What should we talk about today?
The world according to Kirkey
iankirkebc 
All you need to know about Vietnam, from the unique perspective of the British equivalent of Inspector Clouseau, who usually turns up at the airport and says, “Where are we going?” Collecting my travel money in advance of my Southeast Asian late October adventure to a place personally epitomised by the hauntingly vibrant Paul Hardcastle … Read more
“Some people are on the pitch; they think it’s all over. It is now!” is one of the most iconic moments of sporting commentary – delivered by the BBC’s Kenneth Wolstenholme at the conclusion of the 1966 FIFA World Cup: objectivity and subjectivity beautifully fused together to capture not only the finality of the game … Read more
The collective national sigh of relief as Labour wrenched the reins of power from the corrosive grasp of the Conservatives following the July 2024 election was apocryphal. Amongst other repulsive traits, sleaze, gaslighting, and being serenaded by lies, damn lies and scandalous statistics would surely be destined for the tip, along with the political careers … Read more
I have only been married once: to my late wife Theresa on 16th August 1986. Aside from the length of the ceremony (as I recall, as bride and groom we frequently had to sit down on allocated chairs and listen to the priest drone on about some sacred pronouncement or other) and the obvious bias … Read more
Once upon a time an imperfect man found the perfect place where his loved ones could flourish. His cat came too. Towering above this idyllic spot was a tree. Tall, solid, and protective of this alcove of bliss. His family were happy and secure there. Throughout the winds of change the tree stood firm and … Read more
The 4th of July general election heralded a true Monty Python tenet: and now for something completely different. But as a former Tory voter, member of the Conservative party, and borough councillor, I still had some unfinished business. I was exhausted – relieved, yet perplexed. Pinching an alleged descriptor from the former Home Secretary, James … Read more
According to The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy the answer to the ultimate question of life, the universe, and everything is simply 42. Succinct and certain. And purposely bewildering, since life is so massive how can anyone ever encapsulate its meaning? Nevertheless, there are moments of pure obscurity and chance that capture the spirit of … Read more
The Rule of Three is a writing technique that suggests listing three words, phrases, sentences, images, or ideas in succession to accentuate an idea. Examples include the stirring salute, “Blood, sweat and tears,” and Prime Minister Tony Blair’s oratory, “Our priorities are education, education, education.” The domestic speedway scene may seem somewhat divorced from this … Read more
My opening question is purposely direct and intended to rile you, since this topic can only be addressed with passion: how do you plead to the charge of endorsing intolerance? As you ponder your response, I will examine a facet of present day national shame. Convictions continue to be handed down by judges across the … Read more
Division, disruption, and derision are the cruel consequences of right-wing ideology. In this space difference is framed as dangerous and contrived tribal tensions are sustained by agent provocateurs who frequently occupy positions of power. Currently, our own nation is plagued with this condition where prejudice is propelled to the pinnacle of public discourse. Nonetheless, disagreement … Read more