Happy birthday to Betty Boo. Here's a reminder of the time she rapped with Public Enemy in the McDonalds at Shepherd's Bush back in 1987 (look out for the unimpressed manager!)
I sincerely believe that learning should be for life, and that we will not progress as a nation without providing support for people to better themselves, whatever their age or background.
He hasn’t thought this through. What a plonker.
I concur with your theory. Piss up in a brewery springs to mind.
Hats off to all the oldies! Our degree was around 40% mature, which brought up the standard all-round. It was far better for the younger students too. They couldn‘t arse around as expectations were higher.
When I applied for university (at 29), I had zero A-levels. They let me in anyway. There were many students like me, who were the most committed & highest graded on results day. I’ve taught many students without conventional paths into education who were exceptional. Why don’t they deserve funding?
Send help.
“A small, bleak masterpiece...”
Brilliant review of Base Notes here by Chris Power, who has made it paperback of the week in this week’s Observer. I’m dead chuffed.
observer.co.uk/culture/book...
I’d rather it had been made by Peter Strickland. Saltburn was a stinker!
Nobody cares about this ridiculous film up here.
Read me and Richard Benson in conversation at The Bee discussing the pertinent literary themes of our time: favourite crisps, coffee ice cream and Giorgio Beverly Hills… ✨
There was also the sugar factory (Tate & Lyle?) in York which wasn’t pleasant. But yes, Terry’s had a wonderful smell.
Adelle Stripe - Base Notes: The Scents of a Life book cover
'Gone are the days of shampoo and sets twice a week, or the regular blow-drys and tint re-touching for big nights out. The snap of perming roller elastics is a long-lost memory, consigned to the bin of time...'
#AdelleStripe recalls the soundscape of her mother's hair salon
buff.ly/4jX6BbL
Reposting this piece I wrote a few years ago about growing up in Tadcaster (Madcaster). Sometimes the words come to you without effort, as if they’ve been brewing inside for years, waiting patiently for the cork to pop.
verdantbrewing.co/blogs/brewin...
Enjoyed recording this. It gave a chance to talk about Wodders the Emu on a highbrow arts programme, which a guest agreed was a moment worthy of the Chaplin era. Job done!
Jailed Agadoo singer 'led a conga in prison'
Roses are red
Morning has risen
Thanks for the reply. They won’t process my removal request until I upload my passport, which I’m not willing to do as I don’t trust them. I shut my account down a year ago, so can’t log in on the old username (which has been hijacked by a bad actor). Not sure what to do about it!
Why thank you very much, Sir! It’s always a pleasure cooking up plans with you.
Why thank you very much!
Dancing on a car roof in your flip-flops. That's the agenda for 2026, Stu.
Two very different but equally extraordinary memoirs move into WR paperback today, from two stars of countercultural creativity.
Strange Things Are Happening by @mrrichardnorris.bsky.social
Base Notes by @adellestripe.bsky.social
Sending much love to Richard and Adelle on paperback launch 🙌
Morning. I’m on the wireless today talking about Base Notes on BBC Radio Leeds (around 11:40am) then tomorrow night I’m appearing on R4 Free Thinking with the most excellent Jacqueline Riding, Samuel Johnson-Schlee and Laura Minor. Tune in...
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
Shout out to comrade @stuhennigan.bsky.social whose debut novel KESHED is published today. You need this book in your life. Oh yes you do.
Back then it was called THINGS I NEVER TOLD ANYONE. I'm glad I didn't publish it in 2006.
Thank you, Jon. That’s very kind of you to say so.
Farewell for now, Backlisted. The podcast that informed so much of our taste and the books we have written as a result of your recommendations. You have an archive we will continue to rummage through for eternity.
Hoping you won’t be gone too long…
No rest for the wicked...
Fantastic. Big up yourself. The boulder has been rolled up the mountain. Time to relax…
Little happy face. Base Notes paperback has landed in the office. It’s out in the shops this week. Published by @whiterabbitbks.bsky.social.
Signed / dedicated copies are now available to order @forumbooks.bsky.social
Over and out x
www.forumbooksshop.com/product/base...
