english matters

The sporting world received some terribly sad news last week - the death of boxing legend Muhammad Ali. Well, I say the sporting world. However he was much more than just a fantastic athlete, rather an inspiration to many across the globe what with his stance on human rights and his famous resistance to the draft during the Vietnam War. Born in 1942, Ali took the World Heavyweight Championship from Sonny Liston in 1964, although this was well before my time. Instead, like many, I have had to rely on old videos in…Czytaj dalej …

Every morning as I’m sat with my coffee on the balcony before work, I’m treated to the sight of the little Yorkshire Terrier in the opposite building bounding around and eating his breakfast. He’s a cute little thing and I’m now seriously considering getting a dog of my own. I’ve been lucky enough to have had a few pets in my time - from goldfish, to hamsters to dogs, all of which have brought a huge amount of pleasure. Perhaps my favourite pet was Quaver, our loveable family Labrador Retriever. She was initially…Czytaj dalej …

We’ve all been in that horrible situation where you’ve got home and discovered that something is missing from you pocket or bag. But when that something happens to be your wallet or purse then panic really does kick in.

That’s exactly what happened to me earlier this week as I returned home from work. After sitting down with a well-earned cup of tea I began looking for my wallet only to find it was nowhere in sight. I suddenly felt sick. I contacted the office but it wasn’t there and I couldn’t even think…Czytaj dalej …

Anyone who knows me will tell you I’m a bit of a night owl, but to be fair I am usually asleep by 3am! However, tonight Im sat here writing my blog at the clock strikes three as I’m just unable to drift off into the land of nod. But why? Well, outside is one of the most violent storms I have heard in years and the thunder claps are rattling the windows. To be honest, it’s a bit frightening. Having said that, there is something quite relaxing and comforting about lying in…Czytaj dalej …

I had great plans for the recent long weekend but with the weather being as bad as it was, they were totally scuppered. So instead of beach trips, bike rides and BBQs, I plonked myself down in front of the TV and stuck on the Seinfeld DVD box set I got for Christmas. I’d honestly forgotten how great this series was. Started up in 1989, it was created by comedians Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David, with the former playing himself in the actual show. Over the years, it won a shedload of awards…Czytaj dalej …

Anyone with an interest in running or jogging will have wanted to have run the London Marathon. Founded by athlete John Disley and former Olympic champion Chris Brasher, it was originally started in 1981, and has been held every spring since. Although the route has altered over the years, the distance has remained at 26 miles and 385 yards - certainly something which requires a little training... While there are official charities, many runners pick their own and it’s estimated that around GBP 47.2 mln has been raised in total. My sister decided…Czytaj dalej …

While Spring hasn’t quite got into full swing yet, the sun keeps threatening to come out and last weekend it really was pushing for it. So what better opportunity to dig out my Rollerblades and hit the streets for a breath of fresh air. I’ve never been a big fan of jogging (my poor knees just aren’t up to it these days) but I do get a lot of satisfaction from sticking on my skates and zooming around town - especially with a pair of headphones blasting out my favourite tunes. But two…Czytaj dalej …

Whilst visiting my hometown in the UK two weeks ago, I walked past what used to be the old games hall - a glorious building once chock-a-block with arcade and pinball machines. The flashing lights would entice you in and once inside you’d be spoilt for choice as to where to spend your hand-earned pocket money. The likes of Street Fighter II, NBA Jam, Mortal Kombat and Terminator 2 were all firm favourites. Then you had the classics such as Pac-Man, Donkey Kong and Space Invaders. I dread to think just how much…Czytaj dalej …

One of the most interesting Easters I ever spent was in the beautiful city of Krakow with my family. We booked a lovely little hotel close to the square and had three days wandering the picturesque streets watching people with baskets full of food and soaking each other on Easter Monday. Ever since, I have long campaigned for Śmigus-dyngus to be turned into a British tradition! But over the past two years, I have seen Easter through slightly different eyes. With my nieces now old enough to appreciate the Easter Bunny, a mythical…Czytaj dalej …

As any mathematics buff will tell you, March 14th was a particularly special day. It’s not often fans of maths get something to celebrate, but National Pi Day saw them all out in force paying homage to one of the world’s most significant numbers. For years 3.14159 (the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter) has fascinated folk all around the world and you’d be surprised just how many battle it out to see who can remember its endless list of numbers. The first known Pi Day was set up by physicist…Czytaj dalej …