I really enjoy playing Werewolf. I even enjoy watching it on TV.

• The Traitors: Werewolf on TV

I began listing the books I had read in January 2006, just before a friend and I started a new book club. After almost 13 years, I've finally got around to putting the list online.

• Books

I often listen to James O'Brien on LBC but I have to do it in the evening on catch-up because I'm at work in the day. Yesterday I was listenting to LBC live for a change and decided to call in.

• A call to LBC

Britain has been brought low by the most shameless, amoral, xenophobic and corrupt government in our modern history. In one of the latest attempts to distract the populus from its behaviour, the government is running a consulation on bringing back imperial measures. I wish this were a joke.

• Imperial measures

The last of her generation. As much a defining part of my life as my parents, siblings and children. Farewell and thank you. The photograph here shows a nearly 18 year old Marion Girton, taken 21 August 1949 by my father, Roy Archer.

• Marion Talbot 29 October 1931 - 13 March 2022

Two videos produced by Nick Lansley for the GS1 office Christmas party 2021 (held virtually). Working with Nick and our colleague Christine Hutchinson on these was a lot of fun.

• A Visit From St Nicholas

I give talks all the time so I don't bother to record them all here, but this one was special and, since it was given as a video, I'm pleased to be able to include it here.

• Identifiers and resolvers

It's noticeable that publishers increasingly offer first editions of books signed by the author. It's true that an author signature can add signifiant value to a book and, first edition or not, can make a book special. But it's not always as simple as that.

• Not all signed first editions are equal

There are many legitimate concerns around privacy on the Web. It's a serious issue to be sure. But don't blame the humble QR code.

• QR codes are innocent!

For the last 4 months I have been stretching the definition of 'flexible working' to support the local COVID-19 vaccination programme. It's not my job, but it is one of the best things I have ever done.

• Privileged and Thankful
• Privileged and Thankful - addendum (8 16 August 2021)

It is no exaggeration to say that sports news is really important to billions of people all over the world. I wish I were one of them.

• Sports news for people who have no interest in sport

A piece I wrote for the local newsletter as 2020 ends and we all hope fervently for better things in 2021.

• The view from here

I was recently asked what I felt was 'good science-fiction.' Hmm … it probably boils down to "I'm not sure how I'd define it but I know it when I read it" but let me try and jot down a few more specific ideas.

• What constitutes good sci-fi?

Many aspects of this Christmas Eve were the same as usual. The Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols from King's College, Cambridge (albeit recorded without a congregation due to Covid-19), while I prepared vegetables for the next day. But in what looked like a massive case of 'take out the trash' but wasn't, there was an announcement from Downing Street and the Berlaymont.

• The deal is done

This weekend has been so good, it's worth writing about

• A good weekend