TJ walks through a graveyard, visiting his wife who is buried there. By his side, his tiny mongrel pup, Marra, yaps about and waggles his tail. Like all dogs, he is just grateful to be outside and grateful to be alive. Marra suddenly runs, catching a scent and following his instincts. TJ pursues, calling his… Continue reading The Old Oak — is it right to ban the XL Bully?
“Tennis is a relationship”, says Tashi Duncan (Zendaya) in director Luca Guadagnino’s new film Challengers. However, this relationship is not simply between the game and the player. Rather the heart of tennis, and perhaps of all competition, is a three-way relationship between two contestants and a third person. Their presence, and observation, is what gives… Continue reading Challengers review — Luca Guadagnino’s tennis film reviewed by an expert in the psychology of competition
The United States has become a nation divided over important issues in K-12 education, including which books students should be able to read in public school. Efforts to ban books from school curricula, remove books from libraries and keep lists of books that some find inappropriate for students are increasing as Americans become more polarised… Continue reading Is book banning in the US unconstitutional?
In the highly anticipated Dune: Part Two, it’s not just the stellar performances by Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, and Austin Butler that steal the spotlight; it’s the fashion. The film’s costume design, reminiscent of Rick Owens’ aesthetic, is a standout feature, resonating with today’s fashion trends. For decades, science fiction has influenced fashion designers. Raf Simons… Continue reading Dune: Part Two’s fashion takes inspiration from Rick Owens and contemporary trends
Inspiration comes from the most unexpected places. In the case of Rachel Deacon, her artistic career was sent in a completely different direction by…a home extension. When the construction was complete and the builders had left, Rachel was left with a huge blank wall. It was crying out for a big canvas, a statement abstract… Continue reading Figurative and abstract artist – Rachel Deacon
Just For One Day, the Old Vic’s new musical about Live Aid, recreates the story behind the history-making concert in a spectacle full of iconic 1980s rock anthems. The script may feel a bit clunky, but as it’s performed in front of enthusiastic audiences largely made up of people old enough to remember that warm… Continue reading Live Aid the musical — what really happens when celebrities get behind humanitarian causes
“Basically I have a song that I love that I wanna release ASAP but my record label won’t let me. I’ve been in this industry for eight years and I’ve sold over 165 million records. And my record company is saying that I can’t release it unless they can fake a viral moment on TikTok.… Continue reading Halsey’s record label wouldn’t release a new song until it went viral on TikTok. Is this the future of the music industry?
Justin Bieber is the latest artist in a growing list of musicians who have sold the rights to their music. This move is typically made by more seasoned artists such as Bruce Springsteen, who reportedly received US$500 million (£406 million) for the sale of his life’s work in 2021, or Stevie Nicks who sold a… Continue reading Why artists give up rights to their music
Shares in Universal Music Group surged after its US$40 billion (£29.5 billion) flotation on 21 September, suggesting many people think the music business has a strong future. One of them, Lucian Grainge, the company’s chief executive, believes expansion will be driven partly by changing consumer habits and the exploitation of undeveloped markets in some of… Continue reading The music industry is booming and can afford to give artists a fairer business model
There is a current surge of interest in punk. The Sex Pistols’ “God Save the Queen” topped the UK singles charts during the Platinum Jubilee. This was 45 years to the day after it controversially didn’t when originally released at the time of the Silver Jubilee. Famed director Danny Boyle has also turned his hand… Continue reading What it really meant to be punk in Britain
