John Bull

Author. Historian. Strategy streamer. Tech/Transport Strategist. Editor of @lonrec. Orient fan. Business: business@longformist.co.uk

Public Key

npub14vakfm6fzv75m0wgj3ufj5dk4glkpxcy0e3nm6d8y06w97s857eqknzqxa

NIP-05 Address

garius_at_mastodon.me.uk@mostr.pub

Profile Code

nprofile1qqs2kwmyaay3x02dhhyfg7ye2xm250mqnvz8uceaaxnj8a8zlgr60vsxeyg5s

Author Public Key

npub14vakfm6fzv75m0wgj3ufj5dk4glkpxcy0e3nm6d8y06w97s857eqknzqxa

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Last Notes

2024-09-15 09:21:18

STREAM TIME!
It's 1658 and Europe is looking... interesting. Meanwhile our Dutch trade empire grows in the Caribbean and Japan.
Join me for EU4 and history natter! https://twitch.tv/gariusthebrit #gaming #history
https://mastodon.me.uk/system/media_attachments/files/113/140/831/170/445/656/original/80fb3654a9e8b240.jpeg

2024-08-07 08:52:02

Still suffering with whatever this virus is that makes all my joints ache.
On the plus side, I have several bottles of original flavour Lucozade now. Which, as anyone who grew up in the 80s in the UK knows, is the miracle cure for all general meh illnesses.

2024-07-18 15:42:08

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To be fully explicit as to what this means for non-rail nerds:
It's renationalization.
After this Bill passes, then whenever an existing railway operator's contract expires that set of lines will be state operated again. No ifs. No buts. No putting it off via a contract extension.

2024-07-18 15:38:53

The new Railways Bill absolutely does not fuck about.
Expiring franchises cannot be extended or awarded, except to companies fully owned by the government, or jointly owned by the governments of the UK and either Scotland or Wales.
Franchise expires? Public operator. No retender.
Franchise goes bankrupt or hands it back? Public operator. No retender.
That's going to cause some potential short-term fuckery by the TOCs. But its not like they were investing for the future of the railways anyway

2024-06-15 12:23:28

If you are in Oslo and have an overwhelming urge to have a drink with myself, Drachinifel and Dr Alex Clarke then we'll be downstairs in the TGI Friday's near central station from about 7pm tonight #histodons

2024-06-05 16:28:30

My latest tech history column is now up on Every!
In 1981, Don Estridge broke every rule IBM had to create the IBM PC. He invented an entire industry and gifted it to the company he loved.
IBM never forgave him for it. This is his story. #technology #history https://every.to/the-crazy-ones/the-misfit-who-built-the-ibm-pc
https://mastodon.me.uk/system/media_attachments/files/112/564/951/989/762/394/original/48d1c6b423a4a82e.png

2024-05-12 09:43:48

And she's done.
https://mastodon.me.uk/system/media_attachments/files/112/427/467/228/490/326/original/d518385d348feead.jpg

2024-03-15 09:32:33

Okay, random history research question!
I've finally tracked down what Lore Harp's maiden name was: Lange Hegermann.
She's often described her grandfather as a politician and economist in Weimar Germany.
So who was he?
It's not a mis-spelling of Werner Hegemann. He died too young. Harp was born in 1944 and she remembers her grandfather, and living in a house with him.
Should add this is not CRITICAL to my research. I'm just intrigued. #histodons #germany

2024-03-05 22:34:45

This isn't what I ordered. #cats
https://mastodon.me.uk/system/media_attachments/files/112/045/461/325/452/751/original/2a4e430a4f9e3a64.jpg

2024-02-19 09:25:36

jesus christ i am getting absolutely BLITZED by bot replies on here now.

2024-02-15 07:47:51

The names and colours for the separated Overground lines are out.
No doubt lots of people will moan about them. So here's my piece on how Tube names happen, collective memory, and why visibility matters. #history #london #transport
https://www.londonreconnections.com/2024/the-big-split-overground-line-names/

2024-01-30 18:05:52

"On today's podcast I'm joined by the stupid kitten. Together we'll be exploring the topic of 'why haven't we been fed yet, human?" #cats
https://mastodon.me.uk/system/media_attachments/files/111/846/222/857/225/806/original/d6abb90de51a2f09.jpg

2024-01-27 17:46:18

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@npub1psd…9sr7 it's our version of the Rolling Stones, grandad.

2024-01-27 17:38:33

Four days until the 30th anniversary of Green Day's 'Dookie' being released.
Just warning my fellow olds in advance to minimise the existential crisis.

2024-01-24 08:22:00

It's 8:17am and I am already at 184.5% recommended adulting levels for today.

2024-01-22 16:45:43

No stream today as I'm a bit under the weather.
Also there's a cat on me.
https://mastodon.me.uk/system/media_attachments/files/111/800/610/529/839/366/original/c7fe31c1616b8cfd.jpg

2024-01-18 10:43:26

CAT: Mew
ME: What's up buddy? I'm working.
CAT: Mew
ME: I can't pal. I've got so much to do.
CAT: Mew
ME:
CAT:
ME:
https://mastodon.me.uk/system/media_attachments/files/111/776/534/775/523/849/original/d6a25e617d586dce.jpg

2024-01-08 12:22:21

It's snowing and, true to his name, Napoleon is not happy about this.
https://mastodon.me.uk/system/media_attachments/files/111/720/301/575/981/587/original/a2a766ab657aa762.jpg

2023-12-16 09:27:19

Annoyed at me for getting up.
https://mastodon.me.uk/system/media_attachments/files/111/589/380/275/886/603/original/40349f2d558643bf.jpg

2023-12-15 15:10:12

Delighted Every commissioned me to write this.
More Ron Swanson than Elon Musk, Altair inventor Ed Roberts created the PC industry. Then, at the height of his wealth and influence, decided to walk away.
This is his story.
If you enjoy it, share it and let Every know!
https://every.to/p/the-secret-father-of-modern-computing #computing #history #technology #retrocomputing

2023-12-09 11:43:10

ME: Fuuuuuuck this hangover
THE CAT <bonk>: Oh no. How sad. Anyway. You should feed me.
ME: I feel like death
THE CAT <bonk>: Feeding me would help.
ME: How would that help?!
THE CAT <bonk>: I meant it would help me.
ME: Can you PLEASE stop doing that.
THE CAT <bonk>: Doing what?
ME: Headbutting my head
THE CAT <bonk>: oh THAT
ME: I literally just told you I have a hangover.
THE CAT <bonk>: And I told you feeding me would help
ME: How?!
THE CAT <bonk>: The headbutting would stop. That's one way.

2023-11-30 10:29:09

To find the name of your Free-To-Play Mobile Game roll one D6 and select:
1. Rise of
2. Kingdom of
3. Shadows of
4. Fury of
5. Era of
6. Fight of
Then add either your favourite shampoo scent or the nickname of your fave sports team (your choice)

2023-11-21 16:54:10

From today's writing.
Daimons. Not as smart as some people claim.
https://mastodon.me.uk/system/media_attachments/files/111/449/577/130/738/922/original/52cf49c8e6b5a491.png
https://mastodon.me.uk/system/media_attachments/files/111/449/580/002/675/475/original/3a13e6ac9748c21d.png

2023-11-13 10:47:00

Huge day for the IT Department at Number 10.
At least the guy who shifts all the PM paintings on the stair case down one gets the day off this time.

2023-11-10 08:37:11

He does this deliberately. It's to try and stop me going into the office. He's not even asleep, just pretending.
https://mastodon.me.uk/system/media_attachments/files/111/385/328/364/642/596/original/945841b48bc0bba5.jpg

2023-11-08 18:18:38

Meet Cecilia.
Turned up desperately ill, dehydrated and starving on our doorstep a while ago.
Now recovering well from major surgery to remove a huge polyp (hence the still slightly closed eye), thanks to Cats Protection's help.
We've agreed she can move in permanently. 🐈
She and Napoleon will be introduced slowly. Both are pretty un-territorial, they'll adjust to each other.
No way we were going to leave her without a perma-home, after she'd already been abandoned once as a kitten. #cats
https://mastodon.me.uk/system/media_attachments/files/111/376/297/741/273/043/original/481d2a5dd2036843.jpg
https://mastodon.me.uk/system/media_attachments/files/111/376/301/278/413/697/original/27b11c81281ccc3a.jpg

2023-11-06 15:04:39

Welp.
Finished Yukong's quest in Honkai: Star Rail over lunch.
And now I'm emotionally ruined for the rest of the day.

2023-11-05 08:31:57

It's November 5th!
Your annual reminder that us Catholics tried to burn down parliament and y'all stopped us.
Bet you regret that now.

2023-11-03 11:10:31

"People say it's in the Smithsonian. Well, if my second floor closet is the Smithsonian, then that's where it is." - Peter Falk on where Columbo's iconic raincoat ended up, post-show.

2023-11-01 18:46:20

I could definitely do with a day of not having to be myself.

2023-11-01 07:22:48

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I'm an old school gamer, so avoid looking up min/max combos or character builds for games on the internet. The whole POINT is to find what works yourself, and what you enjoy. It's what gives a sense of achievement.
But I don't mind taking real-world advice from people. Sharing tips is fun.

2023-11-01 07:18:22

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(Kafka and Jing Yuan for damage, Natasha and Luocha for the active and passive healing that doesn't need skill points)

2023-11-01 07:09:35

I gave bonus Halloween candy last night to the kid who spotted I was trying to beat Phantom in Honkai: Star Rail and gave me solid advice on party composition.
Thanks little Spiderman.

2023-10-31 07:46:04

He's worked out I'm going into the office today, and is deploying the full force of his woe. #cats
https://mastodon.me.uk/system/media_attachments/files/111/328/516/419/596/631/original/b9e69e8ffd46d690.jpg

2023-10-27 07:15:56

Good morning from your Emperor. #cats
https://mastodon.me.uk/system/media_attachments/files/111/305/747/885/842/003/original/390d9586282b2bb3.jpg

2023-10-26 08:58:44

Two races left in the 2029 F1 season (Canada and Abu Dhabi) in F1 Manager on stream. Lando locked on for his fourth WDC.
Big season for Flörsch as she's finally beginning to compete for us. Scattering of podiums, and even beating Lando to pole at Silverstone.
Our quest for first female world champion, with the only real female driver in the game, continues. #gaming #f1
https://mastodon.me.uk/system/media_attachments/files/111/300/487/551/014/479/original/ddb0e63e51be0280.png

2023-10-25 07:41:05

Just got my YouTube Partner status, so now I can be randomly demonetized like all the cool kids

2023-10-24 08:50:18

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@npub1dug…mkax Should be a great game!

2023-10-21 12:11:01

Have entrusted protection of my boxed ZX81 Spectrum to Beresford's Portuguese line infantry. #history #gaming
https://mastodon.me.uk/system/media_attachments/files/111/272/933/118/483/007/original/d6f53da91f54639d.jpg

2023-10-13 09:49:40

Fediverse, the independent women's football team I support/volunteer for needs your help.
After a MASSIVE comeback win against a higher level team they're through in the cup.
But that means a long coach journey, and the competition grants no prize money to pay for travel.
This is an economic barrier, not a footballing one, that team's without a link to a men's team struggle to overcome. So we're crowdfunding for coach hire. /1 #mastodonFC #woso https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/cup-travel-expenses-for-distant-away-game#start

2023-10-12 09:00:51

This all-day training workshop is in a room with about four plug sockets.
Which is a spectacular oversight when every attendee is from the IT department.
Ain't nobody brought a pad or pen.

2023-10-11 17:55:13

Trying to work out how to steal a book from a bar's ceiling.
Really want to read that post-war theatre one.
https://mastodon.me.uk/system/media_attachments/files/111/217/663/301/680/494/original/bf81f6779b24bb89.jpg

2023-10-06 16:17:40

Few things will wake you up faster than a cat licking your armpit.

2023-10-04 13:36:47

Oh no help I'm looking at Warhammer 40k armies on Ebay again.

2023-10-04 12:05:42

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@npub1dug…mkax with my Vice-Chair of Seaward hat on, i did actually have a long conversation with the councillor in charge of health things last year about everything i've suggested here.
They got very excited about it and then did nothing, obviously.

2023-10-04 11:36:36

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@npub1dug…mkax the SHH stuff is very grass roots.
I only know the original developer plans stuff because their accountant happened to drink in Bradley's and told me. 😆

2023-10-04 11:23:01

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@npub1dug…mkax that's all there on site. At least to the same level (again) as Redbridge.
And now Lea Bridge station has reopened it has both prime bus connections to Leyton/Walthamstow Central AND a direct rail link to Stratford.
Basically it'd pass a transport eval easily.
You're never gonna get more than an 6k seater there, but it's never gonna need to be.

2023-10-04 11:04:27

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@npub1dug…mkax so your OSD would be that, plus a 4g surface pitch, nets, lights and facilities (2x changing, ref facilities, some kind of clubhouse, 1x seating stand, renovation of standing space).
Facilities can be partially (At least) temporary.
Women's season runs shorter so you have time for long over-summer builds to replace.

2023-10-04 11:03:03

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@npub1dug…mkax site needs a big clear out, and depends on what you do with it.
You've got space for one pitch, so if you YOLOed it what you'd do is try and do 2x subterranean 5 asides and 1x full surface.
2x sub is what the wannabe apartment builders on the site wanted to do, so the plans (and costs for that) should be SOMEWHERE.

2023-10-04 10:48:20

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@npub1dug…mkax yeah, that's why it would have to be a package that attracted external cash. And that's why you need it to be a women's team (bluntly).
Thing is, you're not building a £300m ground. You're looking at a 10th of that, tops. Not even that to get it to operational status as you could do a staggered build.
At that price you're into external grants and a few big marque sponsor territory.

2023-10-04 10:27:51

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@npub1dug…mkax not really.
Honestly, if the will (and planning) was there I don't think it would be that hard to put together an appealing scheme.
The council has done it with swimming sites before.
It's not SIMPLE, but a helluvah lot more likely to keep that site out of a developer's hands - and because of council backing far more likely to overcome any planning/local objections - than random letters to celebs.

2023-10-04 10:14:25

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@npub1dug…mkax kind of thing I'd do in a stone cold second if I was a millionaire.

2023-10-04 10:14:08

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@npub1dug…mkax your future revenue is pretty secure with such a site, as it's always going to be fully booked on pitches due to the location and the general lack of space.
It's the build/renovation cost that's your issue.

2023-10-04 10:13:03

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@npub1dug…mkax but that's also why i think anchoring it on an independent women's team would be a key part of it.
Gives you huge brand/fundraising potential done right, as well as ability to access things like Football Foundation funding.

2023-10-04 10:11:58

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@npub1dug…mkax that's the killer question.
You'd need the council to put together some kind of overall package that could secure funding and investment from a variety of sources. Both public and private.

2023-10-03 17:21:45

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@npub1wvs…9g9x Social Media platforms are like battleships in the late 30s.
We know they're doomed to disappoint, but we get excited about them anyway.

2023-10-02 08:31:14

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To be clear, I'm NOT asking for legal advice replies. As I've (gently) explained to her - and I think she now understands - she really, really needs to talk to some experts and make sure what she's submitting is done properly.
Just need to find someone who can help her.

2023-10-02 08:28:59

URGENT: An elderly neighbour is facing eviction due to house payment issues with her lender caused by her (pending-divorce) husband.
Are there any UK charities/agencies/others I can put her in contact with to get help? Particularly/urgently in writing a Stay of Eviction request? #london #law

2023-10-01 09:38:02

STREAM TIME!
Join me for some Viking Carthage in @CrusaderKings while stuck in an office with a small, snot-filled kitten-shaped ball of chaos.
Nothing can possibly go wrong with this plan.
https://twitch.tv/gariusthebrit #gaming #histodons
https://mastodon.me.uk/system/media_attachments/files/111/159/086/003/430/166/original/b2c706ffd0452e87.jpg

2023-09-30 23:53:30

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@npub1eqf…n59p just the two.

2023-09-30 23:51:37

My kitty. ♥️
https://mastodon.me.uk/system/media_attachments/files/111/156/779/992/374/094/original/20c92b7ad485f7c5.jpg

2023-09-26 23:18:09

I have returned from Portugal, and His Imperial Highness is happy. #cats
https://mastodon.me.uk/system/media_attachments/files/111/133/997/309/945/877/original/2f3dd42b8dcbe58c.jpg

2023-09-19 07:00:37

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@npub19ec…fxlk it's in the heart of Walthamstow, so the target demo will mostly not be car owners.

2023-09-18 21:19:20

Ah yes. GOD FORBID we lose the massive local cultural landmark that is...
...the abandoned Texaco garage people keep flytipping at.
https://mastodon.me.uk/system/media_attachments/files/111/088/230/320/203/833/original/98be0fcb1c149577.png

2023-09-18 15:50:44

I see Liz Truss has moved on to Porky Pie Markets.

2023-09-12 00:12:28

Imagine being that one War Thunder player who DOESN'T have military secrets to leak.
It must be such a lonely existence. #gaming

2023-09-11 10:25:20

Updating my Outlook auto-responder to warn people that i have limited capacity today. There is a kitten asleep on my hand.

2023-09-10 07:38:25

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@npub1cr9…9wv2 sadly not. Just the occasional very generic one.
I have... opinions on this that have come up on stream. It's a MASSIVELY missed opportunity to put it mildly.
My plan is to do a short video on that subject once the run is finished.
All episodes of the stream so far are up on my YouTube channel, btw.

2023-09-09 19:35:56

21 May, 2028.
Driving for McLaren, Sophia Flörsch becomes the first woman to stand on the podium in an F1 race.
FINALLY getting somewhere in our F1 Manager quest to make her world champion! Tune in Monday on Twitch for highlights.
I'm legit excited. We're getting there! #gaming #f1
https://mastodon.me.uk/system/media_attachments/files/111/036/866/866/964/309/original/46185a3c7eb1dee5.png

2023-09-08 17:33:11

Cleaner has finished!
We can now pretend to our weekend guests that the house always looks like this.

2023-09-07 09:29:45

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@npub1psd…9sr7 luckily i'd deliberately planned to stay overnight in kiel before getting the ferry to gothenburg from there the next day.
So i could be RELATIVELY zen about the extra 6 hours it took me to do a (Theoretical) 2 hour journey.

2023-09-07 09:14:38

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@npub1psd…9sr7 DB seem to have a VERY casual approach to train information updates and rerouting.
Last time I tried to go from Hamburg to Kiel I almost accidentally ended up in Denmark.

2023-09-06 10:26:59

Something streamer culture needs to embrace more is the classic radio tradition of the 'relief presenter' to enable holidays and breaks.
And Twitch in particular needs to have better tools to enable it safely and easily.
When Craig Charles goes on holiday, his daily afternoon show on BBC Radio 6 doesn't go off air for two weeks, leaving silence in its place. That would be disastrous for the radio station.
Instead, a relief presenter comes in, or a relief show is scheduled. /1 #gaming

2023-09-05 12:04:20

A reminder in this hot weather that if your cat refuses to drink water (because: cat):
1) buy a tin of tuna in spring water
2) drain the water from it into a bottle and dilute.
3) eat tuna yourself for lunch
4) serve kitty cold tuna water for the next few days.
They bloody love it.

2023-09-01 08:24:35

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@npub1psd…9sr7 yup. it gets a bit worst-of-the-forum-era sometimes.

2023-09-01 07:21:33

Always nice to wake up to #cats
https://mastodon.me.uk/system/media_attachments/files/110/988/678/813/586/005/original/0d3aa4d707b9ee6f.jpg

2023-08-31 22:56:34

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If I make a joke about cats being from the desert and eating fish, I don't need multiple fucking lectures about the origins of the species.
Just roll with the joke.
You're allowed to do that.
No one is going to put you in joke prison.
It's fine.

2023-08-31 22:52:46

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You don't have to be right all the time. It's fine if there's a little imperfection in the world.
ESPECIALLY if it doesn't hurt anyone and is a bit funny.

2023-08-31 22:50:38

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People on here are smart I get it but you don't need to critically dissect everything other people say.
I did forums. We rolled our eyes at the people who did that there. Don't do it here. It's not fun. Don't be the people no one hangs out with at parties.
Just let fun exist.

2023-08-31 22:47:34

Jesus Christ I love Mastodon to bits but stop explaining my own jokes to me.

2023-08-31 14:24:28

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@npub1ssq…3ejc which is exactly why the article talks about how they likely picked up their fishy habit from hanging around with us.

2023-08-31 14:02:39

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EARLY CAT: What that?
HUMAN: A fish. You can eat them.
EARLY CAT: Mine now. I need it. I need the fish. Without fish I die.
HUMAN: But you're from the desert. How can you possibly-
EARLY CAT: WOE. WOE FOR KITTY. HUMAN INFLICTS A THOUSAND WOES ON-
HUMAN: God. Fine. Have it. #cats

2023-08-31 13:55:46

This article is genuinely interesting (cats are BIG on umami, apparently).
But I love that for all the science, the reason WHY a desert animal love fish still seems to come back to them just deciding they did one day. And then demanding it off our ancestors, who duly obliged. #cats https://www.science.org/content/article/why-do-cats-love-tuna-so-much-scientists-may-finally-know?utm_campaign=SciMag&utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=ownedSocial&fbclid=IwAR3dgpvT7dJfn_hEcBI-vQpemCRFv3IgSnzX6TuCkULmYzviwgGPtMrKXmg

2023-08-30 17:07:52

Got home 2mins after kitty dinnertime.
The rage is palpable.

2023-08-30 10:17:01

Of all the statues we have on our university grounds, I do think this is the finest.
https://mastodon.me.uk/system/media_attachments/files/110/978/047/034/228/650/original/b27f43e9e7b53795.jpeg

2023-08-24 08:23:50

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@npub1a3u…vw69 @npub1ay7…87m2 well it depends on the causes of the unrest, and what you define as 'helping'.
One of the reasons for, or side-effects of, dictatorships where the state voluntarily yields power (e.g. Roman Republic) is reduction of civil unrest.
Unfortunately it's a very short-term outcome unless the underlying causes are addressed.
And people/states rarely cede authoritarian power once gained.

2023-08-23 14:22:51

To find your perfect Predator movie, just take the name of the first kids show you remember and add "vs Predator" to the end.
"Rainbow vs Predator"

2023-08-23 08:59:38

BONUS F1 MANAGER STREAM LATER!
With TWO Design Centre fires his season and major regs changes due, we had to forfeit our title challenge as McLaren to try and salvage a car design for next season:
Is Sophia Flörsch finally ready for a race seat?
Is our car competitive? #gaming #f1
From 5pm UK: https://twitch.tv/gariusthebrit
https://mastodon.me.uk/system/media_attachments/files/110/938/104/533/279/488/original/6e57e36386434a4c.jpeg

2023-08-22 06:10:54

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@npub1yjv…pzwj endorphin rush?

2023-08-21 06:58:52

Every local UK Facebook group is alternating posts of:
"WHY IS RENT SO HIGH ROUND HERE???"
And:
"Hey someone is trying to build a block of flats sign this petition to stop it."

2023-08-18 08:31:04

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@npub1yf4…dcyy ooh nice!
have you got a link?

2023-08-17 16:29:37

There is no creature more affectionate than a cat 30mins before dinner time.

2023-08-17 13:01:01

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@npub1zw8…90s7 it's the new way to scare midfielders into signing a new deal.
"Chelsea have activated your release clause. Best sign this new contract quick before you end up on their bench for the next 6 years."

2023-08-16 17:50:05

Dude stealing from the British Museum says it's fine, because he got a signed bill of sale from the Ottoman governor.

2023-08-16 12:11:36

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@npub1clc…hg6f if it was this time last month i'd be writing them FROM Australia. 😆

2023-08-16 12:05:34

Fara Williams and Ian Wright should be the ONLY pundit combo used for all England games, both men and women, going forward.
They're both so gloriously genuine, while really knowing their stuff. #fifawwc #mastodonfc

2023-08-16 11:56:56

IT'S COMING HOME.
(Or possibly going on holiday to Spain) #fifawwc #mastodonfc

2023-08-16 11:44:37

yessssss #fifawwc #mastodonFC

2023-08-16 11:31:15

Hemp is a poacher of the highest order. It catches defenders out so much. #fifawwc #mastodonfc

2023-08-16 10:45:18

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@npub1udw…77eu yup.
good game so far!