Viva la B

The Russian press continues to discuss John Ratcliffe’s surprise trip to Moscow. One paper: “The visit of a CIA chief is not a sign of peace & not a sign of war. It’s a sign normal channels are no longer effective and that the heavy artillery is required.” #ReadingRussia

In today’s Russian papers: a Putin decree, Russians “withdrew more cash than they deposited, praise for Marine Le Pen and a message for Andy Burnham: “He won’t see Moscow in his dreams. He should…in his nightmares.” #ReadingRussia

Don't start what you can't finish.

Scientists: Food gives you energy. Me after eating:

"We're meeting at 9, is that OK?" Me: "AT NIGHT???"

"I'm making a quiche, Lorraine, what does it look like I'm doing"

How I actually look when I think I'm being approachable and cooperative at work.

One minute you're young and the next thing you're falling asleep like this at 8:15pm on Saturday.

Éclipse totale du chat.

Anyway, about this £5 million…

It's Clacton by-election day. Or, if you prefer, Farage-Commons-standards-inquiry-reopening-eve.

Russian journalist and Nobel laureate Dmitry Muratov talks to me about the war in Ukraine, repression at home and the man who’s been in power in Russia for more than a quarter of a century: Vladimir Putin.

"I AM SMILING JUST TAKE THE FUCKING PHOTO ALREADY" #worldlionday

You: Sleeping soundly. Your cat at 3:30am:

Notice for cat owners: Your cat will expect breakfast to be served as soon as the eclipse is over.

"Do you mind if we cancel tonight?" Me:

"Bunch of fucking amateurs"

Russian officials say 12 people killed, 39 wounded in Ukrainian drone attack on Nizhnekamsk. The city, 1000 km east of Moscow, is a hub for oil refining and petrochemical industries.

In Reading Russia Weekend Extra I ask Russians for their reaction to last weekend’s restaurant bomb & drone attacks on Wildberries warehouses. Plus, the Putin 2027 calendar is out already: what messages does it contain?

A heartwarming compilation showing trust and deep bonds between humans and animal. Original post

Remember this November that #RepublicansCutMedicare — and we can cut Trump’s hair & restore a bit of integrity to our country.

For aspiring novelists and screenwriters out there, some advice. (Crossposted from @infinitemonkeyshq.bsky.social ) #booksky

In celebration of #YorkshireDay, please enjoy this Sean Bean bastard collection. Sound up, bastards.

Me looking at my wife as the Amazon delivery van pulls up outside our house again.

Bro about to do some serious engineering. IG: @canoe_carrier Algonquin Highlands, Ontario 🇨🇦

Today’s Russian papers report on Russia’s “Anti-crisis petrol” – lower grade fuel now being sold “to prevent a petrol shortage.” One paper warns: “regular use of lower grade petrol” causes problems for modern cars. #ReadingRussia

In today’s #ReadingRussia: a look at the language Moscow uses to describe the war on Ukraine. Plus, more on the consequences of Ukrainian drone attacks. And a Hollywood blockbuster (unofficially) hits Russian cinema screens.

"How's your diet going?" Me:

What will be the consequences of Ukrainian drone strikes on Wildberries warehouses? One Russian paper today: “Russian enterprises will face a deterioration in financial performance due to rising logistics costs & damage to warehouse infrastructure.” #ReadingRussia

Fabulous, from them all.

The picture on the front of Reform's policy is of HMS Ocean on the River Thames in 2012. It was sold by to the Brazilian navy in 2018. Turns out you can judge a book by its cover.

What are this morning’s Russian papers saying about Saturday’s restaurant bombing in Moscow? Almost nothing. #ReadingRussia

"Sandra! You're home early!"

Cartoon by Adam Zyglis | cagle.com/zyglis

Please take a moment out of your day to marvel at the balletic poise, calm elegance and graceful athleticism of the panda.

"Good morning. Can you spare a few minutes to talk about our Lord and Saviour Godzilla"

"Yeah, I didn't know that I couldn't knit either"

A brilliant opportunity for young people in the Liverpool City area. Please pass on to anyone who might be interested. andytaylorfoundation.org/our-work/foo...

In a bid to keep the two sides of my work life separate I’ve set up @infinitemonkeyshq.bsky.social A place for writers of all kinds, readers and viewers too. Things I’ve learned on the road to getting published, my work made for TV, talk about the craft, tips, news and intel, reviews. 1/2

For those of you that ever wondered what scares the shit out of him: #FabFord

"Larry likes his breakfast at 9, brunch at 1030 and lunch at noon with plenty of snacks in between. The rest of the job is a doddle"

Repost from August 2024

When you're one slight inconvenience away from completely losing your shit at work.