Thoughts on photography, coffee and more

Returning to playing games after taking a break had some surprising personal benefits including:- Convenience / accessibility. Emotional benefits. Cognitive benefits. Recovery benefits. Intrinsic enjoyment. See if you agree with my list.

I was a nervous Nintendo Switch 2 shopper. As a dad in his 40s, with kids, would I get hold of this new console and still love gaming? What accessories would I need. Which Nintendo games should I buy? Zelda, Mario, Donkey Kong - are they all still amazing?

Finding out if the Pro 2 by Nintendo is the best controller I have ever used. Never uncomfortable, feels premium in every way, analogue controls feel silky smooth and ultra-responsive, and it has all the Nintendo first-party extras: amiibo support, a headphone jack, extra programmable buttons, and on/off power control for the Switch 2. Superb.

The OHTO GS02 is an excellent pen: slim, aluminium-bodied, and engineered with a restrained Japanese design language. It looks like a technical instrument rather than a disposable office pen, and paired with the PG-M05NP 0.5 mm ceramic gel refill it becomes an enjoyable everyday writing tool.

Pokemon is a great card /board game. I'm writing this for parents predominantly because I think the approach here can help get you and your kids into the Pokemon card game quickly and for less expense than if you start collecting cards. If you want to play the game, learn how to avoid the cost associated with buying random packs of cards and keep it cheap, then read on.

Finding a good lock for my bikes and my kids' bikes has been difficult. Finding Hiplok cable locks and airtag holders has really improved the security convenience factor.

A review of a super cool tripod with maglock and a carabiner. Feature include: 1. Phone stand, various heights and angles 2. Handheld mode, a short selfie stick 3. Tripod mode - a small leg tripod and reasonably stable 4. Magnetic / snap mode - use the magnetic base to attach to anything magnetic 5. Mantis - use the built in hook to suspend it from thin structures like the top of a TV, phone tray etc. 6. Quick release Arca tripod connector and standard 1/4” female thread connector for attaching to tripods. 7. Carabiner to connect to a bag or strap for carrying 8. Magnetic Maglock connector for phones - very strong magnet and a weaker magnet on the reverse of the head allowing other Maglock devices to be attached. 9. 360 degree rotating head

My go to recipe for getting the most out of the lightest of floral and funky roasts