Paul Bentham @paulbenthamesq.bsky.social · 20/09/2026Here’s my non-AI #Eighties image. Sightseeing in the Lake District, c.1985: Shoes: Adidas Trousers: Farah Watch: Timex Jumper: Bespoke (knitted by Standish couturier Marjorie Bentham) 000 0
Paul Bentham @paulbenthamesq.bsky.social · 13/09/2026I wonder if, having read this, you might begin to consider how much we may have now in common with all the citizens of Europe who enjoyed a wonderfully warm and mostly carefree summer... ...of 1914... www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...static.klipy.comTerminator Robot with Glowing Red EyesALT: Terminator Robot with Glowing Red Eyes 000 0
Paul Bentham @paulbenthamesq.bsky.social · 12/09/2026Paying homage to Sir Billy when I was in town, earlier. 000 0
Paul Bentham @paulbenthamesq.bsky.social · 12/09/2026The final instalment of the most comprehensive documentary in TV history airs on Tuesday. The fascination of the human life shared for all to see has gripped viewers long before the idea was encapsulated in ‘The Truman Show’. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...bbc.co.uk70 Up: Curtain falls on documentary that has captivated Brits for six decades70 Up is the final instalment in a series which began in 1964 and has followed the lives of 14 people. 001 0
Paul Bentham @paulbenthamesq.bsky.social · 29/08/2026I’m old enough to remember the last time the joints on Thelwall Viaduct were replaced*, and look forward with quiet resignation to another 18 months of increased traffic disruption… 🙄 *2002-3 www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...bbc.co.ukSpeed limits and lane closures for M6 viaduct upgrade worksWork will begin on replacing the M6 Thelwall Viaduct's joints on 1 September. 000 0
Paul Bentham @paulbenthamesq.bsky.social · 27/08/2026Reaction to some of the week’s events has given me cause to agree with Clarence Darrow’s quote: “I've never wished a man dead, but I have read some obituaries with great pleasure” - and nowhere more so than in this case: www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...bbc.co.ukConvicted Bosnian Serb war criminal Mladić dies aged 84He was jailed for life in 2017 for genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity during the wars in the ex-Yugoslavia in 1992-95. 000 0
Paul Bentham @paulbenthamesq.bsky.social · 26/08/2026I see the Grim Reaper is having another off day, again… 000 0
Paul Bentham @paulbenthamesq.bsky.social · 22/08/2026On this, the 34th anniversary of me spending a whole day stood in the middle of a racetrack in Leicestershire*, it’s high time I give this another listen. I invite you to do the same. #MonstersOfRock92 🤟 * Flying bottles of piss are optional. music.apple.com/gb/album/liv...music.apple.comLive At Donington, August 22nd 1992 (Remastered) by Iron Maiden on Apple MusicAlbum · 1993 · 20 Songs 000 0
Paul Bentham @paulbenthamesq.bsky.social · 14/08/2026If I was concerned about anyone being “humiliated and demeaned”, I wouldn’t resign a role, choose to take part in a subsequent election, spend weeks campaigning against novelty candidates, require dozens of people to work through the night and then decide not to attend. #Clacton 053 0
Paul Bentham @paulbenthamesq.bsky.social · 11/08/2026One of the coolest things in the 90s was James Richardson translating Italian papers in Gazzetta Football Italia. Today, I sat in a bar, mostly understanding a Gazzetta dello Sport, feeling all that Duolingo was worth it. 20 year-old me would’ve been impressed. share.google/egcokgGBlJFv... 000 0
Paul Bentham @paulbenthamesq.bsky.social · 05/08/2026So sad. I never saw Baresi play live but of the mourners shown, I saw Maldini and Costacurta play for Italy at Anfield at Euro 96 and Dida and Seedorf for Milan at OT in 2005. I saw Savicevic play for Red Star Belgrade at OT in 1991. #Mortality www.bbc.com/sport/footba...bbc.comFranco Baresi: Mourners line streets for funeral of AC Milan legendThousands gather on the streets of Milan for the funeral of legendary former AC Milan and Italy defender Franco Baresi. 000 0
Paul Bentham @paulbenthamesq.bsky.social · 04/08/2026FYI: Ranking so far No 25: Fernandes No 24: Irwin No 23: Foulkes No 22: Meredith No 21: Byrne No 20: Neville No 19: Solskjaer No 18: Buchan No 17: Crerand No 16: Beckham No 15: Hughes No 14: van Nistelrooy No 13: Vidic No 12: Edwards No 11: Schmeichel No 10: Ronaldo No 9: Cantona 010 0
Paul Bentham @paulbenthamesq.bsky.social · 04/08/2026Been wondering which left-field option it would be. I think Norbert Stiles might be it. 110 0
Paul Bentham @paulbenthamesq.bsky.social · 04/08/2026Okay, now I’m invested in this countdown of #MUFC’s all-time top 25 players, by United Oracle Andy Mitten. Scholes at 8 means there are 7 left to be placed. I’m sure of the identities of 5 of them… apple.news/Axldh5AstTra...apple.newsManchester United’s greatest players: No 8, Paul Scholes — The AthleticWho are the greatest players in Manchester United’s history? The Athletic gave Andy Mitten the task of compiling his top 25, and we are counting them down this summer, in reverse order. 100 0
Paul Bentham @paulbenthamesq.bsky.social · 26/07/2026It may be coincidental that this Radio 4 report happened to focus on the constituency of our new PM but it perfectly highlights the fact that, for most of the UK, lack of resource, infrastructure & opportunity leads to disillusionment & disenfranchisement: www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...bbc.co.ukCurrently - Troubled Town - BBC SoundsWhy are young people causing trouble in one part of Greater Manchester? 000 0
Paul Bentham @paulbenthamesq.bsky.social · 26/07/2026If you’re not from the M25 cabal that views control of the UK as their ‘natural order’, be on the lookout for pot-stirring hogwash like this. Successful-man-spends-a-few-quid-on-clothes-so-mustn’t-be-a-socialist! We all know their reaction if he was in a donkey jacket, don’t we? 000 0
Paul Bentham @paulbenthamesq.bsky.social · 16/07/2026Incredibly saddened to learn of the passing of a former colleague at a cruelly untimely age. I first met her in another World Cup summer: 1990. She was about 19 and full of the power of youth. It seems like ten minutes ago. It was, I soberly note, nearly a lifetime away. RIP, S. 000 0
Paul Bentham @paulbenthamesq.bsky.social · 25/06/2026I remember Scotland v Brazil at the 82 World Cup. We had a summer storm. Rain. Petrichor. David Narey scored an improbable opener but by half-time, Zico equalised with a perfect free kick. In the 2nd half, Oscar, Eder & Falcao restored the natural order. youtu.be/Xdl67Y_Ejzkyoutu.be15-Minute Match: Scotland vs Brazil | 1982 ComebackYouTube video by FIFA 000 0
Paul Bentham @paulbenthamesq.bsky.social · 23/06/2026Things I learned at university: cold curry and cheese on toast is the perfect post-pub snack… 000 0
Paul Bentham @paulbenthamesq.bsky.social · 22/06/2026🔟 Of the 12 Prime Ministers in my life: ❌ Only 5 (Wilson, Thatcher, Blair, Cameron & Starmer) became PM via a General Election ⚖️ Wilson’s & Cameron’s first terms were served without a majority 🟰 Only Thatcher, Blair & Starmer were ‘elected’ ❓ So what do we mean by ‘mandate’? 000 0
Paul Bentham @paulbenthamesq.bsky.social · 22/06/2026Once again, I feel compelled to view an item of current affairs through the lens of a 56 year-old Rolling Stones lyric: “I shouted out ‘Who killed the Kennedys?’, When after all It was you and me” 000 0
Paul Bentham @paulbenthamesq.bsky.social · 21/06/2026The world's first programmable computer began work today in 1948. It was within a year of my Dad's birth. Just over a year after my birth, TCP/IP (internet coding) was first specified. Within a year of my son's birth, Facebook was founded. #generations en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manches...en.wikipedia.orgManchester Baby - Wikipedia 000 0
Paul Bentham @paulbenthamesq.bsky.social · 19/06/2026Almost exactly ten years ago, I awoke to read dispiriting overnight news on my phone - something which seemed to keep happening in the years since. Whether or not today is “a turning point”, it’s a welcome change to awake to a headline that’s not soul-crushingly disappointing. 110 0
Paul Bentham @paulbenthamesq.bsky.social · 13/06/2026It only took The Establishment about 20 years to catch up with the Leeds Rhinos fans and add a ‘Sir’ to Kevin Sinfield’s name. Perhaps even more shamefully, it took more than a decade for Lou Macari’s heroic charitable efforts to be rewarded with an MBE. www.bbc.co.uk/sport/articl...bbc.co.ukKing's Birthday Honours list 2026: Kevin Sinfield knighted and six Lionesses made MBEsKevin Sinfield has received a knighthood in the King's Birthday Honours while six of England's Euro 2025-winning squad have been made MBEs. 000 0
Paul Bentham @paulbenthamesq.bsky.social · 11/06/2026It may be over 56 years old, a little dated here and there, a bit crumbly and can ‘only’ hold 87,000 these days but ¡Dios mío! the Estadio Azteca is still «muy impresionante».static.klipy.comEstadio Azteca, Mexico CityALT: Estadio Azteca, Mexico City 000 0
Paul Bentham @paulbenthamesq.bsky.social · 07/06/2026ITV’s abysmal coverage of Morocco v Norway tonight is a timely reminder of their terrible record with live football, days before another World Cup begins. The BBC website promises ‘live…coverage of all 104 matches’ - I suspect streamed radio where they don’t have TV coverage… 000 0
Paul Bentham @paulbenthamesq.bsky.social · 07/06/2026What a player Christian Eriksen has been, over the years. But for the love of all that is truly important, it really is time he hung up his boots now.static.klipy.comChristian Eriksen WavesALT: Christian Eriksen Waves 010 0
Paul Bentham @paulbenthamesq.bsky.social · 06/06/2026I see the English weather is, once again, ‘appropriating the micturated’, even in ‘sunny’ London… 🙄 #thecricket 000 0
Paul Bentham @paulbenthamesq.bsky.social · 05/06/2026The retro-inspired shirt that Lancashire are wearing for tonight’s #Roses match has reminded me of that time I wore the 90s original at an Ashes match at Headingley - and for the subsequent pub crawl via The Oak and The Skyrack - which nicely triggered all the ‘Yawwkshu’ fans… 030 0
Paul Bentham @paulbenthamesq.bsky.social · 05/06/2026Last night, I saw the worst performance at Winstanley College since a student, after three weeks off with glandular fever, attempted to tackle a ‘Mathematics with Statistics’ A-level paper, in 1992… 000 0
Paul Bentham @paulbenthamesq.bsky.social · 04/06/2026It strikes me as a little bit rich of City to be requesting a fair adjudication of the rules while simultaneously delaying and contesting *one hundred and fifteen* accusations of impropriety, most of which are far more serious: www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...bbc.co.ukErling Haaland: Man City threaten legal action over Real Madrid candidate's transfer claimAfter a candidate in Real Madrid's presidential election unveils an Erling Haaland shirt on live TV, Manchester City dismiss the suggestion their striker will move to Spain. 000 0
Paul Bentham @paulbenthamesq.bsky.social · 03/06/2026Some quality self-deprecating Scottish humour and pride from Irn Bru & Co., ahead of the World Cup: youtu.be/-1jN0jRAQLw?...youtu.beIRN-BRU - We're Made in Scotland from Girders (Official Video)YouTube video by irnbru 000 0
Paul Bentham @paulbenthamesq.bsky.social · 02/06/2026To be quite honest with you, when someone in a position of responsibility encourages a response of "pure cold rage" to the legal verdict of a tragic, multi-faceted killing, I’m far more inclined to suggest that our purest, coldest rage needs to be reserved for them. 000 0
Paul Bentham @paulbenthamesq.bsky.social · 30/05/2026#Wigan is the beating heart of rugby league in this country, with a unique hat-trick at Wembley today. #WiganWarriors have won both the Women’s and Men’s Challenge Cup, with St. Peter’s beating The Deanery in an all-Wigan national schools’ final. 🙌 🍒⚪️ www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-...bbc.co.ukChallenge Cup final: Wigan Warriors 40-10 Hull KR - Bevan French scores on returnBevan French scores on his return from injury as Wigan Warriors earn their 22nd Challenge Cup title as they thrash Hull KR at a sweltering Wembley. 010 0
Paul Bentham @paulbenthamesq.bsky.social · 28/04/2026I liked when he mentioned the distinction between words and action in the Gettysburg Address and the only invocation of NATO’s Article 5. 👏👏👏media.tenor.coma man in a suit and tie with a pink flower pin on his pocket squareALT: a man in a suit and tie with a pink flower pin on his pocket square 000 0
Paul Bentham @paulbenthamesq.bsky.social · 26/04/2026In other overnight news, a young woman from Verona has died in her sleep. Juliet Capulet, a socialite from the wealthy Capulet dynasty had been stricken with grief, following the recent loss of her cousin in a street attack. She was 14.media.tenor.coma man in a suit and tie is holding his finger to his chin and says fake newsAlt: a man in a suit and tie is holding his finger to his chin and says fake news 000 0
Paul Bentham @paulbenthamesq.bsky.social · 23/04/2026As with all things I’ve stopped watching, it can hardly be a surprise to learn that lack of viewership is leading to its demise. But it is sad to see after it was such a staple of our Saturdays for decades. Will it be replaced by yet another cookery show? apple.news/AUdnlxy45Qca...apple.newsBBC axes Football Focus after 52 years — The TelegraphSaturday lunchtime show’s demise comes amid plans for widespread job cuts; plus, Simon Briggs on why out-dated concept has had its day 000 0
Paul Bentham @paulbenthamesq.bsky.social · 12/04/2026A much-needed reminder that democracy does work, even (as on rare occasions such as this), if its enemies have tried their hardest to derail it… www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c2...bbc.co.ukHungary election: Viktor Orbán concedes with opposition on course for landslide election win - follow liveHungary's prime minister has been ousted after 16 years in power, with Péter Magyar set to be the country's new leader. 000 0
Paul Bentham @paulbenthamesq.bsky.social · 08/03/2026This is one of the wisest, most perceptive pieces I’ve read in a long while. And it’s so important because there are very few encouraging signs that the general rejection of nuance is likely to be reversed anytime soon… www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...bbc.co.ukHow I've learned that certainty is the thing to really fearAfter five decades hosting radio phone-ins and debates, Nicky Campbell reflects on the state of public debate 000 0
Paul Bentham @paulbenthamesq.bsky.social · 08/03/2026It’s over a week since the latest sequence of atrocities from the Auburn Abomination and it seems that ‘Team America: World Police’ has become his actual inspiration rather than the work of outrageous satire it was designed to be. I’d like people to reflect on that development…media.tenor.coma man sits in front of a screen that says n.c.e.ALT: a man sits in front of a screen that says n.c.e. 010 0
Paul Bentham @paulbenthamesq.bsky.social · 03/03/2026Yeah, well you ain’t no FDR, either buddy. An’ I don’t mean the highway… Trump says Starmer is 'no Winston Churchill' over Iran strikes www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...bbc.co.ukTrump says Starmer is 'no Winston Churchill' over Iran strikesSir Keir Starmer had refused to grant the US permission to use the Diego Garcia military base. 000 0
Paul Bentham @paulbenthamesq.bsky.social · 01/03/2026Maybe we should just have the whole of the World Cup in Canada…. 🤔media.tenor.coma canadian flag with a maple leaf on it is flying in the windALT: a canadian flag with a maple leaf on it is flying in the wind 000 0
Paul Bentham @paulbenthamesq.bsky.social · 28/02/2026I haven’t watched Breakfast TV since Covid. I wake early, make a brew, put Radio 3 on and sit with Elsa, my Labrador, checking various social feeds, with minimal doomscrolling. It’s a kind of idyll. Now I’m going to have to put CNN on, aren’t I? www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cn...bbc.co.ukTrump confirms US has launched 'major combat operations' in Iran, as explosions reported in TehranIsraeli Defence Minister Israel Katz says Israel launched a 000 0
Paul Bentham @paulbenthamesq.bsky.social · 28/02/2026That was mad enough. But this seems like an even bigger stretch. And even more life-affirming. 110 0
