Sunday 19th May 2013 Money for Nothing

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I am a firm believer in the people. If given the truth, they can be depended upon to meet any national crisis. The great point is to bring them the real facts. Abraham Lincoln

Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds. Albert Einstein

All great truths begin as blasphemies.

George Bernard Shaw
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CIMG6891Remember, you can listen to the day’s story of the music whilst reading my blog by clicking this link.  1960, American DJ Alan Freed was indicted along with seven others for accepting $30,650 in Payola from six record companies. Two years later, he was convicted and given a suspended sentence and a $300 fine.

The weather was strange again yesterday with warm spells interspersed with weird clouds and the odd burst of thunder and a few flashes of lightning.

I read an article which made me hopping mad. The reason why was it clearly links political friendship to idiot appointments putting everyone’s money and livelihoods at risk. I’ll give you the first paragraph and a link to the complete article.

Nearly a year ago, in June 2012, Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy said this was not the right moment to assess Miguel Blesa and Rodrigo Rato’s performance as presidents of Caja Madrid, the regional savings bank that later merged with six others to create Bankia – which subsequently required a record bailout of over 22 million euros.  Source

CIMG7364This one is better

King Juan Carlos will not be sailing again on the Fortuna, the luxury yacht he received in 2000 as a present from the regional government of the Balearic Islands and a group of businesspeople.

The ship, which is 41.5 meters long, cost 3.5 billion pesetas at the time, or 21 million euros.

The monarch has decided to give it away to the Spanish government, because “it makes no sense” to keep it when all of Spain’s institutions are being forced to set examples of austerity, said sources at the royal palace of La Zarzuela. Filling up the yacht’s fuel tanks alone costs over 20,000 euros.

The cabinet will now have to decide whether to keep or sell the vessel.

The last time King Juan Carlos sailed in the Fortuna was in August of last year, for about six hours. For the rest of the summer, the royal family used the Somni, a more modest vessel owned by the shipbuilder José Cusí, who is a personal friend of the monarch.

Most of the 30-odd businesspeople who joined together with the Popular Party government of the Balearics to give the king the Fortuna were from the tourism sector and said they wanted to ensure the royal family would be a regular presence in the Balearics, as it would be good for tourism. Donors included Gabriel Barceló of Grupo Barceló; Gabriel Escarrer of the Sol Meliá hotel chain; Juan José Hidalgo of Air Europa; Carmen Matutes of the hotel group Fiesta; and Miguel Fluxà of Viajes Iberia.

Before this, the king had owned two other Fortunas, the second of which was a present from King Fahd of Saudi Arabia in 1979.

Thirteen years after the king first sailed in the ship with his daughter Cristina, on March 22, 2000, the economic situation has led Spaniards to question the spending habits of every national institution, including the monarchy. A recent opinion poll gave the royal family a failing grade of 3.6 out of 10 for trust for the first time in history, as it found itself embroiled in a corruption scandal involving Cristina’s husband, Iñaki Urdangarin, who faces charges of embezzling millions of euros from public contracts awarded arbitrarily by the regional governments of Valencia and the Balearic Islands.  SpanishVida 17 May

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The three bears had been having some trouble recently and
ended up in family court. Mama and Papa Bear were splitting
up, and Baby Bear had to decide who he was going to live
with. So, the judge wanted to talk to Baby Bear to see what
he thought about living with either of his parents.

When he asked Baby Bear about living with his father, Baby
Bear said, “No, I can’t live with Papa Bear. He beats me
terribly.”

“OK,” said the judge, “then you want to live with your
mother, right?”

“No way!” replied Baby Bear. “She beats me worse than Papa
Bear does.”

The judge was a bit confused by this and didn’t quite know
what to do. “Well, you have to live with someone, so is
there another relative you would like to stay with?” asked
the judge.

“Yes,” answered Baby Bear, “my aunt Bertha Bear, who lives
in Chicago.”

“You’re sure she will treat you well and won’t beat you?”
asked the judge.

“Oh, definitely,” said Baby Bear. “The Chicago Bears don’t
beat anybody.”

 

CIMG6869
Events 19th May

1536 – Anne Boleyn, the second wife of England’s King Henry VIII, was beheaded after she was convicted of adultery. I hadn’t realised she was an adulterer

1568 – After being defeated by the Protestants, Mary Queen of Scots, fled to England where she was imprisoned by Queen Elizabeth.  Who could you trust?

1588 – The Spanish Armada set sail from Lisbon, bound for England. How does Spanish history reflect this?

1796 – The first U.S. game law was approved. The measure called for penalties for hunting or destroying game within Indian territory. I’ll bet everyone  kept to the rules

1856 – U.S. Senator Charles Sumner spoke out against slavery. Brave man

1857 – The electric fire alarm system was patented by William F. Channing and Moses G. Farmer. Good1911 – The first American criminal conviction that was based on fingerprint evidence occurred in New York City.  I wonder who had a hand in this?

1921 – The U.S. Congress passed the Emergency Quota Act, which established national quotas for immigrants. Makes sense

1926 – Benito Mussolini announced that democracy was deceased. Rome became a fascist state. Not good

1926 – In Damascus, Syria, French shells killed 600 people. Bad

1928 – The first frog-jumping jubilee held in Calaveras County, CA.  Why not in France?

1935 – T.E. Lawrence “Lawrence of Arabia” died from injuries in a motorcycle crash in England.  I heard he fell off a camel

1962 – Marilyn Monroe performed a sultry rendition of “Happy Birthday” for U.S. President John F. Kennedy. The event was a fund-raiser at New York’s Madison Square Garden. We’ve probably all heard the recording

1967 – The Soviet Union ratified a treaty with the United States and Britain that banned nuclear weapons from outer space. Good

1967 – U.S. planes bombed Hanoi for the first time.  Bad

1998 – In Russia, strikes broke out over unpaid wages.  You can’t blame people for this

1998 – Bandits stole three of Rome’s most important paintings from the National Gallery of Modern Art.

2000 – The bones of the most complete and best-preserved Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton went on display in Chicago.   How do we know all the bits came from the same beasy?

2003 – Hundreds of Albert Einstein’s scientific papers, personal letters and humanist essays were make available on the Internet. Einstein had given the papers to the Hebrew Universtiy of Jerusalem in his will. An amazing brain

  Imagine

Music Events May 19th

1958, The soundtrack to South Pacific went to No.1 on the US album chart. Great music

1960, American DJ Alan Freed was indicted along with seven others for accepting $30,650 in payola from six record companies. Two years later, he was convicted and given a suspended sentence and a $300 fine.Weird

1961, The Everly Brothers launched their own record label, ‘Calliop’e’.Was this the extremely dark purple label?

1967, The Beatles held a press party at manager’s Brian Epstein’s house in London for the launch of the ‘Sgt Pepper’s’ album. Linda Eastman was hired as the press photographer.  I’ll bet Paul had a twinkle in his eye
1973, Stevie Wonder went to No.1 on the US singles chart with ‘You Are The Sunshine Of My Life’. His third US No.1, a No.7 hit in the UK. He is absolutely wonderful-what a talent

1973, Wizzard were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with ‘See My Baby Jive,’ Roy Wood’s (from The Move), latest group spent four weeks at the top of the charts.Not one of my favourites

. 1974, The Rubettes were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with ‘Sugar Baby Love’, the group’s only UK No.1. Fabulous song and I also liked their Baby I’m Yours

1976, Rolling Stone Keith Richards crashed his car near Newport Pagnell, Bucks, after falling asleep at the wheel; marijuana and cocaine were found by the police resulting in another fine for the guitarist.  Keith was a real wild child
1978, Dire Straits released their first major label single ‘Sultans Of Swing’, recorded on a £120 budget.What a fabulous effort

1979, Abba started a four week run at No.1 on the UK album chart with ‘Voulez-Vous’ the group’s fourth No.1 LP. Quality
1979, Eric Clapton held a party at his Surrey house celebrating his recent marriage to Patti Boyd. Clapton had set-up a small stage in the garden and as the evening progressed Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr ended up jamming together along with Clapton, Ginger Baker and Mick Jagger. The all-star band ran through old Little Richard and Eddie Cochran songs. I could have joined in those songs. I would have loved to have been there

1979, Supertramp went to No.1 on the US album chart with ‘Breakfast In America’, the group’s only US No.1    I like most of their songs

1981, Sting was named songwriter of the year at the 26th Ivor Novello Awards.Well deserved

1984, Bob Marley and the Wailers started a 12-week run at No.1 on the UK album chart with the compilation album ‘Legend’, released to commemorate the third anniversary of Marley’s death.  Great music-great memories
1988, James Brown was arrested for the fifth time in 12 months, following a car Chase near his home, he was charged with assault, resisting arrest and being in charge of illegal weapons, he was given a 6 year jail sentence.  I loved his music but he was a real wild child
1990, Madonna started a three week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with ‘Vogue’. Originally planned as a B-side, it became the singers eighth US No.1 and seventh UK No.1 hit. Good track

2001, Mike Sammes founder of The Mike Sammes Singers died aged 73. He worked with Tom Jones, Cliff Richard and featured on The Beatles, ‘I Am The Walrus’ and ‘The Long And Winding Road.’  My parents listed to his singers

2007, Lawyers for Michael Jackson dropped an effort to block an auction of the star’s personal belongings and other Jackson family items. An agreement was reached with representatives of an auctioneer, who was the current owner of the materials, and a New Jersey man who claimed to own a warehouse full of Jackson memorabilia after a failed business venture wound up in bankruptcy court.This was sad

2010, ‘Stairway To Heaven’ was named the UK’s favourite rock song in a survey by listeners to radio station Absolute Classic Rock. The band had two other tracks in the top 10; ‘Whole Lotta Love’ was voted at No. 4 and ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll’, from the group’s fourth album, was at No. 7.  Superb track 

 CIMG7383Born on this Day

1932,  Alma Cogan, UK singer, (1955 UK No.1 single ‘Dreamboat’, plus 20 other UK Top 40 hits). Youngest female to top the charts during the 50′s. She died of stomach cancer on 26th October 1966.

1945,Pete Townshend, guitar, vocals, The Who, (1965 UK No.2 single ‘My Generation’ 1967 US No.9 single ‘I Can See For Miles’ plus over 20 other UK Top 40 hit singles, 16 US Top 40 singles and rock opera albums ‘Tommy’ & ‘Quadrophenia’).
1947, Greg Herbert, Blood Sweat & Tears, (1969 US No.2 single ‘Spinning Wheel’). Herbert died of a accidental drug overdose 31st January 1977.
947,  Jerry Hyman, trombone, Blood Sweat & Tears, (1969 US No.2 single ‘Spinning Wheel’).
85 UK No.16 single ‘Legs’).
1950,  Romeo Challenger, Showaddywaddy, (1976 UK No.1 single ‘Under The Moon Of Love’, plus over 20 other UK Top 40 singles).

1952, Grace Jones, singer, model, (1985 UK No.12 single ‘Slave To The Rhythm’).


1952, Jeffrey Hyman, (Joey Ramone), vocals, The Ramones, 1977 UK No.22 single ‘Sheena Is A Punk Rocker’. He died on 15th April 2001 after losing a long battle with lymphatic cancer aged 49.
1960, Yasmin Evans, (Yazz), singer, (1988 UK No.1 single ‘The Only Way Is Up’).

Music Source 1 music source 2

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Saturday 18th May 2013 Go Now!

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View vince tracy's profile on LinkedIn Lifestyle blog Follow Me on Pinterest ShareBlog DirectoryHQ Arts Blogs I am a firm believer in the people. If given the truth, they can be depended upon to meet any national crisis. The great point is to bring them the real facts. Abraham Lincoln

Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds. Albert Einstein All great truths begin as blasphemies.

George Bernard Shaw

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CIMG6891Remember, you can listen to the day’s story of the music whilst reading my blog by clicking this link.    2004, Clint Warwick the original bass player with The Moody Blues died from liver disease at the age of 63. Clint left the band in 1966 after playing on their only number one hit, ‘Go Now.’

 

I have to say the weather has started brilliantly with clear blue skies. However, it has been decidedly weird over the past few days with a dip in the temperatures accompanying rather weird looking clouds and the occasional downpour. However, we are still in the month of May and there is a Spanish equivalent to the English proverb, “Ne’er cast a clout ’til May be out.”

The tributes had been coming in for the comedian Paul Shane and Sue Pollard, who worked with Paul in Hi De Hi, gave a glowing picture of a man who loved to make people happy. It does seem that the comedians have seemed to be falling like dead bees over the past few years. Having said this I am now watching Bill Bailey, a modern British comic, talking on Breakfast TV. He is obviously a well educated and well travelled man and he was telling us about the horrors of eating in a restaurant in China. He told the story of a restaurant where there was an owl in a cage waiting to be eaten. He told the story in a funny way but can you imagine an owl on the menu?  He bought the owl and then released it in a forest nearby.
CIMG7327There was also an item about a guy who’s going to spend 60 days on the small island of Rockall for research purposes. I really couldn’t think of anything worse although I would enjoy the puffins. Their numbers are down and he is researching the problem. My guess is he likes his own company!

My monitoring of the UK soaps continues. Isn’t it weird how they bang on about the same themes at the same times? What is more weird is that even on competing channels they cover the same pattern. Currently, the theme is on drugs but with the twist that it’s people with good jobs and responsibility who are taking the drugs in both Eastenders and Emmerdale.

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CIMG7387A Down syndrome association has filed a complaint against a hotel in Almería for refusing to admit a group of youngsters on the grounds that “this kind of people could bother the other clients.” Management of Hotel CaboGata Plaza Suites has already issued an apology and claimed it was “a misunderstanding.”

The case is being investigated by the Almería public attorney’s office. Under the Penal Code, denying people a service they are entitled to because of their disability constitutes an offense that can lead to one to four years of professional disqualification. “We didn’t go public with this to show that we are being victimized, but for educational purposes,” explains Agustín Matía, who runs the Down España association. According to this group, a worker at Down Almería asked a travel agency to ask three hotels for a quote. But one of the hotels, the CaboGata Plaza Suites, had replied: “We don’t accept groups of people with mental disabilities.”

When Down Almería contacted management directly, the latter not only confirmed the statement, but added that “this kind of people could bother the other clients in the hotel,” something that had “already happened in the past.”

Down España recalls two other cases in which young people with Down syndrome were barred entry: one was a nightclub in Sabadell last March and the other was a pub in Alicante in 2010. The owner lost his license a year later. In 2009, a parish priest refused to give a child from Teià (Barcelona) her first communion because she was “already God’s angel.”  SpanishVida

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CIMG6586In response to a question raised by the parliamentary socialist group in congress, the Directorate General of Traffic, the DGT, issues an average of 10,800 fines for traffic offences, every single day.

The information was provided by the deputy of the DGT, Miguel Ángel Heredia, with data collated on a monthly basis between November 2011 and February 2013. That data showed a monthly average of 325,000 fines, equating to about 10,800 each day. As an example of value, given that speeding fines cost motorists between 100 and 600 euro each time, this equates to motorists being between one and six million euro out of pocket per day.

However, there seems to be less fines being issued over the whole length of the time monitored, as in February of this year there were only 210,924 fines issued, considerably lower than the monthly average, and nearly half, pro rata, of the 391,445 issued in May of last year.

Meanwhile, calls are being made to clamp down on motorists who play “Russian roulette” when it comes to speeding, in particular those who travel at excessive speed which would qualify as an offence against the penal code, rather than just traffic laws. In particular, those motorists who exceed 80 kilometres above the limit on motorways, i.e. at around 200 kilometres per hour, and those who travel at 60 kilometres per hour above the limit on normal roads, for example, those travelling at 110 kilometres per hour on a 50 road.

Between 500 and 600 motorists are convicted of these severe offences each year, but the DGT are fully aware that the number of motorists who break the law is far greater than those who are caught.

The chief prosecutor of road safety, Bartolomé Vargas, says that speeding of this level is playing “Russian roulette” that can bring “death at any time and drivers should never forget that”.

CIMG6580In a recent campaign, we reported that airborne radar Pegasus was able to capture drivers who exceed the speed limit up to five times more effectively than by conventional radar, and has been applauded for raising public awareness that these mechanisms “prevent accidents”.

“Radars avoid accidents, because the driver who is caught gets an early wakeup call that, in many cases, conditions their future driving behaviour”, said Vargas.

However, the prosecutor also emphasizes that “the vast majority” of drivers are “good” and that we must fight against this minority of “very dangerous” citizens, repeat offenders, or those who “have escaped the radar” or are indifferent to the penalties for the offences.   SpanishVida

Interesting Facts

1. Debra Winger was the voice of E.T. 2. Pearls melt in vinegar. 3. The three most valuable brand names on earth: Marlboro, Coca-Cola, and Budweiser, in that order. 4. It’s possible to lead a cow upstairs, but not downstairs. 5. Humans are the only primates that don’t have pigment in the palms of their hands.

6. Ten percent of the Russian government’s income comes from the sale of vodka. 7. The sentence “The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog” uses every letter in the alphabet. (Developed by Western Union to test telex/two communications.) 8. The only 15-letter word that can be spelled without repeating a letter is “uncopyrightable.” 9. “Stewardesses” is the longest word that is typed with only the left hand. 10. No word in the English language rhymes with month, orange, silver, or purple.

11. A duck’s quack doesn’t echo, and no one knows why. 12. The reason firehouses have circular stairways is from the days of yore when the engines were pulled by horses. The horses were stabled on the ground floor and figured out how to walk up straight staircases. 13. The airplane Buddy Holly died in was the “American Pie” (thus the name of the Don McLean song). 14. 111,111,111 x 111,111,111 = 12,345,678,987,654,321 15. Clans of long ago that wanted to get rid of their unwanted people without killing them used to burn their houses down – hence the expression “to get fired.”

16. Only two people signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, 1776: John Hancock and Charles Thomson. Most of the rest signed on August 2, but the last signature wasn’t added until five years later. 17. An ostrich’s eye is bigger than its brain. 18. The longest recorded flight of a chicken is thirteen seconds. 19. The name “Jeep” came from the abbreviation used in the army for the “General Purpose” vehicle, G.P. 20. The highest point in Pennsylvania is lower than the lowest point in Colorado.

21. Nutmeg is extremely poisonous if injected intravenously. 22. If you have three quarters, four dimes, and four pennies, you have $1.19. You also have the largest amount of money in coins without being able to make change for a dollar. 23. All of the clocks in the movie “Pulp Fiction” are stuck on 4:20. 24. The only two days of the year in which there are no professional sports games (MLB, NBA, NHL, or NFL) are the day before and the day after the Major League All-Star Game.

25. Only one person in two billion will live to be 116 or older. 26. The mask used by Michael Myers in the original “Halloween” was actually a Captain Kirk mask painted white. 27. If you put a raisin in a glass of champagne, it will keep floating to the top and sinking to the bottom. 28. Snails can sleep for three years without eating. 29. Actor Tommy Lee Jones and Vice President Al Gore were freshman roommates at Harvard. 30. The fingerprints of koala bears are virtually indistinguishable from those of humans, so much so that they could be confused at a crime scene. 31. Any month that begins on a Sunday will always have a Friday the 13th.

CIMG6869
Events 18th May
1642 – Montreal, Canada, was founded. Oui, monsieur
1643 – Queen Anne, the widow of Louis XIII, was granted sole and absolute power as regent by the Paris parliament, overriding the late king’s will. Come the revolution
1652 – In Rhode Island, a law was passed that made slavery illegal in North America. It was the first law of its kind. Good
1792 – Russian troops invaded Poland. It must be horrible being invaded 1802 – Great Britain declared war on Napoleon’s France. Lifelomg friends
1804 – Napoleon Bonaparte was proclaimed emperor by the French Senate. He worked for it
1897 – A public reading of Bram Stoker’s new novel, “Dracula, or, The Un-dead,” was performed in London. Good start 1953 – The first woman to fly faster than the speed of sound, Jacqueline Cochran, piloted an F-86 Sabrejet over California at an average speed of 652.337 miles-per-hour. Fast women?
1974 – India became the sixth nation to explode an atomic bomb. Ugh!
1980 – Mt. Saint Helens erupted in Washington state. 57 people were killed and 3 billion in damage was done.These events are always happening
1994 – Israel’s three decades of occupation in the Gaza Strip ended as Israeli troops completed their withdrawal and Palestinian authorities took over. Good
1998 – U.S. federal officials arrested more than 130 people and seized $35 million. This was the end to an investigation of money laundering being done by a dozen Mexican banks and two drug-smuggling cartels. Money is the root of all evil
 Imagine

Music Events May 18th

1964, A riot broke out in Hamilton, Scotland during a Rolling Stones UK tour when over 4,000 fans with forged tickets gatecrashed the bands gig at the Chantingall Hotel. I don’t remember this

1967, John Lennon and Paul McCartney sang backing vocals on The Rolling Stones track ‘We Love You’ during a session at Olympic Studios, London. I knew they were all good friends but the media tried to make it a competition

1967, The Beatles were selected to represent the UK for the first-ever global-wide satellite broadcast. The group agreed to be shown in the studio recording a song written especially for the occasion, scheduled for June 25. John Lennon wrote ’All You Need is Love’ which was thought to sum up the

1967 ‘summer of love’ and The Beatles’ sympathies. With the satellite broadcast being broadcast to many non-English-speaking countries, the BBC asked The Beatles to ‘keep it simple’.  They certainly kept it simple but very powerful.

1968, Grateful Dead, The Doors, The Steve Miller Band and Jefferson Airplane all appeared at The Northern California Rock Festival in Santa Clara.  Good gig

1974, Ray Stevens started a three week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with the novelty song ‘The Streak’ which capitalized on the then popular craze of streaking. Also No.1 in the UK. This is a brilliant song and extreley funny

1975, Five times married US country singer, Tammy Wynette was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with ‘Stand By Your Man.’ Originally recorded by Tammy Wynette and released as a single in 1968 in the USA. It proved to be the most successful record of Wynette’s career and is one of the most covered songs in the history of country music. It`s a nice song and she sang it well

1980, Joy Division singer and guitarist Ian Curtis hanged himself in the kitchen of his house in Macclesfield, England at the age of 23. Curtis had the Iggy Pop album ‘The Idiot’, playing on his stereo and left a note that said, ‘At this very moment, I wish I were dead. I Just can’t cope anymore.’  I don’t remember this sad event. It’s just too sad for words

1984, Simple Minds were at No.1 on the US singles chart with ‘Don’t You Forget About Me’, (a No. 7 hit in the UK). Written by Keith Forsey (who won an Oscar for “Flashdance… What a Feeling”) and Steve Schiff (guitarist and songwriter from the Nina Hagen band, the track was featured in the

1985 American teen drama film The Breakfast Club. Great background 1988, Fleetwood Mac played the first of six sold out nights at Wembley Arena, London on their The Tango In The Night Tour.Big bucks

1993, Sister Lovers, 18 Wheeler, Boyfriend and Oasis appeared at King Tuts in Glasgow, Scotland. Creation Records boss Alan McGee who was in the audience declared after seeing Oasis, ‘I’ve found the greatest rock ‘n’ roll band since The Beatles.’ McGee had missed a train at nearby Queen Street station, and decided to head to Tuts to kill time before the next one. He signed Oasis to his Creation label. Good judge of talent

1997, Blur won pop music’s equivalent of the FA Cup, the Music Industry Soccer Six. The band’s win at Fulham’s FC’s ground Craven Cottage saw them beating off competition from Robbie Williams, My Life Story and The Prodigy. Well done

2003, The Isley Brothers were at No.1 on the US album chart with ‘Body Kiss’ the group’s first US No.1 in over 30 years.Good moments are worth waiting for

2004, Clint Warwick the original bass player with The Moody Blues died from liver disease at the age of 63. Clint left the band in 1966 after playing on their only number one hit, ‘Go Now.’ One of the all-time great records

2008, Neil Diamond went to No.1 on the UK album chart with ‘Home Before Dark’, also a US No.1. Great voice and always popular in UK

2008, Ting Tings scored their first UK No.1 single with ‘That’s Not My Name’. Taken from the Manchester duo’s debut studio album We Started Nothing. I like this! CIMG7327

 

 

 

Born on this day

1911, Joe Turner, US blues songwriter. Wrote ‘Shake Rattle and Roll’, ‘Sweet Sixteen’. He died on 23rd November 1985. I didn’t know the name

1912, Perry Como, American singer and TV presenter, (1957 US No.1 single ‘Round And Round’ and 15 US & over 25 UK chart hits, 1958 UK No.1 single ‘Magic Moments’). Como died on 12th May 2001.Great performer

1942, Albert Hammond, (1972 US No.5 single ‘It Never Rains In Southern California’, 1973 UK No.19 single ‘Free Electric Band’).

1949,  Rick Wakeman, keyboards, Strawbs, Yes, (’1974 UK No.1 album ‘Journey To The Centre Of The Earth’). 1949,  William Wallace, Guess Who, (1970 US No.1 & UK No.19 single ‘American Woman’).

1952,  George Strait, US country singer, songwriter, (1992 album ‘Pure Country’ spent 40 weeks on the US chart). He has the second most number one country hits among any artist in any musical genre in history, totaling 53 number one hit songs. Only Conway Twitty has more, with 55.

1953,  Butch Tavares, Tavares, (1976 UK No.4 and US No.15 single ‘Heaven Must Be Missing An Angel’). 1957,Michael Cretu, Enigma, (1991 UK No.1 & US No.5 single ‘Sadness Part 1).

1958, Victoria Wilcox, (Toyah) 1981 UK No.8 single ‘I Want To Be Free.’ 1969, Martika, US singer, (1989 US No.1 & UK No.5 single ‘Toy Soldiers’). Music Source 1 music source 2

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Friday 17th May 2013 We Shall Overcome!

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View vince tracy's profile on LinkedIn Lifestyle blog Follow Me on Pinterest ShareBlog DirectoryHQ Arts Blogs

I am a firm believer in the people. If given the truth, they can be depended upon to meet any national crisis. The great point is to bring them the real facts.
Abraham Lincoln

Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds.
Albert Einstein

All great truths begin as blasphemies.
George Bernard Shaw

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CIMG6891Remember, you can listen to the day’s story of the music whilst reading my blog by clicking this link.  1966, During a UK tour, Bob Dylan appeared at The Free Trade Hall in Manchester. This was the concert where a member of the audience shouted out ‘Judas’ at Dylan unhappy with the singers move from acoustic to rock. Dylan replied with ‘You’re a liar’, the entire concert was eventually officially released in The Bootleg Series by Sony Music in 1999.

CIMG7378One of the sad facts about life is that from the moment we’re born we start a journey towards our death. My own family is my second family which has become my priority in life. My first family was the family group started by my mum and dad. They began life together at a very difficult time after the Second World War. They, like I did, started their relationship without really realising where it would end.

My dad was the son of an Irish immigrant who came to Liverpool to start a new life and the family was Catholic. My mum was Protestant but converted to Catholicism. This was not an everyday situation at the time. In the years following the war mixed marriages were still a little difficult for some people. There were places where you had signs saying ‘No Irish’. That must have been awful for my grandfather. He had enough on his plate as he had lost his wife when my dad was six. That was awful for my dad as well.
There wouldn’t have been any state help. There were no social workers and my grandfather must have had a difficult time bringing up his children.

CIMG7363My mum had come from London to live on Merseyside and didn’t really know anyone apart from my dad. That must have taken a lot of courage. They must have had a very difficult start to their married life together. My elder sister, Rita, came first followed by me and then Mary who is a couple of years younger than me. This left a young 23 year-old-mother with three children and a young man of 30 as a husband who had just left the army. He had to struggle to keep us and I know he did numerous jobs often working day and night to eventually save enough money to get us all a nice house.

They brought up the three of us in this difficult environment without all the support systems people now enjoy although the Family Allowance was developing as part of the Welfare State and we did get our Cod Liver Oil and free school milk. I feel very lucky that I had parents who looked after us and struggled to give us a good start in life. Both Rita and Mary left home in their teenage years and I flew the nest around 17.

book9This must have been an emotional period of time for my parents. I didn’t really realise this at the time. My mum and dad then had my sister Margaret when I was about 14 and then Anne completed the family about two years later. I didn’t really get to know my younger sisters for a long time as I was developing my own life and they were then a new family unit.

Both Rita and Mary have had extremely successful lives and are fluent in French after they have both lived in France and developed their careers away from their native England.  Margaret and Anne were both incredibly talented young ladies and my mum and dad seemed to revel in their development and were intensely proud of them both- as I have become over the years. Anne has had a brilliant career in Education and is a talented pianist and linguist.

Margaret was a talented guitarist and I remember taking her along as a guest artiste on one of my gigs for the Old Age Pensioners. She was so shy and I had to explain that she didn’t speak English to the audience! However, she played a very nice folk guitar. She also got her degree in Languages and had worked in Education alongside bringing up her family with her husband Lee. They have three lovely children. Sadly, I didn’t see them as often as I would now like to have done but we have all spread out in different directions and it is impossible to see everyone on an ongoing basis.

We communicated on Skype whilst Margaret was ill and I was saddened to see how much pain she was in. I could only eventually communicate on Skype by messages and her communications indicated that her health was deteriorating. I feel without Skype messaging I might not even have realised how bad things had become.

book10I feel lucky to have had good parents and I feel lucky to have had four highly talented sisters. Yes. I still feel very sad about what has happened but what is the point of having a faith and then not believing in it when a death occurs? My faith is now being tested and I just hope and pray that Margaret’s family will be given the strength to cope with their sad loss. I think Margaret had suffered greatly and it is most important to remember she is not suffering now. I know what I believe happens next. I hope Margaret is meeting my mum and dad again. If my beliefs are right that will be a strong possibility. If I am wrong at least I have found my religion, warts and all, a comfort in sad times.

I don’t necessarily think any one religion is the only way to have a life after death. I really cannot even comprehend some parts of what I believe in. It just doesn’t always make sense but does the Universe make sense? There is a greater being than any of us and I only have to look at the power of Nature to know how insignificant I am on my own.

CIMG7381

This was sent to me….

As I’ve aged, I’ve become kinder to myself, and less critical of myself. I’ve become my own friend.

I have seen too many dear friends leave this world, too soon; before they understood the great freedom that comes with aging.

Whose business is it, if I choose to read, or play, on the computer, until 4 AM, or sleep until noon? I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 50, 60 &70′s, and if I, at the same time, wish to weep over a lost love, I will.

I will walk the beach, in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging body, and will dive into the waves, with abandon, if I choose to, despite the pitying glances from the jet set.
They, too, will get old.

I know I am sometimes forgetful. But there again, some of life is just as well forgotten. And, I eventually remember the important things.

CIMG7319Sure, over the years, my heart has been broken. How can your heart not break, when you lose a loved one, or when a child suffers, or even when somebody’s beloved pet gets hit by a car? But, broken hearts are what give us strength, and understanding, and compassion. A heart never broken, is pristine, and sterile, and will never know the joy of being imperfect.

I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turning gray, and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my face. So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their hair could turn silver.

As you get older, it is easier to be positive. You care less about what other people think. I don’t question myself any more. I’ve even earned the right to be wrong.

So, to answer your question, I like being old. It has set me free. I like the person I have become. I am not going to live forever, but while I am still here, I will not waste time lamenting what could have been, or worrying about what will be. And I shall eat dessert every single day (if I feel like it).-

CIMG6869

 

 

 

 

Events 17th May

1433 – Sigismund was crowned emperor of Rome.  Is the Sigismund Fraud?

1859 – In London, Big Ben went into operation. The name Big Ben initially referred to the bell inside the tower but later came to the refer to the tower.I thought it was the name of the designer!

1870 – E.J. DeSemdt patented asphalt. Not Irish?

1879 – New York’s Madison Square Garden opened.  Seconds out!

1884 – Dr. John Harvey Kellogg patented “flaked cereal.”  Was it a bit each week?

1889 – In Johnstown,PA, more than 2,200 people died after the South Fork Dam collapsed.Dreadful

1900 – U.S. troops arrived in Peking to help put down the Boxer Rebellion.  The seconds needed more money for new towels

1902 – The Boer War ended between the Boers of South Africa and Great Britain with the Treaty of Vereeniging.  Good

1907 – The first taxis arrived in New York City. They were the first in the United StatesWere they yellow?

1915 – A German zeppelin made an air raid on London.  Bad news

1927 – Ford Motor Company produced the last “Tin Lizzie” in order to begin production of the Model A.  The first on the production lines?

1929 – In Beverly, MA, the first U.S. born reindeer were born.  You’ll be telling us next Father Christmas doesn’t live at the North Pole

1947 – Communists seized control of Hungary. We were all on the side of the Magyars

1955 – The U.S. Supreme Court ordered that all states must end racial segregation “with all deliberate speed.”  Good

1961 – South Africa became an independent republic.  Good 

1962 – Adolf Eichmann was hanged in Israel. Eichmann was a Gestapo official and was executed for his actions in the Nazi Holocaust. He had to go

1970 – An earthquake in Peru killed tens of thousands of people.

1974 – Israel and Syria signed an agreement on the Golan Heights.  Good

1977 – The trans-Alaska oil pipeline was finished after 3 years of construction.  Now let’s have a few pipelines for water

1979 – Zimbabwe proclaimed its independence.  Good

1994 – The U.S. announced it was no longer aiming long-range nuclear missiles at targets in the former Soviet Union. Phew!

2003 – In North Carolina, Eric Robert Rudolph was captured. He had been on the FBI’s 10 Most Wanted list for five years for several bombings including the 1996 Olympic bombing.

 Imagine

Music Events May 17th

1962, During a UK tour Jerry Lee Lewis played at The Tower Ballroom,  tickets cost 5 shillings in advance.

1963, The first Monterey Folk Festival in California was held over three days and featured Joan Baez, Bob Dylan and Peter Paul and Mary.

1964, Bob Dylan made his first major concert UK appearance when he played at the Royal Festival Hall in London.

1966, During a UK tour, Bob Dylan appeared at The Free Trade Hall in Manchester. This was the concert where a member of the audience shouted out ‘Judas’ at Dylan unhappy with the singers move from acoustic to rock. Dylan replied with ‘You’re a liar’, the entire concert was eventually officially released in The Bootleg Series by Sony Music in 1999.
1967, The Tremeloes were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with their version of a Four Seasons song, (the B-side to Rag Doll), ‘Silence Is Golden’, the group’s only UK No.1.
1967, Working at Abbey Road studios The Beatles began recording a new John Lennon song ‘You Know My Name (Look Up the Number)’. The song was not finished until November 1969, and was not released until March 1970 (as the B-side of the ‘Let it Be’ single).
1968, The Monkees appeared at Valley Music Hall, Salt Lake City, Utah.
1969, It was reported that for the first time ever album sales had overtaken single sales in the UK. 49,184,000 albums were produced during 1968 compared with 49,161,000 singles.
1969, Joni Mitchell was featured on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine, on sale for 35 Cents, (2/6).

1971, Dawn were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with ‘Knock Three Times’, the group’s first of two UK No.1′s. Singer Tony Orlando had retired from singing when he was persuaded to front Dawn for studio recordings.
1975, Earth Wind and Fire started a three-week run at No.1 on the US album chart with the soundtrack to ‘That’s The Way Of The World.’
1975, Elton John was awarded a Platinum Record for sales of a million copies of the LP ‘Captain Fantastic and The Brown Dirt Cowboy’, the first album ever to be certified Platinum on the day of its release.
1975, Led Zeppelin played the first of five sold-out nights at Earls Court Arena, London, England. Tickets cost £1 ($1.70) – £2.50 ($4.25).
1979, The Police appeared at Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, Santa Monica, California.
1980, Boney M scored their third UK No.1 album with ‘The Magic Of Boney M.’
1980, This years Eurovision song contest winner Johnny Logan was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with ‘What’s Another Year.’ The second Eurovision winner for Ireland, Logan won it again in 1987 and wrote a further winner in 1992.
1986, Spitting Image started a three-week run at No.1 on the UK singles chart with ‘The Chicken Song.’ Spitting Image had become the ‘must see’ Sunday night UK TV show, which mocked politicians and public figures.
1986, Whitney Houston started a three week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with ‘Greatest Love Of All’, the singers third US No.1, a No.8 hit in the UK.

1987, A fire destroyed Tom Petty’s house in Los Angeles, the cost was estimated at $800,000.
1989, Former Rolling Stone Bill Wyman’s first Sticky Fingers restaurant opened in London.
1989, The first night of a 12-date UK tour for R.E.M. starting at Leicester De Montfort Hall. (Promoting the new single ‘Orange Crush’).

1996, US blues guitarist Johnny Guitar Watson died of a heart attack while on tour in Yokohama, Japan. According to eyewitness reports, he collapsed mid guitar solo. His last words were “ain’t that a bitch.”
1996, Kevin Gilbert, multi instrumentalist and songwriter, died of accidental asphyxiation. Member of Giraffe, worked with Sheryl Crow, co-wrote her 1994 UK No.4 hit ‘All I Want To Do.’

1998, Garth Brooks was at No.1 on the US album charts with ‘The Limited Series.’
2002, Sharon Sheeley, US songwriter, died aged 62. Hits include ‘Poor Little Fool’ US No.1 for Ricky Nelson in 1958 and 1959 hit for Eddie Cochran ‘Somethin’ Else’. Sheeley survived the car crash that killed Eddie Cochran during a 1960 UK tour.

2003, Singer with Stone Temple Pilots Scott Weiland, was arrested on suspicion of drug possession after being stopped during a routine traffic search in Los Angeles, He was released on $10,000 (£6,125) bail.
2005, Akon was at No.1 on the UK singles with ‘Lonely’, Gwen Stefani held the US No.1 spot with ‘Hollaback Girl’ and Snoop Dogg and Justin Timberlake were at No.1 on the Australian chart with ‘Signs.’

2006, Paul McCartney and his wife Heather Mills admitted that they had given up the fight to save their marriage, saying that after fours years together, they were going their separate ways.

2008, Amy Winehouse and Pete Doherty posted a two-minute clip of themselves playing with newborn mice on Youtube. The video showed Doherty and Winehouse in a bare room, making rambling comments, picking up the mice and talking to them.
2008, Madonna was at No.1 on the US album chart with her eleventh studio album ‘Hard Candy’. The album reached number one in thirty-seven other countries.

2009, Black Eyed Peas went to No.1 on the UK singles chart with ‘Boom Boom Pow’, their second UK No.1 hit.
2009, Green Day went to No.1 on the UK album chart with their eighth studio album ’21st Century Breakdown’.

CIMG7327

 

 

 

Born on this day

1941,, Malcolm Hale, Spanky And Our Gang, (1967 US No.9 single ‘Sunday Will Never Be The Same Again’). Hale died on 31st October 1968 of carbon monoxide poisoning due to a faulty heater.
1942,, Taj Mahal, US multi-instrumentalist, composer of film soundtracks, first band The Rising Sons with Ry Cooder.
.
1948, , Bill Bruford, drummer, King Crimson, Yes, U.K.
1953, , George Johnson, Brothers Johnson, (1980 US No.4 & UK No.6 single ‘Stomp’).

1959,, Paul Dianno, vocals, Iron Maiden, (1991 UK No.1 single ‘Bring Your Daughter To The Slaughter’).
1960,  Simon Fuller, record and television producer, manager of the Spice Girls, S Club 7, Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Chris Daughtry, Fantasia, Will Young, Emma Bunton and Gareth Gates and the creator of the Idol series. First seen as Pop Idol and now with over 50 other versions including American Idol, Canadian Idol, and World Idol.
1961,  Enya Ni Bhraonain, Clannad, (1982 UK No.5 single ‘Harry’s Game’), solo, (1988 UK No.1 single ‘Orinoco Flow’, plus eight other UK Top 40 singles, 2001 US No.2 album ‘A Day Without Rain’).
1962, , Tracy Bryn, Voice Of The Beehive, (1988 UK No.15 single ‘Don’t Call Me Baby’).

1970, , Jordan Knight, singer, New Kids On The Block, (1989 UK No.1 single ‘You Got It, The Right Stuff’ 1990 US No.1 single ‘Step By Step’, solo, 1999 UK No.5 single ‘Give It To You’).
1971, Vernie Bennett, Eternal, (1997 UK No.1 single ‘I Wanna Be The Only One’, 1993 UK No.2 album ‘Always & Forever’).
1974,  Andrea Corr, vocals, tin whistle, The Corrs, (1998 UK No.3 single ‘What Can I Do’. ‘Talk On Corners’ was the best selling UK album of 1998 spending 142 weeks on the UK chart).

 

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Thursday 16th May 2013 Satisfaction..

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The true secret of giving advice is, after you have honestly given it, to be perfectly indifferent whether it is taken or not, and never persist in trying to set people right. –Hannah Whitall Smith, 1832-1911

Anger makes you smaller, while forgiveness forces you to grow beyond what you were. – Cherie Carter-Scott, 1949-present

Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated failures. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.

Calvin Coolidge

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

CIMG6891Remember, you can listen to the day’s story of the music whilst reading my blog by clicking this link.  1965, Driving away from a gig at the Civic Hall, Long Beach, California, the limo taking the Rolling Stones back to their hotel was besieged by fans who caved in the roof by standing on it. The band attempted to hold the roof up while their chauffeur drove off with bodies falling onto the road.

Well done Rafa Benitez and Fernando Torres. I feel this is as near we can get to Liverpool winning anything this year. I refer, of course, to Chelsea’s success in the Europa Cup.

We have had a rather stormy early evening with the weather turning a little cooler. The skies turned very grey around 5 pm and then we had the rain and the thunder and lightning. We had to go out a bit later and it had cleared somewhat.

CIMG7321Now its the turn of the oil barons to be in the firing line. They are now being investigated for price fixing and although it will be argued they haven’t broken any laws it would seem yet another example of how well-heeled members of society still are not satisfied with their lot. If proven guilty it is just more than prices at the petrol pumps. Some analysts are saying their corporate price fixing is making more money than the bankers have taken from us.

I suppose I will sound like a real leftist but it does seem crazy to me the way the history of the royals has been written. Children coming to the throne at the age of three and young girls marrying at the age of 14. I really think it is time for a reappraisal of all that went on and all that is still happening in royal circles. If this was anywhere else in society people would be brought to book.

CIMG7317Don’t get me wrong. I am not saying there should be no Royal Family. I am saying it’s time to get real about their true role in society. I have no real problem with the fugurehead bit but the sphere of influence might need to be adjusted and in these times of austerity maybe the Royal purse strings need a major overhaul. They all have enough money to dip into their royal reserves and feed themselves and look after their various businesses for the rest of their lives.

I would agree to the austerity of all landed gentry handing back a portion of their gains which might well be proven to have been ill-gotten in the annals of history. I think my stance is this. By all means let the Royals (everywhere) be rich but let them not be stinking rich. We have been sufficiently well educated to know they should remain. But our education tells us their money should be in line with the austere times as the rest of us.

CIMG6869

 

 

 

 

Events 16th May

1770 – Marie Antoinette, at age 14, married the future King Louis XVI of France, who was 15. They must have had really advanced learning in those days1879 – The Treaty of Gandamak between Russia and England set up the Afghan state. As I often comment we have been part of the muddy waters seemingly forever

1881 – In Germany the first electric tram for the public started service.Das is gud1888 – The first demonstration of recording on a flat disc was demonstrated by Emile Berliner. Clever stuff

1888 – The capitol of Texas was dedicated in Austin. Steve Austin -Bionic Man

1920 – Joan of Arc was canonized in Rome. I am surprised she was a saint1929 – The first Academy Awards were held in Hollywood.1946 – Jack Mullin showed the world the first magnetic tape recorder. I don’t know this name

 

1960 – A Big Four summit in Paris collapsed due to the American U-2 spy plane incident. Don’t blame Gary Powers- he was only the pilot

 

1960 – Theodore Maiman, at Hughes Research Laboratory in California, demonstrated the first working laser. Fantastic

 

1963 – After 22 Earth orbits Gordon Cooper returned to Earth, ending Project Mercury. Brave man

 

1975 – Japanese climber Junko Tabei became the first woman to reach the summit of Mount Everest. Wonderful

 

1977 – Five people were killed when a New York Airways helicopter, idling on top of the Pan Am Building in Manhattan, toppled over, sending a huge rotor blade flying.There’s always been weird tragedies

 

1987 – The Bobro 400 set sail from New York Harbor with 3,200 tons of garbage. The barge travelled 6,000 miles in search of a place to dump its load. It returned to New York Harbor after 8 weeks with the same load. Rubbish is still a huge unsolved global problem

 

1988 – A report released by Surgeon General C. Everett Koop declared that nicotine was addictive in similar ways as heroin and cocaine. Did we need telling this?

 

1988 – The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that police do not have to have a search warrant to search discarded garbage.Fair enough

 

1996 – Admiral Jeremy “Mike” Boorda, the nation’s top Navy officer, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after some of his military awards were called into question. Sad

 

1997 – In Zaire, President Mobutu Sese Seko gave control of the country to rebel forces ending 32 years of autocratic rule. I’m remembering Johnny Wakelin’s song In Zaire

 

2000 – U.S. First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton was nominated to run for U.S.Senator in New York. She was the first U.S. first lady to run for public office. She’s done well

 

 Imagine

Music Events May 16th

1962, B Bumble and the Stingers were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with ‘Nut Rocker.’ The instrumental was based on Tchaikovsky’s ‘Nutcracker Suite.’This was a fabulous take on the classic

1963, The Beatles appeared live on the national BBC TV children’s program ‘Pops and Lenny’, at Television Theatre, Shepherd’s Bush Green, London, in front of an live audience. The Beatles performed ‘From Me to You’ and a shortened version of ‘Please Please Me.’  I don’t remember this show

1964, Mary Wells started a two week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with ‘My Guy’, it made No.5 in the UK.I played this just yesterday

1965, Driving away from a gig at the Civic Hall, Long Beach, California, the limo taking the Rolling Stones back to their hotel was besieged by fans who caved in the roof by standing on it. The band attempted to hold the roof up while their chauffeur drove off with bodies falling onto the road.Fans or fiends?

1966, The Beach Boys released the album ‘Pet Sounds’ in the US. The album is now regarded as the masterpiece of composer-producer Brian Wilson, and is often hailed as one of the best and most influential albums in popular music. I bought it and hammered it!
1967, Jeff Beck appeared at the Corn Exchange in Bristol, Manfred Mann played at the Industrial Ballroom in Norwich and appearing on the ITV show ‘As You Like It’; Lulu, Cat Stevens, Herd, Georgie Fame and the Tremeloes.Happy Days

1969, Pete Townshend spent the night in a US jail for assaulting a man during a Who gig at The Fillmore East. What Townshend didn’t know was the man who jumped onto the stage was a plainclothes policeman trying to warn the audience that a fire had broken out. The Who guitarist was later fined $30 for the offence. It wasn’t the first time the who had battled on stage
. 1970, The England World Cup Squad were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with ‘Back Home.’ The track spent three weeks at the top of the charts.It was written by my good friend Tony Hiller

1972, Al Green, Etta James and Joe Simon with J.J. Malone, Little Denise, Harvey Mandel and Paul Lagos appeared at Oakland Coliseum, California. Billed as The Baddest Soul Show Of 1972. Looked a good show
1974, Brian May collapsed in New York while Queen were on a US tour and was flown back to England suffering from hepatitis.Great guitarist

1980, Former Buggles members Trevor Horn and Geoff Downes joined Yes, replacing Rick Wakeman and Jon Anderson. I love these bits of pop trivia 
1981, Former New Christy Minstrels member (with Kenny Rogers), Kim Carnes started a nine week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with ‘Bette Davis Eyes’, the singers only US No.1 and a No.10 hit in the UK.I loved this song and played it a lot on hospital radio

1984, Ozzy Osbourne was arrested in Memphis, Tennessee for ‘staggering drunk’ down Beale Street.A pop maverick
1986, Elvis Costello married The Pogues bass player Caitlin O’Riordan in Dublin. I seem to remember the event

1987, U2 started a three week run at No.1 on the US singles chart ‘With Or Without You’, the group’s first US No.1. Great song

1992, Kiss kicked of the European leg of their Revenge world tour at the SEC, Glasgow, Scotland.I didn’t know enough of their music til recently

1993, US soul singer Marv Johnson died of a stroke. He had the US Top 10 single ‘I Love The Way You Love’ and the 1969 UK No.10 single ‘I’ll Pick A Rose For My Rose’. Johnson’s recording of Berry Gordy’s song ‘Come To Me’ became Motown Records first ever-single release in May 1959. I met him in Liverpool around 1969 and took him to the Clubship Landfall moored on the Mersey

. 1998, Catatonia went to No.1 on the UK album chart with ‘International Velvet.’ 1998, Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards fell while reaching for a book of nude art in his Connecticut home. The fall broke his ribs, causing the Stones to postpone many dates on their Bridges To Babylon tour. Wasn’t it Keith who fell out of a tree?

1999, Boyzone scored their 6th UK No.1 single with ‘You Needed Me’ making them the act with the most UK Top 5 hits of the 90′s. The song was originally a hit for Canadian, Anne Murray 1978. Good song

2009, Bob Dylan went to No.1 on the US album chart with ‘Together Through Life’, his 33rd studio album.Prolific or what?

CIMG7327

 

 

 

Born on this day

1939, Pervis Jackson, vocals, The Detroit Spinners, (1980 UK No.1 & US No.2 single ‘Working My Way Back To You’). Died of cancer on 18th Aug 2008.

1944,  Billy Cobham, jazz drummer, worked with Miles Davis, Mahavishnu Orchestra, James Brown, Santana and Soundtrack to the film ‘Shaft’. 1946, Born on this day, Robert Fripp, King Crimson, (1969 UK No.5 album, ‘In The Court Of The Crimson King’).

1947,  Barbara Lee, singer, The Chiffons, (1963 US No.1 single ‘He’s So Fine’). Lee died on 15th May 1992.

1947  Darrell Sweet, Nazareth, (1973 UK No.9 single ‘Broken Down Angel’ 1976 US No. 8 single ‘Love Hurts’). Died on 30th April1999 after suffering a fatal heart attack before a show in New Albany, Indiana.

1951, Jonathan Richman, guitar, vocals, The Modern Lovers, (1977 UK No.5 single ‘Egyptian Reggae’ & 1977 UK No.11 ‘Roadrunner’). Appeared in the films Dumb & Dumber and There’s Something About Mary.

1953, Richard Page, Mr Mister, (1985 US No.1 & 1986 UK No.4 single ‘Broken Wings).

1955,  Hazel O’Conner, UK singer, (1980 UK No.5 single ‘Eighth Day’).

1958,  Glenn Gregory, Heaven 17, (1983 UK No.2 single ‘Temptation’).

1966,  Janet Jackson, singer, (1986 US No.1 & UK No.10 single ‘When I Think Of You’, plus 6 other US No.1′s & over 20 UK Top 40 singles).

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Wednesday 15th May 2013 On the Rebound

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The true secret of giving advice is, after you have honestly given it, to be perfectly indifferent whether it is taken or not, and never persist in trying to set people right. –Hannah Whitall Smith, 1832-1911

Anger makes you smaller, while forgiveness forces you to grow beyond what you were. – Cherie Carter-Scott, 1949-present

Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated failures. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.

Calvin Coolidge

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

CIMG6891Remember, you can listen to the day’s story of the music whilst reading my blog by clicking this link.   1961, Floyd Cramer was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with ‘On The Rebound.’ The US singers only UK No.1. The Nashville pianist played on many Elvis Presley hits.

We had the most awful day yesterday for bad news. It started with one phone call at around 9am and then the second call came around midday. I really found the rest of the day quite difficult and you start a quick audit of your own life. It’s so easy to forget all the good things that we enjoy on a daily basis taking such things for granted as good health and wonderful family. I am still reappraising what happened yesterday and hoping all the people who have been affected by the events will find the strength to recover as quickly as possible from the shock which accompanies bad news.

Bad news for the Manchester City boss who has been sacked after finishing second in the Premier League and runners-up in the FA Cup this season after last season’s heroics. This is making a farce of football management. In the same breath poor Wigan are down into the Championship after losing to Arsenal. What a difference a couple of days make after winning the FA Cup. It’s a topsy turvy world with very little attention to loyalty.

I love making my podcasts especially where there is a trail to follow. There is so much information now available on the internet that it is easier to spot the real deal. What started out yesterday as information on one group turned very quickly in another direction. I ended up with a very interesting podcast.

CIMG7361Tuesday the 14th of May marked the second Tuesday of the odd month, which means that bottled gas prices were revised once again, this time reaching the anticipated maximum rate of 17,50 per bottle.

The bi-monthly review will still continue, although the price has now reached the ceiling set by the government, which will remain for the immediate future, whereas prices can now only go down, should the market value dictate.

As we previously reported, the price of butane gas bottles is set to continue to increase for the next few months, with a target of reaching 17.50 euro per refill in May, a figure which will be the ceiling on the price for the future, as part of the government’s plans for “liberalisation of the sector”. The ceiling will act as a limiter for the industry, and will mean that increases are absorbed by the company, who can claim back their losses once the wholesale price drops, as there will now be a bi-monthly review of the price, on the second Tuesday of the odd months  SpanishVida

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CIMG7376Dear Resident of La Nucia,

La Nucía currently has 19.500 inhabitants who are registered on the community‘s Padrón (city roll). Estimates assume however, that this number is significantly higher, nearly 30.000 persons. For this reason, La Nucía suffers a loss of 1.1 million Euros per year.

Based on the last official census of the INE (Instituto Nacional de Estadística) from January 1, 2012 (19.135 inhabitants), La Nucía receives government grants of approximately 3.3 million Euros per year. At  22. 500 inhabitants, this government grant will increases to 701. 820 Euros per year, and at 25.000 inhabitants it will increase to1.1 million Euros. In this situation, La Nucía could significantly improve municipal services and to lower taxes.

In practice, the ‘empadronamiento’ is your key to becoming a member of your Spanish community.  The local Padrón provides innumerable benefits as social services, education, street cleaning, police services, etc.  It is therefore in the city’s best interest and yours really, for optimum service levels.  The more people registered, the more services we’ll get.

If you have any questions or doubts, please come along to the Municipal Information Desk for Foreigners in La Nucía. We have a multi-linguistic staff that will serve your language. The office is located in the
Extensión Administrativa in C/Barbados, 1, La Nucía (roundabout number 5, behind Mercadona Supermarket).

Attached you will find a link to La Nucía TV, about our press conference on Friday, May 10th with the Mayor of La Nucía, Bernabé Cano and the Dutch Consul Eric Durieux.

IF YOU ARE NOT REGISTERED YET, THEN DO IT NOW!

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CIMG7364My inconclusive travel plans 2012

I have been in many places, but I’ve never been in Cahoots. Apparently, you can’t go alone. You have to be in Cahoots with someone.

I’ve also never been in Cognito. I hear no one recognizes you there.

I have, however, been in Sane. They don’t have an airport; you have to be
driven there. I have made several trips there, thanks to my friends, family
and work.

I would like to go to Conclusions, but you have to jump, and I’m not too
much on physical activity anymore.

I have also been in Doubt. That is a sad place to go, and I try not to visit
there too often.

I’ve been in Flexible, but only when it was very important to stand firm.

Sometimes I’m in Capable, and I go there more often as I’m getting older.

One of my favorite places to be is in Suspense! It really gets the adrenalin
flowing and pumps up the old heart! At my age I need all the stimuli I can
get!

I may have been in Continent, and I don’t remember what country I was in.
It’s an age thing.

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A LOVE STORY FOR GOLFERS

An elderly couple was having dinner one evening when the husband reached across the table, took his wife’s hand in his and said, “Martha, soon we will be married 50 years, and there’s something I have to know. In all of these 50 years, have you ever been unfaithful to me?”

Martha replied, “Well Henry, I have to be honest with you. Yes, I’ve been unfaithful to you three times during these 50 years, but always for a good reason.”

Henry was obviously hurt by his wife’s confession, but said, “I never suspected. Can you tell me what you mean by ‘good reasons’?”

Martha said, “The very first time was shortly after we were married, and we were about to lose our little house because we couldn’t pay the mortgage. Do you remember that one evening I went to see the banker and the next day he notified you that the loan would be extended?”

Henry recalled the visit to the banker and said, “I can forgive you for that. You saved our home, but what about the second time?”

Martha asked, “And do you remember when you were so sick, but we didn’t have the money to pay for the heart surgery you needed? Well, I went to see your doctor one night and, if you recall, he did the surgery at no charge.”

“I recall that,” said Henry. “And you did it to save my life, so of course I can forgive you for that. Now tell me about the third time.”

“All right,” Martha said. “So do you remember when you ran for president of your golf club, and you needed 73 more votes?”

 

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Events 15th May

1602 – Cape Cod was discovered by Bartholomew Gosnold. He almost got battered finding the plaice!1768 – Under the Treaty of Versailles, France purchased Corsica from Genoa. How did the Corsicans feel about this?

1856 – Lyman Frank Baum, author of “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” was born. Wasn’t the road where he lived yellow and brick?

1926 – Roald Amundsen and Lincoln Ellsworth were forced down in Alaska after a four-day flight over an icecap. Ice had begun to form on the dirigible Norge. I’d have wanted to land also1930 – Ellen Church became the first airline stewardess. Thank the Lord1940 – Nylon stockings went on sale for the first time in the U.S. Men were driven wild…1941 – Joe DiMaggio began his historic major league baseball hitting streak of 56 games. He had someone nice to go home to…

1948 – Israel was attacked by Transjordan, Egypt, Syria, Iraq and Lebanon only hours after declaring its independence. You’d wonder how Israel has survived

1957 – Britain dropped its first hydrogen bomb on Christmas Island in the Pacific Ocean. Ugh!

1958 – Sputnik III, the first space laboratory, was launched in the Soviet Union.Wow

1970 – U.S. President Nixon appointed America’s first two female generals. They were obviously good at what they did

1970 – Phillip Lafayette Gibbs and James Earl Green, two black students at Jackson State University in Mississippi, were killed when police opened fire during student protests.Very sad

1972 – Alabama Gov. George C. Wallace was shot by Arthur Bremer in Laurel, MDwhile campaigning for the U.S. presidency. Wallace was paralyzed by the shot.It certainly is a dangerous occupation

1988 – The Soviet Union began their withdrawal of its 115,000 troops from Afghanistan. Soviet forces had been there for more than eight years. Good -they could not afford to keep their troops in the country

1990 – Vincent Van Gogh’s “Portrait of Doctor Gachet” was sold for $82.5 million. The sale set a new world record.Pardon?

1997 – The Space shuttle Atlantis blasted off on a mission to deliver urgently needed repair equipment and a fresh American astronaut to Russia’s orbiting Mir station.Just another day at the office

 Imagine

Music Events May 15th

1959, Elvis Presley scored his fourth No.1 on the UK singles chart with ‘A Fool Such As I / I Need Your Love Tonight.’ His first ballad to hit No.1. Not my favourites

1961, Floyd Cramer was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with ‘On The Rebound.’ The US singers only UK No.1. The Nashville pianist played on many Elvis Presley hits.One of my favourite numbers

1967, The Jimi Hendrix Experience played two shows in Berlin, West Germany.It was a good place to get experience
1967, Paul McCartney met American photographer Linda Eastman for the first time, during a Georgie Fame concert at the Bag O’Nails nightclub in London, England. They married on March 12, 1969.Linda was a nice lady

1968, George Harrison and Ringo Starr attended the premiere of ‘Wonderwall’ at the Cannes Film Festival. An oasis link?

1969, John Lennon’s ‘Life With The Lions’ was released on Apple’s avant-garde imprint Zapple. One side of the album was recorded on a cassette player at London’s Queen Charlotte Hospital during Yoko Ono’s pregnancy which ended in a miscarriage. What a guy!
1971, Crosby Stills Nash & Young scored their second US No.1 album with ’4 Way Street.‘Good music

1973, Bob Marley and The Wailers played the first of four sold-out nights at the Speakeasy in London, England as part of their Catch A Fire Tour.I love their music

1976, The Rolling Stones went to No.1 on the US album chart with ‘Black And Blue’, the group’s sixth US No.1 album.
1977, Procol Harum played their last ever concert when they appeared at New York’s academy of music.Did they turn cartwheels in the air?

1981, Former Sex Pistol John Lydon’s band Public Image Ltd performed a show at New York’s Ritz Club posing behind a video screen while the music was played from tapes. They were showered with missiles and eventually booed off stage.I’m sorry but I hated their music and everything they stood for

1982, This years Eurovision Song Contest winner for Germany ‘A Little Peace’ by Nicole was at No.1 on the UK singles chart. Her only UK Top 40 hit.Nice song

1982, Stevie Wonder and Paul McCartney started a seven week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with ‘Ebony And Ivory’. The song gave McCartney his 24th US No.1 as a songwriter. The title was inspired by McCartney hearing Spike Milligan say “black notes, white notes, and you need to play the two to make harmony folks!”. It was later named as the tenth worst song of all time by Blender magazine and in 2007 was named the worst duet in history by BBC 6 Music listeners.It just shows the difference between those buying music and those criticising

1991, Manic Street Preacher guitarist Richey Edwards carved ’4 real’ into his arm with a razor blade while being interviewed by music paper The NME.Idiot

1992, Barbara Lee of the Chiffons died from a heart attack the day before her 45th birthday. Had the 1963 US No.1 single ‘He’s So Fine.’ I loved that song

1993, Janet Jackson started a eight week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with ‘That’s The Way Love Goes’, her sixth US No.1, a No.2 hit in the UK. I don’t remember the song

1993, New Order went to No.1 on the UK album chart with ‘Republic’, featuring the singles ‘Regret’ and ‘World (The Price Of Love).I prefer Blue Monday

1994, Blur scored their first UK No.1 album with ‘Parklife’, which went on to spend over two years on the chart. The album featured four UK hit singles: ‘Girls & Boys’, ‘End of a Century’, ‘Parklife’ and ‘To the End’. Parklife is my favourite

1995, Supergrass released their debut studio album ‘I Should Coco’. The album which peaked at No.1 on the UK chart featured their No.2 hit single ‘Alright’. The album title is Cockney rhyming slang for “I should think so”. Does it rhyme?

1997, Oasis became one of the first artists to attempt to exert censorship over the Internet. The group were working with Sony to put an end to unofficial websites carrying lyrics, sound files and photographs of the band. It’s quite funny to see rebels becoming establishment in their actions
1998, American singer and actor Frank Sinatra died at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles aged 82, after suffering a heart attack. Sinatra had his first hit in 1940, working in the Swing era with Harry James and Tommy Dorsey, won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in the 1953 film From Here to Eternity. He went on to score over 25 Top 40 singles including the 1966 No.1 ‘Strangers In The Night’. His 1969 single ‘My Way’, re-entered the UK charts eight times and spent a total of 165 weeks on the UK chart. The man was a legend and I was a big fan of his music

1999, Rob Gretton manager of Joy Division and New Order died aged 46. He was also a partner in Factory Records, proprietor of the Rob’s Records label and a co-founder along with Tony Wilson of The Hacienda nightclub in Manchester, England. A very influential man

2000, Songwriter Geoff Goddard died aged 62. Wrote ‘Johnny Remember Me’, and played keyboards on The Tornadoes.1962 No.1 hit ‘Telstar’. Wrote songs for Heinz, Mike Berry, The Outlaws, Freddie Starr and Screaming Lord Sutch.  This song was a great favourite of mine and John Leyton has been on my show
2000, It was reported that Britney Spears had been crowned the queen of America’s fastest growing youth movement, the teenage celibates. Spears told a German magazine that she intended to abstain from sex until her wedding night. OK. That’s her decision
2001, Brian Pendleton of The Pretty Things died of cancer aged 57, (1964 UK No.10 single ‘Don’t Bring Me Down’). The bands 1974 album Silk Torpedo was the first album release on Led Zeppelin’s own label Swan Song.Not my music but….

2003, Country singer June Carter Cash, the second wife of Johnny Cash died in Nashville, Tennessee, of complications following heart valve replacement surgery, aged 73. Member of the Carter Family, had hits with Johnny Cash, including Grammy Award winning song, ‘Jackson’, ‘Ring Of Fire’, (which she co-wrote about their courtship), and ‘If I Were A Carpenter.’  Good singer

2008, Neil Diamond reached the top of the US Billboard album chart for the first time in his career with ‘Home Before Dark’ the 67-year-old’s 29th studio album. His previous highest chart position was in 1973 when the soundtrack to the film Jonathan Livingston Seagull peaked at No.2. At the age of 67, Diamond became the oldest artist to have a US number one, the record was previously held by Bob Dylan in 2006 with ‘Modern Times’ released when he was 65.I do like his music

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Born on this day

1918,  Eddy Arnold, US country singer, (1965 US No.6 single, ‘Make The World Go Away’).

1937,  Trini Lopez, singer, songwriter, (1963 US No.3 & UK No.4 single ‘If I Had A Hammer’).

1944, Ian Amey, (Tich), Dave Dee, Dozey, Beaky, Mick and Tich, (1968 UK No.1 single, ‘Legend Of Xanadu’).

1948, Brian Eno, synthesisers, Roxy Music, (1972 UK No.4 single ‘Virginia Plain’). Member of The Winkies, produced U2, Talking Heads, David Bowie, John Cale and released solo albums., 1975.

1951,  Dennis Fredericksen, vocals, Toto, (1983 US No.1 & UK No.3 single ‘Africa’).

1953,  Mike Oldfield, UK composer, multi-instrumentalist, ‘Tubular Bells’ was the first album released on the Virgin record label in 1973 and went on to sell over 10 million copies world-wide. 1976 UK No. 3 single ‘Portsmouth’ plus 20 other UK Top 40 albums.

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Tuesday 14th May 2013 The Man who taught the Beatles to Rock n Roll

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The true secret of giving advice is, after you have honestly given it, to be perfectly indifferent whether it is taken or not, and never persist in trying to set people right. –Hannah Whitall Smith, 1832-1911

Anger makes you smaller, while forgiveness forces you to grow beyond what you were. – Cherie Carter-Scott, 1949-present

Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated failures. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.

Calvin Coolidge

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CIMG6891Remember, you can listen to the day’s story of the music whilst reading my blog by clicking this link.  1960, The Silver Beats (John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Stu Sutcliffe, and Tommy Moore) performed at Lathom Hall, Seaforth, Liverpool. They played a few songs during the “interval” to audition for promoter Brian Kelly. Also appearing are Cliff Roberts & the Rockers, The Deltones, and Kingsize Taylor & the Dominoes. This is the only occasion on which the group uses the name “Silver Beats”, quickly changing it back to “Silver Beetles”.

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CIMG7316I tend to have the soaps on in the house but I’m working on my computer with others avidly watching the advice given in 30 minute dollops by the various actors. I keep a watching eye so that I can have a moan on my blog! For example…….every time there is a problem there is an excuse to drink. The recession doesn’t seem to have affected the soaps as yet. I don’t think many have lost their job and the booze flows freely in almost every scene.  Every time there’s a problem they suggest the remedy is to get, as they put it in the soaps, bladdered.

CIMG7338I don’t always believe you should get too serious about the soaps but I do believe they should be taken seriously. Yes, there is a difference. Why should I say this? Why should there be a little advert at the end of each serious issue addressed which says……”If you have been affected by any of the issues raised call the following number….”  You can’t have your cake and eat it. If you add these riders to the bottom of these programmes then the producers feel they should be taken seriously. However, whenever the question is asked, “Do the soaps promote the ills of society or reflect the ills of society?” the producers will try to say they reflect the problems. Personally, I think even if they reflect the problems  they certainly promote a bigger reaction to an existing problem. The public is being brainwashed but in an extremely subtle way.

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CIMG7383This is something we should all read at least once a week!!!!! 

Written by Regina Brett, 90 years old, of the Plain Dealer, Cleveland , Ohio .

“To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most requested column I’ve ever written.

My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:

1. Life isn’t fair, but it’s still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short – enjoy it..

4. Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and family will.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don’t have to win every argument. Stay true to yourself.

7. Cry with someone. It’s more healing than crying alone.

8. It’s OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won’t screw up the present.

12. It’s OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don’t compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn’t be in it..

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye But don’t worry; God never blinks.

16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

17. Get rid of anything that isn’t useful. Clutter weighs you down in many ways.

18. Whatever doesn’t kill you really does make you stronger.

19. It’s never too late to be happy. But it’s all up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don’t take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don’t save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don’t wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words ‘In five years, will this matter?’

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive but don’t forget.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Don’t take yourself so seriously. No one else does..

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn’t do.

35. Don’t audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

36. Growing old beats the alternative — dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood.

38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else’s, we’d grab ours back.

41. Envy is a waste of time. Accept what you already have not what you need.

42. The best is yet to come…

43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

44. Yield.

45. Life isn’t tied with a bow, but it’s still a gift.”

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Events 14th May

1264 – King Henry III was captured by his brother in law Simon deMontfort at the Battle of Lewes in France. Nice family1509 – In the Battle of Agnadello, French defeated Venitians in Northern Italy. Blinded?1610 – French King Henri IV (Henri de Navarre) was assassinated by a fanatical monk, François Ravillac. Friend of Rasputin1643 – Louis XIV became King of France at age 4 upon the death of his father, Louis XIII. He never signed any papers til he’d had his Farleys1727 – Thomas Gainsborough was born. He was an English painter. and a good one

 

1796 – The first smallpox vaccination was given by Edward Jenner. Wonderful

1811 – Paraguay gained independence from Spain. Muy bien

1853 – Gail Borden applied for a patent for condensed milk. I love this shaken in the can and poured on strawberries

1878 – The name Vaseline was registered by Robert A. Chesebrough. A fabulous product

1879 – Thomas Edison incorporated the Edison Telephone Company of Europe. That name rings a bell

1897 – “The Stars and Stripes Forever” by John Phillip Sousa was performed for the first time. It was at a ceremony where a statue of George Washington was unveiled.Been on the American charts ever since

1897 – Guglielmo Marconi made the first communication by wireless telegraph.Wonderful

1940 – The Netherlands surrendered to Nazi Germany. The Germans gained an army of sit up and beg bikes

1948 – Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion proclaimed the independent State of Israel as British rule in Palestine came to an end.

1973 – Skylab One was launched into orbit around Earth as the first U.S. manned space station. Wonderful…keeping an eye on us

1985 – The first McDonald’s restaurant became the first fast-food business museum. It is located in Des Plaines, IllinoisDidn’t they do well?

1988 – In the Andean village of Cayara, Peru’s military was involved in a massacre of at least 26 peasants. Horrible example of humanity-it’s everywhere

1992 – Former Soviet President Mikhail S. Gorbachev addressed members of the U.S.Congress, appealing to them to pass a bill to aid the people of the former Soviet Union.Good

1996 – A tornado hit 80 villages in nothern Bangladesh. More than 440 people were killed. These events have always happened.

 

 Imagine

Music Events May 14th

1957, Elvis Presley was rushed to a Los Angles hospital after swallowing a porcelain cap from one of his front teeth, which then lodged its-self in one of his lungs.He must have been scared stiff

1960, The Silver Beats (John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Stu Sutcliffe, and Tommy Moore) performed at Lathom Hall, Seaforth, Liverpool. They played a few songs during the “interval” to audition for promoter Brian Kelly. Also appearing are Cliff Roberts & the Rockers, The Deltones, and Kingsize Taylor & the Dominoes. This is the only occasion on which the group uses the name “Silver Beats”, quickly changing it back to “Silver Beetles”. Kingsize Taylor has been on my show and we have a great podcast with him

1963, The Beatles appeared at The Rink Ballroom, Sunderland, England. 1967, gigs around the UK; Jimi Hendrix played at the Elizabethan Ballroom in Manchester, The Bee Gees appeared at The Beachcomber in Nottingham and Alan Price played at the Coatham Hotel in Redcar.   Nice background
1969, During a UK tour, Fairport Conventions van crashed on the M1 motorway on the way home from a gig in Birmingham killing the group’s 19 year-old drummer Martin Lamble and Richard Thompson’s girlfriend Jeannie Franklyn.Another very sad story from the world of pop

1976, 33 year old Keith Relf, former lead singer for The Yardbirds, was electrocuted while tuning a guitar which was not properly earthed. The accident happened in his West London home where he was found by his eight year old son, still holding the plugged-in electric guitar. The Yardbirds had the hits ‘For Your Love’, ‘Heart Full of Soul’, and ‘Shapes of Things’.  This was awful for everyone but especially for his poor son
1977, Leo Sayer went to No.1 on the US singles chart with the Albert Hammond and Carole Bayer Sager song ‘When I Need You’, the singers second US No.1, also No.1 in the UK.Lovely song and nice singer

1983, Spandau Ballet scored their first and only UK No.1 album with ‘True.’ The title track from the album spent four weeks at No.1 on the UK singles charts and reached No.2 in the US. Other singles from the album included ‘Gold’ (a No.2 UK hit and a Top 30 hit in the U.S.), ‘Lifeline’, and ‘Communication’.  Great song
1988, Led Zeppelin reunited for the Atlantic Records 40th anniversary party at Madison Square Garden, New York, appearing with Jason Bonham the son of John Bonham on drums. Other acts performing included Foreigner, Crosby, Stills and Nash, Genesis, Emerson Lake and Palmer, Wilson Pickett and Ben E. King. I’d love to have been at that gig
1993, During an auction at Christies in London the acoustic guitar that Elvis Presley used to make his first recordings in 1954, ‘That’s All Right Mama’ and ‘Blue Moon of Kentucky’ sold for £130,285, ($152,000). And four ‘Super Hero’, Costumes worn by the group Kiss sold for £20,000, ($35,385).There’s certainly good money in pop memorabilia

1994, Scottish band Stiltskin were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with ‘Inside’. The song had been used on a Levi’s TV Jeans commercial. The bands only No.1 and only Top 30 hit. Instantly forgetable

1998, George Michael was fined £500 after being convicted of a “lewd act” in a Los Angeles lavatory. The Los Angeles court also ordered him to undergo psychological counselling and carry out 80 hours community service. How weird that such a talent be in this situation
2000, Madison Avenue went to No.1 on the UK singles chart with, ‘Don’t Call Me Baby’. They were the first Australian group to have a UK No.1 since Men At Work in 1983. a very good, bouncy song

2000, Tom Jones was at No.1 on the UK album chart with ‘Reload’ making the singer the oldest artist to score a UK No.1 album with new material. I saw him live in the Bullring at Benidorm and he was fantastic

2004, Phil Spector was arrested after getting into a scuffle with his chauffeur at his California mansion. The 64 year old record producer was taken into custody and later released after a court date was set. His has been an unusual ending to his career

2006, Red Hot Chili Peppers started a two-week run at No.1 on the UK album chart with ‘Stadium Arcadium’ the bands ninth studio album, also a US No.1.  Fair enough

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Born on this day

1936, Bobby Darin, (1959 US & UK No.1 single ‘Mack The Knife’, plus 20 other US Top 40 hits). He died on 20th December 1973.

1943,Jack Bruce, bass, vocals, Graham Bond Organization, John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, Manfred Mann, Cream, (1967 UK No.11 single ‘I Feel Free’, 1968 US No.5 single ‘Sunshine Of Your Love’). West, Bruce and Laing.
1946, Gene Cornish, The Young Rascals, (1967 US No.1 and UK No.8 single ‘Groovin’).

1946,  Lek LecKenby, guitar, Herman’s Hermits, (1964 UK No.1 single ‘I’m Into Something Good’, 1965 US No.1 single ‘Mrs Brown You’ve Got A Lovely Daughter’). He died on 4th June 1994.

1947, Al Ciner, American Breed, (1967 US No.5 & UK No. 24 single ‘Bend Me, Shape Me’). Three Dog Night, (1970 UK No.3 & US No.1 single ‘Mama Told Me Not To Come’).
No.19 single ‘Would’).

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Monday 13th May 2013 Witchcraft

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The true secret of giving advice is, after you have honestly given it, to be perfectly indifferent whether it is taken or not, and never persist in trying to set people right. –Hannah Whitall Smith, 1832-1911

Anger makes you smaller, while forgiveness forces you to grow beyond what you were. – Cherie Carter-Scott, 1949-present

Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated failures. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.

Calvin Coolidge

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CIMG6891Remember, you can listen to the day’s story of the music whilst reading my blog by clicking this link.  1971, On his twenty- first birthday Stevie Wonder received all his childhood earnings. Despite having earned $30 million so far, he received only $1 million.

 

It was quite strange watching BBC News last night. They were reporting from north of Benidorm where the Guardia Civil had just arrested a dangerous British fugitive. It was surreal but it was great to see this arrest. I was busy yesterday morning making the weekly podcast with Neil Colbourne.  In the Uk last week we saw the pageantry and splendour of the State Opening of Parliament which the Queen handled impeccably. It’s easy to see how England is respected abroad. The uniforms were brilliant. The coach was magnificent and the Queen impressive. I was less impressed that Camilla is now in the fold and seen on her throne. How quickly the world forgets. Sorry, but I still am a Diana fan.

CIMG7317Legendary soccer manager Sir Alex Ferguson has retired after a wonderful career. It’s just a pity that the amount of time and media space was given to another football story at the expense of the brave mariners who brought food safely across the Antarctic waters. I think even Alex Ferguson might have been embarrassed by this lack of apprpropriateness.

A sex offender teacher was spotted acting in EastEnders by his former pupils, it was claimed. Rob Turner, 39 – a former music teacher who admitted sexual activity with a young girl at Basildon Crown Court in Essex four years ago – said he was on the popular BBC soap for six months.An EastEnders spokesman said its supporting actors are booked through agencies that have undergone an approval process with the BBC. All this whilst the BBC celebrities scandal rolls on. It also makes me want to look at which of the BBC hierarchy was in charge of making such checks. I have a feeling there is a lot still to emerge from the BBC.

CIMG7361In Spain, thousands of students and teachers took to the streets to in protest against educational reforms. I don’t think anyone can be surprised at this. The young people of Spain need jobs. Why not revive areas where agriculture has been diminished? People need to eat. This will provide work.  Soaring unemployment has driven a record number of Spaniards to leave the country with Germany proving a star attraction.

Finally, Prince Harry has never been one to stand on ceremony and as he played a game of sitting volleyball today, Prince Harry fell flat on his back with a decidedly unroyal hoot of laughter. The prince was opening the 2013 Warrior Games in Colorado Springs on the third day of his so far hugely successful US tour.

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Events 13th May

1648 – Margaret Jones of Plymouth was found guilty of witchcraft and was sentenced to be hanged by the neck.They didn’t muck about in those days

1787 – Captain Arthur Phillip left Britain for Australia. He successfully landed eleven ships full of convicts on January 18, 1788, at Botany Bay. The group moved north eight days later and settled at Port Jackson.I’ll bet he was glad to see the back of his cargo1821 – The first practical printing press was patented in the U.S. by Samuel Rust. If he didn’t use it did he go rusty?

1846 – The U.S.declared that war already existed with Mexico.1861 – Britain declared its neutrality in the American Civil WarI’ll bet it wasn’t 100%

1865 – The last land engagement of the American Civil War was fought at the Battle of Palmito Ranch in far south Texas, more than a month after Gen. Lee’s surrender at Appomattox, VAA bit of afters?

1867 – Confederate President Jefferson Davis became a free man after spending two years in prison for his role in the American Civil War.

1888 – Slavery was abolished in Brazil. Good

1913 – Igor Sikorsky flew the first four engine aircraft.Great

1917 – Three peasant children near Fatima, Portugal, reported seeing a vision of the Virgin Mary. I want to visit Fatima

1940 – Winston Churchill made his first speech as the prime minister of Britain. Great man

1968 – Peace talks between the U.S. and North Vietnam began in Paris. Good

1981 – Pope John Paul II was shot and seriously wounded in St. Peter’s Square by Turkish assailant Mehmet Ali Agca. Bad news

1996 – In Bangladesh 600 people were killed by a tornado. Bad things have always happened

1998 – India did a second round of nuclear tests. The first round had been done 2 days earlier. Within hours the U.S. and Japan imposed tough economic sanctions. India claimed that the tests were necessary to maintain India’s national security.Ugh! 

 

 Imagine

Music Events May 13th

1957, Guy Mitchell was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with ‘Rock-A-Billy’, the singers fourth and final UK No.1. The Song gave its name to a music style – a mix of rock and country. There’s a huge fan base for Rockabilly music in Cornwall

1967, The Monkees second album ‘More Of The Monkees’, went to No.1 on the UK charts. In 1967 only four albums reached No.1; ‘The Sound Of Music’ which spent 17 weeks at No.1, The Beatles ‘Sgt Pepper’s’, 25 weeks at No.1 and The Monkees first and second albums spent 9 weeks at No.1. Were the Monkees really in such hallowed company?

1967, The Supremes scored their 10th US No.1 single with ‘The Happening’; it made No.6 in the UK. It was the last single to be released as the Supremes, from now on they were known as Diana Ross and the Supremes.I didn’t really get into this single

1970, The world premiere of The Beatles film ‘Let It Be’ took place in New York City.Hardly a classic
1971, On his twenty- first birthday Stevie Wonder received all his childhood earnings. Despite having earned $30 million so far, he received only $1 million. I may not be a mathmatician but……

1978, Boney M were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with ‘Rivers of Babylon’. The single stayed at the top of the charts for five weeks.Bit cheesey but a very popular song

1978, Yvonne Elliman went to No.1 on the US singles chart with the Gibb brothers song ‘If I Can’t Have You’. The song was featured in the film ‘Saturday Night Fever’; a No.4 hit in the UK. Great song
. 1988, Scottish band Fairground Attraction were at No.1 on the UK singles with ‘Perfect’. The group featured Eddi Reader who had previously worked as a backing singer with the Eurythmics and Sandie Shaw. ‘Perfect’ won the award for Best Single at the 1989 BRIT Awards.This was a cute little number

1989, Bon Jovi went to No.1 on the US singles chart with ‘I’ll Be There For You’, the group’s fourth US No.1, a No.18 hit in the UK. Good song

1989, Kylie Minogue was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with her second solo No.1 ‘Hand On Your Heart.’ The song was written and produced by Stock, Aitken & Waterman.Very contrived song

1989, Simple Minds went to No.1 on the UK album chart with ‘Street Fighting Years’, their fourth No.1 album. The album featured ‘Mandela Day’, ‘Belfast Child’ and ‘Biko’.Superb music

1996, Oasis became the fastest selling group in UK history after all 330,000 tickets for their summer shows sold out in just nine hours, the tickets for shows at Knebworth and Loch Lomand were priced at £22.50. Good music but always a bit depressing to my ears

2000, Shaun Ryder’s Volkswagen Corrado was found abandoned after being used as the getaway car. The former Happy Mondays singer’s car was used in an armed robbery on Harry Ramsden’s fish and chip restaurant in Manchester. £7,000 cash was taken in the robbery.Harry Ramsden’s-sounds a bit fishy!

‘. 2002, Dionne Warwick was arrested at Miami International Airport for possession of marijuana after authorities found 11 joints in a lipstick case in the singer’s hand luggage. The charges were dropped after she completed a drug program and made a contribution to charity.This is so sad as she has a wonderful voice

2003, Michael Jackson launched a court case suing Motown Records. Jacko filed the lawsuit in LA, saying he hadn’t been paid royalties due for the music he did with the Jackson Five in the 60s and 70s. The singer also claimed his music has been used in TV ads without his permission.I’m afraid I ama Michael Jackson sympathiser.

2007, Brian May was under 24-hour security watch after a deranged man announced he was setting off to murder him – then disappeared. Police were hunting for a schizophrenic who left a letter behind at his home blaming the Queen guitarist for his illness. In it the man – said May was an “impostor” and that HE was the real rock star. He signed the letter “Brian May.” What a worry for him. He is a superb musician

2008, The US Postal Service issued a 42-cent postage stamp in honor of Frank Sinatra. The design showed a 1950s-vintage image of Sinatra, wearing a hat.I’m a Sinatra fan

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Born on this day

1941,  Joe Brown, UK singer, actor, (1962 UK No.2 single ‘A Picture Of You’).

1941, Ritchie Valens, US singer, (1958 US No.2 and 1959 UK No.29 single ‘Donna’). Valens died on 3rd February 1959.

1943, Mary Wells, US singer, (1964 US No.1 & UK No.5 single ‘My Guy’, written by Smokey Robinson). Wells died of cancer on 26th July 1992. 1945,  Magic Dick, harmonica, The J Geils Band, (1982 US No.1 & UK No.3 single ‘Centerfold’).

1947, Overend Watts, bass, Mott The Hoople, (1972 UK No.3 and US No. 37 single ‘All The Young Dudes’).

1950, Danny Kirwan, Fleetwood Mac, (1969 UK No.1 single ‘Albatross’, left the band in 1972).

1950,Johnny Logan, Irish singer, (1980 UK No.1 single ‘What’s Another Year’).

1950,  Stevie Wonder, singer, songwriter, multi- instrumentalist, joined Motown in 61, 1963 US No.1 single, ‘Fingertips’, plus over 40 other US & UK Top 40 singles. 1976 US No.1 double album ‘Songs In The Key Of Life’.

1951,  Paul Thompson, drums, Roxy Music, (1972 UK No.4 single ‘Virginia Plain’ plus 15 other UK Top 40 singles).

 

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Sunday 12th May 2013 Nights on Broadway

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The true secret of giving advice is, after you have honestly given it, to be perfectly indifferent whether it is taken or not, and never persist in trying to set people right. –Hannah Whitall Smith, 1832-1911

Anger makes you smaller, while forgiveness forces you to grow beyond what you were. – Cherie Carter-Scott, 1949-present

Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated failures. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.

Calvin Coolidge

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CIMG6891Remember, you can listen to the day’s story of the music whilst reading my blog by clicking this link.   2004, Barry and Robin Gibb were both presented with honorary degrees from Manchester University. They also picked up a posthumous award for their brother Barry. The brothers had once lived in Manchester, England

Well done Wigan. There’s so much more to Wigan winning than just the scoreline. I love underdogs having their moment. I hate the way money tries to buy success. I like the Wigan Manager. I like the Wigan owner. I have to say I quite like Mancini but I like it when money is defeated. Sorry to my friends who are Man City supporters but money can’t buy me ……….everything!

CIMG7383Saturday is my day for making a podcast with Don Woods.  Don looks for what interests his lively mind and it is always an interesting half hour to see what has been trending. This is the new word for something in the news! There was a lad on the television who has worked out how to save a fortune on shopping-by using vouchers He is only 16… but what a character!  He goes on line and anywhere he can get discount vouchers he gets them and in one instance he reduced a shopping bill from £104 to £1.30.

We discussed Jimmy Tarbuck who has allegedly historically sexually assaulted some bloke in the seventies. Don thinks this is all getting very silly and out of hand because no charges have been made yet (as usual). Even the speaker in Parliament has been accused of raping two men IN THEIR TWENTIES. He said he was socialising with one of his accusers just last week.

We also looked at the balance in the presentation of news as events are taking place in the UK celebrating the war heroes who are still around….the North Atlantic convoys who took supplies to the Russians dodging U-Boats is one point of reference where many lives were lost and, at last,  the bravery of these men is now being recognised and the few survivors are being airtime on television.  To spoil this occasion there is mass coverage of Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement.

CIMG7370There has been a tragic speedboat accident in the West Country when a man was thrown out of the boat which then went out of control and circled around at high speed…killing him and a young girl…the other passengers were rescued but are in a bad way….This has happened because anyone can get in a boat and put to sea. It should all be licenced like cars…and you should have to take a test by law.  Whatever your thoughts on these topics I think you’ll find the podcast interesting.

WHY MEN ARE SELDOM DEPRESSED:
Men Are Just Happier People — What do you expect from such simple creatures?

Your last name stays put.

The garage is all yours. Wedding plans take care of themselves. Chocolate is just another snack. You can be President. You can never be pregnant. You can wear a white T-shirt to a water park. You can wear NO shirt to a water park. Car mechanics tell you the truth. The world is your urinal. You never have to drive to another Petrol station lavvie because this one is just too icky. You don’t have to stop and think of which way to turn a nut on a bolt. Same work, more pay.

Wrinkles add character. Wedding dress £2500. Morning suit rental-£125. People never stare at your chest when you’re talking to them. New shoes don’t cut, blister, or mangle your feet.   One mood all the  time.   Phone conversations are over in 30 seconds flat.  You know stuff about tanks.  A five-day vacation requires only one suitcase. You can open all your own jars.  You get extra credit for the slightest act of thoughtfulness.  If someone forgets to invite you, He or she can still be your friend.   Your underwear is £4.95 for a three-pack.

Three pairs of shoes are more than enough. You almost never have strap problems in public. You are unable to see wrinkles in your clothes. Everything on your face stays its original colour. The same hairstyle lasts for years, maybe decades. You only have to shave your face and neck.  You can play with toys all your life.  One wallet and one pair of shoes — one colour for all seasons.  You can wear shorts no matter how your legs look.  You can ‘do’ your nails with a pocket knife.  You have freedom of choice concerning growing a moustache.   You can do Christmas shopping for 25 relatives On December 24 in 25 minutes.  No wonder men are happier.

NICKNAMES
·          If Laura, Kate and Sarah go out for lunch, they will call each other Laura, Kate and Sarah.
·          If Mike, Dave and John go out, they will affectionately refer to each other as Fat Boy, Bubba and Wildman .

EATING OUT
·          When the bill arrives, Mike, Dave and John will each throw in £20, even though it’s only for £38.50.  None of them will have anything smaller and none will actually admit they want change back.
·          When the girls get their bill, out come the pocket calculators.

MONEY
·          A man will pay £2 for a £1 item he needs.
·          A woman will pay £1 for a £2 item that she doesn’t need but it’s on sale.

BATHROOMS
·          A man has six items in his bathroom: toothbrush and toothpaste, shaving cream, razor, a bar of soap, and a towel.
·          The average number of items in the typical woman’s bathroom is 337.  A man would not be able to identify more than 20 of these items.

ARGUMENTS
·          A woman has the last word in any argument.
·          Anything a man says after that is the beginning of a new argument.

FUTURE
·          A woman worries about the future until she gets a husband.
·          A man never worries about the future until he gets a wife.

MARRIAGE
·          A woman marries a man expecting he will change, but he doesn’t.
·          A man marries a woman expecting that she won’t change, but she does.

DRESSING UP
·          A woman will dress up to go shopping, water the plants, empty the trash, answer the phone, read a book, and get the mail.
·          A man will dress up for weddings and funerals.

NATURAL
·          Men wake up as good-looking as they went to bed.
·          Women somehow deteriorate during the night.

OFFSPRING
·          Ah, children.  A woman knows all about her children.  She knows about dentist appointments and romances, best friends, favourite foods, secret fears and hopes and dreams.
·          A man is vaguely aware of some short people living in the house.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
A married man should forget his mistakes.  There’s no use in two people remembering the same thing!

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Now to even up the Balance Sheet….Here’s the other side of the coin but were these words composed by a male or a female?

Very important female words

(1) Fine : This is the word women use to end an argument when they are right and you need to shut up.

(2) Five Minutes: If she is getting dressed, this means a half an hour. Five minutes is only five minutes if you have just been given five more minutes to watch the game before helping around the house.

(3) Nothing : This is the calm before the storm. This means something, and you should be on your toes. Arguments that begin with nothing usually end in fine.

(4) Go Ahead: This is a dare, not permission. Don’t Do It!

(5) Loud Sigh: This is actually a word, but is a non-verbal statement often misunderstood by men. A loud sigh means she thinks you are an idiot and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you about nothing. (Refer back to # 3 for the meaning of nothing.)

(6) That’s Okay: This is one of the most dangerous statements a women can make to a man. That’s okay means she wants to think long and hard before deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake.

(7) Thanks : A woman is thanking you, do not question, or faint. Just say you’re welcome. (I want to add in a clause here – This is true, unless she says ‘Thanks a lot’ – that is PURE sarcasm and she is not thanking you at all. DO NOT say ‘you’re welcome’.. That will bring on a ‘whatever’).

(8) Whatever : Is a woman’s way of saying…Go to Hell…

(9) Don’t worry about it, I got it : Another dangerous statement, meaning this is something that a woman has told a man to do several times, but is now doing it herself. This will later result in a man asking ‘What’s wrong?’ For the woman’s response refer to # 3.

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CIMG7322Spanish News

…said to be as a direct result of the industrial action by teachers this week, the Spanish government has halted the anticipated approval of the Organic Law for the Improvement of Educational Quality, known as “Lomce”, but commonly called “Wert Law” after the education minister, José Ignacio Wert, to allow more time to “assess” the implications. Only the ruling PP members supported the legislation, with all opposition parties refusing to back it, but the overall majority of the PP would allow them to pass the legislation without approval. The laws were intended to save money, restructuring of core and optional subjects, as well as the testing of students, penalties for poor performance and less autonomy at a local level with a greater centralisation of education.

The PSOE have signed a proposition in Congress requesting that the Spanish government pass a law that abolishes the provision of luxury cars for the management of Spanish airport authority AENA, rather than continue with increasing rates for airport services, laying off workers and charging for luggage trolleys. At the moment, there are 24 company vehicles used by senior managers, each costing between 7,000 and 20,000 euro per year. In addition, just a month ago, around the time the announcement to charge for luggage trolleys was made, an Audi Q3 was obtained for the new finance director, which will cost 940 euro per month for five years of the renting, adding more than 58,200 euro in costs to the public purse, and on top of that, a 300 euro fuel allowance must be added for each of the executives. Collectively, this may seem something of an insult to the 1,300 workers they plan to lay off, as well as the 28% average increase in fees to airlines last year, 8% this year, and the euro per trolley fee to every passenger using the airport facilities.

The Guardia Civil has discovered an historic network that was responsible for 28 cases of babies being sold from Morocco, introduced illegally into Spain, where they began a new life albeit with faked documents. The investigation has implicated “several defendants”, although there have been no arrests.

A major military operation will begin on Monday the 13th of May, and continue for 11 days, with the Spanish Navy and 25 other state bodies working together to test their capacity for coordination in collaboration. The operation, known as MARSEC 13, will see various exercises taking place around the country, including off the coasts of Alicante, Cartagena and Almería. Eleven ships and 800 sailors will be taking part, as well as an amphibious assault craft and various other vehicles and aircraft, which will also include activities in preparation for dealing with incidents relating to illegal immigration, drug smuggling and marine conservation.

A 58 year old man suffered severe burns to his lips, tongue and throat, and a burst oesophagus, after he ingested acid which a friend had given to him, pretending it to be wine, as part of a revenge on a practical joke. The incident happened in a village near Granada this week, and witnesses stated that the liquid was very similar in appearance to wine, so no suspicions were raised. However, the liquid was a corrosive cleaning fluid used for cleaning metal objects in the bar. An investigation has been opened but the bar owner who served the drink admitted to the fact in revenge for a previous joke. Despite two weeks hospitalisation, the victim intends taking no further action, as their friendship is “stronger than the effects of one lousy drink”.

A 10 month old child was found dead in the cot in the Sierra Blanca college in Málaga. The child was sleeping under the supervision of one of the teachers, who first noticed that there was no movement and alerted emergency services. Emergency teams were quick to respond and managed to revive the basic vital signs, then transferring the baby to the Maternal and Child Hospital, where, “after further resuscitation attempts”, doctors could only certify the death. The causes of death will be ascertained by a post mortem examination and the school has issued a statement of condolence to the family.

A 60 year old man was arrested in Valencia on Thursday, after he approached two police vehicles, which were involved in activities relating to the control of street vending, but observed the man poor petrol over one of the vehicles and setting fire to the wheels, before fleeing the scene. The officers gave chase on foot and apprehended the 60 year old Spaniard, said to be a “known pyromaniac”, with a history of arson.   SpanishVida

 

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Events 12th May

1847 – William Clayton invented the odometer. Was this anything to do with speed?1888 – Charles Sherrill of the Yale track team became the first runner to use the crouching start for a fast break in a foot race. On your marks, get set….

1926 – The airship Norge became the first vessel to fly over the North Pole. What about flying saucers?

1926 – In Britain, a general strike by trade unions ended. The strike began on May 3, 1926. It involved the coal miners, the dockers and the railways and lasted 9 days.

1937 – Britain’s King George VI was crowned at Westminster Abbey. I’ll bet it was a grand ceremony

1940 – The Nazi conquest of France began with the German army crossing Muese River.The Brits would stop them though…..1949 – The Soviet Union announced an end to the Berlin Blockade. Good. A bit of Glasnost never hurt anyone

1965 – West Germany and Israel exchanged letters establishing diplomatic relations. Blessed are the peacemakers

1978 – The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced that they would no longer exclusively name hurricanes after women.Hurricane Percy?

1982 – In Fatima, Portugal, security guards overpowered a Spanish priest armed with a bayonet who was trying to reach Pope John Paul II. Holy moley!

1982 – South Africa unveiled a plan that would give voting rights to citizens of Asian and mixed-race descent, but not to blacks. How pathetic

1984 – South African prisoner Nelson Mandela saw his wife for the first time in 22 years. A truly inspirational leader was to emerge

1992 – Four suspects were arrested in the beating of trucker Reginald Denny at the start of the Los Angeles riots. We saw this on TV

2002 – Former U.S. President Carter arrived in Cuba for a visit with Fidel Castro. It was the first time a U.S. head of state, in or out of office, had gone to the island since Castro’s 1959 revolution. Muy bien

2003 – In Texas, fifty-nine Democratic lawmakers went into hiding over a dispute with Republican’s over a congressional redistricting plan. We didn’t hear much about this 

 

 Imagine

Music Events May 12th

1958, The Everly Brothers started a four-week run at No.1 in the US with ‘All I Have To Do Is Dream’, (the song was written in 15 minutes).I liked it then and I still sing it now

1961, The Beatles, in Hamburg, West Germany, signed a recording contract with producer Bert Kaempfert. That evening they played at The Top Ten Club, Reeperbahn, Hamburg.I wonder how much German they learned?

1962, Billboard Magazine reported that last year’s most-played jukebox record was ‘Big Bad John’ by Jimmy Dean. The second most-played was Chubby Checker’s ‘The Twist’.I made a great podcast withChubby Checker-it’s available on my website

1963, Bob Dylan walked out of rehearsals for the US TV Ed Sullivan show after being told he couldn’t perform ‘Talking John Birch Society Blues’ due to it mocking the US military. How society has changed
1964, The Beach Boys started a four week run at No.1 on the US album chart with ‘Beach Boys Concert’, the group’s first US No.1. I bought this…
1965, The Rolling Stones recorded ‘(I Can’t Get No), Satisfaction’ at RCA Hollywood studios. Keith Richards had come up with the guitar riff in the middle of the night a week earlier. It gave the band their first number 1 single in the US. Great guitar…but Mick does a great job witht the vocals

1967, ‘Are You Experienced’, the debut album by Jimi Hendrix was released in the UK. I didn’t buy it
1968, Jimi Hendrix was arrested by police on his way to Toronto for possession of hashish and heroin. Hendrix claimed the drugs had been planted on him.Oh really?
1968, Brian Jones made his final live appearance with The Rolling Stones when they appeared at the New Musical Express Poll Winners Concert at the Empire Pool, Wembley, England.I liked him

1969, Cliff Richard made a guest appearance on the UK children’s TV show, ‘Sooty’.I’ll bet Harry Corbett had a hand in the proceedings

1971, Rolling Stone Mick Jagger married Bianca Macias at St Tropez Town Hall. The guest list included the other members of the Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Eric Clapton and Stephen Stills. The couple separated in 1977.I wonder why John Lennon and George Harrison didn’t attend?

1974, The Kinks appeared at the University of California in Santa Barbara. I’ll bet they enjoyed it

1977, After being dropped by both EMI and A&M records in less than 6 months, Virgin records announced they had signed The Sex Pistols.Obviously, a good business manager was involved
1977, Led Zeppelin received the outstanding contribution to British music at the second Ivor Novello Awards held at the Grosvenor Hotel, London. Great tunes
1981, Meat Loaf filed for bankruptcy with debts of over $1 million.Eh?

1984, Lionel Richie started a two week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with ‘Hello’ his second US solo No.1, also a No.1 in the UK. Nice singer

1986, Joe Strummer of The Clash was banned from driving after being convicted of drink driving.Thoughtless whoever does it….

1990, Adamski started a four-week run at No.1 on the UK singles chart with ‘Killer’. The single featured Seal who remade the song under his own name, reaching the Top 10, the following year.Was Adamski Russian?

1996, 17-year-old Bernadette O’Brien died the day after being injured ‘body surfing’ at a Smashing Pumpkins gig at The Point, Dublin.Dreadful

2000, Thieves stole the gates to Strawberry Fields the Merseyside landmark immortalised by The Beatles song. The 10′ high iron gates were later found at local scrap metal dealers in Liverpool. I’ve stood next to those gates-they’d take some shifting!
2001, American singer and TV presenter Perry Como died aged 88. He scored fourteen US No.1 singles, from 150 US chart hits and over 25 UK chart hits, including the single ‘Magic Moments’ and ‘Catch A Falling Star.’ Como was once the highest-paid performer in the history of television.I liked his suave approach when I saw him during my formative years. I think my favourite song was Delaware

2001, Travis played a gig at singer’s Fran Healy’s local primary school at Weston Park, Crouch End, London. The 150 crowd paid a £1 entry fee to the summer fete.Nice

2002, Ronan Keating scored his third UK No.1 single with a song written by American country artist Garth Brooks ‘If Tomorrow Never Comes’. A fabulous song and well sung for the hit

2004, Barry and Robin Gibb were both presented with honorary degrees from Manchester University. They also picked up a posthumous award for their brother Barry. The brothers had once lived in Manchester, England. I don’t really like the honorary degree but I think the Bee Gees would be as deserving as anyone
2008, Singer-songwriter Neil Young had a spider named after him. US university biologist Jason Bond discovered a new species of trapdoor spider and decided to name it after his favourite musician. Myrmekiaphila neilyoungi was found in Jefferson County, Alabama, in 2007. Did it have a heart of gold?

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Born on this day

1928, , Burt Bacharach, US songwriter, pianist and arranger. With Hal David wrote many classic songs including, ‘Close To You’, ’24 Hours From Tulsa’, ‘Make It Easy On Yourself’, ‘Magic Moments’, ‘I Say A Little Prayer’. Won two Oscars for film score ‘Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid’, for ‘Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head’.
1940,  Norman Whitfield, American songwriter and producer, best known for his work with Berry Gordy’s Motown. Collaborated with Barrett Strong on such hits as ‘I Heard It through the Grapevine’, ‘Ain’t Too Proud to Beg’, ‘(I Know) I’m Losing You’, ‘Cloud Nine’, ‘War’, ‘Papa Was a Rolling Stone’ and ‘Car Wash’.

1942, Ian Dury, singer, songwriter, poet, actor, (1977 UK No.5 album ‘New Boots And Panties!!’ spent 90 weeks on the UK chart,1979 UK No.1 single ‘Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick’). Dury died on 27th March 2000 aged 57.

1944,  Billy Swan, US singer, (1974 US No.1 & 1975 UK No.6 single ‘I Can Help’).

1944,  James Purify, (& Bobby), 1966 US No.6 and 1976 UK No.12 single ‘I’m Your Puppet’.

1946,  Ian McLagan, keyboards, Small Faces, (1967 UK No.3 & US No.17 single ‘Itchycoo Park’, & 1968 UK No.1 album ‘Ogden’s Nut Gone Flake’). The Faces, (1971 UK No.6 & US No.17 single ‘Stay With Me’). Also worked with The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Bonnie Raitt, Joe Cocker, Billy Bragg and Bruce Springsteen.
1948,  Steve Winwood, vocals, keyboards, Spencer Davis Group, (1966 UK No.1 single ‘Keep On Running’), Traffic, (1967 UK No.2 single ‘Hole In My Shoe’), Blind Faith, (1969 UK & US No.1 album), Solo (1986 US No.1 & UK No.1 single ‘Higher Love’).

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Saturday 11th May 2013 ‘New York Mining Disaster

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View vince tracy's profile on LinkedIn Lifestyle blog Follow Me on Pinterest ShareBlog DirectoryHQ Arts Blogs The ability to convert ideas to things is the secret to outward success. – Henry Ward Beecher, We are what we repeatedly do; excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.

Aristotle

The richest man is not he who has the most, but he who needs the least.

—Unknown Author

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CIMG6891Remember, you can listen to the day’s story of the music whilst reading my blog by clicking this link.   1967, The Bee Gees made their Top Of The Pops debut performing ‘New York Mining Disaster’ on the UK TV show.

The weather yesterday was very nice with blue skies and high temperatures. The world is such a different place when the weather is good.  I hope my friends in the UK didn’t suffer too badly with the high winds last night.

CIMG7377Another top Tory has let the4 side down by refusing to pay back an alleged profit on a taxpayer-funded home. It’s all to do with these people abusing their positions and making sure they are not robbing us yet again. I write as a UK taxpayer!  A report has also leaked that 300 fat cats exist around the UK on a wonderful council salary which is worth as much as the Prime Minister’s 142.000.

It’s also astonishing to think that many footballers earn in a week what the Prime minister is paid for his year’s work. This would make an excellent starting point when trying to evaluate a job’s worth. How can a country value the work of a footballer against the work of a Prime Minister in this way? Moreover, many of the footballers seem totally less than educated and their wages are an insult to the many years of hard work and endeavour put in by professional people throughout Europe. Incidentally, the Taxpayer’s Alliance in the UK found 103 councils employing record numbers on 100.000 pounds or more per annum. Countries need to get real. This is where higher taxes need to be levied.

CIMG7319New figures claim London to be The Millionaire’s playground with more of the really super rich living there than in any other city on the planet. Whilst that is revealed the Chancellor in the UK seems shocked that so many people have taken advantage of such tax evasion schemes as the one used by comedian Jimmy Carr. That scheme alone was said to shelter 168 million pounds from the taxman in Jersey. Is it really any wonder? We have adverts constantly suggesting there are legal ways of hiding money. In this dreadful recession there is only inconvenience at the very top and a willingness to let the plebs pay for their tax evasion.

CIMG7266Back in the USA Prince Harry is proving to be a hit with the ladies. He also made reference to his mother saying, “My mother would be so proud of me.”  I think she would and Harry seems to be turning round his previously shaky image.

 

There ‘s a quiz show I love on British TV called The Chase. There are several rounds but initially the person has to work on his/her own and it’s relatively easy to see whether they have a good general knowledge in the individual round. The chaser then offers them more or less money to get into the team stage of the game. Usually there’s an outrageously low sum to get a step away from the chaser and a great sum offered to get you nearer the chaser on the ladder of questions.

I have to say I absolutely hate it when the team has built up a good sum of money which they share and then one contestant takes  – 1 thousand just to get into the team stage and get a share of the money. It represents everything that I dislike about the UK at the moment when some people expect others to do all the donkey work and then expect a share of the spoils. I’m afraid I come from the school of thought that if you don’t work you don’t get anything. It’s obviously a bit different if you have a disability or you’re ill. Then we all pull together to carry the straggler.

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1. Law of Mechanical Repair – After your hands become coated with grease, your nose will begin to itch and you’ll have to pee.

2. Law of Gravity - Any tool, nut, bolt, screw, when dropped, will roll to the least accessible corner.

3. Law of Probability – The probability of being watched is directly proportional to the stupidity of your act.

4. Law of Random Numbers – If you dial a wrong number, you never get a busy signal and someone always answers.

6. Variation Law – If you change lines (or traffic lanes), the one you were in will always move faster than the one you are in now (works every time).

7. Law of the Bath – When the body is fully immersed in water, the telephone rings.

8. Law of Close Encounters – The probability of meeting someone you know increases dramatically when you are with someone you don’t want to be seen with.

9. Law of the Result - When you try to prove to someone that a machine won’t work, it will.

10. Law of Biomechanics – The severity of the itch is inversely proportional to the reach.

14. Law of Physical Surfaces – The chances of an open-faced jelly sandwich landing face down on a floor, are directly correlated to the newness and cost of the carpet or rug.

15. Law of Logical Argument – Anything is possible if you don’t know what you are talking about.

16. Brown’s Law of Physical Appearance – If the clothes fit, they’re ugly.

17. Oliver’s Law of Public Speaking – A closed mouth gathers no feet.

18. Wilson’s Law of Commercial Marketing Strategy – As soon as you find a product that you really like, they will stop making it.

19. Doctors’ Law – If you don’t feel well, make an appointment to go to the doctor, by the time you get there you’ll feel better.. But don’t make an appointment, and you’ll stay sick.

CIMG6869Events 11th May

Constantinople, previously the town of Byzantium, was founded. The original name sounded like a stomach powder1573 – Henry of Anjou became the first elected king of Poland. I’ve no problem with that1647 – Peter Stuyvesant arrived in New Amsterdam to become governor.1689 – French and English naval battle takes place at Bantry Bay. as normal

1812 – British prime Minster Spencer Perceval was shot by a bankrupt banker in the lobby of the House of Commons. This was a fact that has never really been shouted loud1857 – Indian mutineers seized Delhi from the British. Rotters1860 – Giuseppe Garibaldi landed at Marsala, Sicily. He was about to invent his biscuits

1889 – Major Joseph Washington Wham takes charge of $28,000 in gold and silver to pay troops at various points in the Arizona Territory. The money was stolen in a train robbery. Wham bam thank you man!

1944 – A major offensive was launched by the allied forces in central Italy. Brave men

1947 – The creation of the tubeless tire was announced by the B.F. Goodrich Company.Good idea

1949 – Siam changed its name to Thailand. Yul Brunner decided that in the King and I

1960 – Israeli soldiers captured Adolf Eichmann in Buenos Aires. Good

1985 – More than 50 people died when a flash fire swept a soccer stadium in Bradford, England. Dreadful event that led to the upgrading of stadiums (stadia doesn’t sound right!) in the UK

1995 – The Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty was extended indefinitely. The treaty limited the spread of nuclear material for military purposes.

1996 – An Atlanta-bound ValuJet DC-9 caught fire shortly after takeoff from Miami and crashed into the Florida Everglades. All 110 people on board were killed. These events put many of us off flying

1997 – Garry Kasparov, world chess champion, lost his first ever multi-game match. He lost to IBM’s chess computer Deep Blue. It was the first time a computer had beat a world-champion player.Kasparov might have been tired

1998 – India conducted its first underground nuclear tests, three of them, in 24 years. The tests were in violation of a global ban on nuclear testing. Ugh!

1998 – A French mint produced the first coins of Europe’s single currency. The coin is known as the euro. The plural is also Euro and this doesn’t sound right to me!

2001 – U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft announced his decision to approve a 30-day delay of the execution of convicted Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh. McVeigh had been scheduled to be executed on May 16, 2001. The delay was because the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) had failed to disclose thousands of documents to McVeigh’s defence team. Not a good episode in US history

 

 

 Imagine

Music Events May 11th

1958, Connie Francis was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with a cover of the 1923 song ‘Who’s Sorry Now.’ Francis was the first female rock ‘n’ roll star to reach No.1.I hadn’t realised the song was so old

1963, The Beatles started a 30 week run at No.1 on the UK album charts with their debut album ‘Please Please Me’, making it the longest running No.1 album by a group ever. The bands follow up ‘With The Beatles’ replaced it at the top of the charts on 7th December 1963 and stayed there for 21 weeks. This was the phenomenon at work

1964, During a UK tour The Rolling Stones were refused lunch at The Grand Hotel, Bristol, where they were staying because they were not wearing jackets and ties. The following day the Daily Express ran the story with the headline, ‘The Rolling Stones gather no lunch.’ Standards have slipped somewhat since those days
1965, Roger Miller was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with ‘King Of The Road.’ The singer’s only UK No.1. The Proclaimers had a UK No.9 hit with their version of the song in 1990. Strong song

1967, The Bee Gees made their Top Of The Pops debut performing ‘New York Mining Disaster’ on the UK TV show. This was another fine song
1972, John Lennon appeared on the US television ‘Dick Cavett Show’, claiming he was under surveillance from the FBI.I think he probably was

1973, Wings kicked off their first official tour at the Bristol Hippodrome, playing 15 UK shows. McCartney is a genius
1974, Led Zeppelin attended Elvis Presley show at the Los Angeles Forum in California. After a shaky start to the show, Elvis stopped the band and jokingly said: “Wait a minute…if we can start together fellas, because we’ve got Led Zeppelin out there, lets try to look like we know what were doing.” All four members of Zeppelin met with Elvis after the show, spending over 2 hours backstage. Elvis asked for all the group’s autographs for his daughter Lisa Marie. He obviously respected their work
1978, at the end of their News Of The World 46 date tour, Queen played three sold-out nights at Wembley Arena, London, England.Brilliant and mesmeric

1981, Jamaican singer-songwriter Bob Marley died of lung cancer and a brain tumour aged 36. Had the 1981 single ‘No Woman No Cry’, plus over ten other UK Top 40 singles. In 1990, the 6th February was proclaimed a national holiday in Jamaica to commemorate his birth. The compilation album, Legend, released in 1984, is the best-selling reggae album ever with sales of more than 20 million copies. Time magazine chose Bob Marley & The Wailers’ Exodus as the greatest album of the 20th century. I don’t know anybody who hasn’t got a Bob Marley song they like
1985, Madonna went to No.1 on the US singles chart with ‘Crazy For You’, a No.2 hit in the UK.  Not for me!
1985, UK producer and keyboard player Paul Hardcastle was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with ’19′. The title referred to the average age of American soldiers in the Vietnam War and features dialogue by television narrator Peter Thomas, and a strong anti-war message. I’m all for anti-war songs but never forget the brave soldiers whilst we try to stop wars

1987, The UK indie chart had The Smiths at No.1 on with ‘Sheila Take A Bow’, No.2, The Cult, ‘Lil’ Devil’ No.3, The Pogues, ‘The Irish Rover. The CD chart, David Bowie No.1 ‘Never Let Me Down’, ‘Raindancing’ Alison Moyet at No.2 and Genesis ‘Invisible Touch’ at No.3. Fair enough. They were independent after all

1990, 31 years after his death, Ritchie Valens was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.Overdue

1991, Roxette scored their fourth US No.1 single with ‘Joyride.’ The song was inspired by an interview with Paul McCartney who said that writing songs with John Lennon had been ‘like a Joyride.’ That’s rock n roll
1996, Bill Graham the Irish journalist credited with discovering U2 died of a heart attack aged 44. He was also the co-founder of the Irish music paper Hot Press. Members from Clannad, U2, Hothouse Flowers and Gavin Friday all attended his funeral. I love U2 music

2002, Over 500 Michael Jackson fans held a demonstration outside the Sony records building in Berlin complaining that the label hadn’t promoted the singer’s latest album ‘Invincible.’ He had a worldwide following

2003, Jimi Hendrix Experience bassist Noel Redding died at his home in Ireland aged 57. Redding played on the classic Hendrix albums ‘Are You Experienced’, ‘Axis: Bold as Love’ and ‘Electric Ladyland,’ Right up until his death, Redding had been taking legal action against the Hendrix estate for payment estimated at £3.26 million for his part in recordings and for ongoing royalties. Had also been a member of Fat Mattress and formed The Noel Redding Band. More rock n roll intrigue

2004, US songwriter John Whitehead was killed by a gunman. He co-wrote ‘Back Stabbers’ for the O’Jays and as McFadden & Whitehead wrote and sang ‘Ain’t No Stopping Us Now’ which sold more than 8 million copies and was nominated for a Grammy Award. I loved both of these songs.

2006, George Michael was involved in his second minor car crash in a month after a tabloid photographer found Michael asleep in his parked car in central London. The singer crashed into a bollard after he woke up and was driving away. Obviously, he had problems…
2008, German techno band Scooter went to No.1 on the UK album chart with ‘Jumping All Over The World’.


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Born on this day

1888,  Irving Berlin, composer of many pop, stage show and film hits. He emigrated from Siberia to New York as a child. He was the composer of ‘White Christmas’ and ‘Let’s Face The Music and Dance’. He died on September 22nd 1989.
1941, Eric Burdon, vocals, The Animals, (1964 UK & US No.1 single ‘House Of The Rising Sun’).

1943,  Les Chadwick, Gerry And The Pacemakers, (1963 UK No.1 single ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’, 1965 US No.6 single, ‘Ferry Across The Mersey’).

1983,  Holly Valance, singer, actress, (2002 UK and Australian No.1 single ‘Kiss Kiss’).

Music Source 1 music source 2

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Friday 10th May 2013 Guitar Boogie Shuffle’

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View vince tracy's profile on LinkedIn Lifestyle blog Follow Me on Pinterest ShareBlog DirectoryHQ Arts Blogs The ability to convert ideas to things is the secret to outward success. – Henry Ward Beecher, We are what we repeatedly do; excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.

Aristotle

The richest man is not he who has the most, but he who needs the least.

—Unknown Author

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CIMG6891Remember, you can listen to the day’s story of the music whilst reading my blog by clicking this link.   1920, Bert Weedon, was born. He had the 1959 UK No.10 single ‘Guitar Boogie Shuffle’. Published the ‘Play In A Day’ guitar tutor. Bert worked with Tommy Steele, Cliff Richard, Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett.

 

We had a very busy day yesterday and the weather was almost incidental. We do know it was warm but being busy was more important. We had things to do. Like many others we were coming to terms with Alex Ferguson’s resignation from Manchester United. Will the world of football ever be the same again?  The real losers in all this are the Everton supporters who lose David Moyes who has been a great manager for them.

Male or Female?

You might not know this…but a lot of non-living objects are actually either male or female. Here are some examples: FREEZER BAGS: They are male, because they hold everything in…but you can see right through them.

PHOTOCOPIERS: These are female, because once turned off….it takes a while to warm them up again. They are an effective reproductive device if the right buttons are pushed…but can also wreak havoc if you push the wrong Buttons

. TYRES: Tyres are male, because they go bald easily and are often over inflated

HOT AIR BALLOONS: Also a male object… Because to get them to go anywhere…..you have to light a fire under their bottom.

SPONGES: These are female…because they are soft……squeezable and retain water. WEB PAGES: Female…because they’re constantly being looked at and frequently getting hit on.

TRAINS: Definitely male… Because they always use the same old lines for picking up people..  

EGG TIMERS: Egg timers are female because….over time….all the weight shifts to the bottom.

HAMMERS: Male….. Because in the last 5000 years…..they’ve hardly changed at all…and are occasionally handy to have around. T

HE REMOTE CONTROL: Female. Ha! You probably thought it would be male…but consider this: It easily gives a man pleasure, he’d be lost without it…and while he doesn’t always know which buttons to push…he just keeps trying

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La Vila Rugby Club is hosting the following activities this weekend:
PROVINCIAL SEVENS TOURNAMENT
(Under 15, 17, and 19 plus Senior Mens and Ladies teams)

This will be the second tournament in the “Alicante Rugby Sevens Series”
Saturday, 11 May
12.00 to 21.00
Villajoyosa Rugby Stadium
FREE ENTRY

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More Local News

CIMG7007Benefit 4×4-tour for Emaús on Sunday, June 2nd 

Would you like to enjoy a day in the Spanish mountain and countryside in an exceptional manner and thereby also support the children’s’ homes of Emaús ? On Sunday-morning, June 2nd at 09.30 the adventure commences. A large number of luxurious 4×4′s will be waiting for you at the Sports-complex of La Nucía, ready to take you on this exiting benefit-event. The members of 4×4-España association have generously offered their free cooperation and cars for this event.

Program:

At 09.30 hrs. you are welcome at the departure-point, the parking right behind the new sport complex in
La Nucía. From there they will drive a special route with short stops trough the Spanish mountain area, with some riverbeds and hill-climes on the way. There will be with splendid panoramas, bring your camera !

In Relleu you will be offered a delicious lunch with a starter of real Indonesian Sateh.
After the lunch you will return over more quiet roads to the departure-point in La Nucía where you will arrive around 16.00.  Of course we realize that some participants are not used to the off-road experience and too steep roads are avoided, the route is challenging but very ‘customer-friendly’.

Reservation:

Do you want to know more about the benefit-tour, the situation at Emaús,  rent a Wrangler Jeep and drive yourself or want to participate with your own 4×4 ? Call Peter: 687 601 036 or mail to pp@deduno.com.  With a donation of  € 40 pp. you can join this unique excursion, lunch included.

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Events 10th May

1503 – Christopher Columbus discovered the Cayman Islands. I’ll bet they weren’t called that name
1676 – Bacon’s Rebellion, which pits frontiersmen against the government, began.They put in a sizzling performance
1773 – The English Parliament passed the Tea Act, which taxed all tea in the U.S. colonies. What a cheek
1774 – Louis XVI ascended the throne of France.Mais oui!
1794 – Elizabeth, the sister of King Louis XVI, was beheaded. They didn’t mess around in those days
1796 – Napoleon Bonaparte won a brilliant victory against the Austrians at Lodi bridge in Italy. He was a brilliant strategist
1872 – Victoria Woodhull became the first woman nominated for the U.S.presidency….a little known fact
1898 – A vending machine law was enacted in Omaha, NE. It cost $5,000 for a permit. Was it worth getting a licence?
1924 – J. Edgar Hoover was appointed head of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.He’s the name we all remember
1927 – The Hotel Statler in Boston, MA. became the first hotel to install radio headsets in each of its 1,300 rooms. Sensible
1933 – The Nazis staged massive public book burnings in Germany. To create a myth destroy education
1940 – Germany invaded Belgium, France, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg….they just wanted to take everything
1941 – England’s House of Commons was destroyed by a German air raid. I hadn’t realised this 1941 – Rudolf Hess, Adolf Hitler’s deputy, parachuted into Scotland on what he claimed was a peace mission.We know about this one
1960 – The U.S.S. Triton completed the first circumnavigation of the globe under water. The trip started on February 16. Great achievement
1978 – Britain’s Princess Margaret and the Earl of Snowdon announced they were divorcing after 18 years of marriage. What a shame
1994 – The state of Illinois executed convicted serial killer John Wayne Gacy for the murders of 33 young men and boys.Sorry, for me he had to go
1994 – Nelson Mandela was sworn in as South Africa’s first black president.Wonderful achievement 1997 – An earthquake in northeastern Iran killed at least 2,400 people.Sad events have always happened
1999 – China broke off talks on human rights with the U.S. in response to NATO’s accidental bombing of the Chinese Embassy in Yugoslavia.Fair enough. Be more careful
1999 – The Cezanne painting “Still Life With Curtain, Pitcher and Bowl of Fruit” sold for 60.5 million. Was it worth the money?
2001 – In Ghana, 121 people were killed in a stampede at a soccer game. Terrible 2002 – Taiwan test fired a locally made Sky Bow II surface-to-air missile for the first time. They also fired three U.S.-made Hawk missiles. Ugh!
2002 – Dr. Pepper announced that it would be introducing a new flavor, Red Fusion, for the first time in 117 years. Had they been resting on their laurels?  Imagine

Music Events May 9th

1960, The Silver Beetles (John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Stuart Sutcliffe, and Tommy Moore) auditioned for promoter Larry Parnes and singer Billy Fury for a job as Fury’s backing group. Parnes was also looking for backing group’s for his lesser-known acts, and The Silver Beetles were selected as backing group for singer Johnny Gentle’s upcoming tour of Scotland. The group had changed its name from ‘The Beatals’ to ‘The Silver Beetles’ after Brian Casser (of Cass and the Cassanovas) remarked that the name ‘Beatals’ was “ridiculous”. He suggested they use the name ‘Long John and the Silver Beetles’, but John Lennon refused to be referred to as ‘Long John’.This is brilliantly written and you can almost visualise the conversations with John not wanting to be called Long John. I’ll bet in the banter someone suggested he play his guitar with a parrot on his shoulder.

1963, The Rolling Stones recorded the Chuck Berry song ‘Come On’, at Olympic Studios, London. This the bands first release was issued on the 7th June 1963 by Decca Records.I bought it and I liked it at the time

1964, Bob Dylan arrived in Britain for his first major UK tour including a show at London’s Royal Festival Hall on the 17th of this month.Exciting times

1967, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards appeared at Chichester Crown Court, Sussex, charged with being in possession of drugs, they elect to go to trial pleading not guilty and were both granted £100 bail.They were naughty boys

1967, this week’s UK Top 5 singles: No.5, Lulu, ‘The Boat That I Row’, No.4, The Tremeloes, ‘Silence Is Golden’, No.3, Frank and Nancy Sinatra, ‘Somethin’ Stupid’, No.2, Mamas and the Papas, ‘Dedicated To The One I Love’, and No.1, Sandie Shaw, ‘Puppet On A Sting.’ All good songs

1969, Fleetwood Mac, Pink Floyd, The Move, Status Quo, Tremeloes, Marmalade, Love Sculpture, Van Der Graaf Generator all appeared at Nottingham County Football Ground, Nottingham, England. Presented by John Peel, tickets 22/6 on the gate. A good show and worth the money

1969, Frank Sinatra’s version of ‘My Way’ made the British Top ten for the first time. Over the next three years it re-entered the Top 50 singles chart on eight different occasions. Paul Anka re-wrote the original French song for Sinatra, after he told Anka he was quitting the music business. Anka changed the melodic structure and lyrics to the song with Sinatra in mind.This is a classic case of the songwriter fitting the singer

1969, The Moody Blues started a two-week run at No.1 on the UK album chart with ‘On The Threshold Of A Dream’ (their first No.1 album).I love their ‘Go Now’

1969, Led Zeppelin made their first appearance on the UK album chart when the bands debut album charted at No.6, going on to spend 71 weeks on the UK chart. It entered the US chart the following week at No.10. Pivotal music

1970, David Bowie was awarded an Ivor Novello Award for Best Original Song ‘Space Oddity’, which he performed that night accompanied by the Les Reed Orchestra.Les Reed has been on my show and it’s a great podcast

1975, Stevie Wonder played in front of 125,000 fans at a free concert near the Washington Monument to celebrate Human Kindness Day.What a gig and Stevie was the man for the job

1985, all girl group The Go-Go’s announced they were breaking up. The members went on to enjoy solo success, (Belinda Carlisle and Jane Wiedlin) and the group reformed in the late 90′s. I liked both these girls

1986, Falco was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with ‘Rock Me Amadeus.’ Falco became the first-ever Austrian act to score a UK and US No.1 hit single and the first German speaking artist to achieve a No.1 on the US charts. Das iz gud

1986, The Pet Shop Boys went to No.1 on the US singles chart with ‘West End Girls’, the duo’s first US No.1, also a No.1 in the UK. Good song

1997, Gary Barlow scored his second UK No.1 single with a song written by Madonna ‘Love Won’t Wait’, the former Take That singer’s second and last solo hit.I don’t know this song

1997, The Hillsborough Benefit gig took place at Liverpool’s Anfield Stadium with The Beautiful South, Manic Street Preachers, Dodgy, Space, Stereophonics and The Lightning Seeds. A very worthwhile event

1999, American singer, songwriter poet, cartoonist, screenwriter, and author of children’s books Shel Silverstein died of a heart attack aged 57. Wrote, ‘A Boy Named Sue’ for Johnny Cash (which Silverstein won a Grammy for in 1970) and many songs for Dr Hook including ‘Sylvia’s Mother’ and ‘The Cover of the Rolling Stone.’Another gap in my knowledge base

1999, Marti Pellow announced that he had quit Wet Wet Wet and had signed a solo deal with Sir Elton John’s former manager John Reid. Probably the right decision for him 2000, Michael Bolton lost his appeal against a court ruling that he stole part of his 1991 hit ‘Love Is a Wonderful Thing’ from an Isley Brothers song. Bolton had asked for a retrial following a 1994 jury verdict that he had plagiarised parts of The Isley Brothers song of the same name, but, an appeals court panel upheld the ruling which awarded the group $5.4m (£3.37m) from the profits of Bolton’s single – one of his biggest hits.I think many songs have bits of other songs within them often included because of subliminal memory CIMG7327

 

 

 

Born on this day

1920, Bert Weedon, (1959 UK No.10 single ‘Guitar Boogie Shuffle’. Published the ‘Play In A Day’ guitar tutor. Worked with Tommy Steele, Cliff Richard, Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett.

1935,  Larry Williams, US singer, The Beatles and The Jam covered his songs. (1957 US No.5 & UK No. 21 single ‘Short Fat Fannie’). Williams died from gunshot wounds on 2nd January 1980 aged 45.

1938,  Henry Fambrough, vocals, Detroit Spinners, (1980 UK No.1 & US No.2 single ‘Working My Way Back To You’).

1944,  Jackie Lomax, UK singer, first act to be signed to The Beatles Apple Records. George Harrison wrote his single ‘Sour Milk Sea’.

1946, Donovan, UK singer, songwriter, (1966 US No.1 & 1967 UK No.2 single ‘Sunshine Superman’). 1946,  Graham Gouldman, UK singer, songwriter, guitarist, High Spots, The Crevattes, 10cc, (1975 UK No.1 & US No.2 single ‘I’m Not In Love’, plus 10 other UK Top 30 hits including 2 No.1′s), Wax, (1987 UK No.12 single ‘Bridge To Your Heart’). Wrote hits for Herman’s Hermits, The Hollies & The Yardbirds.

1947, Dave Mason, guitar, Traffic, (1967 UK No.2 single ‘Hole In My Shoe’), Solo, (1977 US No.12 single ‘We Just Disagree’). Worked with Eric Clapton, Delaney and Bonnie, George Harrison.

1952, Lee Brilleaux, Dr Feelgood, vocals, harmonica, (1979 UK No.9 single ‘Milk And Alcohol’). He died of cancer on 7th April 1994.

 

1957,  John Ritchie (Sid Vicious), bass, vocals, Sex Pistols, 1977 UK No.2 single ‘God Save The Queen’, and 1977 UK No.1 album ‘Nevermind The Bollocks, Here’s The Sex Pistols’). Vicious died of a heroin overdose on 2nd February 1979. 1

960, Paul Hewson, (Bono), vocals, guitar, U2, (1984 UK No.3 single ‘Pride, In The Name Of Love’ plus over 25 other UK Top singles, 1987 UK and worldwide No.1 album ‘The Joshua Tree’ spent 156 weeks on the UK chart. Scored five consecutive US No.1 albums from 1987.)     Music Source 1 music source 2

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