Ned Raggett
@nedraggett.bsky.social
Hi! I write about music at various spots (@thequietus.com, @thewiremagazine.bsky.social, Shfl and my Patreon, also in the past @allmusic.com, @pitchfork.com, @bandcamp.com etc. etc.). Plus podcasting about #Tolkien with friends at @bythebywater.bsky.social
Pinned
Ned Raggett
@nedraggett.bsky.social
· Nov 14
Given the very specific circumstances, I'd either check to see if I'm on drugs or if the baby is on drugs and if the latter find out where I could get some because clearly those are some gooooood drugs.
Well, it's time for some honest to god Bluesky lore.
A year ago, the site was still invite only, and one morning I posted something random and didn't think much about it beyond my own amusement.
This is the story about the #ChristianSkydivingBaby and how it completely took over @bsky.app (1/x)
A year ago, the site was still invite only, and one morning I posted something random and didn't think much about it beyond my own amusement.
This is the story about the #ChristianSkydivingBaby and how it completely took over @bsky.app (1/x)
Reposted by Ned Raggett
Wild that billions of years ago a planet existed specifically in the habitable zone of exactly the right type of star with the perfect atmospheric condition and elementary composition for abiogenesis, and as a result of that I have to pay taxes to genocidal pedophiles
February 17, 2026 at 6:04 AM
Wild that billions of years ago a planet existed specifically in the habitable zone of exactly the right type of star with the perfect atmospheric condition and elementary composition for abiogenesis, and as a result of that I have to pay taxes to genocidal pedophiles
Reposted by Ned Raggett
Also, noting that this set is intentionally NOT billed as a "Vol. 1," BFI folks said on FB that this must sell out, "and not years from now," if they're going to do another set. OrbitDVD has it in stock if you're in the US (and it's only $40 for a 5 film/3 disc set w/ bound booklet—which is crazy).
BFI has a Blu-Ray set of the new 4K transfers, for those who can play Region B discs: hmv.com/Store/Film-T...
Cinema Expanded: The Films of Frederick Wiseman | HMV Store
Cinema Expanded: The Films of Frederick Wiseman Blu-ray Box Set Free shipping over £20
hmv.com
February 17, 2026 at 5:26 AM
Also, noting that this set is intentionally NOT billed as a "Vol. 1," BFI folks said on FB that this must sell out, "and not years from now," if they're going to do another set. OrbitDVD has it in stock if you're in the US (and it's only $40 for a 5 film/3 disc set w/ bound booklet—which is crazy).
Reposted by Ned Raggett
its amazing how chatgpt knows everything about subjects I know nothing about, but is wrong like 40% of the time in things im an expert on. not going to think about this any further
March 8, 2025 at 12:13 AM
its amazing how chatgpt knows everything about subjects I know nothing about, but is wrong like 40% of the time in things im an expert on. not going to think about this any further
Reposted by Ned Raggett
“[James Talarico] was supposed to be here, but we were told in no uncertain terms by our network’s lawyers, who called us directly, that we could not have him on the broadcast,” Colbert said.
Stephen Colbert blasted Brendan Carr after FCC scrutiny led CBS to pull an interview with Texas State Rep James Talarico. Instead, 'The Late Show' posted it to YouTube.
Colbert Says CBS Pulled Guest Over FCC Scrutiny; Posts Interview to YouTube Instead
Stephen Colbert blasted Brendan Carr after FCC scrutiny led CBS to pull an interview with Texas State Rep James Talarico. Instead, 'The Late Show' posted it to YouTube.
dlvr.it
February 17, 2026 at 6:10 AM
“[James Talarico] was supposed to be here, but we were told in no uncertain terms by our network’s lawyers, who called us directly, that we could not have him on the broadcast,” Colbert said.
Reposted by Ned Raggett
Got to meet him a couple of times too. Always came away feeling challenged in the best possible way. He mentioned that he wanted to film in a Las Vegas casino but none would agree to it. (they’re all afraid!)
February 17, 2026 at 5:55 AM
Got to meet him a couple of times too. Always came away feeling challenged in the best possible way. He mentioned that he wanted to film in a Las Vegas casino but none would agree to it. (they’re all afraid!)
Reposted by Ned Raggett
Waiting for, like, a Billie Eilish to cover this deeply topical track. youtu.be/CkcvQQTe9Mw?...
Gene Pitney "Town Without Pity"
YouTube video by catman916
youtu.be
February 17, 2026 at 6:07 AM
Waiting for, like, a Billie Eilish to cover this deeply topical track. youtu.be/CkcvQQTe9Mw?...
And he had a pretty great Criterion Closet too. youtu.be/kOpRVNqOZUA?...
February 17, 2026 at 6:09 AM
And he had a pretty great Criterion Closet too. youtu.be/kOpRVNqOZUA?...
Reposted by Ned Raggett
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZoEV...
(His co-winners, besides Chan, were film editor Anne V. Coats and casting director Lynn Stalmster.)
(His co-winners, besides Chan, were film editor Anne V. Coats and casting director Lynn Stalmster.)
February 17, 2026 at 5:58 AM
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZoEV...
(His co-winners, besides Chan, were film editor Anne V. Coats and casting director Lynn Stalmster.)
(His co-winners, besides Chan, were film editor Anne V. Coats and casting director Lynn Stalmster.)
Reposted by Ned Raggett
I love that Wiseman got his Oscar at the same time as Jackie Chan did.
February 17, 2026 at 5:28 AM
I love that Wiseman got his Oscar at the same time as Jackie Chan did.
Reposted by Ned Raggett
No great surprise that I maintain that Wiseman Podcast is the best film podcast out there. Great guests and a rigourous critique. Way ahead of the “group of bros fanboying about bullshit” that most film podcasts are.
wiseman-podcast.captivate.fm
wiseman-podcast.captivate.fm
wiseman-podcast.captivate.fm
February 17, 2026 at 5:37 AM
No great surprise that I maintain that Wiseman Podcast is the best film podcast out there. Great guests and a rigourous critique. Way ahead of the “group of bros fanboying about bullshit” that most film podcasts are.
wiseman-podcast.captivate.fm
wiseman-podcast.captivate.fm
Reposted by Ned Raggett
There’s going to be Covid style shortages of cars, TVs and even washing machines and fridges, then job losses because assembly lines can’t source solid state memory, just so the stupidest person you know can state with 100% confidence a chatbot confirmed dinosaurs coexisted with humans.
I understand framing the AI bubble RAM supply crisis in terms of stuff like video game consoles because nerds can conceptualize that but the framing does really undersell the sheer magnitude of how it's going to fuck up everything that even touches a computer.
February 16, 2026 at 9:02 PM
There’s going to be Covid style shortages of cars, TVs and even washing machines and fridges, then job losses because assembly lines can’t source solid state memory, just so the stupidest person you know can state with 100% confidence a chatbot confirmed dinosaurs coexisted with humans.
Reposted by Ned Raggett
If tossing a lady on ice is a sport, ballroom is a sport.
February 17, 2026 at 4:44 AM
If tossing a lady on ice is a sport, ballroom is a sport.
Reposted by Ned Raggett
in 2023 when I was organizing parents against our archbishop’s transphobic new school guidelines, one dad asked how loud I thought it was prudent for us to be, given how punitive the Archbishop is. I was like “loud enough that all the trans/nb kids at your parish see it” and he was like “…. oh”
Every time you speak up - and every time you don't - there are people watching and learning about you and the world you help create.
The drunk uncle theory.
You don’t argue with the casually homophobic uncle at Thanksgiving dinner to change his mind; you argue so that the closeted cousin at the kids table knows there’s safe people and better possibilities out there
You don’t argue with the casually homophobic uncle at Thanksgiving dinner to change his mind; you argue so that the closeted cousin at the kids table knows there’s safe people and better possibilities out there
February 17, 2026 at 4:10 AM
in 2023 when I was organizing parents against our archbishop’s transphobic new school guidelines, one dad asked how loud I thought it was prudent for us to be, given how punitive the Archbishop is. I was like “loud enough that all the trans/nb kids at your parish see it” and he was like “…. oh”
Reposted by Ned Raggett
Good on the county chairman for pointing out the dangers of initiating police chases and how her death would have been preventable if ICE wasn't doing what they're doing
February 17, 2026 at 4:13 AM
Good on the county chairman for pointing out the dangers of initiating police chases and how her death would have been preventable if ICE wasn't doing what they're doing
Reposted by Ned Raggett
Just watched Open Range with Duvall and Costner, a great western. RIP. Both Duvall and Hackman being gone feels so strange to me.
February 17, 2026 at 4:27 AM
Just watched Open Range with Duvall and Costner, a great western. RIP. Both Duvall and Hackman being gone feels so strange to me.
Reposted by Ned Raggett
Speaking in simply factual terms: AI generated artwork seems to just be part of the public grieving process now.
February 15, 2026 at 4:42 AM
Speaking in simply factual terms: AI generated artwork seems to just be part of the public grieving process now.
Reposted by Ned Raggett
🚨 Breaking news in Epstein Case 🚨 The New Mexico Legislature has passed HR1 to convene a Truth Commission and investigate Epstein’s crimes in NM, including at Zorro Ranch—led by State Reps Andrea Romero and Marianna Anaya.
Full explainer here: youtu.be/DnOTfR_msPw?...
Full explainer here: youtu.be/DnOTfR_msPw?...
February 17, 2026 at 3:50 AM
🚨 Breaking news in Epstein Case 🚨 The New Mexico Legislature has passed HR1 to convene a Truth Commission and investigate Epstein’s crimes in NM, including at Zorro Ranch—led by State Reps Andrea Romero and Marianna Anaya.
Full explainer here: youtu.be/DnOTfR_msPw?...
Full explainer here: youtu.be/DnOTfR_msPw?...
Reposted by Ned Raggett
Gavin Newsom looks like one of the masks they wore in Point Break
February 16, 2026 at 7:48 PM
Gavin Newsom looks like one of the masks they wore in Point Break
Reposted by Ned Raggett
I grew up reading the Plain Dealer (one reason I am a writer!) and it was an absolute thrill to write for them later. This hurts my heart and infuriates me. When I report, I picture stories coming together. It’s exciting and energizing. Can’t fathom turning that over to AI.
A conscientious journalism grad withdraw from a job when she learned the Cleveland Plain Dealer uses AI to write its stories.
Now the editor is castigating her and journalism professors for not being “prepared for the workforce.”
You can’t make this shit up.
www.cleveland.com/news/2026/02...
Now the editor is castigating her and journalism professors for not being “prepared for the workforce.”
You can’t make this shit up.
www.cleveland.com/news/2026/02...
February 17, 2026 at 3:27 AM
I grew up reading the Plain Dealer (one reason I am a writer!) and it was an absolute thrill to write for them later. This hurts my heart and infuriates me. When I report, I picture stories coming together. It’s exciting and energizing. Can’t fathom turning that over to AI.
Reposted by Ned Raggett
Reposted by Ned Raggett
oh hell yeah they made a korean reality competition show with shamans. it’s like culinary class war but with mudang.
February 17, 2026 at 3:24 AM
oh hell yeah they made a korean reality competition show with shamans. it’s like culinary class war but with mudang.
Reposted by Ned Raggett
its insane that drafting as an occupation used to just involve countless huge rooms of dads in shirts and ties, scattered all over the country, leaning over tables with their asses perked up all day as their 9-5 job
February 17, 2026 at 1:31 AM
its insane that drafting as an occupation used to just involve countless huge rooms of dads in shirts and ties, scattered all over the country, leaning over tables with their asses perked up all day as their 9-5 job
Reposted by Ned Raggett
A hundred years on and we still don't get just what makes Tom Buchanan such a noxious and insidious character in American culture
February 16, 2026 at 12:15 AM
A hundred years on and we still don't get just what makes Tom Buchanan such a noxious and insidious character in American culture
Reposted by Ned Raggett
got her ceaușescu escape jet gassed up and ready to go at all hours no doubt
The interior of Kristi Noem’s new billionaire-class luxury jet is complete with two bidets and a wet bar with a wine chiller. It will be purchased on our dime from the slush fund Congress approved in the One Big Beautiful Bill.
open.substack.com/pub/newsnotn...
open.substack.com/pub/newsnotn...
Let Them Fly First Class: Kristi Noem’s DHS Luxury Jet Scandal
Inside Noem's flying palace. Plus: Pentagon demands obedient, deadly AI. The race to deploy untested nuclear reactors. Lawmakers move to rein in presidential pardons. And remembering Robert Duvall.
open.substack.com
February 17, 2026 at 3:21 AM
got her ceaușescu escape jet gassed up and ready to go at all hours no doubt
Reposted by Ned Raggett
Here is a meal when you can’t think & can’t cook: Make some noodles, whatever you have. In another pot heat up chicken broth. Throw some garlic cloves in. Diced tofu. Sliced mushrooms, a handful of frozen spinach, & a handful of bagged cole slaw mix. green onions if you got em. Sriracha for taste
February 17, 2026 at 3:04 AM
Here is a meal when you can’t think & can’t cook: Make some noodles, whatever you have. In another pot heat up chicken broth. Throw some garlic cloves in. Diced tofu. Sliced mushrooms, a handful of frozen spinach, & a handful of bagged cole slaw mix. green onions if you got em. Sriracha for taste