MaryLou2
@marylou2.bsky.social
Formerly a worker; an athlete & artist, carer & disability advocate. All round listener with opinions.
Look out, in northern
domed skies, two bears chase the dawn.
Earths axis safely turns.
#haiku #dailyhaikuprompt #bear #bigdipper #plough #Polestar #earthsaxis #poem #poetry
domed skies, two bears chase the dawn.
Earths axis safely turns.
#haiku #dailyhaikuprompt #bear #bigdipper #plough #Polestar #earthsaxis #poem #poetry
January 4, 2026 at 3:47 PM
Look out, in northern
domed skies, two bears chase the dawn.
Earths axis safely turns.
#haiku #dailyhaikuprompt #bear #bigdipper #plough #Polestar #earthsaxis #poem #poetry
domed skies, two bears chase the dawn.
Earths axis safely turns.
#haiku #dailyhaikuprompt #bear #bigdipper #plough #Polestar #earthsaxis #poem #poetry
Reposted by MaryLou2
Solar and Wind are 3x cheaper per watt than Nuclear, and that's even before counting the ridiculously expensive disposal of Nuclear Waste.
January 2, 2026 at 6:16 PM
Solar and Wind are 3x cheaper per watt than Nuclear, and that's even before counting the ridiculously expensive disposal of Nuclear Waste.
I dont care for time
ticked by man’s boxed calendar.
Hearts beat, breath again.
#haiku #dailyhaikuprompt [new year]
#poem #poetry #Senryu
ticked by man’s boxed calendar.
Hearts beat, breath again.
#haiku #dailyhaikuprompt [new year]
#poem #poetry #Senryu
January 3, 2026 at 10:21 AM
I dont care for time
ticked by man’s boxed calendar.
Hearts beat, breath again.
#haiku #dailyhaikuprompt [new year]
#poem #poetry #Senryu
ticked by man’s boxed calendar.
Hearts beat, breath again.
#haiku #dailyhaikuprompt [new year]
#poem #poetry #Senryu
Reposted by MaryLou2
In the 6th largest economy, 103000 people died in poverty in 2024.
120,000 died in fuel poverty, couldn't afford adequate heating.
Ethnic minorities, pensioners, single working age adults more likely to die in poverty.
Poverty and death sentence is a political choice as govts appease the rich.
120,000 died in fuel poverty, couldn't afford adequate heating.
Ethnic minorities, pensioners, single working age adults more likely to die in poverty.
Poverty and death sentence is a political choice as govts appease the rich.
www.mariecurie.org.uk
January 1, 2026 at 9:08 AM
In the 6th largest economy, 103000 people died in poverty in 2024.
120,000 died in fuel poverty, couldn't afford adequate heating.
Ethnic minorities, pensioners, single working age adults more likely to die in poverty.
Poverty and death sentence is a political choice as govts appease the rich.
120,000 died in fuel poverty, couldn't afford adequate heating.
Ethnic minorities, pensioners, single working age adults more likely to die in poverty.
Poverty and death sentence is a political choice as govts appease the rich.
Pull at loose threads,
stay curious, find delight.
Life’s an adventure.
#haiku #Senryū #dailyhaikuprompt #threads
#newyear #lifeisanadventure
stay curious, find delight.
Life’s an adventure.
#haiku #Senryū #dailyhaikuprompt #threads
#newyear #lifeisanadventure
January 1, 2026 at 4:23 PM
Pull at loose threads,
stay curious, find delight.
Life’s an adventure.
#haiku #Senryū #dailyhaikuprompt #threads
#newyear #lifeisanadventure
stay curious, find delight.
Life’s an adventure.
#haiku #Senryū #dailyhaikuprompt #threads
#newyear #lifeisanadventure
Ring out, wild bells
Alfred L. Tennyson
Ring out, wild bells, to the wild sky,
The flying cloud, the frosty light:
The year is dying in the night;
Ring out, wild bells, and let him die.
& 7 more verses to read
The Bells
I Aalto 1914
#ringoutwildbells #tennyson #midnight #HNY #poetry
Alfred L. Tennyson
Ring out, wild bells, to the wild sky,
The flying cloud, the frosty light:
The year is dying in the night;
Ring out, wild bells, and let him die.
& 7 more verses to read
The Bells
I Aalto 1914
#ringoutwildbells #tennyson #midnight #HNY #poetry
December 31, 2025 at 8:29 PM
Ring out, wild bells
Alfred L. Tennyson
Ring out, wild bells, to the wild sky,
The flying cloud, the frosty light:
The year is dying in the night;
Ring out, wild bells, and let him die.
& 7 more verses to read
The Bells
I Aalto 1914
#ringoutwildbells #tennyson #midnight #HNY #poetry
Alfred L. Tennyson
Ring out, wild bells, to the wild sky,
The flying cloud, the frosty light:
The year is dying in the night;
Ring out, wild bells, and let him die.
& 7 more verses to read
The Bells
I Aalto 1914
#ringoutwildbells #tennyson #midnight #HNY #poetry
Reposted by MaryLou2
On this day 29th December 1975
“Radical new legislation” introducing a woman's right to equal pay and status came into force in the UK
(Picture: A Second Picture Dictionary, artist: Eric Winter)
“Radical new legislation” introducing a woman's right to equal pay and status came into force in the UK
(Picture: A Second Picture Dictionary, artist: Eric Winter)
December 29, 2025 at 8:35 AM
On this day 29th December 1975
“Radical new legislation” introducing a woman's right to equal pay and status came into force in the UK
(Picture: A Second Picture Dictionary, artist: Eric Winter)
“Radical new legislation” introducing a woman's right to equal pay and status came into force in the UK
(Picture: A Second Picture Dictionary, artist: Eric Winter)
Reposted by MaryLou2
Equal pay settlements for female council workers pass £1bn
Equal pay settlements for female council workers pass £1bn
GMB union says 30,000 claims settled with six local councils for average of £30,000 and expects 10,000 more in 2026
Equal pay settlements for female workers at local councils have passed the £1bn mark, with thousands more expected next year.
Legal claims have been brought against local councils on behalf of people in female-dominated roles, such as cleaners or carers, who for years have been denied the conditions and benefits given to employees in traditionally male-dominated jobs. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
December 27, 2025 at 8:51 PM
Equal pay settlements for female council workers pass £1bn
A very happy Christmas to all those who celebrate! Hope you are able to spend peaceful time with LOs.
Nativity Lizzie Siddal, pencil drawing. 📸 Me. #Christmas #Nativity #WhigtwickManor #Pre-Raphaelites
Nativity Lizzie Siddal, pencil drawing. 📸 Me. #Christmas #Nativity #WhigtwickManor #Pre-Raphaelites
December 25, 2025 at 10:01 AM
A very happy Christmas to all those who celebrate! Hope you are able to spend peaceful time with LOs.
Nativity Lizzie Siddal, pencil drawing. 📸 Me. #Christmas #Nativity #WhigtwickManor #Pre-Raphaelites
Nativity Lizzie Siddal, pencil drawing. 📸 Me. #Christmas #Nativity #WhigtwickManor #Pre-Raphaelites
Reposted by MaryLou2
“Not everything that counts can be counted, and not everything that can be counted counts.” Albert Einstein
The most precious things in life aren’t things at all …. they’re the parts of us worth protecting every single day.
🧡
#kindness #SelfCare #humanness
Picture by @Simply_Anxious
The most precious things in life aren’t things at all …. they’re the parts of us worth protecting every single day.
🧡
#kindness #SelfCare #humanness
Picture by @Simply_Anxious
December 22, 2025 at 9:54 PM
“Not everything that counts can be counted, and not everything that can be counted counts.” Albert Einstein
The most precious things in life aren’t things at all …. they’re the parts of us worth protecting every single day.
🧡
#kindness #SelfCare #humanness
Picture by @Simply_Anxious
The most precious things in life aren’t things at all …. they’re the parts of us worth protecting every single day.
🧡
#kindness #SelfCare #humanness
Picture by @Simply_Anxious
Reposted by MaryLou2
Reform Worcester county council considers a 10% rise in council tax. Other Reform councils are looking at the maximum 5% allowed.
If you vote for clowns don't be surprised when you get a circus.
If you vote for clowns don't be surprised when you get a circus.
Reform council could implement ‘biggest council tax rise county has ever had’
It’s been revealed that the county council has applied to government for permission to potentially increase council tax by up to 10%.
leftfootforward.org
December 17, 2025 at 2:55 PM
Reform Worcester county council considers a 10% rise in council tax. Other Reform councils are looking at the maximum 5% allowed.
If you vote for clowns don't be surprised when you get a circus.
If you vote for clowns don't be surprised when you get a circus.
Winter’s longest night,
sadness or comfort, matters
not, spring is coming.
#haiku #dailyhaikuprompt
#winter #equinox #springiscoming
sadness or comfort, matters
not, spring is coming.
#haiku #dailyhaikuprompt
#winter #equinox #springiscoming
December 20, 2025 at 5:21 PM
Winter’s longest night,
sadness or comfort, matters
not, spring is coming.
#haiku #dailyhaikuprompt
#winter #equinox #springiscoming
sadness or comfort, matters
not, spring is coming.
#haiku #dailyhaikuprompt
#winter #equinox #springiscoming
Reposted by MaryLou2
“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.”Anne Lamott
A gentle reminder at this time of year.
Not everything needs fixing or improving.
Sometimes slowing things down is enough.
🧡
#kindness #positivity #SelfCare
Picture by Simply Anxious
A gentle reminder at this time of year.
Not everything needs fixing or improving.
Sometimes slowing things down is enough.
🧡
#kindness #positivity #SelfCare
Picture by Simply Anxious
December 18, 2025 at 9:06 AM
“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.”Anne Lamott
A gentle reminder at this time of year.
Not everything needs fixing or improving.
Sometimes slowing things down is enough.
🧡
#kindness #positivity #SelfCare
Picture by Simply Anxious
A gentle reminder at this time of year.
Not everything needs fixing or improving.
Sometimes slowing things down is enough.
🧡
#kindness #positivity #SelfCare
Picture by Simply Anxious
Mid week adventure to Whightwick Manor. Interiors Arts & Craft / Wm Morris. This #adventangel “The Angel Gabriel” Evelyn De Morgan watercolour & pastel was tucked away in a dark corner. I felt he warranted greater exposure. #nationaltrust #watercolour #womenartist #artsandcrafts #Gabriel
December 17, 2025 at 5:59 PM
Mid week adventure to Whightwick Manor. Interiors Arts & Craft / Wm Morris. This #adventangel “The Angel Gabriel” Evelyn De Morgan watercolour & pastel was tucked away in a dark corner. I felt he warranted greater exposure. #nationaltrust #watercolour #womenartist #artsandcrafts #Gabriel
Bobs, dives, reappears
weed adorned, ready to dance.
Courting lake glances.
#haiku #dailyhaikuprompt #grebe #dance #courtship #birder
weed adorned, ready to dance.
Courting lake glances.
#haiku #dailyhaikuprompt #grebe #dance #courtship #birder
December 17, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Bobs, dives, reappears
weed adorned, ready to dance.
Courting lake glances.
#haiku #dailyhaikuprompt #grebe #dance #courtship #birder
weed adorned, ready to dance.
Courting lake glances.
#haiku #dailyhaikuprompt #grebe #dance #courtship #birder
Reposted by MaryLou2
Reposted by MaryLou2
lovely stuff www.gov.uk/government/n...
Urgent review into foreign financial interference in UK politics
An independent review, led by Philip Rycroft, into foreign financial interference in UK politics has been commissioned by the government.
www.gov.uk
December 16, 2025 at 3:04 PM
lovely stuff www.gov.uk/government/n...
Snow drifts, unlikely
as warm air hangs off bare limbs
Birds bathe in puddles.
#haiku #dailyhaikuprompt #snow #snowdrift #mild #damp #birder
as warm air hangs off bare limbs
Birds bathe in puddles.
#haiku #dailyhaikuprompt #snow #snowdrift #mild #damp #birder
December 16, 2025 at 9:24 AM
Snow drifts, unlikely
as warm air hangs off bare limbs
Birds bathe in puddles.
#haiku #dailyhaikuprompt #snow #snowdrift #mild #damp #birder
as warm air hangs off bare limbs
Birds bathe in puddles.
#haiku #dailyhaikuprompt #snow #snowdrift #mild #damp #birder
Reposted by MaryLou2
The incredibly right Joe Lycett is still the only good guest to go on Laura Kuenssberg's show.
He nearly got her fired, and she hates being reminded of it, so don't RT.
He nearly got her fired, and she hates being reminded of it, so don't RT.
December 14, 2025 at 8:59 PM
The incredibly right Joe Lycett is still the only good guest to go on Laura Kuenssberg's show.
He nearly got her fired, and she hates being reminded of it, so don't RT.
He nearly got her fired, and she hates being reminded of it, so don't RT.
Reposted by MaryLou2
open.substack.com/pub/christin...
Super flu season? Maybe not!
Super flu season? Maybe not!
Is it really a super flu year?
We're in the middle of a serious flu wave, but we just can't tell yet how bad it's going to be. Week-on-week comparisons are being used in a misleading way!
open.substack.com
December 11, 2025 at 6:22 PM
open.substack.com/pub/christin...
Super flu season? Maybe not!
Super flu season? Maybe not!
Forest branches sigh
gather and fall, storms’s winded breath
ragged, seeks to hold on.
#haiku #dailyhaikuprompt #breath #forest #stormyweather #poem #poetry
gather and fall, storms’s winded breath
ragged, seeks to hold on.
#haiku #dailyhaikuprompt #breath #forest #stormyweather #poem #poetry
December 9, 2025 at 10:55 AM
Forest branches sigh
gather and fall, storms’s winded breath
ragged, seeks to hold on.
#haiku #dailyhaikuprompt #breath #forest #stormyweather #poem #poetry
gather and fall, storms’s winded breath
ragged, seeks to hold on.
#haiku #dailyhaikuprompt #breath #forest #stormyweather #poem #poetry
Reposted by MaryLou2
Another Brexit economic verdict arrived last month in the form of an 83-page NBER working paper - and it is devastating.
What shocks me more is how politely politics continues to look away from the person who drove the bus.
What shocks me more is how politely politics continues to look away from the person who drove the bus.
The Farage Tax: What The UK Pays For One Man's Ego
GDP down, investment down, wages down - but Farage’s influence? Higher than ever
www.bearlypolitics.co.uk
December 8, 2025 at 12:47 PM
Another Brexit economic verdict arrived last month in the form of an 83-page NBER working paper - and it is devastating.
What shocks me more is how politely politics continues to look away from the person who drove the bus.
What shocks me more is how politely politics continues to look away from the person who drove the bus.
Reposted by MaryLou2
The Reform leader's increasingly rattled public appearances betray a growing sense that the opportunity of a lifetime could be about to slip from his fingers.
Why the wheels could be about to fall off the Farage project
www.adambienkov.co.uk/p/the-wheels...
Why the wheels could be about to fall off the Farage project
www.adambienkov.co.uk/p/the-wheels...
The Wheels Are Falling off the Nigel Farage Project
The Reform leader's increasingly rattled public appearances betray a growing sense that the opportunity of a lifetime could be about to slip from his fingers
www.adambienkov.co.uk
December 6, 2025 at 11:44 AM
The Reform leader's increasingly rattled public appearances betray a growing sense that the opportunity of a lifetime could be about to slip from his fingers.
Why the wheels could be about to fall off the Farage project
www.adambienkov.co.uk/p/the-wheels...
Why the wheels could be about to fall off the Farage project
www.adambienkov.co.uk/p/the-wheels...
Reposted by MaryLou2
"'Where are you from?’ he asked. Within seconds of offering my rather confused and sputtering answers, he had a clear response: ‘That’s the way back to Africa,’ with an accompanying hand gesture pointing towards a place far away."
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Former Dulwich pupil says Farage told him: ‘That’s the way back to Africa’
Exclusive: Yinka Bankole says he felt compelled to speak out after Reform leader’s attempts to ‘dismiss’ hurt of alleged targets
www.theguardian.com
December 5, 2025 at 7:42 PM
"'Where are you from?’ he asked. Within seconds of offering my rather confused and sputtering answers, he had a clear response: ‘That’s the way back to Africa,’ with an accompanying hand gesture pointing towards a place far away."
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Reposted by MaryLou2
Since Nathan Gill's conviction, a lot of people are waking up to Putin's meddling in British politics.
Here's a handy primer on Russian interference from @peterjukes.bsky.social @bylinetimes.bsky.social with @goldbergradio.bsky.social
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/a...
Here's a handy primer on Russian interference from @peterjukes.bsky.social @bylinetimes.bsky.social with @goldbergradio.bsky.social
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/a...
A Beginners Guide to Russian Influence: Brexit and Beyond
Podcast Episode · Byline Podcast · 29/11/2025 · 31m
podcasts.apple.com
December 4, 2025 at 9:40 AM
Since Nathan Gill's conviction, a lot of people are waking up to Putin's meddling in British politics.
Here's a handy primer on Russian interference from @peterjukes.bsky.social @bylinetimes.bsky.social with @goldbergradio.bsky.social
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/a...
Here's a handy primer on Russian interference from @peterjukes.bsky.social @bylinetimes.bsky.social with @goldbergradio.bsky.social
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/a...