Mark Dourish

Karoline Leavitt on what she expected for today’s demonstrations: “Hamas terrorists, illegal aliens, violent criminals.”

Scott Bessent: “Most unhinged in the Democratic Party”

Mike Johnson: “The pro-Hamas wing, the antifa people.”

NYPD: More than 100,000 protesters; zero arrests.

YouTube video by Comrade Mike Eagle (#StillSanders) ICE Chase-Benny Hill Theme

Brilliant.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ck2B...

Back in the old office to rehearse a programme of gorgeous Flemish music for (whisper it…!) Christmas. Gig next Saturday. Tix from bit.ly/DPBelgianXmas. Go on, give yourself an early present!

!

Trump being taken for a golden carriage ride to nowhere around the grounds of Windsor Castle, like humouring a massive toddler.

What a great start to the weekend!
Last night we found out that our Requiem disc has entered the UK Specialist Classical Chart at number 5, and today Presto Classical listed the disc as one of their four Presto Team Choices: "a wonderful recording which could well be their best yet."
Woo-hoo!

Anyone who has professionally accomplished anything at all at any point after becoming a parent is the greatest and most improbable hero in the history of the universe

England flag painted on roundabout turned into noughts and crosses game.

At last, some proper British vandalism.

(source - www.facebook.com/share/p/1MeV...)

From Russia Today's Telegram channel, this morning

One other 7/7 thread today. Because I think how the bus network got running again is a real testament to some serious heroes that day:

The bus drivers and staff who got that network running again and got London home that night.

And TfL/the Mayor disobeyed the Security Services to make it happen /1

From today's newsletter - All very glum/serious at the moment. So something a bit more cheery:
What is the voting intention of those with a 'Live, Laugh, Love sign'. Strikingly Labour's vote jumps 9 points among those who have a 'live laugh love' sign compared to those who dont

it’s quite funny that my 15yo thinks the music being made now is the best music in the world and my 80yo dad thinks the best music in the world was made when *he* was 15, but the *actual* best music in the world, empirically, was made when *i* was 15. they both look so stupid lol

@emilydourish.bsky.social

okay and here is my ‘sounds like a shitpost but it’s genuine’ UK heatwave tip: if there is a Saxon or Norman church near you, and it’s open, go sit in it. not gothic, they have too many windows, get you some thick stone walls with some high up tiny windows. they stay cold. and you can just sit there

We were sorry to hear that legendary pianist Alfred Brendel has passed away at the age of 94.

Alfred Brendel made his Wigmore Hall debut in 1958, and gave many performances at the Hall, including programmes of Beethoven, Mozart, Schubert and more.

Our thoughts are with all who knew him.

This is the last thing the BBC needs

YouTube video by Herr Bogel Egyptian army orchestra destroys national anthems

apropos of military parades
www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVa1...

This is so bad that, even as an Irish person, it actually makes me want to create an AI Oliver Cromwell to oppress him.

Russia is now bombarding Odesa with ballistic missiles. Remember, European leadership pledged that if Russia did not agree to a 30-day unconditional ceasefire by yesterday, they would hit Russia with super new sanctions. Yet, here we are…

There's always a little thrill printing scores before a concert and recording - something great & exciting is just around the corner! Gig's on Saturday and it's a programme of contrasts - a grand, multi-voice mass, and a more sombre and reflective 4-voice one. Info and tickets from bit.ly/DPMorales4

Four days to go!
Our next concert is in Cambridge on Saturday - 16th century Spanish loveliness from Cristóbal de Morales, our favourite bearded composer!
Details/tickets from bit.lyDPMorales4

Very Well Said and Accurate….

Somewhere a junior intelligence officer is mournfully resetting the Days Since Last Screwup counter back to zero.

Mid-19th century Russian novelist.

Donald Trump is turning America into a mafia state | Jonathan Freedland The pattern is inescapable – with just one caveat: organised crime bosses occasionally display more honour, says Guardian columnist Jonathan Freedland

Donald Corleone, turning the US into a mafia state. Latest column www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...

Five Failures in the Oval Office (video) America hurt itself badly today.

Here I react to the shameful behavior of American leaders and media toward the Ukrainian president. No doubt there were more, but I saw five failures on our side: of hospitality, decency, democracy, strategy, and independence. Please watch and share.
snyder.substack.com/p/five-failu...

Donate to Ukraine’s defenders The National Bank of Ukraine has decided to open a special fundraising account to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

The Ukrainian government has a list of places where you can donate to the war effort here. I personally just donated $100: war.ukraine.ua/donate/

Slava Ukraini.

Leaders of France, Spain, Poland, Lithuania, Ireland, Norway, Czechia and Sweden have all rushed to support Zelensky in this moment of crisis. I know it's not a competition, but hurry up, Starmer. And make sure the royal invitation is withdrawn NOW. No more appeasement in the name of 'diplomacy'.

Channeling Hagen? (Memories of you as President of CU Wagner Soc, 90/91).

Did you see his Parsifal at Bayreuth? It was stunning. Not knowing SH at all I was expecting some shallow, needlessly-controversial parade, but was given an utterly gripping night in the theatre instead.