The 2014 Commonwealth Games

Wednesday sees the start of the 2014 Commonwealth Games, the third largest multi-sport event after the Olympics and the Asian Games. The Commonwealth Games has been running every 4 years since 1930 and has so far been held in 18 cities around the world.  This years Commonwealth Games is being held in Glasgow. Around 71… Continue reading The 2014 Commonwealth Games

Lest We Forget: A Concise Companion to the First World War (my new book)

My easy to understand but comprehensive history of WW1 in Kindle and Paperback.

I know what you’re thinking.  Stephen can’t be releasing another book.  I know, I know.  I’m sorry.  Long-time readers will know that I spend my summers giving guided tours and during winter I spend most of my time writing and it just so happens that it takes a certain amount of time for books to… Continue reading Lest We Forget: A Concise Companion to the First World War (my new book)

Why is there no history on History TV?

I know, I’m a bit old-fashioned.  I like history, I visit historical places, I read about history and write about it too and when I switch on the History TV channel, I kind of expect history too.  I used to find it too until a few years ago. When the History Channel started, it was… Continue reading Why is there no history on History TV?

Farewell to a great Airbnb guest – or am I Matthew from Game On

I’m not sure how many people are familiar with the 1990’s extremely funny but short-lived BBC Comedy Game-On.  It centres on the lives of 3 flatmates, most particularly Matthew who comes into an inheritance after his parents are killed in a car crash and buys a large flat (apartment) in London which he rents out… Continue reading Farewell to a great Airbnb guest – or am I Matthew from Game On

Stupid corporate customer surveys

We all have them don’t we.  Every time we go somewhere, every time we do something, every time we visit a website we are urged to share our opinion.  Tight companies offer us nothing in return, others offer us a 1 in a million chance to win £10 or something similar.  Those lucky enough to… Continue reading Stupid corporate customer surveys

The Fault In Our Stars

Today I went out to see a film on the spur of the moment.  I didn’t even know that I was going to go out and I certainly didn’t know that I was going to see this particular film.  I was minded to go and see the film ‘Chef’ but then I saw that ‘A… Continue reading The Fault In Our Stars

The Spirit of D-Day Lives On!

A small story which I thought some people like to read involves D-Day veteran Bernard Jordan aged 89.  He was reported missing from his Pines Care home in Hove. Bernard apparently was told by his care home that he wasn’t able to attend the events in Normandy these last few days whether due to the… Continue reading The Spirit of D-Day Lives On!

How football sounds to people that just don’t care

I thought I would issue a bonus post today seeing as it took very little effort 🙂  I can’t claim credit for the text below just as I can’t track down where it originated from but I hope some of you will like it. With the World Cup Football tournament looming and the football seasoning… Continue reading How football sounds to people that just don’t care

How wrong can we be?

We are all used to thinking that things are a lot worse than they actually are.  The media make their money from convincing us things are bad and going to get worst.  Opposing political parties insist we are all doomed except of course for the government of the day that state things are always on… Continue reading How wrong can we be?