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.

Sportsthoughts (71) – Shock! Bayern 4 Barca 0

Posted on April 23, 2013 by John S

First leg of Champions League semi final. Bayern Munich v Barcelona. Both teams rampant in their own leagues. Bayern in supreme form. Barcelona wobbling in Europe, having to come back in previous rounds against AC Milan and then Paris St … Continue reading →

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

British Sea Power at the Shepherd’s Bush Empire

Posted on April 22, 2013 by John S

I went to see the band, British Sea Power, at the Shepherd’s Bush Empire last Wednesday, 17 April, with my friend Jon. He’s a big fan; I’ve been an occasional acquaintance. I’d forgotten I owned one of their albums, “Open … Continue reading →

Posted in Music - concerts, lists, reflections | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

“The Hunger Games” trilogy

Posted on April 17, 2013 by John S

I’ve just finished reading ‘The Hunger Games” trilogy. The books have been absolutely brilliant. Utterly gripping. The number of times I almost missed Victoria station, where I get off the Tube for work, because I was so engrossed in the … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, books, theatre, cinema | Tagged , , , , , , | 10 Comments

Sportsthoughts (70) – Messi, the catalyst

Posted on April 11, 2013 by John S

Watching the second leg of the European  Champions League quarter final last night, between Barcelona and Paris St Germain. Finely poised after the first leg finished 2-2 in Paris. Two precious away goals for Barca, but Lionel Messi, the world’s … Continue reading →

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

Some reflections on the Thatcher era

Posted on April 9, 2013 by John S

Margaret Thatcher, British Prime Minister from 1979 to 1990 died on 8 April 2013, aged 89. May she rest in peace. There is no doubt that her time as PM was a time of great change in British society. There … Continue reading →

Posted in Random stuff | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Roy Lichtenstein at the Tate Modern

Posted on April 8, 2013 by John S

I hopped over to the Tate Modern last Friday after a visit to my optician in the City, when I finally succumbed to the need for multi-focal glasses. Age: can’t read the newsprint these days without taking the glasses off. … Continue reading →

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

Sportsthoughts (69) – Quins ambushed!

Posted on April 7, 2013 by John S

Heineken Cup quarter final weekend. The European rugby elite go head to head: Clermont Auvergne v Montpellier, Saracens v Ulster, Toulon v Leicester… and Quins v Munster. Clermont, Sarries and Toulon all won. And Quins were ambushed, on and off … Continue reading →

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

Have You Heard? – (36) “Imperial Bedroom” by Elvis Costello

Posted on April 3, 2013 by John S

I’m off work this week and have been spending some time on my music book, now on a chapter about what Elvis Costello and Bruce Springsteen did from the the early eighties onwards. After both made a sequence of five … Continue reading →

Posted in Music - Have You Heard? | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Sportsthoughts (68) – Cancellara wins the Tour of Flanders

Posted on April 1, 2013 by John S

I was watching the highlights of the Tour of Flanders – or should I say Ronde van Vlaanderen? – last night. What a gruelling race that is. It’s one of the one day classics and a highlight of the Belgian … Continue reading →

Posted in Sportsthoughts | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

Views from the Shard, London

Posted on March 25, 2013 by John S

The Shard is the latest addition to the London skyline, the tallest building by far. You can go to the top now – 72 floors at the max. Costs you £25, which is a bit steep, but it’s worth it. … Continue reading →

Posted in London, Photos | Tagged , , , | 12 Comments