Alan Read
Alan Read
@fretwhizzy.bsky.social
Former Higher Scientific Officer, UK Civil Service. Left to play guitar, and grow my own guitar strings.
So you're saying be a grass rather than a mower?
January 22, 2026 at 10:56 AM
When I first worked in Whitehall Mrs Thatcher was referred to as "Herself". I can't claim to know why!

Anyway thanks for the clarification.
January 17, 2026 at 1:49 AM
TINA?
January 16, 2026 at 7:09 PM
A byte from an Apple?

It might appear free at first glance, but they might gain ownership of your firstborn unto the seventh generation in the T&C you don't read before accepting!

I like the pic though! :)
January 1, 2026 at 3:00 AM
Chilly at this time of year in the northern hemisphere, I s'pose we could expect some book burning sessions....

Grim.
December 31, 2025 at 8:37 PM
It could be some Americans would be inclined to seize this "window of opportunity"....
December 24, 2025 at 5:11 PM
There'll only be eggnog at the wake anyway! :p
December 24, 2025 at 1:20 AM
Seems you've muffin to complain about really.
December 24, 2025 at 1:14 AM
That's a spectacular display of insecurity and misogyny, that says far more about their failings than your achievement.

Congratulations on your PhD!
November 17, 2025 at 11:36 PM
He might win on aggregate?
November 12, 2025 at 9:17 PM
It appears he's further cemented his reputation....
November 12, 2025 at 5:25 PM
Trop gentille ! :)
October 22, 2025 at 3:20 PM
Are we sure it will be steaks, and not chops? ;)
October 22, 2025 at 3:17 PM
I'd imagine that providing space for important services and amenities, as part of the proposed development, can iron out potential issues far more effectively than a local authority attempting to play catch up to the frequent revisions and timeline adjustments common in large scale projects.
October 20, 2025 at 12:10 PM
In fairness, a King Trump would be aptly described as a Reigning Shit.....
October 19, 2025 at 6:32 PM
"Here's my petard. If you use this sturdy rope, looped over this tree branch from the winch provided, it should be trivial a matter to hoist... Oh, never mind... I'll do it myself!"
October 19, 2025 at 8:09 AM
Paradox or not, I think I could probably manage to console myself if Goodwin left these shores....
October 16, 2025 at 12:46 PM
Echoes of Michael Gove claiming the UK "have had enough of experts" during the Brexit campaign.
October 16, 2025 at 7:16 AM