In 44 days, the England team start their World Cup campaign to end 44 years of “hurt”. No – make that “failure” – squads of 22 players have failed; most of the entire population have been the ones who’ve hurt. Still, in the seven World Cups I’ve experienced there’s been plenty of memories, and I [...]

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Great Scott!! Did you know it’s just five years until we reach the timelines of Back to the Future II? I remember watching it being amazed at all the cool things we were likely to have in the future. At the time, it was over a quarter of a century away, so of course some [...]

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I don’t know about you, but for me, 2009 was one heck of a rollercoaster ride full of highs, bumps, twists and turns. And just when I thought it was cruising nicely to begin the next lap, it threw me off the side and left me battered and bruised. So begins a painful start to [...]

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WARNING: DO NOT READ THIS POST! Well, at least seriously consider not reading it when you realise the subject. I’m serious – reading this may result in nausea, shock or simply never being able to look at me the same again. This is a different post to all my others, quite personal and of a [...]

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Monday evening, in a hotel room in Vegas. I’m standing in front of the mirror looking back at my reflection. I no longer recognise the person staring back at me.  I’ve had the beard since mid-April, when in Australia I decided I couldn’t be bothered to shave any more. I’d always wanted to see what it [...]

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Here comes the shuttlecock…over the net…flying invitingly for me to dink over a little return…all I have to do is make it before it hits the floor…here we go……..Error: Body Says No. What the heck? I’m routed to the spot. Where’s my fitness gone? Even with the wrist strength of anorexic octogenarian, I always used [...]

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First there was fear. Then uncertainty. Followed by delight. Which flowed through optimism, into the realms of expectancy. But doubt crept in. Confidence ebbed. Fear returned before happiness worked its way into a crescendo: England won the Ashes!!! That last test was a bit of a roller coaster. Like a horror film baddie, Australia simply [...]

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Has anyone tested Usain Bolt to see if he’s actually from this planet? I have my doubts, personally. Anyone who saw his Olympic performances knows that the boy can run. Fast. There was absolutely no way he was going to lose this one. At the start line he exuded confidence – and this was true [...]

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I’m getting published! In print! In a book! That you can buy! Me! I had a great surprise this week to be told that one of my stories that got published online nearly two years ago is going to be included in a printed anthology, available from the end of October. I’m well chuffed because [...]

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I can’t say that I’ve ever found myself in a gay pub drinking sambuca with a mate and a random girl from Stoke, but that’s what I found myself doing last night. And that was just part of an eventful day…   Hyde Park is our destination, for the Hard Rock Calling festival featuring The Killers [...]

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