Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Graeme Swanson @swansonian.bsky.social · 31m

It’s mad to think Abigail’s Party got 18 million viewers on BBC2. I was 5 at the time so obviously didn’t watch it then but I grew up under the impression it was a little cult thing only known to tv nerds. But 18 million is more than most football finals.

The Guardian @theguardian.com · 54m

‘It was a binding experience’: TV producers mourn decline of hot 9pm slot

UK broadcasters used to rely on big audiences at 9pm, but as viewing habits change, figures are falling below the 1m mark

www.theguardian.com

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Graeme Swanson @swansonian.bsky.social · 54m

Somewhere in the comments someone will be screaming “This is a SNL sketch from 17 years ago. You’ve all lost your minds!” but this will be ignored.

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Graeme Swanson @swansonian.bsky.social · 57m

A thing I’ve noticed online recently is a huge increase in accounts on Reddit and Instagram convincing people comedy sketches are real. I assume it’s younger people or people not from the country the sketch was made in but if it’s played with a straight enough face it’s true.

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Reposted by Graeme Swanson

shaunt @shaunvids.bsky.social · 3h

this person posted an AI video (the reporter has three arms, for a start) and then turned off comments when people pointed it out, so i have to insist everybody block them. block this account right now and i'll give you a thumbs up in your mind

Jenn Budd @jennbudd.bsky.social · 7h

Seems like they are going after reporters who are women. They hit one w/pepper spray ammo in her car, the WGN reporter and now this.

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Graeme Swanson @swansonian.bsky.social · 2h

My hangups about stand-up means I’m almost definitely going to see it though. Also, because it’s Will Arnett it kind of looks like they watched Bo’Jack Horseman and thought let’s do a live action version of the straight bits.

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Graeme Swanson @swansonian.bsky.social · 2h

It’s a 4 star review and the reviewer clearly loved it but it still sounds like sentimental wank to me.

The Guardian @theguardian.com · 4h

Is This Thing On? review – Bradley Cooper’s comedy of comedians is a charmer

The actor’s third film as director is a gentle romcom of divorce and standup comedy with standout turns from Will Arnett and Laura Dern

www.theguardian.com

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Graeme Swanson @swansonian.bsky.social · 11h

Oddly enough I turned over from Alien, another film I have to watch if it’s on. I just can’t decide between monsters and comedy. #mystruggle

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Graeme Swanson @swansonian.bsky.social · 11h

“That’s our Hitler!” I have to watch The Producers if it’s on.

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Graeme Swanson @swansonian.bsky.social · 11h

I’d would actually like to hear why circumcision is meant to have anything to do with autism in much the same way as I like to watch flat earthers explain how shadows are lying.

The Washington Post @washingtonpost.com · 12h

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is sparking debate with claims linking circumcision and Tylenol to autism, but scientists say the evidence is lacking.

Here’s what the science actually says:

RFK Jr. linked circumcision and Tylenol to autism. Here’s what scientists say.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. sparks debate with claims linking circumcision and Tylenol to autism, but scientists say the evidence is lacking.

wapo.st

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Graeme Swanson @swansonian.bsky.social · 12h

An ancestor of mine was one of the police inspectors on the case so I grew up a bit interested in it but then I ran a true crime section in a bookshop and so many nutjobs came in asking for Ripper books I went the other way. I think the Five is such a necessary book.

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Graeme Swanson @swansonian.bsky.social · 12h

Yes but I think the book has shifted something slightly. Maybe just a little but those women are at least better known than they were. Ripperologists hate it so I think she’s onto something.

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Graeme Swanson @swansonian.bsky.social · 12h

Such a good book. Absolutely fascinating and I love how you know who is barely mentioned. A great London book too.

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Reposted by Graeme Swanson

Sarah Dempster @dempster2000.bsky.social · 14h

7 reasons why The Thing (1982) is a Christmas film:

1) snow
2) bearded men concealing surprises
3) compulsory party games
4) introverts shunning group activities
5) digestive issues
6) revellers bursting open to reveal partially assimilated canine lifeforms
7) knitwear

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Graeme Swanson @swansonian.bsky.social · 15h

I met a completely steamboats Cerys in the 90s once. She couldn’t remember the word “crustacean”. I’ll save it for Graham Norton.

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Graeme Swanson @swansonian.bsky.social · 21h

I just saw! Thank you so much. I’ll post them on Monday morning.

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Graeme Swanson @swansonian.bsky.social · 22h

And Tacos is also up. I think this one looks especially good. www.etsy.com/uk/listing/4...

A photo of my photo of a wet neon sign saying Tacos and Taco Bell. Taken during a storm in Glasgow from the top deck of a bus

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Graeme Swanson @swansonian.bsky.social · 22h

My photo Leaving Glasgow *sad face emoji* is now in my shop. www.etsy.com/uk/listing/4...

A steamed up window on the top deck of a bus looking at red traffic lights

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Graeme Swanson @swansonian.bsky.social · 22h

Oh I will. Don't worry though. Some of my closest friends don't own any of my prints. They're all dead to me, obviously but don't worry about it.

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Graeme Swanson @swansonian.bsky.social · 22h

I mean, seriously. How have I used all that grey in a month?

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Graeme Swanson @swansonian.bsky.social · 22h

Over 200 unique, funny, odd and original pictures available at my Etsy shop. Please. My printer is very thirsty. marswasrubbish.etsy.com/uk/listing/1...

My picture "I'll wait a million more hours and then that's it" shows a figure waiting by a lamppost

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Graeme Swanson @swansonian.bsky.social · 23h

"This is news story is a distraction from the one thing I'm personally obsessed with"

ChicaLolita @chicalolita.bsky.social · 23h

We need to hit this 'it's a distraction' narrative about everything on the head right now. Many awful things can be true at the same time, and you really can focus on them all. Consider it trauma multi-tasking.

Julie in Cope @julesette.bsky.social · 1d

someone just told me that billionaires are a distraction and that I should focus on the government giving them tax breaks. It's not as if the two things are connected or anything.

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Graeme Swanson @swansonian.bsky.social · 23h

Also, saying billionaires are a distraction is the kind of thing a billionaire who owns a media platform would encourage one to say. They might even pay you to say it for definitely not sinister reasons.

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Graeme Swanson @swansonian.bsky.social · 23h

I should quickly add this wasn't really their fault it was my anxiety that was the problem.

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Graeme Swanson @swansonian.bsky.social · 23h

I've had this too. Many years ago I joined a writing group for people with mental health problems. Ironically perhaps I found it a bit depressing but I started writing away from the group and eventually did a creative writing degree as a mature student but the group were doing my head in.

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Graeme Swanson @swansonian.bsky.social · 23h

I was forced almost at gun point to join an art group some years ago. I was so reluctant for the same reasons you mention but I'm glad I did. Although I must add it helped that they were all as socially awkward as I was.

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