iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Neill Roberts @robbo59.bsky.social · 12h

Whoever wins the Nobel Prize in Literature this week will be in the very best company. Epic but intimate, brutal but heartwarming, realistic but mystical - it contains multitudes. #OlgaTokarczuk #AntoniaLloydJones #FitzcarraldoBooks #NobelPrizeInLiterature #BookSky📚 #LiteratureSky

Cover of ‘Primeval and Other Times’ by Olga Tokarczuk.’ UK paperback edition from those wonderful people at Fitzcarraldo Books.

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Neill Roberts @robbo59.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

I am now, and I have always been … someone who couldn’t give a toss about glorified guessing games.

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Neill Roberts @robbo59.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

Born in Wales, Welsh mother, English-born father, Scottish grandmother. I guess I fail Suella’s definition of ‘English.’ But, then, she fails my definition of ‘sane.’

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Neill Roberts @robbo59.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

To be blunt, I couldn’t give a shit about who is and who isn’t a traitor. It just doesn’t matter.

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Neill Roberts @robbo59.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

If you haven’t read anything by Fosse yet, English language readers, this might be a good place to start. Hypnotic, elliptical, unique; but also recognisable and universal. Recommended. #JonFosse #DamionSearls #FitzcarraldoEditions #BookSky📚 #LiterarySky

Cover of ‘Scenes From A Childhood’, by Jon Fosse, translated by Damion Searls. (UK paperback edition, by those wonderful people at Fitzcarraldo Editions.)

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Neill Roberts @robbo59.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Proust can keep his madeleines. For me, it’s iced gems. #gbbo

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Neill Roberts @robbo59.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Oh, Mr Hansen, that’s a belter of an album. #Beck #RideLonesome #MusicSky

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Neill Roberts @robbo59.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Welcome back, The Great British Bake Off. That first 2026 show was … sumptuous. #gbbo

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Neill Roberts @robbo59.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

What do you get when you cross an oddity with a travesty? #TheOdysseyMovie

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Neill Roberts @robbo59.bsky.social · 05/09/2026

Ten thousand miles from Adelaide, in leafy Cheshire, but I’m rooting for the Crows in their AFL Elimination Final against the Bulldogs. Just six points in it at the major break. Thanks to ABC for the commentary. Forget last year, guys: let’s have a win today! #AFL #footy #AdelaideCrows

Claude the Crow and 2018 members’ scarf for the Adelaide Crows.

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Neill Roberts @robbo59.bsky.social · 05/09/2026

I’m nearly sixty-seven. Yesterday, for the first time, a young person offered to give up a seat for me. I thanked her and we laughed as I said, “Not yet.” I was not offended in any way. But I am grateful that it’s taken nearly sixty-seven years to happen; and for the young person’s thoughtfulness.

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Neill Roberts @robbo59.bsky.social · 05/07/2026

It seems the shit might, just might, be finally sticking to Führage. About time.

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Neill Roberts @robbo59.bsky.social · 10/07/2026

Nigel Farage Received a large Gift. Grift. #poetry #clerihews #UKpolitics

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Irish Literary Times @irishlittimes.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

Remembering Seamus Heaney, who died on this day in 2013.

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Neill Roberts @robbo59.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

If you know, you know. If you don’t, and you can, then find out. #NHS #BloodDonors

Photo of a Club biscuit, by quaint tradition, a reward for donating blood in the UK. And, no, they’re not what they used to be. But that’s not the point.

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Brown Eyed Susan @browneyedsusan.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

🤭😆 When Trump dies

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Neill Roberts @robbo59.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

“I’d like a house, please.” “Certainly. What period?” “Jacobean. Very Jacobean. As Jacobean as Jacobean can be. One hundred per cent Jacobean. Twenty-four carat Jacobean. The Jacobean houses’s Jacobean house.” “I think we have the very thing.” #NationalTrust #BlicklingEstate #Norfolk

Photo of Blickling Hall, a National Trust property in Norfolk. It’s very, very Jacobean.

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Neill Roberts @robbo59.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

“To live in this world you must be able to do three things: to love what is mortal; to hold it against your bones knowing your own life depends on it; and, when the time comes to let it go, to let it go” ‘In Blackwater Woods’ by Mary Oliver. #MaryOliver #poetry #BookSky📚

Photo of ‘Selected Poems 1965-2005’ by Mary Oliver.

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Neill Roberts @robbo59.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

Richard Tice Needs climate advice. It won’t be snowing Where he’s going.

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Neill Roberts @robbo59.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

Great to hear Susie Dent in Bramhall last night, talking about her new novel, ‘Death Writ Large’, her work as a lexicographer and her love of words. Looking forward to a hugely enjoyable read! #SusieDent #DeathWritLarge #BookSky📚

Photo of the UK hardback edition of ‘Death Writ Large’ by Susie Dent.

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phillip crymble @phillipcrymble.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

Wendy Cope, with a poem of great tenderness

To My Husband

If we were never going to die, I might Not hug you quite as often or as tight, Or say goodbye to you as carefully If I were certain you'd come back to me. Perhaps I wouldn't value every day, Every act of kindness, every laugh As much, if I knew you and I could stay For ever as each other's other half. We may not have too many years before One disappears to the eternal yonder And I can't hug or touch you any more. Yes, of course that knowledge makes us fonder. Would I want to change things, if I could,
And make us both immortal? Love, I would.

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Astronomer Royal for Scotland | Catherine Heymans @astroroyalscot.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

Jarvis Cocker, New Order, Elbow, Dr Who (v. Eccleston), @daraobriain.bsky.social, Kraftwerk, Mogwai, Brian May, 2 astronauts (Peake & Hadfield), the Poet Laureate, the Lovell family & many more. Heartwarming to see how much the UK loves Jodrell Bank & astronomy🔭🙏 www.theguardian.com/science/2026...

theguardian.com

Artists, writers and scientists urge UK government to save Jodrell Bank Observatory

New Order and Simon Armitage among more than 100 signatories to criticise ‘foolish and shortsighted’ cuts

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Neill Roberts @robbo59.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

I know many say there are ‘no good billionaires.’ And I firmly believe that science that might benefit (or at least interest) many of us should be funded by the state. But just one $5 million donation (figure chosen at random, obvs) to Jodrell Bank would buy time to do things properly. #JodrellBank

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Jodrell Bank @jodrellbank.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

Jodrell Bank has inspired discovery, advanced our understanding of the Universe and captured the imagination of people across the world. Today, its future is at risk. Your support can help ensure Jodrell Bank continues to play a vital role in science donate.manchester.ac.uk/p/jodrellbank/

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James O’Brien @mrjamesob.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

Not sure who did this but they should be arrested immediately.

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Neill Roberts @robbo59.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

“Late September … “ Far be it from me to argue with Seamus Heaney, but not this year, sir. #BlackberryPicking #SeamusHeaney #Poetry #Nature

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Neill Roberts @robbo59.bsky.social · 25/07/2026

I volunteer in a charity secondhand bookstore. I can’t help feeling that, by the end of the year, we’re going to be overwhelmed by barely-read copies of ‘The Odyssey.’ #BookSky📚 #TheOdyssey

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Neill Roberts @robbo59.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

Führage is talking about ‘the British people’ again. Apparently, we all want a General Election. Well, I’m British and I don’t. Once again, the Human Ashtray fails to speak for me. #UKPolitics

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Neill Roberts @robbo59.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

Keir Starmer had his faults as Prime Minister: that we can all agree. But he is an increasing rarity in politics - an honest and decent man, with a great sense of justice. He has much to offer and I hope his qualities find space for expression and application in the years that follow. #UKPolitics

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Neill Roberts @robbo59.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

Trent Reznor has a collection of large gastropods. Nine inch snails.

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Neill Roberts @robbo59.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

I can sew a button on a shirt - and there my skills end. But I do, for some reason, love this show. Welcome back. #BBC #GreatBritishSewingBee

Photo of Sophie Willan, Esme Young and Patrick Grant, hosts of the 2026 Great British Sewing Bee.

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Neill Roberts @robbo59.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

£10 billion wasted on Covid PPE. I believe the man’s own word was “spaffing.” #UKPolitics

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Neill Roberts @robbo59.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

A wonderful read. It leaves two deep impressions: the tragedy of its subject’s life; and the skill of the biographer in balancing sympathy with honesty. If you like Mansfield’s work, this is essential reading. #KatherineMansfield #ClaireTomalin #BookSky📚

Copy of ‘Katherine Mansfield: A Secrrt Life’ by Claire Tomalin. Cover photograph is of KM.

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Neill Roberts @robbo59.bsky.social · 12/07/2026

To the good people of the USA: if you’re looking for a replacement for Lindsey Graham, we in the UK might have just the man. With a bit of luck, he’ll be available from mid-August. He’ll probably be in your country anyway. You’re welcome. #UKPolitics #USPolitics

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Neill Roberts @robbo59.bsky.social · 12/07/2026

Yesterday, the ECB app listed the women’s Test against India THIRD, behind men’s t20 and under-19 international matches. If Test cricket is most important form of the game, why isn’t the women’s game listed first? Especially as such matches are rare and highly-anticipated? #cricket #womeninsport

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Neill Roberts @robbo59.bsky.social · 11/07/2026

I am officially old. A song I’ve never heard, performed by two people I’ve never heard of (no disrespect to them) has apparently been number one in the UK for 16 weeks. Funny how something that used to matter so much now doesn’t matter at all. #music

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Neill Roberts @robbo59.bsky.social · 10/07/2026

No-one should be admitted to the “Roses” cricket match unless they can correctly name three battles in the actual Wars of the Roses. Anyone answering ‘Hastings’, ‘Waterloo’ or ‘Britain’ should be led away quietly. #cricket #Lancashire #HistorySky

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Neill Roberts @robbo59.bsky.social · 10/07/2026

RIP Patricia Greene. Let’s all raise a slice of lemon drizzle. #TheArchers

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Neill Roberts @robbo59.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

In the UK … - over 30C is a heatwave; - over 20C at nighttime is tropical; - unlucky journalists have to remember school lessons about alliteration, so they can write stuff like “Barnsley is hotter than Barcelona, Barbados and … er … bars in Botswana.” #weather

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Neill Roberts @robbo59.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

People of Clacton: Vote Binface - you know it makes sense.

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Neill Roberts @robbo59.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

Today, we are all Belgian. 🇧🇪 #WorldCup

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Neill Roberts @robbo59.bsky.social · 05/07/2026

It seems the shit might, just might, be finally sticking to Führage. About time.

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Neill Roberts @robbo59.bsky.social · 05/07/2026

This looks like one of those days where there’s nothing to post.

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