And so it begins

Life after Big Issue: politics, music and dogs

Being an early adopter of new things, here I am joining Substack. Clearly, I’m in the vanguard of this means of communication.

Over time at Big Issue – just about 20 years - my interests became clear: how journalism can impact proper change in society, and how to keep that interesting and sharp without collapsing into well-meaning, but woolly, flannel. I’ve tried to challenge those with the levers of power to do what they say, and to advocate for those with least. And always to seek a genuine understanding of what is going on, not parrot what we’re frequently fed. This will continue here.

I’ve developed a deep interest in Universal Basic Income (this is interesting!) as a meaningful way to deal with society’s inequities and growing automation in the workforce. I’ll be looking at that here over time.

Also, a lot of music, the greatest of all creations. And clothes. MEN OF MY AGE – STOP WEARING QUARTER ZIP TOPS. We’ll get into why and where to find suitable alternatives.

There will also be a lot of my dog, Toastie. He will have to get used to me spending more time around. Although, this morning, he chewed up my glasses. The dog ate my glasses. I’ve got this up to 20 point font size, but really, I could be typing anything here.

Onwards into the new.