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hrrunka.bsky.social
Rick
@hrrunka.bsky.social
64 followers 48 following 190 posts
Amateur radio & astronomy, F&SF fan, filker, furry, etc....
Also on Mastodon dot social
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hrrunka.bsky.social
Rick @hrrunka.bsky.social · Nov 16
I am here, somewhat against my gut feelings. Here's a little light reading...

pluralistic.net/2024/11/02/u...
Pluralistic: Bluesky and enshittification (02 Nov 2024) – Pluralistic: Daily links from Cory Doctorow
pluralistic.net
Reposted by Rick
theregister.com
Stop the slop by disabling AI features in Chrome
Stop the slop by disabling AI features in Chrome
The most popular desktop browser is festooned with Google AI, but you can make at least some of it go away Most of today’s desktop web browsers come with a ton of built-in AI features, but the good news is that, in most cases, no one is forcing you to use them, and you can at least hide them from view. Removing the most egregious AI tools from Chrome is pretty simple, but it requires a few steps.…
dlvr.it
December 26, 2025 at 7:08 PM
Reposted by Rick
russincheshire.bsky.social
Unite behind the guy who's pretending to be Nigel Farage, or you'll end up with Nigel Farage, says Lucy Powell.

www.mirror.co.uk/news/politic...
Unite behind PM or risk Nigel Farage election wins, Lucy Powell warns Labour
In an article for The Mirror, Deputy Labour Leader Lucy Powell said getting the party's message across to voters is made more difficult when 'we hang out or dirty washing for all to see'
www.mirror.co.uk
December 13, 2025 at 12:11 PM
Reposted by Rick
garius.bsky.social
Kid spent four days doing office stuff with others. Bored as hell.

ME: Welcome! Today we've got a website you need to build.
HIM: Um... I don't know how
ME: That's fine. We'll help you. Wanna try? Don't have to.
HIM: A real website?
ME: Yup. So think before you answer
HIM: yes
ME: Sweet. Let's go
December 12, 2025 at 11:22 PM
Reposted by Rick
robinince.bsky.social
Very sad that I felt I had no choice but to resign from The Infinite Monkey Cage - a victory for the transphobes and other bigots - I did it because so much of the media has chosen to believe the kind and empathetic people are a fiction - they are real and so often unrepresented.
This is the saddest day of my professional life. Today is not only the final recording of the latest series of The Infinite Monkey Cage, it is my last ever Monkey Cage. I never thought that I would have to leave the show. I always imagined going on until | dropped dead under the studio lights due to a brain aneurysm caused by my final attempt to understand notions of quantum gravity or the shock of being told about fly maggot infestations in the sacks of macaque monkeys. I resigned in September, after sixteen years of dedication to the show, A show that I named and helped develop over all those years. Unfortunately, my opinions outside the BBC have been considered problematic for sometime, whether it has been voicing support for the trans community, criticism of Donald Trump, numerous other outlandish opinions, including once gently criticising Stephen Fry. These things were considered to conflict with being a freelance BBC science presenter In a recent meeting where BBC Studio executives again voiced problems with me, I realised my choices. Obedience and being quieter to remain making Monkey Cage, or 'Resign and have the freedom to speak out against what I believe are injustices'. • I chose the latter. It broke my heart. I love this show and I love the audience, and it is because of the audience in particular, that this decision was so difficult to make. I kept thinking about all the extremist voices promoting hate and division. They are being given so many platforms, while voices that represent kindness, open mindedness, empathy seem to be scarcer and scarcer. I felt I couldn't pamper myself with the luxury of silence. One of my many privileges is that I am able to resign and I can speak out even if it is to the detriment of my career. I have thought a lot about my heroes, Sinead O Connor, James Baldwin, Audre Lorde, and so many more. I think of Sinead's words, "the job of an artist is to be themselves at any cost". James Baldwin said prejudice was really just a word for cowardice. Audre Lorde, viewing her life, wrote that her only regrets were her silences. I think of my father as I resign, he brought me up to believe in fairness , justice and kindness. Though my heart is broken, it is also full of fire. I apologise to our incredible listeners for my departure, your love of the show means a great deal. I am so sorry to let you down. I hope that you can understand my reasoning. I have to accept that I am not what the current BBC expects of their freelance presenters. Despite this I should add that I have always worked far more than my contracted hours to try and ensure the show was always the best it could be, as well as making myself accessible and responsive to the audience wherever and whenever I met them. Every night, we have recorded, I have been filled with determination to make the best show possible. This was not "just a job" I hope that with my departure I can be a better ally to the LGBTQ community, to the neurodivergent community, to activists fighting against those who aim to brutalise society, to those currently in prison on hunger strike, and to all those who fight for a more inclusive world. From many conversations, I know there are many Monkey Cage listeners who support these communities and activists too. The strawberry is dead. Long live the strawberry. B
December 13, 2025 at 12:02 AM
Reposted by Rick
peterstefanovic.bsky.social
The Prime Minister promised transparency & accountability in public office. His disgraceful decision to deny the @chinookjustice.bsky.social families an opportunity to find out the truth is the complete opposite of that

youtu.be/qdGh2sB7mLw?...
October 7, 2025
YouTube video by Peter Stefanovic
youtu.be
December 12, 2025 at 9:39 AM
Reposted by Rick
russincheshire.bsky.social
We are fighting a losing battle against stupid.

And that's because we're led by a general who thinks out-stupiding stupid is the best strategy.

How's that working out for you Keir? Oh, record low polling and King Stupid on course to become Prime Minister? Who'da seen that coming?
December 11, 2025 at 10:36 AM
Reposted by Rick
goodlawproject.org
Our media's reporting of trans issues is poisonous, unhinged, a betrayal by those who pretend to report impartially, and shamefully reminiscent of other hate propagandising throughout the last century. I'm surprised to see it in the UK but I need to learn that it is, since Brexit, just who we are.
December 8, 2025 at 7:53 PM
Reposted by Rick
garius.bsky.social
Hard same.
dansheehan.bsky.social Dan Sheehan @dansheehan.bsky.social · 21d
Love Discord being like "bro you didnt complete any quests this year" yeah man I dont know what those are and I'm working really hard not to have to learn
December 6, 2025 at 11:26 AM
Reposted by Rick
ledbydonkeys.org
Our latest investigation, in collaboration with Democracy for Sale 👇

democracyforsale.substack.com/p/breaking-o...
BREAKING: Our fake Chinese AI investor bought access into heart of Labour government
Ex-Tory MP facilitated meetings with 10+ Labour MPs and met ministers in “cash-for-access operation”
democracyforsale.substack.com
December 4, 2025 at 7:24 AM
Reposted by Rick
georgemonbiot.bsky.social
Or maybe diagnosis is at last catching up with the crises so many have been enduring, which have for so long been minimised, dismissed or ignored.
share.google/1aKjHRJ596x6...
Wes Streeting orders inquiry into mental health ‘overdiagnosis’
Health secretary wants clinical review of the rise in conditions such as ADHD and autism that cause people to drop out of the workforce
share.google
December 4, 2025 at 8:41 AM
Reposted by Rick
goodlawproject.org
Wolf Alice, Beth Ditto, Adam Lambert, Sugababes and more for huge ‘Trans Mission’ charity Wembley gig

The concert is "a statement that trans people are loved, valued, and celebrated, and that the entertainment industry stands proudly with them." www.nme.com/news/music/w...
Wolf Alice, Beth Ditto, Adam Lambert, Sugababes and more for huge 'Trans Mission' charity Wembley gig
Wolf Alice, Beth Ditto, Adam Lambert, Sugababes and more for huge 'Trans Mission' charity Wembley gig. See how to get tickets.
www.nme.com
November 29, 2025 at 7:19 AM
Reposted by Rick
timothysnyder.bsky.social
Nice work here by @reuters.com
www.reuters.com/investigates...
Trump’s campaign of retribution: At least 470 targets and counting
A Reuters investigation documents at least 470 acts of retribution under Trump’s leadership.
www.reuters.com
November 28, 2025 at 8:24 PM
Reposted by Rick
mrjamesob.bsky.social
BBC staff have now been banned from repeating the description of Donald Trump excised from Rutger’s Reith lecture. Makes his warning here all the more chilling.
youtu.be/9UlYdocG5Bs
'What are they afraid of?' Historian's lecture cut by BBC
YouTube video by LBC
youtu.be
November 27, 2025 at 3:43 PM
Reposted by Rick
peterstefanovic.bsky.social
The right to trial by jury has been a fundamental feature of the British Justice System for over 800 years. Any attempt by the government to undermine this fundamental freedom - a cornerstone of our democracy and an essential safeguard against authoritarianism - must be opposed
peterstefanovic.bsky.social Peter Stefanovic @peterstefanovic.bsky.social · Nov 26
🚨Trial by jury is a cornerstone of our democracy and an essential safeguard against authoritarianism. We must come together - cross party - to stop any attempt by the government to undermine this fundamental freedom
youtu.be/QdD9LaAN19A?...
Trial by jury is a cornerstone of our democracy - We must fight any attempt to undermine it
YouTube video by Peter Stefanovic
youtu.be
November 27, 2025 at 4:30 PM
Reposted by Rick
diane.dianeduane.com
Well, no one ever accused this administration of being SMART. 😏
owillis.bsky.social Oliver Willis @owillis.bsky.social · Nov 24
the trump admin wants to pick a fight about the military code with a guy who has this resume?

cool. lets go.
MARK E. KELLY (CAPTAIN, USN) NASA ASTRONAUT PERSONAL DATA: Mark Edward Kelly is the son of Richard and Patricia Kelly, two retired police officers. He was born in Orange, New Jersey, on February 21, 1964, and raised in West Orange, New Jersey. Kelly is married to U.S. Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. Kelly’s identical twin brother, Scott J. Kelly, is also an astronaut and served as commander of International Space Station (ISS) Expedition 26. The Kelly brothers are the only siblings who have both traveled in space. EDUCATION: Kelly graduated from Mountain High School in 1982. He received a B.S. degree in marine engineering and nautical science from the United States Merchant Marine Academy, graduating with highest honors in 1986. In 1994, he received an M.S. degree in aeronautical engineering from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School. AWARDS: Defense Superior Service Medal (with one bronze oak leaf cluster); Distinguished Flying Cross; Air Medal (with valor device and three bronze service stars); Navy Commendation Medal (with valor device and one bronze service star); Navy Achievement Medal; Southwest Asia Service Medal (with one bronze service star); Navy Expeditionary Medal; National Defense Service Medal (with one bronze service star); Navy Unit Commendation (with one bronze service star); Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (with one bronze service star); Overseas Service Ribbon; Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia); Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait); NASA Exceptional Service Medal; NASA Space Flight Medal (with three bronze service stars). EXPERIENCE: In December 1987, Kelly became a naval aviator and received initial training on the A-6E Intruder attack aircraft. He was then assigned to VA-115 (Attack Squadron 115) in Atsugi, Japan, and made two deployments to the Persian Gulf on the aircraft carrier USS Midway, flying 39 combat missions in Operation Desert Storm. After receiving his master’s degree, he attended the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School from June 1993 to Jun…
November 24, 2025 at 8:44 PM
Reposted by Rick
goodlawproject.org
I think it really would be helpful if there was a public explanation for this unusual decision, in this highly charged and important case. www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Removal of judge in Palestine Action ban legal challenge ‘deeply concerning’
Unusual last-minute change means panel of three will now hear case rather than Mr Justice Chamberlain
www.theguardian.com
November 25, 2025 at 4:47 PM
Reposted by Rick
georgemonbiot.bsky.social
Given that the BBC endlessly gives platforms to lobbyists from the dark money junktanks without revealing their interests, shouldn't we be seeing such apologies every day?

Better still, how about not doing it? If they want to appear, we should know on whose behalf they are speaking.
November 25, 2025 at 8:40 PM
hrrunka.bsky.social
It seems FTTP has finally reached this corner of the country, and a little bit of research suggested that a change in ISP would be worth considering. I spent the weekend trying to track down the last few places where my email contact is via my present ISP. I think I've changed them all now.
November 24, 2025 at 10:03 AM
Reposted by Rick
edwin.type-driven.org.uk
I remember being creative as a kid until one day it was bashed out of me. Learn to be creative again. Make some bad art every day. Just take 5 minutes over it. One day it might be good art, but even if never is, you are practising being human. Get good at being human again. We all need you.
November 20, 2025 at 12:11 AM
Reposted by Rick
timothysnyder.bsky.social
Beyond that, it shows unprecedented and spectacular spinelessness to obfuscate the murder by a foreign power of a journalist who worked in your country, in your capital, for a newspaper associated with news about your government. (2/2)
November 20, 2025 at 2:32 AM
Reposted by Rick
georgemonbiot.bsky.social
What a shocking waste of opportunity this government has proved to be.
It has squandered its time and attention on ridiculous fiscal rules, persecuting refugees and trashing ecosystems in the name of growth, while failing to deliver what we so desperately want.
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
NHS failing to cut waiting times as promised in recovery plan, report warns
Public accounts committee finds Labour’s progress ‘appears to have stalled’ despite billions of pounds in investment
www.theguardian.com
November 19, 2025 at 6:26 AM
Reposted by Rick
cstross.bsky.social
Going by the news headlines (IRS paying TurboTax to integrate ChatGPT! Nuclear roll-out to be sped up by using AI to design reactors!) we are *well* into the pets.com phase of the bubble at this point, ie. throw random shit at the wall and see if it sticks. Spoiler: it won't.
November 19, 2025 at 8:59 AM
Reposted by Rick
goodlawproject.org
It's hard to find words to capture quite how revolting, steeped in bigotry, irresponsible, morally unmoored, Labour has become. www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Anglican bishop shaken ‘to the core’ by home secretary’s asylum seeker comments
Bishop of Edmonton says people coming to UK are being ‘scapegoated’ for years of policy failures
www.theguardian.com
November 17, 2025 at 4:38 PM
Reposted by Rick
cstross.bsky.social
Note that if it's happening in the Fediverse it is ABSOLUTELY DEFINITELY happening here on Bsky.
cstross.bsky.social Charlie Stross @cstross.bsky.social · Nov 15
Since 15 Sept IFTAS has tracked a network of over 300 Mastodon accounts engaged in a high-volume propaganda campaign, promoting pro-Russian narratives:

https://about.iftas.org/2025/10/05/coordinated-pro-russian-propaganda-network-targeting-activitypub-and-atproto-services/
November 15, 2025 at 11:23 AM
Reposted by Rick
russincheshire.bsky.social
Sure. But this project is a farce that hurts everybody associated (and the wider left, even if we want nothing to do with it). It makes it so easy to portray us all as equally inept.

If he wants the left to succeed, he should step aside.
November 15, 2025 at 1:04 PM