Top 10 Judge Dredd Stories

Top 10 Judge Dredd StoriesOne of the best and biggest British exports to the world has been the weekly sci-fi comic 2000AD. To celebrate its 40th birthday later this month, I look at the best stories featuring its star, Judge Dredd. Set mostly after the Atomic Wars of 2070, the population of the USA is contained within … [continue reading]

Our favorite scream of the silver screen

Our favorite scream of the silver screenMaking its first appearance in the Star Wars saga in 1977, the so-called 'Wilhelm scream' has become a familiar sound effect in modern movies. Frequently used in situations where someone falls from a great height, or is shot or possibly even blown up, its unique shriek usually reflects the unpleasant … [continue reading]

How to haggle in Hong Kong

How to haggle in Hong KongOften referred to as ‘an exercise in controlled chaos', Hong Kong is a diverse and densely populated city that seems to defy convention. The city centre is packed with people, day and night, while cars and trams tentatively navigate through the heaving crowds. An infinite number of neon signs flash … [continue reading]

Starlog magazine saved my life

Starlog magazine saved my lifeMy childhood was spent growing up in a quaint, country town on the south coast of England. By far the most important – and the most exciting – event in my 13-year-old life was being paid every month for my weekly paper-round. Not because I enjoyed receiving the veritable fortune of £35 … [continue reading]

Absurdity at the Oman border

Absurdity at the Oman border This was my first time crossing the border from the United Arab Emirates into neighbouring Oman. The border control itself is like a small shanty town of sorts. There are three run-down, dilapidated huts made from rusty corrugated iron sheets. You enter the first one and it's hot, dusty and … [continue reading]

A break up letter to Los Angeles

Where should I begin with this tale of heartbreak? We first met 14 years ago, I remember it vividly. You can’t deny there was an […]

Lords of Dog Town

Everybody loves a hot dog. Those long, savory sausages served in soft bread buns have brought pleasure to the palates of millions of Americans for […]

Venice Beach Open Air Insane Asylum

Most major cities have a homeless population; London certainly has, so does New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles. Especially Los Angeles. Virtual shanty towns […]

Service charge not included

Ah, tipping. That cash diminishing custom that Americans have helped make an common part of everyday culture. Despite the fact that it’s origins actually stem […]

Leave any pride in your work at the door

The Los Angeles office of the Mail Online is a tiny bungalow-of-a-building in Venice, with only the smallest of signs – usually hidden by a few […]

Another season of Dodgers baseball

It’s that time of year, Spring training has finished, the extravagant exhibition games are over and the Major League Baseball season has finally begun. As […]

Stop → Look → Listen → Blog

Generally speaking driving in Los Angeles is straightforward, fun and for the most part stress free. Although it must be said, when I was having […]

Let’s just bug out and call it even, OK?

The closest I’d ever come to an earthquake was a simulation at the Science Museum, where you stood in the middle of a mock up […]

Is Santa Monica Little Britain?

While some areas of Los Angeles are unmistakably pockets of foreign culture, like Chinatown or Little Tokyo, with billboards, posters and shop signs written in […]