No motivation

To be honest I'm feeling a little de-motivated to write a blog post, I think its because I've a lot going on in my head, especially with regards to the work situation.
I've a lot of big decisions to make, a lot of questions to answer, some financial, some to do with shaping the rest of my life. I'm coming up with a few answers but it aint easy without the facts.

Yeh sure I've plenty I could blog about its just the motivation of putting it in words.

In the words of Arnie "I'll be back".

Take Care everyone.

Another Quickie

Update :-

1. We won our TT match last night 7-3, I won all my games although it was tough against their No1, I came from two sets down to win 3-2. I felt really strong and even when losing felt confident.

2. The Mighty Whites got back to winning ways with a good 3-1 victory away to Bournemouth. Goalscorers were Tresor Kandol with two and Seb Carole with the other.

3. I met the Pension man and he confirmed I was doing my calculations correct. But hell it is complicated trying to beat the taxman, hate giving money to him.

4. The new owners visited work today, I was involved showing some of them around, looks like I'll be with my current employer while Christmas when things are handed over. I've a lot of decisions to make I reckon.

5. The blokes doing my loft insulation didn't turn up, apparently one had a Car crash. Think he's ok but don't know when they are coming.

6. Still Love You all.

This & That

Just a quickie (post I mean)

1. I'll start with a question - Where are you Sandii your blog as gone awol ? Can't have you missing I'll get withdrawel symptoms.

2. Had medical at work today and passed ok, everyone gets one before we leave. I've got the lungs of a 45 year old which aint bad for a 49 year old. Blood Pressure ok, hearing ok, etc.

3. I'm in a rush cos I've someone coming around tomoz to fit some more loft insulation, I've just cleared tons of junk from the loft.

4. Off out soon, got TT match in York league another tough one but I feel up for the challenge.

5. I've an appointment tomoz with the Pension man to discuss what to do when I terminate my contract. Thinking about drawing it with penalties when I reach 50 (soon).

6. Just thought I'd say "Love You All".

48hr Checkemlads Cancer Awareness

lets all have the checkemlads model as our main pic for 48hrs.

its better than donating to the cause as it may just encourage somebody to check their balls

save the pic below then make it your profile pic for 48hrs & get your friends to do the same.

Thanks My Friends

UPDATE :- Following last nights comments I'll add a bit of an explanation -

This is a campaign been promoted by some British Musicians to raise awareness to Testicular Cancer. Its designed to encourage Men to check themselves out to try catch what is becoming a very common cancer early. If not caught early enough it is a killer. Even if you don't put the picture up it is not a bad idea to encourage any male friends to check out their "Crown Jewels" on a regular basis. If one life is saved its worth it.

The campaign is been promoted on MySpace trying to get as many people as possible to change their Profile Picture for 48hrs to this one. I thought it a good idea to do it on Blogger also.

The Musicians I know that are promoting this campaign are Paul Weller & Steve White (not sure what others) as I recieved bulletons from both of them on MySpace.

Boredom & Motivation

At work we have about finished production and to be honest its getting really boring. You may think its great to go to work sit on your backside with very little to do is good but hell the day just takes forever.
Quite a lot of people have now gone so there is even less to talk to. We are in limbo at present not knowing whether we will be taken over as a production plant or we will be closed. At least once we know the answer to that question we can start preparing the plant and should be reasonably busy. Its going to be a long two weeks before we find out.

The trouble is when you have a lazy day its hard to motivate yourself to do anything when you get home.

I'm trying though today I started my regime of exercise by walking to and from work, its a thing I did last year and eventually it will help the weight loss I'm sure. I do want to get back on track I've sort of lost a lot of motivation with the weight loss & fitness levels of late but I now feel the time is right to start working at it again.

Back to work and I've decided I'm not yet ready to start applying for jobs, I've decided I'll just stay as long as I'm been paid then have a few months off probably do some more travelling cos a new job may not give me as much time off as I get now. I still need details of how much I'll actually get but I have a rough idea just need confirmation. If someone does takeover my options may be different but I'll try negotiate a job with more time off, I'm determined to live and see the parts of the world I want.
To be honest I feel like a change of direction on the job front, I've worked in industry too long and fancy doing something different just don't know what if that makes sense.

Did I mention I was out in York last Friday night at yet another leaving do for some of the process shift workers. It was a laugh but I didn't stay too late, got the last bus as I had to be up Saturday for a TT training day. Remind me not to get the bus again it takes forever driving through every village and stopping at every farmhouse, I thought my bladder was going to burst.

Last night I went out for a few frames of Pool with Lofty and following a few drinks he confirmed he would like to come with me on one of my US trips next year for my birthday. I asked if he had mentioned it to his wife but he suggested I mentioned it on my blog so she could find out here.

And its good to see one of my origional Blog friends Joel DcNats back in circulation this month I hope he keeps blogging. And as a 2nd bonus I see the lovely Redneckgirl as posted on her blog lets hope she is here to stay.

Finally a question - If there is something in life you feel is really what you want but looks totally impossible, is it worth the effort to try ?
I would appreciate your opinion although the question may not make sense.

Take Care Everyone.


Since writing this post I've just had a bit of a shock, the Yorkshire Table Tennis Association handbook came in this mornings post so I sat down to read it. Turned a page and read a trophy had been donated in memory of a old friend called George. This chap I've known for years as a Coach & Umpire he was a smashing chap one of lifes true characters always said what he thought.
Yes sure he was knocking on a bit (probably mid Eighties) but I didn't even know he had died, I'm gutted I never attended the funeral or even spoke to his widow. I don't even know when it happend but must have been early this year I think.

Questions, Decisions, Thoughts, etc.

Ok this post isn't about anything specific cos I've a few things going on in my head at present. All my regular readers know about work and the fact we are closing and officially most people will be redundant from the end of November. However due to my job as Electrical Manager I'll be kept on for a period probably Feb/March next year as part of a skeleton team for safety reasons.

There is a chance still that another company will take over the site, I'll know this for sure by the end of this month. If this happens I'll still get my redundancy payment but probably also be offered my job back under new terms & conditions.

As part of the workers representitive team I met the bloke trying to buy the place on Friday, he was full of big plans for the factory but I'm not totally convinced, I'll believe it when he puts the money on the table, the takover plans are just taking too long.

Anyway saying all that basically I don't know when I'll be working till so that leads me to thinking "should I start applying for jobs ?".

The other thought is how much work do I need to get by, my redundancy package is decent and maybe I'll only need part time work, I keep doing the sums but require to know exactly what my work options are.

I'm still thinking about whether to have a short vacation in December like I mentioned on a earlier post, Trouble is if I was finished work sort of early next year Jan/Feb I'd be better saving my holiday days and cashing them in, hell I'll have plenty of time to go then.

However if the work dragged on to March/April or longer or we are taken over and I decide to work for the new owner I'd like to take my holidays. Not knowing when I'll actually finish is a pain.


While I'm on about vacations I've some questions for some of my blog friends, first to the Australians amonst us. When I finish work I've decided I'm conviced I should visit your country, so my question "Which would be the best city to visit and why ?" I know the initial thoughts is Sydney in the same way people visit London if coming to the UK or New York if visiting the USA. I'll add neither of these would be my choice.


My 2nd vacation question is to Rebecca, I've been checking out the Flight/Hotel deals for NO during the Jazz Fest late April early May. A lot of hotels prices arn't up yet but some are but I'll be monitering until I get a good deal.
My question, I know you said its best to stay in the French Quarter but would it be a problem if I got a hotel in the Buisness District within say 3 blocks of the quarter ? The reason I ask is their seems better options there.

I'm also giving a bit of thought to weight loss and what small changes I can make to start shedding a few pounds again, I've stagnated a bit at present, I put on weight on vacation and ain't done enough since I returned.

Obviously partly related to the weight loss I want to up my fitness level, I've felt a bit sluggish lately, I know having a cold hasn't helped but thats on the mend so I can't use that for a excuse. I just need to push myself into doing more exercise, I've been lazy I used to do Sit ups, press ups each morning but haven't done em for a while. I've also stopped walking to work when I can so I intend to start that routine again.

A Bit of Everthing

I'll start with Weight Loss because as pointed out bySpidey on his blog I haven't weighed for quite while. Actually it was back in August and on the scales at work I was 102.5kg. To be honest I knew I'd increased I have had a lot on my mind and losing weight has not been a priority.
I've also been on vacation and two weeks of drinking and eating is not helpful to any weight loss, anyway my fears proved correct cos today I weighed in at 107.5kg a 5kg increase. Remember I am weighing in full working clothes. I hope to now get back on track I'll update next week.

I've played in three Table Tennis Matches this week, Sunday it was against Wakefield in the Yorkshire League we won 9-1 and I won all my games but struggled a little, I was a touch rusty since my hol.
I've had two York league matches this week Tuesday we won 6-4 and I won all three of my games, Thursday we lost 7-3 and I won two lost one. To be fair I lost comfortably in my defeat the other player is one I always struggle with. I didn't feel sharp and was dissapointed but credit where it is due he played well.

I've had a Cold since Monday and felt a bit crap, I'm starting to improve so the signs are good, I hope so anyway.

Work is a bit depressing with a number of people leaving, today the local MP was on site to meet us. Apparently there is a prospective buyer for the site and they have been given while the end of the month to put the money on the table. If that happend (and I'm not holding my breath) I'd still get my redundancy payment then possibly be offered a job back.

Tomorrow I'm thinking of going to Leeds to watch the mighty whites hopfully clock up another win, they play Yeovil a club they have never played before. Well done to our manager Dennis Wise who has been named the divisions manager of the month for the 2nd month running.

For those of you that are interested I've now downloaded all my holiday photo's for Atlanta & Philadelphia, you can find them here - Micks Photo's

Goodbye and Thanks

Sorry no time to do a Music Monday Post tonight as I've a few chores to do, so just a short post.

First I'd like to thank everyone for their kind comments on my recent posts and just to update you on things :-
My Mother has recovered from her virus and is in good health so that worry as gone. I was quite worried thought I may have to cancel my US trip but all is well.

Work - I'm hoping to find out something before I leave tomorrow, whether we are shutting or been taken over, I'm ready for away to be honest the place is no fun anymore. I can usually get internet access at my airport hotel so I'll let you know if I find anything out before I leave.

My Knee - Came through the weekends matches better than expected, in fact today it feels 100% so I'm pleased. I did however feel a bit of tennis elbow while playing, it wasn't too bad but I wouldn't have wanted any more games. Ok today though after a bit of rest.

So I'm off to pack my bags know as I'm leaving straight from work tomorrow but hopfully I can get some internet access while away, if not I'll look forward to catching up with you all on my return. So its goodbye for now my friends.

Take Care xx

This and That

The Work saga continues all we seem to here is rumours and couter rumours. I am not enjoying working there I just wish it was sorted I'm gonna get angry quite soon.

Leeds Utd hope to continue their winning start that is making a mockery of the Football leagues 15 point penalty, they are running scared. But this is Leeds United and today the other Football Committee as the FA has refused to sanction Leeds as a full member becauseof some financial politics. Apparently we've robbed the Tax man (who I had as dropped his case cos we've done nothing wrong just exploited the rules). They certainly have it in for us but at 5pm tomorrow we will hopfully be at zero points. Apparently the sanction means we can't vote and won't get any FA Cup Final tickets, hell whose bothered lets just show them they can't destroy us.

I'm away playing British League Table Tennis over the weekend, saturday we have matches against Ormesby (Middlesbrough) & Sheffield while on Sunday we have Barrow & Market Rasen wish us luck cos it'll be tough as we got promoted last season.

As you know I'm off on holiday on Tuesday visiting Philadelphia & Atlanta, I'm hoping to meet up with two blog friends in Atlanta both have problems and may not make it, we'll see. I'm very dissapointed though I was so looking forward to it.

Take Care everyone.

Worried

I've a few things on my mind at present :-

1. The Drama at work is continuing we are in the middle of site closure redundancy situation and are in the process of a 30 day consultation. Apparently there as been a eleventh hour bid to buy the place as a production site. We know very little of the people trying to buy apart from their financial backing is from Eastern Europe. I'm worried because I've a lot to lose, if these people turn out to be short term profiteers. There are so many unknowns at the moment, the next meeting is Tuesday before I go on vacation so I may find out more then. I could get really stitched up here.

2. My Mother was taken ill earlier this week, she is elderly, disabled and quite frail, she looked really bad and I've been so worried. It turns to be a virus and lukily she is improving but I've been so concerned.

3. All summer training ok, British League starts this weekend and I get a tweak in my knee training last night. Although a touch sore I'm training again tonight but I'll take it easy if I feel anything. I'm worried cos we've 4 critical matches and I'm scheduled in the team for all four, I don't want to miss these games.

4. I'm worried about my blog friend Rachel she is going through a tough time in her life and those close to her that should be supporting her are not. She has always been a good friend to me since I started blogging so please pay her a visit and send some love her way.

A True Yorkshire Great

Today Leeds lass Jane Tomlinson sadly passed away following her fight with cancer, after been diagnosed several years ago Jane became an inspiration to everyone, she raised thousands of pounds for charity's, she was a true Yorkshire Great. I have copied a obituary from the BBC for everyone to read.

RIP Jane.

Obituary: Jane Tomlinson
Though terminally-ill with cancer, Jane Tomlinson raised more than £1.5 million for charity by running in three London Marathons, several triathlons and The Great North Run.
Together with her brother she also cycled from John O'Groats to Land's End and from Rome to Leeds.
Jane Tomlinson's life changed forever when, in 1991, she was first diagnosed as having breast cancer.
Though she underwent a mastectomy, the cancer returned and in 2000 she was told that it was terminal.
Even though her cancer was incurable, Jane Tomlinson refused to give in, preferring instead to undertake a series of challenges which would normally tax even the most physically fit person.
Gruelling bike ride
2002 saw the mother of three, from Rothwell near Leeds, complete three major sporting events.
Even though she was in great pain - especially in her bones, neck, hips, back and shoulders - she took part in the London Marathon in April, a triathlon in August and, along with her husband, the Great North Run in October.
After the Great North Run, Jane Tomlinson announced that she would not be running any more races.
She said that she would be concentrating on her medical treatment, and spending time with her husband Mike and children Suzanne, Rebecca and Steven.
But, in March 2003, she set out, together with her brother Luke, on a 1060 mile bike ride from John O'Groats to Land's End, stopping twice en route to receive chemotherapy.
Arriving at the finish, Jane Tomlinson could not contain her delight. It has been brilliant, " she said.
"I am absolutely thrilled. I can't believe we are actually here. There have been some tricky moments on the way but we have just enjoyed it all."
Her own laboratory
And, almost unbelievably, days after finishing the journey, she completed a second London Marathon before returning to work as a paediatric radiographer.
But more was to come. She completed the gruelling UK Half Ironman triathlon competition in the autumn before collecting her MBE from the Queen at Buckingham Palace in October.
All in all, she raised more than £1.5 million for Cancer Research UK and other charities.
In recognition of her efforts, the laboratory at Cancer Research UK's Clinical Centre at St James's Hospital in Leeds, was re-named the Jane Tomlinson Laboratory in May 2003.
Speaking at the time, Jane Tomlinson said, "I know that my situation means that there is little to benefit me from research, but I thought if I could raise some money, I could help other people in the future.
"It's great to know that all this research is taking place in my home city and I am especially pleased to be associated with this particular lab."
Mrs Tomlinson also won a number of high profile awards, including The Sunday Times Sportswoman of the Year and BBC Sports Personality of the Year's Helen Rollason Award.
She was also voted the UK's most inspirational woman in 2003.
In November 2004, she became the only cancer patient to complete a full Ironman triathlon, a daunting feat comprising a 2.4 mile swim, a 112 mile cycle ride followed by a 26 mile marathon.
And in the summer of 2006, she crossed the United States, from San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge to Brooklyn Bridge in New York City.
On finishing the ride, she admitted, "I thought it was going to be a bit of an adventure but it turned out to be a bit of an ordeal."
But, despite her smiles at the end of her journey, the mammoth feat - 63 days on a bike, covering 3,700 miles - had left her seriously ill.
She was also disappointed that a lack of interest from the US media meant she only raised £100,000, well short of her expectations.
Early in 2007 it was announced that Jane was now too ill to undertake any further challenges but she did organise and wave off a 10km road race in Leeds.
She was awarded the CBE in the Queen's Birthday honours in June 2007.
Jane Tomlinson always looked upon herself as just an ordinary woman with cancer but her extraordinary tenacity touched the lives of people around the world.

Boring Sunday

I'm sort of Bored this afternoon with nothing to do, ok I've got a few chores I should be doing but since lunch I've felt sort of lazy.
This morning I went for a walk into town and around the area did about 4 miles but needed the exercise to loosen myself up. I was a little stiff and aching following my training session with our British League Table Tennis squad yesterday. The training went really well I was pleased with the way I was playing just a bit of fine tuning and I'll be really sharp for the season start (I hope).
Tonight I'm out for a few beers with one of my workmates "Skid", he's actually on 2-10 but is getting an early relief so we are meeting at 8pm. Only off around town but its usually busy when its a Bank Holiday Weekend.
I'm not at work tomorrow with it been a bank holiday a really big market with visitors from all over visiting, I'll have a walk around to see if I can find a few bargains.

I've been on my computor a bit checking out things about Philadelphia & Atlanta in preparation for my upcoming trip. I don't know too much about either City but I'm finding out a few good places to visit, I must say I'm looking forward to the trip.

On a recent post I mentioned my thoughts on the wars in Iraq and Afganistan so I've added a voting poll on my side bar so you can all give your opinion.

Bits & Bobs

One thing I'm happy about is the fact its a Bank Holiday weekend so I get 3 days off work, not back while Tuesday and I need the break. Saying that I'll probably get called out but I hope not.
On the work front the consultation process continues next week but today it was rumoured somebody may come in with a late bid to buy the place, to be honest I'm just about fed up with all the rumours and the quicker everything is decided the better, I've been f****d about enough.

Tomorrow I'm Table Tennis training with our British league squad it should be hard but good. Sunday night I'm off out for a few beers with my workmate "Skid" just around some local pubs.

I had a weigh in at work today and the result wasn't good I've put on 1kg, I'm now 103.5kg (remember I'm fully clothed in work gear), its not a surprise I've had the occasional weak moment but I did hope to at least break even, probably not exercised enough.

History Question - What happend on this day in 1814 ? I'm sure my American friends will know and remember don't mess with the British.

The Mighty Whites are away against "Nottingham Forest" tomorrow and it will be a hard match but we are optimistic the winning start will continue and another 3 points will be knocked off the minus 15 we started with.

Hope you all have a great weekend.

This & That

I'll start with work and the plans for closure, at present we are undergoing a 30 day consultation process between management and Workers representitives. I'm actually on the committee for this so can't really say too much. The local MP came to site Monday and I met him he's actually trying to help.
There's only really two things I want to know - When will I finish & How much will I get ?

Today I was actually headhunted a company's manager phoned me up asking if I was interested in working for them, he wants me to send my CV. I'm unsure if I'm interested I'll give it some thought but its an option, need my questions answering first.

I don't think I've done too well lately with losing weight (probably holding my own at best), I went to Pool Monday, we didn't have a match but I was supposed to be playing singles but my opponent failed to show. However I then found out we had a rearranged match last night so that was too nights drinking beer (not good for weight loss).
Also yesterday I was going well, Porridge & Blueberries for breakfast, rest of day Fruit (Apple, Cherries, Banana & Orange. Anyway I got home from work and was starving, I had 4 small pieces of "Southern Fried" Chicken in the fridge so decided to do it with a few spicy potato wedges. I had some roasting Parsnips in the freezer so put them in the oven, while doing it I thought why not sling in some onion rings. Not satisfied with that I boiled up a pan of water and threw in some Sprouts, Broccoli and Carrots. Then I remembered my next door neighbour had given me some Tomato's so I chopped a couple of them in half and put them under the grill.
Well what started out as a small meal ended up totally filling a large plate (believe me it was a lot), anyway not one to be beaten I battled through it but was totally bloated afterwards.
I don't normally eat again after my evening meal but when I got home from my Pool match at about 11.30pm I remembered I had a big piece of cake and stuffed myself with that. The cake was what my cousin had brought around it was from her 25th wedding anniversary.
So today I've felt guilty so on top of my porridge & fruit I've only had a salad for evening meal and thats it for today.

Exercise - I haven't trained for over a week or since I played the Table Tennis tournament the weekend before last. To be honest I've avoided because I felt a slight tweak in my Knee and didn't want to aggrivate. I'm ok now so I'm off to training tonight so that should do me good. I've also a pre season training day with our British league squad on Saturday (6 hours), that should be tough. Our first matches are in two weeks and I'm really looking forward to playing in a higher division.

Leeds United - A great start to the season as I've previously reported and we really could do with another win at Nottingham on Saturday, we have this 15 points to make up. A special mention though to our Youth team (under 18's) for their 3-0 destruction of their counterparts from Manchester United (otherwise known as red vermin) on their own turf. The future is White my friends.

A week on Friday a few of the gang from work are going out for a meal in York and I'm deciding whether to go along. I'm also out this Sunday Skid and myself are off to tour a few of the local nightspots, not at work on Monday its a bank holiday.

Thats about it for today, well I could mention 3 weeks from now I'll be on the big bird somewhere over the Atlantic, can't wait, and I'm gonna meet a couple of Blog friends that will be fantastic.

At Last

I've finally got all my photo's from my recent vacation to Boston & Chicago downloaded onto Flickr.

You can check them out from the link on my sidebar or use this link - Micks Photos
Be warned there is a lot but you can watch them as a slide show if you wish.

Tell me which one's if any you like ?

While I'm on the subject of my vacation I saw this lady Rock singer performing on the stage in the Beer garden on the Navy Pier in Chicago :-


They call her Jen Porter and I watched for a couple of hours, I reckoned she was good did a few cover versions of songs I like plus some of her own compositions.

At the end of her set she was giving out her cards so I e'mailed her telling her I enjoyed the show and attatching a couple of photos I took. She actually e'mailed back thanking me for sending the photo's.

You can check her out at http://www.jenporter.com/ or watch this Video (let me know what you think) :-

Changing subject the rain stopped this morning but so I was able to go for a long walk, I needed the exercise. However I've just had lunch and we've had a torrential downpour, the UK is a mess with flooding all over the place. Its ok where I live although fields are flooded but the town is unscathed.

This afternoon I'm now gonna watch the Golf while keeping my eye on the German Grand Prix, our boy Lewis Hamilton is struggling at the half way point after having a 175mph crash due a wheel problem in qualifying yesterday. He leads the World Championship and will do fantastic if he can finish in the top 8 and get some points today, he's already had a puncture and come off twice due to a waterlogged track and been on the wrong tires.

Spaniard Sergio Garcia leads the Open Golf and as a 3 shot lead over American Steve Stricker who started the day 3 shots ahead of the players equal 3rd which included leading Englishman Paul Broadhurst and South African Ernie Els. Els however has birded the first two and now is only 4 shots off the lead. Tiger Woods was 8 shots behind the leader at the last check and there ae a lot of good players in front of him so he sort of needs a miracle.

Finally I've posted this photo just to remind me I've an appointment at the dentist in the morning.

I'll be back later to check out other blogs.

Best Place to Live ?

Just recently I've given a lot of thought to whether some time in the future I'd like to try living in another country, but the question is where ?

My reasons, I reckon the standard of living in my country (which I love) is declinning due to many factors including, weak government, high crime rates, over crowding, failing industry, yob culture, failing infrastruture, etc. Ok I paint a grim picture and it isn't too bad yet but I'm sure these things are in decline.

Before anyone jumps to conclusions I am certainly not rich so the place chosen would need to have the same or lower cost of living than where I live now then maybe its a real possibility.
Anyway does the place exist that fits these following points :-
1. Similar or lower cost of living than the UK.
2. Friendly People that would make me feel welcome.
3. Good Climate (not silly hot in summer or stupid cold in winter).
4. Similar Foods as the UK (I'm a traditional meat eater and not in to fancy food).
5. English Speaking (I'm not one for learning new languages)
6. Good Sports Facilities.
7. Good Social Scene.
8. Low Crime Rate.
9. Property Costs lower than UK (Sell up, buy, make profit, get the jest).
10. No health issues with the area.

Suggestions ?

Tell me about your tips, include both advantages & disadvantages, sell it to me.

Embarrasing Meetings

Twice recently I've been in the embarrasing position when somebody comes up to you and starts talking like a long lost friend and I hadn't a clue who they are.

The first turned out to be a lad who turned out to be someone I coached at Table Tennis about 20 years ago and he stayed talking for ages. I just kept agreeing with what he was saying all the time racking my brain trying to work out who he was.
Later I did a bit of research and found out who he was which was quite lucky because I bumped into him again and could use a name.

The 2nd incident happend in the dentists (I had a check up the other day) when a lady said "Alright Mick" and started talking to me. She was quite attractive and knew me but I still haven't a clue who she was, I'm still working on that one.

I remember this happening to one of my mates a few years back and he was playing along for ages until the stranger asked "Aint you going to introduce me to your friends ?". My mate had to then ask who he was, I creased myself laughing.

Has this ever happend to any of you ?

Battered Britain

Today virtually the whole country has been battered by Gale Force winds reaching upto 99mph in places. A number of people have been reported killed, Thousands of homes are without Electricity, Buildings have been damaged.

These are a few pictures of the storms :-

We have actually had a couple of Power Cuts at work which are catastrophic for our process, many trees locally have been uprooted. On a bright note I've got away with it so far with no damage at home but two people at work have lost fences.

On a subject change I played Table Tennis in York last night but my elbow was really painfull and getting worse. I had to conceed two matches and the team then fell apart and we lost to the bottom side. I reckon I'm going to be out injured for a few weeks, I've had to withdraw from Yorkshire League this Sunday and the York Championships the following weekend. I would have been defending 5 titles in that tournament and amnot in a good mood. I've played competitevly for over 30 years and never had a prolonged injury, I am really pissed off about it.

I'm off to the Pub with a couple of friends tonight so I'll catch up with all your blogs tomorrow.

Today

I've just got back from our British League Table Tennis matches and can report decent results. We started the day in 2nd place 2 points behind Barrow, looking at the matches I thought Barrow would win both theirs so we would have to do the same.
First up we had a tough match with Formby but managed to win 6-2, I won both my games although one of them was very close. To our delight Elgre Nottingham put up a good performance to hold Barrow to a draw so we gained a point.
We had Elgre for our second match and knew it would be tough after the morning matches and they did the same to us attaining a 4-4 draw. Credit to them though because we led 2-0 and 4-2 and they never gave up. Again I took both my matches so came away pleased with a personal maximum.
While this was going on Barrow much to our surprise only drew with bottom Club "Hull St Marys" so we are now only one point behind. They are maybe getting a little nervous a point we made to them as they left (they seemed to enjoy our sarcasm, not).
So we go into the last weekend on February 24th & 25th with 4 matches to play including Barrow. In other words 4 wins will give us the title, it will be tough but we will be trying.

On the Blogging front some of my friends are still having problems with Beta, I've recieved an e'mail from "Hear me Roar" telling me she cannot comment, sounds like the same issue "Regina" is having.
She tells me she likes my last post on the Female Stress diet.

2006 Time to say Goodbye to some

When the "Godfather of Soul" James Brown passed away at Christmas aged 73 one of my blog friends (Jenny) suggested I do a review about him. To be honest I would find this difficult as I never really followed his music, don't really think he made it that big in England, some fans may disagree with that statement.However what I have read about him this last week he certainly was a very respected musician and was so big in his field of music. I am sure he will be missed by his thousands of fans.

For the record in the UK he had many songs make our charts between 1966 and 1993 but only once made the prestigeous top ten. In 1986 he reached No6 with "Living in America".

Anyway thinking about this got me asking the question "who else that have dedicated their lives to entertaining us have we had to say goodbye to this year ?"

So here is a few and I'm sure you can add more ?

Soul Star Wilson Pickett age 64

Ron Greenwood former England Football manager aged 84

Former Celtic Winger Jimmy Johnstone aged 61 (he could play)

Gene Pitney singer/songwriter aged 66

Earl Woods father of Tiger aged 84

Jamaican Musician Desmond Decker aged 64

June Pointer of the Pointer sisters aged 52

Freddie Trueman Yorkshires greatest ever fast bowler aged 75

Charlie Williams Comedian aged 77

Steve Irwin Aussie Naturalist doing what he loved aged 44

Paul Hunter cancer took this star of snooker aged 27 Leeds lad as well

Jack Palance Oscar winning actor aged 87

Desert Orchid probably the greatest National Hunt racehorse ever aged 27

Syd Barrett former lead singer of Pink Floyd aged 60

Alan "Fluff" Freeman radio DJ aged 79

Charlie Drake comedian aged 81

Mike Dickin Talk Sport presenter aged 63



Two other people I will mention

Kenneth Cummin aged 106 who was the last Briton to fight in both world wars.

Elizabeth Bolden aged 116 American who was the oldest person in the World.


God bless them all.




Three who maybe won't be remebered with the same affection -

Slobodan Miloosevic aged 64 did while on trial for his war crimes

Augusto Pinochet aged 91 ex Chile President was indicated for war crimes

Saddam Hussein aged 69