Category Archives: Random stuff

In Manchester

Posted on April 2, 2017 by John S

On 24 and 25 March I spent some time in Manchester, one of England’s great cities, but one I don’t know terribly well, other than for its football and music. I’ve been there quite a few times in the past, … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, books, theatre, cinema, Photos, Random stuff | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Leaving London – just for one day

Posted on March 24, 2017 by John S

London, Euston Station, Friday morning 24 March. Waiting for my train to Manchester. From one great city to another. Going to see Car Seat Headrest tonight. I’ve been to Manchester quite often, but only on work trips or stag-dos. I’ve … Continue reading →

Posted in London, Random stuff | Tagged , | 5 Comments

Reflections on the Trump inauguration

Posted on January 20, 2017 by John S

At work today we had a Trump inauguration party. I wouldn’t call it a celebration of Trump, but it was a celebration of America. We brought American food and drinks and watched with heavy hearts as the Obamas departed, and … Continue reading →

Posted in Random stuff | Tagged | 5 Comments

Oh England!

Posted on June 24, 2016 by John S

I live and die through England, Through England, It leaves a sadness. (“England” by PJ Harvey) It’s democracy for sure… but oh England, what have you done? A vote for isolation, division, racism, hatred. A deluded vote that doesn’t recognise … Continue reading →

Posted in Random stuff | Tagged , | 14 Comments

Safety in numbers!

Posted on May 30, 2016 by John S

Today Kath and I, with our friends Jon and Maggie, walked along the Thames path from Cholsey downstream to Tilehurst, just outside Reading. Some very beautiful scenes, which I’ll post later this week; but I loved this scene of some … Continue reading →

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

Never a truer statement…

Posted on February 9, 2016 by John S

The astronaut Edgar Mitchell died recently. My friend Nancy shared this on Facebook from a website called “I F****** Love Science”. A global perspective… if only.

Posted in Random stuff | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments

The Importance of the European Union

Posted on December 9, 2015 by John S

If you have an aversion for political commentary, look away! Not party political – I don’t do that because of my job. This was prompted by my experience these last two days. I’ve just been to Zagreb, in Croatia, to … Continue reading →

Posted in Random stuff | Tagged , , | 13 Comments

Er, I’ve changed my mind…

Posted on November 17, 2015 by John S

You know what? I’ve calmed down after my battle with the photo uploads at the weekend. And I thought, how am I not going to have a top ten of 2015, or say something about England v France at Wembley tonight? … Continue reading →

Posted in Random stuff | 8 Comments

Taking a break from WordPress

Posted on November 15, 2015 by John S

Dear All, I’ve reached a point where these blogs are becoming a bit of an effort. At the same time the system isn’t allowing me to load photos as I would wish. I’ve been battling to load New York Pt … Continue reading →

Posted in Random stuff | 16 Comments

Choosing a book cover

Posted on September 27, 2015 by John S

Tonight Brian Eno gave a brilliant talk at the BBC 6 Music annual John Peel lecture. His theme was the importance of art and culture and that it wasn’t just about contributing to GDP or getting a job. Early on … Continue reading →

Posted in Random stuff | Tagged , | 10 Comments