dpcleary

Cleo Laine, Britain's most successful jazz singer, dies aged 97 Versatile vocalist straddled jazz, classical, pop and musical theatre with four-octave range, and collaborated for decades with husband, John Dankworth Dame Cleo Laine, the UK’s most successful and celebrated jazz singer, has died aged 97. A statement from her children Jacqui and Alec reads: “It is with deepest sadness that we announce the passing of our dearly beloved mother, Cleo, who died peacefully yesterday afternoon. We will all miss her terribly. The family wish to be given space to grieve and ask for privacy at this very difficult time.” Continue reading...

Cleo Laine, Britain's most successful jazz singer, dies aged 97

Originally said 'an academic', added a long adjective, didn't edit properly?

The BHA even lists Leicester as an afternoon meeting, so it must be.

Nottingham is an evening meeting, Leicester is a core meeting outside the protected window. It just happens to start in the evening. So not the same thing at all.

YouTube video by Teenager of the Sixties Helen Shapiro ~ Tell Me What He Said ~ 1962

youtube.com/watch?v=atKo...

Song of the day. 39 years and counting.

A 40 year plus 2 weeks anniversary. Is that a thing? I Don't Care. How appropriate.

Absolutely incredible turnout for Budapest Pride! So proud of all the organizers, including some old friends, who estimate hundreds of thousands— major embarrassment to Orban

So glad Uncle Joe took Mel Brooks to see Ethel Merman in ‘Anything Goes’ 90 years ago. From his delicious ‘All About Me!’

The World's Best Cities

London has been ranked the world’s #1 city for 2025—for the 10th year in a row.

This recognition speaks to the strength and vibrancy of our capital. From our cultural institutions to our nightlife, London remains a place for everyone.

Democracy has disappeared in several other great nations – disappeared not because the people of those nations disliked democracy, but because they had grown tired of unemployment and insecurity, of seeing their children hungry while they sat helpless in the face of government confusion, government weakness, – weakness through lack of leadership in government. Finally, in desperation, they chose to sacrifice liberty in the hope of getting something to eat.

Mamdani ending his victory speech with this quote from FDR. This is potentially a consequential moment for US politics.

Screenshot of Vicky's letter to the Prime Minister (page 1)

Screenshot of Vicky's letter to the Prime Minister (page 2)

(1/2) With a heavy heart, I have written to the Prime Minister to tender my resignation as a whip.

Whilst I will continue to support the government in delivering the change the country so desperately needs, I cannot vote in favour of the proposed reforms to disability benefits.

Both those things can be true.

I always knew you were a good judge.

Btw, ABBA's greatest song is The Day Before You Came. No discussion allowed.

ABBA!!

Last Christmas??!!! Whatever.

And now Bella Ciao. Not Maria Farandouri but still.

What a disgraceful post. Delete. Delete immediately

As a 20-something waiter said to me during the first ABBA revival, when I said how much I was enjoying hearing their music again: Oh, you remember it from the first time around?

I Can Lose My Heart Tonight. Goodness knows when I last heard that. Very much here for records from my extreme youth.

20 minutes. I never liked swans.

Announcement (after train has been standing 5 minutes): apologies. There is a swan on the line. As it is a protected species, I have been instructed not to move until it has been moved. 🙄😯

Sure Start centres generated £2 of financial benefits for every £1 spent, study finds New Labour initiative created ‘remarkably long-lasting’ health and education improvements, says report

www.theguardian.com/education/20...

Immigration and the UK — the main thing really is this:

UK governments have, for ~ the last two decades, pursued anti-immigration policies.

You tell me one positive outcome from that approach.

There isn’t one.

Not a single one in my view.

There is, however, a very long list of harms caused.🧵

Please use the lift.

Friday The 26th

The Postman Always Rings Four Times.

The Worcester card is even more extraordinary. Going: Firm (watered). 119 runners with two divisions of a novice hurdle (22 in each) and chase (16 in each).

Today marks 26 years since the Admiral Duncan Nail Bombing. Three people died and 79 were injured. Hate crimes against LGBTQIA+ people are increasing dramatically. We stand in solidarity and remembrance, for those lost on that day and in similar attacks globally. #AdmiralDuncan

Should have been the jolly.