Rhys Davies
@rcdavies.bsky.social
Common culture and community. Believer in manufacturing & interested in productivity. Trade should be balanced & energy should be renewable.
Reposted by Rhys Davies
The UK’s university system as it is, is cooked, it needs to shrink.
Needs to go back to more selective degrees; cut low-value courses; cap numbers by subject; restore FE and apprenticeships; accept stratification. Smaller system, higher standards, less debt, better skills match.
Needs to go back to more selective degrees; cut low-value courses; cap numbers by subject; restore FE and apprenticeships; accept stratification. Smaller system, higher standards, less debt, better skills match.
In the UK academic recession, you will be at one of these stages since many unis buy the same cuts model from the same consultancies. It is always the same process:
*Talk of belt-tightening
*Incidental savings (e.g. printing, refreshments)
*Travel budgets cut
*Promotion freeze (1/4)
*Talk of belt-tightening
*Incidental savings (e.g. printing, refreshments)
*Travel budgets cut
*Promotion freeze (1/4)
February 4, 2026 at 4:53 AM
The UK’s university system as it is, is cooked, it needs to shrink.
Needs to go back to more selective degrees; cut low-value courses; cap numbers by subject; restore FE and apprenticeships; accept stratification. Smaller system, higher standards, less debt, better skills match.
Needs to go back to more selective degrees; cut low-value courses; cap numbers by subject; restore FE and apprenticeships; accept stratification. Smaller system, higher standards, less debt, better skills match.
Reposted by Rhys Davies
In many ways the university system is similar the UK’s economic model.
Growth over productivity
UK economy, house prices, population growth, services
Universities, student numbers, courses, campuses
Expansion substitutes for reform.
Growth over productivity
UK economy, house prices, population growth, services
Universities, student numbers, courses, campuses
Expansion substitutes for reform.
February 4, 2026 at 5:21 AM
In many ways the university system is similar the UK’s economic model.
Growth over productivity
UK economy, house prices, population growth, services
Universities, student numbers, courses, campuses
Expansion substitutes for reform.
Growth over productivity
UK economy, house prices, population growth, services
Universities, student numbers, courses, campuses
Expansion substitutes for reform.
Reposted by Rhys Davies
China to become first country to ban hidden car door handles. This due to safety concerns after EV accidents where electronic doors reportedly failed to operate and trapped passengers inside.
Sky News
apple.news/A-SUXHfAvTiC...
Sky News
apple.news/A-SUXHfAvTiC...
China to become first country to ban hidden door handles — Sky News
From next year, new car models will have to have both exterior and interior handles with mechanical releases.
apple.news
February 3, 2026 at 4:26 PM
China to become first country to ban hidden car door handles. This due to safety concerns after EV accidents where electronic doors reportedly failed to operate and trapped passengers inside.
Sky News
apple.news/A-SUXHfAvTiC...
Sky News
apple.news/A-SUXHfAvTiC...
This is a good idea. I've always thought the EU would do better with a security council-type core. Otherwise, you end up with Hungary-style blocking vetoes being used as a political tool.
Map of the proposed Two-Speed Europe. Under Germany's invitation, six EU countries dubbed as "E6" have agreed to talks on making decisions in economy and defence without waiting for unanimity from the rest of the EU. Source: buff.ly/QOOrRuI
February 3, 2026 at 8:17 PM
This is a good idea. I've always thought the EU would do better with a security council-type core. Otherwise, you end up with Hungary-style blocking vetoes being used as a political tool.
Reposted by Rhys Davies
No question, the Electric Car Grant in the UK has helped, but it may surprise some that Ford are the UK's number 1 best selling electric car brand last month, and the Ford Puma Electric is the best selling model!
Jack had a go in it last year.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJUD...
Jack had a go in it last year.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJUD...
Ford Puma Electric: The One We've Been Waiting For?!
YouTube video by Everything Electric CARS
www.youtube.com
February 3, 2026 at 7:37 PM
No question, the Electric Car Grant in the UK has helped, but it may surprise some that Ford are the UK's number 1 best selling electric car brand last month, and the Ford Puma Electric is the best selling model!
Jack had a go in it last year.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJUD...
Jack had a go in it last year.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJUD...
Reposted by Rhys Davies
build copious amounts of council housing, then rent controls will be unneccessary
February 2, 2026 at 8:43 AM
build copious amounts of council housing, then rent controls will be unneccessary
Reposted by Rhys Davies
Reposted by Rhys Davies
La pollution plastique menace la vie marine et présente des risques pour la santé humaine.
Nous devons changer de toute urgence notre façon de produire, de consommer et d'éliminer les plastiques.
#Agissons pour #CombattreLaPollutionPlastique!
➡️ buff.ly/NUTJQsJ
Nous devons changer de toute urgence notre façon de produire, de consommer et d'éliminer les plastiques.
#Agissons pour #CombattreLaPollutionPlastique!
➡️ buff.ly/NUTJQsJ
February 1, 2026 at 3:36 PM
La pollution plastique menace la vie marine et présente des risques pour la santé humaine.
Nous devons changer de toute urgence notre façon de produire, de consommer et d'éliminer les plastiques.
#Agissons pour #CombattreLaPollutionPlastique!
➡️ buff.ly/NUTJQsJ
Nous devons changer de toute urgence notre façon de produire, de consommer et d'éliminer les plastiques.
#Agissons pour #CombattreLaPollutionPlastique!
➡️ buff.ly/NUTJQsJ
Reposted by Rhys Davies
Almost my photo choice today, here are the crocuses I am keeping an eye on, teasing me big time!
The promise of things soon to come 🤗 #NotLongNow #365DaysWild #inspiringnature #wildlife #naturephotography #MentalHealthMatters
The promise of things soon to come 🤗 #NotLongNow #365DaysWild #inspiringnature #wildlife #naturephotography #MentalHealthMatters
February 1, 2026 at 3:49 PM
Almost my photo choice today, here are the crocuses I am keeping an eye on, teasing me big time!
The promise of things soon to come 🤗 #NotLongNow #365DaysWild #inspiringnature #wildlife #naturephotography #MentalHealthMatters
The promise of things soon to come 🤗 #NotLongNow #365DaysWild #inspiringnature #wildlife #naturephotography #MentalHealthMatters
Reposted by Rhys Davies
My comment to the misleading Ecotricity report post almost got more likes than their post - let’s at least match theirs.
www.linkedin.com/posts/ecotri...
www.linkedin.com/posts/ecotri...
A major new report using government data and a survey of 1,000+ heat-pump owners reveals a gap between promises and reality. Despite claims they cut bills, 85% of users saw no reduction and nearly 7… ...
A major new report using government data and a survey of 1,000+ heat-pump owners reveals a gap between promises and reality. Despite claims they cut bills, 85% of users saw no reduction and nearly 7 o...
www.linkedin.com
January 31, 2026 at 5:35 PM
My comment to the misleading Ecotricity report post almost got more likes than their post - let’s at least match theirs.
www.linkedin.com/posts/ecotri...
www.linkedin.com/posts/ecotri...
Reposted by Rhys Davies
Investment in Europe’s chemicals sector plunges over 80% in 2025
High energy prices, red tape and Chinese imports impede ability to supply region’s critical industries.
High energy prices, red tape and Chinese imports impede ability to supply region’s critical industries.
Investment in Europe’s chemicals sector plunges over 80% in 2025
High energy prices, red tape and Chinese imports impede ability to supply region’s critical industries
buff.ly
February 1, 2026 at 3:01 PM
Investment in Europe’s chemicals sector plunges over 80% in 2025
High energy prices, red tape and Chinese imports impede ability to supply region’s critical industries.
High energy prices, red tape and Chinese imports impede ability to supply region’s critical industries.
Reposted by Rhys Davies
Happy February!
Welcome to most underrated and fastest improving month. You start in the depths of winter and end waking up in the light to the sound of birds singing, to the sight of snowdrops, daffodils and early blossom in the trees
#BigFebruary
Welcome to most underrated and fastest improving month. You start in the depths of winter and end waking up in the light to the sound of birds singing, to the sight of snowdrops, daffodils and early blossom in the trees
#BigFebruary
February 1, 2026 at 8:18 AM
Happy February!
Welcome to most underrated and fastest improving month. You start in the depths of winter and end waking up in the light to the sound of birds singing, to the sight of snowdrops, daffodils and early blossom in the trees
#BigFebruary
Welcome to most underrated and fastest improving month. You start in the depths of winter and end waking up in the light to the sound of birds singing, to the sight of snowdrops, daffodils and early blossom in the trees
#BigFebruary
Reposted by Rhys Davies
Ancient Egyptian cosmetic containers from 3,000 years ago ~ dish in the shape of an ibex with bound legs / and a tube for kohl eye liner in the form of a nude female figure
February 1, 2026 at 7:18 AM
Ancient Egyptian cosmetic containers from 3,000 years ago ~ dish in the shape of an ibex with bound legs / and a tube for kohl eye liner in the form of a nude female figure
Harvard Business Review article from 1986, already highlighting the dangers of unbalanced trade: "Making trade among diverse nations constructive means balancing it and preventing destructive shifts of industries between nations.'
hbr.org/1986/09/the-...
hbr.org/1986/09/the-...
The Folly of Free Trade
Any manager who tries to create a strategy out of worn-out clichés and unexamined nostrums is dismissed. Yet in the United States and other Western countries we have grown comfortable with the governm...
hbr.org
February 1, 2026 at 12:21 AM
Harvard Business Review article from 1986, already highlighting the dangers of unbalanced trade: "Making trade among diverse nations constructive means balancing it and preventing destructive shifts of industries between nations.'
hbr.org/1986/09/the-...
hbr.org/1986/09/the-...
It would be interesting to know in a bit more detail what caused this potato glut. Policy? Warm summer? Better farming techniques...?
www.theguardian.com/world/2026/j...
www.theguardian.com/world/2026/j...
Record harvest sparks mass giveaway of free potatoes across Berlin
From zoos to soup kitchens, people are hauling away tonnes of surplus spuds after the biggest crop in 25 years
www.theguardian.com
January 31, 2026 at 9:19 PM
It would be interesting to know in a bit more detail what caused this potato glut. Policy? Warm summer? Better farming techniques...?
www.theguardian.com/world/2026/j...
www.theguardian.com/world/2026/j...
Reposted by Rhys Davies
Fully believe that the drafts are made around young men, not bc they have energy or strength-
But bc they don’t have enough experience or the frontal lobe to understand the ramifications of war
But bc they don’t have enough experience or the frontal lobe to understand the ramifications of war
January 31, 2026 at 10:50 AM
Fully believe that the drafts are made around young men, not bc they have energy or strength-
But bc they don’t have enough experience or the frontal lobe to understand the ramifications of war
But bc they don’t have enough experience or the frontal lobe to understand the ramifications of war
Reposted by Rhys Davies
Magnificent parenting
January 31, 2026 at 6:07 PM
Magnificent parenting
Reposted by Rhys Davies
Translation: “I intend to cheat” bsky.app/profile/atru...
Trump on the Virginia governor: "I don't know how they get elected. The get elected because they cheat, if you want to know the truth. If they didn't cheat, they'd have no chance."
January 30, 2026 at 5:24 PM
Translation: “I intend to cheat” bsky.app/profile/atru...
Reposted by Rhys Davies
Chandra, Webb Catch Twinkling Lights www.nasa.gov/image-articl...
Pismis 24 is a young cluster of stars in the core of the nearby Lobster Nebula, approximately 5,500 light-years from Earth in the constellation Scorpius.
Pismis 24 is a young cluster of stars in the core of the nearby Lobster Nebula, approximately 5,500 light-years from Earth in the constellation Scorpius.
January 31, 2026 at 9:11 AM
Chandra, Webb Catch Twinkling Lights www.nasa.gov/image-articl...
Pismis 24 is a young cluster of stars in the core of the nearby Lobster Nebula, approximately 5,500 light-years from Earth in the constellation Scorpius.
Pismis 24 is a young cluster of stars in the core of the nearby Lobster Nebula, approximately 5,500 light-years from Earth in the constellation Scorpius.
Reposted by Rhys Davies
𝙎𝙞𝙡𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙁𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙣 𓆝 𓆡
ɢʀᴀꜰꜰɪᴛɪ ʜᴏᴜꜱᴇʙᴏᴀᴛ ﹏𓊝﹏𓂁﹏
Rιʂιɳɠ Sυɳ ˗ˏˋ ´ˎ˗
#AiArtCommunity #AiArt #AiCommunity #MidJourney
ɢʀᴀꜰꜰɪᴛɪ ʜᴏᴜꜱᴇʙᴏᴀᴛ ﹏𓊝﹏𓂁﹏
Rιʂιɳɠ Sυɳ ˗ˏˋ ´ˎ˗
#AiArtCommunity #AiArt #AiCommunity #MidJourney
January 30, 2026 at 3:29 PM
𝙎𝙞𝙡𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙁𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙣 𓆝 𓆡
ɢʀᴀꜰꜰɪᴛɪ ʜᴏᴜꜱᴇʙᴏᴀᴛ ﹏𓊝﹏𓂁﹏
Rιʂιɳɠ Sυɳ ˗ˏˋ ´ˎ˗
#AiArtCommunity #AiArt #AiCommunity #MidJourney
ɢʀᴀꜰꜰɪᴛɪ ʜᴏᴜꜱᴇʙᴏᴀᴛ ﹏𓊝﹏𓂁﹏
Rιʂιɳɠ Sυɳ ˗ˏˋ ´ˎ˗
#AiArtCommunity #AiArt #AiCommunity #MidJourney
Reposted by Rhys Davies
None of this shit would have a moment's bloody purchase if we hadn't had shit government after shit government, marked by drift and a complete want of ideas, with all those in the wings being even bloody worse. I bloody despair that a country of nigh on 70 million people can't produce one sane party
January 30, 2026 at 10:30 PM
None of this shit would have a moment's bloody purchase if we hadn't had shit government after shit government, marked by drift and a complete want of ideas, with all those in the wings being even bloody worse. I bloody despair that a country of nigh on 70 million people can't produce one sane party
Reposted by Rhys Davies
Social media ban for under-15s: Why everyone in France will soon have to verify their age
Social media ban for under-15s: Why everyone in France will soon have to verify their age
If the bill is adopted on schedule, all social media users in France will have to undergo age verification before the end of the year.
www.lemonde.fr
January 31, 2026 at 3:52 AM
Social media ban for under-15s: Why everyone in France will soon have to verify their age
Reposted by Rhys Davies
Peter Oliver (British b. 1927). Winter Village Scene (Oil on Board).
January 30, 2026 at 6:39 AM
Peter Oliver (British b. 1927). Winter Village Scene (Oil on Board).