mattypenny

A Stage for the Nation | Campaign for the Arts The UK Government is reviewing the purposes and funding of the BBC. It's vital that they consider the arts and culture, and the unique role that the BBC plays

There's a consultation on the future of the BBC that closes tomorrow. If you believe, like the Campaign for the Arts, that it should remain impartial, free from adverts etc then click on the link for info on filling it in
A Stage for the Nation | Campaign for the Arts share.google/5swMXogZ5KI6...

Crucial Track for 16 February 2026: "steppin' out" by ebony rockers

https://www.crucialtracks.org/profile/mattypenny/20260216

Crucial Track for 09 March 2026: "Al Capone" by Prince Buster

https://www.crucialtracks.org/profile/mattypenny/20260309

Crucial Track for 06 March 2026: "Tubthumping" by Chumbawamba

https://www.crucialtracks.org/profile/mattypenny/20260306

second half of the Chelsea match clashes with the boy’s basketball.

I could do with Chelsea being two or three up by then to settle the nerves

⚽ #ChelseaFC #cfc

Crucial Track for 07 March 2026: "Scooby Snacks" by Fun Lovin' Criminals

Today's prompt: A song from the last gig you went to.

Last night in town

#CrucialTracks

https://www.crucialtracks.org/profile/mattypenny/20260307

The Swing - Fragonard&10;&10;A woman in a flowing pink dress is joyfully swinging in a lush garden, surrounded by ornate foliage and statues, while a man watches from below.

#TodayILearned that

"Rococo takes its name from the French word ‘rocaille’, which means rock or broken shell – natural motifs that often formed part of the designs, along with fish and other marine decorations. The... https://mattypenny.micro.blog/2026/03/05/todayilearned-that-rococo-takes-its.html

Crucial Track for 05 March 2026: "Straight To Hell (Live with Joe Strummer)" by The Pogues

Today's prompt: A song you've seen performed live, or would really like to see performed live?

It was a good night!
#CrucialTracks

https://www.crucialtracks.org/profile/mattypenny/20260305

‘This is not Winston Churchill we’re dealing with’: Trump ramps up row with Starmer over Iran war involvement

It’s not FDR that we’re dealing with, sadly.

Crucial Track for 02 March 2026: "Irish Pub Song" by The High Kings

Today's prompt: A song that reminds you of one of your favorite places. #CrucialTracks

https://www.crucialtracks.org/profile/mattypenny/20260302

Arsenal seem to be fantastic at cheating at corners

⚽ #ChelseaFC #cfc

Ruddy Arsenal

@stuffbymark.bsky.social
#Pogues #ShaneMacGowan 🍀

I have only just twigged that all of Yes Minister is on the BBC iPlayer

This will make my lunchtimes more chucklesome

Jim Hacker is the only Prime Minister to have studied at the college I went to

www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/e…

One of the things I like about by-elections is discovering new places names. ‘Gorton’, ‘Denton’, and on the telly this morning, ‘Longsight’. All very good.

Shame my side lost though

It looks like Spring is almost sprung in Vicky Park

A colorful music album cover features a portrait of Elvis Presley, advertising Les 40 Plus Grands Succès with several popular song titles listed.

I heard a good new-to-me made-up word this morning (although aren’t all words are made-up?)

fauxstalgia - nostalgia for something you never experienced in the first place

The Rest is Entertainment

My Crucial Track for 23 February 2026 - “Red Right Hand (2011 Remaster)” by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
What’s a song that grew on you over time?

“Red Right Hand (2011 Remaster)” by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds

This gives me... https://mattypenny.micro.blog/2026/02/23/my-crucial-track-for-february.html

My Crucial Track for 22 February 2026 - “If It Wasn’t for the Nights” by ABBA
What’s your favorite deep cut from an album?

“If It Wasn’t for the Nights” by ABBA

A jaunty tune with a bleak-as-a-northern-winter lyric

“If It Wasn’t for the Nights” by ABBA on Apple Music

A whimsical and exaggerated newspaper cover features a large poodle with a prominent human face, alongside humorous text and images, including figures resembling public figures.

Childish from the Daily Star….but I can’t help smiling

Particularly at the description “wingnut manbaby”

My Crucial Track for 21 February 2026 - “Zobi la mouche” by Les Négresses Vertes
What song makes you feel like you’re in a different country?

“Zobi la mouche” by Les Négresses Vertes

I went to see this band at what used... https://mattypenny.micro.blog/2026/02/21/my-crucial-track-for-february.html

I'm old enough to remember when you'd expect Chelsea to hold onto a lead. To a promoted side. At home.

Still....win or lose, up the Blues!

⚽ #ChelseaFC #cfc

KFC, Nando's, and others ditch chicken welfare pledge as demand soars Wingstop, Burger King, and others have walked away from an industry commitment to avoid using fast-growing chickens

Not that I eat an any of these but this is very disappointing - www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Crucial Track for 20 February 2026: "Blue Moon of Kentucky" by Elvis Presley

Today's prompt: Share a song you feel was ahead of its time. #CrucialTracks

https://app.crucialtracks.org/profile/mattypenny/20260220

I’ve moved away from database-y stuff over the last couple of years, but I’ve been fiddling about with a point-in-time restore this morning, and I’ve been reminded how good dbatools is.

It seems to have grown a viking helmet since I last used it :)

dbatools | SQL Server automation with PowerShell

Crucial Track for 19 February 2026: "Espresso" by Sabrina Carpenter

_What’s the last song you discovered and loved instantly?_

I like the line "I'm working late...because I'm a singer" #CrucialTracks

https://app.crucialtracks.org/profile/mattypenny/20260219

Crucial Track for 17 February 2026: "The Wind Doesn't Blow This Far Right" by Lisa O'Neill

Today's prompt: How do you discover new music, and what’s the latest gem you’ve found? #CrucialTracks

https://app.crucialtracks.org/profile/mattypenny/20260217

Eden Hazard: ‘I’m more of a taxi driver than a football player now, but it’s OK’ The former Chelsea and Real Madrid idol wants nothing more than to be remembered as ‘a good player and a funny guy’ after a vintage career of league titles, European triumphs and spats with José Mouri...

"But what about his favourite goal? “Maybe the one against Tottenham,”....That goal didn’t just secure a 2-2 draw, it effectively ended Spurs’ title hopes and handed the trophy to Claudio Ranieri’"

One of my favourites, too 😀​

www.theguardian.com/football/202...

⚽ #ChelseaFC #cfc ​

Northerner terrifies Londoners by saying "Hello" YouTube video by Content Without Context

It's like the Mash Report sketch on the Northerner who terrified Londoners by saying "Hello".
www.youtube.com/watch?v=PT0a...

A bit about my old school and William Golding.

Golding was a bit before my time, but we ‘did’ Lord of the Flies with a teacher called Mr Gammon, who we all called ‘Piggy’

BBC News - How teaching inspired Lord of the Flies author