Well, this is fascinating. Especially if, like me, you've spent quite a while puzzling how the hell that lorry/bus hit that low bridge. In fact, I worry about rogue bridges materialising from a gap in the space/time continuum every time I clamber upstairs on a double decker.

This is my pick of the weekend's pieces: so piercingly written that I was clutching at my c-section scar as I read it. Made me reflect how often bodies are time bombs, waiting to go off.

The end of the world is nigh, hence the Fire and Ice issue of Perspective (although, in reality, I'm a terminal Pollyanna going down with the buttercups and daisies). perspectivemedia.com

The sharp drop in numbers of insects and birds is palpable, terrifying and needs urgent addressing. I so admire Natasha Walter and Tony Juniper for keeping this in our sights.

I was weirdly underwhelmed by Civil War. It looks good, sounds modish and has nothing interesting to say about polarisation, while strafing you head to toe. I was strung out and bored by it at one and the same time. Maybe that's the whole point, but it's not one I'd aim for.

I so enjoyed writing this piece for the The Independent and talking to Bernard Donoughue, about Harold Wilson and Janet Hewlett-Davies - and my beloved uncle John, who walked Mary Wilson to cultural and social events. independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-n…

Well, how about that?! Excellent post by Michael Crick

I had a properly fascinating chat with Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull for Perspective Group and am going to carry his sage comment on the virtues of fence-sitting around for some while (i.e. steal it for myself). You've got to love a man who has a passion for conserving wild cats.

All hail the wondrous Persephone Books now headed by one of the most inspiring women I know - Francesca Beauman - who's captured wonderfully well here (ditto the volumes) by Helen Brown Journalist . I urge all book lovers to divert for ten minutes. Perspective Peter Phelps

I made a documentary in 2004 for Channel 4 called The Trouble with Childbirth. The awful news is things have steadily become worse since then. Grim reading, but brilliant piece by Hannah Barnes - brought back the horror of my first son's birth.

Yet another crumbling pillar in the shit-show that is the UK's privatised water companies. A tidal wave of shame on Thames Water 💧 though it's hard to remain scandalised when the scandal is so constant and ever-escalating RiverActionUK Feargal Sharkey SurfersAgainstSewage_London Perspective

I ruddy loved this apocalypse-themed Q&A for Perspective with Disaster Empress (as I like to think of her) Professor Lucy Easthope . It's witty, wise and strangely consoling.

There is no greater pleasure than reconnecting with a great writer and finding that - yes - they will write a superb piece for your new magazine. I had a suspicion that James McConnachie would share my fondness for homegrown prophet Joanna Southcott.

Really worth reading this thread if you are scandalised by the ever-increasing flow of sewage into our waters. All outdoor/wild swimmers should prepare cases. My son was sick as a dog after swimming in the Cam RiverActionUK Feargal Sharkey Surfers Against Sewage

To be celebrated: respectful, constructive conversations between experts with often opposed opinions. Especially after four years of everyone yelling 'grifter' at each other.

Excellent thread from Jay Rayner about supermarket profits, the way the big twelve control the food supply - and the cost to UK farmers and, ultimately, to consumer choice. And a strong point about lower-paid employees' wages. Worth a quick divert...

Text from older son on Friday: 'Happy woman day mum.' Text at 2am today: 'Happy second woman day.'

Genius cartoon from Nick Newman - awaiting similar excuses from my ever-inventive, skint menfolk.