Dr Ben King 🌍
@benking01.bsky.social
Long Covid & PE recovery.
GeographyTeacher.
Sustainability & Climate Change.
BSc Env Science & Physics (Stirling).
Soil Erosion PhD & Geog PGCE (Exeter).
Tuba player.
Devon, UK
GeographyTeacher.
Sustainability & Climate Change.
BSc Env Science & Physics (Stirling).
Soil Erosion PhD & Geog PGCE (Exeter).
Tuba player.
Devon, UK
Pinned
Orchestra rehearsal was really enjoyable last night #Sibelius #Finlandia 🙏
I've played my #tuba for around 13 hours this week - Rehearsal with Devon Philharmonic Orchestra last weekend, then with Britannia Royal Naval College Volunteer Band; Torbay Symphony Orchestra last night.
#TubaPlayer
I've played my #tuba for around 13 hours this week - Rehearsal with Devon Philharmonic Orchestra last weekend, then with Britannia Royal Naval College Volunteer Band; Torbay Symphony Orchestra last night.
#TubaPlayer
Final commute of the half-term
February 13, 2026 at 8:04 AM
Final commute of the half-term
Reposted by Dr Ben King 🌍
"I was trying to work out whether I was shocked by this or not," says Emily Maitlis.
"Part of me wasn't. This sort of language has normalised language for Reform-leaning billionaires who are looking to Nigel Farage to reshape the country"
www.thenewsagents.co.uk/article/why-...
"Part of me wasn't. This sort of language has normalised language for Reform-leaning billionaires who are looking to Nigel Farage to reshape the country"
www.thenewsagents.co.uk/article/why-...
Why does a billionaire living in Monaco think the UK has been ‘colonised’ by migrants? | The News Agents
Jim Ratcliffe, believed to be the seventh-richest Brit in the world, has faced backlash for claims the UK has been “colonised” by migrants. Has this language been normalised in Britain?
www.thenewsagents.co.uk
February 13, 2026 at 7:00 AM
"I was trying to work out whether I was shocked by this or not," says Emily Maitlis.
"Part of me wasn't. This sort of language has normalised language for Reform-leaning billionaires who are looking to Nigel Farage to reshape the country"
www.thenewsagents.co.uk/article/why-...
"Part of me wasn't. This sort of language has normalised language for Reform-leaning billionaires who are looking to Nigel Farage to reshape the country"
www.thenewsagents.co.uk/article/why-...
Reposted by Dr Ben King 🌍
In the spirit of the Finnish Independence Day, today’s earworm has been the beautiful, beautiful Finlandia by Sibelius 💙
#EarWorm #MusicSky #Itsenäisyyspäivä
youtu.be/F5zg_af9b8c
#EarWorm #MusicSky #Itsenäisyyspäivä
youtu.be/F5zg_af9b8c
Jean Sibelius - Finlandia
YouTube video by Tarja M
youtu.be
February 13, 2026 at 7:18 AM
Reposted by Dr Ben King 🌍
In the spirit of the Finnish Independence Day, today’s earworm has been the beautiful, beautiful Finlandia by Sibelius 💙
#EarWorm #MusicSky #Itsenäisyyspäivä
youtu.be/F5zg_af9b8c
#EarWorm #MusicSky #Itsenäisyyspäivä
youtu.be/F5zg_af9b8c
Jean Sibelius - Finlandia
YouTube video by Tarja M
youtu.be
December 6, 2025 at 10:38 PM
In the spirit of the Finnish Independence Day, today’s earworm has been the beautiful, beautiful Finlandia by Sibelius 💙
#EarWorm #MusicSky #Itsenäisyyspäivä
youtu.be/F5zg_af9b8c
#EarWorm #MusicSky #Itsenäisyyspäivä
youtu.be/F5zg_af9b8c
Reposted by Dr Ben King 🌍
Orchestra rehearsal was really enjoyable last night #Sibelius #Finlandia 🙏
I've played my #tuba for around 13 hours this week - Rehearsal with Devon Philharmonic Orchestra last weekend, then with Britannia Royal Naval College Volunteer Band; Torbay Symphony Orchestra last night.
#TubaPlayer
I've played my #tuba for around 13 hours this week - Rehearsal with Devon Philharmonic Orchestra last weekend, then with Britannia Royal Naval College Volunteer Band; Torbay Symphony Orchestra last night.
#TubaPlayer
February 13, 2026 at 6:24 AM
Orchestra rehearsal was really enjoyable last night #Sibelius #Finlandia 🙏
I've played my #tuba for around 13 hours this week - Rehearsal with Devon Philharmonic Orchestra last weekend, then with Britannia Royal Naval College Volunteer Band; Torbay Symphony Orchestra last night.
#TubaPlayer
I've played my #tuba for around 13 hours this week - Rehearsal with Devon Philharmonic Orchestra last weekend, then with Britannia Royal Naval College Volunteer Band; Torbay Symphony Orchestra last night.
#TubaPlayer
Reposted by Dr Ben King 🌍
How I use the #VisibleHealth app:
As my Heartrate Variability (HRV) drops, the number of PacePoints used (related to spikes in my heartrate) *rises*...
...and as my HRV has now been rising for a couple of weeks, my Energy Use (and PacePoints use) has dropped significantly.
It's a great feeling 😊
As my Heartrate Variability (HRV) drops, the number of PacePoints used (related to spikes in my heartrate) *rises*...
...and as my HRV has now been rising for a couple of weeks, my Energy Use (and PacePoints use) has dropped significantly.
It's a great feeling 😊
February 12, 2026 at 10:53 PM
How I use the #VisibleHealth app:
As my Heartrate Variability (HRV) drops, the number of PacePoints used (related to spikes in my heartrate) *rises*...
...and as my HRV has now been rising for a couple of weeks, my Energy Use (and PacePoints use) has dropped significantly.
It's a great feeling 😊
As my Heartrate Variability (HRV) drops, the number of PacePoints used (related to spikes in my heartrate) *rises*...
...and as my HRV has now been rising for a couple of weeks, my Energy Use (and PacePoints use) has dropped significantly.
It's a great feeling 😊
Reposted by Dr Ben King 🌍
Ellie Chowns, "Reform UK, before it was the Brexit Party, before when it was UKIP, has been busy for many years fermenting this idea that immigration is the problem in this country"
"It's completely untrue"
"Inequality is the problem in this country"
"It's completely untrue"
"Inequality is the problem in this country"
February 12, 2026 at 11:27 PM
Ellie Chowns, "Reform UK, before it was the Brexit Party, before when it was UKIP, has been busy for many years fermenting this idea that immigration is the problem in this country"
"It's completely untrue"
"Inequality is the problem in this country"
"It's completely untrue"
"Inequality is the problem in this country"
Really enjoying watching #BBCQT this evening, rather than simply collapsing into bed, as has been my norm for so many months.
As a @greenparty.org.uk member I've been very impressed with @elliechowns.bsky.social but also by @lukepollard.bsky.social of @labouruk.bsky.social
Great discussion 🙏
As a @greenparty.org.uk member I've been very impressed with @elliechowns.bsky.social but also by @lukepollard.bsky.social of @labouruk.bsky.social
Great discussion 🙏
February 12, 2026 at 11:25 PM
Really enjoying watching #BBCQT this evening, rather than simply collapsing into bed, as has been my norm for so many months.
As a @greenparty.org.uk member I've been very impressed with @elliechowns.bsky.social but also by @lukepollard.bsky.social of @labouruk.bsky.social
Great discussion 🙏
As a @greenparty.org.uk member I've been very impressed with @elliechowns.bsky.social but also by @lukepollard.bsky.social of @labouruk.bsky.social
Great discussion 🙏
Reposted by Dr Ben King 🌍
“Jim Ratcliffe’s comments were outrageous. They are offensive and they were deeply wrong. We do have a problem in our country, and that problem is inequality. It’s not immigration.”
Ellie Chowns on #BBCQT, rejecting attempts to blame migrants for country's problems.
Ellie Chowns on #BBCQT, rejecting attempts to blame migrants for country's problems.
February 12, 2026 at 10:54 PM
“Jim Ratcliffe’s comments were outrageous. They are offensive and they were deeply wrong. We do have a problem in our country, and that problem is inequality. It’s not immigration.”
Ellie Chowns on #BBCQT, rejecting attempts to blame migrants for country's problems.
Ellie Chowns on #BBCQT, rejecting attempts to blame migrants for country's problems.
Reposted by Dr Ben King 🌍
Wet winters on the increase because of global warming, say scientists
The wet winter which has set records in parts of the UK could become more common in coming years because of global warming, scientists have said.
The wet winter which has set records in parts of the UK could become more common in coming years because of global warming, scientists have said.
Wet winters on the increase because of global warming, say scientists
The wet winter which has set records in parts of the UK could become more common in coming years because of global warming, scientists have said. Winters in the UK are becoming significantly wetter…
buff.ly
February 12, 2026 at 3:15 PM
Wet winters on the increase because of global warming, say scientists
The wet winter which has set records in parts of the UK could become more common in coming years because of global warming, scientists have said.
The wet winter which has set records in parts of the UK could become more common in coming years because of global warming, scientists have said.
Reposted by Dr Ben King 🌍
EPA rescinded the climate change Endangerment Finding an hour ago. Here's our response: theconversation.com/trump-says-c...
@docsforclimate.bsky.social
@csfh-lab.bsky.social
@globalecoguy.bsky.social
@katharinehayhoe.com
@maibached.bsky.social
@docsforclimate.bsky.social
@csfh-lab.bsky.social
@globalecoguy.bsky.social
@katharinehayhoe.com
@maibached.bsky.social
Trump says climate change doesn’t endanger public health – evidence shows it does, from extreme heat to mosquito-borne illnesses
Climate change is making people sicker and more vulnerable to disease. Erasing the federal endangerment finding increases the risk.
theconversation.com
February 12, 2026 at 7:43 PM
EPA rescinded the climate change Endangerment Finding an hour ago. Here's our response: theconversation.com/trump-says-c...
@docsforclimate.bsky.social
@csfh-lab.bsky.social
@globalecoguy.bsky.social
@katharinehayhoe.com
@maibached.bsky.social
@docsforclimate.bsky.social
@csfh-lab.bsky.social
@globalecoguy.bsky.social
@katharinehayhoe.com
@maibached.bsky.social
Reposted by Dr Ben King 🌍
Log‑scale chart showing COVID‑19 trends in England from Feb 2020 to Feb 2026.
Four lines: positive cases (brown), hospital patients (blue), deaths involving COVID‑19 (red), and PCR test positivity (purple).
Chart shows repeated waves across the pandemic.
Four lines: positive cases (brown), hospital patients (blue), deaths involving COVID‑19 (red), and PCR test positivity (purple).
Chart shows repeated waves across the pandemic.
February 12, 2026 at 9:45 PM
Log‑scale chart showing COVID‑19 trends in England from Feb 2020 to Feb 2026.
Four lines: positive cases (brown), hospital patients (blue), deaths involving COVID‑19 (red), and PCR test positivity (purple).
Chart shows repeated waves across the pandemic.
Four lines: positive cases (brown), hospital patients (blue), deaths involving COVID‑19 (red), and PCR test positivity (purple).
Chart shows repeated waves across the pandemic.
Reposted by Dr Ben King 🌍
We’re treating COVID like a memory instead of a continuing risk. Data exists, governments aren’t translating it into clear guidance on ventilation, vaccination, or avoiding crowded indoor spaces. Public health messaging has drifted into silence just when we should be preparing for the next pandemic.
February 12, 2026 at 11:38 AM
We’re treating COVID like a memory instead of a continuing risk. Data exists, governments aren’t translating it into clear guidance on ventilation, vaccination, or avoiding crowded indoor spaces. Public health messaging has drifted into silence just when we should be preparing for the next pandemic.
Reposted by Dr Ben King 🌍
Messaging has faded but COVID hasn’t.
Data keeps warning us, yet without clear guidance on ventilation, vaccination, and indoor risk, people navigate blind.
Treating the pandemic as over weakens readiness for the next one.
Honest communication and resilient data systems are needed now.
Data keeps warning us, yet without clear guidance on ventilation, vaccination, and indoor risk, people navigate blind.
Treating the pandemic as over weakens readiness for the next one.
Honest communication and resilient data systems are needed now.
February 12, 2026 at 11:25 AM
Messaging has faded but COVID hasn’t.
Data keeps warning us, yet without clear guidance on ventilation, vaccination, and indoor risk, people navigate blind.
Treating the pandemic as over weakens readiness for the next one.
Honest communication and resilient data systems are needed now.
Data keeps warning us, yet without clear guidance on ventilation, vaccination, and indoor risk, people navigate blind.
Treating the pandemic as over weakens readiness for the next one.
Honest communication and resilient data systems are needed now.
Reposted by Dr Ben King 🌍
In Scotland that sharp rise is very focused around the west.
Inverclyde is on 14.3%;
South Ayrshire, 10.8%;
Argyll & Bute, 10.4%.
7/9
Inverclyde is on 14.3%;
South Ayrshire, 10.8%;
Argyll & Bute, 10.4%.
7/9
February 12, 2026 at 7:14 PM
In Scotland that sharp rise is very focused around the west.
Inverclyde is on 14.3%;
South Ayrshire, 10.8%;
Argyll & Bute, 10.4%.
7/9
Inverclyde is on 14.3%;
South Ayrshire, 10.8%;
Argyll & Bute, 10.4%.
7/9
Reposted by Dr Ben King 🌍
In the North-West and Yorkshire there are definite signs of growth around Rochdale (on 9.38%) and Calderdale.
Similar & growing levels in Chester and Cheshire.
6/9
Similar & growing levels in Chester and Cheshire.
6/9
February 12, 2026 at 7:13 PM
In the North-West and Yorkshire there are definite signs of growth around Rochdale (on 9.38%) and Calderdale.
Similar & growing levels in Chester and Cheshire.
6/9
Similar & growing levels in Chester and Cheshire.
6/9
Reposted by Dr Ben King 🌍
A similar rise in West Sussex, on 12.86%.
Everywhere else in the South-East has seen a decline.
4/9
Everywhere else in the South-East has seen a decline.
4/9
February 12, 2026 at 7:13 PM
A similar rise in West Sussex, on 12.86%.
Everywhere else in the South-East has seen a decline.
4/9
Everywhere else in the South-East has seen a decline.
4/9
Reposted by Dr Ben King 🌍
In London, covid beds are back up to the level they were at at New Year.
There's a lot of non-reporting boroughs, but hopefully enough for people to be able to triangulate & assess their local risk.
2/9
There's a lot of non-reporting boroughs, but hopefully enough for people to be able to triangulate & assess their local risk.
2/9
February 12, 2026 at 7:12 PM
In London, covid beds are back up to the level they were at at New Year.
There's a lot of non-reporting boroughs, but hopefully enough for people to be able to triangulate & assess their local risk.
2/9
There's a lot of non-reporting boroughs, but hopefully enough for people to be able to triangulate & assess their local risk.
2/9
Reposted by Dr Ben King 🌍
The PCR positivity map is out, and positivity has risen to 2.75% in England.
Adjusted for non-reporting we make it 3.34%.
In Scotland there's been a sharp upturn to 4.37%.
jamestindall.info/skeuomorphol...
1/9
Adjusted for non-reporting we make it 3.34%.
In Scotland there's been a sharp upturn to 4.37%.
jamestindall.info/skeuomorphol...
1/9
February 12, 2026 at 7:12 PM
The PCR positivity map is out, and positivity has risen to 2.75% in England.
Adjusted for non-reporting we make it 3.34%.
In Scotland there's been a sharp upturn to 4.37%.
jamestindall.info/skeuomorphol...
1/9
Adjusted for non-reporting we make it 3.34%.
In Scotland there's been a sharp upturn to 4.37%.
jamestindall.info/skeuomorphol...
1/9
Reposted by Dr Ben King 🌍
My Year 9 classes have been researching FACTS about #immigrants in our lessons this week.
Here's an interesting one that they didn't come up with...
#GeographyTeacher #Migration #TaxHavens
Here's an interesting one that they didn't come up with...
#GeographyTeacher #Migration #TaxHavens
February 12, 2026 at 5:39 PM
My Year 9 classes have been researching FACTS about #immigrants in our lessons this week.
Here's an interesting one that they didn't come up with...
#GeographyTeacher #Migration #TaxHavens
Here's an interesting one that they didn't come up with...
#GeographyTeacher #Migration #TaxHavens
Reposted by Dr Ben King 🌍
Families of nurses and carers have said they fear being torn apart under an immigration crackdown by the government condemned as “an act of economic vandalism”
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
Nurses’ families fear being torn apart in UK immigration crackdown, survey says
Exclusive: Most people in charity’s study say they worry about being separated from relatives under Mahmood plans
www.theguardian.com
February 12, 2026 at 5:41 PM
Families of nurses and carers have said they fear being torn apart under an immigration crackdown by the government condemned as “an act of economic vandalism”
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
Reposted by Dr Ben King 🌍
Around the world this ratio holds up.
Billionaires, and obscenely profitable multinational companies, pay nothing, or even negative tax with write-offs and concessions, even though *their profitability relies on an educated, healthy and stable society*, which taxes pay for.
Billionaires, and obscenely profitable multinational companies, pay nothing, or even negative tax with write-offs and concessions, even though *their profitability relies on an educated, healthy and stable society*, which taxes pay for.
My Year 9 classes have been researching FACTS about #immigrants in our lessons this week.
Here's an interesting one that they didn't come up with...
#GeographyTeacher #Migration #TaxHavens
Here's an interesting one that they didn't come up with...
#GeographyTeacher #Migration #TaxHavens
February 12, 2026 at 6:09 PM
Around the world this ratio holds up.
Billionaires, and obscenely profitable multinational companies, pay nothing, or even negative tax with write-offs and concessions, even though *their profitability relies on an educated, healthy and stable society*, which taxes pay for.
Billionaires, and obscenely profitable multinational companies, pay nothing, or even negative tax with write-offs and concessions, even though *their profitability relies on an educated, healthy and stable society*, which taxes pay for.
Reposted by Dr Ben King 🌍
3:45pm and it has been a full-on teaching day.
But today's only period of 'Exertion' picked-up by my #VisibleHealth heartrate monitor was immediately after I bounded up the stairs in twos this lunchtime 🤦
I do struggle to hold myself back when I feel this good 🙏
3 more hours to go, but L👀K 👇
But today's only period of 'Exertion' picked-up by my #VisibleHealth heartrate monitor was immediately after I bounded up the stairs in twos this lunchtime 🤦
I do struggle to hold myself back when I feel this good 🙏
3 more hours to go, but L👀K 👇
February 12, 2026 at 3:56 PM
3:45pm and it has been a full-on teaching day.
But today's only period of 'Exertion' picked-up by my #VisibleHealth heartrate monitor was immediately after I bounded up the stairs in twos this lunchtime 🤦
I do struggle to hold myself back when I feel this good 🙏
3 more hours to go, but L👀K 👇
But today's only period of 'Exertion' picked-up by my #VisibleHealth heartrate monitor was immediately after I bounded up the stairs in twos this lunchtime 🤦
I do struggle to hold myself back when I feel this good 🙏
3 more hours to go, but L👀K 👇
My Year 9 classes have been researching FACTS about #immigrants in our lessons this week.
Here's an interesting one that they didn't come up with...
#GeographyTeacher #Migration #TaxHavens
Here's an interesting one that they didn't come up with...
#GeographyTeacher #Migration #TaxHavens
February 12, 2026 at 5:39 PM
My Year 9 classes have been researching FACTS about #immigrants in our lessons this week.
Here's an interesting one that they didn't come up with...
#GeographyTeacher #Migration #TaxHavens
Here's an interesting one that they didn't come up with...
#GeographyTeacher #Migration #TaxHavens
Impressive not-for-profit eco-aware company based here in South Devon 👇
Run by teenagers.
Impressive! Please support them!
www.rootsclothing.co.uk
Run by teenagers.
Impressive! Please support them!
www.rootsclothing.co.uk
Roots | Not-For-Profit Clothing and Media
Roots is a teenage-led, activist collective rewriting sustainable fashion and media for people and planet. 100% of profits donated to grassroots climate action.
www.rootsclothing.co.uk
February 12, 2026 at 1:41 PM
Impressive not-for-profit eco-aware company based here in South Devon 👇
Run by teenagers.
Impressive! Please support them!
www.rootsclothing.co.uk
Run by teenagers.
Impressive! Please support them!
www.rootsclothing.co.uk