Austen
@austenpaulh.bsky.social
Gibbous loon writing and researching
Reposted by Austen
Foodbanks were meant for emergencies.
Food parcels help, but they don’t address poverty.
@nickgardham.bsky.social explains why charity normalises deprivation.
Food parcels help, but they don’t address poverty.
@nickgardham.bsky.social explains why charity normalises deprivation.
Normalising deprivation – when charity is the default response to poverty
The rise of foodbanks shows how charity has filled the gaps of a failing system and now risks normalising hardship
eastangliabylines.co.uk
December 3, 2025 at 7:07 AM
Foodbanks were meant for emergencies.
Food parcels help, but they don’t address poverty.
@nickgardham.bsky.social explains why charity normalises deprivation.
Food parcels help, but they don’t address poverty.
@nickgardham.bsky.social explains why charity normalises deprivation.
Reposted by Austen
It’s also the 277th anniversary of Eva Ekeblad becoming the first woman admitted to the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences because she found out how to make both flour *and booze* from potatoes, thus saving people from starving and making them happy, but I haven’t had time to write her up yet
Eva Ekeblad f. De la Gardie - Svenskt Biografiskt Lexikon
sok.riksarkivet.se
December 3, 2025 at 11:38 AM
It’s also the 277th anniversary of Eva Ekeblad becoming the first woman admitted to the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences because she found out how to make both flour *and booze* from potatoes, thus saving people from starving and making them happy, but I haven’t had time to write her up yet
Reposted by Austen
O'Hara: "There's folks that are masked, they may be kidnapping people. We have had those reports. The community should know that if you see something like that, you should call 911. Let's not forget -- we very recently had tragedy in this state by someone who was purporting to be law enforcement."
December 2, 2025 at 7:57 PM
O'Hara: "There's folks that are masked, they may be kidnapping people. We have had those reports. The community should know that if you see something like that, you should call 911. Let's not forget -- we very recently had tragedy in this state by someone who was purporting to be law enforcement."
Reposted by Austen
Most probably don’t realise that before Thatcher 42% of people lived in council housing - now it’s only 6%. There is a housing crisis and over 300,000 are homeless as a result of her policies. The damage she did to this country is immense and irreversible yet she is viewed by so many as an icon.
I’ve never understood the adulation people have for Thatcher. She was a heartless monster who asset-stripped an entire country and squandered the money to buy votes. The idea that she was some sort of economic genius is farcical and the terrible state of the country today is her legacy.
December 3, 2025 at 8:11 AM
Most probably don’t realise that before Thatcher 42% of people lived in council housing - now it’s only 6%. There is a housing crisis and over 300,000 are homeless as a result of her policies. The damage she did to this country is immense and irreversible yet she is viewed by so many as an icon.
Reposted by Austen
I’ve never understood the adulation people have for Thatcher. She was a heartless monster who asset-stripped an entire country and squandered the money to buy votes. The idea that she was some sort of economic genius is farcical and the terrible state of the country today is her legacy.
February 11, 2025 at 10:20 AM
I’ve never understood the adulation people have for Thatcher. She was a heartless monster who asset-stripped an entire country and squandered the money to buy votes. The idea that she was some sort of economic genius is farcical and the terrible state of the country today is her legacy.
Reposted by Austen
Cost of unregistered children's care homes a 'national scandal'.
Charge up to £30,000 a week per child.
Poor regulation. Lack of capacity as the sector was privatised. Profiteering rife. Councils spent £8.1bn on children in care.
Why are so many children in care?
Charge up to £30,000 a week per child.
Poor regulation. Lack of capacity as the sector was privatised. Profiteering rife. Councils spent £8.1bn on children in care.
Why are so many children in care?
Cost of unregistered children's care homes a 'national scandal' - Ofsted
The Children's Homes Association says there is no clear national plan and government must 'fix the system'.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 3, 2025 at 8:14 AM
Cost of unregistered children's care homes a 'national scandal'.
Charge up to £30,000 a week per child.
Poor regulation. Lack of capacity as the sector was privatised. Profiteering rife. Councils spent £8.1bn on children in care.
Why are so many children in care?
Charge up to £30,000 a week per child.
Poor regulation. Lack of capacity as the sector was privatised. Profiteering rife. Councils spent £8.1bn on children in care.
Why are so many children in care?
Reposted by Austen
"Foodbanks are at breaking point this winter.. [Trussell] expect to hand out an emergency food parcel every 10 seconds over the next 3 months"
The UK has the sixth largest economy in the world #GMB
The UK has the sixth largest economy in the world #GMB
December 3, 2025 at 6:24 AM
"Foodbanks are at breaking point this winter.. [Trussell] expect to hand out an emergency food parcel every 10 seconds over the next 3 months"
The UK has the sixth largest economy in the world #GMB
The UK has the sixth largest economy in the world #GMB
Reposted by Austen
🚨Some personal news.
I'm thrilled to announce that I've just filed my first copy for The New Yorker.
A profile of Jonathan Gullis.
"You get the sense that offstage, Jonathan Gullis struggles with being Jonathan Gullis."
open.substack.com/pub/mrhenrym...
I'm thrilled to announce that I've just filed my first copy for The New Yorker.
A profile of Jonathan Gullis.
"You get the sense that offstage, Jonathan Gullis struggles with being Jonathan Gullis."
open.substack.com/pub/mrhenrym...
Jonathan Gullis, The Seagull's Lament
A New Yorker Profile
open.substack.com
December 2, 2025 at 11:01 AM
🚨Some personal news.
I'm thrilled to announce that I've just filed my first copy for The New Yorker.
A profile of Jonathan Gullis.
"You get the sense that offstage, Jonathan Gullis struggles with being Jonathan Gullis."
open.substack.com/pub/mrhenrym...
I'm thrilled to announce that I've just filed my first copy for The New Yorker.
A profile of Jonathan Gullis.
"You get the sense that offstage, Jonathan Gullis struggles with being Jonathan Gullis."
open.substack.com/pub/mrhenrym...
Reposted by Austen
Thames Water half-year profits leap to £386m after bills rose by nearly a third.
Leaks and sewage dumping will continue for years.
£20bn+debt. A third of the bill covers interest payments.
Captive customers have no choice.
End the scam. Nationalise water.
Leaks and sewage dumping will continue for years.
£20bn+debt. A third of the bill covers interest payments.
Captive customers have no choice.
End the scam. Nationalise water.
Thames Water half-year profit leaps to nearly £400m after it raises bills by third
Revenues jumped 40% to nearly £2bn after debt-ridden utility hiked water bills sharply in April
www.theguardian.com
December 3, 2025 at 8:26 AM
Thames Water half-year profits leap to £386m after bills rose by nearly a third.
Leaks and sewage dumping will continue for years.
£20bn+debt. A third of the bill covers interest payments.
Captive customers have no choice.
End the scam. Nationalise water.
Leaks and sewage dumping will continue for years.
£20bn+debt. A third of the bill covers interest payments.
Captive customers have no choice.
End the scam. Nationalise water.
Reposted by Austen
“The US government has decided to sanction — or, essentially, de-person — a European judge for carrying out his official duties in Europe while working in an institution established by Europe’s elected representatives …”
~Yanis Varoufakis
Irish Examiner
☕️🥐
~Yanis Varoufakis
Irish Examiner
☕️🥐
December 3, 2025 at 7:39 AM
“The US government has decided to sanction — or, essentially, de-person — a European judge for carrying out his official duties in Europe while working in an institution established by Europe’s elected representatives …”
~Yanis Varoufakis
Irish Examiner
☕️🥐
~Yanis Varoufakis
Irish Examiner
☕️🥐
Reposted by Austen
One naive, reckless or stupid comment from Rubio was "Right now they are literally fighting over a territory of 30-50km, the remaining 20% of Donetsk region"
No, Marco, we're fighting for justice, order, world peace. To finally stop the Moscow tyrant at the 4th time of asking
No, Marco, we're fighting for justice, order, world peace. To finally stop the Moscow tyrant at the 4th time of asking
December 3, 2025 at 8:32 AM
One naive, reckless or stupid comment from Rubio was "Right now they are literally fighting over a territory of 30-50km, the remaining 20% of Donetsk region"
No, Marco, we're fighting for justice, order, world peace. To finally stop the Moscow tyrant at the 4th time of asking
No, Marco, we're fighting for justice, order, world peace. To finally stop the Moscow tyrant at the 4th time of asking
Reposted by Austen
Not just an important letter but a necessary one: the public house as the public space for ideal speech situations.
A doctor writes.
A doctor writes.
December 2, 2025 at 10:12 PM
Not just an important letter but a necessary one: the public house as the public space for ideal speech situations.
A doctor writes.
A doctor writes.
Reposted by Austen
The NHS was built on fairness, compassion + the belief that healthcare should belong to all of us💙
The EveryDoctor Charter is our plan to protect it and keep it guided by care — not profit.
Add your name today ➡️ bit.ly/SignEDNHSCha...
Together, we can build a health service that works for all.
The EveryDoctor Charter is our plan to protect it and keep it guided by care — not profit.
Add your name today ➡️ bit.ly/SignEDNHSCha...
Together, we can build a health service that works for all.
December 1, 2025 at 6:15 PM
The NHS was built on fairness, compassion + the belief that healthcare should belong to all of us💙
The EveryDoctor Charter is our plan to protect it and keep it guided by care — not profit.
Add your name today ➡️ bit.ly/SignEDNHSCha...
Together, we can build a health service that works for all.
The EveryDoctor Charter is our plan to protect it and keep it guided by care — not profit.
Add your name today ➡️ bit.ly/SignEDNHSCha...
Together, we can build a health service that works for all.
Reposted by Austen
📢 NEW 'Project Progress Update' Blog Post! 📢
We've recently reached a very significant project milestone, and thought this would be the perfect moment to provide a research update: sites.exeter.ac.uk/materialcult...
Featuring @zooniverse.bsky.social news, and a sneak peek at our database! 📜✍️💻
We've recently reached a very significant project milestone, and thought this would be the perfect moment to provide a research update: sites.exeter.ac.uk/materialcult...
Featuring @zooniverse.bsky.social news, and a sneak peek at our database! 📜✍️💻
December 2, 2025 at 8:19 AM
📢 NEW 'Project Progress Update' Blog Post! 📢
We've recently reached a very significant project milestone, and thought this would be the perfect moment to provide a research update: sites.exeter.ac.uk/materialcult...
Featuring @zooniverse.bsky.social news, and a sneak peek at our database! 📜✍️💻
We've recently reached a very significant project milestone, and thought this would be the perfect moment to provide a research update: sites.exeter.ac.uk/materialcult...
Featuring @zooniverse.bsky.social news, and a sneak peek at our database! 📜✍️💻
Reposted by Austen
RFK Jr: "Two weeks ago we ended, under your leadership, a twenty year war on women".
Three out of five men in this shot have been accused of sexual misconduct, harassment or abusive behaviour towards women. A fourth signed into law a near-total abortion ban in his state as governor.
Three out of five men in this shot have been accused of sexual misconduct, harassment or abusive behaviour towards women. A fourth signed into law a near-total abortion ban in his state as governor.
December 2, 2025 at 6:46 PM
RFK Jr: "Two weeks ago we ended, under your leadership, a twenty year war on women".
Three out of five men in this shot have been accused of sexual misconduct, harassment or abusive behaviour towards women. A fourth signed into law a near-total abortion ban in his state as governor.
Three out of five men in this shot have been accused of sexual misconduct, harassment or abusive behaviour towards women. A fourth signed into law a near-total abortion ban in his state as governor.
Reposted by Austen
My one and only article in an academic journal is this frustratingly evergreen take on guys saying they just can't stop themselves from ending the world hdsr.mitpress.mit.edu/pub/wz35dvpo...
AI Safety Is a Narrative Problem
hdsr.mitpress.mit.edu
December 2, 2025 at 9:27 PM
My one and only article in an academic journal is this frustratingly evergreen take on guys saying they just can't stop themselves from ending the world hdsr.mitpress.mit.edu/pub/wz35dvpo...
Reposted by Austen
The cover up & miscarriage of justice continues.
Margaret Aspinall: “I cannot accept or understand how 97 people can be unlawfully killed, the police can lie, and nobody is held accountable.”
Please see the KENNY DALGLISH film if you don’t know the story
www.theguardian.com/football/202...
Margaret Aspinall: “I cannot accept or understand how 97 people can be unlawfully killed, the police can lie, and nobody is held accountable.”
Please see the KENNY DALGLISH film if you don’t know the story
www.theguardian.com/football/202...
Hillsborough families decry ‘bitter injustice’ that no officers will face disciplinary proceedings
None of the former officers named by the IOPC will face disciplinary proceedings because they have all retired
www.theguardian.com
December 2, 2025 at 10:26 PM
The cover up & miscarriage of justice continues.
Margaret Aspinall: “I cannot accept or understand how 97 people can be unlawfully killed, the police can lie, and nobody is held accountable.”
Please see the KENNY DALGLISH film if you don’t know the story
www.theguardian.com/football/202...
Margaret Aspinall: “I cannot accept or understand how 97 people can be unlawfully killed, the police can lie, and nobody is held accountable.”
Please see the KENNY DALGLISH film if you don’t know the story
www.theguardian.com/football/202...
Reposted by Austen
The Trump administration said it will withhold federal SNAP funding from more than 20 Democratic-led states unless they turn over sensitive personal data about program recipients to the Trump administration.
Trump to halt some food aid support for Democratic-led states over data fight
The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump will halt federal payments that help administer the food stamp program to Democratic-led states next week if they do not turn over aid recipient data,...
www.reuters.com
December 2, 2025 at 10:32 PM
The Trump administration said it will withhold federal SNAP funding from more than 20 Democratic-led states unless they turn over sensitive personal data about program recipients to the Trump administration.
Reposted by Austen
Fungal Misadventure (a story in the form of a Bluesky thread)
"Have you ever wondered?" he asked, as they picked mushrooms in the forest near her house. "How many people died from fungal misadventure during prehistory before we found out which of these were safe to eat?"
"Have you ever wondered?" he asked, as they picked mushrooms in the forest near her house. "How many people died from fungal misadventure during prehistory before we found out which of these were safe to eat?"
November 25, 2025 at 8:50 AM
Fungal Misadventure (a story in the form of a Bluesky thread)
"Have you ever wondered?" he asked, as they picked mushrooms in the forest near her house. "How many people died from fungal misadventure during prehistory before we found out which of these were safe to eat?"
"Have you ever wondered?" he asked, as they picked mushrooms in the forest near her house. "How many people died from fungal misadventure during prehistory before we found out which of these were safe to eat?"
Reposted by Austen
Senator Mark Kelly Is A Hero,
Chump Is A Zero......
Chump Is A Zero......
November 22, 2025 at 11:23 AM
Senator Mark Kelly Is A Hero,
Chump Is A Zero......
Chump Is A Zero......
Reposted by Austen
While "peace" negotiations continue, remember that Russia could simply stop the war at any time.
December 2, 2025 at 2:04 PM
While "peace" negotiations continue, remember that Russia could simply stop the war at any time.
Reposted by Austen
The whole “russkiy mir” in 14 seconds.
Russian soldiers laugh and film themselves standing in the ruins of Pokrovsk — ruins they created.
One of them says, “We’re off to glory and adventure.”
This is what their “adventure” looks like: destroying homes, cities, and lives.
Nothing heroic.👇
Russian soldiers laugh and film themselves standing in the ruins of Pokrovsk — ruins they created.
One of them says, “We’re off to glory and adventure.”
This is what their “adventure” looks like: destroying homes, cities, and lives.
Nothing heroic.👇
December 2, 2025 at 11:39 AM
The whole “russkiy mir” in 14 seconds.
Russian soldiers laugh and film themselves standing in the ruins of Pokrovsk — ruins they created.
One of them says, “We’re off to glory and adventure.”
This is what their “adventure” looks like: destroying homes, cities, and lives.
Nothing heroic.👇
Russian soldiers laugh and film themselves standing in the ruins of Pokrovsk — ruins they created.
One of them says, “We’re off to glory and adventure.”
This is what their “adventure” looks like: destroying homes, cities, and lives.
Nothing heroic.👇
Reposted by Austen
4/
.. any territorial gains/recognition of them and reintegration to the world economy, the costs for the rest of us will be exponential.
A peace deal WILL NOT stop, or even slow Russia.
It emboldens Putin as we saw in Chechnya, Georgia, Crimea.
Soon it will be NATO lives lost.
.. any territorial gains/recognition of them and reintegration to the world economy, the costs for the rest of us will be exponential.
A peace deal WILL NOT stop, or even slow Russia.
It emboldens Putin as we saw in Chechnya, Georgia, Crimea.
Soon it will be NATO lives lost.
December 2, 2025 at 11:02 AM
4/
.. any territorial gains/recognition of them and reintegration to the world economy, the costs for the rest of us will be exponential.
A peace deal WILL NOT stop, or even slow Russia.
It emboldens Putin as we saw in Chechnya, Georgia, Crimea.
Soon it will be NATO lives lost.
.. any territorial gains/recognition of them and reintegration to the world economy, the costs for the rest of us will be exponential.
A peace deal WILL NOT stop, or even slow Russia.
It emboldens Putin as we saw in Chechnya, Georgia, Crimea.
Soon it will be NATO lives lost.
Reposted by Austen
Hello again - it's Tuesday's daily thread for Day 1378 of the full Russian invasion.
It's the day Russia will again pretend it wants peace as a woefully underqualified and historically ignorant US "envoy" meets Putin again.
No. of times Witkoff has been to:
Moscow: 6
Kyiv: 0
It's the day Russia will again pretend it wants peace as a woefully underqualified and historically ignorant US "envoy" meets Putin again.
No. of times Witkoff has been to:
Moscow: 6
Kyiv: 0
December 2, 2025 at 10:19 AM
Hello again - it's Tuesday's daily thread for Day 1378 of the full Russian invasion.
It's the day Russia will again pretend it wants peace as a woefully underqualified and historically ignorant US "envoy" meets Putin again.
No. of times Witkoff has been to:
Moscow: 6
Kyiv: 0
It's the day Russia will again pretend it wants peace as a woefully underqualified and historically ignorant US "envoy" meets Putin again.
No. of times Witkoff has been to:
Moscow: 6
Kyiv: 0