Tasha Alden
@tashaalden.bsky.social
Senior Lecturer in Contemporary Fiction at @AberUni. Lit & philosophy/theology, esp. Iris Murdoch & M Robinson, language of fertility, queer historical fiction, MedHums. Schools / access. Buddhisty-Quaker. LWithTheT
Reposted by Tasha Alden
delighted to inform you that, once again, not everything is completely terrible
TIL that for some people with irreparably damaged corneas, you can pull one of their teeth, drill a hole in it, install an artificial lens, sew it into their cheek (so tissue attaches), then pull it out and stick it in their damaged eye, and ... it works fine!?! www.nbcboston.com/news/health/...
Man, 34, is no longer blind after tooth is implanted in eye in 'crazy' surgery
Tooth-in-eye surgery sounds like science fiction, but it can help people with severely damaged corneas see again. A patient and his doctors describe what it's like.
www.nbcboston.com
September 12, 2025 at 1:49 PM
delighted to inform you that, once again, not everything is completely terrible
Reposted by Tasha Alden
every time there's political violence discourse i think about how jo cox was assassinated in broad daylight by a fascist who shouted "britain first" as he shot her, and now nine years later her party is dedicating every moment in power to placating the ideology of her murderer
September 10, 2025 at 11:41 PM
every time there's political violence discourse i think about how jo cox was assassinated in broad daylight by a fascist who shouted "britain first" as he shot her, and now nine years later her party is dedicating every moment in power to placating the ideology of her murderer
Reposted by Tasha Alden
On the same day in the Telegraph:
![The Telegraph
Rayner tax scandal - £40k tax dodge - Statement
Angela Rayner dodges £40,000 stamp duty
Deputy Prime Minister reduces tax bill for Hove flat by declaring it as her main residence
[Photo: Angela Rayner pictured at the weekend in Hove, where she has just bought a flat Credit: Dan Charity/The Sun on Sunday]
Robert Mendick Chief Reporter. Amy Gibbons Political Correspondent
29 August 2025 8:57am BST](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:2kf2qj56o2vq7jfaq4x4ogp6/bafkreihe5mm7nwmwvzhtgadmsafyvsaxhrufuai2d2j2rju5zt6g2lytea@jpeg)
![The Telegraph
Money > Property > Second homes
How to avoid tax on your second home
From stamp duty to council tax, shield your wealth from Labour's tightening net
[Photo of houses around a bay - Areas such as Cornwall have added a premium to council tax bills for second homes Credit: iStockphoto]
Fran Ivens Senior Money Writer
29 August 2025 1:21pm BST](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:2kf2qj56o2vq7jfaq4x4ogp6/bafkreieuwgc2vsmyfcctmf4cnpcqckij2pqdk2gmzajpnihrsqyqmzyr5e@jpeg)
September 5, 2025 at 7:55 AM
On the same day in the Telegraph:
Reposted by Tasha Alden
Wikipedia editors trying to fend off the onslaught of AI crap have crowdsourced some telltale signs of LLM-generated writing; it might be handy for editors and proofreaders generally. Thanks to @ellenrykers.com for pointing me to it. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikiped...
Wikipedia:Signs of AI writing - Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org
August 31, 2025 at 11:58 PM
Wikipedia editors trying to fend off the onslaught of AI crap have crowdsourced some telltale signs of LLM-generated writing; it might be handy for editors and proofreaders generally. Thanks to @ellenrykers.com for pointing me to it. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikiped...
Reposted by Tasha Alden
If you are cis, please read this entire thread. It won't take much of your time
I want to explain a few things and then it might be clearer why UK trans people are upset.
In 2001 I married my wife, Sylvia.
In 2005 I started medical transition. (1/13)
In 2001 I married my wife, Sylvia.
In 2005 I started medical transition. (1/13)
August 29, 2025 at 12:32 PM
If you are cis, please read this entire thread. It won't take much of your time
Reposted by Tasha Alden
The Quakers are doing exactly what all public services are legally allowed to do even if the EHRC wants to pretend they're not: say gender-based toilets are inclusive and for anyone bothered by that as a matter of belief, there are stand-alone cubicles that they are very free to use. 1/
This, from the Quakers, is a pretty good example of how to resist pressure from bigot lobbying groups. Effectively “we legally can allow trans people to use the loo, we morally should, and we tried it and nothing bad happened”
www.quaker.org.uk
August 28, 2025 at 4:23 PM
The Quakers are doing exactly what all public services are legally allowed to do even if the EHRC wants to pretend they're not: say gender-based toilets are inclusive and for anyone bothered by that as a matter of belief, there are stand-alone cubicles that they are very free to use. 1/
Reposted by Tasha Alden
This, from the Quakers, is a pretty good example of how to resist pressure from bigot lobbying groups. Effectively “we legally can allow trans people to use the loo, we morally should, and we tried it and nothing bad happened”
www.quaker.org.uk
August 28, 2025 at 12:16 PM
This, from the Quakers, is a pretty good example of how to resist pressure from bigot lobbying groups. Effectively “we legally can allow trans people to use the loo, we morally should, and we tried it and nothing bad happened”
Reposted by Tasha Alden
everything we do should as teachers should be to throw sand in the gears of the neo-utilitarian machine that sees education in purely transactional terms. it really is the only thing —AI is a symptom not a cause
Here’s my bottom line on the firehose of AI higher ed discourse: for the vast majority for us it’s over. “It” here is not “college” or “teaching”’per se; rather, “it” is the transactional underpinning of those endeavors. Let me explain: 🧵
August 18, 2025 at 7:33 PM
everything we do should as teachers should be to throw sand in the gears of the neo-utilitarian machine that sees education in purely transactional terms. it really is the only thing —AI is a symptom not a cause
Reposted by Tasha Alden
The employee asked the girl and her mother if they needed help shopping. That’s it. That’s all. The misinformation, the insinuations (because the facts are inconveniently benign) are EXACTLY what was done to lesbians in the 80s. This is the product of hate and fear, not reality.
August 6, 2025 at 9:39 AM
The employee asked the girl and her mother if they needed help shopping. That’s it. That’s all. The misinformation, the insinuations (because the facts are inconveniently benign) are EXACTLY what was done to lesbians in the 80s. This is the product of hate and fear, not reality.
Reposted by Tasha Alden
Please help me share the CFP for this Literature Compass Special Issue dedicated to the work of Simon J James and covering key Victorian and Edwardian writers like H. G. Wells, George Gissing, Dickens, Wilde, George Du Maurier, and Conan-Doyle on behalf of Hadas Elber-Aviram.
August 6, 2025 at 8:50 AM
Please help me share the CFP for this Literature Compass Special Issue dedicated to the work of Simon J James and covering key Victorian and Edwardian writers like H. G. Wells, George Gissing, Dickens, Wilde, George Du Maurier, and Conan-Doyle on behalf of Hadas Elber-Aviram.
Reposted by Tasha Alden
An open letter has been launched today (27/7/25) for members of the UK academic community (academics and other university staff) to sign, to press the UK Home Office to facilitate safe passage out of Gaza for 40+ students with offers for UK universities.
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
Open letter from UK university staff: Request for biometric deferral and safe evacuation of incoming Palestinian students and scholars from Gaza to UK Universities
More than 40 students currently trapped in Gaza with full scholarships to UK Universities are asking for a safe route to come and study. We, the academic community hoping to welcome these scholars, ca...
docs.google.com
July 27, 2025 at 9:48 PM
An open letter has been launched today (27/7/25) for members of the UK academic community (academics and other university staff) to sign, to press the UK Home Office to facilitate safe passage out of Gaza for 40+ students with offers for UK universities.
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
Reposted by Tasha Alden
We need to heed the promptings of love and truth in our hearts and speak up now. We believe that genocide is underway in Gaza.
We use this word with the aim of opening eyes, minds and hearts. We use it in the deep hope that the actions it describes will stop.
www.quaker.org.uk/news-and-eve...
We use this word with the aim of opening eyes, minds and hearts. We use it in the deep hope that the actions it describes will stop.
www.quaker.org.uk/news-and-eve...
Quakers first British church to state belief that genocide underway in Gaza
At their annual gathering this weekend, Quakers in Britain became the first British church to state their belief that the Israeli government is committing genocide in Gaza.
www.quaker.org.uk
May 27, 2025 at 7:28 AM
We need to heed the promptings of love and truth in our hearts and speak up now. We believe that genocide is underway in Gaza.
We use this word with the aim of opening eyes, minds and hearts. We use it in the deep hope that the actions it describes will stop.
www.quaker.org.uk/news-and-eve...
We use this word with the aim of opening eyes, minds and hearts. We use it in the deep hope that the actions it describes will stop.
www.quaker.org.uk/news-and-eve...
Reposted by Tasha Alden
Quakers will be among thousands taking part in London Trans+ Pride tomorrow, the largest demonstration of its kind in the world.
We believe that all people are of equal spiritual worth, that each one of us is unique, precious, a child of God.
Read the full details here: londontranspride.org
We believe that all people are of equal spiritual worth, that each one of us is unique, precious, a child of God.
Read the full details here: londontranspride.org
London Trans+ Pride 2025
londontranspride.org
July 25, 2025 at 2:07 PM
Quakers will be among thousands taking part in London Trans+ Pride tomorrow, the largest demonstration of its kind in the world.
We believe that all people are of equal spiritual worth, that each one of us is unique, precious, a child of God.
Read the full details here: londontranspride.org
We believe that all people are of equal spiritual worth, that each one of us is unique, precious, a child of God.
Read the full details here: londontranspride.org
Reposted by Tasha Alden
We have all watched in horror as Israel crosses red line after red line in Gaza. If you agree please share this post on, help us send this message across social media, then contribute a picture to our powerful visual at bit.ly/3HW2ePI
Let’s speak out, in our masses, right now. #RedLineForGaza #Gaza
Let’s speak out, in our masses, right now. #RedLineForGaza #Gaza
July 11, 2025 at 3:15 PM
We have all watched in horror as Israel crosses red line after red line in Gaza. If you agree please share this post on, help us send this message across social media, then contribute a picture to our powerful visual at bit.ly/3HW2ePI
Let’s speak out, in our masses, right now. #RedLineForGaza #Gaza
Let’s speak out, in our masses, right now. #RedLineForGaza #Gaza
Reposted by Tasha Alden
Decades of mechanistic talk about university degrees as if they were bundles of 'skills' and 'prep' are about to be proved completely wrong (obviously). Want to get a real boost? Do History or English.
July 13, 2025 at 10:19 AM
Decades of mechanistic talk about university degrees as if they were bundles of 'skills' and 'prep' are about to be proved completely wrong (obviously). Want to get a real boost? Do History or English.
Reposted by Tasha Alden
99% of people crossing the channel in small boats apply for asylum.
About 70%+ receive it.
The manner of entry to seek asylum does not determine if someone is a "genuine refugee".
Nobody is risking their life crossing one of the world's busiest shipping routes to work for Deliveroo. #r4today
About 70%+ receive it.
The manner of entry to seek asylum does not determine if someone is a "genuine refugee".
Nobody is risking their life crossing one of the world's busiest shipping routes to work for Deliveroo. #r4today
July 11, 2025 at 6:03 AM
99% of people crossing the channel in small boats apply for asylum.
About 70%+ receive it.
The manner of entry to seek asylum does not determine if someone is a "genuine refugee".
Nobody is risking their life crossing one of the world's busiest shipping routes to work for Deliveroo. #r4today
About 70%+ receive it.
The manner of entry to seek asylum does not determine if someone is a "genuine refugee".
Nobody is risking their life crossing one of the world's busiest shipping routes to work for Deliveroo. #r4today
Reposted by Tasha Alden
More than 15,000 children have already been killed by Israeli authorities in Gaza. Every single one of them was someone’s universe. Every child killed is a red line crossed.
Add your voice now: redlineforgaza.org.uk
3/4
Add your voice now: redlineforgaza.org.uk
3/4
Red Line for Gaza
redlineforgaza.org.uk
July 1, 2025 at 3:13 PM
More than 15,000 children have already been killed by Israeli authorities in Gaza. Every single one of them was someone’s universe. Every child killed is a red line crossed.
Add your voice now: redlineforgaza.org.uk
3/4
Add your voice now: redlineforgaza.org.uk
3/4
Reposted by Tasha Alden
It takes less than a minute to take part. By just hitting send on a short pre-prepared message to your MP, tens-of-thousands of us will ask the same question: What are they doing to stop the deaths of children in Gaza?
And we’ll keep on demanding action, until the killing ends.
2/4
And we’ll keep on demanding action, until the killing ends.
2/4
July 1, 2025 at 3:13 PM
It takes less than a minute to take part. By just hitting send on a short pre-prepared message to your MP, tens-of-thousands of us will ask the same question: What are they doing to stop the deaths of children in Gaza?
And we’ll keep on demanding action, until the killing ends.
2/4
And we’ll keep on demanding action, until the killing ends.
2/4
Reposted by Tasha Alden
Red Line For Gaza is a movement bringing together all of our voices to end the killing and suffering of children in Gaza: redlineforgaza.org.uk
Together, we will use our voice to demand action every week. Until the UK Government acts, we will not stop.
1/4
Together, we will use our voice to demand action every week. Until the UK Government acts, we will not stop.
1/4
July 1, 2025 at 3:13 PM
Red Line For Gaza is a movement bringing together all of our voices to end the killing and suffering of children in Gaza: redlineforgaza.org.uk
Together, we will use our voice to demand action every week. Until the UK Government acts, we will not stop.
1/4
Together, we will use our voice to demand action every week. Until the UK Government acts, we will not stop.
1/4
Reposted by Tasha Alden
ENGLISH LIT JOB! A rare beast spotted in the wild! Come work with us! I’ll provide snacks!
jobs.edgehill.ac.uk/Vacancy.aspx...
jobs.edgehill.ac.uk/Vacancy.aspx...
Job Vacancy at Edge Hill University: Senior Lecturer/Lecturer in English
We’re here to create and harness knowledge, to deliver opportunity for everyone.About the RoleAs Lecturer or Senior Lecturer in English, you will be required to make a significant contribution to the ...
jobs.edgehill.ac.uk
June 11, 2025 at 8:32 AM
ENGLISH LIT JOB! A rare beast spotted in the wild! Come work with us! I’ll provide snacks!
jobs.edgehill.ac.uk/Vacancy.aspx...
jobs.edgehill.ac.uk/Vacancy.aspx...
Reposted by Tasha Alden
New from @englishassociation.bsky.social! English opens doors: fliers with info on skills and careers for English students, teachers, parents now available to download. englishassociation.ac.uk/english-open...
English Opens Doors: resources for teachers and students | The English Association
We support the teaching, learning, and enjoyment of English at all levels of education, from early years to further and higher education and beyond.
englishassociation.ac.uk
May 14, 2025 at 6:22 AM
New from @englishassociation.bsky.social! English opens doors: fliers with info on skills and careers for English students, teachers, parents now available to download. englishassociation.ac.uk/english-open...
Reposted by Tasha Alden
You wouldn't know it by the arrest and conviction rates in this country, but sexual assault is already actually illegal in the UK, regardless of whether you have a right to enter single-sex spaces or not.
There's not a single crime in the history of the UK that would have been prevented by a bathroom bill. Not one
Bathroom bills aren't about safety, they're about trying to exclude LGBT people from public life. That's it
Bathroom bills aren't about safety, they're about trying to exclude LGBT people from public life. That's it
April 30, 2025 at 2:06 PM
You wouldn't know it by the arrest and conviction rates in this country, but sexual assault is already actually illegal in the UK, regardless of whether you have a right to enter single-sex spaces or not.
Reposted by Tasha Alden
There's not a single crime in the history of the UK that would have been prevented by a bathroom bill. Not one
Bathroom bills aren't about safety, they're about trying to exclude LGBT people from public life. That's it
Bathroom bills aren't about safety, they're about trying to exclude LGBT people from public life. That's it
April 30, 2025 at 11:55 AM
There's not a single crime in the history of the UK that would have been prevented by a bathroom bill. Not one
Bathroom bills aren't about safety, they're about trying to exclude LGBT people from public life. That's it
Bathroom bills aren't about safety, they're about trying to exclude LGBT people from public life. That's it
Reposted by Tasha Alden
Amen.
One odd pleasure of having gotten older in the profession: recommending an article to a student and being able to also say that the author is deeply kind.
April 28, 2025 at 4:28 AM
Amen.
Reposted by Tasha Alden
“We would be worse than we are without the good books we have read, more conformist, not as restless, more submissive, and the critical spirit, the engine of progress, would not even exist. Like writing, reading is a protest against the insufficiencies of life.”
Mario Vargas Llosa 1936-2025
Mario Vargas Llosa 1936-2025
April 14, 2025 at 6:16 AM
“We would be worse than we are without the good books we have read, more conformist, not as restless, more submissive, and the critical spirit, the engine of progress, would not even exist. Like writing, reading is a protest against the insufficiencies of life.”
Mario Vargas Llosa 1936-2025
Mario Vargas Llosa 1936-2025