John T
@jtatlife.bsky.social
Dutch consultant by day, interested in world history & British politics by night. Proud Hollander
Surely 12 monkeys escaped...
October 29, 2025 at 6:22 AM
Surely 12 monkeys escaped...
This is the problem with Europe that needs solving.
A leading EU citizen has been kidnapped at sea by the thugs of a small, crappy neighbouring country and tormented by them.
If this is to be borne, what is not be borne?
It's pathetic.
A leading EU citizen has been kidnapped at sea by the thugs of a small, crappy neighbouring country and tormented by them.
If this is to be borne, what is not be borne?
It's pathetic.
Greta Thunberg: “Israeli soldiers hit, kicked, starved, and tortured me”
• They placed a flag next to me, and anytime the flag touched me, they kicked me
• Whenever I raised my head to look at Ben-Gvir, I was kicked
• She was filmed while stripped naked
Aftonbladet: tinyurl.com/a33vxatc
• They placed a flag next to me, and anytime the flag touched me, they kicked me
• Whenever I raised my head to look at Ben-Gvir, I was kicked
• She was filmed while stripped naked
Aftonbladet: tinyurl.com/a33vxatc
October 15, 2025 at 9:07 PM
This is the problem with Europe that needs solving.
A leading EU citizen has been kidnapped at sea by the thugs of a small, crappy neighbouring country and tormented by them.
If this is to be borne, what is not be borne?
It's pathetic.
A leading EU citizen has been kidnapped at sea by the thugs of a small, crappy neighbouring country and tormented by them.
If this is to be borne, what is not be borne?
It's pathetic.
Reposted by John T
Greta Thunberg: “Israeli soldiers hit, kicked, starved, and tortured me”
• They placed a flag next to me, and anytime the flag touched me, they kicked me
• Whenever I raised my head to look at Ben-Gvir, I was kicked
• She was filmed while stripped naked
Aftonbladet: tinyurl.com/a33vxatc
• They placed a flag next to me, and anytime the flag touched me, they kicked me
• Whenever I raised my head to look at Ben-Gvir, I was kicked
• She was filmed while stripped naked
Aftonbladet: tinyurl.com/a33vxatc
October 15, 2025 at 4:45 PM
Greta Thunberg: “Israeli soldiers hit, kicked, starved, and tortured me”
• They placed a flag next to me, and anytime the flag touched me, they kicked me
• Whenever I raised my head to look at Ben-Gvir, I was kicked
• She was filmed while stripped naked
Aftonbladet: tinyurl.com/a33vxatc
• They placed a flag next to me, and anytime the flag touched me, they kicked me
• Whenever I raised my head to look at Ben-Gvir, I was kicked
• She was filmed while stripped naked
Aftonbladet: tinyurl.com/a33vxatc
On the one hand polls 4 years before an election don't say much, on the other, every poll for a year as consistently warned of disaster for FPTP
Somebody help me, my electoral system, he is very sick
New YouGov Westminster poll:
RFM: 27% (-2)
LAB: 20% (-2)
CON: 17% (+1)
LDM: 17% (+2)
GRN: 12% (+1)
SNP: 4% (+1)
RFM: 27% (-2)
LAB: 20% (-2)
CON: 17% (+1)
LDM: 17% (+2)
GRN: 12% (+1)
SNP: 4% (+1)
October 7, 2025 at 2:30 PM
On the one hand polls 4 years before an election don't say much, on the other, every poll for a year as consistently warned of disaster for FPTP
I think this is philosophically true, and to some extent a traditional Leftwing belief.
However although many people here on BSky believe it, I've rarely seen it argued out in publicly. And it needs to be, given that most people now, and almost everyone in the past, believe ethnicity is a thing
However although many people here on BSky believe it, I've rarely seen it argued out in publicly. And it needs to be, given that most people now, and almost everyone in the past, believe ethnicity is a thing
Ethnicities. And identities. Are. Made. Up.
We get to choose.
Someone can be a Leeds native, a Yorkshireman, a Brit BUT not English.
Just take me out and throw me in the sea. I’m done.
We get to choose.
Someone can be a Leeds native, a Yorkshireman, a Brit BUT not English.
Just take me out and throw me in the sea. I’m done.
October 2, 2025 at 9:19 AM
I think this is philosophically true, and to some extent a traditional Leftwing belief.
However although many people here on BSky believe it, I've rarely seen it argued out in publicly. And it needs to be, given that most people now, and almost everyone in the past, believe ethnicity is a thing
However although many people here on BSky believe it, I've rarely seen it argued out in publicly. And it needs to be, given that most people now, and almost everyone in the past, believe ethnicity is a thing
"From Churchill to *this*. Christ."
‘Candyman Candyman Candyman Candyman Candyman’
September 26, 2025 at 5:23 AM
"From Churchill to *this*. Christ."
Which movie do you consider perfect?
September 21, 2025 at 7:22 AM
Which movie do you consider perfect?
Reposted by John T
Reposted by John T
Europe will never be taken seriously in security circles until it has a scary animal. American eagle, Russian bear, Chinese dragon, Indian tiger. I back the gryphon, traditionally valid and currently unclaimed
September 18, 2025 at 5:17 PM
Europe will never be taken seriously in security circles until it has a scary animal. American eagle, Russian bear, Chinese dragon, Indian tiger. I back the gryphon, traditionally valid and currently unclaimed
Reposted by John T
Everyone, from big business CEOs to small business owners to highly paid professionals and lowly paid service staff, has urged the Chancellor to tax someone else.
From the new Private Eye, out now.
From the new Private Eye, out now.
September 18, 2025 at 3:59 PM
Everyone, from big business CEOs to small business owners to highly paid professionals and lowly paid service staff, has urged the Chancellor to tax someone else.
From the new Private Eye, out now.
From the new Private Eye, out now.
Politics in most democratic countries today
Voters: "We want free lunches"
Opposition: "free lunches coming up!"
One year later
New government: "We can offer a pricey paid lunch" (left)/ "free absence of lunch plus some tasty fascism" (right)"
Voters: "You're fired!"
[Repeat cycle]
Voters: "We want free lunches"
Opposition: "free lunches coming up!"
One year later
New government: "We can offer a pricey paid lunch" (left)/ "free absence of lunch plus some tasty fascism" (right)"
Voters: "You're fired!"
[Repeat cycle]
September 7, 2025 at 9:34 AM
Politics in most democratic countries today
Voters: "We want free lunches"
Opposition: "free lunches coming up!"
One year later
New government: "We can offer a pricey paid lunch" (left)/ "free absence of lunch plus some tasty fascism" (right)"
Voters: "You're fired!"
[Repeat cycle]
Voters: "We want free lunches"
Opposition: "free lunches coming up!"
One year later
New government: "We can offer a pricey paid lunch" (left)/ "free absence of lunch plus some tasty fascism" (right)"
Voters: "You're fired!"
[Repeat cycle]
He's doing it with a characteristically British light touch, but Sunder Katwala is drawing attention to the fact that the UK tabloids seem almost determined to will mass race riots into existence.
Seems bad.
Seems bad.
The Express leads the website on "fresh chaos" at protests, referencing some "pushing and shoving" in Bristol yesterday
Today they have a livestream of almost nobody in Canary Wharf, growing to 20, and "30-40 people shout at a window" in Castle Bromwich, Birmingham to back that up
Today they have a livestream of almost nobody in Canary Wharf, growing to 20, and "30-40 people shout at a window" in Castle Bromwich, Birmingham to back that up
August 24, 2025 at 7:27 PM
He's doing it with a characteristically British light touch, but Sunder Katwala is drawing attention to the fact that the UK tabloids seem almost determined to will mass race riots into existence.
Seems bad.
Seems bad.
This is both (with small changes in terminology) the political system of most small towns throughout most of recorded history, and an annoying system to live in.
The Chinese Civil War is a striking example of how eventually the victims of such people ganged up to take frightful revenge.
The Chinese Civil War is a striking example of how eventually the victims of such people ganged up to take frightful revenge.
One of the things I’ve learned a lot about this past year is how in many smaller towns, the sheriff, judge, real estate developer and construction company are either the same person, same family or just as good as. It’s all landlords all the way down.
Given the prevalence of Real Estate and Construction company owners in local politics, these efforts are *all* about short-term grift for the already-privileged.
Tucson *just* defeated (like, last week) such an effort. The self-satisfied smarminess of the "pro" politicians in interviews is awful
Tucson *just* defeated (like, last week) such an effort. The self-satisfied smarminess of the "pro" politicians in interviews is awful
August 23, 2025 at 7:56 PM
This is both (with small changes in terminology) the political system of most small towns throughout most of recorded history, and an annoying system to live in.
The Chinese Civil War is a striking example of how eventually the victims of such people ganged up to take frightful revenge.
The Chinese Civil War is a striking example of how eventually the victims of such people ganged up to take frightful revenge.
Well after my first long trip around England after Brexit I think I've got a handle on the main changes:
1) Paying a fortune in permits to wait in longer border queues
2) Outside London things look even more run down
3) Most of the friendly Polish baristas are now friendly Indian baristas
1) Paying a fortune in permits to wait in longer border queues
2) Outside London things look even more run down
3) Most of the friendly Polish baristas are now friendly Indian baristas
August 2, 2025 at 12:54 PM
Well after my first long trip around England after Brexit I think I've got a handle on the main changes:
1) Paying a fortune in permits to wait in longer border queues
2) Outside London things look even more run down
3) Most of the friendly Polish baristas are now friendly Indian baristas
1) Paying a fortune in permits to wait in longer border queues
2) Outside London things look even more run down
3) Most of the friendly Polish baristas are now friendly Indian baristas
Reposted by John T
This is a vibe shift. Things have gotten so dark in our regular lives that we now need movies to be an escape full of aspiration and hope.
We don’t need any more gritty reboots, we already live in one.
We don’t need any more gritty reboots, we already live in one.
July 13, 2025 at 9:33 AM
This is a vibe shift. Things have gotten so dark in our regular lives that we now need movies to be an escape full of aspiration and hope.
We don’t need any more gritty reboots, we already live in one.
We don’t need any more gritty reboots, we already live in one.
Reposted by John T
OF COURSE I CARE ABOUT ORDINARY PEOPLE I MEAN WHO ELSE IS GOING TO CARRY ME ABOUT IN A PALANQUIN
So much for you caring about ordinary people, now that you're one of the elites.
June 23, 2025 at 5:26 PM
OF COURSE I CARE ABOUT ORDINARY PEOPLE I MEAN WHO ELSE IS GOING TO CARRY ME ABOUT IN A PALANQUIN
Reposted by John T
my hottest educational take is that schools should actively, non-punitively teach students how to admit when they don't know something, aren't sure or have made a mistake, with various teaching frameworks adapted to support this ideal, because people who can't admit fault are breaking the world
June 18, 2025 at 9:13 PM
my hottest educational take is that schools should actively, non-punitively teach students how to admit when they don't know something, aren't sure or have made a mistake, with various teaching frameworks adapted to support this ideal, because people who can't admit fault are breaking the world
Excited to learn how an 8-0 victory could be considered 'a stoppage-time thriller'
June 10, 2025 at 9:23 PM
Excited to learn how an 8-0 victory could be considered 'a stoppage-time thriller'
Reposted by John T
What George doesn't understand is that in the UK, we decided in 2020 that 'governing' was actually a tedious distraction from 'speculating about, and positioning for, the next general election'. It's core to our culture and it is *very* disrespectful to criticise it.
this is a very strange message from Starmer. First, you're boosting the far right which is, uh, risky. Second, your government was elected LAST YEAR why are you talking like the election campaign is under way?!?!!
*STARMER: TORIES SLIDING INTO ABYSS, CHOICE IS LABOUR OR REFORM
*STARMER: TORIES SLIDING INTO ABYSS, CHOICE IS LABOUR OR REFORM
May 29, 2025 at 11:01 AM
What George doesn't understand is that in the UK, we decided in 2020 that 'governing' was actually a tedious distraction from 'speculating about, and positioning for, the next general election'. It's core to our culture and it is *very* disrespectful to criticise it.
Paul Verhoeven has always pitched modern corporate fascism (including its AIs) as ending somewhere cheap, stupid, tawdry & violent.
It turns out the boy who partly grew up under the Nazis had the clearest vision
It turns out the boy who partly grew up under the Nazis had the clearest vision
This bit from RoboCop 2 nails it.
youtu.be/qZq7fW6ftlU...
youtu.be/qZq7fW6ftlU...
Robocop 2 - OCP's Failed Robots - 1080p
youtu.be
May 25, 2025 at 3:22 PM
Paul Verhoeven has always pitched modern corporate fascism (including its AIs) as ending somewhere cheap, stupid, tawdry & violent.
It turns out the boy who partly grew up under the Nazis had the clearest vision
It turns out the boy who partly grew up under the Nazis had the clearest vision
Reposted by John T
the problem with "AI", which I was fond of pointing out in re: self-driving cars, is that understanding it deeply requires understanding people very deeply but nobody gets into "AI" because they're interested in people
May 16, 2025 at 3:37 PM
the problem with "AI", which I was fond of pointing out in re: self-driving cars, is that understanding it deeply requires understanding people very deeply but nobody gets into "AI" because they're interested in people
This would be an unironically good idea for anyone who wants to get into any numerate profession. In the vast majority of day-to-day jobs, calculus and above is not much use, but the ability to spot a dud number, a misplaced order of magnitude, etc, is priceless.
honestly sounds like a cool idea if the students were given a calculator designed to mislead them at random intervals, thus forcing them to be well-versed enough in the material to know right from wrong. completely stupid, but cool
May 14, 2025 at 7:26 AM
This would be an unironically good idea for anyone who wants to get into any numerate profession. In the vast majority of day-to-day jobs, calculus and above is not much use, but the ability to spot a dud number, a misplaced order of magnitude, etc, is priceless.
The Sesame Street muppets were the absolute gold standard in explaining potentially difficult things to unsophisticated audiences in a way that delights.
So please, please let’s have more muppet politicians
So please, please let’s have more muppet politicians
My main takeaway from the Australian elections is we need to start running muppets
May 3, 2025 at 8:01 PM
The Sesame Street muppets were the absolute gold standard in explaining potentially difficult things to unsophisticated audiences in a way that delights.
So please, please let’s have more muppet politicians
So please, please let’s have more muppet politicians