Spiderscrawl
@spiderscrawl.bsky.social
Occasional writer. Full-time neurospicy. Making nonsense of a sensical world. All views other people’s. If you complain about ‘woke’, I’ll take that as explicit permission to disregard everything else you have to say. He/him/MAMIL
Pinned
Spiderscrawl
@spiderscrawl.bsky.social
· Aug 28
I find myself returning to Tony Benn’s five questions every time my daughter forces me to watch PJ Masks
I love how @nikkimcr.bsky.social on @americanfric.bsky.social gets more articulate in direct proportion to how angry she is. Pretty sure it is the other way around for most people.
Donald Trump’s nightmare before Christmas
Podcast Episode · American Friction · 19/12/2025 · 1h
podcasts.apple.com
December 20, 2025 at 2:02 PM
I love how @nikkimcr.bsky.social on @americanfric.bsky.social gets more articulate in direct proportion to how angry she is. Pretty sure it is the other way around for most people.
Reposted by Spiderscrawl
Meanwhile Robin Ince genuinely has been cancelled for daring to voice his opinions and for defending trans people.
Where's the outrage from the "cancel culture" lot?
What are the Free Speech Union doing to help him?
Where's the outrage from the "cancel culture" lot?
What are the Free Speech Union doing to help him?
Robin Ince reveals to last night’s audience at a recording of Infinite Monkey Cage that the BBC has forced him to resign over his support of trans people
December 13, 2025 at 11:29 AM
Meanwhile Robin Ince genuinely has been cancelled for daring to voice his opinions and for defending trans people.
Where's the outrage from the "cancel culture" lot?
What are the Free Speech Union doing to help him?
Where's the outrage from the "cancel culture" lot?
What are the Free Speech Union doing to help him?
@sellingamirror.bsky.social I like how the person reflected in the second mirror, appears to be doing something slightly different to the person in the foreground. Reminiscent of Manet's 'A Bar at the Folies-Bergère'
December 11, 2025 at 1:46 AM
@sellingamirror.bsky.social I like how the person reflected in the second mirror, appears to be doing something slightly different to the person in the foreground. Reminiscent of Manet's 'A Bar at the Folies-Bergère'
Reposted by Spiderscrawl
So today I found out that my TED talk ‘This is What a Digital Coup Looks Like’ was TED’s most watched talk of the year.
It’s sort of amazing & terrifying. Because this *is* what a digital coup looks like.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZOo...
It’s sort of amazing & terrifying. Because this *is* what a digital coup looks like.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZOo...
This Is What a Digital Coup Looks Like | Carole Cadwalladr | TED
YouTube video by TED
www.youtube.com
December 9, 2025 at 10:29 PM
So today I found out that my TED talk ‘This is What a Digital Coup Looks Like’ was TED’s most watched talk of the year.
It’s sort of amazing & terrifying. Because this *is* what a digital coup looks like.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZOo...
It’s sort of amazing & terrifying. Because this *is* what a digital coup looks like.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZOo...
This is a glorious paragraph. Great work. No notes. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
November 29, 2025 at 7:33 AM
This is a glorious paragraph. Great work. No notes. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Spiderscrawl
A quick reminder of who Nigel Farage was most concerned about when Putin's tanks first rolled into Ukraine
November 27, 2025 at 8:22 PM
A quick reminder of who Nigel Farage was most concerned about when Putin's tanks first rolled into Ukraine
Reposted by Spiderscrawl
Farage says he can't remember being continually racist and antisemitic.
The axe forgets. The tree remembers.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
The axe forgets. The tree remembers.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Nigel Farage responds to racism claims saying he never ‘tried to hurt anybody’
Reform leader denies racist or antisemitic behaviour ‘with intent’ at school, but says he can’t remember everything from 49 years ago
www.theguardian.com
November 25, 2025 at 2:50 PM
Farage says he can't remember being continually racist and antisemitic.
The axe forgets. The tree remembers.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
The axe forgets. The tree remembers.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
It's the same political culture that allows this clownish monster, who should never have been allowed anywhere near the levers of power, avoid taking responsibility for the reported 23000 lives cut short by his incompetence. 38d.gs/bojo_all_df
November 24, 2025 at 5:03 PM
It's the same political culture that allows this clownish monster, who should never have been allowed anywhere near the levers of power, avoid taking responsibility for the reported 23000 lives cut short by his incompetence. 38d.gs/bojo_all_df
That they could be found to be so obviously corrupt, or open to corruption and the only penalty is four or five’s months away from the HoL cuts to the heart of what is wrong with our political system. There’s no accountability, no penalties and no responsibility taken for any wrongdoing or harm.
Two peers suspended from House of Lords for breaking lobbying rules
Lord Evans of Watford and Lord Dannatt were filmed breaking rules in undercover footage recorded by Guardian
www.theguardian.com
November 24, 2025 at 12:48 PM
That they could be found to be so obviously corrupt, or open to corruption and the only penalty is four or five’s months away from the HoL cuts to the heart of what is wrong with our political system. There’s no accountability, no penalties and no responsibility taken for any wrongdoing or harm.
Reposted by Spiderscrawl
Today is Trans Day Of Remembrance
#TransLivesMatter #TDoR #TDoR2025 #TransDayOfRemembrance #TransAwarenessWeek #SayTheirNames
*** Trigger warning for the following thread: Violence against trans people (especially TWOC) * * *
#TransLivesMatter #TDoR #TDoR2025 #TransDayOfRemembrance #TransAwarenessWeek #SayTheirNames
*** Trigger warning for the following thread: Violence against trans people (especially TWOC) * * *
November 20, 2025 at 6:58 AM
Today is Trans Day Of Remembrance
#TransLivesMatter #TDoR #TDoR2025 #TransDayOfRemembrance #TransAwarenessWeek #SayTheirNames
*** Trigger warning for the following thread: Violence against trans people (especially TWOC) * * *
#TransLivesMatter #TDoR #TDoR2025 #TransDayOfRemembrance #TransAwarenessWeek #SayTheirNames
*** Trigger warning for the following thread: Violence against trans people (especially TWOC) * * *
I've never experienced the kind of abhorrent abuse that Shabana Mahmood related in her HoC response this week. Still, I'm going to stick my neck out and suggest that @teamlabouruk.bsky.social won't get rid of racism by (checks notes) giving racists exactly what they want.
Shabana Mahmood is wrong - Another cowardly attack on immigrants does not hide the incompetence of the Starmer government.
Me, for the @newstatesman1913.bsky.social
www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-...
Me, for the @newstatesman1913.bsky.social
www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-...
Shabana Mahmood is wrong
Another cowardly attack on immigrants does not hide the incompetence of the Starmer government
www.newstatesman.com
November 19, 2025 at 12:04 PM
I've never experienced the kind of abhorrent abuse that Shabana Mahmood related in her HoC response this week. Still, I'm going to stick my neck out and suggest that @teamlabouruk.bsky.social won't get rid of racism by (checks notes) giving racists exactly what they want.
Reposted by Spiderscrawl
The highest paid MP in the country has suggested that the minimum wage may be “too high” for younger workers 🤷
November 4, 2025 at 6:25 PM
The highest paid MP in the country has suggested that the minimum wage may be “too high” for younger workers 🤷
I miss sub-editors
October 31, 2025 at 11:08 AM
I miss sub-editors
I have serious criticisms of our current gvt. Watching Covid Enquiry, it's wild to recall that we entered such a massive crisis with Hancock at Health, Williamson at Education, a cabinet with Truss, Dowden, Raab, Shapps, all led by narcissistic Dougal impersonator Johnson. Puts it into perspective.
October 21, 2025 at 12:44 PM
I have serious criticisms of our current gvt. Watching Covid Enquiry, it's wild to recall that we entered such a massive crisis with Hancock at Health, Williamson at Education, a cabinet with Truss, Dowden, Raab, Shapps, all led by narcissistic Dougal impersonator Johnson. Puts it into perspective.
I don't buy the idea that racism, xenophobia and hatred are the dominant ideologies of people in this country. I still think most people are decent and kind, given the chance. @hopenothate.org.uk are organising 'A Weekend of Hope' on 18th/19th of October. Here's how you can get involved.
Be Part of Britain’s Weekend of HOPE - 18th/19th October
On 18-19 October, thousands of us will take to the streets with a simple message: our communities are stronger together. Will you join us?
secure.hopenothate.org.uk
October 1, 2025 at 11:00 PM
I don't buy the idea that racism, xenophobia and hatred are the dominant ideologies of people in this country. I still think most people are decent and kind, given the chance. @hopenothate.org.uk are organising 'A Weekend of Hope' on 18th/19th of October. Here's how you can get involved.
"...19:52 - It is agreed (not unanimously) that a naked Darren Grimes cycling around the Bullring on an e-bike is bad optics for Reform..."
@mrhenrymorris.substack.com is one of the few things that makes watching the collapse of every value I hold dear almost bearable.
@mrhenrymorris.substack.com is one of the few things that makes watching the collapse of every value I hold dear almost bearable.
THE REFORM CONFERENCE DIARY - DAY 2
More incredible undercover insights from deep inside the Reform machine
open.substack.com
September 9, 2025 at 7:20 AM
"...19:52 - It is agreed (not unanimously) that a naked Darren Grimes cycling around the Bullring on an e-bike is bad optics for Reform..."
@mrhenrymorris.substack.com is one of the few things that makes watching the collapse of every value I hold dear almost bearable.
@mrhenrymorris.substack.com is one of the few things that makes watching the collapse of every value I hold dear almost bearable.
I was having one of those days earlier this week. The dark was with me. Normally, if I can bear to listen to anything, it will be music. Something told me it was the perfect time to listen to the final episode of the ever brilliant #podyssey. I couldn’t have been more right.
🐍 MEDUSA - Here's Looking At You, Kid 🪦
Before Medusa was monstrous, she was beautiful. And before she was beautiful, she was powerful. She is a riddle that defies solution, from a time before the shape of things was settled.
🍊 open.spotify.com/episode/67sR...
🍏 podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/a...
Before Medusa was monstrous, she was beautiful. And before she was beautiful, she was powerful. She is a riddle that defies solution, from a time before the shape of things was settled.
🍊 open.spotify.com/episode/67sR...
🍏 podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/a...
MEDUSA - Here's Looking at You, Kid
Podcast Episode · Alex Andreou's Podyssey · 01/09/2025 · 1h 35m
podcasts.apple.com
September 6, 2025 at 11:06 AM
I was having one of those days earlier this week. The dark was with me. Normally, if I can bear to listen to anything, it will be music. Something told me it was the perfect time to listen to the final episode of the ever brilliant #podyssey. I couldn’t have been more right.
Jesus! Over the last decade I’ve found ways of dealing with the news so that, in general, it doesn’t overwhelm me, while also trying not to be desensitised by it. Ten minutes discussion in a group chat with a load of (usually) like-minded friends yesterday sent me into a fucking doom spiral.
September 4, 2025 at 1:29 PM
Jesus! Over the last decade I’ve found ways of dealing with the news so that, in general, it doesn’t overwhelm me, while also trying not to be desensitised by it. Ten minutes discussion in a group chat with a load of (usually) like-minded friends yesterday sent me into a fucking doom spiral.
To be clear what is at stake here, some highlights from the guidance...
Your right to determine your sexual orientation, lifestyle, your look and dress.
Your right to control who sees and touches your body
Your right to develop your personal identity and to forge relationships.
Full details ⬇️
Your right to determine your sexual orientation, lifestyle, your look and dress.
Your right to control who sees and touches your body
Your right to develop your personal identity and to forge relationships.
Full details ⬇️
August 31, 2025 at 9:12 PM
To be clear what is at stake here, some highlights from the guidance...
Your right to determine your sexual orientation, lifestyle, your look and dress.
Your right to control who sees and touches your body
Your right to develop your personal identity and to forge relationships.
Full details ⬇️
Your right to determine your sexual orientation, lifestyle, your look and dress.
Your right to control who sees and touches your body
Your right to develop your personal identity and to forge relationships.
Full details ⬇️
It was the walking out of a shop, forgetting to pay for its Pedigree Chum that really clinched it for Larry.
Larry the dog crowned winner of Richard Madeley lookalike contest
The wig-wearing pug sees off competition from 13 other contestants at the event in Stockport.
www.bbc.co.uk
August 18, 2025 at 7:57 PM
It was the walking out of a shop, forgetting to pay for its Pedigree Chum that really clinched it for Larry.
Duo inferred that from my failure to conjugate three verbs? AI is getting scary! And rude.
August 13, 2025 at 10:13 PM
Duo inferred that from my failure to conjugate three verbs? AI is getting scary! And rude.
I’ve developed a strong Pavlovian response to Alex’s introduction and Marianna Sangita’s brilliant theme tune to @alexpodyssey.bsky.social I feel an immediate sense of wellbeing and excited anticipation as soon as I hear it.
🆕 AESOP II: A dolphin and a seagull were hurling insults at each other 🐬
Is truth a set of facts? Might something fake be authentic? Can you contruct a truth out of lies? And why are unreliable narrators more compelling?
🎧 open.spotify.com/episode/4hZ8...
🍏 podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/a...
Is truth a set of facts? Might something fake be authentic? Can you contruct a truth out of lies? And why are unreliable narrators more compelling?
🎧 open.spotify.com/episode/4hZ8...
🍏 podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/a...
8. AESOP II - A dolphin and a seagull were hurling insults at each other
Podcast Episode · Alex Andreou's Podyssey · 26/07/2025 · 1h 13m
podcasts.apple.com
July 30, 2025 at 1:21 PM
I’ve developed a strong Pavlovian response to Alex’s introduction and Marianna Sangita’s brilliant theme tune to @alexpodyssey.bsky.social I feel an immediate sense of wellbeing and excited anticipation as soon as I hear it.
If you’re fed up with the disproportionate amount of coverage Sky News gives to this attention hungry grifter @bestforbritain.org have a form complaint email you can send with the click of a button. Can’t wait for his hysterical victimisation claims if it works.
With the click of a button, ask Sky News what they’re doing to ensure balanced reporting. Because they seem to cover every move Farage makes.
www.bestforbritain.org/complaint_sk...
www.bestforbritain.org/complaint_sk...
Take Action: Make a complaint to Sky News about excessive coverage of Reform UK
Change Minds → Change Politics
www.bestforbritain.org
July 29, 2025 at 6:45 PM
If you’re fed up with the disproportionate amount of coverage Sky News gives to this attention hungry grifter @bestforbritain.org have a form complaint email you can send with the click of a button. Can’t wait for his hysterical victimisation claims if it works.
Reposted by Spiderscrawl
📜 New AESOP I - Virtue Signaller or Fake News Merchant? 🏛️
Part One of Three: Stories have had a moral for as long as we've had stories. So why is Aesop, enduringly, one of the few moralists we accept can dish it out?
🎧 open.spotify.com/episode/0lP7...
🍏 podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/a...
Part One of Three: Stories have had a moral for as long as we've had stories. So why is Aesop, enduringly, one of the few moralists we accept can dish it out?
🎧 open.spotify.com/episode/0lP7...
🍏 podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/a...
7. AESOP I - Virtue Signaller or Fake News Merchant?
Podcast Episode · Alex Andreou's Podyssey · 13/07/2025 · 44m
podcasts.apple.com
July 13, 2025 at 9:34 AM
📜 New AESOP I - Virtue Signaller or Fake News Merchant? 🏛️
Part One of Three: Stories have had a moral for as long as we've had stories. So why is Aesop, enduringly, one of the few moralists we accept can dish it out?
🎧 open.spotify.com/episode/0lP7...
🍏 podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/a...
Part One of Three: Stories have had a moral for as long as we've had stories. So why is Aesop, enduringly, one of the few moralists we accept can dish it out?
🎧 open.spotify.com/episode/0lP7...
🍏 podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/a...
Anyone who’s ever tried to buy sweets at a shop near a high school could tell you that this isn’t going to work.
July 10, 2025 at 4:04 PM
Anyone who’s ever tried to buy sweets at a shop near a high school could tell you that this isn’t going to work.