James Upsher
jamesu.bsky.social
James Upsher
@jamesu.bsky.social
Tech PR, Dyslexic, Cyclist, Gymgoer, Eurovision fan, trains, views my own.
Message from Lime - but if you're saying a bike ride produces 25% of the CO2 of a car (which is super high), then five people riding together (who could have fit in one car) are going to produce 125% of the CO2?
September 23, 2025 at 9:58 AM
"The correct phrasing is "a unique" because the word "unique" starts with a consonant sound, specifically the "yoo" sound, not a vowel sound, even though it begins with the vowel 'u'."

*Surely only in English would the sound of you pronouncing the sound of a vowel, not be a vowel sound.*
August 29, 2025 at 2:54 PM
Reposted by James Upsher
As text social media dies and people stop visiting news sites directly, newspapers are relying on products built into phones or browsers to show headlines.

So you end up with this on people's home screens. A massive boost for whatever legacy publishers choose to publish, even if it's by the owner!
July 18, 2025 at 8:33 AM
I really hope the assisted dying bill passes. But if it doesn't, would a route forward to address the concerns not be to have a requirement for prior registration of intent, then a delay? You have to opt in to wanting the option when in good health, and can't use it for X years?
June 20, 2025 at 9:14 AM
Let’s not build over this, it’s glorious.
June 18, 2025 at 2:59 PM
Reposted by James Upsher
PRO TIP!

When I was in government I added an "X" before all journalists' names in my phone's contact book to avoid precisely this sort of thing happening.

You're welcome, Hegseth and co.
March 24, 2025 at 5:27 PM
Reposted by James Upsher
Infographic from Labour Together mailchi.mp/add452b7f3cd...
March 11, 2025 at 8:51 AM
As flat racing season arrives, I can't stress enough that if you're a journalist who wants to go to the Royal Enclosure at Royal Ascot, you need to mention that to PR people you know who may be members.
March 11, 2025 at 10:44 AM
Very pro Gatwick north runway plan. Great use of existing infrastructure. But very anti the idea that the new pier with 14 gates should be connected by a long and windy bus ride (you can call that an AV if you want, it's a bus on a road).
February 25, 2025 at 4:41 PM
My hot take on the UK productivity slumber: Starmer should promise everyone a new Autumn bank holiday from 2028 if UK productivity rises by x%.

It's a good idea anyway, and the motivation would be fun.
January 29, 2025 at 2:07 PM
These stories about Child Trust Fund recipients are like a time capsule from a different political and fiscal era - www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Child Trust Funds worth £1.4bn still unclaimed, figures suggest
Latonya Skye-Paterson discovers she is one of thousands of people with money to claim on turning 18.
www.bbc.co.uk
January 20, 2025 at 11:25 AM
I'm getting pretty good at scrolling down a substack article to check it's all free to read before I get started. It's like washing your hands on the train, check the water is working before you apply the soap.
December 12, 2024 at 10:44 AM
Has anyone called them 'Starmer's Millstones' yet, or can I have that?
December 5, 2024 at 5:14 PM
As nationalisation of the railways approaches, we should talk about the reservation model we use on intercity trains, and if it's still right for the UK. Here's a thread of my ill-informed thoughts.
December 4, 2024 at 10:00 AM
Reposted by James Upsher
For my restaurant review this week, I head to A. Wong, the two Michelin starred Chinese place in Victoria. It was outstanding.

You can read the whole review here:

professionallunch.substack.com/p/weekly-rev...
November 27, 2024 at 10:56 AM
Three green lines? Three blue lines? Two reds that are almost exactly the same? Same with the magentas? Awful UX.

Group them: Elizabeth, Tube lines, Overground Lines, DLR, and Trams.
November 27, 2024 at 10:32 AM
I used the e-gates at Heathrow yesterday, and it worked. That's the first time since 2021. Since then I've discovered dozens of other people with the same problem. I've had dozens of conversations with Border Force Officers, who routinely lie and say 'you have a common name', I don't.
November 25, 2024 at 11:21 AM
@prashantrao.bsky.social said I had to try Waymo while I stopped over in Phoenix. It is super cool.
November 15, 2024 at 9:09 PM
Just promoted Bluesky to the iPhone home screen. Glad you could all make it!
November 13, 2024 at 11:42 AM
Reposted by James Upsher
To all the newly-arrived Twitter refugees, I've created a starter pack of UK political journalists, experts, commentators and politicos to follow here

go.bsky.app/2CwmVfN
October 17, 2024 at 1:34 PM
It's the sea views that make Lambeth such a desirable place to live.
November 7, 2024 at 1:54 PM
Reposted by James Upsher
To understand America, visit a mall.

A tour of the King by @robarmstrong.bsky.social gets to the heart of why Harris has a booming economy problem

(First 300 clicks free)
on.ft.com/409zH02
Four economic truths that explain the US’s bizarre election
[FREE TO READ] A trip to America’s number 3 shopping mall offers answers to what’s really going on
on.ft.com
October 17, 2024 at 9:32 AM
Reposted by James Upsher
It's probably best to avoid wild QR codes.
October 15, 2024 at 7:05 AM
If the EU wants a youth mobility scheme, can we ask them for a retiree mobility scheme in return?
September 17, 2024 at 4:23 PM
September 17, 2024 at 9:12 AM