Sam Raine

Why would anyone choose to have their deepest concerns and worries raked over by algorithms? It's already weird enough that ads appear on my timeline related to recent conversations I've had with my partner.

Over time the two 'movements' merged with MAGA becoming the catch-all term. It's not surprising he's struggling to control the narrative, he chose to play with fire for his own ends and now it's consuming him.

Its worth remembering that Q-Anon predated MAGA, Trump seemed only vaguely aware of it during his first term but saw the opportunity to weaponise it for his own ends - and ended up radicalising himself - when he lost to Biden and further when he was out of office.

He’s basically a Magpie. He sees a shiny object and has to have it. Weird.

cartoon for the guardian by Stephen Collins - script as follows: [Scene is a darkened LOFT. Amongst the boxes and junk are FOUR KNACKERED OLD FANS - three tower fans and one circular, with cracked grey plastic and buttons missing. One fan, TOWER FAN 1, is a bit taller than the others, and is addressing them] 1 TOWER FAN 1: Right lads, get ready. 2 TOWER FAN 1: This is our time. 3 TOWER FAN 1: The time when we remember who we are, and why we’re here. 4 TOWER FAN 1: We are the four crap fans in a British person’s loft, and we are here to make absolutely no difference whatsoever. 5 TOWER FAN 1: I know what you’re thinking, lads: 6 TOWER FAN 1: Surely this will be the year they finally replace us? 7 TOWER FAN 1: Our plastic’s gone all brown... I haven’t oscillated since 2018... 8 TOWER FAN 1: Dave here sounds like a spitfire and blows like a sad cat’s sigh… TOWER FAN 2: Cheers mate 9 TOWER FAN 1: But no. These people are British, and every year, they forget the sun exists. By the time they remember, new fans will cost *four million pounds* on Amazon. 10 TOWER FAN 1: So we’ll be back down there... shovelling thick air across the moaning faces of a species that cannot comprehend the concept of air conditioning, or even just closing the curtains when it’s hot out... 11 TOWER FAN 1: ...while they incessantly bang on about normally hot countries which this country is now temporarily a bit hotter than. 12 [The loft hatch opens and a person comes up the ladder] PERSON: APPARENTLY IT’S HOTTER THAN GREECE, LISA

british fan chat

I’ve known a few old punks that have gone this way. Very bitter about the world.

If Putin attacks the US contractors will just leave. That’s why Zelenskyy wants guarantees.

I’ve only ever had a passing interest in Kendrick Lamar but after listening to Not Like Us I really hope I never have a falling out with the guy.

I often work in private schools. The facilities they offer to their students are incomparable to the public sector. The idea that they can’t afford to pay VAT is ridiculous.

So photoshopped its pointless.

For all the doubters, how are these not the same?

It’s highly likely that Musk has something on Trump. If the richest man in the world can’t get hold of the evidence who can?

I seem to have upset the Nigel Farage fan club - so let me be clear.

This man sows hate, lies and division.

He is a grifter and a conman.

He does not represent the vast majority of Britons.

Repost if you agree

P.s. multiculturalism is great.

Hollywood is on fire , yet still deniers clutch at straws to blame this on anything other than the real problem– climate breakdown . I’m petitioning for a ban on fossil fuel ads to take the fight to the companies who continue to exploit our fragile planet petition.parliament.uk/petitions/70...

I saw Senser at the George Robey around this time. Still one of the best gigs I’ve ever been to. I’d seen them before but they’d had a couple of months away from gigging to rehearse and refine their sound. Bloody hell they were good.

The electric bike/scooter hire company in my town has changed its name 3 times each with a new app and payment details. I’ve given up using them as each time it comes with complications. Shame as they were useful but it’s less hassle to wait for a bus now.

The fool hath planted in his memory
An army of good words

Good to know Bills on here. Haven’t heard from him for a while.

I didn’t join twitter till fairly late in the day, over lockdown in fact. I quickly gave up on it as a toxic cesspool and deleted my account, I can’t imagine what it must be like now. I’m enjoying Bluesky, seems friendly and positive - maybe a few too many cat pics but happy to be proved wrong.

It’s a great song but as a dad I do worry about the long term consequences of her decisions.

Wow, small world. I worked on a building in Queens Square recently. If I get the chance I’ll have a look at your dad’s work.

That depends what you want to do. I’m a carpenter, I enjoy working on old buildings and can make a good living. I live in Bath in the UK, which helps, and would love to work on a project such as Notre Dame.

All important but as a carpenter with an interest in heritage buildings I think it’s also vital that we inspire young people to go into trades and take pride in their work.

The money that paid for this hasn’t just been buried in a hole in the ground. It’s paid wages for thousands of craftspeople while training apprentices and supporting hundreds of businesses. Odd thing to moan about.