I once heard a Russian lecturer say, in a history talk, 'Raisa Gorbachev was the first Russian First Lady who weighed less than her husband.'

How do you like your books?

THRILLED to see Eland reissuing this imo classic today - a hugely illuminating glimpse into the Middle East before well you know. 1950s.

Evidence that the Bhutanese stamp depicting me is legal tender. Onward to coinage.

Oh crikey I am sure you are right. Perhaps the word 'zombie' was too hard to translate out of Dzongkha. At any rate I am glad you enjoyed the piece

Ha ha Instagram. Just read this, 'I want to live in a world where searching for plane tickets burns calories'. 🌎❣️

In the main post office in Thimphu, Bhutan, you can get stamps printed with your image, and use them in regular mail. Leg shom du! First step in world domination.

Still life with chard

Writers! Unsure how to finish your book? Take a tip from top girl Joan Didion. 'It's sort of like Vietnam - say you've won and leave.'

Oh how very splendid!

Oh come on National Gallery I really can't stand it

Nature pic for today: a trio of Bee-eaters here in Jerusalem

Just heard Claire Dederer talking on BBC Radio 4 about 'the genius as asshole'. Gripping. She was speaking about film. If you started on literature there would be no end to it.

How To Do It part 324: ‘I hope I’m not going to have any trouble about House Styles, I don’t recognise them … and I shall insist on my own punctuation, commas in particular’. Jan Morris to a new OUP editor, 1982

“I told you I didn’t want to play”

Wonderful little segment on BBC Radio 3 just now on a #PaulAuster character wondering if a piece is by Mozart or Hayden. RIP

Bluebells by the Dwyvor today

Dylan Thomas’ ‘The Followers’. ‘Put a drop of Worcester on the chips’, Leslie whispered, as he stared through the window. And by God, she did.’

Gorgeous Bhutanese film, on i-player.
samuelgoldwynfilms.com/lunana-a-yak-i…

#footballchants . When Barnet FC were 4:0 down in their crucial qualifier yesterday and supporters started leaving, the away Solihull fans chanted, 'Is There a Fire Alarm?' A son gave this heartening bulletin.