Demolishing Dead Ends?

Again barely anything worth commenting on.

I filled out yet another BBC work experience form although I haven't submitted it yet due to actually finding time to listen to the programme I want to be working on.

I could carry on trying for a fucking decade for all I know.

Nothing else planned for tomorrow really, apart from modifying the application form and buying the Radio Times.

And plenty more of the three "Rs" writing, reminiscing and rummaging.

It will all be over by November time I'm certain.

The Last Visits To The Disposal Chamber

I'm barely in a happy mood tonight, fearing the worst about potential circumstances and that others back in London are a lot happier than I am.

It's possibly an overstatement but I blew things completely by not being open enough to other interests and areas of radio when an offer for a placement came up and am realising that I really am worthless if it comes to anything in the long term.

I can't really say anything that hasn't been said before on my blog, so despite it being an overused saying, laughter is the best medicine.

Later tonight I plan to make a start on re-viewing the final series of Room 101 from 2007 starting off with Cilla Black nominating a list of potential choices for the disposal pit.

Oddly enough the former Blind Date host was nominated herself in the first ever show, or to be more specific Bob Monkhouse wanted to put "Cilla Black singing" in there.

Nick Hancock however wouldn't allow it in.

I'm still rummaging through audio where I'm up to January 07 around the time this series of Room 101 started, although when I've finished I may revisit some of the funniest episodes, mainly from the first two series such as Ian Hislop wanting to get rid of Postman Pat.

Even in the hardest of times, it is impossible to go into escapism even just for a half an hour by having a good laugh at such television comedy.

I'd say it works better for me than music in these circumstances.

More Saturday Stand Outs

The second X-Factor was pretty good, not as exciting as the first show but there were a couple of acts on the show who deserve to go into the final 10 in my eyes.

One of them being the best group I have seen on the show by a long shot, even better than Same Difference.

"Miss Fitz" made up of three rather everyday good looking girls provided a surprise close-harmony swing rendition of Britney Spears' "Toxic" and I was instantly impressed.

One of the girls appeared in the 2006 series just losing out at the judges home stages and at first I thought "they rejected her in favour of Leona?".
After seeing them perform I then felt the same way as I did about Alexandra last year, because as part of this superb girl group they could take things to the next level with a hint of the past.

With them, Rozelle from Trinidad, and the afro guy who sang "Sex On Fire", they should join Stacey and Danyl in the hopeful final 10 and already that's a cracking line up.

It could be the first series where I genuinely like those who end up in the final if it goes the way I hope it does.

I'll watch the ITV2 show tomorrow afternoon when it's repeated, although I did see the second episode of the Cube, memorable tonight for the first contestant undertaking one of the challenges in his pants.

I'm still really liking the show and it's definitely my favourite gameshow shown on television this year.

I suppose the question is, would I have liked it as much if Justin Lee-Collins hosted it as orginally planned?

Saturdays will remain solid viewing time for the next few weeks at least.

"I Fuckin' Hate Him, He's A Prick, He's A Twat" (Noel On Liam)

I bet I'm not going to go down well in anyone's favour but the news that Oasis may be kaput after Noel Gallagher's departure has resulted in relief of the possible end in my opinion of one of the most overrated bands to infest the last decade and a half.

To be fair though, Noel was the more talented one and sensible one at that who performed some of my preferred tunes including "Sunday Morning Call", "D'ya Wanna Be A Spaceman" which was one of the B-sides, and "Little By Little".

Whereas Liam was always a wanker from the beginning with an early appearance on Top Of The Pops being one example when during rehearsals Bruno Brookes introduced them as "one of Britain's top new indie bands" to which Liam responded, "We're not a fuckin' indie band, we're a rock 'n' roll band".

Bruno then adapted that in some way or other into the introduction when shown on telly.

Noel's more than capable as a solo artist anyway but I'd wish certain people would get over it saying that it's "The worst day of my life".

Then again, how would I react if Bluey or Joey Negro decided to call time on their musical careers?

I'd probably manage if it was the case of the latter as there's tons of earlier stuff on Traxsource that I've heard snippets of but yet to download that sounds good.

Overall, with regards to the Gallaghers, it's proof that they're not "gonna live forever".

The New "Old" Amy?

I really doubt there's anything worth of interest writing about.

Everything seems to be going steadily and it's only really this weekend when things will get exciting with the usual helping of PY and Robbie Vincent on Jazz FM, and the second episode of The X Factor.

I've still been warming to Stacey Solomon I have to admit, even if she bursts into one too many fits of giggles in interviews, but it's a lot better than having no personality at all.

I still haven't heard Alexandra Burke interviewed on The Chris Moyles Show earlier this week as I've heard she was really good on there, even if the response to her new single has been mixed.
Having said that, I haven't heard the single yet either.

Anyway Stacey, and having found a Youtube video of her GMTV interview, one or two people have suggested she maybe Jewish.

There's certainly a few hints as her face and voice reminds me of Amy Winehouse in her "Frank" period, and that Stacey used to work in a fish and chip shop which is also relevant considering the "delicacy" was thought up by Jewish people.

That's according to fellow Westminster students Sophie Clipsham and Spike Godding.

A few derogatory comments I made about Reeves And Mortimer didn't go down well on Facebook earlier but to be fair I've come to the conclusion that it is rather crass of me to refer to the bespectacled one as "Prick Reeves".

I reckon a more appropriate nickname would be c**t.

"Can You Do That Again?, I Made That Crap" (John Prescott)

Once again, today's been very much run of the mill although TV-wise it was pretty good this evening.

Starting off of course with Mock The Week where one of the guests Sean Walsh appeared to look and sound like a real life Paul Calf. He wasn't too bad although it would be easy to suggest that his act represented Paul Calf's catchphrase.

Frankie Boyle had finally shaved although there was quite a bit of stubble on a few of the other panellists including Russell Howard and guest Fred Macaulay.

Once again, I won't give away any of the jokes although the suggestions for this week's "Scenes We'd Like To See" relating to work were hilarious.

Straight after that was "The Funny Side Of Live TV" which featured interviews with Tony Blackburn, Mike Read, Paul Coia, Gaby Roslin, Emma Forbes and Nick Ferrari amongst others.

This traced the history of live television from Nationwide, to Noels House Party and even featuring the infamous venture "L!VE TV" as developed by Janet Street-Porter in the mid 90s to much humiliation. And it gave us Richard Bacon.

Quite a lot of clips were ones I hadn't seen before including plenty from the Late Late Breakfast Show, and the cooking spots on Going Live! where I can now understand why Phillip Schofield got hysterical after holding a metal tin that was "meant to be hot";

"Ooh, it's just come out of the oven!"

My favourite clip was one that's been shown a few times involving Alistair Yates on BBC World struggling with an autocue and swiftly moving onto the next story;
"I'm sorry but this story's absolute.... nonsense, Right.."

It was also good to see footage of Richard Bath on London Plus in the late 80s who I can vaguely remember although when it became Newsroom South East he switched to reading the overnight ITN bulletins.

Overall the programme was a reminder of why I developed and interest in television and radio, and wanting to have a go at the latter myself.

To mixed results of course.

Good Night.

You Have Been Axed! Please Leave The Channel 4 Schedule!

The biggest TV related story currently has to be the announcement that Big Brother will be disapearing from Channel 4 after the next series in 2010.
I have not managed to find anyone on Facebook who is gutted about the decision to drop the show and even ITV, Channel 5, and Sky have backed out of bidding for rights.

The bad news for me anyway is that Mum and Dad may plan to watch the final series and their may be a bit more hype this time round.
I really hope they take Frankie Boyle's suggestion for improving it next series.

Tonight however sees the return of a series that should never have been brought back from the dead full stop, Shooting Stars hosted as ever by
Prick Reeves and Knob Mortimer.

Even an appearance from Christine Bleakley can't tempt me into viewing the laugh free show, and from what I've heard Paddy Considine's also making an apperance.

Which needs nicely onto the fact that Shane Meadows has been commisioned to write a 4 part serial drama set four years after This Is England which I'm really looking forward to.

I'm surprised that Shane's never made a TV drama before as a lot of his pictures could be passed off as one off dramas and look as if they were made for television to start off with which for me isn't a bad thing.

Channel 4 really seem to be going places. Now if they spend less money on Ugly Betty, I'll be a happy man.

Less Than Heavy Helpings

Another new blog from a fellow Westminster radio student has made it online, this one from Caroline Opacic and it's a rather interesting insight into eating and cooking habits.

I fully understand how we should be careful over how much meat and fish we should consume although it's practically impossible for me to go through a day without having one main meal with anything meaty in it.

With regards to waste, it tends more to be a case of pulse products such of rice and pasta that fall into that category more although luckily there's a poster in one of our kitchen shelves showing the correct measurements for helpings of both from 2-4 people.

It's definitely been beneficial since although I'd love the challenge of cooking something similar for more than that amount with the honestly unlikely possibility of having several people from University for a visit here.

That really would be a task.

The British Balls-Up Corporation

Another finding I've been waiting to see for goodness knows how long.
Well almost.

The first ever episode of Auntie's Bloomers from December 1991 hosted as ever by Terry Wogan, although there are a few differences notably the opening titles which were only used for the first two shows and that it was produced by Celador, where as you'll see, one of its owners was more than happy for clips of him to be included from The Detectives.

You have to remember that it was the first time the BBC had a special programme devoted to its own foul ups as opposed to the many offerings from Noel Edmonds such as his Golden Eggs, and Clown Court featured on his
Late Late Breakfast Show, and Saturday Roadshow respectively.

Quite a lot of these have been shown on television many times since including Robert Harris's encounter with Mrs Thatcher, Gordon the Gopher being attacked by a puppy, and one of my favourites involving Guy Michelmore making a spill just seconds before a live trail.

However there was no better man for the job than Terry Wogan, and even now he could show Anne Robinson a thing or two.

Especially if Dara O'Briain's comments on Mock The Week last Thursday were anything to go by.

Far From 1 Dimensional

It's been back to normal in the last day or so with rummaging and writing still being the main occupance. I did manage to see the first episode of Phillip Schofield's new series "The Cube" from this weekend and it's not too bad a show.

Charlie Brooker in the Guardian this weekend suggested that it looked similar to a game on the Nintendo Wii and visually it matches the description although I suppose that was the overall intention.

It's certainly evident through the on screen graphics, the drones throughout the game itself and the deep flanged voice that goes "8 Lives Remaining!" or whatever number of lives are left when a contestant fails an attempt at succeeding the many physical tasks that may look easy when seen in demonstration, but when attempted by hand aren't so simple.

The Schofe helps to make it entertaining by not being too overdramatic himself, and I actually found myself really liking the contestants.
It looks as if ITV have finally found him a vehicle for Phillip on his own that works with the first show getting a respectable 5 and a half million viewers.

The show happens to be produced by Andrew O'Connor's Objective who are the same people behind Peep Show and Star Stories on Channel 4, and although it's a completely different show, it proves that the former host of "Talkabout", and the family version of Catchphrase can do no wrong.

It's going to be quite a tough decision on Saturdays deciding whether to view Phillip on ITV1, or his future This Morning co-host on ITV2.
Then again there is ITV2+1.

The Series Six Factor

Straight after Robbie Vincent, I watched the repeat of last night's X Factor and what a start.

The usual traits are there including the lorries, the constant fades to black between shots, and Peter Dixon, but the addition of an audience in the auditions has done nothing to spoil the programme whatsoever.

Unlike Britain's Got Talent, the audience won't boo an act unless they get arsey with the judges, and rather surprisingly a lot of them end up cheering some of Simon's comments. Although that's been the case for quite a while now.

The acts on stage don't get buzzed either as they know when to stop when Simon raises his arm asking for the music to be faded out.

And that's another new addition as some of the acts perform to an instrumental track which manages to work for the right and the wrong reasons.

I can remember an interview on This Morning around the time of Pop Idol series 1 when they had a load of the rubbish contestants brought back, and one of them said it would have been nice to have music to perform to, in order to make it easier for them.

However last night's show proved that even with music the really bad auditions find it hard to perform in time as well as in tune.

Throughout the show I was tweeting constantly making snide comments about two overweight women audtioning by saying that The Magic Numbers were appearing on the show.

But where the really bad were bad, the really good were more than just amazing.

I'd say that the two finalists right at the end of the series were found in that first show with the first one being 19 year old mother Stacey from Dagenham.

She had a rather enthusiastic bubbly personality with the common touch but when she started singing her rendition of "What A Wonderful World" (a la Eva Cassidy) she was more than just a superb vocalist.

You don't often get those with a great personality, a brilliant singing voice and sparkling smile. I'd say that if she gets far, Stacey's the next decade's answer to Louise.

It got even better with 27 teacher Danyl from Reading who performed an amazing rendition of the Joe Cocker version of "A Little Help From My Friends". Simon even went as far as saying it was "The best first audition ever" and it could quite possibly be the first deserved victory for someone in the over 25 category.

They even left Steve Brookstein out of a winners VT montage on the ITV2 show so that proves my point.

Speaking of which Holly's back presenting the Xtra Factor with the return of the infamous "Presentiators" feature which this week involved a balloon blowing/bursting contest between her and Dermot. Don't ask.

On a lower note there was a feature half inched from TV Burp in the form of "The Judges Moment Of The Week" which was just a clip of Louis Walsh making a cup of tea in the holding room.

I'm surprised how on Xtra Factor, the really bad auditionees are happy to put themselves up for the amount of stick by taking part in comedy sketches based on their personality traits.

Although one of them was one of the more succesfull contestants, a girl called Marie-Claire who performed a Norah Jones/Jesse Harris song and was told by Simon that "it was like Holly singing" because she bore an uncanny resemblance.

This lead to a sketch were Marie-Claire locked Holly in a storage cupboard tied up and took over her job.

What I'd give to be in that cupboard at the same time...

Overall a really good start to the series and for once in a TV show,
I do like the new direction.

A Weekend Of The Cog And KOKO

This weekend has sped by to the point that I haven't actually blogged since Thursday.

I arrived at St Pancras on Friday evening and met up with Emma who doesn't live too far actually.
Not many people I knew were present but there was enough around to have a good time there and after I brought bottles of WKD blue and mango Breezer I was set.

Emma's friend Mia said that she hadn't actually seen anyone drink Bacardi Breezer for a long time which goes to show that I may suffer if they go bust.

Lucy Brincombe was also there who had travelled from Southampton for the weekend and Steven and Caroline popped over where at that point we went into the garden.

It was good to catch up on things although Steven's still rather against the idea of him attending graduation due to how much it costs. He did suggest however that we must have some sort of piss-up near the time and with the SRAs four days earlier that weekend will be the perfect time to do so.

Emma had her laptop playing all the music off Spotify open to all, where one of the tracks I chose was "Red Lipstick" by Skint And Demoralised.

The record that Moyles championed last month but didn't do too well in the charts, although I shortly came up with new lyrics after the death of Michael Jackson which aren't for the faint hearted;

"#He likes plastic lips
Touching kids
Jesus Juice and trips to the surgeon..."

We got so caught up with talking to about 11pm and we hadn't even headed off to KOKO. Just before midnight Steven and Caroline decided to head back to get the last tube and I was very close to bottling it from KOKO but Emma was being rather speedy about getting everyone to head off so I went ahead.

And it was just as well because not only did we get in free, but Emma had got access to one of the balconys specially for us.

The music playing was basically a mixture of the really big indie hits from the last year such as Ladyhawke, the Ting Tings, and Ida Maria to name a few although by the end of the night they stuck a few old favourites such as Mark Ronson's "Valerie", The Killers "All These Things That I've Done", and a bit of Rage for good measure.

I did get a few photos but my camera's currently charging as I type so I'll stick them on Facebook later.

I slept on the floor of Emma's front room that evening with the sofa occupied by a few of the lads who looked really out of it on my arrival back.

They had gone home by the next morning but I stayed over with Emma and Lucy until around 4:30pm where I headed over to Enbankment to meet up with Stephen where we would get a clipper to the Indig02.

We accidentally got off at Canary Wharf under the impression we had to change when it turned out we didn't need to at all.

It didn't stop us from arriving on time and before the gig itself was a DJ set from Solar Radio's James Anthony, and Fitzroy Da Buzzboy.

The gig itself was spectacular with a string section lead by Simon Hale who did a stunning performance of "Jacobs Ladder" from the 100 Degrees album. They also lent their perfection to "Deep Waters", "Morning Sun" and of course "Everyday".

The vocal line up was amazing with the main vocalists being Tony Momrelle, Joy Rose, Vanessa Hain, and Scotswoman Gail Evans.
And that wasn't all as there were guest appearances from Maysa, Imaani, Bluey's nice who's name escapes me, and the one and only Jocelyn Brown.

Not only did Jocelyn perform the favourite "Always There" but also her own take on "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" as performed with Inner Life in the early 80s. And in the encore Jocelyn and Maysa performed on stage together with the rest of the band on "Nights Over Egypt" which with the strings and Matt Cooper's stunning keyboards was a brilliant way to end the gig.

Stephen was just as impressed with the performance and I look forward to hearing his review on this week's Grooveline on Tuesday. I headed off at around midnight as my feet were quite literally aching but not before having a brief chat with Bluey himself who was signing autographs and merchandise along with his lovely daughter Mao, and I even met his nephew.

We tried to get a photo but my camera's battery had ran out as a result of videoing a few of the performances including the amazing "Jacob's Ladder".

I then got a cab over to the Holiday Inn I was staying at where I left this morning and got the bus over to Holborn and the tube to Victoria.

Now back in Canterbury now where Mum's sister Helen and her husband Richard are staying with us but no ones home as on this rather stunning day they've gone to Broadstairs.

I'm currently listening to Robbie on Jazz FM where it appears they've now brought back hourly news bulletins from Sky back into the show. At least it means they play that amazing news intro on the hour which is still the best news intro on commercial radio by far.

As for the music on the show itself, it's not too bad this week although Robbie's still playing one of the tracks of the latest album by the Rippingtons which I can never understand the hype about as they're well past their best.

But their best still sounds really good as a tune that really works in this weather has to be "Carnival!" from their 1992 "Weekend In Monaco" album.

And as everyone's in Broadstairs I'm doing my own cooking again and plan to do myself a "penne bol" with slightly expensive penne pasta and a few surprise spices.

Once again it's sped by.

Mocking It Up

Things are a bit better now. Emma's said it's still OK to come over and something will be sorted out with my sleeping arrangments for Friday.

Some light amusement was provided with the Mock The Week halfway series compilation where at first I wasn't happy that it was bleeped but it made more sense when they showed the out-takes and if left uncut it would go over the quota of fucks that are allowed in a single show.

The funniest part was when Dara said that he would probably end up on a show such as "Outtake TV" and retorted "Anne Robinson's a c***".

On a slightly lower note, Ricky texted me earlier saying that Ross Goodlass's nan isn't too well and wants me to compile a selection of highlights from Nanogram for the boys to send to her on a CD.

Rather than reply via text I gave him a ring and we caught up over a few things which always seems to work a lot better that way rather than in a club when it's easy for him to get distracted by others.

Seriously though, it's all about Nana Glover, and I plan to basically just put a few memorable rounds on there, including one of the Nan Vs Nan's from the 2006 Bonanza, Joe John's legendary outing on Challenge Nan in May 2007, and the last ever game with Ross T's infamous song devoted to her.

I doubt she reads my blog so it won't spoil the surprise but I'm sure it will be worth it.

Defnitely the most innovative feature on the station by far.

Ruined In Canterbury

Things are getting more complicated ahead of tomorrow.

Emma's asked Steven and Caroline via Facebook if they would be able to let me stay at there's on Friday after KOKO as her own house is packed with too many people staying over.

I'm not sure how it's all going to work out but I'm hoping that either of them will be happy to let me stay over as I haven't booked any hotels for my first night in London.
I'm guessing the other issue is how I will spend my Saturday before heading to the Indig02.

StephenH is planning to watch the Celtic game at a pub in Kilburn before 5 although I'm not too sure what I would want to be doing.

Everyone else I know of is either working or on holiday making impossible to meet up with others and this is really making me feel more weaker and vulnerable about how I spend my weekend in London.

I'm rather worried about it resulting in me not being able to come over at all tomorrow and potentially severing any bonds with others just because I don't live near to them.

That's how I've felt about things and if I'd known in the past that my disability allowance could have covered for work placements, I would have felt more confident about applying and this wouldn't be a problem.

I've spent a lot of time conivinced that certain aims cannot be reached just because of some short minded individuals who think they're better than they actually are.

I know I haven't brought a house myself, I know I haven't had a proper job for three years, but I can't see how any of this could stop me from being different to others.

I may end up "coming out" before too long in terms of me being pathetic and not admitting it.

A possible doctor's appointment may be required

R. Blamires - Fraud Merchant

I wouldn't want to come across as a party pooper this coming Friday but there's a lot of things that I really want to be honest about if I get given the chance before we go to KOKO.

I'm just fed up with everything around me and I'm starting to feel as if I'm a fraud for being put onto the Smoke Radio Hall of Fame alongside Joey, and Sam Gregory as those two have done really well since leaving University and I've managed to achieve fuck all and probably never will.

This probably elaborates on a few earlier posts as I've never managed to get any placements or internships at bigger companies and just don't have what it takes to cut it in terms of filling out A4 sheets of paper with programme ideas.

Because let's face it, I'm certain Radio 2 must have done an Earth Wind and Fire documentary before and when it comes to the sort of technical areas I'm really suited to there's nothing out there in terms of jobs.

If I get accepted into the station at Canterbury Christ Church college as an associate member next month that may be my only hope at doing what I would really like to be involved radio-wise as I hope to get a show sorted similar to the Soul Show I've had at Smoke for four years because admittedly I wouldn't have even gone to University if I hadn't developed a love for JTQ, Incognito and Monday Michiru amongst many others.

Because let's face it, I hate people. I'd rather listen to one of their records than speak to someone one to one.

But there would be a possibilty of putting both together which would be bliss.

That's what's ultimately been a problem in terms of being with others in a working environment and on a long term basis I just wouldn't fit into others and their likes if I had to work with them every single day.

It's an overused saying but reality sucks.

It's only going to get a lot worse and possible outbursts may entail over the following months.
Possibly around the time of graduation.

When anyone walks past the Westminster Radio corridor and look at the shield with the names on the Smoke hall of fame, little will they know that only two thirds of those on their are the true definition.

And possibly many others who will end up on there next year as I must be the only one in my year on the radio course who hasn't managed to do well in terms of an extracurricular radio career.

Maybe things will be better once I have written my "biog" and I will feel better and more confident about trying to get elsewhere.

I may have spent the last four years living a fucking lie.

"Until Next Week, ***k A Jesus!"

Again it hasn't been that a memorable day in terms of things worth blogging. Although outside it has been amazing but I resisted the tempation to go to the nearest beach as all my other visits have seemed anti-climatic.

As always tonight's YHBW was on top form with David Mitchell providing the laughs. Normally as a result of his foul language which is pretty much established as part of his act as he knows how to say it at the right time.

The shows this week included Total Wipeout which divided opinions between Charlie and the panel, but Charlie's point about the amount of times people fall in the water was spot on.

The funniest part had to be a dissection into religious programmes from Stateside with the worst being a shoddy attempt at a superhero known as "Bibleman".
I won't give anything away in case you haven't seen tonight's show but it has to be seen to be believed.

Which you probably won't believe as it's that stupid.

As for tomorrow, pretty much more rummaging and writing, ahead of my visit back over to London on Friday.

Far Better Than Reading/Leeds

I visited the Job Centre and got that done with although as my next scheduled visit happens to fall on a Bank Holiday, it's been moved to the 14th of September so it'll quite a while yet.

My agenda for the weekend is now set as I'll be heading over to London on Friday evening to stop over at Emma's for her birthday do and visit to KOKO where she's got us free entry due to her involvement with the podcast.

It's my first time there as well which I'm looking forward to as well as seeing a few others including Steven and Caroline who will also be going.

Then on Saturday of course it's the Incognito gig at the Indig02 and hopefully I'll meet up with StephenH before the gig for a few drinks and to catch up on things including his recent visit home to Saltcoats.

I am looking forward to coming back it has to be said and despite the summer going more quickly than last year, it feels like a very long time since I last saw everyone.

Having said that, with the Uni calendar still being a load of bollocks, those returning still have until the first week of October when Freshers Week commences.

That's easy for me to say when I don't even know when I'll adapt a money earning routine.

I should have developed basic work and administrative skills long before starting the radio course as my bubble hadn't yet burst before realising that they are just as vital to getting an ideal radio job.

Which isn't too surprising considering the amount of corporate so and sos who have messed up the industry.

That's the fucking future, oh yes.

Warm Eastern Conditions

I've returned from Woodbridge and even though the weather was a lot better than last year, I didn't think this year's visit was as good.

That's not to say it was horrendous, as on Friday night we went to Prezzo's where it was a good job that we booked in advance as it was really full up.
Not surprising considering it's the only Italian restaurant in Woodbridge.

We also had a visit from Jo's sister Alison and her husband Phil who's son Richard had also come specially for the outdoor play of "A Winters Tale" which everyone else except me went to see last night.

Also with them were Jo's younger sister Helen and her husband Big Richard who showed us their photos of their recent visit to Spain.

Whilst they were at the open air play I watched the first of this season's Match Of The Day and although I've had a long dislike for Arsenal, there's no denying how incredible their match against Everton was with a 6-1 victory for the Gunners.

Chelsea also came out tops at home against Hull City with a score of 2-1.

Today was spent going across the river towards the end of the town near the train station that leads to Lowestoft which oddly enough I've never visited despite it being home to many past Undercroft bar staff.

It was nice to visit overall although I'm hoping next weekend will be even better with Incognito at the Indig02.

I've booked a room at a nearby Holiday Inn and I'm pretty much sorted.

Political Party Animals

Last night's Mock The Week was an improvment on the previous show where one of the topics in the final round was "Unlikely Things To Hear On A TV Talent Show"

As expected there were plenty of jokes suggesting that Frankie Boyle was related to Susan Boyle although he was able to respond to it in his usual manner.
And as I normally do each week, one of my favourites had to be this;

"2007's winner Leon Jackson is still selling records. In his Saturday job at HMV Paisley".

Next week is a compilation show which I'm rather confused as to why it's in the middle of the series but hopefully it will be the only one in there.

Straight after that was Clive Anderson's "The Funny Side Of Politics" which wasn't too bad even though there was a lot of reused footage from a 1997 documentary about TV election coverage, and Jeremy Paxman's well renowned interview with Michael Howard.

It was good to see the clip of Edwina Currie getting gunged on Noel's House Party in 1992 especially as she was a Conservative MP back then although her days as a frontbencher were well behind her.

Sadly it was only the beginning of her many TV appearances leading to even more embarrassment than the revelations of her affair with John Major.

Lib Dem MP Lembit Opik was one of the politicians interviewed and I'd completely forgotten that he competed against Edwina as part of "Ant Vs Dec - The Teams" in the last series of Saturday Night Takeaway less than 6 months ago.

Just goes to show how memorable the series was.

Then again the ex boyfriend of Cheeky Girl Gabriella has always seen himself as an entertainer/musician leading to much humiliation.

These days politician's have to rely on humiliation to get themselves noticed in their main "profession", with Boris Johnson being the biggest example who shows no signs of realising what a fool he is which is good news.

As for today I'm heading over to Woodbridge to Granny's house so the blog will be rather quiet for the next couple of days, but it's looking a lot better outside than it did last August so it should be good fun.

Always a delightful place to visit.

Witty Wildlife

This is something I've been waiting a lifetime for, having not been around when Johnny Morris's "Animal Magic" was on our screens.

"Walk On The Wildside" a new BBC 1 series starting on Saturday which involves wildlife footage being given the comedy treatment from the voices of Jason Manford, Rhod Gilbert, Steve Edge and Sarah Millican.

Following a successful pilot in March of this year six episodes follow with guest appearances from Stephen Fry, Rolf Harris, and Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne, and this certainly looks like it will be one of the better and more individual shows broadcast in the Saturday schedule.

It doesn't matter if it's been done before as it's something that hasn't been done on television for a long time and with what looks like a superb cast I'm hoping it does really well.

As for tonight I'm not up to much ahead of tomorrow's journey to Woodbridge apart from the regular appointments of As Seen On TV also with Jason Manford, and of course Mock The Week where Ed Byrne's one of the guests.

Hopefully he won't have to literally fight his way for the microphone in the last round.

Strictly Saturday

I was expecting this to happen but it's been confirmed on Media Guardian that the Strictly Come Dancing results show will be moving back to Saturdays as part of a 90 minute long show with the main contest itself, which is pretty much the same format as Series 1 before they split it into seperate shows from then onwards.

Media Guardian Article

I never really liked the Sunday show as although it gave me something to be occupied with on that night, the fact it was pre-recorded made it feel watered down and I didn't like the idea of the judges vote off.

I'm not sure whether that will remain following the incident towards the end of the last series but the addition of Alesha Dixon to the judges panel is another sign that they are worried about the success of the X Factor rather than celebrating the fact it's one of BBC 1's most watched shows in that timeslot.

The move has been timed well however as The X Factor will be moving it's results show to Sundays and it will be broadcast live which I'm looking forward to just as much to see how it works out.

I doubt I'll be able to warm to the show however as Dermot's lack of presence and ability to adlib, and the overly-staged and formulaic presentation reduces it of any charm whatsoever.

Yet as I've said many times, it's difficult not to carry on watching.

The Inner Self

Tonight's television was covered tonight with two superb but completely different shows.

The first was "The Autistic Me" on BBC Three which focused on three individuals who had the disorder and how they manage to cope with situations that others find easy to get on with such as socialising and developing relationships.

One of them had moved into a boarding school for other people with learning difficulties and you could understand how it got to his mum when she wrote a goodbye card for him, as at long last he could develop independence from home life.

It's too much detail for me to go into having only seen it once, but I'm certain it's on iPlayer and definitely worth the watch if you get a chance.

The second of tonight's offerings was of course episode 6 of "You Have Been Watching" where this week they looked at the different variations of Deal Or No Deal from around the world, and Dog The Bounty Hunter which featured some hilarious references to Lion-O from Thundercats.

My favourite bit had to be near the end when there was another question about Danny Dyer who in a column in Zoo magazine had a whinge over the comments made about him on YHBW three weeks ago and was considering quitting television.

Not that anyone's complaining.

Good Night.

A Concert Of W****rs

Just before tonight's Grooveline on XStream East, I noticed a familiar voice on the programme preceeding it. I wasn't too sure at first but I looked on the website and yes, it was noneother than Lamby, one of the students from my old year on the radio course.

And one of the best as well who was a really good presenter on the live assesed modules and winning the 2007 Graham S Brand prize for her feature on Roof Gardens.

She's now using her real name Sarah Thompson but music-wise her show's not too different with a mix of urban and electro beats that she used to play on her well received show on Smoke, but overall it's good to hear her on air again as despite it being over two years since I last heard her on air, it seems a lot longer.

As soon as she finished I gave her a ring on her mobile and we spent about
5 minutes catching up on how things were getting on.

Her showpage for "The Get Up" can be found here where some of her shows can still be heard and I'll look forward to having a listen pretty soon.
It's good to have her presenting live as well, although for the next couple of weeks she's on holiday in LA. That sounds like the Lamby I remember from Uni, always travelling to very hot locations.

It looks as if my appointment with XStream East on Tuesdays has been given 100% extra.

As for Grooveline itself, this week Stephen mentioned that in a couple of weeks Frank McComb will be performing at Ronnie Scotts for two nights.
One of the acts I've been a fan of throughout University and even before that, although I've never had the chance to see him perform live so I decided to have a look on the website for the club.

However, when browsing there I also found out that Matt Bianco would be playing on the 16th of September and that's an even rarer opportunity to have the band in the UK so I immediatley booked tickets for them.

The band have recently reverted back to the dual lineup of Mark Reilley on vocals with Mark Fisher on keyboards alongside other guest musicians, after an album released 5 years ago with the original band members including vocalist Basia.

More infamous for their apperance on Saturday Superstore where Simon Roberts rang up and called them "a bunch of wankers".

I've heard a couple of tracks from their latest album which haven't really grabbed me as much but I'm hoping that they perform a few of their older tunes from the last couple of decades.

I very much doubt however that "Wap Bam Boogie" will be one of them.

"You Have Got The X Factor. Missing From Your Chromosomes"

Really overcast here in Canterbury but warm enough to have the windows open.

Contrary to an earlier blog post, the new series of the X-Factor actually begins a week on Saturday meaning that I'll miss the first episode due to the Incognito gig at the Indigo2 on the same night.

Not that I'm complaining of course as I know what I'd rather see, although oddly enough, Stephen who will also be going to the gig was considering auditioning for the new series but decided not to in the end.

And if anyone would want me to perform my infamous rendition of "The Ace Of Spades" in front of the judges then that's out of the question as well.

There must be more people who sign up to the show wanting to make a fool of themselves on television rather than have hopes of winning the competition.

Last night when Tony was here I ended up bringing up Jack Dee's joke about the show on Apollo when he said that families just put their kids up for auditioning because they didn't want to tell them themselves "you're shit".

Although it's more likely to be a case of even the parents deluded to think that their tuneless son or daughter is the next huge success story.

Nothing much planned for today apart from reheating a tupaware box of mince from the freezer with penne pasta, and later on before Charlie Brooker,
BBC Three has what looks like an interesting documentary on autistic men.

That's my night covered.

Ambitious Advertising

Olly's friend Tony came over tonight where Dad had made more of his pizzas, and spoke to us about his visit to America tomorrow where he'll eventually be meeting up with Olly.

We also had a chat about his time at Oxford University where one of the former occupants of the room he lived in happened to be Angus Deayton when he studied at Oxford at least 30 years ago around the same time as Rowan Atkinson.

Tony also brought up the comedian Reginald D Hunter which immediately reminded me that the festival tickets have gone on sale to the public and I have booked tickets to see both him, and Stewart Lee when they visit Canterbury in October.

Despite seeing Stewart's erstwhile partner perform many times, I've never seen Stewart perform live on his own before apart from his TV series earlier this year but it will be good to see him in the flesh, only this time without the unfunny sketches in between.

Radio 1 have launched their "controversial" TV campaign which involves the presenters in rather lavish costumes such as Scott Mills dressed as a knight.

Visually they're very impressive but this is Radio 1 it's advertising.

Personally I think it's the equivalent of a brightly coloured parcel, only when you unwrap it, it turns out to be just an empty box.

They've been split into 20 second segments but insider Steven McIntosh mentioned that the 2 minute version was better.

When seeing him respond to a tweet I initially thought he was talking about something I found earlier on iTunes, the extended version of the Pearl And Dean "Asteroid" theme specially arranged in 2006 and available on iTunes.

I've had a listen to it and it's really good although the end note is stretched out rather disappointingly, as opposed to the hard ending that you'd hear in the cinema.

As for Radio 1, one of there longest serving presenters is leaving after 16 years, that being Steve Lamacq although to be honest I don't think it will be noticed as he's got his hands full at 6Music and a Wednesday night show on Radio 2 after Trevor Nelson.

Other schedule changes include Pete Tong and Annie Mac's mash-up swapping slots with possible hints that Pete Tong could be on the way out sooner or later. Well, that's what a lot of people will be thinking.

Even more interesting is that Tim Westwood has been promoted full time to drive on 1Xtra which may see a bit of healthy competition for Scott Mills. The Saturday night show will be carrying on though and I doubt my listening habits will be effected.

Bearing in mind the radio's barely switched on during the day in my room.

A Jazz Holiday

Mum and Dad have gone up to Broadstairs this afternoon for the Folk festival there so I've been left here spending a bit of time outside in the nice weather and up in my room with the windows still wide open.

Although I didn't see the game, Chelsea managed to win 4-1 on penalties after a 2 all draw between Manchester United in the Community Shield. It's pretty much a non-story really even for those who support Chelsea, but the Premiership itself begins next week where we face Hull City.

It will probably be two weeks running that I miss PY and Robbie Vincent's shows on Jazz FM as next week I will be in Woodbridge, and the week after I will be in London for Emma Picton's birthday and the Incognito gig where I won't really have access to a DAB Radio or available internet access.

It doesn't mean I'll be completely absent from the soulful stuff as I'm currently rummaging through a few old editions of Grooveline on Blast 1386 from around this time 3 years ago including the 100th show.

That's something Soul Expression never achieved.

And of course Stephen's back on the radio this Tuesday on XStream East so that should be enjoyable.

The rest of tonight will consist of more classic episodes of South Park including "Something Wal-Mart Comes This Way" which I first saw just weeks after my final shift at ASDA and found rather hilarious from a personal perspective as it laid into the corporation and it's uniformity.

Definitely a programme that's never afraid to touch the most controversial of subjects.

"Dude This Is Pretty F**ked Up Right Here"

It's another bright day here in Canterbury with Sandra C and Robbie Vincent providing the soulful stuff on their respective wireless shows.

Nothing too spectacular this week but then again all the really good stuff tends to come once in a while.

I'm not sure what's planned elsewhere today, further rummaging I guess mainly through a few vintage South Park epsiodes including one of my favourites "Stupid Spoiled Whore Video Playset" from late 2004 ripping the piss into Paris Hilton.

Last night I underwent yet another viewing of probably one of the overall favourites "Christian Rock Hard", again because it tackled an subject matter which I have a dislike for.

Elsewhere good luck to Chelsea against Manchester United in the Community Shield this afternoon. I'd love to be watching it in London ideally in the New Moon just to rip the piss out of Chris if his team lost.

Although it could possibly be a repeat of the Champions League 2007/2008 final.

Another Weekend In Woodbridge

Next weekend I will be heading over to Woodbridge again to see Granny Pip where both her, Mum and Dad, and a few others will be going to see a Shakespeare play on the Saturday.

Like my last visit there it will also coincide with the opening episode of
The X Factor which I'm looking forward in a cynical manner, but it will be nice to visit Woodbridge again and I'm hoping the weather will be on good form.

It will also be a calming warm up to the Incognito gig at the Indigo2 the following weekend which will probably be my favourite gig of the year as there will be a string section performing with the band which hasn't been done since the 25th anniversary gig at the Forum in Kentish Town back in 2004, before I even arrived in London.

It has gone incredibly quickly and I'm hoping that at the Indigo2 we get to hear some new material.
I know the band have been in the studio through the various photo galleries that have been posted on the official website.

In my rummage I'm almost up to Autumn 2006 when their "Bees + Things + Flowers" album was released and has to be my second favourite album throughout my time at University below the Sunburst Band's "Movin' With The Shakers".

9 Pointless Numbers

It's been very overcast and humid throughout today and barely productive as you would expect.

Much excitement took place about 4 hours ago when many people on Facebook where anticipating the arrival of the time being
12:34 and 56 seconds on the 7th of the 8th 09.

Which when you think about it isn't numerically correct when normally writing down the date and time.

This weekend will probably be spent imbursed in more writing and reminiscing through the dreadful summer of 2006 where barely anything happened at all.
Well nothing positive really happened, mainly because of a rather poor holiday to Spain, my laptop breaking down, and everything moving slowly.

However I plan to take regular breaks including on Sunday for Robbie's Jazz FM show as always.

"Anyone Know What This Is?, Class?, Anyone?"

Tonight's Mock The Week was probably one of the weakest in the current series mainly because of the unwelcome return of Hugh Dennis's Newsreel round, and guest Stewart Francis repeating jokes he told on Michael McIntyre's show in the stand-up round.

However an otherwise poor show is normally saved by a hilarious final round where one of this weeks Scenes We'd Like To See was "Bad Things To Say At A Wedding" where one of my favourites was;
"I would like to apologise for the state of my clothes as I spent last night in a skip. Anyway, Dearly Beloved..."

After that was the first in Clive Anderson's "The Funny Side Of" following on from the sucessful News special from Christmas, which this week looked at TV talent shows.
It was very similar in style to Stephen Fry's "Story Of Light Entertainment" from a few years ago but it killed an hour at least despite being more interesting than actually being funny.

Next week however looks at politics so there should be a few more laughs guaranteed.

On a rather sad note there's the news that US film director John Hughes has died of a heart attack.
Quite possibly my favourite American film director responsible for both
The Breakfast Club, and Ferris Bueller's Day Off.

Two films that symbolize the 80s yet still look good in the present day, from one of the best.

1950-2009

More Listeners In Colour?

It's RAJAR day again and whilst there's good news with regards to the national stations getting more listeners, there's even more positive signs for the newer platforms with increased listening figures for Jazz FM, Planet Rock and Fun Kids on DAB.

Radio Today Article

The latter must be having a field day and the fact that the BBC has recently been criticised for not investing in a radio station for children is a perfect example of why they should be celebrating. Definitely one of Matt Deegan's most creative innovations in radio.

Jazz FM has also increased it's listeners once again adding 74,000 listeners to its audience of 482,000 which goes to show that it will be sticking around for quite a while yet.

I'm impressed that it's doing so well considering that on DAB it's not a UK-wide station whereas theJazz did broadcast to the whole country and died on it's backside.

Over here in Canterbury it would make perfect sense for Jazz FM to take over the slot soon to be left by Chill rather than handing it over to Galaxy which I'm not impressed with.
I've been rather scathing about DAB recently but that's because I'm only really talking about how rubbish it is in Kent.

Then again, the radio over here has been far from inspiring for quite a while.

However, I am lucky enough to be living somewhere with Freesat and Broadband.
That's what I really should be grateful for, rather than moaning at Mum and Dad all the time.

"The A.S. Factor"

At the risk of turning into 5 Live's Dotun Adebayo, whenever a story about Asperger's Syndrome comes up in popular culture I have to comment about it, in the same way the Dotun seems to always go on about racial issues.

I'm interested to see how this will be spread out, a contestant with Asperger's appearing on the latest series of the X Factor and the fact that he's managed to do really well explaining to the judges about his condition.

I'm really hoping they don't turn it into another sob story but then again I've learnt to accept the usual premise of "you try and stop us!" whenever the show finds anything they think will tug at the heart.

The choice of song in the audition doesn't really impress me either as there's only so many times you can sing that bloody song made famous by four of the dullest overrated performers, whilst the song is essentially a parody of itself.

The series starts in just over a week or so and it's quite likely I'll be watching as although I tend to give it a bit of stick it's that magnetic.

At least they won't be doing the live shows from the ExCel Centre as the producers have realised that it will be too expensive to move all the camera equipment and adapt it for shooting in the preferred location.

And also taking into account Series 1 of Fame Academy which used a very similar concert stage setup and failed miserably.

I Hate People!

That's what I think is the hard hitting problem that's been troubling me for life.

Not necessarily everyone over the whole scale, but those who I find it difficult to speak for on the sheer basis that they don't like the same things that I do, or find things side splitting that I don't.

Mainly in everyday conversation.

It's mainly my Mum and Dad back at home as in reality they're trying to help but I'm taking it as if they are hassling me to find a proper job and are worried that I may not be trying hard enough.

However I find it difficult to explain that I really want to be getting into radio and the only way in it seems is to search and undergo work placements.

I've never managed to be succesfull at getting a work placement at a radio station, especially in the last few months (sod off Smooth), but my main concern is what would happen if I had a full time job and was lucky enough to get a radio related work placement and end up having to quit over the possibility of them not letting me have a month off or however long the placement lasts, in order to do it.

There's the possiblilty of helping out with CSR FM in Canterbury in my spare time, although I haven't heard back from them yet in response to my show proposal and if there's nothing by the end of August I will be in touch again.

But anyway, this isn't necessarily about finding jobs, it's about getting on with others and saying unneccesary things to them that they don't deserve.

I feel that was the case with my original year on the radio course in some places as I spat out at innapropriate times, but having thought about it further, they did not give me the immense amount of time that those in the year I will be graduating with did, in socialising, and helping me in unsure situations.

Even in the first year I had more conversations on MSN and even meet ups with Tim Pryor, Ashlee, Joey, Pippa ST etc than anyone who was in the year I was studying in.

They all had different interests obviously enough but they took interest in mine and I made an attempt to take interest in theirs.

Some of those who I spent time with weren't even radio students which proved quite a lot.

In writing my "Autobiog" I'm almost up to my final week in the first year in halls around mid May 2006 before the infamous holiday in Spain (again a possible unfair statement) and with Tim back in Devon, and Ashlee travelling Europe
I felt very isolated and that those in my year were elitist if that was the right word and not very approachable unless I understood their sense of humour and their way of doing things.

I'll tell you a positive thing about my hypomania, at least I could quickly respond to people when they spoke to me or left me a message on Facebook and that would have come in very handy in possible interviews.

Suck on that.

"End Of The Shooow!"

Last night's YHBW was pretty good where as expected Reginald D. Hunter provided the most laughs with his dry wit, and Liza Tarbuck looked rather delightful.

Shows "examined" this week included Casualty, an extreme version of Ready Steady Cook from Japan by the name of "Iron Chef", and BBC Three's "Young, Dumb And Living Off Mum".

One of my favourite bits came in the final round when one of the questions asked if anyone could explain the rules of "Goldenballs" and no one buzzed.
When they showed the clip itself it illustrated just how long, strung out and complicated that show is.

Overall this week was entertaining although by 10% it wasn't as good without Frankie Boyle but he's back again on the following programme alongside a return appearance for Frank Skinner which should also be good.

Elsewhere I've stumbled across another cheddar infested cover version from the Hit Factory by none other than Michaela, yes that Michaela and her take on the Edwin Starr classic "H.A.P.P.Y Radio".

Our dynamic duo Goodlass and Marshall used to use the original as their opening record on their show but I've no idea what they would have thought of this.

It would have possibly been the sort of thing I would play in the Bubblegum Soul section of my own show if brave enough.

As for the tune overall, I get the idea that Pete Waterman signed her up under the influence of many games of "Pass The Mic" on The Hitman And Her although thankfully Michaela's music career didn't take off in the same way as her TV presenting career.

The tune itself came out around August 1989 around the same time as Big Fun's more succesful cover of "Blame It On The Boogie" although like that record, I'm not sure if that's actually Ms Strachan singing on it.

Also look closely at the video and how the radio in the opening shot reads
95.8 on the dial.

Back then it would have been a lot more credible and enjoyable to go round London like that.

Brokestone

As planned, I went to Dymchurch although the weather wasn't as good as yesterday and the place itself wasn't really what I remember it being like when I went there many years ago.

I had a potter about before getting the bus back to Folkestone where I decided to have a look around there and it was even more shocking when I saw that the Rotunda, and all the amusements had been knocked down.

I guess that shows how long it has been since I went there although that was back in 2003 when we attempted to shoot exterior scenes for a college project.

It was a nightmare due to individuals pissing about and being negligent to continuity errors and also difficult because I'd just started at ASDA making me feel even more unmotivated.

6 years onwards the only building that was still there in the Marine Parade area was Club Indigo or as I used to know it "La Parissiene" from the days when they would broadcast live for an hour every Saturday night on Neptune Radio.

KMFM nowadays would benefit from something like that as it sounded good on air at the time, and would add something extra to the Dance Show on Saturdays which lasts a record 6 hours.

I'm back safely in Canterbury, where the plan for tonight is to finish last nights slightly spicy lamb stew with expensive but delicious fusilli pasta, and later on there's Charlie Brooker's "You Have Been Watching" which even without Frankie Boyle looks set to be a good one.

This weeks guests are Martin Freeman, Liza Tarbuck, and best of all Reginald D Hunter. I haven't seen Liza on television for a long while although she's currently standing in for Jonathan Ross's radio show alongside Huey Morgan, and she has one of the dirtiest laughs so hopefully Charlie's gags will result in hearing said laugh.

Apart from Mock The Week, it's probably my only "must-watch" programme on TV at present.

Non Negotiable As Ever

Barely anything's happened today although it's not been too bad outside.

I may even eat afresco tonight with a delicious lamb stew with expensive penne pasta which I really am looking forward too in an unusual manner.

The Job Centre visit went well although I also got a phone call from one of the places I applied for a temporary position in the Autumn. However it probably won't be going further after I explained that I would need the first week of November off for graduation.

I guess I'll keep on searching.

Hopefully tomorrow I'll be beach bound if it still looks as good as this, although temperature wise it's slightly more moderate.

Aside from that it's still empty, save for a Start menu full of Word documents.

Speedily Into August

Mum and Dad have gone up to Yorkshire where they'll be until Wednesday and it's just me here.

If I had found out earlier I could have sorted out some sort of booze-up here and those from London could have booked off time to attend.
Not to worry though, there's a few birthday dos this month, notably Emma's which should be taking place the night before the Incognito gig which I'm looking forward to a lot as you'd expect.

As for the next few days, Tuesday's meant to be the best out of all of them so I may spend it in a seaside town where I haven't been to for almost exactly a decade, that being Dymchurch which is probably the closest we've got to Skeggy in this county so if it's as good as I remember it being (very vaguley) it could be an idea place for a Uni reunion.

Well second to Brighton in terms of an all dayer.

As for tomorrow, there's a visit to the Job Centre and more writing I guess.

It may explain why the posts on the blog are becoming less regular as I'm putting a lot more into something that will only be seen by a chosen few but will get a few things off my chest and hopefully dispelled for a long time.

The Brummie Weds!

Still rummaging through various stuff from Spring 2006, a lot of it coming from Josie and Ross's Punk Show on Smoke Radio where oblivious to punk Ross got a lot of ribbing from the Brummie babe.

It comes in quite nicely time wise as today Josie is getting married in her home town of Birmingham where Ross is the man of honour.

I had a gander at is video post where as expected he was nervous suggesting that he would look like a "bell boy".

I know where I could go with that...

Mum and Dad are going away tomorrow for their "holiday" for three days in York, stopping off to see Grandma at her nursing home in Haworth.

I haven't seen my Dad's mum for 3 years since her husband died in October 2006 which was a rather swift journey to and back from London to Yorkshire, although I had no idea that it would be my last visit to her house.

That means I've got to sort out my own meals and am rather full up from the remains of the mince with penne pasta I had earlier.

I may end up making something extra meaty tomorrow possibly with some easy cook rice as the basmati rice we've got at the moment is rather dry.

There's also another visit to the Job Centre on Monday to sign on which should hopefully go OK without any flaws although I'm sure there's always a trap door waiting in all places.