Michael Straughan

Amazing anecdote from David Mamet about Tom Stoppard in @TheFP: "Steven Spielberg asked Tom to write the screenplay for Jaws, and Tom said he couldn’t as he was writing a play for the BBC. Spielberg said, 'I'm offering you a fortune to collaborate with me on a Hollywood blockbuster, and you turn me down to write a play for BBC TV?" "No," Tom said, "BBC Radio." thefp.com/p/david-mamet-…

@trussliz “The epitome of what has gone wrong with Britain.” Meanwhile, Liz here, a British political titan:

Carol’s last hit was 34 years ago and her last 12 singles failed to chart. She has taken it well though.

You can almost grasp the Italian for "I will personally unplug his life support one day" just by looking at Meloni's face.

George Stephanopoulos is one of the few hard-nosed journalists left in the business, not taking bullshit from sociopathic liar JD Vance about Tom Homan's $50K bribe. This is how it's done, media. x.com/Ronxyz00/statu…

@malcsinc @francesbarber13 I’ve experienced that too. Old codgers. Got to laugh.

@micstrau @francesbarber13 A year or so ago on a crowded jubilee line a handsome young man sitting down was giving me the eye. So I thought. I gave him the eye back with a minxy grin. And he offered me his seat! Mortified

Second time in 2 days young men have given up their tube seats & offered them to me. Never ever happened before. Clearly must be looking ancient, but who cares I’m overwhelmingly grateful. Thankyou you charming man.

Another successful cabinet meeting with Dear Leader

Come on BBC. At least spell the great man’s name correctly. #Brendel

@hobibahcesi2 Scary

This monster coming home with me 😍🥰 #allotment

Loving @andreagassi commentary. The others should learn from him. #wimbledon

Probably the greatest influence on me as a singer/musician. I spent the last few years of his life/the first few years of my career working with him, learning, enthralled in every second. He taught me all I believe music should be. The late, GREAT Sir Charles Mackerras.

@bbcpress Sad news. She’ll be missed. One of the few who one can believe to be unbiased in her questioning.

📢After an incredible 28-year career at the BBC, Jo Coburn has decided to step down as presenter of Politics Live. "I’ve loved it all,” says Jo, “especially the people I’ve worked with and the hundreds of guests who’ve kept me company in the studio every day.” A new presenter will be announced in due course. Read more➡️ bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/20…

Dvořak’s Seventh Symphony was premiered on 22 April 1885. Tovey didn’t hold back his praise; he said: “along with the four Brahms symphonies and Schubert's Ninth, it is among the greatest and purest examples in this art-form since Beethoven". What are your favourite recordings?

Can we please just have a moment of appreciation for the Secretary Bird?

US Education Secretary Linda McMahon made John Oliver. Congrats, @EDSecMcMahon

✍️ American economist Richard Wolff says: The American empire is over... Our peak was about 12 to 15 years ago, and now we are in decline. ┈┉┈┉•▴•❀•▴•┉┈┉┈ Trump Tower | Putin | Gemma Collins #zelena #thursdayvibes

RIP Gene Hackman 1930-2025 Such a brilliant actor.