Category: Being Human
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The Lingering Presence of London’s Empty Homes: A Personal and Systemic Crisis
I am frequently reminded of a time, many years ago, when some friends were squatting a long-term empty terraced house in London. They were young, resourceful, and working in low-wage jobs, making squatting a desperate necessity for them to simply get by and have a roof over their heads. I recall that typical two-up, two-down…
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2025 was the year of the kindness of strangers
Another year has absolutely sprinted past us, leaving 2025 in a cloud of nostalgic dust bunnies. I swear, the older you get, the faster the Earth spins. Though it was marked by slow, sometimes painful moments, it was also sprinkled with moments of pure, sparkling joy. It’s now making a swift exit, propelled by the…
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White Male, Working-Class and Against Far-Right Populism
Last week brought fantastic news: Plaid Cymru’s Lyndsay Whittle delivered a victory speech. I’ve been increasingly concerned by the constant noise, shouting, and prominence given to the populist right across the UK. It was gratifying to see Wales deliver a clear rebuke to Reform and, while they were at it, a slap to Labour. As…
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The fantastic things that keep me sane
The demanding nature of the hospitality business has consumed my days and nights, a relentless whirlwind that requires unwavering attention. It feels like a constant tightrope walk, with scarcely a moment of calm. Each day brings its own unique set of challenges, from the unpredictable drama of staff crises and unexpected equipment breakdowns to the…
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“A good friend who was a cunt of a friend”
The news hit me like a physical blow, a punch to the gut that left me winded and disoriented. Stéphane. Gone. The word echoed in the hollow chambers of my mind, refusing to settle, refusing to make sense. And yet, amidst the initial shock and the burgeoning tide of sorrow, there was another, more complicated…