Jo Severs

Just the best news!

I thought this was just an Agatha Christie plot device until it happened to me

Portuguese editorial cartoonist Zez Vaz reaches back to Tiananmen Square to call on American defiance.

@lewisgoodall.com nails it on the head about the need for Europe to come together. Oh, wait....

Word of the Day is ‘bayard’ (16th century): one who has the supreme self-confidence of ignorance.

As more and more of Trump's cabinet picks are being confirmed with barely a protest - and zero backbone from Republican senators - it's worth reposting this @bmj.com piece I wrote with @kentbuse.bsky.social & @martinmckee.bsky.social last November

www.bmj.com/content/387/...

Blue Monday is a piece of crap pseudo science originally part of a travel company's press release to sell holidays.

Can we all try to avoid rewarding marketeers, using this term, which tries to sell goods by parasiting on the back of real mental health campaigns.

Artwork featuring the head and shoulders of a white woman facing forwards, wearing round spectacles, a floppy purple hat with an A in a circle anarchist symbol and a purple jacket, wavey lines of colour form the backdrop

Anarchist Emma Goldman by Brazilian illustrator Camila Pinheiro, 2019

So the bots are here, right?

Perfect from start to end

youtube.com/watch?v=zLpR... Remembering Mick Karn with one of my favourite Karn bass lines (and favourite Japan song)

Finally caught up on "The Outrun" last night, which is both an excellent film and strong incentive for dry January.

Imelda Staunton captivating in Hello Dolly. Not really my kind of musical, but it's worth it just to see her.
And shout outs for Ncuti Gatwa; great fun as Bunburyist Algernon in The Importance of Being Earnest; and Greta Scacchi a formidable Bette Davis in "Bette and Joan".

Louisa Harland, more than stood her own opposite woody Harrelson and Andy Serkis in The Ulster American. Hope to see her again soon. What a talent.

Denise Gough, reprising her previous Olivier winning role as an addict in "People, Places and Things.". I've never seen such a convincing depiction of addiction, totally compelling throughout.

Theatrical performance of the year. I've seen some astonishing performances this year, notably:

Sarah Snook as antihero and every other part, in The Picture of Dorian Grey. A confident, charismatic performance with a knowing wink, deservedly the Olivier winner.

Tbh I've found it hard to stop there, so here's my end of year playlist. Saw many of these artists live too open.spotify.com/playlist/1Zy...

So first up: songs of the year. So much great music around, it's difficult to choose, but "Maybe" by Katy J Pearson was my go-to uplifting singalong. Also loved harmonising to "No One" by Liz Lawrence. Other sings inc "Angel" by NewDad, "Love" by Barrie & "Love in Constant Spectacle" by Jane Weaver

So here's my addition to the many end of the year lists that are floating around. Not gonna single out a winner in each category, as there are so many different things to celebrate. No worsts from me - just why would you even publish one?

Turns out brussels sprouts and sweet potato Chile wasn't quite the hit I was envisaging

Clearly my sister and I both have excellent taste as we bought each other the same gift! Merry Christmas @wadeywade.bsky.social !

Every now and then I'm reminded that mixing drinks after 40 is a very bad idea

‘A rapist can be in the family’: how Dominique Pelicot became one of the worst sexual predators in history Gisèle Pelicot had no idea her husband of 50 years had been drugging her and inviting dozens of men to rape her. As one of the most horrific trials France has ever seen comes to a close, the world is ...

It also forever dismisses the idea that "good" men do not rape. These men are family, neighbours, work colleagues & trusted professionals. Chances are you know a rapist. The cloak of respectability must never again be used as mitigation for sexual assault.
www.theguardian.com/world/2024/d...

artwork by Victoria Villasana of Gisèle Pelicot with statement "Shame must changes sides". From #Womensart twitter account

The bravery that Gisèle Pelicot has shown is incredible. All men convicted, albeit with some ridiculously lenient sentences. Her determination to place shame on perpetrators & release from victims is so powerful & transformative and will be her enduring legacy
By Victoria Villasana via #Womensart

Oh yes!

What a lovely way to spend a Monday evening. Stephen Duffy; such a great raconteur (yes, we would read a book like that) and a privilege to hear live in such an intimate setting. Many thanks to 13yo @petepaphides.bsky.social for arranging.

I challenge anyone to get to the end of this without tears. How beautiful.

I've already seen this production of Cabaret twice, but this could seriously tempt me back a third time.

Booked yay

Asked a friend about Brat (I know, I know, behind the times etc), and she said "you, back in the day". Taking this as a compliment..?!