Drump

He is a spoilt child
A narcississtic general
Unhinged and mentally deficient
A madman with a trigger
A president that incites violence
Use the 25th Amendment to oust him out.
He has to go NOW!

Good Morning

Keeping Warm

Lovely Bits of Old England: John Betjeman at The Telegraph

Lovely Bits of Old England: John Betjeman at The Telegraph by John Betjeman

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I have been dipping in and out of this for around three weeks, whilst reading other books. A selection of writings from John Betjeman published in The Telegraph in the 50s and 60s. These articles have become something of an historical eulogy; one might say that they have no relevance nowadays. Nevertheless, they are worth reading to understand Betjeman's love of architecture and his disdain for 'developers' in a country still recovering from the deprivations of the 2nd World War. He loved churches and on 30th May 1952 he wrote a wonderful article entitled "The Churches of England are Part of Our Life". He was a stalwart supporter of St. Pancras station and the St. Pancras hotel and I am sure he would be delighted to know that these great architectural edifices have been restored to their former glory.

His book reviews were often dismissive. In 1951 'The Catcher in the Rye' and 'The Day of The Triffids' were afforded a single paragraph in The Telegraph. In 1953 about 'Casino Royale' he says: "It suffers from falling apart two-thirds of the way through..." Rather amusing for a book that is still in print more than 60 years later!

John Betjeman will always be remembered for his passionate defence of Britain's Victorian heritage. He was knighted in 1969 and appointed Poet Laureate in 1972. He died in 1984.



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CD of The Day

The perfect antidote to all the right-wing shit of the last few days.!


Wire said of this CD "Various  - Two Niles To Sing A Melody: The Violins & Synths Of Sudan (Ostinato)

Ostinato has released just five records to date but has already become synonymous with quality and research. These mesmerising recordings represented the often overlooked music of Sudan, accompanied by forensically thorough sleevenotes. Clive Bell said: “Traditionally a melting pot for Arabic and African cultures, Sudan achieved independence from Britain in 1956. A government-sponsored musical golden age in the 70s lasted until 1989 when a strict Islamic government violently clamped down.” (October 2019/416)

Ja, Mein Trumper

Remember all of this as it has happened before -

A period of absolutely outlandish lies, as taught by Hitler's chief PR guy, Joseph Goebbels: “If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it. ”

This is the kind of misdirection and falsities produced by Trump and his minions. Lie enough times and they believed him. His supporters lapped it up like the good stormtroopers they are. The evilness that could have fostered if they succeeded is unbelievable.

More World Grooves

Right, let's get away from the shit and groove-

Dur Dur Band - Yabaal

Mohammed Wardi - Al Mursal (The Messenger)

Alemayehu Eshete - Ney-ney Weleba

Mulatu Astatke - Munay(My Muna)

ENJOY