29/2/2012–The White Horse, Harborn

This is the first time this has take place here and a good crowd had turned up.
Now I like Jason, but I have ranted about open mic’s before and their organisation. It was well supported and everyone should have the same number of songs. Also the host playing for 30 minutes, when there is a full night seems a bit excessive.
Anyhow, some good turns were on.
I played first, so the second time I have started an inaugural open mic.
Played
50 things to do before I die – Jon Chapman
Please Read my letter – Plant/Krause version
Rocking in the free world – Neil Young

The pub has a great atmosphere and two hard working staff behind the bar. It also has a great range of real ale beers.

I will return.

25/2/12 – Ed is 17

A quick video of Ed through the years.

 

21/2/12–Stirlings Bar, Birmingham

Well its Tossing day and Reversal Day.

Well i have not been tossed, nor reversed!

Played at Stirlings Open Mic

If I was a Carpenter – Tim Hardin
Pinball Wizard – the Who
50 things to do before i die – Jon Chapman
Rock and Roll – Led Zeppelin (wedding singer version)
Behind Blue Eyes – the Who

I did try and play some new stuff but could not see the words, nor read my own writing. i will I will learn them.

Badger.

14//1/12–The Yardbird, Birmingham

second time here and did not disappoint.

I was up second after the two featured acts.

Played

Please read my Letter – Plant/Krause version. I played a bit more of rocked up version than I normally do. Went well and sounded goods too.
50 things to do before i die – Jon Chapman
Rocking in the free world – Neil Young

 

Next week Stirling's bar.

12/2/12–The Proposal, Broadway Cinema, Nottingham

Follow up to previous post, with link to article in Evening Post and Youtube video of “Peter” film. Blooming Brilliant.

http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/VIDEO-Sneinton-man-s-cinematic-extravaganza/story-15223544-detail/story.html

 

12/2/12 - Some Like It Hot, Broadway Cinema, Nottingham

 

Had a really nice day at the cinema with my wife for a valentines treat, preceded by a Sunday lunch and beer.

The Sunday afternoon showings are a film that has been selected by someone, and their name is on the screen. This was someone's mum's 50th birthday treat. Very nice.

Upon entry we were advised the rear row and two seats on the preceding row were reserved, but we can sit anywhere else. The reserved seats were for the Mum and her family.

In the best traditions of visiting the cinema, there was even a "short" film on before it, the only thing missing was the ice cream intermission for reel changes.

We watching a very original print copy of "Some Like it Hot" (Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis & Jack Lemon). Obviously the film has been damaged in parts as there were odd jumps in the dialogue. But still great.

The short was a locally made film by a guy called Peter and was all about him arriving on time. It was very confusing as he was running around Nottingham, then was in London, then back in Nottingham, dressed in formal dinner jacket. Eventually he arrives at the cinema, runs into the cinema, down the stairs, then into the actual screen we are in, then the door bangs open and in he runs.

At this point the film stops. And Peter takes over. Now I have to admit to being totally confused as to what this was about. Peter started by saying that this was for a very special person, I thought the mum, but no, he comes to the row we were on goes down on one knee to the woman on the end of the row, one away from me and proposes.

She accepts, after that the reserved seats at the back are vacated and the front row move to the back and the film is started.

7/2/12–Stirling's Bar, Birmingham

Very empty tonight, but only the third night its been on. Hope it picks up.

Well after I fixed the PA so the guitar worked. Result, a fried for life.

Played a bit of a different set to normal.

If I was a Carpenter – Tim Hardin
Please Read my letter – Plant/Krause version
Rock n Roll – Led Zeppelin, wedding singer version
Hangman – Peter, Paul & Mary
50 things to do before I die – Jon Chapman

I then went to the Yardbird, on my way to my bus….

Till next time

Does Crime Pay.

Well there are many answers to this.

In this case probably yes, please read on.

Someone I know has recently "lost" an item. I use the word "lost" as if the owner of the item was careless, they were not. Other people also lost an item at the same time.

The items were kept in a supposed secure area, which was shared by several people.

Now this location was broken into and several of the items were taken by unknown people.

The person I know lost a item of unique sentimental value (it was custom made), and also of high monetary value.

His daughter published photos on the internet, social media and specialist journals publishing a reward for the safe return, of their and other peoples property.

Now the owners in the mean time had reported this to the police. They got bounced around three police forces and got no where.

Now yesterday (6/Feb/12\), a concerned citizen (???) called the published number and stated that they had innocently brought these "lost" items in all innocence noticed the "reward poster" and wanted to see the safe return back to the rightful owners. The owners of the items agreed to "refund" this citizens out of pocket expenses of £1000.

Later that day, another call was received. Once again this had the number withheld. It was now 9pm in the evening and the meeting was arranged, but now the fee was agreed to be less at £700 as now at access to cash was limited and that was all they had.

The meet was arranged at a pub location.

This seemed like a good idea as it was a public place. However, upon arrival it was a disused pub with off road secluded parking.

After some cautious and cagey introductions, it was determined that they were each their to meet each other

At the meeting it was verified that the items were indeed the "lost" items and the "reward" was handed over. At that time, in the near distance a police siren sounded.

The concerned "citizens" made a hasty retreat in their flat bed van and car.

The owners, now reunited with their belongings went home and distributed the belongings to their rightful owners.

So does crime pay.

a) All the owners have retrieved their property for less than the excess on their insurance.
b) the sentimental value in these items has been maintained
c) the concerned citizen, got his reward, apparently upset at being £300 "out of pocket" compared to the earlier agreed reward figure.
d) future insurance premiums will not have gone up, a benefit to everyone, but still £700 up
e) police statistics will be interesting.
f) the real "robbers" are free to ply their trade again
g) the concerned citizens must be feeling really good with them selves for helping out the owners
h) there are no real victims, that you can find now.

Knock on effects

This insurance companies will probably still increase their premiums as they are considered a risk, simply for notifying them. Even though they, the insurance companies, have not had to pay anything out. They are equally legal robbers. And I wager they would have done all they could to stop paying out by blaming the owners for being negligent! Or am I being unfair.


I think the answer is Yes, it does pay.