Monday
On a day like today, I can’t help but think back to my heart attack last year. The doctor, nurse, and porter at St. George’s were incredible. I was hooked up to monitors for a full 24 hours in A&E. The staff really tried to find me a bed, but I ended up spending two days in an overflow ward. The surgeon and his team could easily have wrapped up early, but they decided to operate on me a few days ahead of schedule. Just because they could. It made a huge difference for me—a total stranger. Even though the hospital was stretched thin, the staff went above and beyond. Many of them have come from various countries to work in the UK.
Days like this also remind me of the workers at the nursing home where my mother spent her last seven years before passing away in March. Those caring men and women did their utmost to help my mother navigate the confusion of Alzheimer’s. They became like family. Many of them, too, came from all over to do the work that others often shunned. So, it was particularly disheartening to hear Kiel’s Starmer earlier this morning disparaging immigrants and their contributions to our society. His choice of words felt calculated, more like a political play than genuine concern. It echoed sentiments from Enoch Powell, and frankly, it seemed tone-deaf.
He claimed that immigrants have caused significant harm to the nation, suggesting he had ended this “chapter” in our history. Perhaps he’s never had to rely on NHS emergency services or place elderly relatives in care homes? I can say with confidence that, if not for this so-called “illegal chapter,” I wouldn’t be here right now. I’ll always be tremendously thankful for those who helped me—their faces are etched in my memory long after mine faded from theirs. Sure, there might be room for adult discussions about immigration, but that was not the moment.
Tuesday
Seems the British public is pretty riled up nowadays. Starmer made headlines with some free suits and Arsenal tickets, while Rachel Reeves was praised for her performance at a recent event. Meanwhile, Thames Water’s CEO Chris Weston awarded himself a £195,000 bonus after just three months on the job. You’d think maybe a little more discretion would be appropriate.
But then, there’s the spectacle of Donald Trump preparing to take possession of a $400 million Boeing 747, nicknamed the “Flying Palace,” which was gifted by the Qatari royal family. Rather than being upset about the lavishness, perhaps we should appreciate that at least he’s consistent in his lack of ambition. The plane boasts all the luxury you can imagine—designer bathrooms, private suites… it makes Mar-a-Lago look understated. Trump declared his intention to use it as a personal jet after his presidency, part of his library foundation. For him, this isn’t just a state asset; it’s a personal trophy.
One can’t help but wonder what else he might “acquire” for his library, even though reading doesn’t seem to be his strong suit. Maybe he’ll snag the presidential limo too? Lots of people are understandably uncomfortable with all this, questioning whether receiving such gifts from a nation with a questionable track record is really appropriate for the U.S. Still, Trump seems to take pride in flaunting these “gifts” on social media.
Wednesday
The latest approval ratings for the royals have just come out from YouGov. Prince William is sitting at 75%, with Katherine not far behind at 72%. This feels more like an indication of their future roles rather than any major achievements. Generally, it seems the British public prefers a royal family that’s mainly ceremonial—visible, but not vocal. Honestly, I can’t even recall what these two have done recently. Princess Anne comes next at 69%, likely due to her straightforward demeanor. The King is at 61%, and his lower rating is puzzling. Maybe some royalists haven’t forgiven him for marrying Camilla, who sits at 46%.
But what’s really grabbing attention is Harry and Meghan’s ratings—27% and 20%, respectively. That’s what you get for moving to California and constantly complaining about how royals don’t give you enough attention or support. I have a bit of sympathy for Harry, though. He might be a mixed bag, at times difficult and contradictory, but it’s clear he’s wrestling with emotional turmoil. He could probably benefit from a good therapist, someone who can help him confront his reality.
And then there’s Andrew, chilling at 5%. Surprisingly, that’s a 1% uptick from before. How? One has to wonder if there’s someone out there keeping tabs on him despite the mountains of negative headlines—from allegations tied to Jeffrey Epstein to his disregard for public sentiment. It’s baffling. “Keep it up, Andrew,” I guess—they must think you’re doing something right.
Thursday
Being a Spurs supporter seems particularly peculiar right now. My friend Matthew, sitting next to me at White Hart Lane, is all about the glory—we’re aiming for the Europa League Cup next Wednesday. Just win that trophy, and suddenly the entire season feels worthwhile. For him, May 21st will be a crowning moment, perhaps the best since the UEFA Cup victory 41 years ago. He’s even booked a ride with the Bilbao coach.
As for me? I’m more skeptical. I’m probably a decade and a half older than Matthew. The thrill has worn off for me over the years. I wasn’t about to drop the exorbitant hotel and travel costs. I mean, some places are asking £1,000 a night! If only the team had arranged better deals for the fans, I might have reconsidered.
But let’s face it—our performance has been dismal this season. It’s less about the losses and more about the sheer lack of effort. Take Sunday’s match against Crystal Palace, for example. They also had a lot on the line, and yet they played with genuine pride—happy to avoid relegation. I’ll just watch the final from home and, if we do win, I might seriously regret not being there. Speaking of which… better renew my season tickets.
Friday
This past year has been a whirlwind of political drama for me as I’ve been hosting events across the country, dissecting recent history—from the Scottish referendum to Brexit, and the chaotic tenures of Teresa May and Boris Johnson, followed by the absurdity of Covid and Partygate. Liz Truss’s brief, surreal time in office was something to behold—Rishi’s light snack of a leadership certainly doesn’t compare. And now we’re witnessing Starmer trying to steer the ship.
I can’t quite tell if that’s entirely accurate, though. The event itself felt like a full house, but some of the most touching moments came afterward when various attendees shared their stories with me—people wanting to check in on my mental health. One woman told me she was inspired by an article I wrote about a breathing workshop. She decided to sign up and is now training to be a breathing teacher.
There’s a sense that if people were invested enough to attend the show, they likely had a lot in common. A guy, for instance, shared that he had connected with a woman during the intermission and now they’re an item. My next appearances will be at the Hay Festival on May 26th and the Brighton Comedy event on June 22nd. Feel free to join—laughter is pretty much guaranteed. You might even find someone special.
