Mark Robinson

Lift the Ban - Refugee Action

While the government shamefully pander to the right, you can support the campaign to let people work. Asylum seekers want to work, to contribute where they've found some kind of safety: let them, instead of stoking up fear.

www.refugee-action.org.uk/lift-the-ban/

I'm glad you included the word 'in' there.

I'm looking forward to the coverage of Preston Bus Station. I'll be OUTraged if those LDN types snub it.

I did the del amitri interview in this. At the Rex Club in Paris, in my year studying at Paris VIII in Saint Denis. Saw some great bands at the Rex - Sonic Youth, Blurt, David Thomas, Microdisney...

I have a copy somewhere @dustysevens.bsky.social but only one. I could dig it out and do you a copy?

Thanks - she’ll get there. 12 weeks recovery time.

That does seem to be it. Invoice will follow for reading this message.

Been quiet as Mrs Practice broke her leg - when we were away from home too. (Femur - she never does things by half.) After surgery and 11 days finally have her home for a summer of slow recovery. We saw the NHS at its best, I'm happy and relieved to say. Also we now call everyone duck, ducky or pet.

Was comparing prices for a gig next year, Paris or London. London tickets c£4.00 more expensive but then fees - £1.30 in France, £7.80 in England. Wondering why there's such a difference. Tbh I'm presuming greed but do correct me if you know better...

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WeTransfer TOS says they can use all your uploaded content for genAI

Bye forever, WeTransfer.

I might go Imagine but this is up (down?) there. The bit at the end that never ends…

Always happy to help.

Buy a bigger flat!

“The children are always ours, every single one of them, all over the globe – and I am beginning to suspect that whoever is incapable of recognizing this may be incapable of morality.”

James Baldwin

The Billion-Dollar Art Vaults: Secrets of Freeports Revealed Explore The Billion-Dollar Art Vaults that offer security and tax benefits, while sparking global debates on art and regulation.

Not a fan of freeports but this did make me imagine a billion dollar art vault just off the A66. www.citywealthmag.com/news/the-bil...

No, I keep meaning to.

Funny, I was just listening to that, and then Holly Throsby’s On Night, the other day. I especially love Even Though I’m a Woman. Really love all Holly Throsby’s albums since a lucky night she played our local bar, some of my very favourite songs.

I was saying recently that based on my proven scientific technique of Walking Around Manchester is about the only really economically vibrant feeling city or town centre work has taken me recently outside of London. Rest of UK still feels battered. (And obv nowhere without scars of inequality etc)

Another sweaty day in that LDN. I find myself envying the men whose white shirts stay crisp and freshly laundered-looking while I turn into a sack of spuds.

It's really important to feedback when you ask questions. (Lack of feedback is one reason people disengage.)

"And if you ..have collected a load of workforce data - share it"

Also really energising to know people's (our) experience is helping @unfoldingtheatre.bsky.socialbe even better in future.

How Dr. Martens Fell Victim to the British Economy's Most Twisted Serial Killer a deep dive on private equity

This explains a thing or two.

Also makes me think creative industries might be better off struggling to attract private investment from this kind of private equity company?

substack.com/home/post/p-...

Nearly fancy Wilco time.

To quote my mother (probably quoting some old radio comedian) “Are you bragging or complaining?”

YouTube video by ANTI- Records Mavis Staples - "Godspeed"

Been a week of losses but I am giving thanks and praises to the universe for Mavis Staples. Got something in my eye listening to this new song, cover of a Frank Ocean song m.youtube.com/watch?v=TXjf...

For those I’ve not told: stood in front of Michael Stipe in the queue at Cranks.

I love a classic French novel - and there's a lot of Balzac and Zola to go at.

Ok... I could have Flann, Beckett and Woodehouse but I'd go with if redistricted to 10

Armistead Maupin
William Trevor
Zadie Smith
Ali Smith
Sarah Waters
Roddy Doyle
Marcel Proust
Elena Ferrante
Carol Shields
Toni Morrison

Got me thinking now... Austen, Dickens, Hardy yes, plus George Eliot, Tolstoy (mainly 19th C I guess...),Zola, Balzac. Not sure I've ever read an actual book by Kipling or Conan Doyle.

YouTube video by Imogen Blood Deeper Into Story: Most Significant Change in the Arts and Cultural Sector with Mark Robinson.

My colleague Imogen Blood has a new podcast, and asked me to be the first guest, talking about evaluation and stories. It was a fun - look we're laughing! - reflective conversation. Imogen also got me to share what kind of difference MSC had made for me.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yKp...

Walked to the river in the evening sun listening to the Beach Boys after a lot of Sly in the office today and wondering if all that beauty was really a fair exchange for their pain.