Brain training

Get your free online brain training here while it lasts....when it comes out of beta you'll probably have to pay!

Makes you feel kinda humble somehow....

Have you ever tried to use MS Paint to do anything constructive? (that's the bog-basic 'drawing' package hidden away in the Accessories menu in Windows.....now I can do boxes in primary colours, possibly a bit of text in Times New Roman....any colour as long as it's black).....if so watch this and weep!
PS "Original drawing time 2hrs 30mins"....maybe Leonardo will be joining us!

Finding their inner goddess

Circa 1909....from Shorpy....the 100 year old blog
(Tell you what........'Mrs 2nd from left' looks as if she's only there because she was forced, either that or she swallowed a wasp!)
You have to ask yourself if this was the sort of thing that happened as a matter of course in American libraries a century ago.....and was it even legal?
Click on the image to revel in the full glory of the moment

Toys from the 70's

I suspect Richard and John secretly lusted after some of these!

Another point-and-click game

This one I haven't really tried.....but the graphics look nice!

Ouch!.....one for the ladies

My legs are crossed and eyes watering at the very thought!

My 'source' had this to say......
"I'm a registered member of the male gender, so I can't truly empathize with the woman who followed this ad's instructions, but I can surely sympathize with them. I'm about to swoon, is what's about to happen. If these poor women didn't want a spectral doppelganger to sabotage their relationships, they were supposed to use a liquid that was a "concentrated germ-killer," but which was also supposedly wouldn't "harm delicate tissue." Which is why I always gargle with Paraquat and use battery acid to keep my eyes moist."

via Do What Now

The birth of Snap, Crackle and Pop

Daizy's first post - The Begging Cat

The girl shows good taste! .....signed, 'Orange Grandma'

Molecular gastronomy comes to the Lakes

"The white block was an impossibly light, and yet completely sturdy marscapone foam, topped with salmon roe, on a bed of parsley puree. The pink powder was grated frozen tuna, which reminded me of freeze dried astronaut food. The white puree was grapefruit foam, with passion fruit seeds. This was a riot of contrasting textures, with absolutely surprising complementary flavours."

A review of just one of the 24 courses on the 'Underground Menu'....available at L'Enclume, Cartmel

Check out the whole meal at L'Enclume in pictures and words
When I checked the restaurants website to find out how much the meal would set you back it was "price on application".....so that told me all I needed to know really......maybe when I win the lottery then!

Chris, Nick and I sampled a similar sort of menu at a restaurant directly under the flightpath at Nimes airport a couple of years ago.....it was quite an experience!

Parting shot for tonight

This ones for Lizzi.....a rat apparently spaced out on methsAnyone not targeted today.....so I'll get you next time!!

Inspiration for those of you who labour over lunchboxes...

Just watch the pretty pictures (click on any image that particularly takes your fancy for details of the contents, click on the thumbnail image to return to the slideshow) then check out the fridge! I did a double take on one image, it looked like raw liver in the top left-hand box......turned out it was chocolate pudding. Haven't checked out the one that looks like raw chicken yet.....it's over to you gang!!!

Amazing but true....there's a thriving community of people out there that take daily photos of what they're packing in their lunchboxes.....this is just the tip of the iceburg! And just in case you lust after a trendy number like the one shown you can get one here. For the moment I'm sticking to my trusty faux tupperware, it has a certain retro charm!

Now one for John....

I've posted a mournful blues number called "Dissertation Blues", featuring a deep-down and dirty kazoo backing track, in the boxfiles (click on the filename to play) to prove you're not alone in these times of tribulation. The end is nigh me dear!!

Now I feel guilty.....

.....so by way of an apology here's some silly cats antics set to music to make it all better!

Thought I'd better put something on for Anne....

But she's probably not going to thank me for it! I came across this rather unfortunate photo of her hero.....now I initially assumed he was done up in a bad slaphead wig for a theatrical appearance, but apparently not. This was a promo shot for him reopening a theatre in Northampton last year following a refurbishment (full story here).....so that'll be the theatre, not Mr Essex then?

Indian Thriller

Compare and contrast.....I'm not sure which is the scariest!

Oh no, silly me.......I nearly forgot to include the Lego version!

Nice sense of humour!

The artist's "Mission Statement" being.....

"To produce a low down, second hand, third rate, piss poor qualitly, shameful, shower of shoddy sketches. This shall be Plutos the Bubbleman's 'World according to....' "

You can find more at the "Plutos the Bubbleman's....." blog

Another couple of additions to the blog

You may notice a little envelope added to the end of each post.....it's a handy way of sending an email link to the post to your friends (or enemies!) should you feel the urge
I've also added an interactive sudoku puzzle on the right hand side below the BoxFiles for fellow addicts.....enjoy!

Reparador de bicicletas Man

Learn some essential Spanish!

The future of transport

Things to note.....
1 you have to wonder why they use an illustration instead of a photo for this contraption in watery mode of use
2 that pipe clenched purposefully between manly lips
3 the immaculate suit and homburg
4 the fact that those wellies wouldn't do a whole lot of good given the noticeable lack of a front wheel splashguard

Only the French, huh?

Link to NH Wines added

I've added a link to Nicks new venture into the "Drink" section of the Links at the right hand side of the blog. Not a lot of content as yet but that'll no doubt be remedied soon?

From a technical (web design) point of view I hope they're not paying too much.....but then I'm hypercritical! If I put my money where my mouth was I'd do a complete redesign, wouldn't I? But one issue with the website cries out to be mentioned....accessibility, as in allowing for red/green colour blindness. I did an online simulation of the banner image at VisCheck and this is what it would probably look like to wor John.....
....hmmmm, not exactly readable is it? If it wasn't for that slight white drop shadow round the lettering it would just be a muddy mess and definitely not the sort of corporate image I'd want at the top of MY website. By the way, 1 in 10 men suffer from partial to complete colour blindness.....that's a sizeable proportion of the wine buying public!

OK, "Holier than thou" lecture over!

......er, can someone help me down off this high horse.......please?

Inspired by the news story that we're all going to be charged for not doing our bit for safeguarding the planet.....

Well.....every little helps I suppose!

Hack A 30-Second Paper Clip - video powered by Metacafe

Todays retro goodness

Funny how the rest of the family managed to miss the splinters! Click on the image to enbiggify to readable proportions.

The life of a pro blogger.....

I THINK this is a spoof!

A date for your diary

So it's kinda convenient we've bumped the end-of-term party forwards to the 21st July!! Anne, John and I did the Saturday concert at Tynemouth Castle last year...(and despite the fact that John was sporting a plaster cast and didn't do a whole lot of dancing in the aisles) it was well worth the entry fee. Anyone up for a repeat visit this year (packing a picnic and possibly umbrellas of course!) should check out the following......

Details of the concert at Tynemouth Castle on the 14th July

The Legendary Mory Kante
Mory Kante was the first African artist to sell over a million singles and his number one hit 'Yeke Yeke' remains the most successful African song of all time. Hailing from Guinea in West Africa, Mory is one of the very few African singers to have a hit record in Europe. His live show will see eleven people performing on stage as he showcases his latest album and the songs that have given him great success and respect over the years. In the stunning setting of Tynemouth Priory, the acoustic sounds of Mory Kante will make this an atmospheric night to remember.

The Alex Wilson Salsa Orchestra
Alex Wilson's style of salsa will definitely grab your attention as he along with his 12-piece Salsa Orchestra belts out the tunes to get you moving.

Boys of the Lough
This band have completed over 60 tours of the USA and received 2 Grammy nominations for their work. They perform traditional Celtic music using the fiddle, flute, accordion and pipes to great effect. Hugely respected on both sides of the Atlantic, Boys of the Lough, have made over 20 recordings and have a wealth of work to choose from when they open the show at the Mouth of the Tyne evening concert.

General Details
Tynemouth Priory and Castle, Saturday 14 July 2007
6pm - 10pm
Doors Open: 5pm.
Seating: Picnic style - attendees should bring their own seating.
Tickets: Adults: £20. Children 4+/OAP/Ease Card/Students/Disabled/Carers: £18. Children 0-3 years: free.

Check out the music styles on offer here:
Mory Kante
Alex Wilson Salsa Orchestra
Boys of the Lough

Bex's delicious cod recipe find

I was on the receiving end of this one last Friday night....Bex probably won't think to post it so I'll do the honours....recipe enough for 4

Ingredients
675g/1lb 8oz cod fillet, 3cm/1¼in thick
85g/3oz white breadcrumbs, soft or slightly stale
3 tbsp parsley, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, crushed
finely grated zest ½ lemon
60g/2¼oz butter, melted
a squeeze of lemon juice
salt and pepper
lemon wedges, to serve

Method
1. Season the cod with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Mix the breadcrumbs with the parsley, garlic, lemon zest, salt and pepper, then add butter and lemon juice. Mix thoroughly with your fingers.
3. Place the cod in a shallow, ovenproof dish and press the buttered crumbs firmly onto the cod to form an even crust. Bake at 220C/425F/Gas 7 for 20-25 minutes until the crust is browned and the fish just cooked through.
Serve immediately.

We had it with potato salad and peas, it was.......

YUMMY!!!

Hotstuff wearing sexy knickers

What can you say.....the age of variety is long dead?

Someone has too much time on their hands....

Hours and hours in the making, the whole procedure detailed here

Utterly gross...don't watch before eating!

Countdown!

100, 99, 98, 97.......

Somebody remind me....

.....to drone on about Amber Films sometime. I've just watched (for the nth time) 'By Fading Light' after spotting a snippet from same on YouTube. All about fishing (and the death of the industry) from North Shields....emotive, and entertaining stuff!

And I've just found this.....

and because it's shot in Newcastle and Whitley Bay (looks like it might have been done by Northumbria film students) you're honour-bound to watch it! It's called the 28 Days Later project and it's in two parts.....

PART 1


PART 2

Whitley Bay in the 20's

Round about the time when Ma was doing the annual Sunday School Trip from Haltwhistle?

Something that never quite got off the drawing board

Another nice online game....or two

This was the first online 'point and click' game I ever played.....it still hasn't lost it's charm
Click here to play Samorost 1
Click here to play Samorost 2
For those of you who've never played a 'point and click' the instructions are simple....move your mouse around the screen until the cursor changes to a hand, click and see what happens, solve the puzzles to get to the next level. Both of these games have maybe 5 levels at most....just right for a coffee break. Lots more if anyone gets the bug!

Next weekends DIY project.....

....that's if they still make wooden coathangers of course! (But doesn't that happy, smiling, curly-haired moppet look a bit like Lizzi?)

Test slideshow from Webshots

The French version of 'the story of the film' as a test to see what happens



L’homme de mes rêves

LATER....It seems to work. If you want to view a higher resolution picture you can click on it in the slideshow to take you to the original file at webshots or click on the link directly below the slideshow window to take you to the complete gallery of images.

Fold it like a pro....

Neat trick!!

Tynemouth Toy Museum write-up

I found this recent write-up of 'The Childhood Memories Toy Museum' today....and there's lots more 'nothing happening much' visitors attractions here including the Keswick Pencil Museum if you're that way inclined. Now I think the last time I was there was when Daizy would have been about 3....and it looks like they might have upgraded the floor surface from basic concrete (with puddles) since then, and maybe better lighting too!

"Childhood doesn’t belong in a museum - it’s noisy and fun, not quiet and organised. When you walk into the barn-like space that is Childhood Memories Toy Museum the overall effect is of a chaotic bedroom that’s had a last minute tidy up for visitors. The name really fits, as soon as you come in the door it’s like being a kid again, looking at a whole heap of exciting things and wondering what to play with first.

There’s obviously been an attempt to organise the huge number of toys on show. There are neat displays showing an impressive array of toy guns, robots, doll’s house furniture, Sooty & Sweep, ventriloquist’s dummies, Sindy dolls, Mr (and Mrs) Potato Heads, it goes on and on. But outside these collections toys spill everywhere. Bizarre board games such as On The Buses and I only arsked: The Bernard Breslaw Game balance on the display cases, and anything that can hang dangles from the ceiling.

In the middle of the floor large dolls and cuddly toys of all ages are corralled inside miniature vehicles. Some of the old ones would give you nightmares, their glass eyes staring at you in the dark. A teddy sits in a Sinclair C5, not actually a toy car even though it looks like one. And everything is equal here. Although many of the exhibits are highly collectable there’s no indication that that makes them more important. Classic toys are on show alongside tiny disposable things and famous names jostle with others that have been long forgotten. That makes sense – kids don’t discriminate either.

As you peruse the collection a soundtrack of wartime hits give it a jolly air. Above the music there are cries of “Oooh. I used to have this!” or “I always wanted one of these”. As most of the toys are from the 1970s and earlier they will appeal to big kids of 30+ but so many familiar faces have endured or come back round little kids can also find favourites like Barbie, Batman, Action Man and Thunderbirds. Despite the Playstation generation childhood hasn’t really changed that much.

Childhood Memories Toy Museum can be found at Palace Building, Grand Parade, Tynemouth, North Shields, Tyne and Wear, NE30 4JH. It has been there for 16 years, starting in smaller premises in Whitley Bay. When not scouting for toys the owners also run a dolls' hospital. There is a small admission charge but it is a small price to pay for the joy of Childhood Memories."

The attack of the killer tortoise

Feisty little bugger!

Tynemouth Plaza Fire 1996

So call me a softie, but I actually shed a little tear when I watched this....fond memories of Saturday night dances in the mid to late 60's might have had something to do with it, either that or the half bottle of chewy bank holiday red I've downed!

The end (as in Eurovision) is nigh.....

This is for Daizy, possibly even Sarah...but definitely me...so a sad girlies evening is officially on the cards! But I know you want to join in on the dance moves on Saturday night....c'mon, get real, of course you do!

Blue Peter shows you how here

And the whole fantabadozy routine is here (repost)

PS.....those costumes might be getting a bit whiffy by now, and, hang on, would they be egg stains?....let's stay upwind!

Someone invent a phone version for cold callers purleeese!

Middle Ages Tech Support

It's in Norwegian, with subtitles.....and it's STILL funny!

Oooer....a scary lady invades your dreams!

Subliminal messages for the young from the late 50's/early 60's. Apparently you were supposed to play it to your kids as they went to sleep.....I'm not convinced! I'm adding the audio file to the box files (just click on the file to listen, BUT NOT WITH THE LIGHTS OUT!) But in case anyone wants to download it and try it out as a loop on their progeny (and, let's face it, you know who you are!) click here to link to the original post at the 365 day project ....it's the posting for 6th May

The 100th post....

Who would have thought it.....we've managed 100 posts!

Think I'm going to try this on Moocah.....if I can catch him!

Playing games

Here's a nice little "point and click" game. Turn the sound on.

Advance notice....

.....of a "nearly the end of term party" on Saturday 14th July (open to negotiation to fit in with everyones busy social calendars though!) Becks and I were having a general gripe about final assignments and exams last week....when I came off the phone I did a quick calculation and realised that of the immediate family of 18, no less than 11 of us are involved in the seasonal nature of the education business in one way or another. In one way this could be considered to be just plain sad....in another it's a damned good excuse for a party

2001....The short version

Time a bit short but you fancy watching a film? 2001, A Space Odyssy (in just over 5 minutes) might fit the bill!

Fashion ain't what it used to be.....

Click here to play a video showing some groovy Carnaby St fashions from the 60's. Lots more vintage video at The Smoking Gun

Merry japes.....

I'm getting in early and giving you hints on tricks NOT to try on me.....I'm streetwise to all your combined strategies for getting me to give up the evil weed. They might work on Nick though....he never reads this! Click on the image for a readable version.

Good one Bex!!

And now you know how to do it we'll look forward to lots more!
PS....I'll never be able to watch another thrilling installment of "Herges Adventures of Tintin" in quite the same way again

WARNING. INCLUDES A LOT OF SWEAR WORDS. Just in case any of the younger clan are near your pc, tell them to go away before viewing. do not be mistaken by the look of tintin!

How to post a video on the blog

Bex has asked how she can post a video on the blog (apparently there's lots of swear words.....I'm looking forward to it!) I've done a help sheet and put it in the Box Files, just click on it to download, it should open in acrobat reader

I wouldn't like to be a....

...High Voltage Cable Inspector. See the nail-biting video here
A quote from the guy on the wires....

"There’s only 3 things I’ve ever been scared of. Electricity, heights, and women..... And I’m married, too!"

Hello from Tynemouth! I'm sure the weather is lovely here but i'm still in front of my computer. Does this work ever end?? Apparently not. Enjoy the sun x x

Now apparently this is genuine.....

....Jazz legend Charles Mingus really DID produce this guide to toilet training your cat.....he was obviously a well-rounded individual! I've posted the full text of his 'method' in the Boxfiles and Moocah will be entering the training programme as soon as I can work out how to disuade him from his 'preferred place' behind the TV!

Just in case Anne misses this rousing write-up in the Chronic

Step back in time tomorrow as a host of 70s heartthrobs come to Newcastle. David Essex, David Cassidy, Showaddywaddy and The Osmonds. Thirty years ago you would have been hard-pushed to find these star names in the same place at the same time.Tomorrow, though, at the Metro Radio Arena that will be just what is happening as the Once In A Lifetime Rewind tour arrives in Newcastle.
It follows on from last year's Once In A Lifetime tour, and David Essex is looking forward to being back again."It was great fun when we last did it," says David. "I never met any of them, The Osmonds, David Cassidy or Bay City Rollers, until that show. I don't really deal in nostalgia, I don't do all that. I'm always moving forward, I write songs and put an album out every year and they do really well on the web. But this just seemed quite an intriguing thing to do. And I'm glad I did as it was like a celebration of a generation in a way.All those people that were affected by music in the middle 70s. They all seemed to be there, so it was good. I really did enjoy it.Obviously we'll be playing stuff from the latest album, it won't just be Hold Me Close and the other things. I think you can be a bit too arty in what you think and I did enjoy it last time."
Joining him again will be Jimmy Osmond who, with his brothers, are also looking forward to the tour.

Blah, blah, blah......

He "doesn't really deal in nostalgia".....I beg his pardon?!?!?

Returning to the subject of teeth...

I'd forgotten about this clip until reminded by a bit of a twinge today....

A week off here I come!

And I think I'll start off by sending away for one of these and a pair of jodphurs.....it's time I got myself a new hobby!

Here's a trick and half!!

Oh so painfully familiar.....

I visited the dentist this week, now they're maybe not using stuff like this these days (my genial, black clad goth dentist Paul kept his instruments of torture tastefully hidden) but it graphically illustrates how I felt!!

NewcastleGateshead Food Festival

I got an email yesterday about the upcoming Food Festival, this is the webpage for full details if you're interested in lashing out on a (probably) overpriced dinner. Though the Food Heroes Tasting Market at the Haymarket on Friday 13th, 10 till 5, sounds like it might be worth a visit. I still think Chris' idea for an alternative "Big Mouths of the Tyne Festival" was better!

Dr Who meets the Beatles, 1965

Friday cute overload

Otters holding hands......who says romance is dead!

And a ticklish baby koala bear for good measure

Triumph for Northumbria University

It's true.....a Northumbria University student will be representing the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest this year. Eat your heart out Oxford and Cambridge!
From the Uni newsletter, "Insight"......
"David Ducasse, who is in the final year of the Performance degree, is a member of the four-piece band Scooch who were chosen by viewers of BBC1’s Making Your Mind Up to represent the UK at the 52nd annual Eurovision Song Contest. They will perform their song Flying the Flag (For You) at the contest, which is being held in Finland in May. Scooch enjoyed chart success in the late 1990’s and reformed especially for the competition. David is pictured second from the left."
So put your seats in the upright position, fasten your safety belts and prepare for takeoff ladies and gentlemen....

And I'm not sure whether I should even suggest this as a possibility.....but dammit, I will! How about a Eurovision Family Do on Saturday 12th May, Euro food contributions mandatory from all participating parties, fancy dress optional? (bearing in mind there's an in-built damage limitation plan, my TV is a paltry 21in and there ain't no surround sound!)

Time waster....

Take 5 minutes out and discover the depths of your personality here. Above is the picture it drew for me and the full report is here

Some edited highlights from last night....

John has just sent me these from last night, click on the top image and the next one should appear with any luck.....time for a zizz, my brain hurts!

IS IT A BIRD, IS IT A PLANE.....

No it is more pictures of merriment at our annual jaunt to the Centre of Britain Hotel. Here we see Richard in the early stages of acting out Mary Queen of Scots after one too many glasses of wine...do not even ask about my failed attempt at humming Stairway to Heaven...and we all now know what Janet does in her spare time given the impressive modelling with Play doh!!!

Roll on next year unless anyone is up for the Alston to Haltwhistle challenge in the summer?

The next themed nosh evening....

Nick, in a moment of madness, kindly offered Argyle St as the venue for the next family feeding frenzy....date to be agreed depending on respective social calendars. The original idea for "Tapas" as the theme has been shelved for practical reasons (tendency to oiliness when reheated) but we need to come up with an alternative. A few suggestions "on the table" for discussion

• Creole/Cajun
• German
• Thai
• Eastern European
• Scandanavian
• Greek

....or dare I suggest "Geordie"?

PS Can't believe I even managed to THINK about food after last night/this morning up at the Centre of Britain!

Yet another....

This is more of a reminder to me than anything else!

Might be worth checking out....

Another find.....

When we start getting serious about this family history lark again this website could be worth a visit....it's mainly about lead miners/mining but an exploratory search turned up plenty of Clementsons in the right areas.

Your cup of tea.....

Ringtons tea advert from late 60's.....watch out for the shot of the van making it's way out to Whitley Bay lighthouse, blink and you might miss it! Personally, I think their standards have sadly slipped....my Ringtons man wears jeans and has ditched the homburg (they're still using the standard issue basket though!)

Another local history website

Yes, they have one.....even if it doesn't seem particularly active! Ma might be interested in some of the sound clips they have on their website, there's the enthralling tale of the rivalry between the 2 cinemas, the Westgate and the Gem, that'll keep you awake at nights! They also produce a DVD of a talk with pictures on the Border Reivers that might be interesting, details here. Annual membership is a paltry £5....think I may invest.

The Fall of the House of Blue Peter

What is the world coming to....is there no-one we can trust?

"Blue Peter normally stands as the benchmark in wholesome children's entertainment. The revelation that it faked the winner of one of its own competitions is the latest in a series of incidents which have made the headlines over the programme's long history."

Listen to the news story here and watch the abject apologies here and here

The full details of their catalogue of sins and tawdry news stories are in the shared box....my fond memories of a happy childhood are hereby and henceforth officially declared shattered!

Another possible night on the tiles

Whitley Bay Playhouse

Jaleo

Thursday 31 May - 7.30pm

Stunning flamenco from some of Andalusia's finest award-winning artists. Jaleo's blistering display of explosive footwork, haunting singing and virtuoso guitar, stamped with their own charismatic raw energy and emotion, brings the authentic heart of Spain to the Playhouse. Tickets: £13.00 Full, £12.00 Easecard, £11.00 Concs

Faulty Owls

Whitley Bay Theatre Company presents:

Fawlty Towers

Thursday 28 - Saturday 30 June - 7.30pm

Welcome back to Fawlty Towers! Not a sentence heard by many guests at the infamous hotel run by Basil Fawlty. But Whitley Bay Theatre Company is delighted - truly - to welcome you back to their latest production of four new Fawlty Towers episodes. Last year was such a hit that, bowing to popular demand, they have created this hilarious follow-up. Not to be missed. EARLY BIRD SPECIAL OFFER!Tickets: £9.00 Full, £7.00 Concs, £4.00 Season Ticket£6.50 Book before 1 June 2007

Haltwhistle weekend, a good weather suggestion...

An alternative to the traditional early afternoon stroll round Haltwhistle when even the Coop could be closed....maybe we could take in a bit of Roman history? I think the last time I visited Vindolanda they were just sinking the first exploratory trenches, though I suspect they've got a bit further by now! Given that the weather is less than torrential, how about we check out the progress?

Monday night is culture night!

Shakespeare said..... (stick it out, there's a punch line!)

All the world's a stage,
And all the men and women merely players,
They have their exits and entrances,
And one man in his time plays many parts,
His acts being seven ages. At first the infant,
Mewling and puking in the nurse's arms.
Then the whining schoolboy, with his satchel
And shining morning face, creeping like snail
Unwillingly to school. And then the lover,
Sighing like furnace, with a woeful ballad
Made to his mistress' eyebrow. Then a soldier.
Full of strange oaths, and bearded like the pard,
Jealous in honour, sudden and quick in quarrel,
Seeking the bubble reputation
Even in the cannon's mouth. And then the justice,
In fair round belly with good capon lin'd,
With eyes severe and beard of formal cut,
Full of wise saws and modern instances;
And so he plays his part. The sixth age shifts
Into the lean and slippered pantaloon,
With spectacles on nose and pouch on side,
His youthful hose, well sav'd, a world too wide,
For his shrunk shank; and his big manly voice,
Turning again towards the childish treble, pipes
And whistles in his sound. Last scene of all,
That ends this strange eventful history,
Is second childishness and mere oblivion,
Sans teeth, sans eyes, sans taste, sans everything

But Robert Conquest gives us the concise version.....

First you get puking and mewling
Then very pissed off with your schooling
Then fucks and then fights
Then judging chaps' rights
Then sitting in slippers--then drooling."

DESTINATION HALTWHISTLE

Just thought I would add a link to our first stop on our forthcoming whistle stop tour of Haltwhistle the Mile Castle Inn (http://www.milecastle-inn.co.uk/) where we are meeting at 1.30 (ish) for a light lunch. This will be followed no doubt by the fun filled tour of the Town (those wishing to be clever may wish to look at this link and comment on the loss of trees in the area http://www.tynedale.gov.uk/business/planappdetail.asp?paref=75963) including a stop at the recently damaged postbox (see below). Our accomodation as always is the Centre of Britain Hotel see the site for reminder of accomodation (http://www.centre-of-britain.org.uk/) I am afraid it is Richard and Janet's turn for the attic this year if Janet and I are not barred for our rowdy behaviour last time.

No one can say we do not know how to live!!!

See you all soon.

John T

Whitley Bay video find

Check out more at.....

http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=whitleybayname

New terrorist cell?

Copied and pasted from the BBC website today.....

"Post box damaged in 'explosion'
Police and Royal Mail officials are investigating after an explosive device damaged a post box in Northumberland.
Northumbria Police said officers were alerted when a member of the public reported an "explosion" inside the box in Haltwhistle on Friday morning.
A spokeswoman said officers found the front metal plate had been blown off by the blast.
She said no-one was hurt in the incident and that a "device" had been recovered from the scene."

Not sure about all those 'apostrophes'!

This weeks 'blast from the past'

This one's probably for John (the new job requiring extra-marital driving) and posssibly Chris and Nick (blocking the highways and byeways with a bloody caravan, we'll avoid the issue of Richard and a great big fire engine and just hope he gets enough kip on night shift!)....all they lack are dapper hats, chiselled jaws and groomed moustaches.

PS to previous posting

I'm adding a "Brief Guide to Northumberland Family History" found at the Northumberland Archive site to the SHARED box on the right hand side.

Family History

It must be spring.....suddenly I feel like delving into our collective past! John suggested ages ago that we should maybe use the blog to post things of historical family interest...personally I think it's a great idea and it doesn't even have to be just the Armstrongs either (I'm sure the 'outlaws' have just as many interesting tales to tell!) I've done a bit of frenzied downloading and some research into sources available locally...and there's a whole lot more than there was a couple of years ago. For example, the Northumberland Record Office has moved in the last few months....they now have a 'state of the art' (their words!) new centre at Woodhorn....have to admit it looks pretty good and well worth a visit....see pic above....they apparently have 4 miles worth of shelved archives covering the whole of the county. Anyone fancy a daytrip to check out the facilities? I'm going to be checking out the the local studies centre at North Shields library tomorrow....the last time I went I was looking for stuff on the coast generally, not family history info. Will find out what they have while I'm there.

Sweet and Sour Potatoes

Oil
1 Tsp Black Mustard Seeds
! Tsp Cumin Seeds
6 Medium Potatoes (Cubed)
2 Tsp Ground Copriander
1 Tsp Turmeric
1 Tsp Chilli Powder
2 Tsp Salt
4 Tsp Soft Brown Sugar
1/2 Pint Water
3 oz Tomato Puree 3 Tbsp Vinegar

Heat oil in a pan, add mustard and cumin seeds and fry till they pop.
Reduce the heat and add potatoes.
Add remaining ingredients and stir well.
Cover and cook over a low heat until potatoes are tender (about 20-25 minutes) and a large amount of thick sauce remains in pan.
Serve sprinkled with Fresh Coriander

No title.....just strange!

Prepare for a weekly onslaught of the weird and wonderful....I've happened upon another goldmine!

AVOID CELLOPHANE!!

In the old days we made our OWN entertainment....

Click on the image for full instructions for making your very own "Magic Hat". Look, you know you want to, I won't tell, honest!.....Now where did I put that piece of felt?.........

500 film clips in 7 minutes....

So, how many can you identify?

We've got more bells and whistles.....

....than a Paraguayan marching band. I've added another gizmo to the right hand side. It's a means of sharing files, documents, music, pictures, excel spreadsheets....you name it! For starters (pun intended) I've put a pdf of a load of Middle Eastern recipes on there. Just click on the file to download, save, print......and cook!

Nah....maybe just one more!

Sarah told me about this one.....apparently it's become a bit of a cult classic on the interwebs(I'm sure I've seen that first soloist on the Metro!) Wonder if they do dance classes? Please welcome to the stage.....the Benwell Ravin Crew!!!

Last one for tonight.....promise!

A last experiment in sound.....the original "War of the Worlds" starring Orson Welles and the Mercury Theatre on the Air. Tremendous stuff!

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And while I was at it.....

....I did the loving sister thing (pandering to the afflicted more like!) and searched for the saintly DAVID. Interesting (?) fact....on a site that hosts literally millions of audio files our granite-jawed hero only appears once or twice. Somewhere deep in this half hour american breakfast show from the early 80's (just after "The Lumberjack Song" by the Monty Python Team, an interesting juxtaposition) he attempts to wake the nation with "Hot Love".....and it's enough to put you off your full english!


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Yet another experiment....can tha hear me mother?

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OK....so I should really be washing dishes, but I bet they'll still be there tomorrow!

Another clever way to display pictures

Click on the thumbnails to enlarge