THE BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO CRYPTIC CROSSWORDS: Today's crossword is all about RIVERS. RIVER = R, FLOWER (it flows) or BANKER (it has banks). I'm sure I've forgotten some river codewords, so do remind me. Roman numerals are also involved in this crossword. crosshare.org/crosswords/G...

Every time someone pays for surgery NHS patients wait longer. So I was told when I rang the hospital this morning. Thanks.

Friends, this is for you. I hope you'll pass it along to a friend who has done this for you.

Someone worth following if you don’t already. Such interesting posts.

It’s absolutely clear to me that with this bill suicide will increase. #societalChange

‘A long process’… 6 months…

I don’t trust judges and I don’t trust doctors.

If you're a carer trying to buttress someone vulnerable against the vast selfishness of the world, I hope a wild ridiculous enormous kindness flies in & finds you today

NEXT WEEK is when our full line-up for #VERVE2025 is announced and tickets go on sale. We can't wait for you to see what we have in store! JOIN US on socials from 11am on 28th Nov and we'll share ALL our news!

Part of the journal Black Iris's quick-response news-in-poetry series following last week. Just so you know what I think.

"The Hinge of a Metaphor", published by Richard Skinner, will launch @BurleyFisher Thursday 26th October at 7pm, with readings by @moravia.bsky.social @tonywhite.bsky.social @jonathangibbs.bsky.social et al. Tickets are free but booking is essential: burleyfisherbooks.com/products/lau...

So a lot of people who are in unstable, abusive, and/or periodically violent living situations keep cell phones hidden for emergencies. If you know anyone in such a situation, make sure they know about FEMA's testing of its Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) system next Wednesday. /1

Small Publishers Fair returns to London's @ConwayHall next month, with 68 UK & international publishers, a special exhibition, and readings & talks. Fri 27 & Sat 28 October (11am-7pm) FREE, all welcome Conway Hall, Red Lion Square, London WC1R 4RL smallpublishersfair.co.uk

Here’s some goldcrests to brighten up my page

“Point”, and she pointed.

I promised y'all cats ... so here's our seventh mog, Tilly.

From a new poetry film I've been working on.