What should we talk about today?
The world according to Kirkey
On track we see the swashbuckling, adrenalin charged champions of speed! Risk takers and racers! But after removing the helmet and boots, and securing the motorcycle, is life more akin to Hollywood or Borehamwood? And what is it actually like living with a speedway rider? Moody and sulky, or steady and compassionate? And do they … Read more
With endless reserves of enthusiasm, a head looking rather like a hard hat and dreams of winning the Premiership title at the first attempt, how deep would my pockets have to be to build my own speedway arena? And whilst I’m in the planning stage, why not add a retractable roof to my eco-friendly venture? … Read more
On cue the WhatsApp message pinged confirming that my mate would be late for our planned drinking session. A legitimate delay, but nevertheless characteristic. Since I had cadged a lift to our rendezvous point, I thought it only fit and proper that I take refuge in the pub and await his arrival. Hopping out of … Read more
Lying awake in bed as a kid I often wondered what it felt like to me. This abstract thought process ebbed away as I got older, holding many other beautiful aspects of my childhood imagination to ransom as the drudgery of adulthood eventually took control. As a child I didn’t know how commonplace this self-reflective … Read more
I currently have just shy of twenty thousand photographs on my iPhone, dating back to January 2011. This averages out at nearly five pictures a day or around one every two waking hours. I keep promising myself that one day I will start to declutter and ease the burden on my mobile and iCloud account. … Read more
As megalomaniacs go Vladimir Putin isn’t that special. A Bond villain appearance is the typical and very necessary façade but what exactly motivates them? In Putin’s case money alone is doubtful, since it is probable that he is the richest person on Earth with a personal fortune of circa $200 billion. To put this mind-boggling … Read more
Be curious. Prod it. Pick it up and read it. Smell it. Go there. If you are right, occasionally turn left. If it horrifies you take time out to understand it. Look beyond the headline. Just be curious. © Ian Kirke 2022 Title photograph by Justin Heap on Unsplash
Many iconic board games rely on a degree of imagination, skill, and chance, be it acting the part of a property tycoon in Monopoly, a sleuth in Cluedo or simply rolling a die and hoping you avoid a certain category in Trivial Pursuit. So where does speedway feature in this hall of fame? Has the … Read more
I love a good natter with friends. Convivial conversations are my favourite, although I equally enjoy a delicious debate where opposing views are mutually tested, and the manner of delivery of conflicting opinions is respected, even if a consensus may be unattainable. What I heartily detest is the hijacking of earnest enquiry, more often than … Read more
