Author Archives: JJS

Devon – Day I

🇬🇧 From turbulence to tranquility A journey in three acts Act 1: The EasyJet Waltz Flying EasyJet is a bit like speed dating—efficient, no unnecessary pleasantries, and over before you’ve really settled in. The Toulouse-to-Bristol leg was textbook: no frills, … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

De l’eau partout / Water everywhere

🇫🇷 mais surtout dans les polémiques Ah, la grande aventure du climat ! D’un côté, on nous annonce des sécheresses à n’en plus finir, lacs à sec, rivières fantômes, des champs de blé transformés en terrain de pétanque. De l’autre, … Continue reading →

Posted in Climate, Commentary, Ecology v common sense, Environment, Opinion, Politics, Society, Sustainable living, Uncategorized, Water management | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Amazon knows what I did last summer

🇬🇧 (and the one before that) The other day, I found myself in a modern mystery: Amazon was randomly sending me “Photo of the Day” memories from years back. Curious, because I don’t use Amazon Photos. Or so I thought. … Continue reading →

Posted in Cloud Storage, Data, Digital security, Privacy, Social Media, Technology | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

The day I discovered St. Patrick

🇬🇧 and my photos on Amazon ☘️ Growing up in France in the ’60s and ’70s, St. Patrick’s Day was as foreign to me as peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. It simply didn’t exist in my world. Even during my … Continue reading →

Posted in Celebrations, Culture, Holidays, Personal experiences, Traditions, Travel | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

The week that was 11-2025

🇬🇧 A week of sneezes, seafood and subscriptions At the time of writing, I am feeling decidedly under the weather, battling a rather unpleasant cold. Given the times we live in, I should probably take a COVID test, but let’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Lifestyle, Personal reflections | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Pi Day

🇬🇧 A slice of mathematical fun Every March 14th, mathematicians, geeks, and dessert enthusiasts unite for one of the most irrationally delightful days of the year—Pi Day! No, this isn’t about flaky crusts and sweet fillings (though, let’s be honest, … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Food & Recipes, Fun holidays, Geek culture, Math & Science | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

The art of digital decluttering

🇬🇧 A cozy reflection Feeling slightly under the weather, I have no inclination for physical activity. So here I am, comfortably wrapped in my lounging wear, nestled on the sofa with a hot drink in hand, trying to untangle my … Continue reading →

Posted in blogging, Digital organisation, Efficiency, Personal projects, Productivity, Technology & Gadgets | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Boycotting with a twist

🇬🇧 My two-decades quest for alternatives Ah, the good ol’ days of the early 2000s, when hair was big, jeans were baggy, and the world was blissfully unaware of the impending doom that came with a certain military operation in … Continue reading →

Posted in Alternative software, Consumer activism, European innovation, Gadgets, Personal reflections, Technology | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

The week that was 10-2025

🇬🇧 A retired person’s delight (mostly) Ah, another week in the life of a happily retired individual. A week that was neither too adventurous nor entirely uneventful—just the right balance of leisure, technology-induced epiphanies, and the occasional humbling experience. Let’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Comics, Music & Nostalgia, Personal reflections, Retirement life, Tech Gadgets, Technology, Travel planning | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Europe at a crossroads

Standing strong in a changing world Here’s a transcript of the French Senator Mr Malhuret’s excellent full speech earlier this week reflecting much of my own thoughts. Mr. President, Mr. Prime Minister, Ladies and Gentlemen Ministers, My dear colleagues, Europe … Continue reading →

Posted in European politics, International relations, Speeches and opinions | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment