William Simpson
@williamsimpson.bsky.social
Head of Content at Airship. We make podcasts like American Scandal and History Daily.
British but work with Americans so I've basically forgotten the way round dates go, which is unfortunate for someone writing about history all day.
British but work with Americans so I've basically forgotten the way round dates go, which is unfortunate for someone writing about history all day.
Titanic Sinks Tonight - what a brilliant piece of storytelling. Having made docs on the subject myself, I know it's so hard to find something new to say, but the real-time format and survivor testimony brought the true horror of the story to life. Utterly gripping.
www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/epis...
www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/epis...
Titanic Sinks Tonight
Minute by minute - the night the unsinkable ship sank. Vivid first-hand accounts from passengers and crew tell the story of the most infamous disaster in maritime history.
www.bbc.co.uk
January 16, 2026 at 9:25 AM
Titanic Sinks Tonight - what a brilliant piece of storytelling. Having made docs on the subject myself, I know it's so hard to find something new to say, but the real-time format and survivor testimony brought the true horror of the story to life. Utterly gripping.
www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/epis...
www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/epis...
Maybe if we stack them on top of each other they'll count as a first team player we can actually use
Liverpool have signed three young centre-halves in January and are targeting a fourth. Here's the inside track on their strategy and who is at the heart of it.
www.davidlynchlfc.co.uk/p/liverpool-...
www.davidlynchlfc.co.uk/p/liverpool-...
Liverpool are on a young centre-back shopping spree - here's why
The Reds have already signed three talented defenders in the January window and are eyeing another.
www.davidlynchlfc.co.uk
January 9, 2026 at 10:35 AM
Maybe if we stack them on top of each other they'll count as a first team player we can actually use
Reposted by William Simpson
People who consider themselves decent, progressive, or left leaning should not only be embarrassed to remain on X in any active capacity - they should be deeply ashamed. The line was crossed long ago.
January 7, 2026 at 1:22 PM
People who consider themselves decent, progressive, or left leaning should not only be embarrassed to remain on X in any active capacity - they should be deeply ashamed. The line was crossed long ago.
Reposted by William Simpson
Folks who still post on X, is this finally a red line for you? If not, then you seem to have no moral objections to using a CSAM site.
Elon Musk chatbot repeatedly making CSAM on demand should be one of the single biggest stories right now and it's effectively a collective shrug instead
January 5, 2026 at 3:08 PM
Folks who still post on X, is this finally a red line for you? If not, then you seem to have no moral objections to using a CSAM site.
Picked up a new book to read this week. Can't wait to see how dreams of empire and rash overseas military interventions work out for the rest of the world!
January 4, 2026 at 7:13 AM
Picked up a new book to read this week. Can't wait to see how dreams of empire and rash overseas military interventions work out for the rest of the world!
Reposted by William Simpson
If you are still using X, well there ain't a swamp you won't swim in.
so x dot com’s ai generated CSAM and they admitted it may violate US law and … i haven’t seen in anyone in power say much at all or call to stop using the platform
January 2, 2026 at 1:07 AM
If you are still using X, well there ain't a swamp you won't swim in.
Be great if leading figures in things like politics or sports stopped using the "lack of engagement" elsewhere as an excuse to stay on X and started showing some moral backbone.
This does seem just a little bit bad! Idk the sort of thing you’d think politicians might distance themselves from or something!
January 2, 2026 at 11:03 AM
Be great if leading figures in things like politics or sports stopped using the "lack of engagement" elsewhere as an excuse to stay on X and started showing some moral backbone.
Reposted by William Simpson
Just watched the new Knives Out and I think it's really important you know that the scene in the Seminary's Gym is filmed in the same place Rick Astley filmed the music video for Never Gonna Give You Up.
I saw the window tracery and immediately made my friends pause the film so I could tell them.
I saw the window tracery and immediately made my friends pause the film so I could tell them.
December 29, 2025 at 1:11 PM
Just watched the new Knives Out and I think it's really important you know that the scene in the Seminary's Gym is filmed in the same place Rick Astley filmed the music video for Never Gonna Give You Up.
I saw the window tracery and immediately made my friends pause the film so I could tell them.
I saw the window tracery and immediately made my friends pause the film so I could tell them.
Anyone alerted @themerl.bsky.social to this absolute unit
#Caturday 🐱:
Min Zhen 閔貞 (China, 1730–after 1791)
Black #Cat (n.d.; Qing dynasty, 18th c.)
Hanging scroll; ink on paper
Painting: 78.5 x 38.5 cm. (30 7/8 x 15 3/16 in.)
Princeton University Art Museum y1947-65 artmuseum.princeton.edu/art/collecti...
#CatsInArt #ChineseArt
Min Zhen 閔貞 (China, 1730–after 1791)
Black #Cat (n.d.; Qing dynasty, 18th c.)
Hanging scroll; ink on paper
Painting: 78.5 x 38.5 cm. (30 7/8 x 15 3/16 in.)
Princeton University Art Museum y1947-65 artmuseum.princeton.edu/art/collecti...
#CatsInArt #ChineseArt
December 29, 2025 at 9:24 AM
Anyone alerted @themerl.bsky.social to this absolute unit
Our TV shows are now made for people not watching (because they're on their phones) while our podcasts are now made for people not listening (because they're on their phones).
‘Painful to hear!’ How podcasts’ rush to video is turning them into dreadful listens
‘Painful to hear!’ How podcasts’ rush to video is turning them into dreadful listens
From Joe Marler’s visual-only stunts to the incomprehensible shuffling sounds Steven Bartlett recently subjected headphone users to, dodgy audio experiences are on the rise
www.theguardian.com
December 27, 2025 at 10:52 AM
Our TV shows are now made for people not watching (because they're on their phones) while our podcasts are now made for people not listening (because they're on their phones).
Reposted by William Simpson
Spooner's career as a continuity announcer was short-lived
December 22, 2025 at 8:08 AM
Spooner's career as a continuity announcer was short-lived
Reposted by William Simpson
'Tis the season for some festive science songs.
If you've ever wanted to hear someone sing about a dimunitive tyranosaur then now is your chance
If you've ever wanted to hear someone sing about a dimunitive tyranosaur then now is your chance
December 18, 2025 at 6:36 PM
'Tis the season for some festive science songs.
If you've ever wanted to hear someone sing about a dimunitive tyranosaur then now is your chance
If you've ever wanted to hear someone sing about a dimunitive tyranosaur then now is your chance
Well, there's a kiss of death if ever there was one.
Merry Christmas, Keir Starmer: despite everything, you’re still the best man for the job | Simon Jenkins
Merry Christmas, Keir Starmer: despite everything, you’re still the best man for the job | Simon Jenkins
Rumours of the prime minister’s demise are premature. Yes, the polls look bad – but these days they reflect little more than voters’ passing whims, says Guardian columnist Simon Jenkins
www.theguardian.com
December 19, 2025 at 10:58 AM
Well, there's a kiss of death if ever there was one.
Reposted by William Simpson
FOR THE LOVE OF GOD USE HYPHENS
December 5, 2025 at 3:40 PM
FOR THE LOVE OF GOD USE HYPHENS
It's November.
November 30, 2025 at 8:18 AM
It's November.
Ooo, Keir Starmer is going to be furious when he finds out what Keir Starmer has been up to!
🚨BREAKING PMQs🚨
Starmer: "On energy policy, she follows Reform. On the European Convention, she follows the man who wants her job."
"And when her Shadow Minister said we should deport people lawfully here to achieve cultural coherence, she pretended that it didn't happen."
Starmer: "On energy policy, she follows Reform. On the European Convention, she follows the man who wants her job."
"And when her Shadow Minister said we should deport people lawfully here to achieve cultural coherence, she pretended that it didn't happen."
November 19, 2025 at 12:33 PM
Ooo, Keir Starmer is going to be furious when he finds out what Keir Starmer has been up to!
This reflects a common issue on how infrastructure developments are covered. Because people who back the plans don't usually form pressure groups, they are ignored, even when they far outnumber the complainers. The benefits of a scheme then go almost unreported in favour of constant negativity.
East West Rail’s “You Said, We Did” Autumn update is out. We’ve summarised the key maps, updates and local reaction so you can see what this could mean for Bedford and the surrounding area...
#Bedford #BedfordNews #EWR #Transport #Rail #Universal
#Bedford #BedfordNews #EWR #Transport #Rail #Universal
East West Rail plan promises new Bedford station, hospital hub and Universal-ready line as leaders warn ‘big questions remain’ - Bedford Independent
East West Rail has published a 277-page update including plans for a rebuilt Bedford station, a new Bedford St Johns next to the hospital...
www.bedfordindependent.co.uk
November 19, 2025 at 11:48 AM
This reflects a common issue on how infrastructure developments are covered. Because people who back the plans don't usually form pressure groups, they are ignored, even when they far outnumber the complainers. The benefits of a scheme then go almost unreported in favour of constant negativity.
This is just as bad as the "will of the people" nonsense the Tories came out with on Brexit. There is no one "public" with one set of views that enables you to dismiss any opposition. Even individuals contain fucking multitudes!
Asked if Keir Starmer believes British people want to "see refugee children pulled out of school and deported after 10 years in this country”, his spokesman says that “what the British public wants and what this government was elected on a mandate to deliver was to secure our borders"
November 17, 2025 at 12:22 PM
This is just as bad as the "will of the people" nonsense the Tories came out with on Brexit. There is no one "public" with one set of views that enables you to dismiss any opposition. Even individuals contain fucking multitudes!
It's a political project that seems to dislike its MPs, its party membership and its voters, delights in kicking them in the shins and then wonders why it's at 18% in the polls.
The strangest thing about Starmerism is that the Parliamentary Labour Party is still distinctly soft left, as is the membership. It lacks either an ideology or a constituency... other than seemingly a few political strategists.
November 16, 2025 at 7:50 AM
It's a political project that seems to dislike its MPs, its party membership and its voters, delights in kicking them in the shins and then wonders why it's at 18% in the polls.
Tearing the country apart? Just keep ratcheting up the salience of immigration, guys, keep telling everyone how important and terrible it is, that will definitely stop people voting Reform.
Honestly. What on earth are they playing at. Don't they get people voted for them to stop this shit.
Honestly. What on earth are they playing at. Don't they get people voted for them to stop this shit.
Shabana Mahmood tells Sunday Times it should take 20 years for somebody granted refugee status in UK to secure permanent status (ie, reapply 6 times) if came without permission.
Paper says Denmark has toughest settlement timeline (8 years) but UK govt wants longer
www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...
Paper says Denmark has toughest settlement timeline (8 years) but UK govt wants longer
www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...
Shabana Mahmood: ‘Illegal migration is tearing Britain apart’
The home secretary is planning to introduce a 20-year wait for permanent stay to end a ‘golden ticket’ for asylum seekers
www.thetimes.com
November 15, 2025 at 10:38 PM
Tearing the country apart? Just keep ratcheting up the salience of immigration, guys, keep telling everyone how important and terrible it is, that will definitely stop people voting Reform.
Honestly. What on earth are they playing at. Don't they get people voted for them to stop this shit.
Honestly. What on earth are they playing at. Don't they get people voted for them to stop this shit.
Reposted by William Simpson
This statement not acceptable and I suspect not sustainable. Large majority of public support principle of asylum, support letting people stay permanently. Majority for that among Labour and other progressive parties’ voters is overwhelming. The Reform voters this is aimed at will never vote Labour
"The era of permanent protection is over"
Is this Labour government really saying it was wrong in principle to let these refugees of the last 75 years to stay, settle and become British - and they believe that should NEVER happen again in principle or practice?
www.youtube.com/watch?v=TiuR...
Is this Labour government really saying it was wrong in principle to let these refugees of the last 75 years to stay, settle and become British - and they believe that should NEVER happen again in principle or practice?
www.youtube.com/watch?v=TiuR...
Refugees from 7 decades gather to commemorate 70 years of refugee in protection in the UK
YouTube video by Refugee Council
www.youtube.com
November 15, 2025 at 12:49 PM
This statement not acceptable and I suspect not sustainable. Large majority of public support principle of asylum, support letting people stay permanently. Majority for that among Labour and other progressive parties’ voters is overwhelming. The Reform voters this is aimed at will never vote Labour
Reposted by William Simpson
If only someone had written a book about this www.panmacmillan.com/authors/agne...
November 14, 2025 at 9:49 AM
If only someone had written a book about this www.panmacmillan.com/authors/agne...
Increasingly clear the government has no idea what it wants to do and even less idea how to do it.
There really is no word that says "strategic clarity" more than "smorgasbord".
November 14, 2025 at 8:06 AM
Increasingly clear the government has no idea what it wants to do and even less idea how to do it.
It feels heroically naive to think that you can help foster an anti-immigrant environment as step one in a plan to introduce a more "sensible" position later.
And here’s what a source close to No10 had to say, arguing that the tough rhetoric on migration was about "earning permission to set out a sensible position" further down the line
November 13, 2025 at 3:26 PM
It feels heroically naive to think that you can help foster an anti-immigrant environment as step one in a plan to introduce a more "sensible" position later.