Paul Holmes
@provokepaul.bsky.social
Founder & CEO at PRovokeMedia, I have been writing, speaking and thinking about public relations, and the intersection of business and society, for 40 years. I believe ESG, DEI and stakeholder engagement in general are mission critical for all oganizations
Won't anybody think of the multi-millionaires?
The UK, where the day after a decision to take half a million children out of poverty, the media & political world has been full of sneering at those same children & their families, labelling them as ‘Benefits Street’, while the same people are moaning about a tax on £2m mansions. Shameful stuff.
November 28, 2025 at 9:29 AM
Won't anybody think of the multi-millionaires?
"Deployed to protect people"?
Really?
That just seems so detached from reality.
Really?
That just seems so detached from reality.
The shooting will have consequences for Donald Trump’s use of the National Guard in DC, and perhaps elsewhere. It will also give yet more impetus to his immigration clampdown
A shooting in Washington prefigures tougher immigration policies
National Guardsmen, who were deployed to protect people, became a target
econ.st
November 27, 2025 at 5:26 PM
"Deployed to protect people"?
Really?
That just seems so detached from reality.
Really?
That just seems so detached from reality.
Yes, those 10 warrants are horrible, but you're missing the important part of the story: the team was UNBEATEN!!!
Coach Turner is now wanted on ten warrants, including five counts of possession of child pornography and five counts of using a computer to solicit a minor, according to Va. State Police. www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news...
Virginia H.S. football coach goes missing as undefeated team makes it to the playoffs
There's a statewide manhunt for coach Travis Turner, whose Union H.S. Bears are 12-0.
www.nbcnews.com
November 27, 2025 at 5:24 PM
Yes, those 10 warrants are horrible, but you're missing the important part of the story: the team was UNBEATEN!!!
Especially because by the time you need to call an election, only about 2% of voters will remember anything about this budget. If you can't be bold now, when?
Serious howls of outrage in the media this morning at what is a relatively modest Budget from Labour that does nothing more than fiddle around the margins.
It does highlight the missed opportunity. If you’re going to get this reaction anyway, why not at least get it for attempting a big swing?
It does highlight the missed opportunity. If you’re going to get this reaction anyway, why not at least get it for attempting a big swing?
November 27, 2025 at 3:49 PM
Especially because by the time you need to call an election, only about 2% of voters will remember anything about this budget. If you can't be bold now, when?
This.
They didn't come for religious freedom, they came to escape religious freedom.
Oh, and they wanted a war on Christimas because they fucking hated Christmas.
They didn't come for religious freedom, they came to escape religious freedom.
Oh, and they wanted a war on Christimas because they fucking hated Christmas.
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!
In this time of growing Christian Nationalism, it is important to remember the *real* history of Thanksgiving. The Puritans didn't just come to the New World to flee persecution, they came here so they could be the ones doing the persecution.
In this time of growing Christian Nationalism, it is important to remember the *real* history of Thanksgiving. The Puritans didn't just come to the New World to flee persecution, they came here so they could be the ones doing the persecution.
November 27, 2025 at 3:41 PM
This.
They didn't come for religious freedom, they came to escape religious freedom.
Oh, and they wanted a war on Christimas because they fucking hated Christmas.
They didn't come for religious freedom, they came to escape religious freedom.
Oh, and they wanted a war on Christimas because they fucking hated Christmas.
What does it say that there are 2 things we could do right now to boost the economy--increased immirgation and return to the EU--and not one of the major parties is prepared to even whisper about either.
Today we’ll get latest net immigration figures - They’ll show immigration for work is plummeting.
Why is this not part of the discussion on Rachel Reeves balancing her books & stalled growth?
For every 100,000 drop in net immigration, the OBR adds £7bn to the deficit. #r4today
Why is this not part of the discussion on Rachel Reeves balancing her books & stalled growth?
For every 100,000 drop in net immigration, the OBR adds £7bn to the deficit. #r4today
November 27, 2025 at 12:43 PM
What does it say that there are 2 things we could do right now to boost the economy--increased immirgation and return to the EU--and not one of the major parties is prepared to even whisper about either.
Ms Borges should be touring the US, lecturing in every major newsroom about the right way to cover authoritarianism?
Yes, it's easier in a country with respect for democracy and the rule of law, like Brazil.
But maybe the media could start to instil such respect here if it made an effort.
Yes, it's easier in a country with respect for democracy and the rule of law, like Brazil.
But maybe the media could start to instil such respect here if it made an effort.
Good morning to Brazilian reporter Manuela Borges, who’s been waiting eleven years for this petty moment. ❤️ 🇧🇷
November 26, 2025 at 3:46 PM
Ms Borges should be touring the US, lecturing in every major newsroom about the right way to cover authoritarianism?
Yes, it's easier in a country with respect for democracy and the rule of law, like Brazil.
But maybe the media could start to instil such respect here if it made an effort.
Yes, it's easier in a country with respect for democracy and the rule of law, like Brazil.
But maybe the media could start to instil such respect here if it made an effort.
Didn't they used to include angels on this list?
New polling on aliens
% of U.S. adult citizens who believe the following definitely or probably exist:
Aliens 56%
Bigfoot 28%
The Yeti 23%
The Loch Ness Monster 22%
Chupacabra 16%
today.yougov.com/health/artic...
% of U.S. adult citizens who believe the following definitely or probably exist:
Aliens 56%
Bigfoot 28%
The Yeti 23%
The Loch Ness Monster 22%
Chupacabra 16%
today.yougov.com/health/artic...
November 26, 2025 at 1:08 PM
Didn't they used to include angels on this list?
Maybe I'm cynical but it would be no surprise at all to find out that this woman was deliberately targeted as part of a custody dispute or some vendetta. Certainly that would be in-character for an administration that is powered by personal animus and pretty grievance.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has been personally linked to the brutal ICE raids sweeping America.
The mother of her 11-year-old nephew is now in custody at an ICE facility, facing deportation to Brazil. She’s the former fiancée of Michael Leavitt, the press secretary’s brother.
The mother of her 11-year-old nephew is now in custody at an ICE facility, facing deportation to Brazil. She’s the former fiancée of Michael Leavitt, the press secretary’s brother.
Karoline Leavitt’s Family Member Captured by ICE Goons
America’s brutal immigration raids just got personal for Trump’s press secretary.
www.thedailybeast.com
November 26, 2025 at 11:33 AM
Maybe I'm cynical but it would be no surprise at all to find out that this woman was deliberately targeted as part of a custody dispute or some vendetta. Certainly that would be in-character for an administration that is powered by personal animus and pretty grievance.
This is a classic case of a sector that is not held accountable for "externalities"-- the cost its operations imposes upon the wider society. ALL of the increased cost of electricity BECAUSE of data centers should be PAID by the companies that operate these data centers.
Electric bills are up 11% this year, and shutoffs are spiking across the country.
At the same time, corporations are building hundreds of energy-hungry data centers, and working families are being forced to absorb the cost. Higher bills for us, higher profits for them. seiu.co/3M71usW
At the same time, corporations are building hundreds of energy-hungry data centers, and working families are being forced to absorb the cost. Higher bills for us, higher profits for them. seiu.co/3M71usW
More Americans are getting their power shut off, as unpaid bills pile up
Average electricity costs have risen 11 percent since January, more than three times the rate of inflation.
seiu.co
November 26, 2025 at 11:17 AM
This is a classic case of a sector that is not held accountable for "externalities"-- the cost its operations imposes upon the wider society. ALL of the increased cost of electricity BECAUSE of data centers should be PAID by the companies that operate these data centers.
Is it possible that Pete Hegseth, who looks like he spends more time gazing at himself in a mirror than any other man in America, doesn't understand how they work?
Are mirrors Pete's equivalent of Trump's magnets?
Are mirrors Pete's equivalent of Trump's magnets?
November 25, 2025 at 1:58 PM
Is it possible that Pete Hegseth, who looks like he spends more time gazing at himself in a mirror than any other man in America, doesn't understand how they work?
Are mirrors Pete's equivalent of Trump's magnets?
Are mirrors Pete's equivalent of Trump's magnets?
But, as Mr Starmer will no doublt remind us, we must not under any circumstances either rejoin or hold a fresh referendum, because "the people have spoken" and they must never have a chance to undo a colossal mistake.
Still reeling from the Stanford report on Brexit. Reduced GDP by up to 8% and investment by as much as 18%. The UK Treasury would have £40 billion more each year if Britain had remained in the EU. Devastating self-immolation.
The Economic Impact of Brexit
Other
siepr.stanford.edu
November 24, 2025 at 11:32 AM
But, as Mr Starmer will no doublt remind us, we must not under any circumstances either rejoin or hold a fresh referendum, because "the people have spoken" and they must never have a chance to undo a colossal mistake.
Waiting for Nick Clegg to explain that if Meta tried to eliminate sex trafficking it would kill the entire industry.
And for regulators in the US and EU to nod understandingly.
And for regulators in the US and EU to nod understandingly.
Sex trafficking on Meta platforms was both difficult to report and widely tolerated. Instagram’s former head of safety testified that when she joined Meta in 2020 she was shocked to learn the company had a “17x” strike policy for accounts that engaged in the “trafficking of humans for sex.”
7 Allegations Against Meta in Newly Unsealed Filings
Court filings allege Meta tolerated sex trafficking, hid harms to teens, and prioritized growth over user safety for years.
time.com
November 23, 2025 at 5:17 PM
Waiting for Nick Clegg to explain that if Meta tried to eliminate sex trafficking it would kill the entire industry.
And for regulators in the US and EU to nod understandingly.
And for regulators in the US and EU to nod understandingly.
Maybe someone else he knows died of cerebral palsy and he has also refuted anything cerebral.
There are some truly unhinged bits in the piece about Glasman, as to be expected when dealing with Glasman, but seriously what the actual? That's...one hell of a conflation of terminology.
November 23, 2025 at 5:03 PM
Maybe someone else he knows died of cerebral palsy and he has also refuted anything cerebral.
"The plan is a "wish list" from the Russians and not a proposal offering Washington's positions."
A distinction without a difference.
A distinction without a difference.
November 23, 2025 at 4:52 PM
"The plan is a "wish list" from the Russians and not a proposal offering Washington's positions."
A distinction without a difference.
A distinction without a difference.
I think this is probably correct.
But it's also possible that Trump just hates Elise Stefanik even more than we already knew.
But it's also possible that Trump just hates Elise Stefanik even more than we already knew.
The left joins with right against the middle takes on the Trump/Mamdani meeting are way off. There is nothing substantive here. There will be no policy breakthroughs. That’s not what this is about. It’s about a young smart guy who knew how to play an old fool who worships stars.
November 22, 2025 at 1:28 PM
I think this is probably correct.
But it's also possible that Trump just hates Elise Stefanik even more than we already knew.
But it's also possible that Trump just hates Elise Stefanik even more than we already knew.
"He's like the son I never had."
November 22, 2025 at 12:21 PM
"He's like the son I never had."
Trump will lose the GOP Congress before he loses the WaPo and the NYT.
Trump can call for the execution of the Democratic Party and the msm will barely notice
November 20, 2025 at 4:52 PM
Trump will lose the GOP Congress before he loses the WaPo and the NYT.
Is that you, Chucky?
Sales of AI-enabled teddy bear suspended after it gave advice on BDSM sex and where to find knives
Sales of AI-enabled teddy bear suspended after it gave advice on BDSM sex and where to find knives | CNN Business
Sales of an artificial intelligence-enabled plush toy have been suspended after it was found that it engaged in conversation around sexually explicit topics and offered potentially dangerous advice.
www.cnn.com
November 20, 2025 at 4:49 PM
Is that you, Chucky?
We're one bad manic episode away from making it a death penalty offense to follow the US constitution.
Any President who calls for the opposition party to be hanged should be immediately impeached and removed from office.
November 20, 2025 at 3:54 PM
We're one bad manic episode away from making it a death penalty offense to follow the US constitution.
The only thing that stands out about this is the paltry settlement amount, which is almost certainly a fraction of what they gained from these algorithms.
Which means, in effect, they are being rewarded for illegally driving up rents.
Which means, in effect, they are being rewarded for illegally driving up rents.
Greystar, the nation’s largest landlord, has reached a settlement with nine states for $7 million.
The states sued the property management giant for using rent-setting algorithms to drive up rents.
Greystar and other landlords used RealPage software in this illegal scheme.
The states sued the property management giant for using rent-setting algorithms to drive up rents.
Greystar and other landlords used RealPage software in this illegal scheme.
November 20, 2025 at 3:52 PM
The only thing that stands out about this is the paltry settlement amount, which is almost certainly a fraction of what they gained from these algorithms.
Which means, in effect, they are being rewarded for illegally driving up rents.
Which means, in effect, they are being rewarded for illegally driving up rents.
On the one hand, yes, this is "brave and baller."
On the other hand, this is LITERALLY the job description.
Thanks to the NYT and WaPo and others, we've lost sight of what journalism really is.
On the other hand, this is LITERALLY the job description.
Thanks to the NYT and WaPo and others, we've lost sight of what journalism really is.
November 20, 2025 at 2:13 PM
On the one hand, yes, this is "brave and baller."
On the other hand, this is LITERALLY the job description.
Thanks to the NYT and WaPo and others, we've lost sight of what journalism really is.
On the other hand, this is LITERALLY the job description.
Thanks to the NYT and WaPo and others, we've lost sight of what journalism really is.
The New York Times is the Larry Summers of newspapers.
Even before @zohrankmamdani.bsky.social takes office, the #BrokenTimes continues its vendetta against him and his "socialist policies."
The Governor Can Show Mamdani Who Has the Mandate www.nytimes.com/2025/11/20/o...
The Governor Can Show Mamdani Who Has the Mandate www.nytimes.com/2025/11/20/o...
Opinion | The Governor Can Show Mamdani Who Has the Mandate
www.nytimes.com
November 20, 2025 at 1:43 PM
The New York Times is the Larry Summers of newspapers.
This would be a good read for all those "why aren't Christians condemning the pedo president" people. Abuse is baked in.
Leaders of a Minnesota church community didn’t report a parishioner they knew had sexually abused girls for year.
They told his victims that once sins were “washed away in the blood of reconciliation,” they could never speak of them again.
Truly chilling, from @jlussenhop.bsky.social & Andy Mannix
They told his victims that once sins were “washed away in the blood of reconciliation,” they could never speak of them again.
Truly chilling, from @jlussenhop.bsky.social & Andy Mannix
Young Girls Were Sexually Abused by a Church Member. They Were Told to Forgive and Forget.
In Minnesota, leaders of an Old Apostolic Lutheran Church community enabled a child abuser by telling his victims that once the sins were “washed away in the blood of reconciliation,” they could never...
www.propublica.org
November 20, 2025 at 1:20 PM
This would be a good read for all those "why aren't Christians condemning the pedo president" people. Abuse is baked in.
Also worth remembering that the pilgrims fled England in part to get away from they saw as the pagan celebration of Christmas.
As we move into “foreigners are cancelling Christmas in the name of political correctness” season it’s worth remember that Christmas was indeed once banned in England, by Christians and the man who enforced the ban has a statue in his honour outside the Houses of Parliament.
November 20, 2025 at 11:09 AM
Also worth remembering that the pilgrims fled England in part to get away from they saw as the pagan celebration of Christmas.