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.

My Top Ten – David Bowie

Posted on May 10, 2012 by John S

I’m setting myself a near-impossible task with these top tens! David Bowie is one of the great originals. From “Hunky Dory” in 1971 to “Let’s Dance” in 1983 he released a string of albums which are unsurpassed in their combination … Continue reading →

Posted in Music - Top Tens | Tagged , , , , | 19 Comments

Sportsthoughts (23) – #COYQ, #COYI !

Posted on May 7, 2012 by John S

You ain’t seen nothing like the mighty Quins! Quins beat Sale away on Saturday to secure top place in the Rugby Premiership.  A fantastic achievement with a still very young team. Throughout the season they have played fast, exciting rugby, … Continue reading →

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Sportsthoughts (22) – Another visit to the London Olympic Park, for Water Polo and Wheelchair Tennis

Posted on May 5, 2012 by John S

The “London Prepares” series of events continues and this afternoon we took the Central Line to Stratford to see some water polo and wheelchair tennis. When we got there at about 1.30, it was raining and the tennis was off, … Continue reading →

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

Blue Bell Dell, Kew Gardens

Posted on May 3, 2012 by John S

It’s now, in the cusp between April and May, that the Bluebells are at their finest.  We have some stragglers in our messy garden (see my my blog, an (Un)English garden), but the place to see them, in West London … Continue reading →

Posted in London, Photos, Random stuff | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

The Staves at the Tabernacle, Notting Hill

Posted on May 3, 2012 by John S

Yesterday I and a couple of friends went to see The Staves at the Tabernacle in Notting Hill, West London. The Staves are three sisters, Emily, Jessica and Camilla Staveley-Cooper, hence the band name) from Watford.  They sing what I … Continue reading →

Posted in Music - concerts, lists, reflections | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

Sportsthoughts (21) – Evolution or Revolution?

Posted on April 29, 2012 by John S

Chelsea beat QPR 6-1 today, after their amazing 10 man triumph over Barcelona – sacred Barcelona – in the Champions league semi final last Tuesday. Torres scored three, after his breakthrough against Barca. All is well in the Chelsea camp. … Continue reading →

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

My Top Ten – Air Guitar: the alt.selection (readers’ choice)

Posted on April 28, 2012 by John S

I’ve had so many fantastic responses to my air guitar classics top ten.  People just loving it, and others also offering alternative choices.  Exactly what I hoped would happen. So many that I hadn’t thought of, a few I didn’t … Continue reading →

Posted in Music - Top Tens | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

Sportsthoughts (20) – Two Great Games: Quins v Tigers and Barca v Real

Posted on April 23, 2012 by John S

This time of year there is so much great sport, especially as the football and rugby seasons head towards a climax. Nerves are shredding, the results are getting wackier.  Take the football. Arsenal losing at home to Wigan last Monday, … Continue reading →

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Sunset, North Ealing

Posted on April 22, 2012 by John S

On my way way home from taking Art Deco shots around the A40 in late February (see photo archive), I cycled along a path that took me alongside Ealing Golf course, before reaching Pitshanger Park.  The sun was going down … Continue reading →

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

My Top Ten – Reggae Music!

Posted on April 19, 2012 by John S

The opposite end of the musical spectrum to air guitar metal and rock!  But I love it just as much. Like most kids of my generation, it was Bob Marley who first drew me into reggae – the “Live!” album … Continue reading →

Posted in Music - Top Tens | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 17 Comments