I’m fairly good at spotting film plot twists. I got the sixth sense, realised who Nicole Kidman was in The Others, and guessed Teddy Daniels’ real identity in Shutter Island. The Usual Suspects, however, floored me. Not only didn’t I guess, I didn’t even see it coming. When the actual bad guy was revealed I… Read More

I used to know a guy who was a serial re-inventor. Every month or so, without fail, he’d declare himself as something new. It wasn’t like he’d take up a new hobby or find a new interest, he’d fully change his identity. “I’m a photographer” he’d state, before dropping top dollar on the newest course… Read More

Ever notice when something sweet just isn’t sweet enough? You know what I mean. The sugary treat you normally have that just isn’t very sugary anymore. Back in 1998, researchers set to find out why this happens. In a fairly cruel study design, they made a group of people taste something sweet and then subjected… Read More

As a kid, I always seemed to have a sense of good versus evil. Without any understanding of character nuances, I could quickly pick who was a goodie and who was a baddie even if I watched a film designed for adults. Kids stuff was even easier. Take He-Man for example; without knowing anything about… Read More

I’ve never really made New Year’s resolutions before, but after talking to a friend who is much smarter than me, I’m going to give it a go. Every year she gives something up and starts something new, and this year I’m on board. The question is, what do I change? Do I make a teeny… Read More

When I was touring a lot, one thing that really stood out about it was how quickly we’d get into a groove. Wake up in the tour bus, shower at the venue, search for food, soundcheck, sit around, play the gig, then get back on the bus to do it all again in a different… Read More

When I was 10 years old, I dreamed of being the best drummer in the world. Day in, day out, I’d watch videos, listen to albums, and read magazines featuring the current and past best players. How did they practice, what bands did they play for, what made them so great? I sucked up any… Read More

I’ve had a few injuries in my time, but one of the worst was my knee about ten years ago. Every time I walked, I imagined the pain I would feel, and how I was making the injury worse. In the end, a specialist suggested that the injury had cleared up long ago and that… Read More

It normally starts around this time; the same old messages from fitness bloggers and jacked insta models. “Relax”, they tell you, “Christmas is only one day a year”. Well, great, Richard, I’m proud of you for not tracking your macros for a whole day, perhaps I’ll put a fucking medal in your stocking. For the… Read More

If you’ve ever been knocked out before, you’ll know that it’s a strange sensation. You don’t feel the impact of whatever implement is rendering you unconscious, you just sort of wake up wondering where you are. If you’re a boxer, knocking someone out is kind of your job, and few people were better at it… Read More