Chris Kempshall

Very normal behaviour from what we are reliably told is the only functional democracy in the Middle East

The secret to the movie business, or any business, is to get a good education in a subject besides film-whether it's history, psychology, economics, or architecture-so you have something to make a movie about. All the skill in the world isn't going to help you unless you have something to say

This clip of George Lucas at SDCC (and compiled with excellent insights by @starwarsexplained.com) fits pretty perfectly with my favourite (and most used) Lucas quote...

youtube.com/shorts/VrnI5...

a black and white photo of a dark tunnel with a pink devil 's horns in the foreground . ALT: a black and white photo of a dark tunnel with a pink devil 's horns in the foreground .

Me whenever I finish literally any piece of writing or work.

Ah happy anniversary!

The sad realisation that 'start asking about Menin-gate' would have been a better and funnier joke at the end...

Yeah 100% and in the perfect medium for it as well. What they put together could only work in animation.

Well obviously, otherwise what's the point?

Just finished it. What an amazing and horrifying masterpiece.

Hegemonic masculinity *is* always in crisis, because it's a set of divisive assertions at odds with lived reality, constantly challenged by the shifting frontiers of real knowledge, committed to trying to make people be things they aren't, and forced to continually make up new excuses for itself.

Surprised its so low...

I've just realised that, with the end of my Presidency of the FIrst World War Society now on the horizon, I'm going to have to give up both the secret service detail and the plane. Fortunately a lucrative speaking tour will help but people will inevitably start asking about Somme-gate...

Ah yeah it is 'Love' and the young readers we spoke to did make a 'Heartstoppers' comparison.

We absolutely are!

Happy new episode day everyone!

This month we hear from some young readers about the book 'The Boy I Loved' and then discuss what both the book, and their responses, tell us about the place of the First World War in YA fiction. 🗃️

Only a little of the way through "The Rise and Fall of the Galactic Empire" (by @chriskempshall.bsky.social) and holy shit do I need many more in-universe history books like this.

Ah I'm really pleased you're enjoying it so much!

Oh amazing, thank you! If you ever feel a burning desire to leave a review for 'Rise and Fall' on Goodreads/Amazon etc then it'll be greatly appreciated!

Oh I loved both seasons of Andor. It would have appeared in this book in a big way! But I did get to include a fair amount of Andor related content/feel in 'Rise and Fall' so that's almost better!

Ah thank you! It’s a very cool but also very weird pathway!

Ah thanks, Eugen!

A copy of the book ‘The History and Politics of Star Wars’ on a yellow cushion.

It may have taken five years to write but on this day in 2022 my book ‘The History and Politics of Star Wars’ was published. Whilst I may never fully return to the academic field of ‘Star Wars Studies’ I’m very proud of my contribution. The very act of writing it changed my life.

Can’t help but reflect on the *5 years of strikes* we did to defend our pensions, on this, the day USS announce their £10 billion surplus.

Thread.

'Name some examples of bad things'

'Names some examples'

'Well if you're just going to use stuff like that ... also those only effect some people, so what's the big deal?'

Clearly a worthy debate. I'm sure there must be someone else out there besmirching His Majesty's Government for you to bother

Thank you human hiding behind a made up user name with a cartoon avatar for passing judgement on my knowledge and credentials. I am truly touched that such a clear intellectual genius has done so. I tip my hat at your good faith debating skills and moral vigour.

And yes I will blame Starmer for it. But I reckon you'll be alright. You're not someone operating in political good faith. You're a fan of the Labour Party. In the sme way people are of football teams. And hey that seems to be working for you. But I vote for what I believe in. So shrug. See ya.

of the rhetoric oftargeting the most vulnerable rather than actually tax the rich. I'll look at all of that and recognise that the Labour Party constantly chased the votes of right wing voters who would never support them but gave credence to the manifesto that Farage will use off the back of it.

No but I will look at my gay and trans friends who are further persecuted by the far right government that Starmer helped give cover to. I'll look at the immigrants who are targeted because of his governments language. And I'll look at the collapse of the welfare state because...

No because I have very little interest or tolerance for people who sealion. Which is what you're doing. You know the ones I mean because otherwise you wouldn't be reacting like this. But I don't owe you time, research, or interest just because you're 'just asking questions'.

But beyond that I have very little interest in your rationale. Bearing in mind you came here to me.