Marchie
@marchie56.bsky.social
Just an ordinary middle-aged English born Scot with an interest in politics, trying to make sense of a world that doesn't. Any opinions expressed are my own, and I try to be balanced and thoughtful, though I occasionally have been known to falter.
The attacks on the RNLI have really angered me so I felt compelled to write a song in unofficial support of the organisation. We have to show that these malicious fools do not speak for most of us.
September 10, 2026 at 7:20 AM
The attacks on the RNLI have really angered me so I felt compelled to write a song in unofficial support of the organisation. We have to show that these malicious fools do not speak for most of us.
For the fun of it, I wrote a surprise song and produced a wee video for a very good friend's whisky review YouTube channel, Gav's Drams.
If you like your whiskies, have a listen and check out his reviews. He's a bit of legend in Campbeltown (no wait, is that leg end..?)
youtu.be/O_wUuQC9z7Q?...
If you like your whiskies, have a listen and check out his reviews. He's a bit of legend in Campbeltown (no wait, is that leg end..?)
youtu.be/O_wUuQC9z7Q?...
Gav's Drams song
YouTube video by Gav's Drams
youtu.be
September 5, 2026 at 6:17 PM
For the fun of it, I wrote a surprise song and produced a wee video for a very good friend's whisky review YouTube channel, Gav's Drams.
If you like your whiskies, have a listen and check out his reviews. He's a bit of legend in Campbeltown (no wait, is that leg end..?)
youtu.be/O_wUuQC9z7Q?...
If you like your whiskies, have a listen and check out his reviews. He's a bit of legend in Campbeltown (no wait, is that leg end..?)
youtu.be/O_wUuQC9z7Q?...
I'm having great fun with my new songwriting hobby. I've written another political satire song, and created my first ever #short. Inspired by the Canadian response to the US trade talks breakdown - Let's Do It Like Canada!
#cdnpoli #Politicalsatire #LakeAmerica #Elbowsup
#doitlikecanada
#cdnpoli #Politicalsatire #LakeAmerica #Elbowsup
#doitlikecanada
Let's Do It Like Canada! (Trade War Satirical Anthem) 🇨🇦 #Shorts
YouTube video by Marchie Does Words
youtube.com
August 30, 2026 at 6:36 PM
I'm having great fun with my new songwriting hobby. I've written another political satire song, and created my first ever #short. Inspired by the Canadian response to the US trade talks breakdown - Let's Do It Like Canada!
#cdnpoli #Politicalsatire #LakeAmerica #Elbowsup
#doitlikecanada
#cdnpoli #Politicalsatire #LakeAmerica #Elbowsup
#doitlikecanada
I'm allowed to share a little of the Field Guide from @russincheshire.bsky.social forthcoming book "The Wolf That Chews Rocks"
"The Cairn Terrier
A handful of dry thatch powered by sheer obstinacy... small in a way a grenade is small."
When the book comes out, just buy it. It's so, so good.
"The Cairn Terrier
A handful of dry thatch powered by sheer obstinacy... small in a way a grenade is small."
When the book comes out, just buy it. It's so, so good.
August 27, 2026 at 1:38 PM
I'm allowed to share a little of the Field Guide from @russincheshire.bsky.social forthcoming book "The Wolf That Chews Rocks"
"The Cairn Terrier
A handful of dry thatch powered by sheer obstinacy... small in a way a grenade is small."
When the book comes out, just buy it. It's so, so good.
"The Cairn Terrier
A handful of dry thatch powered by sheer obstinacy... small in a way a grenade is small."
When the book comes out, just buy it. It's so, so good.
After the unexpected release of "I Will Stand in Clacton", and the positive responses I received to it, it awoke in me a deeply dormant desire to write more songs. Words 💯 me, music AI.
My second go is a personal and emotional song that I hope might resonate with others.
youtu.be/YhWC-4StxYg?...
My second go is a personal and emotional song that I hope might resonate with others.
youtu.be/YhWC-4StxYg?...
Happy in the Moment
YouTube video by Marchie Does Words
youtu.be
August 23, 2026 at 6:32 PM
After the unexpected release of "I Will Stand in Clacton", and the positive responses I received to it, it awoke in me a deeply dormant desire to write more songs. Words 💯 me, music AI.
My second go is a personal and emotional song that I hope might resonate with others.
youtu.be/YhWC-4StxYg?...
My second go is a personal and emotional song that I hope might resonate with others.
youtu.be/YhWC-4StxYg?...
A review will follow, but just finished @russincheshire.bsky.social The Wolf that Chews Rocks. I was delighted to get a copy, but the delight in reading it? Immense. If you ❤️ dogs, you'll love it. If you don't ❤️ dogs, it will help. I have a better understanding of my own bozo, and how he rules me.
August 17, 2026 at 7:08 AM
A review will follow, but just finished @russincheshire.bsky.social The Wolf that Chews Rocks. I was delighted to get a copy, but the delight in reading it? Immense. If you ❤️ dogs, you'll love it. If you don't ❤️ dogs, it will help. I have a better understanding of my own bozo, and how he rules me.
I didn’t really follow the Arday story closely (I’m still a bit baffled why it was one) but this post captures all that is wrong with western media culture, particularly the right leaning variety.
All for what, exactly? A lynching? Desperately frustrating, painfully sad.
bsky.app/profile/pete...
All for what, exactly? A lynching? Desperately frustrating, painfully sad.
bsky.app/profile/pete...
I’ve had some media attacks in the past, and thank goodness I’ve managed to contain suicidal thoughts since my late 30s. But this - including Novara, Guardian and Channel 4 News by the end — would have probably finished me off
August 16, 2026 at 6:57 AM
I didn’t really follow the Arday story closely (I’m still a bit baffled why it was one) but this post captures all that is wrong with western media culture, particularly the right leaning variety.
All for what, exactly? A lynching? Desperately frustrating, painfully sad.
bsky.app/profile/pete...
All for what, exactly? A lynching? Desperately frustrating, painfully sad.
bsky.app/profile/pete...
Delighted to be a lucky person to receive a copy of The Wolf that Chews Rocks by @russincheshire.bsky.social
The dedication makes you smile, the chapter titles make you laugh, and as a dog lover, "Snoozing into the Wind" carries an emotional weight four words have no right to hold.
❤️ it already.
The dedication makes you smile, the chapter titles make you laugh, and as a dog lover, "Snoozing into the Wind" carries an emotional weight four words have no right to hold.
❤️ it already.
August 15, 2026 at 7:13 AM
Delighted to be a lucky person to receive a copy of The Wolf that Chews Rocks by @russincheshire.bsky.social
The dedication makes you smile, the chapter titles make you laugh, and as a dog lover, "Snoozing into the Wind" carries an emotional weight four words have no right to hold.
❤️ it already.
The dedication makes you smile, the chapter titles make you laugh, and as a dog lover, "Snoozing into the Wind" carries an emotional weight four words have no right to hold.
❤️ it already.
What a fantastic result for @countbinface.bsky.social! A brilliant campaign.
Now looking forwards to the Standards Committee finishing a job they started before Nige did what he thought was a cunning stunt, but was merely a mis-spelled self-descriptor.
#iwillstandinclacton
youtu.be/WfuMJOM4aCs?...
Now looking forwards to the Standards Committee finishing a job they started before Nige did what he thought was a cunning stunt, but was merely a mis-spelled self-descriptor.
#iwillstandinclacton
youtu.be/WfuMJOM4aCs?...
I Will Stand in Clacton (parody song for Count Binface)
YouTube video by Gareth Marchant
youtu.be
August 14, 2026 at 5:41 AM
What a fantastic result for @countbinface.bsky.social! A brilliant campaign.
Now looking forwards to the Standards Committee finishing a job they started before Nige did what he thought was a cunning stunt, but was merely a mis-spelled self-descriptor.
#iwillstandinclacton
youtu.be/WfuMJOM4aCs?...
Now looking forwards to the Standards Committee finishing a job they started before Nige did what he thought was a cunning stunt, but was merely a mis-spelled self-descriptor.
#iwillstandinclacton
youtu.be/WfuMJOM4aCs?...
@marina-purkiss.bsky.social @gemmaforte.bsky.social
I don't suppose you'd give this a shout out ahead of the election tomorrow? Created as a bit of fun and to tap into the whole absurdity of it all, it turns out people actually seem to quite like the song.
youtu.be/WfuMJOM4aCs?...
I don't suppose you'd give this a shout out ahead of the election tomorrow? Created as a bit of fun and to tap into the whole absurdity of it all, it turns out people actually seem to quite like the song.
youtu.be/WfuMJOM4aCs?...
I Will Stand in Clacton (parody song for Count Binface)
YouTube video by Gareth Marchant
youtu.be
August 12, 2026 at 7:24 AM
@marina-purkiss.bsky.social @gemmaforte.bsky.social
I don't suppose you'd give this a shout out ahead of the election tomorrow? Created as a bit of fun and to tap into the whole absurdity of it all, it turns out people actually seem to quite like the song.
youtu.be/WfuMJOM4aCs?...
I don't suppose you'd give this a shout out ahead of the election tomorrow? Created as a bit of fun and to tap into the whole absurdity of it all, it turns out people actually seem to quite like the song.
youtu.be/WfuMJOM4aCs?...
The response to my and Pete's song has been phenomenal (at least by my personal 'nobody on the internet' standards).
Thank you so much. Please feel free to spread the words far and wide
youtu.be/WfuMJOM4aCs?...
#iwillstandinclacton
Thank you so much. Please feel free to spread the words far and wide
youtu.be/WfuMJOM4aCs?...
#iwillstandinclacton
I Will Stand in Clacton (parody song for Count Binface)
YouTube video by Gareth Marchant
youtu.be
August 10, 2026 at 5:30 PM
The response to my and Pete's song has been phenomenal (at least by my personal 'nobody on the internet' standards).
Thank you so much. Please feel free to spread the words far and wide
youtu.be/WfuMJOM4aCs?...
#iwillstandinclacton
Thank you so much. Please feel free to spread the words far and wide
youtu.be/WfuMJOM4aCs?...
#iwillstandinclacton
I wrote some lyrics as an alternative to Simon and Garfunkel’s The Sound of Silence for @countbinface.bsky.social campaign. They got a positive response on a FB group, and then a songwriter turned them into an original composition.
Awesome to have it brought to life. Enjoy!
youtu.be/WfuMJOM4aCs
Awesome to have it brought to life. Enjoy!
youtu.be/WfuMJOM4aCs
I Will Stand in Clacton (parody song for Count Binface)
YouTube video by Gareth Marchant
youtu.be
August 9, 2026 at 9:46 PM
I wrote some lyrics as an alternative to Simon and Garfunkel’s The Sound of Silence for @countbinface.bsky.social campaign. They got a positive response on a FB group, and then a songwriter turned them into an original composition.
Awesome to have it brought to life. Enjoy!
youtu.be/WfuMJOM4aCs
Awesome to have it brought to life. Enjoy!
youtu.be/WfuMJOM4aCs
It's the caption to the photo at the top of this story deliberately misleading, even if factually accurate?
"Spanish police officers...escort .. migrants in Ceuta to the border to take them out of Spain"
That's Spain, as in the bit attached to Africa...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
"Spanish police officers...escort .. migrants in Ceuta to the border to take them out of Spain"
That's Spain, as in the bit attached to Africa...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Spain attacks 'selfish' response of some EU countries to Ceuta migrant crossings
Italy has temporarily suspended the Schengen arrangement with Spain as Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called scenes in Ceuta "shocking".
www.bbc.co.uk
August 1, 2026 at 10:57 AM
It's the caption to the photo at the top of this story deliberately misleading, even if factually accurate?
"Spanish police officers...escort .. migrants in Ceuta to the border to take them out of Spain"
That's Spain, as in the bit attached to Africa...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
"Spanish police officers...escort .. migrants in Ceuta to the border to take them out of Spain"
That's Spain, as in the bit attached to Africa...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Breaking : Deform UK reports significant rise in Snake Oil sales, with their National Sales Mgr reportedly receiving commission in excess of £5m.
A spokesman said “when Snake Oil is your main product, having the UK’s top oil salesman also owning the company has significant benefits to him”
A spokesman said “when Snake Oil is your main product, having the UK’s top oil salesman also owning the company has significant benefits to him”
June 23, 2026 at 10:29 AM
Breaking : Deform UK reports significant rise in Snake Oil sales, with their National Sales Mgr reportedly receiving commission in excess of £5m.
A spokesman said “when Snake Oil is your main product, having the UK’s top oil salesman also owning the company has significant benefits to him”
A spokesman said “when Snake Oil is your main product, having the UK’s top oil salesman also owning the company has significant benefits to him”
This is one of the (many) reasons why I didn't want my son to travel to the US for the World Cup. Even if they don't maliciously try to detain or deport you, there's a good chance they will just screw up the processes for getting there and back due to firing experience and/or hiring idiots.
Fans 'devastated' as last minute US visa cancellations
People travelling to the World Cup have had their ESTA applications changed from approved to "travel not authorised".
www.bbc.co.uk
June 5, 2026 at 10:44 AM
This is one of the (many) reasons why I didn't want my son to travel to the US for the World Cup. Even if they don't maliciously try to detain or deport you, there's a good chance they will just screw up the processes for getting there and back due to firing experience and/or hiring idiots.
Assuming it exists, when will the segment of the population, who are not just racist schmucks, clinging to Farage realise that he is just Trump lite, and is as beneficial to the UK as his idol is to the USA?
Anyway, about that £5m......
Anyway, about that £5m......
June 2, 2026 at 1:38 PM
Assuming it exists, when will the segment of the population, who are not just racist schmucks, clinging to Farage realise that he is just Trump lite, and is as beneficial to the UK as his idol is to the USA?
Anyway, about that £5m......
Anyway, about that £5m......
Even the US military is joining in with the stupid statements:
"continues to defend our forces while using restraint during the ongoing ceasefire"
There was me thinking a "ceasefire" was when you cease firing. How naiive am I?
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
"continues to defend our forces while using restraint during the ongoing ceasefire"
There was me thinking a "ceasefire" was when you cease firing. How naiive am I?
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
US launches new strikes on Iran, targeting missile sites and boats
US Central Command says the strikes were taken in "self-defense". It comes as senior Iranian negotiators are in Qatar for talks to end the war.
www.bbc.co.uk
May 26, 2026 at 6:48 AM
Even the US military is joining in with the stupid statements:
"continues to defend our forces while using restraint during the ongoing ceasefire"
There was me thinking a "ceasefire" was when you cease firing. How naiive am I?
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
"continues to defend our forces while using restraint during the ongoing ceasefire"
There was me thinking a "ceasefire" was when you cease firing. How naiive am I?
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
I understand the reticence to replace Starmer - do we really want the Tory model of revolving door leadership to be the precedent? - but somebody needs to be properly selling a vision.
Maybe his cabinet should just focus on telling us what Labour is actually doing, and why they’re doing it?
Maybe his cabinet should just focus on telling us what Labour is actually doing, and why they’re doing it?
May 13, 2026 at 6:48 AM
I understand the reticence to replace Starmer - do we really want the Tory model of revolving door leadership to be the precedent? - but somebody needs to be properly selling a vision.
Maybe his cabinet should just focus on telling us what Labour is actually doing, and why they’re doing it?
Maybe his cabinet should just focus on telling us what Labour is actually doing, and why they’re doing it?
Now that Shabana Mahmood has publicly called on Starmer to exit, does that mean he can sack her.....please?
Even if he ultimately goes anway.
BBC News - www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c1...
Keir Starmer to face cabinet meeting as over 70 Labour MPs call on him to quit - follow live - BBC News
Even if he ultimately goes anway.
BBC News - www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c1...
Keir Starmer to face cabinet meeting as over 70 Labour MPs call on him to quit - follow live - BBC News
Keir Starmer to face cabinet meeting as over 70 Labour MPs call on him to quit - follow live
More than 70 Labour MPs publicly turn against the prime minister, as No 10 replaces six ministerial aides who quit on Monday evening.
www.bbc.co.uk
May 12, 2026 at 7:13 AM
Now that Shabana Mahmood has publicly called on Starmer to exit, does that mean he can sack her.....please?
Even if he ultimately goes anway.
BBC News - www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c1...
Keir Starmer to face cabinet meeting as over 70 Labour MPs call on him to quit - follow live - BBC News
Even if he ultimately goes anway.
BBC News - www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c1...
Keir Starmer to face cabinet meeting as over 70 Labour MPs call on him to quit - follow live - BBC News
Really interesting discussions on Tim Miller's @thebulwark.com podcast yesterday, and I'm not American or in the US. Well worth the time. A fascinating insight into an Iranian's perspective, and an unexpectedly uplifting interview with Jodi Kantor.
Arash Azizi and Jodi Kantor: Iran Has the Leverage
open.spotify.com
May 9, 2026 at 7:58 AM
Really interesting discussions on Tim Miller's @thebulwark.com podcast yesterday, and I'm not American or in the US. Well worth the time. A fascinating insight into an Iranian's perspective, and an unexpectedly uplifting interview with Jodi Kantor.
Excellent, if depressingly inevitable, piece. Why can’t people see it?
🔴 Rick Wilson's Warning From America: Nigel Farage Will Be Your Donald Trump, Unless You Act Now
The former Republican strategist and Lincoln Project founder has some hard lessons for Conservatives and Labour alike
The former Republican strategist and Lincoln Project founder has some hard lessons for Conservatives and Labour alike
Rick Wilson’s Warning From America: Nigel Farage Will Be Your Donald Trump, Unless You Act Now
The former Republican strategist and Lincoln Project founder has some hard lessons for Conservatives and Labour alike
bylinetimes.com
May 9, 2026 at 6:41 AM
Excellent, if depressingly inevitable, piece. Why can’t people see it?
So disappointing to see Reform gain seats in the Scottish elections. Why anyone up here would vote for what is essentially an English nationalist Brexit party is beyond me, but I guess disgruntled and disillusioned Tories needed a home to go to (and the Lib Dems were too far to the left for them).
May 9, 2026 at 6:08 AM
So disappointing to see Reform gain seats in the Scottish elections. Why anyone up here would vote for what is essentially an English nationalist Brexit party is beyond me, but I guess disgruntled and disillusioned Tories needed a home to go to (and the Lib Dems were too far to the left for them).
Flyer arrives through the post for the forthcoming Scottish local elections- posted from Feltham, Middx (in England for int’l readers) telling me they will “put Scottish People first”. So, can’t even be bothered to have a Scottish address?
Quelle surprise - it’s from Reform.
Tossers
Binned
Quelle surprise - it’s from Reform.
Tossers
Binned
May 2, 2026 at 6:15 PM
Flyer arrives through the post for the forthcoming Scottish local elections- posted from Feltham, Middx (in England for int’l readers) telling me they will “put Scottish People first”. So, can’t even be bothered to have a Scottish address?
Quelle surprise - it’s from Reform.
Tossers
Binned
Quelle surprise - it’s from Reform.
Tossers
Binned
JD showing excellent political and diplomatic foreign affairs skills this weekend. I mean,who wouldn’t want him to be the next US President…
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c2...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c2...
Hungary election: Viktor Orbán concedes with opposition on course for landslide election win - follow live
Hungary's prime minister has been ousted after 16 years in power, with Péter Magyar set to be the country's new leader.
www.bbc.co.uk
April 12, 2026 at 8:01 PM
JD showing excellent political and diplomatic foreign affairs skills this weekend. I mean,who wouldn’t want him to be the next US President…
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c2...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c2...
Are we seeing, in real time, what happens when a wannabe authoritarian regime faces up to a real authoritarian regime? Both utterly mad, but one is a theocratic zealot and the other a bumbling idiot.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cn...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cn...
Iranian military says US is 'negotiating with itself' after Trump says Tehran wants deal 'so badly'
Meanwhile, Iran says
www.bbc.co.uk
March 25, 2026 at 7:54 AM
Are we seeing, in real time, what happens when a wannabe authoritarian regime faces up to a real authoritarian regime? Both utterly mad, but one is a theocratic zealot and the other a bumbling idiot.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cn...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cn...