Discipline, Deprivation And Dumbassery: Putting Short-Term Fitness Challenges To The Test

After a long Summer of playing music, partying and tomfoolery, there are some consequences that us mere mortals must reconcile with: lighter wallets and heavier results on the weighing scales. I didn't think I'd ever write about losing weight again, nor did I think I'd ever write about fitness.

Gun Control In The US: Is It Really That Tricky Or Is It Just Semantics?

Oh, where to begin? The debate surrounding gun control in the US is such a heavily contested debate that it's shocking, saddening, curious, interesting, provocative, liberating, sexualised and norrow-minded that it causes one to draw several, often self-defeating, conclusions.

Musical Nascense: Greasing Up Elbows And Sh**ting In Cereal

Over the last few weeks, Foo Fighters' frontman, Dave Grohl's comments from an interview that he did have emerged into perhaps one of the most widely circulated 'memes' to come out of the World of music. He makes some 'right under your nose' remarks that so many people wouldn't even consider in this age of reality show pop manufacturing. Obviously, this post is, in many ways, jumping on the bandwagon of support for Grohl and the 'anti-idol movement's', but, as a musician, it seems worthwhile to throw in a few cents as well. Grohl's comments resonate with me personally is because of the simplicity of the concept of "becoming a credible musician".

Speaking Out About Your Problems: What's So Bloody Wrong With That?

I just read an article written by Brendan O'Neill (Big Issue columnist, Daily Telegraph blogger) about Angelina Jolie (see here). It baffles and saddens to think that someone can be so mean-spirited and cynical as to write a piece that so blatantly criticises another purely based on their celebrity status.

The 20/20 Experience: A Clear Vision, Beautifully Executed

Finally, I've had a chance to listen to The 20/20 Experience by Justin Timberlake. All I can say is that it is most certainly a concept album. It won't be as welcomed by 'pop music' fans as his earlier albums and maybe that's fair enough but you should not feel disappointed. Taking risks and going against the grain are what make musicians stand the test of time. This album will prove to be that risk and demonstrates JT's admirable diversity.

The Tory-LibDem "Bedroom Tax": UK Gov't Resorts to Ryanair-style Tactics to Save on Social Spending

Having a background in political science and public administration has it's downfalls; late nights, the unwilling reading of copious amounts of mind-numbing literature and a hyperactive imagination caused by constant caffeine abuse. However, one of its perks has always been its historicist element. "What's that?", you say. Well, every now and then, among the smoking induced dust covering that the piles of books receive, there will be a book that one picks up and they will stumble across some of the most strange living conditions and social policies that make one's jaw drop.