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Classical musicThis month marks 20 years since the death of Australian pianist and accompanist Geoffrey Parsons. Former pupil, friend and one of today’s leading song accompanists Graham Johnson talks about the late musician and wonders whether he would recognise today’s musical world It was nearly 40 years ago that Walter Legge summoned me to the south of France to accompany his wife, Elisabeth Schwarzkopf. He had read a favourable review in the Times, and, more importantly, he knew I was a pupil of Geoffrey Parsons.

Smaller actors on film Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share via Email Prompted by the recent death of Zelda Rubinstein, who starred in the Poltergeist films, Ronald Bergan picks his top 10 big-screen performances by little people Ronald Bergan Mon 8 Feb 2010 07.13 EST First published on Mon 8 Feb 2010 07.13 EST PoltergeistThe death of Zelda Rubinstein, celebrated for her role as the clairvoyant in the three movies, was a reminder of the position of shorter people in film.

WeatherwatchMeteorologyMarch winds are famous – and Storm Gareth hit Britain this March. But other months are as windy “March brings breezes sharp and chill / Shakes the dancing daffodil,” according to a traditional rhyme. March is often taken to be the windy month, but this is not the full story. March tends to be blustery because it is a period of transition. The sun is higher in the sky and the earth warms up in places, creating pockets of relatively hot air.

NOOKS AND CRANNIESWhat defines a hero? Are all heroes heroic? Denis Till, London, UK A hero is someone who gives of himself, often putting his own life at great risk, for the greater good of others. However, such as in war situations, what is good for others will always divide opinion into opposing camps. Outside of the standard dashing war portraits of men/women facing the gates of Hell, the most heroic are often the most ordinary of people doing ordinary things for a greater humane purpose.

You are of the opinion that Big Brother runner-up Helen Adams resembles a bad oil painting of the back end of a bus. How do you describe her?     Hummana-hummana-hah   Bootylicious   Courtney-Loveable   Butters   Your 10-year-old son has just completed his Pokemon card collection. How do you congratulate him?

On a high … still from Mountain, directed by Jennifer PeedomOn a high … still from Mountain, directed by Jennifer PeedomFilm-inspired holidaysThese documentaries offer journeys of discovery from Antarctica and the Himalayas to Borneo, the Amazon – and even Woodstock in 1969 MountainDo you like mountains, classical music and Willem Dafoe? You’re in luck. This 2017 doc is narrated by the actor and features music by, among others, Vivaldi and Beethoven – performed by the Australian Chamber Orchestra.

Guardian Opinion cartoon Donald Trump Ben Jennings on the latest indictment of Donald Trump – cartoon Discover and buy more of Ben’s cartoons here Order your own print of this cartoon from the Guardian Print Shop Ben Jennings Thu 3 Aug 2023 13.58 EDT Last modified on Fri 4 Aug 2023 04.38 EDT Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share via Email Topics Donald Trump Guardian Opinion cartoon ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7tbTEoKyaqpSerq96wqikaJuforqmutOiqp%2BqlZp8sbXCrayrnV9nfXN%2FjpqsoGdgaHyjsc1moZ6mnp67qL%2BMqKVmrJiaeq2t056qrWWZo7Gqr9OmnKesXaSzbrDOp5ilnF2pv7a5z2aamqqkpLyv

Life and styleAfter Gwyneth Paltrow’s vagina-scented candle, we asked an expert what’s going on in the world of fragrances The Guardian’s product and service reviews are independent and are in no way influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative. We will earn a commission from the retailer if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more. Last month, at the request of absolutely no one, Gwyneth Paltrow released a candle that smells like her vagina.

UK newsHuman catapult stunt led to Oxford student's deathA student was killed after being hurled into the air and missing the catching net during a human catapult stunt, Bristol crown court heard yesterday. Kostadin Yankov, 19, a first year biochemistry student at Oxford University, hit the ground and died on November 24 2002. The device's operators, Richard Wicks, 33, of Burnham-on-Sea, and David Aitkenhead, 45, of Bridgwater, both Somerset, are on trial for manslaughter.