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Keith

@keithcowans.bsky.social
160 followers 276 following 1.4K posts

A space for books, art, film, comedy, the world, the universe. Manager and co-owner of @thebookvault.bsky.social‬, Barnsley. "Empathises with chickens", Andy Zaltzman, The Bugle.

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Keith @keithcowans.bsky.social · 15h
New on bandcamp, the only Melt Banana album I didn't already own. Probably the best band I've seen live. #musicsky #bandcampfriday meltbananaofficial.bandcamp.com/album/charlie
meltbananaofficial.bandcamp.com
Charlie, by MELT-BANANA
14 track album
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Michael Spicer @michaelspicer.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Most TV is just this now.
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Keith @keithcowans.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Whatever the exact figures that come to light, the principle that lower migration would lead to losses has been included in govt/obr's own forecasts. This isn't an unknown issue, yet they have chosen to stay on this path.
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Keith @keithcowans.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
To make clear, the UK should rejoin. The referendum was a stupid idea carried out badly. The arrogance of politicians who think they can tell the EU from the outside to reform, in what ever ways suit their agenda, is one of the main stumbling blocks as to why rejoin won't happen.
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Keith @keithcowans.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
I do wish allegedly serious news sources would stop doing this. It didn't 'go rogue'. It is a bit of tech which is badly designed, implemented, managed.
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Dan Snow @thehistoryguy.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
England is a made up thing. It has no basis in the ineluctable laws of nature. Its extent is defined by Edward II getting his arse handed to him. Athelstan conquering York. The Welsh of Cumbria were incorporated, the Welsh of Gwynedd were not. It is a political idea, an aspiration - not taxonomy.
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Sam Freedman @samfr.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
The difference between the performance of immigrants in England and Western Europe is staggering. (20 pts equals a year of learning.) I looked at this in detail in the post - it can't be explained away by language or relative advantage of different immigrant communities. There is a policy factor.
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Ian Dunt @iandunt.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Lots of talk of growth ahead of the Budget, as if it were a baroque puzzle. Our problem is basic. It's that we no longer support the things which facilitate growth: Europe, immigration, higher education, tax simplification, policy stability. These are all choices and could stop making them anytime.
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Holger Hestermeyer @hhesterm.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
How is this news? billionaire oil person says uk needs to drill more and tax less, though, of course, he‘s actually in Monaco. And he would do more in the uk if the state subsidised him more. Dear BBC, that‘s like me saying the uk‘s problem is underpaid law profs. www.bbc.com/news/article...
bbc.com
Billionaire Manchester United owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe says he has lost confidence in UK
Ineos founder Sir Jim Ratcliffe tells the BBC he thinks the country is "on the slide" and calls for more investment in the North Sea.
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Keith @keithcowans.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Currently listening to, Who Loves The Sun, @chatpileband.bsky.social #musicsky
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Keith @keithcowans.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
The headline news on the BBC website seems to have got mixed up with Hello.
Screenshot of the live newsfeed on the BBC website home page, current headline "Charles sounded 'giddily elated' in phone call after Diana's death, her brother claims in new book."
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Alice Fraser @alicefraser.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Speaking of which, join my bloody Patreon, it’s extremely good value for money, and also you can join it for free in which case it’s even better value for no money. Patreon.com/alicefraser
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Keith @keithcowans.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
The BBC did of course cover the three-nation thing. I read a very long summary where the three couldn't agree with each other on basics. e.g. Wales doesn't want a referendum because they know they would lose, however they do want the Barnett formula to be extended or abolished as they don't benefit.
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Keith @keithcowans.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
If the vote goes that way, then leave means leave. Border controls & passports, surcharge on NHS use, standard tariffs and costs in and out, they have their own tax and spend to manage, if they want to work outside Piddington they are subject to the same rules as others from outside the UK, etc.
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Keith @keithcowans.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
"I don't know what's going to happen, why it might happen, how it might happen. Please buy my book."
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Keith @keithcowans.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
Read this yesterday via an archive link. Always thought the ubiquitous Rajan was promoted vastly beyond his ability, I guess it's nice of him to confirm it.
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Otto English @ottoenglish.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
As the government bans social media for kids further evidence emerges that it's a minority of retired adults we should really be concerned about. www.devonlive.com/news/devon-n...
devonlive.com
Pensioners attack traffic lights over wild 'deadly weapon' claims
An online movement say that the sensors on traffic lights can cause heart attacks, brain cancer, anxiety and even sudden death
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Keith @keithcowans.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
I see England's latest two-day test match is underway #thecricket
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Keith @keithcowans.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
I very rarely make official complaints on media coverage, but this case is so obviously wrong as a personal, offensive, attack on Millband I have made an exception. After reading clips here I found it on the BBC live webfeed. You can find the official complaints link on the BBC website.
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Keith @keithcowans.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
I did wonder this at first view. Either they had to have off the scale levels of naivety and an 'innocent' view of the world to find this normal in any way, or they shared their views and it was an obvious stunt. @thetimes.com are an embarrassment and complicit.
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Keith @keithcowans.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
I'm sure that given the honesty of the two figures involved, this is a trivial misunderstanding that can be ironed out. Can someone ask RFM when this will happen? The French translation does not include the bit about France accepting back the migrants that the UK intercepts under this pretend deal.
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Joanne Harris @joannechocolat.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
This is just to say... I have stolen the work that you spent years creating and which you were probably hoping would pay your bills But online sharing doesn't count It's actually a compliment So fuck you BTW, I'm a fan
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Sam Freedman @samfr.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
Ryan Bridge - Founder of "Raise the Colours" flag protests - charged with 14 offences including common assault. Danny Thomas - ringleader of Dover/Portsmouth thuggery - an ex-con jailed for attempted kidnap at knifepoint. Almost like they're not "ordinary people with concerns" but criminals.
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Dmitry Grozoubinski @explaintrade.com · 07/09/2026
Yelling "stop the boats!" as I charge in to rob this NatWest at gun point so that I can later call the Home Secretary as a character witness and the BBC will spend two weeks telling all my potential future jurors how legitimate my concerns were.
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Keith @keithcowans.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
Am hesitant saying about series until the end, in case things go pear-shaped. Silo is very complex and there are flaws for those who choose to find and focus on them, having just watched the end of S3 this is the best SFF series I've seen for quite a while.
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Keith @keithcowans.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
This is not just a BBC issue. The problem with some political commentators is that they have becomes so wrapped up in the drama that their first thought on stories is 'how does this affect the polls, how will it play in the country, will x be damaged'. Rather than 'is this legal?'.
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Keith @keithcowans.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Yes, same goes for other broadcasters and media. I've also seen Sky, Guardian among others being criticised for not having reported it within an hour of the C4 broadcast. Anyway it's on the BBC website now.
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Channel 4 News @channel4news.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Undercover footage verified by Channel 4 News reveals a secret plot by senior Reform UK figures to break the law on party donations. A leading legal expert is now calling for a criminal investigation. 🔗 Read the exclusive story on Substack:
channel4news.substack.com
Exclusive: Nigel Farage filmed undercover celebrating secret new foreign donations
Undercover footage verified by Channel 4 News reveals a secret plot by senior Reform UK figures to break the law on party donations. A leading legal expert is now calling for a criminal investigation.
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Keith @keithcowans.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
This is the way the world (as we know it) goes. A crash when the AI bubble filled with hot air and wishes bursts. Security breaches as AI companies continue to claim 'escape user containment' rather than because their products are shite. 1/2 www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
AI could cause global economic downturn, Andrew Bailey warns G20
The governor of the Bank of England warned of AI's “volatility” caused by energy shocks from the US-Iran war.
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Keith @keithcowans.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
Just watched Rose of Nevada, another excellent film from @marghjenkin.bsky.social, recently arrived on BFI Player Sub. One to watch again and savour. #filmsky
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Keith @keithcowans.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
Another way of reporting this would be to say that the products are faulty and don't work in the way they should. Rather than place some kind of implicit blame on users.
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Keith @keithcowans.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
Panto hat on. !Oh Yes, They Are! Testing, testing, is this thing on. I am now tempted to play the tracks that's in mind of.
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Keith @keithcowans.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
If this remains the case come legislation time then very poor. I get that unions may grumble, but why should they be a special case?
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Keith @keithcowans.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
Interesting though not surprising. In my experience, in ye olden days tory voters were always most convinced they were right about things and everyone else agreed with them. Transferred to current patterns. The certitude of ignorance and closed minds.
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James Ball @jamesrball.com · 24/08/2026
It is absolutely meaningless for the UK government (or EU governments) to talk about regulating social media while continuing to ignore this stuff from Musk.
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Keith @keithcowans.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
Your occasional this is my bookshop reminder. A post on Ian McMillan's forthcoming poetry collection, and an event at Barnsley Library. Good things in tarn!
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Keith @keithcowans.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
Expected, though still good to see. Lab had the other two seats in the ward and narrowly lost out on the third in the recent elections.
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Keith @keithcowans.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
Saw this morning that local lad John Stones scored on his 'debut' for Inter. Since when did sports reports take friendlies seriously?! Another recent one in the screenshot. I have patchy memories of watching Barnsley beating York I think 6-0 many years ago, which was fun.
Screenshot of headline 'Jacquet scores on debut as Liverpool beat Como in final friendly'.
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Dan Jarvis MP @danjarvismp.bsky.social · 16/08/2026
Barnsley Youth Choir are DOUBLE WORLD CHAMPIONS!! 🏆🏆 🌍 World Champions in Pop
🌍 World Champions in Gospel World-class talent, made right here in Barnsley. You’ve represented Barnsley and 🇬🇧 on the world stage, shown what our town can do and made us all incredibly proud. 🙌
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Keith @keithcowans.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Never mind the govt alert, email has just popped up to say the bandcamp edition of @natogreen.bsky.social Darkest Hour is there to be had.
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Keith @keithcowans.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Good time for my phone to do that, when I'm trying to listen to a podcast while making food. I'll try not to do all the things I wasn't doing anyway.
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Stephen Collins @stephencollins.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
It's that day again #alevels
[Title panel]:
A-LEVEL RESULTS COLUMNS DAY

[Scene is a TV news type report about A Level results day]

REPORTER [talking to camera outside a school where students are crowding outside the hall to get in]:

Well, it's that day again

When A-Level students across the country finally get to find out

What Britain's newspaper columnists think about their results.

[show the interior of the school hall, with long tables, but instead of results papers on them, loads of middle-aged newspaper columnists are all laid out]

[Close up on the COLUMNISTS lying on the table, talking up to a gaggle of excited students desperate to find out what they say]

PETER HITCHENS:
I remember when A-Levels meant something

CLARKSON: 
I got a C and two U's

[Cut to outside the hall, the REPORTER is talking to a student]

REPORTER:
And did you get the middle-aged opinions you wanted?

STUDENT:
Yes! 

I got one ‘There's Too Much Humanities’,
and two Oxford graduates telling me they went to Oxford.

REPORTER [now doing a voiceover, as we see the students in the school hall next to the columnists on tables, and the students are preparing to jump in the air for a photographer]:

And then the annual photo shoot…

[PHOTOGRAPHER]
One, two, three...

[One of the columnists on the table pipes up with]: 

What's The Point Of University in 2026?

[The students all jump for joy]

STUDENTS:
HOORAY!

[ends]
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KJ Charles @kjcharleswriter.com · 13/08/2026
@aaron.bsky.team you are presumably awake, want to do something about Bluesky breaking UK election law by declaring a result while the polls are open?
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Arthur Snell @snellarthur.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
My LinkedIn is full of an endless stream of UK diplomats announcing they’ve left govt service. This due to extreme cuts to foreign aid and diplomacy (much of it spearheaded by Olly Robbins). It’s hard to look at the world today and think “this is a good time to be losing experienced diplomats.”
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Keith @keithcowans.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
Between house moves and other things I am way behind on this season and am listening in slightly random order on Patreon. I had some awareness that this was not as straight-forward as in the popular reference, was good to get a detailed summary. Even with the 'singing'.
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Keith @keithcowans.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
I was working at Yorkshire Sculpture Park at the time, went to the top of the site outside the old Bothy Cafe (pre 'new' VC and Gallery) to look across the estate, clearest views. They happened to be interviewing for curatorial posts that day, had a break-out to watch.
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Dan Neidle @danneidle.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
Why was the Jason Arday story broken by a racist blogger and not the mainstream press? Because Times Higher Education was intimidated off the story by a letter from notorious libel firm Carter-Ruck. I'm publishing the letter. Its central claim may be false.
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Keith @keithcowans.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
I am in Barnsley, fractionally outside the north edge of this alert zone. Thursday forecast has varied between 33 - 35 depending when and what site you look at for a few days now. Take care, drink water, check on others.
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Keith @keithcowans.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
Perhaps if said trade groups and their products were open, didn't hide sub renewals including prices, acted like reputable organisations with good customer service approaches, this wouldn't be necessary. The ones that already are won't have to change, so no extra costs.
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Keith @keithcowans.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
Quote from John Peel. Asked on Desert Island Discs when he was 50, why he kept listening to new bands, new music, new genre/styles, for himself and to play on his show - "Because it never occurred to me not to". He went for another 15 years after that.
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