El juju

El juju

@eljay2.bsky.social

Scottish, parent, dog servant, book lover. I don't do "follow back". Pronouns are she/her

114 followers125 following515 posts

El juju reposted

Jess O'Thomson
@jessothomson.co.uk

Today is Intersex Awareness Day. I am intersex – and did not find out until I was 26! Intersex people are also impacted by the decision in FWS, but this is much less talked about. Intersex people continue to be subjected to non-consensual medical interventions. Intersex rights are human rights.

El juju reposted

Helen Day
@lbflyawayhome.bsky.social

“An Autumn gale is stripping off the leaves and sweeping them along in the slanting squall of rain” Artist: CF Tunnicliffe Writer: EL Grant Watson (What to Look for in Autumn, 1960)

El juju reposted

Farah Mendlesohn
@effjayem.bsky.social

@pictcon.bsky.social is now half way to breaking even for 2027. Do you live in Scotland or near enough that a one day science fiction and fantasy convention (with an optional dinner the night before, for early arrivals) appeals? Just £30/£20!- we just need to sell 26 more tickets to be on target!

PictCon@pictcon.bsky.social

PictCon3! 23rd October 2027. Guests: Ann Landmann (Cymera Festival) & Noel Chidwick (Shoreline of Infinity) Location: Salutation Hotel, Perth, 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 £30/£20/£19 Sign up for the newsletter at PictCon.com Tickets at Eventbrite. Search PictCon3 We've sold 14 tickets already, just 46 to go to break even!

pictcon.comPictCon – A Scottish science fiction and fantasy convention about science fiction and fantasy in Scotland.

El juju reposted

Euan
@euan.bsky.social

presented without comment

Leicester Gazette@leicestergazette.leicester.news

Two University of Leicester students speak out over ‘absurd’ and ‘Orwellian’ decision by the BBC and ITV Studios to edit out pride pins worn on University Challenge

leicester.newsBBC edits out pride pins on University Challenge in ‘Orwellian’ move* * * This story was published by **The Leicester Gazette** : a local, independent newspaper about Leicestershire. 1,000 people have already joined our community. Just use those buttons below to download our app and **sign up for free**. * * * Astrophysics student Samuel Carlier and History student Emmeline Hague-Wright were shocked to find that their LGBTQ+ pride pins had been edited out of their University Challenge appearance earlier this year. The episode, initially scheduled for BBC Two on 24 August, was delayed twice before airing on 7 September 2026. The pins showed the progressive LGBTQ+ pride flag, the bisexual pride flag and a rainbow feather. Speaking to the Leicester Gazette, Sam said: “Living in a liberal democracy and having the state broadcaster tell you ‘we’re editing how you look’, seems very Orwellian.” Sam described the choice to remove the pins before broadcast as “weird” and “absurd”. He said: “[Censoring] that seemed weird. If I had worn a rainbow shirt, would they have censored that? If the idea is to keep things impartial, where is that line in the sand?” A side by-side image of Sam wearing the pin and with it having been digitally removed. Photograph: supplied Sam contacted the BBC to try to understand why his pins had been edited out. He told the Gazette: “The BBC people said they’d ring me, and I chased them, they just said go to the complaints website and file a complaint there, that’s what I did.” Since then, Sam hasn’t had a response from the BBC as to why his pins were removed. After the episode had aired, Sam noted that his shirt ‘melted’ into itself occasionally, as a result of the editing. Photograph: supplied ## Students believe the decision was made following online transphobia Emmeline was also shocked when she found out that the feather pin she wore was due to be removed from the episode she was in. It was understood by Emmeline that there was online transphobia in response to previous episode of University Challenge, and she had been contacted by the BBC, anticipating support from the broadcaster. When the BBC contacted her, instead of an offer of support, she was told her pin was going to be removed. “At first it was mostly confusion,” she said. “I heard that they had received a lot of nastiness online from people and I thought they were going to call me to say ‘we have support services if needed,’ and that wasn't what I got at all.” Instead, Emmeline was notified that the episodes were going to be delayed. “It was out of left field, I was confused for a while,” she said. “This entire delay has been because of a feather and two badges on a teammate that were basically impossible [for viewers] to see.” Emmeline had expressed her frustrations with the repeated delays from the BBC, spanning from mid-July to early-September. She said: “We were announced on the website and then delayed again, and then announced on the website a second time, and delayed even further. Speaking about the removal, she said: “It takes a lot of time” she said. “Making it [the edit] look good would be even more expensive and time-consuming. It seems like drastically a lot of effort.” ## Join the conversation Our app is more than just a way to keep up – it's a gateway to award-winning journalism and the local community. __Want to support our work?__ Click here for membership__.__ ## Wider criticism on LGBTQ+ support The pins Sam wore during the episode. Photograph: supplied According to leading LGBTQ+ charity Stonewall UK, two in five LGBTQ+ students will hide their identities at university for fear of discrimination. Stonewall has reported that more than 36 per cent of trans students have received hostile conduct from university staff due to their gender identity. Reflecting on the digital removal of the pins, Sam spoke about how disheartening the choice was. He said: “There was maybe like a span of eight years where someone could be uncontroversially out in the open queer – now that’s gone again.” he said. The BBC has also been widely criticised for ‘an attack on the LGBTQ+ community’ by pulling its involvement with the popular show, RuPaul's Drag Race. The broadcaster pulled its involvement in September following “significant financial pressures” as the reason for axing their involvement. The criticism follows another recent controversial edit by the BBC. On its hit show, Strictly Come Dancing, a decision was made to edit out ‘Protect the Dolls’ from contestant Bethany Antonia’s T-shirt. It’s a slogan which has become widely used to support the rights of trans women. The BBC defended their decision, saying the changes were made to meet editorial guidelines. It comes as the LGBTQ+ community has faced challenges amid an increasingly less tolerant political climate. ## What the BBC had to say When we asked them about editing out the pins worn by Leicester’s University Challenge team, a BBC spokesperson said: “In line with our editorial guidelines, we advise that no badges, flags, and emblems or symbols are worn or visible during filming, along with clothing with obvious branding or slogans. If such items are not removed for any reason then a decision is made between the programme makers and the BBC regarding any edits to the programme.” The BBC said the delays to the episode were unrelated to the decision to edit out the pins. A spokesperson for ITV Studios said: “University Challenge is an entertainment quiz show and is made in accordance with the BBC Editorial Guidelines requirements for impartiality.” The University of Leicester refused to comment on the matter. * * * **Before you go…** We’ve recently surpassed 1,000 subscribers, which is amazing considering we’re a small team on a shoestring budget. Now, we’re ready for the next stage of the Leicester Gazette. **Download our new app and get all of our journalism anytime, anywhere.** The app connects with **Bluesky** , **Mastodon** and **Threads** , giving you access to a network of around 60 million people. It’s a safer, more meaningful alternative to mainstream social media – owned by the community. * * *

El juju reposted

Oisin Mac Aodha
@oisinmacaodha.bsky.social

Interested in doing a PhD in machine learning or computer vision at the University of Edinburgh? My group works on topics related to: * Autonomous Scientific Discovery * Human-in-the-Loop Machine Learning * 3D Vision and Robotics * AI for Ecology and Conservation

El juju reposted

David Ziggy Greene (Jam bookshop)
@jambookshopuk.bsky.social

One of the most epic things I've ever worked on is out! My 24 page comic of the classic comedy episode of the BBC's Still Game - Big Yin. Scribbled, signed & a hand drawn bookmark. *All in pencil cos looks more authentic than ink davidziggygreene.bigcartel.com #stillgame #comicbooks #illustration

David Ziggy Greene (Jam bookshop)@jambookshopuk.bsky.social

One of the most epic things I've ever worked on is out! My 24 page comic of the classic comedy episode of the BBC's Still Game - Big Yin. Scribbled, signed & a hand drawn bookmark. *All in pencil cos looks more authentic than ink davidziggygreene.bigcartel.com #stillgame #comicbooks #illustration

El juju reposted

Xander's Skyscape
@wellmanneredxs.bsky.social

Here's Sir David Attenborough on why this huge, heart-shaped piece of the UK in Northumberland is so important. A chance like this to save massive space for nature won't come again. £11,000 donated yesterday, £1.37m still to go by the end of the month - the time is now! 💚 #conservation #ukwildlife

youtube.comSir David Attenborough on the Rothbury EstateYouTube video by The Wildlife Trusts
Xander's Skyscape@wellmanneredxs.bsky.social

One final sprint to save a landscape - £28m secured, £2m to go! Donation matching until the end of the month - the Wildlife Trusts are so close to buying the largest chunk of the UK offered for sale in 30 yrs. Landscape-scale protection, to hold a 40-mile wide nature corridor together for wildlife.

wildlifetrusts.orgDonate to Secure The Rothbury Estate | The Wildlife TrustsStretching over 3,800 hectares, the Rothbury Estate in Northumberland is abundant with opportunity. It’s the largest continuous area of land to appear on the market in 50 years. Its sale creates a uni...

El juju reposted

The Tiny Angry Witch
@tinyangrywitch.bsky.social

⭐️ SNOOZE ⭐️ The Tiny Angry Witch dislikes mornings just as much as we do. It's authentic stop-motion animation. We'd love to have more time to devote to these, so if you know any eccentric millionaires, let us know! Written, built, animated, voice and scored by 4 x people (and 1 x Witch)

El juju reposted

Paul Brislen
@brislen.nz

Sixty years, tomorrow. They gave the man in charge a knighthood. They made the local community pay for the remembrance garden. No-one held to account. I always think of the dinner lady, Nansi, who shielded five kids with her body and died in the process but they all lived. #Aberfan

El juju reposted

Dave Gilbert
@wadjeteyegames.com

Attention Scottish voice actors! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🎤 We’re gearing up to cast an upcoming project, which will require an (almost) all Scottish cast! So watch this space, if it’s nae bother.

El juju reposted

Astronomer Royal for Scotland | Catherine Heymans
@astroroyalscot.bsky.social

Here's a lovely wee reel the fine folk at #Aberdeen Science Centre put together about my new role as their Patron. Who do you think is having more fun - me or the kids? 😂 #scicomm 👩‍🔬🔭🧪🎢 📹: AV One Solutions

Astronomer Royal for Scotland | Catherine Heymans@astroroyalscot.bsky.social

The fine folk at the awesome #Aberdeen Science Centre invited me to become their Patron, with a focus on promoting science and public engagement. I said "when do I start!" 🤗 It's a fantastic day out - do come visit some time! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 #scicomm 🎢🔭 aberdeenbusinessnews.co.uk/astronomer-r...

aberdeenbusinessnews.co.ukAstronomer Royal for Scotland appointed as first patron of Aberdeen Science Centre - Aberdeen Business NewsAberdeen Science Centre has appointed The Astronomer Royal for Scotland, Professor Catherine Heymans, as its first Patron of Science and Engagement.

El juju reposted

Rosemary Kirstein
@rosemarykirstein.bsky.social

Question for those with astro knowledge: I once read a Vance novel in which the hero had a starship, but did not know where he was and had no nav data. His solution: find a constellation that looked the same as it did from his home world (except maybe smaller). That way lay home! (1/2)

El juju reposted

David J Prokopetz
@prokopetz.bsky.social

Malevolent demon does the whole "steal your body and leave your soul trapped in a jar" thing, but voluntarily gives it back after like an hour because it's never heard of the concept of chronic tinnitus before and what the FUCK is that NOISE.

El juju reposted

Patrick Ness
@patricknessbooks.bsky.social

Hey, authors, illustrators, poets, etc in the UK and Ireland! I’ve put together a statement in support of Sally Rooney with the help of others. Message me if you’d like to sign?

El juju reposted

New-Cleckit Dominie
@ncdominie.bsky.social

I see we're arguing about whether hedgehogs are an inspirational animal to put on Bank of England notes. I have nothing sensible to say, because there is nothing sensible to say on the topic, so please enjoy some mediaeval PARTY HEDGEHOGS instead.

El juju reposted

E. H. Lupton
@pretensesoup.bsky.social

Stumbled across this absolutely iconic sentence in a Goodreads review for a book I was looking up. Will I finish the book? I don't know. But I will remember this.

El juju reposted

Daniel José Older
@djolder.bsky.social

Very dystopian that on the article about a A.I. data center poisoning the air, there's a little rainbow A.I. chatbot button just lurking at the edge, waiting to poison the air some more to answer your banal question

Brad Johnson@climatebrad.hillheat.com

My god. A Virginia data center ran backup diesel generators full blast for 24 hours, creating a giant cloud of toxic smoke that choked its human neighbors. The government claimed there was nothing they could do.

gadgetreview.comVirginia Data Center Ran Diesel Generators for 24 Hours. Residents Fled Their HomesVirginia data center diesel generators ran nearly 24 hours during a Code Red alert, leaving neighbors with no regulatory recourse under current state permits.

El juju reposted

Stephen Collins
@stephencollins.bsky.social

Replying to @stephencollins.bsky.social

Advertising *anything* with an AI poster screams "we have no brains and probably something to hide" but when it's for a school it's just an absolute pile of WHAT the HELL are you DOING my GOD

El juju reposted

E. H. Lupton
@pretensesoup.bsky.social

#FridayFling Attract! I use this word a lot, but this time it's from The Alignments, a novella I wrote that came out last December. It's a fun little romp through Carnac, France, featuring standing stones, weird magic, bad choices, and crazy elderly French people.

Jessie Mihalik@jessiemihalik.com

Every Friday, share a #FridayFling snippet from your WIP or published work. :) This week’s prompt is ATTRACT! You don’t have to match it exactly, just go with vibes. And if it’s published, drop a link in the post or a reply so people can find it! #Romancelandia #Books

El juju reposted

New-Cleckit Dominie
@ncdominie.bsky.social

Replying to @ncdominie.bsky.social

More on this remarkable enterprise and related schemes via @publicdomainrev.bsky.social: publicdomainreview.org/essay/the-ea... I have no reason to share it except that I'm confident that I will never be attacked by eels while wearing a belt of pig bladders, and that is some consolation at times.

publicdomainreview.orgLiberal Visions and Boring Machines: The Early History of the Channel TunnelMore than a century before the Eurostar and LeShuttle, a group of engineers and statesmen dreamed (and fretted) about connecting Britain to France with an underwater tunnel. Peter Keeling drills into ...

El juju reposted

Kirsty Isla Thomas
@kirstyislathomas.bsky.social

Replying to @kirstyislathomas.bsky.social

Great source of more information here and info on how to lodge a planning objection against the latest AI data centre proposal in Scotland.

aprs.scotChapelcross Data Centre - Action to Protect Rural ScotlandThis proposed 1GW (1000MW) data centre development, covering 57 hectares, is planned for land just north of the former Chapelcross nuclear site near Annan, Dumfries and Galloway. It is still in the ea...

El juju reposted

Suw
@suw.bsky.social

Amazing how the media's still sticking to the 'going rogue' line. This software did not 'go rogue'. Its developers failed to build adequate controls, did not do enough testing, and are entirely responsible for the results.

Michele Grant@michelegrant.bsky.social

Given that hacking is a criminal offence are we happy for the AI companies to be exempt from criminal liability? www.theatlantic.com/technology/2...

theatlantic.comOpenAI Has Gone RogueIt’s impossible to know the extent of the AI-hacking crisis.  

El juju reposted

Brandy Schillace
@bschillace.brandyschillace.com

Readers and writers of #BookSky, I got a story for you. Last year, I released a major nonfiction and sequel to an award winning mystery. This year, I released an audiobook on forensic history. But like most authors, I struggle to make sales/get recognition, and am a poor AF. Now the funny part: 1/

El juju reposted

Kate Elliott
@kateelliottsff.bsky.social

I am not first and will be far from the last to say this: I have purchased so many books because I saw them recommended or publicized here on bsky. I cannot urge you all enough to KEEP TALKING ABOUT BOOKS. I know it's easier to talk up someone else's book, but this also means you, the shy author.

Nancy Jane Moore@nancyjane.bsky.social

I have mentioned it before, so maybe, but I know others liked it too. Hooray for word of "mouth" (or post) for getting it seen.

El juju reposted

Astronomer Royal for Scotland | Catherine Heymans
@astroroyalscot.bsky.social

🔊Calling #Aberdeen #Elgin & #Inverness: I am heading North to come see y'all. There'll be grown-up book talks + school visits on route! Come & say hello. 🔭🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🎢 📘Th 1st: Aberdeen Science Centre 📗Fr 2nd: Moray Astronomy Club 📙Sa 3rd: Inverness Science in the Atrium ℹ️: www.roe.ac.uk/~heymans/H2D...

Astronomer Royal for Scotland | Catherine Heymans@astroroyalscot.bsky.social

Here are all my tour dates (spit out my tea - yes I am going on actual "tour" 😲 - do I get to print a ti-shirt?). There will be planetarium shows, science talks and in-conversation events! Come and say hello some time! www.roe.ac.uk/~heymans/H2D...

roe.ac.ukHow to Design a Universe: EventsJoin Catherine Heymans, Astronomer Royal for Scotland, at events across the UK celebrating her new book, How to Design a Universe: The Science of Real and Virtual Worlds.