Evening Strumpets,
I`ve recently undertaken a foundation training course in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, for the dayjob, and liked the idea of visiting an emotional gym. A colleague asked if i could write a piece of music about it, and this is what i`ve come up with. Words to come soon. The lady who asked me is one of the sweetest and genuine ladies I`ve met, She knows who she is!
This is for you Susan, even though your navigational skills are to getting home what old mens pants are to Sauna`s!
mark.
Saturday 26 December 2009
Friday 25 December 2009
Merry Christmas!
Festive greetings Strumpets!
What a wonderful day! This has been the first Christmas that Harry has really understood what all the fuss is about, so I hope he doesn`t think it`ll be snowing everytime. The Kids have been as good as gold, and their faces whilst they were opening their presents were just remarkable, and very very special. Louise cooked the finest of all Christmas dinners, with all the trimmings, and wine and lager has been consumed by all!
It`s been a lovely day and the kids are now safely tucked up in bed, So all`s that`s left for me to say is, Merry Christmas, and God Bless Us, Everyone!
Mark
Friday 18 December 2009
Grace singing Away in a Manger!
Gracie was asked (at the last minute) to take part in her schools X Factor stylee competition today. She had five minutes to decide what to sing, and came up with the Carol posted below. She came second out of the whole school, beaten by a couple of girls who sang summer Loving (with costumes)!
I`m so proud of her, just the right side of mental, I think! apologies for darkness of video!
I`m off out on my Works Christmas night out now! May God have mercy on my soul!!
Mark.
I`m so proud of her, just the right side of mental, I think! apologies for darkness of video!
I`m off out on my Works Christmas night out now! May God have mercy on my soul!!
Mark.
Tuesday 15 December 2009
There are good people in the World.
Evening Strumpets.
Recently My father, King Kenny, purchased, from God only knows where(and he ain`t talking), a small container of Shaving Cream which he swore blind was the best thing he had ever bought. Dad is highly allergic to perfume, and as a result most shaving creams were likely to result in him doing a pretty good impression of Michael Gambon in "The Singing Detective". Problem was he could not remember where he had purchased it from. "Go on the computer Son, and find out where I can buy it" was his request.
The cream was by a Company called Men-U, who only sell the stuff over the Internet. When we looked into it, the existing cream, which Dad had "got" was no longer available, but had been replaced by a new cream with Tea Tree oil in it. Louise sent an Email to the company enquiring if they had any of the old stock spare which we could purchase. She got the following reply:
"Unfortunately for your father, all shave crème 100ml stock now comes with tea tree oil. However, we are currently developing a new formulation, in addition to the existing, that is designed for sensitive skin i.e. removal of potential irritants such as tea tree oil. It will be more like the original formulation but better – if that is possible!
This product should be launched in early 2010 but we do actually have some samples, which are perfectly safe to use and have been used by many including in our office as they are in the final phase of development. If you would like, I would be more than happy to supply your father with the product to involve him in the process as we would value his opinion/feedback - we'd even try to mock it up so it's close to how it should appear in store!
In the meantime, I apologise to your father for the situation and any inconvenience he may have experienced. I appreciate you letting us know about his predicament. You’re a thoughtful daughter in law – have a good week!
Kenny Fish
Commercial Manager"
We asked for the stuff to be sent, and not only was Kenny true to his word (he likes my Dad`s name) He sent a package which I can only begin to imagine would have cost what we like to call "HOW MUCH" in our house, and also sent a product which is in the very early stages of production and asked if we could feedback on this. This guy, and this company really impressed me. It is such a pleasure to know that even in the world of Cut Throat business (Pardon the pun), there is kindness out there.
Dad loves the stuff, and still swears by it.
Incidentally, I have been approached by several companies to plug their stuff on this Blogspot for money. The proviso of doing this (as anyone who has been approached can vouch for) is that you do not mention that you have been approached. At no point did Kenny (Men-U, not my Dad)know I have this Blogspot! At no point did he request I writ this post! I am writing this because if any of you good Strumpets out there fancy backing a Company which provides this sort of service, and incidentally is a damn fine product, go out and make someones Christmas.
www.men-u.co.uk.
Cheers,
Mark.
Recently My father, King Kenny, purchased, from God only knows where(and he ain`t talking), a small container of Shaving Cream which he swore blind was the best thing he had ever bought. Dad is highly allergic to perfume, and as a result most shaving creams were likely to result in him doing a pretty good impression of Michael Gambon in "The Singing Detective". Problem was he could not remember where he had purchased it from. "Go on the computer Son, and find out where I can buy it" was his request.
The cream was by a Company called Men-U, who only sell the stuff over the Internet. When we looked into it, the existing cream, which Dad had "got" was no longer available, but had been replaced by a new cream with Tea Tree oil in it. Louise sent an Email to the company enquiring if they had any of the old stock spare which we could purchase. She got the following reply:
"Unfortunately for your father, all shave crème 100ml stock now comes with tea tree oil. However, we are currently developing a new formulation, in addition to the existing, that is designed for sensitive skin i.e. removal of potential irritants such as tea tree oil. It will be more like the original formulation but better – if that is possible!
This product should be launched in early 2010 but we do actually have some samples, which are perfectly safe to use and have been used by many including in our office as they are in the final phase of development. If you would like, I would be more than happy to supply your father with the product to involve him in the process as we would value his opinion/feedback - we'd even try to mock it up so it's close to how it should appear in store!
In the meantime, I apologise to your father for the situation and any inconvenience he may have experienced. I appreciate you letting us know about his predicament. You’re a thoughtful daughter in law – have a good week!
Kenny Fish
Commercial Manager"
We asked for the stuff to be sent, and not only was Kenny true to his word (he likes my Dad`s name) He sent a package which I can only begin to imagine would have cost what we like to call "HOW MUCH" in our house, and also sent a product which is in the very early stages of production and asked if we could feedback on this. This guy, and this company really impressed me. It is such a pleasure to know that even in the world of Cut Throat business (Pardon the pun), there is kindness out there.
Dad loves the stuff, and still swears by it.
Incidentally, I have been approached by several companies to plug their stuff on this Blogspot for money. The proviso of doing this (as anyone who has been approached can vouch for) is that you do not mention that you have been approached. At no point did Kenny (Men-U, not my Dad)know I have this Blogspot! At no point did he request I writ this post! I am writing this because if any of you good Strumpets out there fancy backing a Company which provides this sort of service, and incidentally is a damn fine product, go out and make someones Christmas.
www.men-u.co.uk.
Cheers,
Mark.
Thursday 10 December 2009
Facebook Fun!
Evening strumpets,
over the past couple of weeks I`ve been asking Facebook friends to send words or phrases which I attempt to make a funny out of. here`s some of my favourites.
Uvula: The uvula is responsible for some of the most guttur language it has been my mispleasure to hear. Some of it is really hard to swallow!
Defenastration: Do not throw homeless dogs out of windows in Paris. if a shard of glass becomes lodged in their ear, you may deafen a stray chien.
Principles: I went to a well known clothes shop, and tried on a pair of jeans, but I couldn`t get them off, I thought well I`m not paying for them, i tried on a shirt, same thing, i thought, I`m not paying for that, tried ona jumper, it wouldn`t budge, i thought I`m not paying for that. I`m always sticking to my principles.
Obstreporous: I was with a group of friends and we were about to go out for a gentle meal, when a group of youths shouting obscenities came around the corner saying they were going for a fu&%$ng curry. A friend ,whom shall remain nameless, as I`m sure I would get it wrong, said he fancied going with the louts, i replied "It depends... on which night out you would fancy. The Yobs trip or us.
"Marky D never knew his Grammar": Ronald Macdonald was the next subject of "who do you think you are" in an excerpt he was seen shaking uncontrollably saying "i know me mom,and,dad:but afterthat; Im stuck" It turns out Maccy D never knew his grammar!
Flippy Wig: whats the difference between Bruce Forsyths flippy wig and Katie Price. One was born in the early eighties, has various stages of orangeness, and is obviously quite false, the others a toupe!
Serendipity: To find happiness and luck in a roundabout way could be described as serendipity. but to find a very strange mustachioed gent on a spring in a roundabout way is serenzebidee
Elephant Juice: A bloke walks into a bar and asks for a glass of elephant juice. The barman asks him what it is, and he says "It`s like stella, but you get more trunk, and you can remember everything the next morning"
Anti-disestablishmentarianism: I went to a local "theme" pub with me mam`s sister where the theme was drinking in Germany in the late Thirties. I was amazed to see all cultures and races drinking in there together. I said to her "Auntie, this establishments Arianism is very poor"!
Bum Fluff: Prince Edward has the nickname "Bum Fluff" as he is as close to pathetic pointless heir as you can find.
Hope at least one made you smile,
Mark.
over the past couple of weeks I`ve been asking Facebook friends to send words or phrases which I attempt to make a funny out of. here`s some of my favourites.
Uvula: The uvula is responsible for some of the most guttur language it has been my mispleasure to hear. Some of it is really hard to swallow!
Defenastration: Do not throw homeless dogs out of windows in Paris. if a shard of glass becomes lodged in their ear, you may deafen a stray chien.
Principles: I went to a well known clothes shop, and tried on a pair of jeans, but I couldn`t get them off, I thought well I`m not paying for them, i tried on a shirt, same thing, i thought, I`m not paying for that, tried ona jumper, it wouldn`t budge, i thought I`m not paying for that. I`m always sticking to my principles.
Obstreporous: I was with a group of friends and we were about to go out for a gentle meal, when a group of youths shouting obscenities came around the corner saying they were going for a fu&%$ng curry. A friend ,whom shall remain nameless, as I`m sure I would get it wrong, said he fancied going with the louts, i replied "It depends... on which night out you would fancy. The Yobs trip or us.
"Marky D never knew his Grammar": Ronald Macdonald was the next subject of "who do you think you are" in an excerpt he was seen shaking uncontrollably saying "i know me mom,and,dad:but afterthat; Im stuck" It turns out Maccy D never knew his grammar!
Flippy Wig: whats the difference between Bruce Forsyths flippy wig and Katie Price. One was born in the early eighties, has various stages of orangeness, and is obviously quite false, the others a toupe!
Serendipity: To find happiness and luck in a roundabout way could be described as serendipity. but to find a very strange mustachioed gent on a spring in a roundabout way is serenzebidee
Elephant Juice: A bloke walks into a bar and asks for a glass of elephant juice. The barman asks him what it is, and he says "It`s like stella, but you get more trunk, and you can remember everything the next morning"
Anti-disestablishmentarianism: I went to a local "theme" pub with me mam`s sister where the theme was drinking in Germany in the late Thirties. I was amazed to see all cultures and races drinking in there together. I said to her "Auntie, this establishments Arianism is very poor"!
Bum Fluff: Prince Edward has the nickname "Bum Fluff" as he is as close to pathetic pointless heir as you can find.
Hope at least one made you smile,
Mark.
Monday 7 December 2009
Work in progress!
Evening Strumpets,
You may have seen a couple of versions of a piece of music called Cowboy Waltz posted on this blog. Up until now it`s just been a piece of music, but listening to it the other day, for some reason I heard the opening line "I`ve got children, to various women, none of them know my name, it`s true". I must point out this is probably the least autobiographical song written since Ghandi`s Number 1 hit "Fight them All" (In Kenya)!
So, now that I`ve a mic for me computer, I jotted the rest of what came to me head, and recorded it the same night. It has to be said that the guy singing it sounds like a real shit, but that`s just what came out! It`s rough and ready, and will be polished, but I don`t think it`s half bad at all. Please feel free to leave any (constructive) comments, or send me a message via Hotmail, Facebook (type in "the great north strum", hey presto, I`m there), or this blog itself.
Cheers, and learn something new,
Mark.
You may have seen a couple of versions of a piece of music called Cowboy Waltz posted on this blog. Up until now it`s just been a piece of music, but listening to it the other day, for some reason I heard the opening line "I`ve got children, to various women, none of them know my name, it`s true". I must point out this is probably the least autobiographical song written since Ghandi`s Number 1 hit "Fight them All" (In Kenya)!
So, now that I`ve a mic for me computer, I jotted the rest of what came to me head, and recorded it the same night. It has to be said that the guy singing it sounds like a real shit, but that`s just what came out! It`s rough and ready, and will be polished, but I don`t think it`s half bad at all. Please feel free to leave any (constructive) comments, or send me a message via Hotmail, Facebook (type in "the great north strum", hey presto, I`m there), or this blog itself.
Cheers, and learn something new,
Mark.
Saturday 5 December 2009
Prokofiev-ON THE BANJO!
Evening strumpets,
following on from Silent Night, lets keep the festive theme rolling.
following on from Silent Night, lets keep the festive theme rolling.
Wednesday 2 December 2009
The wind and the sun.
Evening strumpets,
Today would have been Me Mothers 76th Birthday, so it`s been a mix of sad and happy. This is a story she used to tell me when i was a kid, and one which i tell my children now. For some bizarre reason when I tell this story to my kids, the Wind is Captain Mainwaring, and The Sun is Sergeant Wilson.
The Wind and the Sun were having a chat. The Wind was telling the Sun all about how strong he was. "The other day I blew a roof right off a house, It was brilliant." The Sun looked on smiling and said "Do you really think that that is a true test of strength?" "Of course it is" replied the Wind. "Those humans are terrified of me, and my temper." "Again", smiled the Sun "People being afraid of you make`s you strong does it?" The Wind frowned. "Sometimes Sun, you are such a bloody Hippy." he said, rather unkindly. "Let`s have a bet. I will prove to you how strong i am. See that man down there, on that path?" The Sun nodded. "I bet I can get his coat off his back! I bet you Fifty pence!" The Wind, for all his bluster was very mean with his money. "You`re on." said the Sun.
The Wind took a deep breath, and began to blow. The man walking along the path felt the wind, and fastened the zip on his coat. The wind took another deep breath and blew again, this time harder. This made the man fasten the buttons on his coat. the Wind, who up to this point was beginning to feel rather foolish, took the deepest breath of all, and blew as hard as he could, but this resulted in the man only pulling his coat tighter into his body. Exhausted, the Wind fell, puffing and blowing in a heap. At this point, the Sun Looked at the Wind and said "You big daft bugger. Can you not see that the harder you went in without thinking, the more the man fought. That wasn`t true strength. This is true Strength!" and with that the Sun smiled to herself And SHONE!!!
The man feeling warmer let go of his coat. The Sun continued to be herself and just shone, the man unfastened his buttons, and unzipped his coat. The Sun let out one last beam, and the man, sweating like a bothered pig by this point, removed his Coat. The Sun looked over to the Wind and said "There`s no need to go in shouting and blustering, and hoping to get things done. Just be yourself and shine." the wind sneered threw fifty pence at the Sun and said "Go and buy some Lentils, Hippy. I`m off to blow the roof of some buildings!" The Sun looked after him and smiled. That Fifty pence would buy some pretty sweet Tea Tree incense sticks.
Apologies to my Mother for the changes added by myself when telling the story to my kids.
Miss you Mam,
Mark.
Today would have been Me Mothers 76th Birthday, so it`s been a mix of sad and happy. This is a story she used to tell me when i was a kid, and one which i tell my children now. For some bizarre reason when I tell this story to my kids, the Wind is Captain Mainwaring, and The Sun is Sergeant Wilson.
The Wind and the Sun were having a chat. The Wind was telling the Sun all about how strong he was. "The other day I blew a roof right off a house, It was brilliant." The Sun looked on smiling and said "Do you really think that that is a true test of strength?" "Of course it is" replied the Wind. "Those humans are terrified of me, and my temper." "Again", smiled the Sun "People being afraid of you make`s you strong does it?" The Wind frowned. "Sometimes Sun, you are such a bloody Hippy." he said, rather unkindly. "Let`s have a bet. I will prove to you how strong i am. See that man down there, on that path?" The Sun nodded. "I bet I can get his coat off his back! I bet you Fifty pence!" The Wind, for all his bluster was very mean with his money. "You`re on." said the Sun.
The Wind took a deep breath, and began to blow. The man walking along the path felt the wind, and fastened the zip on his coat. The wind took another deep breath and blew again, this time harder. This made the man fasten the buttons on his coat. the Wind, who up to this point was beginning to feel rather foolish, took the deepest breath of all, and blew as hard as he could, but this resulted in the man only pulling his coat tighter into his body. Exhausted, the Wind fell, puffing and blowing in a heap. At this point, the Sun Looked at the Wind and said "You big daft bugger. Can you not see that the harder you went in without thinking, the more the man fought. That wasn`t true strength. This is true Strength!" and with that the Sun smiled to herself And SHONE!!!
The man feeling warmer let go of his coat. The Sun continued to be herself and just shone, the man unfastened his buttons, and unzipped his coat. The Sun let out one last beam, and the man, sweating like a bothered pig by this point, removed his Coat. The Sun looked over to the Wind and said "There`s no need to go in shouting and blustering, and hoping to get things done. Just be yourself and shine." the wind sneered threw fifty pence at the Sun and said "Go and buy some Lentils, Hippy. I`m off to blow the roof of some buildings!" The Sun looked after him and smiled. That Fifty pence would buy some pretty sweet Tea Tree incense sticks.
Apologies to my Mother for the changes added by myself when telling the story to my kids.
Miss you Mam,
Mark.
Thursday 26 November 2009
Saturday 21 November 2009
The Grace North Strum (featuring Hal on ToyBus)
My talented kids! all original music, (except for Harry`s contribution).
Learn something new,
Mark.
Learn something new,
Mark.
Friday 20 November 2009
Christmas ideas...for the partner!!!
Evening Strumpets.
Here`s a list of great/brilliant Auto/biographies to buy Hubby/wifey/partner for Christmas regarding Film`s.
Pimp`s, Ho`s, & playa Hata`s: john Leguizamo. Brilliant.
Hollywood Animal: Joe eszterhaus. Inspirational.
The Godfather Book: Peter Cowie. Informative
Clips from a life: Denis Norden. Funny.
The Kid Stays in the Picture: Robert Evans. If you only get one from this list, get this one, it`s magnificent
My boring ass life: Kevin Smith. If only for the support he gives Jason Mewes story.
Born Standing Up: Steve Martin. This guy is my God!
Easy Riders Raging Bulls: Peter Biskind, Enthralling Seventies/Eighties non-fiction.
Withnails: Richard.E.Grant. As close as you`ll get to movie sets.
If I don`t Write it noone else will: Eric Sykes. Dad shared an office with him. cool.
Very Naughty Boys: Robert Sellars. British Film Industry at it`s best and worst!
Wiseguys: Nicholas Pileggi. Am I here to amuse you. the original gangsters.
Here`s a list of great/brilliant Auto/biographies to buy Hubby/wifey/partner for Christmas regarding Film`s.
Pimp`s, Ho`s, & playa Hata`s: john Leguizamo. Brilliant.
Hollywood Animal: Joe eszterhaus. Inspirational.
The Godfather Book: Peter Cowie. Informative
Clips from a life: Denis Norden. Funny.
The Kid Stays in the Picture: Robert Evans. If you only get one from this list, get this one, it`s magnificent
My boring ass life: Kevin Smith. If only for the support he gives Jason Mewes story.
Born Standing Up: Steve Martin. This guy is my God!
Easy Riders Raging Bulls: Peter Biskind, Enthralling Seventies/Eighties non-fiction.
Withnails: Richard.E.Grant. As close as you`ll get to movie sets.
If I don`t Write it noone else will: Eric Sykes. Dad shared an office with him. cool.
Very Naughty Boys: Robert Sellars. British Film Industry at it`s best and worst!
Wiseguys: Nicholas Pileggi. Am I here to amuse you. the original gangsters.
Wednesday 18 November 2009
Monday 16 November 2009
This is real!!!!!
Evening Strumpets,
My wife Louise saw this and immediately told me she wants one for Christmas. Click on the image for a good look, It just keeps on giving!
Sunday 15 November 2009
Jolly Boys Nov `09
Evening strumpets.
Ooh I`m not feeling too clever, just got back from a jolly boys to Whitby, and I have to accept that I am never going to be 18 ever again, Blimey, I`ve only got about seven months left of being 38.
A great weekend, and a big thanks to all the lads for making it so.
Whilst there Carl and I had a little play with the instrument, and this is one of the outcomes. It`s written By Carl, and is called "Johnny Merde". Apparently a play on it sounding like a Johnnny Marr tune written for a French film (should a thing ever occur). I think it`s quite lovely.
Ooh I`m not feeling too clever, just got back from a jolly boys to Whitby, and I have to accept that I am never going to be 18 ever again, Blimey, I`ve only got about seven months left of being 38.
A great weekend, and a big thanks to all the lads for making it so.
Whilst there Carl and I had a little play with the instrument, and this is one of the outcomes. It`s written By Carl, and is called "Johnny Merde". Apparently a play on it sounding like a Johnnny Marr tune written for a French film (should a thing ever occur). I think it`s quite lovely.
Thursday 12 November 2009
one picture and one post
Evening strumpets, One last version of cripple creek, and a lovely picture of us having a laugh with the kids learning the joys of Humour, in the bath.Wednesday 11 November 2009
A rare and precious gift.
Evening strumpets.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank one Strumpet in particular. Michael in Oklahoma has not only sent a really generous donation, but also a collection of American folk songs, along with classical pieces played, amazingly on the old drum on a stick.
The time and effort which this must have taken Michael to complete fills me with a warmth that only pure generosity of spirit can do.
Check out his website, it`s quite wonderful.
http://michaeltiger.wordpress.com/
he has also introduced me to this chap.
what a talent. Thanks Michael.
Learn something new.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank one Strumpet in particular. Michael in Oklahoma has not only sent a really generous donation, but also a collection of American folk songs, along with classical pieces played, amazingly on the old drum on a stick.
The time and effort which this must have taken Michael to complete fills me with a warmth that only pure generosity of spirit can do.
Check out his website, it`s quite wonderful.
http://michaeltiger.wordpress.com/
he has also introduced me to this chap.
what a talent. Thanks Michael.
Learn something new.
Friday 6 November 2009
remember remember the fifth of November
Evening strumpets.
if you thought it was hard work geting Harry into the Spider costume for Halloween (Much wailing, and gnashing, and "No Daddy No, it will bite me"), it was nothing compared to trying to get him to stand outside for more than two minutes whilst the fireworks were whizzbanging away.
At one point I thought he was going to try and dig a hole in the floor with his teeth to get away from the aerial theatrics. We eventually got him to play with a sparkler, but that was the best we could hope for. Maybe next year then Hal?
if you thought it was hard work geting Harry into the Spider costume for Halloween (Much wailing, and gnashing, and "No Daddy No, it will bite me"), it was nothing compared to trying to get him to stand outside for more than two minutes whilst the fireworks were whizzbanging away.
At one point I thought he was going to try and dig a hole in the floor with his teeth to get away from the aerial theatrics. We eventually got him to play with a sparkler, but that was the best we could hope for. Maybe next year then Hal?
Tuesday 3 November 2009
For Folk`s sake!
Evening strumpets,
So me and Northern Banjo Boy himself aka Andy Dalton, decided it would be a good idea to play at an "open Mic" spot which a friend of Andy`s had suggested, Andy mentioned it on the night of the October jam, and it`d been a while since Id got up, so i thought it would be worth a shout.
After finally finding Andy`s place (or rather him finding me after twenty minutes of driving aimlessly around his hometown, and half a dozen calls on the hands free resulting in "I`ll be stood at the roundabout waving")we were off on our adventure.
Both nervous, the journey to the Pub was interesting. It just kept going and going. We eventually pulled into the Village of Ainderby Quernhow (no that`s what it`s called) and found the Pub. The Black Horse Inn. The night was wild, blowing a gale, and pitch black, and into the Inn we walked. Neither of us were prepared for what we found.
There were maybe twenty people in there, and amongst the customers was a table surrounded by musicians. Proper musicians. Proper folk musicians. Proper good folk musicians. We were greeted really warmly by Stephen, who`s brain child the evenings are, who bought us drinks and told us to take a seat with the musicians. The banjo`s weren`t even out of the bags before we`d informed everyone present that we`d only been playing eighteen and ten months respectively.
The group played a folk song, and we noticed a guy appear who had a couple of extraordinary traditional Mandolins. This guy was a serious Professional, with an amzing voice, called Iain Glover. This was hardcore Folk Muso`s. Andy and I looked like mice who`d accidentally walked into Felix the Cat`s Stag Do. "Time for the banjo players" somebody said. And off we went with Cripple Creek.
We weren`t half bad either. Fiddle, Mandolin, and Accoustic six String joined in, and we got through it pretty well. Even got a round of applause. Then we decided to try Foggy Mountain Breakdown, a song which takes at least half a dozen practices before sounding even remotely wrong most nights. we murdered it,to quote Blackadder, "If not very nearly dead, then very really dead". At this point Andy felt the need to go for a pint, and discretely dissapeared into the snug.
I enjoyed playing along with the other musicians, even attempted Duelling banjo`s, which is very difficult when you`re duelling with a fiddle. And of course whilst there was a lull in the proceedings felt the need, almost Tourettes like, to ask "Does anybody want to hear a pop song"?
Whic is how I found myself on a wild and windy night, in an Inn in deepest darkest North Yorkshire, In front of an open coal fire with the wind battering the Moors outside, playing S-Club 7...on the banjo....to a bunch of seasoned fantastic folkies.
Went down rather well I thought. Then it was time for Curry and Rice, or sausage and chips (all free), and a chat with the others. Turns out they`re really good people who just enjoy playing and listening to live music, at any level. We`ve been asked to go back, it happens on the last Sunday of each month.
We`ve been asked to go back, and I can heartily recommend the night. WE may need to practice a bit more though. Having said that, Do you fancy it again at the end of the month Andy? (awaiting comment of No! any minute).
Till the next one, keep smiling,
Mark.
So me and Northern Banjo Boy himself aka Andy Dalton, decided it would be a good idea to play at an "open Mic" spot which a friend of Andy`s had suggested, Andy mentioned it on the night of the October jam, and it`d been a while since Id got up, so i thought it would be worth a shout.
After finally finding Andy`s place (or rather him finding me after twenty minutes of driving aimlessly around his hometown, and half a dozen calls on the hands free resulting in "I`ll be stood at the roundabout waving")we were off on our adventure.
Both nervous, the journey to the Pub was interesting. It just kept going and going. We eventually pulled into the Village of Ainderby Quernhow (no that`s what it`s called) and found the Pub. The Black Horse Inn. The night was wild, blowing a gale, and pitch black, and into the Inn we walked. Neither of us were prepared for what we found.
There were maybe twenty people in there, and amongst the customers was a table surrounded by musicians. Proper musicians. Proper folk musicians. Proper good folk musicians. We were greeted really warmly by Stephen, who`s brain child the evenings are, who bought us drinks and told us to take a seat with the musicians. The banjo`s weren`t even out of the bags before we`d informed everyone present that we`d only been playing eighteen and ten months respectively.
The group played a folk song, and we noticed a guy appear who had a couple of extraordinary traditional Mandolins. This guy was a serious Professional, with an amzing voice, called Iain Glover. This was hardcore Folk Muso`s. Andy and I looked like mice who`d accidentally walked into Felix the Cat`s Stag Do. "Time for the banjo players" somebody said. And off we went with Cripple Creek.
We weren`t half bad either. Fiddle, Mandolin, and Accoustic six String joined in, and we got through it pretty well. Even got a round of applause. Then we decided to try Foggy Mountain Breakdown, a song which takes at least half a dozen practices before sounding even remotely wrong most nights. we murdered it,to quote Blackadder, "If not very nearly dead, then very really dead". At this point Andy felt the need to go for a pint, and discretely dissapeared into the snug.
I enjoyed playing along with the other musicians, even attempted Duelling banjo`s, which is very difficult when you`re duelling with a fiddle. And of course whilst there was a lull in the proceedings felt the need, almost Tourettes like, to ask "Does anybody want to hear a pop song"?
Whic is how I found myself on a wild and windy night, in an Inn in deepest darkest North Yorkshire, In front of an open coal fire with the wind battering the Moors outside, playing S-Club 7...on the banjo....to a bunch of seasoned fantastic folkies.
Went down rather well I thought. Then it was time for Curry and Rice, or sausage and chips (all free), and a chat with the others. Turns out they`re really good people who just enjoy playing and listening to live music, at any level. We`ve been asked to go back, it happens on the last Sunday of each month.
We`ve been asked to go back, and I can heartily recommend the night. WE may need to practice a bit more though. Having said that, Do you fancy it again at the end of the month Andy? (awaiting comment of No! any minute).
Till the next one, keep smiling,
Mark.
Sunday 1 November 2009
Halloween, and something really scary!
Here`s a couple of pics of the kids in their Halloween get up.
Even scarier, I`m going to play in an open mic spot in Thirsk tonight, supporting Andy dalton aka Northern banjo Boy. I have no idea where the pub is, what songs we will be playing, or which instruments I`ll be playing. Whatever happens, it`ll be emotional.
Wish us luck!!!!
Mark.
On the Fiddle
Evening strumpets,
Earlier this year, My Mother in Law (the lovely Nana Mal to you and the kids) dug out her old violin from the loft. It was stringless and in a far from pristine condition, but I thought why not clean it up, and restring it. After putting the strings on I realised just how hard it was to tune, so i`m ashamed to admit, it began gathering dust on the top floor. As the Dalton boys were popping around the other night for a `Jam`, I thought I`d give it one last go at tuning. Miraculously it got to a place maybe not in the centre of tunesville, but certainly not far from the suburbs.
So here`s me twenty four hours later, killing Cripple Creek stone dead.
Hope you enjoyed it, Things can only get better!
Learn something new,
Mark.
Earlier this year, My Mother in Law (the lovely Nana Mal to you and the kids) dug out her old violin from the loft. It was stringless and in a far from pristine condition, but I thought why not clean it up, and restring it. After putting the strings on I realised just how hard it was to tune, so i`m ashamed to admit, it began gathering dust on the top floor. As the Dalton boys were popping around the other night for a `Jam`, I thought I`d give it one last go at tuning. Miraculously it got to a place maybe not in the centre of tunesville, but certainly not far from the suburbs.
So here`s me twenty four hours later, killing Cripple Creek stone dead.
Hope you enjoyed it, Things can only get better!
Learn something new,
Mark.
Saturday 31 October 2009
Playing with the Dalton Brothers.
Evening Strumpets,
Them Dalton Boys came around me house the other night, armed with banjo, Bass guitar, accoustic six string, Ukulele and Mandolin. This is what happened.
Cripple Creek
Foggy Mountain Breakdown
Cowboy Waltz
Irish Washerwoman
John Henry
Them Dalton Boys came around me house the other night, armed with banjo, Bass guitar, accoustic six string, Ukulele and Mandolin. This is what happened.
Cripple Creek
Foggy Mountain Breakdown
Cowboy Waltz
Irish Washerwoman
John Henry
Saturday 24 October 2009
Hundredth Post.
Afternoon strumpets.
We`ve not had much banjo for a while, so have a butchers at this.
Hope you like it.
Mark.
We`ve not had much banjo for a while, so have a butchers at this.
Hope you like it.
Mark.
Lest we forget. God save us all!
Morning Strumpets.
"I am well aware that the orthodox opinion is that six million Jews were gassed and cremated and turned into lampshades. Orthodox opinion also once held that the world is flat." Nick Griffin.
The British National Party was given a platform by the BBC on Thursday evenings "Question Time". It`s leader Nick Griffin, of the above quote, was given the opportunity in front of millions to publicise his Party`s opinions.
Many argued that this mans party should have the right to the arena as they have been democratically voted into power in many Councils throughout the United Kingdom. They also have two MEP`s.
I`m going to let you know my opinion.
He should never have been allowed within a hundred miles of that studio.
His Party believes that if you do not have Centuries of pure white anglo-saxon blood within your ancestry, you should be kept separate to the people who have. Or removed from Britain. His Party`s manifesto, which i have just read, also believes that the statement "humans are the same under the skin" is a myth and that men and women should be treated as equals is untrue. His Party believes that the Blacks and Asians, Homosexuals and Lesbians, have a negative impact on Society. Does any of this sound familiar?
At this time of year when we place a Poppy proudly on our chest, we pay respects at Cenotaphs, commemorating the millions who gave their lives in conflict. These bear the legend "Lest we Forget". So lest we forget, can anyone else remember the last time the Far Right jumped on the back of a nation battered by a world wide recession, and was given public platforms to spout it`s odious lies and propaganda.
The television show rightly showed Nick Griffins shortcomings in front of a multicultural audience. To me he came across as an awful ass. But I can guarantee you this. There were millions of Britons watching that night who didn`t. There were millions watching who will have thought he was talking sense. Millions who need an easy target to blame our Countries faults on. A target that look different to us. Millions who will have thought the audience full of left wing loonies who never gave him a chance.
This is how it starts. Them and Us. And it`s wrong. A poll published in the Telegraph today finds that since the edition of "Question Time" 1 in 5 of all the people polled would consider voting for the British National Party at some point in the future.
Nick Griffin admits that the BBC gave his Party a massive early Christmas present. Shame on them.
"First they came for the communists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a communist;
Then they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist;
Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a trade unionist;
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew;
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak out for me."
Pastor Martin Niemoller, regarding the rise of Nazism in the Thirties.
"I am well aware that the orthodox opinion is that six million Jews were gassed and cremated and turned into lampshades. Orthodox opinion also once held that the world is flat." Nick Griffin.
The British National Party was given a platform by the BBC on Thursday evenings "Question Time". It`s leader Nick Griffin, of the above quote, was given the opportunity in front of millions to publicise his Party`s opinions.
Many argued that this mans party should have the right to the arena as they have been democratically voted into power in many Councils throughout the United Kingdom. They also have two MEP`s.
I`m going to let you know my opinion.
He should never have been allowed within a hundred miles of that studio.
His Party believes that if you do not have Centuries of pure white anglo-saxon blood within your ancestry, you should be kept separate to the people who have. Or removed from Britain. His Party`s manifesto, which i have just read, also believes that the statement "humans are the same under the skin" is a myth and that men and women should be treated as equals is untrue. His Party believes that the Blacks and Asians, Homosexuals and Lesbians, have a negative impact on Society. Does any of this sound familiar?
At this time of year when we place a Poppy proudly on our chest, we pay respects at Cenotaphs, commemorating the millions who gave their lives in conflict. These bear the legend "Lest we Forget". So lest we forget, can anyone else remember the last time the Far Right jumped on the back of a nation battered by a world wide recession, and was given public platforms to spout it`s odious lies and propaganda.
The television show rightly showed Nick Griffins shortcomings in front of a multicultural audience. To me he came across as an awful ass. But I can guarantee you this. There were millions of Britons watching that night who didn`t. There were millions watching who will have thought he was talking sense. Millions who need an easy target to blame our Countries faults on. A target that look different to us. Millions who will have thought the audience full of left wing loonies who never gave him a chance.
This is how it starts. Them and Us. And it`s wrong. A poll published in the Telegraph today finds that since the edition of "Question Time" 1 in 5 of all the people polled would consider voting for the British National Party at some point in the future.
Nick Griffin admits that the BBC gave his Party a massive early Christmas present. Shame on them.
"First they came for the communists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a communist;
Then they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist;
Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a trade unionist;
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew;
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak out for me."
Pastor Martin Niemoller, regarding the rise of Nazism in the Thirties.
Wednesday 21 October 2009
Creepy as hell
Take a long look at this picture, something is amiss.
http://awkwardfamilyphotos.com/2009/10/14/eye-contact/
http://awkwardfamilyphotos.com/2009/10/14/eye-contact/
Monday 19 October 2009
Answers to riddles.
The answers to the previously posted riddles are, in the order posted, Nothing, and holes.
Anyone got anymore riddles?
Mark.
Anyone got anymore riddles?
Mark.
pics from 5K walk.
On Saturday I completed a 5k walk with the banjo on me back. Whilst out I noticed that in Middlesbrough, you`re never more than five minutes away from extremes. Crumbling shops, with anti vandal corrugated screens are replaced by Manor Houses within half a mile. Edwardian Architecture replaced by boozy main road Public Houses. Modern secondary schools with natural beauty. Man I love this Town!
Sunday 18 October 2009
Whitby, and the 199 steps!
Evening Strumpets,
Apologies for lack of posts recently, but my computer upped and died in front of my eyes, just after posting the Nephrons songs. Seem`s everyones a critic these days!
Yesterday I thought why not combine a bit of training with a bit of "Family Time", and we decided to go to Whitby. For those not in the know, Whitby is a Coastal Town in North Yorkshire, which is mired in Seafaring History. It`s also (as far as I`m aware) the main mining area for Jet, and as such attracts an awful lot of Goth`s and Emo`s.
One of Grace`s home made "Eye Spys" was to see a vampire walking amongst the living wearing nothing but black. Worth 75 points, it took about five minutes of being there before she got those points in the bag(Or rather unnervingly pounds, as she took to calling them!)
What a fantastic place to be at this time of the year. We visited the top of the Lighthouse, and man alive it was windy, but what a view. Or at least I`m guessing that, as within two seconds of reaching the top and looking out, the old fear kicked in, and Daddy watched from the chair at the top.
Haddock and Chips by the harbour, laughing with the kids about the Gulls "mine, mine, mine, mine" (Visit Mr Chips, not the Magpie, top tip) was followed by a mooch through the streets until we finally reached the beginning of the 199 steps!
These are the steps which lead to the Abbey, where Dracula`s boat was docked. 199 doesn`t seem too big a number when you say it quickly. It doesn`t seem too big a number when you`re walking through the streets telling the kids about the Abbey, and how on Halloween the ghosts have a party in the graveyard at the top.
199 IS a BIG number. It is a step for every year since 1810. It is a step for every day since the 2nd of April. It is a step for every minute in nearly three and a half hours. And here`s the fun part, you walk up there, have a walk around, look in the Church, visit the abbey, and then it`s time to walk back down them.
Which is where Harry decides he wants a "Harry Carry". because he`s tired, and unsure of the higgledy piggledy steps. The same higgledy piggledy steps he ran up at a canter, with his Dad puffing away behind him. He had a "Harry Carry" all the way down the 199 steps. Every one of them. EVERY ONE OF THEM.
Loved every minute of it.
Keep smiling and learn something new,
Mark.
Apologies for lack of posts recently, but my computer upped and died in front of my eyes, just after posting the Nephrons songs. Seem`s everyones a critic these days!
Yesterday I thought why not combine a bit of training with a bit of "Family Time", and we decided to go to Whitby. For those not in the know, Whitby is a Coastal Town in North Yorkshire, which is mired in Seafaring History. It`s also (as far as I`m aware) the main mining area for Jet, and as such attracts an awful lot of Goth`s and Emo`s.
One of Grace`s home made "Eye Spys" was to see a vampire walking amongst the living wearing nothing but black. Worth 75 points, it took about five minutes of being there before she got those points in the bag(Or rather unnervingly pounds, as she took to calling them!)
What a fantastic place to be at this time of the year. We visited the top of the Lighthouse, and man alive it was windy, but what a view. Or at least I`m guessing that, as within two seconds of reaching the top and looking out, the old fear kicked in, and Daddy watched from the chair at the top.
Haddock and Chips by the harbour, laughing with the kids about the Gulls "mine, mine, mine, mine" (Visit Mr Chips, not the Magpie, top tip) was followed by a mooch through the streets until we finally reached the beginning of the 199 steps!
These are the steps which lead to the Abbey, where Dracula`s boat was docked. 199 doesn`t seem too big a number when you say it quickly. It doesn`t seem too big a number when you`re walking through the streets telling the kids about the Abbey, and how on Halloween the ghosts have a party in the graveyard at the top.
199 IS a BIG number. It is a step for every year since 1810. It is a step for every day since the 2nd of April. It is a step for every minute in nearly three and a half hours. And here`s the fun part, you walk up there, have a walk around, look in the Church, visit the abbey, and then it`s time to walk back down them.
Which is where Harry decides he wants a "Harry Carry". because he`s tired, and unsure of the higgledy piggledy steps. The same higgledy piggledy steps he ran up at a canter, with his Dad puffing away behind him. He had a "Harry Carry" all the way down the 199 steps. Every one of them. EVERY ONE OF THEM.
Loved every minute of it.
Keep smiling and learn something new,
Mark.
Tuesday 13 October 2009
Jamboree (copyright 2009) and The Recycle Thieves (2009)
Evening strumpets,
Me and my fellow Nephrons met up last night, and recorded the above songs, using a digital recorder. The Recycle Thieves, is quite a loud one, and required the recorder to be placed in the hood of Carlos`s fleece, otherwise it may have exploded.
Hope you enjoy them.
Cheers,
Mark.
Me and my fellow Nephrons met up last night, and recorded the above songs, using a digital recorder. The Recycle Thieves, is quite a loud one, and required the recorder to be placed in the hood of Carlos`s fleece, otherwise it may have exploded.
Hope you enjoy them.
Cheers,
Mark.
Riddle me this!
Benjamin from Utah, enjoyed the previous riddle (and got the darned answer right)!
He writes:
"The second question "What is more evil than the Devil?" I knew that the answer was going to be a single thing for all the subjects, but I could get my mind to think anything other than my previous Mother-in-law for question #2...
I have used this riddle for many years, so if you like riddles maybe you've heard this one...
What can you put in a wood box that will make it lighter?
I've only known 1 person to get this right in the first try... anyhow I hope all is well with you my friend, and life is treating you kindly.
Benjamin"
Thanks mate, it took Gracie to give me a big clue for the answer to this one. Any more riddles, you know where to send them.
Mark.
He writes:
"The second question "What is more evil than the Devil?" I knew that the answer was going to be a single thing for all the subjects, but I could get my mind to think anything other than my previous Mother-in-law for question #2...
I have used this riddle for many years, so if you like riddles maybe you've heard this one...
What can you put in a wood box that will make it lighter?
I've only known 1 person to get this right in the first try... anyhow I hope all is well with you my friend, and life is treating you kindly.
Benjamin"
Thanks mate, it took Gracie to give me a big clue for the answer to this one. Any more riddles, you know where to send them.
Mark.
Saturday 10 October 2009
Inspirations
Evening strumpets,
I have been asked, on occasion, what music has influenced me. Growing up, My Dad, King Kenny, had been a drummer in the Big Bands in the Fifties. A student of Max Abrahms, he had toured the world, performing with the likes of Nat King Cole, Paul Anka, and more. Closer to home he had worked with Tommy Cooper, Eric Sykes (Who`s office, shared with Spike Milligan at the time, had been a couple of doors down from Dad`s Agents), Peter Glaze, and for a couple of years as Tessie O Shea`s drummer in her trio. He performed on the soundtrack of Moby Dick, and The Thirty Nine Steps, and as such got to meet Gregory Peck and John Huston.
When the theatre he had been performing in burnt down and ruined his drums, he decided he`d had enough, and moved back to Middlesbrough, where he has lived ever since. As a bit of trivia, the guy who took over from my Dad in the band, eventually was the person used for Animal in the Muppets, so my Dad could have been Animal.
So he listened to Francis Albert (as he insisted he be called), whom you may know better as Frank Sinatra, and Joe Loss, along with Glen Miller and Count basie.
Mam loved Des O Connor and Glen Campbell. I still cannot listen to Witchita Linesman without thinking of her in the front room of the tiny house we lived in. Special music indeed.
My first inkling that there may be a band out there called The Beatles was via an LP my Sister had called "All this and World War II" which featured artist`s covering Beatles classics. Thus for the longest time I thought Leo Sayer sang I Am The Walrus, and that Bryan Ferry sang She`s leaving home! The Sister I`ve just mentioned, loved Northern Soul, and Motown, so there was that going around too.
Big Brother was a Skinhead, and loved Ska, so it was not unusual for me to hear Selector, The Specials, Liquidators, and later The Angelic Upstarts on a regular basis. Other Sister was a Punk, so I was introduced to Crass, The Pistols, Siouxsie, and The Buzzcocks.
Me, growing up, I loved Michael Jackson,Adam Ant, And Madness. But the first time I felt that the person, writing the song I was listening to, knew what it was like to be me, was when I first heard "The Queen is Dead" by the Smiths. After this the first time I heard music which made me very excited was when I heard "Doolittle" by the Pixies.
Which I guess is a long way to explain how I come to be writing stuff like this.
Learn something new.
Mark.
I have been asked, on occasion, what music has influenced me. Growing up, My Dad, King Kenny, had been a drummer in the Big Bands in the Fifties. A student of Max Abrahms, he had toured the world, performing with the likes of Nat King Cole, Paul Anka, and more. Closer to home he had worked with Tommy Cooper, Eric Sykes (Who`s office, shared with Spike Milligan at the time, had been a couple of doors down from Dad`s Agents), Peter Glaze, and for a couple of years as Tessie O Shea`s drummer in her trio. He performed on the soundtrack of Moby Dick, and The Thirty Nine Steps, and as such got to meet Gregory Peck and John Huston.
When the theatre he had been performing in burnt down and ruined his drums, he decided he`d had enough, and moved back to Middlesbrough, where he has lived ever since. As a bit of trivia, the guy who took over from my Dad in the band, eventually was the person used for Animal in the Muppets, so my Dad could have been Animal.
So he listened to Francis Albert (as he insisted he be called), whom you may know better as Frank Sinatra, and Joe Loss, along with Glen Miller and Count basie.
Mam loved Des O Connor and Glen Campbell. I still cannot listen to Witchita Linesman without thinking of her in the front room of the tiny house we lived in. Special music indeed.
My first inkling that there may be a band out there called The Beatles was via an LP my Sister had called "All this and World War II" which featured artist`s covering Beatles classics. Thus for the longest time I thought Leo Sayer sang I Am The Walrus, and that Bryan Ferry sang She`s leaving home! The Sister I`ve just mentioned, loved Northern Soul, and Motown, so there was that going around too.
Big Brother was a Skinhead, and loved Ska, so it was not unusual for me to hear Selector, The Specials, Liquidators, and later The Angelic Upstarts on a regular basis. Other Sister was a Punk, so I was introduced to Crass, The Pistols, Siouxsie, and The Buzzcocks.
Me, growing up, I loved Michael Jackson,Adam Ant, And Madness. But the first time I felt that the person, writing the song I was listening to, knew what it was like to be me, was when I first heard "The Queen is Dead" by the Smiths. After this the first time I heard music which made me very excited was when I heard "Doolittle" by the Pixies.
Which I guess is a long way to explain how I come to be writing stuff like this.
Learn something new.
Mark.
Comments welcome!
Hello Strumpets,
I`ve been tinkering about with the old dashboard of this blog, and it should now be a lot easier to leave comments. So please feel free to do so. If anyone has any problems, just let me know on markdavies23@hotmail.co.uk
Keep smiling,
Mark.
I`ve been tinkering about with the old dashboard of this blog, and it should now be a lot easier to leave comments. So please feel free to do so. If anyone has any problems, just let me know on markdavies23@hotmail.co.uk
Keep smiling,
Mark.
Friday 9 October 2009
a riddle
Here`s a riddle which always causes much consternation. It was posed to a hundred Infant school children, and 85% got it right. it was posed to a hundred University Graduates and 17% got it correct.
What is more powerful than God but more evil than the Devil?
The rich want it but the poor have it, and if you eat it, you die.
Think like a child.
I`ve only ever known one person get this right, straight away.
Answers to markdavies23@hotmail.co.uk.
So now you can learn something new.
What is more powerful than God but more evil than the Devil?
The rich want it but the poor have it, and if you eat it, you die.
Think like a child.
I`ve only ever known one person get this right, straight away.
Answers to markdavies23@hotmail.co.uk.
So now you can learn something new.
Some randomness, and a touch of genius.
Evening strumpets,
the sponsorship money is coming in nicely, but if there`s anyone who has pledged, but not sent yet, could they please do so. In the meantime, here`s a few things that have always puzzled me.
If toothless is without teeth, and pitiless is with out pity, why is ruthless without Ruth? the only Ruth I know is a lovely person.
Why do you never see baby pigeons, or dead birds. Sure you may see the odd one, but not as many as there are in the sky. One day i`m going to turn around a corner in a foreign land, and there`ll be dead birds for as far as the eye can see, and I`ll think "Ah, so that`s where they go"!
Why is the letter C pronounced two different ways in the word circle (actually that`s a new one, Grace asked me the other day).
How long will it be before people realise that Robbie Williams and his daft cod American singing voice (which never fooled the Americans, I imagine it was similar to us watching Dick Van Dyke singing Chim chimernee), is in actual fact Norman Wisdom.
Why can you pinch your elbow as hard as you can, and it doesn`t hurt?
Why isn`t Bruce Forsyth a Knight of the Realm?
Why does every zip that`s ever been on any item of clothing I own have YKK written on it? (see now you`re looking which could make for awkwardness).
Whilst you`re pondering these, have a look at this act of genius, pointed out to me By Tito on the Stephen Fry Blog.
the sponsorship money is coming in nicely, but if there`s anyone who has pledged, but not sent yet, could they please do so. In the meantime, here`s a few things that have always puzzled me.
If toothless is without teeth, and pitiless is with out pity, why is ruthless without Ruth? the only Ruth I know is a lovely person.
Why do you never see baby pigeons, or dead birds. Sure you may see the odd one, but not as many as there are in the sky. One day i`m going to turn around a corner in a foreign land, and there`ll be dead birds for as far as the eye can see, and I`ll think "Ah, so that`s where they go"!
Why is the letter C pronounced two different ways in the word circle (actually that`s a new one, Grace asked me the other day).
How long will it be before people realise that Robbie Williams and his daft cod American singing voice (which never fooled the Americans, I imagine it was similar to us watching Dick Van Dyke singing Chim chimernee), is in actual fact Norman Wisdom.
Why can you pinch your elbow as hard as you can, and it doesn`t hurt?
Why isn`t Bruce Forsyth a Knight of the Realm?
Why does every zip that`s ever been on any item of clothing I own have YKK written on it? (see now you`re looking which could make for awkwardness).
Whilst you`re pondering these, have a look at this act of genius, pointed out to me By Tito on the Stephen Fry Blog.
Tuesday 6 October 2009
Blog Distributor
Evening strumpets,
I`ve been sent an email about a company called Blog Distributor, which apparently has seen my blog and pays people to write blogs. As with most things which seem too good to be true, it more than likely is. Anyone have any experience of this firm?
I`ve been sent an email about a company called Blog Distributor, which apparently has seen my blog and pays people to write blogs. As with most things which seem too good to be true, it more than likely is. Anyone have any experience of this firm?
Monday 5 October 2009
Octoberfest.
Evening strumpets,
I love October. It`s the witching month. It`s the month when you begin to feel a crispness to the air. It`s the month, when it`s becoming a necessity to wear a coat when going to the pub. It`s the month when the tree`s let you know that Christmas is around the corner. It`s the month of Brambles and Conkers, gloves and scarves. Of Spectacles steaming up as you walk into a room. It`s the time when you can begin to smell Gunpowder in the air. When the Mornings are dark, but it`s still light enough to drive home at Teatime. Leaves filling drain covers.
But above all else, it`s the month when I met Louise.
Funnily enough we met on My Mother and Fathers Wedding Anniversary. I was making a living driving a forklift Truck in Nottingham, and I had come home (which I will always call Middlesbrough) for the weekend. I, for once at the time, had remained quite sober throughout the night, the remnants from a conversation I had had with my Brother about the state my drinking had gotten into, still residing within my mind.
I went to a Nightclub in Middlesbrough called "Blaises", which has long since closed down. Saturday nights in there were split down the middle in 1995. One room had an Eighties night, the other room (the bigger room, which often had condensation dripping from the ceiling) had what was affectionately known locally as "Freak" night.
It was in there that Michael Platts told me I should introduce myself to Louise. "You`re just her type" he told me. And a funny thing happened. he was right. I met her and she asked me what i did for a living. Usually, a little embarrassed to admit that i was a manual labourer(I was Twenty Five, cut me a bit of slack!), I would invent elaborate stories.
"Me, oh I`m the youngest Professor to be teaching Classical Literature at Newcastle University"
"Me, Oh I`m a session musician,just finished playing with Blur"
"Me, Oh I`m a novelist using a pseudonym. you may have heard of me, Dan Brown"
When Louise asked I answered
"Me, Oh I drive a Fork lift Truck"
I never felt the need to lie. Funny that.
She was stunning, and I could not believe that a) she was talking to me, and b) she was flirting, and seemed to like me. I`m not fishing for compliments, but man alive, she was out of my league.....except she wasn`t. She never made me feel that way, never has. I know she feels about me the way I feel about her. And Amen to that.
She is the strongest person I know, and the prettiest. She makes me laugh, but she also at times makes me want to stick a fork in her cheek. But then we laugh about how daft the arguments were. She`s my sweetheart, and I`m always going to be here, her big man.
The above picture is a favourite of mine. It`s in Mam and dad`s house, and has my closest friends in it. Louise and I had known each other for two months at that point.
Till the next one, learn something new,
Mark.
Kirby College, as is!
Here`s some footage for the Boro expats, of what has happened to Kirby College.
Sunday 4 October 2009
And so it starts again.
Afternoon Strumpets, I`m just off for a cheeky little 10k walk, to get back into the Great North Strum, part 2, The London Marathon. I`ve got to give it a go, do you not think? I`ve just restrung me Strat, and here`s a couple of original pieces that i hope you like.
Till the next one,
keep smiling and learn something new.
Mark.
Till the next one,
keep smiling and learn something new.
Mark.
Saturday 3 October 2009
Friday 2 October 2009
A Celebration
Afternoon Strumpets,
And so it was that this afternoon we said goodbye to our friend Alan. It truly was a celebration, with a beautiful Eulogy delivered by Giles Pinkney, and music ranging from Pachelbel, Cat Stevens, and from Rod Stewart to Glen Miller.
Check out the picture above. Alan had that taken a couple of weeks ago, with the idea of putting it on the front of his Service guide. He`s playing that harp somewhere. He was brought in with flowers and a flag from his beloved RNLI covering his coffin to the sound of Pachelbel`s Canon. The first song was Morning Has Broken, followed by a reading "The Fishermans 23rd Psalm", and then the aforementioned Eulogy.
Next was the heartbreaker. "Sailing" by Rod Stewart. I must be honest, I`ve never thought of this song as anything other than a piece of Seventies tat, but to sing those words in that Church, knowing what he must have been going through when he picked them, Christ!
"I am sailing Stormy waters, to be near you. to be free
I am dying, forever trying, to be near you to be free,
Oh Lord to be near you, to be Free"
He was then carried out to "In the Mood" by Glen Miller, which anyone who knows anything about a musical instrument will tell you, was not written for a Church Organ! But it was carried off magnificently (and Alan would have loved that pun) as he left the church to a standing ovation, and a lot of laughter and tears.
It`s the service he deserved, it`s just a shame it was about thirty years too soon.
Mark.
Thursday 1 October 2009
My big lad Hal, and does anyone reckon I could manage a Marathon?
Evening Strumpets,
Apologies for not having posted anything of real significance for a while, but i`ve had a bit of a break from all things banjo! And now I`m back, and thinking, could I complete the London Marathon whilst playing the banjo?
I`m about to begin training next week, and I think it`s a distinct possibility. I think I`ve actually missed walking around Middlesbrough with this bloody banjo on me back, if I`m being truthful. And if you`d said to me six months ago I would have completed the GNR whilst playing a banjo, I`d have said you`ve as much chance as seeing a one legged cat burying it`s turd on a frozen pond, but we did it! Any comments?
Harry started his first day at big boy nursery yesterday, and within ten minutes was teaching the classroom assistant how to use the computer. He is a real whizz on the bloody thing, and loves accessing all the games on CBeebies.
I`ve also written a cheeky little blues for the banjo which for reasons I have no idea why I have called Lean to the left. Hope you like it.
Till the next one, keep smiling, and learn something new.
Mark.
Tuesday 29 September 2009
Sunday 27 September 2009
who`ll be 1,000
just checked the old sitemeter, and it`s at 999 hits. If you`re reasding this you may be mister/miss/missus 1,000. welcome aboard!
Alan
Evening Strumpets,
It`s with a very sad heart that I am writing this. Alan King, the guy who gave me the Windsor Whirle Junior (see first GNS post) passed away in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
There are others much more suited to pay tribute to this remarkable gentleman, but like many, many, others I feel blessed that he was a part of my life for a short time. He inspired and continues to inspire me in so many ways. Without him, I probably would not have fully understood the way the human body deals with pain (bth physical and mental). He trained me in the skills of delivering pain management in a comfortable but challenging manner. And always with humour.
He swore (as do most pain management specialists,myself included), by Paracetamol. Many a time he would advise a person to begin (following consultation with their GP) 1g of paracetamol four times a day. Whilst shadowing him, I noticed he`d get a glint in his eye whilst doing this, waiting for the inevitable "but I don`t like putting chemicals into my body/ isn`t it dangerous" reply. he`d simply mention if you don`t like putting chemicals into your body, quit smoking/drinking alcohol and that if you take too much of anything, water for instance, it`ll kill you.
Alan survived more than most, from a serious mining accident, through Bronchial Pneumonia, Meningitis, and an eighty miles an hour car crash which forced him into a field. He told me he reckoned he had till he was Seventy. Anything after that was a bonus. He was sixty one when he died.
I miss him already, and it`s still not real, but if there`s one thing he would have been happy with it`s the fact that when we were told at work, there were tears, but fifteen minutes later, if you`d walked past the office we were sat in, you would have thought we would have been having a party because the laughter coming from that room as we reminisced about our friend, was loud.
Alan King. 1948-2009.
It`s with a very sad heart that I am writing this. Alan King, the guy who gave me the Windsor Whirle Junior (see first GNS post) passed away in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
There are others much more suited to pay tribute to this remarkable gentleman, but like many, many, others I feel blessed that he was a part of my life for a short time. He inspired and continues to inspire me in so many ways. Without him, I probably would not have fully understood the way the human body deals with pain (bth physical and mental). He trained me in the skills of delivering pain management in a comfortable but challenging manner. And always with humour.
He swore (as do most pain management specialists,myself included), by Paracetamol. Many a time he would advise a person to begin (following consultation with their GP) 1g of paracetamol four times a day. Whilst shadowing him, I noticed he`d get a glint in his eye whilst doing this, waiting for the inevitable "but I don`t like putting chemicals into my body/ isn`t it dangerous" reply. he`d simply mention if you don`t like putting chemicals into your body, quit smoking/drinking alcohol and that if you take too much of anything, water for instance, it`ll kill you.
Alan survived more than most, from a serious mining accident, through Bronchial Pneumonia, Meningitis, and an eighty miles an hour car crash which forced him into a field. He told me he reckoned he had till he was Seventy. Anything after that was a bonus. He was sixty one when he died.
I miss him already, and it`s still not real, but if there`s one thing he would have been happy with it`s the fact that when we were told at work, there were tears, but fifteen minutes later, if you`d walked past the office we were sat in, you would have thought we would have been having a party because the laughter coming from that room as we reminisced about our friend, was loud.
Alan King. 1948-2009.
Friday 25 September 2009
Logo Go Go!
What do you think of Mr Benjamin Norman`s handiwork for the GNS Header? I have to say, that guy has some talent!!
Infamy infamy, they`ve all got it infamy
Northern Banjo Boy writes:
" Well done Mark!
Had look at the highlights on the BBC I player check out http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00mydtn/Athletics_2009_Great_North_Run_Highlights/
you're 24 mins 42 secs - classic!"
I`m glad I`d had a haircut!
" Well done Mark!
Had look at the highlights on the BBC I player check out http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00mydtn/Athletics_2009_Great_North_Run_Highlights/
you're 24 mins 42 secs - classic!"
I`m glad I`d had a haircut!
Wednesday 23 September 2009
Secret Diary. (quite long I`m afraid).
We woke (Myself, Louise and Grace, Harry was sleeping around his Nana`s, the day would have been too much for him) at 06:45 hrs on the Sunday Morning. Up, showered, dressed and setting off by 07:30 hrs, with a view to reaching Jon`s house about Half Eight to Nine o`Clock. Jon lives on the route of the GNR and his road is closed from Nine am. It`s usually about forty to fifty minutes from Boro to Newcastle, but we wanted to accomodate for the expected heavy traffic.
The roads were so quiet you could have hunted deer. We reached Jon`s house at 08:15 hrs. The Kitsons were still in their pyjama`s and about to get showered, but fantastic host`s as they are, they never complained for a second. I hadn`t met Jon in over twelve years, and was a little nervous, but that vanished within a minute or so. I met jane, who is a talented musician, who teaches piano, and Daniel, who loves all things Star Wars. Grace and he got on just fine.
Travelling on the Newcastle Metro with a banjo is an experience. I noticed all the other runners looked incredibly fit. The carriage stunk to high Heaven of Ralgex, and Deep Heat, and throbbed with an atmosphere of anticipation. By now I was really enjoying the occasion. The odd person would look over at this odd person, and I noticed a couple would smile and say to their partners " Cool, a banjo" or similar.
It was a further mile, possibly two to get to the starting point. I kissed the family, and told them I`d meet them at the finish line. The PA hammered out Queen`s "We will Rock you", and standing at the back, seeing 50,000 people doing the clap clap hands in the air dance was amazing.
Forty minutes after the starting gun was fired by Sting, I reached the starting line, shook hands with Sting, who said "cool banjo mate", and a funny thing happened. I started running. I was amazed, I had promised myself that I wouldn`t run any of it, as I did not want to a) damage my knee, or b) peak too early, but the crowd carried me along. I was able to play the basic scruggs rolls, and also the thumb, downward strum quite nicely, and this helped with my rhythm for the running.
After half a mile, I began to walk, and this was the point when I realised what I was doing, and that I could actually play the banjo for the duration. Although quiet, as I had taken the resonator from the back, it was audible, and the fellow GNR chaps, were all so encouraging, slapping my back, and telling me this was excellent.
Then came the Tyne Bridge. The Red Arrows had recently flown over, and the remanants of the smoke display was still in the air. As i stepped on the bridge I played Amazing Grace for me Mam, followed by Cripple Creek for Trevor, Wildwood Flower for Alan, Ballad of Jessie James for Toby`s Father in Law, Foggy Mountain Breakdown for Mike, and finally Cowboy Waltz for Lily.
The following twelve miles were just heavenly. Dodging little Geordies throwing water at the banjo was fun, and the kindness of the spectator`s, many of whom came out offering food and drink, was incredible. However if i hear "How mate, ken I pley yewar Geeeetoorrr" one more time......
Finally down the slope, and there`s the sea! Blimey I`ve nearly finished. The sea air coupled with the anticipation gave me a boost, and I jogged down the slope and onto the final mile along the coast. People who had already completed the run, were walking back, and this was were i got my most encouragement. I debated whether to run the final mile, but came to the realisation, that this was never about a PB. So I chose to stroll along the final mile, stopping occasionally to let the kids hear the music, and strum the strings if they wanted.
Ten metres from the end, a guy came over with a microphone, and asked me if i`d play something over the PA system, which is how I found myself playing "Foggy Mountain Breakdown" to thousands of people on the South Shields Coast. Funny thing is, ten months ago, I couldn`t play this bloody drum on a stick!
Finally meeting up with the family, it took a further two hours to get back to Jon`s, and an hour to get home. At 19:00 hrs, I stepped over the front doorstep of my house. Shattered.
And so I completed the Great North Run, whilst simultaneously playing the banjo. If you think that`s strange, some daft buggers ran it!
Learn something new,
Mark.
The roads were so quiet you could have hunted deer. We reached Jon`s house at 08:15 hrs. The Kitsons were still in their pyjama`s and about to get showered, but fantastic host`s as they are, they never complained for a second. I hadn`t met Jon in over twelve years, and was a little nervous, but that vanished within a minute or so. I met jane, who is a talented musician, who teaches piano, and Daniel, who loves all things Star Wars. Grace and he got on just fine.
Travelling on the Newcastle Metro with a banjo is an experience. I noticed all the other runners looked incredibly fit. The carriage stunk to high Heaven of Ralgex, and Deep Heat, and throbbed with an atmosphere of anticipation. By now I was really enjoying the occasion. The odd person would look over at this odd person, and I noticed a couple would smile and say to their partners " Cool, a banjo" or similar.
It was a further mile, possibly two to get to the starting point. I kissed the family, and told them I`d meet them at the finish line. The PA hammered out Queen`s "We will Rock you", and standing at the back, seeing 50,000 people doing the clap clap hands in the air dance was amazing.
Forty minutes after the starting gun was fired by Sting, I reached the starting line, shook hands with Sting, who said "cool banjo mate", and a funny thing happened. I started running. I was amazed, I had promised myself that I wouldn`t run any of it, as I did not want to a) damage my knee, or b) peak too early, but the crowd carried me along. I was able to play the basic scruggs rolls, and also the thumb, downward strum quite nicely, and this helped with my rhythm for the running.
After half a mile, I began to walk, and this was the point when I realised what I was doing, and that I could actually play the banjo for the duration. Although quiet, as I had taken the resonator from the back, it was audible, and the fellow GNR chaps, were all so encouraging, slapping my back, and telling me this was excellent.
Then came the Tyne Bridge. The Red Arrows had recently flown over, and the remanants of the smoke display was still in the air. As i stepped on the bridge I played Amazing Grace for me Mam, followed by Cripple Creek for Trevor, Wildwood Flower for Alan, Ballad of Jessie James for Toby`s Father in Law, Foggy Mountain Breakdown for Mike, and finally Cowboy Waltz for Lily.
The following twelve miles were just heavenly. Dodging little Geordies throwing water at the banjo was fun, and the kindness of the spectator`s, many of whom came out offering food and drink, was incredible. However if i hear "How mate, ken I pley yewar Geeeetoorrr" one more time......
Finally down the slope, and there`s the sea! Blimey I`ve nearly finished. The sea air coupled with the anticipation gave me a boost, and I jogged down the slope and onto the final mile along the coast. People who had already completed the run, were walking back, and this was were i got my most encouragement. I debated whether to run the final mile, but came to the realisation, that this was never about a PB. So I chose to stroll along the final mile, stopping occasionally to let the kids hear the music, and strum the strings if they wanted.
Ten metres from the end, a guy came over with a microphone, and asked me if i`d play something over the PA system, which is how I found myself playing "Foggy Mountain Breakdown" to thousands of people on the South Shields Coast. Funny thing is, ten months ago, I couldn`t play this bloody drum on a stick!
Finally meeting up with the family, it took a further two hours to get back to Jon`s, and an hour to get home. At 19:00 hrs, I stepped over the front doorstep of my house. Shattered.
And so I completed the Great North Run, whilst simultaneously playing the banjo. If you think that`s strange, some daft buggers ran it!
Learn something new,
Mark.
Monday 21 September 2009
And for my next trick.....
I have never felt so drained, not so much physically, but mentally, emotionally, everythingally, as i have today. Got a round of applause when i limped into work this morning, which genuinely touched me. I work with really good people. And I was featured being interviewed on the BBC2 Highlights show at ten to midnight on the Sunday, so flew home and really enjoyed that.
So what next?
Well, I`m thinking of busking at the top of York or Durham cathedral in the Spring! If not allowed, then thinking of busking at the top of a Peak in the Lakes. With a "warm up" on top of Roseberry Topping (a local peak) beforehand.
What do you think?
Next immediate thing is that I am busking at Mcmillans coffee morning in Tollesby this saturday morning, with all proceeds going to the Mcmillans nurses.
Hopefully see you there.
Benton Road
Tollesby.
E-mail me for more details on markdavies23@hotmail.co.uk
Learn something new,
Mark.
So what next?
Well, I`m thinking of busking at the top of York or Durham cathedral in the Spring! If not allowed, then thinking of busking at the top of a Peak in the Lakes. With a "warm up" on top of Roseberry Topping (a local peak) beforehand.
What do you think?
Next immediate thing is that I am busking at Mcmillans coffee morning in Tollesby this saturday morning, with all proceeds going to the Mcmillans nurses.
Hopefully see you there.
Benton Road
Tollesby.
E-mail me for more details on markdavies23@hotmail.co.uk
Learn something new,
Mark.
Sunday 20 September 2009
First Great North Strum: DONE!!!!
Evening Strumpet`s,
There`s a very proud, and very tired Lad typing this tonight. But I completed the Great North run, whilst playing the Windsor Whirle pretty much throughout! I completed in a time of three hours and twenty, which I`m really happy about, as there were a few obstacles along the way, not least of which was lugging and playing this bloody stick on a drum around with me for thirteen miles.
The memory of 54`000 people undertaking it, and playing to so many people wil never leave me. I`m so tired tonight, so this will be a short one, but there are several people who I have to thank.
Everyone who has donated!
Andy Dalton: For coming up with the name of The Great North strum, and for his support, both through his blog, and through his chats. Thanks NBB.
Ian Golden, John and Kathleen Greenslade, Tree Hannaway, and Rachel Lynas: All of who have supported me on facebook, and in person.
All the chaps at "Strikes a Chord", in particular Chris Knotts, and Pete Rushton: support and advice throughout.
Michael Platts: For his incredibly generous offer, and for introducing me to Louise.
Sarah McNeill: For raising so much money for GNS.
Tito, Toby, and Michael from the Stephen Fry Blog: For the diversion of discussion, and support.
Benjamin Norman: For the T-Shirt Design, and continual encouragement. I know it`s tough at the moment mate, but things will get better!
Jonathon, Jane, and Daniel Kitson: for allowing us into their beautiful home, and looking after the three of us so wonderfully.
And finally,
Louise, Grace and Harry. Look at my amazing family in the header of this blog. I`ve not been around as much as I should these last few weeks, what with training, and writing this Blog, but not once have they made me feel guilty or crappy about it (well not much)! I love my family, and i know that my family love me, the same way as I loved my Mother, and I know she loved me.
Three squeezes in Heaven Mam,we only bloody did it!! And see and now I`m crying!
Keep smiling,
Mark. Completer of the Great North run 2009!
Saturday 19 September 2009
The last post
Evening Strumpets.
As you can see, Grace is modelling the exclusive Great North Strum T-shirt,(as designed by Benjamin Norman, massive thanks mate).
Well this is it. The last post before the big day. I`ve had me haircut, i`m about to fill in the relevant health paperwork, and I`ve put as much training as family and professional commitments would allow.
I`ve been thinking back over what has been an amazing month. Incredibly this Blog was only created on the 10th August. ( I have a neighbour called Karl, who has a really interesting take on time. he feels there is a rational argument that time speeds up the older you get. He states that a year to his Grandson is a quarter of his life, whereas a year to him is a 68th of his life)
Since then i`ve made new chums all over the world. There`s been nearly 1500 page views, I`ve walked three half marathons (with me banjo on me back), Nearly lost the tip of me finger (it`s fine now), been in the local press, had people coming up to me wishing me the best of luck who I`ve never met before, Walked in Boro with a banjo out of it`s case on me back in broad daylight (the only time I`ve ever been a little scared walking around if truth be told), and been witness to acts of generosity that would make the most cynical misanthropist take stock of what they believe.
I`ve also (along with Sarah), raised over one thousand Pounds (one thousand, three hundred and ten dollars at current exchange rate) for Butterwick Hospice.
Strumpets, Thank you. Thank you, thank you thank you, THANK YOU! It`s not just the money, it`s the support, and encouragement. You have made it really nice to be me.
The next time I post, hopefully I will have completed the first stage of The Great North Strum. I wonder what`s next for me and this old banjo?
Mother and Father in law and Harry will be at home for those thinking the house may be empty, you naughty burgling people you!
Keep smiling and learn something new.
Mark.
A big boost!
I have raised £755 so far and Michael in Dubai ( who very sadly lost his father to cancer last year)has topped that up to £800, and amazingly offered to double anything over £800 I raise. When I asked him if he minded me letting people know about his amazing act of generosity he wrote:
"Post it up and let's see how much you can get - I know people are hard up at the moment, but hopefully they may dig a bit deeper if they know it'll mean a bit more.
I'm not trying to be a flash b*&*^%d, by the way - I've been following your blog pretty much since you started it, and really love what you're doing. I don't have the balls to do it myself, so the least I can do is put my hand in my pocket.
Anyway, stick it up and see what damage you can do to my pension. Say hi to Louise for me and good luck on Sunday."
How fantastic is that.
All enquiries on how to donate to be sent to markdavies23@hotmail.co.uk.
Mark.
"Post it up and let's see how much you can get - I know people are hard up at the moment, but hopefully they may dig a bit deeper if they know it'll mean a bit more.
I'm not trying to be a flash b*&*^%d, by the way - I've been following your blog pretty much since you started it, and really love what you're doing. I don't have the balls to do it myself, so the least I can do is put my hand in my pocket.
Anyway, stick it up and see what damage you can do to my pension. Say hi to Louise for me and good luck on Sunday."
How fantastic is that.
All enquiries on how to donate to be sent to markdavies23@hotmail.co.uk.
Mark.
Thursday 17 September 2009
For me Strumpets.
Evening strumpets. This is only for my Blog pals, I`m not putting this anywhere else. It`s my gift to all of you for your support and encouragement, and in many cases sponsorship. A special shout goes out to my newest chums (Keith Floyd, God bless you mate, R.I.P), on the Stephen Fry Blog, Tito, Michael, and Toby.
Postcards from the edge.
Some pictures from the first part of my walk tonight. this covers Grove Hill, and Marton Road. Grove Hill has a reputation as being rough, and it`s true that a lot of the houses are in a state of dereliction, but through my job, I meet a lot of these people, and in the whole they`re good decent people, who just happen to be hard as nails.
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