Frog closed his eyes when Toad came out from behind the rocks
Paul Kelly
@pjthinker.bsky.social
Professor of Political Theory Former Head of Department of Government and PVC Education London School of Economics Author Against Post-liberalism: Why Faith, Family and Flag is a Dead End for the Left, Polity Press 2025
“Frog,” said Toad, “I can’t see anything. I will not be able to wear your beautiful present. This is a sad birthday for me.”
Vincent Gerard "Vini" Reilly. Born OTD in 1953, Higher Blackley, Manchester www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEGv...
Durutti Column - Jacqueline (Live 1988)
YouTube video by Andy Durrant
youtube.com
Reminder that the Tories believe any non-British person who commits more than a minor parking or traffic offence should be automatically deported. They “believe in second chances”, apparently, but only for literal Nazis.
Kemi Badenoch defends selection of man jailed for harassing Jewish MP in council election – as it happened
Conservative leader tells press she stands by decision to select Joshua Bonehill-Paine as a candidate for local election in Somerset
theguardian.com
“Frog, tell that turtle to go away,” said Toad. “I do not want him to see me in my bathing suit when I come out of the river.”
Toad hurried back to the river. “Frog,” he shouted, “it’s me. It’s your best friend, Toad!”
You could say the same for the RCP/Spiked, but there is at least some attempt at a coherent philosophy of 'Enlightenment' there, in which the Left ends up positioned as the latest enemy of 'Reason'. With Liddle it was more a case of lighting his own farts.
As the passing Rod Liddle is in the news - I was on the Today Programme twice in close succession whilst he was editor so was invited to the Today Summer Party and got a nice invitation from Liddle…
Toad opened his present from Frog. It was a beautiful new clock. The two friends sat by the fire. The hands of the clock moved to show the hours of a merry Christmas Eve.
New post just out: "Burnham's first mistake" Splitting 14 year olds into academic and vocational paths seems intuitive. But it's a terrible idea that risks increasing inequality, and closing down options for the young people that need them most. (£/free trial) open.substack.com/pub/samf/p/b...
Burnham's first mistake
The problem with his education plan
open.substack.com
Toad opened the front door. He looked out into the night. Frog was not there.
“If Frog wants to be alone,” said the Turtle, “why don’t you leave him alone?” “Maybe you are right,” said Toad. “Maybe Frog does not want to see me. Maybe he does not want me to be his friend anymore.”
Commonwealth Games flew under the radar as it wasn’t on free to air terrestrial TV. Maybe they should give a Peace Prize and do a deal with Jacob Kushner?
⚒️ With over 220 tunnel kilometres excavated, the completion of the EU co-funded Brenner Base Tunnel is one step closer! 🇦🇹🇮🇹 Miners have now connected Austria and Italy via two main railway tunnels ↓
No professional accomplishment has ever made me happier than this. theonion.com/translator-o...
Translator Of Original ‘Minions’ Epic Poem Slams ‘Sexless, Bloodless’ Film Adaptation
PHILADELPHIA—In a 4,500-word essay published in Harper’s Magazine, Emily Wilson, known for her popular translation of the Minions epic poem, blasted the latest film Thursday as a “sexless, bloodless” ...
theonion.com
“Now we have no more cookies to eat,” said Toad sadly. “Not even one.” “Yes,” said Frog, “but we have lots and lots of will power.” “You may keep it all, Frog,” said Toad. “I am going home now to bake a cake.”
Frog came into Toad’s house. He came in quietly. Frog found the hat and took it to his house.
Obviously Burnham is having a honeymoon and that will end at some point. But the really big deal here is that Farage is properly cooked. He's not coming back from this.
“Frog, I am glad that you are here,” said Toad.
Today I shall mostly be at Glyndebourne watching Billy Budd -
“Frog,” said Toad, “if I wash my dishes right now, then I will not have to wash them tomorrow, will I?” “No,” said Frog. “You will not have to.” Toad washed and dried his dishes. He put them in the cupboard.
As a historian of Jodrell Bank, I agree! And the reason it is important is that it has been made to mean different things to different people at different times. Who's up for a mega thread on how and why? (I'm off for lunch now, but I'll do it after. I'll need the energy...)
John Grindrod@grindrod.bsky.social · last wk.Really one of the most important postwar sites in Britain
Polanski tee shirt is headline on BBC News #r4Today - also Farage cross at not being invited to Social Care meeting. BBC still plugging a profoundly unserious grifter as if he is a serious politician (Farage not Polanski but the latter leaves a lot to be desired).
And good luck finding businesses to offer meaningful work experience to hundreds of thousands of 14 and 15 year olds. As ever a failure to acknowledge that our big challenge with vocational ed is our labour market.
Laura McInerney@missmc.bsky.social · last wk.Don’t worry, I’m sure they’ve thought through how this will be staffed, funded, and the class size implications for GCSE options. They learned that from the last time, right? RIGHT? www.tes.com/magazine/new...
I am *absolutely sick* of hearing about young people as 'benefit scroungers'. Nearly 60% of welfare spending goes on pensioners! The people writing this stuff know that too.
Frog and Toad went for a walk. Toad did not trip over a rock. He did not bump into a tree. He did not fall in a hole. It turned out to be a very pleasant day after Toad's birthday.
