Monthly Archives: June 2013

Sportsthoughts (79) – Unlucky Lions?

Posted on June 30, 2013 by John S

Second test between Australia and the British and Irish Lions. Last kick of the game. Leigh Halfpenny has a penalty to win the game for the Lions. Just like Kurtly Beale had for Aussies last week. It’s different, much harder. … Continue reading →

Posted in Sportsthoughts | Tagged , , , | 5 Comments

Lowry at the Tate Britain

Posted on June 26, 2013 by John S

L.S.Lowry is an English painter, born in 1887, died 1976, who devoted his life to painting the England – especially Manchester – of the industrial revolution. Most people know him for his townscapes populated by matchstick figures, almost child-like in … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, books, theatre, cinema, London | Tagged , , , , , , | 7 Comments

Sportsthoughts (78) – Lucky Lions

Posted on June 23, 2013 by John S

The British and Irish Lions rugby team played the first test in their three match series against Australia yesterday. In Brisbane, on a pitch that looked like it had taken in a fair bit of rain in recent times. This … Continue reading →

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The night Bruce played “Darkness on the Edge of Town”.

Posted on June 17, 2013 by John S

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street band played Wembley Stadium on 15 June 2013. I was fortunate enough to be there. Fortunate because it turned out to be the best concert I have ever witnessed. In being so it takes … Continue reading →

Posted in Music - concerts, lists, reflections | Tagged , , , | 13 Comments

Have You Heard? – (39) “Settle” by Disclosure

Posted on June 12, 2013 by John S

Now this is an unusual “Have You Heard?”, because the answer, at least if you are British and reasonably young, will be YES. Because it’s new and high in the charts. So, it’s an album by a couple of young … Continue reading →

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Have You Heard? – (38) “I Never Wanted” by Idlewild

Posted on June 8, 2013 by John S

I’m writing a chapter in my musical journey at the moment that starts with the mighty R.E.M. and then tracks through some bands that shared a similar sound and ethos. It splits into two paths: one, the more melodic, minor … Continue reading →

Posted in Music - Have You Heard? | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

Charles Dickens – an amazing life

Posted on June 2, 2013 by John S

I’ve just finished a superb biography of the 19th century British novelist, Charles Dickens, by Claire Tomalin. “Charles Dickens. A Life”.   It came out in 2011 and I got it for Christmas that year, but have only just got … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, books, theatre, cinema | Tagged , , , , , , | 6 Comments