What should we talk about today?
The world according to Kirkey
Death is part of the cycle of life, but do final farewells have to follow the traditional format of sorrow, sobriety, and orthodoxy? Can there ever be a place to party and celebrate the life of the dearly departed? I have never been closer to my death than I am today. That’s not an opinion … Read more
The curse of the underdog is an idea that suggests that while smaller fry often have an advantage in motivation, they can frequently struggle when they transition into a position of success. There exists an argument that, once an underdog achieves victory, they lose the hunger and drive that made them successful in the first … Read more
Storytelling has been a feature of my life. I wrote this piece in 1991 (typed by my late wife Theresa in the typing pool at Bracknell Police Station) but only recently rediscovered it whilst clearing out the attic. A true account – embellished for comedic value – that recounts a period of my life lost … Read more
Is good fortune purely down to chance or are other forces at play? Could my lost love really be talking to me from beyond the void? According to several academic and medical metrics, I am presently negotiating 50% of the top ten most stressful situations people commonly face. The specifics – at least for this … Read more
During the last four weeks I’ve been sucked into the terrifying vortex of end-of-life care for a loved one. Initially having a cursory knowledge of the adult care system, I have had to learn at breakneck speed, and during this turbulent time I have been introduced to the most incredible human beings – care professionals … Read more
I am fortunate beyond words to have Arthur (5), Darcie (3), and Theo (11-months) in my life. Just thinking about them sends a tingle down my spine. Although they can all – to varying degrees – exhibit classic temper tantrums, usually over seemingly mundane issues such as being unable to eat a packet of sweets … Read more
Sid Vicious was once asked whether he wrote ‘for the man in the street.’ He apparently responded that he didn’t, because “I’ve met the man in the street and he’s a cunt.” Thomas Jefferson remarked, “The government you elect is the government you deserve.” Today’s election results and the rise of Deform UK have finally … Read more
With the new speedway Grand Prix season gearing up for the first round at Landshut, Germany, on 3rd May, I caught up with British gladiators Robert Lambert and Dan Bewley. Acknowledging that they had already endured an earlier, and no doubt exhausting, full-on press conference, my mission sought to change the tempo and talk about … Read more
Police officers who deploy lethal force understand that their actions will be subject to the highest level of scrutiny. In my experience, decisions of this nature are never taken lightly. Where permissible, such actions are typically preceded by the articulation of options aimed at eliminating the need for force. Operational decisions of this kind inevitably … Read more
I think I’m a serial worrier; I base this assumption on the simple fact that I have often found myself worrying about having nothing to worry about. Riddle me that one if you can! I think I handle this state of mind, nestled within my consciousness ever since I can remember when, fairly well. Granted … Read more