I need a dark room, Radiohead’s The Bends album on loud and a very strong drink.

Why do people FaceTime other people in public when a phone could would have sufficed? No, Lisa - I don’t need to see Gary’s mug as you float your phone around in front of your face.

The 90s truly are back. Oasis reunion, Boddies making a comeback on tap, McVities running ads about Jaffa Cakes (not biscuits)…

TIL there's a whole docuseries about the origins of Grafana, which reminded me of the UI that I still have nightmares about: Graphite.

Every time I go to cancel my NY Times sub, they come out with some cracking reporting.

The impending loss of The Leadmill is a massive shame for Steel City. Of course, let's hope it goes out with a bang with a closing gig of top Arctics (WPSIATWIN and AM, please!), Richard Hawley and Jarvis.

It’s also a toss up as to who does the best journalism in Manchester. Is it The Mill, which is excellent, or is it Zoe Bread? The old guard have given up the ghost.

Bonnet Of Pins Matt Berninger · Bonnet Of Pins · Song · 2025

Matt Berninger’s new-ish track, Bonnet of Pins, is the most 6 Music Dad track I’ve heard in a long time. Instantly on the regular rotation.

open.spotify.com/track/0hLFRJ...

Two attempts to get passport photos taken at Walgreens today. First didn't get sent to me (but no refund!), second was sent to me without cropping (so... it's just a photo of me). Given up.

Thirty years of Mellon Collie and all that Billy is giving us is a fucking tour of self-indulgent bullshit mythological references set to acoustic solo renditions. Bah. I just want a full, proper rendition.

Google Photos was going so well until I realised that, just like Nest, some things just don't work if you're using a Google Workspace account. Why the "Import from Drive" feature is not available for Workspaces accounts is beyond me.

I’m so sorry, Dai. It sounds like your mum handed down many great traits to you and I hope that you can remember her through them, especially now. Always about if you ever want someone to chat to.

I might compile a list of hotels by order of worst in-room iron quality.

Glastonbury, but Martin Brundle’s doing the walk around. Scenes.

My day has been a very day of days, so you'll find me listening to AC/DC and drinking tequila neat. Let's go.

The mix on the 7" version of Disco 2000 (plus the extra Jarvis monologue) is far superior to that on the album. I wonder which Deborah recalled as her favourite.

Partridge I Dont Know GIF ALT: Partridge I Dont Know GIF

I just don't buy that "Live from London, it's Saturday night!" will work at all, especially if the Buzzcocks reboot is anything to go by.

Time for that age-old classic game... "John Cooper Clarke or Bob Dylan?"!

For someone who’s never skied on snow before (hello years of dry slopes!), and hasn’t skied properly for years, I was quite happy with my first runs being Tête Ronde and Pluviomètre through to Traversée de Montaulever. Didn’t expect to be as proficient on the steep parts as I was. Quite happy!

Flying Air France today, with a connection at CDG. Ensconced in the 2F lounge. Like most of Air France, it’s all style no substance. Water taps are broken and no hot food. Really not showing French cuisine at its best like I hoped it might.

Scottish painter Jack Vettriano dies aged 73 The artist, best known for The Singing Butler, was found dead at his apartment in the south of France.

A shame. I grew up around Vettriano's paintings - including The Singing Butler. And I have Lunchtime Lovers above my bar.

It's a sign.

Some day, there needs to be a Nine Inch Nails and Chemical Brothers crossover.

It is a delight to see that the strategy is, once again as it always should have been, delivery.

The quiffspiration has passed. David, this next cut’s for you. RIP.

Another utterly shambolic Avanti West Coast service. Crowded, no seats, declassified and too hot. Under VT, these things ran fine. Post-Avanti, I feel nauseous on each one I get.

Johnnie Walker: Radio's rock and roll pirate He was one of radio's 60s rebels. More than 50 years later, after many ups and downs he was still broadcasting as the BBC's 'Sounds of the 70s'.

Ah-haaa!

“We do not remember days. We remember moments. The richness of life lies in memories we have forgotten.”

— Cesare Pavese

I’ve never seen a filter - there’s nothing at bbc.co.uk/search, either.

(And, yes, if you hadn't guess - Wallace and Gromit is my nerdy nirvana.)