Never go back. That’s what they say; whoever ‘they’ may be. I’ve taken that advice for thirty years, but a few weeks ago I decided to go and visit the school where I spent my adolescence. I hadn’t visited since I left there a month before I turned eighteen and have never…
Each weekday morning when I’m in the country I catch the 7:38 from Bicester into Marylebone. It used to be the 7:52, but Chiltern Railways changed the timetable a couple of months ago so that I could reach work by 9:00am. Very kind of them. For those that don’t know about commuting on Chiltern Railways, I…
I’ve been lucky enough to meet some very, very successful people over the last few years; not just business people, but adventurers, philanthropists and sporting heroes as well. I’ve always thought it was ridiculous to suggest that they all have the same traits in common and that success can somehow be distilled into an amalgamation of…
Every so often, usually when I’m visiting the USA, people do a double-take when they find out my name. “John May,” they question, “aren’t you a character in ‘V’?” http://v.wikia.com/wiki/John_May I normally smile, nod and admit to being an urban legend. Earlier this year, in the middle of a large reception held in…
I am turning into a stereotype. Despite protestations of individuality, supported by being half-Australian with a proud Jewish heritage, I know that I am viewed by several non-British friends as being quintessentially English, middle class and highly conventional. They’re right. I’m becoming my Dad. And my Mum too – who, despite being completely Australian, is…
Do you know people that just seem to be happier in general? Do you say to yourself, "I want to be more like them"? Often, the happiest people in the world don’t have the best of everything…they just make the best of everything! via Life is like Coffee Movie.
Mass desertion of the Daily Mail, an end to reality TV, UK’s patriotic acknowledgement of its own multiculturalism, continued smiling at strangers on the tube, a massive increase in community volunteering – and Wenlock to run for Parliament.
Well, I ache this morning in places I didn’t know I could ache. Triathlons appear to have been developed to create completely new forms of pain and exhaustion! Anyway, it didn’t rain; I didn’t drown and I didn’t get a puncture! I completed the course… Not quite at the pace of the elites, but, as…