Hal Duncan
@halduncan.com
Writer, editor, gardener--sometimes even in that order.
Queer. He/thon, but mainly just cause thon's a guid Scots pronoun fur aebdy, whitever thur gender.
Contact: hal AT halduncan DOT com
Queer. He/thon, but mainly just cause thon's a guid Scots pronoun fur aebdy, whitever thur gender.
Contact: hal AT halduncan DOT com
Pinned
Hal Duncan
@halduncan.com
· May 7
your intermittent reminder that the left/right axis is a spatial metaphor, not a reality, that the "centre" is not in fact a moderate middle ground but rather the *centre of power & privilege* protected by the vulgarly overt antisocialists operating on behalf of the polite paternalist antisocialists
Reposted by Hal Duncan
It's weird as a biologist to say "ignore the science part" but here we are
Science: Vaccines don't cause autism.
BUT IT DOESN'T MATTER. If vaccines caused autism I would still recommend them. Dying of preventable disease is bad. Autism isn't a disease and most of the "bad" of autism is society.
Science: Vaccines don't cause autism.
BUT IT DOESN'T MATTER. If vaccines caused autism I would still recommend them. Dying of preventable disease is bad. Autism isn't a disease and most of the "bad" of autism is society.
February 15, 2025 at 6:16 PM
It's weird as a biologist to say "ignore the science part" but here we are
Science: Vaccines don't cause autism.
BUT IT DOESN'T MATTER. If vaccines caused autism I would still recommend them. Dying of preventable disease is bad. Autism isn't a disease and most of the "bad" of autism is society.
Science: Vaccines don't cause autism.
BUT IT DOESN'T MATTER. If vaccines caused autism I would still recommend them. Dying of preventable disease is bad. Autism isn't a disease and most of the "bad" of autism is society.
Yup. Both are ressentiment, that specific mode of resentment where "the sense of weakness or inferiority complex and perhaps even jealousy in the face of the "cause" generates a rejecting/justifying value system, or morality, which attacks or denies the perceived source of one's frustration".
If you give a shit about people masking, you’re just an asshole.
You’re just one step removed from people whining about pronouns in email signatures.
You’re just one step removed from people whining about pronouns in email signatures.
December 29, 2025 at 2:19 PM
Yup. Both are ressentiment, that specific mode of resentment where "the sense of weakness or inferiority complex and perhaps even jealousy in the face of the "cause" generates a rejecting/justifying value system, or morality, which attacks or denies the perceived source of one's frustration".
Head of Torment Nexus Development Team warns of potential Torment Nexus scenario, promises to "do our best" to ensure "our worst nightmares come to fruition"
Microsoft AI chief warns against ‘uncontrollable’ AI
Microsoft AI chief warns against ‘uncontrollable’ AI
Microsoft AI chief warns against ‘uncontrollable’ AI
www.independent.co.uk
December 29, 2025 at 2:15 PM
Head of Torment Nexus Development Team warns of potential Torment Nexus scenario, promises to "do our best" to ensure "our worst nightmares come to fruition"
IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII swear on the
wet head
of my first case of gonorrhea
it is his ugly voice that I forever hear!
--NEXT, next next next next next--
a voice that stinks of corpses of whisky and mud,
it is the voice of nations
*the thick voice of bloodddd*!
--NNNNNEXT! next next next...
wet head
of my first case of gonorrhea
it is his ugly voice that I forever hear!
--NEXT, next next next next next--
a voice that stinks of corpses of whisky and mud,
it is the voice of nations
*the thick voice of bloodddd*!
--NNNNNEXT! next next next...
Name your fav song lyric.
December 29, 2025 at 12:38 AM
IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII swear on the
wet head
of my first case of gonorrhea
it is his ugly voice that I forever hear!
--NEXT, next next next next next--
a voice that stinks of corpses of whisky and mud,
it is the voice of nations
*the thick voice of bloodddd*!
--NNNNNEXT! next next next...
wet head
of my first case of gonorrhea
it is his ugly voice that I forever hear!
--NEXT, next next next next next--
a voice that stinks of corpses of whisky and mud,
it is the voice of nations
*the thick voice of bloodddd*!
--NNNNNEXT! next next next...
Hannes Riffel asked me sooooo many questions for the German translation of VELLUM, working in such depth of detail, I was not at all surprised when he won a prize for it. I remember we did a joint reading once, the same passage in English then German, and even just hearing the prosody, it *prowled*.
Translators work hard to make sure that the translated words, sentences, paragraphs, chapters, etc, not only convey the author's meaning, but also the author's *style.*
Translators are alchemists. They are artists, and poets, and researchers, and editors. They are magicians and wizards.
Translators are alchemists. They are artists, and poets, and researchers, and editors. They are magicians and wizards.
December 28, 2025 at 11:40 PM
Hannes Riffel asked me sooooo many questions for the German translation of VELLUM, working in such depth of detail, I was not at all surprised when he won a prize for it. I remember we did a joint reading once, the same passage in English then German, and even just hearing the prosody, it *prowled*.
Reposted by Hal Duncan
This is so true. I still have the 44 question email from Abby & Anna, who translated "Our Lady of the Open Road" into Chinese. The questions clarified the meaning and feeling behind my phrases "scuzzy too-bright barroom" & "the sweet old-school crunch of my Les Paul played through Marshall tubes."
Translators work hard to make sure that the translated words, sentences, paragraphs, chapters, etc, not only convey the author's meaning, but also the author's *style.*
Translators are alchemists. They are artists, and poets, and researchers, and editors. They are magicians and wizards.
Translators are alchemists. They are artists, and poets, and researchers, and editors. They are magicians and wizards.
December 28, 2025 at 10:13 PM
This is so true. I still have the 44 question email from Abby & Anna, who translated "Our Lady of the Open Road" into Chinese. The questions clarified the meaning and feeling behind my phrases "scuzzy too-bright barroom" & "the sweet old-school crunch of my Les Paul played through Marshall tubes."
so yeah, kleptocratic oligarchy won over decadent bureaucracy both times
1991: The United States thinks it has decisively won the Cold War against Russia.
2025: The United States' foreign policy is being dictated by Russia.
2025: The United States' foreign policy is being dictated by Russia.
December 28, 2025 at 11:17 PM
so yeah, kleptocratic oligarchy won over decadent bureaucracy both times
having returned from xmas visiting, I was planning on a shower before bed tonight before heading off tomorrow on another seasonal jaunt to visit more family for Hogmanay, but after six hours of the heating on full, the flat remains intransigently still not cosy enough to lounge around in my jammies
December 28, 2025 at 11:12 PM
having returned from xmas visiting, I was planning on a shower before bed tonight before heading off tomorrow on another seasonal jaunt to visit more family for Hogmanay, but after six hours of the heating on full, the flat remains intransigently still not cosy enough to lounge around in my jammies
The first 3 words you see will define your 2026.
BUTT
BUTTER
HOPE
Um... okay then.
BUTT
BUTTER
HOPE
Um... okay then.
The first 3 words you see will define your 2026.
MONEY
TRAVELS
PIZZA
sounds good to me.
MONEY
TRAVELS
PIZZA
sounds good to me.
December 28, 2025 at 10:38 PM
The first 3 words you see will define your 2026.
BUTT
BUTTER
HOPE
Um... okay then.
BUTT
BUTTER
HOPE
Um... okay then.
Reposted by Hal Duncan
Koyaanisqatsi is different than I remember
December 28, 2025 at 2:12 AM
Koyaanisqatsi is different than I remember
Well, St Anselm’s ontological argument would imply that since I can imagine a blowjob greater than which none can be imagined, i must at some point in my life receive said blowjob, else any blowjob I did receive would be greater, and only the being perfect in all virtues could give said blowjob so
passed a billboard that said “shackled with lust? Jesus will set you free” leaving me with new questions about the services offered by Jesus
December 28, 2025 at 6:33 PM
Well, St Anselm’s ontological argument would imply that since I can imagine a blowjob greater than which none can be imagined, i must at some point in my life receive said blowjob, else any blowjob I did receive would be greater, and only the being perfect in all virtues could give said blowjob so
Reposted by Hal Duncan
Umm, hi. So this list might have someone you know on it. Also a bunch of intriguing books I wasn’t aware of.
www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/...
www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/...
9 Books from 2025 You Shouldn't Overlook
As our editors continue to look back on the books published this year, we thought it would be worth shouting out these under-appreciated gems.
www.publishersweekly.com
December 28, 2025 at 5:39 PM
Umm, hi. So this list might have someone you know on it. Also a bunch of intriguing books I wasn’t aware of.
www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/...
www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/...
My somewhat zealous fridge decided that a cold empty flat was reason to *work even harder* so I have arrived home to find a can of Irn Bru in one drawer of the bottom veg compartment frozen and exploded, distributing Irn Bru slushy all over said bottom compartment lol
December 28, 2025 at 5:01 PM
My somewhat zealous fridge decided that a cold empty flat was reason to *work even harder* so I have arrived home to find a can of Irn Bru in one drawer of the bottom veg compartment frozen and exploded, distributing Irn Bru slushy all over said bottom compartment lol
trying in vain to find the setting on my elderly parents' telly that switches off the "you've had your telly on for far too long as background noise, that's just not allowed, so it is about to go into standby mode unless you notice this and hit any button on the remote--NO NOT THAT ONE THAT SWIT--"
December 28, 2025 at 3:02 PM
trying in vain to find the setting on my elderly parents' telly that switches off the "you've had your telly on for far too long as background noise, that's just not allowed, so it is about to go into standby mode unless you notice this and hit any button on the remote--NO NOT THAT ONE THAT SWIT--"
he switched a slash for a hyphen though, I assume he *meant* to characterise it as the *disinformation/censorship* regime
It’s astonishing that NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya has this level of insight about the administration he currently serves. /s
December 28, 2025 at 2:55 PM
he switched a slash for a hyphen though, I assume he *meant* to characterise it as the *disinformation/censorship* regime
Reposted by Hal Duncan
Another discussion of radicalising forces in the UK. I haven't read it yet, let's take bets on the following words:
Sun, Mail, Murdoch, press, media not preceded by social.
Sun, Mail, Murdoch, press, media not preceded by social.
🗞️ The New World has published a new article exploring the latest findings from the #SmidgeProject, following an in-depth interview with our Scientific Coordinator, Dr. Sara Wilford.
Read the full article here: www.thenewworld.co.uk/zoe-grunewal...
Read the full article here: www.thenewworld.co.uk/zoe-grunewal...
Britain’s most dangerous radicals are… middle-aged men
Middle-aged men are being radicalised – and they’re fuelling the spread of extremism, conspiracy theories and political violence
www.thenewworld.co.uk
December 28, 2025 at 11:10 AM
Another discussion of radicalising forces in the UK. I haven't read it yet, let's take bets on the following words:
Sun, Mail, Murdoch, press, media not preceded by social.
Sun, Mail, Murdoch, press, media not preceded by social.
Reposted by Hal Duncan
RIP to Brigitte Bardot, sixth best singer to collaborate with Serge Gainsbourg, but definitely the one most convicted for repeatedly inciting racial hatred.
December 28, 2025 at 11:06 AM
RIP to Brigitte Bardot, sixth best singer to collaborate with Serge Gainsbourg, but definitely the one most convicted for repeatedly inciting racial hatred.
Reposted by Hal Duncan
Front page of the Independent in July 2006 here, and this was by no means unusual: standard normie opinion then was that Tony was a dangerously crazy true believer who was embroiling Britain in more war crimes.
December 28, 2025 at 10:58 AM
Front page of the Independent in July 2006 here, and this was by no means unusual: standard normie opinion then was that Tony was a dangerously crazy true believer who was embroiling Britain in more war crimes.
so come the revolutionary reign of terror anyone gets to shoot at the feet of the reality tv president who had a cameo in home alone 2 and shout "dance, monkey, dance!" is what I'm hearing
This is the logical and inevitable conclusion of the last decade of elite media "free speech" discourse.
December 28, 2025 at 3:12 AM
so come the revolutionary reign of terror anyone gets to shoot at the feet of the reality tv president who had a cameo in home alone 2 and shout "dance, monkey, dance!" is what I'm hearing
Reposted by Hal Duncan
”and have failed to meet the basic duty of a public artist: to perform for all people,"
Bing Crosby refused to play at a venue unless Louis Armstrong was given equal billing.
The Beatles refused to play segregated venues.
Bing Crosby refused to play at a venue unless Louis Armstrong was given equal billing.
The Beatles refused to play segregated venues.
This is the logical and inevitable conclusion of the last decade of elite media "free speech" discourse.
December 28, 2025 at 3:01 AM
”and have failed to meet the basic duty of a public artist: to perform for all people,"
Bing Crosby refused to play at a venue unless Louis Armstrong was given equal billing.
The Beatles refused to play segregated venues.
Bing Crosby refused to play at a venue unless Louis Armstrong was given equal billing.
The Beatles refused to play segregated venues.
I glanced at this casually on my timeline and replaced "schools" with "hospitals" thinking it was about the exclusion zone, but then I realised it was about schools and thought "you know what, exclusion there too wouldn't be a bad thing"
Tomorrow's Sunday National front page 📰
Anti-abortion group 'shouldn't be allowed near our schools'
Anti-abortion group 'shouldn't be allowed near our schools'
December 28, 2025 at 12:10 AM
I glanced at this casually on my timeline and replaced "schools" with "hospitals" thinking it was about the exclusion zone, but then I realised it was about schools and thought "you know what, exclusion there too wouldn't be a bad thing"
Reposted by Hal Duncan
Glad to see this issue getting the front page.
Tomorrow's Sunday National front page 📰
Anti-abortion group 'shouldn't be allowed near our schools'
Anti-abortion group 'shouldn't be allowed near our schools'
December 28, 2025 at 12:04 AM
Glad to see this issue getting the front page.
it's all cool, in the revolutionary reign of terror we can just consider this a guilty plea
Zuckerberg settles $8 billion lawsuit over Cambridge Analytica scandal, avoids testifying www.france24.com/en/americas/... @carolecadwalla.bsky.social
Zuckerberg settles $8 billion lawsuit over Cambridge Analytica scandal, avoids testifying
Mark Zuckerberg and current and former Meta executives agreed on Thursday to settle a $8 billion shareholder lawsuit alleging the company’s directors failed to prevent billions of dollars in fines and...
www.france24.com
December 28, 2025 at 12:07 AM
it's all cool, in the revolutionary reign of terror we can just consider this a guilty plea
Reposted by Hal Duncan
Oh man this is like three faces and two hairlines ago
happy 14th birthday to this "I'll put a man on Mars in 10 years" interview with Musk. It is now old enough to get radicalized into christofascism on an Escape from Tarkov Discord server 😭
December 27, 2025 at 10:20 PM
Oh man this is like three faces and two hairlines ago
Reposted by Hal Duncan
Amazingly, reaction times using screens while driving are worse than being drunk or high—no wonder 90 percent of drivers hate using touchscreens in cars. Finally the auto industry is coming to its senses.
Rejoice! Carmakers Are Embracing Physical Buttons Again
Amazingly, reaction times using screens while driving are worse than being drunk or high—no wonder 90 percent of drivers hate using touchscreens in cars. Finally the auto industry is coming to its…
wrd.cm
December 27, 2025 at 6:44 PM
Amazingly, reaction times using screens while driving are worse than being drunk or high—no wonder 90 percent of drivers hate using touchscreens in cars. Finally the auto industry is coming to its senses.