Loaves but no Fishes
-
One of the biggest expenses for me each weekend is feeding the hungry
little blighters. Maybe if I'd had four girls it would be simpler because
they'd all ...
14 years ago
Posts
Thursday, 29 October 2009
D:Ream - U R The Best Thing
Here's a real blast from the past.
This is one of those songs that I wanted to be about someone I cared for before I had actually met anyone and then once I did it became the ringtone for her on my phone!
Therefore I think this more than qualifies as one of my ultimate love songs!
These days I think they're better known for their folow-up single, 'Things Can Only Get Better' which was famously used in Tony Blair's election campaign. And instead things just went horribly wrong for D:Ream after that.
The 12" versions of both songs were my favourites although I do remember that between the two songs both being re-released on separate occasions the CD's actually contained a stupid number of remixes.
Still, at least they created something worth remembering.
----------------
Now playing: Archie Bell & The Drells - Look Back Over Your Shoulder
via FoxyTunes
Wednesday, 28 October 2009
Episode 6
Shannon sat nervously in the waiting room at the airport.
The waiting area where she had sat was not very well populated. There were a few people that she tagged as reporters.
She noticed they were all having a quick fag on the sly even though it was 'no smoking' area.
The two black suited security people didn't seem to be bothered about this infringement. They probably had bigger fish to fry.
She was sure they must have noted her presence and due to the lack of other suspects to watch she was under close surveillance.
That would make what she had to do more difficult.
Her nerves were making her empty stomach churn.
She knew Thomas was coming in by plane any minute now. When she had recieved the call at Thomas' flat she had driven here as quickly as speed limits would allow.
It had been months since Thomas had gone to Egypt. It had been just as long since they had spoken too.
She loved Thomas, but his constant paranoia saw conspiracies everywhere.
It was one of these that had led him off to Egypt.
He had changed though, since she had originally met him.
Whereas before he was a reclusive, conspiratorialist, something in her had inspired him to suddenly become an activist and try to change the world.
She felt a pang of responsibility for him as well as a whole bunch of other feelings.
Her stomach reminded her how hungry she was. Making her way to the vending machines, Shannon tried to look inconspicuous, even though she worried it might actually look like she was attaining the opposite effect.
Her heart was pumping. The phone call had given her a brief idea of what had happened to him.
What had he got mixed up in now!
He had always been easily taken in. He believed he had been abducted by UFO's and seen monsters and aliens at various points in his life.
She had seen some strange things in her time with him but nothing as unexplained as those.
Thomas had told her that he had been institutionalised at one point by his father when his fantasy life had influenced his real behaviour to such an extent he believed it was all real.
This had left him in a delicate balance between what he thought he saw in the world and what he was told he should be seeing.
He had demonstrated these qualities plenty of times in her company, yet she found his vulnerability and his innate goodness to be some of his most charming traits.
Who had gotten to him now? Who had taken advantage of him to get him to act like a terrorist? He hated violence.
She found herself standing by the window, looking out over the runways. Dawn was breaking. She was eating a chocolate bar.
She wasn't a chocolate person, but she figured her body knew what it needed and at this time of the morning it needed a peanut-packed chocolate injection.
A small plane appeared in view and she followed it down.
In the intervening months Shannon had tried to get on with life as best as possible, knowing that Thomas could turn up at any moment with numerous stories of the adventures he'd had.
She still felt unable to return to her family in Edinburgh. She had burnt those bridges when she left with Thomas.
There was still something to prove to them. They were good people. They had their beliefs, which she generally shared, but she had questions that they couldn't answer.
Maybe it was a character flaw but the self-confident, independent daughter was exercising those traits in a reluctant rebellion against their compassionate but narrow world-view.
Before she had a chance to think anymore Shannon pressed her hands against the window pane. The small plane had landed and its passengers were getting off.
Although they were far away and tiny she recognised Thomas' lanky, drop-shouldered frame as if it were burned in her memory.
"No!" she gasped. They were being shepherded into the other end of the airport.
She was going to miss him!
----------------
Now playing: Oasis - Hello
via FoxyTunes
The waiting area where she had sat was not very well populated. There were a few people that she tagged as reporters.
She noticed they were all having a quick fag on the sly even though it was 'no smoking' area.
The two black suited security people didn't seem to be bothered about this infringement. They probably had bigger fish to fry.
She was sure they must have noted her presence and due to the lack of other suspects to watch she was under close surveillance.
That would make what she had to do more difficult.
Her nerves were making her empty stomach churn.
She knew Thomas was coming in by plane any minute now. When she had recieved the call at Thomas' flat she had driven here as quickly as speed limits would allow.
It had been months since Thomas had gone to Egypt. It had been just as long since they had spoken too.
She loved Thomas, but his constant paranoia saw conspiracies everywhere.
It was one of these that had led him off to Egypt.
He had changed though, since she had originally met him.
Whereas before he was a reclusive, conspiratorialist, something in her had inspired him to suddenly become an activist and try to change the world.
She felt a pang of responsibility for him as well as a whole bunch of other feelings.
Her stomach reminded her how hungry she was. Making her way to the vending machines, Shannon tried to look inconspicuous, even though she worried it might actually look like she was attaining the opposite effect.
Her heart was pumping. The phone call had given her a brief idea of what had happened to him.
What had he got mixed up in now!
He had always been easily taken in. He believed he had been abducted by UFO's and seen monsters and aliens at various points in his life.
She had seen some strange things in her time with him but nothing as unexplained as those.
Thomas had told her that he had been institutionalised at one point by his father when his fantasy life had influenced his real behaviour to such an extent he believed it was all real.
This had left him in a delicate balance between what he thought he saw in the world and what he was told he should be seeing.
He had demonstrated these qualities plenty of times in her company, yet she found his vulnerability and his innate goodness to be some of his most charming traits.
Who had gotten to him now? Who had taken advantage of him to get him to act like a terrorist? He hated violence.
She found herself standing by the window, looking out over the runways. Dawn was breaking. She was eating a chocolate bar.
She wasn't a chocolate person, but she figured her body knew what it needed and at this time of the morning it needed a peanut-packed chocolate injection.
A small plane appeared in view and she followed it down.
In the intervening months Shannon had tried to get on with life as best as possible, knowing that Thomas could turn up at any moment with numerous stories of the adventures he'd had.
She still felt unable to return to her family in Edinburgh. She had burnt those bridges when she left with Thomas.
There was still something to prove to them. They were good people. They had their beliefs, which she generally shared, but she had questions that they couldn't answer.
Maybe it was a character flaw but the self-confident, independent daughter was exercising those traits in a reluctant rebellion against their compassionate but narrow world-view.
Before she had a chance to think anymore Shannon pressed her hands against the window pane. The small plane had landed and its passengers were getting off.
Although they were far away and tiny she recognised Thomas' lanky, drop-shouldered frame as if it were burned in her memory.
"No!" she gasped. They were being shepherded into the other end of the airport.
She was going to miss him!
----------------
Now playing: Oasis - Hello
via FoxyTunes
Contact a Family Movie Event - Meview
Free Family Film and Music Workshop
17th October 2009
Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff
Having a large family can often be a curse as much as it is a blessing, especially when it comes to entertaining the little angels.
As a weekend Dad I have to find ways to entertain my four boys on a regular basis. Unfortunately, finding places that make this possible, and affordable, are few and far between.
Due to my five-year-old having Cerebral Palsy I was recently invited to an event, organised by Contact a Family (www.cafamily.org.uk), a cinema outing for families with disabled children.
If you have a disabled child, you'll know that cinemas can often be embarrassing places to go as sympathy is often thin on the ground when your child talks throughout the movie, having no conception of the annoyance caused to the rest of the audience.
This outing however promised a stress-free environment where you could see a movie, Ice Age 3 in this case, and not feel self-conscious about your child's needs or behaviour as others families attending would have similar experiences.
Quite often the venue can contribute to the stress as much as your fellow movie-goers with doors determined to snap shut on you or disabled loos that would fail any health inspection (I'm not naming names!), thankfully the Chapter Arts Centre had more than adequate facilities and helpful staff on hand to answer any questions. Although the cinema was up some stairs they had a chairlift available which actually made my other boys jealous as the five-year-old operated the lift himself, with much excitement.
Without commenting on the movie itself the viewing experience was as advertised. I found that although I was still trying to ask my boy to be quiet I didn't feel like I was going to suffer the wrath of some irate moviegoer who felt his experience of such a masterpiece was being infringed upon.
As an added bonus there was a music workshop held afterwards where the kids all got to try out various percussion instruments. The noise increasing in proportion to the enjoyment had in making it!
With the whole experience subsidised by Contact a Family, what was an enjoyable few hours was not even spoiled by the cost.
The event seemed over before it had really gotten going which is a credit to those involved and if you're interested in finding out about more events for families with disabilities held by either Contact a Family or Chapter Arts Centre follow the links below.
Contact a Family - Latest events
Chapter Arts Centre - Latest Events
----------------
Now playing: Future Sound of London - We Have Explosive (Oil Dub)
via FoxyTunes
17th October 2009
Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff
Having a large family can often be a curse as much as it is a blessing, especially when it comes to entertaining the little angels.
As a weekend Dad I have to find ways to entertain my four boys on a regular basis. Unfortunately, finding places that make this possible, and affordable, are few and far between.
Due to my five-year-old having Cerebral Palsy I was recently invited to an event, organised by Contact a Family (www.cafamily.org.uk), a cinema outing for families with disabled children.
If you have a disabled child, you'll know that cinemas can often be embarrassing places to go as sympathy is often thin on the ground when your child talks throughout the movie, having no conception of the annoyance caused to the rest of the audience.
This outing however promised a stress-free environment where you could see a movie, Ice Age 3 in this case, and not feel self-conscious about your child's needs or behaviour as others families attending would have similar experiences.
Quite often the venue can contribute to the stress as much as your fellow movie-goers with doors determined to snap shut on you or disabled loos that would fail any health inspection (I'm not naming names!), thankfully the Chapter Arts Centre had more than adequate facilities and helpful staff on hand to answer any questions. Although the cinema was up some stairs they had a chairlift available which actually made my other boys jealous as the five-year-old operated the lift himself, with much excitement.
Without commenting on the movie itself the viewing experience was as advertised. I found that although I was still trying to ask my boy to be quiet I didn't feel like I was going to suffer the wrath of some irate moviegoer who felt his experience of such a masterpiece was being infringed upon.
As an added bonus there was a music workshop held afterwards where the kids all got to try out various percussion instruments. The noise increasing in proportion to the enjoyment had in making it!
With the whole experience subsidised by Contact a Family, what was an enjoyable few hours was not even spoiled by the cost.
The event seemed over before it had really gotten going which is a credit to those involved and if you're interested in finding out about more events for families with disabilities held by either Contact a Family or Chapter Arts Centre follow the links below.
Contact a Family - Latest events
Chapter Arts Centre - Latest Events
----------------
Now playing: Future Sound of London - We Have Explosive (Oil Dub)
via FoxyTunes
Tuesday, 27 October 2009
Struck Dumb
I'm so stupid
I speak words that have no meaning
I think
I know what
I'm talking about
Instead
It's all so much hot air
It ain't fair
I want to describe what goes on
In my head
I want to give voice to the feelings
In my heart, but
I can't
I see others who have no problem
In communicating what they say
I see still more people who say things
I know they don't mean
Intentionally
I don't want to be like that
I hold the truth
In the highest regard
I rate falseness as the core of
Inhumanity
I have nothing to say
In the face of untruths
I blank them
I ignore them
Inwardly
I abhor them
It is the truth of the spirit
In the words of a man
Involuntarily told through the actions from the
Inner heart of his self
I'm off again
Itching to speak words only
I want to hear
In the
Interests of
Individuals who
Interact on the
Internet
I should be struck dumb
----------------
Now playing: The Prodigy - Diesel Power
via FoxyTunes
I speak words that have no meaning
I think
I know what
I'm talking about
Instead
It's all so much hot air
It ain't fair
I want to describe what goes on
In my head
I want to give voice to the feelings
In my heart, but
I can't
I see others who have no problem
In communicating what they say
I see still more people who say things
I know they don't mean
Intentionally
I don't want to be like that
I hold the truth
In the highest regard
I rate falseness as the core of
Inhumanity
I have nothing to say
In the face of untruths
I blank them
I ignore them
Inwardly
I abhor them
It is the truth of the spirit
In the words of a man
Involuntarily told through the actions from the
Inner heart of his self
I'm off again
Itching to speak words only
I want to hear
In the
Interests of
Individuals who
Interact on the
Internet
I should be struck dumb
----------------
Now playing: The Prodigy - Diesel Power
via FoxyTunes
Monday, 26 October 2009
----------------Thursday, 22 October 2009
Michael McDonald - I Keep Forgettin
Michael Mc Donald - I Keep Forgettin'
Uploaded by papafonk. - Explore more music videos.
Apart from the main hook being used on Warren G's hip hop classic 'Regulate', this song keeps standing out for me at the moment as it's very apt for my current situation.
It's kinda wierd how some songs just drift on by on your playlist then all of a sudden something happens that makes a track difficult to be ignored and difficult to be listened too.
This is now one of those songs!
Does this mean eventually every song will eventually have some resonance because of life events? Should I be worried by songs like the Klaxons' 'Golden Skans'?
----------------
Now playing: New Order - Blue Monday ('88 version)
via FoxyTunes
Wednesday, 21 October 2009
Episode 5
Thomas looked about him in the plane.
He hadn't really paid much attention to who else was there with him, so lost in his thoughts he had been.
Apart from a couple of officials from the embassy, who he guessed were there to look after him, or at least keep an eye on him, were two other men.
The first was a well dressed man, with a short fade haircut and a bulky, muscular build which showed in his face. Thomas imagined that in later years the man's face would sag if he didn't keep in shape and would be indistinguishable from Droopy Dawg.
The man saw Thomas staring at him. "Something funny?"
Thomas jumped out of his skin at being caught out. "Huh? No. No. Not at all. I...I was just looking around."
"Well if you could avoid looking in my direction it would be better for you."
Thomas noticed that "Dawg's" hand was bandaged with some blood seeping through.
"I'm sorry." Thomas knew he should probably leave it there, but his curiosity got the better of him. "How did you hurt your hand?"
He suspected he knew what the answer would be. They were both on the same plane, being rushed out in the aftermath of a terrorist attack he had a hand in. The question that tugged at Thomas's furtive mind was why Dawg was here and injured.
Dawg seemed to consider whether he should answer or not "I was in Cairo following a terrorist suspect. We never realised until too late that he was carrying a bomb," Dawg nodded his head toward the back of the plane.
Thomas glanced over his seat and saw the second passenger who wasn't from the embassy. His head was bandaged and he seemed to be asleep.
"We got caught in the blast as we followed him into a Coptic church." Dawg closed his eyes and turned his head away.
"I'm sorry" was all Thomas could come out and say.
"You should be. You will be." Dawg turned his head, his eyes boring into Thomas'. "I know who you are. What you did. You will be sorry."
Thomas turned away before the guy could continue. He shifted uncomfortably in his seat for a minute, still wondering if Dawg was watching him.
What was he? A spy? International Police? They had been onto them! How much did they now of his involvement?
In the end he stood up, looked around and went to move a few rows down, closer to the embassy officals.
As he got out of the seat, Dawg grabbed his arm. Thomas looked down at him in absolute fear.
"We're going to get to know each other very well in the next few days, Thomas Carter."
"L-let go!" He was never very good at hiding his fear.
"No-one here really cares about you, scum. We're just doing our jobs. Me? I'm really looking forward to my part of the job once we're away from the airport."
Dawg let go of Thomas' arm as he continued on down to his new seat. He saw contemptuous smiles on the faces of the officials.
Had they always been there? How could he have not seen their hate for him.
Did they know their embassy had been the original target? There's no way!
Maybe they just hated him for killing innocent people. Or for fighting for a cause they didn't agree with.
"um...excuse me?"
One of the officials looked at him his initial sneer quickly covered by his professional attitude.
"Mr Carter?"
"Where am I actually going? I thought I was meeting my father." Dawg's words had set him thinking, fuelled by his natural paranoia.
"You will be meeting your father at the airport, but following that you will be taken to a secure location...for your own safety." The official couldn't help let slip a knowing smile as he mentioned the reason for Thomas' impending custodial period.
"For my safety? That man over there just threatened me."
"Mr Carter, that is one of our top security agents in Northern Africa. I'm sure he just wants to ask you a few questions about what happened today." This time he managed to keep a straight face.
"He's going to interrogate me isn't he? You know torture is illegal don't you! I've got friends in Amnesty International!" Despite his protestations the official seemed unconcerned.
"Really! What a coincidence! My Uncle is on the board of directors. Look, if you offer your co-operation freely then I can't see a reason to worry. Just tell them what they want to know and you'll be fine. After all, I know you want to serve your country as much as possible considering all the trouble its gone to to keep you out of harm's way."
The sarcasm did not go unnoticed. Thomas slumped back in his seat as the official went back to what he was doing.
He had no friends on this plane.
His future depended on his father.
He hated that.
----------------
Now playing: Van Der Graaf Generator - A Plague of Lighthouse Keepers
via FoxyTunes
He hadn't really paid much attention to who else was there with him, so lost in his thoughts he had been.
Apart from a couple of officials from the embassy, who he guessed were there to look after him, or at least keep an eye on him, were two other men.
The first was a well dressed man, with a short fade haircut and a bulky, muscular build which showed in his face. Thomas imagined that in later years the man's face would sag if he didn't keep in shape and would be indistinguishable from Droopy Dawg.
The man saw Thomas staring at him. "Something funny?"
Thomas jumped out of his skin at being caught out. "Huh? No. No. Not at all. I...I was just looking around."
"Well if you could avoid looking in my direction it would be better for you."
Thomas noticed that "Dawg's" hand was bandaged with some blood seeping through.
"I'm sorry." Thomas knew he should probably leave it there, but his curiosity got the better of him. "How did you hurt your hand?"
He suspected he knew what the answer would be. They were both on the same plane, being rushed out in the aftermath of a terrorist attack he had a hand in. The question that tugged at Thomas's furtive mind was why Dawg was here and injured.
Dawg seemed to consider whether he should answer or not "I was in Cairo following a terrorist suspect. We never realised until too late that he was carrying a bomb," Dawg nodded his head toward the back of the plane.
Thomas glanced over his seat and saw the second passenger who wasn't from the embassy. His head was bandaged and he seemed to be asleep.
"We got caught in the blast as we followed him into a Coptic church." Dawg closed his eyes and turned his head away.
"I'm sorry" was all Thomas could come out and say.
"You should be. You will be." Dawg turned his head, his eyes boring into Thomas'. "I know who you are. What you did. You will be sorry."
Thomas turned away before the guy could continue. He shifted uncomfortably in his seat for a minute, still wondering if Dawg was watching him.
What was he? A spy? International Police? They had been onto them! How much did they now of his involvement?
In the end he stood up, looked around and went to move a few rows down, closer to the embassy officals.
As he got out of the seat, Dawg grabbed his arm. Thomas looked down at him in absolute fear.
"We're going to get to know each other very well in the next few days, Thomas Carter."
"L-let go!" He was never very good at hiding his fear.
"No-one here really cares about you, scum. We're just doing our jobs. Me? I'm really looking forward to my part of the job once we're away from the airport."
Dawg let go of Thomas' arm as he continued on down to his new seat. He saw contemptuous smiles on the faces of the officials.
Had they always been there? How could he have not seen their hate for him.
Did they know their embassy had been the original target? There's no way!
Maybe they just hated him for killing innocent people. Or for fighting for a cause they didn't agree with.
"um...excuse me?"
One of the officials looked at him his initial sneer quickly covered by his professional attitude.
"Mr Carter?"
"Where am I actually going? I thought I was meeting my father." Dawg's words had set him thinking, fuelled by his natural paranoia.
"You will be meeting your father at the airport, but following that you will be taken to a secure location...for your own safety." The official couldn't help let slip a knowing smile as he mentioned the reason for Thomas' impending custodial period.
"For my safety? That man over there just threatened me."
"Mr Carter, that is one of our top security agents in Northern Africa. I'm sure he just wants to ask you a few questions about what happened today." This time he managed to keep a straight face.
"He's going to interrogate me isn't he? You know torture is illegal don't you! I've got friends in Amnesty International!" Despite his protestations the official seemed unconcerned.
"Really! What a coincidence! My Uncle is on the board of directors. Look, if you offer your co-operation freely then I can't see a reason to worry. Just tell them what they want to know and you'll be fine. After all, I know you want to serve your country as much as possible considering all the trouble its gone to to keep you out of harm's way."
The sarcasm did not go unnoticed. Thomas slumped back in his seat as the official went back to what he was doing.
He had no friends on this plane.
His future depended on his father.
He hated that.
----------------
Now playing: Van Der Graaf Generator - A Plague of Lighthouse Keepers
via FoxyTunes
Tuesday, 20 October 2009
Forge
Always moving on
The past getting further away
My mind tries to stretch
To encompass every day
Holding on to the things that matter
Letting go of the things that do not
Taking with me what's important
Which is really quite a lot
I'm determined not to be beaten
Life will go on
I need to become an example
Of putting things right when they go wrong
Can I live my life alone
That's something I need to know
Will I ever find an answer
Well I've got a lifetime to go
Change has always driven me forward
Accepting everthing new
Hope springs from my heart forever
Does my hope find rest with you
----------------
Now playing: Moby - Progressive Edit Mix
via FoxyTunes
The past getting further away
My mind tries to stretch
To encompass every day
Holding on to the things that matter
Letting go of the things that do not
Taking with me what's important
Which is really quite a lot
I'm determined not to be beaten
Life will go on
I need to become an example
Of putting things right when they go wrong
Can I live my life alone
That's something I need to know
Will I ever find an answer
Well I've got a lifetime to go
Change has always driven me forward
Accepting everthing new
Hope springs from my heart forever
Does my hope find rest with you
----------------
Now playing: Moby - Progressive Edit Mix
via FoxyTunes
Monday, 19 October 2009
Thursday, 15 October 2009
Raise (63 Steps to Heaven) - Bocca Juniors
I just got a Junior Boys Own retrospective album and whilst I had versions of most of the tracks on there or had heard them plenty beforehand, this was one that whilst it was prevalent when it first came out seemed to be missed on later dance collections.
Basically, it meant that although having heard it before it had a freshness that captured some of the energy and buzz that the early dance music had before breaking the mainstream.
So, for the moment its my new favourite song!
Wednesday, 14 October 2009
Episode 4
Kelvin was taken through secluded corridors at the airport to avoid the crowds, not wanting to draw attention to what was happening.
The plane hadn't arrived yet and wouldn't for about another hour.
The airport escort met with with Kelvin's aide in a private airport lounge area were told to make themselves comfortable.
"Would now be a good time to go over the statement we've prepared?" said the aide, approaching him with some handwritten, but clear, notes which had clearly been thrown together in the last hour or so.
"How much time have we got to keep the lid on this, Mike?" he asked the aide.
"I've been speaking with the consul. The Egyptian government are still dealing with the aftermath. It's chaos there. Reports are intermittent and unclear. There's no indication they know who's involved let alone whether its...your son."
"Let's be thankful for small mercies, then. Once he's here he can answer for things at our pace, in our way, rather than left there to god knows what kind of treatment."
"Kelvin. I know this is going to be difficult are sure you want to be the one handling this? You could leave yourself wide open..."
"Your concern is noted, Mike. I'm the best option for handling things though. Especially if things deteriorate. As long his name is kept out of the channels then there should be nothing for anyone to pick up on."
"Leaks?"
"Well, we can't control those can we? Such is their nature. We've got our response there though in case something does get out. The chance of there being someone in the chain who doesn't like what's going down is real but unlikely."
Kelvin took the handwritten sheets, "I'll let ou know when I'm done."
"Anything else?"
"Not yet. Thanks."
As the aide started to move away Kelvin had another thought.
"Mike, wait! Do you know whether this has filtered further than the direct chain of 'Need to Know'?"
Hesitating his colleague responded, "About twenty minutes ago the PM's secretary called me for an update as he wanted to take some info into an emergency meeting. I didn't really have anything to tell that he probably wasn't getting from his own people."
Kelvin drew a sharp breath. "Cabinet briefing."
Mike nodded in agreement.
"Okay. The PM's not going to be able to hold onto this much longer for me. There'll be too many arguments in that room to use this against me. This is going to get ugly before that plane touches down. The only thing in our favour is that it's the middle of the night."
"Kel, We need to get on..."
The two men parted and Kelvin moved over to the window looking over the runways. He stared up into the black night that was held at bay by the airport lighting.
The preceding hours had weighed heavy on him already. Now he wondered what kind of world his son would touch down in.
----------------
Now playing: Bob Relf - Blowing My Mind To Pieces
via FoxyTunes
The plane hadn't arrived yet and wouldn't for about another hour.
The airport escort met with with Kelvin's aide in a private airport lounge area were told to make themselves comfortable.
"Would now be a good time to go over the statement we've prepared?" said the aide, approaching him with some handwritten, but clear, notes which had clearly been thrown together in the last hour or so.
"How much time have we got to keep the lid on this, Mike?" he asked the aide.
"I've been speaking with the consul. The Egyptian government are still dealing with the aftermath. It's chaos there. Reports are intermittent and unclear. There's no indication they know who's involved let alone whether its...your son."
"Let's be thankful for small mercies, then. Once he's here he can answer for things at our pace, in our way, rather than left there to god knows what kind of treatment."
"Kelvin. I know this is going to be difficult are sure you want to be the one handling this? You could leave yourself wide open..."
"Your concern is noted, Mike. I'm the best option for handling things though. Especially if things deteriorate. As long his name is kept out of the channels then there should be nothing for anyone to pick up on."
"Leaks?"
"Well, we can't control those can we? Such is their nature. We've got our response there though in case something does get out. The chance of there being someone in the chain who doesn't like what's going down is real but unlikely."
Kelvin took the handwritten sheets, "I'll let ou know when I'm done."
"Anything else?"
"Not yet. Thanks."
As the aide started to move away Kelvin had another thought.
"Mike, wait! Do you know whether this has filtered further than the direct chain of 'Need to Know'?"
Hesitating his colleague responded, "About twenty minutes ago the PM's secretary called me for an update as he wanted to take some info into an emergency meeting. I didn't really have anything to tell that he probably wasn't getting from his own people."
Kelvin drew a sharp breath. "Cabinet briefing."
Mike nodded in agreement.
"Okay. The PM's not going to be able to hold onto this much longer for me. There'll be too many arguments in that room to use this against me. This is going to get ugly before that plane touches down. The only thing in our favour is that it's the middle of the night."
"Kel, We need to get on..."
The two men parted and Kelvin moved over to the window looking over the runways. He stared up into the black night that was held at bay by the airport lighting.
The preceding hours had weighed heavy on him already. Now he wondered what kind of world his son would touch down in.
----------------
Now playing: Bob Relf - Blowing My Mind To Pieces
via FoxyTunes
Tuesday, 13 October 2009
Twisting Around
Turning to the right
My eyes following
Pulling to the left
Gravity won't let me go
Held in between
Caught in tension
Suspended motionless
By two opposing forces
I need to break free
To go one way or the other
I pull away from gravity
I lean to the right
I get pulled back
But I have to keep moving
Staying in the same place
Will kill me
I pull again
I snap straight back
Giving up isn't an option
So I try again
Each time I move a bit further
This will take some time
I'm torn between two places
Where I was and where I want to be
Gravity pulls me back
But I WANT to push forward
Twisting
A little more
Twisting
Making space
Twisting
Room to move
Twisting
----------------
Now playing: Junior Jack - Dare Me (Stupidisco)
via FoxyTunes
My eyes following
Pulling to the left
Gravity won't let me go
Held in between
Caught in tension
Suspended motionless
By two opposing forces
I need to break free
To go one way or the other
I pull away from gravity
I lean to the right
I get pulled back
But I have to keep moving
Staying in the same place
Will kill me
I pull again
I snap straight back
Giving up isn't an option
So I try again
Each time I move a bit further
This will take some time
I'm torn between two places
Where I was and where I want to be
Gravity pulls me back
But I WANT to push forward
Twisting
A little more
Twisting
Making space
Twisting
Room to move
Twisting
----------------
Now playing: Junior Jack - Dare Me (Stupidisco)
via FoxyTunes
Monday, 12 October 2009
Friday, 9 October 2009
Longbridge closure - possible future?
Okay there's been a lot of press recently about the closure of a number of car manufacturing plants in the Midlands and the local economic crisis caused by the lack of scrutiny or intervention from the Labour government in trying to rescue this industry and save jobs.
Of course one of the major reasons its been allowed to slide is the global market economy which on paper says that the UK labour finds it difficult to compete with that on offer overseas.
This may be true but its possible that we have a lot more experience and higher manufacturing standard.
With such a large chunk of skills now sitting in the unemployment queue with very little chance of finding similar roles, maybe a bit of radical thinking is required.
Unlikely, I know, given the current political climate, but if Brown wanted a vote winner this might qualify.
In the prevailing economic winds, with the UK seemingly hit hard by Labours solution to bailing out the banks, maybe its time for them to have a nationalised car manufacturer.
Instead of just turning out the same old cars to compete with the current crop, now would be an opportunity for the government to lead the way in car design in terms of safety and environmental impact.
They could be more daring in the vehicles features and, combined with the transport department, come up with a blueprint in which they could revolutionise car ownership, road planning and traffic management and make strides ahead which other manufacturers would have to keep up with, and where would they find these specialised skills? The UK!
If the government owned some patents too it would also be an income revenue for the country to dig itself out of debt!
I'm no economist but this doesn't sound too unreachable an ambition does it?
Eventually the country will have to make steps to address the decline in manufacturing, the national debt and restructuring the transport system to cut down on carbon emissions etc so why not try and jump a few steps ahead. Even the Conservatives shouldn't have a problem with it as there is no British competition to speak of and eventually when its paid its dues and established itself it can be launched as a private company just like in the Thatcher years.
The thing that excites me about this thought is the possibility that many people would get their jobs back but it would also make us world leaders in the area. The nationalised company might make higher end versions of the vehicles but then Ford or VW or whoever would then have to make cheaper more competitive versions either using our skills or at least having to pay a licensing fee to use the underlying technology to make it compatible with our unique transport infrastructure.
Surely that would stimulate the economy enough for it to be worth the risk?
----------------
Now playing: The Who - Won't Get Fooled Again
via FoxyTunes
Of course one of the major reasons its been allowed to slide is the global market economy which on paper says that the UK labour finds it difficult to compete with that on offer overseas.
This may be true but its possible that we have a lot more experience and higher manufacturing standard.
With such a large chunk of skills now sitting in the unemployment queue with very little chance of finding similar roles, maybe a bit of radical thinking is required.
Unlikely, I know, given the current political climate, but if Brown wanted a vote winner this might qualify.
In the prevailing economic winds, with the UK seemingly hit hard by Labours solution to bailing out the banks, maybe its time for them to have a nationalised car manufacturer.
Instead of just turning out the same old cars to compete with the current crop, now would be an opportunity for the government to lead the way in car design in terms of safety and environmental impact.
They could be more daring in the vehicles features and, combined with the transport department, come up with a blueprint in which they could revolutionise car ownership, road planning and traffic management and make strides ahead which other manufacturers would have to keep up with, and where would they find these specialised skills? The UK!
If the government owned some patents too it would also be an income revenue for the country to dig itself out of debt!
I'm no economist but this doesn't sound too unreachable an ambition does it?
Eventually the country will have to make steps to address the decline in manufacturing, the national debt and restructuring the transport system to cut down on carbon emissions etc so why not try and jump a few steps ahead. Even the Conservatives shouldn't have a problem with it as there is no British competition to speak of and eventually when its paid its dues and established itself it can be launched as a private company just like in the Thatcher years.
The thing that excites me about this thought is the possibility that many people would get their jobs back but it would also make us world leaders in the area. The nationalised company might make higher end versions of the vehicles but then Ford or VW or whoever would then have to make cheaper more competitive versions either using our skills or at least having to pay a licensing fee to use the underlying technology to make it compatible with our unique transport infrastructure.
Surely that would stimulate the economy enough for it to be worth the risk?
----------------
Now playing: The Who - Won't Get Fooled Again
via FoxyTunes
Thursday, 8 October 2009
Madison Avenue - Don't Call Me Baby
Okay, so here's another song I know all the words too.
It's a very funky tune and I remember liking the video at the time.
I have no idea why it's imprinted on my brain so well, maybe it's the sassiness?
Wednesday, 7 October 2009
Episode 3
Not uncommonly, Thomas was confused.
He felt he was safe now that he was in the custody of the British Embassy.
He didn't have to make any more decisions. His fate was no longer in his hands.
He knew the Egyptian police wanted him for questioning, but that the embassy had delayed them with technicalities whilst shoving him onto this plane.
It helped when he had told them who his father was.
He was still in it up to his neck, though.
Overheard whispers whilst at the embassy and on the ensuing flight had told him that there had been other explosions around Cairo.
He guessed that, like his intended target, they were major religious and political institutions.
He had been making his way to his intended target via a crowded marketplace when a confident thief decided to relieve him of the rucksack slung over his shoulder.
Thomas recalled the panic as the thief took the rucksack deeper into the crowded streets. He followed, calling after him, his tall, lean frame made good strides, but the thiefs knowledge of the area gave him an advantage. However Thomas was determined that he would not be undone from his target.
Unfortunately this got the attention of a couple of police officers who had been patrolling the stalls. Their vigilance rewarded when the culprit passed them by.
They gave chase and Thomas start to slow his run realising things were gettting out of control.
One of the officers, the more athletic one, caught hold of the thief and brought him down. The other caught up with him and wrenched the bag from his grasp and opened it, checking its contents.
The sudden change of body language and expression made Thomas stop in his tracks. They knew there was a bomb in there.
Raised voices carried to Thomas as the thief looked around desperately and saw him. A pointing finger locked onto him and the athletic police officer caught his eye.
Thomas started backing up. The officer called out to him. In response he turned and started pushing through the market which just seemed to have doubled in population. The officer put the bag down and followed him whilst his colleague started to handcuff the would-be criminal.
All Thomas remembered from then was the force that knocked him down flat in an instant and then nothing.
He must only have been out for a few minutes, but as he came to, the world was much quieter and peaceful.
Dragging himself to his feet all he could see was chaos.
Ahead of him people were thrown across the floor. There was smoke everywhere, debris floating in the breeze.
He saw some people coming towards him. They were checking the bodies. He couldn't tell if they were looking for signs of life or picking pockets.
Then he looked behind him. His mind wouldn't let him make sense of what he saw. He knew exactly what his eyes were trying to tell him but he refused to let it sink in. The terrible reality was more than his fragile mind could cope with.
Most people were prone on the floor, but one started to rise. It was the police officer.
Their eyes met again. Thomas' senses were starting to return so he was able to react first. He ran and didn't look back.
He ran to the only place he could think of. It had been his sole focus for the last two weeks. He knew as much as he could learn about it. He made for the safety of his original target.
The British Embassy.
How should he be feeling now?
Looking out of the window, high above the clouds, far removed from the world below, he wished he could just stay there.
He hadn't been able to look the diplomats in the eye the entire time he'd been in their protection.
Hours earlier, these had been the opppressors, the enemy. Yet now they were responsible for his freedom.
He was now benefiting from the same corruption and underhandedness that had angered him enough to take action.
He should be being brought to justice for his actions but, at the mention of his father's name, wheels had started turning to protect him.
The government of Egypt was ever subject to the promises of wealth and status the west usually enticed Muslim cultures with in order to weaken them.
The charter plane was due to land in the UK in just over an hour. He wanted to forget what he'd done. Take it back.
Those people in the market weren't the ones he was supposed to have killed. They were the ones he had been fighting to free. He had been willing to give his life for them.
It wasn't difficult for him to imagine the souls of those innocents now soaring among these clouds on their way to an infinitely better life.
He didn't know what paradise was, but it in his mind it was a place where we could exist in our ultimate form. Pure spirit. No physical or mental handicaps. Just the sum totality of what we could be.
Instead, here he was running away from the battle instead of standing tall like a soldier should.
Soon he would have to answer for his beliefs and his actions.
----------------
Now playing: Paul Weller and Friends (including Paul McCartney and Noel Gallagher) - Come Together
via FoxyTunes
He felt he was safe now that he was in the custody of the British Embassy.
He didn't have to make any more decisions. His fate was no longer in his hands.
He knew the Egyptian police wanted him for questioning, but that the embassy had delayed them with technicalities whilst shoving him onto this plane.
It helped when he had told them who his father was.
He was still in it up to his neck, though.
Overheard whispers whilst at the embassy and on the ensuing flight had told him that there had been other explosions around Cairo.
He guessed that, like his intended target, they were major religious and political institutions.
He had been making his way to his intended target via a crowded marketplace when a confident thief decided to relieve him of the rucksack slung over his shoulder.
Thomas recalled the panic as the thief took the rucksack deeper into the crowded streets. He followed, calling after him, his tall, lean frame made good strides, but the thiefs knowledge of the area gave him an advantage. However Thomas was determined that he would not be undone from his target.
Unfortunately this got the attention of a couple of police officers who had been patrolling the stalls. Their vigilance rewarded when the culprit passed them by.
They gave chase and Thomas start to slow his run realising things were gettting out of control.
One of the officers, the more athletic one, caught hold of the thief and brought him down. The other caught up with him and wrenched the bag from his grasp and opened it, checking its contents.
The sudden change of body language and expression made Thomas stop in his tracks. They knew there was a bomb in there.
Raised voices carried to Thomas as the thief looked around desperately and saw him. A pointing finger locked onto him and the athletic police officer caught his eye.
Thomas started backing up. The officer called out to him. In response he turned and started pushing through the market which just seemed to have doubled in population. The officer put the bag down and followed him whilst his colleague started to handcuff the would-be criminal.
All Thomas remembered from then was the force that knocked him down flat in an instant and then nothing.
He must only have been out for a few minutes, but as he came to, the world was much quieter and peaceful.
Dragging himself to his feet all he could see was chaos.
Ahead of him people were thrown across the floor. There was smoke everywhere, debris floating in the breeze.
He saw some people coming towards him. They were checking the bodies. He couldn't tell if they were looking for signs of life or picking pockets.
Then he looked behind him. His mind wouldn't let him make sense of what he saw. He knew exactly what his eyes were trying to tell him but he refused to let it sink in. The terrible reality was more than his fragile mind could cope with.
Most people were prone on the floor, but one started to rise. It was the police officer.
Their eyes met again. Thomas' senses were starting to return so he was able to react first. He ran and didn't look back.
He ran to the only place he could think of. It had been his sole focus for the last two weeks. He knew as much as he could learn about it. He made for the safety of his original target.
The British Embassy.
How should he be feeling now?
Looking out of the window, high above the clouds, far removed from the world below, he wished he could just stay there.
He hadn't been able to look the diplomats in the eye the entire time he'd been in their protection.
Hours earlier, these had been the opppressors, the enemy. Yet now they were responsible for his freedom.
He was now benefiting from the same corruption and underhandedness that had angered him enough to take action.
He should be being brought to justice for his actions but, at the mention of his father's name, wheels had started turning to protect him.
The government of Egypt was ever subject to the promises of wealth and status the west usually enticed Muslim cultures with in order to weaken them.
The charter plane was due to land in the UK in just over an hour. He wanted to forget what he'd done. Take it back.
Those people in the market weren't the ones he was supposed to have killed. They were the ones he had been fighting to free. He had been willing to give his life for them.
It wasn't difficult for him to imagine the souls of those innocents now soaring among these clouds on their way to an infinitely better life.
He didn't know what paradise was, but it in his mind it was a place where we could exist in our ultimate form. Pure spirit. No physical or mental handicaps. Just the sum totality of what we could be.
Instead, here he was running away from the battle instead of standing tall like a soldier should.
Soon he would have to answer for his beliefs and his actions.
----------------
Now playing: Paul Weller and Friends (including Paul McCartney and Noel Gallagher) - Come Together
via FoxyTunes
Tuesday, 6 October 2009
Step Two
There's a thought in my head that goes round and round
I can feel it behind my eyes as it makes a buzzing sound
It evades my grasp as I seek for clarity
How do I get hold of it and see what it wants of me
It's not a random thought, it's been building for a while
It could be a momentous thought, the kind that makes me run a mile
I'm not sure if I want to take that on at the moment
How about I forget it and give it a shunt
Push it far away and just get through the now
But what if it's a solution
Could it tell me how
I can feel the past slipping away as new habits take hold
I don't want this to be my life until I grow old
This is a time of transition
Getting from here to there
The past bears heavy
I can't come up for air
Flashes of light zip past me, out of sync with what I see
And I'm feeling ill as this thought is making me dizzy
If I lose myself now I lose it all
If I can find a way to keep it going, I won't fall
Take me by the hand and lead me out
I want to see clearly and have no doubt
Isolation does me no good
As thought becomes confused between could and should
I know what I could be and I know what I should be
I know that all I really want is to be me
Throughout my life I've searched for my niche
Instead I find myself letting someone else hold the leash
Taking me down paths I don't want to tread
Still walking them as the alternative fills me with dread
Where is the strength that can build me up so tall
Who will help me up when I inevitably fall
Why is this happening to me right now
When will I find the answer
And how
----------------
Now playing: The 5th Dimension - Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In [Medley]
via FoxyTunes
I can feel it behind my eyes as it makes a buzzing sound
It evades my grasp as I seek for clarity
How do I get hold of it and see what it wants of me
It's not a random thought, it's been building for a while
It could be a momentous thought, the kind that makes me run a mile
I'm not sure if I want to take that on at the moment
How about I forget it and give it a shunt
Push it far away and just get through the now
But what if it's a solution
Could it tell me how
I can feel the past slipping away as new habits take hold
I don't want this to be my life until I grow old
This is a time of transition
Getting from here to there
The past bears heavy
I can't come up for air
Flashes of light zip past me, out of sync with what I see
And I'm feeling ill as this thought is making me dizzy
If I lose myself now I lose it all
If I can find a way to keep it going, I won't fall
Take me by the hand and lead me out
I want to see clearly and have no doubt
Isolation does me no good
As thought becomes confused between could and should
I know what I could be and I know what I should be
I know that all I really want is to be me
Throughout my life I've searched for my niche
Instead I find myself letting someone else hold the leash
Taking me down paths I don't want to tread
Still walking them as the alternative fills me with dread
Where is the strength that can build me up so tall
Who will help me up when I inevitably fall
Why is this happening to me right now
When will I find the answer
And how
----------------
Now playing: The 5th Dimension - Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In [Medley]
via FoxyTunes
Monday, 5 October 2009
Thursday, 1 October 2009
Tricky - Black Steel
I was doing some programming earlier on today and was plugged into my MP3's when this came up.
About halfway through I realised I knew all the words!
I think this means I have to create a list!!!! (No, really. I do!)
So Black Steel is the inaugral inductee into my 'SongsIKnowAllTheWordsTo' list.
I'll update it as and when.
BTW 2 Unlimited's 'No Limit' does not qualify, as much as I may be tempted.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)