Phil McDuff
@mcduff.bsky.social
Legitimate businessman
https://ko-fi.com/philmcduff
https://open.substack.com/pub/philmcduff
@philmcduff on the dying bird site
@mcduff.75 on Signal
https://ko-fi.com/philmcduff
https://open.substack.com/pub/philmcduff
@philmcduff on the dying bird site
@mcduff.75 on Signal
Pinned
The Unbearable Weight of Small Absences
This morning my dog Jingles wasn’t in the kitchen while I was making coffee.
open.substack.com
I've had this in the drafts for a while. One month after she went seems like a good time to publish. ❤️
Reposted by Phil McDuff
Just think it's another aspect of right-wing bubble world - students are bad and woke, academics are bad and woke, universities all give the same two courses - mickey mouse studies and anti-British history - and nothing else, why should I pay, waste of money, bunch of layabouts, get a real job etc.
One parsimonious explanation: universities presently exist quasi-independently outside the power of the state, and therefore to state actors, must be fully subsumed into the state for its ends, by any means necessary, no matter the consequences for both universities or the state
i really struggle to understand why centre left parties do not like universities, do not like the soft power we wield (imagine getting to educate the children of your geopolitical rivals!!!! IMAGINE!!!). i dont believe that albo, starmer, etc are this stupid, it's got to be hatred. but y.
November 25, 2025 at 10:34 AM
Just think it's another aspect of right-wing bubble world - students are bad and woke, academics are bad and woke, universities all give the same two courses - mickey mouse studies and anti-British history - and nothing else, why should I pay, waste of money, bunch of layabouts, get a real job etc.
Reposted by Phil McDuff
It might sound counterintuitive but trying to take Farage, Trump, Le Pen down based on individual flaws without centring the damage their politics do is counterproductive
It opens the way for less extreme actors espousing the same politics while these have become normalised by mainstream actors
It opens the way for less extreme actors espousing the same politics while these have become normalised by mainstream actors
November 25, 2025 at 8:51 AM
It might sound counterintuitive but trying to take Farage, Trump, Le Pen down based on individual flaws without centring the damage their politics do is counterproductive
It opens the way for less extreme actors espousing the same politics while these have become normalised by mainstream actors
It opens the way for less extreme actors espousing the same politics while these have become normalised by mainstream actors
Reposted by Phil McDuff
Enormous hulking 6'4" toddler man screams sexual insults and physically intimidates young teenage girl before physically attacking her and her property.
Graham Linehan cleared of harassment but guilty of criminal damage to trans activist's phone
Graham Linehan cleared of harassment but guilty of criminal damage to trans activist's phone
Father Ted creator Graham Linehan has been found guilty of criminal damage to the phone of a trans activist but not guilty of harassment.
news.sky.com
November 25, 2025 at 1:23 PM
Enormous hulking 6'4" toddler man screams sexual insults and physically intimidates young teenage girl before physically attacking her and her property.
Reposted by Phil McDuff
give this man a little house and he IMMEDIATELY turns into a "get off my lawn" guy
November 25, 2025 at 1:15 PM
give this man a little house and he IMMEDIATELY turns into a "get off my lawn" guy
These people only fail upwards
The former Conservative Levelling Up Secretary and now editor of the Spectator, Michael Gove, has been selected as a judge for the 2026 Orwell Prize awards, despite his record of dodging media scrutiny and allegations of ‘stifling’ critical journalists
bylinetimes.com/2025/11/25/m...
bylinetimes.com/2025/11/25/m...
Michael Gove Made Orwell Prize Judge Despite Record of Attacking Journalists and Dodging Scrutiny
Critics say "Orwell would have enjoyed the irony" of the former Conservative minister's appointment
bylinetimes.com
November 25, 2025 at 1:15 PM
These people only fail upwards
Reposted by Phil McDuff
here's your headline:
They (OfS) still expect 45% of ALL universities to report a deficit this academic year. They are not accounting for "significant variation" across the system (i.e. different types and sizes of institution).
They (OfS) still expect 45% of ALL universities to report a deficit this academic year. They are not accounting for "significant variation" across the system (i.e. different types and sizes of institution).
November 25, 2025 at 10:16 AM
here's your headline:
They (OfS) still expect 45% of ALL universities to report a deficit this academic year. They are not accounting for "significant variation" across the system (i.e. different types and sizes of institution).
They (OfS) still expect 45% of ALL universities to report a deficit this academic year. They are not accounting for "significant variation" across the system (i.e. different types and sizes of institution).
Reposted by Phil McDuff
genuinely ASTOUNDING how badly the Dems played this, like world record unbeatable losing streak type beat, we will never see this level of choking again in our lifetimes, real hard work and dedication to step on this many rakes in a row, tirelessly fail-grinding, you WISH you could flop like this!!!
Trump expected to propose two-year ACA subsidy extension as deadline nears, report says reut.rs/4reC9xz
Trump expected to propose two-year ACA subsidy extension as deadline nears, report says
The White House is preparing to unveil a health policy framework that would extend Affordable Care Act premium subsidies for two years, Politico reported on Monday, as President Donald Trump moves to shape congressional negotiations ahead of looming premium hikes.
reut.rs
November 25, 2025 at 8:48 AM
genuinely ASTOUNDING how badly the Dems played this, like world record unbeatable losing streak type beat, we will never see this level of choking again in our lifetimes, real hard work and dedication to step on this many rakes in a row, tirelessly fail-grinding, you WISH you could flop like this!!!
Reposted by Phil McDuff
Obviously this government are wantonly reckless and idiotic and their treatment of universities, and see this as a disciplining of an out of touch elite.
But what all of this unwillingness to intervene means is that a critical industry will collapse and a lot of ordinary people will be unemployed.
But what all of this unwillingness to intervene means is that a critical industry will collapse and a lot of ordinary people will be unemployed.
"A system built on specialisation, efficiency", that right there is the death knell for the current university system in the UK, if (big if) government pushes it through. They actively don't want HE to grow, they will intervene, apparently, to help it shrink.
per this morning's education committee.
per this morning's education committee.
November 25, 2025 at 12:51 PM
Obviously this government are wantonly reckless and idiotic and their treatment of universities, and see this as a disciplining of an out of touch elite.
But what all of this unwillingness to intervene means is that a critical industry will collapse and a lot of ordinary people will be unemployed.
But what all of this unwillingness to intervene means is that a critical industry will collapse and a lot of ordinary people will be unemployed.
Reposted by Phil McDuff
are you fucking serious
November 25, 2025 at 10:47 AM
are you fucking serious
Reposted by Phil McDuff
when trying on pants, do this in the store. then tell the sales associate "the menswear guy told me to do this."
IG mr.funkys0ul
IG mr.funkys0ul
November 25, 2025 at 10:17 AM
when trying on pants, do this in the store. then tell the sales associate "the menswear guy told me to do this."
IG mr.funkys0ul
IG mr.funkys0ul
Reposted by Phil McDuff
imagine being such a hateful little rat that you make yourself hate everything good in life bc it might tangentially relate to gay or trans people
Well, y'all did it AGAIN!
November 25, 2025 at 11:59 AM
imagine being such a hateful little rat that you make yourself hate everything good in life bc it might tangentially relate to gay or trans people
Reposted by Phil McDuff
“A coronation rather than a contest to install him as Labour leader”, you say.
November 25, 2025 at 12:42 PM
“A coronation rather than a contest to install him as Labour leader”, you say.
Reposted by Phil McDuff
The German Marxist August Bebel also said this like... 40 years beforehand? I'm not pointing this out to pre-empt Lenin but to point out that it is an enduring historical truth and people who think our current time is an exception are wrong
"All over the world, wherever there are capitalists, freedom of the press means freedom to buy up newspapers, to buy writers, to bribe, buy and fake 'public opinion' for the benefit of the bourgeoisie.
This is a fact.
No one will ever be able to refute it."
- Lenin
This is a fact.
No one will ever be able to refute it."
- Lenin
September 18, 2025 at 6:48 AM
The German Marxist August Bebel also said this like... 40 years beforehand? I'm not pointing this out to pre-empt Lenin but to point out that it is an enduring historical truth and people who think our current time is an exception are wrong
Reposted by Phil McDuff
Seen some people misunderstanding the point of TSN pointing out our previous communications with the government about this. It's not because we expect them to have empathy for trans people or to listen out of the goodness of their hearts. It's to prove that they know exactly what they're doing.
Trans Safety Network are extremely concerned that DHSC are continuing to solicit input on trans healthcare from Bayswater and other anti trans groups after a reply to our previous concerns stated they would not work with groups who promote harmful practices or discriminatory views
Wes Streeting continues to ignore safeguarding concerns about parents group linked to abusive practices
Trans Safety Network has seen evidence Wes Streeting and the DHSC solicited feedback on a “puberty blocker risk form” from Bayswater Support Group and other anti-trans groups in September 2025, 6 mont...
transsafety.network
November 25, 2025 at 9:55 AM
Seen some people misunderstanding the point of TSN pointing out our previous communications with the government about this. It's not because we expect them to have empathy for trans people or to listen out of the goodness of their hearts. It's to prove that they know exactly what they're doing.
Reposted by Phil McDuff
Indeed. We don't talk enough about wages and cost of living. And this is why we need a UBI
Some thoughts on income tax: People who don’t consider themselves particularly high earners - they’re middle class, maybe earning less than their peers - may feel fleeced by taxation because every pay rise is negligible impact.
November 25, 2025 at 10:46 AM
Indeed. We don't talk enough about wages and cost of living. And this is why we need a UBI
Reposted by Phil McDuff
I think we’ve seen the difference between stuff the lads don’t much want to discuss and things they will deliberately hammer over and over, again and again all day every day, until the public are puking blood when they hear about it, demanding it all to stop and go away.
We've had 24 hour news for nearly 40 years now, and during that time news stories do stick around if the press keep banging on about them. Things that don't stick tend to be stuff where right wing politicians/the wealthy are on the hook.
It’s a sign of how insane the news cycle is these days that this historic failure of government policy got just one day of news coverage this week.
Not saying that’s right or wrong, but it’s astonishing how quickly the agenda moves on these days.
Not saying that’s right or wrong, but it’s astonishing how quickly the agenda moves on these days.
November 25, 2025 at 1:13 AM
I think we’ve seen the difference between stuff the lads don’t much want to discuss and things they will deliberately hammer over and over, again and again all day every day, until the public are puking blood when they hear about it, demanding it all to stop and go away.
Reposted by Phil McDuff
This is what makes me laugh when the finance people go on about the UK’s “low productivity”. As if it is an issue with the workforce and not failure by bosses to invest and incentivise. What incentive is there to be more productive when your employer won’t share it with you?
November 25, 2025 at 10:15 AM
This is what makes me laugh when the finance people go on about the UK’s “low productivity”. As if it is an issue with the workforce and not failure by bosses to invest and incentivise. What incentive is there to be more productive when your employer won’t share it with you?
Reposted by Phil McDuff
So with Rachel Reeves looking to freeze income tax thresholds until 2030 the effects of this is going to be worsened if you are lucky enough to get a pay rise in the next 4 years (not a given)
Say you’re earning £52k. Your employer gives you a 2% pay rise which is fairly standard if you get anything at all. Your additional monthly pay is about £50. Meanwhile - inflation is 3.8% excluding housing of course. You see no real gain
November 25, 2025 at 10:12 AM
So with Rachel Reeves looking to freeze income tax thresholds until 2030 the effects of this is going to be worsened if you are lucky enough to get a pay rise in the next 4 years (not a given)
Reposted by Phil McDuff
But.... What??? Do Latin Americans just not exist???? Aren't we Americans too?? Come on!
If your argument involves referring to Americans as “USians” it doesn’t matter how cogent the rest of your point may be tbh
November 25, 2025 at 10:10 AM
But.... What??? Do Latin Americans just not exist???? Aren't we Americans too?? Come on!
Reposted by Phil McDuff
putting it quite simply: universities already specialise in various ways. They organically develop strengths, deeper benches of talent in some areas over others, etc.
the only reason to mouth these sorts of generalities in the direction of MPs is to signal you're not content with that arrangement.
the only reason to mouth these sorts of generalities in the direction of MPs is to signal you're not content with that arrangement.
November 25, 2025 at 10:07 AM
putting it quite simply: universities already specialise in various ways. They organically develop strengths, deeper benches of talent in some areas over others, etc.
the only reason to mouth these sorts of generalities in the direction of MPs is to signal you're not content with that arrangement.
the only reason to mouth these sorts of generalities in the direction of MPs is to signal you're not content with that arrangement.
Reposted by Phil McDuff
"A system built on specialisation, efficiency", that right there is the death knell for the current university system in the UK, if (big if) government pushes it through. They actively don't want HE to grow, they will intervene, apparently, to help it shrink.
per this morning's education committee.
per this morning's education committee.
November 25, 2025 at 10:06 AM
"A system built on specialisation, efficiency", that right there is the death knell for the current university system in the UK, if (big if) government pushes it through. They actively don't want HE to grow, they will intervene, apparently, to help it shrink.
per this morning's education committee.
per this morning's education committee.
Reposted by Phil McDuff
"this government has now given certainty to the universities about their funding"
NO YOU HAVEN'T, you are LITERALLY raiding the international fees income TOMORROW
NO YOU HAVEN'T, you are LITERALLY raiding the international fees income TOMORROW
November 25, 2025 at 10:11 AM
"this government has now given certainty to the universities about their funding"
NO YOU HAVEN'T, you are LITERALLY raiding the international fees income TOMORROW
NO YOU HAVEN'T, you are LITERALLY raiding the international fees income TOMORROW
Reposted by Phil McDuff
I do appreciate that they've completely dropped the pretense.
Rep. Salazar on Venezuela: "We're about to go in ... we need to go in ... Venezuela for the American oil companies will be a field day"
November 24, 2025 at 10:21 PM
I do appreciate that they've completely dropped the pretense.
Reposted by Phil McDuff
Gotta say, having lived through the 2010-2024 period where Rachel Reeves was one of those opposition politicians that gets treated by the media like some great lost cause, an incredible talent wasted by mediocre rivals, this whole 'I've been underestimated my whole life' bit is ... weird?
“I’ll show the media, I’ll show the Tories, I’ll not let them beat me. I’ll be there on Wednesday, I’ll be there next year & I’ll be back the year after that” - Rachel Reeves urges Labour MPs to back budget @jessicaelgot.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Rachel Reeves urges Labour MPs to back her make-or-break budget
Chancellor tells parliamentary party they might not like every measure but promises budget will be ‘fair’
www.theguardian.com
November 25, 2025 at 9:27 AM
Gotta say, having lived through the 2010-2024 period where Rachel Reeves was one of those opposition politicians that gets treated by the media like some great lost cause, an incredible talent wasted by mediocre rivals, this whole 'I've been underestimated my whole life' bit is ... weird?
Reposted by Phil McDuff
If you receive legal threats from Nigel Farage for your reporting of Reform, please get in touch.
We have employed a defamation lawyer specifically for this purpose and would love to help (and we do so on non-commercial terms). www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
We have employed a defamation lawyer specifically for this purpose and would love to help (and we do so on non-commercial terms). www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Reform’s ‘Trumpian’ legal threats hint at more aggressive approach to media
Ultimatums sent to publications appear to intensify as Nigel Farage’s party rises in polls
www.theguardian.com
November 25, 2025 at 8:29 AM
If you receive legal threats from Nigel Farage for your reporting of Reform, please get in touch.
We have employed a defamation lawyer specifically for this purpose and would love to help (and we do so on non-commercial terms). www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
We have employed a defamation lawyer specifically for this purpose and would love to help (and we do so on non-commercial terms). www.theguardian.com/politics/202...