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 (3)

Posted on December 2, 2011 by John S

The Euro draw The draw for the European championships next summer took place today.  Sighs of relief all round at England’s draw: France, Ukraine (joint hosts with Poland) and Sweden.  Far from easy, but worst case scenario with the seeding … Continue reading →

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The agonies of the rubbish golfer

Posted on December 1, 2011 by John S

Last Thursday and Friday I had my two annual outings on to the golf course, part of a get together with a few friends. I love golf and I hate it. When you hit a beautiful drive off the tee … Continue reading →

Posted in Random stuff | Tagged , | 4 Comments

Sportsthoughts (2)

Posted on November 22, 2011 by John S

Managerial Angst Part 1 – the Premier League frenzy It’s November and the speculation about the futures of Premier League managers is in full flow.  Of course the futures of those at the bottom – Steve Kean at Blackburn and … Continue reading →

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Misty Thames – and where did the water go?

Posted on November 20, 2011 by John S

The Misty River Hop  (Obscure Led Zep pun for aficionados) Cycling from Kew Bridge to Hammersmith today, I witnessed the battle between the fog – just a thin film of mist at two o’clock, but thickening later – and the … Continue reading →

Posted in London, Photos | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

Have you heard? … (4) “Garage Inc” by Metallica

Posted on November 18, 2011 by John S

As I was watching Metallica, with Lou Reed, pulverise the Velvet Underground’s “White Light/White Heat” on Jools Holland last week, my thoughts turned to the album which might be the least known of Metallica’s, but which is actually my favourite. … Continue reading →

Posted in Music - Have You Heard? | Tagged , | 4 Comments

Sportsthoughts (1)

Posted on November 13, 2011 by John S

An occasional series, mostly after a weekend of sporting delights. England quite good shocker And there we were – me included – extolling the virtues of the Spanish football team, ahead of their clash with England. Worshipping the tiki-taka (and … Continue reading →

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Still in love with U2

Posted on November 10, 2011 by John S

Two things prompted this piece.  First I’m in the middle of writing about U2 for my book. Second, I read on an NME website post that Bono has been apologising about the band’s performance at Glastonbury, saying that amongst other … Continue reading →

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The “veterans” take over the Thames

Posted on November 6, 2011 by John S

Joining the Thames at Kew Bridge today for a cycle down to Hammersmith, I quickly came upon an unusual scene.  The river on both sides was flanked with hundreds of boats – foursomes – all pointing upstream, poised to do … Continue reading →

Posted in London, Photos | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Have you heard? … (3) Clash reggae

Posted on November 6, 2011 by John S

The history of rock’n’roll bands turning their hands to reggae is not an edifying one.  “D’Yer Maker” off “Houses of the Holy” by Led Zeppelin is a candidate for their worst song ever. The Rolling Stones’ take of “Cherry Oh … Continue reading →

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Have you heard? … (2) John Martyn

Posted on November 3, 2011 by John S

Last night I was writing about John Martyn – the late and the great John Martyn. He died in 2009 after years of health problems.  He was a really distinctive singer – and guitar player. His roots were the folk … Continue reading →

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