Tom ⬛️
@drtomjones.bsky.social
Rugby (XIIIs & XVs) • Power tools by Stihl • Shoes by George Cox • Books by John Connolly • Music by The National • Bikes by Indian Motorcycles • Movies by Roland Emmerich • Food by Tankuma • Data by John Burn-Murdoch • House in Queensland • Heart in Osaka
Reposted by Tom ⬛️
Sadly amusing that it took Haaretz to pick up on this line by Albanese
February 10, 2026 at 9:40 AM
Sadly amusing that it took Haaretz to pick up on this line by Albanese
Reposted by Tom ⬛️
The #CPI2025 shows a clear gap between democracies & authoritarian regimes. Full democracies score 71 out of 100 on average, while authoritarian states score just 32. This underlines the importance of independent institutions.
➡️ Full analysis here: anticorru.pt/3gD
➡️ Full analysis here: anticorru.pt/3gD
February 10, 2026 at 9:39 AM
The #CPI2025 shows a clear gap between democracies & authoritarian regimes. Full democracies score 71 out of 100 on average, while authoritarian states score just 32. This underlines the importance of independent institutions.
➡️ Full analysis here: anticorru.pt/3gD
➡️ Full analysis here: anticorru.pt/3gD
45-50% of Americans own passports. Historically, 35-45% vote in the midterms.
www.abc.net.au/news/2018-11...
www.abc.net.au/news/2018-11...
February 10, 2026 at 10:01 AM
45-50% of Americans own passports. Historically, 35-45% vote in the midterms.
www.abc.net.au/news/2018-11...
www.abc.net.au/news/2018-11...
Looks absolutely barking mad. Like something out of the middle ages.
February 10, 2026 at 9:27 AM
Looks absolutely barking mad. Like something out of the middle ages.
So far ahead of its time ... 🤣
February 9, 2026 at 10:23 PM
So far ahead of its time ... 🤣
Who knew that someone who said “it is an entire nation out there that is responsible” could create social divisions?
Albo, in a field of incompetent leaders, you really are doing your best to fall to their level.
www.amnesty.org.au/act-now/aust...
Albo, in a field of incompetent leaders, you really are doing your best to fall to their level.
www.amnesty.org.au/act-now/aust...
Australia must investigate President Herzog for genocide
Israeli President Isaac Herzog is due to arrive in Australia on February 8, following an official invitation from the Australian Government. With this
www.amnesty.org.au
February 9, 2026 at 10:17 PM
Who knew that someone who said “it is an entire nation out there that is responsible” could create social divisions?
Albo, in a field of incompetent leaders, you really are doing your best to fall to their level.
www.amnesty.org.au/act-now/aust...
Albo, in a field of incompetent leaders, you really are doing your best to fall to their level.
www.amnesty.org.au/act-now/aust...
I'm not sure about this curve, to be honest with you. I reckon the more you learn about something, the more you realise how little you know.
February 9, 2026 at 8:57 AM
I'm not sure about this curve, to be honest with you. I reckon the more you learn about something, the more you realise how little you know.
Reposted by Tom ⬛️
The Daily Telegraph currently owned by a private equity vehicle RedBird IMI - based in the UAE and led by Italian American Gerry Cardinale and Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Patriotic news. For patriotic people. Who don't want to pay taxes.
Patriotic news. For patriotic people. Who don't want to pay taxes.
February 8, 2026 at 9:34 AM
The Daily Telegraph currently owned by a private equity vehicle RedBird IMI - based in the UAE and led by Italian American Gerry Cardinale and Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Patriotic news. For patriotic people. Who don't want to pay taxes.
Patriotic news. For patriotic people. Who don't want to pay taxes.
Invasion threat = “takeover”?
February 7, 2026 at 2:45 AM
Invasion threat = “takeover”?
And let’s not forget that with the cut to three, there’ll be fewer opportunities for those kids to play with the pros, so they too will look at a future outside Wales. It’s never been about the pathway, it’s about the money at the top end.
February 7, 2026 at 2:40 AM
And let’s not forget that with the cut to three, there’ll be fewer opportunities for those kids to play with the pros, so they too will look at a future outside Wales. It’s never been about the pathway, it’s about the money at the top end.
For the umpteenth time, Welsh rugby players' mental fragilities cost us another victory. Still, when you're being told your not good enough by your own governing body, that's going to take a toll.
February 6, 2026 at 9:42 PM
For the umpteenth time, Welsh rugby players' mental fragilities cost us another victory. Still, when you're being told your not good enough by your own governing body, that's going to take a toll.
Six Nations is always heavily influenced by who plays home and who plays away. After all, it is half a competition. And the draw certainly favours the French this season.
February 5, 2026 at 10:05 PM
Six Nations is always heavily influenced by who plays home and who plays away. After all, it is half a competition. And the draw certainly favours the French this season.
Ireland's bench had an impact in that period. Yes. But I saw them finishing stronger than Ireland. Every team has periods of attack and defence, but the difference in skill levels – and most importantly, pace – was marked.
February 5, 2026 at 10:03 PM
Ireland's bench had an impact in that period. Yes. But I saw them finishing stronger than Ireland. Every team has periods of attack and defence, but the difference in skill levels – and most importantly, pace – was marked.
France .... different gravy. Pace, handling, agility ... all seeking space. Ireland, cheap shots, 38 phases of big fellas running into each other.
Gimme more French rugby!
Gimme more French rugby!
February 5, 2026 at 9:58 PM
France .... different gravy. Pace, handling, agility ... all seeking space. Ireland, cheap shots, 38 phases of big fellas running into each other.
Gimme more French rugby!
Gimme more French rugby!
Less income from international games because they can't sell tickets.
Fewer investors in club rugby because the Union wants to control everything.
More international class players playing outside Wales, so reduced preparation times for coaches.
What could possibly go wrong?
Fewer investors in club rugby because the Union wants to control everything.
More international class players playing outside Wales, so reduced preparation times for coaches.
What could possibly go wrong?
February 5, 2026 at 11:51 AM
Less income from international games because they can't sell tickets.
Fewer investors in club rugby because the Union wants to control everything.
More international class players playing outside Wales, so reduced preparation times for coaches.
What could possibly go wrong?
Fewer investors in club rugby because the Union wants to control everything.
More international class players playing outside Wales, so reduced preparation times for coaches.
What could possibly go wrong?
WRU lose £4m in unsold tickets. They turn away potential Hollywood investors in the game in Wales. They alienate local councils.
Meanwhile, LNR Increase the salary cap to €11m.
The WRU remain master strategists.
4 => 3 => 2=> 1 => 0 #CountdownToExtinction
www.eurosport.fr/rugby/top-14...
Meanwhile, LNR Increase the salary cap to €11m.
The WRU remain master strategists.
4 => 3 => 2=> 1 => 0 #CountdownToExtinction
www.eurosport.fr/rugby/top-14...
www.eurosport.fr
February 5, 2026 at 9:58 AM
WRU lose £4m in unsold tickets. They turn away potential Hollywood investors in the game in Wales. They alienate local councils.
Meanwhile, LNR Increase the salary cap to €11m.
The WRU remain master strategists.
4 => 3 => 2=> 1 => 0 #CountdownToExtinction
www.eurosport.fr/rugby/top-14...
Meanwhile, LNR Increase the salary cap to €11m.
The WRU remain master strategists.
4 => 3 => 2=> 1 => 0 #CountdownToExtinction
www.eurosport.fr/rugby/top-14...
There's some interesting data here on the rate of public facilities [for visitors]. I wonder what the rate is in Fujiyoshida?
thegatewithbriancohen.com/public-toile...
thegatewithbriancohen.com/public-toile...
Public Toilets: Which Countries and Cities Have the Most — and Which Ones Have the Fewest?
With regard to public toilets: which countries and cities have the most — and which ones have the fewest? The answer...
thegatewithbriancohen.com
February 5, 2026 at 3:57 AM
There's some interesting data here on the rate of public facilities [for visitors]. I wonder what the rate is in Fujiyoshida?
thegatewithbriancohen.com/public-toile...
thegatewithbriancohen.com/public-toile...
“We need to build social cohesion in this country,” Albanese said, arguing the Israeli president’s visit is intended to foster “a greater sense of unity”.
Regardless of what you think about Herzog, how on earth will his visit foster "a greater sense of unity"?
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
Regardless of what you think about Herzog, how on earth will his visit foster "a greater sense of unity"?
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
Who is Israel’s president Isaac Herzog and why is his visit to Australia expected to prompt mass protests?
Herzog has been invited by the government on the basis of healing wounds after the Bondi attack, but some fear his visit will simply provoke further division
www.theguardian.com
February 5, 2026 at 3:46 AM
“We need to build social cohesion in this country,” Albanese said, arguing the Israeli president’s visit is intended to foster “a greater sense of unity”.
Regardless of what you think about Herzog, how on earth will his visit foster "a greater sense of unity"?
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
Regardless of what you think about Herzog, how on earth will his visit foster "a greater sense of unity"?
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
A “free” press is a myth
Today should be another reminder that when billionaires take control of vital platforms for communication, it’s not a win for free speech or "free markets."
It’s a win for oligarchy.
It’s a win for oligarchy.
Truly hilarious headline from the Bezos-owned Washington Post yesterday.
Never, ever let the guys who control half the wealth in America and just got billions of dollars in tax breaks tell you we shouldn't tax the rich.
Never, ever let the guys who control half the wealth in America and just got billions of dollars in tax breaks tell you we shouldn't tax the rich.
February 4, 2026 at 10:00 PM
A “free” press is a myth
So much press acreage on Mandy.
February 3, 2026 at 10:47 AM
So much press acreage on Mandy.
Edukayshun. Who needs it?
Some graduates leave university with debts of up to £53,000, while apprentices can earn good money and own their own homes. No wonder so many are taking a different route after school
‘I rejected my university offer — and bought my first home at 19’
www.thetimes.com
February 3, 2026 at 10:41 AM
Edukayshun. Who needs it?
Everything looks like the Onion these days.
February 3, 2026 at 10:40 AM
Everything looks like the Onion these days.
Will ya look at that voter turnout! That's some "democracy" you've got there!
February 2, 2026 at 1:59 AM
Will ya look at that voter turnout! That's some "democracy" you've got there!
As long as as income from amassed capital is taxed considerably less than income from labour, the wealthy will continue to get richer.
February 1, 2026 at 10:20 PM
As long as as income from amassed capital is taxed considerably less than income from labour, the wealthy will continue to get richer.
Sadly we live in a world where politicians try to reduce everything to a snappy sound bite. Meanwhile, in the real world, life is complicated.
February 1, 2026 at 10:12 PM
Sadly we live in a world where politicians try to reduce everything to a snappy sound bite. Meanwhile, in the real world, life is complicated.