It is clear that criminal and far-right influencer Stephen Yaxley-Lennon either enjoys the protection of the British state or a rogue group of police and security services officers who presumably endorse his politics.
The eagle-eyed among you have reminded me that this is a photo of Trantor, not Poplar, on the way to the Seer Church, and several other exterior scenes - (Foundation, Season 1, Episode 1).

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:
- Good European drafting pencil: rOtring 800.
- Good Japanese drafting pencil: OHTO Super ProMecha.
- Essential clutch pencil: Staedtler Mars Technico 780.
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
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.
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.