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.

Music for going back to work – and school!

Posted on January 7, 2013 by John S

Tomorrow, I’m back to work after a couple of weeks off. My kids are all back to school. No matter how much you like work/school it’s always a bit hard to get back into the swing of things. You need … Continue reading →

Posted in Music - concerts, lists, reflections, Random stuff | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Sportsthoughts (57A) – The return of Joe Cole (contd): West Ham 2 Man Utd 2

Posted on January 5, 2013 by John S

So, a brief postscript to yesterday’s blog. A great game tonight: West Ham 2 Man Utd 2. Utd took control, early on and Tom Cleverley found himself in space to slot in the opener. A well taken and created goal. … Continue reading →

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Sportsthoughts (57) – The Return of Joe Cole

Posted on January 4, 2013 by John S

Yesterday it was announced that Joe Cole, England midfielder, would be returning to the club where it all began for him. My team, West Ham. On a free transfer from Liverpool, where he never established himself in two seasons of … Continue reading →

Posted in Sportsthoughts | Tagged , , , , | 7 Comments

The Number Ones That Never Were

Posted on January 3, 2013 by John S

The BBC website had an enjoyable piece recently on some of the great singles that only ever made No 2 in the British singles charts. Listeners to Radio 2 had voted for the best ten of all time. Here are … Continue reading →

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2012 – my blog in review. By WordPress

Posted on December 30, 2012 by John S

The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2012 annual report for this blog. Well it’s nice of Word Press to do this, so I thought I should share it with all of you who read my blog. With massive thanks … Continue reading →

Posted in Random stuff | Tagged , , , , , | 10 Comments

My Top Ten – 2012 Albums and more besides…

Posted on December 22, 2012 by John S

Let’s cut to the chase. This is my Top Ten for 2012,  then I’ll explain. 1. Wrecking Ball – Bruce Springsteen 2. Dead & Born & Grown – The Staves 3. Channel Orange – Frank Ocean 4. Twins – Ty … Continue reading →

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Sportsthoughts (56) – Quins A team win the final!

Posted on December 18, 2012 by John S

We were down at the Stoop on Saturday, enjoying Quins’ 53-5 romp against the Italians, Zebre, in the Heineken Cup and enthused by that result thought we should go along and support the A Team – the reserves – in … Continue reading →

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Sportsthoughts (55) – And the BBC Sports Personality of the Year is… Bradley Wiggins!

Posted on December 17, 2012 by John S

Yes! That’s where my vote went.  Cyclist supreme.  First ever British winner of the Tour de France – the ultimate endurance test – and olympic Gold medallist in the men’s cycling time trial. And a personality and a very cool … Continue reading →

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Hidden London – the Grand Union Canal by Ladbroke Grove

Posted on December 8, 2012 by John S

It was a lovely, but cold, day in London today. The sun was shining and there was very little wind.  Perfect for a good long cycle. I started with an old favourite, the Thames towpath down to Hammersmith Bridge. Then, … Continue reading →

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

Have You Heard? – (30) What the Stranglers and Smith and Mighty did to “Walk On By”

Posted on December 8, 2012 by John S

“Walk On By” is a classic sixties soul song with a jazzy shuffle and lazy trumpet absolutely typical of the era. Penned by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, who else? A poignant break up tune: if you see me walking … Continue reading →

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