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.
And then there was one..
Evening strumpets,
It`s been a busy old day, Work was none stop, came home and did a ten mile walk with me banjo (the last before the big day,GULP), and had some really bad news.
Sarah, my compadre on the Great north strum has had to withdraw. she had hurt her ankle a week or so back, but is so darned brave that she kept on training, hoping to help me out. Today, after a mile, her ankle told her "if you keep this pain shit up, I`m going to hurt you", and that was that. She is genuinely gutted, but knowing her, she`ll bounce right back. We`re already planning a marathon for next year.
Sarah, Thank you so much for all your support, kindness, and encouragement. If you ever kill someone, it`s still my house you hide in!
It`s been a busy old day, Work was none stop, came home and did a ten mile walk with me banjo (the last before the big day,GULP), and had some really bad news.
Sarah, my compadre on the Great north strum has had to withdraw. she had hurt her ankle a week or so back, but is so darned brave that she kept on training, hoping to help me out. Today, after a mile, her ankle told her "if you keep this pain shit up, I`m going to hurt you", and that was that. She is genuinely gutted, but knowing her, she`ll bounce right back. We`re already planning a marathon for next year.
Sarah, Thank you so much for all your support, kindness, and encouragement. If you ever kill someone, it`s still my house you hide in!
Wednesday, 16 September 2009
Art in Heaven
Michael from Oklahoma has a site where you can go and enjoy his pictures. I really think this guy has a lot of talent. Go and take a look @ http://michaeltiger.wordpress.com/
Cheers,
Mark.
Cheers,
Mark.
Tuesday, 15 September 2009
Girl ghost?
As I was leaving to Give My Mother-in-Law a lift home, I felt a ghostly presence. Twisting I heard a spectral tone "Join us, join us" it seemed to whisper through the September breeze drifting along my creaking Victorian home. "join us, forever, it floats, it floats". I felt the skin tighten around my lips, as I glanced up the stairs.
The Girl stood, pale yet incandescent. She looked at me with eyes which tore through my being, into the well of my soul, returning only to take the shallow breath I was inhaling, exhaling,inhaling,exhaling. Opening her mouth, she smiled.
"Daddy, I`ve just had a poo!"
Truthfully is that not the scariest photograph you`ve ever seen?
The Great North Strum has a Logo!
Benjamin, an amazing fella In Utah has sent the above designs for the GNS T-Shirts. I think they`re wonderful! What do you think?
King Kenny!
Peter Rushton from the Strikes a Chord Website writes:
"By the time the London marathon needs you that will all be sorted i'm sure.
Also lets hear more about your Dad-----Sounds a lot like me!"
So now the latest on the continuing saga of the one and only Kenny Davies.I was in Hartlepool shopping with dad. All he kept on going on about was wanting me to buy him a big bag of Liquorice Allsorts. Unfortunately the horrible little indoor market where he insists he buys all his stuff, (Grace regularly gets Winnie the Poohs that are just far enough different not to infringe copyright, but close enough for kids to know who it`s meant to be, you know what I mean)was closed, so we walked back through the town centre to the car park.He kept on saying "your as tight as bloody A**eholes, bloody money you`ve got" so I said I`d keep an eye out for a shop which sold them. It was then that I saw it. I told my dad that he could get some in that shop, but they kept them at the back, so he`d have to ask. I said I might be wrong, but just in case, I`d try W.H. Smiths which was opposite. Dad said that they wont sell sweets, I said they do, but they`re at the back.So that is how my Dad, Kenny Davies at the age of 78 walked to the back of the Anne Summers shop in Hartlepool and asked the girl if they sold "allsorts".She said " what do you mean?" he said "the sweets" At this point, he turned round to see me in the doorway snapped in half wetting meself laughing. He just ignored the poor lass, and started walking towards me shouting, "YOU SOD. I`LL GET YOU BACK FOR THIS. YOU BIG DAFT B***ER"
Sponsorship opportunity, I get knocked down, but I get up again.
Ever the opportunist. Harry gave it a cuddle, oofyah.
simply wrote "bugger"
Afternoon Strumpets,
Cut the right index finger of my right hand, which may affect how I pick the banjo on Sunday. The sod would not stop bleeding, and is currently singing loving you by Minnie Ripperton all the time. It`s still not going to stop me, As Mick and Keef said "Let it Bleed".
Monday, 14 September 2009
Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence.
The banjo, primarily a Western instrument, lends itself to Eastern music rather dandily.
Take a wissen! (It`s a Buckwheat thing)!
Take a wissen! (It`s a Buckwheat thing)!
Sunday, 13 September 2009
Naked banjo!
Evening strumpets,
Completed 10 K walk around Middlesbrough today, with banjo unsheathed as it were. i needed to know if there would be an problems with the strap around my neck, and the back of the banjo rubbing against me. Luckily no problems. Lots of beeps and positivity, which always helps. If you see me on my walks, give me a beep.
Mark.
Completed 10 K walk around Middlesbrough today, with banjo unsheathed as it were. i needed to know if there would be an problems with the strap around my neck, and the back of the banjo rubbing against me. Luckily no problems. Lots of beeps and positivity, which always helps. If you see me on my walks, give me a beep.
Mark.
Saturday, 12 September 2009
Just Grand!
Evening Strumpets,
I`ve just logged on to the Sitemeter application for the blog, and here`s how it is. The Great North Strum has officially had a thousand page views. With nearly 500visits. Thats in twenty three days! That means that the majority of people visiting G.N.S. hang around and view at least two pages of the Blog.
Thank you my beauties.
That`s the stuff that keeps me going when I`m nine miles into another bloody thirteen mile trek. You make me want to be a better person.
A thousand!!!!!!
Mark.
I`ve just logged on to the Sitemeter application for the blog, and here`s how it is. The Great North Strum has officially had a thousand page views. With nearly 500visits. Thats in twenty three days! That means that the majority of people visiting G.N.S. hang around and view at least two pages of the Blog.
Thank you my beauties.
That`s the stuff that keeps me going when I`m nine miles into another bloody thirteen mile trek. You make me want to be a better person.
A thousand!!!!!!
Mark.
Happy happy joy joy!
Rev Gary Davis tune, reminding us that there is only this and taxes which are a certainty in this world.
I`m aware that Dad gets it twice in my version, sorry Fathers of the world.
Mark
I`m aware that Dad gets it twice in my version, sorry Fathers of the world.
Mark
Stairway to Heaven
The Led Zep classic. Played in a little Mis Muffet stylee (watch the full video to see what I mean).
Keep smiling,and learn something new,
Mark.
Keep smiling,and learn something new,
Mark.
Friday, 11 September 2009
Strum und Drang: or a few things I hate (part1)!
Afternoon Strumpets,
Time for a rant.
1: People who let their dogs defecate in the street, and don`t "Scoop the Poop"!
I`ve seen this so many times whilst out lately. Is there any better a feeling
than turning around and seeing you`ve walked dog poo all over your house?
2: People who drop litter. I would love to be able to say that I challenge these
neanderthals, but I just know I would pick on Mr Hard, from Solid Street,
Psychoville.
3: Audience participation: "will have you dancing in the aisles" will have
me "running for the streets". Recently I accompanied my wife and a couple of
friends to see a play which was called "Glad it`s all over" about the 1966 World
Cup winning English Football team, and how it affected the ordinary people of
England. Turns out it was actually called "Glad all over", and was actually a
Sixties revue, which required the audience to stand and dance, and occasionally
shout "woohoo" and other such nonsense. Longest two hours of me life!
Time for a rant.
1: People who let their dogs defecate in the street, and don`t "Scoop the Poop"!
I`ve seen this so many times whilst out lately. Is there any better a feeling
than turning around and seeing you`ve walked dog poo all over your house?
2: People who drop litter. I would love to be able to say that I challenge these
neanderthals, but I just know I would pick on Mr Hard, from Solid Street,
Psychoville.
3: Audience participation: "will have you dancing in the aisles" will have
me "running for the streets". Recently I accompanied my wife and a couple of
friends to see a play which was called "Glad it`s all over" about the 1966 World
Cup winning English Football team, and how it affected the ordinary people of
England. Turns out it was actually called "Glad all over", and was actually a
Sixties revue, which required the audience to stand and dance, and occasionally
shout "woohoo" and other such nonsense. Longest two hours of me life!
Wednesday, 9 September 2009
More stuff for Benjamin, as promised.
Benjamin from Utah has been really kind in his praise for all stuff Strum, but this is even going to push him.
On the evening of 27/2/09, The Nephrons arrived at a rehearsal studio (destination top secret, as all you Groupies out there know, we`ve got kids), armed with guitar, bass, snare, tape recorder, and Stylophone. What occurred has gone down in the anals [sic] of recording history. Take a listen. I know what you`re wondering, what equipment is he using? Well it`s just a case of me perfecting the distance I hold the WAV from the cassette player in the car. "It makes the Robert Johnson recordings sound like Blu Ray", to quote Stuey in Nottingham.
JAMBOREE.©
Words: Davies, Music: Dalton, Davies, Dent.
As promised the Nephrons version. Originated as the guitar version posted previously, Jackal added riff, and Dental added a very sexy drum pattern.
Carlos the Jackal : Guitar and Stylophone.
Nephron D.A. Mark: Bass, vocals.
Nephron Dental: Drums.
On the evening of 27/2/09, The Nephrons arrived at a rehearsal studio (destination top secret, as all you Groupies out there know, we`ve got kids), armed with guitar, bass, snare, tape recorder, and Stylophone. What occurred has gone down in the anals [sic] of recording history. Take a listen. I know what you`re wondering, what equipment is he using? Well it`s just a case of me perfecting the distance I hold the WAV from the cassette player in the car. "It makes the Robert Johnson recordings sound like Blu Ray", to quote Stuey in Nottingham.
JAMBOREE.©
Words: Davies, Music: Dalton, Davies, Dent.
As promised the Nephrons version. Originated as the guitar version posted previously, Jackal added riff, and Dental added a very sexy drum pattern.
Carlos the Jackal : Guitar and Stylophone.
Nephron D.A. Mark: Bass, vocals.
Nephron Dental: Drums.
and then there were two.
Sarah in Middlesbrough wrote to me:
"Hi there Mark,
Hope you are ok? I've just been out for a run and knacked my ankle, hope it gets better!!
I've been given a non- charity place by someone who can't run...it seems almost a waste to do it without a cause
Is there any thing I can do to help you with your cause as I'd love to help?"
So I`m on the phone quicker than Usain Bolt with his laces tied, and this is how it is. She`s running for the Strum. She has a personal connection with Butterwick Hospice, so that makes it even more poignant. She`s fitter than me (she just completed the Middlesbrough 10K street race in under seventy minutes), so she`ll be running ahead, letting the crowds know what to expect. She`s a star, in my book.
if anyone else is running in a non charity place or gets one at late notice, spare a thought for the Strum. The more the merrier as far as I`m concerned.
keep smiling and learn something new.
Mark.
"Hi there Mark,
Hope you are ok? I've just been out for a run and knacked my ankle, hope it gets better!!
I've been given a non- charity place by someone who can't run...it seems almost a waste to do it without a cause
Is there any thing I can do to help you with your cause as I'd love to help?"
So I`m on the phone quicker than Usain Bolt with his laces tied, and this is how it is. She`s running for the Strum. She has a personal connection with Butterwick Hospice, so that makes it even more poignant. She`s fitter than me (she just completed the Middlesbrough 10K street race in under seventy minutes), so she`ll be running ahead, letting the crowds know what to expect. She`s a star, in my book.
if anyone else is running in a non charity place or gets one at late notice, spare a thought for the Strum. The more the merrier as far as I`m concerned.
keep smiling and learn something new.
Mark.
HELP, I NEED SOMEBODY!!!!!!!!!!
Hello Strumpets,
Does anyone know of a person who could do me a deal printing a couple of cheap "Great North Strum" T-shirts. Advertising would be available on the blog, and along the route also. Could really do with some help in this. Thank`s, Mark.
markdavies23@hotmail.co.uk
Does anyone know of a person who could do me a deal printing a couple of cheap "Great North Strum" T-shirts. Advertising would be available on the blog, and along the route also. Could really do with some help in this. Thank`s, Mark.
markdavies23@hotmail.co.uk
Sunday, 6 September 2009
The Recycle Thieves©
Benjamin in Utah, sent me an e-mail asking if there were any other original recordings of stuff done by Carl and Me, so here`s a couple of songs written by The Nephrons.
This is "The Recycle thieves" Written years back when Brit Pop was king. The chords have changed several times over the years, but the words have always been the same, as they still seem so apt.
This is Jamboree, an early Nephrons song. I`ve played it in regular tuning on a guitar that sounds like it was regularly tuned for Tiny Tim, hence the rather strained vocal. I never said I was a singer, but hell, just have a go is what i say. Done properly it has a great riff running through it, and very sexy drumming, keep`em peeled for the proper version.
And this is a rare recording of the Nephrons live playing The Recycle Thieves, originally taped on cassette, then onto WAV, converted to MP3, and posted. which accounts for the quality of the recording!
Me Guitar
Carl Dalton Bass guitar
Mark Dent Drums
Carl actually mentioned that he did not have a clue about any of the words . So here are the lyrics.
Go on and break up, it wouldn`t be a loss.
You`re all just match flames, in a universe of dross.
And I don`t think I`ll remember your names in six months time,
be happy with the fact you probably won`t remember mine.
You`re just independent, second hand, music by numbers bands.
You`re heard in nightclubs and a million students rooms.
they sit and wonder how you write such complicated tunes.
Eyes closed, mouth`s wide open, as they sit upon the floor.
Just like theirs parents did, twenty, thirty years before.
You`re just independent, second hand, music by numbers bands.
The talented one isn`t good looking,
the talented one isn`t good looking.
Put him at the back, that`s enough from him.
The talented one isn`t good looking.
You`re heard in nightclubs and a million students rooms.
they sit and wonder how you write such complicated tunes.
But I don`t think they`ll remember you`re names in six months time,
be happy with the fact they`ll probably never hear of mine.
And there you have it.
This is "The Recycle thieves" Written years back when Brit Pop was king. The chords have changed several times over the years, but the words have always been the same, as they still seem so apt.
This is Jamboree, an early Nephrons song. I`ve played it in regular tuning on a guitar that sounds like it was regularly tuned for Tiny Tim, hence the rather strained vocal. I never said I was a singer, but hell, just have a go is what i say. Done properly it has a great riff running through it, and very sexy drumming, keep`em peeled for the proper version.
And this is a rare recording of the Nephrons live playing The Recycle Thieves, originally taped on cassette, then onto WAV, converted to MP3, and posted. which accounts for the quality of the recording!
Me Guitar
Carl Dalton Bass guitar
Mark Dent Drums
Carl actually mentioned that he did not have a clue about any of the words . So here are the lyrics.
Go on and break up, it wouldn`t be a loss.
You`re all just match flames, in a universe of dross.
And I don`t think I`ll remember your names in six months time,
be happy with the fact you probably won`t remember mine.
You`re just independent, second hand, music by numbers bands.
You`re heard in nightclubs and a million students rooms.
they sit and wonder how you write such complicated tunes.
Eyes closed, mouth`s wide open, as they sit upon the floor.
Just like theirs parents did, twenty, thirty years before.
You`re just independent, second hand, music by numbers bands.
The talented one isn`t good looking,
the talented one isn`t good looking.
Put him at the back, that`s enough from him.
The talented one isn`t good looking.
You`re heard in nightclubs and a million students rooms.
they sit and wonder how you write such complicated tunes.
But I don`t think they`ll remember you`re names in six months time,
be happy with the fact they`ll probably never hear of mine.
And there you have it.
Chariot of Fire.
Tinto, from The Stephen Fry Blog Great North Strum Post writes:
"I said to husband last night I was going to ask if you did That's Entertainment. I love it and just thought it would work out well on the banjo. And it does.
(Not quite the same verve and style and S club 7 but what could have?)
Have you ever done any reggae? No woman, no cry for eg?
I also now have the banjo version of Jerusalem in my head. This is a hymn I love for it's rough and readiness and think it may also suit the banjo.
I'm really enjoying hearing your stuff."
Well shy bairns get nee sweets.
Keep smiling!
Mark.
"I said to husband last night I was going to ask if you did That's Entertainment. I love it and just thought it would work out well on the banjo. And it does.
(Not quite the same verve and style and S club 7 but what could have?)
Have you ever done any reggae? No woman, no cry for eg?
I also now have the banjo version of Jerusalem in my head. This is a hymn I love for it's rough and readiness and think it may also suit the banjo.
I'm really enjoying hearing your stuff."
Well shy bairns get nee sweets.
Keep smiling!
Mark.
Saturday, 5 September 2009
For an old friend
Good luck to all those runnners braving the streets of Boro tomorrow for the 10K. I`ll be there between Green Lane, and Harrow Road. How posh does that sound to people who don`t live in Boro? Here`s a song for a good friend, whom I don`t see half as much as I should. Did`s this is for you mate.
Two weeks away!!!
Afternoon Strumpets,
It`s getting really close now, and although putting all the stuff on the blog is great fun, the aim is still to raise as much awareness and sponsorship, for Butterwick Hospice, and Cancer Research. So if you would kindly like to sponsor me, or know of any companiers who would like to sponsor GNS, please send me an e-mail on
markdavies23@hotmail.co.uk.
It would be massively appreciated.
Thanks, keep smiling, and learn something new.
Mark.
It`s getting really close now, and although putting all the stuff on the blog is great fun, the aim is still to raise as much awareness and sponsorship, for Butterwick Hospice, and Cancer Research. So if you would kindly like to sponsor me, or know of any companiers who would like to sponsor GNS, please send me an e-mail on
markdavies23@hotmail.co.uk.
It would be massively appreciated.
Thanks, keep smiling, and learn something new.
Mark.
Friday, 4 September 2009
My Dear Old Dad
Hello Strumpets,
Inspired by patrick Costello`s site, I want to tell you a funny, and amazingly true story about my Dad, Kenny.
Dad had taken a week away staying at the Grand hotel in Scarborough. He got there at Twelve, and asked a porter if there was any chance he could just go to his room, as the policy is that you can`t book in until two. The Porter said that if the ladies were cleaning the room, it should be fine. Dad got the lift and went to his room, where in fact, luckily the cleaners were working. He asked them if it was ok to sit in the room, to which they said, of course.
Dad unpacked, had a sleep, a bath, smoked countless cigarettes, hand rolled of course, and started watching Deal or no Deal (a popular TV show in Britain). At half past four, an elderly woman entered the room and looking shocked asked him what he was doing in her room. Dad hadn`t noticed the clothes in the wardrobe. As he had gotten out of the lift, he had seen a sign mapping out the floor he was on with a big arrow saying "you are here", pointing to the room opposite the lift. He thought that meant it was his room. You couldn`t make it up, God bless him.
I`ve got more where that came from. Let me know if you want to hear them.
Mark.
Who you Gonna call?
Hi Strumpets.
In one of my local pubs, The Coronation (Known in Middlesbrough as "The Corra") there are a group of Teessiders who successfully completed the Coast to Coast Cycle ride in August 2009 and will be tackling the route again in 2010. The Sea to Sea (C2C) cycle route runs across the North of England from Whitehaven or Workington on the Cumbrian coast to Sunderland or Tynemouth on the North Sea coast.
These lads are part of a team which is inspirational. They`re all normal blokes, who work hard, and drink and party like it`s 1999. They have accomplished this mammoth task already, and are looking forward to doing it again next year, hopefully with a few more people attached. Most of them knew me Mother, and one or two know me Dad and me Brother (ahem, walks away whistling an old sea shantie). If you get five minutes, go and support them at http://coastbusters.co.uk/c2c-2009/.
It`s still early days for the Site, so there`s not too much info up, but I know Paul Coxon is working really hard on it.
Good on you lads, this sort of stuff is why Middlesbrough is a great town to come from, despite what Channel 4 think.
Mark.
In one of my local pubs, The Coronation (Known in Middlesbrough as "The Corra") there are a group of Teessiders who successfully completed the Coast to Coast Cycle ride in August 2009 and will be tackling the route again in 2010. The Sea to Sea (C2C) cycle route runs across the North of England from Whitehaven or Workington on the Cumbrian coast to Sunderland or Tynemouth on the North Sea coast.
These lads are part of a team which is inspirational. They`re all normal blokes, who work hard, and drink and party like it`s 1999. They have accomplished this mammoth task already, and are looking forward to doing it again next year, hopefully with a few more people attached. Most of them knew me Mother, and one or two know me Dad and me Brother (ahem, walks away whistling an old sea shantie). If you get five minutes, go and support them at http://coastbusters.co.uk/c2c-2009/.
It`s still early days for the Site, so there`s not too much info up, but I know Paul Coxon is working really hard on it.
Good on you lads, this sort of stuff is why Middlesbrough is a great town to come from, despite what Channel 4 think.
Mark.
Thursday, 3 September 2009
A True Olympian Legend supports Banjo`s!
Tanni from Redcar writes:
"Hi Mark
Not a problem !!
Tanni"
Amazingly that simple reply was a response from the Sixteen times Olympian Medal winner (Eleven of which were Gold, GOLD),Dame Tanni Grey Thompson, but as she`d rather you call her Tanni. She has in the past helped me with advice for running distances with regards the 5 - 10K distances, but I thought if ever there was a person who was an inspiration, then Tanni`s the one. I sent her a bowl load of questions about how to get publicity for the GNS, and bless her heart she replied to every one, with brilliant advice, of which I`m acting upon. The above quote is direct from her message, after I asked her whether I could use her name as publicity for what I`m hoping to achieve in this mental adventure. Tell me now, isn`t she the coolest Dame you`ve ever heard of.
Incidentally for our foreign visitors, Tanni achieved the third position in the BBC Sports Personality Awards 2000, behind Denise Lewis, and Steve Redgrave.
By the way, Call her Dame.
How chuffed am I.
Mark.
"Hi Mark
Not a problem !!
Tanni"
Amazingly that simple reply was a response from the Sixteen times Olympian Medal winner (Eleven of which were Gold, GOLD),Dame Tanni Grey Thompson, but as she`d rather you call her Tanni. She has in the past helped me with advice for running distances with regards the 5 - 10K distances, but I thought if ever there was a person who was an inspiration, then Tanni`s the one. I sent her a bowl load of questions about how to get publicity for the GNS, and bless her heart she replied to every one, with brilliant advice, of which I`m acting upon. The above quote is direct from her message, after I asked her whether I could use her name as publicity for what I`m hoping to achieve in this mental adventure. Tell me now, isn`t she the coolest Dame you`ve ever heard of.
Incidentally for our foreign visitors, Tanni achieved the third position in the BBC Sports Personality Awards 2000, behind Denise Lewis, and Steve Redgrave.
By the way, Call her Dame.
How chuffed am I.
Mark.
Wednesday, 2 September 2009
Boil `em cabbage and Folsom Prison Blues.
Benjamin from Utah writes:
"Mark,
It was interesting; a couple of weeks ago I was wanting to learn and play Folsom Prison on the Banjo, so I typed just that on YT and you and another guy were the only ones that were playing it. I laughed my ass off when I read that you said that Johnny Cash, if alive, would die if he heard you playing that song. So, I showed my buddy the clip and then I read your side caption again and then I realized that you just learned of that song and that you just learned it that day! Fricken' Amazing!
I really enjoyed the sound that you produce, great stuff! I hope to have a fraction of your talent someday."
Thanks a lot mate, you sound pretty good to me.
Boil `em cabbage down.
Folsom Prison Blues.
Cheers Benjamin.
"Mark,
It was interesting; a couple of weeks ago I was wanting to learn and play Folsom Prison on the Banjo, so I typed just that on YT and you and another guy were the only ones that were playing it. I laughed my ass off when I read that you said that Johnny Cash, if alive, would die if he heard you playing that song. So, I showed my buddy the clip and then I read your side caption again and then I realized that you just learned of that song and that you just learned it that day! Fricken' Amazing!
I really enjoyed the sound that you produce, great stuff! I hope to have a fraction of your talent someday."
Thanks a lot mate, you sound pretty good to me.
Boil `em cabbage down.
Folsom Prison Blues.
Cheers Benjamin.
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