Harvest Season
We spent hours in the orchard gathering apples, pears, and tomatoes, a project begun in 2015 on a barren paddock. Now thriving, it has benefited from this summer’s record heat, which boosted yields.
alxblk
Curation and opinion on innovation, technology and creativity
Latest
7x7 - 14 Sept Edition
A cultural roundup: Real Hackney Dave’s bold screen prints, Professor Alexander’s disaster foresight lecture, a landmark tree photobook, Niwaki’s Field Report, Apple’s awe-inspiring launch, Jony Ive’s design insights, and the urgent crisis of US leadership amid famine and displacement.
7x7 - 7 Sept Edition
BFI screens Love+War on Addario’s fearless lens on conflict; McCullin tours UK; Parr, Flach & Miller talks at Gresham; Wellcome’s Thirst explores water; 50Best celebrates global sandwiches; Vitsoe revives Rams’ 931 bag; retail notes on Desktronic trees & Kolor’s inclusive packing.
99 problems but lunch ain't one...
Vittles is one of the best guides to London and your go to for obscure, unusual and authentic food. Their lunch guide is perfectly judged and the perfect antidote to the convenience bias of Pret.
Tour of Britain 2025
The Tour of Britain swept past the end of our road, and with only a Leica in hand, I gambled on catching speed with slowness.
UCL
·
Back to School
A red letter day - a new chapter, marked by purpose and the hope of adding good to the world.
London Mooch
Rochelle Canteen never fails: octopus braised with a surprising herbal sweetness, cod over creamed corn, and the walled garden in summer at its best. Clever, comforting food without ego.
Prime Time with Iain Farrell
Prime Lenses has grown from a modest creative project into 80+ thoughtful conversations with photographers, including Joel Meyerowitz. Eschewing gear talk so prevalent in the podcast brosphere, it enthusiastically captures the joy of craft, creativity, and the voices shaping photography today.
AI
·
Meta, Do Better
Reuters’ investigation into Meta’s 200-page AI chatbot guidelines revealed egregious oversights approved by Meta's Chief Ethicist. The case underscores how Meta’s rapid AI expansion is outpacing ethical safeguards and creating substantial societal risk.
Music
·
Tiny Desk Concerts - An Appreciation
NPR’s Tiny Desk shows prove that stripped-back, intimate spaces can draw out raw, unforgettable performances. Like MTV Unplugged before it, the pared-down format removes distractions and lets artistic talent shine.
Strategy
·
Of strategy and moles
I’ve been deep in strategy and design work for a new brand - late nights, early starts, and plenty of ignored sleep debt. Research has carried me from Bauhaus to Ndebele art, while the dog keeps vigil and the moles wage war in the orchard.
Africa
·
Africa is bigger than you think
The African Union has renewed support for the “Correct the Map” campaign, which challenges the Mercator projection for distorting the true size of continents. The campaign seeks to restore Africa’s rightful place in global consciousness.