Alastair Millar
@skriptorium.info
Translator, flash sf writer (BSFA); 🇨🇿/🇬🇧
Eclectic posts (current affairs, archaeology, science, words, writing)
❤️ travel, coffee, puns; 🚫 genAI; unsolicited DM = block
He/him; married; 🏳️🌈/🏳️⚧️ ally; #NAFO; 🇺🇦 🇬🇪 🇬🇱
Writing & links: https://linktr.ee/alastairmillar
Eclectic posts (current affairs, archaeology, science, words, writing)
❤️ travel, coffee, puns; 🚫 genAI; unsolicited DM = block
He/him; married; 🏳️🌈/🏳️⚧️ ally; #NAFO; 🇺🇦 🇬🇪 🇬🇱
Writing & links: https://linktr.ee/alastairmillar
Pinned
Alastair Millar
@skriptorium.info
· Jun 16
My flash science fiction collection, 'Mars & More', is still available!
If you'd like to get YOUR hands on some punchy, bite sized SF, you can find the ebook here: books2read.com/MarsMore
Or order in print (paperback) through your favourite bookstore: the ISBN is 979-8-227-17966-1
If you'd like to get YOUR hands on some punchy, bite sized SF, you can find the ebook here: books2read.com/MarsMore
Or order in print (paperback) through your favourite bookstore: the ISBN is 979-8-227-17966-1
Reposted by Alastair Millar
Wrangously [RAWNG-gis-lee]
(adv.)
- Wrongfully; unjustly; improperly; incorrectly.
Use:
“Old Widow Pucket was wrangously clapped in darbies and hauled off to gaol for allegedly uprooting the dahlias from the vicarage garden, though everyone in Crowswick knew that the rector’s goat had eaten them.”
(adv.)
- Wrongfully; unjustly; improperly; incorrectly.
Use:
“Old Widow Pucket was wrangously clapped in darbies and hauled off to gaol for allegedly uprooting the dahlias from the vicarage garden, though everyone in Crowswick knew that the rector’s goat had eaten them.”
September 17, 2026 at 8:23 PM
Wrangously [RAWNG-gis-lee]
(adv.)
- Wrongfully; unjustly; improperly; incorrectly.
Use:
“Old Widow Pucket was wrangously clapped in darbies and hauled off to gaol for allegedly uprooting the dahlias from the vicarage garden, though everyone in Crowswick knew that the rector’s goat had eaten them.”
(adv.)
- Wrongfully; unjustly; improperly; incorrectly.
Use:
“Old Widow Pucket was wrangously clapped in darbies and hauled off to gaol for allegedly uprooting the dahlias from the vicarage garden, though everyone in Crowswick knew that the rector’s goat had eaten them.”
This is what the far right in the UK want: mob rule.
Lifeboat station in Portsmouth forced to temporarily shut after far-right action
Lifeboat station in Portsmouth forced to temporarily shut after far-right action
RNLI facility had been affected by attempts by activists to stop asylum seekers landing in boats from the Channel
A lifeboat station on the south coast of England near the spot where far-right activists tried to stop asylum seekers landing has been forced to temporarily close, it has emerged.
The station in Portsmouth shut after it and other sites run by the RNLI were targeted by people objecting to the lifeboat charity going to the aid of people trying to get to the UK on small boats. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
September 17, 2026 at 1:58 PM
This is what the far right in the UK want: mob rule.
Reposted by Alastair Millar
still not quite over the fact that i watched 15 year olds get sued for millions of dollars for downloading twelve songs and now we all have to accept AI slop because every tech company in the known universe decided that IP laws don't exist now that they're inconvenient for them
May 14, 2026 at 9:53 PM
still not quite over the fact that i watched 15 year olds get sued for millions of dollars for downloading twelve songs and now we all have to accept AI slop because every tech company in the known universe decided that IP laws don't exist now that they're inconvenient for them
Reposted by Alastair Millar
Friend shared this video of a man unveiling the library he hid when he fled Damascus in 2011. It’s incredible
September 17, 2026 at 9:41 AM
Friend shared this video of a man unveiling the library he hid when he fled Damascus in 2011. It’s incredible
Reposted by Alastair Millar
It was confirmed yesterday that the centre left coalition won the election in Sweden
As predicted, with the far right performing poorly, coverage has almost entirely vanished from international media
As predicted, with the far right performing poorly, coverage has almost entirely vanished from international media
You may be relieved but spare a thought for so many editors in the mainstream media who were hoping to run hyping headlines about the far right winning in Sweden
As always when SD is hyped and ends up crashing, I expect Swedish politics will drop off the radar as it's no longer sexy enough
As always when SD is hyped and ends up crashing, I expect Swedish politics will drop off the radar as it's no longer sexy enough
Sweden, Novus exit poll:
Seat projection national parliament
S-S&D: 101 (-6)
SD-ECR: 66 (-7)
M-EPP: 62 (-6)
C-RE: 32 (+8)
MP-G/EFA: 25 (+7)
V-LEFT: 24
KD-EPP: 21 (+2)
L-RE: 18 (+2)
+/- vs. Last election result
➤ europeelects.eu/sweden
Seat projection national parliament
S-S&D: 101 (-6)
SD-ECR: 66 (-7)
M-EPP: 62 (-6)
C-RE: 32 (+8)
MP-G/EFA: 25 (+7)
V-LEFT: 24
KD-EPP: 21 (+2)
L-RE: 18 (+2)
+/- vs. Last election result
➤ europeelects.eu/sweden
September 17, 2026 at 10:02 AM
It was confirmed yesterday that the centre left coalition won the election in Sweden
As predicted, with the far right performing poorly, coverage has almost entirely vanished from international media
As predicted, with the far right performing poorly, coverage has almost entirely vanished from international media
Reposted by Alastair Millar
Remember the Russian ship that fired flares at a Danish helicopter, nearly hitting it? The commander was awarded a medal "For Combat Merit" yesterday.
With firm NATO responses lacking and Russians receiving medals for provocations, expect a lot more provocations to happen.
With firm NATO responses lacking and Russians receiving medals for provocations, expect a lot more provocations to happen.
September 17, 2026 at 3:57 AM
Remember the Russian ship that fired flares at a Danish helicopter, nearly hitting it? The commander was awarded a medal "For Combat Merit" yesterday.
With firm NATO responses lacking and Russians receiving medals for provocations, expect a lot more provocations to happen.
With firm NATO responses lacking and Russians receiving medals for provocations, expect a lot more provocations to happen.
Reposted by Alastair Millar
You know you've been using the laptop a lot when you open a paperback in a dim room and are briefly surprised that it DOESN'T glow.
September 17, 2026 at 4:02 AM
You know you've been using the laptop a lot when you open a paperback in a dim room and are briefly surprised that it DOESN'T glow.
Canada is in line for something new: 'associate membership' of the EU.
So should the UK move towards something similar, as a way of getting some of the benefits of membership without having to re-fight the Brexit debate?
So should the UK move towards something similar, as a way of getting some of the benefits of membership without having to re-fight the Brexit debate?
September 17, 2026 at 6:50 AM
Canada is in line for something new: 'associate membership' of the EU.
So should the UK move towards something similar, as a way of getting some of the benefits of membership without having to re-fight the Brexit debate?
So should the UK move towards something similar, as a way of getting some of the benefits of membership without having to re-fight the Brexit debate?
Reposted by Alastair Millar
Day 658 of #GeorgiaProtests
The regime is struggling, full of resignations and internal purges.
At the same time, we cannot currently articulate and channel the dissatisfaction to a victorious end.
But we still protest, keeping the fire burning.
📷 Natia Bukia
The regime is struggling, full of resignations and internal purges.
At the same time, we cannot currently articulate and channel the dissatisfaction to a victorious end.
But we still protest, keeping the fire burning.
📷 Natia Bukia
September 16, 2026 at 7:12 PM
Day 658 of #GeorgiaProtests
The regime is struggling, full of resignations and internal purges.
At the same time, we cannot currently articulate and channel the dissatisfaction to a victorious end.
But we still protest, keeping the fire burning.
📷 Natia Bukia
The regime is struggling, full of resignations and internal purges.
At the same time, we cannot currently articulate and channel the dissatisfaction to a victorious end.
But we still protest, keeping the fire burning.
📷 Natia Bukia
Reposted by Alastair Millar
Conglobate [KONG-glo-bayt]
(v.)
- To form or gather into a ball or rounded mass.
Used in a sentence:
“During maths, young Cuthbert spent the better part of the lesson conglobating scraps torn from his notebook into spitballs and exspuitating them at the depilated occiput of Master Wembolt."
(v.)
- To form or gather into a ball or rounded mass.
Used in a sentence:
“During maths, young Cuthbert spent the better part of the lesson conglobating scraps torn from his notebook into spitballs and exspuitating them at the depilated occiput of Master Wembolt."
September 16, 2026 at 11:40 PM
Conglobate [KONG-glo-bayt]
(v.)
- To form or gather into a ball or rounded mass.
Used in a sentence:
“During maths, young Cuthbert spent the better part of the lesson conglobating scraps torn from his notebook into spitballs and exspuitating them at the depilated occiput of Master Wembolt."
(v.)
- To form or gather into a ball or rounded mass.
Used in a sentence:
“During maths, young Cuthbert spent the better part of the lesson conglobating scraps torn from his notebook into spitballs and exspuitating them at the depilated occiput of Master Wembolt."
Just seen on Threads, and made me laugh, so here you are.
September 17, 2026 at 6:40 AM
Just seen on Threads, and made me laugh, so here you are.
Remember when Iran said it might target US tech companies? Turns out they weren't kidding.
September 17, 2026 at 6:11 AM
Remember when Iran said it might target US tech companies? Turns out they weren't kidding.
Reposted by Alastair Millar
Few thoughts on Ukraine new long-range record. In practical operational terms, the straight-line distance shown on the map roughly 2,800 to 3,000 km represents only the lower baseline. The actual trajectory, total distance traveled, and total exposure time in russian airspace differ significantly 🧵
September 10, 2026 at 1:33 PM
Few thoughts on Ukraine new long-range record. In practical operational terms, the straight-line distance shown on the map roughly 2,800 to 3,000 km represents only the lower baseline. The actual trajectory, total distance traveled, and total exposure time in russian airspace differ significantly 🧵
Reposted by Alastair Millar
Just days after Ecuador's president met with Kristi Noem, ICE arrested his political foe in Miami. Even though an immigration judge found it likely José Serrano would be tortured, the US deported him in a hasty process that took a single day. An excellent demonstration of how the immigration process
U.S. Fast-Tracked Deportation of Ecuadorean Politician Despite Torture Fears
The removal of José Serrano, a critic of President Daniel Noboa who has been accused of criminal activity, underscores how the Trump administration has asserted control over U.S. immigration courts.
www.nytimes.com
September 17, 2026 at 2:05 AM
Just days after Ecuador's president met with Kristi Noem, ICE arrested his political foe in Miami. Even though an immigration judge found it likely José Serrano would be tortured, the US deported him in a hasty process that took a single day. An excellent demonstration of how the immigration process
I respectfully disagree. While we all like being in touch with our friends, pretty much anything taken to excess can become an addiction - social media is no exception. And Ms Lorenz ignores the evidence that large social media companies have deliberately set out to make their products addictive.
Can social media be addictive?
@taylorlorenz.bsky.social says no.
“You wanting to communicate and chat with your friends every day is not an addiction,” says Lorenz. “And to frame it that way is incredibly harmful and anti-science.”
@taylorlorenz.bsky.social says no.
“You wanting to communicate and chat with your friends every day is not an addiction,” says Lorenz. “And to frame it that way is incredibly harmful and anti-science.”
September 17, 2026 at 4:15 AM
I respectfully disagree. While we all like being in touch with our friends, pretty much anything taken to excess can become an addiction - social media is no exception. And Ms Lorenz ignores the evidence that large social media companies have deliberately set out to make their products addictive.
Reposted by Alastair Millar
Just in case anyone still had any questions, today Trump proved beyond all doubt that has absolutely no idea how the economy, trade, or finance work. It would be genuinely difficult to cram more falsehoods, backwards statements, and sheer gibberish into his statement.
September 16, 2026 at 10:18 PM
Just in case anyone still had any questions, today Trump proved beyond all doubt that has absolutely no idea how the economy, trade, or finance work. It would be genuinely difficult to cram more falsehoods, backwards statements, and sheer gibberish into his statement.
Reposted by Alastair Millar
Why is the White House being so weird about Natalie Harp again? | Arwa Mahdawi
Why is the White House being so weird about Natalie Harp again? | Arwa Mahdawi
The president’s assistant travelled with him to Ireland – which really shouldn’t be much of a story. But his comms team seems determined to make it one, writes Arwa Mahdawi
www.theguardian.com
September 16, 2026 at 7:29 PM
Why is the White House being so weird about Natalie Harp again? | Arwa Mahdawi
Reposted by Alastair Millar
Flagitation [flaj-ih-TAY-shun]
(n.)
- Earnest and persistent asking or demanding; importunity.
Used in a sentence:
“After several rounds of flagitation failed to persuade the little pig to open the door, the wolf abandoned diplomacy in favor of pulmonary siegecraft.”
(n.)
- Earnest and persistent asking or demanding; importunity.
Used in a sentence:
“After several rounds of flagitation failed to persuade the little pig to open the door, the wolf abandoned diplomacy in favor of pulmonary siegecraft.”
September 15, 2026 at 10:36 PM
Flagitation [flaj-ih-TAY-shun]
(n.)
- Earnest and persistent asking or demanding; importunity.
Used in a sentence:
“After several rounds of flagitation failed to persuade the little pig to open the door, the wolf abandoned diplomacy in favor of pulmonary siegecraft.”
(n.)
- Earnest and persistent asking or demanding; importunity.
Used in a sentence:
“After several rounds of flagitation failed to persuade the little pig to open the door, the wolf abandoned diplomacy in favor of pulmonary siegecraft.”
To suggest that @msf.org are terrorists is cynical & disgusting; they are among the bravest volunteers anywhere in the world, and their work is exceptional, which is why they received the 1999 Nobel Peace Prize for "pioneering humanitarian work on several continents." For shame.
UK Lawyers for Israel calls to proscribe Doctors Without Borders as terror group
UKLFI has been at the forefront of efforts to discredit and pressure aid groups helping Palestinians
www.middleeasteye.net
September 16, 2026 at 11:35 AM
To suggest that @msf.org are terrorists is cynical & disgusting; they are among the bravest volunteers anywhere in the world, and their work is exceptional, which is why they received the 1999 Nobel Peace Prize for "pioneering humanitarian work on several continents." For shame.
Reposted by Alastair Millar
The newest fledgling has left the Nook! 🦉✨
Issue 5 is out, and if you'd like to catch a glimpse, you can find it here:
www.thehooletsnook.com/current-issu...
Grateful, as always, to the wonderful contributors who filled its pages and gave it wings. ❤️🙏
#microfiction #shortpoetry #readersofbsky
Issue 5 is out, and if you'd like to catch a glimpse, you can find it here:
www.thehooletsnook.com/current-issu...
Grateful, as always, to the wonderful contributors who filled its pages and gave it wings. ❤️🙏
#microfiction #shortpoetry #readersofbsky
September 15, 2026 - Issue 5
Welcome to Issue 5 of The Hoolet's Nook ! If you've just discovered THN , we're so glad you found us. And to those who have been with us along the way, thank you. As we approach our second...
www.thehooletsnook.com
September 15, 2026 at 2:19 PM
The newest fledgling has left the Nook! 🦉✨
Issue 5 is out, and if you'd like to catch a glimpse, you can find it here:
www.thehooletsnook.com/current-issu...
Grateful, as always, to the wonderful contributors who filled its pages and gave it wings. ❤️🙏
#microfiction #shortpoetry #readersofbsky
Issue 5 is out, and if you'd like to catch a glimpse, you can find it here:
www.thehooletsnook.com/current-issu...
Grateful, as always, to the wonderful contributors who filled its pages and gave it wings. ❤️🙏
#microfiction #shortpoetry #readersofbsky
This is how Russia's hybrid attack network operates - the security services recruit vulnerable individuals, who in turn recruit locals in European countries to conduct sabotage attacks.
Investigation: Cuban dance instructor recruits random people to carry out acts of terror in Europe
A joint investigation by Deutsche Welle, Lithuania’s LRT, Czech Television and Spain’s RTVE identified Oemis ...
eualive.net
September 16, 2026 at 6:36 AM
This is how Russia's hybrid attack network operates - the security services recruit vulnerable individuals, who in turn recruit locals in European countries to conduct sabotage attacks.
This.
Russia will continue upping the ante until they get a proper slap in return.
Russia will continue upping the ante until they get a proper slap in return.
When you track it you’ll need just 17 seconds after it crossing the border. Learn from the Turks. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015_Ru...
2015 Russian Sukhoi Su-24 shootdown - Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org
September 15, 2026 at 8:21 AM
This.
Russia will continue upping the ante until they get a proper slap in return.
Russia will continue upping the ante until they get a proper slap in return.
Reposted by Alastair Millar
What a surprise to learn that a Russian oligarch close to Putin paid for Junior’s lavish wedding. Who could’ve expected it?
September 14, 2026 at 11:48 AM
What a surprise to learn that a Russian oligarch close to Putin paid for Junior’s lavish wedding. Who could’ve expected it?
More Russian provocations. A firmer response is needed - Russia respects only strength.
Tensions rise between Denmark and Russia. Danish authorities say a Russian frigate fired two flares at a military helicopter during a routine mission off Denmark. One flare passed close to the aircraft. Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen called the incident “completely unacceptable.”
Russian frigate fires flares toward Danish military helicopter
Denmark has summoned the Russian ambassador in Copenhagen over the incident.
tvpworld.com
September 15, 2026 at 8:16 AM
More Russian provocations. A firmer response is needed - Russia respects only strength.
Good.
Hungary government submits bill to roll back Orban-era anti-LGBTQ+ rules reut.rs/4xYUUrI
Hungary government submits bill to roll back Orban-era anti-LGBTQ+ rules
Hungary's government submitted a bill to parliament late on Monday that would remove anti-LGBTQ+ rules prohibiting the "promotion of homosexuality" to under-18s implemented by Viktor Orban's former nationalist government.
reut.rs
September 15, 2026 at 6:23 AM
Good.