Michael Marra obituary | Folk music

 Posted on May 28, 2024  |  4 minutes  |  690 words  |  Jenniffer Sheldon

Folk musicObituaryMichael Marra obituaryScottish folk singer-songwriter and playwright known as the Bard of DundeeThe Scottish singer-songwriter and playwright Michael Marra – popularly known as the Bard of Dundee – has died aged 60 after suffering from cancer. Marra's songwriting was rooted in Scottish life, and he found an enthusiastic audience within and beyond the folk music scene, which led to him supporting performers such as Van Morrison, Barbara Dickson and Deacon Blue. His song Hermless was regarded as a potential Scottish national anthem. [Read More]

Solange Knowles with her hair clips in: Carlota Guerreros best photograph

 Posted on May 28, 2024  |  4 minutes  |  839 words  |  Jenniffer Sheldon

‘We had hilarious moments’ … Solange Knowles, taken for the cover of her album A Seat at the Table. Photograph: Carlota Guerrero‘We had hilarious moments’ … Solange Knowles, taken for the cover of her album A Seat at the Table. Photograph: Carlota GuerreroMy best shotPhotography‘This was used as the cover of A Seat at the Table. We left her clips in to show vulnerability – but she still wanted to have a strong gaze, to look people in the eye’ [Read More]

The greatest Lemony Snicket quotes ever | Children's books

 Posted on May 28, 2024  |  4 minutes  |  744 words  |  Kary Bruening

Children's booksChildren's booksThe greatest Lemony Snicket quotes everTo celebrate the dark, surreal world of Lemony Snicket, we compile A Series of Unfortunate Sayings - some of our favourite quotes from his work Lemony Snicket (real name Daniel Handler) has always been an enigmatic character, and his wonderfully wacky and absurd writing shrouds his offbeat works with equal mystery. His witty insights and sombre musings make for the distinctive tone that so many know and love and his work appeals to children and adults alike. [Read More]

Understanding, not judgment, should shape our response to those who remain unjabbed | John Harris

 Posted on May 28, 2024  |  7 minutes  |  1386 words  |  Jenniffer Sheldon

OpinionCoronavirus This article is more than 2 years oldUnderstanding, not judgment, should shape our response to those who remain unjabbedThis article is more than 2 years oldJohn HarrisThe start of the coming year will be defined by the UK’s vaccination gap, but the issue is more complex than you think Amid rocketing Covid infection rates, rising hospitalisation numbers andtest shortages, the opening weeks of 2022 are going to be defined by the UK’s vaccine gap. [Read More]

Unsettled Ground by Claire Fuller fierce, angry energy

 Posted on May 28, 2024  |  3 minutes  |  446 words  |  Jenniffer Sheldon

FictionReviewMiddle-aged twins who lived in rural isolation until their mother’s death rail against ‘civilisation’ in Fuller’s skilful tale Claire Fuller’s impressive new novel opens by documenting, in fine and gravely moving detail, the last moments of an elderly woman, Dot, early one snowy morning in the isolated, run-down cottage she has shared with her children, the middle-aged twins Jeanie and Julius, since the violent death of their father in an accident almost 40 years earlier. [Read More]

'They did not love their little girl like me' | Climbi inquiry

 Posted on May 27, 2024  |  6 minutes  |  1262 words  |  Kary Bruening

Climbié inquiry'They did not love their little girl like me'Killer shows anger but no remorse at Climbié inquiryMarie Therese Kouao, perpetrator of one of the worst cases of child abuse in British history, gave evidence without remorse yesterday at a public inquiry into the the death of eight-year-old Victoria Climbié. She said she was a respectable lady, a good mother and "a pure innocent person" falsely accused of a non-existent crime. [Read More]

Billy Vunipola ban deepens Englands problems before Rugby World Cup | England rugby union team

 Posted on May 27, 2024  |  3 minutes  |  525 words  |  Kary Bruening

England rugby union team This article is more than 4 months oldBilly Vunipola ban deepens England’s problems before Rugby World CupThis article is more than 4 months oldNo 8 given three-game suspension for red cardJoins Farrell in missing opening match against ArgentinaEngland’s Rugby World Cup campaign descended further into crisis on Wednesday after it was announced that Billy Vunipola, the only specialist No 8 in the squad, will be banned for the opening pool match against Argentina on 9 September. [Read More]

Eye eye: the Residents' giant eyeball is stolen | Music

 Posted on May 27, 2024  |  2 minutes  |  295 words  |  Kary Bruening

Music This article is more than 8 years oldEye eye: the Residents' giant eyeball is stolenThis article is more than 8 years oldSan Francisco art-rockers seek the return of stage prop worth an estimated $100,000 If you find yourself being eyeballed by a giant eyeball in a top hat, don’t panic – call San Francisco police. One of the huge eyeballs with which art-rock band the Residents concealed their faces has been stolen, and its owner wants it back – it is worth around $100,000. [Read More]

James Lord obituary | Books

 Posted on May 27, 2024  |  4 minutes  |  778 words  |  Jenniffer Sheldon

BooksObituaryJames Lord obituaryAuthor of a Picasso memoir and biography of GiacomettiThe US writer James Lord, who has died aged 86, leaves several books that display his diligent scholarship and talent for gossip, among them the racy Picasso and Dora (1993), which relates Lord's postwar involvement with Pablo Picasso and his lover Dora Maar. Equally elegant is Lord's 600-page biography of the sculptor Alberto Giacometti (Giacometti, 1985), the result of 15 years' work. [Read More]

Message in a Bottle review Sting soundtracks a blistering hip-hop tale of refugees

 Posted on May 27, 2024  |  3 minutes  |  630 words  |  Jenniffer Sheldon

DanceReviewPeacock theatre, London A compelling cast pour their hearts into Kate Prince’s jukebox tale of civil war, trafficking and three siblings separated as refugees A hip-hop dance show set to the songs of Sting? It seemed an unlikely proposition when ZooNation choreographer Kate Prince announced she was making Message in a Bottle. Even more so when it turned out the story threading the jukebox show together tackled the international refugee crisis. [Read More]