Five Most Popular Posts in November

Yes, it's been a quieter month on the blog than I hoped. But what can you do when the mechanism is gummed up with other things, some of which deplete enthusiasm, energy, and thinking time that goes into this place? That's life. Nevertheless, there were some posts and here are the ones that did the business.

1. The Failure of the Democrats
2. Amsterdamned
3. Why the Migration to Bluesky Matters
4. The Insanity of American Politics
5. Trump's Tory Fifth Column

The shocker of the US presidential election makes it to the top of the list. But was it a shocker, really? The most arrogant and managerialist campaign since 2016, the refusal to listen to what people had been telling them for four years about life in Biden's America, and actively demobilising sections of its voter coalition - Labour's handbook for winning here far from worked out over there. Coming in second was the riot of Maccabi Tel Aviv fans. Or, to be more precise, the outright propaganda pumped out by governments and media outfits to cover for the violence and present it as something not unlike Kristallnicht. It's as if there's no bottom to mainstream politics. In third was the huge migration to Bluesky, the non-Musk alternative to Twitter. I am a fan because it's meant time spent on rolling news and comment is worthwhile again. In at four was more cogitating on the nonsense of US politics, and coming in last are the efforts Tories are now engaging to use the incoming administration to frustrate Keir Starmer's government. This is what right wing internationalism looks like.

A couple more worth your time. There's the brief piece on the resignation of Louise Haigh from yesterday. I can always rely on shenanigans taking place somewhere to unclog writer's block. And sticking with politics, a quick piece on Kemi Badenoch's victory.

Next month? With Santa due and the end of the year imminent, there will be some reflective pieces. There's going to be something on science fiction, something else on Bluesky, a couple of book reviews, the usual best dance music of 2024 (the real reason why everyone comes here), and other things. As ever, if you haven't already don't forget to follow the (very) occasional newsletter, and if you like what I do (and you're not skint), you can help support the blog. Following me on Bluesky, Facebook, and for what it's worth Twitter, are cost-free ways of showing your backing for this corner of the internet.

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