Time to Go

First to the moron who keeps making sarcastic anonymous comments on my blog over the last few months "YOU ARE PATHETIC". I've deleted 6 or 7 in recent times and assume its the same person, in fact I suspect its somebody that knows me and gets their kick out of cowardly comments. Hopfully one day I'll find out who if they are grown up enough to admit it.

To the rest of my blog friends this sort of behaviour has really cheesed me off so I'm saying goodbye to this blog for now, may come back one day but may not, just don't know. I will add I still intend to comment on your blogs.

I will still be on MySpace if anyone is on that site and wants to join my friends list and keep in touch, my profile is set to private so you've got to apply for the friends list to see it. You can link to my site from the side bar on this blog. I know two of you are already on it (Rachel & Rebecca).

I know some of you have my email address also so maybe we could stay friends, if you haven't
got it and would like it just say on the comment section for this post and I will give it to you via your blog.

I would like to say its been a great two years on blogger, I've made some fantastic friends and been lucky enough to meet three of you. Hopfully I'll meet more in the future on my travels, who knows.

I'm leaving all the posts up for now, may decide to delete them at a later date.

Thanks for all your friendships.

WRB xxx

So what will 2008 offer

Like most people I believe I always see the start of a new year as a reason to make plans, develop expectations, and plan my life. Ok quite often we can be doomed to failure but that never stops me making plans.

This year is a first for me cos I will be starting it without a job, in fact I'll be signing on at the Job Centre on wednesday this week I already have an appointment. I wont be entitled to many benefits but can claim Job Seekers allowance (its not a lot) for a few months while I've no income and am looking for a new job.

I've decided to draw my Works pension in April (Job seekers allowance would stop then) following my 50th Birthday, I'll get around 55% of what it would have been if I left it 10 years until I'm 60 but I've put a large part of my redundancy payments into it to boost it back up. It is inflation protected so goes up each year and I've calculated it'll cover my running costs Gas, Electric, Car, Telephone, Internet, Food, Council Tax, insurance etc. there should be a bit left over for emergencys.

So that leaves me using the rest of my redundancy & other investments I've made in recent years for pleasure activities (Holidays, Nights Out, Sport, etc). Ok I'm hoping to find bits of work eventually maybe only part time but to be honest I'm in no rush I've been given an opportunity to live how I want.

Anyway 2008 plans :-

Weight Loss - As always I do plan to lose weight but I wont be weighing as a routine each week, I've come up with a different approach - "Clothing". Yes I've bought some shirts that don't quite fit they are too tight so I post a photo now and I will post a photo every few weeks for you to comment on my progress. I'll also post occasionally on what I'm doing to help. Fitness - As a sportsman I want to get Fitter, yeh sure I'm getting older but I reckon I've never really been as fit as I could be and to maintain my standard when competing against younger players I need to get fitter. Thats my plan to counteract slowing down with age.

Not working will be benefit I'm sure because my job was too much office based in recent years and sat on your backside never helps.

To be honest I've started over Christmas (but the Food & Drink aint helping) by starting an exercise program each morning, ok I'm not doing much each day but my plan is to keep increasing repetitions each week.

I've also started doing long walks (hell I'll be jogging next) on days I've nothing on, I've done three 6 mile walks in the last week (the rain did stop me today though).

Sport - I'll still be playing Table Tennis and hoping to train when I can, I'm joining a new club in York where I can train during the day instead of an evening. I want to keep playing at my current level but its hard with a lot of younger players coming through.

Another sport I want to spend more time doing is Golf, I've always enjoyed it but haven't had enough time to play in recent years (work got in the way). I've got a couple of contacts to play with and I plan to join a Club. I'd like to get my handicap to single figures although thats a big ask.

Travel - Love it and I'm planning at least five trips this year, the first is booked for a long weekend to Chicago. I'm looking for another trip around April/May time and others June/July, September & December.

Nothing cast in stone yet but it'll be great if I get to meet some online friends on my travels, I'd like that. Anyway I'm sure I'll meet some interesting people I usually do.

Romance - Well all us singles are looking for their ideal partner and I'm no different, maybe I'll find somebody on my travels you just never know. I've never really considered online dating, maybe I should but I'm a bit old fasioned and would rather meet people as friends first and if something develops great, if not we can still be friends (hope that makes sense).

2007 - Finally I'd like to look back on the highs and lows of 2007.

Blogging - "Low" Lost a few online friends that are no longer blogging - "High" Made some fantastic new online friends.

Another "High" Met one of my online friends Rebecca - "Low" Should have met two online friends but circumstance meant Rachel couldn't make it, maybe this year, I really do hope so.

Soccer - "Low" Leeds United got relegated then docked 15 points - "High" Fought back from brink of extinction and are up to third in the league aiming for automatic promotion in May 2008.

Weight Loss - "Low" Not sure how I finished the year as my home scales arn't working properley but my guess judging by how my clothes feel is I'm maybe a couple of pounds heavier than I started the year. - "High" I'm determined to give it another go.

Travel - "High" Managed three trips to the States taking in four new cities for me (Seattle, Boston, Philadelphia & Atlanta) - "Low" Was planning four trips but work situation resulted me not travelling in December.

Work - "Low" Redundancy for the first time in my life I'm out of work - "High" At least they gave me a decent pay off, this is a opportunity right ?

Table Tennis - Suffered numerous injuries in the first part of the year forcing me to miss loads of important matches - "High" so far this season I've been ok and have played quite well, had a few decent results.

Hope you all have a Great 2008. xx

Music Monday - Legends "Ronnie Lane"

Ronnie Lane - Bass player Ronnie nicknamed Plonk (don't ask me why) was born in London in 1946 and sadly passed away at the age of 51 in 1997.

He first came to the publics attention as part of the insperational 60's group "The Small Faces" were he teamed up with Singer Steve Marriott, Lead Guitarist Ian McLagen & drummer Kenney Jones. The group have been cited by many other performers as hugely influentual in the British Music industry.

In 1970 along with McLagen & Jones, Lane joined ranks with Rod Stewart & Ronnie Wood to form "The Faces".

In 1973 Ronnie also formed his own group Slim Chance and had a couple of chart hits.

Sadly in 1977 Ronnie was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and his health slowly started to deteriate. In 1984 he moved to Austin Texas because the climate was good for his health where he became a king among mucisians for 10 years. His last live performance was at a Roy Wood concert in 1992. An album has been released "Live in Austin" of his studio work while living in the City.

Eventually Lane moved to Trinadad, Colorado in 1994 where he eventually passed away of his illness. Sadly he died a Poor man as he never recieved any Royalties for his work with the Small Faces. Eventually after his death these were secured by the two surviving members of the group McLagen & Jones (Marriott had died in a house fire).

Ok we'd better have some Small Faces as part of this tribute :-

Ronnie was thought of so highly that many mucisians paid for his medical treatment in his later years, the majority by such famous people as Rod Stewart & Jimmy Page.

In 2000 one of my favorite mucisians Paul Weller wrote a song "He's the Keeper" as a tribute to the life of the great Ronnie Lane :-

Enjoy this Final tribute to a true superstar of British Music :-

RIP Ronnie your memory lives on.

Another Sad Day for Soccer

Well as it is time for my Sunday Sport post, I should really come up with some excuse for my team losing 3-2 at Swansea yesterday but all I'll say is well played to them they deserved to win and at present they deserve to top the division (6 points in front of us). A long way to May though and we are only at the half way point.

However yesterdays results look somewhat insignificant considering yesterdays tragic event at the Motherwell match up in Scotland. Motherwells captain 35 year old Phil O'Donnell collapsed and died on the pitch. I don't know too much about the player, I believe he represented Scotland once but as a true sports fan my thoughts go to his Family, friends and supporters of his Club.

RIP Phil

Band Aid

No post just my daily Christmas music today but I thought I'd set the music fans among you a bit of a question. I'm posting the origional "Band Aid" song from 1984 so how many people can you name thats on it ? I mean people not the name of their group.

I wish it could be Christmas everyday

Well maybe I do or maybe I don't but thats the title of my today's choice of Christmas song, its the classic by Roy Woods Wizzard.

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 :-

White Christmas

Well Boxing Day is all about Sport so I thought I'd post this for today's musical christmas offering from them two big Leeds Fans Bing & Frank. This is to celebrate Leeds going top of the league. Ok it was only because we kicked off early but we did stick our noses in front for a couple of hours with today's hard fought draw at Hartlepool. We're only half way through and considering we gave everyone 15 points start it really is a White Christmas.

"Christmas My Arse"

Well no written post today just my daily Christmas offering and as its the big day how about this one from that loveable slob Ricky Tomlinson :-

Music Monday - Legends "Kirsty MacColl"

For Christmas Eve I thought I'd choose an artist that was part of what many people think the best of all the Christmas songs.

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.

In 1987 she scored her biggest hit when she teamed up with Punk Group "The Pogues" to make the Christmas Classic "Fairytale of New York". Many people regard this as the best Christmas song ever and it is a great performance (isn't Shane MacGowan lovely girls). The song peaked at No2 in the UK chart kept from top spot by The Pet Shop Boys "Always on my mind".

Her life came to a tragic end in December 2000 while taking a well earned holiday in Cuzumel Mexico. MacColl was skuba diving with her two young sons in a designated "No Boats Area" when she saw a speedboat enter the area heading straight for her group. The boat was going to miss Louis but hit her youngest son Jamie so MacColl went to push him out of the boats path and was struck herself, she died at the scene.

The boat was owned by a Mexican supermarket millionaire Guillermo Gonzalez Nova who many witnesses claim was at the wheel at the time of the accident. However one of his workers took the wrap and was sentenced to 2years 10 months for manslaughter but was released by someone paying a fine.

And we can't finish without that song and this is today's Christmas offering :-

RIP Kirsty

Merry Christmas to all my Friends

As its Christmas I thought I'd treat you to a couple of Photo's of me in my slightly younger days.

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":-

First 24 hours of not having a job.

Yesterday I finished work and in a way it was sad but to be honest its dragged on that long I wasn't overly upset. In fact I'm sort of looking forward to a bit of a break, I've a few things I wanna do and I can do things in my own time.

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 ?

A quick update

I've tried to get around everyones blogs tonight but to be honest I'm struggling, I've had a head cold I can't shake off and had an irritating Cough. I'm taking medicine and Brandy for it but its slow improvement. I'm coughing that bad my ribs really hurt but I think its starting to improve.

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.

Music Monday - Legends "Keith Moon"

Well now my alphabet challenge is complete I need to do something for my Monday Music Post and I'm sure some of you who are regular readers of my music post will appreciate this one.

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.

One Week and Counting

A week today I'll be out of Work and to be honest I'm starting to look forward to having a break. I reckon when I leave my place of work next Friday I'll be slightly sad, I've been there such a long time, over 33 years since I left school its been a part of my life.

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.

Hello

Just another quickie (post that is).

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

Music Monday - The "Z's"

At last I've completed this alphabetic marathon of Music, today my last challenge is with the letter "Z", not the easiest finish but as always I've managed to come up with some different styles. I hope you enjoy and I hope you've enjoyed my weekly post.

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.

Disaster Weekend

Just a quickie to let those that are interested know how we got on at our British League Matches today.

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.

A Bad Day

Today I've got home not too happy with the results of our Table Tennis Matches. We were playing British League at Sheffield equal top in our division and with big ambitiond for the weekend. Now our division is really tight with one point seperating the top 5 teams, its wide hope and anyone can beat anyone.

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.

King Billy - RIP

Today it is the 10th anniversary of the premature death of a true Leeds United legend Billy Bremner. King Billy a scotsman was our captain in what is known as "the glory years" and is immortalised in the City of Leeds.

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's Story

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 :-

The Final Countdown

Its certainly getting close to me finishing work (21st Dec), I've still had no official contact from the new company to see if anything is on offer. To be honest I'm looking forward to Christmas off it'll be the first time I've had the full week off for a few years.
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.