Pain and Glory 2024

Burnouts, Battles, and Resilience – It’s been a tough year

Year-end; time to reflect, react and contemplate. A tough 12 months, that’s for sure. Didn’t go to plan, that too an understatement. But did it beat me? Nearly. Did it scar me? Definitely. Don’t hesitate to hit play on the video below – my words, SUNO’s sounds. It’s something that you might relate to, it’s something that might soothe, maybe even inspire some hope. But as for reading the rest of this, if you share a state of mind as delicate as mine, best to cease now, and click away. Check out my automotive year in review instead, it’s kinda funny. It may amuse and distract. But peruse below only at your peril.

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How to Be a Top Gear Writer

Shafiq Abidin’s Rebel Journey to Motoring Journalism

Some people dream of driving exotic cars. Others dream of writing about them. And then there’s Shafiq Abidin, who’s managed to land one of the coolest jobs, In The World – Top Gear staff writer. But the journey from a student interviewing me during Covid to being a year-in to one of the most coveted car jobs out there, has not been without challenges and disappointments. It almost never happened, but this young talent fought for his goals, pushing past cultural expectations, imposter syndrome, and countless rejections to make it happen. His story? It’s as inspiring as it is relatable.

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Are We Mice in a Maze? 

The Grim Parallels Between ‘Universe 25’ and Our Own Human Dystopia

Big Brother – you know, the iconic and voyeuristic reality TV experiment – is back this weekend. I won’t be watching. It was fascinating when it first aired 24 years ago, but now it’s just a tired rehash of a formula that’s been worked to death and beyond. What did catch my attention, though, were the hype-building adverts on ITV, featuring mice in a maze – or rather, in a miniaturised version of the Big Brother house.

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The Cruel Tyranny of the Mind

Despair is more than an absence of hope – it’s a mental labyrinth of self-sabotage and futility. Is there a way out, or are we destined to sink deeper?

Despair and desperation; a beckoning whirlpool void of emptiness that entertains no hope, no redemption, and certainly no mercy. Allow yourself to slide down that funnel and life leaves you even as you go on living a nightmarish nothingness. To find the motivation, mood or momentum to escape the despondency requires a Herculean effort to punch through your own chest and jolt the heart out of its defeated dimming. It’s almost impossible.

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Embracing Change: How Modern Car Technology Keeps Us Young

As you age can you find the ‘elixir of youth’ in the analogy of driving through time?

Ever heard the saying, “Change is the only constant”? Well, hop into the driver’s seat of the new MG3 Hybrid with me, and let’s take a ride through the evolution of, not just this classic British brand, but automotive technology in general and our reaction to it, particularly those of us who’ve been around a while! This ride-along could force you to ponder the idea that embracing new technology is the secret to staying young and vibrant. Buckle up!

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Interview & Podcast: From IT to Iconic Cars:

Kish Nelson on Collecting Motors & the UK & UAE Classic Car Scene!

Meet Kish Nelson, the visionary founder of Collecting Motors. Kish shares his remarkable journey from a career in IT to becoming a prominent figure in the classic car scene. Discover how he transformed his passion for vintage vehicles into a thriving business that connects classic car enthusiasts and investors in the UK and UAE.

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Stolen Car Recovery Rate Plummets from 70% to 25% Since the 1990s!

Recovery rates in London Vs Kent will surprise you

In the 1990s the recovery rate for stolen cars in London used to be 70%, now the average for the South East is down to just 25%! Car theft is costing insurance companies billions of pounds and is an increasing concern, it seems, for everyone except the police – this is despite the profusion of ANPR cameras now in London. With only 1 in 4 stolen cars found, we look at the latest reports on stolen cars. But there is some good news, recovery rates in London are much higher in London than in neighbouring Kent! Watch this video. And let us know in the comments of your experience with the police if your car was stolen. Did you get it back? How helpful were the police?

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Driving Reduces Blood Pressure!

Science Says Hitting the Road is Good for You

Do you suffer from high blood pressure or poor blood circulation? You might be surprised to learn that driving, particularly accelerating, can help reduce your blood pressure! That’s according to the International Drivers Association. The prolonged use of your car’s accelerator can have significant health benefits. Discover how driving can improve your mental and physical health, boost circulation, and even reduce stress levels. Learn practical tips for healthy driving and how to make the most of your time on the road. Don’t miss out on this surprising and exciting news!

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UK Car Ownership: One of the Most Expensive in Europe

It’s easy to understand why Young People Are Ditching Driving – but what does that mean for the long-term?

The costs of learning to drive, buying, owning and driving a car in the UK, puts it at one of the most expensive countries in Europe. We explore why young people are increasingly ditching driving, breaking down the high expenses from obtaining a driving license to maintaining a vehicle. Plus we compare the UK’s costs to other European countries – find out which is the best, and worst, country for car costs. From fuel prices to insurance and vehicle taxes, we uncover the factors making car ownership nearly impossible for many. Share your thoughts in the comments and let us know your experiences!

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