In a field like athletics, the recipe to success is clear: be the best. Being the best is quantifiable. If you run faster, throw harder or jump higher, no one…
Responding to a reader’s comment on excessive travel and narrow scoring
I had an interesting comment on my blog a few days ago, and I’ve been mulling it over. If anyone takes the trouble to comment at length like this, and…
In Paris, in the rain
Spent a day in Paris on the way to Provence. Drank some wine, ate oysters, and generally walked around. Paris is unique. One of my favourite films is Midnight in…
Video: Elgin from the air
Here’s a short film and some pictures from my gyrocopter flight over Elgin with Ian Corder. It was an amazing experience. But gyrocopters are tiny and it was a little…
We have the wrong map: how false directions impede our search for happiness
A while ago I posted on happiness, and in the short essay I mentioned that one reason people might be unhappy is that they have false beliefs about how happiness…
Answering questions about achieving online success
I was recently asked some questions (quite good ones) by someone researching a book. It took a while to answer, so I thought I’d share the responses here. 1) Tell…
In the Douro: Vale Meão
Vale Meão is an important property in the Douro Superior. It traces its history as a Quinta back to the end of the late 19th century, when Dona Antónia Ferreira…
Domaine des Roches Neuves Clos Romans Saumur 2012
I love this wine so much. I had it with Doug Wregg at Terroirs. It’s Chenin Blanc at its best. Thierry Germain Domaine des Roches Neuves Clos Romans Saumur 2012 Loire,…
On happiness
On happiness. Some thoughts prompted by someone asking me how they could be happier, when they were feeling miserable. Are you happy? Happiness is something we all strive for. But…