Bob Downie
@geomannie.bsky.social
Sometime geologist, fascinated by bicycles, cycling & digital map data, Twitter refugee. Lives happily on top of a drumlin, Glasgow.
I post mostly on Mastodon but can be followed directly in BSky via @geomannie.mastodon.scot.ap.brid.gy .
I post mostly on Mastodon but can be followed directly in BSky via @geomannie.mastodon.scot.ap.brid.gy .
Reposted by Bob Downie
This is just hideous. We're speaking to specialist public and terrorism lawyers in about half an hour to see if there's anything we can do. www.thenational.scot/news/2570443...
MP vows not to leave prison protest as pro-Palestine hunger striker 'may die'
AN MP has joined a prison-gate protest, declaring she will not leave until a hunger striker alleged to be near death receives an ambulance
www.thenational.scot
December 17, 2025 at 1:04 PM
This is just hideous. We're speaking to specialist public and terrorism lawyers in about half an hour to see if there's anything we can do. www.thenational.scot/news/2570443...
Reposted by Bob Downie
“Tell me Ma, me Ma! We won't be home for tea. We're going to [an Anglo-Saxon’s called] Wemba Lee.”
Major update to our map of Anglo-Saxon London... we've now added etymologies for each place name, so you can find out what your bit of London used to be called.... and why londonist.substack.com/p/mapping-an...
Mapping Anglo-Saxon London: A Big Update
A glimpse of London, 1,000 years past.
londonist.substack.com
December 17, 2025 at 10:03 AM
“Tell me Ma, me Ma! We won't be home for tea. We're going to [an Anglo-Saxon’s called] Wemba Lee.”
Reposted by Bob Downie
If you're calling Robin Ince "a troublemaker" then what the hell is going on at the BBC? Did he object to the Genocide in Gaza, is that it?
Will he be denounced as a terrorist by Nigel Farage and the BBC forced to fire him so Nigel isn't upset?
What the actual fuck is going on here?! […]
Will he be denounced as a terrorist by Nigel Farage and the BBC forced to fire him so Nigel isn't upset?
What the actual fuck is going on here?! […]
Original post on mastodon.social
mastodon.social
December 13, 2025 at 4:24 PM
If you're calling Robin Ince "a troublemaker" then what the hell is going on at the BBC? Did he object to the Genocide in Gaza, is that it?
Will he be denounced as a terrorist by Nigel Farage and the BBC forced to fire him so Nigel isn't upset?
What the actual fuck is going on here?! […]
Will he be denounced as a terrorist by Nigel Farage and the BBC forced to fire him so Nigel isn't upset?
What the actual fuck is going on here?! […]
Reposted by Bob Downie
1/ You wouldn’t know it from the coverage, but two recent employment tribunal rulings have vindicated those of us who have said from the start that the Supreme Court judgment did not require the automatic exclusion of trans people from single-sex toilets and changing rooms. 🧵
December 11, 2025 at 10:12 AM
1/ You wouldn’t know it from the coverage, but two recent employment tribunal rulings have vindicated those of us who have said from the start that the Supreme Court judgment did not require the automatic exclusion of trans people from single-sex toilets and changing rooms. 🧵
Reposted by Bob Downie
“It is a level of pettiness the council could not have reasonably anticipated”
The Ministry of Defence here, protecting the UK from… safe active travel routes to school?
The Ministry of Defence here, protecting the UK from… safe active travel routes to school?
“The path to nowhere”: Ministry of Defence accused of “pettiness” for blocking completion of new cycling and walking route to school – and threatening to fence off 15-metre section if children use it ...
The government department claims the shared-use path could have a “detrimental impact” on local families, though the MOD’s decision to reopen discussions with Fife Council has been hailed as a “return...
road.cc
December 11, 2025 at 5:21 PM
“It is a level of pettiness the council could not have reasonably anticipated”
The Ministry of Defence here, protecting the UK from… safe active travel routes to school?
The Ministry of Defence here, protecting the UK from… safe active travel routes to school?
Reposted by Bob Downie
December 10, 2025 at 12:51 PM
Reposted by Bob Downie
From someone I know on FB;
About Dr Beth Upton, who is the REAL victim here, although you wouldn't know that from looking at the media;
-the victim of transphobic court procedures,
-the victim of a viciously transphobic media
and
-the victim of a transphobic hate campaign.
About Dr Beth Upton, who is the REAL victim here, although you wouldn't know that from looking at the media;
-the victim of transphobic court procedures,
-the victim of a viciously transphobic media
and
-the victim of a transphobic hate campaign.
December 10, 2025 at 2:22 PM
From someone I know on FB;
About Dr Beth Upton, who is the REAL victim here, although you wouldn't know that from looking at the media;
-the victim of transphobic court procedures,
-the victim of a viciously transphobic media
and
-the victim of a transphobic hate campaign.
About Dr Beth Upton, who is the REAL victim here, although you wouldn't know that from looking at the media;
-the victim of transphobic court procedures,
-the victim of a viciously transphobic media
and
-the victim of a transphobic hate campaign.
Reposted by Bob Downie
RE: https://mastodon.social/@ScienceScholar/115695323486556086
An interesting article on the role of expose trichlorethylene (TCE) to the development of Parkinsons. The article gives me two pauses for thought.
1) as a young technician I regularly scrubbed equipment in baths of TCE with no […]
An interesting article on the role of expose trichlorethylene (TCE) to the development of Parkinsons. The article gives me two pauses for thought.
1) as a young technician I regularly scrubbed equipment in baths of TCE with no […]
Original post on mastodon.scot
mastodon.scot
December 10, 2025 at 2:23 PM
RE: https://mastodon.social/@ScienceScholar/115695323486556086
An interesting article on the role of expose trichlorethylene (TCE) to the development of Parkinsons. The article gives me two pauses for thought.
1) as a young technician I regularly scrubbed equipment in baths of TCE with no […]
An interesting article on the role of expose trichlorethylene (TCE) to the development of Parkinsons. The article gives me two pauses for thought.
1) as a young technician I regularly scrubbed equipment in baths of TCE with no […]
Reposted by Bob Downie
How many times do we need to point this out?
By appeasing the far right, you do not weaken it. You strengthen it.
While weakening your own position.
There's a vast amount of academic research showing this.
But Labour will not listen.
www.theguardian.com/law/2025/dec...
By appeasing the far right, you do not weaken it. You strengthen it.
While weakening your own position.
There's a vast amount of academic research showing this.
But Labour will not listen.
www.theguardian.com/law/2025/dec...
Starmer urges Europe’s leaders to curb ECHR to halt rise of far right
Exclusive: PM calls for members of European convention on human rights to allow tougher action to protect borders
www.theguardian.com
December 10, 2025 at 10:56 AM
How many times do we need to point this out?
By appeasing the far right, you do not weaken it. You strengthen it.
While weakening your own position.
There's a vast amount of academic research showing this.
But Labour will not listen.
www.theguardian.com/law/2025/dec...
By appeasing the far right, you do not weaken it. You strengthen it.
While weakening your own position.
There's a vast amount of academic research showing this.
But Labour will not listen.
www.theguardian.com/law/2025/dec...
Reposted by Bob Downie
Not sure if anyone is interested but here is a link to an 80 page pdf "bible" on touring bikes from Thorn cycles. Seems to be a mine of information on the subject.
www.sjscycles.com/thornpdf/tho...
www.sjscycles.com/thornpdf/tho...
www.sjscycles.com
December 9, 2025 at 9:15 PM
Not sure if anyone is interested but here is a link to an 80 page pdf "bible" on touring bikes from Thorn cycles. Seems to be a mine of information on the subject.
www.sjscycles.com/thornpdf/tho...
www.sjscycles.com/thornpdf/tho...
Reposted by Bob Downie
Once upon a time.. there was a Hero.
Chapter 47 hits public feeds TODAY! check it out.
.
#midnightburger #audiodrama #newpodcastalert #weopenatsix
Chapter 47 hits public feeds TODAY! check it out.
.
#midnightburger #audiodrama #newpodcastalert #weopenatsix
December 9, 2025 at 5:54 PM
Once upon a time.. there was a Hero.
Chapter 47 hits public feeds TODAY! check it out.
.
#midnightburger #audiodrama #newpodcastalert #weopenatsix
Chapter 47 hits public feeds TODAY! check it out.
.
#midnightburger #audiodrama #newpodcastalert #weopenatsix
Reposted by Bob Downie
Or this satirical piece written I'm 1922 by Neil Munro (of Para Handy fame) predicting Glasgow's road congestion 20 years hence.
glasgowcycleman.wordpress.com/2018/09/06/g...
glasgowcycleman.wordpress.com/2018/09/06/g...
Glasgow in 1942
Lovers of the Para Handy stories may not know that the author Neil Munro ( also wrote humorous stories about other characters living in and around Glasgow. Here is a tale from his stories of Erchie…
glasgowcycleman.wordpress.com
December 8, 2025 at 1:12 PM
Or this satirical piece written I'm 1922 by Neil Munro (of Para Handy fame) predicting Glasgow's road congestion 20 years hence.
glasgowcycleman.wordpress.com/2018/09/06/g...
glasgowcycleman.wordpress.com/2018/09/06/g...
Reposted by Bob Downie
WOW c 10k people have now watched Democracy for Sale's video about our new undercover investigation, with Led By Donkeys.
An ex-Tory MP introduced our fake Chinese AI investor into MPs and ministers - and all for just £5k! 😱
Watch the video here:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKof...
An ex-Tory MP introduced our fake Chinese AI investor into MPs and ministers - and all for just £5k! 😱
Watch the video here:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKof...
We went undercover to buy access to MPs
YouTube video by Democracy for Sale
www.youtube.com
December 8, 2025 at 9:25 AM
WOW c 10k people have now watched Democracy for Sale's video about our new undercover investigation, with Led By Donkeys.
An ex-Tory MP introduced our fake Chinese AI investor into MPs and ministers - and all for just £5k! 😱
Watch the video here:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKof...
An ex-Tory MP introduced our fake Chinese AI investor into MPs and ministers - and all for just £5k! 😱
Watch the video here:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKof...
Reposted by Bob Downie
The DESC system in Scotland is in place. It's a waste of time. Police still need to visit and you're still dependant on those particular officers actually giving a toss. Sometimes you never hear from them again.
There is NO road justice in Scotland. ☹️
road.cc/content/news...
There is NO road justice in Scotland. ☹️
road.cc/content/news...
Are cyclists in Scotland any closer to being able to submit dangerous driving footage to an online police portal?
After years of delays and inaction, cyclists in Scotland feel left behind England and Wales and fear the lack of an online reporting portal has put lives at risk
road.cc
December 7, 2025 at 4:48 PM
The DESC system in Scotland is in place. It's a waste of time. Police still need to visit and you're still dependant on those particular officers actually giving a toss. Sometimes you never hear from them again.
There is NO road justice in Scotland. ☹️
road.cc/content/news...
There is NO road justice in Scotland. ☹️
road.cc/content/news...
Reposted by Bob Downie
A blast from the past...
Tony Hart draws Stonehenge
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBOAHKaD1kM
I am so in awe of how he creates this from a few strokes with pastels and a huge bloody marker. The super skilled always make things look so easy.
#tonyhart #stonehenge #art #drawing
Tony Hart draws Stonehenge
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBOAHKaD1kM
I am so in awe of how he creates this from a few strokes with pastels and a huge bloody marker. The super skilled always make things look so easy.
#tonyhart #stonehenge #art #drawing
December 6, 2025 at 10:24 PM
A blast from the past...
Tony Hart draws Stonehenge
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBOAHKaD1kM
I am so in awe of how he creates this from a few strokes with pastels and a huge bloody marker. The super skilled always make things look so easy.
#tonyhart #stonehenge #art #drawing
Tony Hart draws Stonehenge
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBOAHKaD1kM
I am so in awe of how he creates this from a few strokes with pastels and a huge bloody marker. The super skilled always make things look so easy.
#tonyhart #stonehenge #art #drawing
Reposted by Bob Downie
Eurovision is our anniversary. I asked her out the night Katrina and the Waves won. Yes, we've been together a long time, but it means Eurovision is a big deal to us. And yet... We've got to say no, we're having nothing to do with it if it won't dump Israel over genocide.
As Israel have been allowed to compete in Eurovision 2026, the UK must follow in the footsteps of Ireland, Spain, Slovenia and the Netherlands and boycott the competition.
The world's largest live music event cannot be used to whitewash Israel's ongoing genocide in Gaza.
The world's largest live music event cannot be used to whitewash Israel's ongoing genocide in Gaza.
December 5, 2025 at 12:03 PM
Eurovision is our anniversary. I asked her out the night Katrina and the Waves won. Yes, we've been together a long time, but it means Eurovision is a big deal to us. And yet... We've got to say no, we're having nothing to do with it if it won't dump Israel over genocide.
Reposted by Bob Downie
Fortunately David Lammy you have the chance to vote for a customs union by backing our bill next week.
See you in the Aye lobby?
See you in the Aye lobby?
December 5, 2025 at 9:45 AM
Fortunately David Lammy you have the chance to vote for a customs union by backing our bill next week.
See you in the Aye lobby?
See you in the Aye lobby?
Reposted by Bob Downie
Israel is to be allowed to compete in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest. Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands and Slovenia will now boycott. Belgium & Iceland to consider their positions.
Silence from the #bbc
Hence my complaint to the BBC. Please consider sending […]
[Original post on mastodon.scot]
Silence from the #bbc
Hence my complaint to the BBC. Please consider sending […]
[Original post on mastodon.scot]
December 4, 2025 at 7:14 PM
Israel is to be allowed to compete in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest. Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands and Slovenia will now boycott. Belgium & Iceland to consider their positions.
Silence from the #bbc
Hence my complaint to the BBC. Please consider sending […]
[Original post on mastodon.scot]
Silence from the #bbc
Hence my complaint to the BBC. Please consider sending […]
[Original post on mastodon.scot]
Reposted by Bob Downie
Another road accident near the Thornwood roundabout. This time a fatal hit and run.
https://glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/scottish-news/25669521.woman-dies-following-hit-run-castlebank-street/
Please support the consultation for improving this dangerous area:
https://glasgow.gov.uk/14149
My […]
https://glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/scottish-news/25669521.woman-dies-following-hit-run-castlebank-street/
Please support the consultation for improving this dangerous area:
https://glasgow.gov.uk/14149
My […]
Original post on mastodon.scot
mastodon.scot
December 3, 2025 at 12:50 PM
Another road accident near the Thornwood roundabout. This time a fatal hit and run.
https://glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/scottish-news/25669521.woman-dies-following-hit-run-castlebank-street/
Please support the consultation for improving this dangerous area:
https://glasgow.gov.uk/14149
My […]
https://glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/scottish-news/25669521.woman-dies-following-hit-run-castlebank-street/
Please support the consultation for improving this dangerous area:
https://glasgow.gov.uk/14149
My […]
Reposted by Bob Downie
It's all bad but hadn't seen the bit where Farage says:
"The European Union is the prototype for the New World Order."
That is a seriously, deeply problematic term that taps into Illuminati and antisemitic conspiracy theories.
How the fuck did this man direct the course of our politics?
"The European Union is the prototype for the New World Order."
That is a seriously, deeply problematic term that taps into Illuminati and antisemitic conspiracy theories.
How the fuck did this man direct the course of our politics?
We kept the receipts. These comments, taken together, paint a picture of the man he is today.
December 3, 2025 at 8:01 AM
It's all bad but hadn't seen the bit where Farage says:
"The European Union is the prototype for the New World Order."
That is a seriously, deeply problematic term that taps into Illuminati and antisemitic conspiracy theories.
How the fuck did this man direct the course of our politics?
"The European Union is the prototype for the New World Order."
That is a seriously, deeply problematic term that taps into Illuminati and antisemitic conspiracy theories.
How the fuck did this man direct the course of our politics?
Reposted by Bob Downie
I’m so happy to see this. The lack of journalistic solidarity & collective action over the killing of journalists in Gaza has been distressing.
Will @nujofficial.bsky.social step up & follow this lead?
Will @nujofficial.bsky.social step up & follow this lead?
French journalist unions file legal case against Israel over lack of access to Gaza - https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/french-journalists-unions-file-legal-case-against-israel-over-lack
French journalist unions file legal case against Israel over lack of access to Gaza
<article data-history-node-id="432218" about="https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/french-journalists-unions-file-legal-case-against-israel-over-lack" class="live-blog-update default clearfix">
<h2>
<a href="https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/french-journalists-unions-file-legal-case-against-israel-over-lack" rel="bookmark">
<span class="field field-title"> French journalist unions file legal case against Israel over lack of access to Gaza</span>
</a>
</h2>
<div class="content">
<div class="field field-field-text"><p>Two French journalist unions filed a legal case against Israel for obstructing the work of their journalists in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, AFP reported on Tuesday.</p>
<p>The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the French Journalists' Union filed the complaint with the Paris anti-terror prosecutor's office last week, accusing Israel of "obstructing the freedom to inform".</p>
<p>The complaint mentioned a journalist being pursued by around 50 Israelis armed with "guns, cans of petrol and sticks" while reporting in the West Bank, all in the presence of the Israeli army.</p>
<p>Israel has not allowed international journalists into the Gaza Strip since the start of the war in October 2023, except when embedded with Israeli forces.</p>
<p>IFJ general secretary Anthony Bellanger said, "For more than two years, the IFJ has been calling for the borders to be opened to the foreign press so that they can relieve our colleagues who are exhausted by two years of war."</p>
</div>
</div>
</article>
www.middleeasteye.net
December 2, 2025 at 10:31 PM
I’m so happy to see this. The lack of journalistic solidarity & collective action over the killing of journalists in Gaza has been distressing.
Will @nujofficial.bsky.social step up & follow this lead?
Will @nujofficial.bsky.social step up & follow this lead?
Reposted by Bob Downie
For St Andrew’s Day we present а long-distance musical collaboration. BBC Scotland Weather presenter Calum MacColl and I perform ‘A Red, Red Rose’ by Robert Burns. #StAndrewsDay
'A Red, Red Rose' - long-distance BBC collaboration
YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg
youtu.be
November 30, 2025 at 8:06 AM
For St Andrew’s Day we present а long-distance musical collaboration. BBC Scotland Weather presenter Calum MacColl and I perform ‘A Red, Red Rose’ by Robert Burns. #StAndrewsDay
Reposted by Bob Downie
100,000.
I've signed. Have you?
Petition: Call a public inquiry into Russian influence on UK politics & democracy petition.parliament.uk/petitions/74...
Petition: Call a public inquiry into Russian influence on UK politics & democracy petition.parliament.uk/petitions/74...
Petition: Call a public inquiry into Russian influence on UK politics & democracy
We are concerned about reported efforts from Russia to influence democracy in the US, UK, Europe and elsewhere. We believe we must establish the depth and breadth of possible Russian influence campaig...
petition.parliament.uk
November 29, 2025 at 4:12 PM
100,000.
Reposted by Bob Downie
In all the years I've been campaigning, this is the first where I've feared retaliation - but even X is not above the law. That's why we've referred X to Ofcom for horrific posts that, having taken legal advice, we believe are illegal under the Online Safety Act. goodlaw.social/wk2q
X is not above the law
goodlaw.social
November 26, 2025 at 1:38 PM
In all the years I've been campaigning, this is the first where I've feared retaliation - but even X is not above the law. That's why we've referred X to Ofcom for horrific posts that, having taken legal advice, we believe are illegal under the Online Safety Act. goodlaw.social/wk2q
Reposted by Bob Downie
This petition calling for a public inquiry into Russian influence on UK politics & democracy already has over 30,000 signatures. Let’s get it to 100,000 this week.
Please sign and share 🙏
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/74...
Please sign and share 🙏
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/74...
Petition: Call a public inquiry into Russian influence on UK politics & democracy
We are concerned about reported efforts from Russia to influence democracy in the US, UK, Europe and elsewhere. We believe we must establish the depth and breadth of possible Russian influence campaig...
petition.parliament.uk
November 25, 2025 at 7:32 AM
This petition calling for a public inquiry into Russian influence on UK politics & democracy already has over 30,000 signatures. Let’s get it to 100,000 this week.
Please sign and share 🙏
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/74...
Please sign and share 🙏
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/74...