Msbluesky
@ms-rainandshine.bsky.social
Reposted by Msbluesky
I blame the declining number of chocolate orange trees.
A Chocolate Orange has doubled in price – and got smaller. Why?
A Chocolate Orange has doubled in price – and got smaller. Why?
From Quality Street to Toblerone to the Terry’s classic, festive treats are becoming more of a luxury – and it’s not just down to the price of cocoa
www.theguardian.com
December 18, 2025 at 5:36 AM
I blame the declining number of chocolate orange trees.
Reposted by Msbluesky
🔊 China posted a record $1 trillion trade surplus for the first 11 months of 2025. In today's Viewsroom podcast, Breakingviews columnists discuss how Beijing’s plan to make high-end tech goods has paid off, and why a US trade war could spoil the party reut.rs/3MOvudu
Made in China’s success story is tentative at best: podcast
The world’s second-largest economy posted a record $1 trln trade surplus for the first 11 months of 2025. In this Viewsroom podcast, Breakingviews columnists discuss how Beijing’s plan to make high-en...
reut.rs
December 18, 2025 at 5:54 AM
🔊 China posted a record $1 trillion trade surplus for the first 11 months of 2025. In today's Viewsroom podcast, Breakingviews columnists discuss how Beijing’s plan to make high-end tech goods has paid off, and why a US trade war could spoil the party reut.rs/3MOvudu
Reposted by Msbluesky
UK's Inocea Group eyes acquisition of Germany warship builder GNYK, source says reut.rs/4qfcgMr
UK's Inocea Group eyes acquisition of Germany warship builder GNYK, source says
British defence, marine and industrial firm Inocea Group is in talks to buy warship builder German Naval Yards Kiel (GNYK), a person familiar with the matter said, highlighting growing demand for defence assets fuelled by geopolitical tensions.
reut.rs
December 17, 2025 at 9:30 PM
UK's Inocea Group eyes acquisition of Germany warship builder GNYK, source says reut.rs/4qfcgMr
Reposted by Msbluesky
EU rules out UK exemption from carbon border levy until markets link reut.rs/4oZmYFS
EU rules out UK exemption from carbon border levy until markets link
The European Union will not exempt Britain from its CO2 emissions fee on imported goods until the two sides link their carbon markets, the bloc's climate chief said on Wednesday.
reut.rs
December 17, 2025 at 9:25 PM
EU rules out UK exemption from carbon border levy until markets link reut.rs/4oZmYFS
Reposted by Msbluesky
My dad abhors any negative comments about immigrants. Asked him recently why he’s so strong on it: ‘Because we’re always happy to take the rich and clever ones. Which means it’s not about disliking immigrants. It’s about disliking the poor and vulnerable. And that’s a bad human instinct.’
December 7, 2025 at 8:31 AM
My dad abhors any negative comments about immigrants. Asked him recently why he’s so strong on it: ‘Because we’re always happy to take the rich and clever ones. Which means it’s not about disliking immigrants. It’s about disliking the poor and vulnerable. And that’s a bad human instinct.’
Reposted by Msbluesky
One more way in which the neoliberal university model is failing us
Plant taxonomy is disappearing - and so is our ability to protect species 🍂
Nearly half of countries have fewer than 10 plant taxonomists. Kew is working to close the gap, but we need more experts fast.
Read the study’s key findings and what we're doing about it 👇
https://ow.ly/XhJo50XyGAa
Nearly half of countries have fewer than 10 plant taxonomists. Kew is working to close the gap, but we need more experts fast.
Read the study’s key findings and what we're doing about it 👇
https://ow.ly/XhJo50XyGAa
December 6, 2025 at 2:54 PM
One more way in which the neoliberal university model is failing us
Reposted by Msbluesky
With @pcsunion.bsky.social hearing about its important report on social security, dispelling myths.
No, it is not generous by international standards, quote the opposite. And its level is stable, not "out of control"
No, it is not generous by international standards, quote the opposite. And its level is stable, not "out of control"
December 2, 2025 at 8:07 PM
With @pcsunion.bsky.social hearing about its important report on social security, dispelling myths.
No, it is not generous by international standards, quote the opposite. And its level is stable, not "out of control"
No, it is not generous by international standards, quote the opposite. And its level is stable, not "out of control"
Reposted by Msbluesky
UK budget Effects:
Economy to grow by 1.5% this year, down from 1.9%.
Productivity to rise by 1%, down from 1.3%.
Disposable income could rise by 0.5% a year.
Can't get economic growth when 24m people can't attain minimum living standard.
1% have more wealth than 70% of the population combined.
Economy to grow by 1.5% this year, down from 1.9%.
Productivity to rise by 1%, down from 1.3%.
Disposable income could rise by 0.5% a year.
Can't get economic growth when 24m people can't attain minimum living standard.
1% have more wealth than 70% of the population combined.
The government’s budget is simply managing decline
The budget does little to improve living standards or facilitate sustained economic growth
leftfootforward.org
December 2, 2025 at 9:33 AM
UK budget Effects:
Economy to grow by 1.5% this year, down from 1.9%.
Productivity to rise by 1%, down from 1.3%.
Disposable income could rise by 0.5% a year.
Can't get economic growth when 24m people can't attain minimum living standard.
1% have more wealth than 70% of the population combined.
Economy to grow by 1.5% this year, down from 1.9%.
Productivity to rise by 1%, down from 1.3%.
Disposable income could rise by 0.5% a year.
Can't get economic growth when 24m people can't attain minimum living standard.
1% have more wealth than 70% of the population combined.
Reposted by Msbluesky
Virgin Media fined £23.8m for leaving vulnerable customers 'at risk of harm'.
Disconnected telecare customers during migration to digital landlines.
Directors must have known but put profits before people.
Execs not fined. Fines will be passed to customers. Where is the deterrent?
Disconnected telecare customers during migration to digital landlines.
Directors must have known but put profits before people.
Execs not fined. Fines will be passed to customers. Where is the deterrent?
Virgin Media fined £24m for leaving vulnerable customers 'at risk of harm'
Ofcom has fined Virgin Media after an investigation found it had left thousands of vulnerable telecare customers at risk.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 2, 2025 at 7:33 AM
Virgin Media fined £23.8m for leaving vulnerable customers 'at risk of harm'.
Disconnected telecare customers during migration to digital landlines.
Directors must have known but put profits before people.
Execs not fined. Fines will be passed to customers. Where is the deterrent?
Disconnected telecare customers during migration to digital landlines.
Directors must have known but put profits before people.
Execs not fined. Fines will be passed to customers. Where is the deterrent?
Reposted by Msbluesky
A small corner of Belgium is recruiting ordinary citizens to help create policies. Participants say it has renewed their faith in government.
Democracy Is in Trouble. This Region Is Turning to Its People.
A small corner of Belgium is recruiting ordinary citizens to help create policies. Participants say it’s renewed their faith in government.
nyti.ms
November 23, 2025 at 3:50 PM
A small corner of Belgium is recruiting ordinary citizens to help create policies. Participants say it has renewed their faith in government.
Reposted by Msbluesky
![Cartoon by Stephen Collins for The Guardian. Script as follows:
[scene is Winston Churchill in a bbc studio, giving his 'finest hour' speech]
1
CHURCHILL:
The whole fury and might of the enemy must very soon be turned on us.
2
CHURCHILL:
Hitler knows that he will have to break us in this Island or lose the war.
3
CHURCHILL:
If we can stand up to him, all Europe may be free
and the life of the world may move forward into broad, sun-
BBC PRESENTER:
Thank you prime minister
4
BBC PRESENTER:
Mr hitler, your response?
5
HITLER [in the studio]:
Vell zis is hysterical woke nonsense as usual from mr Churchill
6
HITLER:
What we are proposing -
CHURCHILL:
Hang on
7
HITLER:
Let me finish - what we are proposing eez a simple power-sharing arrangement -
8
CHURCHILL:
What's he doing here
BBC PRESENTER:
It's important we hear both sides of the debate
9
CHURCHILL:
This isn't a debate
You don't debate fascists
10
HITLER:
Oh here we go with ze Godwins law!
11
HITLER:
Why must you people always compare ze things you don't like to 'fascists, Nazis, Hitler'...
CHURCHILL:
Because you are a fascist Nazi Hit-
12
HITLER [standing up, saluting]:
RAUSS!
BBC PRESENTER:
*Please* Mr Churchill let him speak
[ends]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:4m3we4apbjayclzcnhwe3pfp/bafkreibw4ldc3fhslbvxgy2oqrof2oys5kpgh7zu6a5f3usmx3lf4547qm@jpeg)
Reposted by Msbluesky
... and the risk isn't OVER.
Climate change, human habitation of the seas, changing ocean chemistry and undersea mining & detonations all pose substantial risks for the humpback.
But for now, there's reason to celebrate, to even leap for joy a bit. 🐳
As Scotty said: "There be whales here."
Climate change, human habitation of the seas, changing ocean chemistry and undersea mining & detonations all pose substantial risks for the humpback.
But for now, there's reason to celebrate, to even leap for joy a bit. 🐳
As Scotty said: "There be whales here."
a picture of a whale in the ocean with the words bbc america rica on the bottom
Alt: a picture of a whale in the ocean with the words bbc america rica on the bottom
media.tenor.com
November 9, 2025 at 9:29 PM
... and the risk isn't OVER.
Climate change, human habitation of the seas, changing ocean chemistry and undersea mining & detonations all pose substantial risks for the humpback.
But for now, there's reason to celebrate, to even leap for joy a bit. 🐳
As Scotty said: "There be whales here."
Climate change, human habitation of the seas, changing ocean chemistry and undersea mining & detonations all pose substantial risks for the humpback.
But for now, there's reason to celebrate, to even leap for joy a bit. 🐳
As Scotty said: "There be whales here."
Reposted by Msbluesky
Meanwhile, the government lets AI companies get away with the systemic ecocide that will lead to mass human suffering and deaths from heat and famine. Despicable.
Good folk doing the right thing being treated like extremists.
#climate
www.theguardian.com/law/2025/nov...
#climate
www.theguardian.com/law/2025/nov...
Jailed UK climate protesters facing conditions reserved for extremists on release
Exclusive: Just Stop Oil activist was banned from attending gatherings, including meeting a friend in a cafe, without permission
www.theguardian.com
November 9, 2025 at 9:30 PM
Meanwhile, the government lets AI companies get away with the systemic ecocide that will lead to mass human suffering and deaths from heat and famine. Despicable.
Reposted by Msbluesky
England facing drastic measures due to extreme drought next year
England facing drastic measures due to extreme drought next year
Government and water companies are devising emergency plans for worst water shortage in decades
Water companies and the government are drawing up emergency plans for a drought next year more extreme than we have seen in decades.
Executives at one major water company told the Guardian they were extremely concerned about the prospect of a winter with lower than average rainfall, which the Met Office’s long-term forecast says is likely. They said if this happened, the water shortfall would mean taking drastic water use curtailment measures “going beyond hosepipe bans”. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
November 8, 2025 at 6:07 AM
England facing drastic measures due to extreme drought next year
Reposted by Msbluesky
Audit firm BDO fined £5,850,000.
Partners (now ex) faked audit evidence; in numerous
cases no, or insufficient audit evidence was obtained.
The firm had poor quality control procedures. Concerns about partner honesty and integrity received little attention.
Audit itself has become fraud.
Partners (now ex) faked audit evidence; in numerous
cases no, or insufficient audit evidence was obtained.
The firm had poor quality control procedures. Concerns about partner honesty and integrity received little attention.
Audit itself has become fraud.
FRC imposes sanctions against BDO LLP and two audit engagement partners
The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) has imposed sanctions under the Accountancy Scheme against BDO LLP (BDO) and two former audit engagement partners, Mr John Everingham and Mr Kevin Cook (together,...
www.frc.org.uk
November 7, 2025 at 11:00 AM
Audit firm BDO fined £5,850,000.
Partners (now ex) faked audit evidence; in numerous
cases no, or insufficient audit evidence was obtained.
The firm had poor quality control procedures. Concerns about partner honesty and integrity received little attention.
Audit itself has become fraud.
Partners (now ex) faked audit evidence; in numerous
cases no, or insufficient audit evidence was obtained.
The firm had poor quality control procedures. Concerns about partner honesty and integrity received little attention.
Audit itself has become fraud.
Reposted by Msbluesky
ITV in talks to sell television business to Sky.
Sky is owned by US-based Comcast, largest shareholders include Vanguard Group, BlackRock.
CMA must block the takeover. No one must own more than one major media outlet. Need diversity and competition.
Sky is owned by US-based Comcast, largest shareholders include Vanguard Group, BlackRock.
CMA must block the takeover. No one must own more than one major media outlet. Need diversity and competition.
ITV in talks to sell television business to Sky
The talks focus on ITV's Media and Entertainment division, which include its TV channels as well as its streaming service, ITV X.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 7, 2025 at 7:51 AM
ITV in talks to sell television business to Sky.
Sky is owned by US-based Comcast, largest shareholders include Vanguard Group, BlackRock.
CMA must block the takeover. No one must own more than one major media outlet. Need diversity and competition.
Sky is owned by US-based Comcast, largest shareholders include Vanguard Group, BlackRock.
CMA must block the takeover. No one must own more than one major media outlet. Need diversity and competition.
Reposted by Msbluesky
Can you recycle pizza boxes? Yes, unless they had pizza in them at some point. New Yorker Humor provides some guidelines for sorting your trash.
What Can I Recycle?
A lot of trash can be saved from the landfill—if you follow a few simple guidelines.
www.newyorker.com
November 4, 2025 at 9:47 PM
Can you recycle pizza boxes? Yes, unless they had pizza in them at some point. New Yorker Humor provides some guidelines for sorting your trash.
Reposted by Msbluesky
The mafia admin reaches another low in its quest to destroy America's respectability around the world.
"The deployment of personal threats in an international negotiation represents another departure by [Felon & co] from diplomatic norms & signals further tension in relations between the U.S. & EU"
"The deployment of personal threats in an international negotiation represents another departure by [Felon & co] from diplomatic norms & signals further tension in relations between the U.S. & EU"
US accused of threatening EU diplomats during bid to kill green shipping rules
Negotiators at shipping talks in London were told both they and their countries could be punished unless they voted with the U.S.
www.politico.eu
November 4, 2025 at 6:22 PM
The mafia admin reaches another low in its quest to destroy America's respectability around the world.
"The deployment of personal threats in an international negotiation represents another departure by [Felon & co] from diplomatic norms & signals further tension in relations between the U.S. & EU"
"The deployment of personal threats in an international negotiation represents another departure by [Felon & co] from diplomatic norms & signals further tension in relations between the U.S. & EU"
Reposted by Msbluesky
Inside story of the very close links between Nathan Gill, the former UKIP MEP who has pleaded guilty to accepting bribes to push pro-Putin propaganda, and his former political master Nigel Farage
Ex UKIP sources say Gill was very much Farage’s ”enforcer” and “right-hand man”.
Ex UKIP sources say Gill was very much Farage’s ”enforcer” and “right-hand man”.
Reform UK, the Russian spy and rolls of Kremlin cash: the inside story of Nathan Gill
How did a former Mormon bishop end up pleading guilty to taking bribes to make statements in favour of Russia in the European parliament?
www.theguardian.com
November 2, 2025 at 11:06 AM
Inside story of the very close links between Nathan Gill, the former UKIP MEP who has pleaded guilty to accepting bribes to push pro-Putin propaganda, and his former political master Nigel Farage
Ex UKIP sources say Gill was very much Farage’s ”enforcer” and “right-hand man”.
Ex UKIP sources say Gill was very much Farage’s ”enforcer” and “right-hand man”.
The River Darent is threatened by plans to build - build - build - created by Kent, Sevenoaks Council for 2027 - 2042. www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/downloads/fi... - what doesn't show is the scale of possible damage to beautiful & fragile ecosystems in the area. Don't like it? Have your say on the survey!
Local Plan (Regulation 18 consultation version) | Sevenoaks District Council
Sevenoaks District Council download - Local Plan (Regulation 18 consultation version) | Planning and building control | Planning | Planning policy | Emerging Local Plan
www.sevenoaks.gov.uk
November 1, 2025 at 10:40 PM
The River Darent is threatened by plans to build - build - build - created by Kent, Sevenoaks Council for 2027 - 2042. www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/downloads/fi... - what doesn't show is the scale of possible damage to beautiful & fragile ecosystems in the area. Don't like it? Have your say on the survey!
Reposted by Msbluesky
Disease-causing bacteria that have been recently discovered in the teeth of Napoleonic soldiers may have spurred the massive infantry’s demise during its retreat from Russia
Napoleon’s Army Defeat Linked to Unexpected Pathogens, DNA Study Shows
Disease-causing bacteria that have been recently discovered in the teeth of Napoleonic soldiers may have spurred the massive infantry’s demise during its retreat from Russia
www.scientificamerican.com
October 24, 2025 at 5:18 PM
Disease-causing bacteria that have been recently discovered in the teeth of Napoleonic soldiers may have spurred the massive infantry’s demise during its retreat from Russia
Reposted by Msbluesky
There is no escape on this #PoisonedPlanet.
"Pesticides are ubiquitous, not only in agricultural areas but also in environments far from crop fields".
And we're just starting to grasp implications for #PublicHealth
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
"Pesticides are ubiquitous, not only in agricultural areas but also in environments far from crop fields".
And we're just starting to grasp implications for #PublicHealth
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
‘I was contaminated’: study reveals how hard it is to avoid pesticide exposure
Silicone wristbands worn by volunteers in the Netherlands captured 173 substances in one week
www.theguardian.com
October 24, 2025 at 6:32 PM
There is no escape on this #PoisonedPlanet.
"Pesticides are ubiquitous, not only in agricultural areas but also in environments far from crop fields".
And we're just starting to grasp implications for #PublicHealth
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
"Pesticides are ubiquitous, not only in agricultural areas but also in environments far from crop fields".
And we're just starting to grasp implications for #PublicHealth
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Reposted by Msbluesky
By virtually every key metric, efforts to fight climate change are going too slowly, according to findings by a coalition of climate groups. In some cases, things are moving in the wrong direction.
New Report Finds Efforts to Slow Climate Change Are Working—Just Not Fast Enough
By virtually every key metric, efforts to fight climate change are going too slowly, according to findings by a coalition of climate groups. In some cases, things are moving in the wrong direction.
wrd.cm
October 22, 2025 at 4:06 AM
By virtually every key metric, efforts to fight climate change are going too slowly, according to findings by a coalition of climate groups. In some cases, things are moving in the wrong direction.