Monday, December 31, 2007
Music Monday - Legends "Ronnie Lane"
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Another Sad Day for Soccer
Friday, December 28, 2007
Band Aid
Thursday, December 27, 2007
I wish it could be Christmas everyday
So I hope you are all having a fun time as for me I've had a quiet Christmas, eaten too much yes but quiet. I've actually been sorting a few jobs at home that I've been putting off. My Father pulled a Muscle in his shoulder last week so I've been cooking my parents meals "not poisened them yet".
One thing p****d me off yesterday when I saw a comment on my last post which I've now deleted. Why do morons put offensive comments under anonymous names beats me, have they not got the guts to put their own name.
I've been thinking about blogging much and I know a few of you have commented that I don't write much about myself nowadays. Well my reason is too many people close to home read my blog (and don't comment), I think blogging about personel thoughts and issues is now out of the question.
I suppose thats leading to me writing about Sport & Music and not much else, I'm sorry for those of you who don't appreciate them posts but I don't know what the alternative is.
Did I mention I've booked my first trip of the year a long weekend in Chicago Thurs 28th Feb to Tues 4th March. Its supposed to be to celebrate my Birthday but its 3weeks early so will have another do when I get home. I've a couple of mates Lofty & Skid coming with me so it should be a laugh.
I'm trying to arrange another trip somewhere in April/May more details later.
Anyway thats enough here is todays song :-
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
White Christmas
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
"Christmas My Arse"
Monday, December 24, 2007
Music Monday - Legends "Kirsty MacColl"
Kirsty Anna MacColl was born in Britain in 1959 and was sadly killed in a boating accident aged 41 years in December 2000 while on holiday in Mexico with her family.
She was brought up in Croydon South London daughter of Dancer Jean Newlove and Folk Singer Ewan MacColl so had plenty of showbiz encouragement.
At an early age she started to write and perform music in her own Folk/Pop/NewWave style and first released a single she had written herself "They don't know" in 1979. However despite plenty of radio airtime a record producers strike at the time stopped it ever charting. However the song was performed four years later by Tracy Ullman and became a success for that lady.
She first hit the British charts in 1981 with that song with the short title "There is a Man works down the Chip Shop thinks he's Elvis", great song though :-
MacColl eventually made the top 10 of the British charts with the classic "New England" in 1985.
In 1986 Stiff records who MacColl recorded with went bust and nobody came in to buy her contract from the reciever so she was unable to record. Her recording engineer husband Steve Lillywhite (whom she divorced in 1994) arranged for her to do some vocals for a few other artists including, The Smiths, Talking Heads & Big Country.
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Merry Christmas to all my Friends
Judging by the smile on my face in the first one I haven't got the present I wanted, lol.
The 2nd photo I'm sure you can all spot which is me.
Anyway Merry Christmas and happy New Year to all my online friends and I'll look forward to the next 12 months in blog world.
Have Fun my friends. xxx
Did I mention starting today until the New Year I'm posting one Christmas song so heres todays offering from 1974 and that great group "Mud":-
Saturday, December 22, 2007
First 24 hours of not having a job.
I finished just before Lunch yesterday took my car home and one of my workmates Barry got his daughter to give us to a Pub/hotel. Its a new place in the area so we went to try the meals. Eight of us turned up so we had a lunch (I had Lamb), it was ok but I've had better. As a gesture the Plant Manager paid out of his own pocket which was good of him.
Following the meal and a few beers we made our way into town where we met up with a few other workmates for a farewell drink. A few were knocked back and I eventually made my way home early evening and crashed in front of the telly slightly intoxicated.
This morning I got up at 7.30am, although its weekend and I'd be off work anyway, I just seemed more relaxed about life, I suppose knowing the phone ain't gonna ring telling me "I'm wanted they have problems" is a big help.
I had some toast for breakfast and decided to have a steady walk into town as there was a couple of things I wanted. Now nipping up town and back, looking in a couple of shops usually takes me just over one hour.
This morning was different, don't know it was because I felt had all the time in the world but I just stopped talked to numerous people on my route, I was out nearly 3 hours.
First up I'd just left the house and I bumped into a neighbour John and we chatted for about 15 to 20 minutes before I moved on. Half way into town I crossed paths with Dave who was a Mechanic that left our works back in April with the first redundancies.
Got into town and in the first shop I met Lenny a bloke I used to play against at Tanble Tennis a few years back. Hes a good bloke and we chatted for awhile before going in different directions.
Next shop it was Mark our pool team captain who I had a short chat with before moving on.
Eventually I set off home only to come across Alan one of my Electricians who left to go to a new job about a month ago, so he was telling me about that and I told him what had been happening on site. Funnily while we were talking a Lady that I used to play Pool with (got to Mixed Doubles Final once) passed and said hello, ain't seen her for ages but she didn't hang about cos I was talking to Alan.
Finally I got on my way again to meet Dianne who was our HR Manager at work, she stayed to the end like me technically but wasn't there last week cos she was away on vacation. I asked her about how the holiday went and told her a few new updates from work. She's got a new job despite been offered work with the new owners. Eventually we gave each other a Christmas Hug and moved our seperate ways with me finally getting home.
Just had a bowl of soup for Lunch, didn't fancy anything else, had a check on my computor before putting the Radio on the listen to the Leeds Match. It sounded a good match Bristol had a go but the boys eventually got the all important goal to win 1-0 and move to third in the table. I did consider going to the match but my cough wouldn't cope with all the shouting.
After the match I did myself some Baccon, waffles, Tomatoes & Beans for my evening meal and now I'm blogging with a full stomach.
So this is what retirement is like ?
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
A quick update
Didn't help that I had to work outside this morning and I just got so cold, went home just after lunch and its took all day to feel warm, I'm sat at my computor with a woolly hat on. Well only two days to go and I finish work, I've already got my redundancy check, I put some towards my pension (it saves tax) and I've invested the rest.
On another subject I've been a bit pissed off with a few people lately (not blog friends) so I decided to wipe their numbers out of my phone, actually about half the people in there. If they want me they can contact me but to be honest I couldn't care less.
Monday, December 17, 2007
Music Monday - Legends "Keith Moon"
Well I'm going to start a "Tribute to music legends" post, true legends, yes those that are no longer with us. I'm going to start tonight with a man who many rate as one of the greatest Drummers the World has seen "Keith Moon". "Keith Moon" - Born in in 1946 Keith John Moon sadly passed away at the age of 32 in 1972 after overdosing on drugs he had been prescibed for his Alcohol addiction. On the night of his death he spent the evening having a meal as a guest of Paul & Linda McCartney at the film preview "THe Buddy Holly Story".
Above "The Last Supper".
Moon was the Origional Wild Man of Rock and was effectionally nicknamed "Moon the Loon", he was as crazy as he was brilliant. As a child he failed his 11 plus and lacked the ability to pay attention, some of his school reports called him retarded. His music teacher was the only person to recognise his undoubted talent.At 17 years old Moon was invited to join Roger Daltry, Pete Townsend & John Entwistle in a Mod Band called "The High Numbers" later to become houshold names and one of Britains greates groups "The Who".
Moon was a destructive person and it certainly wasn't unusual to see him trash his Drum kit at the end of shows. Although he spent all his music Career with the who he actually did play the instrument for many famous musicians, including on the famous Jeff Beck instrumental classic "Becks Bolero" others on that recording include Led Zepplins Jimmy Page & John Paul Jones.
Moon also played in a few Film Roles, playing Uncle Ernie in The Who's classic Rock Operas "Tommy" & "Quadrophenia". Another film he played in was "That'll be the Day" with long time friend Ringo Starr and David Essex. Moon played the resident drummer in the holiday camp.
As a tribute to Keith Moon the middle room at the London Astoria is named in his honour.
Here is another tribute to Keith, enjoy my friends :-
RIP Keith
I hope you all enjoy this post and I'm sure you all have your own ideas of some legends I maybe could post about in future posts.Friday, December 14, 2007
One Week and Counting
Alas we all have to move on and this certainly is a Crossroads in my life, I'm unsure what direction I'll take, I've a few things in my mind for the immediate furture but I'll probably just see where life takes me.
One thing I've promised myself is not to become a coach potato, I must not get into a habit of lazing around. I intend to still set my alarm and not stay in bed too late, I'm planning to make sure I have something active to do every day whether that be jobs around the house or recreational things. I must keep my mind & body active, don't you agree ?
I've been thinking of making plans, goals, resolutions for next year, I'll blog a list as soon as its finalised. I want to get fitter & lose weight among many other things.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Hello
I've not had much time this week to blog, Pool match Monday, Table Tennis match Tuesday (and tonight).
Last night I went out to York for a meal with 11 others from work, it was paid for so everthing tasted nice. I had "Wild Mushroom Medlay" for a starter followed by Fillet Steak for my main course. It was all cooked to perfection, it was a good restaurant. Of course we downed a few bottles of wine just to wash it down.
After the meal we moved on to a Wine Bar and eventually got home around 1am, it wasn't easy getting out of bed for work this morning I can tell you.
Talking of work I finish next Friday so we are just sorting out a few loose ends there is only a handfull of us left on site. I've been tidying up my office and putting a few confidential notes through the Shredder.
Well time for another Coffee take care xx
Monday, December 10, 2007
Music Monday - The "Z's"
1. ZZ Top "Viva Las Vegas" - The bearded wonders reached No10 in the UK chart with this cover version of some little known male solo artists classic.
2. The Zombies "She's not there" - British sixties group made No12 in 1964 with this
classic.
3. The Zimmers "My Generation" - Thought I'd bring us into the 21st Century with this cover version of a "Who" classic from one of the top up and coming groups in the world. I reckon a great song to finish on what do you think ?
So what will I do with my music monday post next week, you'll have to wait and see.
Sunday, December 09, 2007
Disaster Weekend
Well as I predicted without a full strength squad we struggled and like Saturday lost both our matches. One weekend 4 matches, 4 defeats we've moved from title challengers into a relegation battle.
Both today's games were close we lost them both 5-3, personally I played well winning all four of my games but without some of my regular teamates we struggled. I'm disapointed personal success doesn't replace team success.
If anyone is interested I've just posted individual photo's our players from this weekend (1st & 2nd team) on the Clubs blog, check it out - Derwent Table Tennis Club
And just to cap off this miserable weekend Ricky Hatton got beat.
Saturday, December 08, 2007
A Bad Day
First up we played the team that were equal top with us so it was critical we got a result, however it went wrong from the start and we were crushed 7-1, we lost a number of very close matches including mine. In one game I started really strong taking the first too sets with ease but I lost my way in the third allowing my opponent back in, then it all went downhill. I still can't believe I lost, I was so much in control.
Anyway I wasn't down to play in our 2nd match, it was against one of the bottom teams and we had calculated it better to rest me (I'm not fully fit still got a cold) but we would still be strong enough. Anyway it started to plan with the lads storming to a 3-1 lead following the first round of matches. Then disaster struck as our opponents took the last 4 matches three of which went to five sets, we couldn't believe how we clutched defeat from the jaws of victory, confidence is very low in the squad now.
Tomorrow we have two more matches and our top player Richard is unavailable but we thought the teams we are playing against their top players would be weak against defenders. Without Richard it would leave Trev & Myself playing the top half and we are both defenders. We reckoned our lower ranked players could pick up the pieces to help achieve the desired result. However Trev pulled his back muscle today and I would say is very doubtful for tomorrow, It sort of only leaves me who has played top half at this level before and I'm only half fit. It also means one of our better lower ranked players will have to play against better players than he is used to, we will be struggling.
Two defeats is a serious possibility and it would move us from top to a relegation dogfight, we need something out of tomorrows games.
It wasn't all bad today at least Leeds United cheered me up with a comprehensive 4-0 win against Huddersfield, well done the lads.
Shame that some of the scum pikey supporters decided to shame their Club by defacing "Billy's Statue". Lets hope when the Police catch them their Names & ADDRESSES are printed in the newspapers, I'm sure they have made some new friends that would love to meet them.
And finally Good Luck to Ricky Hatton in tonights big fight.
Friday, December 07, 2007
King Billy - RIP
Billy Bremner
He died on 7th December of a heart attack just two days before his 55th Birthday, he will never be forgotten, there is even a song about this Leeds legend.
He was voted number one player of all time in a pole about Leeds United players, the man was special.
Billy was the spirit of the club supporters loved him for the way he wore his heart on his sleeve when he put on the famous white shirt.
Outside the ground is a statue of the man which now acts as a meeting point, a shrine where people always worship on a visit to our temple.Tommorows match a local derby threatens to be a real blood & guts match, the clubs have massive rivaly and its already a sell out. This is the type of match Billy would have loved to play in. Before Kick off there will be two minutes applause in Billy's memory.
Talking about the match I had to laugh at a couple of videos placed on You Tube by Leeds fans taking the p**s out of Huddersfield and their fans, just to wind them up a bit. Judging by some of the comments I reckon their not pleased :-
Thursday, December 06, 2007
The Final Countdown
A lot of people leave tomorrow but a small skeleten crew including myself will be there to the end. It is just so quiet its sort of spooky.
A lot of people are off out for a drink tomorrow night but I'll just show my face and go home, I'm playing Table Tennis in the British League all weekend in Sheffield. The division is really tight with one point seperating the top five teams so every match is critical. We are equal top with 6 points and we play the team level with us first up Saturday morning. I've been struggling with cold all week but I am improving, hopfully I can up my performance we'll see.
Ok I'm missing the leaving do tomorrow but a few of us are off out for a meal next Wednesday, should be good I'll have to remember my Camera.
I've been scanning the deals for my travels next year, the prices arn't quite right yet but they are dropping so watch this space. I'm hoping to maybe visit some online friends during the next year, I reckon one is a cert (she knows who) but it'd be nice to meet more friends if possible, I suppose it depends where I go.
Take Care all of you xx.
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
Happy Birthday Mum
1. As a young child
2. Sat with a friend in deck chairs (why anyone sits in deck chairs on the street is beyond me).
3. Looking after some lovely young child (no prizes for guessing who) in the sea.
4. Yes the played Womens Football before the 2nd World War, apparently she played once for England representitive side against France. She is 2nd from left on the back row.
5. Yep thats my parents wedding photo, they don't make family shots like they used to, looks like something out of a Mafia film to me.
Monday, December 03, 2007
Music Monday - The "Y's"
1. Yazz "The only way is Up" - This classic topped the chart in 1988.
2. Paul Young "Wherever I laid my Hat" - It was back in 1983 that Paul topped the chart with his debut single.
3. Jimmy Young "Unchained Melody" - Yes this song did top the chart before Robson & Jerome" were born, this is from 1955.
On this last one there is a bonus song from the fifties at the end Adam Faiths "Poor Alfie".
Sunday, December 02, 2007
So You think you know about Music ?
Here is a couple of examples :-
Eg 1. (Clue) Her Majesty = (Answer) Queen
Eg 2. (Clue) Picture House Tune = (Answer) Roxy Music.
So here is the Clues :-
1. Year Quarters
2. Both of You
3. Silhouettes
4. Sad Fur Coats
5. Nookie Guns
6. Hamlet Humans
7. Dark Sunday
8. Insanity
9. Warm Galaxy
10. Nuclear Cockerel
11. Nun Toboggan
12. Throttlers
13. Unemployment Card
14. Merlin
15. B.A. B.Sc. B.Eng.
16. Revolvers & Flowers
17. Prosperous City Vermin.
18. Spinning Rocks
19. First Man Insects.
20. Refinement Association.
21. Plasters.
22. Hebrew Beginnings
23. Desperate Trouble
24. Pale Serpent
25. Hard of Hearing Wild Cat
26. Babies on the Slab.
27. The lads that sell Mice.
28. Igloo
29. Grafting Blokes
30 Easily Readable
31. Sobs in Panic
32. Skinny Betty.
33. Three of the Elements
34. Sibling of the Bard.
35. Bird of Prey with Colic.
36. 4Owatt Bulb Band.
37. Get Paste from a Tube.
38. Rub out Midge
39. Mr Sinatra is off to make a film
40. Part Time Coppers.
41. Aviation Strikers.
42. Youth Association looking at animals.
43. Treacherous Man of God.
44. Barbers Century
45. Unglossy Cinzano.
46. Nosy Dead Pussy.
47. Correct Commented Trueman.
48. Metal Airship.
49. Orange and Champagne.
50. Changed Pictures.
51. Overseas Person.
52. Tissue Shoe Tie
53. Ready to assemble Vegetable.
54. Big Band moving at night.
55. Late night athlete on Deck “C”.
56. Not a good Firm.
57. Identical Pair of Sub Machine Guns.
58. Senior Teachers Conversation.
59. East End Revolutionary.
60. Doggy Bark
61. Gorgeous Confederacy.
62. Green House Plants.
63. South American Camera.
64. Stop Jock & Stop Jock.
65. Fun Park Magnetic effect.
66. Scrounge a baby cooing.
67. Next Command.
68. Entrance Way and Horse Food.
69. The Germans without Mary & Midge.
70. Cheerful Start to the Week.
Saturday, December 01, 2007
Vegas look out Ricky's Army are coming
In fact seven days from now in Las Vegas the sport has come up with one such fight in fact its been built as the fight of the 21st Century, it will decide who is the best welterweight on the Planet.
So who is fighting well the favorite is American Floyd "Pretty Boy" Mayweather who by many experts is considered the best pound for pound boxer in the World. He shows a record of 38 wins in 38 fights with 24 knockouts, he has won 5 world titles at 4 different weights. His best wins are probably against Jose Luis Castillo, Felix Trinadad and Oscar De La Hoya.
Mayweather is a bit of a poser riding around in flash cars and boasting how good he is, so I reckon all the American fans will be quietly confident.
However over here in England we have our own man in Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton whom himself has won 4 world titles at two weights. Ricky is also unbeaten with a record of 43 wins from 43 fights 31 of which were knockouts. His best wins coming against Australian Kostya Tszyu, Luis Collazo, Juan Urango & Juan Luis Castillo (Hatton stopped Castillo Mayweather went the distance).
Hatton is quite a contrast to Mayweather, he's a typical northern down to earth lad who is straight talking and likes nothing more than a game of darts in his local pub with the lads.
His weight as fluctuated dramatically between fights, probably something to do with his love of Guiness and Takaway Food. Ricky's battle with the bulge
Jokingly he has had numerous Tee Shirts printed in the build up to this fight calling himself "Ricky Fatton" featuring his head on some fat blokes body. However don't believe one word of it, he is one of the fittest fighters of all time and will pressurise his opponent from the first bell. Mayweather seems to be coming 2nd best at most of the verbals he even resorted to wearing a Manchester Utd shirt to try wind up Manchester City fan Hatton at one press conference, hell he doesn't know how many of us really hate him know.
Mayweather may have the advantage of fighting on home soil but Las Vegas is set for a British invasion as many as 30,000 are making the 5,000 mile journey to support our boy. I can't wait for next Saturday two unbeaten superstars what more can you ask.
Anyway for now I'll leave you with this tribute to Ricky Hatton, Mr Mayweather you need to be frightened very frightened.
.