I am at present in a heightened state of grumpiness, though some might suggest that this is BAU.  The impending lifetime achievement award for the symbol of inequality in this land is causing me to get increasingly irritated.  I see nothing to celebrate and, at a time of economic crisis across the world, it is beyond me why more people do not ( Read more... )

Many years ago I would not even have considered it, but last night I watched (and enjoyed) the Eurovision Song Contest.  Engelbert did his best, but the UK strategy is hhopelessly out of touch.  The overall standard was pretty high, in terms of the artists, presentation and content.

These days the contest is largely without the kind of dribble ( Read more... )

I’ve been on the nostalgia trail again, and the soundtrack for my excursions has been the work of a true genius.  It makes me feel alive.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSTli9JGbd8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VzCQdYqRZyo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-I2hBLjm3tc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5gspkIYee4&feature=uploademail

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X33FwB_4nVA&feature=uploademail

Much as I love the early Black Sabbath, I don’t get round to playing their CDs much these days.  Yet I just heard Iron Man on the radio, and it was good to hear it again.  Oddly enough the lyrics have, for me, a poignancy that was not there before.  I wonder how many people would feel the same.

http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/blacksabbath/ironman. ( Read more... )

Woke up today to discover that “Aujourd’hui il pleut”, as indeed has been the case almost every day since the hosepipe was was introduced.  It won’t be long before the farmers start complaining that the ground is too soggy.

If only the Olympics could be rained off I would be vey happy to discover the same for the rest of the year.

It is to my regret that I never saw Bob Marley live in concert.  I was familiar with Bob Marley & The Wailers in my time at Liverpool University in the early 1970s.  I remember seeing posters around the city advertising their upcoming concert during that first big tour.  I did think about going, but went to another concert instead.  Then I saw this ( Read more... )

There have been so many cases of bbrutal inhumanity over the years.  This particular one (not surprisingly) has upset me even more than other hideous crimes.  I had to stop reading after the 1st 2 paragraphs.

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/mum-who-had-her-eyes-gouged-out-794063

It is difficult for me, like most people, to comprehend how anyone ( Read more... )

It is far too long since we last visited Campania, and on cold, miserable days such as this I’m feeling nostalgic.   We’ve had some lovely trips there and I can’t wait to go back.  That won’t unfortunately be until we have endured the rigours of moving home.  Still if I can’t go to Campania I can at least bring something of Campania to me.

http:// ( Read more... )