The world’s most popular spirit. See ’52 Things’, #5. Image: Wikipedia.

It’s almost the holiday season, so here’s some lists:

• This is now an annual internet event. Fluux’s ‘52 Things I learnt’ always has things in it to intrigue, surprise and delight.
• Richard Williams has listened to a lot of music this year. The list of best gigs isn’t maybe helpful, but the records and reissues are worth exploring.
• The best non-fiction books of the year?. Maybe. But this interview is also about what makes a good non-fiction book.

Some links that have nothing to do with politics:

• Just do nothing. It’s good for you.
• Photos of science open up whole new worlds. The Royal Society’s annual science photography competition takes you to another plane.
• 40 years since The Clash released London Calling. It still sounds surprisingly fresh.

If you do want some politics: My extended take on the UK General Election.

“The whole world’s at sixes and sevens, and why the house hasn’t fallen down about our ears long ago is a miracle to me.” (Thornton Wilder)