AndyBlog

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I just nearly removed the end of my little finger on my right hand with a cheese grater potato peeler!

Celebrity Big Brother and Racism

When I turned on the rather pedestrian Radio 4 news yesterday and heard about Celebrity Big Brother, I knew immediately that something extraordinary must be happening. It turns out that the events in the now infamous "Big Brother House" have had repercussions in the "outside world", as it's known on the show.

What fascinates me more than anything is that the debate seems to be as much about whether what we're seeing is racism, or whether it is "just bullying". I'm not sure that it matters, actually. I don't think anyone on a national television program should be required to submit themselves to the kind of sustained abuse flowing from the mouth of Jade Goody.

Goodbye and God Bless...

Ah, my dear SP200 keyboard.

My weapon of choice, my favoured ebonite and ebonette.

Sadly hurt in battle, soon to be restored in Nottingham.

Travel well, my musical friend, come back safe after the mend.

I'll be kinder next time, knowing your frailty.

I won't bash your keys so hard.

And I'll love you that little bit more.

Be well.

Mandarin & Spoons

Here we are, seated and ready for action. Food action. Eating. Mmmm...

As you will see from Jason's Blog - there were more plates of delicious food on offer than this picture might suggest. the fact is that this was as long as I could tear myself away from the food for in order to take pictures.

It was a nice meal out, made more special by my careful and responsible driving of Jason's passion wagon. In fairness, he did tell me that the brakes weren't working properly before I had gone far - and the dashboard lights didn't fuse till we were near the end of his street on the way out. It was easy. I'd be amazed if they ever asked me to drive again.

It was a very great shame that I had such a massive headache all night, and so was on lousy form. Those of you who were there can use this information to judge how well you know me.

Andyhow, best quickly cut to the spoon playing...

 

A good portion of a number then repaired to Jason's house for penis-shaped edible lovelies. Being slightly out of sorts and general party-poopers, we retired instead.

I slept well. Made a pleasant change, actually.

Dirk Benedict: Philosopher

I have learned to enjoy it when I get surprised by someone. For one thing, it doesn't happen too often and for another it is one of the few things that stops me feeling jaded and cynical.

Such a surprise came from Celebrity Big Brother's Dirk Benedict, who held forth on the subject of “Letting Go” in a delightful and engaging way yesterday. I'm not sure I have ever listened to something on Big Brother which I found directly interesting before, previous Big Brother learnings have always revolved around things to avoid at all cost, or maybe what not to throw at any given time.

So what did he say that so enchanted me? It was this:

[Talking about life and love and death]

“It's all about getting and letting go. when we breathe in, we breathe out - if we don't, we die. The more graceful you get in letting go, the higher you get. Letting go is what it's all about, letting go of your children, letting go of broken love, letting go of success, letting go of money and eventually letting go of your life and moving on.

When you really love something then you're willing to let go immediately. It's new relationships when you cling and cling and you don't wanna let go because they bring you something that you need and you don't want to lose it. When you love them, you don't need them [in that way].”

Awesome, Dirk - plenty of food for thought there. I can't help but like him, and I thought I would hate him with a passion. The diametric opposite of Leo Sayer, who rarely fails to be a bore.

[Bore, n.: A person who talks when you wish him to listen.
Ambrose Bierce (1842 - 1914)]

So am I enjoying celebrity Big brother? Well, maybe. The thing is, I am watching it, so they have kinda won anyway.

The amazing Bobby McFerrin

Check this out, and follow the other Bobby McFerrin links on You Tube too.

Bobby's singing of Ave Maria is utterly outstanding. with a large crowd joining in as well, the effect literally made me cry. Music that touches people is the best music of all.

Ave Maria - enjoy

Philosophy

As none of you know, my uncle is a philosopher, although now he's retired. I'm not sure whether it is possible to stop being a philosopher, but insofar as it is possible to stop being one, he has stopped being one. No doubt he comes out with the odd sage line or two, but hopefully he can be forgiven that.

What, you may ask, is involved in the job of philosopher? It's a very good question, and I am uniquely placed to give you an answer. Obviously, there are few companies or institutions who feel the need to employ a philosopher - although I imagine there are quite a few football teams who should reconsider that position.

The exceptions to this rule are, of course, universities. Lancaster university has provided gainful employment for him for many years. He has also written several books on the subject, all of which I advise you to read - although I will not tell you his name.

I should add that his wife is lovely and a most delightful person, certainly as far as I can tell.

Maybe I will become a philosopher - it does run in the family...

Quotes of the day

Experience is that marvelous thing that enables you to recognize a mistake when you make it again.

(Franklin P. Jones)

By all means marry; if you get a good wife, you'll be happy. If you get a bad one, you'll become a philosopher.
Socrates (469 BC - 399 BC)

Indoor Fireworks

Jason said they were no longer available in this country...

...but I give you...

INDOOR FIREWORKS!

Jason Jason Jason...Jason

Jason                                Jason      Jason      Jason

There can be many reasons for making a blog posting: An interesting thought, a pleasant, or perhaps unpleasant happening, a wonderful scene captured for all to see, an amazing meal, a terrible meal, thoughts, musings, whimsy or maybe just plain old humour. It could be in order to make an announcement, report on a tragedy, to proclaim hope or maybe to finally embrace despair.

This posting is different, and I have never posted for this reason before. This posting has been made purely and simply to mess with Michelle's mind.

Thank you.