Paul Bentham
@paulbenthamesq.bsky.social
Looking for somewhere that isn’t Mos Eiseley…
Here’s my non-AI #Eighties image. Sightseeing in the Lake District, c.1985:
Shoes: Adidas
Trousers: Farah
Watch: Timex
Jumper: Bespoke (knitted by Standish couturier Marjorie Bentham)
Shoes: Adidas
Trousers: Farah
Watch: Timex
Jumper: Bespoke (knitted by Standish couturier Marjorie Bentham)
September 20, 2026 at 9:30 AM
Here’s my non-AI #Eighties image. Sightseeing in the Lake District, c.1985:
Shoes: Adidas
Trousers: Farah
Watch: Timex
Jumper: Bespoke (knitted by Standish couturier Marjorie Bentham)
Shoes: Adidas
Trousers: Farah
Watch: Timex
Jumper: Bespoke (knitted by Standish couturier Marjorie Bentham)
I wonder if, having read this, you might begin to consider how much we may have now in common with all the citizens of Europe who enjoyed a wonderfully warm and mostly carefree summer... ...of 1914...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Terminator Robot with Glowing Red Eyes
ALT: Terminator Robot with Glowing Red Eyes
static.klipy.com
September 13, 2026 at 9:15 AM
I wonder if, having read this, you might begin to consider how much we may have now in common with all the citizens of Europe who enjoyed a wonderfully warm and mostly carefree summer... ...of 1914...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Paying homage to Sir Billy when I was in town, earlier.
September 12, 2026 at 5:37 PM
Paying homage to Sir Billy when I was in town, earlier.
The final instalment of the most comprehensive documentary in TV history airs on Tuesday. The fascination of the human life shared for all to see has gripped viewers long before the idea was encapsulated in ‘The Truman Show’.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
70 Up: Curtain falls on documentary that has captivated Brits for six decades
70 Up is the final instalment in a series which began in 1964 and has followed the lives of 14 people.
www.bbc.co.uk
September 12, 2026 at 6:23 AM
The final instalment of the most comprehensive documentary in TV history airs on Tuesday. The fascination of the human life shared for all to see has gripped viewers long before the idea was encapsulated in ‘The Truman Show’.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
I’m old enough to remember the last time the joints on Thelwall Viaduct were replaced*, and look forward with quiet resignation to another 18 months of increased traffic disruption… 🙄
*2002-3
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
*2002-3
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Speed limits and lane closures for M6 viaduct upgrade works
Work will begin on replacing the M6 Thelwall Viaduct's joints on 1 September.
www.bbc.co.uk
August 29, 2026 at 8:30 AM
I’m old enough to remember the last time the joints on Thelwall Viaduct were replaced*, and look forward with quiet resignation to another 18 months of increased traffic disruption… 🙄
*2002-3
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
*2002-3
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reaction to some of the week’s events has given me cause to agree with Clarence Darrow’s quote: “I've never wished a man dead, but I have read some obituaries with great pleasure” - and nowhere more so than in this case:
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Convicted Bosnian Serb war criminal Mladić dies aged 84
He was jailed for life in 2017 for genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity during the wars in the ex-Yugoslavia in 1992-95.
www.bbc.co.uk
August 27, 2026 at 2:07 PM
Reaction to some of the week’s events has given me cause to agree with Clarence Darrow’s quote: “I've never wished a man dead, but I have read some obituaries with great pleasure” - and nowhere more so than in this case:
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
I see the Grim Reaper is having another off day, again…
August 26, 2026 at 4:33 PM
I see the Grim Reaper is having another off day, again…
On this, the 34th anniversary of me spending a whole day stood in the middle of a racetrack in Leicestershire*, it’s high time I give this another listen. I invite you to do the same.
#MonstersOfRock92 🤟
* Flying bottles of piss are optional.
music.apple.com/gb/album/liv...
#MonstersOfRock92 🤟
* Flying bottles of piss are optional.
music.apple.com/gb/album/liv...
Live At Donington, August 22nd 1992 (Remastered) by Iron Maiden on Apple Music
Album · 1993 · 20 Songs
music.apple.com
August 22, 2026 at 9:36 AM
On this, the 34th anniversary of me spending a whole day stood in the middle of a racetrack in Leicestershire*, it’s high time I give this another listen. I invite you to do the same.
#MonstersOfRock92 🤟
* Flying bottles of piss are optional.
music.apple.com/gb/album/liv...
#MonstersOfRock92 🤟
* Flying bottles of piss are optional.
music.apple.com/gb/album/liv...
If I was concerned about anyone being “humiliated and demeaned”, I wouldn’t resign a role, choose to take part in a subsequent election, spend weeks campaigning against novelty candidates, require dozens of people to work through the night and then decide not to attend. #Clacton
August 14, 2026 at 4:32 AM
If I was concerned about anyone being “humiliated and demeaned”, I wouldn’t resign a role, choose to take part in a subsequent election, spend weeks campaigning against novelty candidates, require dozens of people to work through the night and then decide not to attend. #Clacton
One of the coolest things in the 90s was James Richardson translating Italian papers in Gazzetta Football Italia. Today, I sat in a bar, mostly understanding a Gazzetta dello Sport, feeling all that Duolingo was worth it. 20 year-old me would’ve been impressed.
share.google/egcokgGBlJFv...
share.google/egcokgGBlJFv...
August 11, 2026 at 10:47 PM
One of the coolest things in the 90s was James Richardson translating Italian papers in Gazzetta Football Italia. Today, I sat in a bar, mostly understanding a Gazzetta dello Sport, feeling all that Duolingo was worth it. 20 year-old me would’ve been impressed.
share.google/egcokgGBlJFv...
share.google/egcokgGBlJFv...
So sad. I never saw Baresi play live but of the mourners shown, I saw Maldini and Costacurta play for Italy at Anfield at Euro 96 and Dida and Seedorf for Milan at OT in 2005. I saw Savicevic play for Red Star Belgrade at OT in 1991. #Mortality
www.bbc.com/sport/footba...
www.bbc.com/sport/footba...
Franco Baresi: Mourners line streets for funeral of AC Milan legend
Thousands gather on the streets of Milan for the funeral of legendary former AC Milan and Italy defender Franco Baresi.
www.bbc.com
August 5, 2026 at 4:54 AM
So sad. I never saw Baresi play live but of the mourners shown, I saw Maldini and Costacurta play for Italy at Anfield at Euro 96 and Dida and Seedorf for Milan at OT in 2005. I saw Savicevic play for Red Star Belgrade at OT in 1991. #Mortality
www.bbc.com/sport/footba...
www.bbc.com/sport/footba...
Okay, now I’m invested in this countdown of #MUFC’s all-time top 25 players, by United Oracle Andy Mitten. Scholes at 8 means there are 7 left to be placed. I’m sure of the identities of 5 of them…
apple.news/Axldh5AstTra...
apple.news/Axldh5AstTra...
Manchester United’s greatest players: No 8, Paul Scholes — The Athletic
Who are the greatest players in Manchester United’s history? The Athletic gave Andy Mitten the task of compiling his top 25, and we are counting them down this summer, in reverse order.
apple.news
August 4, 2026 at 4:58 AM
Okay, now I’m invested in this countdown of #MUFC’s all-time top 25 players, by United Oracle Andy Mitten. Scholes at 8 means there are 7 left to be placed. I’m sure of the identities of 5 of them…
apple.news/Axldh5AstTra...
apple.news/Axldh5AstTra...
It may be coincidental that this Radio 4 report happened to focus on the constituency of our new PM but it perfectly highlights the fact that, for most of the UK, lack of resource, infrastructure & opportunity leads to disillusionment & disenfranchisement:
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
Currently - Troubled Town - BBC Sounds
Why are young people causing trouble in one part of Greater Manchester?
www.bbc.co.uk
July 26, 2026 at 5:39 PM
It may be coincidental that this Radio 4 report happened to focus on the constituency of our new PM but it perfectly highlights the fact that, for most of the UK, lack of resource, infrastructure & opportunity leads to disillusionment & disenfranchisement:
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
If you’re not from the M25 cabal that views control of the UK as their ‘natural order’, be on the lookout for pot-stirring hogwash like this. Successful-man-spends-a-few-quid-on-clothes-so-mustn’t-be-a-socialist!
We all know their reaction if he was in a donkey jacket, don’t we?
We all know their reaction if he was in a donkey jacket, don’t we?
July 26, 2026 at 5:11 PM
If you’re not from the M25 cabal that views control of the UK as their ‘natural order’, be on the lookout for pot-stirring hogwash like this. Successful-man-spends-a-few-quid-on-clothes-so-mustn’t-be-a-socialist!
We all know their reaction if he was in a donkey jacket, don’t we?
We all know their reaction if he was in a donkey jacket, don’t we?
Incredibly saddened to learn of the passing of a former colleague at a cruelly untimely age. I first met her in another World Cup summer: 1990. She was about 19 and full of the power of youth. It seems like ten minutes ago. It was, I soberly note, nearly a lifetime away.
RIP, S.
RIP, S.
July 16, 2026 at 10:34 PM
Incredibly saddened to learn of the passing of a former colleague at a cruelly untimely age. I first met her in another World Cup summer: 1990. She was about 19 and full of the power of youth. It seems like ten minutes ago. It was, I soberly note, nearly a lifetime away.
RIP, S.
RIP, S.
I remember Scotland v Brazil at the 82 World Cup. We had a summer storm.
Rain. Petrichor.
David Narey scored an improbable opener but by half-time, Zico equalised with a perfect free kick. In the 2nd half, Oscar, Eder & Falcao restored the natural order.
youtu.be/Xdl67Y_Ejzk
Rain. Petrichor.
David Narey scored an improbable opener but by half-time, Zico equalised with a perfect free kick. In the 2nd half, Oscar, Eder & Falcao restored the natural order.
youtu.be/Xdl67Y_Ejzk
15-Minute Match: Scotland vs Brazil | 1982 Comeback
YouTube video by FIFA
youtu.be
June 24, 2026 at 11:00 PM
I remember Scotland v Brazil at the 82 World Cup. We had a summer storm.
Rain. Petrichor.
David Narey scored an improbable opener but by half-time, Zico equalised with a perfect free kick. In the 2nd half, Oscar, Eder & Falcao restored the natural order.
youtu.be/Xdl67Y_Ejzk
Rain. Petrichor.
David Narey scored an improbable opener but by half-time, Zico equalised with a perfect free kick. In the 2nd half, Oscar, Eder & Falcao restored the natural order.
youtu.be/Xdl67Y_Ejzk
Things I learned at university: cold curry and cheese on toast is the perfect post-pub snack…
June 23, 2026 at 10:30 PM
Things I learned at university: cold curry and cheese on toast is the perfect post-pub snack…
🔟 Of the 12 Prime Ministers in my life:
❌ Only 5 (Wilson, Thatcher, Blair, Cameron & Starmer) became PM via a General Election
⚖️ Wilson’s & Cameron’s first terms were served without a majority
🟰 Only Thatcher, Blair & Starmer were ‘elected’
❓ So what do we mean by ‘mandate’?
❌ Only 5 (Wilson, Thatcher, Blair, Cameron & Starmer) became PM via a General Election
⚖️ Wilson’s & Cameron’s first terms were served without a majority
🟰 Only Thatcher, Blair & Starmer were ‘elected’
❓ So what do we mean by ‘mandate’?
June 22, 2026 at 5:06 PM
🔟 Of the 12 Prime Ministers in my life:
❌ Only 5 (Wilson, Thatcher, Blair, Cameron & Starmer) became PM via a General Election
⚖️ Wilson’s & Cameron’s first terms were served without a majority
🟰 Only Thatcher, Blair & Starmer were ‘elected’
❓ So what do we mean by ‘mandate’?
❌ Only 5 (Wilson, Thatcher, Blair, Cameron & Starmer) became PM via a General Election
⚖️ Wilson’s & Cameron’s first terms were served without a majority
🟰 Only Thatcher, Blair & Starmer were ‘elected’
❓ So what do we mean by ‘mandate’?
Once again, I feel compelled to view an item of current affairs through the lens of a 56 year-old Rolling Stones lyric:
“I shouted out
‘Who killed the Kennedys?’,
When after all
It was you and me”
“I shouted out
‘Who killed the Kennedys?’,
When after all
It was you and me”
June 22, 2026 at 12:49 PM
Once again, I feel compelled to view an item of current affairs through the lens of a 56 year-old Rolling Stones lyric:
“I shouted out
‘Who killed the Kennedys?’,
When after all
It was you and me”
“I shouted out
‘Who killed the Kennedys?’,
When after all
It was you and me”
The world's first programmable computer began work today in 1948. It was within a year of my Dad's birth.
Just over a year after my birth, TCP/IP (internet coding) was first specified.
Within a year of my son's birth, Facebook was founded.
#generations
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manches...
Just over a year after my birth, TCP/IP (internet coding) was first specified.
Within a year of my son's birth, Facebook was founded.
#generations
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manches...
Manchester Baby - Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org
June 21, 2026 at 9:54 AM
The world's first programmable computer began work today in 1948. It was within a year of my Dad's birth.
Just over a year after my birth, TCP/IP (internet coding) was first specified.
Within a year of my son's birth, Facebook was founded.
#generations
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manches...
Just over a year after my birth, TCP/IP (internet coding) was first specified.
Within a year of my son's birth, Facebook was founded.
#generations
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manches...
Almost exactly ten years ago, I awoke to read dispiriting overnight news on my phone - something which seemed to keep happening in the years since.
Whether or not today is “a turning point”, it’s a welcome change to awake to a headline that’s not soul-crushingly disappointing.
Whether or not today is “a turning point”, it’s a welcome change to awake to a headline that’s not soul-crushingly disappointing.
June 19, 2026 at 5:19 AM
Almost exactly ten years ago, I awoke to read dispiriting overnight news on my phone - something which seemed to keep happening in the years since.
Whether or not today is “a turning point”, it’s a welcome change to awake to a headline that’s not soul-crushingly disappointing.
Whether or not today is “a turning point”, it’s a welcome change to awake to a headline that’s not soul-crushingly disappointing.
It only took The Establishment about 20 years to catch up with the Leeds Rhinos fans and add a ‘Sir’ to Kevin Sinfield’s name. Perhaps even more shamefully, it took more than a decade for Lou Macari’s heroic charitable efforts to be rewarded with an MBE.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/articl...
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/articl...
King's Birthday Honours list 2026: Kevin Sinfield knighted and six Lionesses made MBEs
Kevin Sinfield has received a knighthood in the King's Birthday Honours while six of England's Euro 2025-winning squad have been made MBEs.
www.bbc.co.uk
June 13, 2026 at 7:49 PM
It only took The Establishment about 20 years to catch up with the Leeds Rhinos fans and add a ‘Sir’ to Kevin Sinfield’s name. Perhaps even more shamefully, it took more than a decade for Lou Macari’s heroic charitable efforts to be rewarded with an MBE.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/articl...
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/articl...
It may be over 56 years old, a little dated here and there, a bit crumbly and can ‘only’ hold 87,000 these days but ¡Dios mío! the Estadio Azteca is still «muy impresionante».
Estadio Azteca, Mexico City
ALT: Estadio Azteca, Mexico City
static.klipy.com
June 11, 2026 at 6:01 PM
It may be over 56 years old, a little dated here and there, a bit crumbly and can ‘only’ hold 87,000 these days but ¡Dios mío! the Estadio Azteca is still «muy impresionante».
ITV’s abysmal coverage of Morocco v Norway tonight is a timely reminder of their terrible record with live football, days before another World Cup begins.
The BBC website promises ‘live…coverage of all 104 matches’ - I suspect streamed radio where they don’t have TV coverage…
The BBC website promises ‘live…coverage of all 104 matches’ - I suspect streamed radio where they don’t have TV coverage…
June 7, 2026 at 8:49 PM
ITV’s abysmal coverage of Morocco v Norway tonight is a timely reminder of their terrible record with live football, days before another World Cup begins.
The BBC website promises ‘live…coverage of all 104 matches’ - I suspect streamed radio where they don’t have TV coverage…
The BBC website promises ‘live…coverage of all 104 matches’ - I suspect streamed radio where they don’t have TV coverage…
What a player Christian Eriksen has been, over the years. But for the love of all that is truly important, it really is time he hung up his boots now.
Christian Eriksen Waves
ALT: Christian Eriksen Waves
static.klipy.com
June 7, 2026 at 8:33 PM
What a player Christian Eriksen has been, over the years. But for the love of all that is truly important, it really is time he hung up his boots now.