Margaret Nelson 🌦
@flashmaggie.bsky.social
Old, knackered. Cloud-spotter and dendrophile. Suffolk UK.
"The cure for boredom is curiousity. There is no cure for curiousity."
- Dorothy Parker.
"The cure for boredom is curiousity. There is no cure for curiousity."
- Dorothy Parker.
🧵 1/5 I feel sorry for men when I see photographs like this, of men all herded together in uniform.
Mark Twain wrote, "Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no influence on society."
These men do have influence, but are literally all buttoned up. I wonder what they wear when off duty?
Mark Twain wrote, "Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no influence on society."
These men do have influence, but are literally all buttoned up. I wonder what they wear when off duty?
February 15, 2026 at 6:46 PM
🧵 1/5 I feel sorry for men when I see photographs like this, of men all herded together in uniform.
Mark Twain wrote, "Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no influence on society."
These men do have influence, but are literally all buttoned up. I wonder what they wear when off duty?
Mark Twain wrote, "Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no influence on society."
These men do have influence, but are literally all buttoned up. I wonder what they wear when off duty?
Reposted by Margaret Nelson 🌦
15 years ago today I arrived on Downing Street in a cage.
I've seen off Cameron, May, Johnson, Truss and Sunak and I'm still going strong.
Only two Prime Ministers have ever done longer stints here: William Pitt the Younger and Sir Robert Walpole.
Bill and Bob - I'm coming for you...
(Photos AP)
I've seen off Cameron, May, Johnson, Truss and Sunak and I'm still going strong.
Only two Prime Ministers have ever done longer stints here: William Pitt the Younger and Sir Robert Walpole.
Bill and Bob - I'm coming for you...
(Photos AP)
February 15, 2026 at 11:07 AM
15 years ago today I arrived on Downing Street in a cage.
I've seen off Cameron, May, Johnson, Truss and Sunak and I'm still going strong.
Only two Prime Ministers have ever done longer stints here: William Pitt the Younger and Sir Robert Walpole.
Bill and Bob - I'm coming for you...
(Photos AP)
I've seen off Cameron, May, Johnson, Truss and Sunak and I'm still going strong.
Only two Prime Ministers have ever done longer stints here: William Pitt the Younger and Sir Robert Walpole.
Bill and Bob - I'm coming for you...
(Photos AP)
1/2 The Pelicot case was shocking.
The husband's behaviour was shocking.
The number of men involved, from a relatively small area, was shocking.
How is it relevant to the exemption clause in the British Equality Act, allowing women single sex spaces?
It's about trust.
The husband's behaviour was shocking.
The number of men involved, from a relatively small area, was shocking.
How is it relevant to the exemption clause in the British Equality Act, allowing women single sex spaces?
It's about trust.
February 15, 2026 at 1:40 PM
1/2 The Pelicot case was shocking.
The husband's behaviour was shocking.
The number of men involved, from a relatively small area, was shocking.
How is it relevant to the exemption clause in the British Equality Act, allowing women single sex spaces?
It's about trust.
The husband's behaviour was shocking.
The number of men involved, from a relatively small area, was shocking.
How is it relevant to the exemption clause in the British Equality Act, allowing women single sex spaces?
It's about trust.
Reform Party politicians are essentially simpletons, idiots, completely oblivious of their own stupidity.
When I lived in Japan, far-right parties used to drive around blaring out propaganda from loudspeaker vans. People saw them as public nuisances at best, dangerous nutters at worst. Interesting to see Matt Goodwin adopt the same strategy.
February 15, 2026 at 12:33 PM
Reform Party politicians are essentially simpletons, idiots, completely oblivious of their own stupidity.
This made me cry.
Gisèle Pelicot: The Newsnight Interview
In an exclusive UK interview, Victoria Derbyshire talks to Gisèle Pelicot in Paris about the 2024 trial of her husband and 50 other men, the public's support and her future.
www.bbc.co.uk
February 15, 2026 at 11:49 AM
This made me cry.
I bought my small cat a new scratcher because the old one was being shredded all over the carpet, but didn't check the dimensions properly, and it turned out to be HUGE, so the owner of the local cattery is coming to collect it today.
Silly me.
Silly me.
February 15, 2026 at 9:37 AM
I bought my small cat a new scratcher because the old one was being shredded all over the carpet, but didn't check the dimensions properly, and it turned out to be HUGE, so the owner of the local cattery is coming to collect it today.
Silly me.
Silly me.
A woman friend, not quite as old as me, who goes jogging and swimming, despite frequent accidents, quoted Jane Fonda, "You can be really old at 60, and you can be really young at 85".
I've replied, "It depends. Minds and bodies don't always synchronise. My body is much older than my mind".
I've replied, "It depends. Minds and bodies don't always synchronise. My body is much older than my mind".
February 14, 2026 at 4:29 PM
A woman friend, not quite as old as me, who goes jogging and swimming, despite frequent accidents, quoted Jane Fonda, "You can be really old at 60, and you can be really young at 85".
I've replied, "It depends. Minds and bodies don't always synchronise. My body is much older than my mind".
I've replied, "It depends. Minds and bodies don't always synchronise. My body is much older than my mind".
Another narcissist.
What he does isn't funny, but this made me laugh.
What he does isn't funny, but this made me laugh.
Tommy Robinson flees UK claiming he's 'a priority target for ISIS'
FAR-RIGHT agitator Tommy Robinson has claimed that he has fled the country because he is a priority target for terror group Isis.
www.thenational.scot
February 14, 2026 at 2:18 PM
Another narcissist.
What he does isn't funny, but this made me laugh.
What he does isn't funny, but this made me laugh.
This is no surprise.
A lot of American surgeons and others who've been exploiting the gender craze are likely to go out of business, with only themselves to blame.
A lot of American surgeons and others who've been exploiting the gender craze are likely to go out of business, with only themselves to blame.
2 Top Physician Groups Oppose Trans Surgery for Minors as Detransitioner Wins Malpractice Case
Several major medical groups are changing their position on children getting transgender surgery, now advising against i
cbn.com
February 14, 2026 at 12:48 PM
This is no surprise.
A lot of American surgeons and others who've been exploiting the gender craze are likely to go out of business, with only themselves to blame.
A lot of American surgeons and others who've been exploiting the gender craze are likely to go out of business, with only themselves to blame.
So, let me get this straight. Reform men are against immigration but think English women (the pale pink ones, obviously) should do their duty and have babies when they're young? Breed for Britain?
It's a pity none of the men have any sex appeal. That might help.
It's a pity none of the men have any sex appeal. That might help.
‘Handmaid’s Tale future’: Reform’s Matt Goodwin sparks outcry with fertility comments
Byelection candidate accused of indulging ‘alt right fantasy’ by suggesting women need ‘biological reality’ check
www.theguardian.com
February 14, 2026 at 12:47 AM
So, let me get this straight. Reform men are against immigration but think English women (the pale pink ones, obviously) should do their duty and have babies when they're young? Breed for Britain?
It's a pity none of the men have any sex appeal. That might help.
It's a pity none of the men have any sex appeal. That might help.
It's hard to understand how Murrell could do this without anyone noticing.
Don't political parties have accountants?
But Michelle Mone managed to fiddle the Tory government's books to the tune of £122million, so he's relatively unambitious.
She's got a yacht, hasn't she? He's got a camper van.
Don't political parties have accountants?
But Michelle Mone managed to fiddle the Tory government's books to the tune of £122million, so he's relatively unambitious.
She's got a yacht, hasn't she? He's got a camper van.
Former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell accused of embezzling £459,000 over 12-year period
The former SNP chief executive is accused of illicitly purchasing items including luxury goods, jewellery, cosmetics, two cars and a motorhome.
www.bbc.co.uk
February 13, 2026 at 10:13 PM
It's hard to understand how Murrell could do this without anyone noticing.
Don't political parties have accountants?
But Michelle Mone managed to fiddle the Tory government's books to the tune of £122million, so he's relatively unambitious.
She's got a yacht, hasn't she? He's got a camper van.
Don't political parties have accountants?
But Michelle Mone managed to fiddle the Tory government's books to the tune of £122million, so he's relatively unambitious.
She's got a yacht, hasn't she? He's got a camper van.
No, I'm not giving a Valentine's gift to my cat.
I haven't given her Christmas or birthday presents either. She's a cat!
I haven't given her Christmas or birthday presents either. She's a cat!
February 13, 2026 at 9:22 PM
No, I'm not giving a Valentine's gift to my cat.
I haven't given her Christmas or birthday presents either. She's a cat!
I haven't given her Christmas or birthday presents either. She's a cat!
Regret signing a Change.org petition and making a small donation, which continued to be taken monthly. I don't support all their causes.
I suspect they've deliberately made it difficult to cancel what they call "contributions".
Their website is infuriating.
Avoid them.
I suspect they've deliberately made it difficult to cancel what they call "contributions".
Their website is infuriating.
Avoid them.
Change.org accused of profiting from donations intended for charities
www.civilsociety.co.uk
February 13, 2026 at 9:09 PM
Regret signing a Change.org petition and making a small donation, which continued to be taken monthly. I don't support all their causes.
I suspect they've deliberately made it difficult to cancel what they call "contributions".
Their website is infuriating.
Avoid them.
I suspect they've deliberately made it difficult to cancel what they call "contributions".
Their website is infuriating.
Avoid them.
Re: Jim Ratcliffe, who I'd never heard of before yesterday. If you removed all the people of foreign origin in the UK, such as the 21% of NHS staff, the country would be in difficulties, just as is happening in America, thanks to Trump's ICE activities.
And they pay taxes.
Thank you immigrants.
And they pay taxes.
Thank you immigrants.
Fact-checking Jim Ratcliffe's immigration and benefit claims
BBC Verify has been examining some of the Manchester United owner's claims.
www.bbc.co.uk
February 13, 2026 at 2:03 PM
Re: Jim Ratcliffe, who I'd never heard of before yesterday. If you removed all the people of foreign origin in the UK, such as the 21% of NHS staff, the country would be in difficulties, just as is happening in America, thanks to Trump's ICE activities.
And they pay taxes.
Thank you immigrants.
And they pay taxes.
Thank you immigrants.
🧵1/3 The new schools guidance on dealing with children who question their gender is wooly.
Maya Forstater of Sex Matters said, "They are being encouraged to think that children have a 'birth sex' as well as some other concept of sex. This has no basis in law or reality, and undermines safeguarding."
Maya Forstater of Sex Matters said, "They are being encouraged to think that children have a 'birth sex' as well as some other concept of sex. This has no basis in law or reality, and undermines safeguarding."
'Vast majority' of parents should be involved if children question gender, schools told
School leaders welcome the
www.bbc.co.uk
February 12, 2026 at 10:49 PM
🧵1/3 The new schools guidance on dealing with children who question their gender is wooly.
Maya Forstater of Sex Matters said, "They are being encouraged to think that children have a 'birth sex' as well as some other concept of sex. This has no basis in law or reality, and undermines safeguarding."
Maya Forstater of Sex Matters said, "They are being encouraged to think that children have a 'birth sex' as well as some other concept of sex. This has no basis in law or reality, and undermines safeguarding."
Vigils to mark deaths that attracted a lot of media attention have always seemed OTT to me, whoever they're for. Family and friends may mourn, but do crowds have to join in?
In Cardiff a couple of years ago they had one for a very unpleasant person, oblivious of his crimes.
In Cardiff a couple of years ago they had one for a very unpleasant person, oblivious of his crimes.
Why was a dog-humping paedo treated like a saint?
The sanctification of rapist Darren Moore shows how drag queens are now an untouchable caste.
www.spiked-online.com
February 12, 2026 at 2:23 PM
Vigils to mark deaths that attracted a lot of media attention have always seemed OTT to me, whoever they're for. Family and friends may mourn, but do crowds have to join in?
In Cardiff a couple of years ago they had one for a very unpleasant person, oblivious of his crimes.
In Cardiff a couple of years ago they had one for a very unpleasant person, oblivious of his crimes.
🧵 Today is #DarwinDay.
Charles Darwin was born on this day in 1809.
He ended his treatise on the evolution of life on Earth, which had previously been explained as God's creation, with the following words:
Charles Darwin was born on this day in 1809.
He ended his treatise on the evolution of life on Earth, which had previously been explained as God's creation, with the following words:
February 12, 2026 at 2:02 PM
🧵 Today is #DarwinDay.
Charles Darwin was born on this day in 1809.
He ended his treatise on the evolution of life on Earth, which had previously been explained as God's creation, with the following words:
Charles Darwin was born on this day in 1809.
He ended his treatise on the evolution of life on Earth, which had previously been explained as God's creation, with the following words:
Reposted by Margaret Nelson 🌦
Everyone deserves holistic, evidence-based care.
Could the Tumbler Ridge tragedy have been prevented if Jesse Strang received comprehensive mental health support beyond labelling?
Labels slice off fragments of human experience, which can't be addressed individually. This blunts practice.
Could the Tumbler Ridge tragedy have been prevented if Jesse Strang received comprehensive mental health support beyond labelling?
Labels slice off fragments of human experience, which can't be addressed individually. This blunts practice.
February 12, 2026 at 9:59 AM
Everyone deserves holistic, evidence-based care.
Could the Tumbler Ridge tragedy have been prevented if Jesse Strang received comprehensive mental health support beyond labelling?
Labels slice off fragments of human experience, which can't be addressed individually. This blunts practice.
Could the Tumbler Ridge tragedy have been prevented if Jesse Strang received comprehensive mental health support beyond labelling?
Labels slice off fragments of human experience, which can't be addressed individually. This blunts practice.
Was a bit alarmed when my new video doorbell told me there was a person outside my front door, at half past midnight! Who's lurking out there?
Then I realised it was the milkman.
Phew!
Then I realised it was the milkman.
Phew!
I've got one of those video doorbell things. Haven't worked out how to talk to people at the door yet. Asked for advice via the village Facebook group and been told which buttons to press and when.
Meanwhile, I can hear the sparrows very clearly.
Meanwhile, I can hear the sparrows very clearly.
February 12, 2026 at 12:36 AM
Was a bit alarmed when my new video doorbell told me there was a person outside my front door, at half past midnight! Who's lurking out there?
Then I realised it was the milkman.
Phew!
Then I realised it was the milkman.
Phew!
I've got some squishy bananas, so I'm going to make a cake. I haven't made a cake for years.
Phone the newsdesk.
Phone the newsdesk.
February 11, 2026 at 7:36 PM
I've got some squishy bananas, so I'm going to make a cake. I haven't made a cake for years.
Phone the newsdesk.
Phone the newsdesk.
I've got one of those video doorbell things. Haven't worked out how to talk to people at the door yet. Asked for advice via the village Facebook group and been told which buttons to press and when.
Meanwhile, I can hear the sparrows very clearly.
Meanwhile, I can hear the sparrows very clearly.
February 11, 2026 at 4:42 PM
I've got one of those video doorbell things. Haven't worked out how to talk to people at the door yet. Asked for advice via the village Facebook group and been told which buttons to press and when.
Meanwhile, I can hear the sparrows very clearly.
Meanwhile, I can hear the sparrows very clearly.
Reposted by Margaret Nelson 🌦
The meaning of words is to be decided not by their use, usefulness, or history, but by their commercial benefit to the most powerful lobby groups. I have a recipe for almond milk in a cookbook from 1226. It has been used as a term in English for hundreds of years.
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
Oatly banned from using word ‘milk’ to market plant-based products in UK
Supreme court makes ruling after Swedish firm’s long-running battle with trade association Dairy UK
www.theguardian.com
February 11, 2026 at 1:52 PM
The meaning of words is to be decided not by their use, usefulness, or history, but by their commercial benefit to the most powerful lobby groups. I have a recipe for almond milk in a cookbook from 1226. It has been used as a term in English for hundreds of years.
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
Reposted by Margaret Nelson 🌦
The National Governors Association said it will no longer hold a formal meeting with Trump when governors are scheduled to convene in Washington later this month, after the White House planned to invite only Republican governors. apnews.com/article/trum...
Annual governors' gathering with White House unraveling after Trump excludes Democrats
The National Governors Association annual conference is unraveling after President Donald Trump did not invite some Democrats to events.
apnews.com
February 10, 2026 at 10:07 PM
The National Governors Association said it will no longer hold a formal meeting with Trump when governors are scheduled to convene in Washington later this month, after the White House planned to invite only Republican governors. apnews.com/article/trum...
Parliament will debate the petition that "By-elections to be called automatically when MPs defect to another party" on 16th March.
February 11, 2026 at 10:41 AM
Parliament will debate the petition that "By-elections to be called automatically when MPs defect to another party" on 16th March.
My crystal ball anticipated this ages ago.
Lawsuits over transgender medicine for minors could be huge
One detransitioner was awarded $2m. As America’s guidelines change, more will follow
www.economist.com
February 11, 2026 at 10:40 AM
My crystal ball anticipated this ages ago.