I've just been reading a article about the best Cities in the world to live.
The cities are measured based on local living conditions and analysed according to 39 factors in ten categories. These include crime, law, banking services, personal freedom, healthcare, education, leisure facilities, housing, public transportation and record of natural disasters.
The top ten are named as :-
1. Vienna.
2. Zurich
3. Aukland
4. Munich
5. Dusseldorf
6. Vancouver
7. Frankfurt
8. Geneva
9. Copenhagen
10. Bern
Among these 10 Copenhagen is the only place I've visited and although its a long time ago it was a great place and I ound the people really friendly. Can't really argue about the others but there are a few I'd have expected on there from what I've read about them (eg, Sydney, Perth, Barcelona, Tokyo, etc).
Saying that I only have to look at the five British Cities that make the list of 221, London 38, Birmingham 52, Aberdeen 54, Glasgow 56 & Belfast 63 to realise this list isn't fool proof. They are 5 Cities over here I wouldn't want to live in and how any of them rank above Leeds, York, Manchester, Sheffield, Newcastle or Edinburgh confuses me.
Still its unlikely I'm ever going to live anywhere apart from around here, as far as I'm concerned its more relevant to what Cities I want to visit so reckon I should do a list.
So here are my top ten of the ones I've yet to go to (not in specific order) :-
1. Berlin
2. Barcelona
3. Vienna
4. Tallin
5 New Orleans
6. Buenos Aires
7. Sydney
8. Perth
9. Tokyo
10. Cape Town
Of course there are many more but these came to me off top of my head.
So where would you like to visit ?
Tuesday, 29 November 2011
Sunday, 27 November 2011
In Shock (twice)
First one of my cousins phoned this morning with the bad news that her brother had died in the early hours, I knew he was ill but not realised how serious because he lived away and hadn't seen him for 6 month.
He was 62 years old, early part of his life he served for many years in the Royal Navy and more recently has been managing a Pub, I believe it was cancer that got him.
Then I turned my computor on and saw with disbelief that one of my favorite all time footballers Gary Speed had been found dead at his home aged 42. Looks like he's commited suicide which makes in more unbelievable, what can make somebody especially in his lifestyle comit suicide I just cant believe.
Of course Gary played for my favorite team Leeds United, actually came through the ranks from the youth team and was a major part of our last teamto win the title in 1992.
He did move on and had a distinguised career playing for Everton & Sheffield United and was also a reguar Welsh international.
More recently he as gone into coaching and was the current Wales manager.
RIP
He was 62 years old, early part of his life he served for many years in the Royal Navy and more recently has been managing a Pub, I believe it was cancer that got him.
Then I turned my computor on and saw with disbelief that one of my favorite all time footballers Gary Speed had been found dead at his home aged 42. Looks like he's commited suicide which makes in more unbelievable, what can make somebody especially in his lifestyle comit suicide I just cant believe.
Of course Gary played for my favorite team Leeds United, actually came through the ranks from the youth team and was a major part of our last teamto win the title in 1992.
He did move on and had a distinguised career playing for Everton & Sheffield United and was also a reguar Welsh international.
More recently he as gone into coaching and was the current Wales manager.
RIP
Thursday, 24 November 2011
Taken my eye off the ball
As I've previously said I'm planning to get back on the weight loss bandwagon at the start of the new year, ok could start now but its pointless with two holidays in December and I know it would go wrong.
I know for sure that since September when I got down to 210lb (15stone) I've taken my eye off the ball and allowed the weight to creep back on. Its easy to make excuses with all thats happend, comfort eating, injuries restricting exercise, even boredom eating, etc but the bottom line is its down to me, its my fault, my lack of determination.
So where will I be starting, in truth reckon following my holidays its going to be nearer to 16stone (224lb) than the 15stone I achieved, still its still way less than where i started last time. Its also a new beginning and I intend to find a new determination.
So roll on January.
I know for sure that since September when I got down to 210lb (15stone) I've taken my eye off the ball and allowed the weight to creep back on. Its easy to make excuses with all thats happend, comfort eating, injuries restricting exercise, even boredom eating, etc but the bottom line is its down to me, its my fault, my lack of determination.
So where will I be starting, in truth reckon following my holidays its going to be nearer to 16stone (224lb) than the 15stone I achieved, still its still way less than where i started last time. Its also a new beginning and I intend to find a new determination.
So roll on January.
Monday, 21 November 2011
Music Monday - Funeral Music
Thought I'd get my music monday post up and running again and gonna start with something thats still big in my mind.
Took some deciding what to play at Dads funeral but eventually I decided on these two :-
So that asks the question what songs would like at your own funeral ?
These are mine :-
Took some deciding what to play at Dads funeral but eventually I decided on these two :-
So that asks the question what songs would like at your own funeral ?
These are mine :-
Sunday, 20 November 2011
Moving on
Just to update you all on yesterdays post I'm no longer thinking about booking a holiday over Christmas, actually gone and done it. Was origionally looking at either Germany or the Italian Dolomites but they booked up so decided to go to Lake Annecy and the French Alps. Should certainly see some fantastic scenary and hopfully meet some nice people and maybe make a few new friends.
Only time will tell whether I've made the right decision, just hope so.
On another note I'm off out tonight to the local pubs Pool finals, looking forward to it just because sat here at home is making me miserable, just need someone to talk to, Sunday can just be such a nothing day. Was busy this morning sorting through a few things, still lots to do but was getting a bit emotional finding some stuff.
Think one of the biggest problems is when someone close dies everyone initially contacts you to off their sympathy but then they seem to back off and give you some space believing you want to be alone with your own thoughts. But in truth you need to be around people otherwise it drives you mad, suppose its maybe worse for me been a only child and not married, well thats how I see it anyway. Still I'm a big boy and will deal with my emotions, its a case of having to I suppose.
Only time will tell whether I've made the right decision, just hope so.
On another note I'm off out tonight to the local pubs Pool finals, looking forward to it just because sat here at home is making me miserable, just need someone to talk to, Sunday can just be such a nothing day. Was busy this morning sorting through a few things, still lots to do but was getting a bit emotional finding some stuff.
Think one of the biggest problems is when someone close dies everyone initially contacts you to off their sympathy but then they seem to back off and give you some space believing you want to be alone with your own thoughts. But in truth you need to be around people otherwise it drives you mad, suppose its maybe worse for me been a only child and not married, well thats how I see it anyway. Still I'm a big boy and will deal with my emotions, its a case of having to I suppose.
Saturday, 19 November 2011
Time to move forward
Well got yesterdays funeral over and thougth it went quite well (as well as funerals go), we got a good turnout and I thought it was a nice service.
I'm sat at home now bored and lonely, Paula stayed over the last couple of nights but went home earlier to sort a few things on. Considering going through tomorrow and surprising her, maybe take her out for lunch, see how I feel in morning.
But in general think I'm ok, not too depressed but have a feeling I could have a delayed reaction, that happend with Mum, sort of doing all the organising the funeral and getting round all the friends and relatives helps take your mind off things.
Of course losing both my parents this year changes my life significantly especially as a lot of my time in recent years was taken up looking after them as their health started to deteriate. I've been giving it serious thought to what I'm going to do in the future, not going to make any snap decisions on anything major and I'm sure not that much will change.
Think I'm definately gonna do a holiday over christmas, it makes sense because otherwise I'll be sat at home getting depressed, I'd normally be getting my parents meals and things. I'll go on a singles holiday albeit with a group of strangers it'll be with other people and be good for me. Before anyone asks its partly Paula's suggestion as she is working a lot of it and also has her own parents to look after so wouldn't be with me that much anyway.
We are away together in Norfolk for a week early in december, renting a cottage and think that trip will tell us a lot about where our relationship is heading.
Need to get back on the weight loss bandwagon again, recent events have put my plans on back burner but its something I want to do. Think it will be one of my new year resolutions (with potentially two holidays in december it seems silly starting now).
Lets just hope next year is a good one for all of us.
I'm sat at home now bored and lonely, Paula stayed over the last couple of nights but went home earlier to sort a few things on. Considering going through tomorrow and surprising her, maybe take her out for lunch, see how I feel in morning.
But in general think I'm ok, not too depressed but have a feeling I could have a delayed reaction, that happend with Mum, sort of doing all the organising the funeral and getting round all the friends and relatives helps take your mind off things.
Of course losing both my parents this year changes my life significantly especially as a lot of my time in recent years was taken up looking after them as their health started to deteriate. I've been giving it serious thought to what I'm going to do in the future, not going to make any snap decisions on anything major and I'm sure not that much will change.
Think I'm definately gonna do a holiday over christmas, it makes sense because otherwise I'll be sat at home getting depressed, I'd normally be getting my parents meals and things. I'll go on a singles holiday albeit with a group of strangers it'll be with other people and be good for me. Before anyone asks its partly Paula's suggestion as she is working a lot of it and also has her own parents to look after so wouldn't be with me that much anyway.
We are away together in Norfolk for a week early in december, renting a cottage and think that trip will tell us a lot about where our relationship is heading.
Need to get back on the weight loss bandwagon again, recent events have put my plans on back burner but its something I want to do. Think it will be one of my new year resolutions (with potentially two holidays in december it seems silly starting now).
Lets just hope next year is a good one for all of us.
The Green Thing
The Green Thing
In the line at the store, the cashier told an older woman that she should bring her own grocery bags because plastic bags weren't good for the environment.
The woman apologized to him and explained, "We didn't have the green thing back in my day."
The clerk responded, "That's our problem today. Your generation did not care enough to save our environment."
He was right -- our generation didn't have the green thing in its day.
Back then, we returned milk bottles, soda bottles and beer bottles to the store. The store sent them back to the plant to be washed and sterilized and refilled, so it could use the same bottles over and over. So they really were recycled.
But we didn't have the green thing back in our day.
We walked up stairs, because we didn't have an escalator in every store and office building. We walked to the grocery store and didn't climb into a 300-horsepower machine every time we had to go two blocks.
But she was right. We didn't have the green thing in our day.
Back then, we washed the baby's diapers because we didn't have the throw-away kind. We dried clothes on a line, not in an energy gobbling machine burning up 220 volts -- wind and solar power really did dry the clothes. Kids got hand-me-down clothes from their brothers or sisters, not always brand-new clothing. But that old lady is right; we didn't have the green thing back in our day.
Back then, we had one TV, or radio, in the house -- not a TV in every room. And the TV had a small screen the size of a handkerchief (remember them?), not a screen the size of the state of Montana.
In the kitchen, we blended and stirred by hand because we didn't have electric machines to do everything for us.
When we packaged a fragile item to send in the mail, we used a wadded up old newspaper to cushion it, not Styrofoam or plastic bubble wrap.
Back then, we didn't fire up an engine and burn gasoline just to cut the lawn. We used a push mower that ran on human power. We exercised by working so we didn't need to go to a health club to run on treadmills that operate on electricity.
but she's right; we didn't have the green thing back then.
We drank from a fountain when we were thirsty instead of using a cup or a plastic bottle every time we had a drink of water.
We refilled writing pens with ink instead of buying a new pen, and we replaced the razor blades in a razor instead of throwing away the whole razor just because the blade got dull.
But we didn't have the green thing back then.
Back then, people took the streetcar or a bus and kids rode their bikes to school or walked instead of turning their moms into a 24-hour taxi service.
We had one electrical outlet in a room, not an entire bank of sockets to power a dozen appliances. And we didn't need a computerized gadget to receive a signal beamed from satellites 2,000 miles out in space in order to find the nearest pizza joint.
But isn't it sad the current generation laments how wasteful we old folks were just because we didn't have the green thing back then?
In the line at the store, the cashier told an older woman that she should bring her own grocery bags because plastic bags weren't good for the environment.
The woman apologized to him and explained, "We didn't have the green thing back in my day."
The clerk responded, "That's our problem today. Your generation did not care enough to save our environment."
He was right -- our generation didn't have the green thing in its day.
Back then, we returned milk bottles, soda bottles and beer bottles to the store. The store sent them back to the plant to be washed and sterilized and refilled, so it could use the same bottles over and over. So they really were recycled.
But we didn't have the green thing back in our day.
We walked up stairs, because we didn't have an escalator in every store and office building. We walked to the grocery store and didn't climb into a 300-horsepower machine every time we had to go two blocks.
But she was right. We didn't have the green thing in our day.
Back then, we washed the baby's diapers because we didn't have the throw-away kind. We dried clothes on a line, not in an energy gobbling machine burning up 220 volts -- wind and solar power really did dry the clothes. Kids got hand-me-down clothes from their brothers or sisters, not always brand-new clothing. But that old lady is right; we didn't have the green thing back in our day.
Back then, we had one TV, or radio, in the house -- not a TV in every room. And the TV had a small screen the size of a handkerchief (remember them?), not a screen the size of the state of Montana.
In the kitchen, we blended and stirred by hand because we didn't have electric machines to do everything for us.
When we packaged a fragile item to send in the mail, we used a wadded up old newspaper to cushion it, not Styrofoam or plastic bubble wrap.
Back then, we didn't fire up an engine and burn gasoline just to cut the lawn. We used a push mower that ran on human power. We exercised by working so we didn't need to go to a health club to run on treadmills that operate on electricity.
but she's right; we didn't have the green thing back then.
We drank from a fountain when we were thirsty instead of using a cup or a plastic bottle every time we had a drink of water.
We refilled writing pens with ink instead of buying a new pen, and we replaced the razor blades in a razor instead of throwing away the whole razor just because the blade got dull.
But we didn't have the green thing back then.
Back then, people took the streetcar or a bus and kids rode their bikes to school or walked instead of turning their moms into a 24-hour taxi service.
We had one electrical outlet in a room, not an entire bank of sockets to power a dozen appliances. And we didn't need a computerized gadget to receive a signal beamed from satellites 2,000 miles out in space in order to find the nearest pizza joint.
But isn't it sad the current generation laments how wasteful we old folks were just because we didn't have the green thing back then?
Friday, 11 November 2011
Not Easy but I'm ok.
I'm writing this while waiting for the Vicar to come and visit to discuss the service for Dads funeral which is going to be next Friday afternoon (18th).
I've been trying to pick what music I want playing, what hymms, what prayers and to be honest haven't a clue yet, ok got a few songs in mind but not finalised yet. Only other two funerals I've add input in was Janes & Mums and we had time to prepare for them so knew exactly what stuff they wanted at their funerals, Dad I don't really know but as only cild its down to me. One thing I did at the other two funerals was speak and intend to do it again, think this going to be the hardest though.
Before anyone asks how I am, I'm ok mainly because I've kept myself busy with jobs around the home and making arrangementssuch as Undertakers, contacting people, flowers, grave stone, Solicitors (will), pensions, etc. During the week I went out with the Pool Lads monday, Table Tennis crowd wednesday and last night went with Paula to her darts match (shuld I say OUR dart match cos they were short and got me to play, badly I'll add). Plenty of friends and relatives are keeping in touch but it getting quieter now so reckon the next week up to the funeral will get maybe harder. Its when your alone its worst.
Back to funeral I've still go Mums ashes (she wanted cremation) and have arranged for them to go into the coffin with Dad then they will be together, makes sense with them passing away so close together. I'll then get a stone made with both of them on, got an appointment arrranged to see the stonemasons Monday.
Think the rest of the year I need to get behind me, Christmas is too close and I'm thinking of cancelling it, no tree, no decorations, etc. Saying that I'm unsure what I'll do, Paula suggested I book a holiday and go away at christmas, I'm considering it along with other options. What do you all think ?
A few people have already invited me to spend it with them but as I say I'll keep all options open, wont make any decision until after the funeral thats for sure.
Update - The vicar as been and sort of got the service sorted, just had my tea so now sat here bored which isn't great. TV doesn't appeal tonight so may put a DVD on later, wont be too late out of bed I think. Phone seems quiet for first time so it gonna be long night.
I've been trying to pick what music I want playing, what hymms, what prayers and to be honest haven't a clue yet, ok got a few songs in mind but not finalised yet. Only other two funerals I've add input in was Janes & Mums and we had time to prepare for them so knew exactly what stuff they wanted at their funerals, Dad I don't really know but as only cild its down to me. One thing I did at the other two funerals was speak and intend to do it again, think this going to be the hardest though.
Before anyone asks how I am, I'm ok mainly because I've kept myself busy with jobs around the home and making arrangementssuch as Undertakers, contacting people, flowers, grave stone, Solicitors (will), pensions, etc. During the week I went out with the Pool Lads monday, Table Tennis crowd wednesday and last night went with Paula to her darts match (shuld I say OUR dart match cos they were short and got me to play, badly I'll add). Plenty of friends and relatives are keeping in touch but it getting quieter now so reckon the next week up to the funeral will get maybe harder. Its when your alone its worst.
Back to funeral I've still go Mums ashes (she wanted cremation) and have arranged for them to go into the coffin with Dad then they will be together, makes sense with them passing away so close together. I'll then get a stone made with both of them on, got an appointment arrranged to see the stonemasons Monday.
Think the rest of the year I need to get behind me, Christmas is too close and I'm thinking of cancelling it, no tree, no decorations, etc. Saying that I'm unsure what I'll do, Paula suggested I book a holiday and go away at christmas, I'm considering it along with other options. What do you all think ?
A few people have already invited me to spend it with them but as I say I'll keep all options open, wont make any decision until after the funeral thats for sure.
Update - The vicar as been and sort of got the service sorted, just had my tea so now sat here bored which isn't great. TV doesn't appeal tonight so may put a DVD on later, wont be too late out of bed I think. Phone seems quiet for first time so it gonna be long night.
Tuesday, 8 November 2011
A Big Loss
Its really busted me up losing Dad at the weekend I've taken it very hard. It was a real shock to find him, I'd been away for the weekend actually talked to him on the phone just after lunch Saturday but it appears he passed away early evening. He hadn't had the salad I'd left in the fridge for him which he would have at about 6pm. Also one of the neighbours had been with him in the afternoon until 4pm so its sometime in between.
So it appears he'd been dead 24 hours before found him.
He's had a post mortom to find reason for death and its been caused by a blockage in the arteries stopping bllod and oxygen getting to his heart, the coroner said it would have been very quick and little anyone could have done. That doesn't stop me feeling guilty not been there, wish I was but I know he wouldn't have wanted me to be there 24 hour per day and spoil my life.
He was 86 coming up 87 in January so had a good inings I suppose but that doesn't make it any easier, I've took this much harder than Mum because in some respects that was a relief due to health issues and she was ready to go. Dad had a few health issues himself but nothing we thought life threatening and things seemed to be getting better.
Losing both parents in the same year is devastating to me and gonna take a lot of getting over, my parents did so much for me even though we didn't always see eye to eye, they were always there for me. It was a honour to look after them in their later years as their health failed.
RIP to a great Dad
Sunday, 6 November 2011
Don't know why I'm on here
Don't know why I'm on here, just don't know what to do with myself. My Dads passed away, found him earlier, I'm devastated and my head is just scrambled.
Thursday, 3 November 2011
My Decade (1970's)
Reckon everyone has their favorite decade and if most of you are like me it'll be the one where you go through your teenage years before life became too serious and we all discovered the opposite sex.
I was lucky because mine was the 70's when most of the best films where made, the best music produced and Leeds United where the best football team and England the top sporting nation.
Lets face it many of you will argue your era is best but you'll never convince me, lol.
Ok I'll justify my claim that 70's were best, we'll start with films (or the type I like) and maybe do music next week :-
Westerns - The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976) my favorite of all time, Clint is the best in this field and this just edges out his 1966 classic "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly".
Prison Films - Reckon the top three of all time were made in the 70's with Midnight Express (1978) just getting the nod over Papillon (1973) & Scum (1979).
Gangsters - The Godfather Triology (1972 was the first) need I say more
War Films - Ok tough call some great films in all eras but I'll throw in "Apocolypse Now" (1979) but although up there not sure if best ever.
Sport - Yes it was the era that gives us Rocky (1976) but I'm gonna throw in another Stallone film, not boxing but wrestling, its A little known gem called "Paradise Alley" (1978).
Street Gangs - Forget The Football Factory, Green Street and all the modern crap the best gang film was made in 1979 and based in New York, you got it yet. Its "The Warriors" such a cult movie with virtually unknown actors.
James Bond - Yes it started in the 60's but the best Bond was Roger Moore and he started with "Live and Let Die" in 1973.
I was lucky because mine was the 70's when most of the best films where made, the best music produced and Leeds United where the best football team and England the top sporting nation.
Lets face it many of you will argue your era is best but you'll never convince me, lol.
Ok I'll justify my claim that 70's were best, we'll start with films (or the type I like) and maybe do music next week :-
Westerns - The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976) my favorite of all time, Clint is the best in this field and this just edges out his 1966 classic "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly".
Prison Films - Reckon the top three of all time were made in the 70's with Midnight Express (1978) just getting the nod over Papillon (1973) & Scum (1979).
Gangsters - The Godfather Triology (1972 was the first) need I say more
War Films - Ok tough call some great films in all eras but I'll throw in "Apocolypse Now" (1979) but although up there not sure if best ever.
Sport - Yes it was the era that gives us Rocky (1976) but I'm gonna throw in another Stallone film, not boxing but wrestling, its A little known gem called "Paradise Alley" (1978).
Street Gangs - Forget The Football Factory, Green Street and all the modern crap the best gang film was made in 1979 and based in New York, you got it yet. Its "The Warriors" such a cult movie with virtually unknown actors.
James Bond - Yes it started in the 60's but the best Bond was Roger Moore and he started with "Live and Let Die" in 1973.
Wednesday, 2 November 2011
Lets change Europe
Yes we are part of the EU and have responsibilities but we are not a charity and its about time the powers that be realise we need a two tier system.
We should be involved in a trading pact with northern European countries because when it comes to economic policies, manufacturing, tecnology, etc the southern countries a 3rd rate and we'll always be bailing them out.
So for me the likes of ourselves, Germany, Holland, Scandanavian countries, Poland, Belgium, Baltic states,etc should stick together and look after ourselves.
Lets face it most of the Southern countries appear to be only interested in hand outs, some are clearly corrupt.
We should be involved in a trading pact with northern European countries because when it comes to economic policies, manufacturing, tecnology, etc the southern countries a 3rd rate and we'll always be bailing them out.
So for me the likes of ourselves, Germany, Holland, Scandanavian countries, Poland, Belgium, Baltic states,etc should stick together and look after ourselves.
Lets face it most of the Southern countries appear to be only interested in hand outs, some are clearly corrupt.
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