Festival Fever

Funnily enough, this week is becoming quite amusing and enjoyable. It started off rather annoyingly for the usual reasons but as time has gone on, it is proving to be highly entertaining.

Firstly, come what may, I have my hobbies to fall back on to while away the hours. The evenings are getting longer, so I have more golfing options. I still enjoy improving my guitar playing and I have a plentiful supply of Homebrew.

In addition to that, there have been the joys of the Cheltenham festival for another year. Four days of racing fun at the greatest horse-racing meeting of them all.

I get to wrack my brains for potential winners and place a few very small-scale wagers. This includes daily phone-calls from my Dad in an effort to combine thoughts and racing opinions and form a strategy for the next day's 'assault' on the bookmakers. These phone-calls are an event in themselves as telephone silence is strictly maintained by my Dad for the most part of the year.

No luck with the gee-gees yet... "Oh Well!"

The “cérise sur le gateau” so to speak, has come via discovery of the existence of the “Couch By Couchwest” 2012 music festival (March 11-18). It is a fantastic concept and there are some really great musicians contributing to the week-long couch-fest.

I was enthused enough to submit a video of mine. It is a performance of a song I wrote, based on the music to SRV's “Cold Shot.” I was unemployed at the time and had only been playing the guitar for 18-months. Quite honestly, the video is pretty poor, but it is fun to contribute.

Other musicians are very good, by the way, so you should check them out.

http://couchbycouchwest.com/

Festival fever is fun!

20 Monday Moments

1. Holy crap! I look rough first thing on a Monday.
2. Traffic tailback. 8:45 am. Awesome way to start the week. The same thing happens every damn week.
3. This is sad: Grown adults getting giddy at the sight of supermarket-bought jam doughnuts.
4. Radio debate on same-sex marriages. (Not my words). Quote: “What I would say to the gays, is how could you possibly consummate your marriage with only half a set of the required equipment."
5. Jesus Christ, lad, you stink! How can you have such bad B.O? It's only Monday.
6. Radio debate: Motoring, elderly driving, driving tests. 24-year-old policeman described by another caller as, “Wet behind the ears.” (That was generous).
7. Blimey, there are some ugly people around.
8. Why the Hell are there notices placed in the Staff Toilets, containing detailed instructions as to how to wash your hands?
9. Hmm... she's quite nice.
10. I want to write a deep, dark, introspective blog today.
11. Better not. Keep that stuff to yourself, Liam.
12. How come when I was obsessed by road-cycling, I was an anomaly? Now, I've lost interest, most of my idols are dead and cycling is popular.
13. Most people are morons.
14. At my local club, golfers manage to play tired, hungover or even plain drunk. Tiger pulls out with a dodgy heel.
15. There he is again... Stupid prick! (I don't mean Tiger. I actually like Tiger).
16. I'll go and play golf later. Might have a beer while I'm out.
17. Shit! I spend a lot on booze... and I don't earn much.
18. I can't do this much longer. It has gone beyond boring.
19. “Do you like Superman?” (Yes) “Do you prefer Superman or Kent Clark?” … Kent Clark??? … Dickhead!!!
20. It looks like being one of those, “Pass me the hemlock” weeks.

Stir-Crazy

Strewth my strides, this is such maniacal boredom! It truly is insane. I have to get out and do something else.

I accept that boredom is a natural part of life and everybody has to put up with it at times. Generally, I avoid boredom by keeping myself busy and active pretty much from the minute I get up, to the minute I go to bed. Admittedly, not everything I do may be considered by everyone to be constructive or positive but at least it keeps me occupied, reasonably entertained and generally happy.

This boredom, however, is incessant, unrelenting and fundamentally unnecessary and quite frankly, it is getting my gander up!

Quite honestly, I could end up in an asylum if this continues much longer. Similarities could be drawn between this situation and Groundhog Day, airport waiting areas or even life in prison. There is definitely a sense of 'stir-crazy' to it all.

Furthermore, I am at my wit's end as to to how to liven things up. It is not really in my nature to shout at someone and it is a little unfair to start taking the mickey out of people. I might have to resort to sneaking in liquor.

There is also always trust in the belief that it is all a means to an end and that there is a greater good, but realistically, it is 11:50 am on a Wednesday and this is my second rambling blog of the hour. I think I might make my fingers bleed, just so that I have something to focus on. It is either that or eat a pen-top. I could go really wild and do both.

Never mind.

I'll be on the golf-course by three.

Damn, it's raining!

Fighting the Gravitational Pull

Good day fellow bloggers! Happy Wednesday!

I am creating this blog-post essentially to fight off slumber. For the sake of professionalism, I will refrain from going into details as to why I am fighting the gravitational pull on my eyelids at 10:55 am. Suffice is to say that I am.

I have had a good time recently work-wise. That little stint appears to have come to an end. Nevertheless it was good while it lasted. It is once again time now to allow the winds of change to carry me along, as I return to my comfortable, albeit unpredictable limbo.

My social-life could be looking up. After the customary uncertainty and deliberation revolving around the new season at the golf club and pontificating as to whether to stump up the cash to allow me the privilege of being a member for another year, I have renewed my membership and I have set about immersing myself in the club culture, competitions and social activities.

I am actually really looking forward to it. My game is in pretty good shape and it will be good to meet up with and have a bit of banter with a variety of different people.

It looks like it is going to cost me a bloody fortune though. The annual subscription has been paid, but add to that weekly competition fees, social contributions, golfing insurance, reciprocal post-round beverages and suddenly I have unleashed a steady flow from my wallet and drain on my bank account.

Oh well, there is nothing like adopting a gung-ho attitude and diving right in. I have spent most of my life refraining from spending money – probably because I have never really had any. If there is one thing for certain, it is that this life is made for living. I am going to meet new people, improve my game and have some fun.

Cool! That did the trick. Almost time for my next lesson.

Yours Golfingly,

Happy Gilmore (aka. “The Bandit”)

Boring Monday

It has been a week or so since I last posted a blog. This one is not ground-breaking either, just the usual blend of musing, contemplating and general day-dreaming.

Actually, the blog for today is even more like a diary-entry than usual. Today is Monday, it is lunch-time and I have a few minutes to while away. So, I am tapping away.

As is often the case, my day could not have been planned in advance and I did not find out until 7:45 am that I was in fact working today and where indeed I would be working. Had I not received a phone-call containing such instructions, my day would have revolved around a visit to the garage, guitar and golf.

All the activities do in fact follow on from the events of the week-end. Saturday was a fairly relaxed day, whereby I got a few chores and errands done and out of the way early on and then settled down to the guitar, followed by a trip to my brother's house to watch the Six Nations Rugby and to enjoy a few drinks.

I woke early on Sunday with the mindset of not wasting the day. The weather was lovely, particularly for the time of year and I headed off to the golf course for an early tee-of time of shortly after 8 am.

I am a speedy golfer and had completed 18-holes by 10 o'clock. I was then invited to take part in the Sunday Social and so embarked on another nine-holes as a four-ball. The golf was followed by a pint and a chat and was all good fun and people headed off at around 1 pm.

Unfortunately, I was delayed slightly by the fact that the van would not start. The battery icon on the dashboard has been lit up for a week or so and I had noticed the juices seeming rather faint as I turn the engine over. However, I was hoping to ignore it for a couple of weeks when I intend to get the van serviced and MOT'd, in any case.

The problem was temporarily resolved by pushing the van into a position from which I could start rolling it down the hill and thus jump-start it. It worked like a charm and I got home.

I have a battery charger and have fully recharged the battery, so I was able to start the van again this morning. The warning symbol is still on, however, so there is clearly an underlying problem and I will have to sort it out. My limited vehicle knowledge suggests to me that it might well be a problem with the alternator.

Golfing-wise, I had sketchily arranged to play a round with someone today, if I was free. I took his phone-number so as to text him with my whereabouts and availability as it became known. However, I appear to have failed to save the details correctly in my phone, so I am unable to do so. I will try ringing the club and see if I can pass on a message.

That's about it, really. Hardly riveting. I will work the afternoon, head home via the garage, do weights and then settle into the evening.

All in all, a pretty boring Monday.

“La Gloire de Mon Père” et “Le Chateau de Ma Mère”

I watched some of “La Gloire de Mon Père” et “Le Chateau de Ma Mère” today. I love those films. I used to watch them when I was a teenager and studying for my GCSE's.

We had copies of both films on video-tape at home. The films had been recorded from the television and were in the original French, with English subtitles. The more I watched them and the better my French understanding became, I would prop things up in front of the screen so as to cover up the English, while not obscuring the picture.

I trust that all the hours I have spent doing that sort of thing have paid off over the years. I used to apply a similar method to reading books in other languages, or when watching news recordings or documentaries.

It is the way I have always worked. It is my mentality. I do the same thing now with guitar and I used to do the same thing when I was serious about cycling. I would train and train, constantly striving to get better, to push the limits. When the club ride was fifty-miles, I would do another twenty before and a further twenty-miles after. When we had a mid-week evening ride of thirty-five to forty-miles, I would do an additional fifty or sixty in the morning.

This 'mentality' explains one of those mental blocks I have when it comes to other people. I cannot understand why some people cannot adopt the same attitude and I fail to comprehend teaching strategies and methods. If you want to learn something, then just do it.

Success is achieved through desire, application and dedication. Don't be a 'douchebag,' give it time and concentrate.

Returning to Marcel Pagnol. I love those films. I love them for the language and I love them for the memories they stir, not only of France at the turn of the twentieth century but also of my own youth. The south of France is beautiful. The early 1900's setting is wonderful – there is a simplicity, an innocence and a natural charm.

It would be nice to live there.

Superbowl Sunday

Today's blog is simply to reflect on Superbowl Sunday. All in all, I had a fantastic experience and thoroughly enjoyed the event. It was helped by the fact that my own pre-game show involved Wales gaining a last-gasp victory over Ireland on the opening week-end of the 2012 Rugby Six Nations

Living in Wales, in the UK complicates matters a little when it comes to following US sports, due to a combination of the limited coverage and the time differences. Nevertheless, I particularly like the NFL and I have been a Green Bay Packers fan since I was a boy.

My habit during the regular season is to record the games that are aired overnight and I then watch them at my leisure and at a more civilized time.

When it comes to the play-offs, it is often something of an anti-climax as the TV coverage lessens and live games become scarce. There is always the “pièce de résistance” at the end of it all in the form of the Superbowl, but the quality of the game rarely lives up to the billing and inevitably fails to compete with the glitz, glamour and razzmatazz that engulf the occasion.

Each Superbowl Sunday, I face the same annual dilemma: Do I stay up into the early hours or do I keep to my normal routine, record the game, wait and watch it the next day?

Staying up is a feat if there is the likelihood of work on the Monday. However, whereas general UK apathy to the NFL makes hearing of the result during the regular season a non-issue, people have an unerring tendency to 'break the news' for a major sporting event and so the whole occasion can be spoilt.

Nevertheless, generally, I record the game and take my chances. I have done the 'night vigil' but I find I spend the whole time fighting to stay awake, so it all becomes too much of a chore.

Last night was different and it was due in no small part to my Twitter buddies. The fact that I generally follow people on Twitter based on my interests in sport and music and that most of those people are based in the United States meant that it was like being at some sort of party.

Everything revolved around the game, with comments and observations coming from all sorts of angles. Some were serious, some were humorous and others were just plain daft. I know that I certainly threw in a few ludicrous tweets just to stir things up a bit.

By the end, I had barely seen much of the game, having spent so much time engaged with and laughing at my Timeline. I was also playing around with the guitar and had enjoyed a few drinks earlier on, meaning that time flew by. Before I knew it, it was 03:30 AM and the Giants were World Champions.

On reflection, I hope nobody took any of my contribution the wrong way. It is never my intention to cause any ill-feeling. It is always difficult to be absolutely sure when communicating in 140 characters or less. I equally trust that my fellow Twitterers appreciate the efforts and interest of a Welshman stationed the other side of the 'Big Lake.'

It was not long before 04:00 AM when I got to bed and I was up again at 06:00 AM to get ready for work. I actually feel alright when all is considered. Admittedly, my reactions are definitely a little slow and I have forgotten to bring my wallet with me, but it was worth it.

Congratulations to the New York Giants – “Superbowl XLVI Winners” and “2012 World Champions!”

Roll on 2013 – #GoPackGo!

Who Needs A Guide?

We all spend a lot of time thinking. We ponder eventualities and we try to find out the reasons behind all that happens and all that goes on around us all the time. Hopefully, most of us in society have good intentions and our musings are in good humour. We have desires and ambitions. Sometimes, or perhaps all too often, we struggle a little to get down to it and actually put into practice what we spend so much time longing for or thinking about.

I do not think that it is laziness. It is more likely that we lack confidence in ourselves or it may be a negative attitude that we harbour towards the ways of society in general and a failure to believe that anything will ever come of our efforts. Do we ever get our just rewards? Those who succeed, whether they be writers, film-makers, athletes or whatever, have all been given a hefty helping hand up the ladder – haven't they?

I believe we all intend to put into practice our plans at some point. We have always wanted to be something but for some reason or another we have not got down to it.

It is interesting to reflect. Thoughts, aims and feelings swill around in minds all the time. The world has existed for a long time and something tells me not a lot has changed. Maybe I will be surprised. There is a lot I have not yet seen.

What can we do today? What can we do now?

Bodies and minds function with nature and with the seasons. When it is Spring, finally it is warming up and the days are clearer, brighter and getting longer. It feels like spring and we feel like Spring. Energetic, clear and new. That is a feeling we have in Spring. Do we have the right to feel that clear and happy, that alert? Of course we, do so why with all the advances in time, thought and technology, do we not feel it all the time?

When it is winter and cold and damp and dark and miserable, it gets to late in the evening and there is nothing to do and nowhere to go. There is little other than empty entertainment on the TV. If you resist watching rubbish on the television, you go to bed. You go to bed early and even if you are an early riser, you find yourself getting up a little later each day. It is dark outside, so even with the best intentions, why get up? It seems logical so far. However, as a kid, I always thought that if I were to be granted one wish then I would wish to never have to sleep. There was a clause to that wish in that I could sleep if I wanted – but I would never actually need to. My reasoning was that I would be able to get so much done. So, why now as adults with a big wide world out there do we allow ourselves to remain, “zonked” for such large periods of the year.

I guarantee I will not find the answer, but I am interested in trying to do so. I can feel this is an important and interesting time in my life now, as it should be in everybody's. I have been working, but I cannot for the life of me fathom why, as it is such a mind-numbing, brickwall-butting occupation. Who am I kidding? I did it for the money and for the holidays. Even so, I am moving beyond it in a fashion that I believe is destiny taking a hand. I was never destined to work. Some people are and believe me, some souls out there are doing an amazing job and I have so much respect for them - a respect that I did not to the same degree before.

I have been amazed at some of the things I have encountered and found. Briefly, how thick so many people are and how little qualifications actually seem to count, despite what we are led to believe as children. It can be incredibly difficult to even get what may be regarded as a “numpty” job these days and yet we are supposedly all impelled to spend our life's energies and efforts into securing that pitiful and pointless existence. However, what I have seen and discovered is how much there actually is out there, how much help there is on offer and how many people are willing to provide warmth and assistance.

It all steels me to stop resting and to stop accepting. I do not want to sleep any more. Now is the time to open up to destiny and to relish it and it cannot start anywhere else but here.

Our aim should be to transfer our desires as we want them and in our time, so as to truly reflect our thought processes and intentions. In that way, we can be more interesting to ourselves and more interesting to a companion or observer.  Unquestionably, we will at least be more meaningful and poignant within ourselves. If we edit our dreams in order that some elements are better explained or make more sense or perhaps reflect ourselves in a better light, it would be false and fundamentally uninteresting.

It is not necessary to set ourselves up as some form of genius or expert in philosophy. If we we say or do something stupid, then remember it. Let's look at it, read about it, laugh about it, be shocked by it or cry about. Equally, let us refrain from explaining every situation. There are times when how you got there, why you got there, what you did before, or who exactly someone is, is not important. Some gaps can provide a little intrigue and can invite a little imaginative thought. Those gaps can easily be filled in our minds and musing, just as we wish.

Give it a go.

Rural Radio

I have work commitments for three weeks that require me to commute a reasonable distance, basically equating to two hours of driving per day.

The route that I take is reasonably interesting, as it is in a rural setting, but it can be quite tedious and boring to do twice daily and on a regular basis. In order to offset the boredom, I listen to the radio.

I have a very basic radio in the car which combined with the rural location means I am very limited in terms of the choice of station.

As a result, I am listening to a radio station that I would not necessarily have chosen given more options. It is quite illuminating as to the interests and thought processes of many people and of things that are going on to which I was quite comfortably oblivious.

In order to briefly summarise, the morning show is relatively entertaining. The host does a good job with a good sense of humour. All in all, it is good company. Similarly, the programme to accompany the drive home is not too bad either. The music choices vary but there are some good songs played, albeit alongside a fair amount of drivel.

My annoyance and gripe comes in between the two. I failed to mention above that I also spend some of my lunch-break in the car and consequently, I put the radio on. The discussions aired at that time of the day are insane. The host is a 'berk.' He has an annoying voice, he makes stupid comments and clearly has an inflated opinion of himself.

Furthermore, the topics considered are mind-numbing at best. I cannot seem to grasp the purpose of the programme at all. It is not intelligent conversation that is entered into, neither is it humorous nor helpful. I realise that an element of impartial debate is that there is no bias and that all angles are considered. However, I do not think this happens at all.

The presenter appears to be deliberately awkward with the guests or callers for no apparent reason. The only impression I can make is that he does actually think he is clever, or that he is making an insightful observation. Frankly, he never does. He is a complete imbecile.

Many of the listeners are little better. It is baffling what reward they gain from contributing to the show. Nevertheless, they still feel compelled to do so.

I have not named the radio station, nor the programme and I have no desire to do so. It is not my intention to launch an attack on a named individual. I am merely 'blogging' away to ease my own boredom. Neither am I fully equipped to criticize something that I have only recently and briefly tuned into.

In fact, the main reason for this rambling is that I am on my lunch-break and I have switched the radio off because the incessant drone of the faceless voice is too annoying. As is the negativity that stems from discussion about suicide, corrupt politicians and homophobia.

Heavens above, what happened to a bit of banter and good-time music? The last song that was played was some 'bozo' singing about Charlie Brown.

Well, there is consolation in that whatever is 'airing' during the drive home can only be an improvement. Ultimately, I will be glad when these three weeks are over. No lengthy rural drive will mean no dreary radio and three weeks pay will give me the option of upgrading my equipment.

I bet I don't upgrade though. I would have nothing to moan and blog about!

Reading and Writing

The topic being discussed on the radio, as I listen to it commuting to work, is “Reading and Writing.” Specifically, it revolves around a scheme being launched today to encourage children to read more and to engage in and experiment with writing.

The discussion is following the usual format of a radio show. Lots of advice is being offered from expert, professional and interested parties regarding how best to go about the process of engaging young people in books.

It is being suggested that parents should actively enthuse their children through reading to them, buying them books to read and taking them to the library on a regular basis. It is also mentioned that contemporary culture, interests and habits war with the basic concept of concentrating for long periods of time on one particular item.

Time constraints have been referenced, along with the prevalent existence of modern technology, personal interests and indeed abilities. Undoubtedly, as with many issues, “Reading and Writing” is a worthy topic for discussion.

In my opinion, the burden of responsibility fundamentally falls on the parents, especially when considering children of a very young age.

As a child, I was certainly actively encouraged to read. My parents had masses of books on an array of subjects and I also received plenty of books myself as gifts for birthdays or as Christmas presents. I also went on to study languages and other areas of literature at an advanced level.

Over the years, I have certainly read an awful lot and in many languages. However, I hesitate to say whether I actually enjoy reading. I suppose I must do, as I have read things, such as the entire collection of Sherlock Holmes stories, from cover to cover on more than one occasion. I have even read stuff like Dante's - “Divina Comedia,” in the original Italian, although I have to admit that was a little beyond me.

"Beyond me..."

If asked what my favourite book is, I would struggle to answer, but then again, I would be the same if asked for a film or a song. I suppose, I know what I like and what I do not like, but I do not really have any desire to choose a favourite. I have read books covering a huge variety of genres, from Asterix to Shakespeare, but I actually prefer biographies.

To return to the point about today's discussion, despite all my reading over the years, I rarely read now. Well, that is to say that I rarely sit down and read a novel. Of course, I read the news and I look things up and read information so as to learn about different things, but I do not sit down and read purely for entertainment.

Neither do I really have any books in the house. I still have a load at my parents house but I do not possess my own collection. For one thing, I do not really like the clutter.

On the radio, they are making the link between reading and writing. It is argued that a good writer ought to improve his/her skills by reading and vice-versa. I also enjoy writing. I used to write a lot more than I do now, in a similar way to reading.

Equally, when it comes to writing, I have never viewed myself as imaginative or creative, not in terms of the subject matter. I have never tended to make up a story. I can be imaginative, creative and colourful with the language I use, or through observations, angles or perceptions, but all based on observations founded in fact.

I must use all the skills honed over the years through reading and writing. I assume I use them now in the way I learn and play music. I have reams of material that in a way map my technical progress and also my thought processes over various courses of time.

It is absolutely indisputable that reading and writing are vitally important for young people. They are not only necessary core academic skills, but they also serve a vital purpose when considering all round well-being and in particular, mental health.

Ultimately, I do find it strange how many people appear at their wit's end when contemplating how best to get a child to engage in reading and writing. What is the best book to read? How often should they read? When should they read?

From a personal perspective, it comes down to interest. Let them read what they like. I would ensure there are options aplenty and that literature is readily accessible, but it is futile to encourage to the point of pressure and exhaustion.

Encourage through example, good intentions and support. That is about all you can do really. Things have a funny way of working out, but when it comes down to it, people do what they want.

Friday

It is Friday today which is a welcome relief. It has been a relatively busy week in that I have worked five full-days since Monday, which is not something that has been that common for me for a while.

It is lunch-time now so I only have a short afternoon to go. It ought not to be a bad afternoon either. Then, it will be back home, get the heating on, sort out the “Friday Follows” and settle into a good Friday night

I am happy to admit that I have really taken to Twitter. It is somewhat bizarre, as I have never been into that sort of thing before but I really do have a great deal of fun with it.

Some of the aspects that I particularly enjoy include the fact that people within my circles are so encouraging and supportive. I genuinely gain a lot of inspiration from different characters, either through what they have been doing or something that they tweet.

Cheers Tweeps!

It is amazing but it does support all those theories and sayings that the little things really do count. The tiniest of compliments or mentions is very warmly received and appreciated.

I mention that it is bizarre and in essence, it is exactly that. Why on earth would I post messages, images, comments to people that I have only met via the internet, especially when considering it is viewable by anybody in the world? There are items that are posted that could be frowned upon, or worse, by a potential employer, but I do it anyway.

I think that fundamentally, it comes down to both human nature and the current global situation. I believe a lot of people have reached the point whereby they could quite frankly not care less about what the supposed hierarchy may think, they are going to do it anyway.

From a personal perspective, as mentioned, I gain such a lot from using Twitter. I am reasonably careful with what I tweet or post online and my interests have led me to some truly inspirational, friendly and fascinating people. Others may not have had such luck because there are undoubtedly some imbeciles who tweet, in the same way as there are buffoons everywhere in society.

Contrastingly, the whole online social networking arena could be construed as fairly 'sad'. Would it not be better to go out in the local area and meet like-minded people with whom I could interact in a similar fashion to that done via Twitter?

The concept is an obvious one and undoubtedly attractive. However, the reality is again different. Once more, the global economy determines that a night in with a few home-prepared drinks and my Twitter community is significantly cheaper than a night out at the pub or in town.

Furthermore, were I to venture into town, would I find like-minded people? I very much doubt it. My interests are obvious if you view my Twitter companions and yet if I were to venture into town tonight, what would I encounter? It does not bare thinking about really, but suffice is to say that the majority of night-spots would be packed out with school kids, at best.

All in all, I am content with my plans for the evening. I will set myself up with my guitar, a few drinks. I will pop the TV on in the background and I will keep my Twitter Timeline in my eye-line. Hopefully, I will keep up with the “Friday Follows” and I will refrain from tweeting anything too daft as the night draws on.

Enjoy your Friday!

☺ Keep Smiling ☺

I Am Pumped

I really need to do something. I am bouncing as a result of some sort of energy waves at the moment. I am getting stimulation from all kinds of weird things. My mind is spinning with activity and I feel inspired by even the tiniest of incidents. I hardly eat, I rarely sleep, I still consume alcohol and yet, I am pumped!

Perhaps it is some strange high-octane combination of the truncated sleep patterns, dietary deficiency and ethanol, but if this keeps up, everyone should try it. At least it is a natural high.

I do not take drugs. I never have done. I have a huge aversion to chemicals and pills of any form. I do not even take paracetamol/aspirin. I have always believed if you start making use of medication to alter physical or mental ailments, you are taking away the natural role of the body.

Once you have done that, you lose the natural equilibrium, without which, you never know where you are. Eventually, you correct everything with something, which is fundamentally heading in the wrong direction. What you ought to do is get back to your inner core.

I must make it clear I have absolutely no authority, training, nor credentials to make these assertions, other than this is my blog, so I can write whatever I like. Furthermore, I am a physically fit, intelligent and seriously jacked up son of a bitch, who feels like he is going to shoot up into the stratosphere and save the universe. So, who doesn't want to feel like me?

I am going to do something. There is a high energy out there. If you look for it, you will find it. It might not be obvious. You might have to search through the gloomy crowds and into the darker corners. Maybe it is up in the air, high in the sky, or perhaps it is right in your lap.

That energy. That raw fuel. That unadulterated inspiration is lurking somewhere and it is a fire-fighting, pile-driving, baby-bouncing gift from God.

Maybe it is an over-hyped intelligence, an elevated IQ or a maniacal tendency that explains this unrelenting, incessant and insatiable brain train, or maybe I am just taking the piss.

I have to use this energy. I need to focus it to ensure it is appreciated to its full potential.

I am not being confrontational. I do not want to bang heads. I want to be useful, helpful and positively outstanding.

Now is the time. The time is right. It is time to do it. I am ready. I am pumped. I have got the energy. Is there anyone out there who wants a piece of this energy? Who wants to share this fuel? Who wants to partake in this phenomenon?

All you have to do is ask.

This is no rage against the machine. I AM the machine!!!

Bring it on!

☺ Keep Smiling ☺

Tagliatelle and Meatballs

I enjoy cooking. I learnt a lot from my parents as a child. The evening meal was always a family focal point and I spent hours over the years in the kitchen watching, helping and eventually, cooking by myself.

I have also studied languages and have studied abroad, albeit only in Europe. I have lived and worked in France and Italy so have picked up on a few things.

I particularly like Mediterranean cuisine – lots of tomatoes, peppers, olives etc. A dish like Paella is ideal.

I have also long had an affinity with Italy and for years as a kid, lasagna was my favourite dish. I used to do some mean desserts as well, such as Tiramisù (until I checked the nutritional values).

An Italian dish that is always a hit is meatballs. It can be served with anything you like really but spaghetti works well and I prefer tagliatelle.

“Tagliatelle and meatballs” is the dish I am going to describe here. This dish is a guide, not an exact recipe. It is more the style, influence and flavour that I wish to convey.

Ingredients: (you choose the quantities) Mince (beef), onion, garlic, black pepper, herbs (basil and oregano), passata, tomato purée, red wine, mushrooms.

To make the meatballs:

Finely dice some of the onion (not too much), garlic, black pepper and herbs. Ensure the mince is chilled. Combine everything by hand. When done, separate into equal pieces. (Keep the meatballs fairly small).

Oil you hands (olive oil). Squeeze, roll and shape the pieces of mince mixture individually to form meatballs. The coldness of the mince will ensure the mixture holds together (no need for egg, breadcrumbs etc) and the oil on your hands will prevent the meat from sticking.

When all the meatballs are made, fry them in a pan and set aside.

For the sauce:

Use a good sized casserole dish and introduce the ingredients as you would for any normal tomato-based sauce – ie. onions, garlic, seasoning, tomatoes...

Then add the wine. Make sure to use plenty of tomato and initially, the consistency will be thin.

Leave to simmer extremely gently for as long as possible. The richness of the sauce will depend upon this. Even add water, to ensure it simmers for long enough before reaching the ideal consistency.

The sauce can be left and re-heated or used when ready.

At around 10–20 minutes before serving, add the meatballs and heat everything through. Correct the thickness with tomato purée as you wish.

Serve with tagliatelle and freshly grated parmesan (ideally, Parmigiano Reggiano).

You can vary this dish in all sorts of ways, depending on taste-buds, whims and budgets. Peppers and a bit of heat work well. Balsamic vinegar can replace wine and you can try different meats.

NB – Do not forget the oil on your hands and do not use egg, breadcrumb or flour.

Buon Appetito!

☺ Keep Smiling ☺

Plans

I have been blogging quite a lot recently. There are a number of reasons for that. Reasons, such as: a blog ought to be kept up to date; it does not take long if you are in the right frame of mind; and I enjoy writing (equally, when I am in the right frame of mind).

Furthermore, I never like to leave one of my 'inspirational moments' flagged up for too long at the top of the list as “latest blog.” Don't tell anyone, but I like to conceal them in the annals. My 'moments' are not hidden but while I am sharing and revealing pieces of me, I do not want people to make too many assumptions. I prefer a 'scattering.'

Today, I will reveal my plans. Nothing earth-shattering once more, just my plans for the day.

I did weights this morning – just free-weights at home. I tweaked my back a little, which was careless but it will pass. Obviously, I am now writing my blog and then I will have a quick scoot through the 'form' for the horse racing, which will be on the TV later. I will probably record that on the DVR.

I am not very good at the 'form' any more. I used to be but I do not spend enough time on it these days. I only put a couple of quid on, merely to maintain an interest. I am not a gambler. Gambling is a mug's game. I only bet what I am prepared to lose.

After that, I will have a bit of lunch. I am going to try to cut down on the portions a little bit. I am in decent shape but there is always room for improvement. Actually, I have always been pretty good with my diet, although I ought to drink a little less.

The weather is not bad today, so I will probably fit in a bit of golf, although it does get dark early. The membership fees are due at the end of the month. I am undecided as to whether I will renew. I enjoy my golf, but it is a lot of money and as always I still hope that I will have buggered off somewhere, sometime soon, so I would not be around here to use it.

The main focus of the day will be the guitar. I always play for a few hours and I go over and over the songs that I know. I do it while I have the TV on, or while I am having a snifter or following Twitter, but I would quite like to concentrate on something specific and new today – either a song or a solo. I learn them from Licklibrary DVD's and they do not take me long any more.

All that should take me into the evening, when I will be able to drift away into the night.

That should do it.

Those are my plans. Enjoy your day!

(Editorial note: By "snifter," I mean “drink” ☺)

☺ Keep Smiling ☺

LOVE

The creative juices are flowing now, so I am going to have a crack at a new genre. Forget the rest, I am going to share some feelings of LOVE.

The following is completely fictitious, therefore meaningless, untroublesome and unimportant. In which case, I shall name the lady, Gwendoline.

******************************

There is something about Gwendoline that entirely captivates me.   She is a girl of the night, a thinker and a dreamer. She has depths that I can only touch upon in my imagination.

I cannot seem to grasp what it is that obsesses me so. It is not her beauty, sheer as it may be.  I melt at the very sight of her and yet it is not the sexual attraction that manifests itself so intensely in my soul.

I linger on her every word.  I spend hours waiting and when those words arrive, I study them and analyse them as though they were a precious diamond.  I seek hidden messages or intentions.  I strive helplessly to discover an inkling more about the woman that addles me so.

My whole being has changed overnight. She is my first thought when I wake in the morning and my final thought before I go to sleep at night, She possesses me all through the day. I have changed how I eat and how I drink. My sleep revolves around her waking hours.

There are times when I physically shake – not tremble, nor tingle but vigorously shake - when in actuality, she has done nothing to cause such a reaction.

It is simply her very being. There is no real justification, nor rhyme, nor reason.

LOVE can be the only justification. Pure, complete and inexplicable LOVE.

I LOVE her mind, her body and her soul. Even the sin and danger in her, that should ward me off, do not quell my passion. I know that she will posses me. She will own me, rule me and preside over me and yet, I feel helpless in face of my unrelenting emotions.

It is inexplicable and yet real and I could never bare to lose it.

Gwendoline, my darling, you complete me.

**********************************

My Own Comment:

“Oh my Gawd!!! Lawdy, Lawdy, Lawdy!!!” (Amusing, though!!!)

☺ Keep Smiling ☺

Please feel free to comment for yourself :)

Patience is a Virtue

It is often said that patience is a virtue. Well, I certainly hope so. I have always trusted that time takes care of itself and that eventually you will reach your destiny. I suppose it is essentially believing in fate.

However, I do have major reservations about a blind trust in fate, as that does harbour the suggestion that there is no point in doing anything because it is all mapped out anyway. That is not really what I mean.

I am nowhere near reaching my destiny yet but it honestly does not worry me. I am not married, I do not have a career and I am in a job that bores me. I live in a place, where I do not want to live and at face value, I appear to be surrounded by very few prospects.

Depressing?  No. Worrying  No. Surprising?  Yes. I was a bright kid in school and very successful academically. I very nearly went to Oxford, but I bungled the interview. I think there was pretty much a universal assumption that I was set to be a high-flyer.

Liam "The Scholar"

A high-flyer, I am not, but I cannot complain, as I have never been driven by the desire for money. Fundamentally, I think it is the cause of so many ills. We would be better off without it.

I have also been a talented sportsman and athlete. I never made the big-time in sports but I have done what I wanted. I have competed at a high level in a variety of disciplines and I have indulged myself in them at the time I believed I should. I always wanted to do sport as much as I could while I was young.

Liam "The Athlete"

I am thirty-two years old but I am the youngest thirty-two year old I know. I have an active mind and an active body. There are so many people I see who are successful in certain areas but I would not trade places with them. Some are dull, others angry. I see sad people, mad people and bad people. There are also unhealthy people, stupid people and dishonest people. They all have their own destiny. It is not mine.

Something that I have always hated in society is how people seem to live in boxes. So many live in boxes both literally, in terms of modern housing developments and metaphorically, as in “this is my life, I must just accept it.” That is insanity. You have no idea what your life has in store for you.

A few years ago, after an evening out, a colleague asked me if I liked living where I do. I could not help laughing as I replied in the negative and explained I would rather live on my own on the top of a mountain. He appeared shocked.

Ambition ought to be limitless. I suppose what is really at the core of my aspirations is that I will not allow anyone to categorise me. There is no single box in which you can place me – not professionally, socially, spiritually, or any other way.

Liam "The Rebel"

A lot of people worry about the future. In my mind, as long as I keep myself healthy, I can do whatever I like, whatever age I am. If on the other hand I am not healthy, well then I might just as likely be dead, so again it does not really matter.

I do not like to map things out but that is not to say that I do not think about the future. There are little pictures that pop into my head of what life might be like years from now. They are all pretty tranquil. I am not going to describe them here, but rest assured, they are good pictures, happy pictures and joyful pictures.

Patience is a virtue and I will be alright.

☺ Keep Smiling ☺

Writer's Block

I have got writer's block today. “Thank God for that!” I imagine you are all saying. Well, bad news I am afraid, as I am going to ramble on anyway.

There are a few topics I have considered writing about and I have started upon them, but on each occasion, I have given up, as they are essentially boring, aimless and uninteresting.

The trouble with a blog is that you have to be positive, interesting and brief. People get bored after a couple of paragraphs – me included. It is not a novel, nor an article, more a musing.

I am bored of sport, I do not know enough about music and I cannot stand politics. I could probably philosophise for eternity, but people like to do that for themselves. Technology baffles me, religion is beyond me and love eludes me. What is there left?

Ah, humour! I could write comically and I could tell a few jokes. I am a funny man. At least, I do amuse myself. I see humour in everything. Moreover, I have the looks for it and I am constantly smiling and chuckling to myself. Hang on a minute, is that humour or madness?

That could spark a mass debate.

Too late, time is up, blog done!

☺ Keep Smiling ☺

Sleep Deprivation is Kinda Cool

I am sitting here feeling a little sleep-deprived, which is not a bad thing. I am actually getting a bit of a kick out of it. It is not unlike being a little tipsy through alcohol. Everything is softened, I am in a bit of a haze and lost in my own thoughts. It is quite tranquil really.

It reminds me of a time when at the age of twelve or thirteen, I was on a school trip to France. We were staying in small chalets on a holiday complex for a week. At night-time, being somewhat mischievous, amorous and cheeky, I and a few others would sneak into other chalets, occupied by girls.

Nothing untoward happened and we had a happy little arrangement under the guise that our shower did not work. At least, it was a happy arrangement until we got caught, but that is a story for another day. Essentially, it was all very playful and suggestive, but innocent enough.

Anyway, one night in particular sticks in the mind because we did an “all-nighter.” It was only two or three of us that took on the challenge of going through the whole night without a minute of sleep and it was quite an achievement for twelve-year old kids. It also led to the most surreal experience the next day.

The best way I can really describe it is that I 'woke up' in the middle of an outdoor market, in a French town. I had no idea where I was or how I had got there. I certainly had no recollection of a coach journey, nor of any walking, nor of how I happened to have possession of a rucksack, notepad and clipboard.

As far as I can recall, I spent the next little while trying to 'come to' and tentatively following people in order to gauge my whereabouts. Presumably, I had been in some sort of blackout and had sleep-walked through various stages of our educational excursion.

Amazingly, no supervising adults appeared to have noticed. In hindsight, they were probably in their own alcohol-induced haze.

To return to the present, I have not embarked on any all-nighters recently, but it is true that I have not had much sleep over the past few days. It is not insomnia either, as I have been consciously staying up late and getting up early. I have mentioned that I am getting a bit of a kick out of the haze, so maybe it is my mischievous and cheeky nature returning. Maybe it never left. Nevertheless, I suppose I had better be on the watch for any blackouts. In the meantime, it is kinda cool!

The Cherry Tree

I was wondering what I could write for my blog today. To describe my day would probably spiral into boredom and negativity, which I try to avoid and to describe my current feelings might get me into trouble. Instead, I'll briefly recount my tree-felling tale.

I live alone in a house bought by my mother for her parents (ie. my grandparents). My grandmother planted a cherry blossom tree in the corner of the garden about forty-years ago. It was a waif of a tree and I presume pretty in the spring.

Forty-years later it had become a monstrosity; it towered over the house, blocked out the sun and was basically an eyesore.

I obtained a quote to have it trimmed and brought under some sort of control. The “experts” wanted a little too much for their services, so I set about the task myself.

First, I climbed to the top of the tree and sawed. I continued to saw during every spare minute of daylight for a week. During that week, lots of people passed by, presumably thinking, “Why is this lunatic risking his neck up a tree?” One person even stopped to take a picture, but not one person offered to help.

After a week, the size of the tree had been vastly reduced. I now had a garden full of debris, which I set about clearing. At this point, a neighbour offered me a bow saw, as mine appeared blunt. He was right and the new saw was a lot more efficient.

Now I was happy. The tree was down to the main limbs, so job done. Then a stranger stopped by and enquired about the tree. He owned a farm , did some logging himself and was fascinated at what I had been doing. He offered to take down the main limbs.

Next morning he turned up with a side-kick and two chainsaws and we proceeded to fell the remaining trunk and limbs and sliced up the wood ready for splitting. I was hugely grateful and thanked them accordingly.

Over the course of the next week, I chopped, sawed, split and carried until finally I had amassed an impressive woodpile and I had a clear garden.

It was at this point that I became popular. Neighbours, who previously have never uttered a word, greeting or wave suddenly stopped by in their cars, walked up to me in the drive and knocked on the door – all enquiring about the wood. What was I going to do with the wood?

It's my bleepin' wood!

I still have the wood. I might sell it when it is well-seasoned, I might find a way to use it myself, I might even give it away, but I do not appreciate being treated as the village idiot for two weeks in order to become a cheap source of fuel.

I can be a pig-headed so-and-so at times! It also makes me smile that I am still climbing trees at the age of thirty-two.

☺ Keep smiling! ☺

Christmas Morning

(Editorial Note:  This was written on Christmas morning.  I have just re read it and it surprised me.  I want to share things with people, which is why I am posting it here.  Please do not misunderstand me, as I am certainly no evangelist.  I just happened to be having these thoughts at the time.)


The past week has been one of the most incredible week's of my life. I was not expecting it, but in essence that it why it has been so special. This life is not our own and that is the reason it has the potential to be special – and also at times so trying, enduring and painful.

I have always believed in God. I have always known that He created the world and that He laid down the foundations for the life that we lead. The basic elements of the Bible and the rules by which we know the rights and wrongs of acceptable behaviour were learnt at a young age. I have adhered to them but without paying special attention.

Various reasons can be found to explain the passive nature of my faith. They are far too vast to go into in any great detail for the attention of this piece of writing. However, it is worth citing modern trends and contemporary society, which has such a heavy leaning towards commercialism and instant gratification. Put simply it is not fashionable to be seen as strongly religious. In fact, it can be seen as a sign of weakness, of delusion and is risible.

Do you really think that God had not foreseen this scepticism?

“All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm in the end will be saved.” –Mark 13:13

“I care very little if I am judged by you or any human court.” -1 Corinthians 4:3

Finally, I am embracing my faith and I urge anyone else to do the same. It is a somewhat futile piece of advice, as when the time is right for you to commit yourself to God and to hand your life over to him, you will have no say in the matter. Nevertheless, I urge you to keep on the lookout and to pray for that time to come because the enlightenment, the happiness and the immense strength that is gained through committing to our Lord is incomparable.

I am not a financially wealthy man. There are elements of my existence that I would wish to improve. I still have not crossed paths with the woman with whom I will be blessed to spend the rest of my life and with whom I may bear children. These things can be a burden on a man whose faith is not in order. Faith and trust in God ensure the realisation that these things are out of our hands. Our lives are at the mercy of God's will. Patience and perseverance and a commitment to doing God's deeds will be rewarded in a way that God sees fit.

Neither did I consider myself a sinner until a began to understand things better. How could my misdeeds be of any consequence when compared with a whole host of atrocities that continue to erupt around the world? In which case, why would I need to and why should I take the time and effort to confess them to God and to ask for forgiveness?

Here is why: Any sin, however small or seemingly insignificant is wrong and potentially destructive. Even the tiniest of sins opens the door to the devil. The devil does not need to be asked twice and once he is let in, he will manifest himself and breed and spread and will tempt more and more so that mankind is corrupted. God did not intend for any sin to be accepted as the norm so we have to be wary of the constant temptations that are around us, recognise them confess them and basically knock them on the head early so that they do not become uncontrollable. If we need practical examples of the disease of the devil, why do experimenters of 'soft' drugs turn to hard drugs, why do drinkers need more and more to reach a high, why does one sexual affair lead to a string of unfaithfulness?

We are God's treasured possessions. He gave his life so that we could have life. I have spent too long in the darkness, asking too many questions about my existence and the reasons behind what goes on in the world. Any questions I have can be answered by God and I should never hesitate to go to Him either through the Bible or in prayer. Some of the small things that I am focussing on at the moment are that my body is not my own. It has been entrusted to me by God and it is therefore my duty to look after it. I do not have the right to abuse it in anyway. Secondly, I need to speak to God every day and continue ask for the strength to avoid temptation, I am aware that any sin is wrong and I must recognise and confess any sins that I may fall into, no matter how small.

Furthermore, I am duty bound to recognise sins of those around me and when doing so to gently nurture them back to health, never losing sight of the fact that if I do not, I am liable to be tempted to fall victim of the same sin. I am also aware that my Faith will be constantly tested and that temptation will always be around me, especially given the ways of this world and amidst a society where certain values have been lost by so many.

“Do not conform any longer to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is; His good, pleasing and perfect will.” –Romans 12:2

Today is Christmas morning. It is now 04:24. We are celebrating the Birth of Christ. It is a wonderful time of year where families get together, friends are assembled and there is a genuine festive spirit. Thoughts and images have been streaming through my mind all night and they have prompted me to write. It is a strange feeling, whereby I do not feel frustrated by an inability to sleep, but I feel I am in some way sharing in the Celebration of Christ. I have been sleeping and I have woken up and I have put my thoughts into words that have allowed me to reflect on my relationship with God. I am with family this Christmas. We will not be attending a Church service today and yet I know the majority of the party would be inclined to do so. That in itself is strange but is a also a sign of the times. Therefore, it is even more important to realise that your relationship with God allows you to be in constant contact with Him wherever you may be.

Today will be a day of merriment and celebration. My commitment to and celebration of God will continue for eternity. Only with complete Faith, Commitment and Trust can the Truth about God be fully appreciated. The Power, the Strength and the Spirit gained through it can only truly be felt and explained through experience. In conclusion, that is the fundamental reasoning against any sceptic of religion. Once you have felt the power of God, it is inconceivable that you would question His will.

Bored At Work

I think about stuff all the time and I write a lot of things down. I wrote this quickly, while bored at work today, so why not share it?

In my head, I've got the music to, “Lady in the Harbor,” (Waylon Jennings)

Gotta Leave This Town Tonight

(Verse)

My stomach's all messed up from last night's drinking,

Got another two hours of sitting here, just thinking.

By the time I get home, it'll be dark, too dark to see,

I'll resort to whiskey, and my guitar to set me free.

(Chorus)

I won't leave this town tomorrow, it's gotta be tonight,

I gotta break this mad routine, 'cos it just ain't right.

This Hell-bound circling spiral of negativity,

Eats me up inside and blinds me constantly.

(Verse)

Another hour-and-a-half to go and I just can't win,

I've got some shopping to do, even though I know it's a sin,

I'll buy a bottle of whiskey and a box of wine,

And I'll sit and I'll play and I'll drink, 'til I feel just fine,

(Verse)

Now I don't care, what people think of me,

I'm a good man, and honest I'll always be,

But I dress up, and I look good in the day,

When the darkness comes, I can't help but fly away.

♥ Country Music ♥

© Liam D. E. Jones 12/01/12

Johnny Cash

I had a quote running through my mind yesterday, meaning that by evening time, I was flicking through my copy of Johnny Cash's autobiography, “Cash,” in a vain attempt to locate the exact words.

It was something along the lines that although he, “may not be the best looking man in the world, but if I'd looked like some I've seen, I wouldn't even go up (on stage).” Although I did not manage to find the quote I was looking for, it was fascinating to revisit a book I have read on a number of times, but not for a little while.

Johnny Cash was a great and influential man to many. So much of what he did, how he lived and what he said, sang and played struck a chord with ordinary people in everyday life. Here are a few noteworthy excerpts that I happened upon at random yesterday:

When describing performing and in reference to the Louisiana Hayride, Johnny Cash writes,

“This business I'm in is different. It's special. The people around me feel like brothers and sisters. We hardly know each other, but we're that close; somehow there's been an immediate bonding between total strangers.”(1)

During the course of the book, Cash also discusses his faith. I find this interesting because a lot of people have faith and believe in God but people express it in different ways. Cash mentions how Billy Graham helped him to deal with his faith as a public person. Graham told him,

“Don't apologize for who you are and what you've done in the past. Be who you are and do what you do.” (2)

Another passage I like and on a similar theme comes towards the end of the book. Cash mentions the strength of his wife, June Carter and how, “she is a prayer warrior and I'm not.” He continues to say,

“Always, though, the first thing I say when I get up in the morning, whether or not June's with me, before my feet hit the floor, is “Good morning, Lord.” Then, by the time I'm on my feet, I say, “Praise God.” I know that's not much – it's not the prayer Jesus taught us – but it's my way of establishing immediate contact with my Creator. At some time during the day I usually manage to recite the Lord's Prayer, if only to myself silently.” (3)

There is so much poignant stuff in these pages. You can even learn something about music! Everyone knows Johnny Cash was not a perfect man, but he was good, honest and true.

Johnny Cash is someone who's example should influence and encourage you to be who you are, do what you do and get the most out of what you have got. Most of all, enjoy it!

♥ Country Music ♥

References:

CASH – The Autobiography of Johnny Cash
with Patrick Carr
First Published in the USA in 1997 by HarperSanFrancisco
(1) pp. 72-73
(2) pp. 226
(3) pp. 252

Communication

My recent little experiment with the web cam was no disaster, so I reckon I will use it from time to time in my blogs, messages, tweets etc.

Today's clip is by way of an introduction, so that my readers can put a face to a name. People are rapidly following and being followed by others on social media sites and it can be difficult to keep track of who people actually are.

Admittedly, that is not necessarily a bad thing and however public people want to be, they are quite rightly still staunchly protective of their privacy. However, as much as I would like to hide behind a carefully selected photograph or logo that I have managed to resurrect from the archives of my life, I do think it is more conducive to open communication if I keep my profile up-to-date.

This is how I like to remember myself!

Consequently, as today's video clip shows, you will have to accept, “the hair on my shoulders and the age in my eyes,” (thanks Waylon) as I am a battler in this world, in the same way as everyone else. Actually, more accurately pertaining to this clip, I ought to apologise for the early-morning sleepiness and the cold hands. Either way, the point is the same.

Anyway, I'll keep it short, as I am sure you are busy and have better things to do. If not, I will only start to bore you, so regardless, I am keeping it brief.

Keep communicating. Look after one another. Help each other out. Any love you give, you will get back.

♥ Country Music ♥


As a Bonus (or perhaps more suffering) here is something I have delved from the archives:

An Experiment with Cheap Web Cam

I have just bought a really cheap Web cam and so thought I would try a liitle experiment.  I borrowed a similar Web cam a while back and frankly, I was amazed at the quality - for the price.

This Web Cam cost £14.99 (reduced from £29.99) from Maplin.

I am playing through a Fender Classic 50's Stratocaster, "Hecho en Mexico" and a Fender 212R amplifier.  I only purchased the amp a week ago, so I am still guessing with the settings.

Anyway, I wondered how good/bad the result could be when simply recording through a basic web cam.  An awful lot of people seem to spend oodles of money on all sorts of gizzmos and gadgets, in order to get the best and highest definition of whatever.  Is it necessary?

Admittedly, I am lazy when it come to technology.  I have little interest and no idea.  I would rather spend my time physically getting better at something, so in this example of music and specifically guitar playing, my mentality is to put my efforts into hitting all the correct notes, cleanly and in the correct timing.  Until I can get that right, why worry about the rest?

This is a simple experiment.  The impatience in me provoked me to make a quick clip before I have really got to grips with things or prepared the stage accordingly.  In hindsight, the slippers are possibly a nice touch.

Anyway, I will be interested to see the outcome and I am assured of avoiding embarassment by the fact that nobody reads my blog!