2012

I sometimes get emails from people who think I’m Gary Roberts the (former) hockey player for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Today I got one from the Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Read More I get email

“Hi, my name’s Neil!” says the guy, loudly, as he turns the corner right in front of me and moves into my way. I’m walking home from work, it’s just after 5 p.m. and starting to get dark. The temperature is 4°, unseasonably warm for January—a nice night to walk home. I have to stop…

Read More Neil

Adam is sitting in the steel and leather barber’s chair, his back to the small table displaying the tools of his trade and the large mirror on the wall, as he talks to an older guy seated across from him. The mirror competes for wall space with a number of vintage Playboy pin-up posters, the edges of…

Read More Corrado’s barbershop

Last night on New Year’s Eve, sitting at the bar in our local pub with Graham the bartender serving champers… Graham: “Get a good grip. That’s it.” Me: “Like this?” “Yeah, now move it gently. Gently! That’s it, keep going. Pull it slowly.” “I hope I’m doing this right.” “Mm, you got it. Nice. I can see it…

Read More The Bubbly Virgin