Imagine my surprise to discover that an “influencer” who had vaguely intersected with the area I live has managed to lose a wife and three children on his way to social media success. Just imagine. So much of that culture is utterly toxic. Yet, this is the new aspiration.

The children are less enthused by this stage of the meal preparation…

A halved cabbage and several broccoli florets are placed on a wooden cutting board next to a pot with a lid.

Prepping Christmas Dinner while watching the Countryfile Christmas Special. Because, yes, I am middle aged and middle class.

A kitchen countertop features a cutting board with a potato and a peeler, a bag of potatoes, three bottles of wine, and a tablet displaying a blurred close-up image of grapes.

Time to get the turkey in.

A kitchen countertop holds a tray covered with aluminum foil, a glass bowl with raw meat, several bottles of wine, electrical outlets, and a smart speaker.

A very merry Christmas to those who celebrate it!

The way my hair’s going, I figure I’m about 10 years and a beard from making a decent Santa.

Today has challenged my understanding of the word “elf”.

A person dressed as a festive elf on stilts stands confidently at an outdoor market with tents and people in the background.

Number of open tabs on my iPad: 0.

Days since this was last the case: 3,130.

Free audiobooks from Apple

Well, this is a great Christmas gift:

Apple Books has published six exclusive audiobooks this week, showcasing six great first listen titles read by celebrity narrators. The books themselves are all public domain works from Pride and Prejudice to Winnie the Pooh, recorded by Apple and released in the Book Store for free.

If you have an iDevice of some sort, these are well worth grabbing. The narrators include Karen Gillen (Doctor Who, Guardians of the Galaxy) and Kate Beckinsale. (Underworld series, etc).

A promotional text highlights Great first listens for audiobooks, recommending titles like Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice.

The great pre-Christmas tab purge is underway. Wish me luck.