I was asked today why I don’t want to use WhatsApp.

“The chairman of the UN Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Myanmar stated that Facebook played a ‘determining role’ in the Rohingya genocide”.

Why would you use Meta’s products?

Okay: middle-aged, middle-brow warning.

Here are some stationery opinions. I wanted to start with fountain pens and pencils only, but some ball pens crept in. There are other great writing technologies. This is not that list.

  • Good European fountain pen: Lamy 2000.
  • Good Japanese fountain pen: Pilot Capless SE.

Generally, Japanese nibs are finer that European nibs.

  • Good every day carry (EDC) fountain pen: Kaweco Lilliput. Consider a premium nib.
  • Good EDC ball pen: Fisher Bullet Space Pen. The titanium nitride pen is the best.

If you are after mechanical pencils:

PS, don’t leave home without:

  • BIC 4 colours multipen. I like the 4C 3 + 1 HB (3 colours and 1 pencil) - but you have choices.

For a moment there I thought I had run out of shichimi togarashi

I’m an impatient cook, particularly when I’m hungry. But you can never beat the mise en place.

Marks & Spencer, if you must put made in Britain Union Jack stickers on your aubergines, use ones that don’t leave unremovable glue residue behind

Crucial Track for 26 July 2025

"Omri" by Cheba Maria

Listen on Apple Music

When is it never time for Raï? Check the backstory. Among modern Raï singers, Cheba Maria has a beautiful voice. Maybe you know "Omri". If not, give it a listen.

View Miles Metcalfe's Crucial Tracks profile

I spotted something curious in the world of planning. It’s as if there is one unregistered company, Banks Solutions, trading via a Gmail address, that provides the independent programme officer for, like, every single local plan examination in the south of England.

Good grief! Nationalise these companies already.

www.theguardian.com/environme…

Wet afternoon in Poplar

A public bin in an underpass in the rain.

Mammals aren’t built for flight, unless you’re a bat. And do I look like a bat? It’s not easy wearing the wings. They are longer than you probably imagined, and major unwieldy. One time I crashed I broke my collar bone, and trashed the wing-pack too. Now when I try to fly, I try over water.