They were at the St Marylebone Church and Health Centre
Oops!
Friday, December 17, 2004
st marylebone church & healing centre
We were carolling on Tuesday, when we saw these signs.
They were at the St Marylebone Church and Health Centre
Oops!
They were at the St Marylebone Church and Health Centre
Oops!
Wednesday, December 15, 2004
good intermingling skills
I was back in the old Chelmsford a couple of time this weekend, and it was nice.
Saturday night was the Helen Rollason thingy, with (Sh)enfield (or is that Shinfield?) Band and Chelmsford Songsters. One group were good, the other not so.
Sunday was a day at the Rink then back to Chelmsford for their Civic Carols and Cell Group.
It was at Cell group that we chatted for a bit, Dave poured drink over AJ and we tried to work out if "intermingling" was a word...
It is!
Tim
Saturday night was the Helen Rollason thingy, with (Sh)enfield (or is that Shinfield?) Band and Chelmsford Songsters. One group were good, the other not so.
Sunday was a day at the Rink then back to Chelmsford for their Civic Carols and Cell Group.
It was at Cell group that we chatted for a bit, Dave poured drink over AJ and we tried to work out if "intermingling" was a word...
It is!
Tim
Tuesday, December 14, 2004
Sunday, December 05, 2004
the carolling season
Tis the season to be jolly, or so the song says!
It is of course the time for carolling too.
Since my band was disbanded, it fell upon me to be the duty 2nd horn player for the Regent Hall YP Band.
Being in the YP band only assures one thing.
We play proper carols. Proper carols such as "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town", "When A Child Is Born" and "The Snow Waltz".
We also managed to play "O Holy Night" and "Praise Ye The Lord", a feat not achieved by any other band.
A big well done to the publishers of the "Christmas Praise" books, as they actually incluse a timpani part! Whoopee doo!
Timbo
It is of course the time for carolling too.
Since my band was disbanded, it fell upon me to be the duty 2nd horn player for the Regent Hall YP Band.
Being in the YP band only assures one thing.
We play proper carols. Proper carols such as "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town", "When A Child Is Born" and "The Snow Waltz".
We also managed to play "O Holy Night" and "Praise Ye The Lord", a feat not achieved by any other band.
A big well done to the publishers of the "Christmas Praise" books, as they actually incluse a timpani part! Whoopee doo!
Timbo
Saturday, December 04, 2004
uniformed pom!
In my past few blogs, I have been raving about the wonders of modern technology.
An important part of my, and of most of the nation's, daily baggage is my mobile phone. As well as being a telecommunications device, mine happens to be equipped with a camera!
This camera has seen some interesting sights in recent days. The photos of my bruised thumb and the offending (or is that offensive?) Toblerone came from my camera phone, as did these:-
This from a man who wore an Army t-shirt and shorts on my first Sunday at the Rink!
Those crazy Australians!
Tim Mag
An important part of my, and of most of the nation's, daily baggage is my mobile phone. As well as being a telecommunications device, mine happens to be equipped with a camera!
This camera has seen some interesting sights in recent days. The photos of my bruised thumb and the offending (or is that offensive?) Toblerone came from my camera phone, as did these:-
This from a man who wore an Army t-shirt and shorts on my first Sunday at the Rink!
Those crazy Australians!
Tim Mag
the gay-ming world
Further to my earlier blog, I am writing to you on my laptop from in, not on, my bed.
Here is an article I found and liked...
By all accounts, The Sims is the most successful computer game on Earth. It's a game even non-gamers have heard of, and it's as addictive in its own way as cybersex and Doritos. I even spent a couple of months playing The Sims long-distance.
The Sims 2 improves on the original with a more detailed representation of what happens between the sheets -- the game calls it "woohoo" -- and a gene-transfer element that creates children who resemble their parents in looks and temperament. You can nurture or torment your Sims from infancy to old age and play for generations if you have the attention span to do so.
The game is about life, so you would expect it to include sex. What you might not expect is the matter-of-fact way in which this mainstream game accepts the full spectrum of human sexuality.
You can make your Sims straight or gay, bi or transgender. Sims of any sex can live together and make woohoo and become parents -- through DNA transmission for hetero couples and through adoption for same-sex couples. Gay Sims are not confined to expansion packs and add-ons. They're simply part of the game.
If you're wondering why that's news, good for you. It did not occur to me that this was anything to write about until I read an article in which editor Avery Score searches out U.S.-based games that have homosexual characters. While The Temple of Elemental Evil can reward your male swashbuckler with a gay pirate's hand in marriage and Fable permits multiple spouses of any sex, you have to turn to Japan to find a plethora of games with a wide range of sexual orientations.
You could argue that American game developers are mostly straight males creating games for mostly straight 14- to 34-year-old males (hence the availability of nude skins just weeks after the new game hit the shelves). And you could argue that while sex has always been a popular aspect of gaming, it's generally not the ultimate goal of the game plot, and therefore the characters' sexual orientation is of little importance.
But The Sims is specifically a relationship game (which probably accounts for its popularity beyond the young male demographic). How your Sim interacts with other Sims pretty much decides his or her fate.
Even if your Sim's primary aspiration is wealth, he or she can still only get rich through building the right relationships within the game. The other four aspirations depend on interSim relationships as well: romance, family, popularity and knowledge.
On my first foray into The Sims 2, I created an exotic female Sim with an aspiration for romance, bought her a house in Strangetown, furnished her with a refrigerator and a double bed, and sent her out to lure another woman home.
Unfortunately, I was in a hurry, unwilling to spend the time necessary to let my Sim develop relationships naturally. After about 10 minutes of Sim chat and my increasing frustration as I waited for Flirt to become an option, the other woman strode away and would not return. Perhaps she was offended by the way my Sim told all of the male visitors to leave, or perhaps my Sim was too eager.
Or maybe my Sim told one too many jokes. What can I say? I didn't have many actions to choose from. Either way, my Sim was rejected, a common event in the real-life relationship game as well. Whether that rejection came from the opposite sex or the same sex makes no difference -- it still brought my romance meter down. Romance is romance, regardless of sexual orientation.
The inclusion of gay relationships in The Sims and other games reflects the Will & Grace effect. For the majority of the gamer generation, there's nothing provocative, political or puerile about homosexuality in The Sims -- it's simply no big deal.
And I like that.
As we continue to redefine human communication through technology, I can imagine a future in which a person's sexual orientation truly makes no difference beyond helping determine who we want to sleep with. Whether we're gay or straight or somewhere in between will cease to be of concern to anyone but ourselves and our lovers, and future generations will roll their eyes at their elders and wonder what all the fuss was about.
And I like that too.
Here is an article I found and liked...
By all accounts, The Sims is the most successful computer game on Earth. It's a game even non-gamers have heard of, and it's as addictive in its own way as cybersex and Doritos. I even spent a couple of months playing The Sims long-distance.
The Sims 2 improves on the original with a more detailed representation of what happens between the sheets -- the game calls it "woohoo" -- and a gene-transfer element that creates children who resemble their parents in looks and temperament. You can nurture or torment your Sims from infancy to old age and play for generations if you have the attention span to do so.
The game is about life, so you would expect it to include sex. What you might not expect is the matter-of-fact way in which this mainstream game accepts the full spectrum of human sexuality.
You can make your Sims straight or gay, bi or transgender. Sims of any sex can live together and make woohoo and become parents -- through DNA transmission for hetero couples and through adoption for same-sex couples. Gay Sims are not confined to expansion packs and add-ons. They're simply part of the game.
If you're wondering why that's news, good for you. It did not occur to me that this was anything to write about until I read an article in which editor Avery Score searches out U.S.-based games that have homosexual characters. While The Temple of Elemental Evil can reward your male swashbuckler with a gay pirate's hand in marriage and Fable permits multiple spouses of any sex, you have to turn to Japan to find a plethora of games with a wide range of sexual orientations.
You could argue that American game developers are mostly straight males creating games for mostly straight 14- to 34-year-old males (hence the availability of nude skins just weeks after the new game hit the shelves). And you could argue that while sex has always been a popular aspect of gaming, it's generally not the ultimate goal of the game plot, and therefore the characters' sexual orientation is of little importance.
But The Sims is specifically a relationship game (which probably accounts for its popularity beyond the young male demographic). How your Sim interacts with other Sims pretty much decides his or her fate.
Even if your Sim's primary aspiration is wealth, he or she can still only get rich through building the right relationships within the game. The other four aspirations depend on interSim relationships as well: romance, family, popularity and knowledge.
On my first foray into The Sims 2, I created an exotic female Sim with an aspiration for romance, bought her a house in Strangetown, furnished her with a refrigerator and a double bed, and sent her out to lure another woman home.
Unfortunately, I was in a hurry, unwilling to spend the time necessary to let my Sim develop relationships naturally. After about 10 minutes of Sim chat and my increasing frustration as I waited for Flirt to become an option, the other woman strode away and would not return. Perhaps she was offended by the way my Sim told all of the male visitors to leave, or perhaps my Sim was too eager.
Or maybe my Sim told one too many jokes. What can I say? I didn't have many actions to choose from. Either way, my Sim was rejected, a common event in the real-life relationship game as well. Whether that rejection came from the opposite sex or the same sex makes no difference -- it still brought my romance meter down. Romance is romance, regardless of sexual orientation.
The inclusion of gay relationships in The Sims and other games reflects the Will & Grace effect. For the majority of the gamer generation, there's nothing provocative, political or puerile about homosexuality in The Sims -- it's simply no big deal.
And I like that.
As we continue to redefine human communication through technology, I can imagine a future in which a person's sexual orientation truly makes no difference beyond helping determine who we want to sleep with. Whether we're gay or straight or somewhere in between will cease to be of concern to anyone but ourselves and our lovers, and future generations will roll their eyes at their elders and wonder what all the fuss was about.
And I like that too.
church signs
Church signs can be wonderful tools for outreach, but they often have a great many wise words to impart...
All found in real life...
Or at Church Sign Generator
Thanks to Dicky for that link.
All found in real life...
Or at Church Sign Generator
Thanks to Dicky for that link.
the broadband revolution
Times are a-changing in the wonderful world of internet technology. It is now easier than you think to access the world wide web.
In research by a Europe-wide company, it was found that 20 million more people have broadband internet access than last year. The UK alone has seen a 100% increase in broadband usage, second only to the 124% rise in Italy.
Following the installation of my wireless network, I purchased a new laptop and a few network cards. As I write I am sat away from my desk, watching TV. I can do important college "research", check my emails, and even give my blog fans their fix of Magic.
As Regina Lynn quoted in her Wired News column, the internet is invadin even the most intimate parts of our lives. She polled visitors to her website, and found that people would rather have online relationships than intimate time alone
"... I recently polled the Sex Drive forum to find out what people would choose if they were to spend a romantic evening alone with a technology. Obviously, this was an entirely self-selected, nonscientific survey, but the results reflected my expectations, so therefore they must be valid for the population at large. (Heh.)
People gravitated toward the relationship technologies, not the sex machines. Webcams won the contest, with mIRC and instant messaging a close second. None of these are directly personal. They merely connect us with one another, human to human. "
So with the internet at home, work, school, college and even your local Starbucks, it hardly seems possible to escape the so called "broadband revolution"
Happy surfing!
Tim
In research by a Europe-wide company, it was found that 20 million more people have broadband internet access than last year. The UK alone has seen a 100% increase in broadband usage, second only to the 124% rise in Italy.
Following the installation of my wireless network, I purchased a new laptop and a few network cards. As I write I am sat away from my desk, watching TV. I can do important college "research", check my emails, and even give my blog fans their fix of Magic.
As Regina Lynn quoted in her Wired News column, the internet is invadin even the most intimate parts of our lives. She polled visitors to her website, and found that people would rather have online relationships than intimate time alone
"... I recently polled the Sex Drive forum to find out what people would choose if they were to spend a romantic evening alone with a technology. Obviously, this was an entirely self-selected, nonscientific survey, but the results reflected my expectations, so therefore they must be valid for the population at large. (Heh.)
People gravitated toward the relationship technologies, not the sex machines. Webcams won the contest, with mIRC and instant messaging a close second. None of these are directly personal. They merely connect us with one another, human to human. "
So with the internet at home, work, school, college and even your local Starbucks, it hardly seems possible to escape the so called "broadband revolution"
Happy surfing!
Tim
Sunday, November 21, 2004
Breakable lights and breakable people!
It is Sunday night, so it must be time for my post-army weekly roundup of stuff!
Yesterday I spent the day with Richard and we went out to see a bit of old London Town. We had a jolly nice time, visiting my college and the British Museum, where the Biblical exhibition doesn't open til 3pm, thus a long wait if you want to see it.
We dined at a nice joint in Trocadero, where I managed to head-butt and break the light over our table. Our waitress, Jana, was exceedingly observant and helpful by chipping in "It's dark!" Well done, you really do astound me!
We jollied back home and tried to get tickets for "The Incredibles" at Camden. They had lots left so we went down, only to discover it was sold out! Not very helpful!
Today was Army day, which meant the usual banter and jollility. But there was cause for great hilarity for some and pain for others during the afternoon.
While we were singing a song, Megs took it upon herself to help Jonny by playing the triangle with the cymbal sticks. Unfortunately she isn't very good at either playing or aiming. The few times she hit the triangle weren't too bad but the one time she missed wasn't so good.
Sadly (for some people) the next thing after the triangle was my body, more specifically a sensitive bit. The next few minutes were filled entirely by tears. I was in tears of pain, while the rest of the row were in tears of laughter.
So I will go through this week with a bruised head and a bruised... (ego?)
Mr Tim
Yesterday I spent the day with Richard and we went out to see a bit of old London Town. We had a jolly nice time, visiting my college and the British Museum, where the Biblical exhibition doesn't open til 3pm, thus a long wait if you want to see it.
We dined at a nice joint in Trocadero, where I managed to head-butt and break the light over our table. Our waitress, Jana, was exceedingly observant and helpful by chipping in "It's dark!" Well done, you really do astound me!
We jollied back home and tried to get tickets for "The Incredibles" at Camden. They had lots left so we went down, only to discover it was sold out! Not very helpful!
Today was Army day, which meant the usual banter and jollility. But there was cause for great hilarity for some and pain for others during the afternoon.
While we were singing a song, Megs took it upon herself to help Jonny by playing the triangle with the cymbal sticks. Unfortunately she isn't very good at either playing or aiming. The few times she hit the triangle weren't too bad but the one time she missed wasn't so good.
Sadly (for some people) the next thing after the triangle was my body, more specifically a sensitive bit. The next few minutes were filled entirely by tears. I was in tears of pain, while the rest of the row were in tears of laughter.
So I will go through this week with a bruised head and a bruised... (ego?)
Mr Tim
Monday, November 15, 2004
Boris Johnson Sacked - but why?
In recent days Tory front-bencher and editor of Spectator magazine, Boris Johnson was sacked for "lying about his private life".
Two problems seem to be evident here:-
Firstly, the sacking was made amid speculation about BoJo's private life. Surely this should have stayed private. As a visitor to the BBC website eloquently put it, "he doesn't want to tell about it and we don't want to hear about it"
Secondly, he was sacked for lying. Surely this cements his position as a great politician. The sole purpose of a politician is to lie to the general public sufficiently well that they don't get too unruly.
My grandfather once said, when asked who he would be voting for:-
"The person who tells the most plausible lies!"
Two problems seem to be evident here:-
Firstly, the sacking was made amid speculation about BoJo's private life. Surely this should have stayed private. As a visitor to the BBC website eloquently put it, "he doesn't want to tell about it and we don't want to hear about it"
Secondly, he was sacked for lying. Surely this cements his position as a great politician. The sole purpose of a politician is to lie to the general public sufficiently well that they don't get too unruly.
My grandfather once said, when asked who he would be voting for:-
"The person who tells the most plausible lies!"
Killer Toblerones
This evening I was viciously assaulted by a killer Toblerone!
I was merely attempting to break a piece off the bar to eat, when it snapped and crashed into my left thumb!
Here are photos of the thumb and the Toblerone and I would be grateful if anyone could provide any evidence that may help catch the perpetrators of this heinous crime
I was merely attempting to break a piece off the bar to eat, when it snapped and crashed into my left thumb!
Here are photos of the thumb and the Toblerone and I would be grateful if anyone could provide any evidence that may help catch the perpetrators of this heinous crime
A Guy About Town - 7 days later
It pains me to say it, but my GAT project was an unmitigated disaster.
With it being reading week, I didn't do very much, so prepare to perhaps be a bit bored.
On Monday I returned from my little jaunt to Chelmsford. It was of course great to see all my buddies again, and it made me want to go back a bit more (offers of food and a bed will be gratefully received!)
The train was fine but I had to get 4 tubes to get home, as the first train from King's Cross stopped at Golders Green, the next one at Colindale then finally a train that went to Burnt Oak.
Tuesday was the day I had an argument with a man in an electronics shop. My new handheld PC doesn't work properly, and when I tried to take it back the man got angry and said that I couldn't return it because I had no grounds to. Band was the usual fun and frolics, and I did of course the usual "Timpy Magic" (you see the joke there?)
Wednesday was work, which was dull, apart from the man on the tube who literally dived off the train when he nearly missed the stop. If you need a demonstration, ask next time you see me.
Thursday was my lazy day, spent watching "Friends" and stuff. It was also the day on which I did the token amount of reading. It was reading week after all! Songster practice was not overly exciting, apart from a couple of difficult and old songs.
Friday, beginning of a typical Rink weekend, did not compare to the rest of the week. It was the start of a "jolly, jolly" time.
We went to Chili's for a birthday meal for Becca Whitmore but had to wait 1 yonk for them to find a table. The food was pretty good, but it took ages to arrive and was quite expensive. However the banter was good and much fun was had with the little silver stars Lizzie B brought.
Saturday was another lazy day, though I did do a bit of mate spotting on the Lord Mayor's Show and The Festival of Remembrance.
Sunday was meetings and a long march from the Rinky to the Cenotaph and back. I was on the front with my purty white gloves (freshly bleached!) but was berated by the ladies who were marching with me for taking steps that were too long. Allegedly they couldn't keep up, but to be fair, it was marching in steps of about 6 inches. At my pace and step we could have done in it 20 minutes but what can you do...
If I think of anything funny in the next couple of days, I'll let you know!
Magic
With it being reading week, I didn't do very much, so prepare to perhaps be a bit bored.
On Monday I returned from my little jaunt to Chelmsford. It was of course great to see all my buddies again, and it made me want to go back a bit more (offers of food and a bed will be gratefully received!)
The train was fine but I had to get 4 tubes to get home, as the first train from King's Cross stopped at Golders Green, the next one at Colindale then finally a train that went to Burnt Oak.
Tuesday was the day I had an argument with a man in an electronics shop. My new handheld PC doesn't work properly, and when I tried to take it back the man got angry and said that I couldn't return it because I had no grounds to. Band was the usual fun and frolics, and I did of course the usual "Timpy Magic" (you see the joke there?)
Wednesday was work, which was dull, apart from the man on the tube who literally dived off the train when he nearly missed the stop. If you need a demonstration, ask next time you see me.
Thursday was my lazy day, spent watching "Friends" and stuff. It was also the day on which I did the token amount of reading. It was reading week after all! Songster practice was not overly exciting, apart from a couple of difficult and old songs.
Friday, beginning of a typical Rink weekend, did not compare to the rest of the week. It was the start of a "jolly, jolly" time.
We went to Chili's for a birthday meal for Becca Whitmore but had to wait 1 yonk for them to find a table. The food was pretty good, but it took ages to arrive and was quite expensive. However the banter was good and much fun was had with the little silver stars Lizzie B brought.
Saturday was another lazy day, though I did do a bit of mate spotting on the Lord Mayor's Show and The Festival of Remembrance.
Sunday was meetings and a long march from the Rinky to the Cenotaph and back. I was on the front with my purty white gloves (freshly bleached!) but was berated by the ladies who were marching with me for taking steps that were too long. Allegedly they couldn't keep up, but to be fair, it was marching in steps of about 6 inches. At my pace and step we could have done in it 20 minutes but what can you do...
If I think of anything funny in the next couple of days, I'll let you know!
Magic
Saturday, November 13, 2004
Airplanes - or is that Aeroplanes?
Sincerest apologies to those who were offended by my gratuitous use of American English, when I said Princess Anne was in an "airplane incident"
To be fair it was 11.40, and I had been watching US TV!
By the way, who commented on it?
Timo
To be fair it was 11.40, and I had been watching US TV!
By the way, who commented on it?
Timo
Thursday, November 11, 2004
Princess Royal in air near-miss
Near-miss for Princess Anne
Princess Anne has been involved in a terrible airplane incident!
Whilst flying to events in Scotland, her plane was involved in a near-miss with an RAF plane under military control. The two planes came within a shockingly dangerous 3.3 miles of each other.
The plane on which the Princess was travelling has the specifiactions detailed below:
BAE 125 Specifications
Engines:
Two Garrett turbofans
Length:
50ft 8.5in (15.46m)
Wingspan:
47ft (14.33m)
Top Speed:
533 mph (858 km/h)
Accommodation:
Up to seven passengers
The Vauxhall Astra, a regular car has specifications as below:-
Length:
4.51m
Width:
1.75m
Height:
1.5m
Going on length alone, the car is circa 3x smaller than the plane.
That would mean that it would make front page news if I had a near miss in my car, coming within 1 mile of a lamppost.
Somethings really aren't newsworthy are they?
Timbob
Princess Anne has been involved in a terrible airplane incident!
Whilst flying to events in Scotland, her plane was involved in a near-miss with an RAF plane under military control. The two planes came within a shockingly dangerous 3.3 miles of each other.
The plane on which the Princess was travelling has the specifiactions detailed below:
BAE 125 Specifications
Engines:
Two Garrett turbofans
Length:
50ft 8.5in (15.46m)
Wingspan:
47ft (14.33m)
Top Speed:
533 mph (858 km/h)
Accommodation:
Up to seven passengers
The Vauxhall Astra, a regular car has specifications as below:-
Length:
4.51m
Width:
1.75m
Height:
1.5m
Going on length alone, the car is circa 3x smaller than the plane.
That would mean that it would make front page news if I had a near miss in my car, coming within 1 mile of a lamppost.
Somethings really aren't newsworthy are they?
Timbob
Monday, November 08, 2004
A Guy About Town
I have heard from a certain father-to-be that he is not impressed with my lack of bloggage recently, so I have come up with a solution.
I am going to undertake a week-long project on my life in London. It will take a typically "Tim" view on things, and will be published in seven parts, one each day from now until Sunday!
Hope that's OK for you Dave...
Timbo
I am going to undertake a week-long project on my life in London. It will take a typically "Tim" view on things, and will be published in seven parts, one each day from now until Sunday!
Hope that's OK for you Dave...
Timbo
Wednesday, November 03, 2004
skandinavisk vitser
I have some Scandinavian jokes!
A Swedish couple were in their house.
Suddenly, the wife said to her husband "Get me a pair of loafers" so the husband came back with two Danes.
Q: What are a Danes's favorite four years of school?
A: Third Grade
Sven was leaning against the fence watching the morning turn into afternoon, when this Irish guy walks by with a wheelbarrow full of manure. Swen asked him "Vat are you gonna do vit dat?"
The Irishman replied, "I'm going to put it on my strawberries."
Sven smiled and said, "Ve Norvegians put sugar on ours."
A Dane received a pair of water skis for his birthday.
He went crazy looking for a slope on the lake.
Why were wheelbarrows invented?
To teach Danes how to walk on their hind legs.
"Are you a Pole Vaulter?"
"No…I'm a Norwegian…and my name isn't Walter."
Ok! So you understand that we don't like Danes yeah?
Timøþi
A Swedish couple were in their house.
Suddenly, the wife said to her husband "Get me a pair of loafers" so the husband came back with two Danes.
Q: What are a Danes's favorite four years of school?
A: Third Grade
Sven was leaning against the fence watching the morning turn into afternoon, when this Irish guy walks by with a wheelbarrow full of manure. Swen asked him "Vat are you gonna do vit dat?"
The Irishman replied, "I'm going to put it on my strawberries."
Sven smiled and said, "Ve Norvegians put sugar on ours."
A Dane received a pair of water skis for his birthday.
He went crazy looking for a slope on the lake.
Why were wheelbarrows invented?
To teach Danes how to walk on their hind legs.
"Are you a Pole Vaulter?"
"No…I'm a Norwegian…and my name isn't Walter."
Ok! So you understand that we don't like Danes yeah?
Timøþi
I am outraged!
Hey y'all! Sorry for the lack o0f bloggage recently! I have been majorly busy with uni work and stuff!
Anyway, I was just wondering how on Earth the American elections happened the way they did!
Not only did they manage to elect a President they didn't actually vote for but also re-elect the stupid fool!
I have a nice assortment of Bush quotes below! Let me know what you think
"Teach a child to read and he or her will be able to pass a literacy test."
"Karyn is with us. A West Texas girl, just like me."
"I'm honored to shake the hand of a brave Iraqi citizen who had his hand cut off by Saddam Hussein."
"I love to bring people into the oval office...and say, this is where I office!"
"The illiteracy level of our children are appalling"
"I think war is a dangerous place."
"Our nation must come together to unite."
"They misunderestimated me."
"It's clearly a budget. It's got a lot of numbers in it."
"We ought to make the pie higher."
"Will the highways on the Internet become more few?"
"Rarely is the question asked: Is our children learning?"
What were they thinking?!?
Timo
Anyway, I was just wondering how on Earth the American elections happened the way they did!
Not only did they manage to elect a President they didn't actually vote for but also re-elect the stupid fool!
I have a nice assortment of Bush quotes below! Let me know what you think
"Teach a child to read and he or her will be able to pass a literacy test."
"Karyn is with us. A West Texas girl, just like me."
"I'm honored to shake the hand of a brave Iraqi citizen who had his hand cut off by Saddam Hussein."
"I love to bring people into the oval office...and say, this is where I office!"
"The illiteracy level of our children are appalling"
"I think war is a dangerous place."
"Our nation must come together to unite."
"They misunderestimated me."
"It's clearly a budget. It's got a lot of numbers in it."
"We ought to make the pie higher."
"Will the highways on the Internet become more few?"
"Rarely is the question asked: Is our children learning?"
What were they thinking?!?
Timo
Monday, October 18, 2004
God Supports Vålerenga?
There has been outrage in Norway, after Reverend Einar Gelius publicly thanked God for Vålerenga's victory over Rosenborg!
And to think I thought God was an Arsenal fan!
Vålerenga vs Rosenborg
And to think I thought God was an Arsenal fan!
Vålerenga vs Rosenborg
Friday, October 15, 2004
Expressions 2004
As I write, the Buy As You View Cory Band will be filling the Regent Hall with beautiful music, but it pails into insignificance compared to Expressions last night.
This is a great start to the season for both the Band and Songsters, and last night was no exception.
It was also my home debut festival as a percussionist.
We started with the festival arrangement "Just Like John", with typical Regent Hall Band moving round and standing up in convenient places.
The songsters contributed a few songs, and even encompassed the occasion by including movements in one piece.
The front row of the congregation, or do I mean audience was, of course, made up of the young people, who took it upon themselves to laugh at ecerything we did. They were especially amused by the marching band, who did a "special" rendition of Stars and Stripes.
The guest soloist for the evening was Carl Saunders, who played "When I Remember", "Questions" and "The Amazing Mr Leidzen" in his own inimitable style.
On a personal note, I would like to say it was good to have a proper cornet player around, rather than these ISB and Guards Band types.
The light moment came when the Amazing Mr Whitmore was featured on xylophone, with his 2 "babes", a false moustache, a waistcoat and a blindfold!
The band's big piece for the evening was Eric Ball's classic tone poem, Resurgam.
I can't describe how good it was to be playing the music of such a great, and the reception was brilliant. Credit must be due to Penny, who as always, compiled a very effective multimedia presentation, which only added to the overall effect of the music.
On the whole, a great evening, and my timping/glockenspielende debut went well.
Roll on next year, I think!
This is a great start to the season for both the Band and Songsters, and last night was no exception.
It was also my home debut festival as a percussionist.
We started with the festival arrangement "Just Like John", with typical Regent Hall Band moving round and standing up in convenient places.
The songsters contributed a few songs, and even encompassed the occasion by including movements in one piece.
The front row of the congregation, or do I mean audience was, of course, made up of the young people, who took it upon themselves to laugh at ecerything we did. They were especially amused by the marching band, who did a "special" rendition of Stars and Stripes.
The guest soloist for the evening was Carl Saunders, who played "When I Remember", "Questions" and "The Amazing Mr Leidzen" in his own inimitable style.
On a personal note, I would like to say it was good to have a proper cornet player around, rather than these ISB and Guards Band types.
The light moment came when the Amazing Mr Whitmore was featured on xylophone, with his 2 "babes", a false moustache, a waistcoat and a blindfold!
The band's big piece for the evening was Eric Ball's classic tone poem, Resurgam.
I can't describe how good it was to be playing the music of such a great, and the reception was brilliant. Credit must be due to Penny, who as always, compiled a very effective multimedia presentation, which only added to the overall effect of the music.
On the whole, a great evening, and my timping/glockenspielende debut went well.
Roll on next year, I think!
Wednesday, October 13, 2004
A few funny things from work
With it being the day of Odin (or Wodin), that is to say, Wednesday, I had the great privilege of a day at THQ.
I was kindly woken at around 6.00am and felt obliged to go to the station to go to work. As is the custom on mornings that I take the train, I picked up a "Metro", which I heard described as "a watered down Evening Standard, ready for early morning reading". I was astounded to find an article that caught my eye, purely because of the appearance of Daffyd, the only gay in the village, which stated an unbelievable fact.
In a survey by Padova University and the Royal Society, 200 men were questioned and astonishingly, 79% of homosexual men were gay.
Then something struck me. If only 79% of homosexual men are gay, that means the other 11% of homosexual men aren't gay. Surely 100% of homosexual men should be gay?
Anyway, I got off the train and was met by one of those pesky magazine distributors. In my early morning lack of concentration, I erred and made eye contact with her. she thrust a magazine into my hand and moved on to her next victim.
"What did she hand you?", I hear you ask.
A magazine called GAT
That is Girl About Town. Do I look like a girl? Do girls have low voices, stubble and wear a suit? No!
Even more troubling was the fact that the first page I opened to was the tuition adverts, offering such delights as IT training, spiritual healing and pole dancing lessons!
Does the magazine woman really think I can make it as a pole dancer?
The day at work itself was pretty average, though I did have a bit of banter with RSA, when I attempted to kick Paul as he was leaning over. RSA suggested that the notion of kicking him was rather tempting, especially as it was Paul.
Expressions is tomorrow, so you will probably get a write up on Friday. we can expect a great evening, with some "quality tunes" (to use street talk)
Timbo
I was kindly woken at around 6.00am and felt obliged to go to the station to go to work. As is the custom on mornings that I take the train, I picked up a "Metro", which I heard described as "a watered down Evening Standard, ready for early morning reading". I was astounded to find an article that caught my eye, purely because of the appearance of Daffyd, the only gay in the village, which stated an unbelievable fact.
In a survey by Padova University and the Royal Society, 200 men were questioned and astonishingly, 79% of homosexual men were gay.
Then something struck me. If only 79% of homosexual men are gay, that means the other 11% of homosexual men aren't gay. Surely 100% of homosexual men should be gay?
Anyway, I got off the train and was met by one of those pesky magazine distributors. In my early morning lack of concentration, I erred and made eye contact with her. she thrust a magazine into my hand and moved on to her next victim.
"What did she hand you?", I hear you ask.
A magazine called GAT
That is Girl About Town. Do I look like a girl? Do girls have low voices, stubble and wear a suit? No!
Even more troubling was the fact that the first page I opened to was the tuition adverts, offering such delights as IT training, spiritual healing and pole dancing lessons!
Does the magazine woman really think I can make it as a pole dancer?
The day at work itself was pretty average, though I did have a bit of banter with RSA, when I attempted to kick Paul as he was leaning over. RSA suggested that the notion of kicking him was rather tempting, especially as it was Paul.
Expressions is tomorrow, so you will probably get a write up on Friday. we can expect a great evening, with some "quality tunes" (to use street talk)
Timbo
Tuesday, October 12, 2004
The Playlist Game
Some of you may have heard of this, but I recently discovered the wonder and mystery of "The Playlist Game".
The rules are simple. Load up your music player, hit random, and then list the first lines of the first 10 songs played.
Then all you have to do is guess what songs are what, and who sang them.
Thus:-
1. "I will follow him"
2. "Two jumps in a week, I bet you think that's pretty clever don't you, boy?"
3. "When I'm tired, and nothing's going right for me"
4. "See reflections on the water"
5. "Sunny day, sweeping the clouds away"
6. "Pie Jesu, pie Jesu"
7. "Oh no! Gone and put my foot in it again"
8. "Someday, when I'm awfully low"
9. "I knew a man, Bojangles and he'll dance for you"
10. "Hail holy queen enthroned above"
Some are super easy, and some are really not!
Leave your answers in the comments
Have fun!
Tim
The rules are simple. Load up your music player, hit random, and then list the first lines of the first 10 songs played.
Then all you have to do is guess what songs are what, and who sang them.
Thus:-
1. "I will follow him"
2. "Two jumps in a week, I bet you think that's pretty clever don't you, boy?"
3. "When I'm tired, and nothing's going right for me"
4. "See reflections on the water"
5. "Sunny day, sweeping the clouds away"
6. "Pie Jesu, pie Jesu"
7. "Oh no! Gone and put my foot in it again"
8. "Someday, when I'm awfully low"
9. "I knew a man, Bojangles and he'll dance for you"
10. "Hail holy queen enthroned above"
Some are super easy, and some are really not!
Leave your answers in the comments
Have fun!
Tim
What's a Weblog? Don't Even Ask
I was doing some uni reading when I came upon this site. It might give you a brief idea of the wonderful world of blogging
What's a Weblog? Don't Even Ask
Tim
What's a Weblog? Don't Even Ask
Tim
Thursday, October 07, 2004
The Reading Festival... Returns
Note that this is an edited version of the original, which is now known to many
On Saturday, Lou, Jo and I decided to go to the Reading Festival. No, not the one with the cool rock and pop bands, the one with two Jonnys and Nick Samuel!
We set off at about 3pm and had soon got on to the subject of being sick in cars. This topic was regurgitated (excuse the pun!) several times throughout the day.
By the time we had got along one junction of the M25, Lou had had two small incidences with other road users. Tim had also been berated for bringing his two lovely companions into traffic.
As the car confectionery administrator, Jo was quite generous in sharing 6 packets of Haribo with us, as well as the 3 bags of sweets that I had brought along. At the time of writing, Lou claims she didn't need to bring sweets, as she had provided the car.
Having escaped the "total gridlock", we progressed a few junctions of the motorway.
It must be noted that both Lou and Jo are not unattractive, yet they were surprised to find that they were being ogled by various motorists, some young and some old,
Some men and some not. But the pinnacle of this came when two blokes in an ancient BMW took video footage of Lou as she was driving. It is worth noting that Lou was wearing a strapless top, which she assures me makes her look topless when she is driving. This could explain the funny looks and video filming.
We finally arrived on the M4 and found that Lou's fuel gauge light had come on, which caused mild panic, as we had about 4 junctions to do. Upon entering Reading along "Shenfield Road" we found a petrol filling station, where Lou put £16.08 worth of fuel in.
We soon found the school, but sadly we felt the need to search for some fast food. After a few hairy moments at junctions, we found ourselves driving along the High St. So we went round the one way system again and into the car park we were aiming for in the first place.
We parked up and went on our way to Burger King, though we were slightly delayed as Jo couldn't walk up the escalator in her noisy and un-sensible shoes.
When we ordered from Dun Xiao Ping (or whatever she was called) who got our order a bit wrong. Thankfully we got an extra bag of chips, as Jo ate most of mine. (I have heard that food from other people's plates don't contain any Weight Watchers points, but I am dubious!)
Having found two sets of locked toilets, Jo fought her way back down the non-moving escalator, and back to the car park.
When we finally left the car park, the task of navigating back to the school fell to me. Now the girls were mightily ungrateful at me getting them from Chelmsford to Reading, but again I was berated for getting them a bit lost in the one way system.
Upon our arrival, we parked up on a bit of grass, and made our way across the building site/field to the theatre. We got ourselves seated, and the girls went to "freshen up". Twenty minutes later, they came back, and I had about 2 minutes to go and "freshen up" and get back. Apparently there was a queue! (I never understand why women queue for the toilet, rather than just going, peeing and leaving!)
The festival was rather uneventful, though brilliant to be at, especially for the alarmingly camp conducting from the Reverend Nick Samuel.
By about twenty minutes after the festival, Lou gave up her chances of seeing everyone she wanted to, and Jo and I had seen everyone we wanted to see, so we left.
Almost in tears to be leaving, we made our way back to the car.
Jo drove.
This was something of an experience! (I'm joking!)
We bantered to avoid tiredness until South Mimms services, where caffeine took over.
We got some drinks, and sat down at a table, where we were eyeballed by some woman on the next table. It must be noted that this woman was eating a full English fried breakfast, that is to say bacon, eggs, sausage, tomato, toast, beans, mushrooms and fried bread at 11pm! She was freaky, so Lou, in her typically unsubtle way, stared back and said "Oi! What you staring at?"
We also took some nice camera phone photos (which were unavailable at time of going to press!)
We couldn't stay in the services all night, so we "left the old bag to her fry up" motored on to the A12.
Upon arriving at the A12, the tiredness really kicked in, and the Songster CD went on. We proceeded to sing along to our own dear songster brigade, in varying styles, including Jo's excessively high singing, her Essex singing and best of all, her impressions of other not so good singers. I then took the mantle, by proffering my personal favourite, literally monotonous singing. Lou went really high, in a desperate attempt to imitate the whole soprano section, though she didn't sound too good.
Unfortunately by this time we arrived back home, rearing and ready for the coach to Bognor Regis for the Salvation Army's jolly good fun holiday week at Butlin's.
This was undoubtedly the best weekend I have had in a long time, and is on a close par with the band's visit to Lowestoft.
So, roll on the next time myself, Lou and Jo get together for a bit of banter!
On Saturday, Lou, Jo and I decided to go to the Reading Festival. No, not the one with the cool rock and pop bands, the one with two Jonnys and Nick Samuel!
We set off at about 3pm and had soon got on to the subject of being sick in cars. This topic was regurgitated (excuse the pun!) several times throughout the day.
By the time we had got along one junction of the M25, Lou had had two small incidences with other road users. Tim had also been berated for bringing his two lovely companions into traffic.
As the car confectionery administrator, Jo was quite generous in sharing 6 packets of Haribo with us, as well as the 3 bags of sweets that I had brought along. At the time of writing, Lou claims she didn't need to bring sweets, as she had provided the car.
Having escaped the "total gridlock", we progressed a few junctions of the motorway.
It must be noted that both Lou and Jo are not unattractive, yet they were surprised to find that they were being ogled by various motorists, some young and some old,
Some men and some not. But the pinnacle of this came when two blokes in an ancient BMW took video footage of Lou as she was driving. It is worth noting that Lou was wearing a strapless top, which she assures me makes her look topless when she is driving. This could explain the funny looks and video filming.
We finally arrived on the M4 and found that Lou's fuel gauge light had come on, which caused mild panic, as we had about 4 junctions to do. Upon entering Reading along "Shenfield Road" we found a petrol filling station, where Lou put £16.08 worth of fuel in.
We soon found the school, but sadly we felt the need to search for some fast food. After a few hairy moments at junctions, we found ourselves driving along the High St. So we went round the one way system again and into the car park we were aiming for in the first place.
We parked up and went on our way to Burger King, though we were slightly delayed as Jo couldn't walk up the escalator in her noisy and un-sensible shoes.
When we ordered from Dun Xiao Ping (or whatever she was called) who got our order a bit wrong. Thankfully we got an extra bag of chips, as Jo ate most of mine. (I have heard that food from other people's plates don't contain any Weight Watchers points, but I am dubious!)
Having found two sets of locked toilets, Jo fought her way back down the non-moving escalator, and back to the car park.
When we finally left the car park, the task of navigating back to the school fell to me. Now the girls were mightily ungrateful at me getting them from Chelmsford to Reading, but again I was berated for getting them a bit lost in the one way system.
Upon our arrival, we parked up on a bit of grass, and made our way across the building site/field to the theatre. We got ourselves seated, and the girls went to "freshen up". Twenty minutes later, they came back, and I had about 2 minutes to go and "freshen up" and get back. Apparently there was a queue! (I never understand why women queue for the toilet, rather than just going, peeing and leaving!)
The festival was rather uneventful, though brilliant to be at, especially for the alarmingly camp conducting from the Reverend Nick Samuel.
By about twenty minutes after the festival, Lou gave up her chances of seeing everyone she wanted to, and Jo and I had seen everyone we wanted to see, so we left.
Almost in tears to be leaving, we made our way back to the car.
Jo drove.
This was something of an experience! (I'm joking!)
We bantered to avoid tiredness until South Mimms services, where caffeine took over.
We got some drinks, and sat down at a table, where we were eyeballed by some woman on the next table. It must be noted that this woman was eating a full English fried breakfast, that is to say bacon, eggs, sausage, tomato, toast, beans, mushrooms and fried bread at 11pm! She was freaky, so Lou, in her typically unsubtle way, stared back and said "Oi! What you staring at?"
We also took some nice camera phone photos (which were unavailable at time of going to press!)
We couldn't stay in the services all night, so we "left the old bag to her fry up" motored on to the A12.
Upon arriving at the A12, the tiredness really kicked in, and the Songster CD went on. We proceeded to sing along to our own dear songster brigade, in varying styles, including Jo's excessively high singing, her Essex singing and best of all, her impressions of other not so good singers. I then took the mantle, by proffering my personal favourite, literally monotonous singing. Lou went really high, in a desperate attempt to imitate the whole soprano section, though she didn't sound too good.
Unfortunately by this time we arrived back home, rearing and ready for the coach to Bognor Regis for the Salvation Army's jolly good fun holiday week at Butlin's.
This was undoubtedly the best weekend I have had in a long time, and is on a close par with the band's visit to Lowestoft.
So, roll on the next time myself, Lou and Jo get together for a bit of banter!
Pas De Tiscali
Mon connection d'internet est mort!
Apologies to those expecting a blog this week, but my internet has been down since Saturday. When it comes back, I'll blog again
TTFN
Timbo
Apologies to those expecting a blog this week, but my internet has been down since Saturday. When it comes back, I'll blog again
TTFN
Timbo
Monday, September 27, 2004
Toilet Roll Club
I am about to share a secret that was never supposed to leave the elite group it concerns. But alas this group has been torn apart by the system, never to be the same.
Ok, it was Denys Holland Lodge, and the residents of its ground floor, who were made to move out at the end of the term.
Despite the £110 that we so kindly donated to University College London for every week we lived there, they were unable to provide toilet paper to use in our shared bathrooms. This meant that immediate action was needed. After much deliberation, we decided to follow the actions of a group mentioned in a book of "Simon Mayo's Very Worst of Confessions", a feature of his Radio 1 breakfast show.
Thus we, the 12 or so housemates, supplied the floor with toilet roll from any source possible. The university departments, the student union, shops, restaurants, offices and even the Swedish Embassy in London. Our total for the year was. I believe, in excess of 200 and at our peak, we had over 70 toilet rolls nestling on the window sill of our shared kitchen.
The cleaners, Pilar and Linda, were somewhat bemused, but being so nice, left the rolls alone, and even used some in the shared bathrooms.
Timmâge
Ok, it was Denys Holland Lodge, and the residents of its ground floor, who were made to move out at the end of the term.
Despite the £110 that we so kindly donated to University College London for every week we lived there, they were unable to provide toilet paper to use in our shared bathrooms. This meant that immediate action was needed. After much deliberation, we decided to follow the actions of a group mentioned in a book of "Simon Mayo's Very Worst of Confessions", a feature of his Radio 1 breakfast show.
Thus we, the 12 or so housemates, supplied the floor with toilet roll from any source possible. The university departments, the student union, shops, restaurants, offices and even the Swedish Embassy in London. Our total for the year was. I believe, in excess of 200 and at our peak, we had over 70 toilet rolls nestling on the window sill of our shared kitchen.
The cleaners, Pilar and Linda, were somewhat bemused, but being so nice, left the rolls alone, and even used some in the shared bathrooms.
Timmâge
Friday, September 24, 2004
Butlins Bognor - The Hottest Place on Earth
Last Wednesday Chelmsford Songsters had the pleasure of visiting Butlins at Bognor Regis for the Salvation Army's holiday week, New Horizons.
We met at the hall and boarded the coach, and were expectant of a bit of banter.
Sadly we were slightly disappointed, as there was very little to be had. We did amuse ourselves by making SP&S stay open so we could "browse". We also ridiculed Edie McCredie (that is, Mike!) for his dodgy hair, his lack of job and generally for being Mike!
Speaking of hair, we were all quietly pleased when Hayley got her hair done. It only took her 3 attempts!
When we finally got there, we chilled with some drinks and copious amounts of Bourbon biscuits. It is worth noting that Bandmaster Don Jenkins (whose name is still a name when you swap the first letters around, Jon Denkins) looked marvelous in his Dutch Army uniform, in a desperate attempt to look like Glenn Miller, the US Air Force pilot.
The stage we were on was obscenely hot, and some of us were sweating before we even started. We started off with a few serious slow numbers, and it became evident that it was going to be a Dunmow Flitch type engagement, where the punters applaud everything. We moved into the congregation for a few songs, and Edie and Hayley led those at the back in the dancing/swaying/general silliness!
After a few attempts, Garry got his tuba solo in, and we moved on to the epics that are "The 12 Days of Butlins" and "When the Saints". Completely exhausted and very hungry (they didn't give us tea!) we made our way home.
Unfortunately I wasn't on the coach on the way home, so I can't report the silliness of that occasion.
However I did tell my parents before we left that I need the loo, and I did not get there until we got back to Edgware, as we didn't see any services and McDonalds shop was closed!
Toodles!
Timbo
We met at the hall and boarded the coach, and were expectant of a bit of banter.
Sadly we were slightly disappointed, as there was very little to be had. We did amuse ourselves by making SP&S stay open so we could "browse". We also ridiculed Edie McCredie (that is, Mike!) for his dodgy hair, his lack of job and generally for being Mike!
Speaking of hair, we were all quietly pleased when Hayley got her hair done. It only took her 3 attempts!
When we finally got there, we chilled with some drinks and copious amounts of Bourbon biscuits. It is worth noting that Bandmaster Don Jenkins (whose name is still a name when you swap the first letters around, Jon Denkins) looked marvelous in his Dutch Army uniform, in a desperate attempt to look like Glenn Miller, the US Air Force pilot.
The stage we were on was obscenely hot, and some of us were sweating before we even started. We started off with a few serious slow numbers, and it became evident that it was going to be a Dunmow Flitch type engagement, where the punters applaud everything. We moved into the congregation for a few songs, and Edie and Hayley led those at the back in the dancing/swaying/general silliness!
After a few attempts, Garry got his tuba solo in, and we moved on to the epics that are "The 12 Days of Butlins" and "When the Saints". Completely exhausted and very hungry (they didn't give us tea!) we made our way home.
Unfortunately I wasn't on the coach on the way home, so I can't report the silliness of that occasion.
However I did tell my parents before we left that I need the loo, and I did not get there until we got back to Edgware, as we didn't see any services and McDonalds shop was closed!
Toodles!
Timbo
Tim The Hamburger
As you probably know, I have recently been in Hamburg for a bit of a holiday. There isn't really much to report, as I went alone. There is therefore no banter as such to report.
It should be noted however that I broke my own personal record for greatest number of German sausages consumed in a 7 day period. After a slow start by not eating any on Monday, I had one on Tuesday and Wednesday, a single sausage on Thursday, four on
Friday, and one per day from Saturday until Monday. Yes, 10 Bratwuerst in 7 days. That of course does not include the 2 Currywuerst I ate in between.
Whilst there, I managed to blag 3 days in Berlin, if was willing to sleep in the primary room of an Army hall. Needless to say, I went. I visited various landmarks whilst there, including Checkpoint Charlie. This was the 3rd Checkpoint between East and West Berlin. It was here that I took a rather interesting photo, which shows that the Internet isn't all is cracked up to be.
I saw a sign offering a photo "mit uniformierte Soldaten" which means "with a uniformed soldier". However they had done an internet translation from German into English. That would be fine, had they not translated "uni-formierte" which, of course, means "university formed". That had the same problem in Dutch too!
Anyway! I had a great time, and I will probably upload some pictures over the weekend.
Later on you will get yourself a write up of the Songster trip to Bognor Regis! Aren't you just the luckiest?
Yes. You are.
It should be noted however that I broke my own personal record for greatest number of German sausages consumed in a 7 day period. After a slow start by not eating any on Monday, I had one on Tuesday and Wednesday, a single sausage on Thursday, four on
Friday, and one per day from Saturday until Monday. Yes, 10 Bratwuerst in 7 days. That of course does not include the 2 Currywuerst I ate in between.
Whilst there, I managed to blag 3 days in Berlin, if was willing to sleep in the primary room of an Army hall. Needless to say, I went. I visited various landmarks whilst there, including Checkpoint Charlie. This was the 3rd Checkpoint between East and West Berlin. It was here that I took a rather interesting photo, which shows that the Internet isn't all is cracked up to be.
I saw a sign offering a photo "mit uniformierte Soldaten" which means "with a uniformed soldier". However they had done an internet translation from German into English. That would be fine, had they not translated "uni-formierte" which, of course, means "university formed". That had the same problem in Dutch too!
Anyway! I had a great time, and I will probably upload some pictures over the weekend.
Later on you will get yourself a write up of the Songster trip to Bognor Regis! Aren't you just the luckiest?
Yes. You are.
Bluejacking
Those of you who are au fait with mobile technology will know of the fairly new method of wireless communication called Bluetooth. It is, in effect, wireless communcation between phones, PDAs, computers, printers etc over a range of ~10 metres. If you have a bluetooth device, such as my new K700i, it is possible to send and receive contacts from your phonebook to other phones. This can be used to terrorise random people on trains, on the tube and just about any public place. If you receive a message saying that you have been "Bluejacked by the Magic" then it's probably from me! Telling people they have a nice suit, or that their shoes are untied is great fun, and especially freaky when you receive a message on the tube.
Here is a site about the phenomenon
Bluejacking
Here is a site about the phenomenon
Bluejacking
Wednesday, September 22, 2004
Chris Tarrant Philosophy
Those of you who have seen this site in the past few weeks will notice that one of the longer, and in my opinion better, posts has disappeared.
This post was said to be causing offence to people, and I received a few angrily worded emails about it.
As a result of a request from several people, I have taken the post down, though I may repost it later after some editing.
This brings me to the point of Chris Tarrant Philosophy.
When Tarrant presents 'Who Wants To Be A Millionaire' he often says to contestants who have just got a question wrong that the question is only easy if you know the answer. This ties in roughly with the goings on of the past few weeks. My Reading Festival was only really funny to those who know me, my background, surroundings, sense of humour etc.
For a start, I knew full well that 'Shinfield Rd' is not called 'Shenfield Rd'. However when we pulled into the road, Lou said "Ooh! Shenfield Rd" before we corrected her. This of course is not funny, unless you know that the next decent sized town from Chelmsford is Shenfield.
Secondly, do people really think that my friends are so insecure that they would be "nearly suicidal" (as Lou was said to be) over a guy she had been texting for a few weeks? In actual fact she had made a special effort to go to Reading to see Jonny, and was a bit upset on the way home. She was not too upset to drive, and never intended to drive home. Lou drove there, Jo drove back, that was always the plan. I just played on that for the sake of humour.
So in conclusion, the post was only really funny if you knew what was going on. Sorry to anyone who was offended by the post, and I hope you can appreciate this apology.
I was a little troubled to receive two strongly worded, and in places, offensive emails, but I forgive you in Christian love.
The festival itself, which only got a 3 or 4 line write up was amazing. The band played an amazing rendition of 'Glorifico Aeternum' and to put together such a big festival with such a small group. Yes, I was touched, and it was a great spiritual evening. Unfortunately the write up got lost in the banter of the day.
So, a clean start, and I will be back later with my Hamburg write up, and maybe a bit on the Songster's trip to Bognor!
Timmage
This post was said to be causing offence to people, and I received a few angrily worded emails about it.
As a result of a request from several people, I have taken the post down, though I may repost it later after some editing.
This brings me to the point of Chris Tarrant Philosophy.
When Tarrant presents 'Who Wants To Be A Millionaire' he often says to contestants who have just got a question wrong that the question is only easy if you know the answer. This ties in roughly with the goings on of the past few weeks. My Reading Festival was only really funny to those who know me, my background, surroundings, sense of humour etc.
For a start, I knew full well that 'Shinfield Rd' is not called 'Shenfield Rd'. However when we pulled into the road, Lou said "Ooh! Shenfield Rd" before we corrected her. This of course is not funny, unless you know that the next decent sized town from Chelmsford is Shenfield.
Secondly, do people really think that my friends are so insecure that they would be "nearly suicidal" (as Lou was said to be) over a guy she had been texting for a few weeks? In actual fact she had made a special effort to go to Reading to see Jonny, and was a bit upset on the way home. She was not too upset to drive, and never intended to drive home. Lou drove there, Jo drove back, that was always the plan. I just played on that for the sake of humour.
So in conclusion, the post was only really funny if you knew what was going on. Sorry to anyone who was offended by the post, and I hope you can appreciate this apology.
I was a little troubled to receive two strongly worded, and in places, offensive emails, but I forgive you in Christian love.
The festival itself, which only got a 3 or 4 line write up was amazing. The band played an amazing rendition of 'Glorifico Aeternum' and to put together such a big festival with such a small group. Yes, I was touched, and it was a great spiritual evening. Unfortunately the write up got lost in the banter of the day.
So, a clean start, and I will be back later with my Hamburg write up, and maybe a bit on the Songster's trip to Bognor!
Timmage
Monday, September 06, 2004
Tim's Move
I hope you will all be glad to hear the move went OK and we are all nicely settled in in Edgware.
I am currently sat in the departure lounge at Stansted, ready to head off to Hamburg for a week.
Please note that Rev. Nick is not homosexual in his conducting, merely alarmingly camp.
Stay safe everybody, and I will see you when I get back from holidays (!) and I should have t'internet back!
Tim
I am currently sat in the departure lounge at Stansted, ready to head off to Hamburg for a week.
Please note that Rev. Nick is not homosexual in his conducting, merely alarmingly camp.
Stay safe everybody, and I will see you when I get back from holidays (!) and I should have t'internet back!
Tim
Monday, August 30, 2004
The Move
Sadly today is the day that my computer is being shut down and taken apart in preparation for the move to Edgware!
For those who were expecting a blog this weekend, including a write up of the "real" Reading Festival, you will have to wait until Wednesday (when hopefully we will have the net again!)
Hope you all had a great weekend (I certainly did!) and are about to have a brilliant 4 day week!
Tim
For those who were expecting a blog this weekend, including a write up of the "real" Reading Festival, you will have to wait until Wednesday (when hopefully we will have the net again!)
Hope you all had a great weekend (I certainly did!) and are about to have a brilliant 4 day week!
Tim
Tuesday, August 24, 2004
Phone Shopping
On Friday, I had to go to college to sort out some stuff, so I thought it might be nice to drop in and see my mate Liz for lunch. After a pleasant visit to Cavendish Square to eat my cheap Benjy's lunch, I nipped into Carphone Warehouse to look for a new phone.
When I got back upstairs, I spotted a rather familiar looking chair.
It dawned on me that I had seen the chair almost every night for the past 10 weeks.
Yes, it was the diary room chair from BB5!
And sat upon that chair was Nadia!
Woo hoo! I met Nadia and got her autograph!
Magic!
When I got back upstairs, I spotted a rather familiar looking chair.
It dawned on me that I had seen the chair almost every night for the past 10 weeks.
Yes, it was the diary room chair from BB5!
And sat upon that chair was Nadia!
Woo hoo! I met Nadia and got her autograph!
Magic!
Friday, August 20, 2004
brushstroke - peace
This is a pretty cool site, from an anti-war poster competition!
Some are funny, some are true, all are effective!
brushstroke - peace
Some are funny, some are true, all are effective!
brushstroke - peace
Gays in the Village?
I found this article in the archived Times a few weeks ago, and had forgotten about it!
I particularly like the bit about "poof organisations"!
Enjoy!
Times Online - Britain
Tim
I particularly like the bit about "poof organisations"!
Enjoy!
Times Online - Britain
Tim
Thursday, August 19, 2004
Tim's New House
Hello everyone!
For those who don't know, the Jones Family are on the move!
We will sadly be leaving Chelmsford and moving to Edgware in North London
The address will be
37 Bernhart Close
Edgware
HA8 0SH
That is all!
For those who don't know, the Jones Family are on the move!
We will sadly be leaving Chelmsford and moving to Edgware in North London
The address will be
37 Bernhart Close
Edgware
HA8 0SH
That is all!
Monday, August 16, 2004
First Great Eastern Sleeper Carriage
Now to say that I had a low energy day at work today is something of an understatement. Today I was just not in the mood. I was most glad to be making my way home!
I arrived at Liverpool St in good time for the 1615 train to Harwich Town, which I duly boarded.
I found myself a seat, and settled down in a little pod of 2, by the window. Soon afterwards I was joined by an attractive young lady, who looked to be about 20.
By the time we got to Stratford, said attractive young lady had fallen asleep on my shoulder.
Now being a seasoned commuter, I can understand how people can be tired when they leave work, so I let her sleep.
As we approached Chelmsford, she woke up and was really embarrassed and apologetic that she had fallen asleep on me.
I accepted her apologies, and she said I had "a comfortable shoulder"
She apparently gets the same train every day, so I suggested that if she ever needed anyone to sleep on, I would be glad to help. She agreed that would be good!
As we left the train, I gave her a smile and a wink, and she turned pink!
She has experienced the magic!
I arrived at Liverpool St in good time for the 1615 train to Harwich Town, which I duly boarded.
I found myself a seat, and settled down in a little pod of 2, by the window. Soon afterwards I was joined by an attractive young lady, who looked to be about 20.
By the time we got to Stratford, said attractive young lady had fallen asleep on my shoulder.
Now being a seasoned commuter, I can understand how people can be tired when they leave work, so I let her sleep.
As we approached Chelmsford, she woke up and was really embarrassed and apologetic that she had fallen asleep on me.
I accepted her apologies, and she said I had "a comfortable shoulder"
She apparently gets the same train every day, so I suggested that if she ever needed anyone to sleep on, I would be glad to help. She agreed that would be good!
As we left the train, I gave her a smile and a wink, and she turned pink!
She has experienced the magic!
Sunday, August 15, 2004
Sunday Antics
This morning, I may have overslept slightly! When I finally rolled out of bed at 9.00am, I realised I may be a bit late for the Army, so I went in shorts and an Army t-shirt, with my uniform in my bag! After the meeting, we went to Mr Scott's for lunch. It was almost a repeat of last night's meal, apart from the fact we didn't have steak, soup or profiteroles, just roast beef! It was, as always, lovely! After lunch, Clare came round and we watched her DVD of JS Camp. Featured on this was the famous Monkey World, including Gordon and Tuan, the fighting orangutans!
In the evening meeting, the fun started! Adrian Hampel aka Lou's Dad thought it would be funny to put Fairy Liquid down Lou's baritone. When mixed with the water from Louisa's mouth, the usual effect was achieved, and bubbles came out of her instrument! And all this during the first tune!
Garry and Louisa had a small battle as to who would have more space on the platform. This involved much pushing of chairs, moving of stands and general angry banter.
The fun was further achieved when somebody gave her testimony, she went on at great lengths about getting the bus, people dying and getting lovely letters. Amen!
Most of the band were listening intently, though others were eager for her to finish her delightful story.
Post-meeting we were supposed to go to Gemma and Natalie's for an impromtu YF, but it didn't happen, so Lou and I engaged in some banter at home!
I must go now, as 5.30 won't come easy tomorrow morning!
So, adoring fans, for now, fare thee well!
Magic
In the evening meeting, the fun started! Adrian Hampel aka Lou's Dad thought it would be funny to put Fairy Liquid down Lou's baritone. When mixed with the water from Louisa's mouth, the usual effect was achieved, and bubbles came out of her instrument! And all this during the first tune!
Garry and Louisa had a small battle as to who would have more space on the platform. This involved much pushing of chairs, moving of stands and general angry banter.
The fun was further achieved when somebody gave her testimony, she went on at great lengths about getting the bus, people dying and getting lovely letters. Amen!
Most of the band were listening intently, though others were eager for her to finish her delightful story.
Post-meeting we were supposed to go to Gemma and Natalie's for an impromtu YF, but it didn't happen, so Lou and I engaged in some banter at home!
I must go now, as 5.30 won't come easy tomorrow morning!
So, adoring fans, for now, fare thee well!
Magic
Weddie's Edding.... I mean Eddie's Wedding!
Yesterday I had the pleasure of going to the wedding of Eddie and her new husband, Richard.
Now to say Eddie dresses extravagantly is a bit of an understatement, but I don't think I have ever seen her a) dressed so un-extravagently and b) looking so beautiful.
After a short marriage service, we all made our way up to the Waterfront Place, where there were some lovely pictures taken.
I did something bad though. I had some Buck's Fizz! At first I thought it was just bad tasting orange juice, then it emerged that it had champagne in it! D'oh!
We had some speeches from the father of the bride, the groom and then the best man, who didn't tell any embarassing stories or any rude jokes!
The post speech meal was lovely, and what we were all really there for!
We started with some lovely tomato soup, followed by steak in red wine gravy and topped off with some divine profiteroles!
After the meal, we all reluctantly were dragged up to the dancefloor by Stacey and Stef! as the first few dances progressed, we realized that the DJ was stuck somewhere in the early 60's, playing such modern choons as "Goodness Gracious! Great Balls of Fire!"
His previous record notwithstanding, he was quite good, and we all looked pretty silly dancing (together!)
The car was nicely decorated with traffic cones, silly string and ribbons as they made their way off to their honeymoon destination!
Later I will bring the account of today, and the meeting related antics we enjoyed!
Now to say Eddie dresses extravagantly is a bit of an understatement, but I don't think I have ever seen her a) dressed so un-extravagently and b) looking so beautiful.
After a short marriage service, we all made our way up to the Waterfront Place, where there were some lovely pictures taken.
I did something bad though. I had some Buck's Fizz! At first I thought it was just bad tasting orange juice, then it emerged that it had champagne in it! D'oh!
We had some speeches from the father of the bride, the groom and then the best man, who didn't tell any embarassing stories or any rude jokes!
The post speech meal was lovely, and what we were all really there for!
We started with some lovely tomato soup, followed by steak in red wine gravy and topped off with some divine profiteroles!
After the meal, we all reluctantly were dragged up to the dancefloor by Stacey and Stef! as the first few dances progressed, we realized that the DJ was stuck somewhere in the early 60's, playing such modern choons as "Goodness Gracious! Great Balls of Fire!"
His previous record notwithstanding, he was quite good, and we all looked pretty silly dancing (together!)
The car was nicely decorated with traffic cones, silly string and ribbons as they made their way off to their honeymoon destination!
Later I will bring the account of today, and the meeting related antics we enjoyed!
Friday, August 13, 2004
Possible Origins of Timmy Magic
I was musing today as to a possible origin for the name Timmy Magic. After all, I am not entirely sure where it came from.
It is alleged that in my younger days, I looked like Harry Potter.
I can't see it myself, but have a look and see...
It is alleged that in my younger days, I looked like Harry Potter.
I can't see it myself, but have a look and see...
Thursday, August 12, 2004
Shock News!
I have some shock news for you!
Everyone's favourite Singing Company Leader (well, mine at least) "Miss" Jo Oakley has a dirty secret. She is married!
Richard is also a suck up... Just look at him!
Everyone's favourite Singing Company Leader (well, mine at least) "Miss" Jo Oakley has a dirty secret. She is married!
Richard is also a suck up... Just look at him!
Really Long Time No Post!
Hey y'all!
Sorry for the lack of postage in the past few weeks, but I have been majorly busy and not at home much!
I did the whole birthday thing on the 26th, and I was appreciative of all the cards I got (and thanks to those who might have forgotten too!)
Soul in the City was a fantastic 2 weeks, and there was some amazing stuff going on!
Matt and Christina are now happily engaged, and we had a party to celebrate!
Guess what! Mike and I were the whipping boys of the evening, which does come as a surprise.
I was slightly in trouble from Stef, who bemoaned the fact that I had used the band website picture for the Lowestoft write up. So
There you go Stef!
Looking beautiful in your fuzzy purple hat!
This week has been pretty rubbish, apart from the fact that we had a lad's night last night.
We decided we should go to Monkey World to see Gordon and Tang, who had a fight because Tang wanted to sleep with Gordon's mum!
Well, it has taken me over an hour to write this, as Mum and Dad found the baby pictures while packing!
Have it good
Magic
Sorry for the lack of postage in the past few weeks, but I have been majorly busy and not at home much!
I did the whole birthday thing on the 26th, and I was appreciative of all the cards I got (and thanks to those who might have forgotten too!)
Soul in the City was a fantastic 2 weeks, and there was some amazing stuff going on!
Matt and Christina are now happily engaged, and we had a party to celebrate!
Guess what! Mike and I were the whipping boys of the evening, which does come as a surprise.
I was slightly in trouble from Stef, who bemoaned the fact that I had used the band website picture for the Lowestoft write up. So
There you go Stef!
Looking beautiful in your fuzzy purple hat!
This week has been pretty rubbish, apart from the fact that we had a lad's night last night.
We decided we should go to Monkey World to see Gordon and Tang, who had a fight because Tang wanted to sleep with Gordon's mum!
Well, it has taken me over an hour to write this, as Mum and Dad found the baby pictures while packing!
Have it good
Magic
Saturday, July 24, 2004
Something of an amusing website!
I was looking on the internet the other day and I found this website.
It does reflect my attitude to life in a very scary way...
I might add some more cartoons if I find any more that amuse me!
I also found the Cyborg Name Generator, and this is the result
On a side issue, I hope everybody has remebered that I will be 19 on Monday!
I prefer cheques, made out to T L JONES. Thanks!
I can't really think of anything eventful from last week, so this is it for now!
It does reflect my attitude to life in a very scary way...
I might add some more cartoons if I find any more that amuse me!
I also found the Cyborg Name Generator, and this is the result
On a side issue, I hope everybody has remebered that I will be 19 on Monday!
I prefer cheques, made out to T L JONES. Thanks!
I can't really think of anything eventful from last week, so this is it for now!
Friday, July 23, 2004
One Week in Roehampton
Hey everybody!
This week I have been staying with my mate Liz (who is Jonny's girlfriend in case you didn't know) and her parents.
It was a top quality week, and here is a brief run of what I did.
By Sunday night I was fully sated by two meals at Dave and Stef's, and was too tired to go to London for the evening. So I got up Monday morning, in an attempt to get to work at usual time. After 2 alarms to wake me up, I got up to discover that we have no bread or milk for breakfast. It is worth noting that crumpets do NOT defrost well in a toaster.
I missed a few buses, but eventually got a train, which oddly enough was late!
Work was a bit of a doss, because Keely, our Planned Giving Co-ordinator, left on Wednesday, so we were winding down.
I also had a meal at All Souls Clubhouse, and was caught slightly unawares when I met Jordan, the organiser of the first week of SITC.
Now I only know 2 people called Jordan. A ginger boy I went to school with, and the one with the big "personality". So I was a little put off when Jordan the SITC person was a girl.
Finally getting to Lizzie's fifteen hours after I left the house I was shattered.
Unfortunately I had to be up for work in the morning!
Liz and I developed something of a morning ritual which involved messing about on the station and the train, and doing the Times 2 crossword.
I am shattered now, so I will bring the 2nd part of the week to you tomorrow!
For now, adoring fans, I hope all is well!
Maj
This week I have been staying with my mate Liz (who is Jonny's girlfriend in case you didn't know) and her parents.
It was a top quality week, and here is a brief run of what I did.
By Sunday night I was fully sated by two meals at Dave and Stef's, and was too tired to go to London for the evening. So I got up Monday morning, in an attempt to get to work at usual time. After 2 alarms to wake me up, I got up to discover that we have no bread or milk for breakfast. It is worth noting that crumpets do NOT defrost well in a toaster.
I missed a few buses, but eventually got a train, which oddly enough was late!
Work was a bit of a doss, because Keely, our Planned Giving Co-ordinator, left on Wednesday, so we were winding down.
I also had a meal at All Souls Clubhouse, and was caught slightly unawares when I met Jordan, the organiser of the first week of SITC.
Now I only know 2 people called Jordan. A ginger boy I went to school with, and the one with the big "personality". So I was a little put off when Jordan the SITC person was a girl.
Finally getting to Lizzie's fifteen hours after I left the house I was shattered.
Unfortunately I had to be up for work in the morning!
Liz and I developed something of a morning ritual which involved messing about on the station and the train, and doing the Times 2 crossword.
I am shattered now, so I will bring the 2nd part of the week to you tomorrow!
For now, adoring fans, I hope all is well!
Maj
Saturday, July 17, 2004
Tim's New Work
I think my new job is more cushty (Essex term) then my THQ. Yesterday night, I went to work at Cheldoc (the on-call centre for Chelmsford doctors.) Here I sat in a comfy chair or recliner, and sorted call slips. The thing is, we have a TV, video and the doctors sleep. So I slept for a bit, watched a couple of films and did a bit of work. We did have a funny call in, but I can't tell you what was involved (patient confidentiality!)
I was, of course, overjoyed to see Ahmed evicted from the BB5 house last night! He was really quite dull Not unlike like this site, some may say. Grrrr!)
It has been requested that I tell you about Gem and Natalie's new place.
It is very nice, perfect for the two of them.
Tonight is the production of "Catherine Booth" by The Jasperian Production Company. I am not going!
And now I have run out of stuff to blog about, though I do require a bit of help.
I am hoping to go to New York in September and could do to know of cool places to go (preferably cheap or free!)
If you have any suggestions, can you email me, or leave a message, or tell me in person when you see me.
Unfortunately I am away for the next week or so in Roehampton, but I will endeavour to blog next Saturday or Sunday!
Stay Safe!
Magic
I was, of course, overjoyed to see Ahmed evicted from the BB5 house last night! He was really quite dull Not unlike like this site, some may say. Grrrr!)
It has been requested that I tell you about Gem and Natalie's new place.
It is very nice, perfect for the two of them.
Tonight is the production of "Catherine Booth" by The Jasperian Production Company. I am not going!
And now I have run out of stuff to blog about, though I do require a bit of help.
I am hoping to go to New York in September and could do to know of cool places to go (preferably cheap or free!)
If you have any suggestions, can you email me, or leave a message, or tell me in person when you see me.
Unfortunately I am away for the next week or so in Roehampton, but I will endeavour to blog next Saturday or Sunday!
Stay Safe!
Magic
Monday, July 12, 2004
Lowestoft South... Citadel... Wherever!
This weekend, the Chelmsford Citadel Band of the Salvation Army went to one of the corps in Lowestoft, in East Angular. I am not totally sure which one, but I think it was Citadel. Anyway, we set off from home at the ungodly hour of 8am (which apparently exists at weekends too!) on the the coach. The first half an hour or so was pretty uneventful, but the peace was soon disturbed when one of the female Songster Leaders in the band needed the toilet. So we stopped in a lay-by with toilets, and all the women (except Gemma, who didn't have a toilet partner) trapised off to powder their noses, or something like that. (After all, girls never pee!)
On their return, I decided to share my minidisc player around, so everyone could listen to the Songsters from Cuerpo Panama Templo. They were singing "Standing on the Promises" in both their native Spanish and English to make us feel at home. Their pianist isn't great, but they were praising God so it's ok!
Panama Templo Songsters!
They also had a band at Panama Templo, and they also made it onto the band coach playlist.
Panama Templo Band
The meetings were pretty good, although we were a little cramped in the hall. In the morning meeting, Jo S did the YP spot, but owing to lack of young people at the corps, a few "volunteers" were needed. This was, and I quote, a time for "payback"
As a result of this, some of the more laddish members of the band were called up to help!
Thus Bandsmen David Wright as a driver, with flat cap and horn, Tim Jones with a frilly maid's cap and inflated latex glove (I was the milk maid!), Nick Simmons-Smith with a green wig and cane as the cocoa picker, and Garry Smith and Adrian Hampel wearing silly hats!
After the open air witness in the town centre, where Nick (the trained musician) hit Alan (the trained musician) in the "Machines" drama, we had a lovely lunch. Some people had more than others, but that's life!
It is worth noting that the company at Colin Hanover's table was so scintillating that he fell asleep at the table!
Having just returend from sunny Spain, Lou felt the desperate need to show us (Garry, Stef and Myself) her new henna tattoos. We had all seen the one on her arm (how could we miss it?) but she also had one that was covered by her uniform. But not for long. She undid her skirt, slid down her tights a bit, and displayed "Shut Up and Obey" in Chinese script on the small of her back (well, yes, it was more like her bum, but I can't say that!)
The second open air was OK, and we played some good pieces (thought I did "spee-dah" a few notes!)
The evening meeting was led by John Hull, and the opening song was "Happy Birthday" to everyone's favourite loudmouth, Mr Harry Stubbs.
Lou managed to fall asleep during the sermon, but strangely awoke when they gave us chocolate!
After loading the coach, we got on our way back to Chelmsford.
Lou felt that she didn't have enough room in her TWO seats, so moved to lie across Garry, Stef and Dave, who were on the back seat. After a few moments, Garry leapt up, and ran down the coach. We still aren't quite sure why!
Now you have almost certainly heard of Kylie and Jason, and maybe of Johnny and Denise, but I am proud to introduce to you, the Salvation Army's answer to those esteemed double acts, Tim & Stef
Yes, Stef and I sang 80s and 90s tv themes and pop songs, LITERALLY from door-to-door!
We did however stop to sing "We love you Keith!" to Keith Wright, who was coachie for the day.
Nobody joined in, so we just carried on with such musical delights as "Sesame Street", "Fraggle Rock" and "Rainbow"
Here endeth this evening's post!
Laters!
On their return, I decided to share my minidisc player around, so everyone could listen to the Songsters from Cuerpo Panama Templo. They were singing "Standing on the Promises" in both their native Spanish and English to make us feel at home. Their pianist isn't great, but they were praising God so it's ok!
Panama Templo Songsters!
They also had a band at Panama Templo, and they also made it onto the band coach playlist.
Panama Templo Band
The meetings were pretty good, although we were a little cramped in the hall. In the morning meeting, Jo S did the YP spot, but owing to lack of young people at the corps, a few "volunteers" were needed. This was, and I quote, a time for "payback"
As a result of this, some of the more laddish members of the band were called up to help!
Thus Bandsmen David Wright as a driver, with flat cap and horn, Tim Jones with a frilly maid's cap and inflated latex glove (I was the milk maid!), Nick Simmons-Smith with a green wig and cane as the cocoa picker, and Garry Smith and Adrian Hampel wearing silly hats!
After the open air witness in the town centre, where Nick (the trained musician) hit Alan (the trained musician) in the "Machines" drama, we had a lovely lunch. Some people had more than others, but that's life!
It is worth noting that the company at Colin Hanover's table was so scintillating that he fell asleep at the table!
Having just returend from sunny Spain, Lou felt the desperate need to show us (Garry, Stef and Myself) her new henna tattoos. We had all seen the one on her arm (how could we miss it?) but she also had one that was covered by her uniform. But not for long. She undid her skirt, slid down her tights a bit, and displayed "Shut Up and Obey" in Chinese script on the small of her back (well, yes, it was more like her bum, but I can't say that!)
The second open air was OK, and we played some good pieces (thought I did "spee-dah" a few notes!)
The evening meeting was led by John Hull, and the opening song was "Happy Birthday" to everyone's favourite loudmouth, Mr Harry Stubbs.
Lou managed to fall asleep during the sermon, but strangely awoke when they gave us chocolate!
After loading the coach, we got on our way back to Chelmsford.
Lou felt that she didn't have enough room in her TWO seats, so moved to lie across Garry, Stef and Dave, who were on the back seat. After a few moments, Garry leapt up, and ran down the coach. We still aren't quite sure why!
Now you have almost certainly heard of Kylie and Jason, and maybe of Johnny and Denise, but I am proud to introduce to you, the Salvation Army's answer to those esteemed double acts, Tim & Stef
Yes, Stef and I sang 80s and 90s tv themes and pop songs, LITERALLY from door-to-door!
We did however stop to sing "We love you Keith!" to Keith Wright, who was coachie for the day.
Nobody joined in, so we just carried on with such musical delights as "Sesame Street", "Fraggle Rock" and "Rainbow"
Here endeth this evening's post!
Laters!
Tuesday, July 06, 2004
Gospel Arts Weekend
This weekend saw the long awaited arrival of the Gospel Arts Festival at the Royal Albert Hall. We set off from home, went for a meal at a fab restaurant in Trocadero (which I can heartily recommend, its called OnAnon and does lunch up until 5pm, and it only costs £3 each.)
We then wended our way to the RAH and met Paul S in full ISB regalia (including tunic and cap!)
There were loads of familiar faces, including my mate General Gowans (who I saw twice!), as well as a few I didn't know.
One of the former, Miss Z Elliot, recounted an amusing tale about me and my shorts at Music School 2002. That was great, of course!
The concert itself was great, though a bit long. Joy Webb got the Order of the Founder, and the guy sat next to me gave her a standing ovation (though he was the only one who did)
The ISB and ISS were great, and they both filled their allotted time well (!)
The Troops and their marching was interesting, and the TYB had a pretty good go at "Faith Reborn", the musical tribute to the Seoul Boys Band.
On the journey home, I was assaulted by 2 drunken Spurs fans!
Well, not really assaulted, but they did open the toilet door on the train while I was in there.
On a side issue, read Dan Brown's "The Da Vinci Code" 'cause it's a brilliant read.
I want to finish with a joke, but I can't think of any good ones.
So
Why did the hedgehog cross the road?
To see his flat mate!!!
We then wended our way to the RAH and met Paul S in full ISB regalia (including tunic and cap!)
There were loads of familiar faces, including my mate General Gowans (who I saw twice!), as well as a few I didn't know.
One of the former, Miss Z Elliot, recounted an amusing tale about me and my shorts at Music School 2002. That was great, of course!
The concert itself was great, though a bit long. Joy Webb got the Order of the Founder, and the guy sat next to me gave her a standing ovation (though he was the only one who did)
The ISB and ISS were great, and they both filled their allotted time well (!)
The Troops and their marching was interesting, and the TYB had a pretty good go at "Faith Reborn", the musical tribute to the Seoul Boys Band.
On the journey home, I was assaulted by 2 drunken Spurs fans!
Well, not really assaulted, but they did open the toilet door on the train while I was in there.
On a side issue, read Dan Brown's "The Da Vinci Code" 'cause it's a brilliant read.
I want to finish with a joke, but I can't think of any good ones.
So
Why did the hedgehog cross the road?
To see his flat mate!!!
Thursday, July 01, 2004
A short one
Henman is rubbish, so are the English rugby side, and the English football team!
So much for a summer of sporting pride!
At least the cricket boys might win a couple of games!
And I want people to comment on here!
Hence I need to start a "completez la phrase"
Tim Henman, English tennis star, could be beaten.....
Add as you wish!
So much for a summer of sporting pride!
At least the cricket boys might win a couple of games!
And I want people to comment on here!
Hence I need to start a "completez la phrase"
Tim Henman, English tennis star, could be beaten.....
Add as you wish!
Monday, June 28, 2004
Various things that need to be put right!
In light of recent events, I feel that there are various issues that need to be addressed.
In a follow up to yesterday's post, it should be noted that it was not a chore to have Richard around for dinner yesterday, it was in fact a privilege to have not only an International Staff Songster, but also an illustrious territorial leader among us. For Richard is responsible for the Scouting (and Cubbing and Beavering) for the Salvation Army in the United Kingdom AND Ireland!
On top of all that he is a thoroughly nice bloke!
(See, now you have no excuse for beating me up on Wednesday!)
And, in a follow up to my post from Wednesday, I again propose a change of name for Tim Henman. I admit he is doing quite well, and is probably not quite as sissy as a hamster or guinea pig. Thus I can only suggest that he be called Terrier Tim. Yes, a little bit nasty, and maybe slightly dangerous, but still not up there with a tiger.
So that's it for the moment , but I might return after Terrier Tim triumphs against Mark Philipoopoo!
In a follow up to yesterday's post, it should be noted that it was not a chore to have Richard around for dinner yesterday, it was in fact a privilege to have not only an International Staff Songster, but also an illustrious territorial leader among us. For Richard is responsible for the Scouting (and Cubbing and Beavering) for the Salvation Army in the United Kingdom AND Ireland!
On top of all that he is a thoroughly nice bloke!
(See, now you have no excuse for beating me up on Wednesday!)
And, in a follow up to my post from Wednesday, I again propose a change of name for Tim Henman. I admit he is doing quite well, and is probably not quite as sissy as a hamster or guinea pig. Thus I can only suggest that he be called Terrier Tim. Yes, a little bit nasty, and maybe slightly dangerous, but still not up there with a tiger.
So that's it for the moment , but I might return after Terrier Tim triumphs against Mark Philipoopoo!
Sunday, June 27, 2004
Fun Events of this Weekend
This weekend has been fairly eventful, with the amusing and/or notable bits starting on Thursday afternoon.
When I got out of Chelmsford rail station, who did I see but the YP Bandleader. Though there was something a little different about him. He was looking slightly more gifted in the nose department than I remember, for he had been at a Jewish wedding and, in wearing a skull cap (or yarmulke), had accepted the Semitic ways.
I supposed I should have expected it, with him being called David.
Therefore DTW should be renamed to David Dov Ben-Paul Wrightenstein.
(ed. David is, of course, the name of a Jewish king and Dov is Hebrew for bear (in honour of Dave's work hat)
Anyway!
Friday was a normal dull day at THQ, though I had a driving lesson, and shocked my instructor because I could do complex driving maneuvers in my "first" lesson.
By complex I mean moving off, changing gear, and the age-old left-hand reverse. Complex for a learner I guess.
Saturday was unproductive, especially as a result of my trip to Burtons Chelmsford. Evidently the only pair of the trousers I wanted left in the world are the ones that I took back for being too big!
I managed to sneak a quick peek at the private bit of the wedding, before tearing it up Longmead Avenue and nearly collapsing at the end.
After "freshening up" I went off to the wedding reception.
When I saw the blushing bride, who I am sure will agree can be described as being slightly unsubtle, I was greeted in a way you wouldn't expected to be greeted on a girl's wedding day! (I think it was "Hello Sexpot", but there may have been another term of endearment in there!)
Jo the bridesmaid (who felt like the best man and was looking beautiful) dragged me to the dance floor, where I would have looked stupid had Richard not been dragged up too!
Jo claimed that she only had 2 slow dances with me because I was rubbish the first time, but we both knew it was because I was the only handsome guy there!
Once Mr and Mrs Lewis were on their way, Lou (on her second trip to the reception) and I went for a drink in the village pub and talked about various people we knew.
Sunday was not quite as exciting, but we had Richard Mc I over for dinner. (We sure know how to have fun!)
Now I am off to bed, as I have to be up for work again tomorrow.
When I got out of Chelmsford rail station, who did I see but the YP Bandleader. Though there was something a little different about him. He was looking slightly more gifted in the nose department than I remember, for he had been at a Jewish wedding and, in wearing a skull cap (or yarmulke), had accepted the Semitic ways.
I supposed I should have expected it, with him being called David.
Therefore DTW should be renamed to David Dov Ben-Paul Wrightenstein.
(ed. David is, of course, the name of a Jewish king and Dov is Hebrew for bear (in honour of Dave's work hat)
Anyway!
Friday was a normal dull day at THQ, though I had a driving lesson, and shocked my instructor because I could do complex driving maneuvers in my "first" lesson.
By complex I mean moving off, changing gear, and the age-old left-hand reverse. Complex for a learner I guess.
Saturday was unproductive, especially as a result of my trip to Burtons Chelmsford. Evidently the only pair of the trousers I wanted left in the world are the ones that I took back for being too big!
I managed to sneak a quick peek at the private bit of the wedding, before tearing it up Longmead Avenue and nearly collapsing at the end.
After "freshening up" I went off to the wedding reception.
When I saw the blushing bride, who I am sure will agree can be described as being slightly unsubtle, I was greeted in a way you wouldn't expected to be greeted on a girl's wedding day! (I think it was "Hello Sexpot", but there may have been another term of endearment in there!)
Jo the bridesmaid (who felt like the best man and was looking beautiful) dragged me to the dance floor, where I would have looked stupid had Richard not been dragged up too!
Jo claimed that she only had 2 slow dances with me because I was rubbish the first time, but we both knew it was because I was the only handsome guy there!
Once Mr and Mrs Lewis were on their way, Lou (on her second trip to the reception) and I went for a drink in the village pub and talked about various people we knew.
Sunday was not quite as exciting, but we had Richard Mc I over for dinner. (We sure know how to have fun!)
Now I am off to bed, as I have to be up for work again tomorrow.
Wednesday, June 23, 2004
Wimbledon 2004
I know this is supposed to be a place for funnies, but I need a rant!
Why is it that while England are playing in Euro 2004, their best chance of winning a tournament in the past 20 years or so, "Neighbours" continues as normal, at 5.35 pm on either BBC1 or BBC2?
Yet when Wimbledon arrives, and it inevitably rains, they cancel "Neighbours" on both channels, in order to show a replay of Cliff Richard singing, or a 1974 match between two people we don't really care about! (By the way, 1974 was the last time there was any live play at Wimbledon!)
To top it all off, there will be a huge hype before "Tiger" Tim Henman's next match, when he will no doubt lose to some Eastern European blind dwarf with a limp. And why is he called "Tiger"?
Tigers are fierce, quick-witted, and deadly.
Henman isn't.
Thus, we should rename Tiger Tim to Guinea Pig Tim, or Hamster Tim, or some other fluffy and purposeless animal.
Rant over!
Why is it that while England are playing in Euro 2004, their best chance of winning a tournament in the past 20 years or so, "Neighbours" continues as normal, at 5.35 pm on either BBC1 or BBC2?
Yet when Wimbledon arrives, and it inevitably rains, they cancel "Neighbours" on both channels, in order to show a replay of Cliff Richard singing, or a 1974 match between two people we don't really care about! (By the way, 1974 was the last time there was any live play at Wimbledon!)
To top it all off, there will be a huge hype before "Tiger" Tim Henman's next match, when he will no doubt lose to some Eastern European blind dwarf with a limp. And why is he called "Tiger"?
Tigers are fierce, quick-witted, and deadly.
Henman isn't.
Thus, we should rename Tiger Tim to Guinea Pig Tim, or Hamster Tim, or some other fluffy and purposeless animal.
Rant over!
Tuesday, June 22, 2004
surreal meetings
I was just minding my own business at work today, when I sensed that someone was behind me. When I turned round, I was greeted by a familiar but somewhat unexpected face.
Yes, it was half of Gowans and Larsson
General John Gowans
That makes both of them I have seen!
(I met General John Larsson in the toilets of the Royal Albert Hall at Gospel Arts last year!)
Two generals in a year!
How I wish they did a Panini sticker set! I would be storming through it!
Yes, it was half of Gowans and Larsson
General John Gowans
That makes both of them I have seen!
(I met General John Larsson in the toilets of the Royal Albert Hall at Gospel Arts last year!)
Two generals in a year!
How I wish they did a Panini sticker set! I would be storming through it!
Monday, June 21, 2004
Hastings - Rink Band pt 2
So we did the festival, and packed up and left.
Andy and I made our way to the car park, in preparation for the drive back to Essex.
What ensued can only be described as a living comedy
Andy "This is the door I came out of"
This door is locked
Andy "Oh! We'll try the next one!"
Also locked
Tim "Let's walk round and have a look!
All doors and shutters are decidedly shut and locked
Andy "Oh!"
Tim "Let's go and see in the control room"
Brief pause as the security man notices us
Security Man "I can let you out, if I can find a key for this door, oh, and there is a £10 charge too"
Another wait as he finds the key, and we scrape together ten quid to give to the "nice" man
So, after a long day, a big concert and a prolonged wait in Hastings town centre, we got on our way!
Happy days!
By the way, England have just trounced the Croatians! 4-2!
Andy and I made our way to the car park, in preparation for the drive back to Essex.
What ensued can only be described as a living comedy
Andy "This is the door I came out of"
This door is locked
Andy "Oh! We'll try the next one!"
Also locked
Tim "Let's walk round and have a look!
All doors and shutters are decidedly shut and locked
Andy "Oh!"
Tim "Let's go and see in the control room"
Brief pause as the security man notices us
Security Man "I can let you out, if I can find a key for this door, oh, and there is a £10 charge too"
Another wait as he finds the key, and we scrape together ten quid to give to the "nice" man
So, after a long day, a big concert and a prolonged wait in Hastings town centre, we got on our way!
Happy days!
By the way, England have just trounced the Croatians! 4-2!
Hastings - Rink Band
This week I have mainly been at Hastings with Regent Hall Band, but also at home with my mum (yes, it was Father's Day, no, I didn't get him a card!)
The weekend got off to an eventful start when I arrived at the hall to load the van with no keys, no van and no help. To add to this, I had a huge list of stuff to take for other people. You know who you are!
When the van and Norman arrived, we loaded up almost everything from the band library, including all the stuff we didn't need. We then set off out of London, in a very roundabout way, before getting to the A12 at Hackney and heading back into London. At this point I was despairing, so went to sleep.
The tale continued as I awoke to find we were about 6 inches from the back of the next car, and travelling at a fair pace.
We then trundled along in towards Hastings, with Norman bemoaning every bit of roadworks and every corner (but still not slowing down any.)
The concert itself was well received, and the food was good.
What followed the festival was what will no doubt amuse the band greatly
Details to follow after England beat Croatia (hopefully!)
The weekend got off to an eventful start when I arrived at the hall to load the van with no keys, no van and no help. To add to this, I had a huge list of stuff to take for other people. You know who you are!
When the van and Norman arrived, we loaded up almost everything from the band library, including all the stuff we didn't need. We then set off out of London, in a very roundabout way, before getting to the A12 at Hackney and heading back into London. At this point I was despairing, so went to sleep.
The tale continued as I awoke to find we were about 6 inches from the back of the next car, and travelling at a fair pace.
We then trundled along in towards Hastings, with Norman bemoaning every bit of roadworks and every corner (but still not slowing down any.)
The concert itself was well received, and the food was good.
What followed the festival was what will no doubt amuse the band greatly
Details to follow after England beat Croatia (hopefully!)
Sunday, June 20, 2004
Amusing places close to you
Rude-ish Place names!
Thanks to Richard M for showing me this site! (If you read the Metro newspaper, this will interest you)
Thanks to Richard M for showing me this site! (If you read the Metro newspaper, this will interest you)
Welcome to the Magic Musings
Well, here we have it! Timmy Magic's first blog ever!
Hopefully this will be a place to recount amusing tales of the things that go on in my life and surroundings! Please share in the fun!
Hopefully this will be a place to recount amusing tales of the things that go on in my life and surroundings! Please share in the fun!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
