David
@dnewman.bsky.social
Reposted by David
Our annual reading guide returns with 380+ new titles handpicked by NPR staff and trusted critics. Find 13 years of recommendations all in one place — that's more than 4,000 great reads. n.pr/44gSAPS
Books We Love
Here are 380+ great reads from 2025 handpicked just for you by NPR staffers and trusted critics.
n.pr
November 24, 2025 at 9:10 PM
Our annual reading guide returns with 380+ new titles handpicked by NPR staff and trusted critics. Find 13 years of recommendations all in one place — that's more than 4,000 great reads. n.pr/44gSAPS
Reposted by David
A typically maddening thread/post from Michael!
This week the government announced that it wanted to ensure development next to train stations gets an automatic yes.
There’s one area near London where that won’t be happening.
And it’s home to a motorway that will soon be – by law – beautiful.
There’s one area near London where that won’t be happening.
And it’s home to a motorway that will soon be – by law – beautiful.
November 24, 2025 at 9:20 PM
A typically maddening thread/post from Michael!
Reposted by David
And the way you make that happen is you email surreyhillsaonbboundaryreview@naturalengland.org.uk .
Normally, these consultations get a few hundred respondents. More people will read this thread and its friends.
Let’s make the M25 ugly again.
Normally, these consultations get a few hundred respondents. More people will read this thread and its friends.
Let’s make the M25 ugly again.
November 23, 2025 at 9:04 AM
And the way you make that happen is you email surreyhillsaonbboundaryreview@naturalengland.org.uk .
Normally, these consultations get a few hundred respondents. More people will read this thread and its friends.
Let’s make the M25 ugly again.
Normally, these consultations get a few hundred respondents. More people will read this thread and its friends.
Let’s make the M25 ugly again.
Reposted by David
Good Lord is it that time of the parliament again already?
A final decision on how to repair Britain’s crumbling parliament is likely to be postponed beyond the next general election, according to four people familiar with the matter.
Final decision on fate of crumbling UK parliament delayed to 2030s
It’s a fire-hazard that’s prone to tumbling masonry — but fear of a public backlash is again delaying repairs to the world famous building.
www.politico.eu
November 15, 2025 at 2:55 PM
Good Lord is it that time of the parliament again already?
Reposted by David
stylised version of @garethdennis.uk's British Isles HSR proposal from Railnatter 222 (+ schematic mockup of the GB network)
October 28, 2025 at 7:03 PM
stylised version of @garethdennis.uk's British Isles HSR proposal from Railnatter 222 (+ schematic mockup of the GB network)
Reposted by David
The Palace of Westminster is literally going to either burn down, kill someone, or both because spending money to save it is perceived as so politically toxic.
October 22, 2025 at 10:21 PM
The Palace of Westminster is literally going to either burn down, kill someone, or both because spending money to save it is perceived as so politically toxic.
Reposted by David
HS2 link to West Coast Main Line delayed for four years on.ft.com/3Jbb7WA
HS2 link to West Coast Main Line delayed for four years
Britain’s most troubled rail project forced to postpone work connecting new line with the north
on.ft.com
October 22, 2025 at 4:26 AM
HS2 link to West Coast Main Line delayed for four years on.ft.com/3Jbb7WA
Reposted by David
I hope it is clear that no one is more tired of this war than Ukrainians are, and no one wants it to end more.
Being attacked, especially by a country that razes our cities, abducts our children, and leaves torture chambers and mass graves everywhere it occupies, even briefly,
Being attacked, especially by a country that razes our cities, abducts our children, and leaves torture chambers and mass graves everywhere it occupies, even briefly,
October 18, 2025 at 10:00 AM
I hope it is clear that no one is more tired of this war than Ukrainians are, and no one wants it to end more.
Being attacked, especially by a country that razes our cities, abducts our children, and leaves torture chambers and mass graves everywhere it occupies, even briefly,
Being attacked, especially by a country that razes our cities, abducts our children, and leaves torture chambers and mass graves everywhere it occupies, even briefly,
Reposted by David
For World Mental Health Day, I wanted to share a bit of my journey.
Two years ago, I came off anti-depressants. Things were going well for me and I was in a better position to deal with life's challenges. Over the last half-year in particular, my situation has changed.
I made an appointment 1/5
Two years ago, I came off anti-depressants. Things were going well for me and I was in a better position to deal with life's challenges. Over the last half-year in particular, my situation has changed.
I made an appointment 1/5
October 10, 2025 at 8:52 PM
For World Mental Health Day, I wanted to share a bit of my journey.
Two years ago, I came off anti-depressants. Things were going well for me and I was in a better position to deal with life's challenges. Over the last half-year in particular, my situation has changed.
I made an appointment 1/5
Two years ago, I came off anti-depressants. Things were going well for me and I was in a better position to deal with life's challenges. Over the last half-year in particular, my situation has changed.
I made an appointment 1/5
Reposted by David
Latest stats on greenbelt land published today - I think people are always surprised by this map, which shows that the large majority of land across England is neither built up, nor greenbelt. Most of it's just ordinary, unprotected farmland. www.gov.uk/government/s...
October 9, 2025 at 10:22 AM
Latest stats on greenbelt land published today - I think people are always surprised by this map, which shows that the large majority of land across England is neither built up, nor greenbelt. Most of it's just ordinary, unprotected farmland. www.gov.uk/government/s...
Reposted by David
More than 30 tabs? More than 30 groups of tabs more like!
How many browsing tabs do you typically have open?*
1: 6%
2-5: 54%
6-10: 14%
11-20: 8%
21-30: 2%
More than 30: 3%
*across all windows, on desktop/laptop
yougov.co.uk/topics/techn...
1: 6%
2-5: 54%
6-10: 14%
11-20: 8%
21-30: 2%
More than 30: 3%
*across all windows, on desktop/laptop
yougov.co.uk/topics/techn...
October 8, 2025 at 5:47 PM
More than 30 tabs? More than 30 groups of tabs more like!
Reposted by David
Not nearly enough is made of the incredibly impressive feat Indian Railways has made to electrify almost 100% of its 135,000km of track, while also growing renewable sourcing. Huge:
timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/ind...
timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/ind...
Indian Railways to achieve net zero targets in 2025 itself - 5 years ahead of 2030 goal - Times of India
India Business News: Indian Railways is set to achieve net-zero targets by year-end, surpassing its 2030 goal through extensive electrification. Aiming for 95% electric tr
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
October 5, 2025 at 7:25 AM
Not nearly enough is made of the incredibly impressive feat Indian Railways has made to electrify almost 100% of its 135,000km of track, while also growing renewable sourcing. Huge:
timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/ind...
timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/ind...
Reposted by David
Name your Comfort TV Show.
September 30, 2025 at 9:32 AM
Name your Comfort TV Show.
Reposted by David
I am living groundhog decade today. NPR delayed, Andy Burnham can’t understand why his pre conference leadership platforming is being reported as pre platform leadership platforming, why hasn’t this tram been built, levelling up announcement
September 25, 2025 at 9:48 AM
I am living groundhog decade today. NPR delayed, Andy Burnham can’t understand why his pre conference leadership platforming is being reported as pre platform leadership platforming, why hasn’t this tram been built, levelling up announcement
'But the architect of the cancellation of HS2 Phase 2, Andrew Gilligan, recently wrote a report for the centre right think tank Policy Exchange, calling for Northern Powerhouse Rail to be scrapped.'
Shocker
Shocker
September 24, 2025 at 6:42 PM
'But the architect of the cancellation of HS2 Phase 2, Andrew Gilligan, recently wrote a report for the centre right think tank Policy Exchange, calling for Northern Powerhouse Rail to be scrapped.'
Shocker
Shocker
Reposted by David
It's Star Trek Day eve, and to celebrate I hosted a feast! 😋
I've been working on this idea for years, so it's fun to see it become a reality! 🤩
Happy #StarTrek Day! 🖖🏻
I'll add close ups in the comments for anyone who wants to take a closer look 👀
I've been working on this idea for years, so it's fun to see it become a reality! 🤩
Happy #StarTrek Day! 🖖🏻
I'll add close ups in the comments for anyone who wants to take a closer look 👀
September 8, 2025 at 1:29 AM
It's Star Trek Day eve, and to celebrate I hosted a feast! 😋
I've been working on this idea for years, so it's fun to see it become a reality! 🤩
Happy #StarTrek Day! 🖖🏻
I'll add close ups in the comments for anyone who wants to take a closer look 👀
I've been working on this idea for years, so it's fun to see it become a reality! 🤩
Happy #StarTrek Day! 🖖🏻
I'll add close ups in the comments for anyone who wants to take a closer look 👀
Reposted by David
Zelenskyy just answered Ukrainian journalists' questions in Washington DC. It is noticeable that he can't say much, but he seems calm and satisfied with the meeting overall. Here are the key points:
(Thread) 1/..
(Thread) 1/..
August 18, 2025 at 11:44 PM
Zelenskyy just answered Ukrainian journalists' questions in Washington DC. It is noticeable that he can't say much, but he seems calm and satisfied with the meeting overall. Here are the key points:
(Thread) 1/..
(Thread) 1/..
Reposted by David
Curious take on the by-election that will now be held following the sad death of Hefin David. The 2024 Act provides for #Senedd reform for 2026 election onwards *and* as a transitional provision ensures that the previous electoral rules for the Senedd elected in 2021 are in place until early 2026
An obscure sub-section of a law passed in 2024 means that a Senedd by-election will have to be held following the tragic death of Caerphilly Labour MS Hefin David’s death this week ✍️Martin Shipton
By-election to be held in Caerphilly following sudden death of MS Hefin David
Martin Shipton An obscure sub-section of a law passed in 2024 means that a Senedd by-election will have to be held following the tragic death of Caerphilly Labour MS Hefin David’s death this week. Dr ...
wp.me
August 14, 2025 at 9:54 PM
Curious take on the by-election that will now be held following the sad death of Hefin David. The 2024 Act provides for #Senedd reform for 2026 election onwards *and* as a transitional provision ensures that the previous electoral rules for the Senedd elected in 2021 are in place until early 2026
Reposted by David
Looking forward to Labour announce a huge and fast-paced programme of investment in sustainable mobility and planning policy to stop people ending up in car-dependent places.
*insert Anakin/ Padme meme here*
*insert Anakin/ Padme meme here*
Over-70s face driving ban for failing eye tests
Over-70s face driving ban for failing eye tests
The proposed changes in England and Wales come after a coroner calls the UK's licensing system the "laxest in Europe".
www.bbc.com
August 11, 2025 at 6:24 AM
Looking forward to Labour announce a huge and fast-paced programme of investment in sustainable mobility and planning policy to stop people ending up in car-dependent places.
*insert Anakin/ Padme meme here*
*insert Anakin/ Padme meme here*
Reposted by David
In 2022 I received the wholesome DM in the image on the left on the Other Site, tonight I received the one on the right 🥹🥹🥹🥹
August 4, 2025 at 8:08 PM
In 2022 I received the wholesome DM in the image on the left on the Other Site, tonight I received the one on the right 🥹🥹🥹🥹
Reposted by David
My latest, exploring with numbers how the millennial household budget is basically incomprehensible to retired boomers.
WASPInomics and the magic avocado tree
Why boomers struggle to make sense of the millennial world.
open.substack.com
July 29, 2025 at 7:29 AM
My latest, exploring with numbers how the millennial household budget is basically incomprehensible to retired boomers.
Reposted by David
It's like done here in Wales. TAM lines done, Rhymney progressing (currently north of Hengoed), Bay branch half done. Then what? All that expertise and kit should then do the Penarth, VOG, Barry Island, Ebbw Vale and Maesteg branches. Then onto Swansea. But no. It will all just go.
July 2, 2025 at 5:59 AM
It's like done here in Wales. TAM lines done, Rhymney progressing (currently north of Hengoed), Bay branch half done. Then what? All that expertise and kit should then do the Penarth, VOG, Barry Island, Ebbw Vale and Maesteg branches. Then onto Swansea. But no. It will all just go.
Reposted by David
On rail funding the SoS for Wales told conference:
“For years the Tories peddled their lies and false promises on rail. Chronically underfunding Wales. Conference, we’ve put an end to that.”
My keyboard has almost caught fire from how quickly I’m writing the next news letter.
“For years the Tories peddled their lies and false promises on rail. Chronically underfunding Wales. Conference, we’ve put an end to that.”
My keyboard has almost caught fire from how quickly I’m writing the next news letter.
June 28, 2025 at 9:53 AM
On rail funding the SoS for Wales told conference:
“For years the Tories peddled their lies and false promises on rail. Chronically underfunding Wales. Conference, we’ve put an end to that.”
My keyboard has almost caught fire from how quickly I’m writing the next news letter.
“For years the Tories peddled their lies and false promises on rail. Chronically underfunding Wales. Conference, we’ve put an end to that.”
My keyboard has almost caught fire from how quickly I’m writing the next news letter.
Reposted by David
A quick post CSR blog re rail and Wales...
swalesmetroprof.blog/2025/06/12/p...
swalesmetroprof.blog/2025/06/12/p...
Post CSR, Rail Investment and Wales
A brief reaction to the UK Governments 2025 Comprehensive Spending Review – and its impact on rail investment in Wales
swalesmetroprof.blog
June 12, 2025 at 7:31 PM
A quick post CSR blog re rail and Wales...
swalesmetroprof.blog/2025/06/12/p...
swalesmetroprof.blog/2025/06/12/p...