The Guide #243: Ear-splitting gigs that were worth the after-ring www.theguardian.com/culture/2026... Probably Mogwai but the one I enjoyed the most was the Acrobats of Sa, Worden Park, Leyland. The bass felt like it shook me out of the room.

BBC radio DJ Andy Kershaw dies aged 66 www.theguardian.com/media/2026/a... I listened to Andy in my bedroom around age 14. I appreciate how much he broadened my musical taste. Thank you Andy Kershaw.

I've just eaten a piece of cake that was decorated with 'edible flowers'. Those daffodils were real. I guess they are theoretically edible, but it was hardly a pleasant experience. Next time I will proceed with caution.

A bit of window cleaning has totally sorted my back out after a week and a half sat in a chair eating Quality Street. I was surprised to feel glad to be back at it.

My book, Saltburn, is part of @renardpress Books of the Year promotion and is 50% off!! Gaily representing March… it’s here for just £5. ** Please share if you can 🙏** Go Indie Publishing #Books renardpress.com/books/saltbu...

My 9-yr-old came in the room laughing her head off at a book she is reading and asked "Who is Terry Jones (the author, Monty Python), I want to marry him."

The best umbrellas in the UK for staying dry in the wind and rain – tested on a 517m hilltop www.theguardian.com/thefilter/20... But can you recommend the best umbrella to leave on the 7:53 to Preston?

I switched off the news tonight so I could enjoy some real British culture #steelpulse #handsworth

@robertpopper found one of these years ago, called it 'Greem' if I remember correctly. Hue new? Scientists claim to have found colour no one has seen before www.theguardian.com/science/2025...

I wore a parka just like this in 1985. Think mine had an orange lining.

Question fired by my 9-year old while I'm cooking the tea: Dad, what's a steam punk? What's a retail worker? What's an arch nemesis? What was the 2014 vibe like? Goodness knows what she is reading but worthwhile poetry material for me.

It's Friday. It's the shortest amount of time anyone has ever owned a trouser press. youtu.be/tNqn5bKmKNc?...

I'm just reading Deliciously Ella, the cookbook about wholefoods and non-processed, while eating chips and gravy and cold beer. I'm sure I'm not the first...

Funny how family roles easily get typecast. Protests tonight of, "Dad, you don't make puddings, Mum does." Anyhow, my limoncello trifle went down quite well.

Currently listening to #tomwaits and #iggypop on #bbc6music. It's like standing next to a concrete mixer, so gravelly are their voices. Great Sunday afternoon radio.

Just been to 4 newsagents looking for a Radio Times. I only buy it once a year. I strayed so far away from home, I ended up in the pub.

I've just encountered the phrase "sputum burden" and now I'm looking for an opportunity to use it. Let's see if it appears in a poem...

Incredible to think that Henry VIII never ate a potato. Never has a guy looked so much like someone who eats chips and yet couldn't have

Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall: ‘I’ve never thought of myself as eccentric. I still don’t’ www.theguardian.com/food/2024/de... I have also done any job going: gardener, window cleaner, washed up in a takeaway. I suppose they are just opportunities that different classes offer.

Saw #massiveattack in Liverpool last night. Incredible gig. I have wanted to see them for such a long time. Guest appearances from Horace Andy and my all-time favourite, Elizabeth Fraser. Also bumped into my old friend Lydia, whoI've been going to gigs with since we were 15.

Today is one of those where I never took my pyjamas off, I just put my outdoor clothes over the top. Cosy.

Gordon Lightfoot - is it just me or does that sound like the name of your school caretaker?

I read that you shouldn't rinse your toothbrush before putting the toothpaste on. I'm finding it an impossible habit to break.