jonn

On the “phantom time hypothesis”, the bizarre conspiracy theory that 297 years of European history were entirely made up.

This week: could the Tories really go the way of the dinosaurs? Also: some English counties that are more than one county; and a map of rising sea levels to play with.

This week: the housing election looms at last. Also: some notes on Australia’s big things, and a map of British cities by popularity.

An extract from James Vincent’s Beyond Measure: The Hidden History of Measurement.

Never mind the music, here’s a map.

This week: no religious people have not been barred from public life, don’t be silly. Also, some adverts I really hope they wouldn’t make now; and a map of eel(?) rents(?!?).

Also this week: a map of Europe’s built up areas; and I take a trip to Luton Airport, just to show that I can.

Caution, meet wind. Also this week: an extremely short history of Washington DC.

This week: why the local election results show Labour is still comfortably headed for government. Also, some curious notes on the history of measurement.

This week: how the home of London’s government tells a story of national decline; why the poet Homer couldn’t see the colour blue; and the curse of protected views.

This week: the true meaning, and lack thereof, of “failing organisation”; a new, old way of looking at history; and one of the most baffling maps of Britain I have ever seen.

This week: why it’s Brexit’s fault the government of the undead keeps going; better things to say instead of “Edinburgh is west of Bristol”; and England’s centre of gravity continues its march south.

This week: look, I am also bored of writing about Britain being broken, but it is, isn’t it? Sorry. Also: a map of Europe’s megalopolis-es; and why is The Traitors so compelling?

This week: Boris Johnson inadvertently makes the case for Lords reform, some notes on the Holy Roman Empire, and a map of the long lost tram network of Leeds.

This week: why do we count this miserable time of year as “new” anyway? Why does Rishi Sunak still believe he’s winning? Some more things Henry Scampi is scared of; and some maps of city height.

Also this week: how many colours can a metro map have? And a gif of the absurdity of English government.

This week: the local elections are finally here, oh joy, oh rapture. Also: some notes on extremely big empires, and a map of an extremely populated region.

This week: some number crunching on UK electoral history, some notes on a list of lists of lists, and, finally, that new rail map of Birmingham.

This week: the trouble with centrism; in search of the most densely populated patch of Great Britain; and some notes on clouds.

This week: it’s time to weaponise NIMBYism; the Bethnal Green tube disaster; and all roads lead to Rome.

This week: some notes on support for strike action; some extremely old things named “new”; and what Americans really think about Europe.

This week: what does Boris Johnson actually think he is playing at? Also: the unnerving southern-ness of Canada; and I have some thoughts about Crossrail.

This week: a tale of two infrastructure investments; some notes on the popularity of surnames; and why is north not where we think it is?

The parable of the Gävle Goat.

This week: some jokes on decline, some notes on borders, and some people who Henry Kissinger has outlived.

A sort of selection box.

On the proposed naming of the London Overground lines.

This week: why is Suella Braverman; are e-bikes really better than public transport; and some notes on sleeper trains.

This week: how we create our own monsters; how we create our own poodles; and a fresh take on the Tube Map.

This week: the true meaning of the Virgin Orbit failure; and some notes on talking animals.

This week, some thoughts regarding the end of civilisation in Britain. Also some notes on the London place name shortage; and a map of Europe’s soil quality.

The British government isn’t asleep at the controls: it doesn’t exist at all. Also this week, everything I learned from ScotRail’s 2,400 pre-recorded announcements; and a map of these islands’ rivers.

This week: on the plausibility of the once unthinkable, and the impossibility of housing.

This week: what the hell is wrong with Liz Truss? Also, some important notes on Britain’s only funicular tram; and I get mad about golf, all over again.

This week: what exactly is my problem with Rishi Sunak? What happened to MI1 to MI4? Also, they’ve extended the Birmingham Metro, huzzah.

This week: look, sorry, I’m writing about the monarchy, what did you expect? There’s a good map at the bottom, though.

This week: the stench of death still clings to the UK government; some notes on dead US presidents; and a map, made by bus journeys.

This week, Britain has a new government, how often does that happen, wow! Also, the internet has broken our brains, and a new way of measuring city size.

This week: after 12 years in power, do the Tories really think they can blame strikes on Labour? Why does “parkway” mean “station” in Britain, but “road” in America? Plus, some fun with growth rates.

This week: oh good god imperial measurements are back; a map showing exactly why the US is weird; and how history shows that remaining queen for 70 years is actually a pretty big deal.