When I typed 'Maurice Merleau-Ponty' into my phone today (don't ask), it was autocorrected to 'Maurice Merlway-Spongy'. You know, having read some of the man's work, I'm inclined to think that Merlway-Spongy is a much more suitable name.

Just finished reading this. One of the most bizarre books I've ever read, but utterly brilliant and laugh-out-loud funny. If you've never read it, get it on your TBR list at once!

I've been revisiting a classic this morning. The very final scene always gets me a little choked up.

Aaaaand stretch.

It never ceases to amaze me how often library books are covered in annotations and highlighter pen. This is today’s example. What kind of person does this to a library book?

One of the beauties of writing is that language is so subtle. You might think that 'I apologise' means the same as 'I'm sorry'. But just try switching the two next time you're at a funeral.

Yes, of course I put those books there for you to sleep on...

Here's a little something for you to read while you should be busy doing something else... Why procrastination isn’t laziness – it’s rigid thinking that your brain can unlearn theconversation.com/why-procrast...

Forget meditation or spirituality, nothing cleanses the soul quite like a visit to the tip after Christmas.

I’ve been reviewing all the fiction I read in 2025. 23 novels in total, all #crimefiction. It’s hard to pick out three favourites, but if forced, I’d go for these (in no particular order)…

John Hospers, once said: “Every baby comes into the world with a full-fledged case of megalomania – interested only in himself, naively assuming he is the centre of the universe”. True, I guess. And a real shame that some people never grow out of it.

Sometimes my cat likes to sit in a basket. And why not!

Put a new sign on my office door... #dadjokes #notasfunnyasyouthinkyouare

A colleague of mine once said to me: "all Aristotle ever did was say a series of sensible things". Every time I read Aristotle, I recall this pithy summary and think that it was bang on the money.

A perfect circle of cat.

According to this chap, Pythagoras said life is divided into four equal quarters: “twenty years a boy, twenty years a youth, twenty years a young man, and twenty years old”. I’m on board with that. It means I’m still a young man. 😁

I've been digging up dahlia tubers to store over winter. Amazing how things so gnarled and ugly can produce such beautiful flowers.

Today I'm having difficulty deciding what makes me more embarrassed to be English: Nigel Farage or the performance of this England cricket team.

Since Christmas is nearly upon us, it's time to remember the Royal Mail's best ever festive postage stamp, featuring Joseph on vocals and Mary on keys.

This morning I will be reading about the pre-socratic philosophers (again). It's like a real-life ancient soap opera.

I've heard it's better over here so I've made the switch. (Bit late to the party, I know). Let's see how it goes...