Belfast_Nomad
@belfastnomad.bsky.social
Academic interested in cities, regions, uneven development and public policy. Ice-hockey fan and reader of quality magazines and books. Movies, live music and travelling. PhD in Human Geography.
There are always borders of the mind.
In theory, ideas have no borders; in practice, they behave like real estate.
Check my new blog with Xiang & @neillee.bsky.social on the brutal #geography of #research. "Star" #scientists still cluster where the air is thickest with influence.
blogs.lse.ac.uk/impactofsoci... doi.org/10.1111/tran...
Check my new blog with Xiang & @neillee.bsky.social on the brutal #geography of #research. "Star" #scientists still cluster where the air is thickest with influence.
blogs.lse.ac.uk/impactofsoci... doi.org/10.1111/tran...
January 27, 2026 at 10:35 AM
There are always borders of the mind.
"The Power of the Dog" is epic, brutal and dark in equal measure. I love the story and its sweltering and violent geographical setting. It's probably true that the US Mexico border can be like hell on earth for those who are up to no good. @penguinbooksusa.bsky.social
January 24, 2026 at 10:37 PM
"The Power of the Dog" is epic, brutal and dark in equal measure. I love the story and its sweltering and violent geographical setting. It's probably true that the US Mexico border can be like hell on earth for those who are up to no good. @penguinbooksusa.bsky.social
I have been re-watching a lot of films recently. "Her" (2013), written & directed by #SpikeJonze was very touching. I like how it handled the impacts of technology on romantic relationships. A great character for Joaquin Phoenix to have played. He was so convincing and desperate.
January 24, 2026 at 10:32 PM
I have been re-watching a lot of films recently. "Her" (2013), written & directed by #SpikeJonze was very touching. I like how it handled the impacts of technology on romantic relationships. A great character for Joaquin Phoenix to have played. He was so convincing and desperate.
Nice one for also including the director's cut @88films.bsky.social. Great movie.
January 22, 2026 at 10:27 PM
Nice one for also including the director's cut @88films.bsky.social. Great movie.
Uhuh...
Trump has lost his mind. His speeches are insane, misspelled ravings about the 2020 election, filled with bad grammar and shotgun caps. If this guy were a mayor in Anytown, USA, he would be told politely but firmly to surrender the gavel and get medical help.
January 22, 2026 at 10:24 PM
Uhuh...
#MiamiVice remains one of the best TV shows I ever did see.
January 22, 2026 at 8:40 PM
#MiamiVice remains one of the best TV shows I ever did see.
#JonathanRaban was a very talented writer with an eye for the smallest details and an uncanny ability for incisive political commentary. It's all in #PassagetoJuneau
Another book I have revisited. I loved the journey.
Another book I have revisited. I loved the journey.
January 9, 2026 at 12:06 AM
#JonathanRaban was a very talented writer with an eye for the smallest details and an uncanny ability for incisive political commentary. It's all in #PassagetoJuneau
Another book I have revisited. I loved the journey.
Another book I have revisited. I loved the journey.
Reposted by Belfast_Nomad
The rate of global mean sea level rise has increased from ~2.1 mm/year in 1993 to ~4.5 mm/year in 2023. www.nature.com/articles/s43...
The rate of global sea level rise doubled during the past three decades - Communications Earth & Environment
Global mean sea level rise amounted to 4.5 mm per year as a result of warming oceans and melting land ice, more than twice the rate of 2.1 mm/year observed at the start of satellite data in 1993, base...
www.nature.com
January 3, 2026 at 9:18 PM
The rate of global mean sea level rise has increased from ~2.1 mm/year in 1993 to ~4.5 mm/year in 2023. www.nature.com/articles/s43...
Has #Venezuela just become Trump's biggest client state? @davidfrum.bsky.social @jerusalem.bsky.social
January 3, 2026 at 5:26 PM
Has #Venezuela just become Trump's biggest client state? @davidfrum.bsky.social @jerusalem.bsky.social
CCR's #FortunateSon has just taken on a whole new meaning @markhamillofficial.bsky.social @anneapplebaum.bsky.social 😳
January 3, 2026 at 4:25 PM
CCR's #FortunateSon has just taken on a whole new meaning @markhamillofficial.bsky.social @anneapplebaum.bsky.social 😳
I have gone back and read "How To Be A Liberal" by @iandunt.bsky.social. It hit me up as more relevant in this current age of anger.
I had almost forgotten about Benjamin Constant, such an important thinker.
I wonder who the Harriet Taylor of today is, someone like @jerusalem.bsky.social perhaps?
I had almost forgotten about Benjamin Constant, such an important thinker.
I wonder who the Harriet Taylor of today is, someone like @jerusalem.bsky.social perhaps?
January 3, 2026 at 4:15 PM
I have gone back and read "How To Be A Liberal" by @iandunt.bsky.social. It hit me up as more relevant in this current age of anger.
I had almost forgotten about Benjamin Constant, such an important thinker.
I wonder who the Harriet Taylor of today is, someone like @jerusalem.bsky.social perhaps?
I had almost forgotten about Benjamin Constant, such an important thinker.
I wonder who the Harriet Taylor of today is, someone like @jerusalem.bsky.social perhaps?
Reposted by Belfast_Nomad
#EU green spending can, some times, actually raise emissions, according to Marco Dueñas & Antoine Mandel in their brand new @regionalstudies.bsky.social paper.
Where #institutions are weak, #green budgets dissolve into near-term, high-emission expansion.
doi.org/10.1080/0034...
Where #institutions are weak, #green budgets dissolve into near-term, high-emission expansion.
doi.org/10.1080/0034...
December 29, 2025 at 9:47 AM
#EU green spending can, some times, actually raise emissions, according to Marco Dueñas & Antoine Mandel in their brand new @regionalstudies.bsky.social paper.
Where #institutions are weak, #green budgets dissolve into near-term, high-emission expansion.
doi.org/10.1080/0034...
Where #institutions are weak, #green budgets dissolve into near-term, high-emission expansion.
doi.org/10.1080/0034...
Stunning photo! Better than the ones I took! 😳
Looking out from the North Rim of the Grand Canyon as a thunderstorm starts to bubble up in the distance on a warm summer day.
Nikon D750, 24-70mm lens at 30mm, f2.8, ISO100, 1/2000 second
Nikon D750, 24-70mm lens at 30mm, f2.8, ISO100, 1/2000 second
December 20, 2025 at 12:25 PM
Stunning photo! Better than the ones I took! 😳
Reposted by Belfast_Nomad
The paradox of the #SEZ: its greatest strength—its distinctness—is frequently its fatal flaw.
As Kimura (@oecdlocal.bsky.social) argues, to be transformative rather than an expensive vanity, zones must shed their insularity and link fortunes to the broader regional economy.
doi.org/10.1787/4373...
As Kimura (@oecdlocal.bsky.social) argues, to be transformative rather than an expensive vanity, zones must shed their insularity and link fortunes to the broader regional economy.
doi.org/10.1787/4373...
December 20, 2025 at 8:50 AM
The paradox of the #SEZ: its greatest strength—its distinctness—is frequently its fatal flaw.
As Kimura (@oecdlocal.bsky.social) argues, to be transformative rather than an expensive vanity, zones must shed their insularity and link fortunes to the broader regional economy.
doi.org/10.1787/4373...
As Kimura (@oecdlocal.bsky.social) argues, to be transformative rather than an expensive vanity, zones must shed their insularity and link fortunes to the broader regional economy.
doi.org/10.1787/4373...
On the strength of a passionate recommendation from @ryan-holiday.bsky.social and from having read Conrad's "Heart of Darkness" a few times, I now have "The River of Doubt". An Amazonian expedition is the last thing I'd expect an ex-President to do! Looks like I'm in for one hell of a journey.
December 13, 2025 at 2:03 PM
On the strength of a passionate recommendation from @ryan-holiday.bsky.social and from having read Conrad's "Heart of Darkness" a few times, I now have "The River of Doubt". An Amazonian expedition is the last thing I'd expect an ex-President to do! Looks like I'm in for one hell of a journey.
Reposted by Belfast_Nomad
Remembering the late 🇺🇸 American actor, film director and screenwriter #JohnCassavetes (9 December 1929 – 3 February 1989) born #OnThisDay in New York City
December 9, 2025 at 1:26 PM
Remembering the late 🇺🇸 American actor, film director and screenwriter #JohnCassavetes (9 December 1929 – 3 February 1989) born #OnThisDay in New York City
One great album and a super cool movie from the #90s, the decade I go back to a lot.
#TheProdigy was on fire. Jonas Åkerlund's music video for "Smack My Bitch Up" was unsettling.
#TheMask was unlike anything I had ever seen before - it was the beginning of CGI. Jim Carrey was incredible.
#TheProdigy was on fire. Jonas Åkerlund's music video for "Smack My Bitch Up" was unsettling.
#TheMask was unlike anything I had ever seen before - it was the beginning of CGI. Jim Carrey was incredible.
December 9, 2025 at 10:55 AM
One great album and a super cool movie from the #90s, the decade I go back to a lot.
#TheProdigy was on fire. Jonas Åkerlund's music video for "Smack My Bitch Up" was unsettling.
#TheMask was unlike anything I had ever seen before - it was the beginning of CGI. Jim Carrey was incredible.
#TheProdigy was on fire. Jonas Åkerlund's music video for "Smack My Bitch Up" was unsettling.
#TheMask was unlike anything I had ever seen before - it was the beginning of CGI. Jim Carrey was incredible.
The Worst Person in the World ( #Verdensverstemenneske) is the third film in Joachim Trier's #OsloTrilogy. It's a very moving story about a woman navigating a quarter-life crisis. Not knowing what or who she wants frustrates her and those around her, except for her very understanding mum. #Mubi.
December 8, 2025 at 12:48 AM
The Worst Person in the World ( #Verdensverstemenneske) is the third film in Joachim Trier's #OsloTrilogy. It's a very moving story about a woman navigating a quarter-life crisis. Not knowing what or who she wants frustrates her and those around her, except for her very understanding mum. #Mubi.
Reposted by Belfast_Nomad
It is easy to #green an old model; it is much harder to admit the model is broken. Sedita, @larscoenen.bsky.social & @dfkogler.bsky.social argue in @regionalstudies.bsky.social for a fundamental rethinking the policy scaffolding. #Innovation must serve a #sustainable future. doi.org/10.1080/0034...
December 5, 2025 at 11:08 AM
It is easy to #green an old model; it is much harder to admit the model is broken. Sedita, @larscoenen.bsky.social & @dfkogler.bsky.social argue in @regionalstudies.bsky.social for a fundamental rethinking the policy scaffolding. #Innovation must serve a #sustainable future. doi.org/10.1080/0034...
I do enjoy an insightful collection of essays - "Dead and Alive" by @zadiesmith.bsky.social is just that. Mine is a lovely signed hardback from Hamish Hamilton/ @penguinbooksuk.bsky.social
November 30, 2025 at 2:02 PM
I do enjoy an insightful collection of essays - "Dead and Alive" by @zadiesmith.bsky.social is just that. Mine is a lovely signed hardback from Hamish Hamilton/ @penguinbooksuk.bsky.social
"Witness for the Prosecution" (1957) with the brilliant Charles Laughton as Sir Wilfrid Robarts Q.C. It is one of the best postwar trial movies. I have been a fan since I first accidentally stumbled across it all those years ago. It was directed by Billy Wilder.
November 30, 2025 at 10:36 AM
"Witness for the Prosecution" (1957) with the brilliant Charles Laughton as Sir Wilfrid Robarts Q.C. It is one of the best postwar trial movies. I have been a fan since I first accidentally stumbled across it all those years ago. It was directed by Billy Wilder.
And there's the issue of AI - what if it really is a bubble?
Around 70% of the U.S. economy depends on consumer spending. As wealth concentrates in the richest 10%, the rest of America can’t afford to buy enough to keep the economy running. This is a huge problem — and even America’s most powerful CEOs are starting to sound the alarm.
Our Economy Is in Danger. Here’s Why
Robert Reich
www.youtube.com
November 30, 2025 at 10:28 AM
And there's the issue of AI - what if it really is a bubble?
Reposted by Belfast_Nomad
Why do you appreciate unions?
I’ll start:
Weekends off
Paid vacations
Work breaks
Sick leave
Paid holidays
No child labor
Safer working conditions
Health care and retirement benefits
I’ll start:
Weekends off
Paid vacations
Work breaks
Sick leave
Paid holidays
No child labor
Safer working conditions
Health care and retirement benefits
November 30, 2025 at 1:08 AM
Why do you appreciate unions?
I’ll start:
Weekends off
Paid vacations
Work breaks
Sick leave
Paid holidays
No child labor
Safer working conditions
Health care and retirement benefits
I’ll start:
Weekends off
Paid vacations
Work breaks
Sick leave
Paid holidays
No child labor
Safer working conditions
Health care and retirement benefits
Reposted by Belfast_Nomad
#Brussels keeps learning the same lesson over and over again: money can build bridges but not love.
@mbayerlein.bsky.social & Diermeier show in the Journal of Comparative Economics that people back #Brussels not when it expects loyalty but when it delivers #progress. doi.org/10.1016/j.jc...
@mbayerlein.bsky.social & Diermeier show in the Journal of Comparative Economics that people back #Brussels not when it expects loyalty but when it delivers #progress. doi.org/10.1016/j.jc...
November 29, 2025 at 8:05 AM
#Brussels keeps learning the same lesson over and over again: money can build bridges but not love.
@mbayerlein.bsky.social & Diermeier show in the Journal of Comparative Economics that people back #Brussels not when it expects loyalty but when it delivers #progress. doi.org/10.1016/j.jc...
@mbayerlein.bsky.social & Diermeier show in the Journal of Comparative Economics that people back #Brussels not when it expects loyalty but when it delivers #progress. doi.org/10.1016/j.jc...
Reposted by Belfast_Nomad
COP30 overpromised, underdelivered, empowered distractions, backtracked on issues and once again gave big oil and big ag a free pass.
Unfortunately, the suspicions of climate scientists (here in Brazil and abroad) were confirmed again.
Unfortunately, the suspicions of climate scientists (here in Brazil and abroad) were confirmed again.
November 22, 2025 at 7:47 PM
COP30 overpromised, underdelivered, empowered distractions, backtracked on issues and once again gave big oil and big ag a free pass.
Unfortunately, the suspicions of climate scientists (here in Brazil and abroad) were confirmed again.
Unfortunately, the suspicions of climate scientists (here in Brazil and abroad) were confirmed again.