@drnoelcarter.bsky.social
Reposted
1. Headlines everywhere today read "Grok apologizes."
This is bullshit. A chatbot is not something that can apologize.
Pretending otherwise is simple laundering these companies' bullshit about what AI is, while diffusing blame away from the human beings that developed and released this system.
This is bullshit. A chatbot is not something that can apologize.
Pretending otherwise is simple laundering these companies' bullshit about what AI is, while diffusing blame away from the human beings that developed and released this system.
January 3, 2026 at 12:12 AM
1. Headlines everywhere today read "Grok apologizes."
This is bullshit. A chatbot is not something that can apologize.
Pretending otherwise is simple laundering these companies' bullshit about what AI is, while diffusing blame away from the human beings that developed and released this system.
This is bullshit. A chatbot is not something that can apologize.
Pretending otherwise is simple laundering these companies' bullshit about what AI is, while diffusing blame away from the human beings that developed and released this system.
Reposted
In case you missed it ...
The idea that farmers voted overwhelmingly for Brexit is a bit of a myth. The data shows that in some parts of the UK, they were more REMAIN than the local population, while in others (like Scotland) they were more LEAVE than the locals. Overall, they were about the same.
The idea that farmers voted overwhelmingly for Brexit is a bit of a myth. The data shows that in some parts of the UK, they were more REMAIN than the local population, while in others (like Scotland) they were more LEAVE than the locals. Overall, they were about the same.
January 2, 2026 at 5:14 PM
In case you missed it ...
The idea that farmers voted overwhelmingly for Brexit is a bit of a myth. The data shows that in some parts of the UK, they were more REMAIN than the local population, while in others (like Scotland) they were more LEAVE than the locals. Overall, they were about the same.
The idea that farmers voted overwhelmingly for Brexit is a bit of a myth. The data shows that in some parts of the UK, they were more REMAIN than the local population, while in others (like Scotland) they were more LEAVE than the locals. Overall, they were about the same.
Reposted
The story of Europe’s economic decline while US is 'soaring' is everywhere.
But it is wrong. It is a myth.
Europe delivers more leisure, longer life expectancy, less inequality than the US.
Gabriel Zucman dismantles the myths.
But it is wrong. It is a myth.
Europe delivers more leisure, longer life expectancy, less inequality than the US.
Gabriel Zucman dismantles the myths.
Decline, what decline? The myth of dying Europe
There is a widespread view that, by comparison with the USA, Europe is in economic and social decline. But, Zucman argues, it's not true
eastangliabylines.co.uk
January 2, 2026 at 7:44 AM
The story of Europe’s economic decline while US is 'soaring' is everywhere.
But it is wrong. It is a myth.
Europe delivers more leisure, longer life expectancy, less inequality than the US.
Gabriel Zucman dismantles the myths.
But it is wrong. It is a myth.
Europe delivers more leisure, longer life expectancy, less inequality than the US.
Gabriel Zucman dismantles the myths.
Reposted
NEW: My interview with Natural England chair Tony Juniper, who tells me, on the infamous HS2 'bat tunnel':
"We could have finished up with a much better outcome for the bats, without having to spend that money"
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
"We could have finished up with a much better outcome for the bats, without having to spend that money"
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
Natural England's Tony Juniper: Money Spent On Bat Tunnel 'Could Have Been Put To Better Use'
Natural England wants to cast off its ‘blocker’ image and reframe its mission as one that enhances national infrastructure. Noah Vickers speaks to ...
www.politicshome.com
December 5, 2025 at 9:06 AM
NEW: My interview with Natural England chair Tony Juniper, who tells me, on the infamous HS2 'bat tunnel':
"We could have finished up with a much better outcome for the bats, without having to spend that money"
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
"We could have finished up with a much better outcome for the bats, without having to spend that money"
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
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Somehow this got missed off the "Benefit Street" front pages today
70% of the additional spending from removing the two-child limit will go to families who are in work. This is targeting support for low-income working households who are being priced out of a decent standard of living despite doing everything asked of them.
November 27, 2025 at 10:37 PM
Somehow this got missed off the "Benefit Street" front pages today
Reposted
“We are told that AI is inevitable, that we must adapt or be left behind. But universities are not tech companies. Our role is to foster critical thinking, not to follow industry trends uncritically.”
‘Study after study shows that students want to develop these critical thinking skills, are not lazy, and large numbers of them would be in favor of banning ChatGPT and similar tools in universities’, says @olivia.science www.ru.nl/en/research/...
‘Opposing the inevitability of AI at universities is possible and necessary’ | Radboud University
Since the widespread release of ChatGPT in December of 2022, AI has taken over much of the world by storm – including academia. Most of this happened with very little pushback, despite a myriad of iss...
www.ru.nl
November 1, 2025 at 10:45 PM
“We are told that AI is inevitable, that we must adapt or be left behind. But universities are not tech companies. Our role is to foster critical thinking, not to follow industry trends uncritically.”
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Happy, alongside @emiliabelknap.bsky.social, to make my debut contribution with the fantastic folks at @ukandeu.bsky.social
Emilia & I use data from @britishelectionstudy.com to correct the atomistic fallacy in people's understanding the Reform UK gender gap
ukandeu.ac.uk/most-british...
Emilia & I use data from @britishelectionstudy.com to correct the atomistic fallacy in people's understanding the Reform UK gender gap
ukandeu.ac.uk/most-british...
Most British young men reject the far right - UK in a changing Europe
Emilia Belknap and Stuart Turnbull-Dugarte explain their analysis on the demographics of Reform UK voters in the UK. They argue that while the dominant narrative is that young men are the most likely ...
ukandeu.ac.uk
October 30, 2025 at 9:42 AM
Happy, alongside @emiliabelknap.bsky.social, to make my debut contribution with the fantastic folks at @ukandeu.bsky.social
Emilia & I use data from @britishelectionstudy.com to correct the atomistic fallacy in people's understanding the Reform UK gender gap
ukandeu.ac.uk/most-british...
Emilia & I use data from @britishelectionstudy.com to correct the atomistic fallacy in people's understanding the Reform UK gender gap
ukandeu.ac.uk/most-british...
Reposted
This morning my ChatGPT quota was inexplicably exhausted.
It took a while but I pieced it together. Voice mode somehow got activated when I went to bed.
The bot then engaged in a 10 hour conversation with my snoring dog, answering questions the pup wasn’t asking and praising him for his insight.
It took a while but I pieced it together. Voice mode somehow got activated when I went to bed.
The bot then engaged in a 10 hour conversation with my snoring dog, answering questions the pup wasn’t asking and praising him for his insight.
October 18, 2025 at 9:04 AM
This morning my ChatGPT quota was inexplicably exhausted.
It took a while but I pieced it together. Voice mode somehow got activated when I went to bed.
The bot then engaged in a 10 hour conversation with my snoring dog, answering questions the pup wasn’t asking and praising him for his insight.
It took a while but I pieced it together. Voice mode somehow got activated when I went to bed.
The bot then engaged in a 10 hour conversation with my snoring dog, answering questions the pup wasn’t asking and praising him for his insight.
Reposted
Yes, yes I know I keep banging on about my fucking book! However, if you want one repost this and I’ll do a random winner pick thing by the end of the week because I’m great like that. ♥️📚
#amindofmyown
#amindofmyown
October 7, 2025 at 4:07 PM
Yes, yes I know I keep banging on about my fucking book! However, if you want one repost this and I’ll do a random winner pick thing by the end of the week because I’m great like that. ♥️📚
#amindofmyown
#amindofmyown
Reposted
I know statistics are poorly understood and are misused. But facts matter
Between the 1991, 2001, 2011 and 2021 Census *every* ethnic group in the UK has become *less* geographically segregated and *all* groups, majority and minorities, are more likely to interact with people not like them
Between the 1991, 2001, 2011 and 2021 Census *every* ethnic group in the UK has become *less* geographically segregated and *all* groups, majority and minorities, are more likely to interact with people not like them
October 7, 2025 at 6:24 PM
I know statistics are poorly understood and are misused. But facts matter
Between the 1991, 2001, 2011 and 2021 Census *every* ethnic group in the UK has become *less* geographically segregated and *all* groups, majority and minorities, are more likely to interact with people not like them
Between the 1991, 2001, 2011 and 2021 Census *every* ethnic group in the UK has become *less* geographically segregated and *all* groups, majority and minorities, are more likely to interact with people not like them
WE have just published a paper with a novel method for increasing solubility when overexpressing proteins in E. coli. This paper is for PDE3 but I have also done this more recently for CCL5. It seems to work well. link is free access for 50 days
eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com?url=https%3A...
eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com?url=https%3A...
eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com
September 26, 2025 at 1:18 PM
WE have just published a paper with a novel method for increasing solubility when overexpressing proteins in E. coli. This paper is for PDE3 but I have also done this more recently for CCL5. It seems to work well. link is free access for 50 days
eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com?url=https%3A...
eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com?url=https%3A...
Reposted
Today’s digital ID announcement yet another example of how X being the main platform for political discourse will inevitably throw the MSM’s coverage off course, because online right opinion is fevered/way off the beat with the public.
Guess who need digital/reliable ID most? Those in poverty.
Guess who need digital/reliable ID most? Those in poverty.
September 26, 2025 at 8:58 AM
Today’s digital ID announcement yet another example of how X being the main platform for political discourse will inevitably throw the MSM’s coverage off course, because online right opinion is fevered/way off the beat with the public.
Guess who need digital/reliable ID most? Those in poverty.
Guess who need digital/reliable ID most? Those in poverty.
Reposted
There are arguments for/against digital id cards.
Stopping small boat crossings really isn't one. Asylum seekers *already* get an id card...
www.gov.uk/government/p...
Stopping small boat crossings really isn't one. Asylum seekers *already* get an id card...
www.gov.uk/government/p...
Application registration card (ARC)
www.gov.uk
September 3, 2025 at 6:19 AM
There are arguments for/against digital id cards.
Stopping small boat crossings really isn't one. Asylum seekers *already* get an id card...
www.gov.uk/government/p...
Stopping small boat crossings really isn't one. Asylum seekers *already* get an id card...
www.gov.uk/government/p...
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The thing is, even if I accept the racist analogy, I have been a PAYING guest for 35 years. And recently the service around this place has sucked.
So, how about you straighten up your little maid's uniform and bring me my breakfast? Full English, please. And snap to it. I'm not here for the banter.
So, how about you straighten up your little maid's uniform and bring me my breakfast? Full English, please. And snap to it. I'm not here for the banter.
August 27, 2025 at 8:54 AM
The thing is, even if I accept the racist analogy, I have been a PAYING guest for 35 years. And recently the service around this place has sucked.
So, how about you straighten up your little maid's uniform and bring me my breakfast? Full English, please. And snap to it. I'm not here for the banter.
So, how about you straighten up your little maid's uniform and bring me my breakfast? Full English, please. And snap to it. I'm not here for the banter.
Reposted
There’s an obvious way to challenge Nigel Farage. But Keir Starmer won’t do it | Rafael Behr
There’s an obvious way to challenge Nigel Farage. But Keir Starmer won’t do it | Rafael Behr
Labour’s reluctance to name Brexit as the cause of so many problems hasn’t stopped Reform’s rise. It’s time to try the truth, says Guardian columnist Rafael Behr
www.theguardian.com
August 27, 2025 at 9:09 AM
There’s an obvious way to challenge Nigel Farage. But Keir Starmer won’t do it | Rafael Behr
I see the Oxbridge @theguardian.com snobs are bashing HE once again today. It was ok for them but not the "plebs" clearly.
August 15, 2025 at 6:41 AM
I see the Oxbridge @theguardian.com snobs are bashing HE once again today. It was ok for them but not the "plebs" clearly.
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Better to call this an export tax than an international student levy.
Someone should ask the government if they plan to put export taxes on other industries?
Someone should ask the government if they plan to put export taxes on other industries?
Couldn't even finish this cos I thought I would turn myself inside out like a pretzel with cringe. The stupid, it burns! www.theguardian.com/education/20...
International student levy could cost English universities £600m a year
The proposed 6% surcharge has prompted warnings from vice-chancellors over its impact on budgets and global competitiveness
www.theguardian.com
August 8, 2025 at 7:24 AM
Better to call this an export tax than an international student levy.
Someone should ask the government if they plan to put export taxes on other industries?
Someone should ask the government if they plan to put export taxes on other industries?
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As if it's just incompetence or an act of god or bad luck... and not being outbid each time by clubs who were able to stockpile fortunes before they became illegal once #nufc had money.
August 5, 2025 at 2:39 PM
As if it's just incompetence or an act of god or bad luck... and not being outbid each time by clubs who were able to stockpile fortunes before they became illegal once #nufc had money.
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Dear universities,
I am begging you to stop requiring letters of recommendation for master's programmes. You and I both know you don't read them, so stop asking for them.
Instead, have applicants list a name and get in touch if it's a borderline case.
Signed,
Everyone.
I am begging you to stop requiring letters of recommendation for master's programmes. You and I both know you don't read them, so stop asking for them.
Instead, have applicants list a name and get in touch if it's a borderline case.
Signed,
Everyone.
July 28, 2025 at 6:28 PM
Dear universities,
I am begging you to stop requiring letters of recommendation for master's programmes. You and I both know you don't read them, so stop asking for them.
Instead, have applicants list a name and get in touch if it's a borderline case.
Signed,
Everyone.
I am begging you to stop requiring letters of recommendation for master's programmes. You and I both know you don't read them, so stop asking for them.
Instead, have applicants list a name and get in touch if it's a borderline case.
Signed,
Everyone.
Reposted
2000 years ago: the Romans would let an aqueduct destroy the Gardon Valley. We need clean water, but at what cost?
July 14, 2025 at 8:40 AM
2000 years ago: the Romans would let an aqueduct destroy the Gardon Valley. We need clean water, but at what cost?
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This is not going to be a popular view, I realise, but I appreciate process being observed. I think it would be hugely disrespectful to Louise Casey's work to say: "I know we asked for a review, and you are about to publish it, but we have already decided what to do, because the Daily Mail said so."
June 16, 2025 at 3:29 PM
This is not going to be a popular view, I realise, but I appreciate process being observed. I think it would be hugely disrespectful to Louise Casey's work to say: "I know we asked for a review, and you are about to publish it, but we have already decided what to do, because the Daily Mail said so."
Reposted
Orderly process matters, especially on sensitive issues. There's nothing inconsistent between: "I will not order X, undermining a report that is weeks away, just because you shout a lot to score political points," and "I will order X now that the report has recommended it".
June 16, 2025 at 3:29 PM
Orderly process matters, especially on sensitive issues. There's nothing inconsistent between: "I will not order X, undermining a report that is weeks away, just because you shout a lot to score political points," and "I will order X now that the report has recommended it".
Reposted
Want to see Regulatory Capture by the Extreme Right in action in the UK?
This is a good example >
This is a good example >
Amid growing concern over Ofcom's failure to deal with online harms, they've commissioned a report about the "manosphere" whose author suggests - based on interviews with just *39* participants - that "society has overestimated" the threat... www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
June 14, 2025 at 10:11 AM
Want to see Regulatory Capture by the Extreme Right in action in the UK?
This is a good example >
This is a good example >
Reposted
I see Honest Bob Jenrick has a new little video attacking barristers for representing unpopular clients.
Once again for those at the back:
Lawyers are not their clients.
Which is how, when Jenrick broke the law in government, he had lawyers to defend him.
Once again for those at the back:
Lawyers are not their clients.
Which is how, when Jenrick broke the law in government, he had lawyers to defend him.
June 3, 2025 at 1:11 PM
I see Honest Bob Jenrick has a new little video attacking barristers for representing unpopular clients.
Once again for those at the back:
Lawyers are not their clients.
Which is how, when Jenrick broke the law in government, he had lawyers to defend him.
Once again for those at the back:
Lawyers are not their clients.
Which is how, when Jenrick broke the law in government, he had lawyers to defend him.
Reposted
The privilege of public service: reflections from an elected councillor
elected councillor reflects on their experience in the role of public service
@northeastbylines.co.uk
northeastbylines.co.uk/news/politic...
elected councillor reflects on their experience in the role of public service
@northeastbylines.co.uk
northeastbylines.co.uk/news/politic...
The privilege of public service: reflections from an elected councillor
elected councillor reflects on their experience in the role of public service
northeastbylines.co.uk
May 27, 2025 at 7:23 AM
The privilege of public service: reflections from an elected councillor
elected councillor reflects on their experience in the role of public service
@northeastbylines.co.uk
northeastbylines.co.uk/news/politic...
elected councillor reflects on their experience in the role of public service
@northeastbylines.co.uk
northeastbylines.co.uk/news/politic...