I often marvel at the blatant arrogance and disregard for public opinion by our UK government, a public who elected them in the first place.  They put themselves out of touch with the average person in the street and then wonder why so many of us want to tell them where to go in 4 letters!  And in addition to this, they then create spin to fire-fight the backlash to this arrogance.  Here’s a current one for your attention and hopefully your action … Last October (2008) the UK Gove... Read Full Story

As with my previous ‘technical’ blog, I will start off by saying that I am definitely not a computer expert.  However, the following has worked for me with both Windows XP (Home & Pro) and Vista Business when an update stops the sound working for no apparent reason.  There is often a red cross by the sound device icon (e.g. a loudspeaker) and if you try to open the device by clicking on the icon, the window that opens tells you that the sound device is no longer there.  The bi... Read Full Story

A couple of months ago I received a package from the EMA, a UK government department that provides some funding for students whilst studying for their A-levels. It was a pleasant surprise as I hadn’t even realised such funds and grants existed. So I set about completing the form and pulling together the supporting evidence and documentation. Having put together what I thought was the complete information package I sent the forms off to the EMA. About 2 weeks later I received the forms b... Read Full Story

Last night was one of the most amazing experiences I've enjoyed for a very long time. Eight months after buying the tickets, I witnessed the phenomenon that is the Buena Vista Orchestra (also known as Orquestra Buena Vista & Buena Vista Social Club).Many of the original stars from that special night in Carnegie Hall in 1998 have since passed on, but what remains is still a testament to the skill, passion and fun of Cuban musicians, many of whom have been formative in the creation of what ... Read Full Story

Last night was one of the most amazing experiences I've enjoyed for a very long time. Eight months after buying the tickets, I witnessed the phenomenon that is the Buena Vista Orchestra (also known as Orquestra Buena Vista & Buena Vista Social Club).Many of the original stars from that special night in Carnegie Hall in 1998 have since passed on, but what remains is still a testament to the skill, passion and fun of Cuban musicians, many of whom have been formative in the creation of what ... Read Full Story

Last night was one of the most amazing experiences I’ve enjoyed for a very long time. Eight months after buying the tickets, I witnessed the phenomenon that is the Buena Vista Orchestra (also known as Orquestra Buena Vista & Buena Vista Social Club). Many of the original stars from that special night in Carnegie Hall in 1998 have since passed on, but what remains is still a testament to the skill, passion and fun of Cuban musicians, many of whom have been formative in the creation o... Read Full Story

Last night was one of the most amazing experiences I’ve enjoyed for a very long time.  Eight months after buying the tickets, I witnessed the phenomenon that is the Buena Vista Orchestra (also known as Orquestra Buena Vista & Buena Vista Social Club). Many of the original stars from that special night in Carnegie Hall in 1998 have since passed on, but what remains is still a testament to the skill, passion and fun of Cuban musicians, many of whom have been formative in the creation ... Read Full Story

The aesthetics of a kit are not essential to its sound and performance, but they make a big difference for visual impact and even making us want to play it. If the kit looks great, we feel inspired to play!One problem with we humans is that we have greasy fingers, even if we've not been eating burgers or fish and chips and this grease is transferred onto everything we touch. Shiny surfaces like chrome, lacquered drums and cymbals will reveal where we've been touching them better than Hercule ... Read Full Story

The STEMNET web site defines a STEM (Science Technology Engineering & Mathematics)Ambassador as ‘An everyday person from a real working background who volunteers their time for free to act as an inspiring role model to young people’. STEM Ambassadors help to stimulate the minds and imaginations of young people. They provide a refreshing change to regular lessons and activities for students and staff, bringing a fresh perspective to STEM subjects and careers. Each Ambassador is... Read Full Story

If we were to put all the small acts of kindness performed in the World on a set of scales they would weigh nothing. If we took all of these small acts of kindness out of our World, it would be nothing! Posted in Uncategorized Tagged: acts of kindness matter, adding value to life, making a difference, making a positive difference, making change hapen, small acts of kindness make life worth living Read Full Story