I watched Dumb and Dumber recently for the first time in years and, as well remembering many scenes and lines from the film, there are some great songs on the soundtrack.
A search for “Dumb & Dumber” on Spotify brought all the songs up.
Tech can be a good thing, and old movies are gold.
Re: conversations around ‘pro-choice’ and ‘pro-life’, it seems that each ‘side’ of the argument is, generally speaking, coming from a place of care towards others.
One thinking about mothers, and the other about young lives.
There is a kinder, more productive way to be having these conversations.
In Shepherd’s Bush today for a pre-season, West London derby between QPR and Brentford.
The game itself wasn’t the most competitive, but I was sat next to Steve, a season ticket at Loftus Road for the last 40 years.
The pre-game and half-time music was good; you can’t go wrong with Sweet Caroline.
Over the course of two evenings, I’ve watched It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World (1963).
Rip-roaring action, witty dialogue throughout, and so many nuanced, hilarious, laugh-out-loud characters. There’s even an intermission in the middle.
They don’t make films like this any more, as far as I’ve seen.
Sean Einhaus on family man & golfer, Scottie Scheffler:
A poster at a train station, spotted on the way into London today
Thanks to a social post by San Antonio Missions, I’ve learned that today is ‘World Ranger Day':
"…celebrated worldwide on July 31st to commemorate Rangers killed or injured in the line of duty and to celebrate the work Rangers do to protect the planet’s natural treasures and cultural heritage."
This is the first edition of what I’m tentatively calling ‘The United Report’.
The intention is to curate a collection of writing, audio and video – mostly in relation to cultural, social and political issues as they pertain to the United Kingdom and the United States of America.
I was catching up with a friend earlier and I learned that Zach Bryan headlined at BST Hyde Park in June; not only that, but they had to add an extra date to high demand.
And with the “Wild West“ coming to Kempton Park Racecourse in September, country music is clearly alive and a-kicking over here.
A tsunami warning is in effect for the Pacific and parts of the US after an 8.8 earthquake close to Russia.
“Any earthquake with a magnitude greater than 7.0 poses a tsunami risk even thousands of miles away from the epicenter”
— Dan DePodwin @ Accuweather.
More info. on this developing story here
I made the journey into London today for the England Women’s homecoming celebration. I’m glad I did.
The atmosphere was special, reminding me of London during the 2012 Olympics.
On the way back to St. James’s Park station, I stumbled across a recital at The Guard’s Chapel. A great afternoon.
I’ve been thinking a bit about class structures, and I’ve been running various searches online this morning.
I’ve discovered that there are fewer classes in the US than the UK, even though one might expect the opposite, given the relative size and population of the two countries.
The scale between the two countries never ceases to amaze me. For some basic context, the population of the UK stands at about 68 million, with a land mass of roughly 244,000 square kilometers.
The population of the US is estimated to be around 340 million (about 5x more than the UK), whilst its land mass is 9.1 million square kilometres (about 37x more than the UK).
The population of Texas alone is about 30 million – and that single state is bigger than the UK.
Though, I did learn a few things about my local borough here in London just yesterday. It’s relatively green around here; we are very much on the urban/suburban border. Not quite rural countryside, but there’s plenty of green space here.
~
One of the reasons I’ve been thinking about class is in the context of sport. In England, our women’s football team have taken the nation on a roller-coaster over these last couple of weeks. In defending their title and winning, for the second time in a row (it’s worth repeating that for emphasis), they have broken all kinds of records.
Many of the players in the starting-11 and wider squad come from towns and cities in the middle and north of England:
image via The Sunday Times newspaper, 27th July 2025
I couldn’t help but think of the so called “middle class” vs the “working class” and, that of the divide between the “South” and the “North” of England.
I think of the same divide between the cities and the country in the US.
And I remember well-meaning folks I’d met in Fort Worth, Texas, warning me that"them folks are different out there", when I was on my way to visit friends out in the country. (I spent time in Gilmer and Pittsburg; the latter of which is to be found in Camp County and has an area of less than 4 square miles, and a population of less than 5000).
~
When it comes to higher education, the (air-quote-marks) “aspirational thing” in society and, indeed, to rise up the class ladder – has been to go to University.
This was helped along by Tony Blair’s message of ‘Education, education, education’. The reality now is that University presents a significant debt for one to get into, with no promise of a job afterwards – let alone a job in the same industry or, indeed, one that will lift you up the socio-economic ladder. Combine that with inflation, the rising cost of rent and living in (university) cities, I find myself asking:
Are the deeply-held views that attending University is aspirational (and synonymous with rising up aforementioned class ladder), whilst pursuing a trade or an apprenticeship is of a (lesser?) working class, a helpful one?
–
As we have become more individualistic as time has gone on (see Richard Layard’s work, below), pursuing wealth and measuring national success by GDP, with widening gap between rich and poor in the US, UK and much of the world… we have to take stock and think, does the class system serve us, the majority?
How about a unifying CITIZEN class, instead?
One that sees northerner and southerner, university-goer and trade-school-goer, city dweller and country-bumpkin as equals.
~
The reality is that the majority of us do not own £10 million in wealth, or even £5 million in wealth.
At the time of writing this Perplexity AI, drawing upon sources including The Sunday Times Rich List, tells us that around 1 in 350 UK adults is worth £10 million or more; that’s ~0.28% of the population, or less than a third of a per cent.
Roughly 1 in 100 UK adults could be worth £5 million or more.
I am increasingly wondering whether the class system actually benefits us.
And, indeed, if it possible to be aspirational, hard-working, and make a contribution to our local communities – beyond wealth – that is meaningful and lasting.
Richard Layard certainly thinks so. His was one of the books that inspired me to pursue a Masters in the field of Positive Psychology, or “human flourishing” back in 2015.
~
I am increasingly of the view that there is a way to create good wellbeing outcomes and sustain ourselves, independently and as communities, financially.
Looking around at the state of the UK right now, the current model isn’t working.
I suppose the grand old question is “well, what’s the answer then?".
I am hopeful that, collectively, we can figure out the answers.
In fact, I’m quite sure of it.
Jazz.
July 29th 2025 ~ at the England Women’s homecoming celebration, St. James’s Park
”I define fundamentalism as a group of invariably male leaders who consider themselves superior to other believers… their beliefs are inherently correct… and anyone who disagrees with them are, first of all wrong, and second inferior, and in extreme cases even subhuman.”
— Jimmy Carter (2005)
“… a new MP cannot understand the nuances unless they are properly informed and have seen things with their own eyes… show them the view that will be blighted, the road that is too narrow, the community that will be devastated.
Party politics should play not part in local issues.”
”I had a big role in raising my sisters… that was just the dynamic of the house.”
They all grew up in a close-knit neighbourhood surrounded by family… people (on the street)… “left their doors open. I had a real sense of community and belonging.”
— Emma Grede (Sunday Times magazine, July 20th 2025)
The evening after the night before, I’m still reconciling exactly what this England team has done over this last fortnight.
They lost their very first match to France and have, since then, found their form – and built momentum – as the tournament progressed.
In their Quarter Final and Semi Final matches they went behind. In the midst of the ecstasy of those wins, their post-match interviews were measured and honest. In interviews with Lucy Bronze, Leah Williamson and Chloe Kelly, the tone was “we’re strong, we’re resilient, we know aren’t starting games in the best way, but we’re finding a way”.
Some of these individual stories have been remarkable.
Hannah Hampton being one of them. Her story and her performances through out the tournament, especially in these last three matches (two of which have gone to penalties), have been crucial. She she been a worthy replacement to her predecessor, Mary Earps.
Leah Williamson, who I’ve mentioned already, is another. I remember watching the live TV images of Leah Williamson and Billie Jean King chatting away, with passion and with focus, in the Royal Box during one of the Wimbledon Finals. I got goosebumps then, and I can’t help but wonder what words these two sporting powerhouses exchanged between them that day. (If you search their two names online, there are plenty of pictures and posts referencing this meeting of theirs).
And then there’s Lucy Bronze. Where to start? She has led by example from the back, running up and down the field from start to finish of every match, including these last 3 matches that have all gone beyond the 90 minutes. She revealed something yesterday that stopped me in my tracks:
“No one knew… but I broke my fibia before the tournament”.
Chloe Kelly, England’s heroine when they won their first major trophy, has seen herself frozen out of the Manchester City team in recent months. She created a move for herself to Arsenal, who won the Champions League this year. Last week, she celebrated the one-year anniversary of her marriage, calling it in a social media post “the happiest day of my life”. In an interview with The Times last year in which she opened up further on her wedding, saying:
“We’re in one room with everyone that you want to be there. I was more nervous than putting the ball in the back of the net against Germany. It doesn’t make sense.”
Coming off the bench yesterday, she created the equaliser that Alessia Russo beautifully rose for and headed into the net. Her words after the game?
“I knew I was going to score… I don’t miss two in a row!" She was referring to the penalty she initially have saved in extra time, before scoring with the re-bound, in the Semi Final against Italy.
I also think of Maya Le Tissier who, whilst is a rising star, had set up a WhatsApp group for the Euros tournament back in 2022 to celebrate images of their celebrations.
//
‘Clicking’ celebrations & group chats - how England are bonding, via BBC Sport
//
Something else I’ve noticed about this England team in an article I was reading in yesterday’s Times was many come from the middle and the north of the country, from rural towns and working class backgrounds. A marked difference from the backgrounds of those who find themselves playing sports like rugby and tennis, for example.
–
This England team are the first women’s team to win back-to-back Euro tournaments, and the first English side to win a major trophy.
~
I was heartened to see mentions of the love of wearing the English shirt, and the patriotism that shone through.
I find myself wondering how Thomas Tuchel and the England men’s team can feed off of this.
I think back to London 2012, the Olympics that saw a record medal haul, with investment being pumped into several sports following medal success. I think of Andy Murray who, up until that point, hadn’t won a Grand Slam. Beating Roger Federer in the Final in front of a home British crowd, he went on to win his first Grand Slam at the US Open a few weeks later, then won Wimbledon the following year (the first Men’s champions since Fred Perry in 1936), and went on to lift the Wimbledon trophy a second time, three years later.
There is much for the men to take from the example set by Lionesses' manager Sarina Wiegmann and what these players have achieved. Observing the post-match reactions on the pitch by the players and the coaching staff, morale is high (understandably) and, less obviously but more importantly (I would argue), the culture that has been created is strong.
I find myself thinking of the US women’s football team, and indeed of Mexico where the women’s football league there is one of the fast-growing in the world.
My Manchester United membership gets me a 1/3 off of women’s matches. I’m already casting my eye ahead to matches at Leigh Sports Village – and the likes of Maya Le Tissier, Grace Clinton (who came on as a substitute yesterday), Ella Toone and co.
And in London, you can watch 4 high-quality women’s matches at Chelsea’s iconic Stamford Bridge for as little as £55 with The Bridge Pass – including a fixture with newly-promoted side London City Lionesses.
The future of women’s football in the UK, and in England, is strong. I am looking forward to being a part of the story of the Lionesses and their counterparts, the Lions, over the months ahead and the years to come.
With the Women’s Super League growing year-on-year, there has never been a more exciting time for women’s football in England.
~
“I’m really proud to be English right now, and I’m proud to be part of an amazing group of girls."
– Chloe Kelly, post-final press conference (via BBC Sport)
“Our culture is constantly trying to fit you into its mold. When you have a confused and unclear identity and aren’t sure who you are, it makes you more vulnerable to the culture’s influence."
— Rick Warren
I previously used Podlink as a shortener/hub for my podcast episodes and I’m encouraged to discover that it’s been acquired from Spotify by its original founder and designer, Nathan Gathwright, who advocates for “open podcasting”.
He has shared this update on his blog: 📝 Podlink’s Next Chapter
”The more we saw each other, the more we realised we had in common.
The same working-class, Black Country values.”
— Suzan Holder, on her husband and Slade singer, Noddy (via The Sunday Times Magazine, July 27th 2025)
As well being a day for Cowboy culture, today marks Carl Jung’s birthday; “his work has been influential in the fields of psychiatry, anthropology, archaeology, literature, philosophy, psychology, and religious studies” (via wiki).
MBTI came from his work; the below is from 'The INFP Writer' 📖:
Today is National Day of the Cowboy 🤠🇺🇸
You can find out more here and here, and COTW’s words, below.
~
“In Wyoming, we commit to following the Cowboy Code: living a life of honesty, hard work, and integrity. The American cowboy symbolizes the spirit, values and traditions that we cherish most”
~
A couple of films I’ve liked recently:
Mud: with Matthew McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon, and stunning performances from two young actors. Beautiful.
Happy Gilmore 2: Nostalgia, a revamped storyline and clever cultural references. Plus, many cameo performances — from Scottie Scheffler and many more.
Should traffic wardens be paid on commission vs (purely) a salary? 🤔
I suppose it incentivises them to cover more ground (roads), faster. I also suppose it makes no difference if everyone follows the rules — and can keep track of them(!).
Lots of no-parking zones and speed cameras about these days.
Folks in the US: you might be able to see the ISS this evening, if the clouds are kind.
I would use a tool the ESA’s website as a kid to see when it would pass by our town.
The advice I recall being given was: “look out for a non-flashing object, moving faster than an aeroplane across the sky.”
I was in London today for History Lab, which I discovered after someone mentioned a different event they were going to at the Institute of Historical Research (IHR).
This part of London is a hive of academic activity, with UCL, Birkbeck and SOAS universities all yards from the University of London.
via Michael Gilbride @ The Mad Records Monologue
This back-and-forth exchange with ChatGPT is… interesting.
“You and I were created by God to be so much more than normal…Following the crowd is not a winning approach to life.
In the end it’s a loser’s game, because we never become who God created us to be by trying to be like everybody else.”
— Tim Tebow (via ’Through My Eyes‘)
Overheard today: “(X) drives a Tesla and offered to pick me up late at night; he’s a high value man”.
I didn’t get the full context, but society (and “dating culture”) tries to inform us who is/isn’t supposedly “high value”.
The rules keep changing, and we focus too much on material/trivial things.
Venus Williams winning a tennis match at 45. So many folks doing things and making a difference in their 60s, 70s, and beyond.
I’m thinking of the late, great Fauja Singh, who took up running aged 89 and carried on into his 100s, breaking records.
I think we need to reframe our perceptions of age.
“U-n-i-t-e-d, United are the team for me…”
A crowd chant that can be heard up in the terraces of many football stadiums here in the UK.
~
A couple of years ago, a friend invited me along to join her at an event at the London HQ for Tortoise Media (isn’t that a great name?).
Positioning themselves as an organisation in support of ‘slow journalism’, I was intrigued.
It actually took me 3 tried to successfully experience a Tortoise event; not the most exciting story in the world, but the short version is… the first event cancelled last minute, the second time I got lost (I was in one of my no-smartphone phases and, as has often been the case without the help of Googlemaps, I got lost going to the venue); at the third time of asking, I made it to a panel event in Manchester with Andy Burnham MP, Mayor of Great Manchester.
Tortoise was, at that time of that Manchester event, known to have been in talks re: a potential takeover/merger; it has now merged with The Observer newspaper.
At the time at which they were running as an independent entity (I have not been following them of late), they were a good example of a crowd-sourced project with high quality, long-form journalism at their core:
Do they carry a bias?
Of course.
Are they invested in certain outside interests?
Unfortunately, with The Observer deal, yes.
Still, I like what they stand for as it pertains to longer- and slower-form journalism.
We really, really need that 🐢
Somewhere between bookending by busy commute with free daily newspapers and realising that the “news” is quite negative / heavy, that many of CNN’s ‘key election alerts’ during the US election coverage really wasn’t that significant, and generally observing the emotional-levers-slash-click-tactics that news outlets are now resorting to… I realised that daily news is a LOT to consume — and that it’s difficult to discern what can be trusted and what is (or isn’t) to quote the US president, “fake news”.
Whether it’s the Pew Research ‘Political Typology Quiz’ or the UK’s newly-created Common Good one; btw, British folks who are reading this, I’d like to know which one you are. I’m a DD — and a couple of friends of mine are, too. You?
~
A confession to make here…
I have occupied just about every position there is on the ‘political spectrum’.
I find this not altogether surprising (the ‘echo chamber’ effect is real, let me tell you — I believe it goes a long way to explaining why friends and family members in the US have stopped speaking to one another over differences in political opinion — it still seems maddening to think about that…
Whilst my political identity may have changed (aka: taken time to form more fully), I find it interesting that my Myers-Briggs personality type hasn’t changed at all in the last 15 years. I am, apparently, a solid INFP / mediator personality type.
Whilst we must be careful with labels, in using them to divide us and separate (collectively) and diminish us (individually), the description still describes me pretty accurately.
My forthcoming second book, The INFP Writer, will talk more about that. I’ll share more with you over the coming weeks.
In other words I am a dreamer, an idealist, who is learning to balance that with a healthy dose of realism.
I am firm in my convictions, yet endlessly curious about the world around me — and the people in it. I am always learning.
At different times in my life, I’ve considered myself a Republican, a Democrat, a leftist, a conservative, a liberal, etc etc
As polarisation has ramped up, and my curiosity has remained, I’ve found myself sort of… middling. Yup, as boring as it sounds, sat on the fence. Or, probably, a little to the right of the fence, depending on who you ask (or the media you consume).
A few years ago, I might’ve been described as a “liberal with some conservative values”, and these days I’ve become somewhat… “conservative with some liberal values”. Quite the almighty leap, eh?
You see, the poles of ‘left’ and ‘right’ seem to have moved so far apart that, if I were to read some of what I read online, I might be considered “far right”. And, in previous years, “far left”.
These labels in and of themselves are as dangerous as they are divisive.
A divided nation, like a divided community, a divided school or a divided household, is an unstable and unhappy one — one that isn’t rooted in a sense of psychological safety in themselves, and connectedness with the parents, the siblings, the neighbours and the communities around us.
What on earth has happened to ‘love thy neighbour’?
In the parts of London I’ve spent time in in the last few weeks (central, west, southwest), I’ve seen people enjoying the sunshine. Being kind to one another on public transport and in public spaces. Being open, a communicative. Increasingly, I’m noticing, talking about feelings.
(This, reflected in the new Jurassic Park film I watched with my dad recently).
Community spirit is there.
It’s only when I open the papers, or switch on the news in the evening, that I am confronted with the sense of fear and dread, of “us” against “them”.
~
A lifelong conclusion
Following the many, many conversations I’ve had over the years with British folks (I’ve been here my whole life), and Americans too (I’ve spent more than 6 months in the US over various trips, across several states, cities & suburbs — from New York and San Francisco to rural parts of Wisconsin and Texas), the overwhelming conclusion I’ve come to having been in all of these places is this:
There is more we agree upon — more that we share in common — than that which separates us.
Let me tell you, being polarised and divided and emotive against one another, does NOT serve the 99% of us.
This brings me back to the title of this article. It is why I’m opting, instead, for a 7/52 news cycle at best… over the 24/7 one.
In other words, more thoughtful and slow consumption of daily and weekly news, rather than constantly trying to take it all in, all at once, interrupting my day.
I’ve realised that constant consumption of news actually skews my perception of reality, of humanity, of truth.
Rather than spend hours cooped up indoors, isolating ourselves from one another — literally — by being glued to the internet (the pandemic has contributed significantly to the sense of isolation, fear and divide in the world), I will continue to go out and BE IN the world.
Watch this space.
And here’s to creating more space in our lives. We don’t need any more stress. If anything, we need to lighten our cognitive loads rather than add to it.
A big, collective, mindful pause.
But not a “one and done”. If I know what’s good for me, this will be ‘integrating it into my daily life’ kind of collective pause.
Here’s to a slower future,
Jazz.
~
i’ve been writing on the internet for more than 10 years, i’m still figuring things out, but i’m choosing to create + consume things, slowly… 🐌
📷 May 2025: Attending a rodeo with my parents at the Cowtown Coliseum. This photo was taken shortly before the crowd stood, in unison, for the national anthem.
Weekend sporting moments…
Max Holloway’s epic third encounter with Dustin Poirier for the latter’s retirement fight, and the mutual show of respect between them afterwards.
In the golf, an unphased Scottie Scheffler winning the Open Championship before being joined on the green by his toddler.
Oleksandr Usyk talking about his faith, and indeed being asked about it by interested reporter, makes me happy.
We don’t hear faith spoken about often enough.
Here’s the clip from the post-fight press conference, in which Usyk also shares his love for music (and dancing!), via SecondsOut.
55 years ago today, Apollo 11 landed on the Moon and Neil Armstrong uttered those now infamous words.
It was September 12, 1962, at Rice University, TX where President Kennedy had passionately advocated for the US to commit to landing a man on the moon before the end of the decade.
An amazing feat.
“38 is a young guy, remember. 38, it’s only (the) start!”
— Oleksandr Usyk
I had a lovely time in West London this evening at St. Andrew’s in West London.
An evening of writing spoken out loud with musical accompaniment, the idea for this event was conceived just 5 weeks ago by Amy Benson.
Both well-attended and heartwarming, in a really beautiful venue.
If you’re looking for a modern-day version of David (v Goliath), look no further than Oleksandr Usyk.
He beat everyone there was to beat at cruiserweight, stepped up to heavyweight, defeated AJ, Fury and Dubois. Oh, and patrolled the front line of his country. 🇺🇦
3x undisputed, humble, what a guy. 🥊
It’s an eventful night in combat sports.
The re-match between giant-slaying heavyweight champion of the world Oleksandr Usyk vs Britain’s own Daniel Dubois. Two men looking sharp and strong in their faith.
In the UFC, Dustin Poirier’s retirement fight and third encounter with Max Holloway, part 3.
Lionesses’ goalie Hannah Hampton just became more inspiring after reading this in The Times. She did a good job with a bloodied nose for the penalties, made an important save before half-time, and has been thrust into the limelight after Mary Earps’s retirement.
Bring on Tuesday’s semi-final. 🦁⚽️
Over the last 10 years, I’ve noticed how culture and humanity have seemingly changed both in the UK and the USA.
As an outsider looking in, it’s easy to think that we, and our views, are more far apart than ever before.
Progressive left. Far right. Republican. Democrat. Patriot. Socialist.
And yet, through the hundreds (if not thousands) of conversations I’ve had 1-on1 with folks over these years, on both sides of the Atlantic, whether in cafes at social events or over the internet, it is rare that I have not seen eye to eye with the person sitting across from me.
In fact, with each person I’ve spoken with, I can’t recall not getting along and agreeing on something, often quite a few things actually.
I believe we are at aninflection point in human history, and I wish to be on the correct side of it.
Increasingly, I am realising that, there is more we share in common, than that which separates us.
I suppose this project is may way of figuring out if that’s true, or not. Either way, I’m going to have fun finding out.
I hope you’ll join me on this uncertain adventure, which will look some like the below (pretty much and extension of my micro.blog, to be honest):
~ fair and objective commentary (as much as is possible) ~ summary from sources near and far, mainstream and independent ~ stories of the people shaping our politics and culture ~ some of my favourite things, both British and the US (I happen to like cowboys and country music)
I hope you’ll have a good time if you decide to follow along.
And more than anything, I hope we begin to realise that the gulf that divides us isn’t so big, after all.
Jasraj “Jazz” Hothi
More in Common has released a report titled ‘Shattered Britain’. Drawing upon the polling of 20,000+ people, it identifies 7 distinct groups.
You can read about those here, or discover which ‘segment’ you’re in via the quiz. 🇬🇧
It’s not dissimilar to Pew Research’s (US) ‘Political Typology Quiz’. 🇺🇸
I’m about 1/4 of the way into Dr. Peterson’s conversation w/ George Janko – so much to digest. I’ll be expanding further soon.
~
“So imagine that the more immature your attention span, the more short-term and fragmented it is (right?)… it’s unbelievably bad, and it’s going to get far worse."
A slightly delayed post from last night… it turns out watching the England women’s is about as stressful (exciting?) as watching the men’s team.
Standout performances from Chloe Kelly (so reliable, 2 assists and a pen) and Lucy Bronze (throwing herself into challenges until the end). I love it.
⚽🏴
My creator friend Lex Roman is now on substack — an amazing person, who also happens to have a reasoned and articulate take on all things creator economy, for journalists and other creatives alike.
Link: https://substack.com/@lexroman
📝 the back-story to my last letter
aka: a note I published on substack shortly after sending my first newsletter for several weeks
and an excuse to share a candid photo, taken on the airport shuttle bus shortly before our flight from DFW, Texas to LHR, London 🙃
for those sending emails to subscribers on micro blog… any thoughts or tips?
i’ve found this page from 2021: is this the most recent one? is there a way i can manually upload / view / amend subscriber info?
i’m trying to figure out if there’s a way i can centralize everything here on MB
thanks!
A short story that might help to restore your faith in humanity, shared on substack, here
Well worth the two-minute read 🙏
For some reason, a song from my youth popped into my head this morning.
Hard-Fi’s Cash Machine is 20 years old, and I couldn’t help but notice the similarity between this song and Oliver Anthony’s viral hit Rich Men North of Richmond from 2023.
Both speak to what we’re all going through lately.
*“It is why Wetherspoon remains a true national treasure to be protected at all costs… a place where they have a huge range of drinks, an excellent menu and you don’t need to take out a payday loan to buy a round.
It is no wonder that every Wetherspoon seems to be packed these days.”*
“In virtually every country where it has been tried a wealth tax has failed to raise anything like the extra revenue envisaged… it encourages the flight of existing wealth and discourages the creation of new wealth. Therefore, there is less wealth to tax.“
— Ken Costa (via The Telegraph)
I was meant to be taking a trip up north last week, but was stuck on a slow, delayed train to Vauxhall, and then the Victoria line to Euston wasn’t in operation.
Refund request with Trainline took a couple of clicks, and was processed in a day. This is how things ought to be, but I’m impressed.
*“… my mind was playing all these snippets of my life… It seemed someone was showing me what really mattered… That beautiful voice was countered…
It said, “You’ve lost your legs, but you’re still you. What are you going to do?”
I said out loud, “I am not going to die!”
— Gill Hicks (STM, 06.07.25)
I learned today that the UK can be classified as both a ‘country’ and a ‘nation’ 🇬🇧
Here are definitions I’ve found from online searches:
”A country is primarily a geographical and political entity”
“A nation is a group of people who share a common culture, history, ethnicity, language, or identity”
”… kids, can they afford houses with full-time jobs at like 27, 28?…
The answer’s: ‘No way’… That’s a complete disaster. Why? 2 reasons.
If people don’t own things, they don’t feel ownership of the country they’re in
It’s really hard to have a family without a house”
I wanted to listen to Classic FM on my mobile this morning.
I had to download the Global Player app; on doing so and signing up, I was prompted to select some of my favourite radio stations — including ones playing music from specific genres & decades.
I think I might’ve stumbled across a gem.
I studied with Lindsay at UEL. She is a wonderful human being.
Her and her husband have been detained in Iran whilst motorcycling through the country, accused of being ‘spies’.
This happened 6 months ago in Jan 2025. Such a terrible ordeal.
Please take a moment to watch this, and to sign this.
🙏
After a day in London, I’d thought about skipping tonight’s show @ The Exchange, Twickenham.
I’m very glad that I didn’t. Live At The Exchange was really quite something. Songs new and old, across all genres.
Lots of fun, v. emotional, and heartwarming performances by all involved. So, so good.
🎸🎶🪩
From the South Bank to the London Eye, the Palace of Westminster to Wetherspoons… even in the midst of train delays and heatwave weather, London is without a doubt one of the greatest cities on Earth
I’ve been following the 1000 Hours Outside project.
All of us can benefit from spending less time on screens and more time outside.
Research suggests that an hour of walking outside reduces activity in the brain’s amygdala, responsible for emotional regulation, including those of fear and stress.
This (below) in today’s Metro newspaper.
Science to support the human experience of watching your favorite sports teams and players, on the telly or in real life. The same for films in the cinema and plays in the theatre.
I would also add, Strictly is brilliant. One of the best shows on the BBC.
I was impressed by Jurassic World: Rebirth. Original, with artful nostalgia from the 1993 film.
It was refreshing to see both male and female central characters — with a nuanced portrayal of emotions and differences in opinion. To prioritise humanity or financial gain?
I’d like to watch it again.
Probably the closest I’ll get to watching this year’s tennis at Wimbledon… I’ll be back.
Watching Ben Shelton and Mirra Andreeva in their element on court at Wimbledon yesterday, with their parents courtside, got me thinking about the academy model that operates in many sports today.
There are some great academies that have produced some fantastic players: ones like the Mouratouglou Tennis Academy. Given Patrick Mouratouglou’s story with navigating trauma, his latest book is very much on my reading list. He also happened to coach one of the greatest players ever, period – in Serena Williams.
Back to my thoughts on the academy model… taking players, removing them from their families and the structures more commonplace amongst their peer groups, is one of the most unnatural things in the world.
Creating a culture of elite athletes is not just about the most fantastic of facilities and sports science methods. Community, family, and pro-social bonds is significantly underrated when it comes to psychological outcomes as it pertains to sporting and artistic performances.
To cultivate an environment where human beings can best flourish, in all regards, structure and pro-social bonds with family, teachers, coaches, peers… is significant. I would argue it is just as important as developing physical prowess. Indeed, physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual spheres overlap.
In other words, my belief is that pro-social bonds can impact everything else. It is the third rung on Maslow’s hierarchy… I am wondering whether it ought to be higher up. My current thing is that social relationships are the foundation stone for human flourishing.
I suspect this working hypothesis of mine will continue to change over time.
I continue to adjust streamline my digital profiles online. I’ve found it’s necessary to do this regularly.
A friend recently told me about solipsism: on social media, it’s become somewhat “normal” to post selfies alongside posts – I’m not sure how healthy this is for us, and the research agrees.
“It was broadcast for the world to see; a crowd of thousands, voices raised in unison, chanting “Death, death to the IDF”… And it was met, not with disapproval, shame or even silence, but with a thunderous ovation. Herein lies the problem when hatred presents itself as virtue, it becomes seductive.”
The Prince of Egypt ~ one of the greatest stories ever told
Netball Super League Final @ the 02
I purchased a copy of TYFYT after attending a workshop w/ the author ~2018.
The book is research-backed, practical and thorough.
Given the events (lockdowns) and associated patterns (increased screen-time, anxiety levels) of recent years, it’s only now more relevant.
I’m glad to have found yoga.
Wishing everyone across the pond a happy 4th July 🇺🇸
I spent 2 life-changing months in Texas this year. Fort Worth, Dallas, Pittsburg, Gilmer, Austin & San Antonio.
May we come together, as friends and families and neighbours, and realise all that we have in common.
I wish the same for the UK 🇬🇧
TikTok + AI… a concerning combination.
Everyone should be aware of, and wary of, this.
Ongoing unregulated technology whose power we do not understand is how we arrived here.
Our adult minds can’t cope with this stuff, let alone the still-developing brains of children, teens and young adults.
Whilst no party will ever be perfect (have you ever tried running the country? — that’s no mean feat), I’m encouraged by the Labour Party’s words lately re: healthcare and communities reform.
~
“We’re handing power back to where it belongs – to people with skin in the game.”
Plenty of little snails about this morning…
8 years ago, I spent two weeks at Roland Garros and watched a lot of junior tennis.
I watched Fran Jones, sat with her parents and brother, and saw the same then as I did watching her match at Wimbledon today. Grit. Resilience. Determination.
She is a remarkable athlete – one to keep an eye on.
I leave reviews sparingly these days, but now and then I can’t help myself.
Victoria is a lovely human being who happens to be a Kundalini & Sound practitioner.
Based in SW London, there are a few ways in which you can experience her work. I don’t know exactly how she does it, but she’s got it.
”The best pilot is he who has had a moderately hard time learning but who finally adapts himself through recognition of his shortcomings and through his ability to avoid repetition of his errors.”
— more from ‘Safety After Solo: How To Fly 10,000 Hours’, by John R. Hoyt 📖
It’s amazing what you can find on your local pub’s bookshelf…
“Learning correctly from the start is like laying a solid brick foundation for a mansion.”
”…the best pilot is he who is still learning to fly.”
Sound advice for learning any pursuit - whether it’s sport, yoga or a musical instrument.
A minute past midnight on Tuesday 1st July; we’re officially into the second half of the year.
I hope it’s a good one for you and, remember, it’s okay to run your own race. In fact, a snail sticker, from the Fort Worth Botanic Garden sits on my iPad casing.
Slow and steady wins the race 🐌… 🐌… 🐌
A record day for British tennis at Wimbledon — 7 players making it into R2 so far.
This is also the first year in the tournament’s 148-year history that line judges have been replaced with technology. More on that here via BBC Sport.
Roland Garros is now the only Grand Slam using human line judges.
I’m quite new to Padel, playing for the third time this lunchtime and experiencing a mixed group session with players better than I am.
A humbling experience — something to aspire to.
What I enjoy about this sport is the camaraderie, the communication, and the “mental chess” in a safe environment 🎾
Two poignant pieces of text I’ve come across recently:
~ ”Puritan ethics”:
Jimmy Carter spoke of these, and the ‘Puritan’ came up in an episode of Countdown this week
~ Suffering and hope:
“… we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” ~ Romans 5
Brilliant football on display for the Euro U21 Final, currently in extra time.
It’s also fitting that the television coverage is sponsored by the British Army, today being Armed Forces Day.
My time in America has only made me more patriotic and respectful towards our servicemen and women. Heroes.
Behind Trump’s 2024 victory…, via Pew.
A thorough and insightful piece; US politics undoubtedly affects the world at large, and what happens there tends to filter outwards, especially in the digitised era we live in.
Pollsters for UK/European elections ought to take note of resources like this one.
via Substack:
Walking around “my local” earlier this week…
Our weekly ‘school run’ (primary school) used to meander around and past this stadium.
These days, Hampton & Richmond Borough FC ~ aka “The Beavers” ~ compete in the National League South, the sixth level of the English Football League system.
Reuters is reporting that Rwanda & the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), in conflict since 2022, have signed a peace deal in the US 🙏
Edit: the above wiki page appears to have been updated to reflect the above:
”A peace agreement between Rwanda and the DRC was signed on 27 June 2025.”
RIP Bill Moyers, Press Secretary to President Lyndon B. Johnson. He started out as Senator (at the time) Johnson’s summer intern.
The rest, as they say, is history.
He won “many awards and honorary degrees for his investigative journalism and civic activities” ~ more here on his Wikipedia page.
It’s the first time since primary school(!) that I’ve collected stickers.
I have to admit, the little (big) kid in me is very excited.
I’m going to go out on a whim on here and say:
~ this is going to be the highest quality and most memorable women’s football tournament to date
~ women’s sport is only just getting started… with an awesome summer of (women’s) sport coming up, this is the perfect time to jump on the bandwagon
~ and I’m going to say it with a cautious whisper… I think it might be coming home, again
Let’s go, Lionesses! 🦁🏴
I’ve recently been watching a film I’ve not seen in a while, Road to Perdition 🎥
It seems to get missed from the “great movies” lists and conversations; the cast is spectacular, not to mention its soundtrack. I think it’s a masterpiece.
~
”This is not our home anymore… it’s just an empty building”
With reports of recent Facebook group closures (nightmarish for many), my plea to any creative, freelancer or entrepreneur person is this:
~ have your content on your own website, with an email list
~ use platforms for distribution
aka:
be in control of the relationship you have with your audience
I’ve been watching Will Nigel Farage Be PM? Dispatches on Channel 4 this evening. 📺
A couple of points on Farage:
~ He has 1.3M Tiktok followers, more than all other MPs combined
~ When asked about ‘race-baiting’ as a tactic: “You can go through 25 years of (my) speeches, and you won’t find it”
I’ve spent a day with a friend and father-of-three, looking after his youngest (aged 3).
His little boy is full of curiosity and energy, reminding me in some ways of the younger version of me, from what I can recall.
I still believe that parenthood is the single most difficult job in the world.
A chance encounter (house-sitting a dog) led to my in the theater & movie scene in DFW, Texas.
Enter KD Conservatory. It felt special the night I arrived, & only more as I returned as a prospective student and met such beautiful staff.
With God’s grace, I’ll be back. A very special place 🫶
I was in central London this evening, supporting a long-time friend and her marketing meetup.
Market Halls in Oxford Street is somewhat of a hidden gem; good drinks, tasty food, lots of space, reasonable prices.
In the toilets, I came across a poster for Ask for Angela - such a brilliant idea. 💡🙏
In other news, today — Tuesday 24th June — is Midsummer Day for several countries.
Over to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, in existence since 1792 & the oldest continuously published periodical in North America, to share more with us:
📝 Midsummer Day 2025: Why (and How) is Midsummer Celebrated?
There are few men who would, being invited onto stage in a victory speech by the US President, put the focus back on said President.
That same speech, Dr. Ben Carson was mentioned; his book, referenced in this article (and below) is now on my reading list.
As per usual, this is steadily growing 🙃
Ceasefire. 🤞🙏
I attended the world premiere of White Guilt yesterday.
Raindance has seen the likes of Pulp Fiction and Memento make their debuts, so it is no small festival.
I had met cinematographer Haider Zafar at last year’s Muslim International Film Festival, spending time with him there over the course of a couple of days and, later, attending the premiere for his Directorial debut of Before Nikkah.
Haider is, I believe, one of the longest-serving British Asian cinematographers in existence — and also happens to be a down-to-earth and kind human being.
Aside from the somewhat eye-catching title the film, its poster and the description on the Raindance page (see above), I didn’t really know what to expect.
Haider and Director/Writer Marcus Flemmings are long-time collaborators, however, so I was intrigued.
What followed over the next hour (62 mins to be precise) took my breath away — leaving me processing what I’d seen into today, and already wondering when I can watch this film a second, and a third time.
This was no simplistic film about “race”.
I’d seen Get Out and enjoyed that for what it was, at that moment in time, but I’d like to think that conversation has been started and the world has somewhat moved along. Many stories fall into the trap of being too simplistic.
White Guilt is elegant and nuanced, with a series of interweaving arcs and characters which, as Flemmings answered in the Q&A at the end, “have both good and bad in them”.
There are a couple of obvious protagonists and antagonists who carry the story, but every character holds a special place in the arc of the story — and the parts were performed beautifully, and powerfully, by the case.
Witnessing both the film itself and the Q&A that followed, and spending time with several of the cast at the end, it was clear that they had all been on a meaningful journey, one that at least two of them admitted they were still on — and processing.
My initial instinct as the credits rolled was that I had witnessed something special — and I wasn’t then sure if any of us knew what this film could become, and where it could go.
Actress Temica Thompson, who is up for the ‘Best Performance in a UK Feature’ award , summed it up perfectly at the end:
“There is lots to say… lots of themes… I hope you all go away and have lots to talk about.”
More than race, this is a film about POWER. It’s culturally more relevant than ever and I hope it finds its way to the audiences it deserves. I hope I get to experience White Guilt once or twice on a screen… or perhaps on a stage. Watch this space; I know I will be.
A fine effort by all involved, and well worth the two Raindance awards it is up for this year.
~
Preceding this feature length screening, there was a short called Hooves which packed its own punch.
It is a Sri Lankan film, and a passion project based on a real-life event that happened to be a friend of a friend of Director Akash Sunethkamara.
Whilst Akash is away in Sri Lanka and so couldn’t attend the screening himself, his representative Peter Stead shared the above and that, in a fitting full circle moment, Akasha is a Raindance MA Alumnus.
I’ll be reaching out to Peter with some thoughts, as he offered in the short introduction.
I could see Hooves being extended into a feature-length film. The blend of “real life” and “animation” was a powerful one, and the film touched upon the powerful theme of ethics — and consequences — when it comes to hunting animals. It was, in fact, quite frightening. I could have done with a moment to process and digest before the feature-length but, alas, time was of the essence.
~
On a personal note, this was a memorable first Raindance experience. Two excellent films on display.
Holy smokes. OKC are going off in Q3 of Game 7 of the NBA Finals. 🔥🏀
And in other news, I’m reading that Kevin Durant is being traded from the Suns to the Rockets 👀
Given my love of Texas and KD, I think I’ve found my new NBA team. The Portland/Lillard-shaped void in my life may have been filled.
”Issues? The local media are interested, all right, but the national news media have absolutely no interest in issues at all… What they’re looking for is a forty-seven-second argument between me & another candidate or something like that.”
President Jimmy Carter in a 1976 interview. 📖
Goodness me.
Heather Cox Richardson was first mentioned to me by my neighbours in Fort Worth; she is a history professor who has written several books.
Her latest daily post provides a summary of overnight events from the US, with transcripts and notes/sources.
📝 Letters from an American: June 21, 2025
Somewhere along the line, some of us thought we could break into private property, damage equipment, then expect to get away with it with no consequences (?!) …
This group needs to find a different way to exercise their right to protest.
The RAF has protected British skies for over 100 years.
My sabbatical officially ends on 1st July and I’ll be focusing on re-integrating into life, work and relationships — doubling-down on the ones that matter.
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.
School alumni summer party last night ~ it was surreal being back there.
I met up with a friend from my year group before we headed to the school, meeting teachers new and old, as well as (ex)students from the 70s to the present day.
I’m really glad I went along.
2 books that have gone onto my reading list:
~Total Recall by Arnold Schwarzenegger
Patrick Bet-David said it’s (paraphrasing): “one of my all-time favourite reads”
~ The Schools We Need and Why We Don’t Have Them, by E.D. Hirsch
After Katharine Birbalsingh’s appearance on Question Time last night.
Two lovely men who I view as champions of the indieweb (as well as the team behind microblog, of course!) have crossed my feed this morning, writing about mastodon.
It looks like I’d better start taking it (mastodon) seriously – IMHO, Jatan & Matt are real visionaries.
ps. here’s Matt’s piece
Does anyone have any recommended resources to help with mid-year / Q3 planning?
I’m keen to put some of these dreams into tangible goals as I think about life post-sabbatical.
Any and all suggestions are welcome… digital, paper, hybrid… I’m all ears (well, eyes) :)
Thank you!
I just searched ‘Juneteenth’ on the Discover tab on micro.blog, and I came across this gem of a post from @KimberlyHirsh, shared in 2024.
It’s helpful & encouraging to see a real-time repository of excellent, searchable content being produced on this platform — thx for this feature, team MB. 🙏
A short follow-up to my last post on Juneteenth…
Yesterday, a story broke on Tyler Perry, one of the most influential figures in entertainment. The timing of this story is… interesting.
Noel Clarke on the eve of the Bafta’s, anyone?
Please, let’s give this man a fair trial. Not a trial by media.
Barely a week after arriving back in the UK from Texas, I’m thinking of my friends who are Stateside as today, June 19th, marks the annual commemoration known as JUNETEENTH.
A blend of the words “June” and “nineteenth”, Juneteenth — officially JUNETEENTH NATIONAL INDEPENDENCE DAY — commemorates the ending of slavery in the United States.
More specifically, it marks the date — June 19th 1865 — on which Major General Gordon Granger ordered the final enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation in Texas at the end of the American Civil War.
This is the brief story of Juneteenth, and the Texan native who set about putting the date in the calendar.
~
Opal Lee was born on October 7th 1926 in Marshall, Texas. The eldest of 3 children, her grandmother was born into slavery in Louisiana.
Aged 10, she moved with her family to Fort Worth, Texas.
It was June 19th, 1939 (WW2 started later that year), when a 12-year-old Opal recalls an angry mob showing up at this family home to protest Black residents moving into the neighborhood. Her parents sent her to a friend’s house and, the night, the mob burned down the Lee family home.
~
A side note: the above is particularly shocking to me, the writer, having just spent 2 months in the flourishing, friendly, diverse, neighborhood that is present-day Fort Worth. Indeed, Fort Worth adjoins Dallas to form the DFW / Dallas-Forth Worth metroplex, of which of the main train stations is EBJ Union, named after another native Texan — Eddie Bernice Johnson — born in Waco and an African American woman who was elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1992, becoming the first registered nurse in Congress, entering politics after 16 years serving as Chief Psychiatric Nurse at the Dallas Veterans Administration Hospital.
All the more remarkable given that her high school guidance counselor told her that her wish (at the time) to become a doctor would not be possible because she was female.
You can read more about her here.
~
Aged 89, Opal walked from Texas to Washington D.C., gathering 1.5 million signatures to raise awareness of Juneteenth and petition Congress to make it a federal holiday.
On June 17th 2021, President Joe Biden signed Senate Bill S.475, making Juneteenth the eleventh federal holiday.
May Juneteenth be a peaceful, beautiful celebration in honor of Opal Lee, the African American community — and every community on both sides of the Atlantic.
~ ~ ~ ~
Amazing grace! how sweet the sound, That saved a wretch; like me! I once was lost, but now am found, Was blind, but now I see.
’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, And grace my fears relieved; How precious did that grace appear The hour I first believed!
The Lord hath promised good to me, His word my hope secures; He will my shield and portion be As long as life endures.
When we’ve been there ten thousand years, Bright shining as the sun, We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise Than when we first begun.
— words from AMAZING GRACE written in 1772 by John Newton, an English clergyman and former slave ship captain
Midweek thoughts, partly inspired by a school-friend of mine who happens to be a comedian, Harry Pereira.
What actual purpose do voicenotes serve?
Calls for speaking to people. Texts/WhatsApps for short, sharp communication around said calls.
Casually questioning my whole digital existence here.
The play that might keep me in England.
I’ve not seen a production that’s spoken to me so profoundly — portraying the multi-generational experiences of a British-Punjabi family.
To Sathnam Sanghera, Gurpreet Kaur Bhatti, Iqbal Khan, cast, crew, Lyric Theatre & all involved in this ~ THANK YOU.
Whilst reading Jimmy Carter: The Last Interview, I’ve learned a new word today:
Walking along the riverside path yesterday, I stopped by this rock.
The plaque revealed that it marks the boundary between the London Boroughs of Richmond-upon-Thames and Kingston-upon-Thames.
I’ve walked along this path for years… there.ms always something new to discover out there.
“The addiction to the approval of others that I had to dissolve, it was brutal.”
— Will Smith, in an interview 3 years on from that moment at the Oscars
This is simply awful. The hate in some people’s hearts is… sad. Very sad indeed.
There is a simple solution to this. You can’t have any social media account without ID.
Remove the ‘anonymity’ from social media accounts, and suddenly the online world would become a safer and happier place.
Classic Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?
A picture is worth a thousand words…
Wow. An emotional Kamaru Usman holding it together after an impressive win against the young, hungry and talented Buckley.
He gets the “monkey off his back”, and mentions his daughter, his family and his coaches in victory.
The Nigerian Nightmare is back — and the fire is very clearly still there.
A memorable and heartwarming day. I’m so grateful for the longstanding friendships I have here in England.
I’m finishing my day seeing another athlete professing their faith in God after a victory. It’s beautiful and inspiring to witness.
”It’s not just me… all the glory to God”
After my last post about the Queen’s final , I’ve learned that 2025 is the first time women have competed there since 1972 — more than 50 years ago.
37-year old mother Tatjana Maria made history today. 🇩🇪🏆
I’ve long enjoyed women’s sport — this is why.
Two inspirational athletes, both smiling.
~
I was at Roland Garros for two weeks back in 2017, when I saw Amanda Anisimova compete in the Juniors.
Her father passed away in 2023 quite suddenly. Today, on Father’s Day, she finds herself competing for the Queen’s title.
Whatever the outcome, she is already a winner in my eyes.
Go, Amanda! 🎾🇺🇸
I’ve been following Dr. Peterson for several years. A man of science & integrity. He spoke at the Oxford Union recently.
Every human being deserves to tell their story in their words, and for that story to be heard.
We live in a world of endless commentary.
Great, but we must go to the source.
My first visit to Central London this year
On Father’s Day, my hope for this next year is that we are kinder to one another and go back to the source.
I was up in the early hours a couple of mornings ago, and scribbled 2 pages of notes on Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech as he announced Operation Rising Lion.
You can watch it in full here.
~
I’m the furthest thing from a fear-mongerer (at least, I aspire to be), but something significant appears to be brewing in the Middle East.
Love, Actually (one of my favourite Christmas movies) parodied it well, but I believe the ‘Special Relationship’ is a good thing for the West — and the world.
A very special moment today when, crossing the river at Teddington Loch, I saw the Red Arrows fly overhead, a part of Trooping the Colour. 🫡
In fact, today sees celebrations on both sides of the pond.
May we never forget our servicemen and women, who continue to perform the ultimate civic duty. 🇬🇧🇺🇸
Enjoying the latest edition of Cowgirls magazine on a bus this afternoon.
The ‘30 Under 30’ list is quite something — wonderful women living the cowgirl life with inspirational resumes, sporting prowess… and with spouses and children, too.
I don’t know how parents do it. Hardest job in the world.
I’ve not been inclined to follow a news story minute-by-minute for awhile, but this Israel/Iran scenario is significant for us all.
In the interest of consuming as thorough & objective coverage as possible, I’ve been following the developing story this morning on Al Jazeera.
Again, please pray.
My body still being on US time, I have struggled to sleep this evening & have just seen news on Israel/Iran.
AP is reporting that air-raid sirens are ringing out in the Holy Land.
I will be praying deeply over the coming days for Israel, for peace, and for the safety of all in the Middle East 🙏
Spare a thought, better yet a prayer, for the man who the AP is reporting has survived.
If this is true, it is nothing short of a miracle that he continues to have a pulse after such a horrific incident.
Thoughts and prayers also for the lives that have been lost — as well as the families affected.
As I kicked back and watched one of my favourite shows on TV last night, I cast my mind towards the current administration in the US.
Where you and I might have our own concerns, we do not have the pressure of running a nation — unlike President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Keir Starmer. 🇺🇸🇬🇧
I’ve just purchased a can of Coca Cola from a local café, noticing that it costs 20p more the ‘diet’ version.
The helpful cashier informed me that this is due to the Govmt’s ‘sugar tax’.
I hope they have accounted for the various additives put into diet drinks, in incentivising non-sugar products.
I started on Yellowstone Season 5 on the plane earlier, watching some more this evening. A masterpiece.
The size & population of Texas make it equivalent to its own country; much more land than the UK with almost 1/2 the population.
There are many lessons I have taken away, some still landing.
A smooth flight back to London today, sat next to a doctor & his wife. Texans are overwhelmingly friendly.
I’ve been getting reacquainted with southwest London today and dare I say I feel hopeful.
I’d forgotten how many Churches there are here… lots of Union Jack flags about. I am hopeful. 🇬🇧
You can take the boy out of Texas…
(on the shuttle bus to DFW airport this afternoon)
The latest update from Spotify for Creators shares several feature updates — I’m particularly interested in ‘transcripts’.
I’ve been a Spotify user for years, and their AI/recommendation functionality is impressive.
I’m encouraged by their ongoing commitment to & innovation in the audio space.
Reading this piece in the Star-Telegram put me onto Dr. Phil’s interview with ICE, recorded before the LA protests.
Trust in mainstream media has, understandably, taken a hit. More of us are getting our news from influencers, independent sources, and video/podcast interviews.
Change is happening.
Yesterday, we drove through Glen Rose, TX & past Dinosaur Valley State Park.
Today is 32 years since Jurassic Park was released in theaters.
It’s one of my all-time favorites — for its cinematography & special effects, soundtrack & the script/dialogue.
That iconic scene with Sam Neill waving the flares… That T-Rex roar helped me imagine the world of dinosaurs in a way nothing has since.
And who could forget Samuel L. Jackson’s: “Hold onto your butts!”
The movie made me want to be a paleontologist, and was the inspiration for a Design Tech project during my middle school years in the UK.
Going back to England tomorrow feels like the closing sequence in the helicopter. I will likely be listening to the soundtrack on the flight.
In my experience, life really does find a way.
If I could be a part of one or two movie projects like that in my lifetime, I’d be honored. 🙏
~
2024-25 was Broadway’s highest-grossing season EVER, pulling in circa $2bn and almost 15mn attendees.
I am thrilled for this year’s Tony Awards nominees & winners.
Winning playwright Brandon Jacobs-Jenkins shared some poignant words with CBS recently.
I believe 2025-26 will be even bigger! 🎭
~
My neighbors in Fort Worth, Dan & Delta, treated me to an outing at Buc-ee’s, a store that I would recommend experiencing once in your lifetime — it’s quite something.
That first visit, I noticed a piece of art by the restroom. I knew I had to go back and buy it if I could.
She’s a beauty. ✝️
~
A humble Merab Dvalishvili wins his co-main. Saluting President Trump, he thanks UFC & Dana White for giving him “the best job in the world”.
It’s great to see BRCC on the canvas! Veteran-owned, the NRH branch has been a second home. I’d like for them to be a podcast sponsor… watch this space.
I’ve been watching UFC for years and haven’t seen a post-fight speech like Kayla Harrison’s.
She mentioned her family, the fans, wanting to quit this week, and points to the sky after citing John 3:16. She also mentioned her and opponent Julianna Peña praying for one another pre-fight. Beautiful.
~
Sympathy says “I’m sorry you’re hurt”.
Empathy says “I hurt with you”.
Compassion says “I’ll do anything it takes to stop your hurt”.
(Commentary by Rick Warren, on John 10)
~
Eid-ul-Adha is starting this week, a major event in the Islamic calendar.
You can read more about the festival, celebrated by over 2 billions Muslims* worldwide, here on wikipedia, with BBC Bitesize offering friendly illustrations like the one below.
*approx. 1/4 of the world’s population(!)
Today, 6th June, marks the anniversary of the 1944 D-Day landings at Normandy during WW2.
I visited the site for a primary school trip and recall the opening sequence to Saving Private Ryan, a fine movie which tells the story in beautiful and dramatic fashion. It hits home.
May we never forget.
~
Well, I believe there is a significant proportion of the US population that is disfranchised and not content with what is currently on offer with/in the current political system.
Whether Mr. Musk should be involved… he’s not shown anywhere near the level of consistency & maturity needed.
It’s been said that “The pen is mightier than the sword”.
Digital media has played an increasing role in recent global elections. Our smartphones have been used against us.
It’s time to regain control and produce TRUTHFUL media & art, rather than continue down this fearful and divisive path.
🎙️ June 6, 2025
I’m encouraged by this piece on the US Army reaching its 2025 recruitment target.
Service for one’s country is an amazing thing ~ patriotism doesn’t have to be a dirty word ~ and it seems more young people are realising this.
Whilst I’m a British citizen, I feel very patriotic towards/in the USA 🇺🇸
We visited the Texas State Capitol & LBJ Library. I was brought in touch with President Johnson & wife Lady Bird.
LBJ was a man of ambition, action and humility. So many letters, transcripts, phone conversations… I was struck deeply and moved to tears.
Truly a foursome to be reckoned with.
With so much good to celebrate here in Texas, we must also acknowledge the heartache.
I’m reading the Wikipedia page of Jonathan Joss this morning, shot dead by a neighbor. A tragic and needless event.
I am reflecting on what could have prevented this. How can we reduce civil unrest in this nation?
When you haven’t seen your parents in almost 6 months and they surprise you by flying more than 4,000 miles to see you…
I danced, I sang, lip synced… and, yes, I introduced Elton John onto the stage before pretending to play the piano
~
Full text + more pics here
Dad, Mum & I made it safely to Austin, TX. A couple of views from the ride, below.
It’s supposed to be hitting 40°C/100°F here… many folks have warned me about the tenacity of these Texan summers!
I’m just happy to be here with my parents, celebrating my Dad’s birthday. It means the world.
~~
Dad, Mum & made it safely to Austin, TX. A couple of views from the ride, below.
It’s supposed to be hitting 40°C/100°F here… many folks have warned me about the tenacity of these Texan summers!
I’m just happy to be here with my parents, celebrating my Dad’s birthday. It means the world.
So, Minneapolis has made it onto this list.
The number of times I’ve heard people say something like “Why do you want to move to the US, Jazz?”
My answer is that two months in Texas has restored my hope and my faith in humanity, and my April baptism means that I have a new birthday and birthplace.
June 1984. The Indian state ~ under the leadership of Indira Gandhi ~ launched an attack on the single most holy site for Sikhs.
As always, I encourage all to do their own research on this.
I hope the British government does the right thing.
“One man’s terrorist is another man’s freedom fighter”
~
Today is my parents’ wedding anniversary. We attended one of the most well-run Sikh temples I’ve visited, across the 3 continents I’ve visited these Gurdwaras in.
Then we spent the afternoon in the beautiful FW Botanic Garden. A very special place.
Texas and its people are being very good to us! 🙏
“Tobacco must disappear where there are children…” - via AP news
Hallelujah. This is nothing short of a minor miracle. Smoking has been a deep part of French culture for many years. This is a significant step in the right direction. Protecting our children ought to be a collective priority.
~
In recent times I’ve written about my mother, a beautiful, caring, and resilient woman.
My father is a special person, too. Whilst I am my own person my affinity for sports, and Columbo(!), comes from him.
Here’s the table we played on earlier, whilst watching the CL Final. He won, comfortably 🎱
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Dad, Mum and I spent a day at the Stockyards.
We saw the cattle drive, visited the John Wayne Museum, had a Riscky’s BBQ dinner, and attended our first rodeo.
Witnessing this family-friendly competitive show with everyone standing in unison for the anthem… I will truly never forget this day. 🇺🇸
~
00:08 on 05.30.25 seems the perfect time to share that my daily podcast has had:
250 streams over 25 episodes
so that’s a wrap for season 1!
the beauty of long-form content is that it is evergreen ~ reaching more people over time
that’s how my previous podcast hit 20k listens in 100+ countries
Yesterday morning, I was doing my morning walk when I heard familiar voices, turned, and there they were… my father and my mother.
It was surreal. Like all of my Christmases had come at once.
I could not help but burst into tears.
And they’re staying here for two whole weeks. God is good. 🫶
Some artwork I spotted outside a Bucc-ee’s restroom the other week.
Visiting the store was quite the experience. Experiencing the atmosphere inside and seeing the beaver logo made me think of Punxsutawney Phil and the movie, Groundhog Day.
I’m a day late with this anniversary post but it’s worth the late share… it’s iconic.
Muhammad Ali vs Sonny Liston II, inside the first minute of the first round.
I went on a downtown adventure today, getting off the bus near the Kimble Art Museum, stopping by a bookstore and then a movie for lunch. I ended up getting a good amount of steps in. A nice way to end the week.
~
One of the things I do appreciate about the digitisation of newspapers is the ability to read on-the-go at one’s leisure… even when you find yourself thousands of miles away from the printing presses from whence it came.
Train ride to downtown Fort Worth 🌻
Wikipedia tells me that today would have been Malcolm X’s birthday ~ for sure a trailblazer in his time.
If you’d like to immerse yourself in his world to mark the occasion, I’d recommend the documentary series Blood Brothers on Netflix or the movie One Night in Miami on Amazon Prime. 🎬
Boarding the TEXRail earlier, with trains towards Ft. Worth running behind schedule.
The train conductor was helpful ~ sharing with me the appropriate bus to get if the train were to terminate early.
I also met train enthusiast Zack, who has been running a YouTube channel for several years:
Some big news in US Cable television today — AP reports that Cox and Charter (better known as Spectrum), two mammoth cable companies, are merging in a deal that’s worth $34.5bn dollars. With around 38.5 million media customers between them, they are combining forces to compete w/ streaming services.
I spent tonight in Dallas @ KD Conservatory, watching the latest cohort showcase their end-of-programme performances.
As well as various cool posters on display, I enjoyed seeing the school & immersing myself more in the DFW arts scene ~ a friendly & vibrant one thus far, I must say.
~
Cal.com now offers SMS workflows across free + paid plans, as per their latest update.
I view mobile marketing as the future ~ I am as bullish on the effectiveness of this form of direct-comms as I am with email newsletters.
This update has nudged me towards Cal as my preferred calendar scheduler.
Name: Jasraj Singh Hothi
Born: Sunday 4th June, 1989 in Middlesex, UK 🇬🇧
Born, again: Sunday 27th April, 2025 in Pittsburg, USA 🇺🇸
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Every day is a school day…
Kentucky Fried Chicken’s Colonel Sanders, who reportedly received “no” after “no” when it came to seeking funding for the chicken recipe before he got his break… also ran for Senator one year and narrowly missed out.
This from a poster I spotted in a KFC branch today:
Here’s how my Wednesday is looking so far…
For a few years, whilst working on my projects and passionately doing so throughout the week, Wednesday is a day where I give myself some grace and space to slow down and be more present.
Sunday is another of those days. We were designed for rest 💚
~
10 days into the new podcast I have started on Spotify for Creators, I am pleasantly surprised at the organic reach it has garnered on Spotify.
To date, I have not shared it with my existing email audience of ~1,800 folks.
Wow. President Trump on Truth Social:
“Tomorrow morning… I will be signing one of the most consequential Executive Orders in our Country’s history. Prescription Drug and Pharmaceutical prices will be REDUCED, almost immediately, by 30% to 80%…”
His post in full here. I’ll be following this closely.
A visit to an Orthodox Church this Sunday for a Mother’s Day service, followed by the closing matinee performance of a show that I’ve now seen 3 times ~ a first for me.
Rift, or White Lies was worth each of the 3 trips to downtown Fort Worth’s Amphibean Stage to watch it. An excellent production.
I’m doing some ‘tools’ admin this morning. I’ve been using Porkbun for email domains, which I came across through the realnice guys (Matt + Aaron).
I’m about to purchase Porkbun email hosting for $24 dollars, and Kit has a free plan for up to 10,000 subscribers. I can’t really argue with that.
‘The role of men and women in society’ is just one of the talking points that exists amongst Church leaders and Christians today, there is no doubt about that.
One of the Pastors who is stewarding me currently, shared this article with me earlier:
📝 Where Pope Leo Stands on Specific Issues via TIME
One of the things I’ve enjoyed in the past is reading the blog updates of makers and creators on the ‘business building’ journey, whether that’s indie or funded.
I’m planning on sharing my own weekly updates to keep me accountable as I build out the projects I’ve shared over on my website, link below.
I like the idea of an ‘end of week’ Friday update. To kick things off, I’m going to share 3 things I’d like to make daily progress on over the week ahead (inspired by Leo Babauta:
~ morning prayer ([Daily Hope Devotional](Daily Hope Devotional: 365 Days of Purpose, Peace, and Promise) + Bible) ~ daily podcast (Making America safe again) ~ blog + community (indie writer media)
You can find out more about the above projects via www.jasraj.co
As we approach Mother’s Day in the US this Sunday, I am relieved and hopeful in hearing the news from the Vatican this afternoon.
A Pope of dual citizenship 🇺🇸 🇵🇪, known for women’s reform in the Church, approved of by the late former Pope Francis…
I am praying for this man and for his tenure 🙏
Waking up to the news that Microsoft founder Bill Gates has committed to donating $200 billion of his wealth, this episode shares why I believe firmly in the potential of for-profit tech businesses, and specifically COMMUNITY-ORIENTED TECH BUSINESSES (what I’m calling “community-tech”) — and the family friend, ‘Uncle Nilesh’, who has helped plant this idea.
I also share where in the US I’m headed next (clue: I’m heading east…), and the platform that has allowed me to travel and enjoy new places on a budget, called TrustedHousesitters.
Listen via the link below:
🎙️ #6: The potential in for-profit “community-tech” businesses
PS. White smoke has billowed from the Vatican as I prepare to upload this recording. I pray for the next leader of the world’s 1 -billion-plus Catholic community.
~
I spent an afternoon in Dallas with a friend, taking the TRE railway from Fort Worth Central to EBJ Union ~ two of the three busiest Amtrak stations in Texas.
We had tacos and strolled in the sunshine, before I got the train back and headed to Church, via Albertson’s supermarket. A nourishing day.
Today’s episode sees me continuing to open up on things that have been left unspoken for several years.
When I was a child and would look at maps of the world, I was fascinated by the different countries and the different cultures and peoples of different backgrounds.
We are different people no matter where we are from, no better and no less, but different. Different, but equal.
I was born and raised in England, but my ancestors arrived here from Panjab, northern India. I was born into a beautiful faith called Sikhism. It was started at a time of great inequality in India, with oppressive and long-standing gender and caste systems at play.
Yet I grew up in an environment where, despite elders going to the Holy temple, and doing their daily Sikh prayers (which are beautiful, by the way), ~ and even housing the Holy Book, the Guru Grant Sahib Ji, in their homes ~ there was both explicit and implied sexism and racism I was exposed to through my childhood and into adulthood ~ as well as clear differences between how men and women, and boys and girls, were treated.
I could probably write a book on this, even a series of books, on what I witnessed and experienced. There were many moments where I had to bite my tongue and, over time, I became increasingly disillusioned with the disparity between the beautiful teachings from the Holy Book, teaching about Oneness and wholeness and humanity, and the lives these older stewards of the family were living out through their actions.
There was inter-family competition to a degree that wasn’t healthy. Coming from a place of compassion, this was a case of broken people (the elders) leading their families the best they could.
Switching to a more hopeful perspective…
Rapper Akala has helped me understand why these deep-seated beliefs have taken hold, and begin to make sense of why there are such shocking differences between how men and men are treated to this day ~ and why family members I was told to respect and trust are so shockingly racist with the views they held.
His book is called Natives, and I would highly recommend it as reading material for anyone who would like to understand where racism and classism comes from, and how we can undo some of the conditioning that’s taken hold to heal ourselves ~ and connect better with others from all walks of life, just as God intended.
I believe there is much beauty to be found I every religion and philosophy that there is… where we fall down is the application of these “rules”. I say this as a man myself… men have a lot to answer for!
~
In episode #4 I talk about the personal significance of the number four, and introduce two dear friends of mine whom I’ve gotten to know in recent weeks.
In reflecting on these friendships, and drawing upon comparisons with the founder of Walmart and his famed deathbed words,
‘‘I blew it” — the conclusion I have come to that technology is the enabler for humanity, rather than the source.
Thank you, Eric and Tamara.
~
‘Learned helplessness’ is a psychological state where an individual believes they have no control over a situation, even when opportunities for change are available.
Today’s episode shares why this principle is ever relevant in today’s tech-infused world, and draws comparisons between ‘traditional psychology’ and ‘positive psychology’.
I also mention VE Day (also known as Victory in Europe Day) and reflect on my previous years of working in “the city”, with a throwback to the newspapers I would read on the daily commute,
~
Some interesting statistics on podcast consumption by platform, via Edison Research.
To quote the accompanying article (October 2024),
“Edison Podcast Metrics is the only podcast measurement service that measures listening, not downloads, across all networks, shows, and platforms”.
This second episode was recorded on some rough and rugged land in West Texas ~ there are lessons we can learn from the Land, if only we’ll listen to them.
A Sleeping Panther appears in today’s recording ~ ep. #1 of a new pod I’m calling Making America safe again, in which I open up on my journey with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), as well as how the biblical narrative has helped in my healing, and the importance of letting ourselves cry.
A good share from Hannah Parvaz over on LinkedIn recently.
You can find a link to the full carousel here, illustrating the significant changes that have happened this week in relation to the App Store, and what it all means for indie makers — or anyone with an interest in the world of web/mobile applications.
~
I’m humbled to share a ‘vision board’ I journaled this afternoon, bringing together various streams of thought.
PTSD, anxiety and trauma have occupied my thoughts since I spent time in group therapy and on a Psychology Masters in 2016-18.
This project is tentatively titled: ”Make America safe again”
Yesterday’s Amazon delivery.
I talk about sport and a concept I have zero real-world experience with in this one… being a father. This one combines those two things, and includes a reference to the The Simpsons. I’m praying for good fights this weekend where all involved emerge safe, and return to their families ~ and fathers.
I’m starting this month by thanking a few of the people who have helped me make myself at home here in the Lone Star State.
A fiercely independent state that is just one piece of a great collection of United States? It’s no wonder I am feeling so connected to this land! 🙏
Europe is emerging from one of its worst ever power outages this week and one wonders how this happened with the resources and exponentially-powerful technology available to us.
I also mention the Biblical story of David and Goliath in this one. Are we the Davids or the Goliaths?
Shortly after starting on this morning’s recording, I came across a small snake in the road(!).
Around this interesting interruption, I found myself reflecting on 📹 why family is important to me, and the delicate balance in sharing personal stories in a gracious way. This isn’t always easy to do.
I am up in the early hours for a train journey after a wonderful weekend in one of Texas’s smallest counties ~ a true “small town” in America.
The conversations I have been having with people of different ages, of different walks and from different creeds have led me to one conclusion… the people of this nation are ready for conversation, for reconciliation, and for healing.
I am filled with hope as I move forward today (despite my eyes being half-closed from this early morning recording), and I am praying that this hope only multiples and that friendships and family connections are reconciled in these coming weeks and months ahead.
Here’s the 15-minute audio for the 2016 speech I mention at the end of today’s recording ~ it gives me great hope. God bless America.
~
”While the campaign is over, our work on this movement is now only just beginning”
I rode my first Amtrak from Union Station, Dallas over to Longview yesterday. It was delayed almost 6-hours, and it’s up there as one of the more memorable train delays I’ve experienced — for the right reasons.
I recorded a short video earlier, before switching off and enjoy my time out in the country, and good-ol’ Texan hospitality.
An impromptu stop in Dallas today owing to a delay en route to East Texas.
I wandered out of Union Street station right in the midst of downtown, close to the location where President Kennedy was assassinated in 1963.
I hadn’t expected to experience such history today. Thank you, delayed train.
Another day, yet another sad developing story of world leaders with hard hearts counteracting hate with hate. The excuses continue, the so-called ‘free press’ (that is no longer the case) will report to generate clicks and attention and line the pockets of the people and the institutions who fund them.
The problems of this world, from politics to media to the environment, will be solved through 📹 collective action. It is time.
It will take a village. It will take organisation and intention and collective effort.
Can we do it?
Yes. We. Can.
For as long as I can remember, I have explored the realms of scientific and human understanding. I’ve had an appetite for learning since I was a kid.
My curiosity brought me towards a Masters in Psychology, in search of the answers. Upon keeping a gratitude diary I discovered that, eventually and consistently, keeping a ‘gratitude’ diary (what has become known amongst psychologists as ‘counting your blessings’), would become stale. Like me bread.
Just like the research, across populations, has shown.
Also in recent years, I have prayed ~ out loud, silently in my head, and in my journal. More so than ever before during these last few weeks. Often several times a day.
I am still waiting for this prayer to become stale.
I know not what kind of Bread this is.
Does anyone have ideas for compressing videos easily without (too much noticeable) loss of quality? @KimberlyHirsh made a great suggestion in uploading to archive.org that I’m exploring ~ the challenge being that the video I recorded via smartphone yesterday was fairly hefty, 1.5GB… upload was slow
I’ve taken Pew Research Center’s Political Typology Quiz a couple of times in recent days. My initial result was ‘Stressed Sideliner(s)’, and then ‘Ambivalent Right’.
In today’s video I share the echo chambers I’ve experienced over the years — somewhat of a 📹“coming out” of the political closet, if you will.
Thank goodness for the likes of Heather Cox Richardson and Carole Cadwalladr, who have been sharing honest, well-researched reporting on politics for a while now — I would recommend their writing for delving into what’s been going on and the context behind it.
I have a 15-minute video that I’ve recorded today.
Is there a way to upload + share video that folks here recommend? (Bonus points for the absence of likes and algorithms)
I’m aware that micro.blog is best for shorter videos if I wouldn’t like the original file to be compressed.
Keeping a watch on the tornado warnings here in North Texas, whilst watching Friends on DVD with a fun-sized screen, thanks to friends and neighbors here in Fort Worth.
R Men N of R… is a country song that expresses deep frustration with the struggles of the working class in the United States. The lyrics describe the hardships of working long hours for low pay, rising costs of living, and feeling left behind by politicians and the government
-via Perplexity
In 2025, have we lost sight of what this whole “business” thing is all about?
Forty years ago, we didn’t have likes or followers or such public visibility to be concerned about.
The priority used to be to find an existing idea that was tried-and-tested (not to ‘change the world’ or ‘build a unicorn’), make it happen. Direct sales. Reputation. Consistency.
The focus was on ‘serving the customer’, and now ‘how do I look?”
Today, we have everyone to compare ourselves to.
Professor and economist Richard Layard refers to this in one of this books as the “keeping up with the Joneses effect”.
Back in the day, we used to compare ourselves with our neighbours on our street or in our village… these days, we have thousands of others to compare ourselves to at any one.
I’d like to take a leaf out of the book called “The Old Way of Doing Things”.
I believe that, when it boils down to it, doing business hasn’t really changed that much.
It’s easy to complicate things and get sucked into the allure of doing stuff that isn’t important, or barely moves the needle.
The focus should be getting out there and getting your hands dirty and having conversations with customers ~ not on generating likes and followers.
I recorded today’s video walking towards a beautiful sunrise this morning
Here’s the link to the video, titled Walking between the Sun and the Moon
And below is a picture I took as I walked a few more paces and the colours above the horizon had changed to brighter hues
Our planet is precious 🌎
Many corporations once started out as local businesses.
The mom-n-pop shop has struggled more lately in the face of the rise of corporations, and difficult economic times favouring corporations who are better able to weather the difficult times.
I believe the opportunity to innovate and create change, however, is very much alive.
I do not see why we can’t make money, care for people, and care for our planet at the same time ~ in order for all of us, as a collective, to thrive.
I really hope so.
I was speaking with my neighbor today about the basic ingredients for people and, by that token, for local communities.
Between the two of us, we came up with 5 sensible things to prioritise when thinking about making an impact in your local town or city.
I share them in this video: 📹 5 ingredients for good community
I also mentioned Vaisakhi one of the most important days in the Sikh calendar ~ marking the start of the Spring Harvest 🌱
Reflecting on my second time in small-town America, first in the state of Wisconsin (Lake Geneva, Walworth County), and now in the state of Texas (North Richland Hills, Tarrant County)
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*North Richland Hills: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nort…
A King who rode into Jerusalem on a donkey…
Happy Palm Sunday, 🤳 [an auspicious day](Palm Sunday, an auspicious day #Christian #easter youtube.com/shorts/C0…
~
🌐 Wikipedia: Palm Sunday
📝 I’m back in small-town America (part 1)
Reflecting on my second time in small-town America ~ first in the state of Wisconsin (Lake Geneva, Walworth County) and now in the state of Texas (North Richland Hills, Tarrant County)
🏡 My second time in small-town America
I landed in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas a little over 24 hours ago. Here’s a short video I recorded this morning ~ 📹 landing in a(nother) new city
Introducing myself (again)…
I’ve changed my bio many, many times on the various places I’ve been online over the last ten years
I thought I’d share a little video introduction, to share where I’m from and what I’m working on
Here goes…
📹 Allow me to introduce myself
As I spend every single day on technology, and human beings ~ for less than < 0.001% in our history ~ spent zero time on technology, I’m realising I want to do something about this.
I’d like to make my Sundays more sacred. i.e. wholesome activities, creating, consuming physical media, in-person connection, sport…
If you’d like to more meaningfully delve into this stuff, there are plenty of resources out there.
Here are some places I’d start:
~ 📚 Deep Work, by Cal Newport
~ 📺 The Social Dilemma, on Netflix
~ 🌍 The Centre for Humane Technology, a nonprofit
~ 📚 The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, by John Mark Comer
Hello, I’m back on micro blog 👋 I intend to use this place to share shorter-form updates alongside my long-form writing, to share my journey as I complete my next book and begin a new local project here in Mexico City, where I am currently based and writing this post from.
It’s nice to be back.