Excerpt of Robert De Niro's Palme d’Or lifetime achievement award acceptance speech at the Cannes Film Festival.
www.theguardian.com/film/2025/ma...

Hands Off. May 17.

"Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them." - Twelfth Night

Who, amongst us, would unexpectedly be given great responsibilities, the opportunity to rise, in these tumultuous times? I say it is we who will make history once more.

Sorry to learn of another tragic air travel incident. April 10, NYC. Tourist chopper, with 6 onboard including pilot, broke apart mid-air and crashed into Hudson River. No survivors.

May the departed RIP. 💔

Please reconsider air travel plans. Be safe.

Photo courtesy of AP News.

People in UK, Germany, France showing solidarity with #handsoff protesters who have gathered in cities across the US to denounce Trump, to resist fascism. The loss of democracy, of rights and freedoms, and the imposition of awful protectionist policies affect the world. Except Russia.

Aren't you envious? To look eternally plastic, I mean unchanging? Their insides might be rotting but they're all gonna end up looking like these vampires, I mean lovely senior ladies when they outlive their husbands and get to the ripe old age of 117.

Just a reminder that the original billionaire villain is this guy, Rupert Murdoch, whose media empire poisoned Australia, UK, and finally the US, with ultra-conservative anti-left wing rhetoric on Fox News. For money. Consistently. For almost 30 years. Most Aussies and the British loathe him.

Australian James Harrison, blood donor for over 60 years, passed away on Feb. 17 at 88. His blood, which contained a precious antibody used to make a life-saving medication (anti-D), saved the lives of over 2 million babies.

Remembering those whose lives gave others life.
RIP Mr Harrison. 💕

First, the moron cakes, now these beers. The Danes rock.
*moron cake pic courtesy of The London Economic

I was right. You've all been had. He wants a 50% stake in exchange for keeping it 'in good hands and allow it to stay up.' The 'Saviour' sweeps in in grand fashion, then openly extorts and blackmails with neither fear nor remorse.

'But, but... Biden!' You're an idiot. Have you learnt nothing?

I hope people will not rush to assign blame. Conduct due diligence because social media aren't going to fact-check for you. Based on past behaviour, it is not impossible that FOTUS is behind this to conveniently pin blame on Biden and make a big show of reinstating TikTok after his inauguration.

To new friends, old friends, and kindred spirits:
Thank you for being incredibly kind and welcoming.
May the new year bring you wonderful adventures, joy and laughter, and beautiful moments.
I wish you peace, I wish you good health and most of all, I wish you a year full of love.
Happy New Year!🎉🥂💕

This story is sad, so sad. Am not done but people tell me it's hopeful as well. I've yet to come across any semblance of hope. I'm just saaaad now.
Snot-faced blubbering mess is not how I want to end my year, although the sentiment is quite appropriate.

And guess what I found--Murakami's new book! "こんにちは, my lovely!" Now, if I can sniff out some coffee, I'm golden. I'm going to shut myself away and not emerge until after Boxing Day! Woo-hoo! Simple pleasures. Have a wonderful Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and all kinds of holidays! Peace and joy!

I sniffed out a spanking new place to hang out. I do prefer smaller, older, cosier nooks with some character on the walls but hey, let's give the new kid in town a closer look. I can't lie, she is a beauty.
"Bonjour, bébé!"

Hi. I'm in here for a bit because it's dark and wet out there. Perfect weather for a book and hot tea but alas, responsibilities beckon.
What's it like where you are?
Have a good day and be well.

Reorganising and decluttering, found a very old play stashed away from ages ago--The Caucasian Chalk Circle. I used to love it. Going to find out if I'm still going to love it as much. I'm happy. 💙📚
What is making you happy today?

Rereading a lot of oldies lately. Murakami's Kafka on the Shore next. What are you reading?