I’m ok that Starmer has been criticised by Trump because he didn’t capitulate. I’d be more concerned if he was flattered by Trump. I’d be terrified if Starmer’s support was absolute and unconditional.
The UK is not the USA’s poodle or 51st state. We are allowed to disagree. Sometimes it’s our duty.

Lovely blustery Dorset walk to blow away the cobwebs. Time to get ready for the New Year and blow away the 2025 dust.

Helpful!

Yes, Minister character is government's new AI assistant A new suite of AI tools for civil servants are named 'Humphrey' after the scheming character.

There’s a lot of challenging political news to digest this morning. So here’s something to lighten the mood from Westminster. We’ve always been able to rely on Sir Humphrey to set us back on track.

Yes, Minister character is government's new AI assistant www.bbc.com/news/article...

the word glitch is displayed in a glitch effect ALT: the word glitch is displayed in a glitch effect

There’s a glitch in the matrix. My calendar says 18th January but I know it’s 43rd Jan.

Not little. That’s a big win in my world.

Who's recruiting who in a candidate's market? I have lost count of the number of recruitment processes I have been involved in during my 30+ year career in the charity sector. I have been a recruiter, and I have been recruited.

Who’s recruiting who in a candidates’ market. I’m noticing some shifts in the power balance in the charity sector. Are you? www.linkedin.com/pulse/whos-r...

Spot on my friend. If it’s got anything to do with literature I’m enthusiastic. 🤓

Amazing Grace Country Amazing Grace Country: Ireland's beautiful Lough Swilly in County Donegal, along the Wild Atlantic Way, was the setting for a dramatic story which changed the life of John Newton who penned the world'...

I wish! Not talented enough to write poetry I’m afraid. But here’s a bit more about the Amazing Grace link. Well worth a vist. www.amazinggrace.ie

Getting rid of fact checkers is just the tip of the iceberg at Meta. Dystopian future anyone?

This just popped up on my timeline. So I thought I’d share it. Lough Swilly, Ireland. I took this during a visit to the RNLI lifeboat station there. Stunning place. And the inspiration behind Amazing Grace. It’s easy to see why. #Ireland

I’m good thanks Matthew. I hope you are too. Have a brilliant 2025.

For the love of god if anyone is still on X or buying Teslas please stop.

I’m here for Scandi-noir and Scots-noir. Didn’t even know Scots-noir was a thing but looking for it now 🤓

Are you on Goodreads? It sound like you’d be a brilliant person to follow (not stalking, I just think you probably read some brilliant books and I’m always looking for those).

Oh wow. Looks really interesting.

Exactly that. There is something very lovely about the feel of these keys and the noise they make. This machine has a soul. And I’m pretty sure that my laptop won’t still be fit for purpose in 104 years time.

She is. She has her own shelf now amongst my books. She fits in beautifully. I might even use her for typing one day (if I’m brave enough and worthy enough).

Firstly I didn’t know you were here in the big blue sky (now rectified and following you), secondly I had no idea you have been harbouring a classic typewriter. Yours probably saw some WW1 action. Take good care of it.

For all typewriter geeks out there here’s my just acquired 1921 folding, portable Corona 3. In perfect working condition, its original case with cleaning brush and metal vial of oil. Ernest Hemingway used one of these when he was a war correspondent in France for the Toronto Star from 1920 to 1925.

My Women’s History Calendar 2025 celebrates Simone de Beauvoir during the month of January. If you want to learn more about inspirational women throughout 2025 check out this calendar at Radical Tea Towel . There’s still time to get your year off to a feminist start.

www.radicalteatowel.com

a woman in a leopard print shirt is screaming and says " and relax " ALT: a woman in a leopard print shirt is screaming and says " and relax "

When your clients head off for Christmas and the in-box goes quiet….

When you have to go the long way round for this morning’s walk because your dog is too scared to walk past your neighbour’s inflatable outdoor Xmas Santa and Polar Bear.

Thank Kristine. It’s a much appreciated retreat that’s for sure x

It’s such a gorgeous space Faye. My favourite place. Tell your husband you’re perfectly serious 😉

About Us | The Spark Company Welcome to Spark, a community for anyone who believes in the radical notion that everyone should be treated equally. We're here to put our money where our loud feminist mouths are, creating apparel an...

Get your feminist, Secret Santa gifts here and help sleigh the patriarchy. thespark.company/pages/about-us

Pip Hare is a woman on a mission. A solo mission around the world in the Vende Globe Race. I worked with Pip at the RNLI and still can’t quite believe that she’s doing her second Vende. Check out her updates. This is what amazing looks like.
www.youtube.com/live/2XxRAeK...

Unbelievable 🫣

If you’re going to have your own tiny library you need a decent cup of tea from a good tea pot. I was thrilled to find this 1950s Heatmaster tea pot, milk jug and sugar bowl at a vintage shop in Blandford Forum. Then I spotted this hand-turned retro tray at Broad St Vintage in Lyme Regis. 🫖🍶

Sometimes, even in somewhere as gorgeous as Lyme Regis, the best thing to do is buy a book, find a cozy pub, come in from the weather, and order a coffee.