>
JAMES D. IRWIN began writing for these pages just before Valentine’s Day, 2009, at the tender age of fifteen nineteen, making him our younger statesman — TNB’s version of Robin Yount, but British.
He is a prolific writer of letters: to Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Matt Damon, Bruce Willis, Jon Bon Jovi, and the editor of Porn Watcher’s Weekly. To date, none of his would-be correspondents have written back.
Although he is a huge fan of classic rock bands, he is not to be confused with Keith Richards. He also enjoys sports, especially football (both American and the kind Americans call “soccer“).
He may not feel like a writer, but he’s pretty damned funny, and he makes a good argument that there is such a thing as British cuisine.
Oh, and he is called “Jedi” by certain TNB editors, because his initials are JDI.
Sweet! It’s Irwin.
He is pretty goddam funny. And he loves Point Break more than a human should.
Thanks Gloria.
I’ve only watched Point Break once this year, but I think it’s almost time for the Patrick Swayze Memorial Feast.
My brother and I started it last year after he died to celebrate the man in Road House and Point Break. It’s basically us eating a load of junk food whilst watching those two films back to back. We might watch Red Dawn this year…
JDI. I’m sorry to say I didn’t know the reason for your nickname until just now. I assumed you had undergone the training and faced Vader like the rest of us.
Does this mean you don’t have a mechanical hand?
I didn’t undergo the training, no.
I chose the quick and easy path, as my father did.
Jim,
You are a funny guy and a super good writer. I’m so glad you’re here at TNB!
Yay!
Thanks Zara!
James is awesome.
As is Nick!
Jim! You’ve made the big time!
…
Lend us a tenner?
I need all my money to keep on bribing everyone into letting me stay here!
I love you. And your writing.
And you will forever be called “Irwin” by me because I feel that it suits you better than anything else.
Thanks Ashley.
Almost everyone calls me Irwin, whether on line or the thrilling 3-D spectacle that is ‘real life.’ It feels very comfortable.
But I once forgot my own first name because it’s used so rarely.
PS- Gloria, who doesn’t love POINT BREAK? One of the greatest movies ever. Seriously.
You are the first person to say anything to me publicly on TNB and for that I will always hold you in high regard, close to that thing in my chest that is often black but still pumps blood through my system.
I think you’re better than bangers and mash. At the pub I frequent, some jackass played some Bon Jovi and I held up my Guinness and toasted you to the puzzlement of my friends. But they joined in anyway and we clinked our pints, “To Irwin”.
I wish I could remember who left my first comment at TNB. Well, I suppose I could actually go back to the 2.0 archives and check. But I don’t think it’d quite be the same, because I started off as a frequent commenter first.
Essentially it was like climbing up on stage during a lovely production Hamlet, shouting until the Dane and his skull quietened down so I could perform my own strange one man stage act to mixed reviews.
Guinness is wonderful. It was my drink of choice until I became poor. A pint costs almost £4 where I live!
I’ve never seen the Rockford Files. I beleive Tom Selleck is in an episode though…
P.S. Magnum PI is the most delicious waste of time one can have when planted in front of the tube, though The Rockford Files runs an extremely close second. Over the years I’ve become an expert in watching both of those fine shows.
Irwin! You superstar! Keith Richards is jealous.
You know what? I don’t think I’d trade this with him.
I wouldn’t even trade it for Exile-era Keith.
Really.
Irwin! This is so cool. From oldest straight to youngest. No, wait. Perhaps better to say straight from oldest to youngest.
Peace from your fellow bookend.
It is pretty cool.
And I’m very proud to be following you sir.
As you said in another comment, what a shitty time to have been offline. Bad luck.
I am back though, in time to bask in a little glory for a few days.
The comment I left a few days ago cost me a fortune on my phone!
You have to stop giving me reasons to raise a glass to you, James. I’m gonna end up drunk after this month. Congrats.
Normally I’m blaming others for me getting drunk.
Thanks!
Congrats for getting the limelight at such a tender age, James!
Think of all the time you have to write!
If only I had a desk!
(right now I’m using a packing box and a £1 garden chair!)
But James,
that is how you are
supposed to start!
Blimey!
Mighty good show, old bean!
I had a feeling it’d be me and I’m gutted. Of all the weeks to be offline! I’ve just moved to the countryside. I really co honoured though and i can’t wait to reply to you all next week. Thanks, this has been a lovely moment in a pretty cold and miserable day in what we laughing call ‘summer’ over here…
That’s what I’m talking about. Good stuff, man. Some well deserved props.
Between this feature and the EPL/SPL kicking off, it’s a pretty good freaking end of the month!
It has! And now I have the internet again!
And Spurs are in the Champions League!
[…] Greg Olear repeatedly insists that I am in fact fifteen years of age. Scientific studies prove that if you hear something enough times you begin to accept it as fact. […]