Author Archives: John S

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About John S

I'm blogging about the things I love: music, sport, culture, London, with some photos to illustrate aspects of our wonderful city. I’ve written a novel called “The Decision”, a futuristic political thriller, and first of a trilogy. I’m also the author of a book on music since the 1970s called “ I Was There - A Musical Journey” and a volume of poetry about youth, “Growin’ Up - Snapshots/ Fragments”. All available on Amazon and Kindle.

Sportsthoughts (83) – early term report for Quins and Irons

Posted on September 15, 2013 by John S

A bit of a mixed bag. OK, but not great. Early days and all that, but the doubts hover. For West Ham, in particular, early season optimism is now officially over. An ugly battle for a mid table place seems … Continue reading →

Posted in Sportsthoughts | Tagged , , , , , | 5 Comments

How do buildings ever get built?

Posted on September 6, 2013 by John S

I work in an office near a large construction site in Victoria, where work is underway on the new Crossrail project. I said “work”, but one of the enduring mysteries of building sites is how anything ever gets done. As … Continue reading →

Posted in London, Random stuff | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

Sportsthoughts (82) – Can Ozil transform Arsenal?

Posted on September 6, 2013 by John S

The transfer window shenanigans were madder than ever in the run up to 2 September in the Premier League. While most of the economy languishes in recession, the top football clubs, pumped up either by their oligarch benefactors and/ or … Continue reading →

Posted in Sportsthoughts | Tagged , , , , , , | 8 Comments

Have You Heard? – (41) “Venus As A Boy” by Corinne Bailey Rae… and Bjork

Posted on September 3, 2013 by John S

Corinne Bailey Rae is a soulful, jazzy singer songwriter who first came to my attention when she released her eponymous debut album in 2006. It was a mellow delight. At some point afterwards she made this cover version of Bjork’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Music - Have You Heard? | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Lagos and its cliffs, Portugal

Posted on August 26, 2013 by John S

My family and I recently spent two relaxing weeks near Lagos, a lovely town situated towards the west of the Algarve, southern Portugal. Two weeks of full-on sunshine, temperatures hovering around 30 degrees. Very breezy at times, but consequently not … Continue reading →

Posted in Photos | Tagged , , , , , , | 6 Comments

The next best thing to Prince?

Posted on August 26, 2013 by John S

A few of us went to the Jazz Cafe tonight to see a tribute to Prince. We didn’t know what to expect in terms of who was playing, but felt that the quality you get at the Jazz Cafe plus … Continue reading →

Posted in Music - concerts, lists, reflections | Tagged , , , , | 11 Comments

Dadrock and Dads rock!

Posted on August 21, 2013 by John S

I’m writing a chapter on Britpop for my music book at the moment. And great fun it is too, remembering the escapades of Oasis, Blur, Pulp and all the rest, with Paul Weller, ex of The Jam and The Style Council … Continue reading →

Posted in Music - concerts, lists, reflections | Tagged , , , , , | 7 Comments

Sportsthoughts (81) – Premier League predictions 2013-14

Posted on August 16, 2013 by John S

So tomorrow it’s back. The sports monster that sweeps everything else aside once it gets going. More money sloshing around than ever, now BT Sport has arrived on the scene. It has been a great summer of sport again, after … Continue reading →

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Have You Heard? – (40) ‘Leap Of Faith” by Bluey

Posted on August 11, 2013 by John S

Just back from two gloriously sunny weeks on the Algarve, Portugal. Stayed in a lovely villa just outside Lagos, to the west of the region. Still in the summer mood, how about a bit of breezy-jazz-soul-funk? Got back home about … Continue reading →

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Latitude Festival – my second – July 2013

Posted on July 22, 2013 by John S

I’m sitting down to write this at 6.15 pm on Monday 22 July, back from Latitude this afternoon. I’m cracking open my first beer of the day – feels odd. It’s not Tuborg and it’s not lunch time. The four … Continue reading →

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