I was lucky last week to meet a hero of mine.
Former Middlesbrough and Northern Ireland goalkeeper, Jim Platt.
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Kostroma Town Hall April 2013
I love flags, here I am in Kostroma Town Hall during the visit to Russia.
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Modern English Writers
If we look at modern English writers, it is difficult to know where to start.
However, I will start with my Dad's era, he was born in 1926.
Therefore he would have read, Enid Blyton as a child, he would have known about the Famous Five and Noddy. He would have also read the Wizard of Oz written by L.Frank Baum.
Most of his friends would have read Biggles written by W.C. Johns. At school , texts and readers would include, Dick and Jane, by William S. Gray and Zena Sharp.
Looking at my own childhood , I read books such as, A Kestrel for a Knave, written by Barry Hines.
We studied 'Animal Farm' by George Orwell and 1984 by the same author.
A really big influence on my reading and that of my brothers had to be comics. We bought hundreds of them, Batman, Superman, Spideman, Captain America, to name but a few.
I also read Tolkien, the Hobbit was a favourite and it is now a major film, along with the Lord of the Rings trilogy.
I like to read books by Charles Dickens and I would say that one of my favourite books and films of all time is, Greatest Expectations.
We also read and watched stories such as Bram Stoker's Dracula, this frightened the life out of me, but we would always watch the Frankenstein movies from behind the chair!
Books such as the Railway children by Edith Nesbit and My friend Flicker by Mary O'Hara were also very popular.
As a teenager, the diaries of Adrian Mole written by Sue Townsend was very popular and still is!
I have recently revisited some of my favourite books of all time and they include the timeless, Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stephenson . This story of pirates has of course become very popular today because of Captain Jack Sparrow and the Porates of the Caribbean with Jonny Depp.
I have also recently read Moby Dick by Melville, this is quite a difficult book, but well worth the effort!
Today's writers are as famous as Dickens, J.K.Rowling and her Harry Potter books are known throughout the world and rightly so! They are wonderful stories, timeless and I am sure will become classics in their own right!
So what about today's writers?
The Boy in the striped trousers written by John Boyne is a very important text that is being read by young people as a text for study.
Twighlight by Stephenie Meyer is a huge hit both as a film and a text. It seems to have folowed in the footsteps of the class Dracula stories.
The Hunger games by Suzanne Collins is also typical of the trending idea of turning the book into a film and then a computer game.
The Life of Pi by Yanni Martel is without doubt one of my favourite books of all time along with the thought provoking The Curious Incident of the dog in the Night by Mark Haddon.
Kostroma April 11th. 2013
However, I will start with my Dad's era, he was born in 1926.
Therefore he would have read, Enid Blyton as a child, he would have known about the Famous Five and Noddy. He would have also read the Wizard of Oz written by L.Frank Baum.
Most of his friends would have read Biggles written by W.C. Johns. At school , texts and readers would include, Dick and Jane, by William S. Gray and Zena Sharp.
Looking at my own childhood , I read books such as, A Kestrel for a Knave, written by Barry Hines.
We studied 'Animal Farm' by George Orwell and 1984 by the same author.
A really big influence on my reading and that of my brothers had to be comics. We bought hundreds of them, Batman, Superman, Spideman, Captain America, to name but a few.
I also read Tolkien, the Hobbit was a favourite and it is now a major film, along with the Lord of the Rings trilogy.
I like to read books by Charles Dickens and I would say that one of my favourite books and films of all time is, Greatest Expectations.
We also read and watched stories such as Bram Stoker's Dracula, this frightened the life out of me, but we would always watch the Frankenstein movies from behind the chair!
Books such as the Railway children by Edith Nesbit and My friend Flicker by Mary O'Hara were also very popular.
As a teenager, the diaries of Adrian Mole written by Sue Townsend was very popular and still is!
I have recently revisited some of my favourite books of all time and they include the timeless, Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stephenson . This story of pirates has of course become very popular today because of Captain Jack Sparrow and the Porates of the Caribbean with Jonny Depp.
I have also recently read Moby Dick by Melville, this is quite a difficult book, but well worth the effort!
Today's writers are as famous as Dickens, J.K.Rowling and her Harry Potter books are known throughout the world and rightly so! They are wonderful stories, timeless and I am sure will become classics in their own right!
So what about today's writers?
The Boy in the striped trousers written by John Boyne is a very important text that is being read by young people as a text for study.
Twighlight by Stephenie Meyer is a huge hit both as a film and a text. It seems to have folowed in the footsteps of the class Dracula stories.
The Hunger games by Suzanne Collins is also typical of the trending idea of turning the book into a film and then a computer game.
The Life of Pi by Yanni Martel is without doubt one of my favourite books of all time along with the thought provoking The Curious Incident of the dog in the Night by Mark Haddon.
Kostroma April 11th. 2013
Friday, April 05, 2013
50 books to read .
Time to reflect on my reading again.
I have been reading some Russian novels. I have joined a reading group in Guisborough, which is for Russian literature.
We have read books about Catherine the Great, a really good story called 'the Concert Ticket' the writer is called Olga Grushin, which reflects the times in Soviet Russia when people queued for anything and everything.
Fascinating!
Recently I have read some poetry by Ann Akhmatova, this was translated into English, I would prefer to understand her work in its original language Russian, maybe one day!
I have also read the last book written by Solzhenitsin 'Apricot Jam'.
At the moment I am reading a book called 'Happiness is Possible' . This is written by, Oleg Zaionchkovsky and is about life in Moscow.
Report to come!
I have been reading some Russian novels. I have joined a reading group in Guisborough, which is for Russian literature.
We have read books about Catherine the Great, a really good story called 'the Concert Ticket' the writer is called Olga Grushin, which reflects the times in Soviet Russia when people queued for anything and everything.
Fascinating!
Recently I have read some poetry by Ann Akhmatova, this was translated into English, I would prefer to understand her work in its original language Russian, maybe one day!
I have also read the last book written by Solzhenitsin 'Apricot Jam'.
At the moment I am reading a book called 'Happiness is Possible' . This is written by, Oleg Zaionchkovsky and is about life in Moscow.
Report to come!
Kostroma April 2013
Here I am again in Russia!
I sometimes have to shake my head to make it clear that I am here again!
We arrived in Kostroma late Wednesday night after a long journey starting at 3:30
am from home.
I am staying again with my Russian family, Max, Larissa and Katia.
Thursday was a busy day, we met the Mayor in the Town Hall in Kostroma, then we went to Gymasium number 1 to meet teachers and students. I was a judge at the annual language competition. The standard was excellent and it was a memorable visit.
In the late afternoon we met our students at the Kostroma Institute of Education, I have a wonderful class of 16/17 year olds.
Friday , we left the Institute at 8 am to go to Volgoresenchk. The wonderful Natalia was there to greet us at her school and we visited classes and then we were judges for a Limerick competition.
The students then took us to the music college where we watched a wonderful concert with dance and music
We then returned to Kostroma and to the Institute do Education.
Saturday
This is the third and last day of my English course.
I sometimes have to shake my head to make it clear that I am here again!
We arrived in Kostroma late Wednesday night after a long journey starting at 3:30
am from home.
I am staying again with my Russian family, Max, Larissa and Katia.
Thursday was a busy day, we met the Mayor in the Town Hall in Kostroma, then we went to Gymasium number 1 to meet teachers and students. I was a judge at the annual language competition. The standard was excellent and it was a memorable visit.
In the late afternoon we met our students at the Kostroma Institute of Education, I have a wonderful class of 16/17 year olds.
Friday , we left the Institute at 8 am to go to Volgoresenchk. The wonderful Natalia was there to greet us at her school and we visited classes and then we were judges for a Limerick competition.
The students then took us to the music college where we watched a wonderful concert with dance and music
We then returned to Kostroma and to the Institute do Education.
Saturday
This is the third and last day of my English course.
Sunday, March 24, 2013
Saturday, March 23, 2013
Cleveland Way Stage 1
HELMSLEY TO SUTTON BANK
The first stage of the 110 mile Cleveland Way on a freezing day -1 degree!
 |
| Steven, Victoria and Millie at Helmsley Market Place for the start |
 |
| Me and Victoria |
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Ironopolis
IRONOPOLIS
Where alchemists
Were born
Below Cleveland's hills
A giant blue dragonfly
Across the Tees
Reminds us every night
We built the world
Every metropolis
Came from
Ironopolis
A poem by Ian Horn
Friday, February 22, 2013
Greatham Creek
 |
| Slavonian Grebe |
It never ceases to amaze me how diverse and wonderful the wildlife is in this area of Chemical and Heavy Industry. Each time I have visited Saltholme, I have discovered another little hidden jewel among the pollution or at least the Power Station and Cooling towers.
 |
| Red Breasted |Merganzer |
 |
| Shellduck |
 |
| Little Grebe |
 |
| Oystercatchers |
Sunday, January 13, 2013
RSB Saltholme
Saltholme Guided Tour today!.
Fantastic tour of a wonderful venue, thank you to the team of volunteers,
.
 |
| Fox last Sunday near to SealSands. |
 |
| Lapwing |
 |
| Snipe |
 |
| Female Kestrel |
 |
| Red Breasted Meganser |
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
La credencial esta preparado
Busca al Moodle para la primera version de la credencial, y me puedes decir lo que piensas!
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Sinking into the oblivion of confusion
Where will it all end?
I seem to be sinking into the oblivion of confusion!
I am trying to cope with all of the demands related to my work and getting nowhere!
I seem to starting a task and then , getting waylaid and then going around in bloody circles!
Most of it of course, is related to the sodding bureaucracy that I need to adhere to!
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Martha Reeves and the Vandellas
 |
| Peter and Martha Reeves |
Ever since I heard the Temptations sing 'My Girl' way back in the 60s, I have been a total fan of Tamla Motown and Northern Soul.
When I heard that Martha Reeves was coming to Stockton, I had to go!
She is 71 years old and a 'Legend'!
As you can see I got the chance to meet her after the gig and talk to her for a while.
She sang all of her classics and every single person in the audience was on their feet when she burst into 'Dancing in the Street'.
 |
| Martha Reeves and the Vandellas |
Thursday August 30th. 2012.
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
2012 Twinning visit from Ouzouer sur Loire
 |
| Agnes and Peter |
 |
| Where's Abigail? A great week was had by all! |
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
MCLS new logo!
Cricket tomorrow, Golf with the Rabbits at Hunley Hall ,then Golf with the Battersby Putters at Malton and Norton , then Fly fishing at Lockwood Beck. Whew!!
Thank God the sun has come out!
Mark and I are off to Luton to work with the team there on IT and Moodle issues.
Then Chris, Ab,Ellie and I are off to Tenerife!
Then Chris, Ab,Ellie and I are off to Tenerife!
Fenomenal!
Thursday, April 12, 2012
GUM Department store in Moscow's Red Square
Such a beautiful building, full of over priced goods!I have many reflections regarding my stay in Russia.
Many stereotypes have been eradicated and I am afraid some have been confirmed.
Including 'Dancing Bears', I could hardly look!
The Pushkin Museum of fine art was very interesting with sculptures from Michaelangelgo and paintings from Rembrant and Rubins, stunning!
The jewel in the crown so far has been the amazing 'Russian Museum of the Revolution'.
Very educational and also lots of memorabillia from my childhood including excellent examples of Communist propaganda.
Tuesday, January 03, 2012
Why are Pirates called Pirates?
Because they ARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRE!
LOVE IT!
Treasure Island has got to be one of the best stories ever written!
I loved the recent TV adaptation with Eddie Izard, but I have just received the classic 1950 film with Robert Newton as Long John Silver.
Blind Pew used to frighten the life out of me, nothing has changed!!
Clearly this version is also nearer to the
original book, Black Spots and all!
Captain Jack Sparrow?
Never heard of him!
LOVE IT!
Treasure Island has got to be one of the best stories ever written!
I loved the recent TV adaptation with Eddie Izard, but I have just received the classic 1950 film with Robert Newton as Long John Silver.
Blind Pew used to frighten the life out of me, nothing has changed!!
Clearly this version is also nearer to the
original book, Black Spots and all!
Captain Jack Sparrow?
Never heard of him!
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Golf is a good walk spoiled !
This famous quote from Mark Twain is ringing in my ear as I am aching all over from yesterday's game at the Cleveland Golf Club in Redcar.
But! What is it about this game that can get you so addicted?
I am already looking forward to my next game, next week.
Next year, I am hoping to play with my old pals at Battersby Putters Golf Society and I am going to need the practice!
No problem! I only need to work on my Tee shots, using the driver, fairway shots, chips, short game and of course the dreaded putting!
The old excuses come out, I haven't played for 3 months [true, the last game I had was in the unbelievable surroundings of Bonville near Coff's Harbour in Queensland, Australia.]
A slightly different experience and climate to that of Redcar in December, it has to be said!
I am not used to the clubs, [true! I was using a new set of clubs given to Abigail].
It's a new course, [This is also true, I have never played at the Cleveland Golf , a links course.]
The only links courses I have played were near Dunbar in Scotland, more than 15 years ago!
Yet you know it will be worth the pain when you see guys of my age and much older, as fit as lops and flying around the course.
Things can only get better!
But! What is it about this game that can get you so addicted?
I am already looking forward to my next game, next week.
Next year, I am hoping to play with my old pals at Battersby Putters Golf Society and I am going to need the practice!
No problem! I only need to work on my Tee shots, using the driver, fairway shots, chips, short game and of course the dreaded putting!
The old excuses come out, I haven't played for 3 months [true, the last game I had was in the unbelievable surroundings of Bonville near Coff's Harbour in Queensland, Australia.]
A slightly different experience and climate to that of Redcar in December, it has to be said!
I am not used to the clubs, [true! I was using a new set of clubs given to Abigail].
It's a new course, [This is also true, I have never played at the Cleveland Golf , a links course.]
The only links courses I have played were near Dunbar in Scotland, more than 15 years ago!
Yet you know it will be worth the pain when you see guys of my age and much older, as fit as lops and flying around the course.
Things can only get better!
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