John
@epouvantail.bsky.social
Baseball, football, cricket, hoops, music, films and books. #cufc #redsox #baskonia #mcrbball
batflipsandnerds.com
batflipsandnerds.com
January 23, 2026 at 9:50 PM
Roxy a genuine worst of all time player. In the same breath as S2 Ross.
Two days in a row she’s gone in hard on someone who’s annoyed her at breakfast whilst claiming she’s always thought they were off. Dismal #TheTraitors
Two days in a row she’s gone in hard on someone who’s annoyed her at breakfast whilst claiming she’s always thought they were off. Dismal #TheTraitors
absolutely ADORE the fact that Harriet essentially banishing herself has already been forgotten about and hasn't changed the gameplay at ALL #TheTraitors
January 15, 2026 at 10:22 PM
Roxy a genuine worst of all time player. In the same breath as S2 Ross.
Two days in a row she’s gone in hard on someone who’s annoyed her at breakfast whilst claiming she’s always thought they were off. Dismal #TheTraitors
Two days in a row she’s gone in hard on someone who’s annoyed her at breakfast whilst claiming she’s always thought they were off. Dismal #TheTraitors
Spot on. Casting this season has been excellent. Format wrinkles have been fun, but - much like a good Traitor - that true success is hiding in plain sight.
Series 3 was good because the format is good, but there was a lot of self centred wallies who had forgotten it was a game.
#TheTraitors
Series 3 was good because the format is good, but there was a lot of self centred wallies who had forgotten it was a game.
#TheTraitors
This series of #TheTraitors has been a joy because we’ve enjoyed watching smart people staying quiet, smart people sneaking, and smart people imploding like nuclear reactors — it’s really fun watching so many tactical approaches, all of which have their flaws
January 14, 2026 at 10:40 PM
Spot on. Casting this season has been excellent. Format wrinkles have been fun, but - much like a good Traitor - that true success is hiding in plain sight.
Series 3 was good because the format is good, but there was a lot of self centred wallies who had forgotten it was a game.
#TheTraitors
Series 3 was good because the format is good, but there was a lot of self centred wallies who had forgotten it was a game.
#TheTraitors
Here’s a note from back in 2025 when this take was current:
The Geese album is properly, properly good.
Also great that something this uncompromisingly weird has got both critical and mainstream plaudits.
The Geese album is properly, properly good.
Also great that something this uncompromisingly weird has got both critical and mainstream plaudits.
January 7, 2026 at 5:57 PM
Here’s a note from back in 2025 when this take was current:
The Geese album is properly, properly good.
Also great that something this uncompromisingly weird has got both critical and mainstream plaudits.
The Geese album is properly, properly good.
Also great that something this uncompromisingly weird has got both critical and mainstream plaudits.
The 👑
Happy birthday, Mark Hollis. I'm a day late but I've got all these records lined up for tonight 🕊️
January 5, 2026 at 10:24 PM
The 👑
No Richard Thompson on any of these lists.
All great players, but he is absolutely near the top of my pantheon.
All great players, but he is absolutely near the top of my pantheon.
No Memphis Minnie, Prince, Rosetta Tharpe, Mississippi John Hurt, or even Neil Young? No credibility
January 4, 2026 at 10:47 PM
No Richard Thompson on any of these lists.
All great players, but he is absolutely near the top of my pantheon.
All great players, but he is absolutely near the top of my pantheon.
Reposted by John
The final Calvin and Hobbes, which appeared in papers 30 years ago today.
December 31, 2025 at 5:00 PM
The final Calvin and Hobbes, which appeared in papers 30 years ago today.
Reposted by John
A perfect 90's LP? Here ya go:
December 27, 2025 at 10:46 PM
A perfect 90's LP? Here ya go:
Honestly think sending in Carse as a ‘pinch hitter’ is the worst thing England have done all series, despite the win.
Just taking the piss out of everyone - ‘we know best’.
Unlikeable morons, entirely lacking humility #TheAshes
Just taking the piss out of everyone - ‘we know best’.
Unlikeable morons, entirely lacking humility #TheAshes
December 27, 2025 at 9:35 AM
Honestly think sending in Carse as a ‘pinch hitter’ is the worst thing England have done all series, despite the win.
Just taking the piss out of everyone - ‘we know best’.
Unlikeable morons, entirely lacking humility #TheAshes
Just taking the piss out of everyone - ‘we know best’.
Unlikeable morons, entirely lacking humility #TheAshes
Reposted by John
5 reasons why The Shining is a Christmas movie;
1. Snow
2. Red rum
3. Hyperactive kids
4. Big snuggly jumpers
5. Huge family row ending with someone putting an axe through the door
1. Snow
2. Red rum
3. Hyperactive kids
4. Big snuggly jumpers
5. Huge family row ending with someone putting an axe through the door
November 29, 2025 at 8:13 PM
5 reasons why The Shining is a Christmas movie;
1. Snow
2. Red rum
3. Hyperactive kids
4. Big snuggly jumpers
5. Huge family row ending with someone putting an axe through the door
1. Snow
2. Red rum
3. Hyperactive kids
4. Big snuggly jumpers
5. Huge family row ending with someone putting an axe through the door
Reposted by John
I've been meaning to write about the glorious/disastrous Futbology app since 2019, when I found myself at a Danish second division game for no real reason, other than the app told me there was a match close to where I was. So here it is!
www.nytimes.com/athletic/690...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/690...
The story of Futbology – the app that allows football fans to tick off stadiums
Be warned: if this convinces you to get involved, the Futbology mindset is not just for Christmas, it’s for life
www.nytimes.com
December 26, 2025 at 10:10 AM
I've been meaning to write about the glorious/disastrous Futbology app since 2019, when I found myself at a Danish second division game for no real reason, other than the app told me there was a match close to where I was. So here it is!
www.nytimes.com/athletic/690...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/690...
The most obvious example of this for me is that people no longer say ‘excuse me’ - literally wide eyed when I hear it.
Instead people sprint up behind you and huff or try to cut past you without warning in a shop then grizzle when you nudge them due to lack of warning.
Just be polite ffs!
Instead people sprint up behind you and huff or try to cut past you without warning in a shop then grizzle when you nudge them due to lack of warning.
Just be polite ffs!
I sort of think that the Covid times for many people utterly killed any sense that we all live in this world collectively and that you are actually obligated to be mindful of other people, and I think it’s a problem that goes well beyond just the Covid denialists.
Few things make me as angry as 'National Slowdown Day' People are out there driving like absolute pricks, it is getting so much worse, and the best we have come up with is 'please stop'
As if a person with that level of selfishness is going to hear about 'Slowdown' day and think it applies to them
As if a person with that level of selfishness is going to hear about 'Slowdown' day and think it applies to them
December 23, 2025 at 1:28 PM
The most obvious example of this for me is that people no longer say ‘excuse me’ - literally wide eyed when I hear it.
Instead people sprint up behind you and huff or try to cut past you without warning in a shop then grizzle when you nudge them due to lack of warning.
Just be polite ffs!
Instead people sprint up behind you and huff or try to cut past you without warning in a shop then grizzle when you nudge them due to lack of warning.
Just be polite ffs!
Craig is spot on.
It’s a good song. McCartney knows exactly what he is doing!
‘Happy Christmas’ - as with all Lennon solo work - is absolute guff, though.
It’s a good song. McCartney knows exactly what he is doing!
‘Happy Christmas’ - as with all Lennon solo work - is absolute guff, though.
My most toxic holiday trait is that I like "Wonderful Christmastime." Both the original and The Shins' version.
December 19, 2025 at 7:14 PM
Craig is spot on.
It’s a good song. McCartney knows exactly what he is doing!
‘Happy Christmas’ - as with all Lennon solo work - is absolute guff, though.
It’s a good song. McCartney knows exactly what he is doing!
‘Happy Christmas’ - as with all Lennon solo work - is absolute guff, though.
Reposted by John
It’s a really dated opinion to write off Spielberg, without question one of the best to ever do it, as a hack. If you put a Top Ten list of his work you’d leave 5 bangers off of it
always funny to me when Spielberg talk gets going again, and those people come out of the woodwork to be like, "wah wah, he's not much of an artist and he is too commercial and he's directly responsible for the downfall of mainstream American art cinema"
boooooooooooooooooooooooring
boooooooooooooooooooooooring
December 16, 2025 at 6:43 PM
It’s a really dated opinion to write off Spielberg, without question one of the best to ever do it, as a hack. If you put a Top Ten list of his work you’d leave 5 bangers off of it
Reposted by John
Rob Reiner: I'm going to make a coming of age drama, a fantasy adventure story, a romantic comedy, a psychological horror and then a courtroom drama.
Us: Across your entire career?
Reiner: In a 6 year period.
Us: That sounds-
Reiner: -Each one will be arguably the best movie in that genre.
Us: Across your entire career?
Reiner: In a 6 year period.
Us: That sounds-
Reiner: -Each one will be arguably the best movie in that genre.
December 15, 2025 at 8:04 AM
Rob Reiner: I'm going to make a coming of age drama, a fantasy adventure story, a romantic comedy, a psychological horror and then a courtroom drama.
Us: Across your entire career?
Reiner: In a 6 year period.
Us: That sounds-
Reiner: -Each one will be arguably the best movie in that genre.
Us: Across your entire career?
Reiner: In a 6 year period.
Us: That sounds-
Reiner: -Each one will be arguably the best movie in that genre.
‘Few small beers’ is one of the greatest line deliveries in cinematic history.
Literally etched on my brain.
Literally etched on my brain.
Happy Friday to you guys
December 12, 2025 at 10:16 PM
‘Few small beers’ is one of the greatest line deliveries in cinematic history.
Literally etched on my brain.
Literally etched on my brain.
Mine is performatively saying ‘excuse me’ when I am stalked along a narrow pavement and then nudged past without acknowledgment.
I don’t even walk slowly.
Just say I’m in the way and I will happily move ffs!
I don’t even walk slowly.
Just say I’m in the way and I will happily move ffs!
What is the passive-aggressive thing you do that is most likely to get you killed? For me it is muttering, in a resigned way, "You're welcome" every time I e.g. hold open a door for someone and they don't offer any kind of acknowledgement in return
December 12, 2025 at 1:55 PM
Mine is performatively saying ‘excuse me’ when I am stalked along a narrow pavement and then nudged past without acknowledgment.
I don’t even walk slowly.
Just say I’m in the way and I will happily move ffs!
I don’t even walk slowly.
Just say I’m in the way and I will happily move ffs!
Carlisle United’s Nacho Novo
December 10, 2025 at 6:25 PM
Carlisle United’s Nacho Novo
Mostly concerned what this means for GB at the WBC.
Don’t let us down Nats!
Don’t let us down Nats!
Nationals reportedly acquire catcher Harry Ford and RHP Isaac Lyon from the Mariners for LHP Jose A. Ferrer, per multiple reports including MLB's @JessicaCamerato.
Ford is @MLBPipeline's No. 42 overall prospect.
Ford is @MLBPipeline's No. 42 overall prospect.
December 6, 2025 at 10:27 PM
Mostly concerned what this means for GB at the WBC.
Don’t let us down Nats!
Don’t let us down Nats!
Lot of championship rings on that stage. And also Aaron Judge.
What a photo 🤯
Tom Brady (3x NFL MVP), Wayne Gretzky (9x Hart Memorial Trophy winner), Shaquille O'Neal (1x NBA MVP) and Aaron Judge (3x AL MVP) assisted with the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw 🐐
Tom Brady (3x NFL MVP), Wayne Gretzky (9x Hart Memorial Trophy winner), Shaquille O'Neal (1x NBA MVP) and Aaron Judge (3x AL MVP) assisted with the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw 🐐
December 5, 2025 at 10:19 PM
Lot of championship rings on that stage. And also Aaron Judge.
Reposted by John
My most Boomer opinion is that this is genuinely a tragic way to experience live music. You cannot surrender to music if you are videoing it.
December 2, 2025 at 10:02 PM
My most Boomer opinion is that this is genuinely a tragic way to experience live music. You cannot surrender to music if you are videoing it.
Reposted by John
the best album of 2025 is Slayer’s 1986 classic “Reign In Blood”
What's the best album of 2025?
December 1, 2025 at 10:49 PM
the best album of 2025 is Slayer’s 1986 classic “Reign In Blood”
Reposted by John
A playlist for curry lovers…
🎵 It’s My Chapati (and I’ll Cry If I Want To)
🎵 Jalfrezi Little Thing Called Love
🎵 Paneer There and Everywhere
🎵 Knockin on Heaven’s Tandoor
🎵 Don’t Peschwari, Be Happy
🎵 Naan, I Feel Like a Woman
🎵 Poppadom Preach
🎵 Tears On My Pilau
🎵 Paperback Raita
🎵 Nessun Korma
🎵 It’s My Chapati (and I’ll Cry If I Want To)
🎵 Jalfrezi Little Thing Called Love
🎵 Paneer There and Everywhere
🎵 Knockin on Heaven’s Tandoor
🎵 Don’t Peschwari, Be Happy
🎵 Naan, I Feel Like a Woman
🎵 Poppadom Preach
🎵 Tears On My Pilau
🎵 Paperback Raita
🎵 Nessun Korma
December 1, 2025 at 6:59 PM
A playlist for curry lovers…
🎵 It’s My Chapati (and I’ll Cry If I Want To)
🎵 Jalfrezi Little Thing Called Love
🎵 Paneer There and Everywhere
🎵 Knockin on Heaven’s Tandoor
🎵 Don’t Peschwari, Be Happy
🎵 Naan, I Feel Like a Woman
🎵 Poppadom Preach
🎵 Tears On My Pilau
🎵 Paperback Raita
🎵 Nessun Korma
🎵 It’s My Chapati (and I’ll Cry If I Want To)
🎵 Jalfrezi Little Thing Called Love
🎵 Paneer There and Everywhere
🎵 Knockin on Heaven’s Tandoor
🎵 Don’t Peschwari, Be Happy
🎵 Naan, I Feel Like a Woman
🎵 Poppadom Preach
🎵 Tears On My Pilau
🎵 Paperback Raita
🎵 Nessun Korma