SwayBlog

Carol Rumens's poem of the weekEmily DickinsonWritten at a wry distance from such matters, the poet considers what other women are giving away in marriage She rose to His Requirement She rose to His Requirement – dropt The Playthings of Her Life To take the honorable Work Of Woman, and of Wife – If ought She missed in Her new Day, Of Amplitude, or Awe – Or first Prospective – or the Gold

Music blogMusicReaders recommend: Songs about myths and legendsIf the new resolutions theme had happened a few weeks earlier, rather than over Christmas, I have a feeling it might have been a monster: so much of pop concerns itself with the desire for and determination to change. Fewer recommendations meant more time for me to holiday and eat myself silly, so while I'm very grateful to everyone who did manage to post, I should also extend thanks to the people who didn't.

The reader interviewStellan SkarsgårdInterviewStellan Skarsgård: ‘My tips for fatherhood? Don’t lie. Even about Santa Claus’As told to Catherine ShoardThe Swedish actor best known for his collaborations with Lars von Trier – as well as Marvel movies, Pirates of the Caribbean and Mamma Mia! – answers your questions about Lars von Trier, porn and pickled herrings Are you ever frustrated with having to wear clothes when you’re working? Do you feel you’re better at your job if you’re able to be naked?

Gardens This article is more than 13 years oldWorld's rarest camellia in full bloomThis article is more than 13 years oldMiddlemist's Red – thought to be only one of two in the world – is blooming in the 19th-century conservatory at Chiswick HousePlant-lovers will have to take it on trust, as its magnificent Georgian home still has the builders in, but one of the rarest flowers in the world is in full bloom.

Nelson Mandela This article is more than 10 years oldBarack Obama: Nelson Mandela was a symbol for justice, equality and dignityThis article is more than 10 years oldBarack ObamaThe story told by Mandela's life is not one of infallible human beings and inevitable triumph. It is the story of a man who was willing to risk his own life for what he believed in Nelson Mandela dies aged 95 – live updates

Barry Manilow This article is more than 2 months oldBarry Manilow says secret relationship ‘saved my life’ during his rise to fameThis article is more than 2 months oldSinger reveals further details of support from Garry Kief, the star’s manager, whom he finally married in 2014 Barry Manilow, whose parade of high-spirited hits from Copacabana to Mandy made him one of pop music’s most beloved showmen, has spoken out in detail about the support of the secret lover who later became his husband.

Juventus‘Blessed’: United States star Tim Weah signs five-year contract with JuventusWeah, 23, completes transfer to Juventus from LilleWinger has scored four goals in 31 appearances for USAUnited States winger Tim Weah completed a transfer to Juventus on Saturday, fulfilling a dream his father once had of playing for the storied Italian club. The 23-year-old Weah, who is the son of former Fifa Player of the Year and current Liberian president George Weah, signed a five-year contract with Juventus on the day the transfer market opened in Italy.

George ClintonReviewKentish Town Forum, London At 81, Clinton occasionally needs to sit down, but his band more than carry him with musicianship that straddles acid-rock, jazz and more Keen-eyed observers will note that this is not George Clinton’s first farewell tour: he was supposed to quit the road in 2018, which, at the time, he said was “part of a plan” he had conceived several years previously. Said plan has clearly been redrawn.

Homebrew from the hedgerowBeerFeeling needy for something meady? Our hedgerow homebrewer is here to spread a liking for the VikingI was a bit of a worry to my father. He was a man who loved sport - especially football - while I loathed the playing field with a matching zeal. (My decision to go shopping instead of watching the 1966 World Cup Final was more than he could take). Also, and this was worse in his eyes, I preferred lager to "