I've got to be honest here and I'm holding my own, keep gaining and losing the same couple of pound. In general I've eaten reasonably well apart from I still am having a late night snack. In the past when I've been giving the weight loss a push this as been a meal I've been able to cut out. Perhaps its cos my life is a little more steady with not working, I just don't know.
This weekend was a bit of an exception because I played in two Table Tennis competitions, Vets British League on Saturday & York Championships on Sunday. They were long days with a lot of matches and I was really aching on Monday. On sunday I managed to reach 3 finals but only won the Mens Doubles with my partner RM, I was runner up in both the Vets singles to RC who partnered me in losing the Vets doubles, I was disappointed cos I usually beat him but didn't really get my tactics right on the day. With all the exercise you would think I'd lose weight but with me it has the opposite effect because I load up with Food & Sugar Drinks to boost energy. I struggle to get the balance right.
I put on about 4 lbs over the weekend but I've managed to shed it again by this morning. The weather has been decent so I got my 6 mile walk in both Monday & Tuesday, I had some errands to do today so didn't go.
I've been to the Supermarket and got in quite a bit of fruit that I'll use for any between meal snacks over the next week. I got 5 apples, 4 Oranges, Tray of Cherries, 2 trays of blueberries, 6 Bananas & a pineapple.
One thing that mayt not help the weight loss is that I'm off on a night out on Saturday. I'm meeting up with a few old work colleagues it'll be great to see some of "the gang" that I haven't seen for a while. Still can't worry about the weight all the time lifes about enjoyment isn't it.
Wednesday, 30 January 2008
Monday, 28 January 2008
Music Legends - Eva Cassidy
Eva Marie Cassidy a true Songbird was born to a musical family in Washington in February 1963 the third of four children. She displayed musical talent at a very young age. She formed a band "Stonehenge while still at school.
She went through her musical career largely unknown on the world wide stage, only really known in her home City & State. In 1983 aged 20 she played six nights a week at "Wild World" in Maryland along with her brother Dan.
She was once had her voice describe by British Newspaper "The Guardian" as having the greatest voice of her generation. Her music was not limited to one particular style, her repertoire included anything from Pop, Folk, Jazz, Blues & Gospel.
Here she is doing the Blues classic "Stormy Monday" :-
Throughout the 1980s, Cassidy worked with a number of other bands, including the soul and Motown-oriented band The Honeybees, and the techno-pop band Characters Without Names, later called Method Actor.
During this period, Cassidy also worked as a propagator at a plant nursery and as a furniture painter in Maryland.
In 1990 Cassidy hired the so-called "Eva Cassidy Band", composed of Chris Biondo, Lenny Williams, Keith Grimes and Raice McLeod, and she began to perform frequently in the Washington area.
In 1992 Biondo played a tape of Cassidy's voice for Chuck Brown Best known as the "Godfather of Go-go", Brown is also a jazz and blues vocalist. This led to the first commercial recording of Cassidy, the duet album with Chuck Brown "The Other Side" which featured performances of classic songs such as "Fever", Billy Hollidays "God Bless the Child" and Cassidy's signature tune "Over the Rainbow".
In 1993 Eva Cassidy was first honored by the Washington area music community when she was awarded two "Wammie Awards" for "Female Vocalist Roots/Traditional R&B" and "Vocalist Jazz/Traditional." The next year she was chosen to perform for the awards ceremony.
In January 1996, Cassidy recorded the album "Live at Blues Alley", about which "The Washington Post" later commented that "she could sing anything and make it sound like the only music that mattered". Cassidy herself was reportably unhappy with her voice on the recording because she was suffering fom a cold at the time.
It was during the recording of this album that she noticed a pain in her hips, cancer was diagnosed which then spread extreamly quickly.
Eva Cassidy died on November 2, 1996, at the age of 33. She was posthumously inducted into the Hall of Fame of the Washington Area Music Corporation.
According to her wishes, Cassidy’s body was cremated. Her ashes were sprinkled on the shores of St. Mary's Lake, a nature preserve near California, MD
According to her wishes, Cassidy’s body was cremated. Her ashes were sprinkled on the shores of St. Mary's Lake, a nature preserve near California, MD
In 1998 a compilation of tracks from Cassidy's three released recordings was assembled into the CD "Songbird", this CD lingered in obscurity for a few years until being given airplay on BBC Radio by presenter Terry Wogan. In 2001 the album reached number 1 in the UK charts after the BBC television show "Top of the Pops 2" aired a video of Eva performing. It became the most requested video ever shown of Top Of The Pops 2 despite the fact it was just a homemade video made by somebody watching Eva perform. The Songbird CD also achieved significant chart success throughout Europe and has achieved Gold status in the United States.
Since then, several other CDs have been released.
In 2001 a book entitled Songbird was released in the UK on the life and work of Cassidy, based on interviews with close family and associates. The hardcover edition has since sold in excess of 100,000 copies. A U.S. edition was released in late 2003 and included additional chapters.
Sting, the songwriter for "Fields of Gold", was reportedly moved to tears when he heard Cassidy's version of his song.
In March 2001, ABC's Nightline in the United States broadcast a well-received short documentary about Eva Cassidy, written and narrated by Dave Marash.
In 2003, American Tune became Eva's third consecutive #1 album in the UK. No other recording artist in popular music history has been able to match this posthumous success, including Elvis Presley or Jimi Hendrix.
In 2006, on the THE X Factor Leona Lewis sang Eva's version of "Over the Rainbow". Simon Cowell commented saying, "That was the single best performance I have ever witnessed".
RIP EVA a true voice of an Angel.
Friday, 25 January 2008
Speed Blog
1. Just been to the dentist for a check up, got the all clear which is always good. However he did take x-rays to see under the gum line which he does every so many visits. Waiting for result of that but I'm not expecting anything wrong.
2. Big TT weekend for me, Saturday I'm playing in the Veterans National League then Sunday its the Area championships in which I'm competing in four events (Mens Singles & Doubles plus Vets Singles & Doubles).
3. Went for a night out to York with our Pool team last Monday as we didn't have a match, after a few beers two of the team decided they wanted to kill each other so we had to break it up.
4. Next weekend we are having a get together of the old work gang, just a few beers around town. A couple of the girls texted me about it yesterday, should be fun.
5. Not been able to play Golf cos we've had so much rain, the land has so much standing water. Couldn't get out of York the other day cos the road was flooded, had to go the long way around. The rain seems to have cleared but the wind is getting a bit strong although its warm for this time of year and the sun is now shinning.
6. Due to the weather I haven't exercised as much as I'd like but I think I'm holding my own with the weight. I'm eating ok but still can't beat the late night snack.
7. Starting to think about my Chicago trip at the end of Feb, really looking forward to it. I've also been checking out another trip for late April/May, nothing definate yet but I'm toying around with a few ideas.
8. Signed on at the Job Centre again this week (gotta do every 2 weeks).
2. Big TT weekend for me, Saturday I'm playing in the Veterans National League then Sunday its the Area championships in which I'm competing in four events (Mens Singles & Doubles plus Vets Singles & Doubles).
3. Went for a night out to York with our Pool team last Monday as we didn't have a match, after a few beers two of the team decided they wanted to kill each other so we had to break it up.
4. Next weekend we are having a get together of the old work gang, just a few beers around town. A couple of the girls texted me about it yesterday, should be fun.
5. Not been able to play Golf cos we've had so much rain, the land has so much standing water. Couldn't get out of York the other day cos the road was flooded, had to go the long way around. The rain seems to have cleared but the wind is getting a bit strong although its warm for this time of year and the sun is now shinning.
6. Due to the weather I haven't exercised as much as I'd like but I think I'm holding my own with the weight. I'm eating ok but still can't beat the late night snack.
7. Starting to think about my Chicago trip at the end of Feb, really looking forward to it. I've also been checking out another trip for late April/May, nothing definate yet but I'm toying around with a few ideas.
8. Signed on at the Job Centre again this week (gotta do every 2 weeks).
Wednesday, 23 January 2008
Racist or Not
Just got to laugh at a report I've just been reading on the BBC website, apparently a childrens story "Three Little Pigs" as been removed from an award list for school because its feared it will offend Muslims.
Three Little Pigs
There is also a call to have the reading on "Animal Farm" banned from Secondary schools in England.
I'm sorry if I offend anyone but I find this pathetic its political correctness gone mad, I worry about what is happening to my country. Yes we've got a large muslim population in this country many of whom come for a better life and conform with our society. I have no time at all to the fanatics who want to turn us into a Muslim State, if you want that f**k off to a Muslim country.
I actually find it offensive that some people are trying to erode many traditions and try often succesfully to change things, some of it is riddiculous. I don't consider myself racist I like to try treat people as they treat me, I can find many people of all races and cultures I like and don't like.
Look at some of the things we've had to change, they make me laugh, one prime example is "Blackboard" which we now have to call "Chalk Board". You can't honestly tell me a normal average coloured person would be offended by the origional name, the fact that it is Black may explain the name.
What next maybe "Black Beauty" will be banned from our TV screens and what we gonna call Pork Pies or Pork Sausages, Animal Meat Pies or sausages doesn't quite have the same ring to it and I don't know if I'd fancy them if they were called that.
Love to here all your opinions ?
Three Little Pigs
There is also a call to have the reading on "Animal Farm" banned from Secondary schools in England.
I'm sorry if I offend anyone but I find this pathetic its political correctness gone mad, I worry about what is happening to my country. Yes we've got a large muslim population in this country many of whom come for a better life and conform with our society. I have no time at all to the fanatics who want to turn us into a Muslim State, if you want that f**k off to a Muslim country.
I actually find it offensive that some people are trying to erode many traditions and try often succesfully to change things, some of it is riddiculous. I don't consider myself racist I like to try treat people as they treat me, I can find many people of all races and cultures I like and don't like.
Look at some of the things we've had to change, they make me laugh, one prime example is "Blackboard" which we now have to call "Chalk Board". You can't honestly tell me a normal average coloured person would be offended by the origional name, the fact that it is Black may explain the name.
What next maybe "Black Beauty" will be banned from our TV screens and what we gonna call Pork Pies or Pork Sausages, Animal Meat Pies or sausages doesn't quite have the same ring to it and I don't know if I'd fancy them if they were called that.
Love to here all your opinions ?
Monday, 21 January 2008
Music Legends - Stevie Ray Vaughan
Stevie Ray Vaughan is considered by many one of the greatest guitarists the world has seen. Rolling Stone Magazine actually place him at No7, Classic Rock have him at No3 but maybe he should be even higher the man was unbelievable. He was born in Dallas Texas in October 1954 younger brother of another guitarist Jimmie Vaughan.In his early days he actually wanted to be a drummer but due to his brothers influence settled on the guitar. When he reached his late teens he moved to Austin to pursue his musical career where he evetually joined a group called Paul Ray & the Cobras playing the bars & Clubs around the City. Its a City known for its music and Stevie is responsible for a big part in its nickname "The Music Capitol of the World".
Here he is putting his own style to the Jimmy Hendrix blues classic "Little Wing" :-
By 1975 he moved on joining Vocalist Lou Ann Barton, Bassist Jackie Newholme, Drummer Chris Layton & Sax player Johnny Reno to form a group called Triple Treat. Barton left to pusue a solo career & later Reno left the group. In 1979 the three remaining members including Stevie then changed the name to "Double Trouble" inspired by the Otis Rush song of the same name.
Stevie did a lot of work with other musicians including playing guitar for David Bowie on his "Lets Dance" Album.Double Trouble released their first album "Texas Flood" in 1982 with the blues classic "Pride & Joy" wrote by Stevie released as a single selling 500,000 copy's to go gold. Heres an superb live version :-
The Album "Texas Flood" was nominated for a Grammy and a track on it "Rude Mood" was voted best Rock Instrumetal.
Vaughan himself won three awards (only the 2nd man to do it following Jeff Beck) from the "Guitar Readers Poll" - Best New Talent, Best Blues player, Best Blues Electric Guitar (a award he won every year until 1991).
Here he is playing the classic "Superstition" :-In 1986 Vaughan was addicted on Drugs and Alcohol reportably he mixed cocaine with Crown Royal Whisky and it took its toll. He was taken ill on tour in germany and doctors found the drugs were eating away his stomach lining. He was admitted to hospital in London where seen by Dr Victor Bloom who had previosly helped Eric Clapton & Pete Townsend with their own drug problems. Eventually he moved to Atlanta and into a rehab clinic where he got sober and became a teetotaler. In Jan 1990 he gave a speech at a Alcoholic Anonymous meeting to help others with their addictions.
In March 1990 he fullfilled one of his ambitions and produced a studio album with his brother Jimmie, the album is called "Family Style" by the Vaughan Brothers (one I must get for my collection).
By this time Stevie was suffering from a condition he called "Hamburger Throat" which meant it was painfull for him to sing, to counteract this before performing he would have cortisone injections in hs neck but this made his face swell.
On August 26th 1990 Stevie & Double Trouble played at the "Alpine Valley Music Theatre" in Wisconsin the highlight been a 20 minute Jam session with Buddy Guy, Eric Clapton, Jimmie Vaughan & Robert Cray. They played the Classic Robert Johnson blues Song "Sweet Home Chicago".
It doesn't end with the death of this true legend he recieved many posthumas awards, the governer of Texas even made October 3rd his birthday the Stevie Ray Vaghan Day and there is a annual motorcyle parade followed by a concert to celebrate his life. In Austin one of the biggest tourist attractions is a statue of the man they errected in 1994 at Little Bird Lake.
Many modern musicians name Stevie as one of their inspirations, John Mayer even as a SRV tatoo.
So Stevie Ray Vaughan here is another tribute, RIP.Saturday, 19 January 2008
What Women Want ?
I was reading an article in the newspaper a couple of days ago about a survey carried out among single women over the age of thirty. The survey was carried out by dating agency to find out what they are looking for in a ideal Man.
As I remember this was something like the result of what he'd be like :-
He has to be tall at least 5'11".
I'm 5'9"
He will have Dark hair and Blue eyes.
Hair went years ago and I've brown eyes
He will earn around £60k per year and no less than £30k.
I'm out of work
He doesn't like Sports especially Football.
I'm starting to think he's gay.
He enjoys going to the Theatre.
He is Gay.
He spends less than 3 hours per week at the Pub.
Now this is getting silly.
He is a non smoker.
At last I've something going for me.
He drives a Mercedes.
Will a Silver Ford Focus do.
He owns his own home which must be worth at least £260,000.
Obviously lives in a expensive are !
He will have had less than 6 lovers.
He's probably only talking about the female one's.
I hate this man already.
One final point I remember is that around one in six women fancy bald men so I'm now dividing all my female friends into sixes to find out which they are, lol.
As I remember this was something like the result of what he'd be like :-
He has to be tall at least 5'11".
I'm 5'9"
He will have Dark hair and Blue eyes.
Hair went years ago and I've brown eyes
He will earn around £60k per year and no less than £30k.
I'm out of work
He doesn't like Sports especially Football.
I'm starting to think he's gay.
He enjoys going to the Theatre.
He is Gay.
He spends less than 3 hours per week at the Pub.
Now this is getting silly.
He is a non smoker.
At last I've something going for me.
He drives a Mercedes.
Will a Silver Ford Focus do.
He owns his own home which must be worth at least £260,000.
Obviously lives in a expensive are !
He will have had less than 6 lovers.
He's probably only talking about the female one's.
I hate this man already.
One final point I remember is that around one in six women fancy bald men so I'm now dividing all my female friends into sixes to find out which they are, lol.
Thursday, 17 January 2008
My life
What am upto at present, well the answer is easy not much but I'll give you all a update :-
1. Weight Loss - I reckon I'm eating quite well other than still having the late at night hunger problem when I eat at 9pm, I think part of my problem is because I have my evening meal too early but have to do this cos I don't eat a lot other than small snacks during the day. I'm taking a slightly different approach, rather than trying to avoid eating altogether I'm trying to eat less. I've been having four Crackers with cheese on and am cutting down to two.
2. Vacation - I think most of you will be aware I'm having a long weekend with a couple of mates in Chicago at the end of February but I'm also planning a trip in late April early May, don't know where yet I'm sort of checking prices but I think I'll have some news soon.
3. Work - I've not really been looking too hard for work yet, to be honest I'm just enjoying the break. I'm in no rush unless the right opportunity presents itself otherwise I'll wait until I start getting bored.
4. Sport - Actually got a round of Golf in last week, first time for ages. This week is a wash out though its rained every day and the ground is saturated. Its a sport I haven't had much chance to play much for 2 or 3 years and want to do on a regular basis. I'm aiming to get my handicap into single figures, its 16 at the moment but with lack of play I'm more like a twenty something handicapper.
I'm still playing a lot of TT and we have the York Championships coming up weekend after this one. I'm looking forward to it more than ever cos I missed it last year with injury. I'm still a little unsure whether my Tennis elbow will bother me with so many games (saying that I'll probably lose in first round of everthing). Anyway I could have entered 8 events but have decided to go in only five (Mens Singles, Mens Doubles, Divisional, Veterans Singles and Veterans Doubles), I've not entered either of the hard bat events although I've won them both in the past and I'm also not playing Mixed Doubles as my regular partner is Pregnant (not guilty).
5. Nights Out - Was out last Friday with some ex wormates it was good fun and on Monday went to Pool, all the team was out but we had no league match. We had a few challenge competitions "Speed Pool", "Errors" & a couple of games of "Killer". We play for money and I won the Speed Pool & one of the games of Killer so made a nice little profit (beats working for a living).
6. Shopping - Today I went shopping to the White Rose Centre in Leeds looking for a few things, didn't get what I went for but came home with four CD's for my collection as you do. The CD's I bought were Ray Davies new album "Working Mans Cafe", John Fogerty's new Album "Revival", "Best of Stevie Ray Vaughan" which I'm listening to now (awesome guitar) and Mark Knopfler with Emmalou Harris "Roadrunning".
1. Weight Loss - I reckon I'm eating quite well other than still having the late at night hunger problem when I eat at 9pm, I think part of my problem is because I have my evening meal too early but have to do this cos I don't eat a lot other than small snacks during the day. I'm taking a slightly different approach, rather than trying to avoid eating altogether I'm trying to eat less. I've been having four Crackers with cheese on and am cutting down to two.
2. Vacation - I think most of you will be aware I'm having a long weekend with a couple of mates in Chicago at the end of February but I'm also planning a trip in late April early May, don't know where yet I'm sort of checking prices but I think I'll have some news soon.
3. Work - I've not really been looking too hard for work yet, to be honest I'm just enjoying the break. I'm in no rush unless the right opportunity presents itself otherwise I'll wait until I start getting bored.
4. Sport - Actually got a round of Golf in last week, first time for ages. This week is a wash out though its rained every day and the ground is saturated. Its a sport I haven't had much chance to play much for 2 or 3 years and want to do on a regular basis. I'm aiming to get my handicap into single figures, its 16 at the moment but with lack of play I'm more like a twenty something handicapper.
I'm still playing a lot of TT and we have the York Championships coming up weekend after this one. I'm looking forward to it more than ever cos I missed it last year with injury. I'm still a little unsure whether my Tennis elbow will bother me with so many games (saying that I'll probably lose in first round of everthing). Anyway I could have entered 8 events but have decided to go in only five (Mens Singles, Mens Doubles, Divisional, Veterans Singles and Veterans Doubles), I've not entered either of the hard bat events although I've won them both in the past and I'm also not playing Mixed Doubles as my regular partner is Pregnant (not guilty).
5. Nights Out - Was out last Friday with some ex wormates it was good fun and on Monday went to Pool, all the team was out but we had no league match. We had a few challenge competitions "Speed Pool", "Errors" & a couple of games of "Killer". We play for money and I won the Speed Pool & one of the games of Killer so made a nice little profit (beats working for a living).
6. Shopping - Today I went shopping to the White Rose Centre in Leeds looking for a few things, didn't get what I went for but came home with four CD's for my collection as you do. The CD's I bought were Ray Davies new album "Working Mans Cafe", John Fogerty's new Album "Revival", "Best of Stevie Ray Vaughan" which I'm listening to now (awesome guitar) and Mark Knopfler with Emmalou Harris "Roadrunning".
Monday, 14 January 2008
Music Legends - Cass Elliott
Cass Elliott or Mama Cass of the Mama's & Papa's as she was better known was born as Ellen Naomi Cohen in Baltimore in 1941 but her family moved to Virginia where she grew up.
It was here in her school days that she was given the nickname "Cass" named after the actress Peggy Cass.
She initially played with Denny Doherty in a group called "The Mugwumps" before joining John & Michelle Phillips in another group "New Journeymen". Both these groups failed to make the big time and the foursome decamped to the Virgin Isles.
While in the Virgin Isles they were done to their last $20 and had no way to get back to America and as a last ditch effort decided to try gambling. It was Michelle who had never played Craps before who threw an unbelievable eighteen "7's" in a row to win their air fare to New York.
One of the groups songs "Creque Alley" tells the story of the groups early struggles.
They renamed as the "Mama's & Papa's" getting the idea from a TV program about Hells Angels.
They relocated to California coming part of the Folk Scene of the time, one of their biggest hits was of course the classic California Dreaming :-
In 1967 following at a star studded Gala Cass was talking with Mick Jagger when John came up and made insulted her about her weight and Cass stormed out wanting to quit the group. However she was contracted for the next album so it was made with them all, its called "The Papa's & Mama's".
The following year she moved did leave the group and onto a fine solo career releasing nine albums plus great singles such as "Dream a little dream of me" and "Its getting better". Here she is singing a medlay with Julie Andrews :-
In July 1974 following two sell out performances Cass retired to her flat in Londons Mayfair where she died of an heart attack in her sleep. Urban legend states that she choked on a Ham Sandwich but this was due to police who were called to the scene finding a half eaten Sandwich and announcing it to the press. Later a autopsy disproved this theory.
And one for coincidence her accomodation that night was Flat 12, at 9 Curzon Place the exact same place as another person I've featured The Who legendary drummer Keith Moon died four years later.
One final tribute to Mama Cass Elliott to be remembered as the lady that smiles RIP :-
It was here in her school days that she was given the nickname "Cass" named after the actress Peggy Cass.She initially played with Denny Doherty in a group called "The Mugwumps" before joining John & Michelle Phillips in another group "New Journeymen". Both these groups failed to make the big time and the foursome decamped to the Virgin Isles.
While in the Virgin Isles they were done to their last $20 and had no way to get back to America and as a last ditch effort decided to try gambling. It was Michelle who had never played Craps before who threw an unbelievable eighteen "7's" in a row to win their air fare to New York.One of the groups songs "Creque Alley" tells the story of the groups early struggles.
They renamed as the "Mama's & Papa's" getting the idea from a TV program about Hells Angels.
They relocated to California coming part of the Folk Scene of the time, one of their biggest hits was of course the classic California Dreaming :-In 1967 following at a star studded Gala Cass was talking with Mick Jagger when John came up and made insulted her about her weight and Cass stormed out wanting to quit the group. However she was contracted for the next album so it was made with them all, its called "The Papa's & Mama's".
The following year she moved did leave the group and onto a fine solo career releasing nine albums plus great singles such as "Dream a little dream of me" and "Its getting better". Here she is singing a medlay with Julie Andrews :-In July 1974 following two sell out performances Cass retired to her flat in Londons Mayfair where she died of an heart attack in her sleep. Urban legend states that she choked on a Ham Sandwich but this was due to police who were called to the scene finding a half eaten Sandwich and announcing it to the press. Later a autopsy disproved this theory.
And one for coincidence her accomodation that night was Flat 12, at 9 Curzon Place the exact same place as another person I've featured The Who legendary drummer Keith Moon died four years later.
One final tribute to Mama Cass Elliott to be remembered as the lady that smiles RIP :-Sunday, 13 January 2008
Yorkshire Airlines
I've just been checking out flight prices and I've just found the Worlds top airline :-
Saturday, 12 January 2008
Gods Own County
Many post I've done in the past are about my travels well I've decided to do a series of articles from time to time on my own County "Yorkshire", fondly known as "Gods Own County". Of course I'm biased but I'll tell you the people are amongst the most friendly you will find although also have a reputation for stuberness, its often said Yorkshire folk are more proud of their county than their Country.
However more about the people in later articles today I'm going to show a Film Show of one of the most beautiful areas in Britain, one of our great National Parks, The Yorkshire Dales, enjoy :-
However more about the people in later articles today I'm going to show a Film Show of one of the most beautiful areas in Britain, one of our great National Parks, The Yorkshire Dales, enjoy :-
Thursday, 10 January 2008
For all those born between 1920+1979
THOSE BORN 1920-1979
TO ALL THE KIDS WHO SURVIVED the 1930's, 40's, 50's, 60's and 70's!!
First, we survived being born to mothers who smoked and/or drank while they were pregnant.
They took aspirin, ate blue cheese dressing, tuna from a can, and didn't get tested for diabetes.
Then after that trauma, we were put to sleep on our tummies in baby cribs covered with bright colored lead-based paints.
We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, doors or cabinets and when we rode our bikes, we had no helmets, not to mention, the risks we took hitchhiking.
As infants & children, we would ride in cars with no car seats, booster seats, seat belts or air bags.
Riding in the back of a pick up on a warm day was always a special treat.
We drank water from the garden hose and NOT from a bottle.
We shared one soft drink with four friends, from one bottle and NO ONE actually died from this.
We ate cupcakes, white bread and real butter and drank Kool-aid made with sugar, but we weren't overweight because,WE WERE ALWAYS OUTSIDE PLAYING!
We would leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as we were back when the streetlights came on.
No one was able to reach us all day. And we were O.K.
We would spend hours building our go-carts out of scraps and then ride down the hill, only to find out we forgot the brakes After running into the bushes a few times, we learned to solve the problem.
We did not have Playstations, Nintendo's, X-boxes, no video games at all, no 150 channels on cable, no video movies or DVD's, no surround-sound or CD's, no cell phones, no personal computer! s, no Internet or chatrooms.......
WE HAD FRIENDS and we went outside and found them!
We fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones and teeth and there were no lawsuits from these accidents.
We ate worms and mud pies made from dirt, and the worms did not live in us forever.
We were given BB guns for our 10th birthdays, made up games with sticks and tennis balls and, although we were told it would happen, we did not poke out very many eyes.
We rode bikes or walked to a friend's house and knocked on the door or rang the bell, or just walked in and talked to them!
Little League had tryouts and not everyone made the team. Those who didn'thad to learn to deal with disappointment. Imagine that!!
The idea of a parent bailing us out if we broke the law was unheard of. They actually sided with the law!
These generations have produced some of the best risk-takers, problem solvers and inventors ever!
The past 50 years have been an explosion of innovation and new ideas. We had freedom, failure, success and responsibility, and we learned HOW TO DEAL WITH IT ALL!
If YOU are one of them CONGRATULATIONS!
You might want to share this with others who have had the luck to grow up as kids, before the lawyers and the government regulated so much of our lives for our own good .
While you are at it, forward it to your kids so they will know how brave(and lucky) their parents were.
Kind of makes you want to run through the house with scissors, doesn't it?!
TO ALL THE KIDS WHO SURVIVED the 1930's, 40's, 50's, 60's and 70's!!
First, we survived being born to mothers who smoked and/or drank while they were pregnant.
They took aspirin, ate blue cheese dressing, tuna from a can, and didn't get tested for diabetes.
Then after that trauma, we were put to sleep on our tummies in baby cribs covered with bright colored lead-based paints.
We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, doors or cabinets and when we rode our bikes, we had no helmets, not to mention, the risks we took hitchhiking.
As infants & children, we would ride in cars with no car seats, booster seats, seat belts or air bags.
Riding in the back of a pick up on a warm day was always a special treat.
We drank water from the garden hose and NOT from a bottle.
We shared one soft drink with four friends, from one bottle and NO ONE actually died from this.
We ate cupcakes, white bread and real butter and drank Kool-aid made with sugar, but we weren't overweight because,WE WERE ALWAYS OUTSIDE PLAYING!
We would leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as we were back when the streetlights came on.
No one was able to reach us all day. And we were O.K.
We would spend hours building our go-carts out of scraps and then ride down the hill, only to find out we forgot the brakes After running into the bushes a few times, we learned to solve the problem.
We did not have Playstations, Nintendo's, X-boxes, no video games at all, no 150 channels on cable, no video movies or DVD's, no surround-sound or CD's, no cell phones, no personal computer! s, no Internet or chatrooms.......
WE HAD FRIENDS and we went outside and found them!
We fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones and teeth and there were no lawsuits from these accidents.
We ate worms and mud pies made from dirt, and the worms did not live in us forever.
We were given BB guns for our 10th birthdays, made up games with sticks and tennis balls and, although we were told it would happen, we did not poke out very many eyes.
We rode bikes or walked to a friend's house and knocked on the door or rang the bell, or just walked in and talked to them!
Little League had tryouts and not everyone made the team. Those who didn'thad to learn to deal with disappointment. Imagine that!!
The idea of a parent bailing us out if we broke the law was unheard of. They actually sided with the law!
These generations have produced some of the best risk-takers, problem solvers and inventors ever!
The past 50 years have been an explosion of innovation and new ideas. We had freedom, failure, success and responsibility, and we learned HOW TO DEAL WITH IT ALL!
If YOU are one of them CONGRATULATIONS!
You might want to share this with others who have had the luck to grow up as kids, before the lawyers and the government regulated so much of our lives for our own good .
While you are at it, forward it to your kids so they will know how brave(and lucky) their parents were.
Kind of makes you want to run through the house with scissors, doesn't it?!
Wednesday, 9 January 2008
The Last Bus
Well last night I went out to York to meet up with a mate that plays TT with me, the idea was a few beers and catch some live music. We were meant to go Thursday but I'd agreed to play a match in the local league.
Anyway the night started badly when the bus I was going to catch to get to York was cancelled, now there was a queue full of people, the drivers office was just over the road (we are at the main bus station) but nobody came to tell us so we all just waited stood in the cold. Eventually (30 minutes) a bus did come and when the driver was asked why he was late he told us our bus had been cancelled and his was the next one.
On my way to York our team captain phoned me to tell me thursdays match is cancelled, hell I could have gone out then which is a much better night than Tuesday. In fact the City was really quiet with only a few people in the bars and we couldn't find any live music at any of the places we expected it.
We made the most of the night a good laugh, a game of Pool and just a few beers which brings me to the title of this post.
I caught the bus and in fact I was last on and I noticed there was seven other people on the bus and I sat towards the back. Everyone was on their own all sat alone and it hit me our nobody talks, not even to say hello, good evening or anything like that. I find this typical of public transport especially late at night its though all the passengers are suspicious of the others believing they are maybe mass murderers or something.
I find this situation unusual because I can't think of a parrallel situation, anywhere else I go people politely acknowledge you in the least. Thats whether you are in a bar, out shopping, at a sports event or just walking down the street this is normal in Yorkshire. The Last Bus this just doesn't happen.
So who where my fellow passsengers :-
1. Mr Cold - Guy one was sat just behind me he was a coloured lad about thirty years old who looked a bit cold, he kept his woolly hat, scarf and gloves on for the full journey.
2. Mr Text - To my right was a lad in his late teens I would say, maybe a student I'd guess, he spent the full 35 minute journey sending texts, gee the art of conversation is really dead.
3. Mr Hungry - In his twenties I'd reckon, had a rucksack from which he kept pulling out food, in fact he started making sarnies.
4. Mrs Terrified - Lady at the front looked absolutely terrified on her own with strangers at that time of night. She sat the full journey clutching her bus ticket so tight the whites of her knuckles where showing.
5. The reader - Lad reading a book, his eyes never looked up, one thing struck me in the full length of the journey he never appeared to turn over the page.
6. Mrs Cool - Now I ask you who wears sunglasses at 11pm in the middle of winter.
7. Mr Music - Sat with eyes shut listening to his Mp3 player.
8. Mr Normal - That was me slightly intoxicated which you are supposed to be on the Last Bus.
Is this a normal crowd for late night public transport, what are your experiences ?
Anyway the night started badly when the bus I was going to catch to get to York was cancelled, now there was a queue full of people, the drivers office was just over the road (we are at the main bus station) but nobody came to tell us so we all just waited stood in the cold. Eventually (30 minutes) a bus did come and when the driver was asked why he was late he told us our bus had been cancelled and his was the next one.
On my way to York our team captain phoned me to tell me thursdays match is cancelled, hell I could have gone out then which is a much better night than Tuesday. In fact the City was really quiet with only a few people in the bars and we couldn't find any live music at any of the places we expected it.
We made the most of the night a good laugh, a game of Pool and just a few beers which brings me to the title of this post.
I caught the bus and in fact I was last on and I noticed there was seven other people on the bus and I sat towards the back. Everyone was on their own all sat alone and it hit me our nobody talks, not even to say hello, good evening or anything like that. I find this typical of public transport especially late at night its though all the passengers are suspicious of the others believing they are maybe mass murderers or something.
I find this situation unusual because I can't think of a parrallel situation, anywhere else I go people politely acknowledge you in the least. Thats whether you are in a bar, out shopping, at a sports event or just walking down the street this is normal in Yorkshire. The Last Bus this just doesn't happen.
So who where my fellow passsengers :-
1. Mr Cold - Guy one was sat just behind me he was a coloured lad about thirty years old who looked a bit cold, he kept his woolly hat, scarf and gloves on for the full journey.
2. Mr Text - To my right was a lad in his late teens I would say, maybe a student I'd guess, he spent the full 35 minute journey sending texts, gee the art of conversation is really dead.
3. Mr Hungry - In his twenties I'd reckon, had a rucksack from which he kept pulling out food, in fact he started making sarnies.
4. Mrs Terrified - Lady at the front looked absolutely terrified on her own with strangers at that time of night. She sat the full journey clutching her bus ticket so tight the whites of her knuckles where showing.
5. The reader - Lad reading a book, his eyes never looked up, one thing struck me in the full length of the journey he never appeared to turn over the page.
6. Mrs Cool - Now I ask you who wears sunglasses at 11pm in the middle of winter.
7. Mr Music - Sat with eyes shut listening to his Mp3 player.
8. Mr Normal - That was me slightly intoxicated which you are supposed to be on the Last Bus.
Is this a normal crowd for late night public transport, what are your experiences ?
Tuesday, 8 January 2008
Music Legends - Brian Connelly
For todays post I thought I'd pay tribute to a Glam Rock Legend Brian Connolly of "The Sweet" one of the most underated groups in English Rock Music history.
He was born in Glasgow in 1945 to a teenage waitress Francis Connolly (Father unknown) and was fostered by Jim and Helen McManus and grew up known as Brian Francis McManus. One popular story is that he was step brother to the late star of Taggert fame Mark McManus. Actually this is inaccurate he was actually a step cousin as Jim was Marks fatehers brother (hope that makes sense).
Ask most Glam fans what is the best Glam song of all time, I reckon the majority would go for the classic "Ballroom Blitz" it just doesn't get any better than this :-
He was born in Glasgow in 1945 to a teenage waitress Francis Connolly (Father unknown) and was fostered by Jim and Helen McManus and grew up known as Brian Francis McManus. One popular story is that he was step brother to the late star of Taggert fame Mark McManus. Actually this is inaccurate he was actually a step cousin as Jim was Marks fatehers brother (hope that makes sense).Anyway when he started to perform around the local Pub scene he reverted to his mothers name Connolly. In 1965 he joined a group called "Wainwrights People" whose drummer was Mick Tucker, Connolly actually replaced Ian Gillan who later became well known for his roles with Deep Purple & Black Sabbath.
In 1968 Connolly & Tucker (who was a brilliant Drummer) formed a group called "The Sweetshop" later to be shortened to "The Sweet". Sadly neither Connolly or Tucker are with us today so is a short video tribute to both :-
One or two mucisians were tried before The Sweet got their well known line up of Connolly, Tucker, Steve Priest & Andy Scott and success was found.
The group only had one Number one single the superb "Blockbuster" in 1973 but had a unbelievable five songs reach the number 2 spot. They had many other great hits in the glam glory years between 71 & 76.
The group had World wide success and had a string of chart its including many Number ones in many countries around the World including USA, Germany, Norway, Denmark, Australia, etc.
Ask most Glam fans what is the best Glam song of all time, I reckon the majority would go for the classic "Ballroom Blitz" it just doesn't get any better than this :-Back to Connolly he left The Sweet in 1979 to pursue a solo career but didn't have the same success, in 1981 he suffered multiple heart attacks which left suffering health wise.
Connolly eventually passed away in 1997 at the age of 51 due to liver failure, years of alcohol abuse in his earlier life had taken its revenge. He is survived by three Children, two daughters Nicole & Michelle plus a son Brian James.
Finally just got to play one more Sweet classic so here it is "Little Willy" :-
RIP Brian a true Glam King
Sunday, 6 January 2008
Home and knackered
Just got home a short time ago from Widnes, I've been playing TT in the National League and to be honest we had a bit of disaster losing both matches 7-1. To be honest it was always on the cards as we were without our top two ranked players and everyone had to play up the order, that is tough. We are now firmly in a relegation dog fight with 4 matches to go which are played in february.
Personally I didn't win any but played ok, I had to play at number one so faced the oppositions best two players, everyone I played were ranked miles above me on the English rankings. My best match I trailed by two sets and 10-3 but saved seven match points to pull a set back. I then levelled by winning the 4th but just lost our in a really tight decider. I was gutted I put loads of effort in that match and was absolutely knackered.
Moving on I've eaten quite good over the weekend, I also exercised yesterday so with today's matches I ache a bit. Hopfully my efforts will have done me some good. I'm actually playing a match tommorrow night in the York league, hopfully I'll win my games and the team will get a good result.
I nearly forgot to mention my Footie team got back to winning ways with a good 3-0 win over Northampton. I better mention for the Aussies that read we had one of your countrymen making is debut for us "Neil Kilkenny" and apparently he did real good getting man of the match.
Gotta show our first goal from Frazer Richardson its a bit special :-
Personally I didn't win any but played ok, I had to play at number one so faced the oppositions best two players, everyone I played were ranked miles above me on the English rankings. My best match I trailed by two sets and 10-3 but saved seven match points to pull a set back. I then levelled by winning the 4th but just lost our in a really tight decider. I was gutted I put loads of effort in that match and was absolutely knackered.
Moving on I've eaten quite good over the weekend, I also exercised yesterday so with today's matches I ache a bit. Hopfully my efforts will have done me some good. I'm actually playing a match tommorrow night in the York league, hopfully I'll win my games and the team will get a good result.
I nearly forgot to mention my Footie team got back to winning ways with a good 3-0 win over Northampton. I better mention for the Aussies that read we had one of your countrymen making is debut for us "Neil Kilkenny" and apparently he did real good getting man of the match.
Gotta show our first goal from Frazer Richardson its a bit special :-
Friday, 4 January 2008
Surrender to hunger
Why is it late a night those of us trying to lose weight give in ?
My Daily routine yesterday (a dull day) was as follows :-
1.Got up did my exercises and had a pint of water then -
2. Breakfast - Bowl of Porridge with Blueberries & Orange Juice
3.Got the weekly shopping then -
4.Lunch - A small Chicken Sandwich & Water
5.Bad weather so did a few things around the house
6.Mid Afternoon - Coffee with 2 biscuits as a treat.
7.Dinner - Bowl of Stew (with loads of veg) & Water
That was meant to be it but by 9pm I was starving and I gave in and had Cheese and biscuits, why after all the effort I know its wrong why do I do it.
Today so far -
1. Exercises & Water
2. Breakfast Porridge, Blueberries & Orange Juice
3. Did a 6 Mile Walk.
4. Lunch - Fruit (Apple Banana & Orange) & a Small Sausage Roll & Water.
5. Put Christmas Tree & decorations away.
6. Mid Aft - Coffee and biscuits
7. Dinner I'm gonna have a Ham Salad (Lettuce, Spring Onion, Celery, water to drink.
Whether I can last while bed time without eating anything else is anybody's guess. I don't want to now but how can I not give in later ? Any Ideas please ?
I'll leave you with a debate today on Smoking Laws (give me your opinion) :-
I'm unsure how many blog friends are smokers or not, I personally have never smoked. I'm also unsure what the law is in your countries but I'd like to hear a cross section of opinions.
Last year a smoking ban was introduced in England banning Smoking from Public Places (Restaurants, Sports Venues, Pubs, Theatres, work places, etc.). My initial thoughts in one respect was good I wont no longer come home with my clothes smelling of smoke every time I have a night out. My second thoughts were its a little unfair, yes I think its good in places where food is served that seemed right for me but places such as Pubs should be allowed one room where people can smoke, its your option to go in there as long as you have an alternative choice.
Well in yesterday's newspaper I read where a survey had been carried out in Scotland (who brought in the ban well before England) and it show that there has been a 17% drop in heart attack patients amongst NON-SMOKERS since the ban. The survey carried out by Glasgow University can find no other reason for this trend and puts it completely that people are no longer passive smoking.
It will be great to hear your comments particularly those that work in the service industry.
My Daily routine yesterday (a dull day) was as follows :-
1.Got up did my exercises and had a pint of water then -
2. Breakfast - Bowl of Porridge with Blueberries & Orange Juice
3.Got the weekly shopping then -
4.Lunch - A small Chicken Sandwich & Water
5.Bad weather so did a few things around the house
6.Mid Afternoon - Coffee with 2 biscuits as a treat.
7.Dinner - Bowl of Stew (with loads of veg) & Water
That was meant to be it but by 9pm I was starving and I gave in and had Cheese and biscuits, why after all the effort I know its wrong why do I do it.
Today so far -
1. Exercises & Water
2. Breakfast Porridge, Blueberries & Orange Juice
3. Did a 6 Mile Walk.
4. Lunch - Fruit (Apple Banana & Orange) & a Small Sausage Roll & Water.
5. Put Christmas Tree & decorations away.
6. Mid Aft - Coffee and biscuits
7. Dinner I'm gonna have a Ham Salad (Lettuce, Spring Onion, Celery, water to drink.
Whether I can last while bed time without eating anything else is anybody's guess. I don't want to now but how can I not give in later ? Any Ideas please ?
I'll leave you with a debate today on Smoking Laws (give me your opinion) :-
I'm unsure how many blog friends are smokers or not, I personally have never smoked. I'm also unsure what the law is in your countries but I'd like to hear a cross section of opinions.
Last year a smoking ban was introduced in England banning Smoking from Public Places (Restaurants, Sports Venues, Pubs, Theatres, work places, etc.). My initial thoughts in one respect was good I wont no longer come home with my clothes smelling of smoke every time I have a night out. My second thoughts were its a little unfair, yes I think its good in places where food is served that seemed right for me but places such as Pubs should be allowed one room where people can smoke, its your option to go in there as long as you have an alternative choice.
Well in yesterday's newspaper I read where a survey had been carried out in Scotland (who brought in the ban well before England) and it show that there has been a 17% drop in heart attack patients amongst NON-SMOKERS since the ban. The survey carried out by Glasgow University can find no other reason for this trend and puts it completely that people are no longer passive smoking.
It will be great to hear your comments particularly those that work in the service industry.
Thursday, 3 January 2008
Welcome
Welcome to my new blog to those that have found it.
Today I've had a quiet day only went out to the supermarket to get some shopping, spotted a great bargain - Item cost "one for £0.57" or "2 for £1.20". Can't understand why I didn't get two.
One of the reasons I haven't done much is it has snowed most of the day so I've just done things around the house. Its wet and cold out there.
I've also been censured by the BBC, I went on their forum and placed a comment about an incident in the news. A 13 year old vandal had been throwing stones at cars including a certain Football Manager who got out and chased him, getting hold of him. I commented he should have given him a slap and the BBC have emailed saying that is offensive and they have renmoved my comment. Is Yob culture taking over or what.
Anyway thats all for now.
Today I've had a quiet day only went out to the supermarket to get some shopping, spotted a great bargain - Item cost "one for £0.57" or "2 for £1.20". Can't understand why I didn't get two.
One of the reasons I haven't done much is it has snowed most of the day so I've just done things around the house. Its wet and cold out there.
I've also been censured by the BBC, I went on their forum and placed a comment about an incident in the news. A 13 year old vandal had been throwing stones at cars including a certain Football Manager who got out and chased him, getting hold of him. I commented he should have given him a slap and the BBC have emailed saying that is offensive and they have renmoved my comment. Is Yob culture taking over or what.
Anyway thats all for now.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)