Category Archives: Art

2025.12.04

MPR News looks at how many Somalis in Minnesota could be impacted by a planned federal operation that would target those who have final orders of deportation. Out of the approximately 80,000 Minnesota Somalis, “[l]ocal advocates estimate that a few hundred people statewide could be directly affected by such an operation. This comes on the heels of the Trump administration’s recent call to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somali nationals, a move that could similarly affect several hundred more.” There are currently 705 Somali migrants in the U.S. with TPS. Via MinnPost
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2025/12/03/how-many-somalis-in-minnesota-could-be-impacted-by-federal-intervention

With the 100th anniversary of the Heights Theater coming up, the Columbia Heights icon has been sold, according to the Minnesota Star Tribune. Longtime owner Tom Letness is passing the baton to the group that runs Chicago’s Music Box Theater, “a similarly vintage yet adventurous movie house with a good reputation. They intend to keep a lot of the current film programming in place and add a lot more.”  Via MinnPost
https://www.startribune.com/heights-movie-theater-columbia-minneapolis-sold-chicago-music-box-theater-wurlitzer-organ/601538558?utm_source=gift

‘Never seen anything like this’: alarm at memo from top US vaccine official
Vinay Prasad memo said at least 10 children had died from Covid vaccination – but offered scant evidence for claim
Melody Schreiber
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/dec/04/us-vaccines-vinay-prasad-memo

Detainees at ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ facing ‘harrowing human right violations’, new report alleges
Amnesty International finds immigrants at Florida facility were shackled and left outside in metal cage for up to a day
Richard Luscombe in Miami
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/dec/04/alligator-alcatraz-human-right-violations-amnesty-report

New England warming faster than most places on Earth, study finds
Pace of area’s temperature rise, outpaced in US only by Alaskan Arctic, apparently increased in past five years
Oliver Milman
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/dec/03/new-england-warming

How an invasion of purple flowers made Iceland an Instagram paradise – and caused a biodiversity crisis
Nootka lupins, introduced in the 1940s to repair damaged soil, are rampaging across the island, threatening its native species
Patrick Greenfield
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/dec/04/invasive-species-flowers-iceland-nootka-lupins-lupines-aoe

‘Biggest band that ever lived’: inside the Grateful Dead art show
As the band celebrate their 60th anniversary, a California exhibition draws attention to the unique psychedelic artwork that has long told their story
Matt Shaw
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2025/dec/04/grateful-dead-band-art-show-california

Interview
Ballet star Matthew Ball on gruelling roles and getting ogled on Instagram: ‘I don’t feel precious about my body’
Lyndsey Winship
https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2025/dec/04/matthew-ball-dancer-interview-royal-ballet-mayara-magri-dance

Interview
Paul Anka on his incredible, star-studded career: ‘Revenge is a motivator like you wouldn’t believe’
Jim Farber
The musician, who wrote My Way and Puppy Love among others, talks career longevity, shrewd business and which star bullied him in his youth
https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2025/dec/03/paul-anka-musician-career-interview

Indian scientists spot Milky Way-like galaxy from 12 billion years ago
Geeta Pandey
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/crmdk7wkmz4o

Almshouse’s 15th Century painting sells for £5.7m
Curtis Lancaster
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czxgy49qgvvo

2025.12.03

Fabergé egg made for mother of Russia’s last tsar sells for £23m
Christie’s says the sale price is the highest for a Fabergé, beating a £8.9m auction in 2007
Serena Richards
https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2025/dec/02/faberge-egg-mother-russia-

Man charged with theft over claims he swallowed $19k Fabergé egg
Kelly Ng
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c7vm754r80vo

Minneapolis, St. Paul leaders condemn reports of immigration enforcement against Somali immigrants
An immigrant rights organization says they’ve received reports that four Somali residents and one Latino resident were arrested by federal agents Monday and Tuesday.
by Joey Peters and Katelyn Vue
https://sahanjournal.com/immigration/ice-enforcement-somali-immigrants-minnesota-minneapolis-stpaul/

Federal authorities plan operation in Minnesota focusing on Somali immigrants, AP source says
Federal authorities are preparing an immigration enforcement operation targeting people in the Minneapolis–St. Paul area with final deportation orders.
By MIKE BALSAMO and STEVE KARNOWSKI Associated Press
https://www.minnpost.com/metro/2025/12/federal-authorities-plan-operation-in-minnesota-focusing-on-somali-immigrants-ap-source-says/

FDA drug chief signals possible exit as agency turmoil deepens
Richard Pazdur’s potential retirement weeks into the role adds to upheaval at the FDA amid political pressure
Melody Schreiber
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/dec/03/fda-drug-chief-signals-retires-pazdur

Trump ally admits goal of eliminating same-day registration in federal voting rights trial
Cleta Mitchell was compelled to testify in North Carolina over a recent law that hiked up requirements
George Chidi
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/dec/03/same-day-registration-north-carolina

An eco obscenity: Norman Foster’s steroidal new skyscraper is an affront to the New York skyline
It contains enough steel to go round the world twice – and even has a fake breeze to flutter the stars-and-stripes flag in its lobby. If this colossus is just the first of a new breed of bulky supertalls, is Britain next?
Oliver Wainwright
https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2025/dec/03/eco-obscenity-norman-foster-skyscraper-jp-morgan-new-york

‘BDSM on screen used to just mean a gimp in the basement’: the kink community’s verdict on Pillion
Pillion, which explores a relationship between leather dom Ray (Alexander Skarsgård) and submissive Colin (Harry Melling), has just opened in UK cinemas. But how realistic is its portrayal of a group little seen in mainstream cinema?
Barry Levitt
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/dec/03/bdsm-on-screen-kink-community-pillion-alexander-skarsgard-harry-melling

We found the authentic Liguria: an off-season road trip through north-west Italy’s brilliant villages and cuisine
By avoiding the famous hotspots and travelling in December, we enjoy culinary delights and historic charms without the summer crowds
Alexis Steinman
https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2025/dec/03/liguria-italy-out-of-season-road-trip

Thailand relaxes afternoon alcohol ban to boost tourism
Joel Guinto
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0mprzzxn73o

Five of the world’s safest countries for 2025
Lindsey Galloway
https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20250822-five-of-the-worlds-safest-countries-for-2025

2025.12.01

‘Tis the season for CO poisoning?
As the cold forces us indoors, Hennepin Healthcare officials are sounding the alarm on carbon monoxide poisoning, according to KARE 11. “Carbon monoxide, which is odorless, colorless and tasteless, can build up quickly in enclosed spaces and, if not treated promptly, can cause serious damage to the heart and brain or even be fatal.” Hennepin Healthcare reports 12 cases in November, “a number doctors describe as unusually high for this point in the cold-weather season.” Don’t miss the tips on how to reduce your risk of carbon monoxide poisoning at the end of the article.
https://www.kare11.com/article/news/health/hennepin-healthcare-sees-spike-in-carbon-monoxide-poisoning/89-4c01aaf2-8127-4701-ade1-3f0608b37089

Rising levels of hate forcing women out of Swedish public life, says equality agency
Country seen as champion of equal rights faces reckoning after senior politician says she felt compelled to quit
Miranda Bryant in Stockholm
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/dec/01/harassment-and-hate-forcing-women-out-of-swedish-politics

Cooking with gas gets more expensive as Americans face rising prices into 2026
Trump promised to cut consumers’ energy costs within his first year in office but gas price is up 4% on average
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/dec/01/gas-energy-prices

Airbus averts further travel disruption by fixing most jets hit by software glitch
French manufacturer had to ground thousands of planes at weekend but fewer than 100 now need update
Lauren Almeida
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/dec/01/airbus-averts-further-travel-disruption-by-fixing-most-jets-hit-by-software-glitch

Long-lost Rubens painting sells for $2.7m at auction
Auctioneer found the Flemish artist’s masterpiece – depicting a crucified Christ – in a Paris mansion as he was preparing for the property to be sold
Agence France-Presse
https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2025/dec/01/long-lost-rubens-painting-sells-for-27m-at-auction

Power surge: law changes could soon bring balcony solar to millions across US
Tweaks to state laws mean many Americans will be able to benefit from small, simple plug-in solar panels
Oliver Milman
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/nov/30/balcony-solar-power-states-laws

From Dylan Thomas’ shopping list to a note from Sylvia Plath’s doctor: newly uncovered case files reveal the hidden lives of famous writers
Exclusive: Hardship grant applications to the Royal Literary Fund, including unseen letters by Doris Lessing and a note from James Joyce saying that he ‘gets nothing in the way of royalties’, show authors at their most vulnerable
Ella Creamer
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2025/nov/28/from-dylan-thomas-shopping-list-to-a-note-from-sylvia-plaths-doctor-newly-uncovered-case-files-reveal-the-hidden-lives-of-famous-writers

‘A large amount of weirdness’: The long, strange success of the Grateful Dead
Greg McKevitt
https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20251127-the-long-strange-success-of-the-grateful-dead

Over 120,000 home cameras hacked in South Korea for ‘sexploitation’ footage
Gavin Butler
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cj01q6p7ndlo

Greek sheep and goat cull raises fears of feta cheese shortage
Kostas Koukoumakas
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cgex9d0212xo

2025.11.27

And with tomorrow’s [today’s] menu at the top of mind, did you know that Minnesota produces more turkeys than any other state? WCCO shares how we got there. Via MinnPost
https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/minnesota-turkey-production-thanksgiving/

Speaking of turkeys, it’s Turkey Day here in the USA. Happy Thanksgiving.

How to be a good party host (or guest)
From picking your guests (always add a random) and your outfit, to coping with drunks and nudity, this is what you need to know
Zoe Williams
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/nov/26/how-to-be-a-good-party-host-or-guest

‘Stay tuned’: new Anne Rice film could foretell release of unpublished work by late author
Documentary series of Interview with the Vampire writer available to stream with potential for further releases
Ramon Antonio Vargas in New Orleans
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2025/nov/27/anne-rice-author-anthology

Netflix crashes within minutes of releasing Stranger Things series five
Viewers unable to watch episodes of long-awaited final series on TV when the streaming service briefly froze
Rachel Hall
https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2025/nov/27/netflix-crashes-stranger-things-series-five

Review
Stranger Things season five review – this luxurious final run will have you standing on a chair, yelling with joy
The kids growing up might have changed this show’s appeal, but they manage to go out in a flame-throwing, bullet-dodging blaze of glory – while still being more moving than ever before
Jack Seale
https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2025/nov/27/stranger-things-final-season-five-review-netflix

‘We like it a lot’: how Romania created the largest deposit return scheme in the world
In the two years since the system was launched, beverage-packaging collection and recycling has risen to 94%
By Andrei Popoviciu in Bucharest, Romania
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/nov/27/we-like-it-a-lot-how-romania-created-the-largest-deposit-return-scheme-in-the-world

‘I didn’t even know this type of attack existed’: more than 200 women allege drugging by senior French civil servant
In a case echoing the Pelicot trial, dozens of women allege they were given hot drinks mixed with a diuretic to make them urinate. Three of them speak out here
Angelique Chrisafis in Paris
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/nov/26/women-allege-drugging-by-senior-french-civil-servant

‘Extraordinary discovery’ at Orkney Neolithic site
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c7836wvx4q4o

Novel scientific method proves pit circle near Stonehenge was man-made, say researchers
Archaeologists use multiple types of geophysics equipment to analyse ‘extraordinary structure’
Steven Morris
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/nov/27/novel-scientific-method-proves-pit-circle-near-stonehenge-was-man-made-say-researchers

Scottish fashion designer Pam Hogg dies
Steven McIntosh
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cm28v743mpyo

From Paul Krugman: https://youtu.be/tJE3KDxTbWI?si=vKYHnCMiS0nDelby

2025.11.26

Trump may have inadvertently issued mass pardon for 2020 voter fraud, experts say
Pardons of Giuliani and others who took part in fake elector scheme were largely symbolic, but could have a big effect
Sam Levine in New York
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/nov/25/trump-voter-fraud-pardon

Review
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery review – Josh O’Connor excels in another deadpan delight
Daniel Craig is joined by a sparkling array of talent including O’Connor, Glenn Close and Josh Brolin in this latest murder mystery with a religious undercurrent
Peter Bradshaw
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/nov/26/wake-up-dead-man-a-knives-out-mystery-review-josh-oconnor-excels-in-another-deadpan-delight

Do you know your Hopper from your Hellfire Club? Take our ultimate Stranger Things quiz
The final season of the epic Netflix 80s show is about to air. But how much can you remember about the world of the Upside Down? Test your knowledge with our fiendish quiz
Tom Huddleston
https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2025/nov/26/ultimate-stranger-things-quiz

Study claims to provide first direct evidence of dark matter
Astrophysicist Prof Tomonori Totani says research could be crucial breakthrough in search for elusive substance
Ian Sample Science editor
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/nov/25/study-claims-to-provide-first-direct-evidence-of-dark-matter

Previously unknown Renoir painting sells for 1.8m euros at Paris auction
The oil painting depicting the artist’s son Jean had never been exhibited or sold before.
Agence France-Presse
https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2025/nov/26/unknown-renoir-painting-son-sells-18m-euros-auction

floods ravage South East Asia
Kelly Ng
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckg97wx144jo

The Abandons to Fallout: Nine of the best TV shows to watch this December
Caryn James
https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20251124-nine-of-the-best-tv-shows-to-watch-this-december

John Quigley, chef to stars Bryan Adams and Tina Turner, dies
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cgqzylxp4ewo

Former Harvest Best basketball coach gets life sentence in child sex-abuse case
Aaron Hjermstad’s charges stem from thousands of videos authorities found in his car after he fled the state in 2021. Authorities say there could be more than 120 victims in the videos.
by Katrina Pross
https://sahanjournal.com/public-safety/youth-basketball-coach-aaron-hjermstad-gets-life-sentence/

‘Abhorrent’: St. Paul City Council member criticizes police conduct at federal arrest
St. Paul police used tear gas and pepper spray Tuesday as hundreds of demonstrators confronted them and dozens of federal agents on the city’s East Side.
by Shubhanjana Das
https://sahanjournal.com/immigration/st-paul-east-side-ice-police-arrest/

2025.11.25

If you’re traveling for Thanksgiving early this week, be sure to check road conditions. WCCO TV reports the Twin Cities’ first “real snowstorm” of the season is anticipated soon. “An inch or two of snow is possible in the Twin Cities by Wednesday morning, possibly impacting travel. We’ll also have wind gusts between 30 and 40 mph.” A winter storm warning has been issued for parts of central and northern Minnesota, too. Via MinnPost
https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/minnesota-weather-snowstorm-nov-24-2025/

Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport food workers reached an agreement to avoid a strike just before the holiday. The Minnesota Star Tribune writes “the agreement, which is expected to be approved Monday night, includes the highest wage increase ever won for hospitality workers at the airport, according to union leaders.” Via MinnPost
https://www.startribune.com/msp-workers-union-strike-agreement-thanksgiving/601533108?utm_source=gift

Minnesota State Fair season might be well past us, but now is the time to get the most affordable ticket for next year. Bring Me The News says “tickets will be just $15 with a limit of 12 tickets per order, only available Tuesday and while supplies last.” Via MinnPost
https://bringmethenews.com/minnesota-lifestyle/minnesota-state-fairs-lowest-price-of-the-year-ticket-sale-happening-tuesday

Minnesota officials and organizers gear up to fight Trump ending Somalis’ TPS
Though president’s order is legally questionable, advocates worry community could be targeted for immigration raids
Rachel Leingang in Minneapolis
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/nov/25/minnesota-fight-trump-somalis-tps-order

Reith lecturer accuses BBC of censoring his remarks on Trump
Dutch writer Rutger Bregman says claim that Trump was ‘most openly corrupt president in US history’ was removed
Michael Savage Media editor
https://www.theguardian.com/media/2025/nov/25/rutger-bregman-accuses-bbc-of-censoring-his-reith-lecture-on-trump

Italian man ‘dressed as dead mother in order to claim her pension’
Man from Borgo Virgilio investigated for benefit fraud and hiding body since woman’s death in 2022
Angela Giuffrida in Rome
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/nov/25/italian-man-dressed-as-dead-mother-in-order-to-claim-her-pension

What happened at Fox News after the 2020 election? Documents reveal new details
Tens of thousands of documents were released as part of Smartmatic’s defamation lawsuit against the network
Jeremy Barr
https://www.theguardian.com/media/2025/nov/24/fox-news-coverage-2020-election-documents-key-takeaways

Frances McDormand on her adult-sized cradle art project: ‘It’s not performative, it’s experiential’
Three-time Oscar winner has joined forces with conceptual artist Suzanne Bocanegra for an exhibition inspired by the Shakers
David Smith in Washington
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/nov/25/frances-mcdormand-adult-cradle-art

‘A nucleus of a community’: the five-hour stage play about Dungeons & Dragons
In Initiative, a group of young people in the early 2000s finds themselves via the role-playing game, the latest example of its undying popularity
Jesse Hassenger
https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2025/nov/25/dungeons-and-dragons-play-initiative

EU court rules entire bloc must respect same-sex marriages in rebuke to Poland
Couple who married in Germany had their right to a ‘normal family life’ impeded, court of justice finds
Reuters
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/nov/25/eu-respect-same-sex-marriages-court-rules-rebuke-poland

2025.11.24-2

Udo Kier, German Actor Who Appeared in ‘My Own Private Idaho,’ ‘Andy Warhol’s Frankenstein,’ Dies at 81
By Jack Dunn
https://variety.com/2025/film/news/udo-kier-dead-own-private-idaho-andy-warhol-frankenstein-1236590259/

Jill Freud, Love Actually actor and inspiration for Lucy in Narnia books, dies aged 98
The actor ran her own theatre company and was described by her daughter Emma as ‘feisty, outrageous, kind, loving and mischievous’
Catherine Shoard
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/nov/24/jill-freud-love-actually-actor-cs-lewis-inspiration-narnia-dies-aged-98

Bollywood’s ‘He-Man’ Dharmendra dies at 89
Geeta Pandey
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cg66lv566kyo

Michelin-starred Australian chef Skye Gyngell dies aged 62
Lana Lam
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy840l75gx3o

Reggae legend Jimmy Cliff dies, aged 81
Mark Savage
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cj4qdren425o

2025.11.24

There’s a creek flowing beneath downtown Minneapolis
Starting in 1992, the creek known as Ȟaȟá Wakpádaŋ in Dakota and Bassett Creek in English began flowing under downtown Minneapolis, discharging into the Mississippi River.
By Crystal Boyd, MNopedia
https://www.minnpost.com/mnopedia/2025/11/theres-a-creek-flowing-beneath-downtown-minneapolis/

It’s been a mild first three weeks to November, but that’s about to change. The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for the northern portion of Minnesota ahead of “heavy snow” on Tuesday and Wednesday, according to Bring Me The News. Current estimates forecast 3-7 inches of snow, “though some higher appoints may be possible in parts of northern Minnesota.”  Via MinnPost
https://bringmethenews.com/minnesota-weather/winter-storm-watch-issued-in-minnesota-ahead-of-heavy-snow-tuesday-wednesday

PUBLIC SAFETY
‘It feels like we’re living a prison’: Frustrations rise along fenced-in Franklin Avenue in Minneapolis
Fencing installed by state officials along the busy corridor to deter homeless encampments is still in place years later. It’s forcing pedestrians to make dangerous choices and hindering efforts to establish a cultural district, Native leaders say.
by Shubhanjana Das
https://sahanjournal.com/public-safety/minneapolis-franklin-avenue-fencing-homelessness/

Lava spews out from Hawaii’s Kilauea as volcano erupts again
One of the world’s most active volcanoes has erupted again in Hawaii.
Timelapse footage from Mount Kilauea shows lava flowing down the volcano, as ash and smoke spew into the air.
According to the United States Geological Survey, this is the 37th eruption episode since December 2024.
https://bbc.com/news/videos/c8e9lx2gx4eo

Ethiopian volcano erupts for first time in 12,000 years
Ash clouds from Hayli Gubbi volcano sent drifting across the Red Sea toward Yemen and Oman
Guardian staff and agencies in Addis Ababa
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/nov/24/ethiopian-volcano-hayli-gubbi-erupts-first-time-12000-years

How rolling sand dunes are creeping up on last remaining oases on edge of Sahara
In western Chad, villagers are desperately trying to hold back the sand as the climate crisis wreaks havoc on one of the hottest countries in the world
By Julie Bourdin. Photographs by Tommy Trenchard
https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2025/nov/24/chad-desert-oases-wadi-water-gold-climate-crisis

‘We used a beachball as an alien!’ John Carpenter on his gloriously shonky sci-fi comedy Dark Star
‘The control room buttons were upside-down ice-cube trays, one space suit had a dish-drying rack on it – and the special effects guy wrote the theme tune lyrics’
Interviews by Chris Broughton
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/nov/24/john-carpenter-brian-narelle-interview-dark-star-alien-sci-fi-comedy

An inner duty’: the 35-year quest to bring Bach’s lost organ works to light
Musicologist Peter Wollny chanced upon the manuscripts in 1992 and authenticating them took half of his lifetime
Philip Oltermann European culture editor
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2025/nov/24/an-inner-duty-the-35-year-quest-to-bring-bachs-lost-organ-works-to-light

The Indigenous tribes reclaiming travel
Brandon Withrow
https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20230828-the-indigenous-tribes-reclaiming-travel

2025.11.21

Event commemorates folk-blues icon Lead Belly’s 1948 Minneapolis house concert
Twin Cities musicians will showcase the famous recording in a concert Friday at the Cedar Cultural Center.
by Britt Robson
https://www.minnpost.com/arts-culture/music/2025/11/event-commemorates-folk-blues-icon-lead-bellys-1948-minneapolis-house-concert/

‘We’ve got to release the dead hand of the past’: how Ireland created the world’s best alternative music scene
Irish indie acts used to be ignored, even on Irish radio. But songs confronting the Troubles, poverty and oppression are now going global – and changing how Ireland sees itself
Anna Cafolla
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2025/nov/21/ireland-worlds-best-alternative-music-scene

The FBI spied on a Signal group chat of immigration activists, records reveal
Exclusive: Agency accessed private conversations of New York ‘courtwatch’ group that was observing public hearings
Sam Levin
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/nov/21/fbi-signal-group-chat-immigration

‘Toxic’: California ex-police chief tells of colleagues’ racist harassment campaign
Shawny Williams, who tried to reform Vallejo police department, says threats to his safety led him to resign
Roque Planas
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/nov/21/california-vallejo-police-department

US men indicted for alleged coup plot to kill and rape people on Haitian island
Texans planned to utilize unhoused US people to take over Gonâve and fulfill ‘rape fantasies’, justice department says
Jeremy Barr
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/nov/21/texas-haiti-rape-indictment

Up, up and away: Superman comic found in attic sells for $9.12m to become most expensive ever sold
The pristine copy of Superman No 1, the character’s first solo title from 1939, was discovered in an attic in California last year
Sian Cain
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2025/nov/21/superman-no1-becomes-most-expensive-comic-ever-sold

Experience: I found an old Rembrandt in a drawer
I guessed it would be worth a couple of hundred pounds at most, but it was a preparatory print for his famous 1639 etching The Goldweigher
Edward Barlow
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/nov/21/experience-i-found-an-old-rembrandt-in-a-drawer

Portrait of Elisabeth Lederer: Why this mysterious Klimt painting sold for $236m
Kelly Grovier
https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20251118-why-klimts-portrait-of-elisabeth-lederer-painting-sold-for-150-million-dollars

Interview
‘I think my mum’s going to like it’: Alexander Skarsgård on his gay biker ‘dom-com’ Pillion
Ryan Gilbey
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/nov/21/i-think-my-mums-going-to-like-it-alexander-skarsgard-on-his-gay-biker-dom-com-pillion

Three-metre giant oarfish, ‘palace messenger’ of doom, washes up on Tasmanian beach
The enormous, serpentine fish, regarded in Japanese folklore as a herald of disaster, usually live deep below the surface and are only sighted when sick or dying
Petra Stock
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/nov/21/giant-oarfish-washes-up-on-tasmanian-beach

Colombian scientists recover first treasures from ‘holy grail of shipwrecks’
Cannon, three coins and a cup taken from San José, a 1708 wreckage that could hold items worth billions of dollars
Guardian staff and agencies in Bogotá
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/nov/21/san-jose-shipwreck-billions-treasure-artifacts-colombia

Eleven injured after grizzly bear attacks schoolchildren and teachers in Canada
Two critically hurt after attack on walking trail in British Columbia as police and conservation officers search for bear
Associated Press
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/nov/21/grizzly-bear-attacks-children-teachers-canada-british-columbia

We just passed the city inspection of the solar installation. Next is the power company inspection.

2025.11.14

Epic movie: Christopher Nolan uses 2m ft of film for adaptation of The Odyssey
The director has revealed suitably grand scale of his forthcoming Homeric adventure, which was shot with Imax cameras and stars Matt Damon as Odysseus
Andrew Pulver
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/nov/14/christopher-nolan-the-odyssey-2-million-ft-imax-matt-damon

Tesla recalls 10,500 Powerwall 2 battery systems in US over fire risk
Firm had received 22 reports of overheating, raising risk of serious injury or death, though none have been reported
Reuters
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/nov/13/tesla-powerwall-2-battery-recall

Interview
‘I’m not just putting on nice plays’: Hollywood star Alan Cumming’s plan to reignite theatre in the Scottish Highlands
Libby Brooks
https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2025/nov/14/hollywood-star-alan-cummings-theatre-scottish-highlands-pitlochry-interview

Review
Future Boy by Michael J Fox review – secrets from the set of a definitive 80s movie
The actor’s account of his big Hollywood break – and how it almost never happened
Ellen E Jones
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2025/nov/14/future-boy-by-michael-j-fox-review-secrets-from-the-set-of-a-definitive-80s-movie

Almshouse in Dorset discovers its 15th-century Flemish triptych is worth £3.5m
Artwork that hung for centuries at St John’s Almshouse in Sherborne will be sold to raise funds for social housing
Jamie Grierson
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/nov/14/almshouse-in-dorset-to-auction-15th-century-flemish-triptych-sothebys

Rare bronze and iron age log boats reveal details of Cambridgeshire prehistory
Well-preserved oak and maple boats used for transport and fishing to be displayed in Peterborough
Harriet Sherwood
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/nov/14/rare-iron-bronze-age-log-boat-cambridgeshire-archaeology-history

So last night, the crew installing solar panels left the back garage door unlocked. It was, of course, gone through and their chargers vanished. Bad crew! Bad! Bad! Bad!