Nicola
@craftybookworm.bsky.social
Loves cats, the rain, books, making stuff, and mending old things.
Writes a bit, does some needlework, covered in ink and wrangles pain all the time. Will talk about Eddie the kitten, and Henry his predecessor at length.
Writes a bit, does some needlework, covered in ink and wrangles pain all the time. Will talk about Eddie the kitten, and Henry his predecessor at length.
Funeral was as OK as could be expected. Had totally forgotten how weirdly insistent some strangers can be about your health, esp standing out wearing a mask, and not looking sick. Meh, wasn’t there for them
The pain-hangover is really kicking in tho
The pain-hangover is really kicking in tho
February 9, 2026 at 10:54 PM
Funeral was as OK as could be expected. Had totally forgotten how weirdly insistent some strangers can be about your health, esp standing out wearing a mask, and not looking sick. Meh, wasn’t there for them
The pain-hangover is really kicking in tho
The pain-hangover is really kicking in tho
Reposted by Nicola
SNP: four-year high-profile investigation into missing £660K.
Tories: £3.6m unaccounted for. Nothing to see here.
Farage's UKIP/Reform: various issues. Nothing to see here.
Starmer: made Mandelson Ambassador to US. Sky falls in on him.
Are the British media perhaps a little biased?
Tories: £3.6m unaccounted for. Nothing to see here.
Farage's UKIP/Reform: various issues. Nothing to see here.
Starmer: made Mandelson Ambassador to US. Sky falls in on him.
Are the British media perhaps a little biased?
February 9, 2026 at 3:28 PM
SNP: four-year high-profile investigation into missing £660K.
Tories: £3.6m unaccounted for. Nothing to see here.
Farage's UKIP/Reform: various issues. Nothing to see here.
Starmer: made Mandelson Ambassador to US. Sky falls in on him.
Are the British media perhaps a little biased?
Tories: £3.6m unaccounted for. Nothing to see here.
Farage's UKIP/Reform: various issues. Nothing to see here.
Starmer: made Mandelson Ambassador to US. Sky falls in on him.
Are the British media perhaps a little biased?
Reposted by Nicola
This idea that Starmer is the worst PM in the last 20 years is nonsense. At least 4 Tory PM’s are considerably worse and have done more damage to our country. One actually broke our economy after being in power for only days. We compared her to lettuce. Some people have seriously short memories.
February 9, 2026 at 3:14 PM
This idea that Starmer is the worst PM in the last 20 years is nonsense. At least 4 Tory PM’s are considerably worse and have done more damage to our country. One actually broke our economy after being in power for only days. We compared her to lettuce. Some people have seriously short memories.
Reposted by Nicola
Person who named apples: okay boss, I got a real good one lined up.Check this out "Golden Delicious"
Their boss: Oh yeah, that's the stuff. And this is for the tastiest apple of all? A beautiful colour, wonderful texture, and delicious sharp tang?
Person who named apples: Lol, lmao. No
Their boss: Oh yeah, that's the stuff. And this is for the tastiest apple of all? A beautiful colour, wonderful texture, and delicious sharp tang?
Person who named apples: Lol, lmao. No
February 8, 2026 at 5:17 AM
Person who named apples: okay boss, I got a real good one lined up.Check this out "Golden Delicious"
Their boss: Oh yeah, that's the stuff. And this is for the tastiest apple of all? A beautiful colour, wonderful texture, and delicious sharp tang?
Person who named apples: Lol, lmao. No
Their boss: Oh yeah, that's the stuff. And this is for the tastiest apple of all? A beautiful colour, wonderful texture, and delicious sharp tang?
Person who named apples: Lol, lmao. No
Reposted by Nicola
the most impactful thing Elon Musk has ever done or will ever do regarding science and innovation in this country is illegally cut billions of dollars of research funds for literally no reason
February 8, 2026 at 3:01 AM
the most impactful thing Elon Musk has ever done or will ever do regarding science and innovation in this country is illegally cut billions of dollars of research funds for literally no reason
It’s Truss isn’t it… Unless Johnson was two timing with his oligarchs
There are no good mental images here. Do not set forth upon that road.
February 8, 2026 at 12:52 AM
It’s Truss isn’t it… Unless Johnson was two timing with his oligarchs
Reposted by Nicola
One horrific game you should definitely not play is ranking them in order of likelihood. Because once you've crossed off Brown and May, the mental images start getting really bad
February 8, 2026 at 12:06 AM
One horrific game you should definitely not play is ranking them in order of likelihood. Because once you've crossed off Brown and May, the mental images start getting really bad
I rarely go out and certainly don’t go out wearing ‘best’ clothes so I’ve figured out that my overcoat is the one covered in Henry fur & discovered that my only black bag and pashmina have his predecessor, Lysander’s, fur on them.
Having them feels a bit like armour
Having them feels a bit like armour
February 7, 2026 at 4:25 PM
I rarely go out and certainly don’t go out wearing ‘best’ clothes so I’ve figured out that my overcoat is the one covered in Henry fur & discovered that my only black bag and pashmina have his predecessor, Lysander’s, fur on them.
Having them feels a bit like armour
Having them feels a bit like armour
Just had a thought that made me very queasy.
These powerful men in the Epstein files, they won’t have stopped indulging their predilections, so who is their ‘fixer’ now.
There’s a likelihood that children are still at risk
These powerful men in the Epstein files, they won’t have stopped indulging their predilections, so who is their ‘fixer’ now.
There’s a likelihood that children are still at risk
February 7, 2026 at 11:59 AM
Just had a thought that made me very queasy.
These powerful men in the Epstein files, they won’t have stopped indulging their predilections, so who is their ‘fixer’ now.
There’s a likelihood that children are still at risk
These powerful men in the Epstein files, they won’t have stopped indulging their predilections, so who is their ‘fixer’ now.
There’s a likelihood that children are still at risk
Reposted by Nicola
I find it fascinating that this article repeats the opinion that it is inappropriate that Eugenie founded a charity to tackle sex trafficking but is anyone asking *why* she founded it.
Not just saying. Very pointedly saying.
Not just saying. Very pointedly saying.
#BBCNews - Their parents are in disgrace, what now for Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie?
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Their parents are in disgrace, what now for Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie?
The princesses will need to step out from their parents' shadow if they are to be an active part of the Royal Family.
www.bbc.co.uk
February 7, 2026 at 10:00 AM
I find it fascinating that this article repeats the opinion that it is inappropriate that Eugenie founded a charity to tackle sex trafficking but is anyone asking *why* she founded it.
Not just saying. Very pointedly saying.
Not just saying. Very pointedly saying.
Reposted by Nicola
A lot of racists in UK media & politics are currently limbering up to hold Donald Trump to an infinitely lower moral standard than they did Gary Lineker.
Starting with Farage, inevitably…
Starting with Farage, inevitably…
February 7, 2026 at 9:09 AM
A lot of racists in UK media & politics are currently limbering up to hold Donald Trump to an infinitely lower moral standard than they did Gary Lineker.
Starting with Farage, inevitably…
Starting with Farage, inevitably…
Back from the vet, hopefully Eddie will perk up soon. He was very sad and droopy which is so out of character.
At least we still have all the food, kitty lucozade and probiotics from Henry, so he is getting full belt and braces.
At least we still have all the food, kitty lucozade and probiotics from Henry, so he is getting full belt and braces.
February 7, 2026 at 10:10 AM
Back from the vet, hopefully Eddie will perk up soon. He was very sad and droopy which is so out of character.
At least we still have all the food, kitty lucozade and probiotics from Henry, so he is getting full belt and braces.
At least we still have all the food, kitty lucozade and probiotics from Henry, so he is getting full belt and braces.
Reposted by Nicola
Just because good news is worth celebrating:
There is now a Prep medication that is an *every six month* injection.
HIV has, effectively, a vaccination.
There is now a Prep medication that is an *every six month* injection.
HIV has, effectively, a vaccination.
February 7, 2026 at 12:12 AM
Just because good news is worth celebrating:
There is now a Prep medication that is an *every six month* injection.
HIV has, effectively, a vaccination.
There is now a Prep medication that is an *every six month* injection.
HIV has, effectively, a vaccination.
Lucy has a tummy bug which she’s given to Eddie. He seems a little happier this morning but it has been a long night and at one point he refused to look at either of us after we tried to give him the logic paste (which I definitely think I still have in my hair)
February 7, 2026 at 8:11 AM
Lucy has a tummy bug which she’s given to Eddie. He seems a little happier this morning but it has been a long night and at one point he refused to look at either of us after we tried to give him the logic paste (which I definitely think I still have in my hair)
Reposted by Nicola
So you had a dual stitch up — the Russian/American oligarchs around Farage and Johnson, and the Russian/American oligarchs around Mandelson. Leave or remain, they didn’t want their contacts investigated. So Brexit went ahead.
Lots of things are beginning to make sense now. Given Mandelson’s role in the People’s Vote, and his proximity to Epstein and his MAGA/Russian ties, no wonder they dismissed @carolecadwalla.bsky.social on Cambridge Analytica/Vote Leave and our joint investigation into Russian interference
February 6, 2026 at 11:59 PM
So you had a dual stitch up — the Russian/American oligarchs around Farage and Johnson, and the Russian/American oligarchs around Mandelson. Leave or remain, they didn’t want their contacts investigated. So Brexit went ahead.
Reposted by Nicola
💥 GOOD.
Because that £240 million contract gifted to Palantir, with no competition…
…after Starmer had an off-the-books meeting with Mandelson and Palantir…
…while Mandelson was officially LOBBYING FOR Palantir and so personally financially benefiting from such links and contracts…
Stinks.
Because that £240 million contract gifted to Palantir, with no competition…
…after Starmer had an off-the-books meeting with Mandelson and Palantir…
…while Mandelson was officially LOBBYING FOR Palantir and so personally financially benefiting from such links and contracts…
Stinks.
February 6, 2026 at 9:32 AM
💥 GOOD.
Because that £240 million contract gifted to Palantir, with no competition…
…after Starmer had an off-the-books meeting with Mandelson and Palantir…
…while Mandelson was officially LOBBYING FOR Palantir and so personally financially benefiting from such links and contracts…
Stinks.
Because that £240 million contract gifted to Palantir, with no competition…
…after Starmer had an off-the-books meeting with Mandelson and Palantir…
…while Mandelson was officially LOBBYING FOR Palantir and so personally financially benefiting from such links and contracts…
Stinks.
Still no phone call, shocker 🙄
Currently waiting on a callback that I was told would happen within 24 hours yesterday. I’ve 2 hours to go & I have doubts as to whether that will happen.
I mean, ofc I wanted to have my anxiety and pain ratcheted up at a time when I am trying to be calm and preserve my energy for Monday’s funeral
I mean, ofc I wanted to have my anxiety and pain ratcheted up at a time when I am trying to be calm and preserve my energy for Monday’s funeral
February 6, 2026 at 3:59 PM
Still no phone call, shocker 🙄
Reposted by Nicola
Ok UK media - oh so scandalised by Mandelson - when are you going to be scandalised by US interference in our democracy? Epstein, Farage, Bannon, Vance, Thiel, Musk, Trump, Brexit, Heritage Foundation, the funding of far right populism to collapse our govts….??
After you’ve helped their collapse?
After you’ve helped their collapse?
Remember the controversy when Obama was accused of intervening in UK politics? This is the current US government openly seeking to undermine liberal democracy in Europe.
February 6, 2026 at 9:08 AM
Ok UK media - oh so scandalised by Mandelson - when are you going to be scandalised by US interference in our democracy? Epstein, Farage, Bannon, Vance, Thiel, Musk, Trump, Brexit, Heritage Foundation, the funding of far right populism to collapse our govts….??
After you’ve helped their collapse?
After you’ve helped their collapse?
Reposted by Nicola
Me, on arousal, for @thehousemag.bsky.social.
Political arousal, that is.
www.politicshome.com/opinion/arti...
Political arousal, that is.
www.politicshome.com/opinion/arti...
The Professor Will See You Now: Arousal
Lessons in political science. This week: arousal
www.politicshome.com
February 6, 2026 at 11:50 AM
Me, on arousal, for @thehousemag.bsky.social.
Political arousal, that is.
www.politicshome.com/opinion/arti...
Political arousal, that is.
www.politicshome.com/opinion/arti...
Reposted by Nicola
Written by Bush President x 2 speech writer
February 6, 2026 at 10:35 AM
Written by Bush President x 2 speech writer
It’s worth remembering that in the last Trump govt, our ambassador Kim Darroch was forced to resign after confidential reports were leaked to the Brexit party and Trump had a hissyfit because it said he was inept & insecure.
Have written about a week where the hypocrisy of much of the media was laid bare (and address mine).
I also write about the truth Starmer cannot say: he appointed Mandelson to the court of Trump not in spite of the Epstein connection but in a sense, because of it. open.substack.com/pub/goodalla...
I also write about the truth Starmer cannot say: he appointed Mandelson to the court of Trump not in spite of the Epstein connection but in a sense, because of it. open.substack.com/pub/goodalla...
What Starmer cannot say
The hypocrisy, in so many directions, the Epstein files reveal of the Westminster and the media class
open.substack.com
February 6, 2026 at 12:30 PM
It’s worth remembering that in the last Trump govt, our ambassador Kim Darroch was forced to resign after confidential reports were leaked to the Brexit party and Trump had a hissyfit because it said he was inept & insecure.
Currently waiting on a callback that I was told would happen within 24 hours yesterday. I’ve 2 hours to go & I have doubts as to whether that will happen.
I mean, ofc I wanted to have my anxiety and pain ratcheted up at a time when I am trying to be calm and preserve my energy for Monday’s funeral
I mean, ofc I wanted to have my anxiety and pain ratcheted up at a time when I am trying to be calm and preserve my energy for Monday’s funeral
February 6, 2026 at 12:23 PM
Currently waiting on a callback that I was told would happen within 24 hours yesterday. I’ve 2 hours to go & I have doubts as to whether that will happen.
I mean, ofc I wanted to have my anxiety and pain ratcheted up at a time when I am trying to be calm and preserve my energy for Monday’s funeral
I mean, ofc I wanted to have my anxiety and pain ratcheted up at a time when I am trying to be calm and preserve my energy for Monday’s funeral
Reposted by Nicola
This is astounding.
February 6, 2026 at 8:39 AM
This is astounding.
Reposted by Nicola
you got what now
February 6, 2026 at 5:57 AM
you got what now
Reposted by Nicola
Weird and almost universal revisionism today. Even at the time, it was pretty clear that Mandelson wasn't appointed *despite* his dodgy links but *because* of them. Trump's Washington is a dirty swamp. Mandelson was deemed a man able to swim in it. This wasn't a secret. Everybody said it out loud.
February 4, 2026 at 8:55 PM
Weird and almost universal revisionism today. Even at the time, it was pretty clear that Mandelson wasn't appointed *despite* his dodgy links but *because* of them. Trump's Washington is a dirty swamp. Mandelson was deemed a man able to swim in it. This wasn't a secret. Everybody said it out loud.