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.

Gerhard Richter at the Tate Modern

Posted on January 6, 2012 by John S

On 23 December, the Friday, I had a half day, and amazingly I had for once done all my Christmas shopping. So I headed to the Tate Modern to have another look at the Gerhard Richter exhibition.  I’d been there … Continue reading →

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England’s green and pleasant land – Yarpole, Herefordshire

Posted on January 5, 2012 by John S

Spent the new year with family and friends in Yarpole, Herefordshire. A lovely part of the world, a few miles south of Ludlow, Shropshire, and north of Leominster (pronounced Lem-ster). Herefordshire and Shropshire don’t attract the attention of the West … Continue reading →

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Sportsthoughts (7) – well done Cav!

Posted on December 24, 2011 by John S

I was pleased to see Mark Cavendish win BBC Sports Personality of the year yesterday. I even voted for him. He has been an outstanding athlete for many years, in one of the toughest of sports. Cycling is something that … Continue reading →

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Have You Heard ?… (5) Grace Jones, with Sly and Robbie, 80s style

Posted on December 23, 2011 by John S

I was tubing it into to work today, on the Piccadilly Line, a bit weary.  Nearly Christmas, time for a break.  Reading the Guardian on my iPad, I felt like something upbeat, but not too raucous.  I flipped through my … Continue reading →

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Bryan Ferry at the O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, 14 December 2011

Posted on December 21, 2011 by John S

Went with my friend Jon to see Bryan Ferry last week.  Great venue, the Shepherds Bush Empire.  Medium size, standing on the ground floor. Plenty of bars. You can see the band close up and enjoy a beer. And the … Continue reading →

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Sportsthoughts (6) – the immensity of the Heineken Cup

Posted on December 19, 2011 by John S

Winter’s drawing in, the darkness comes early, there’s a deep chill in the air.  A perfect excuse for staying at home all Saturday afternoon and watching Sky Sports’ rugby coverage, with a dip in and out to check the football. … Continue reading →

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Music – my best of 2011

Posted on December 14, 2011 by John S

As we approach Christmas, music nerds everywhere feel the urge to compile their lists of the best albums, tracks, events and so on.  The magazines and papers lead the way.  I love it. I like to check whether I’m in … Continue reading →

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Sportsthoughts (5) – lessons to be learned

Posted on December 11, 2011 by John S

Once again El Clasico – the clash between Barcelona and Real Madrid – showed us how football should be played. People fancied Madrid this time, and they scored in the first minute  But slowly Barca wove their patterns and pounced. … Continue reading →

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Paul McCartney at the O2, 5 December

Posted on December 6, 2011 by John S

What an amazing concert. Macca on fantastic form: looking good, singing beautifully, rocking out.  Superb backing band, and, er, decent back catalogue.  The set list speaks for itself. Hello Goodbye Junior’s Farm – Wings All My Loving Jet – more … Continue reading →

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Sportsthoughts (4)… How did we lose that?

Posted on December 3, 2011 by John S

I went to my first West Ham game of the season today. The visitors mid-table Burnley.  Fellow claret and blue wearers. Favourite team of famed spin doctor, Alastair Campbell. League champions in 1960, still a good side in the early … Continue reading →

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