Fate loves irony

The killing of Alex Pretti is a heartbreaking tragedy. It should also be a wake-up call to every American, regardless of party, that many of our core values as a nation are increasingly under assault.

Murder. Shot in the back three times. Don’t turn away. Please share.

One of the many reasons why Kevin Keegan is special is that he makes other people feel special, and that's a great gift. Keegan is a footballing great who wears his greatness lightly. He’s King Kev and a man of the people. He's never forgotten his Doncaster roots, indeed is very proud of them, and the work ethic inherited from his father and grandfather, both miners. A work ethic that propelled Keegan to the top. The great smell of Brut - and sweat. That was Keegan the player. He maximised every last ounce of his talent. That's one of the many reasons he's always been so respected. Another of the many reasons why there is such an outpouring of love for Keegan, and so many messages of support as he undergoes treatment for cancer, is that as a footballer he reached for the stars with his feet firmly on the ground. Keegan is one of the greatest footballers in English and European history, a European champion with Liverpool, a two-time Ballon d’Or winner at Hamburg, a much-loved Newcastle United player and manager, and whole-hearted in his work with England as player and manager. Diego Maradona asked for his shirt after an Argentina-England game in 1980. Keegan played against Pele, George Best and Johan Cruyff. And yet he’s as down to earth as they come. In fact, he often sends himself up. He cares for people. I went to interview him once at Maiden Castle, Durham, where Newcastle were training at the time and Keegan was the manager of the Entertainers. He sent a message to say he’d come to the pavilion for a chat when training was finished. Great. I might get an early train home. A member of Newcastle’s staff mentioned that Kevin might take a while because this was a day when fans were allowed in to watch. He stepped off the pitch, and spent around an hour signing autographs, chatting away, never rushing people, just making them feel special. He dropped to his haunches so he could talk to one kid in a wheelchair, making eye contact, and having a proper chat. It meant the world to this kid that Keegan cared. He reached the pavilion, changed, and gave me 20 minutes of his time. He’s incredibly generous with his time. And there have always been so many demands on it. He tells the story that his determination to sign every autograph and meet every picture request dates back to a moment when, as a kid, he was snubbed by a Doncaster Rovers player. Keegan had waited after a Rovers game, politely approached his favourite player, and got knocked back. He’s never forgotten the hurt he felt. So he makes sure he fulfils every autograph request – no matter how long the queue. I hosted a talk with Keegan at the Cheltenham Literary Festival in 2018. He was promoting his autobiography so was obviously going to be accommodating. But, typically, he went above and beyond. Smartly suited, Keegan arrived so early that only the security guy was there. Keegan patiently chatted away with the security guy, asking him about his job, where he lived, just being friendly because that is Kevin Keegan for you. Interested in people. Good to them. Later, when the talk to the audience finished, Keegan headed into the Waterstones’ tent to sign books. The queue was huge. The Festival was closing for the night but Keegan stayed two hours to make sure everyone had their copy signed or their shirt. One lady had her Liverpool jacket signed (below). Keegan not only signed but had a joke and a laugh and a picture with them all. On Boxing Day, Keegan was at Scunthorpe United, his first club, promoting non-League football. He joined in the carols and got behind the bar, pulling pints, helping out, spreading laughter. Because that’s what Kevin Keegan does – spreads joy. And that’s one of the many, many reasons people are rooting for Kevin Keegan at this challenging time.

My initial take on Iran’s latest protests: What matters most isn’t what trends online, but how far protests spread, who participates & whether cracks appear within the state. I compare this moment to Iran’s major protest waves since 2009 below. 🧵👇 dissidentforeignpolicy.com/p…

❗“Let’s hire an ISIS suicide bomber to blow him up in the street!”: Europe’s most wanted man plotted my murder — and that of my colleague After today’s verdict, @christogrozev reveals the plot to kidnap — and possibly kill — him and @Dobrokhotov. theins.press/en/inv/279034

Polish Highlanders celebrate Christmas! 🇵🇱

Tim Cook says London's 'unbelievable' talent will play key role in the AI revolution standard.co.uk/business/tim-…

Protestor is seen directing stream of fireworks on watercannon.

Fascinating

The best form of attack is delay. I can’t help thinking Trump/Vance went too early and underestimated Kamala. There is light and shade They go high when Trump goes low

If you haven’t watched @Tim_Walz speech tonight you can watch it in full here

"I've got some great things not to do, and some great things to do..." Honorary graduate @ThisisDavina shares words of wisdom (and some of her favourite things about Newcastle) with our graduates. #WeAreNCL #NCLGrad

In this thread I present the ten main arguments that persuaded the audience at the debate in New York on Monday to agree overwhelmingly (65% to 12%) that covid began as a laboratory accident.

Incredible.

We’re proud to share that @teamopencast is a Certified B Corporation® 📣 Find out more 👉 bit.ly/3W05kH0

As ever with socialists “do as I say not as I do”. I think I’m yet to see a single sentence uttered by this guy where he doesn’t change his mind of end up qualifying it with caveats. Sad that the press are giving him such a free pass in this election.

There’s less than one week to go until @TeamOpencast @TechNExt_UK fringe events ⏰ Our 4 sessions address key digital pain points facing businesses, as well as challenges facing wider society. 🎟️ Book your tickets now, in person at Opencast HQ or online bit.ly/3ViVgHw

My mum’s book group read @DrMichaelMosley’s Just One Thing recently and one of them produced this summary of his brilliant, sensible, achievable advice (that we could all benefit from following!) #MichaelMosley #RIPMichaelMosley

MUST WATCH: President of Finland at the meeting with Gen Sec of #NATO: “I still believe that the most important outcome of NATO is linked to #Ukraine. (…) Our line is very clear. The rightful place of Ukraine is in NATO. And we believe strongly that the process is irreversible linked. This, of course, is a potential and possible NATO mission on Ukraine as well.”