Everyone else has a blog these days, why shouldn’t I! As you may know, I have been in broadcasting for many years. This blog is just an extension of that, it’s an opportunity for me to share my thoughts on whatever subject attracts my attention. Comments are welcome!
The worst day of the year
We have been doing this since 1916. On the last Sunday in October, at 2am, we turn our clocks back by one hour to 1am. But why? Apparently it was started in 1916, during the first world war, to save energy to help the war effort. But we still do it today.The current...
You can watch BBC programmes abroad
Because of the unique way the BBC is funded ... is a phrase that you often hear being used to explain why the BBC are making a programme, for instance, that a commercial broadcaster would not risk spending money on. The BBC is a public service broadcaster after all,...
Sorry Waitrose, it’s a bit too far.
Have you seen the 2017 Waitrose Christmas ad? Yes the black and white one where they are snowed in, in a pub. Why is it in black and white incidentally? Are they trying to be arty, or save money? What? Anyway, as you can clearly see from the screen grab,...
Tom Chaplin – Brilliant
This week, actually on Thursday 11th May 2017, Helen and I went to the Sage Music Centre in Gateshead to see Tom Chaplin in concert. Tom, if you don't know, was the lead singer of the UK band Keane, who had hits with songs like 'This Is The Last Time', Bedshaped',...
Blame the burgers
It is ironic. I'm sitting watching people go by and am amazed at how many fat, and very fat, people there are at the Metro Centre in Gateshead. But, as I watch I'm sitting in a fast food burger shop called Five Guys, eating a burger and chips! I use the word 'shop' I...
Elections – don’t let the people vote
2016 has been a unique year for elections. We had one in the UK, we didn't need it but we had it anyway, because of the greed of one selfish man. We got it wrong. They had one in the USA, and they got it wrong too, mainly because of what preceded it. We start in 2010...
At last the EU Referendum
Thursday, 23rd June 2016. I posted this earlier today on Facebook, so apologies if you have already seen it. But thank God this day has finally arrived. I am utterly sick of all the lies, misinformation, misconceptions, misquotes, invented facts, invented numbers,...
We’ve come a very long way
Back in the early 1960's, music underwent a transformation. We had already moved away from the days of big bands and crooners, through skiffle and rock 'n' roll, to the start of something that is still with us now, and always will be, popular music. I was born at the...
Apple Watch NOT available
Today is the day you can 'pre-order' an Apple Watch. The actual release date is 24th April. Their UK website still says 'Available 24.04.15'. However there are no watches available for delivery on that date. A couple of models are showing 4-6 weeks delivery and all...
All change?
I don't blog about politics very often, but there is a general election coming up in the UK in May. I've always said that to have a change of government, with a good majority, you need two things: For the incumbent to be very unpopular For the challenger to be very...
We like Gogglebox but ..
Channel Four is, in my opinion, the best TV channel in the UK. They make the best documentaries on British TV, and have some of the most innovative and entertaining programmes. Who would have thought 'Countdown' would still be on TV today! 'Sunday Brunch' with Simon...
We’re lucky really.
Eight years ago, in an office in Spain, I signed a piece of paper to agree to buy an apartment. At the time I didn't have a clue whether we would be able to afford it, find the deposit, or get a mortgage. I figured that if I couldn't manage it, there was not much they...
Devastated doesn’t begin to cover it.
We have said for a long time now, that when Nick goes to University and leaves home we would probably sell our home and downsize a little. That time has come, in fact Nick is in his second year at Leeds College of Music already. So we came home to the UK from Spain...
All change
Thirty four years ago, in response to an ad in the broadcast press, I sent a demo tape to Metro Radio. I was invited for an interview, so headed for Swalwell, Newcastle upon Tyne. The interview was conducted by Mic Johnson and the late John Coulson, after which I was...
TV Licensing, it IS criminal.
The BBC News website is reporting that the government are thinking of changing the rules about TV licences. Not paying the TV licence fee could become a civil offence, rather than a criminal one, under plans being considered by ministers. This is good, you are hardly...