The essential guide to etiquette whilst travelling on the Metro. … More Metro travel etiquette guide -The Wanderer, The Talker and The Space Invader.
When I embarked on my first Premier League review last week, I hadn’t anticipated how much work it was to report on every match so this week I’m not going to bother. I’m only going to discuss things that have caught my eye in the past seven days and ignore those that don’t interest me. … More Pulis in the bedroom, Pardew’s moves and a wet haddock. My Premier League review (Week two)
Bored of the Olympics? Bored of my blogs about the Olympics? For a change in scenery, here is the first in a sporadic series of blogs about the Premier League season. As always, the first weekend of the Premier League season brings a lot of anticipation, excitement, optimism, cliches and unanswered questions. Will Zlatan score … More Premier League review (Week one)
Today’s sports for your education are Gymnastics, The Marathon and Diving. Gymnastics I used to work with the wife of a former Olympic gymnast and BBC commentator but this adds nothing to the blog, just reminding you that I am a friend of the stars. Gymnastics is split into two distinct disciplines. ‘Means of escape’ … More A simpleton’s guide to the Olympics (Part three)
Recently I wrote a blog on the collective pride of Sunderland and the 2021 City of Culture Bid. Here is a great video by Robert Carr showing 21 reasons why Sunderland should win. It also has a cameo appearance from this popular local author.
In 1986 I bought my first pint in the long since departed Upper Deck pub in Sunderland. I was on a work night out from my first job and not only was I underage at sixteen, I also looked about twelve. Clearly worried about getting refused or arrested I offered the money to a colleague … More Pub Etiquette (Part one)
I love being a writer, I take great satisfaction from the whole creative process and there is a fantastic buzz when someone likes my work. I get to meet a lot of creative people who are all passionate about what they do and writing is definitely a passion of mine. Those that know me will … More Sunderland, passion and our collective pride.
This was originally posted on May 11th 2016 before Sunderland played Everton. They won 3-0, I’m not sure what I was worried about. “How many times?” A question familiar to many Sunderland fans. Bowel movements are rarely used as a measure of anything outside of a hospital ward but they are a fairly accurate … More Sunderland, nerves and Kylie in a cheesecake.
Liam hates his job working for Phonetix Mobile. Fighting for every second and battling with every customer, he is close to the edge. Bumper’s business is going under. His debts are rising, his drinking is getting worse and his wife has had enough. Jodie is unemployed and is desperate for work to give her son … More Idle Threats
Childhood in the eighties was fun for Peter Wood but nothing lasts forever. Running away seemed like his only option; as did his return fifteen years later. Will his old friends forgive him for going? Will his enemies forgive him for coming back? Will Pete win back the life he thought he had lost or … More Leg It
Alan Parkinson 