Alistair Carratt
@mrarc.bsky.social
Retired semiconductor engineer and teacher.
Reposted by Alistair Carratt
Yesterday, I sent a letter about how the Old English word “orc” became part of Ukraine’s language of war.
Here, russian occupiers are often called orcs.
The word travelled across languages, cultures and centuries before it reached us.
Image: 🇺🇦 Oleg Shupliak
Here, russian occupiers are often called orcs.
The word travelled across languages, cultures and centuries before it reached us.
Image: 🇺🇦 Oleg Shupliak
September 14, 2026 at 8:37 PM
Yesterday, I sent a letter about how the Old English word “orc” became part of Ukraine’s language of war.
Here, russian occupiers are often called orcs.
The word travelled across languages, cultures and centuries before it reached us.
Image: 🇺🇦 Oleg Shupliak
Here, russian occupiers are often called orcs.
The word travelled across languages, cultures and centuries before it reached us.
Image: 🇺🇦 Oleg Shupliak
Reposted by Alistair Carratt
Yesterday, I sent a letter about the “russian world”, an ideology of russia’s special mission and influence beyond its borders.
I traced how it evolved over centuries.
Today, attacks on Kyiv resumed. They show what this “mission” looks like.
Photo from the exhibition: Mykyta Shandyba
I traced how it evolved over centuries.
Today, attacks on Kyiv resumed. They show what this “mission” looks like.
Photo from the exhibition: Mykyta Shandyba
September 7, 2026 at 9:36 PM
Yesterday, I sent a letter about the “russian world”, an ideology of russia’s special mission and influence beyond its borders.
I traced how it evolved over centuries.
Today, attacks on Kyiv resumed. They show what this “mission” looks like.
Photo from the exhibition: Mykyta Shandyba
I traced how it evolved over centuries.
Today, attacks on Kyiv resumed. They show what this “mission” looks like.
Photo from the exhibition: Mykyta Shandyba
Reposted by Alistair Carratt
These #NAFO trucks 🛻 save lives⬆️
Beside many who incredibly supported this fundraiser, you could be the one who closes it!
Let's push the fundraiser (94%) to the finish line!
-LIKE / COMMENT / REPOST / Quote REPOST‼️
-every single € $ £ is helpful! 🙏
www.help99.co/patches/belg...
Beside many who incredibly supported this fundraiser, you could be the one who closes it!
Let's push the fundraiser (94%) to the finish line!
-LIKE / COMMENT / REPOST / Quote REPOST‼️
-every single € $ £ is helpful! 🙏
www.help99.co/patches/belg...
Belgium Battalion: I have a dream
Help us fund NAFO Trucks 3.0 for Ukraine’s defenders.
www.help99.co
September 6, 2026 at 12:02 PM
These #NAFO trucks 🛻 save lives⬆️
Beside many who incredibly supported this fundraiser, you could be the one who closes it!
Let's push the fundraiser (94%) to the finish line!
-LIKE / COMMENT / REPOST / Quote REPOST‼️
-every single € $ £ is helpful! 🙏
www.help99.co/patches/belg...
Beside many who incredibly supported this fundraiser, you could be the one who closes it!
Let's push the fundraiser (94%) to the finish line!
-LIKE / COMMENT / REPOST / Quote REPOST‼️
-every single € $ £ is helpful! 🙏
www.help99.co/patches/belg...
Reposted by Alistair Carratt
"incredible memories" vs "incredible support"⬇️
🙄 Envoys leave the swaps with "incredible memories".
This morning I woke up to a fundraiser almost closed, thanks to the incredible generosity of strangers.
We have different definitions of incredible. I prefer the one backing the defenders ❤️🔥
Let’s get wheels on the road 👇🏻
This morning I woke up to a fundraiser almost closed, thanks to the incredible generosity of strangers.
We have different definitions of incredible. I prefer the one backing the defenders ❤️🔥
Let’s get wheels on the road 👇🏻
September 6, 2026 at 12:00 PM
"incredible memories" vs "incredible support"⬇️
Reposted by Alistair Carratt
The politicians are finally back in Westminster today. If you don’t want Andy Burnham to advance NHS privatisation (like Starmer was doing 🚨), hit the like button and share this. Let’s see what everyone thinks… 🌟
September 1, 2026 at 7:37 AM
The politicians are finally back in Westminster today. If you don’t want Andy Burnham to advance NHS privatisation (like Starmer was doing 🚨), hit the like button and share this. Let’s see what everyone thinks… 🌟
@strategywoman.bsky.social
Arrived back in Scotland tonight and read that our ice hockey team Glasgow Clan played a match against Kyiv Capitals. So sorry I missed it. Capitals won 7-4.
Arrived back in Scotland tonight and read that our ice hockey team Glasgow Clan played a match against Kyiv Capitals. So sorry I missed it. Capitals won 7-4.
August 29, 2026 at 8:29 PM
@strategywoman.bsky.social
Arrived back in Scotland tonight and read that our ice hockey team Glasgow Clan played a match against Kyiv Capitals. So sorry I missed it. Capitals won 7-4.
Arrived back in Scotland tonight and read that our ice hockey team Glasgow Clan played a match against Kyiv Capitals. So sorry I missed it. Capitals won 7-4.
Reposted by Alistair Carratt
To read more about the attack: mezha.net/eng/bukvy/32...
Russian Ballistic Missiles Hit Kyiv, Causing Fires and Injuring Two People | Ukraine news - #Mezha
A Russian ballistic missile attack on Kyiv caused fires at the Petrivka book market and other nonresidential sites, injuring two people.
mezha.net
August 16, 2026 at 7:52 AM
To read more about the attack: mezha.net/eng/bukvy/32...
Yesterday was a great day for a wee paddle at Loch Lubnaig.
August 11, 2026 at 8:47 AM
Yesterday was a great day for a wee paddle at Loch Lubnaig.
дякую Вікmорія Наріжна
“Read it not as a book, but as an invitation to stay with us for a while. And when you leave it, I hope you’ll carry us with you”
Іcторії З України
“Stories from Ukraine”
“Read it not as a book, but as an invitation to stay with us for a while. And when you leave it, I hope you’ll carry us with you”
Іcторії З України
“Stories from Ukraine”
August 8, 2026 at 9:03 PM
дякую Вікmорія Наріжна
“Read it not as a book, but as an invitation to stay with us for a while. And when you leave it, I hope you’ll carry us with you”
Іcторії З України
“Stories from Ukraine”
“Read it not as a book, but as an invitation to stay with us for a while. And when you leave it, I hope you’ll carry us with you”
Іcторії З України
“Stories from Ukraine”
Reposted by Alistair Carratt
A stranger stopped me in the centre of Kyiv and invited me to a bell-ringing and carillon performance at St. Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery.
I followed her.
The full letter is for paid members
www.patreon.com/strategywoma...
I followed her.
The full letter is for paid members
www.patreon.com/strategywoma...
August 3, 2026 at 8:13 PM
A stranger stopped me in the centre of Kyiv and invited me to a bell-ringing and carillon performance at St. Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery.
I followed her.
The full letter is for paid members
www.patreon.com/strategywoma...
I followed her.
The full letter is for paid members
www.patreon.com/strategywoma...
Reposted by Alistair Carratt
Andy Burnham’s social care plan protects wealth, not those in need youtu.be/_bEyVo6-alM?... Why is Andy Burnham presuming that younger people with some of the highest overall tax rates should pay to protect those with wealth? This issue needs to be named - or he'll embed injustice.
Andy Burnham’s social care plan protects wealth, not those in need
YouTube video by Richard J Murphy
youtu.be
August 3, 2026 at 6:14 AM
Andy Burnham’s social care plan protects wealth, not those in need youtu.be/_bEyVo6-alM?... Why is Andy Burnham presuming that younger people with some of the highest overall tax rates should pay to protect those with wealth? This issue needs to be named - or he'll embed injustice.
Reposted by Alistair Carratt
I'm glad to see this. It's what many of us have been arguing for a long time, but until now no one in government seemed ready to listen. Let's hope we will begin to see an education policy which works for children, and for the 21st Century.
In The Times today.
In The Times today.
August 3, 2026 at 6:33 AM
I'm glad to see this. It's what many of us have been arguing for a long time, but until now no one in government seemed ready to listen. Let's hope we will begin to see an education policy which works for children, and for the 21st Century.
In The Times today.
In The Times today.
Reposted by Alistair Carratt
There is no news from a government that’s in office but on holiday during a crisis www.taxresearch.org.uk/Blog/2026/08... Where is Burnham's government as the climate crisis hits home?
There is no news from a government that’s in office but on holiday during a crisis
It is August, and it is not true to say there is no news, but there is certainly less of it bering rwported.
Donald Trump claims that his war is on hold at present, although no one should be taken in....
www.taxresearch.org.uk
August 3, 2026 at 6:42 AM
There is no news from a government that’s in office but on holiday during a crisis www.taxresearch.org.uk/Blog/2026/08... Where is Burnham's government as the climate crisis hits home?
Reposted by Alistair Carratt
Very obliging of #r4today to lead with Reform’s ‘plan’ to stop the boats using the Royal Navy, pretending it’ll be some great WWII-style escapade, rather than a hateful, costly, diplomatically incontinent mess.
A total waste of everyone’s time as they’ll never be in power and it’s unworkable anyway.
A total waste of everyone’s time as they’ll never be in power and it’s unworkable anyway.
August 3, 2026 at 6:50 AM
Very obliging of #r4today to lead with Reform’s ‘plan’ to stop the boats using the Royal Navy, pretending it’ll be some great WWII-style escapade, rather than a hateful, costly, diplomatically incontinent mess.
A total waste of everyone’s time as they’ll never be in power and it’s unworkable anyway.
A total waste of everyone’s time as they’ll never be in power and it’s unworkable anyway.
Reposted by Alistair Carratt
We should never forget how the BBC has changed this country by giving endless airtime to Nigel Farage and other rightwing extremists, while shutting out progressive voices.
And why is #r4today giving (yet again) such prominence to a hair-brained scheme that has little chance to ever be implemented? A GE is unlikely soon and the threat of Reform winning it is apparently receding. What is the justification for legitimising it?
August 3, 2026 at 7:06 AM
We should never forget how the BBC has changed this country by giving endless airtime to Nigel Farage and other rightwing extremists, while shutting out progressive voices.
Reposted by Alistair Carratt
It's not new. The BBC favoured the right and extreme right from the very beginning. But the rightwing media has managed to persuade us that it's a left-liberal institution, and has used this myth to push it ever further rightwards. This book should be widely read. www.versobooks.com/en-gb/produc...
The BBC
The BBC is one of the most important institutions in Britain; it is also one of the most misunderstood. Despite its claim to be independent and impartial, and the constant accusations of a liberal bia...
www.versobooks.com
August 3, 2026 at 7:27 AM
It's not new. The BBC favoured the right and extreme right from the very beginning. But the rightwing media has managed to persuade us that it's a left-liberal institution, and has used this myth to push it ever further rightwards. This book should be widely read. www.versobooks.com/en-gb/produc...
Reposted by Alistair Carratt
You can read more (or see proof that I am not lying)
english.nv.ua/life/russian...
english.nv.ua/life/russian...
Russian strike wipes out 8 million books at Kharkiv warehouse
A Russian attack on a Kharkiv warehouse used by the Ranok publishing house and the KnyhoLand bookstore chain destroyed an estimated 600,000 textbooks, 28,000 book titles and 8 million copies, Ranok CE...
english.nv.ua
August 2, 2026 at 3:11 PM
You can read more (or see proof that I am not lying)
english.nv.ua/life/russian...
english.nv.ua/life/russian...
Reposted by Alistair Carratt
This is a makoviychyk my mum made and had blessed at church.
Today is Makoviy in Ukraine.
I recently wrote about how young people in Kyiv celebrate its traditions.
The letter is for paid members. Membership lets me research, visit and do more
www.patreon.com/strategywoma...
Today is Makoviy in Ukraine.
I recently wrote about how young people in Kyiv celebrate its traditions.
The letter is for paid members. Membership lets me research, visit and do more
www.patreon.com/strategywoma...
August 1, 2026 at 7:43 PM
This is a makoviychyk my mum made and had blessed at church.
Today is Makoviy in Ukraine.
I recently wrote about how young people in Kyiv celebrate its traditions.
The letter is for paid members. Membership lets me research, visit and do more
www.patreon.com/strategywoma...
Today is Makoviy in Ukraine.
I recently wrote about how young people in Kyiv celebrate its traditions.
The letter is for paid members. Membership lets me research, visit and do more
www.patreon.com/strategywoma...
July 29, 2026 at 9:34 PM
Reposted by Alistair Carratt
Young women making traditional Ukrainian bouquets in Kyiv yesterday.
A few hours later, the city was under missile attack.
I wrote about how young Ukrainians keep their traditions alive during the war. The first part is open to everyone:
www.patreon.com/strategywoma...
A few hours later, the city was under missile attack.
I wrote about how young Ukrainians keep their traditions alive during the war. The first part is open to everyone:
www.patreon.com/strategywoma...
July 26, 2026 at 8:00 PM
Young women making traditional Ukrainian bouquets in Kyiv yesterday.
A few hours later, the city was under missile attack.
I wrote about how young Ukrainians keep their traditions alive during the war. The first part is open to everyone:
www.patreon.com/strategywoma...
A few hours later, the city was under missile attack.
I wrote about how young Ukrainians keep their traditions alive during the war. The first part is open to everyone:
www.patreon.com/strategywoma...
Reposted by Alistair Carratt
ohn Healey's first speech gets economics wrong youtu.be/cAfh3cKxf2E?... If you are seriously confused about your job spec and think it was written by George Osborne, how can you succeed?
John Healey's first speech gets economics wrong
YouTube video by Richard J Murphy
youtu.be
July 23, 2026 at 6:13 AM
ohn Healey's first speech gets economics wrong youtu.be/cAfh3cKxf2E?... If you are seriously confused about your job spec and think it was written by George Osborne, how can you succeed?
July 21, 2026 at 10:58 AM
Reposted by Alistair Carratt
I was asked yesterday what neoliberalism is. This is the answer:
July 19, 2026 at 6:29 AM
I was asked yesterday what neoliberalism is. This is the answer:
Reposted by Alistair Carratt
Despite all the noise today I'd really like you to read this, as I think it's crucial. The government's in the process of p*ssing up to £264 billion into the ground, at the behest of the fossil fuel industry. Yes, £264 *billion*. It's utterly mad, and has to stop. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
The great carbon capture con: behold the wasted billions Burnham could claw back | George Monbiot
There are far better ways to tackle climate breakdown, but successive governments have chosen to listen to the fossil fuel companies instead, says Guardian columnist George Monbiot
www.theguardian.com
July 8, 2026 at 12:52 PM
Despite all the noise today I'd really like you to read this, as I think it's crucial. The government's in the process of p*ssing up to £264 billion into the ground, at the behest of the fossil fuel industry. Yes, £264 *billion*. It's utterly mad, and has to stop. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...