Lockdown lunacy: The Disunited Kingdom

On March 23rd, 2020 a relatively redundant word, save outside of the confines of high-security prisons, became mainstream: Lockdown. This new phenomenon led the majority of the sixty-seven million inhabitants of the United Kingdom to self-isolate at home to mitigate the ravages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many businesses went into stasis and an anxious resignation … Read more

Balls! A journey from 38 to 30

According to the font of all knowledge (Google) on average men feel their balls seven times a day. At least I can be reassured that I am above average in this particular field. Indeed, touching them thousands of miles away from home led to a change in lifestyle that I think may possibly have added … Read more

BLM: The view of the M&S Sparks card carrying white guy

I am Gok Wan’s alter ego. If his utterly stupendous fashion sense is North I am South. Where he burns I freeze. Thus, without M&S I guess I would have to resort to wrapping myself in a refuse sack. I am also tight. Vouchercloud is my primary App and my wallet bursts with store discount … Read more

India: the humbling majesty whilst outrunning COVID-19

Ian Kirke

Sometime in my youth I recall my parents commenting about their exact whereabouts when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated on 22nd November 1963. This narrative was meaningless to me until I witnessed the September 11th, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States of America. This chapter of World history unfolded on the TV as … Read more

Fuck: the research

I am a great advocate of the word Fuck. Its versatility is pretty much limitless. Both a verb and a noun. An expression of elation and disappointment. A call to action and a decision to sit it out. Having been endowed with the rather fanciful title of post-graduate professional researcher at a leading UK University … Read more

Keeping Mum: conversations with my mother

Selfishness is a human trait which quite rightly draws justified criticism, especially if it becomes a dominant trait. Where our egocentric pendulum swings and eventually comes to rest is often fluid and is undeniably influenced by our environment and those around us. When I reflect upon the Oscar Wilde quote, “Selfishness is not living as … Read more

Run, sweat and cheers: How parkruns conquered my fear of keep fit

I loathe running. At secondary school, the cross-country run was a fucker and I usually brought up the rear crossing the line well after the athletic kids were showered and probably on their way home. In the early 1970’s designer gear comprised of plimsoles and a standard white top and blue shorts. Think of the … Read more