One film currently out I'd like to see is "Cadillac records" which is about Chess records in Chicago.
I see Beyonce plays the part of Etta James and its causing some argument between music fans to who does the best version of the classic love song "At Last". Must admit I would go for Etta as this song belongs to her but at the same time I'm impressed with Beyonces version.
Thing is searching the internet this song has been performed by some superb female singers so I ask you the question of which version you prefer :-
Etta James :-
Beyonce :-
Cyndi Lauper :-
Christina Anguilera :-
Eva Cassidy :-
Celine Dion :-
For the record I'm going for :-
1. Etta
2. Celine
3. Eva
4. Beyonce
5. Christina
6. Cyndi
Its very difficult and you could put them in any order.
Sunday, 19 July 2009
Thursday, 16 July 2009
Holiday Photo's
As promised in the previous post about my Chicago trip with Jane I've sorted my holiday pics for anyone to look at.
Use this Link :-
http://www.flickr.com/photos/8308363@N02/sets/72157621334897716/detail/
Hope you enjoy.
Use this Link :-
http://www.flickr.com/photos/8308363@N02/sets/72157621334897716/detail/
Hope you enjoy.
Saturday, 11 July 2009
Fun, Food & Fights
Well I'm now back from my Chicago trip and have plenty to report. As you know I've been a few times in the past but for Jane it was her first visit to the windy City (her first to the US actually). Of course before we set off I had warned Jane about how hot it would be at this time of year and she definately wouldn't need our waterproof clothes. However in practice this wasn't the case tempretures in general were 15 degrees lower than normal and we had some quite drizzly days (usually each time we went to the festival), so much for global warming.
Not going to report things in any particular order but thought I'd better start with one of the lowlights (which was supposed to be an highlight). On the evening of July 3rd we made our way to Grant Park to watch the the Independance Firework display. When we arrived the crowds were massive (estimates between one & two million), we tried to get near Buckingham Fountain but it was too packed so we settled for a spot set back.
Shortly before there was a loud bang and a rumour spread it was a gun shot (actually a fire cracker I think) anyway a section of the crowd panicked and stampeded. I grapped Jane and we just stood still as it calmed down. Now we noticed a lot of gangs of youths milling around all dressed in gang like uniforms and the atmosphere started to feel a little tense. Something kicked off creating a bigger stampede in the crowd, Jane turned to run but I grabbed her reckoning it was safer to stand as people were falling and getting trampled (felt a bit like a redcoat at Rorkes Drift though).
Again things calmed for awhile then the Fireworks started, however again trouble started, appeared to be local gang rivalries to me and again we stood our ground. One chap in his fifties fell into us and we helped him (his wife later thanked us). Gangs were all over the place and one large group started to gather right in front of us, two old ladies sat in front of us packed up and suggested it would be a good idea to move, we took the advice and moved back to Michegan Ave to watch the end of the fireworks.
I saw kids crying, elderly people scared and many people leaving before the end, its a shame young thugs spoil what should have been a great occasion, hope a few got arrested.
Following on from that we found the rest of the people we came across really nice & friendly but what else did we do :-
We visited the "Taste of Chicago" festival a few times but always seemed to hit the worst of the weather. Although it was fun I thought the standard of the music wasn't as great as on my previous visits although we enjoyed "Broadway in Chicago" on the main stage. Others we liked included "Uncle Bob & the Bluzers" on the Best Buy stage & "Rob Stone & the C notes" on the Taste stage. We were looking forward to the Tribute Band day as acts playing CSNY, Luthor Vandross, Eagles, Rolling Stones & U2 were playing but I'm afraid the rain beat us.
We also went up Sears Tower after queing for a long time, they have some new features which includes a Glass Floor you can walk out on and look straight down from the 103rd floor. Also visited Union Station and got a photo of the stairs from the pram scene in "The Untouchables".
We visited a couple of museums "The Chicago History Museum" which I haven't been before was interesting but not really value for money, it was quite small and not enough things to look at. The museum of Science and Industry is just the opposite you need a full day, I've been before but there was quite a bit of new stuf, its a fun day out with plenty for us big kids to play on. Ok I'll admit it Jane beat me on a computorised game but I think it was faulty, lol.
We also did the Architecture River boat trip after a walk down the shops of Michegan Ave (Magnificent Mile) on our first day.
Another first for me was a visit to Garfield Conservetory which was nice and Cactus will be pleased to know they had a lovely section dedicated to her favorite plants. Yes and I did take some photos of them.
We spent another day at Lincoln Park Zoo which is really good (and free), saw numerous animals and got some good pics reckon the highlights was the monkey house, could watch them for hours.
We visited Navy Pier and took a Cruise on Lake Michegan on the "Odessey", thought we were going on the "Spirit of Chicago" but they cocked up our booking, didn't complain cos I reckon we ended up with a better deal than we paid for. They welcomed us on with Champagne then we had a lovely meal while cruising for two hours and taking in some fantastic city views.
The hotel we stayed at was "The Ambassador East" which as a lot of history many of the stars of the big screen stayed there and used its bar the Pump Room. Photos of stars sat in the bar were all ove the place, recognised a few but a lot were before my time. Couldn't understand why the didn't want our picture, lol.
We visited a number of bars & Clubs on a night and saw some really good music, saw Shirley Johnson in Blue Chicago and I got her new album which she signed, its currently top of the US Blues charts.
Also visited "The Green Mill" cocktail lounge which takes you back to the Prohibition era, apparently Al Capone was a regular. When we was there Alan Gresiks Swing orchaestra was performing, they were really good and the place was packed to the rafters.
One night we visited Kingston Mines the famous blues Club, the had two acts on Charlie Love & Linsey Alexander, both were good but different. Charlie is an out & out entertainer playing a range of music styles while Linsey is very guitar orientated, started his set with a version of Hendrix "Little Wing".
We also visited a couple of Piano Bars "Jilly's" on Rush street & the "Redhead" were we spent the night supping cocktails.
On our last night we ate at Andy's Jazz Club, we got the tail end of a Jazz Orchaestra and they were really good but the main act was "Yoko Noge's Jazz me Blues Band" they were awesome entertainment.
As for food everwhere we ate was fantastic but the portions were enough to feed a family of four, at least it kept me away from puddings I was always too full. Can't remember all the places but two spring to mind "Weber Grill & Tavern on Rush". We also ate one night in a place in the Lincoln Park district near the Biograph Theatre and they have just recently filmed the new gangster movie "Public Enemies" about Dillinger (who was shot at he Biograph). Johnny Depp is playing the lead role and he had been eating in the same place we went, they had a big photo on the wall of Depp and the other actors sat in the bar in their gangster clothing.
I'll post my photos soon as I've sorted them for those interested.
Not going to report things in any particular order but thought I'd better start with one of the lowlights (which was supposed to be an highlight). On the evening of July 3rd we made our way to Grant Park to watch the the Independance Firework display. When we arrived the crowds were massive (estimates between one & two million), we tried to get near Buckingham Fountain but it was too packed so we settled for a spot set back.
Shortly before there was a loud bang and a rumour spread it was a gun shot (actually a fire cracker I think) anyway a section of the crowd panicked and stampeded. I grapped Jane and we just stood still as it calmed down. Now we noticed a lot of gangs of youths milling around all dressed in gang like uniforms and the atmosphere started to feel a little tense. Something kicked off creating a bigger stampede in the crowd, Jane turned to run but I grabbed her reckoning it was safer to stand as people were falling and getting trampled (felt a bit like a redcoat at Rorkes Drift though).
Again things calmed for awhile then the Fireworks started, however again trouble started, appeared to be local gang rivalries to me and again we stood our ground. One chap in his fifties fell into us and we helped him (his wife later thanked us). Gangs were all over the place and one large group started to gather right in front of us, two old ladies sat in front of us packed up and suggested it would be a good idea to move, we took the advice and moved back to Michegan Ave to watch the end of the fireworks.
I saw kids crying, elderly people scared and many people leaving before the end, its a shame young thugs spoil what should have been a great occasion, hope a few got arrested.
Following on from that we found the rest of the people we came across really nice & friendly but what else did we do :-
We visited the "Taste of Chicago" festival a few times but always seemed to hit the worst of the weather. Although it was fun I thought the standard of the music wasn't as great as on my previous visits although we enjoyed "Broadway in Chicago" on the main stage. Others we liked included "Uncle Bob & the Bluzers" on the Best Buy stage & "Rob Stone & the C notes" on the Taste stage. We were looking forward to the Tribute Band day as acts playing CSNY, Luthor Vandross, Eagles, Rolling Stones & U2 were playing but I'm afraid the rain beat us.
We also went up Sears Tower after queing for a long time, they have some new features which includes a Glass Floor you can walk out on and look straight down from the 103rd floor. Also visited Union Station and got a photo of the stairs from the pram scene in "The Untouchables".
We visited a couple of museums "The Chicago History Museum" which I haven't been before was interesting but not really value for money, it was quite small and not enough things to look at. The museum of Science and Industry is just the opposite you need a full day, I've been before but there was quite a bit of new stuf, its a fun day out with plenty for us big kids to play on. Ok I'll admit it Jane beat me on a computorised game but I think it was faulty, lol.
We also did the Architecture River boat trip after a walk down the shops of Michegan Ave (Magnificent Mile) on our first day.
Another first for me was a visit to Garfield Conservetory which was nice and Cactus will be pleased to know they had a lovely section dedicated to her favorite plants. Yes and I did take some photos of them.
We spent another day at Lincoln Park Zoo which is really good (and free), saw numerous animals and got some good pics reckon the highlights was the monkey house, could watch them for hours.
We visited Navy Pier and took a Cruise on Lake Michegan on the "Odessey", thought we were going on the "Spirit of Chicago" but they cocked up our booking, didn't complain cos I reckon we ended up with a better deal than we paid for. They welcomed us on with Champagne then we had a lovely meal while cruising for two hours and taking in some fantastic city views.
The hotel we stayed at was "The Ambassador East" which as a lot of history many of the stars of the big screen stayed there and used its bar the Pump Room. Photos of stars sat in the bar were all ove the place, recognised a few but a lot were before my time. Couldn't understand why the didn't want our picture, lol.
We visited a number of bars & Clubs on a night and saw some really good music, saw Shirley Johnson in Blue Chicago and I got her new album which she signed, its currently top of the US Blues charts.
Also visited "The Green Mill" cocktail lounge which takes you back to the Prohibition era, apparently Al Capone was a regular. When we was there Alan Gresiks Swing orchaestra was performing, they were really good and the place was packed to the rafters.
One night we visited Kingston Mines the famous blues Club, the had two acts on Charlie Love & Linsey Alexander, both were good but different. Charlie is an out & out entertainer playing a range of music styles while Linsey is very guitar orientated, started his set with a version of Hendrix "Little Wing".
We also visited a couple of Piano Bars "Jilly's" on Rush street & the "Redhead" were we spent the night supping cocktails.
On our last night we ate at Andy's Jazz Club, we got the tail end of a Jazz Orchaestra and they were really good but the main act was "Yoko Noge's Jazz me Blues Band" they were awesome entertainment.
As for food everwhere we ate was fantastic but the portions were enough to feed a family of four, at least it kept me away from puddings I was always too full. Can't remember all the places but two spring to mind "Weber Grill & Tavern on Rush". We also ate one night in a place in the Lincoln Park district near the Biograph Theatre and they have just recently filmed the new gangster movie "Public Enemies" about Dillinger (who was shot at he Biograph). Johnny Depp is playing the lead role and he had been eating in the same place we went, they had a big photo on the wall of Depp and the other actors sat in the bar in their gangster clothing.
I'll post my photos soon as I've sorted them for those interested.
Friday, 26 June 2009
Must have kept my youthfull looks
The other day I was in the supermarket checkout queue and there was a little old lady behind me. I didn't recognise her but when I turned around she "You are Michael arn't you". Surprised I said yes thinking she must know my parents.
She realised I wasn't sure who she was when she explained she was "Diane ----- mother". I was gobsmacked because the Diane she was talking about was someone who was at scholl with me, not at Secondary school but in the Junior school, yes the under 11's, in other words she recognised someone who was at school with her daughter 40 years ago.
So I can't have altered as much as I thought.
Just to confirm my youthfull looks I played my first over 50's Table Tennis competition in Scarborough and much to my delight a couple of the other competitors querried if I was old enough.
Think they were dissapointed I was there cos they fancied their chances and I was ranked above them. For the record I managed to win the age group beating a bloke from Hull in the final. Did ok in the other (younger events), got to the Semi of the Over 40's & the last 8 in the Open age singles plus semi of the doubles.
Anyway thought I better write a post today cos thats it for a fortnight cos I'm away on holiday (with Jane of course). I wish you all well and will catch up on my return to the UK.
She realised I wasn't sure who she was when she explained she was "Diane ----- mother". I was gobsmacked because the Diane she was talking about was someone who was at scholl with me, not at Secondary school but in the Junior school, yes the under 11's, in other words she recognised someone who was at school with her daughter 40 years ago.
So I can't have altered as much as I thought.
Just to confirm my youthfull looks I played my first over 50's Table Tennis competition in Scarborough and much to my delight a couple of the other competitors querried if I was old enough.
Think they were dissapointed I was there cos they fancied their chances and I was ranked above them. For the record I managed to win the age group beating a bloke from Hull in the final. Did ok in the other (younger events), got to the Semi of the Over 40's & the last 8 in the Open age singles plus semi of the doubles.
Anyway thought I better write a post today cos thats it for a fortnight cos I'm away on holiday (with Jane of course). I wish you all well and will catch up on my return to the UK.
Monday, 15 June 2009
Happy Birthday Noddy
Well my first taste of music was in the Glam Rock years of the early 70's and there was only one group and one lead singer that summed up the era.
So Happy 63rd Birthday today to Noddy Holder
So Happy 63rd Birthday today to Noddy Holder
Sunday, 14 June 2009
Ok I like to Win
Its the time of year I attend the various Presentation evenings of the local Table Tennis Leagues that I play in. Once again I've a few trophys to pick up, the above one's are from the Selby league I also got a few at the York league event.It led me to think about my personality type and I've come to the conclusion its not just the table tennis but whatever I do I like to win. Reckon if I played a 5 year old at tiddly winks I'd want to win. I've always had a competitive nature and am at my best when someone tells me I can't do something, I love the adrenalin I get from a challenge.
Anyway I'm looking forward to the North/East Yorkshire Championships next weekend, its for players from a number of local leagues (York, Hull, Scarborough, Selby, Rydale, Bridlington, Northallerton & Scarborough). There is a over 50's event and its the first time I've entered something in that age group so I'm really up from the challenge, there are a few good players to beat though.
Wednesday, 10 June 2009
Taking Responsibility
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Question - When does Obama start taking responsibility for what happens on his watch ?
Friday, 5 June 2009
Bloody French
Once again the idoiots from over the water have shown their hate for the British by insulting our Queen and not inviting her to the D Day tribute. I'm not surprised its a nation that still can't get over that fact the Duke of Wellington kicked Napoleons backside for him.
Lets not forget this is the nation of Brit hating snail eating numptys, yes our European partners are the ones that provided arms to Argentina during the Falklands war, burnt our sheep, vetoed us joing the origional EU and never vote for us in the Eurovision song contest.
Back to D Day they seemed to invite everyone thats anyone but not inviting our Queen seems just so delibrate. Why should she be invited, well that is obvious, it was our troops that helped liberate their country and the rest of europe. We would certainly be living in a different Europe today if we hadn't.
What part did we play in the D Day landings, well among the allies we were the ones that provided most troops (despite Hollywood pictures giving a different impression) a fact that France seems to have wrote out of their history books taught in schools.
Anyway it is irrelevant many brave men gave their lives to help save Europe so with tomorrow been June 6th I reckon we should remember them all Brits, Americans, Canadians, Aussies, Poles, Dutch & any more I've forgotten.
Lets not forget this is the nation of Brit hating snail eating numptys, yes our European partners are the ones that provided arms to Argentina during the Falklands war, burnt our sheep, vetoed us joing the origional EU and never vote for us in the Eurovision song contest.
Back to D Day they seemed to invite everyone thats anyone but not inviting our Queen seems just so delibrate. Why should she be invited, well that is obvious, it was our troops that helped liberate their country and the rest of europe. We would certainly be living in a different Europe today if we hadn't.
What part did we play in the D Day landings, well among the allies we were the ones that provided most troops (despite Hollywood pictures giving a different impression) a fact that France seems to have wrote out of their history books taught in schools.
Anyway it is irrelevant many brave men gave their lives to help save Europe so with tomorrow been June 6th I reckon we should remember them all Brits, Americans, Canadians, Aussies, Poles, Dutch & any more I've forgotten.
Thursday, 28 May 2009
Another Cosy Weekend
Just had a nice (cosy) weekend away with my friend Jane, we had 4 days (and nights) together and again it went well.
Friday we travelled down and met in the town we were staying Banbury which is in the cotswolds. Our hotel was a medium sized one (23 rooms) the staff were very nice, it was a very old building with plenty of charactor (& creaking floorboards, lol).
Friday night we ate at an Italian restaurant called Fabios, it was excellent, I had Chicken and Jane had Lasagne we both followed this up with Cheesecake. Which reminds me "Cheesecake" is Janes new nickname but I wont go into why.
Saturday we spent our day wandering around Banbury, it was market day so plenty to look at. On the night we ate at our hotels restaurant, we both had Steak Pie in Ale Gravy, I must say it was excellent. After the meal we toured few Pubs most were old world type places it was nice.
Sunday we checked out of our hotel & had a drive around the cotswolds visiting some small town including "Shipston on stour" & "Moreton in Marsh". Eventually we made our way to our next hotel which was in Northamptonshire. It was a 4 star leisure hotel with its own Spa & golf course.
Part of our deal was for dinner on the first night so we ate in the hotel restaurant, it was really nice we both went a Pate starter followed by Belly Pork with crackling. Ok I'll put my hands up and admit we also had a small sweet (cheesecake again).
Monday we went for a hike around the hotel grounds which included woods, 12 lakes and a golf course. It was really nice apart from some parts were a little overgrown so at times it was like a jungle.
In the afternoon I had a go on a golf simulator (and will point out birded the 3rd at Pebble Beach). Afterwards we had a game of tenpin bowling, I think Jane had been practising weeks but she still couldn't match my natural talent, lol.
Monday night we had a drive out to a country Pub and had a traditional Pub meal, we both went for Fillet steak it was very nice, must admit I like country Pubs they have a real relaxed atmosphere.
After booking out of the hotel tuesday we had a drive into Daventry, a quick walk around town followed by a coffee before eventually saying our goodbyes.
Well just over 4 weeks to our next trip when we are going to Chicago, Im really looking forward to it.
Here are a few photos from our trip :-
Banbury -
Friday we travelled down and met in the town we were staying Banbury which is in the cotswolds. Our hotel was a medium sized one (23 rooms) the staff were very nice, it was a very old building with plenty of charactor (& creaking floorboards, lol).
Friday night we ate at an Italian restaurant called Fabios, it was excellent, I had Chicken and Jane had Lasagne we both followed this up with Cheesecake. Which reminds me "Cheesecake" is Janes new nickname but I wont go into why.
Saturday we spent our day wandering around Banbury, it was market day so plenty to look at. On the night we ate at our hotels restaurant, we both had Steak Pie in Ale Gravy, I must say it was excellent. After the meal we toured few Pubs most were old world type places it was nice.
Sunday we checked out of our hotel & had a drive around the cotswolds visiting some small town including "Shipston on stour" & "Moreton in Marsh". Eventually we made our way to our next hotel which was in Northamptonshire. It was a 4 star leisure hotel with its own Spa & golf course.
Part of our deal was for dinner on the first night so we ate in the hotel restaurant, it was really nice we both went a Pate starter followed by Belly Pork with crackling. Ok I'll put my hands up and admit we also had a small sweet (cheesecake again).
Monday we went for a hike around the hotel grounds which included woods, 12 lakes and a golf course. It was really nice apart from some parts were a little overgrown so at times it was like a jungle.
In the afternoon I had a go on a golf simulator (and will point out birded the 3rd at Pebble Beach). Afterwards we had a game of tenpin bowling, I think Jane had been practising weeks but she still couldn't match my natural talent, lol.
Monday night we had a drive out to a country Pub and had a traditional Pub meal, we both went for Fillet steak it was very nice, must admit I like country Pubs they have a real relaxed atmosphere.
After booking out of the hotel tuesday we had a drive into Daventry, a quick walk around town followed by a coffee before eventually saying our goodbyes.
Well just over 4 weeks to our next trip when we are going to Chicago, Im really looking forward to it.
Here are a few photos from our trip :-
Banbury -
Banbury Canal -
Banbury Cross -
Fine Lady on a cock horse & in front of it(Banbury famous statue) - 
Banbury Market -
Shipston on Stour -
Moreton in Marsh -
Hellidon Lakes -
Hellidon Lakes Hotel -
Tuesday, 26 May 2009
Has anyone else noticed this ?
Don't know if this is just a sick coincidence but....
2007 - Chinese year of the Chicken - Bird Flu Pandemic devastates parts of Asia
2008 - Chinese year of the Horse - Equine Influenza decimates Australian horse racing
2009 - Chinese year of the Pig - Swine Flu Pandemic kills hundreds of pigs around the globe.
Has anyone else noticed this???!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Could it get worse????
2010 - Chinese year of the Cock - what could possibly go wrong? !!
2007 - Chinese year of the Chicken - Bird Flu Pandemic devastates parts of Asia
2008 - Chinese year of the Horse - Equine Influenza decimates Australian horse racing
2009 - Chinese year of the Pig - Swine Flu Pandemic kills hundreds of pigs around the globe.
Has anyone else noticed this???!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Could it get worse????
2010 - Chinese year of the Cock - what could possibly go wrong? !!
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