Today sees the start of a new column I'm writing for The Times. It's called 'The Coaster' and appears in a new-look 'Weekend' section. The paper has had a major makeover and, I reckon, looks pretty slick.
Today's introductory column, which you can find by clicking here, asks a simple question: why are we so captivated by the sea? Readers of this blog will have a fair idea of the answer, but over the coming months I'll be exploring a diverse range of coastal activities, communities and pursuits. I'll be writing about the characters of coastal life and looking at art, literature and music whose well-springs are founded in salt water. And yes, I'll be writing about surfing, too. Check out next weekend's paper for something on two characters from the Newquay scene - Tony Plant and Ben Granata.
Meanwhile, many thanks to all who've been giving me advice about how to get Harry back in the water. As I confessed to Greg Martin during a surf the other day, the truth is that I'm not really worried about Harry's current disinclination - he'll be back and surfing soon, and won't have lost an iota of his ability - but I do miss the routine that we'd developed over the last two years or so since moving to the far west. No doubt my current feelings are a foretaste of that moment when one's kids leave home, and perhaps Harry, in his own sensitive way, is alive to this - he's just come in and said "Dad, have I done enough chores for some pocket money and if I have and you give me enough for a new skate game, I'll come surfing with you." Teenagers' minds work in such pleasingly simple fashion.
Lastly, good luck to Sam Smart tonight. He's boxing in Gloucestershire, one of whose boxing clubs, Walcot ABC in Swindon, turned my life around a few years ago. Sam's up against a boxer from Penhill, Walcot's principal rivals in the area. I don't know who's he's fighting but my money's on the Sennen southpaw, whose form, discipline and training regime of late has been evidence that he has what it takes to turn pro.
Image, from a skate shoot on Sennen seafront roughly this time last year, courtesy of Russ Pierre. Russ - got your message and will give you a shout!
A new skate game and a lift to a surf spot? He's got you there mate.
Posted by: Rio | January 26, 2009 at 06:12 AM
"In fact there was inflation—asset-price inflation, the assets being houses and common stock, and at times oil and other commodities.
Manipulation of commodities prices? See Mr. Buffett and silver. A bit more involved than interest rates and money supply, no?"
Posted by: Coach Bags Outlet | December 27, 2010 at 01:17 AM