I read yesterday that it is thirty years since Charlie's Angels was first broadcast. Oh that makes me feel old.
I suppose most people know of Charlie's Angels through the recent film but your blogger remembers the orignal. "Once upon a time there were three little girls who went to the police acamedy ........ but I took them away from all that. My name is Charlie."
The concept was a detective agency with 3 attractive woman and a male boss who you only see on the phone. The original Angels were Sabrina (Kate Jackson) - the smart one, Kelly (Jaclyn Smith) - the Sophisticated one and Jill (Farrah Fawcett Majors) - the athletic one. The show was amazingly successful. FFM left after one series, Kate Jackson after 3 and only Jaclyn Smith went to the end. Apparently there were 6 angels but I can only remember 5.
None of the actresses went on to big things acting wise. Jaclyn Smith became queen of day time movies. Kate Jackson starred in the Scarecrow and Mrs King. However it was Farrah Fawcett who was the big winner. If you are of a certain age you will remember Farrah, all blone hair and teeth. A poster of her in a swim suit sold 12 million copies, aged nearly 50 she did a playboy shoot (it was the biggest selling of the 90's apparently and the answer is no I haven't seen it!).
At the time the show was seen as sexy and popular.It all seems terribly tame now.
Like other hit shows of the time, Starsky & Hutch, The Six Million Dollar Man it feels very dated. It was repeated on Channel 5 recently and I just turned off.
Somethings are best left as Memories.
On the website (see link above)
Blog Status
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
How not to get on with your Sister-in-Law
CNN has had to say sorry after a TV anchorwoman's chat with a colleague in the restroom was broadcast over the top of a live speech by President Dubya Bush.
The Woman was heard praising her husband (good call, lots of browny points) and called her brother's wife a control freak - ooh that will not go down well. Can you imagine the next family get together?
The Woman was heard praising her husband (good call, lots of browny points) and called her brother's wife a control freak - ooh that will not go down well. Can you imagine the next family get together?
Sad or what
At 10pm last night I was nattering away on Yahoo when my work phone went. Rats!! The problem was a silly one and everything could carry on. The worry was that it might occur in a later job but hey nowt I can do so onwards.....
I was on the phone 'puter for 30 minutes and decided to head back to yahoo for a wind d own chat.
Anway at 4:10 this morning I woke, comfort break, and on my way back to bed got the laptop out and signed on!! I checked and everything else had worked BUT, WHY did I check when there was NOTHING I could do!!
I suppose I would have thought about it and not gone back to sleep but I didn't anyway as I signed on to the web and played with some of the tabs on Diddums learning stuff about her I hadn't realised.
If I suddenly go quiet in yahoo tonight folks I've probably fallen asleep over my keyboard!
I was on the phone 'puter for 30 minutes and decided to head back to yahoo for a wind d own chat.
Anway at 4:10 this morning I woke, comfort break, and on my way back to bed got the laptop out and signed on!! I checked and everything else had worked BUT, WHY did I check when there was NOTHING I could do!!
I suppose I would have thought about it and not gone back to sleep but I didn't anyway as I signed on to the web and played with some of the tabs on Diddums learning stuff about her I hadn't realised.
If I suddenly go quiet in yahoo tonight folks I've probably fallen asleep over my keyboard!
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
The RSPB Handbook of British Birds
I have mentioned this before but...
Four years ago my knowledge of birds went Seagull, Blue Tit, Sparrow, Robin, Blackbird, Chaffinch, Pigeon, Duck, Coot, Moorhen, Swan, House Martin (but I was aware of swift and swallow). Then April 19th 2002 I was made redundant and sometime over the next two months I picked up and old pair of bins and the rest as they say....
but not quite.... how did I identify birds? No one I knew was into birds. I bought a cheap guide from the wildlife trusts at a National Trust shop, it had the commonest 125 birds in it. 125 ? Wow 125 birds. And then very shortly I saw a bird I couldn't identify... it was common it was a Grey Wagtail and someone else (Nat Trust chap at Hatfield) told me what it was and it wasn't in my book. Also where else could I go to see birds?
Scratches head..... I did two things I joined the RSPB (which gave me a list of its reserves and I discovered Rye Meads) and I went into Bishops Stortford to Ottakars to look at every bird book they had and decided that this new book The RSPB Handbook of British Birds by a Peter Holden and Tim Cleeves looked pretty good. It referred to Britain not Britain and Europe and it said it referred to ALL birds seen in Britain at least 20 or so times a year.
That book is now dog eared and well thumbed. It went with me on my daily trips to Rye Meads and Hatfield Forest in my first months as a tyro birder. That I don't use it anymore doesn't mean I don't like it just that ... well we'll get there. When I'm old and grey (ok older and greyer) it will still be a treasured possession. Perhaps more than any other book it changed my life.
Sign on to any Birdwatching Forum and ask what field guide to buy and they will, almost to a birder, say the Collins Bird Guide. Even if you say youv'e never seen a Great Tit (I hadn't - well knowlingly) they will tell you to buy Collins, and they are wrong!
Firstly let me say that Collins is superb. The artwork is wonderful, BUT it covers the whole of Europe and for the novice/casual birder this is overkill. I've sat in hides whilst less experienced birders than me have looked at there collins and come up with some wonderful ids. The number of rarities I've heard called - uh its a Pochard! Uh its a Mallard in eclipse. Buy Collins by all means but temper this with a bit of practicality and buy a suitable first guide aimed at the UK market and aimed at the beginner/novice. Learn to walk!
I mention all this because on Saturday I walked into the visitors centre at Titchwell and picked up the 2nd edition.
The RSPB Handbook of British Birds - 2nd Edition - Peter Holden and Tim Cleeves.
The book covers the 282 commonest birds seen in the Britain. The only difference from the first addition is the inclusion of Parrot Crossbill and Hooded Crow. I'm not sure that the book includes everything it should. It excludes a few birds that perhaps really should be included but for the target audience it has a pretty good coverage. The inclusion of Parrot Crossbill corrects one of the two big mistakes of the 1st edition, still no Melodious Warbler though which should be included if disccussing Icterine.
If you've looked at any field guide before you will know that the first bird you are likely to find is the Red Throated Diver and the order of all guides follows the same species order. Recently "the powers that be" have changed the ordering of species. The first bird you will now find is Mute Swan, this is the first guide I've seen using the new system.
The book sticks to a standard format of one species per page. The decision has been made not to slavishly follow the classification order. This is sensible, they've taken the view to move Wood Warbler so that Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler are opposite each other. They've done this a few times. It was one of the drawbacks of the first edition and greatly improves usability.
There are standard paragraphs for each bird these are identification, habits, voice, habitat, food, breeding, movements and migrations, population, conservation and distribution. Each bird has a colour coded banner, these indicate conservation status. The maps are clear and easy to read. I'm told they are generous on distribution. The most obvious changes from the 2002 edition are the population sizes with big falls in birds like Spotted Flycatcher and Turtle Dove.
Pictures are distributed throughout the page and there are a range of plumage types. Artwork is taken from the Handbook of Bird Identification, it is not as universely good as Collins but is more than acceptable. On a few species greater variety of plumages would be helpful but there are space restrictions enforced by the scope of the book.
For each species it gives a list of confusion species (with page numbers). This is rather handy if you know that the bird is similar to something else you've seen but this one is different it gives you a starting point to find it. Although it is a bit odd that Sanderling has the Knot and Dunlin listed as its confusion species where Little Stint has Dunlin and Sanderling (and no Temminck's Stint! - they are opposite I suppose).
There is a glossary at the back listing alternative and local names for species.
The changes from the first edition are marginal but an improvement. If you own the first you have no real reason to buy the second unless you want the updated population statistics.
As I say I don't carry it anymore. This is because an equally good field-guide, the Pocket Guide to the Birds of Britain and North West Europe fits nicely into my belt bag. It includes birds I don't need like Black Woodpecker but I feel comfortable now that I'm not going to make such such big howlers. Its the size that made me change.
The book is not perfect, perhaps it tries to be too much, but to my mind there is so much good stuff here it deserves a place in any birders library. Until someone comes up with my ideal guide to carry in the field (a cut down version of Collins covering about 300-350 commonest species at the size of the Pocket Guide mentioned above) this will still be, to my mind, the best fieldguide for the beginner and novice and it remains a superb one volume guide to British Birds.
Four years ago my knowledge of birds went Seagull, Blue Tit, Sparrow, Robin, Blackbird, Chaffinch, Pigeon, Duck, Coot, Moorhen, Swan, House Martin (but I was aware of swift and swallow). Then April 19th 2002 I was made redundant and sometime over the next two months I picked up and old pair of bins and the rest as they say....
but not quite.... how did I identify birds? No one I knew was into birds. I bought a cheap guide from the wildlife trusts at a National Trust shop, it had the commonest 125 birds in it. 125 ? Wow 125 birds. And then very shortly I saw a bird I couldn't identify... it was common it was a Grey Wagtail and someone else (Nat Trust chap at Hatfield) told me what it was and it wasn't in my book. Also where else could I go to see birds?
Scratches head..... I did two things I joined the RSPB (which gave me a list of its reserves and I discovered Rye Meads) and I went into Bishops Stortford to Ottakars to look at every bird book they had and decided that this new book The RSPB Handbook of British Birds by a Peter Holden and Tim Cleeves looked pretty good. It referred to Britain not Britain and Europe and it said it referred to ALL birds seen in Britain at least 20 or so times a year.
That book is now dog eared and well thumbed. It went with me on my daily trips to Rye Meads and Hatfield Forest in my first months as a tyro birder. That I don't use it anymore doesn't mean I don't like it just that ... well we'll get there. When I'm old and grey (ok older and greyer) it will still be a treasured possession. Perhaps more than any other book it changed my life.
Sign on to any Birdwatching Forum and ask what field guide to buy and they will, almost to a birder, say the Collins Bird Guide. Even if you say youv'e never seen a Great Tit (I hadn't - well knowlingly) they will tell you to buy Collins, and they are wrong!
Firstly let me say that Collins is superb. The artwork is wonderful, BUT it covers the whole of Europe and for the novice/casual birder this is overkill. I've sat in hides whilst less experienced birders than me have looked at there collins and come up with some wonderful ids. The number of rarities I've heard called - uh its a Pochard! Uh its a Mallard in eclipse. Buy Collins by all means but temper this with a bit of practicality and buy a suitable first guide aimed at the UK market and aimed at the beginner/novice. Learn to walk!
I mention all this because on Saturday I walked into the visitors centre at Titchwell and picked up the 2nd edition.
The RSPB Handbook of British Birds - 2nd Edition - Peter Holden and Tim Cleeves.
The book covers the 282 commonest birds seen in the Britain. The only difference from the first addition is the inclusion of Parrot Crossbill and Hooded Crow. I'm not sure that the book includes everything it should. It excludes a few birds that perhaps really should be included but for the target audience it has a pretty good coverage. The inclusion of Parrot Crossbill corrects one of the two big mistakes of the 1st edition, still no Melodious Warbler though which should be included if disccussing Icterine.
If you've looked at any field guide before you will know that the first bird you are likely to find is the Red Throated Diver and the order of all guides follows the same species order. Recently "the powers that be" have changed the ordering of species. The first bird you will now find is Mute Swan, this is the first guide I've seen using the new system.
The book sticks to a standard format of one species per page. The decision has been made not to slavishly follow the classification order. This is sensible, they've taken the view to move Wood Warbler so that Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler are opposite each other. They've done this a few times. It was one of the drawbacks of the first edition and greatly improves usability.
There are standard paragraphs for each bird these are identification, habits, voice, habitat, food, breeding, movements and migrations, population, conservation and distribution. Each bird has a colour coded banner, these indicate conservation status. The maps are clear and easy to read. I'm told they are generous on distribution. The most obvious changes from the 2002 edition are the population sizes with big falls in birds like Spotted Flycatcher and Turtle Dove.
Pictures are distributed throughout the page and there are a range of plumage types. Artwork is taken from the Handbook of Bird Identification, it is not as universely good as Collins but is more than acceptable. On a few species greater variety of plumages would be helpful but there are space restrictions enforced by the scope of the book.
For each species it gives a list of confusion species (with page numbers). This is rather handy if you know that the bird is similar to something else you've seen but this one is different it gives you a starting point to find it. Although it is a bit odd that Sanderling has the Knot and Dunlin listed as its confusion species where Little Stint has Dunlin and Sanderling (and no Temminck's Stint! - they are opposite I suppose).
There is a glossary at the back listing alternative and local names for species.
The changes from the first edition are marginal but an improvement. If you own the first you have no real reason to buy the second unless you want the updated population statistics.
As I say I don't carry it anymore. This is because an equally good field-guide, the Pocket Guide to the Birds of Britain and North West Europe fits nicely into my belt bag. It includes birds I don't need like Black Woodpecker but I feel comfortable now that I'm not going to make such such big howlers. Its the size that made me change.
The book is not perfect, perhaps it tries to be too much, but to my mind there is so much good stuff here it deserves a place in any birders library. Until someone comes up with my ideal guide to carry in the field (a cut down version of Collins covering about 300-350 commonest species at the size of the Pocket Guide mentioned above) this will still be, to my mind, the best fieldguide for the beginner and novice and it remains a superb one volume guide to British Birds.
Monday, August 28, 2006
Turned out nice again.
I sent Dave a text last night asking if he was birding today.
At around 6-6:30 this morning I was lying on my bed (not a pretty sight) browsing when I got a reply "we're off to Gun Hill fancy it?" to which I replied "how about Titchwell, some waders around and I'll get the Bacon Rolls" "Race you" came the response.
Well I eventually got to Titchwell at 8:45 and we wandered down the path. Loads of little stuff about and 2 Little Stints and some Curlew Sandpiper's added to the year list. What was great was the numbers of waders. Giving you a chance to compare them. You realise that juvenile female Ruff and Curlew Sand look very similar except for the beak. Is that a Stint? No its a slightly smaller Dunlin with a shorter bill.
We couldn't find the "elusive" Temminck Stint. Lots of Golden Plover and some Grey Plover. Snipe, Common and Green Sandpiper, both sorts of Ringed Plover for instance.
Not a great deal off of the coast, Common Scoter, Eider, Sarnie and Common Tern. Juve Gannet and a Skua species (don't ask me what it was). A few Sanderling on the beach and some Grey Plover and Bar Tailed Godwit on fly past.
Back for brunch, we totally failed to see any Spoonbill, saw at least 7 Little Egrets.
Bacon Roll very nice and then back to bird the hides. Still no sign of Spoonbill or Temminck Stint. Fly over Curlew for the day list.
So at this point Dave suggested a secret site for a mega which was all hush hush.
And here is the little beauty.
ah you think he might be a captive? yes well ok Dave had vouchers for Hunstanton Sea Life centre.
There are Seals. The big one Stevie was found and has lost his sight so will always be in captitivity. Some of the others are to be released next week.
A youngster a couple of months old.
Stevie in position
Stevie being fed.
Other seriously cute residents....
Some sharks
Some turtles
Various bits and pieces.
Oh and that bird again
He's a Humboldt Penguin.
We had a late Fish & Chips and set off - ta Joy. The weather was much better than expected!
Until next times guys.
At around 6-6:30 this morning I was lying on my bed (not a pretty sight) browsing when I got a reply "we're off to Gun Hill fancy it?" to which I replied "how about Titchwell, some waders around and I'll get the Bacon Rolls" "Race you" came the response.
Well I eventually got to Titchwell at 8:45 and we wandered down the path. Loads of little stuff about and 2 Little Stints and some Curlew Sandpiper's added to the year list. What was great was the numbers of waders. Giving you a chance to compare them. You realise that juvenile female Ruff and Curlew Sand look very similar except for the beak. Is that a Stint? No its a slightly smaller Dunlin with a shorter bill.
We couldn't find the "elusive" Temminck Stint. Lots of Golden Plover and some Grey Plover. Snipe, Common and Green Sandpiper, both sorts of Ringed Plover for instance.
Not a great deal off of the coast, Common Scoter, Eider, Sarnie and Common Tern. Juve Gannet and a Skua species (don't ask me what it was). A few Sanderling on the beach and some Grey Plover and Bar Tailed Godwit on fly past.
Back for brunch, we totally failed to see any Spoonbill, saw at least 7 Little Egrets.
Bacon Roll very nice and then back to bird the hides. Still no sign of Spoonbill or Temminck Stint. Fly over Curlew for the day list.
So at this point Dave suggested a secret site for a mega which was all hush hush.
And here is the little beauty.
ah you think he might be a captive? yes well ok Dave had vouchers for Hunstanton Sea Life centre.
There are Seals. The big one Stevie was found and has lost his sight so will always be in captitivity. Some of the others are to be released next week.
A youngster a couple of months old.
Stevie in position
Stevie being fed.
Other seriously cute residents....
Some sharks
Some turtles
Various bits and pieces.
Oh and that bird again
He's a Humboldt Penguin.
We had a late Fish & Chips and set off - ta Joy. The weather was much better than expected!
Until next times guys.
Sunday, August 27, 2006
The Search for Anghiari updated
Some of you remember I commented on an excellent TV program featuring Dr Merachio Serachini's search for Leonardo's Masterpiece The Battle of Anghiari.
For the past three years he has been stopped from continuing his research to prove the Da Vinci's masterpiece was not destroyed. He believe that Vasari saved the painting by building a protective wall in front of Anghiari. He wants to engineer new equipment to activate pigment behind Vasari's wall in a non-invasive way.
It appears that the election of a new government in Italy may give fresh impetus to Serachini's search (city authorities refused to give him permission to continue, for fear of damage to Vasari's work). Francesco Rutelli, the Deputy Prime Minister and Culture Minister, will soon appoint a committee to resolve the issue.
For the past three years he has been stopped from continuing his research to prove the Da Vinci's masterpiece was not destroyed. He believe that Vasari saved the painting by building a protective wall in front of Anghiari. He wants to engineer new equipment to activate pigment behind Vasari's wall in a non-invasive way.
It appears that the election of a new government in Italy may give fresh impetus to Serachini's search (city authorities refused to give him permission to continue, for fear of damage to Vasari's work). Francesco Rutelli, the Deputy Prime Minister and Culture Minister, will soon appoint a committee to resolve the issue.
Saturday, August 26, 2006
Some stuff from the papers
I bought a paper today. This is a very rare occurence, infact I bought two!!
The most important story, yes more so than the Darrell Hair farce is that spring is arriving earlier every year.
Trees are coming into leaf 10 days earlier (14 in Spain). Migratory birds are arriving 3.7 days earlier, with nesting taking place 8 days earlier. Apparently there are now report of over wintering Martins and Swallows.
The excellent British Wildlife (ok not a paper but the story is news and will interest many of my readers) reports that the near extinction of Hedgehogs in the countryside could be associated with an incease in Badgers. The research is by Richard Young of the Central Science Laboratory. It suggests that Hedgehogs have been eliminated in areas with the highest density of Badgers and that as sett density increased the liklihood of Hedgehogs and there abundance decreased.
There is a BIG advert in the Guardian for the all-new Bill Bryson. It's a memoir or childhood in 1950s America, The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid. Interview and extracts next Saturday.
But lets leave you with something funny!
You really need to watch your emails folks. Lucy Gao (a trainee at Citigroup) sent an email to guests at her 21st birthday party.
The email detailed instructions on how friends should present themselves at her 21st birthday party.
The email included a script to adhere to “When asked, how can I help you Sir/Madam, you reply, I am here for Lucy’s birthday party at the Rivoli Bar.”
How to dress “the more upper-class you dress, the less likely you shall be denied entry”.
Specific times on when each of the 39 guests were to arrive.
Queries should be directed to her Personal Assistant "between 8:30pm to 10pm"
and she added "I will be accepting cards and small gifts between 9pm to 11pm - wink wink, he he he"
Hey Luce, could have been worse. In 2000 Claire Swire's email went round the world describing Oral Sex!
The most important story, yes more so than the Darrell Hair farce is that spring is arriving earlier every year.
Trees are coming into leaf 10 days earlier (14 in Spain). Migratory birds are arriving 3.7 days earlier, with nesting taking place 8 days earlier. Apparently there are now report of over wintering Martins and Swallows.
The excellent British Wildlife (ok not a paper but the story is news and will interest many of my readers) reports that the near extinction of Hedgehogs in the countryside could be associated with an incease in Badgers. The research is by Richard Young of the Central Science Laboratory. It suggests that Hedgehogs have been eliminated in areas with the highest density of Badgers and that as sett density increased the liklihood of Hedgehogs and there abundance decreased.
There is a BIG advert in the Guardian for the all-new Bill Bryson. It's a memoir or childhood in 1950s America, The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid. Interview and extracts next Saturday.
But lets leave you with something funny!
You really need to watch your emails folks. Lucy Gao (a trainee at Citigroup) sent an email to guests at her 21st birthday party.
The email detailed instructions on how friends should present themselves at her 21st birthday party.
The email included a script to adhere to “When asked, how can I help you Sir/Madam, you reply, I am here for Lucy’s birthday party at the Rivoli Bar.”
How to dress “the more upper-class you dress, the less likely you shall be denied entry”.
Specific times on when each of the 39 guests were to arrive.
Queries should be directed to her Personal Assistant "between 8:30pm to 10pm"
and she added "I will be accepting cards and small gifts between 9pm to 11pm - wink wink, he he he"
Hey Luce, could have been worse. In 2000 Claire Swire's email went round the world describing Oral Sex!
Pottering about locally
I was taking the old folks out for the day but they phoned early to say as it was chucking it down.....
So I went birding, and it promptly stopped raining!
As I hadn't been to Hanningfield Reservoir for a while off I went. I do like Hanningfield, its a big reservoir with possiblities for waders and areas of woodland.
From the causeway, before reaching the visitors centre, I picked up some common ducks and geese and a Common Sandpiper.
The trails to the hides go through the woods. The trails were quiet and what birds there were conspicuous by there absence. The usual stuff on the reservoir including some Ruddy Ducks. A Green Sandpiper was a nice find and I almost missed the Black Necked Grebe, this one was much more in eclipse compared to the Doncaster bird. A point for us all not to assume its a Little Grebe! I did pick out the Garganey, if it hadn't flashed its speculum at me I'd have missed it.
There were Black Swans about as well as Red Crested Pochard. Another Common Sandpiper and a Yellow Wagtail amongst the Pied.
As I was walking between hides I heard and saw "something" through the trees. It was big and not a gull but what it was ..... walks into hide "Did you see the Osprey?" Uh well I guess I did I suppose.
Amongst the Gulls I picked out the Yellow Legs. If Yellow Legs there must be let them be in full plumage.
After lunch I headed to Rye Meads. Soon was on to Southern and Migrant Hawker Dragonflies. The migrants were zipping everywhere. Best spot was a Water Vole !! Nice.
Draper hide had been invaded by Canada Geese well over a 100. They had a Barnacle amongst them (feral? escape?) and a Little Egret.
Spotted a Great Spot on my stroll. Lots of Little Grebes about. Also lots of Migrant Hawkers and the odd Brown Hawker, oh and a Common Darter. The Tits and finches were playing hard to get.
The last find was a female Sparrowhawk.
Quiet day but enjoyable.
So I went birding, and it promptly stopped raining!
As I hadn't been to Hanningfield Reservoir for a while off I went. I do like Hanningfield, its a big reservoir with possiblities for waders and areas of woodland.
From the causeway, before reaching the visitors centre, I picked up some common ducks and geese and a Common Sandpiper.
The trails to the hides go through the woods. The trails were quiet and what birds there were conspicuous by there absence. The usual stuff on the reservoir including some Ruddy Ducks. A Green Sandpiper was a nice find and I almost missed the Black Necked Grebe, this one was much more in eclipse compared to the Doncaster bird. A point for us all not to assume its a Little Grebe! I did pick out the Garganey, if it hadn't flashed its speculum at me I'd have missed it.
There were Black Swans about as well as Red Crested Pochard. Another Common Sandpiper and a Yellow Wagtail amongst the Pied.
As I was walking between hides I heard and saw "something" through the trees. It was big and not a gull but what it was ..... walks into hide "Did you see the Osprey?" Uh well I guess I did I suppose.
Amongst the Gulls I picked out the Yellow Legs. If Yellow Legs there must be let them be in full plumage.
After lunch I headed to Rye Meads. Soon was on to Southern and Migrant Hawker Dragonflies. The migrants were zipping everywhere. Best spot was a Water Vole !! Nice.
Draper hide had been invaded by Canada Geese well over a 100. They had a Barnacle amongst them (feral? escape?) and a Little Egret.
Spotted a Great Spot on my stroll. Lots of Little Grebes about. Also lots of Migrant Hawkers and the odd Brown Hawker, oh and a Common Darter. The Tits and finches were playing hard to get.
The last find was a female Sparrowhawk.
Quiet day but enjoyable.
Friday, August 25, 2006
Sorry Blog World
I just happened to glance at the blog and thought "bloody hell what are all these people doing here". Of course I've just repost 248 blog entries.
Oh well hope you like something here, say hi. Won't happen again. Sheepish look.
Oh well hope you like something here, say hi. Won't happen again. Sheepish look.
Blog Update
Well I've switched the blog to beta blogger. I'm using the same dull template :) I'm not certain if blogger will still lose your links when you change templates, but it didn't when I moved to beta and selected my old template (which is the default).
It seems be easier to add links and things. You just drag and drop to rearrange your page. You can put your techorati links and site stats in. I did lose my posting functions. I clicked the wrong thing and couldn't get them back. Eventually I went into IE and they were there and so I EVENTUALLY twigged that I had to reload the page in Firefox. A bit painful but hey!
You can't as yet edit the HTML code.
I'm not sure of all the new features of blogger. Certainly one useful feature is that the edit screen now shows which of your posts has comments and you can page through your posts.
One of the more obvious features is the ability to label posts. You will see them under the comments. I promise to go through all my posts and categorise them (Actually sad muppet that I am guess what I will spend my lunch hour doing? Anyway I've done a few for you to see how it works.
Oh I've done 248 entries in 6 month - ah quantity over quality
It seems be easier to add links and things. You just drag and drop to rearrange your page. You can put your techorati links and site stats in. I did lose my posting functions. I clicked the wrong thing and couldn't get them back. Eventually I went into IE and they were there and so I EVENTUALLY twigged that I had to reload the page in Firefox. A bit painful but hey!
You can't as yet edit the HTML code.
I'm not sure of all the new features of blogger. Certainly one useful feature is that the edit screen now shows which of your posts has comments and you can page through your posts.
One of the more obvious features is the ability to label posts. You will see them under the comments. I promise to go through all my posts and categorise them (Actually sad muppet that I am guess what I will spend my lunch hour doing? Anyway I've done a few for you to see how it works.
Oh I've done 248 entries in 6 month - ah quantity over quality
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Chinese Funeral Strippers outlawed.
Why is it somedays I struggle to think of anything to write about and others...
China has decided to ban the practice of striptease sendoffs at funerals. Apparently in China large crowds are seen as a sign of honour so the events are held to boost the attendance.
China has decided to ban the practice of striptease sendoffs at funerals. Apparently in China large crowds are seen as a sign of honour so the events are held to boost the attendance.
a glimpse into a strangers life
Obviously we all get to see parts of other peoples lives. Whether that be family, friends or colleagues.
But of course there are times we glance into a complete strangers life. Most of these are totally mundane and we soon forget them, but sometimes we want to know what that was all about.
So we scroll back till 1990/91 and Beverley Craven was enjoying a five minutes in the sun. Some friends and I went along to watch her play the Savoy Theatre. Now my seat was on the otherside of the aisle, not a problem I have long legs and the Savoy has little leg room.
As I sat there a couple walked down the aisle, looked at their tickets and found their seats too were separated. Now I thought this rather sad. A few minutes later another woman walked down the aisle and sat next to the chap. All 3 were obviously together as they chatted across the aisle.
In her blog CP refers to a friend of hers being an alpha female and making her look like grotbags. Well of these two women the one on her own was definitely alpha female.
Anyway what intrigued me was that during the "big" romantic number, the girl across the aisle seemed to be looking wistfully across at the bloke. And I was wondering what this was all about.
Of course I never found out but for some reason the memory has stuck with me.
But of course there are times we glance into a complete strangers life. Most of these are totally mundane and we soon forget them, but sometimes we want to know what that was all about.
So we scroll back till 1990/91 and Beverley Craven was enjoying a five minutes in the sun. Some friends and I went along to watch her play the Savoy Theatre. Now my seat was on the otherside of the aisle, not a problem I have long legs and the Savoy has little leg room.
As I sat there a couple walked down the aisle, looked at their tickets and found their seats too were separated. Now I thought this rather sad. A few minutes later another woman walked down the aisle and sat next to the chap. All 3 were obviously together as they chatted across the aisle.
In her blog CP refers to a friend of hers being an alpha female and making her look like grotbags. Well of these two women the one on her own was definitely alpha female.
Anyway what intrigued me was that during the "big" romantic number, the girl across the aisle seemed to be looking wistfully across at the bloke. And I was wondering what this was all about.
Of course I never found out but for some reason the memory has stuck with me.
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Rewriting the Past
As you will no doubt have read or heard on TV/Radio the Defence Secretary Des Browne intends to seek pardons for more than 300 men shot for military offences during World War I.
The family of one soldier shot have been campaigning for years. They argue that there relative was suffering from shell shock.
Mr Browne said that, after 90 years, "the evidence just doesn't exist inside the cases individually".
"I don't want to be in a position of second guessing the commanders in the field who were making decisions," he added.
But injustices "were clearly done".
"We can't be in a situation morally where we cannot redress injustices because we don't have paperwork in relation to an individual case.
"But we can in other cases where we have some paperwork."
Now this puzzles me why only world war I and not other wars? I believe that one of the reasons given was that there are relatives alive today who knew the soldiers shot.
Why stop at "injustices" in World War 1 ? What about the Boer War, Zulu Wars, Crimea ad infinitum.
Mr Browne's actions may appear laudable, because some soldiers shot were undoubtedly suffering from shell shock and related conditions, but he admits that he doesn't have the evidence.
What concerns me is that we are trying to judge the past. Actions need to be judged in the context of the times not by applying the standards of today. If you start doing that where do you stop? I imagine many historical figures would be judged harshly by todays standards.
If you think of the jury system we have today it refers to "peers". Peers must have the same reference point as those being prosecuted.
Mr Browne may have the best of intentions, the families of soldiers shot may feel aggrieved, but I think he is mistaken.
The family of one soldier shot have been campaigning for years. They argue that there relative was suffering from shell shock.
Mr Browne said that, after 90 years, "the evidence just doesn't exist inside the cases individually".
"I don't want to be in a position of second guessing the commanders in the field who were making decisions," he added.
But injustices "were clearly done".
"We can't be in a situation morally where we cannot redress injustices because we don't have paperwork in relation to an individual case.
"But we can in other cases where we have some paperwork."
Now this puzzles me why only world war I and not other wars? I believe that one of the reasons given was that there are relatives alive today who knew the soldiers shot.
Why stop at "injustices" in World War 1 ? What about the Boer War, Zulu Wars, Crimea ad infinitum.
Mr Browne's actions may appear laudable, because some soldiers shot were undoubtedly suffering from shell shock and related conditions, but he admits that he doesn't have the evidence.
What concerns me is that we are trying to judge the past. Actions need to be judged in the context of the times not by applying the standards of today. If you start doing that where do you stop? I imagine many historical figures would be judged harshly by todays standards.
If you think of the jury system we have today it refers to "peers". Peers must have the same reference point as those being prosecuted.
Mr Browne may have the best of intentions, the families of soldiers shot may feel aggrieved, but I think he is mistaken.
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
The world has gone mad
Apparently Children's TV channel Boomerang are going to edit some Tom & Jerry cartoons where the characters are shown smoking.
Some UK parents (may have been one) complained that they were not suitable for children (get a life). Ofcom recognised that the cartoons were made at a time when smoking was acceptable.
"We note that in Tom and Jerry smoking usually appears in a stylised manner," said Ofcom.
However, it said that "the level of editorial justification required for the inclusion of smoking in such cartoons is necessarily high".
"Depictions of smoking may not be problematic given the context," it continued.
"But broadcasters need to make a judgement about the extent to which a particular scene may or may not genuinely influence children."
However Boomerang will only edit those cartoons where smoking appears to be "condoned, acceptable or glamorised". Which I think is two in total.
Some UK parents (may have been one) complained that they were not suitable for children (get a life). Ofcom recognised that the cartoons were made at a time when smoking was acceptable.
"We note that in Tom and Jerry smoking usually appears in a stylised manner," said Ofcom.
However, it said that "the level of editorial justification required for the inclusion of smoking in such cartoons is necessarily high".
"Depictions of smoking may not be problematic given the context," it continued.
"But broadcasters need to make a judgement about the extent to which a particular scene may or may not genuinely influence children."
However Boomerang will only edit those cartoons where smoking appears to be "condoned, acceptable or glamorised". Which I think is two in total.
Monday, August 21, 2006
Wildlife Projects
The RSPB, WWT, Pensthorpe Conservation Trust and Jordans (the cereal people)have got together to re-introduce the Crane to a new breeding site in Britain. There is a very small population in the Norfolk broads that gets supplemented in winter. Curiously though I am not convinced this is the best use of money.
A new(?) organisation the Bumbleebee Conservation Trust is trying to raise £100,000 to buy a reserve in the Outer Hebrides. Two bees that were once common in Britain the Great Yellow Bumblebee and Moss Carder bumblebee are present and the reserve would enable the preservation and protection of the habitat they need.
I presume that money will be more easily available for the Crane than it is for the bumblebee. As Boo would say such is life.
A new(?) organisation the Bumbleebee Conservation Trust is trying to raise £100,000 to buy a reserve in the Outer Hebrides. Two bees that were once common in Britain the Great Yellow Bumblebee and Moss Carder bumblebee are present and the reserve would enable the preservation and protection of the habitat they need.
I presume that money will be more easily available for the Crane than it is for the bumblebee. As Boo would say such is life.
Sunday, August 20, 2006
Sunday 20th August
Well I forgot to take a photo of the hotel/pub. I can recommend the Royal Oak, Dacre Bank ****. Worked out at £70 including 3 course meal and 2 large glasses of wine. There was a huge choice of food 31 starters and 30+ mains. Well cooked as well.
I stopped off at Welney briefly to see Golden Plover, Wood and Green Sand, Little Ringed Plovers and Yellow Wagtails amongst others.
So 6 weeks to go to the next one...............
I stopped off at Welney briefly to see Golden Plover, Wood and Green Sand, Little Ringed Plovers and Yellow Wagtails amongst others.
So 6 weeks to go to the next one...............
Saturday 19th August
Given it was dry I headed for Mount Grace Priory. This is, apparently, the most compelete remanant of a Carthusian building.
Carthusian Monks each had a two story cell complete small garden, outdoor privy,living room (with fireplace), bedroom, private cloister and work room. The monks only saw each other for services. Food was passed by servants through a hole. Only the Prior dealt with the outside world.
In the early 20th century Cell 8 was restored. It gives some indication of life.
So where now? I headed off to Newby Hall. The house and contents is one of the finest in Yorkshire. The gardens are excellent. There's a fair amount for the family with a childrens play area and a railway.
The church is similar to the one at Fountains. I've been there before.
Carthusian Monks each had a two story cell complete small garden, outdoor privy,living room (with fireplace), bedroom, private cloister and work room. The monks only saw each other for services. Food was passed by servants through a hole. Only the Prior dealt with the outside world.
In the early 20th century Cell 8 was restored. It gives some indication of life.
So where now? I headed off to Newby Hall. The house and contents is one of the finest in Yorkshire. The gardens are excellent. There's a fair amount for the family with a childrens play area and a railway.
The church is similar to the one at Fountains. I've been there before.
Friday 18th August
Yesterday I managed to avoid the rain, no such luck today it tipped it down. I abandoned my original plan and ended up at Benningborough Hall.
It's a handsomem red brick building. I enjoyed the simple pleasures of a cup of tea and a good book.
The gardens and grounds are small but attractive. If you think all birding is rush here tick rush there tick then think again I spent a good half hour watching Spotted Flycatchers hunting flies and feeding a youngster.
The National Trust have teamed up with the National Portrait Gallery so there are lots of paintings. There's an exhibition, including hands on, on the top floor.
Anyway I realised I was near a church I hadn't ticked ! So off to Nun Monkton a fragment of a Benedictine Nunnery. The village is real picture postcard stuff with a duck pond and HUGE maypole.
St Mary (603) is very fine. It was much restored by the Victorians and is a bit dark.
It's a handsomem red brick building. I enjoyed the simple pleasures of a cup of tea and a good book.
The gardens and grounds are small but attractive. If you think all birding is rush here tick rush there tick then think again I spent a good half hour watching Spotted Flycatchers hunting flies and feeding a youngster.
The National Trust have teamed up with the National Portrait Gallery so there are lots of paintings. There's an exhibition, including hands on, on the top floor.
Anyway I realised I was near a church I hadn't ticked ! So off to Nun Monkton a fragment of a Benedictine Nunnery. The village is real picture postcard stuff with a duck pond and HUGE maypole.
St Mary (603) is very fine. It was much restored by the Victorians and is a bit dark.
Thursday 17th August
Places like Rievaulx Abbey make me want to weep. Whatever your views on the rights and wrongs of the reformation, the destruction of many fine churches that have vanished reads St Edmundsbury, Hales, Waltham, Glastonbury etc. In many instances the remains are so scant the loss is not immediately obvious but here, like Fountains, we can see the extent of our loss. Oh to see them today.
After the enjoyable and informative audio tour I stopped at Rievaulx Terrace a simple woodland walk to two "temples" built as dining rooms for nearby Duncombe park with views of the ruins.
Then onto Nunnington Hall. The top floor has changing exhibitions. This time on childrens artists. Anyone fancy an orginal Winnie the Pooh at £75k?
They have long memries here. Near Rievaulx is Old Byland. It used to be the home of Byland Abbey, however lay brothers could hear the bells of both Byland and Rievaulx and got confused. The abbey moved in the 12th century.
Another relic. It was not as grand as Rievaulx but it still was 330ft long. Which makes it comparable to Selby Abbey, Christchurch Priory or Beverley Minster for instance.
After the enjoyable and informative audio tour I stopped at Rievaulx Terrace a simple woodland walk to two "temples" built as dining rooms for nearby Duncombe park with views of the ruins.
Then onto Nunnington Hall. The top floor has changing exhibitions. This time on childrens artists. Anyone fancy an orginal Winnie the Pooh at £75k?
They have long memries here. Near Rievaulx is Old Byland. It used to be the home of Byland Abbey, however lay brothers could hear the bells of both Byland and Rievaulx and got confused. The abbey moved in the 12th century.
Another relic. It was not as grand as Rievaulx but it still was 330ft long. Which makes it comparable to Selby Abbey, Christchurch Priory or Beverley Minster for instance.
Wednesday 16th August
Well an early start, found the latest pub! and then on to Fountains Abbey. Which threw up a Dipper!
It was once one of the wealthiest Abbeys in England. It was considered (approx 1540) as a possible cathedral but was passed over for Chester.
The ruins are extensive and still show what a magnificent building it was.
The grounds were modelled at a later date and are gorgeous.
St Mary's is Victorian and is in the care of English Heritage and managed by the National Trust, i've already ticked it! ( they allow photos.....)
It was once one of the wealthiest Abbeys in England. It was considered (approx 1540) as a possible cathedral but was passed over for Chester.
The ruins are extensive and still show what a magnificent building it was.
The grounds were modelled at a later date and are gorgeous.
St Mary's is Victorian and is in the care of English Heritage and managed by the National Trust, i've already ticked it! ( they allow photos.....)
Tuesday 15th August
Well off to Blacktoft to see if that Spotted Crake was about. Started out with Tree Sparrows in the car park.
From the first hide was a nice Spoonbill and a couple of Green Sandpiper and a snipe. Lots of Redshank with Ruff and a few Spotted Redshank and a Dunlin.
The next hide was where the Spotted Crake was but it was hadn't been seen and ..... wasn't whilst I was there (was at 7pm), still lots of waders. Common & Green Sandpiper, Dunlin, Greenshank, Redshank and Spot Redshank, Lapwing and a rather nice Barn Owl flew in front. No crake buy hey nice. I could have kept birding but I wanted to go to Barton Upon Humber.
St Peter's (601) is now in the care of English Heritage. It has been stripped and heavily excavated but has a fine Saxon Tower and features.
St Mary (602) was originally the chapel of wase to St Peter but since 1972 has been the parish church.
I had a brief look around the Waters Edge country oark, the highlight was some Ruddy Duck and the Humber Bridge!
I popped into Far Ings which was a little quiet but had another Ruddy Duck a Greenshank, Redshank and a Bearded Tit for the trip list.
The hotel Queen's Head Nth Kelsey Moor worked out at £56 BB Evening meal and 2 large glasses of wine. That's not bad these days ****. I'll use it next time I'm up.
From the first hide was a nice Spoonbill and a couple of Green Sandpiper and a snipe. Lots of Redshank with Ruff and a few Spotted Redshank and a Dunlin.
The next hide was where the Spotted Crake was but it was hadn't been seen and ..... wasn't whilst I was there (was at 7pm), still lots of waders. Common & Green Sandpiper, Dunlin, Greenshank, Redshank and Spot Redshank, Lapwing and a rather nice Barn Owl flew in front. No crake buy hey nice. I could have kept birding but I wanted to go to Barton Upon Humber.
St Peter's (601) is now in the care of English Heritage. It has been stripped and heavily excavated but has a fine Saxon Tower and features.
St Mary (602) was originally the chapel of wase to St Peter but since 1972 has been the parish church.
I had a brief look around the Waters Edge country oark, the highlight was some Ruddy Duck and the Humber Bridge!
I popped into Far Ings which was a little quiet but had another Ruddy Duck a Greenshank, Redshank and a Bearded Tit for the trip list.
The hotel Queen's Head Nth Kelsey Moor worked out at £56 BB Evening meal and 2 large glasses of wine. That's not bad these days ****. I'll use it next time I'm up.
Monday 14th August,
Over the past two years or so my church list has stagnated. I really should have passed 600 last year. Still this holiday (or at least the N Lincs bit) I had but one motive to break 600 Jenkins churches. Although I had set backs Saturday today was the day it would be easy. I had 13 targets and only needed 8.
So I somehow missed the first and the second was locked. There was a Spot Crake at Blacktoft enthusiasm was flagging but the next was open.
St Peter, Markby (593). The only thatched church in Lincolnshire.
Next St Andrew, Hannah(594) with its tiny georgian interior. Look at that font!
I was soon to be kept out again although this was understandable but I was back on track and on a roll at
St Peter & St Paul, Burgh Le Marsh (595) with its fine Jacobean woodwork and its Wooden Eagle lectern carvered by the barber!
I was knocked back at the next but St Peter & St Paul, Langton-By-Spilsby (596) was another Georgian interior which belied its dull exterior.
I was unable to find Bag Enderby not a flipping road sign! But it was there on the map!
St Benedict, Haltham (597) was open and charming.
The next was locked, I could have gone for the key but time was moving on and anyway it is open Sundays so maybe another year.
The problem was I was on 597 and only had 2 targets left!!
Still I stopped at Tatershall Castle for a look round.
It had loads of games and things for the kids. The magnificent collegiate church next door had a BBQ going and was selling cakes inside.
The church is very fine but i've been before.
I was heading back and tried another way for Bag Enderby nope nope and then 1/2 mile.
The village is tiny but St Margaret, Bag Enderby (598) was open!
I am full of admiration for small communities that maintain their church at all costs. I of course donated.
I knew the next would be open. St James, Louth (599) is one of the great churches (and the 92nd of Jenkins top 100)
Can you imagine what a spire like that must have seemed like 500 years ago? The steeple is the tallest on a parish church in England 295feet.
I trundled into Caistor walked down the path to have St Peter & St Paul Caistor home to the Gad Whip 6ft of stick and 7ft of last become 600!
And no I'll never do the next 400 and I've no idea when I'll reach 700!
So I somehow missed the first and the second was locked. There was a Spot Crake at Blacktoft enthusiasm was flagging but the next was open.
St Peter, Markby (593). The only thatched church in Lincolnshire.
Next St Andrew, Hannah(594) with its tiny georgian interior. Look at that font!
I was soon to be kept out again although this was understandable but I was back on track and on a roll at
St Peter & St Paul, Burgh Le Marsh (595) with its fine Jacobean woodwork and its Wooden Eagle lectern carvered by the barber!
I was knocked back at the next but St Peter & St Paul, Langton-By-Spilsby (596) was another Georgian interior which belied its dull exterior.
I was unable to find Bag Enderby not a flipping road sign! But it was there on the map!
St Benedict, Haltham (597) was open and charming.
The next was locked, I could have gone for the key but time was moving on and anyway it is open Sundays so maybe another year.
The problem was I was on 597 and only had 2 targets left!!
Still I stopped at Tatershall Castle for a look round.
It had loads of games and things for the kids. The magnificent collegiate church next door had a BBQ going and was selling cakes inside.
The church is very fine but i've been before.
I was heading back and tried another way for Bag Enderby nope nope and then 1/2 mile.
The village is tiny but St Margaret, Bag Enderby (598) was open!
I am full of admiration for small communities that maintain their church at all costs. I of course donated.
I knew the next would be open. St James, Louth (599) is one of the great churches (and the 92nd of Jenkins top 100)
Can you imagine what a spire like that must have seemed like 500 years ago? The steeple is the tallest on a parish church in England 295feet.
I trundled into Caistor walked down the path to have St Peter & St Paul Caistor home to the Gad Whip 6ft of stick and 7ft of last become 600!
And no I'll never do the next 400 and I've no idea when I'll reach 700!
Sunday 13th August
Met up with a bunch of folks at Potteric Carr. It took ages for Yorkshire Wildlife Trust to process us. Wouldn't have happened in Essex mutter mutter :D But eventually ..... the reserve was very quiet.
It was nice to see Willow Tits and the bacon sarnie was excellent.
Dave had heard of a Slavonian Grebe at the Lakeside in Doncaster. Lakeside is a "trendy" development with flats and offices. Loads of Great Crested and Little Grebes. The Slav wasn't but was a nice Black Necked Grebe. Loads of Martins over the ponds.
Pott Carr is a nice reserve but was bird light today.
It was nice to see Willow Tits and the bacon sarnie was excellent.
Dave had heard of a Slavonian Grebe at the Lakeside in Doncaster. Lakeside is a "trendy" development with flats and offices. Loads of Great Crested and Little Grebes. The Slav wasn't but was a nice Black Necked Grebe. Loads of Martins over the ponds.
Pott Carr is a nice reserve but was bird light today.
Saturday 12th August
Given the reports of heavy rain today was ok, not bright sunshine but it was dry. it had rained as some pictures show.
Spent the morning ticking 3 churches so up to 592.
Snarford - St Lawrence (590)
Middle Rasen - St Peter
Kingerby - St Peter
I found the pub I was staying at then off to Brodsworth Hall. The gardens are small but attractive.
The hall was left as found when given to English Heritage. The downstairs needs a lick of paint but is still fine. The upstairs needs a lot of work. English Heritage have stopped the damp and conserved but not restored.
Anyway the day was young so headed to Gainsborough, there were tourist signs directing me to the church which annoyingly was locked. Still Gainsborough Old Hall was across the road. A well preerved manor house.
Spent the morning ticking 3 churches so up to 592.
Snarford - St Lawrence (590)
Middle Rasen - St Peter
Kingerby - St Peter
I found the pub I was staying at then off to Brodsworth Hall. The gardens are small but attractive.
The hall was left as found when given to English Heritage. The downstairs needs a lick of paint but is still fine. The upstairs needs a lot of work. English Heritage have stopped the damp and conserved but not restored.
Anyway the day was young so headed to Gainsborough, there were tourist signs directing me to the church which annoyingly was locked. Still Gainsborough Old Hall was across the road. A well preerved manor house.
Well I am back
I am not going to rush into the holiday diary. It sort of written (on paper) but I have loads (187)of photos to resize etc.
But I thought I'd post a picture of the Blonde One to whet your appetite.
Oh I've missed you lot, hope you've been good bloggers ....
But I thought I'd post a picture of the Blonde One to whet your appetite.
Oh I've missed you lot, hope you've been good bloggers ....
Friday, August 11, 2006
Shoes and Wars and PCs
First things first. The quacks of life is taking a well earned holiday! I'll be in North Lincolnshire and North Yorkshire. I'm hoping for a picture of CP in her rubber dress. A chap can dream.
Did you know that 1 in 10 women spend a £1000 a year on shoes and that 8% own more than 100 pairs. And one in four women say they would buy another pair of shoes instead of pay the bills. This is according to the survey by Harpers Bazaar magazine. Apparently half of women own more than 30 pairs.
Now I'm mystified. I wear 5 pairs of shoes! There is my work pair (got for £10 in a sale), my gardening shoes (an old pair of work shoes), my emergency pair of shoes (an old pair of work shoes that live in my car - these are well battered), my wellies and my walking shoes. That's it.
What is it with women? No seriously what is it? You buy something with a tiny little heel that is 4 feet long hobble about in a position that looks dangerously uncomfortable and call it fashion?
Now honestly girls can you imagine any man being that insane? And Elton John doesn't count.
Reading the BBC website I came across the story that the British Army was kicked out of Buenos Aires in 1806. Pardon me? Could you repeat that? the British Army was kicked out of Buenos Aires in 1806. I must have been asleep when Mr Gregory told us about that one! The British tried to capture Buenos Aires in 1807 but were kicked out again. If you look at the dates you may twig it was a minor part of the Napoleonic wars.
Also in the news it was 25 years ago that IBM introduced the PC.
Did you know that 1 in 10 women spend a £1000 a year on shoes and that 8% own more than 100 pairs. And one in four women say they would buy another pair of shoes instead of pay the bills. This is according to the survey by Harpers Bazaar magazine. Apparently half of women own more than 30 pairs.
Now I'm mystified. I wear 5 pairs of shoes! There is my work pair (got for £10 in a sale), my gardening shoes (an old pair of work shoes), my emergency pair of shoes (an old pair of work shoes that live in my car - these are well battered), my wellies and my walking shoes. That's it.
What is it with women? No seriously what is it? You buy something with a tiny little heel that is 4 feet long hobble about in a position that looks dangerously uncomfortable and call it fashion?
Now honestly girls can you imagine any man being that insane? And Elton John doesn't count.
Reading the BBC website I came across the story that the British Army was kicked out of Buenos Aires in 1806. Pardon me? Could you repeat that? the British Army was kicked out of Buenos Aires in 1806. I must have been asleep when Mr Gregory told us about that one! The British tried to capture Buenos Aires in 1807 but were kicked out again. If you look at the dates you may twig it was a minor part of the Napoleonic wars.
Also in the news it was 25 years ago that IBM introduced the PC.
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Tagged by Kate
Kate tagged me for this meme
10 years ago
Was told I was to be outsourced the next year
5 years ago
Was told I was to be made redundant the next year. This was good! I discovered birding!
1 year ago
Was looking at overseas birding holidays (plans fell through, BIG sigh)
5 songs I know all the words to (actually there are none of these but these are the nearest)
~ Its a Hardlife(wherever you go) - Nanci Grifiith
~ Marlene on the Wall - Suzanne Vega
~ Girlfriend - Julia Fordham
~ I Feel Lucky - Mary Chapin Carpenter
~ Homeward Bound - Simon & Garfunkel
5 Snacks
~ Scotch eggs
~ Pork Pie
- bag of chips
- Yorkie
- Doughnuts
think we've worked out the stomach
5 things to I'd do with £100 million
~ Invest most of it
~ take my birdie friends to Kenya, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Peru and TnT to boost our life lists
~ Buy a house with a small lake and wood.
~ Buy a good friend a house.
~ Buy Dave those 8x32 Swaro ELs and Swaro scope so he is a proper dude :D
5 places I'd run away to
~ Trinidad & Tobago - never been but I reckon the verandah at Asa Wright must be heaven - anyone want to?
~ Norfolk
~ Costa Rica - somewhere else I've never been
- Wye Valley
- New Zealand - they play cricket and decent climate!
5 things I'd never wear
~ Jeans with holes in the knees
~ Sandals
- shorts
- Hawaiian Shirts
- tank top
5 favourite TV shows
~ Porridge
~ Wildlife on One/Two (and Birding with Bill Oddie)
~ The Simpsons
~ Anything history or archeology related
- Babylon Five
5 greatest joys
~ Mum & Dad
~ A couple of really good friends (they know who they are)
~ Birds
~ Books
- drinking a glass of wine with a good friend
5 favourite toys
~ Binoculars
- Scope
- PC (It hasn't got a name)
- Camera - I KNOW!!
- Computer Chess game
Five people I'm tagging
- Anna
- Beki
- Kaz
- Nathalie
- Birdman
not obligatory folks!!
10 years ago
Was told I was to be outsourced the next year
5 years ago
Was told I was to be made redundant the next year. This was good! I discovered birding!
1 year ago
Was looking at overseas birding holidays (plans fell through, BIG sigh)
5 songs I know all the words to (actually there are none of these but these are the nearest)
~ Its a Hardlife(wherever you go) - Nanci Grifiith
~ Marlene on the Wall - Suzanne Vega
~ Girlfriend - Julia Fordham
~ I Feel Lucky - Mary Chapin Carpenter
~ Homeward Bound - Simon & Garfunkel
5 Snacks
~ Scotch eggs
~ Pork Pie
- bag of chips
- Yorkie
- Doughnuts
think we've worked out the stomach
5 things to I'd do with £100 million
~ Invest most of it
~ take my birdie friends to Kenya, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Peru and TnT to boost our life lists
~ Buy a house with a small lake and wood.
~ Buy a good friend a house.
~ Buy Dave those 8x32 Swaro ELs and Swaro scope so he is a proper dude :D
5 places I'd run away to
~ Trinidad & Tobago - never been but I reckon the verandah at Asa Wright must be heaven - anyone want to?
~ Norfolk
~ Costa Rica - somewhere else I've never been
- Wye Valley
- New Zealand - they play cricket and decent climate!
5 things I'd never wear
~ Jeans with holes in the knees
~ Sandals
- shorts
- Hawaiian Shirts
- tank top
5 favourite TV shows
~ Porridge
~ Wildlife on One/Two (and Birding with Bill Oddie)
~ The Simpsons
~ Anything history or archeology related
- Babylon Five
5 greatest joys
~ Mum & Dad
~ A couple of really good friends (they know who they are)
~ Birds
~ Books
- drinking a glass of wine with a good friend
5 favourite toys
~ Binoculars
- Scope
- PC (It hasn't got a name)
- Camera - I KNOW!!
- Computer Chess game
Five people I'm tagging
- Anna
- Beki
- Kaz
- Nathalie
- Birdman
not obligatory folks!!
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
Car Parks
I've decided I'm going to moan. I do hope you don't mind.
As I type its 9th August 2006. We've put a man on the Moon, I can get on a computer and talk to people instantaneously. I can watch Hedgehogs in someones back garden (highly enjoyable I might add, I've never seen a live one.). I have a phone in my pocket. And heart transplants are almost routine.
But go to a car park and fear will grip you.
The sign will say
1 hour 80p
2 hours £1.60
3 Hours £3
4+ hours get a mortgage (I once asked if my salary could be linked to the cost of car parks in Romford.).
Now you have got £1 BUT, and you just KNOW this is going to happen, the machine will have a little message saying "NO CHANGE" AAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
It wouldn't be so bad if it would allocate you a pro-rata amount on top of your hour. oh no, invariably it will say = Amount paid £1 departure time 1 hour!! SOB!!
I dislike car parks generally. Ok I appreciate that I SHOULD use public transport but its crap, not always copnvenient etc. And anyway why should I go into a town centre when those profit hungary people at Tesco PLC, Sainsbury PLC or Waitrose will let me park for free? I mean come on I can either pay £2 to park or go into Tesco for zilch? YEAH right.
As I type its 9th August 2006. We've put a man on the Moon, I can get on a computer and talk to people instantaneously. I can watch Hedgehogs in someones back garden (highly enjoyable I might add, I've never seen a live one.). I have a phone in my pocket. And heart transplants are almost routine.
But go to a car park and fear will grip you.
The sign will say
1 hour 80p
2 hours £1.60
3 Hours £3
4+ hours get a mortgage (I once asked if my salary could be linked to the cost of car parks in Romford.).
Now you have got £1 BUT, and you just KNOW this is going to happen, the machine will have a little message saying "NO CHANGE" AAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
It wouldn't be so bad if it would allocate you a pro-rata amount on top of your hour. oh no, invariably it will say = Amount paid £1 departure time 1 hour!! SOB!!
I dislike car parks generally. Ok I appreciate that I SHOULD use public transport but its crap, not always copnvenient etc. And anyway why should I go into a town centre when those profit hungary people at Tesco PLC, Sainsbury PLC or Waitrose will let me park for free? I mean come on I can either pay £2 to park or go into Tesco for zilch? YEAH right.
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
From the blogosphere
In my browsing through blogs I came across this item on Kate Moss paying £4000 for a stuffed blue tit lying "asleep" on a prayer book (she hasn't yet apparently) on the Raised By Chaffinches Blog by "fine art" taxidermist Polly Morgan.
What is interesting is the "artist" has discovered the blog and has engaged in a discourse with the blogger.
I've had a quick look at the site and shivver. Now I have to be careful what I say here (a friend of mine, a birder, has some birds that they have found and had stuffed) but I am not a fan of taxidermy at the best of times but these images seem very ghoulish.
I don't like the site but I've included it for you to make your own minds up. I don't think Jan is going to like the bloggers comment as part of the discourse on another post.
Although caged Blackcaps were part of the discussion.....
What is interesting is the "artist" has discovered the blog and has engaged in a discourse with the blogger.
I've had a quick look at the site and shivver. Now I have to be careful what I say here (a friend of mine, a birder, has some birds that they have found and had stuffed) but I am not a fan of taxidermy at the best of times but these images seem very ghoulish.
I don't like the site but I've included it for you to make your own minds up. I don't think Jan is going to like the bloggers comment as part of the discourse on another post.
First of all, I don't think anyone who keeps caged birds can be said to love them. If they really loved them, they would set them free. It goes against all nature. The birds are there merely to please the owner.
Although caged Blackcaps were part of the discussion.....
Stop the Slaughter
The RSPB and Birdlife International are running a campaign to Stop the Slaughter of Birds in Malta.
Malta flouts EU directives on the indiscriminate hunting of wild birds. If you are a member of the RSPB you will have been sent a form to sign that will be sent to Lawrence Gonzi the Maltese Prime Minister, please sign and return.
If you are not a member press on the link above which contains a downloadble form for you to sign. The link shows a picture of a Robin caught on a lime stick which I hope you find as distressing/disgusting as I do.
Malta flouts EU directives on the indiscriminate hunting of wild birds. If you are a member of the RSPB you will have been sent a form to sign that will be sent to Lawrence Gonzi the Maltese Prime Minister, please sign and return.
If you are not a member press on the link above which contains a downloadble form for you to sign. The link shows a picture of a Robin caught on a lime stick which I hope you find as distressing/disgusting as I do.
Monday, August 07, 2006
Some feel good/interesting wildlife stories
The following caught my eye.
Tunnel of love for Dormice relates to the building of a tunnel at a quarry in Somerset to enable Dormice to cross across the road some the colony doesn't become isolated.
Adonis Blue returns home is a story about the National Trust restoring an area of chalk grassland in Gloucestershire. The Adonis Blue butterfly had not been seen there for more than 40 years. Now "large" numbers have returned.
Rare Hedgehog discovered in town is about an albino hedgehog in Leicestershire.
I've just discovered that Radio 4 had a programme about Hedgehog Courtship last June. If you want to listen to it there is a link.
Tunnel of love for Dormice relates to the building of a tunnel at a quarry in Somerset to enable Dormice to cross across the road some the colony doesn't become isolated.
Adonis Blue returns home is a story about the National Trust restoring an area of chalk grassland in Gloucestershire. The Adonis Blue butterfly had not been seen there for more than 40 years. Now "large" numbers have returned.
Rare Hedgehog discovered in town is about an albino hedgehog in Leicestershire.
I've just discovered that Radio 4 had a programme about Hedgehog Courtship last June. If you want to listen to it there is a link.
What's in a name 2?
What's in a name 2?
Following on from the original what's in a name. As mentioned I was out in the wilds of East Essex yesterday.
There are some good place names out there. It seemed that Jane Austen or Georgette Heyer must have been naming the places personally.
We had Woodham Ferrers, Layer Marney, Laye de la Haye, Layer Breton, Woodham Mortimer, Wickam Bishops, Fingringhoe Wick, Hatfield Peverel and my favourite Tolleshunt D'Arcy. There are some other Tolleshunt's, Tolleshunt knights and Major.
Oh and if you want you could have Sible Heddingham or Steeple Bumpstead. Not too far from me is Butcher's Pasture.
There is a place called Messing, obviously one for Kenneth Williams.
Following on from the original what's in a name. As mentioned I was out in the wilds of East Essex yesterday.
There are some good place names out there. It seemed that Jane Austen or Georgette Heyer must have been naming the places personally.
We had Woodham Ferrers, Layer Marney, Laye de la Haye, Layer Breton, Woodham Mortimer, Wickam Bishops, Fingringhoe Wick, Hatfield Peverel and my favourite Tolleshunt D'Arcy. There are some other Tolleshunt's, Tolleshunt knights and Major.
Oh and if you want you could have Sible Heddingham or Steeple Bumpstead. Not too far from me is Butcher's Pasture.
There is a place called Messing, obviously one for Kenneth Williams.
Sunday, August 06, 2006
Hummingbird in garden!!
Ok there wasn't.
I went out to water the plants and saw a Hummingbird Hawk Moth. Nice to see.
I went out to water the plants and saw a Hummingbird Hawk Moth. Nice to see.
1 out of 2 isn't bad
Well the alarm went off and I didn't I eventually stirred to find Dave was on his way. Still I was waiting outside ofr him head in a book.
And off to find something Big and White at Chigborough lakes and there it was... well ok a Mute Swan. We searched but no joy, even tried some nearby pits. Did see a Turtle Dove though
Stuff this off to Sarfend for Rossi the Ring Billed Gull. Uh no, it was reported "briefly" whilst we were there apparently, where it was reported we had seen an odd Herring Gull but someone could have been lucky. Med Gull was nice though.
But the Big White thing had been seen at Chigborough and back we went and .... YES Great White Egret. Some 2 minutes laters we went.
"You off?" said the assembled throng (3 people)
"Oh yes"
I ought to stress we are not tick and run merchants. Oh sirree no bob. We are tick and run to the pub for a meal and a pint merchants. I will recommend heartily the Chequers at Goldhanger. Good food and nice range of beer.
Refreshed we headed back to "grill" the Egret. Uh not there. Well we are not the type to give up we would slog around and refind it. Well we rolled 40 yards down a track to where it was walking up a channel. Very nice.
Now if you excuse me I'm a bit full!
And off to find something Big and White at Chigborough lakes and there it was... well ok a Mute Swan. We searched but no joy, even tried some nearby pits. Did see a Turtle Dove though
Stuff this off to Sarfend for Rossi the Ring Billed Gull. Uh no, it was reported "briefly" whilst we were there apparently, where it was reported we had seen an odd Herring Gull but someone could have been lucky. Med Gull was nice though.
But the Big White thing had been seen at Chigborough and back we went and .... YES Great White Egret. Some 2 minutes laters we went.
"You off?" said the assembled throng (3 people)
"Oh yes"
I ought to stress we are not tick and run merchants. Oh sirree no bob. We are tick and run to the pub for a meal and a pint merchants. I will recommend heartily the Chequers at Goldhanger. Good food and nice range of beer.
Refreshed we headed back to "grill" the Egret. Uh not there. Well we are not the type to give up we would slog around and refind it. Well we rolled 40 yards down a track to where it was walking up a channel. Very nice.
Now if you excuse me I'm a bit full!
Saturday, August 05, 2006
Degrees of Geekiness
stolen from Kate
| Your Geek Profile: |
 Fashion Geekiness: Low General Geekiness: Low Music Geekiness: Low SciFi Geekiness: Low Academic Geekiness: None Gamer Geekiness: None Geekiness in Love: None Internet Geekiness: None Movie Geekiness: None |
A family day out
Well picked the folks up and off we went.
Stopped at Sudbury first, there is a stall that does lovely bacon joints and it's not far to walk. The stall wasn't there today, typical. Still we had a potter around and mum was able to get some cosmetic stuff she wanted. They have one of those M&S Simply food stores. Or Pete's kitchen as it should be named :D I was tempted but resisted.
Popped into Waitrose to get some 2 bottles of that rather nice English wine. I'll save for a special occasion.
We stopped off at Long Melford for a cuppa and a Jam Doughnut (from M&S - VERY pricey but hey nice!). To find that Dad had backed the flask but not the milk. So we had Lemonade instead.
I left the oldsters sitting in Melford Hall car park under the trees while I walked into the town. I stopped to admire the ducks and Swan family and also loads of Brown Hawkers and a Migrant Hawker. Picked up some books (The origins of the Second World War - AJP Taylor, Empire (How Britain Made the Modern World) - Niall Ferguson, 1914-1918 The History of the First World War - David Stevenson all history and makes me sound all serious! also bought Emperor, The Gods of War - Conn Iggulden (ficitonalised life of Julius Caesar - a page turner).
We then went on to Clare Country Park for some sarnies. Lots of Brown Hawkers a few Migrants, Darters loads of bufferflies (Red Admiral's, Peacocks - so attractive). And some common birds including Chaffinch feeding young.
I made good inroads into The 4th Dark Tower book by Stephen King (better than the 3rd).
We got back to my folks to find a Painted Lady in the parents garden.
After dinner I arrived to find 3 Migrant Hakers patrolling outside my house. How nice!
Stopped at Sudbury first, there is a stall that does lovely bacon joints and it's not far to walk. The stall wasn't there today, typical. Still we had a potter around and mum was able to get some cosmetic stuff she wanted. They have one of those M&S Simply food stores. Or Pete's kitchen as it should be named :D I was tempted but resisted.
Popped into Waitrose to get some 2 bottles of that rather nice English wine. I'll save for a special occasion.
We stopped off at Long Melford for a cuppa and a Jam Doughnut (from M&S - VERY pricey but hey nice!). To find that Dad had backed the flask but not the milk. So we had Lemonade instead.
I left the oldsters sitting in Melford Hall car park under the trees while I walked into the town. I stopped to admire the ducks and Swan family and also loads of Brown Hawkers and a Migrant Hawker. Picked up some books (The origins of the Second World War - AJP Taylor, Empire (How Britain Made the Modern World) - Niall Ferguson, 1914-1918 The History of the First World War - David Stevenson all history and makes me sound all serious! also bought Emperor, The Gods of War - Conn Iggulden (ficitonalised life of Julius Caesar - a page turner).
We then went on to Clare Country Park for some sarnies. Lots of Brown Hawkers a few Migrants, Darters loads of bufferflies (Red Admiral's, Peacocks - so attractive). And some common birds including Chaffinch feeding young.
I made good inroads into The 4th Dark Tower book by Stephen King (better than the 3rd).
We got back to my folks to find a Painted Lady in the parents garden.
After dinner I arrived to find 3 Migrant Hakers patrolling outside my house. How nice!
Friday, August 04, 2006
Business identifying with yoof culture
Retail worker Katy Tanner 21 was Sacked by text the firm said it was ok because 'texting was a part of "youth culture".'
that's enough blogging today. Thought that would interest you.
that's enough blogging today. Thought that would interest you.
Mum Update
Mum was not well Wednesday, the new pain killers made her sick. She has now been given some anti nausea stuff and feels much better. Indeed she went shopping today. Dad sounded upbeat - VERY unusual for him! My Dad bless him can find the negative in ANYTHING LOL
So I've decided to take her out tomorrow. Not sure where to yet. May end up at Clare Country Park they both like it. Not too far to walk about and uhm some wildlife!
Thanks for all your good wishes
So I've decided to take her out tomorrow. Not sure where to yet. May end up at Clare Country Park they both like it. Not too far to walk about and uhm some wildlife!
Thanks for all your good wishes
Buzzard
A number of people have reported seeing a Buzzard by the M11 where it meets the M25. Now given I travel that way alot (not the M11 but a minor road running beside it) you would have thought I'd have seen it in the past year but nope......
Anwway last night I took an a last minute detour, I was further from the M11 infact. It is a route I do once a week and there gliding over the fields on V shaped wings a Buzzard!! YAY!! First I've seen around here.
Anwway last night I took an a last minute detour, I was further from the M11 infact. It is a route I do once a week and there gliding over the fields on V shaped wings a Buzzard!! YAY!! First I've seen around here.
Thursday, August 03, 2006
A welcome at the door
If you live in the UK and imparticular England you are spoilt by the number of fine churches we have. Now I waffled on about this before and won't bore you all again.
My selection is the 1000 mentioned in Simon Jenkin's England's 1000 Best Parish Churches (I've visited 586 of these and my trip to Lincolnshire really should see me get near 600! oh yes another holiday!).
Other Church Crawlers take a more haphazard route other's like Simon Knott have chosen to "do" a county in Simon's case he has "done" Suffolk Churches and is embarking on Norfolk Churches.
Now in virtually all my visits I've either seen no one or been made to feel welcome. I got the feeling that the people at Stoke Sub Hamdon in Somerset wanted me to join the service! (I should state I try to avoid the Sunday club and don't like visiting Churches Sunday morning). The Vicars I have met have been informatitve and friendly.
I regularly read Simon's sites because it's interesting to read someone else opinions and because, of course, there are some gems that Jenkins strangely omits. As I visit Norfolk a lot its handy to seek these out.
Most of these visits are either quiet or friendly affairs but just occasionally Simon has a strange experience take Gaywood where he received a letter from a member of the congregation who was a solicitor saying his entry was libellous and contained the paragraph.
Duh? Now ignoring the fact that some churches e.g. Blakeney in Norfolk, ENCOURAGE tourists (They don't demand you make an apppointment). The chap is missing fundamental points. A church is not the property of its parishioners they a) hold it in trust for future generations (and as a legacy of those who went before) b) it is a place of worship and pilgrimage for all, not just the Sunday club. I'm sure they will go on about the amount of money it costs but that is not the point. The act of faith is why it should be available to all. I do accept that it not always possible to leave a church unlocked, but handing the key out on production of suitable proof of identity is surely acceptable.
I have mentioned Little Sampford in Essex before. It has been burgled several times but the Wardens maintain it as there duty that the church is open for worship (I am not a worshipper but there devotion impresses me greatly).
And I give you Lingwood where a churchwarden asked why he was visiting the church and when Simon replied he was told
As Simon himself says this is only the second time this has happened in Norfolk, but he has similar stories in Suffolk.
It seems a sorry state of affairs that, at times, even a church doesn't make you feel welcome.
My selection is the 1000 mentioned in Simon Jenkin's England's 1000 Best Parish Churches (I've visited 586 of these and my trip to Lincolnshire really should see me get near 600! oh yes another holiday!).
Other Church Crawlers take a more haphazard route other's like Simon Knott have chosen to "do" a county in Simon's case he has "done" Suffolk Churches and is embarking on Norfolk Churches.
Now in virtually all my visits I've either seen no one or been made to feel welcome. I got the feeling that the people at Stoke Sub Hamdon in Somerset wanted me to join the service! (I should state I try to avoid the Sunday club and don't like visiting Churches Sunday morning). The Vicars I have met have been informatitve and friendly.
I regularly read Simon's sites because it's interesting to read someone else opinions and because, of course, there are some gems that Jenkins strangely omits. As I visit Norfolk a lot its handy to seek these out.
Most of these visits are either quiet or friendly affairs but just occasionally Simon has a strange experience take Gaywood where he received a letter from a member of the congregation who was a solicitor saying his entry was libellous and contained the paragraph.
I feel it is unreasonable for you to expect to arrive at the parish, unannounced, and to request from the Rector immediate access to the Church. Had you researched the parish in advance, you would have known that there is a parish office, you would also know the times the parish office is open and you would have been able to ring the parish office to organise a visit. This is what other visitors do
Duh? Now ignoring the fact that some churches e.g. Blakeney in Norfolk, ENCOURAGE tourists (They don't demand you make an apppointment). The chap is missing fundamental points. A church is not the property of its parishioners they a) hold it in trust for future generations (and as a legacy of those who went before) b) it is a place of worship and pilgrimage for all, not just the Sunday club. I'm sure they will go on about the amount of money it costs but that is not the point. The act of faith is why it should be available to all. I do accept that it not always possible to leave a church unlocked, but handing the key out on production of suitable proof of identity is surely acceptable.
I have mentioned Little Sampford in Essex before. It has been burgled several times but the Wardens maintain it as there duty that the church is open for worship (I am not a worshipper but there devotion impresses me greatly).
And I give you Lingwood where a churchwarden asked why he was visiting the church and when Simon replied he was told
"well, that's all right then. Only I'm the churchwarden, and we get very suspicious when we see people in our church."
As Simon himself says this is only the second time this has happened in Norfolk, but he has similar stories in Suffolk.
It seems a sorry state of affairs that, at times, even a church doesn't make you feel welcome.
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Top of the Pops
So its over..... I can't say I'm that bothered. I was never a big fan, I've never been into chart music, never been "with it" - natch.
Anyway for me Top of the Pops was not the programme. If you were a kid in the 70's then you will remember the records from Pickwick.
On paper these make the Now series look lightweight. They had ALL the hits, the covers usually showed an attractive women in a "sexy" pose
and they were cheap.
As we all know they had the hits but they were sung by unknowns! Some covers were pretty good, some were ghastly.
One of the unknowns was some chap called Elton John! You can even buy an Elton sing Top of the Pops cd
Elton CD
I'm pretty certain my folks still have some of the albums at home. Can I resist the nostalgia? Probably :)
If you wish to know a bit more and share in the nostalgia then tune in BBC Radio 4 Saturday 10:30 for the Pickwick Poppers - GROAN!!
Anyway for me Top of the Pops was not the programme. If you were a kid in the 70's then you will remember the records from Pickwick.
On paper these make the Now series look lightweight. They had ALL the hits, the covers usually showed an attractive women in a "sexy" pose
and they were cheap.
As we all know they had the hits but they were sung by unknowns! Some covers were pretty good, some were ghastly.
One of the unknowns was some chap called Elton John! You can even buy an Elton sing Top of the Pops cd
Elton CD
I'm pretty certain my folks still have some of the albums at home. Can I resist the nostalgia? Probably :)
If you wish to know a bit more and share in the nostalgia then tune in BBC Radio 4 Saturday 10:30 for the Pickwick Poppers - GROAN!!
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
History
One of the things I've mused to myself as I drive to work (hey I'm in the bloody car for 1.5 hours a day) are the holes in my knowledge of History. I'm reasonably well read on the Tudors but that's about it.
I did buy the BBC Series "This Sceptred Isle 55bc - 1901" which was excellent but I have it on tape and my car now has a CD player :( If you haven't heard it then I recommend it
I like readable stuff like Alison Weir and David Starkey. So can someone recommend some good stuff on the following.
Rome
Greece
Medieval European History
British History SINCE 1605
WWI
I did buy the BBC Series "This Sceptred Isle 55bc - 1901" which was excellent but I have it on tape and my car now has a CD player :( If you haven't heard it then I recommend it
I like readable stuff like Alison Weir and David Starkey. So can someone recommend some good stuff on the following.
Rome
Greece
Medieval European History
British History SINCE 1605
WWI
Feel Good Stories
I am in need of feel good stories. This one about Penguins stranded of Rio beaches caught my eye. Apparently 100 Penguins stranded in Brazil will be taken back to Antartica by the Brazilian Airforce and Navy.
The penguins wash up after floating on Antarctic ice floes which melt.
Actually along with a Hummer (any Hummer!!) a wild Penguin is the bird I'd most like to see. One day (bloody unlikely though).
Ok so I suspect there is an element of electioneering by Arnie in this one but all credit to him for being a republican who can see sense on climate change.
More good news I had loads of Sparrows on the feeders this morning. I've also seen House Martins over the house. Does this mean they are thinking of heading South? Its August. BIG SIGH.
The penguins wash up after floating on Antarctic ice floes which melt.
Actually along with a Hummer (any Hummer!!) a wild Penguin is the bird I'd most like to see. One day (bloody unlikely though).
Ok so I suspect there is an element of electioneering by Arnie in this one but all credit to him for being a republican who can see sense on climate change.
More good news I had loads of Sparrows on the feeders this morning. I've also seen House Martins over the house. Does this mean they are thinking of heading South? Its August. BIG SIGH.
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