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Happy New Year everyone. I am under no illusions that 2025 is going to be a tough year. But, it is amazing what 10 days of rest does for you. I'm feeling more positive and confident about the next few months, and there are a couple of things I am really looking forward to.

Computers are great, and v. useful. I wouldn't be without one. However, one of the joys of the Christmas/New Year break has been freedom from a computer. I don't find computers conducive to thinking. It has been great to sit with pen + paper and work through some ideas and plans.

I think I am just about ready for the Study Group on the Russian Revolution's conference which is Northumbria History for its 50th anniversary conference this year. Looking forward to presenting and learning a great deal from the speakers.

The Luke Littler effect has been much felt at home today. My son's friend from down the road has been round in his personalised darts top to throw some arrows my son. The discussion has all been 3-dart averages, highest checkouts, etc.

That was a fun day, and I learnt a great deal today at 50th annual conference of the Study Group on the Russian Revolution. Knackered, but best of all I think the trains are going to allow me to get home! Hopefully I can make it for the final day tomorrow!

2025 brings more exciting announcements from the PGF..! Stay tuned for our call for papers, and more information on our upcoming events! ⭐️✍️📚

I am absolutely loving my 2025 calendar, which my son made as a Christmas present at school, inspired by Sandra Silberzweig Sandra Silberzweig #sandrasilberzweig @silberzweig and her abstract art. Pride of place on the fridge!

chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-eas…

A reminder that I am over on @ robdale.bsky.social where I am much more active. I am continuing to disengage from this platform.

News in the THE timeshighereducation.com/news/newcastle…

Ok. As I continue to disengage from Twitter I am going to delete it off my phone. I won't be using it regularly. You can find me on Bluesky if you need me.

Crimea is Ukraine. Donetsk is Ukraine. Luhansk is Ukraine. Mariupol is Ukraine. Melitopol is Ukraine. Berdiansk is Ukraine. Occupation is temporary, Ukraine is forever.

This is why I endless try to explain that York University is in Canada, and why the University of York is in Yorkshire!

The Unissued Diplomas Exhibition opens in the Ex Libris Gallery in Fine Art Newcastle University on Monday 24 February at 16.00, and closes on 5 March. unissueddiplomas.org Stand with Ukraine! 🇺🇦 An even more important exhibition!

My cartoon from the current edition of Private Eye Magazine.

A brief return to Twitter, to repost this. Fantastic to see my friend Oli Betts discussing railway art!

Calling all historians interested in Europe. The Iland scholarship is open for applications for projects on "European culture, political thought, language and literature" including history. Deadline 20 June. ncl.ac.uk/postgraduate/f… Do spread the word 📣 Open to DMs for advice.

Fantastic opportunity for an early career scholar: three-year Junior Research Fellowship in Slavonic Studies at University College, Oxford (home of this equally fantastic wisteria!) univ.ox.ac.uk/wp-content/upl…