Marc Smith @marcxsmith.bsky.social · 10/09/2026This is where we are in the UK. A volunteer organisation, the members of which risk their lives to save others, under attack because far-right morons think their saving the wrong lives! www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...theguardian.comRNLI steps up security after attacks by far-right agitators over small boat rescuesVolunteers told to consider not wearing charity-branded clothing and to shut lifeboat stations if they feel in danger 130
Marc Smith @marcxsmith.bsky.social · 09/09/2026Great www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...bbc.co.ukAnthropic researcher believes more than 10% chance AI 'could kill all humans'It is the latest in a series of increasing warnings about the safety threat posed by artificial intelligence. 020
Marc Smith @marcxsmith.bsky.social · 05/09/2026More Brexit 'benefits' www.theguardian.com/politics/202...theguardian.comSweden confirms 458 Britons deported or forcibly removed since BrexitScale of deportations made public for first time amid criticism of hardline approach to UK citizens 000
Reposted by Marc SmithTracey @bloomingkind.bsky.social · 05/09/2026A new UK Parliament briefing, published 2 September 2026, confirms that Downing Street reportedly vetoed publication of a national security assessment on ecosystem collapse at the last minute because officials feared it was "too negative". 134
Reposted by Marc SmithRussell England @russellengland.bsky.social · 03/09/2026Reform UK will defend free speech * * Exceptions apply @petergeoghegan.bsky.social Michael Crick @annaisaac.bsky.social @writesbright.bsky.social @willhaycardiff.bsky.social All banned from the Reform UK Ltd party conference Also a handy list of journalists to follow ;) 14720
Marc Smith @marcxsmith.bsky.social · 03/09/2026Presenters such as JHB owe their living to being contrarian, and I suspect they have no real views or opinions of their own, but they can’t even dig up the evidence to support their climate change denial and are assuming their viewers are too stupid to notice. www.theguardian.com/environment/...theguardian.comFrom ‘psyops’ to ‘hysterical hysteria’: how GB News and Talk TV lost their cool in the heatwavesThousands of heat-related deaths in record-breaking temperatures appeared to only intensify hosts’ climate denials 010
Marc Smith @marcxsmith.bsky.social · 01/09/2026Thank you Agata. Yes, your preprint is really interesting, thanks for sharing! 010
Marc Smith @marcxsmith.bsky.social · 30/08/2026Are we giving away our ability to think? dynamiclearning.substack.com/p/cognitive-...dynamiclearning.substack.comCognitive Offloading in a time of AIAs we potentially barrel towards a post-literate society, one might wonder if we are ever to reclaim memory or regress towards stupidity. 120
Reposted by Marc SmithNY Times Pitchbot @nytpitchbot.bsky.social · 28/08/2026Doctors say that measles can kill young children. A guy who snorts cocaine off toilet seats and drives around with dead bear cubs in his car says they'll be fine as long as they eat enough beef tallow. For busy parents, it can be hard to know who to trust. 141597343
Marc Smith @marcxsmith.bsky.social · 28/08/2026This is just silly. The US has become the village idiot www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...bbc.co.ukTrump signs order to rename Lake Ontario to Lake AmericaTrump's order comes after the trade talks between the US and Canada collapsed late last week. 010
Marc Smith @marcxsmith.bsky.social · 27/08/2026Zero fucks given www.theguardian.com/world/2026/a...theguardian.comRatko Mladić, the ‘Butcher of Bosnia’, dies aged 84Bosnian Serb commander responsible for Srebrenica massacre dies in prison while serving life sentence for genocide 000
Marc Smith @marcxsmith.bsky.social · 25/08/2026It helps if: a) you don't have a head b) you don't have to stop (and don't mind exploding on the finish line) 010
Reposted by Marc SmithAdam Rutherford @adamrutherford.bsky.social · 23/08/2026I had not some across this before, but if you want an example Nathan Cofnas’ scholarship, this is a doozy. Again I say, being sacked is not the problem; being recruited in the first place is what deserves scrutiny. 34650601118
Reposted by Marc SmithTrish Greenhalgh @trishgreenhalgh.bsky.social · 23/08/2026If you need to get up to speed with the collapsed US-Canada trade talks, read this Substack (out loud in an Aussie accent). Is indeed sweary. Well done Carney! 911632
Marc Smith @marcxsmith.bsky.social · 21/08/2026Insects are cool! theconversation.com/new-research...theconversation.comNew research estimates around 20 million insect species on Earth — doubling those facing extinctionWhen we lose insect species without even knowing they existed, we will never know where they lived, what they looked like, how they interacted with other species or the impact they had on ecosystems. 000
Reposted by Marc SmithJohn Harris @johnharris1969.bsky.social · 20/08/2026Great piece by @ginarippon.bsky.social about last night's C4 ADHD programme www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...theguardian.comThere is nothing scientific about The Great ADHD Myth? ‘documentary’ | Gina RipponChannel 4’s programme wastes a chance to ask important questions about how ADHD is diagnosed and treated, instead indulging in unscientific methods and conspiracy theories, says author Gina Rippon 12813
Marc Smith @marcxsmith.bsky.social · 19/08/2026Some good news www.theguardian.com/environment/...theguardian.comUlez led to better lung size and function among London children, study findsResearchers find capacity stunted by pollution restored after introduction of ultra-low emission zone 000
Marc Smith @marcxsmith.bsky.social · 14/08/2026When a bin comes in second place, your victory seems a bit shit! 110
Marc Smith @marcxsmith.bsky.social · 11/08/2026ffs! www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...bbc.co.ukTrump signs order to limit childhood vaccines and split MMR shotsThe American Academy of Pediatrics calls the recommendation on measles, mumps and rubella shots "dangerous". 010
Marc Smith @marcxsmith.bsky.social · 08/08/2026MAGA education in the UK. Coming soon! www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...theguardian.comUS accused of meddling in British politics with $500,000 grant for ‘public education’ coursesDocuments published on US embassy’s website prompt claims of attempt to export Maga propaganda to UK 000
Reposted by Marc SmithKevin Mitchell @wiringthebrain.bsky.social · 04/08/2026A new editorial by @utafrith.bsky.social on whether the term "autism" has been broadened so much that it's lost its meaning www.cambridge.org/core/journal...cambridge.orgAutism spectrum disorder: has it lost its meaning and is it leading to misdiagnosis? | Psychological Medicine | Cambridge CoreAutism spectrum disorder: has it lost its meaning and is it leading to misdiagnosis? - Volume 56 22212
Reposted by Marc SmithDr Earhart Sampson PhD 🌎 🇨🇦 🇺🇲 🇲🇽 🇩🇰 🇺🇦 @earhart.bsky.social · 02/08/2026Massachusetts farm installs 832 solar panels above berry fields, and the berries grown underneath turned out sweeter and juicier and could change the future of American farming - The Economic Times share.google/GDGqQBgisqhG...share.googleMassachusetts farm installs 832 solar panels above berry fields, and the berries grown underneath turned out sweeter and juicier and could change the future of American farmingA Massachusetts farm is integrating solar panels above berry fields. This agrivoltaics project generates electricity while shading the crops. The elevated panels create a cooler microclimate, retain... 13261842098
Marc Smith @marcxsmith.bsky.social · 03/08/2026substack.com/home/post/p-...substack.comJon Simmons (Balance and Composure) on Pennsylvanian hardcoreJon Simmons and Balance and Composure changed the face of emo and hardcore in the 2010s, how did we get here? We discuss his band, the Erection Kids, and how he befriended Title Fight and Superheaven. 000
Marc Smith @marcxsmith.bsky.social · 03/08/2026My son writes about music. He has a free Substack. substack.com/home/post/p-...substack.comLoathe & Thornhill: the Curse of 2020s Nu-GazeThe meaning of “nu-gaze” has shifted dramatically. How do Loathe related to Narrow Head or Wisp? How does Deftones fit in? Analysing the sonic origins of Loathe and Thornhill. 100
Marc Smith @marcxsmith.bsky.social · 02/08/2026Less of an 'invasion', more like a day trip. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...bbc.co.ukHow Spain's migrant crisis created a political storm - whipped up by social mediaThe Ceuta crossings have shaken Europe politically, exposing divisions over the sensitive issue of migration, the BBC's Sarah Rainsford writes. 110
Marc Smith @marcxsmith.bsky.social · 30/07/2026Looks like the Telegraph might be turning against their favourite grifter www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/07...telegraph.co.ukThe Clacton by-election farce suggests Farage lacks the judgment to be PMNo one can explain why the Reform leader triggered an unnecessary contest that his rivals refuse to dignify with their presence 3166
Reposted by Marc SmithSunder Katwala (sundersays) @sundersays.bsky.social · 29/07/2026Where the young and old get news (Times, via Ofcom) Tom Calver www.thetimes.com/article/f469... 82514
Marc Smith @marcxsmith.bsky.social · 28/07/2026Latest newsletter just dropped (as the kids say) dynamiclearning.substack.com/p/language-l...dynamiclearning.substack.comIs there anything special about language learning?Does learning a language utilise specific brain regions involved in language processing? Or is learning a language no different to all types of learning? We investigate these questions, the role of ex... 000
Marc Smith @marcxsmith.bsky.social · 27/07/2026Putting the final touches to the latest newsletter. In the meantime, here's the last one for your perusal 000
Marc Smith @marcxsmith.bsky.social · 22/07/2026Oops! www.theguardian.com/technology/2...theguardian.comAI agent went rogue and hacked startup by itself, OpenAI revealsFirm behind ChatGPT reveals agent powered by its models chose to attack Hugging Face database by itself 100
Marc Smith @marcxsmith.bsky.social · 21/07/2026In other words, Ed just gets shit done! www.theguardian.com/politics/202...theguardian.comMiliband has been relentlessly attacked for net zero; what will happen now?Tories, Reform, fossil fuel industry and some in his party lined up against decarbonisation target as energy secretary 000
Reposted by Marc SmithThe Conversation UK @uk.theconversation.com · 20/07/2026Trust in science seems compatible with believing almost anything, so long as it is expressed in plausibly scientific terms.tcnv.linkWhy do some people who trust in science also believe in scientific conspiracy theories?Trust in science seems compatible with believing almost anything, so long as it is expressed in plausibly scientific terms. 1116
Reposted by Marc SmithPopMatters @popmatters.com · 20/07/2026Loathe changed the face of metal six years ago. With a new sound in tow, are they still capable of reaching those heights with 'A Stranger to You'?tinyurl.comLoathe Lace Metal with Soul on 'A Stranger to You' » PopMattersLoathe changed the face of metal six years ago. With a new sound in tow, are they still capable of reaching those heights with A Stranger to You? 022
Reposted by Marc SmithMarc Smith @marcxsmith.bsky.social · 19/07/2026Are we surrendering too much of our thinking to AI? And what does this mean for knowledge construction? A few thoughts from my latest substack. Free to read, free to subscribe. dynamiclearning.substack.com/p/delegating...dynamiclearning.substack.comIs AI making us stupid?How does surrendering hard thinking to AI impact learning? 002
Marc Smith @marcxsmith.bsky.social · 20/07/2026His wife, Svetlana Grković, saved the 61-year old from falling out of the aircraft by holding on to his legs and managed to pull him back in with the help of two other passengers. 000
Marc Smith @marcxsmith.bsky.social · 20/07/2026Ryanair says its planes are safe after passenger nearly sucked out window But would you risk it? www.theguardian.com/business/202...theguardian.comRyanair says its planes are safe after passenger nearly sucked out of windowAirline says it has been in touch with family of man nearly sucked out mid-flight and reports strong summer bookings after profits slump 000
Reposted by Marc SmithChris Meder @evcurvefuturist.com · 20/07/2026With 57% of its electricity now coming from renewables, including 22% from solar & 21% from wind, Spain built one of Europe's most impressive electricity systems. Solar is now the country's fastest-growing source of power & has helped drive some of the lowest wholesale electricity prices in Europe. 10955471664
Marc Smith @marcxsmith.bsky.social · 19/07/2026Are we surrendering too much of our thinking to AI? And what does this mean for knowledge construction? A few thoughts from my latest substack. Free to read, free to subscribe. dynamiclearning.substack.com/p/delegating...dynamiclearning.substack.comIs AI making us stupid?How does surrendering hard thinking to AI impact learning? 002
Marc Smith @marcxsmith.bsky.social · 13/07/2026So basically we're generating too much energy from renewables and the outdated grid can't cope. While at the same time energy bills are linked to gas prices so we have to pay more for our energy? Have I got the right? www.theguardian.com/environment/...theguardian.comBritain’s biggest community solar farm forced to shut over grid overload fearsTiming of Devon switchoff ‘could not be worse’, says board, as members face an estimated £2m in lost revenue 000
Marc Smith @marcxsmith.bsky.social · 13/07/2026Fascinating article on the evolution of English accents, specifically the North-South divide. Nice to see the point being made that American english often retains very old elements of British english. www.bbc.co.uk/future/artic...bbc.co.uk'They were competing for supremacy': Which is the oldest English accent?Two BBC journalists go on a quest to find out whose accent is older – and uncover a dramatic history filled with hidden twists and surprises. 000
Marc Smith @marcxsmith.bsky.social · 13/07/2026Sad news www.theguardian.com/film/2026/ju...theguardian.comSam Neill, actor and star of Jurassic Park, dies aged 78New Zealand actor built career as dashing romantic leads and charismatic villains across film and television 000
Reposted by Marc SmithYorkshire Bylines @yorkshirebylines.co.uk · 11/07/2026Whatever happened to empathy? In a noisy and divided world, the ability to imagine another person's experience may be one of the most important qualities we possess By John Heywood @handhyorkshire.bsky.socialyorkshirebylines.co.ukWhatever happened to empathy?In a noisy and divided world, the ability to imagine another person's experience may be one of the most important qualities we possess 1015853