Happy Diwali to all my family and friends!

So sorry to learn Pauline Collins has just died. In 1973, as an UG, going to work at my summer job at NIBSC on the Tube, I looked up-to see Pauline Collins sitting right opposite me. Gobsmacked. theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/n…

So here's my idea. If Anne Brontē had lived, maybe she would have written a novel explicitly criticizing slavery.

A new Judge Dee novel featuring Empress Wu Zetian!! The author Qiu Xiaolong is writing new Judge Dee mysteries! This is #2 in the series. Can't wait to start it! William Dalrymple

𝑇𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑦𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑑-𝑃𝑒́𝑟𝑖𝑔𝑜𝑟𝑑 👻🦋 Not until you have all signed the peace accord for Europe..... A lesson for us all today.

Today is Giving Tuesday. Since I am a fundraiser, I donate regularly, to among others, the God Provides Foodbank at El Monte. With SNAP benefits under threat, it is helpful to give to your local food bank.

Bilbo Baggins by Amelia Rose

On India's past and the East India Company youtu.be/GG78XwEv9wY?si…

A tiger mom with her 5 cubs from Umred Wildlife Sanctuary, Maharashtra, India.