David
@sparkydjm1.bsky.social
Historian, writer, Good Guy Gamer, PlayFriend, he/him.
Still figuring this stuff out.
Still figuring this stuff out.
Reposted by David
People keep wondering why they're going after Venezuela. It's because they want to do regime change and control its oil, then use a big tract of land there to keep a tax free "network state" that looks like Dubai but operates like Rhodesia. They are saying this out loud! Believe them!
December 10, 2025 at 6:57 PM
People keep wondering why they're going after Venezuela. It's because they want to do regime change and control its oil, then use a big tract of land there to keep a tax free "network state" that looks like Dubai but operates like Rhodesia. They are saying this out loud! Believe them!
Reposted by David
Labour’s shift away from “immigration is good but it needs to be managed” to “it is bad” is a gift to essentially everyone they compete with, because it means that they don’t have the right position to be able to attack *anyone*.
I'm sorry, but these attacks are just not going to convince Green-curious voters, because Labour is so visibly out of step with those voters' core values
This by @umakumaran.bsky.social is good - and a example of exactly how Labour should be taking on the Greens; on values, direct and on Labour territory. Taking them seriously.
December 10, 2025 at 4:25 PM
Labour’s shift away from “immigration is good but it needs to be managed” to “it is bad” is a gift to essentially everyone they compete with, because it means that they don’t have the right position to be able to attack *anyone*.
Reposted by David
Reminder that the ECHR prevents people being expelled to face torture, inhuman treatment, slavery or death, and prevents splitting of families unless there's a strong enough public interest.
European leaders are evidently comfortable with at least some of those things, at least for foreigners.
European leaders are evidently comfortable with at least some of those things, at least for foreigners.
European leaders back ECHR plan to tackle illegal migration
Countries in treaty - including the UK - will negotiate a "political declaration" to make it easier to deport migrants.
www.bbc.com
December 10, 2025 at 1:59 PM
Reminder that the ECHR prevents people being expelled to face torture, inhuman treatment, slavery or death, and prevents splitting of families unless there's a strong enough public interest.
European leaders are evidently comfortable with at least some of those things, at least for foreigners.
European leaders are evidently comfortable with at least some of those things, at least for foreigners.
This probably won't happen because who has the time, money, and energy to check all the emails and social media of every visitor.
But if it does, I'm definitely not visiting the US any time soon.
Not sure how many other people would either.
But if it does, I'm definitely not visiting the US any time soon.
Not sure how many other people would either.
December 10, 2025 at 1:58 AM
This probably won't happen because who has the time, money, and energy to check all the emails and social media of every visitor.
But if it does, I'm definitely not visiting the US any time soon.
Not sure how many other people would either.
But if it does, I'm definitely not visiting the US any time soon.
Not sure how many other people would either.
Reposted by David
to quote myself on this
December 9, 2025 at 3:27 PM
to quote myself on this
Reposted by David
If your life was a tarot card right now, which one would it be? 🎴 Mine is definitely The Tower (everything's chaos but make it ✨aesthetic✨) I'm obsessed with tarot symbolism in art. What card resonates with you most?
#TarotArt #TarotInspired #OracleCards
#TarotArt #TarotInspired #OracleCards
December 9, 2025 at 5:02 PM
If your life was a tarot card right now, which one would it be? 🎴 Mine is definitely The Tower (everything's chaos but make it ✨aesthetic✨) I'm obsessed with tarot symbolism in art. What card resonates with you most?
#TarotArt #TarotInspired #OracleCards
#TarotArt #TarotInspired #OracleCards
Reposted by David
I keep thinking of Beth Upton today, who won against an absolutely foul, racist bigot, and should be having the best day, but is still being monstered by our entire media, for the crime of merely existing as her authentic self and doing a job in the NHS that helps people, all day every day.
#C4News went above & beyond, reporting:
"a nurse has won a harassment claim against Dr Beth Upton."
No she didn't. NHS FIFE harassed her, not Upton.
This is almost defamatory, & they mentioned none of the dismissed parts or the implications for trans women in SS spaces. I complained to Ofcom.
"a nurse has won a harassment claim against Dr Beth Upton."
No she didn't. NHS FIFE harassed her, not Upton.
This is almost defamatory, & they mentioned none of the dismissed parts or the implications for trans women in SS spaces. I complained to Ofcom.
December 8, 2025 at 9:37 PM
I keep thinking of Beth Upton today, who won against an absolutely foul, racist bigot, and should be having the best day, but is still being monstered by our entire media, for the crime of merely existing as her authentic self and doing a job in the NHS that helps people, all day every day.
Reposted by David
She's judging you and she's right to 👁️💜 I love drawing characters that look like they know all your secrets. What energy does she give you?
(comm. for @sparkydjm1.bsky.social )
(comm. for @sparkydjm1.bsky.social )
December 8, 2025 at 6:30 PM
She's judging you and she's right to 👁️💜 I love drawing characters that look like they know all your secrets. What energy does she give you?
(comm. for @sparkydjm1.bsky.social )
(comm. for @sparkydjm1.bsky.social )
No joke, I still have (and occasionally play) my Xbox 360, Playstation 2, and the SNES that my Mum bought secondhand 25 years ago.
Amazingly, they all still work (touch wood)
Built to last (somehow) and I own it along with the good games that run on it.
Amazingly, they all still work (touch wood)
Built to last (somehow) and I own it along with the good games that run on it.
Why do Gen Z have a growing appetite for retro tech?
Why do Gen Z have a growing appetite for retro tech?
Gen Z are going retro, with studies showing a resurgence in people buying tech in the modern age that can be dated back decades.
www.bbc.com
December 8, 2025 at 5:45 PM
No joke, I still have (and occasionally play) my Xbox 360, Playstation 2, and the SNES that my Mum bought secondhand 25 years ago.
Amazingly, they all still work (touch wood)
Built to last (somehow) and I own it along with the good games that run on it.
Amazingly, they all still work (touch wood)
Built to last (somehow) and I own it along with the good games that run on it.
Reposted by David
TIL about a memorial ceremony in Iceland in 2019 to mark the end of a glacier, changing the place name from Okjökull to Ok (jökull = glacier). Uncompromising wording on the bronze plaque:
"This is to acknowledge that we know what is happening and what needs to be done. Only you know if we did it".
"This is to acknowledge that we know what is happening and what needs to be done. Only you know if we did it".
December 7, 2025 at 5:17 PM
TIL about a memorial ceremony in Iceland in 2019 to mark the end of a glacier, changing the place name from Okjökull to Ok (jökull = glacier). Uncompromising wording on the bronze plaque:
"This is to acknowledge that we know what is happening and what needs to be done. Only you know if we did it".
"This is to acknowledge that we know what is happening and what needs to be done. Only you know if we did it".
Reupping this as an example to one and all, including myself, that doing the right thing can be difficult, even dangerous.
But that makes doing it all the more important - sometimes, you have to be the one to stand up and speak out.
Even when it means being called 'traitor'
But that makes doing it all the more important - sometimes, you have to be the one to stand up and speak out.
Even when it means being called 'traitor'
On 16th March, 1968 Warrant Officer Hugh Thompson Jnr was flying helicopter recon for a US attack on My Lai, an alleged Viet Cong-controlled village in Vietnam.
But as the attack developed below, Thompson realised he was witnessing something something else:
A massacre.
He decided to act. 1/28
But as the attack developed below, Thompson realised he was witnessing something something else:
A massacre.
He decided to act. 1/28
December 8, 2025 at 2:08 PM
Reupping this as an example to one and all, including myself, that doing the right thing can be difficult, even dangerous.
But that makes doing it all the more important - sometimes, you have to be the one to stand up and speak out.
Even when it means being called 'traitor'
But that makes doing it all the more important - sometimes, you have to be the one to stand up and speak out.
Even when it means being called 'traitor'
Reposted by David
Decision in the Sandie Peggie case.
She was not directly or indirectly discriminated against, her claim of victimisation fails entirely, her claim of harassment fails largely and her claim against Beth Upton fails entirely. www.judiciary.uk/judgments/sa...
She was not directly or indirectly discriminated against, her claim of victimisation fails entirely, her claim of harassment fails largely and her claim against Beth Upton fails entirely. www.judiciary.uk/judgments/sa...
Sandie Peggie -v- Fife Health Board and another (judgment and summary) - Courts and Tribunals Judiciary
Case number: 4104864/2024 Employment Tribunal, Scotland 8 December 2025 Before: Employment Judge A KempTribunal Member L BrownTribunal Member C Russell Between: Mrs Sandie Peggie -v- Fife Health Board...
www.judiciary.uk
December 8, 2025 at 1:33 PM
Decision in the Sandie Peggie case.
She was not directly or indirectly discriminated against, her claim of victimisation fails entirely, her claim of harassment fails largely and her claim against Beth Upton fails entirely. www.judiciary.uk/judgments/sa...
She was not directly or indirectly discriminated against, her claim of victimisation fails entirely, her claim of harassment fails largely and her claim against Beth Upton fails entirely. www.judiciary.uk/judgments/sa...
Reposted by David
More than that, his crew threatened to open fire on the murderers. He rescued civilians, returned to base to refuel, flew back, and rescued more civilians. Then he denounced the crimes to his HQ.
For all this he received death-threats throughout his life.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hugh_Th....
For all this he received death-threats throughout his life.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hugh_Th....
December 8, 2025 at 12:44 PM
More than that, his crew threatened to open fire on the murderers. He rescued civilians, returned to base to refuel, flew back, and rescued more civilians. Then he denounced the crimes to his HQ.
For all this he received death-threats throughout his life.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hugh_Th....
For all this he received death-threats throughout his life.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hugh_Th....
The irony is that there are genuinely progressive issues that Starmer can point to as arguments to stay the course, but Labour's poor comms, flirting with Reform-lite policies, and treating social liberals like dirt, means that Polanski's positive vision and moral clarity wins out.
Quite remarkable to see how many in Starmer's party are so trapped in a kind of Corbyn era PTSD that they can't grasp the kind of serious challenge the Greens represent rather than the 1980s flashback caricature of what Starmerites think the Left always will be.
December 8, 2025 at 10:11 AM
The irony is that there are genuinely progressive issues that Starmer can point to as arguments to stay the course, but Labour's poor comms, flirting with Reform-lite policies, and treating social liberals like dirt, means that Polanski's positive vision and moral clarity wins out.
Reposted by David
This almost didn't get finished because I convinced myself it looked terrible halfway through 😅 But it was a very important drawing! So I had to endure... Artist brain is wild.
Drop a 🌙 if you've almost abandoned a piece that ended up being good.
Drop a 🌙 if you've almost abandoned a piece that ended up being good.
December 7, 2025 at 6:30 PM
This almost didn't get finished because I convinced myself it looked terrible halfway through 😅 But it was a very important drawing! So I had to endure... Artist brain is wild.
Drop a 🌙 if you've almost abandoned a piece that ended up being good.
Drop a 🌙 if you've almost abandoned a piece that ended up being good.
Reposted by David
There's something about drawing mystical feminine energy that just hits different 🌙✨ Can't explain it, won't stop doing it. What aesthetic can you NOT stop drawing?
(Also, sneak peek...)
#MysticalArt #WitchyArt #ArtistConfessions
(Also, sneak peek...)
#MysticalArt #WitchyArt #ArtistConfessions
December 6, 2025 at 7:30 PM
There's something about drawing mystical feminine energy that just hits different 🌙✨ Can't explain it, won't stop doing it. What aesthetic can you NOT stop drawing?
(Also, sneak peek...)
#MysticalArt #WitchyArt #ArtistConfessions
(Also, sneak peek...)
#MysticalArt #WitchyArt #ArtistConfessions
Reposted by David
I don't care if you think that AI can do some really nifty things. It's being rammed down our throats by obscenely wealthy men who are also, obviously, both dangerously right-wing and mentally unstable, and no rational society should be allowing that to happen. End of discussion.
December 5, 2025 at 2:14 PM
I don't care if you think that AI can do some really nifty things. It's being rammed down our throats by obscenely wealthy men who are also, obviously, both dangerously right-wing and mentally unstable, and no rational society should be allowing that to happen. End of discussion.
Reposted by David
a load-bearing component of “the magic of Christmas” is the invisible domestic labor of moms
you are now realizing how much she was doing for you and instead of just thanking her you’ve decided it’s about the decline of civilization
you are now realizing how much she was doing for you and instead of just thanking her you’ve decided it’s about the decline of civilization
Because you're an adult you fucking muppet. You gotta pay the magic forward.
December 3, 2025 at 6:35 PM
a load-bearing component of “the magic of Christmas” is the invisible domestic labor of moms
you are now realizing how much she was doing for you and instead of just thanking her you’ve decided it’s about the decline of civilization
you are now realizing how much she was doing for you and instead of just thanking her you’ve decided it’s about the decline of civilization
Reposted by David
I love paying human artists and I hate gen AI 🩵
I'm not here to fight about whether or not AI is ethical (I've made my decision and I doubt I'm gonna change yours.) I'm just here to talk about what I and many other artists have been dealing with as we adjust to a new media landscape.
I'm not here to fight about whether or not AI is ethical (I've made my decision and I doubt I'm gonna change yours.) I'm just here to talk about what I and many other artists have been dealing with as we adjust to a new media landscape.
December 1, 2025 at 7:31 PM
I love paying human artists and I hate gen AI 🩵
I'm not here to fight about whether or not AI is ethical (I've made my decision and I doubt I'm gonna change yours.) I'm just here to talk about what I and many other artists have been dealing with as we adjust to a new media landscape.
I'm not here to fight about whether or not AI is ethical (I've made my decision and I doubt I'm gonna change yours.) I'm just here to talk about what I and many other artists have been dealing with as we adjust to a new media landscape.
Reposted by David
The one year anniversary of Yoon's failed martial law takeover just passed and lots of untold stories came out proving that THE ONLY REASON KOREA IS STILL A FREE COUNTRY IS BECAUSE PEOPLE DISOBEYED ILLEGAL ORDERS.
The coup was over in hours because people said no.
The coup was over in hours because people said no.
December 4, 2025 at 8:58 AM
The one year anniversary of Yoon's failed martial law takeover just passed and lots of untold stories came out proving that THE ONLY REASON KOREA IS STILL A FREE COUNTRY IS BECAUSE PEOPLE DISOBEYED ILLEGAL ORDERS.
The coup was over in hours because people said no.
The coup was over in hours because people said no.
Why make life miserable for LGBTQ+ people when you can life miserable for neurodivergent people too?
Why improve the services when you can cut them?
Why focus on solving problems when you can create them?
Wes Streeting is the Anti-Health Secretary.
Why improve the services when you can cut them?
Why focus on solving problems when you can create them?
Wes Streeting is the Anti-Health Secretary.
Considering Streeting's well stated belief autism, ADHD etc, along with mental health issues, are "overdiagnosed", I won't hold my breath for this doing anything other than being used to cut support, along with opportunities for diagnosis, for people who need it. #r4today
www.bbc.com/news/article...
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Streeting orders review into mental health and ADHD diagnosis
The health secretary said the aim was to tackle a rising demand for services and the increased pressure on the NHS.
www.bbc.com
December 4, 2025 at 6:57 PM
Why make life miserable for LGBTQ+ people when you can life miserable for neurodivergent people too?
Why improve the services when you can cut them?
Why focus on solving problems when you can create them?
Wes Streeting is the Anti-Health Secretary.
Why improve the services when you can cut them?
Why focus on solving problems when you can create them?
Wes Streeting is the Anti-Health Secretary.
Reposted by David
The deadline to submit a proposal for BAAS Annual Conference 2026 has been extended to Wednesday, 10th December. There's still time to submit and join us in Glasgow in 2026. Full details on the page below.
baas.ac.uk/conferences/...
#BAAS #AMStudies #AmericanStudies
baas.ac.uk/conferences/...
#BAAS #AMStudies #AmericanStudies
BAAS 2026 - University of Glasgow 9-11 April 2026 - British Association for American Studies
BAAS Annual Conference 2026 Call for Papers The College of Arts & Humanities and Andrew Hook Centre for American Studies at the University of Glasgow are delighted to invite submissions for the 71st a...
baas.ac.uk
December 4, 2025 at 4:52 PM
The deadline to submit a proposal for BAAS Annual Conference 2026 has been extended to Wednesday, 10th December. There's still time to submit and join us in Glasgow in 2026. Full details on the page below.
baas.ac.uk/conferences/...
#BAAS #AMStudies #AmericanStudies
baas.ac.uk/conferences/...
#BAAS #AMStudies #AmericanStudies
Reposted by David
The whole strike was illegal. The first part and the second part. But all the focus is on the second part. Why? Here's how @sodrock.bsky.social explained it to me:
www.editorialboard.com/hegseths-cow...
www.editorialboard.com/hegseths-cow...
December 4, 2025 at 4:06 PM
The whole strike was illegal. The first part and the second part. But all the focus is on the second part. Why? Here's how @sodrock.bsky.social explained it to me:
www.editorialboard.com/hegseths-cow...
www.editorialboard.com/hegseths-cow...
Reposted by David
the HORSES affair is a startlingly low bar to cross to see if people actually care about protecting games from censorship of upsetting themes because it's far tamer and has way more moral clarity than a lot of stuff that doesn't get banned. but it's also very clarifying to see who can't cross it
December 4, 2025 at 2:50 AM
the HORSES affair is a startlingly low bar to cross to see if people actually care about protecting games from censorship of upsetting themes because it's far tamer and has way more moral clarity than a lot of stuff that doesn't get banned. but it's also very clarifying to see who can't cross it