The silence from centrist pundits who worked themselves into a lather about campus cancel culture is deafening. The rise of the authoritarian populist right makes clear that elites have no principles, and the reason they are not defending liberal democracy is because they never believed in it.

Apologies in advance for the noise while I do a little bit of testing.

Indo-European is a perpetual mind-warp for mundanes like me who have limited education in it.

Ever fallen in love with someone you shouldn’t have fallen in love with?

My answer: yes.

Crucial Track for 05 September 2025

"Einstein on the Beach: Knee 5" by The Philip Glass Ensemble

Listen on Apple Music

We can argue about Philip Glass. When I was a kid I stayed up late to listen to Einstein on the Beach performed on Radio 3. It blew me away. Here's Knee 5. Imagine you're an awkward kid who likes music, maths, science and Star Trek - and reserve judgement.

View Miles Metcalfe's Crucial Tracks profile

Which scene is the most convincing portrayal of coots in a movie? My starter for 10 is the Cafe Gustav scene in the Man from UNCLE