Tom
@pheasant.bsky.social
Blogging the slow rehabilitation of the abandoned allotment we just took on. Also, random likes and rebleets of politics, science, climate, computing, and history. Trying to be pleasant.
Pinned
Tom
@pheasant.bsky.social
· Apr 6
It's better to switch out of the US tech ecosystem. Here's how I've switched: mail -> TutaMail, maps -> HereWeGo, cloud storage -> Jottacloud, eBay -> OnBuy, taxi -> Freenow or Bolt. Then there's Instagram -> PixelFed plus the whole fediverse
Reposted by Tom
Rightly lots of debates about growth this weekend - rightly because it was low productivity growth that saw wages entirely flatline during the 2010s.
November 30, 2025 at 12:00 PM
Rightly lots of debates about growth this weekend - rightly because it was low productivity growth that saw wages entirely flatline during the 2010s.
Allotment neighbour gave me some cauliflower seedlings so I stuck some in to see what happens, and put some more in a tray in the greenhouse. Also, the garlic has started sprouting (in the foreground) - i hope it will be ok through the winter!
November 30, 2025 at 2:58 PM
Allotment neighbour gave me some cauliflower seedlings so I stuck some in to see what happens, and put some more in a tray in the greenhouse. Also, the garlic has started sprouting (in the foreground) - i hope it will be ok through the winter!
Anyone who gets upset at the idea of fewer jury trials needs carefully consider how other countries do justice (often better than the uk) www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
David Lammy is right to slash the use of juries – it’s an open-and-shut case | Simon Jenkins
Barristers and criminals may not like the idea, but it’s key to reforming Britain’s antiquated and overloaded justice system, says the Guardian columnist Simon Jenkins
www.theguardian.com
November 28, 2025 at 9:52 AM
Anyone who gets upset at the idea of fewer jury trials needs carefully consider how other countries do justice (often better than the uk) www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted by Tom
Huge news from the UK today: after UN climate talks in which there was a massive fight over language on fossil fuels, the UK government today announced that it will in fact be keeping many millions of barrels of oil & gas in the ground. Deeds rather than just words for a change! 🧵
November 26, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Huge news from the UK today: after UN climate talks in which there was a massive fight over language on fossil fuels, the UK government today announced that it will in fact be keeping many millions of barrels of oil & gas in the ground. Deeds rather than just words for a change! 🧵
Reposted by Tom
Groundbreaking. Literally.
In 1989 Populous created a new genre: the God Game.
Here's how: youtu.be/PEnJQtzFI_M
In 1989 Populous created a new genre: the God Game.
Here's how: youtu.be/PEnJQtzFI_M
November 21, 2025 at 6:58 PM
Groundbreaking. Literally.
In 1989 Populous created a new genre: the God Game.
Here's how: youtu.be/PEnJQtzFI_M
In 1989 Populous created a new genre: the God Game.
Here's how: youtu.be/PEnJQtzFI_M
Reposted by Tom
Reposted by Tom
New essay out today by me and @acjsissons.bsky.social - ‘Getting Britain out of the hole: a plan for the economy’. You can read the whole thing here getting-out-of-the-hole.uk
A chart mega-thread follows 🧵
A chart mega-thread follows 🧵
Getting Britain out of the hole
A plan for the UK economy
getting-out-of-the-hole.uk
November 17, 2025 at 8:00 AM
New essay out today by me and @acjsissons.bsky.social - ‘Getting Britain out of the hole: a plan for the economy’. You can read the whole thing here getting-out-of-the-hole.uk
A chart mega-thread follows 🧵
A chart mega-thread follows 🧵
Reposted by Tom
World-renowned Dutch conductor and violinist André Rieu, together with Ukrainian-born singer Anna Reker, performed the legendary #Ukrainian Christmas carol Shchedryk (Carol of the Bells).
It was performed live during the Johann Strauss Orchestra concert in Maastricht, Netherlands.
It was performed live during the Johann Strauss Orchestra concert in Maastricht, Netherlands.
November 16, 2025 at 8:51 PM
World-renowned Dutch conductor and violinist André Rieu, together with Ukrainian-born singer Anna Reker, performed the legendary #Ukrainian Christmas carol Shchedryk (Carol of the Bells).
It was performed live during the Johann Strauss Orchestra concert in Maastricht, Netherlands.
It was performed live during the Johann Strauss Orchestra concert in Maastricht, Netherlands.
Reposted by Tom
ICYMI: Brighton and Hove journalist wins Local Democracy Reporter of the Year award
Brighton and Hove journalist wins Local Democracy Reporter of the Year award
Brighton and Hove journalist Sarah Booker-Lewis has won the Local Democracy Reporter of the Year award. The prize was presented by BBC political correspondent and Any Questions host Alex Forsyth at the annual Local Democracy Reporting Service Awards in Manchester. It comes a year after she won the prize for Best Use of Social Media, […]
dlvr.it
November 15, 2025 at 2:34 PM
ICYMI: Brighton and Hove journalist wins Local Democracy Reporter of the Year award
While clearing, I discovered this wire bin at the end of the neighbouring allotment. As an experiment I'm filling it with leaves (with the holder's permission) to make mulch.
November 15, 2025 at 3:30 PM
While clearing, I discovered this wire bin at the end of the neighbouring allotment. As an experiment I'm filling it with leaves (with the holder's permission) to make mulch.
Reposted by Tom
discovered today that the main mother yeast my mum uses for her breads is older than i am, which is stunning to think about. i have eaten older entities than myself. disconcerting way to start the day
November 12, 2025 at 9:29 AM
discovered today that the main mother yeast my mum uses for her breads is older than i am, which is stunning to think about. i have eaten older entities than myself. disconcerting way to start the day
Reposted by Tom
We’re just innocent men
November 11, 2025 at 5:35 PM
We’re just innocent men
Reposted by Tom
Quick thread on the BBC and the political and societal significance of recent developments:
One of the main reasons the UK has historically been so much less polarised than the US, is that Britain has a shared source of information, consumed and trusted by most people regardless of their politics.
One of the main reasons the UK has historically been so much less polarised than the US, is that Britain has a shared source of information, consumed and trusted by most people regardless of their politics.
November 10, 2025 at 1:43 PM
Quick thread on the BBC and the political and societal significance of recent developments:
One of the main reasons the UK has historically been so much less polarised than the US, is that Britain has a shared source of information, consumed and trusted by most people regardless of their politics.
One of the main reasons the UK has historically been so much less polarised than the US, is that Britain has a shared source of information, consumed and trusted by most people regardless of their politics.
Look at all those chickens. #RHS Wisley today. #photography
November 8, 2025 at 4:24 PM
Look at all those chickens. #RHS Wisley today. #photography
Reposted by Tom
Another great part of the PMs speech!
Calling racists, racist!
Calling out Farage and Reform for their plans to deport our friends and neighbours!
(And the addition of music makes it even better!)
Calling racists, racist!
Calling out Farage and Reform for their plans to deport our friends and neighbours!
(And the addition of music makes it even better!)
September 30, 2025 at 3:43 PM
Another great part of the PMs speech!
Calling racists, racist!
Calling out Farage and Reform for their plans to deport our friends and neighbours!
(And the addition of music makes it even better!)
Calling racists, racist!
Calling out Farage and Reform for their plans to deport our friends and neighbours!
(And the addition of music makes it even better!)
#allotment update. Back in April we took on a half allotment that had been adandoned for 8 years - brambles to head height, etc. I think we've made excellent progress, especially given that we are complete newbies when it comes to growing allotmenteering. Here's some recent pics (from last weekend)
November 1, 2025 at 6:33 PM
#allotment update. Back in April we took on a half allotment that had been adandoned for 8 years - brambles to head height, etc. I think we've made excellent progress, especially given that we are complete newbies when it comes to growing allotmenteering. Here's some recent pics (from last weekend)
Currently enjoying the new Miles Jupp podcast while vacuuming pca.st/episode/098f...
Episode 1 without Joe Lycett
pca.st
November 1, 2025 at 3:38 PM
Currently enjoying the new Miles Jupp podcast while vacuuming pca.st/episode/098f...
Reposted by Tom
Nigel Farage says this summer’s Raise the Colours movement was led by ‘ordinary people’ expressing their patriotism. Our reporters in five cities had a look and that’s not what we found.
November 1, 2025 at 8:44 AM
Nigel Farage says this summer’s Raise the Colours movement was led by ‘ordinary people’ expressing their patriotism. Our reporters in five cities had a look and that’s not what we found.
Reposted by Tom
In fact, the UK’s top 10% now have lower post-tax incomes than they did 25 years ago.
(That contrasts to the overall median, which has risen by about 25%)
(That contrasts to the overall median, which has risen by about 25%)
October 31, 2025 at 2:32 PM
In fact, the UK’s top 10% now have lower post-tax incomes than they did 25 years ago.
(That contrasts to the overall median, which has risen by about 25%)
(That contrasts to the overall median, which has risen by about 25%)
Reposted by Tom
If you're a National Trust member, it's that time of year again: Midnight tonight is the deadline. It's a shame people have to keep doing this to keep a toehold on historical truth in this country, but here we are. Voting link: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/who-we-are/a...
![[Scene is the entrance cabin to a NATIONAL TRUST PROPERTY AND GARDENS]
1
NATIONAL TRUST EMPLOYEE [inside cabin]:
Hello there
2
[A young family - two parents two kids - have arrived at the front desk].
DAD:
Hi - do you have an activity trail, for the kids?
3
NT EMPLOYEE:
Of course – you’re just in time for the Autumn Gammon Trail!
4
MUM:
That sounds fun, doesn’t it kids?
5
NT EMPLOYEE [handing an activity sheet and pencils to the kids]:
Every autumn, the Reform Trust gammons flock back to the National Trust for the AGM. Just follow the trail round the grounds, and see how many you can spot!
6
NT EMPLOYEE [hearing something in the gardens]:
Listen - that's their call
[Calls emanating from the landscape]:
tut-tut
woke-woke
7
NT EMPLOYEE [showing the family an apparently empty fenced enclosure with some bushes in]:
They are extremely sensitive and fragile...
But you can bring them out of hiding if you put a little sign down mentioning slavery.
8
KIDS [pointing]:
There they are!
[Some little red faced PEOPLE wearing Barbour jackets and gilets emerge cautiously from the bushes. They are creeping towards a TINY SIGN in the middle of the enclosure].
[Little people noises]:
woke-woke
tut-tut
woke-woke
9
[Close-up of the TINY SIGN - we can read that it says]:
Slavery had a bit to do with building this massive house.
[Noises from the little people again as they inspect the tiny sign]:
tut-tut
woke-woke
10
MUM [pointing]:
What's that one doing there?
NT EMPLOYEE:
Oh, that's so sweet…
11
[We see that one of the people is sat on a rock, with a little laptop open on a tree stump, and they are furiously typing away].
NT EMPLOYEE:
I think he's writing a column for the Daily Telegraph…
12
[We see close up to the little person’s screen, it is a word document reading]:
Are National Trust scones secretly WOKE?
[ends]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:4m3we4apbjayclzcnhwe3pfp/bafkreib7lt736b6rmzinml5s7kxjdaapo2a36xp4d4lssypimx3taqicdm@jpeg)
October 31, 2025 at 9:02 AM
If you're a National Trust member, it's that time of year again: Midnight tonight is the deadline. It's a shame people have to keep doing this to keep a toehold on historical truth in this country, but here we are. Voting link: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/who-we-are/a...
Reposted by Tom
BHESCo are raising funds for a collection of new #CommunityEnergy projects in Sussex.
Your opportunity to earn a target 5% annual interest rate and join a community of like minded people who believe in using their money for good.
Take a look 👉 lnkd.in/g6rQQAN
#Investing #ClimateAction
Your opportunity to earn a target 5% annual interest rate and join a community of like minded people who believe in using their money for good.
Take a look 👉 lnkd.in/g6rQQAN
#Investing #ClimateAction
October 29, 2025 at 9:38 AM
BHESCo are raising funds for a collection of new #CommunityEnergy projects in Sussex.
Your opportunity to earn a target 5% annual interest rate and join a community of like minded people who believe in using their money for good.
Take a look 👉 lnkd.in/g6rQQAN
#Investing #ClimateAction
Your opportunity to earn a target 5% annual interest rate and join a community of like minded people who believe in using their money for good.
Take a look 👉 lnkd.in/g6rQQAN
#Investing #ClimateAction
Reposted by Tom
Reposted by Tom
Maybe we shouldn’t allow a group of hyper-wealthy individuals to control our media with little to no accountability.
Starting with @mediareformuk.bsky.social
Starting with @mediareformuk.bsky.social
October 27, 2025 at 2:44 PM
Maybe we shouldn’t allow a group of hyper-wealthy individuals to control our media with little to no accountability.
Starting with @mediareformuk.bsky.social
Starting with @mediareformuk.bsky.social
Reposted by Tom
Transformed into a public service mutual, the BBC will belong to all of us by right.
We would all become BBC members — active and direct participants in its mission to inform, educate, entertain & connect. Learn more about our @cmmonwealth.bsky.social vision: www.common-wealth.org/publications...
We would all become BBC members — active and direct participants in its mission to inform, educate, entertain & connect. Learn more about our @cmmonwealth.bsky.social vision: www.common-wealth.org/publications...
Our Mutual Friend: The BBC in the Digital Age
The upcoming BBC Charter Review is an opportunity to transform the BBC into a public service mutual, founded on a genuinely democratic relationship with the public.
www.common-wealth.org
October 16, 2025 at 12:35 PM
Transformed into a public service mutual, the BBC will belong to all of us by right.
We would all become BBC members — active and direct participants in its mission to inform, educate, entertain & connect. Learn more about our @cmmonwealth.bsky.social vision: www.common-wealth.org/publications...
We would all become BBC members — active and direct participants in its mission to inform, educate, entertain & connect. Learn more about our @cmmonwealth.bsky.social vision: www.common-wealth.org/publications...
All day breakfast (eaten for lunch) at Cafe 1 Bistro in #Epsom, #England. This one (the 'Cafe 1 breakfast') swaps out sausage and bacon for grilled halloumi and avocado. 12 quid including a cuppa and a generous slice of toast with butter. Highly recommended if you're in the area #GoodLunch
October 26, 2025 at 12:18 PM
All day breakfast (eaten for lunch) at Cafe 1 Bistro in #Epsom, #England. This one (the 'Cafe 1 breakfast') swaps out sausage and bacon for grilled halloumi and avocado. 12 quid including a cuppa and a generous slice of toast with butter. Highly recommended if you're in the area #GoodLunch