Author Archives: John S

Unknown's avatar

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.

A cycle along the Kennet-Avon canal, from Reading to Bath

Posted on July 15, 2013 by John S

Alright so it’s not exactly Mont Ventoux, which the Tour de France boys were tackling on Sunday. But it was enough for me…. Over three days, from Friday to Sunday, 5-7 July, my friend Jon and I got on our … Continue reading →

Posted in Photos, Random stuff | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 18 Comments

Sportsthoughts (80) – Brilliant Lions!

Posted on July 9, 2013 by John S

The third test, the decider. The Lions, pretty lucky winners of the first, Australia deserved winners of the second. The momentum, therefore, seeming to be with the Aussies. Selection bombshells delivered by Warren Gatland. Brian O’Driscoll dropped, not even on … Continue reading →

Posted in Sportsthoughts | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

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 →

Posted in Sportsthoughts | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

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 →

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

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

Sportsthoughts (77) – Fussball ist der Gewinner

Posted on May 31, 2013 by John S

Last Saturday Wembley Stadium played host to the Champions League Final, Bayern Munich vs Borussia Dortmund. The first ever all-German clash. It was a great game, unlike most finals, which are crabby and cautious. Both teams went for it. Dortmund … Continue reading →

Posted in Sportsthoughts | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments