Fred
@fredatron.bsky.social
Writer, curator, crafter, costumier, patchworker, hermit. Historical textile obsessive. I enjoy bad robots, Yog-Sothoth, and all flavours of undead. A lot older than 21. She/they.
Reposted by Fred
New Absolute Units is live! Listen to part 2 of our conversation with @georgemonbiot.bsky.social.
We discuss the history of land access and capitalism, the ramifications of enclosure on Britain's former colonies, and the necessary work of de-enclosure today.
merl.reading.ac.uk/explore/abso...
We discuss the history of land access and capitalism, the ramifications of enclosure on Britain's former colonies, and the necessary work of de-enclosure today.
merl.reading.ac.uk/explore/abso...
Absolute Units podcast - The Museum of English Rural Life
Come for the big sheep. Stay for the history of rural England and its people.
merl.reading.ac.uk
November 27, 2025 at 9:19 AM
New Absolute Units is live! Listen to part 2 of our conversation with @georgemonbiot.bsky.social.
We discuss the history of land access and capitalism, the ramifications of enclosure on Britain's former colonies, and the necessary work of de-enclosure today.
merl.reading.ac.uk/explore/abso...
We discuss the history of land access and capitalism, the ramifications of enclosure on Britain's former colonies, and the necessary work of de-enclosure today.
merl.reading.ac.uk/explore/abso...
Reposted by Fred
If you're new to cooking or don't trust yourself to recognize a bad AI recipe, for the love on god, do not just use random recipes from random profiles. Find trustworthy sites and creators (Serious Eats, NYT Cooking, J. Kenji Lopez-Alt, Alton Brown) and search their archives for what you need.
NEW: AI “recipe slop” is overrunning search and social. Food creators say Google’s AI Overviews and glossy fake food pics are drowning out real, tested recipes — collapsing traffic and setting home cooks up for disaster, especially this Thanksgiving.
Gift link: www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Gift link: www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
AI Slop Recipes Are Taking Over the Internet -- And Thanksgiving Dinner
Food bloggers see traffic dip as home cooks turn to AI, inspired by impossible pictures
www.bloomberg.com
November 25, 2025 at 5:37 PM
If you're new to cooking or don't trust yourself to recognize a bad AI recipe, for the love on god, do not just use random recipes from random profiles. Find trustworthy sites and creators (Serious Eats, NYT Cooking, J. Kenji Lopez-Alt, Alton Brown) and search their archives for what you need.
Reposted by Fred
Wow... almost a thousand dollars in just the first few hours. Honestly I feel like a character in a corny holiday movie who lost her Christmas spirit so the town comes together to help her get it back. Except the "town" is bluesky. Thank you so much everyone. 🥹
I love Christmas and normally I'd be getting so excited right about now, but this year I'm a little down because it's our first holiday since we lost Fergus. I'm hoping I can spread some cheer and regain a little spirit myself by raising some funds for our local shelter! givebutter.com/n5l31M
Molly's Holiday Fundraiser 2025
Make Winter Merry and Bright in Honor of Fergus
givebutter.com
November 25, 2025 at 6:08 AM
Wow... almost a thousand dollars in just the first few hours. Honestly I feel like a character in a corny holiday movie who lost her Christmas spirit so the town comes together to help her get it back. Except the "town" is bluesky. Thank you so much everyone. 🥹
Reposted by Fred
a certain subset of the internet needs regular reminders of why centuries of engineering knowledge > one highly confident dude going "trust me, bro" and my only prayer each time is that there are no casualties except the highly confident dude's wallet
Right now on reddit there's a guy inventing a new kind of brick to build his home with and it's going about as well as you can imagine
November 26, 2025 at 8:37 AM
a certain subset of the internet needs regular reminders of why centuries of engineering knowledge > one highly confident dude going "trust me, bro" and my only prayer each time is that there are no casualties except the highly confident dude's wallet
Reposted by Fred
I love Christmas and normally I'd be getting so excited right about now, but this year I'm a little down because it's our first holiday since we lost Fergus. I'm hoping I can spread some cheer and regain a little spirit myself by raising some funds for our local shelter! givebutter.com/n5l31M
Molly's Holiday Fundraiser 2025
Make Winter Merry and Bright in Honor of Fergus
givebutter.com
November 25, 2025 at 2:09 AM
I love Christmas and normally I'd be getting so excited right about now, but this year I'm a little down because it's our first holiday since we lost Fergus. I'm hoping I can spread some cheer and regain a little spirit myself by raising some funds for our local shelter! givebutter.com/n5l31M
Reposted by Fred
Can't decide which one to submit! Do you have a favorite among these 8?
1) buff-tip moth in 2 poses
2) would you still love me earthworm
3) green-lipped mussel spat
4) red-banded leafhopper
(choices 5-8 in comment!)
1) buff-tip moth in 2 poses
2) would you still love me earthworm
3) green-lipped mussel spat
4) red-banded leafhopper
(choices 5-8 in comment!)
November 24, 2025 at 6:52 PM
Can't decide which one to submit! Do you have a favorite among these 8?
1) buff-tip moth in 2 poses
2) would you still love me earthworm
3) green-lipped mussel spat
4) red-banded leafhopper
(choices 5-8 in comment!)
1) buff-tip moth in 2 poses
2) would you still love me earthworm
3) green-lipped mussel spat
4) red-banded leafhopper
(choices 5-8 in comment!)
Reposted by Fred
Like vaccines denialists, I feel being able to say "birth is totally safe" with a straight face can only be the result of a generation that both
1) Has no living relatives that remember when that was not the case, and
2) Does not own a library card/history book.
1) Has no living relatives that remember when that was not the case, and
2) Does not own a library card/history book.
did you read the free birth thing? it’s basically granola moms gone wild and honestly zombies would be a blessing at this point: www.theguardian.com/world/ng-int...
Influencers made millions pushing ‘wild’ births – now the Free Birth Society is linked to baby deaths around the world
A year-long investigation reveals how mothers lost children after being radicalised by uplifting podcast tales of births without midwives or doctors
www.theguardian.com
November 23, 2025 at 4:03 AM
Like vaccines denialists, I feel being able to say "birth is totally safe" with a straight face can only be the result of a generation that both
1) Has no living relatives that remember when that was not the case, and
2) Does not own a library card/history book.
1) Has no living relatives that remember when that was not the case, and
2) Does not own a library card/history book.
Reposted by Fred
Good news: you can stop Gmail from training its gen ai on your emails by following these👇 instructions.
Bad news: that will delete 'promo', 'social' and 'update tabs'.
In other news, I'm WAY happier having switched to proton mail. They're entirely welcome to that $8.20 a month!
Bad news: that will delete 'promo', 'social' and 'update tabs'.
In other news, I'm WAY happier having switched to proton mail. They're entirely welcome to that $8.20 a month!
If you use GMail, AI (Gemini) was turned on yesterday by default and now scans all of your content for machine learning. To turn off, go to Settings>General and scroll down. Uncheck the box for "Smart features."
There's other "Smart" add-ons as well, but that's the one that reads your content.
There's other "Smart" add-ons as well, but that's the one that reads your content.
November 21, 2025 at 5:46 AM
Good news: you can stop Gmail from training its gen ai on your emails by following these👇 instructions.
Bad news: that will delete 'promo', 'social' and 'update tabs'.
In other news, I'm WAY happier having switched to proton mail. They're entirely welcome to that $8.20 a month!
Bad news: that will delete 'promo', 'social' and 'update tabs'.
In other news, I'm WAY happier having switched to proton mail. They're entirely welcome to that $8.20 a month!
Reposted by Fred
Today is #TransDayOfRemembrance. Trans people and their human rights are under attack around the globe. The Vagina Museum stands defiant against these attacks. We are a proudly trans inclusive space, even as discourse grows ever more toxic.
November 20, 2025 at 11:01 AM
Today is #TransDayOfRemembrance. Trans people and their human rights are under attack around the globe. The Vagina Museum stands defiant against these attacks. We are a proudly trans inclusive space, even as discourse grows ever more toxic.
Reposted by Fred
“There’s clearly something political about it but nobody knows what it is” sums up chronic Facebook users quite succinctly huh
glad it’s being torn down but jfc the reason is…yeah. Yeah,
glad it’s being torn down but jfc the reason is…yeah. Yeah,
It’s the exclusive everyone wanted, the story that will win next year’s Pulitzer…
I can reveal London’s giant AI generated Christmas artwork, the subject of much online mockery, is being torn down - and I honestly *genuinely* think you’ll never guess why. www.londoncentric.media/p/ai-artwork...
I can reveal London’s giant AI generated Christmas artwork, the subject of much online mockery, is being torn down - and I honestly *genuinely* think you’ll never guess why. www.londoncentric.media/p/ai-artwork...
London's giant AI artwork to be torn down
The bizarre story of why a much-talked-about creation is being torn down. Plus: Docklands Light Railway extension, giant laser stalks the night sky, and more tales of Android phone theft rejection.
www.londoncentric.media
November 20, 2025 at 9:00 AM
“There’s clearly something political about it but nobody knows what it is” sums up chronic Facebook users quite succinctly huh
glad it’s being torn down but jfc the reason is…yeah. Yeah,
glad it’s being torn down but jfc the reason is…yeah. Yeah,
Reposted by Fred
I will never apologize for a post
November 19, 2025 at 3:51 PM
I will never apologize for a post
Reposted by Fred
It's almost like every warning from economic experts about Brexit was true. Imagine that. And yet, many people who voted for Brexit are now turning to Farage - the very architect of Britain's economic downfall. The absolute madness of all this.
Keir Starmer issues Budget warning - Brexit and austerity impact 'worse than feared'
The Prime Minister told a behind-closed-doors meeting of Labour MPs the long-term impact of Tory austerity and a botched Brexit deal 'is worse than even we feared'
www.mirror.co.uk/news/politic...
The Prime Minister told a behind-closed-doors meeting of Labour MPs the long-term impact of Tory austerity and a botched Brexit deal 'is worse than even we feared'
www.mirror.co.uk/news/politic...
PM issues Budget warning - Brexit and austerity impact 'worse than feared'
The Prime Minister told a behind-closed-doors meeting of Labour MPs the long-term impact of Tory austerity and a botched Brexit deal 'is worse than even we feared'
www.mirror.co.uk
November 4, 2025 at 10:01 AM
It's almost like every warning from economic experts about Brexit was true. Imagine that. And yet, many people who voted for Brexit are now turning to Farage - the very architect of Britain's economic downfall. The absolute madness of all this.
Reposted by Fred
the bravest podcast listeners are about to meet their mightiest match, for our extremely nefarious bonus Halloween episode has arrived.
candles out, headphones on, & listen now — if you dare!*
(*wherever you get your podcasts)
merl.reading.ac.uk/explore/abso...
candles out, headphones on, & listen now — if you dare!*
(*wherever you get your podcasts)
merl.reading.ac.uk/explore/abso...
October 31, 2025 at 12:43 PM
the bravest podcast listeners are about to meet their mightiest match, for our extremely nefarious bonus Halloween episode has arrived.
candles out, headphones on, & listen now — if you dare!*
(*wherever you get your podcasts)
merl.reading.ac.uk/explore/abso...
candles out, headphones on, & listen now — if you dare!*
(*wherever you get your podcasts)
merl.reading.ac.uk/explore/abso...
Reposted by Fred
250 years later: WE HAVE A TREATY! 🥳
“Treaty marks the beginning of a new era, one where First Peoples’ 60,000 years of knowledge and culture is respected and celebrated. It’s an opportunity for all Victorians to acknowledge our shared history, heal and move forward together.”
“Treaty marks the beginning of a new era, one where First Peoples’ 60,000 years of knowledge and culture is respected and celebrated. It’s an opportunity for all Victorians to acknowledge our shared history, heal and move forward together.”
Australia’s first formal treaty with Indigenous traditional owners passed in Victoria
Australia’s first formal treaty with Indigenous traditional owners passed in Victoria
Step towards reconciliation hailed as ‘a historic moment’ with premier Jacinta Allan saying it gives Aboriginal Australians the power to shape policies that affect their lives
The Australian state of Victoria has taken a historic step towards reconciliation, passing the nation’s first formal treaty with Indigenous traditional owners.
After two days of debate, the upper house of Victoria’s parliament passed the statewide treaty bill without amendment by 21 votes to 16, just before 9pm on Thursday. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
October 31, 2025 at 3:05 AM
250 years later: WE HAVE A TREATY! 🥳
“Treaty marks the beginning of a new era, one where First Peoples’ 60,000 years of knowledge and culture is respected and celebrated. It’s an opportunity for all Victorians to acknowledge our shared history, heal and move forward together.”
“Treaty marks the beginning of a new era, one where First Peoples’ 60,000 years of knowledge and culture is respected and celebrated. It’s an opportunity for all Victorians to acknowledge our shared history, heal and move forward together.”
Reposted by Fred
Thei wante us talkinge alone on our phones to a demon thei created, and not goinge places and being wyth each othir yn art and joy and communitye. Thei want cinemas to shut downe, and Broadway to go darke. Thei want wryteres to stop makinge a living. Thei want to sell us hell and have us pay for it.
October 30, 2025 at 3:35 PM
Thei wante us talkinge alone on our phones to a demon thei created, and not goinge places and being wyth each othir yn art and joy and communitye. Thei want cinemas to shut downe, and Broadway to go darke. Thei want wryteres to stop makinge a living. Thei want to sell us hell and have us pay for it.
Reposted by Fred
Can Gen AI be forevir laughablye inadequate at doinge what wryteres and artistes do, and yet also at the same tyme be a threate to their professiouns by cause of the relentlesse lack of taste, absence of ethics, and obsessive emphasis on the bottom lyne yn companyes? Yes. Both at the same tyme.
October 30, 2025 at 3:42 PM
Can Gen AI be forevir laughablye inadequate at doinge what wryteres and artistes do, and yet also at the same tyme be a threate to their professiouns by cause of the relentlesse lack of taste, absence of ethics, and obsessive emphasis on the bottom lyne yn companyes? Yes. Both at the same tyme.
Reposted by Fred
The coal miners lost that 1921 battle, but they also laid the groundwork for future labor gains. The Battle of Blair Mountain became a rallying point for labor rights in Appalachia, catalyzing the United Mine Workers of America. The red bandana also stood for multi-ethnic class solidarity.
October 30, 2025 at 8:07 AM
The coal miners lost that 1921 battle, but they also laid the groundwork for future labor gains. The Battle of Blair Mountain became a rallying point for labor rights in Appalachia, catalyzing the United Mine Workers of America. The red bandana also stood for multi-ethnic class solidarity.
Reposted by Fred
My favourite show is Casey Dressler popping hairspray cams and pumping up your chair
With just a little hairspray and the wave of her magic sheers, Hairy Godmother Donna creates makeover magic at Hot Looks Salon, 1988!
#salon #hairstylist #makeover #80s #80saesthetic #charactercomedy
🎵 Pour Some Sugar On Me by Def Leppard
#salon #hairstylist #makeover #80s #80saesthetic #charactercomedy
🎵 Pour Some Sugar On Me by Def Leppard
October 26, 2025 at 9:12 PM
My favourite show is Casey Dressler popping hairspray cams and pumping up your chair
Reposted by Fred
I love that we have the ACC (Australian Competition and Consumer Commission) to hit back when corporations pull stunts like Microsoft's ram AI down people's throats and charge them extra for it, without presenting alternatives, one.
Microsoft forced its AI into 365 and wanted people to pay extra for the privilege. Didn't make it obvious that there was an option without AI.
The ACCC is now suing them over it. www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
The ACCC is now suing them over it. www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
Microsoft sued for allegedly misleading millions of Australians with its AI pricing
Tech giant faces hefty fines from consumer watchdog for allegedly trying to convince customers to pay more than needed for their Microsoft 365 subscription
www.theguardian.com
October 27, 2025 at 2:36 AM
I love that we have the ACC (Australian Competition and Consumer Commission) to hit back when corporations pull stunts like Microsoft's ram AI down people's throats and charge them extra for it, without presenting alternatives, one.
Reposted by Fred
Just in case there's a far corner of Bsky unaware of this (the article is from May)... www.advocate.com/news/jk-rowl...
(Apologies for polluting your timeline with her face fellow trans people.)
(Apologies for polluting your timeline with her face fellow trans people.)
A portion of every dollar spent on Harry Potter merchandise goes to anti-transgender campaigns.
October 27, 2025 at 3:07 AM
Just in case there's a far corner of Bsky unaware of this (the article is from May)... www.advocate.com/news/jk-rowl...
(Apologies for polluting your timeline with her face fellow trans people.)
(Apologies for polluting your timeline with her face fellow trans people.)
Reposted by Fred
you have been visited by Baby Bison and will now enjoy 48 hours of elevated serotonin
October 25, 2025 at 2:53 PM
you have been visited by Baby Bison and will now enjoy 48 hours of elevated serotonin
Reposted by Fred
I cannot tell you how good it feels to be 1/15,961st responsible for Farage having a really shitty morning.
Nigel Farage was everywhere in Caerphilly today.
He now appears to have vanished.
He now appears to have vanished.
October 24, 2025 at 8:18 AM
I cannot tell you how good it feels to be 1/15,961st responsible for Farage having a really shitty morning.
Reposted by Fred
Thei wante us talkinge alone on our phones to a demon thei created, and not goinge places and being wyth each othir yn art and joy and communitye. Thei want cinemas to shut downe, and broadwaye to go darke. Thei want wryteres to stop writinge. Thei want to sell us hell and have us pay for it.
October 24, 2025 at 5:03 AM
Thei wante us talkinge alone on our phones to a demon thei created, and not goinge places and being wyth each othir yn art and joy and communitye. Thei want cinemas to shut downe, and broadwaye to go darke. Thei want wryteres to stop writinge. Thei want to sell us hell and have us pay for it.
Reposted by Fred
Peacehammer 40K: Fyve playeres supervise massive groupes of miniature curators as thei create the most fantasique museum yn the galaxye. Special rules for how everyone doth become friendes. Critical success on roll to respecte colleagues.
October 5, 2025 at 12:31 AM
Peacehammer 40K: Fyve playeres supervise massive groupes of miniature curators as thei create the most fantasique museum yn the galaxye. Special rules for how everyone doth become friendes. Critical success on roll to respecte colleagues.
Reposted by Fred
If anyone would like to learn about autistic people from autistic people, the autism non-fiction books and fiction books with autistic main characters in this thread🧵 are by, or co-written by autistic authors.
(Yes, my Walking the Knife's Edge is in this thread 😉.)
(Yes, my Walking the Knife's Edge is in this thread 😉.)
Books about autism or with Autistic main characters, written by Autistic authors — published September 2025!
🧵
#AutismBooks #AutisticAuthor #Autism #Autistic #ActuallyAutistic #BookSky
🧵
#AutismBooks #AutisticAuthor #Autism #Autistic #ActuallyAutistic #BookSky
October 1, 2025 at 3:45 AM
If anyone would like to learn about autistic people from autistic people, the autism non-fiction books and fiction books with autistic main characters in this thread🧵 are by, or co-written by autistic authors.
(Yes, my Walking the Knife's Edge is in this thread 😉.)
(Yes, my Walking the Knife's Edge is in this thread 😉.)