AP rules “Black” should now be capitalized; change seen as long overdue
On June 19, 2020—better known, this year, as Juneteenth—the Associated Press formally ruled that the word “Black,” when used in “a racial, ethnic or cultural sense,” must be capitalized. In… Read more »
Poets respond to coronavirus crisis with new NHS anthology
The past few weeks have seen a renewed appreciation in the UK for the National Health Service, as it battles the staggering pressure created by the number of people requiring… Read more »
Big Green Bookshop sparks donations of Matt Haig book in the wake of Caroline Flack’s death
Last weekend brought the dreadful news that Love Island and X Factor presenter, and former Strictly Come Dancing winner, Caroline Flack, had taken her own life at the age of just 40. Flack, who was… Read more »
Newly-minted Brexit coin proving controversial, you’ll be surprised to hear
In “incredibly predictable news” news, the recently-announced fifty pence coin commemorating the UK’s exit from the European Union* has caused outrage and controversy. But not for the reasons you might… Read more »
Greta Thunberg named TIME person of the year; jointly scoops Waterstones book of the year
You might have heard there’s an election on today in the UK*. Brenda from Bristol: NOT ANOTHER ONE! Yes, Brenda, another one. Because that’s just how we roll over here… Read more »
Is the age of prizes over?
OK this might be a difficult one to tackle in a few hundred words, but here’s the gist: do we need prizes any more? Do we want them? Because, the… Read more »
BBC America announces bold new casting for Terry Pratchett’s The Watch
The Turtle moved again for fans of Sir Terry Pratchett’s Discworld this week, as further cast additions to BBC America’s adaptation of The Watch were rolled out. The new eight-part series, announced… Read more »
BBC announces refreshingly contemporary “100 Novels That Shaped Our World”
Ah, list season. Just as sure as the leaves fall from the trees and the animals of the wood begin preparing themselves for hibernation, November onwards is a busy old… Read more »
Booker Award split between two deserving writers; irritation abounds
Sheesh! Can’t any of these people do anything right? As though attempting to one-up a string of disappointing Nobel Prize decisions—including last year’s non-award scandal and this year’s decision to… Read more »
How Coleen Rooney … got people talking about the ellipsis again
Oh god, how to explain this to an American audience… So, right, on Wednesday morning, Coleen Rooney, who is the wife of footballer Wayne Rooney (formerly of Everton and Manchester United,… Read more »