Sometimes lines from books or songs or TV shows stick in my head like non-musical earworms.
I repeat them to myself for a few days, or longer, like a tiny inconsequential personal mantra. They can be meaningful or, more likely, they are the coked up ramblings of an exhausted scriptwriter cramming in amends of a final draft. Either way they start bouncing around inside my skull and I end up thinking there’s some purpose for them being there, as though I subconsciously highlighted it knowing it was secret wisdom, or a key bit of info that’ll help me through the week ahead.
I suppose that’s why I like horoscopes and tarot cards too. I find it easy and comforting to attach solemnity and deep meaning to things. I have a stone on my windowsill that I picked up from a beach in Eidesfjord nine years ago, because I saw it first out of all the pebbles on that beach, because I was drawn to it, and because I picked it up. Putting it back down was never an option. It lives with me now.
I started watching The Gilmore Girls last week out of boredom and depression and in one episode, a character is explaining the protagonists to another character. He ends the fairly insightful monologue with the line:
“Answer the pepperoni.”
I haven’t been able to get it out of my head ever since.
Other stuff
Beautiful photos and beautiful writing by Lily Waite about her recent trip to Harbour Brewing, fishing and foraging too.
Although this on spicy Amburana wood barrels is pretty interesting, especially how makers of pastry stouts are realising how the flavours they seek actually once came from wood rather than adjuncts, I’d love to read more about the tree itself. Hint hint.
The link between conservationism and fascism is disturbing, and stronger than you think. This on fascists at the farmers’ markets shows where the two cross clearly and with a lot of depth.
Lithuanian farmhouse yeast. A 70+ year old brewster. A surprise call from the Consulate. What more do you want?
An interesting piece on burnout — I always read things about burnout — in The Guardian.
This hugely in-depth deep-dive of a thing on Brian Eno’s Music for Airports. Tracks 2/1 and 1/2 have been broken down into individual loops so you can have a go at creating your own masterpiece. Such a beautiful way to re-explore the album.
My stuff
Sometimes I get to review 5* meals. Sometimes I get sent to kebab shops.
A throwback to my bit on beer apps of the future because I like it.
A bit of news: I’m going to be in London next month to judge at the World Beer Awards and to help judge the Champion Beer Of Britain at the Great British Beer Awards, which I’m really looking forward to! If you’re going, see you there!
St. Ives by Lily Waite for Good Beer Hunting