@ianRobinson I was at the recording of this. It was fantastic - quite mind blowing.

Worth a read.

Gift link.

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/21/opinion/trump-second-term-2025.html?unlocked_article_code=1.E04.xXOd.JwLDA8QJwwLM&smid=url-share

“Last year, I had a life-changing experience at 90 years old. I went to space, after decades of playing an iconic science-fiction character who was exploring the universe. I thought I would experience a deep connection with the immensity around us, a deep call for endless exploration.
"I was absolutely wrong. The strongest feeling, that dominated everything else by far, was the deepest grief that I had ever experienced.
"I understood, in the clearest possible way, that we were living on a tiny oasis of life, surrounded by an immensity of death. I didn’t see infinite possibilities of worlds to explore, of adventures to have, or living creatures to connect with. I saw the deepest darkness I could have ever imagined, contrasting so starkly with the welcoming warmth of our nurturing home planet.
"This was an immensely powerful awakening for me. It filled me with sadness. I realized that we had spent decades, if not centuries, being obsessed with looking away, with looking outside. I did my share in popularizing the idea that space was the final frontier. But I had to get to space to understand that Earth is and will stay our only home. And that we have been ravaging it, relentlessly, making it uninhabitable."
-- William Shatner, actor

@ianRobinson now saved in my 'to listen to' playlist, which is basically full of your recommendations, which based on evidence thus far I trust implicitly!

@ianRobinson I got a ticket for Southampton - tried to get two for my husband and I but only managed the one. Very excited. What a cracking album - thank you so much for introducing me to such a fantastic band.

@ianRobinson funnily enough, I met Marina just after she was signed before she made her first album. We went to see Simple Kid and other bands at The Camden Crawl together. I've only seen her once since and on both occasions she was absolutely lovely. Also fantastic songs. Always a relief to find very talented musicians who are also delightful humans!

I *know* personal carbon footprints were invented by the oil industry to distract us from their huge damage.

https://clear.ucdavis.edu/blog/big-oil-distracts-their-carbon-footprint-tricking-you-focus-yours

BUT

I also know that flying is the most eco-destructive choice I can make.

For a musician who wants to gig internationally, this is a fucker.

A lovely person on here has prodded me into thinking about streaming alternatives. If any of you, musicians or promoters, have tips / advice / warnings, please feel free to chip in here or DM me. :ablobmeltsoblove:

@ianRobinson amazing thank you - loads to check out!

@ianRobinson your references made me think I'd share your taste - Kate Bush is one of my all time favourites and I loved the Daisy Jones and the Six album.

Fingers crossed 2024 will be as fruitful for new music. I wish you a happy new year!

@ianRobinson following your post I listened to the bands and I absolutely love The Last Dinner Party and Demob Happy now! Thanks so much for your recommendations - I don't listen to new music much these days and it's so exciting when I find something I really like.

In return I recommend Do Nothing and particularly their track Happy Feet. To be honest, you've probably heard of them but they were one of the few bands to get my attention last year.

I look forward to your future tips!

A friend of mine shared this about #MatthewPerry and now I’m sharing it with y’all.

I use a lot of exclamation points! I'm not yelling at you, I promise! I'm just very enthusiastic! About everything! All the time!!

Blair, Major and Brown say failure of 'trickle-down' economics and regional inequality contributed to Brexit
https://inews.co.uk/news/politics/ex-pms-admit-regional-inequality-brexit-2704593

#economics
#inequality
#ukpolitics

Found #LeafArt & love it <3

The costs of our addiction to convenience (in #onlineshopping) are paid by the #workers exploited by #Amazon.... but their increasingly 'mad as hell & not going to take it any more' (with apologies to Peter Finch).

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/oct/22/exhausted-amazon-staff-fight-back-against-retail-giant-at-global-uk-summit

More on the #Orwellian tendencies at the Dept. for Education; its becoming clear that in a time of constrained resources & budget challenges, the DfE thinks its money well spent to keep #surveillance on those it suspects of harbouring critical views of #Tory education policy & practice....

That said,, its a change(?) from the usual #Kafkaesque practices experience by #benefits claimants.

Perhaps 1984 & the Trail will be banned in schools because they reveal too much?

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/oct/21/uk-government-keeping-files-on-teaching-assistants-and-librarians-internet-activity

The tallest building in the earth 🌎

@patrickhadfield @GracelessHippo you'd think so, wouldn't you! A whole week learning one dance like Strictly. I'd love it and I'm sure I can't be the only one!