In her book Making Comics Lynda Barry recommends you use a timer for each drawing exercise. In one activity she even challenges the reader to draw a cat in less and less time. There's 6 levels ranging from 60 seconds down to 5 seconds. Now 5 seconds isn't enough time to draw a cat. It's … Continue reading Not enough time to draw →

Lord Yoda, who art in Jedi heaven, I am about to start my day, And I pray that you will send the following gifts my way. Lord Yoda please grant me the strength to deal with any pigheadedness, stupidity and moronic requests that stray across my path on this day. Please guide my vessel through … Continue reading My prayer to Lord Yoda →

How do you know if you're good at something? Well if you are a professional athlete and the public regularly proclaims you the G.O.A.T., you can take that as a good sign. If you're not in the public's eye but many people compliment you on your performance, that helps. If compliments are a rarity you … Continue reading Gauging good →

You know the old saying: 'Be careful what you wish for, because you just might get it.' Well I think a similar saying exists for brainstorming sessions. 'Be careful what you suggest because you just might be put in charge of it' To everyone else it makes logical sense that person who suggests the idea … Continue reading Good suggestion, now do it →

We spend close to two decades trying to become educated enough to get a job. Then once we get a job we spend the majority of our week working the job and even more time talking about the job. What's more, if you're dissatisfied with your job, you have to spend time working the job, … Continue reading Spending free time →

I have a plethora of sport autobiographies at home. Every Christmas, for years, someone would buy me the latest athlete's memoirs. I read so many I noticed a pattern. Each year I would start the book with eager anticipation and end it disappointed. The main reason being - I wanted to hear the insider details, … Continue reading Honesty levels in autobiographies →

I can't do it. I can't go on. I want out, somebody get me out. You've been pushed to the brink and you feel physically, emotionally and mentally beaten up. The situation feels hopeless and you see no way out. You just want the pain to stop. You search your inner reserves and there appears … Continue reading I just can’t go on →

The trouble with rugby teams is that toxic masculinity runs deep. It's not the done thing to say you appreciate another. But one excellent way around this that I experienced was an anonymous comment card. You put your name on the top of the card/page/paper and then it was passed around with the goal that … Continue reading (Punch in the arm) →

Double screening is a term used for people who go on their phones whilst 'watching' TV at the same time. Some people refuse to poo without their phones. Playing music whilst in the shower is so common it's not even worth mentioning. Picking and downloading a podcast for the commute is the done thing. No … Continue reading Background noise →

I think if you want to enjoy your 5 a side more you should invest more in it. Start jogging regularly, practice on your own, watch YouTube videos to improve your skills. As the old saying goes the more you put in, the more you get out. After all on a cold, wet, windy night … Continue reading Care more →