Ben Shepherd
@magnetben.bsky.social
I like magnets. I dislike fascists.
Reposted by Ben Shepherd
james surowiecki has discovered where the completely fabricated trump tariff rate has come from for each country
"...for every country, they just took our trade deficit with that country and divided it by the country's exports to us."
"...for every country, they just took our trade deficit with that country and divided it by the country's exports to us."
April 2, 2025 at 10:32 PM
james surowiecki has discovered where the completely fabricated trump tariff rate has come from for each country
"...for every country, they just took our trade deficit with that country and divided it by the country's exports to us."
"...for every country, they just took our trade deficit with that country and divided it by the country's exports to us."
Reading a biography of Einstein, I came across the story of Kurt Gödel's citizenship exam, in which he apparently found a logical flaw in the US Constitution that meant it could give rise to a fascist dictatorship. I wonder what he'd say today? slate.com/technology/2...
Is There a Logical Inconsistency in the Constitution?
The mathematician who wrote the proof of the “Incompleteness Theorem” was apparently alarmed by our founding document. He just never explained why.
slate.com
April 3, 2025 at 7:27 AM
Reading a biography of Einstein, I came across the story of Kurt Gödel's citizenship exam, in which he apparently found a logical flaw in the US Constitution that meant it could give rise to a fascist dictatorship. I wonder what he'd say today? slate.com/technology/2...
I thought the first one was a typo when it arrived. But twice in a row can't be a mistake? I don't want to buy tyres that support Nazis 😭
March 31, 2025 at 12:59 PM
I thought the first one was a typo when it arrived. But twice in a row can't be a mistake? I don't want to buy tyres that support Nazis 😭
Reposted by Ben Shepherd
What flourishes in darkness can be defeated only by bringing it into the light. STAR WARS: THE HIGH REPUBLIC: INTO THE LIGHT by Claudia Gray releases one week from today! The brave Jedi battle against Nihil marauders and the unstoppable blight on the Wookiee homeworld of Kashyyyk. Check it out!
March 25, 2025 at 3:44 PM
What flourishes in darkness can be defeated only by bringing it into the light. STAR WARS: THE HIGH REPUBLIC: INTO THE LIGHT by Claudia Gray releases one week from today! The brave Jedi battle against Nihil marauders and the unstoppable blight on the Wookiee homeworld of Kashyyyk. Check it out!
Reposted by Ben Shepherd
Manifest pledges are broken all the time when it suits them!
The world has changed and so must we. The UK is stronger as a part of Europe.
Let's change their minds. Sign the petition to rejoin the EU.
The world has changed and so must we. The UK is stronger as a part of Europe.
Let's change their minds. Sign the petition to rejoin the EU.
Labour's ONLY reason not to #RejoinEU given is that it's in manifesto not to.
So let's demand a Rejoin referendum, which is not in their manifesto, getting rid of that pathetic excuse.
Please Sign and Share! Let's get it to 10k for a response...
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/70...
So let's demand a Rejoin referendum, which is not in their manifesto, getting rid of that pathetic excuse.
Please Sign and Share! Let's get it to 10k for a response...
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/70...
Petition: Hold a referendum on re-joining the European Union
I want the government to hold a referendum on whether the UK should Rejoin the European Union.
petition.parliament.uk
March 25, 2025 at 9:05 AM
Manifest pledges are broken all the time when it suits them!
The world has changed and so must we. The UK is stronger as a part of Europe.
Let's change their minds. Sign the petition to rejoin the EU.
The world has changed and so must we. The UK is stronger as a part of Europe.
Let's change their minds. Sign the petition to rejoin the EU.
Reposted by Ben Shepherd
Rebellions are built on hope.
March 24, 2025 at 1:32 AM
Rebellions are built on hope.
Reposted by Ben Shepherd
Mercury Rev - Arts Club, Liverpool
One of my all time favourite bands and as magical as ever - and so much love in that room as well!
One of my all time favourite bands and as magical as ever - and so much love in that room as well!
March 13, 2025 at 11:02 PM
Mercury Rev - Arts Club, Liverpool
One of my all time favourite bands and as magical as ever - and so much love in that room as well!
One of my all time favourite bands and as magical as ever - and so much love in that room as well!
Reposted by Ben Shepherd
HUGE NEWS 🎉: The UK Government has made good on its commitment to stop new oil and gas licensing.
This is a vital step towards ending our reliance on fossil fuels. Now the UK gov must go further and ensure a fast and fair transition.
This is a vital step towards ending our reliance on fossil fuels. Now the UK gov must go further and ensure a fast and fair transition.
March 6, 2025 at 10:57 AM
HUGE NEWS 🎉: The UK Government has made good on its commitment to stop new oil and gas licensing.
This is a vital step towards ending our reliance on fossil fuels. Now the UK gov must go further and ensure a fast and fair transition.
This is a vital step towards ending our reliance on fossil fuels. Now the UK gov must go further and ensure a fast and fair transition.
Reposted by Ben Shepherd
Beastie Boys: Here's the paperwork you asked for.
Me [checking through]: Part A, B, yes good. C. And here's Part D, all filled in. Wait: where's the final part?
BB: We're not just handing that over.
Me: What?
BB: You've got to fight! For your right! To Part E.
Me [checking through]: Part A, B, yes good. C. And here's Part D, all filled in. Wait: where's the final part?
BB: We're not just handing that over.
Me: What?
BB: You've got to fight! For your right! To Part E.
March 4, 2025 at 12:34 PM
Beastie Boys: Here's the paperwork you asked for.
Me [checking through]: Part A, B, yes good. C. And here's Part D, all filled in. Wait: where's the final part?
BB: We're not just handing that over.
Me: What?
BB: You've got to fight! For your right! To Part E.
Me [checking through]: Part A, B, yes good. C. And here's Part D, all filled in. Wait: where's the final part?
BB: We're not just handing that over.
Me: What?
BB: You've got to fight! For your right! To Part E.
Reposted by Ben Shepherd
Another petition. Please sign. Surely someone will have to listen if all these signatures keep rolling in.
stoptrump.org.uk/petition-can...
stoptrump.org.uk/petition-can...
Petition: Cancel Trump’s state visit
Stop Trump Coalition
stoptrump.org.uk
March 1, 2025 at 5:11 PM
Another petition. Please sign. Surely someone will have to listen if all these signatures keep rolling in.
stoptrump.org.uk/petition-can...
stoptrump.org.uk/petition-can...
So excited for the new series of Andor. The first one was hands-down the best thing that Star Wars ever produced since the original trilogy www.youtube.com/watch?v=AE4w...
Andor | Season 2 Trailer | Streaming April 22 on Disney+
YouTube video by Star Wars
www.youtube.com
February 25, 2025 at 11:48 AM
So excited for the new series of Andor. The first one was hands-down the best thing that Star Wars ever produced since the original trilogy www.youtube.com/watch?v=AE4w...
Reposted by Ben Shepherd
Cover's out for Bee Speaker.
I have been given permission to reveal the upcoming cover of Bee Speaker, book 3 of the Dogs of War series, coming this June. Mad Max futures, Martian invasions, mad lizards, fungus witches and embattled monks, none of which are quite what they seem.
February 23, 2025 at 1:54 PM
Cover's out for Bee Speaker.
Reposted by Ben Shepherd
Nice tidal energy explainer video, with the added benefit of some lovely Welsh accents - for Morlais off Anglesey, the largest consented tidal energy scheme in Europe. youtu.be/DeSjarF6LPM
Morlais Electricity Journey
YouTube video by Menter Môn
youtu.be
February 12, 2025 at 1:26 PM
Nice tidal energy explainer video, with the added benefit of some lovely Welsh accents - for Morlais off Anglesey, the largest consented tidal energy scheme in Europe. youtu.be/DeSjarF6LPM
Reposted by Ben Shepherd
Nature valentines.
Thanks to my Patrons for keeping me drawing www.patreon.com/birdandmoon
Thanks to my Patrons for keeping me drawing www.patreon.com/birdandmoon
February 10, 2025 at 1:16 PM
Nature valentines.
Thanks to my Patrons for keeping me drawing www.patreon.com/birdandmoon
Thanks to my Patrons for keeping me drawing www.patreon.com/birdandmoon
Reposted by Ben Shepherd
Me, too. This website is handy....... generalstrikeus.com
The General Strike
The General strike -the people united shall never be stopped. If we strike together we can make true real change. Sign the strike card today.
generalstrikeus.com
February 6, 2025 at 3:14 AM
Me, too. This website is handy....... generalstrikeus.com
Reposted by Ben Shepherd
They’re looting NOAA now. www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
Doge staffers enter Noaa headquarters and incite reports of cuts and threats
Members reportedly sought access to IT systems at agency that Project 2025 has called ‘harmful to US prosperity’
www.theguardian.com
February 5, 2025 at 3:02 AM
They’re looting NOAA now. www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
This research answers the fundamental question we've been asking for so long: "how can we make the perfect Cacio and Pepe sauce?"
Also really interesting asides on snapping spaghetti and the ouzo effect
Also really interesting asides on snapping spaghetti and the ouzo effect
The socio economic impact of fundamental physics research:
The optimum caccio e pepe pasta sauce!
arxiv.org/abs/2501.00536
We don’t want to hear any mire: what is tour research good for?
It makes everyone’s life better!
The optimum caccio e pepe pasta sauce!
arxiv.org/abs/2501.00536
We don’t want to hear any mire: what is tour research good for?
It makes everyone’s life better!
Phase behavior of Cacio and Pepe sauce
"Pasta alla Cacio e pepe" is a traditional Italian dish made with pasta, pecorino cheese, and pepper. Despite its simple ingredient list, achieving the perfect texture and creaminess of the sauce can ...
arxiv.org
February 4, 2025 at 3:59 PM
This research answers the fundamental question we've been asking for so long: "how can we make the perfect Cacio and Pepe sauce?"
Also really interesting asides on snapping spaghetti and the ouzo effect
Also really interesting asides on snapping spaghetti and the ouzo effect
Reposted by Ben Shepherd
Getting closer! 😍
Come on, let's smash it to 100k and then use the spare time to push it as far as possible!
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/70...
Come on, let's smash it to 100k and then use the spare time to push it as far as possible!
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/70...
Petition: Apply for the UK to join the European Union as a full member as soon as possible
I believe joining the EU would boost the economy, increase global influence, improve collaboration and provide stability & freedom. I believe that Brexit hasn't brought any tangible benefit and there ...
petition.parliament.uk
February 3, 2025 at 9:01 PM
Getting closer! 😍
Come on, let's smash it to 100k and then use the spare time to push it as far as possible!
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/70...
Come on, let's smash it to 100k and then use the spare time to push it as far as possible!
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/70...
Reposted by Ben Shepherd
Last Tuesday, Katy Brand put this up on instagram and made me think about the problems of being an ally - in particular to women - so I wrote this
thecosmicshamblesnetwork.substack.com/p/why-can-we...
thecosmicshamblesnetwork.substack.com/p/why-can-we...
February 3, 2025 at 10:33 AM
Last Tuesday, Katy Brand put this up on instagram and made me think about the problems of being an ally - in particular to women - so I wrote this
thecosmicshamblesnetwork.substack.com/p/why-can-we...
thecosmicshamblesnetwork.substack.com/p/why-can-we...
Reposted by Ben Shepherd
"The case for electoral reform is urgent and undeniable.
"First-past the post is a system that no longer functions as a fair or effective mechanism for translating the will of the electorate into parliamentary representation."
- Lisa Smart
https://youtube.com/shorts/36qJ6kOrc9Y?feature=share
"First-past the post is a system that no longer functions as a fair or effective mechanism for translating the will of the electorate into parliamentary representation."
- Lisa Smart
https://youtube.com/shorts/36qJ6kOrc9Y?feature=share
January 30, 2025 at 5:52 PM
"The case for electoral reform is urgent and undeniable.
"First-past the post is a system that no longer functions as a fair or effective mechanism for translating the will of the electorate into parliamentary representation."
- Lisa Smart
https://youtube.com/shorts/36qJ6kOrc9Y?feature=share
"First-past the post is a system that no longer functions as a fair or effective mechanism for translating the will of the electorate into parliamentary representation."
- Lisa Smart
https://youtube.com/shorts/36qJ6kOrc9Y?feature=share
Reposted by Ben Shepherd
"The end of coal power marked a key moment in the UK's transition to clean energy. Did anyone notice?
...at 3.35pm on 30 September 2024, the Ratcliffe-on-Soar power station was disconnected from the grid for the last time."
...at 3.35pm on 30 September 2024, the Ratcliffe-on-Soar power station was disconnected from the grid for the last time."
The momentous and forgotten end of coal power
The end of coal power marked a key moment in the UK's transition to clean energy. Did anyone notice?
eastangliabylines.co.uk
January 30, 2025 at 9:12 AM
"The end of coal power marked a key moment in the UK's transition to clean energy. Did anyone notice?
...at 3.35pm on 30 September 2024, the Ratcliffe-on-Soar power station was disconnected from the grid for the last time."
...at 3.35pm on 30 September 2024, the Ratcliffe-on-Soar power station was disconnected from the grid for the last time."
Reposted by Ben Shepherd
You can look up any MP on www.mpsleftright.co.uk
Survation/Royal Holloway estimates of MP positions
Site allowing you to compare the positions of MPs on the left-right dimension
www.mpsleftright.co.uk
January 25, 2025 at 6:50 PM
You can look up any MP on www.mpsleftright.co.uk
Over 21 million votes cast in 2024 were ignored or wasted. After the most disproportionate election ever, there is a crucial parliamentary debate on 30th Jan on changing the voting system.
Write to demand your MP attend and support fair votes: actionnetwork.org/letters/pr-d...
Write to demand your MP attend and support fair votes: actionnetwork.org/letters/pr-d...
Westminster is debating PR on 30th January. Tell your MP to be there.
Over 21 million votes cast in 2024 were ignored or wasted. After the most disproportionate election ever, there is a crucial parliamentary debate on 30th Jan on changing the voting system.
Don’t let ...
actionnetwork.org
January 22, 2025 at 12:43 PM
Over 21 million votes cast in 2024 were ignored or wasted. After the most disproportionate election ever, there is a crucial parliamentary debate on 30th Jan on changing the voting system.
Write to demand your MP attend and support fair votes: actionnetwork.org/letters/pr-d...
Write to demand your MP attend and support fair votes: actionnetwork.org/letters/pr-d...
Reposted by Ben Shepherd
There is an eminent professor who sometimes prefaces his interventions at seminars with "Question:" and my god the professional energy it takes for me not to interject TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT ME
I realize that for like 40 years now, anytime someone says “alright stop” I reflexively say “collaborate and listen” and is that a way to live?
January 14, 2025 at 2:17 PM
There is an eminent professor who sometimes prefaces his interventions at seminars with "Question:" and my god the professional energy it takes for me not to interject TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT ME
Reposted by Ben Shepherd
Heat pumps offer vast energy efficiency gains.
They are 4x more efficient than gas boilers.
They are 4x more efficient than gas boilers.
January 14, 2025 at 2:16 PM
Heat pumps offer vast energy efficiency gains.
They are 4x more efficient than gas boilers.
They are 4x more efficient than gas boilers.