Christine Ferguson
@cferguson.bsky.social
Professor of English, specialising in Esotericism Studies,Victorian Literature, and History of Spiritualism & Occultism. Fan of Indian cinema and all things horror related. Based in Glasgow
Solidarity to all of Dundee’s workers as they strike in the face of some of most caricaturishly mismanagement this sector has seen to date (although god knows the competition is heating up). May this venerable institution survive and thrive; victory to the strikers!
Day 1 of our 5 day strike done. Thanks to STV for coming along and interviewing members.
Come and have a chat with us at the front of the Tower any day this week.
news.stv.tv/north/dundee...
Come and have a chat with us at the front of the Tower any day this week.
news.stv.tv/north/dundee...
November 11, 2025 at 7:36 AM
Solidarity to all of Dundee’s workers as they strike in the face of some of most caricaturishly mismanagement this sector has seen to date (although god knows the competition is heating up). May this venerable institution survive and thrive; victory to the strikers!
Reposted by Christine Ferguson
David Szalay has won the 2025 Booker Prize for his novel Flesh! Earlier this year I interviewed David (who is a lovely guy as well as a very fine author!) about this fantastic book for @englishstudies.bsky.social
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
The English Studies Interview with David Szalay: In Conversation with Dominic Dean
David Szalay is a Hungarian-British author. His first novel, London and the South East (2008), won the Betty Trask Award, while in 2016 All That Man Is was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize. Sza...
www.tandfonline.com
November 10, 2025 at 10:35 PM
David Szalay has won the 2025 Booker Prize for his novel Flesh! Earlier this year I interviewed David (who is a lovely guy as well as a very fine author!) about this fantastic book for @englishstudies.bsky.social
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
Reposted by Christine Ferguson
Do you think staff at the University of Dundee were misled when we were told there would be no redundancies? Or when he told us they hadn’t said there would be no redundancies?
November 10, 2025 at 8:36 PM
Do you think staff at the University of Dundee were misled when we were told there would be no redundancies? Or when he told us they hadn’t said there would be no redundancies?
Reposted by Christine Ferguson
Please share our posts with family, friends and collages and encourage them to give us a follow.
We’ll be posting regularly during the strike action until the end of Friday.
#SaveDundeeUni #SaveHR
We’ll be posting regularly during the strike action until the end of Friday.
#SaveDundeeUni #SaveHR
November 10, 2025 at 4:39 PM
Please share our posts with family, friends and collages and encourage them to give us a follow.
We’ll be posting regularly during the strike action until the end of Friday.
#SaveDundeeUni #SaveHR
We’ll be posting regularly during the strike action until the end of Friday.
#SaveDundeeUni #SaveHR
Reposted by Christine Ferguson
UK universities cannot thrive while continually cutting academic staff
No amount of wellness webinars, Lego play workshops, communal climbing events, bounce back sessions, desk yoga, jigsaw puzzle nights or Vice Chancellor's Special Awards for Resilience can change this
No amount of wellness webinars, Lego play workshops, communal climbing events, bounce back sessions, desk yoga, jigsaw puzzle nights or Vice Chancellor's Special Awards for Resilience can change this
November 10, 2025 at 8:30 AM
UK universities cannot thrive while continually cutting academic staff
No amount of wellness webinars, Lego play workshops, communal climbing events, bounce back sessions, desk yoga, jigsaw puzzle nights or Vice Chancellor's Special Awards for Resilience can change this
No amount of wellness webinars, Lego play workshops, communal climbing events, bounce back sessions, desk yoga, jigsaw puzzle nights or Vice Chancellor's Special Awards for Resilience can change this
Reposted by Christine Ferguson
pre-writing a devastating obituary for your enemy is god-tier hating of a kind you don’t often see anymore. renaissance haterism. beautiful stuff.
A Sharon Begley byline, almost 5 years after her death.
Upon hearing the news James Watson had died, a STAT reporter said in our Slack, "I wish I could read what Sharon would have written."
Incredible news: Sharon in fact did pre-write a Watson obit. And it is masterful and excoriating.
🧪🧬🧫
Upon hearing the news James Watson had died, a STAT reporter said in our Slack, "I wish I could read what Sharon would have written."
Incredible news: Sharon in fact did pre-write a Watson obit. And it is masterful and excoriating.
🧪🧬🧫
James Watson, dead at 97, was a scientific legend and a pariah among his peers
James Watson, the co-discoverer of the structure of DNA who died Thursday at 97, was a scientific legend and a pariah among his peers.
www.statnews.com
November 9, 2025 at 12:55 AM
pre-writing a devastating obituary for your enemy is god-tier hating of a kind you don’t often see anymore. renaissance haterism. beautiful stuff.
Reposted by Christine Ferguson
The ritual begins, as it always does, with a pilgrimage.
People pour in from the dense warrens of India’s financial capital and from dusty villages thousands of kilometers away, all flowing towards the fortified, sea-facing Mumbai home of actor Shah Rukh Khan.
People pour in from the dense warrens of India’s financial capital and from dusty villages thousands of kilometers away, all flowing towards the fortified, sea-facing Mumbai home of actor Shah Rukh Khan.
The last of India’s mythic superstars | CNN
The ritual begins, as it always does, with a pilgrimage.
www.cnn.com
November 9, 2025 at 5:03 AM
The ritual begins, as it always does, with a pilgrimage.
People pour in from the dense warrens of India’s financial capital and from dusty villages thousands of kilometers away, all flowing towards the fortified, sea-facing Mumbai home of actor Shah Rukh Khan.
People pour in from the dense warrens of India’s financial capital and from dusty villages thousands of kilometers away, all flowing towards the fortified, sea-facing Mumbai home of actor Shah Rukh Khan.
Reposted by Christine Ferguson
Remember that one man is the author of most of our problems. He's rich and he lives in a big house with his rich wife and he laughs it up most days. The people he demonised and punished struggle on. That's life and that's Britain.
November 8, 2025 at 10:29 AM
Remember that one man is the author of most of our problems. He's rich and he lives in a big house with his rich wife and he laughs it up most days. The people he demonised and punished struggle on. That's life and that's Britain.
Reposted by Christine Ferguson
Leicester University reviews 163 jobs, affecting geography, modern languages, history
Vice Chancellor Prof Canagarajah says "We care & offer support including mindfulness webinars & chance to apply for job that doesn’t exist
True peace of mind comes with severance"😉
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Vice Chancellor Prof Canagarajah says "We care & offer support including mindfulness webinars & chance to apply for job that doesn’t exist
True peace of mind comes with severance"😉
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
University of Leicester to consult on redundancies
University bosses are also planning to stop a number of courses.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 8, 2025 at 11:20 AM
Leicester University reviews 163 jobs, affecting geography, modern languages, history
Vice Chancellor Prof Canagarajah says "We care & offer support including mindfulness webinars & chance to apply for job that doesn’t exist
True peace of mind comes with severance"😉
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Vice Chancellor Prof Canagarajah says "We care & offer support including mindfulness webinars & chance to apply for job that doesn’t exist
True peace of mind comes with severance"😉
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Christine Ferguson
After squandering millions on Castle Meadows purchase, University of Nottingham is now axing modern languages & music
It also plans to cut its nursing programme
Leaders of the bungleocracy continue to draw handsome salaries
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
It also plans to cut its nursing programme
Leaders of the bungleocracy continue to draw handsome salaries
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Music and modern languages courses suspended at University of Nottingham
In a statement the institution also says it is
www.bbc.co.uk
November 7, 2025 at 8:37 AM
After squandering millions on Castle Meadows purchase, University of Nottingham is now axing modern languages & music
It also plans to cut its nursing programme
Leaders of the bungleocracy continue to draw handsome salaries
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
It also plans to cut its nursing programme
Leaders of the bungleocracy continue to draw handsome salaries
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Christine Ferguson
If you missed it, here’s the interim Principal talking about substantial future job cuts at University of Dundee.
He refers to the number of job losses recommended in the recovery plan. This is 390FTE with 340FTE via redundancies.
We believe redundancies are not necessary. #SaveHE #SaveDundeeUni
He refers to the number of job losses recommended in the recovery plan. This is 390FTE with 340FTE via redundancies.
We believe redundancies are not necessary. #SaveHE #SaveDundeeUni
November 5, 2025 at 7:56 PM
If you missed it, here’s the interim Principal talking about substantial future job cuts at University of Dundee.
He refers to the number of job losses recommended in the recovery plan. This is 390FTE with 340FTE via redundancies.
We believe redundancies are not necessary. #SaveHE #SaveDundeeUni
He refers to the number of job losses recommended in the recovery plan. This is 390FTE with 340FTE via redundancies.
We believe redundancies are not necessary. #SaveHE #SaveDundeeUni
Reposted by Christine Ferguson
News that further job cuts are coming is just another shocking revelation in a year when staff have been told one thing only to be told something different over the number of jobs to be cut and the need for compulsory redundancies.
DUCU co-president, Melissa D’Ascenzio
news.stv.tv/north/dundee...
DUCU co-president, Melissa D’Ascenzio
news.stv.tv/north/dundee...
University staff strikes set to continue amid job cut threats
Further strike action is expected from UCU members from November 10 next week amid a long running dispute with university bosses.
news.stv.tv
November 5, 2025 at 8:40 AM
News that further job cuts are coming is just another shocking revelation in a year when staff have been told one thing only to be told something different over the number of jobs to be cut and the need for compulsory redundancies.
DUCU co-president, Melissa D’Ascenzio
news.stv.tv/north/dundee...
DUCU co-president, Melissa D’Ascenzio
news.stv.tv/north/dundee...
Reposted by Christine Ferguson
We’re leading 5 days of industrial action at the University of Dundee.
We’re calling on all our members to participate in this action. You can join us on the picket line or strike from home. You can legally join the strike if you aren’t a member of a union
The people united will never be defeated.
We’re calling on all our members to participate in this action. You can join us on the picket line or strike from home. You can legally join the strike if you aren’t a member of a union
The people united will never be defeated.
November 5, 2025 at 11:23 AM
We’re leading 5 days of industrial action at the University of Dundee.
We’re calling on all our members to participate in this action. You can join us on the picket line or strike from home. You can legally join the strike if you aren’t a member of a union
The people united will never be defeated.
We’re calling on all our members to participate in this action. You can join us on the picket line or strike from home. You can legally join the strike if you aren’t a member of a union
The people united will never be defeated.
Reposted by Christine Ferguson
Nothing says “university in perfect health” quite like power struggles, toxic culture & intimidating senior management
Don’t worry -- external consultants advise that a few “clarified roles” & “shift away from blame culture” should fix things at University of Aberdeen
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Don’t worry -- external consultants advise that a few “clarified roles” & “shift away from blame culture” should fix things at University of Aberdeen
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
'Power struggles and toxic culture' at University of Aberdeen
A review says the structure at the University of Aberdeen is
www.bbc.co.uk
November 4, 2025 at 7:09 AM
Nothing says “university in perfect health” quite like power struggles, toxic culture & intimidating senior management
Don’t worry -- external consultants advise that a few “clarified roles” & “shift away from blame culture” should fix things at University of Aberdeen
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Don’t worry -- external consultants advise that a few “clarified roles” & “shift away from blame culture” should fix things at University of Aberdeen
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Christine Ferguson
That's really going to bring in the young voters.
So, Farage, in the same breath, has stated that:
Minimum wage should be cut for young people (currently at £10 an hour - oh the largesse!)
And
Young people earning over £100k a year should get tax cuts.
That tells you just about everything you need to know about where his priorities lie.
Minimum wage should be cut for young people (currently at £10 an hour - oh the largesse!)
And
Young people earning over £100k a year should get tax cuts.
That tells you just about everything you need to know about where his priorities lie.
Nigel Farage Says Minimum Wage Should Be Cut for Young People
The Reform leader said cutting the minimum wage for young people would boost business, as he attacked plans to raise taxes on the wealthy
bylinetimes.com
November 3, 2025 at 2:03 PM
That's really going to bring in the young voters.
I am reading The Captive by @nedbeauman.bsky.social ( writing as Kit Burgoyne) and it is so brilliant I am actively having to ration myself so I don’t inhale it all at once. His imagination is absolutely unparalleled; I thought it would be impossible to outdo Venomous Lumpsucker, but here we are
November 1, 2025 at 6:24 PM
I am reading The Captive by @nedbeauman.bsky.social ( writing as Kit Burgoyne) and it is so brilliant I am actively having to ration myself so I don’t inhale it all at once. His imagination is absolutely unparalleled; I thought it would be impossible to outdo Venomous Lumpsucker, but here we are
Reposted by Christine Ferguson
Labour has fallen to its lowest rating in a YouGov poll, with Green support at an all-time high, it has emerged
Labour at record low as Green support surges to all-time high, poll shows
www.thenational.scot
October 28, 2025 at 9:46 AM
Labour has fallen to its lowest rating in a YouGov poll, with Green support at an all-time high, it has emerged
Reposted by Christine Ferguson
'The BBC understands the redundancy proposals involve 166 full-time equivalent roles in professional services, 17 in leadership roles and 82 in academic positions.' 1/2
University of Derby facing 'perfect storm' of challenges
The BBC understands the redundancy plans could result in the loss of 265 full-time equivalent jobs.
www.bbc.co.uk
October 28, 2025 at 9:34 AM
'The BBC understands the redundancy proposals involve 166 full-time equivalent roles in professional services, 17 in leadership roles and 82 in academic positions.' 1/2
Full solidarity with the British Library's striking workers!
The British Library has long relied on the good will of its fabulous staff, whom it treats shockingly, pays derisorily and ignores as much as it can. Faced with a contemptible 2.6% pay offer, the staff has, unsurprisingly, had enough.
British Library workers are sick of poor pay, overwork, and feeling the fallout of a cyber-attack which left them vulnerable to identity theft and blackmail. Now, they are going on strike for a fortnight.
tribunemag.co.uk/2025/10/from...
tribunemag.co.uk/2025/10/from...
October 28, 2025 at 11:02 AM
Full solidarity with the British Library's striking workers!
Reposted by Christine Ferguson
My assumption is he means this test, which he treats as “they test to see how big my brain is” but that is instead used to test cognitive decline and even to look for damage post-stroke, correct?
![Text of a cognitive test —
MONTREAL COGNITIVE ASSESSMENT (MOCA)
Version 7.1 Original Version
VISUOSPATIAL / EXECUTIVE
End
Begin
B
NAME:
Education:
Sex:
Date of bith:
Copy cube
Draw CLOCK (Ten past eleven)
(3 points)
POINTS
[ ]
Contour
[ ]
Numbers
[ ]
Hands
NAMING
[]
[]
/3
MEMORY
Read list of words, subject must
repeat them. Do 2 trials, even if 1st trial is successful.
Do a recall after 5 minutes.
FACE
VELVET
CHURCH
DAISY
RED
1st trial
2nd trial
ATTENTION
Read list of digits (1 digit/ sec.).
Subject has to repeat them in the forward order
Subject has to repeat them in the backward order
(]21854
(J742
Read list of letters. The subject must tap with his hand at each letter A. No points if ≥ 2 errors
[ ] FBACMNAAJKLBAFAKDEA A AJAMOFA AB
Serial 7 subtraction starting at 100
[ ] 93
[] 86
[ ] 79
[] 72
[ ] 65
4 or 5 correct subtractions: 3 pts, 2 or 3 correct: 2 pts, 1 correct: 1 pt, 0 correct: 0 pt
LANGUAGE
Repeat: he Cat always hid underere couchel tendogs were in the room. ( 1
Fluency / Name maximum number of words in one minute that begin with the letter F
(N ≥ 11 words)
ABSTRACTION
DELAYED RECALL
Similarity between e.g. banana - orange = fruit
[ ] train - bicycle [ ] watch - ruler
Has to recall words
WITH NO CUE
FACE
VELVET
［］
CHURCH DAISY
RED
[]1
[ ]
11
Points for
UNCUED recall only
Optional
Category cue
Multiple choice cue
[ ] Date
[ ] Month
( ] Day
[ ] City
No points
/2
/1
/3
/2
_/1
_/2
/5
ORIENTATION
© Z.Nasreddine MD
Administered by:
( ] Year
www.mocatest.org
Normal 226 / 30
[ ] Place
TOTAL
_/6
_/30
Add 1 point if ≤ 12 yr edu](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:evum3ztvjvpmuc72fd5lhvjd/bafkreiflgwyveshtb6q2zp3afecco544bf6kim4vaspwv46dpbmhobsbjq@jpeg)
October 27, 2025 at 12:04 PM
My assumption is he means this test, which he treats as “they test to see how big my brain is” but that is instead used to test cognitive decline and even to look for damage post-stroke, correct?
Reposted by Christine Ferguson
"We don't even understand the methodology they're using to make these decisions about significant redundancies, significant reduction in course offerings, significant changes in the way that people are employed within the public university system".
#HigherEd
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10...
#HigherEd
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10...
University staff outraged as high-paid consultants work on redundancies
As Western Sydney University prepares to shed hundreds of staff due to its dire finances, leaked documents reveal it is paying consultants as much as $2,850 a day.
www.abc.net.au
October 27, 2025 at 6:47 AM
"We don't even understand the methodology they're using to make these decisions about significant redundancies, significant reduction in course offerings, significant changes in the way that people are employed within the public university system".
#HigherEd
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10...
#HigherEd
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10...
Reposted by Christine Ferguson
Alaska $25 million
Ballroom $300 million
Argentina $40 billion
Ballroom $300 million
Argentina $40 billion
October 24, 2025 at 3:03 PM
Alaska $25 million
Ballroom $300 million
Argentina $40 billion
Ballroom $300 million
Argentina $40 billion
Delighted by the result in Caerphilly. Now preparing for the hilarity of seeing English Labour politicians who spent the last few months performatively eating full Englishes on camera while draped in a St George’s flag complain about the dangers of nationalism.
October 24, 2025 at 6:08 AM
Delighted by the result in Caerphilly. Now preparing for the hilarity of seeing English Labour politicians who spent the last few months performatively eating full Englishes on camera while draped in a St George’s flag complain about the dangers of nationalism.
Reposted by Christine Ferguson
When the Gillies report was published, the expectation was that governance at the University of Dundee would improve.
In all truthfulness it’s got worse. Much worse.
In all truthfulness it’s got worse. Much worse.
October 22, 2025 at 7:02 PM
When the Gillies report was published, the expectation was that governance at the University of Dundee would improve.
In all truthfulness it’s got worse. Much worse.
In all truthfulness it’s got worse. Much worse.
Reposted by Christine Ferguson
