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 (14) – Lessons from the Weekend

Posted on February 28, 2012 by John S

There were some terrific games of rugby and football over the past weekend. I managed to watch England v Wales and Gloucester v Quins at rugby on Saturday and the Arsenal v Tottenham football match on Sunday.  I skipped the … Continue reading →

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Sportsthoughts (13) – A visit to the Olympic Aquatic Centre

Posted on February 25, 2012 by John S

Yesterday, Friday, a few of us went along to one of the “London Prepares” events at the emerging London Olympics site.  The occasion was the diving World Cup, in the new Aquatic Centre. It was my first trip to the … Continue reading →

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Have you Heard? – (10) “The Rip” by Portishead…. and Radiohead

Posted on February 19, 2012 by John S

“The Rip” is on Portishead’s third album, imaginatively called “Third”.  It came out in 2008, 11 years after the second album, imaginatively called “Portishead”. Portishead made their name with their brilliant first album, released in 2004, called “Dummy”.  It was … Continue reading →

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Sportsthoughts (12) – where now for Arsene?

Posted on February 17, 2012 by John S

AC Milan 4 Arsenal 0.  Ouch! Arsenal are my second team in football. The family team. And the team that over the past decade have been synonymous with good football, the beautiful game. When they lose it doesn’t hurt in … Continue reading →

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Street sunset distorted

Posted on February 14, 2012 by John S

I like taking shots into the sunset.  You get all sorts of images and distortions.  If there’s a tree or two around you get some lovely silhouettes, especially in winter, when each branch can do its own dance. I found … Continue reading →

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The sadness of the disappearing snowmen

Posted on February 14, 2012 by John S

Eight days ago, we had one of our rare London snowfalls.  We’ve had them the last three years in fact, but before that it must have been a decade or more without snow.  My children had never seen it in … Continue reading →

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Have you heard? – (9) “Wonderwall” by Ryan Adams

Posted on February 11, 2012 by John S

“Wonderwall”, as the entire universe knows, is a brilliant song by Oasis. One of their greatest anthems.  Maybe the best of all. At my 50th party, three years ago, we ended on a musical trip which went “Wonderwall”, “Angels” by … Continue reading →

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Sportsthoughts (11) – So Farewell Fabio… and ‘allo ‘Arry?

Posted on February 10, 2012 by John S

So Fabio Capello resigned as the manager of England’s football team last night. Brought down in the end by his misjudgement of the John Terry racism case. Clearly a suspicion that the FA manoeuvered him into the position where resignation … Continue reading →

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The snowy canal

Posted on February 6, 2012 by John S

We had one of our rare snowfalls in London overnight.  Cue traffic chaos, cries of “where’s the grit?” and a general lapse into childhood.  A good thing, the latter: see the smiles on the faces of people of all ages … Continue reading →

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Sportsthoughts (10) – The Six Nations is upon us!

Posted on February 4, 2012 by John S

The Six Nations rugby tournament is one of the great sporting contests.  In the dark, cold days of winter and early spring it gives us something to look forward to.  The anticipation rises: most years there is no clear favourite, … Continue reading →

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