weeks and it looks very nice! Pls buy:
uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-...

Back on his favourite hogweed this morning.

#nature #wildlife #kingfisher #riverlea #hackney #ukbirds #birds

Third day in a row of being told 'in 24 hours...' 🤬

No, I had to have a clue too. I thought everything must mean something but no... tricksy devils!

Forget the pyjamas and the hearts and the lounging position. It is simply the colour she is wearing...

That one was ridiculous. I can clue if you need?

This whole thread is AMAZING.

The dog... the real clue is the tag on his collar. The rest only made sense after I got it!

12 is good - it's a tough year! I needed a couple of clues, so very happy to share if anyone needs any.

20/20 - hurrah! And yes, the last couple did take a village. Book friends are the best friends. #hiddenbooksgame

Up to 13/20. This is fine. FINE. #hiddenbooksgame

Play the Hidden Books Game from National Book Tokens! Guess all 20 book titles hidden in the picture.

Hidden Books Game 2025! My favourite game of the year.
hiddenbooks.nationalbooktokens.com?competition=22

Trying to switch to a new phone contract and my phone's been bricked all day. There is no way in hell my number is porting 'by midnight' is there? 😑

Green pendant of a little man, possibly African tribal symbol, on a thick silver chain

People of London! PLEASE SHARE. I lost my necklace last night (10th Nov), and I'm hoping someone has found it. I caught the Northern Line from High Barnet to Leicester Square, then walked to the Prince Charles Cinema, then the same back again. I only noticed it was gone when I got home.

I think it’s important to talk about how being a mother can affect your writing time, though. In my case I can say I had a very supportive and self employed husband who did a lot, but I still wrote most of my early books between 11pm and 1am when no one would interrupt me.

Is this it? Are we finally en route to fix the timeline???

Reading is food for your mind. Like food, different reading choices serve different purposes. Some books are read for pleasure; some to satisfy a need. Some are like junk food; great as long as that's not all you eat. Some help to counter an imbalance in knowledge or experience. Variety is the key.