Hi friends
At present on UK TV they are celebrating (surely that's NOT the right word!) the fact that it is 70 years since the UK suffered the blitz.
Whilst the armed forces have received many accolades for the work they carried out I don't think the civilian population received as much praise as they should have done. Most of the images you now see are of people stoically surviving in the underground tube stations in London although of course many other towns and cities were bombed very badly too.
However we seem to hear very little about the civilians who had to "carry on" throughout the raids.
Take my mum and dad for example. They were both fire watchers. In fact my dad had just retired at 65 years old and instead of sitting in front of the fire with his pipe and slippers he was on top of Hackney Town Hall ( a borough in the east end of London) helping direct the fire sevices to where they were needed most. "Hairy" or what? Imagine being on top of one of the tallest local buildings with bombs falling all around. My mum was there too and she told me but for going into a neighbours shelter on the first air raid she never went in one again. Prefered to take her chance in the open. They were both trained to enter burning buildings to rescue people who were trapped without all the equipment taken for granted now. The "elf" and safety brigade would have kittens now! However after having a couple of hours "shut eye" mum had to be up to go to work. After a raid the communication systems particularly transport were in chaos and mum often had to walk from the east end where she lived to the west end of London where she was seconded to The Ministry of Supply. Can you imagine scuttling passed burning buildings tripping over fireman's hoses to get to work and not even knowing if your work place would still be there. One day she had to wake up a fireman up who had gone to sleep directing his hose on a burning building. The poor man was utterley exhausted. It didn't help that mum then pointed out flames coming from another source!
Hey I think someone should make a film about all these unsung heros. The didn't even get any medals.
Thought for today: Did you manage to get to work today without dodging a burning building? Yes? Then it was a great day wasn't it.
Joke for today:- Did you here about the guy who lost his left leg and left arm in an accident?
His all right now.
On this day:- 19th April
In 1775 the first skirmishes of The American War of Independence broke out at Lexington Green.
In 1956 Grave Kelly married Prince Rainier of Monaco.
IN 1882 Charles Darwin died
Monday, 19 April 2010
Thursday, 15 April 2010
Stuck in a Car Wash!
Yep, I got stuck in a car wash yesterday. Disgusting. Using a car wash! Should have washed it by hand myself but I was in a hurry. Thats my terminology for being lazy.What about your carbon footprint I hear you exclaim? (what a stupid name. Wonder who thought of that. Its "carbon" in the air we should be concerned about not underfoot) Anyrate I digress. There was I sitting in the car with soap suds all around when suddenly NOTHING. The machine stopped. My distress was noticed by a gardener who went and told the nice garage man. Unfortunately he was on his own and by "sods law" a stream of cars came onto the forecourt to fill up with the gold dust. Oops I mean petrol. So I had to wait patiently well fairly patiently whilst all the people passed me by (trying not to laugh I think),
However I now know how a goldfish in a bowl feels!
Anyrate the nice man managed to get across to the machine and with one push of a button I was free.
Mind you a bit ironic really when today we have a cloud of volcanic ash over the U.K.! Might have to wash it again. Hey thats a point perhaps I should rush out and buy shares in carwash manufacturers (or umbrellas)
Joke for today:- A nervous person says to the nurse "I'm really worried because I read about a man who was in hospital because of heart trouble but he died of malaria. Don't worry replied the nurse, in this hospital if you have a heart trouble you will die of heart trouble.
Thought for today: Sómetimes you have to go back to the past to create the future.
On this day: 15th April
In 1753 Dr Samuel Johnson published his Dictionary
In 1955 the first McDonalds was opened in San Bernardino California
However I now know how a goldfish in a bowl feels!
Anyrate the nice man managed to get across to the machine and with one push of a button I was free.
Mind you a bit ironic really when today we have a cloud of volcanic ash over the U.K.! Might have to wash it again. Hey thats a point perhaps I should rush out and buy shares in carwash manufacturers (or umbrellas)
Joke for today:- A nervous person says to the nurse "I'm really worried because I read about a man who was in hospital because of heart trouble but he died of malaria. Don't worry replied the nurse, in this hospital if you have a heart trouble you will die of heart trouble.
Thought for today: Sómetimes you have to go back to the past to create the future.
On this day: 15th April
In 1753 Dr Samuel Johnson published his Dictionary
In 1955 the first McDonalds was opened in San Bernardino California
Tuesday, 13 April 2010
Courage what is it?
When taking Owen for his constitutional this morning I passed by our local cemetary. On one of the little gravestones there is the words "born asleep" I think that is a lovely term although very sad of course.
This got me thinking back to when I lived at Southminster on the Essex marshes many moons ago. I had a neighbour who was a devout Roman Catholic. She had two young boys but always wished for a little girl to complete her family. She actually got pregnant again twice and on both occasions it was a little girl who wanted to enter our lovely world. Unfortunately this lady had some health issues (not sure what) and was told both times that the child would only live for a few hours after birth. This information was given to her at an early stage of the pregnancy. Because of this she was advised each time to have the pregnancy terminated but because of her religious beliefs she declined. So both times a little girl was born who didn't stay with us very long. I'm not a Roman Catholic but I can't help admiring this neighbours tremendous faith. What courage to go through all the pains of pregnancy knowing that your child had no chance of surviving. We normally think of heroics as something immediate like rushing into a burning building to rescue someone but a long term ordeal like this takes some beating.
Thought for today. Let us appreciate all the things we don't have that we wouldn't want
Joke for today:- A woman marries a man expecting that he will change but he doesn't. A man marries a woman expecting that she won't change but she does.
On this day:- In 1860 the first delivery by pony express arrived in California after the 1800 mile journey.
In 1732 Frederick North the English Prime Minister who introduced the Tea Act which led to the Boston Tea Party was born.
In 1743 Thomas Jefferson the American President responsible for drafting the Declaration of Independence was born. Ironic in view of above? Both characters having the same birthday
This got me thinking back to when I lived at Southminster on the Essex marshes many moons ago. I had a neighbour who was a devout Roman Catholic. She had two young boys but always wished for a little girl to complete her family. She actually got pregnant again twice and on both occasions it was a little girl who wanted to enter our lovely world. Unfortunately this lady had some health issues (not sure what) and was told both times that the child would only live for a few hours after birth. This information was given to her at an early stage of the pregnancy. Because of this she was advised each time to have the pregnancy terminated but because of her religious beliefs she declined. So both times a little girl was born who didn't stay with us very long. I'm not a Roman Catholic but I can't help admiring this neighbours tremendous faith. What courage to go through all the pains of pregnancy knowing that your child had no chance of surviving. We normally think of heroics as something immediate like rushing into a burning building to rescue someone but a long term ordeal like this takes some beating.
Thought for today. Let us appreciate all the things we don't have that we wouldn't want
Joke for today:- A woman marries a man expecting that he will change but he doesn't. A man marries a woman expecting that she won't change but she does.
On this day:- In 1860 the first delivery by pony express arrived in California after the 1800 mile journey.
In 1732 Frederick North the English Prime Minister who introduced the Tea Act which led to the Boston Tea Party was born.
In 1743 Thomas Jefferson the American President responsible for drafting the Declaration of Independence was born. Ironic in view of above? Both characters having the same birthday
Monday, 29 March 2010
What a change in the weather
Hi
Beautiful spring weather during the weekend just gone. Today, Monday it is cold and pouring with rain. In fact they have promised snow tomorrow but I think we are too far south for that. Famous last words. I have been writing more articles to add to my website www.whoisjohnbeaumont.com Hopefully they will be of interest to people. (if not animals??) Stupid statement.
I had a wry laugh yesterday when I read that Gordon Brown was starting his election campaign in Nottingham. Why? Well because Mr (actually I believe it is Dr as he has a PhD in history) has chosen to start his campaign in the same city where another famous person started his campaign. Yep King Charles 1st raised his standard at the start of the English Civil War in Nottingham and we all know how that ended!! Ironic especially when you know that Gordon has a degree in history!! Still perhaps he subconsciously knows he will lose or perhaps he wants to!!
Actually I am fed up with the election all ready and it is only just starting. Surely every sane person must know what style of leadership they want after 4/5 years of any government? Yet the floating voters have the final say when most of us know which party we will vote for after looking at the results of the current government. Either you think they have done a good job or not.
Anyrate:- Thought for today:- Be thankful for what you have and equally thankful for what you don't have. (Think about it)
Joke for today:- Two flies are playingfootball in a saucer. We had better play better than this next week says one. Why? replies the other. Because we are playing in the cup. Boom boom
On this day: 29th March
In 1886 a new fizzy drink went on sale in Atlanta. The name? Coca-Cola
In 1929 The House of Commons voted to give the vote to all women over 21 years old.
In 1827 10,000 mourners attended Beethoven's funeral
John Beaumont
Beautiful spring weather during the weekend just gone. Today, Monday it is cold and pouring with rain. In fact they have promised snow tomorrow but I think we are too far south for that. Famous last words. I have been writing more articles to add to my website www.whoisjohnbeaumont.com Hopefully they will be of interest to people. (if not animals??) Stupid statement.
I had a wry laugh yesterday when I read that Gordon Brown was starting his election campaign in Nottingham. Why? Well because Mr (actually I believe it is Dr as he has a PhD in history) has chosen to start his campaign in the same city where another famous person started his campaign. Yep King Charles 1st raised his standard at the start of the English Civil War in Nottingham and we all know how that ended!! Ironic especially when you know that Gordon has a degree in history!! Still perhaps he subconsciously knows he will lose or perhaps he wants to!!
Actually I am fed up with the election all ready and it is only just starting. Surely every sane person must know what style of leadership they want after 4/5 years of any government? Yet the floating voters have the final say when most of us know which party we will vote for after looking at the results of the current government. Either you think they have done a good job or not.
Anyrate:- Thought for today:- Be thankful for what you have and equally thankful for what you don't have. (Think about it)
Joke for today:- Two flies are playingfootball in a saucer. We had better play better than this next week says one. Why? replies the other. Because we are playing in the cup. Boom boom
On this day: 29th March
In 1886 a new fizzy drink went on sale in Atlanta. The name? Coca-Cola
In 1929 The House of Commons voted to give the vote to all women over 21 years old.
In 1827 10,000 mourners attended Beethoven's funeral
John Beaumont
Friday, 19 March 2010
Alls well that ends well
Hi
I thought the story about the kidnapping of the 5 year old boy Sahil Saeed showed both the worst of humanity but also the best.
The worst of course is that people can snatch a young boy putting him through goodness knows what trauma. They deserve to get the book thrown at them.
On the other hand the way his local community rallied round and the cooperation of the various police forces showed just how much people cared.
The extended family and local community sold gold jewellery, family heirlooms etc to raise the ransom. That shows true kindness and concern for others.
Then we saw the police forces of Pakistan, U.K. France and Spain all cooperating to ensure that the kidnappers were brought to book.
I continued writing articles about internet marketing this week. Helps me focus and hopefully helps others.
Hana my lovely Czech daughter in law sent me some prezzies. Very thoughtful of her. I must go and visit them in Prague again shortly.
Thought for today: Most people are basically kind and care for others. We just seem to hear all about the bad things whereas most of the daily good happenings seem to be ignored by the media.
Joke for today:- A waiter brings a man the steak he ordered but is pressing the steak to the plate with his thumb. That is very unhygienic complains the man. It will be more unhygienic if I drop it on the floor again replies the waiter.
On this day:- 19th March
In 1932 the Sydney Harbour Bridge was opened.
In 1848 Wyatt Earp was born
John Beaumont
I thought the story about the kidnapping of the 5 year old boy Sahil Saeed showed both the worst of humanity but also the best.
The worst of course is that people can snatch a young boy putting him through goodness knows what trauma. They deserve to get the book thrown at them.
On the other hand the way his local community rallied round and the cooperation of the various police forces showed just how much people cared.
The extended family and local community sold gold jewellery, family heirlooms etc to raise the ransom. That shows true kindness and concern for others.
Then we saw the police forces of Pakistan, U.K. France and Spain all cooperating to ensure that the kidnappers were brought to book.
I continued writing articles about internet marketing this week. Helps me focus and hopefully helps others.
Hana my lovely Czech daughter in law sent me some prezzies. Very thoughtful of her. I must go and visit them in Prague again shortly.
Thought for today: Most people are basically kind and care for others. We just seem to hear all about the bad things whereas most of the daily good happenings seem to be ignored by the media.
Joke for today:- A waiter brings a man the steak he ordered but is pressing the steak to the plate with his thumb. That is very unhygienic complains the man. It will be more unhygienic if I drop it on the floor again replies the waiter.
On this day:- 19th March
In 1932 the Sydney Harbour Bridge was opened.
In 1848 Wyatt Earp was born
John Beaumont
Tuesday, 9 March 2010
Happy birthday to me
Hi all
Hey it's my birthday today. Another year younger. Yep YOUNGER. I decided a few years back that I wasn't going to get any older so each birthday I get a year younger. I will soon be passing 40 again but this time going downwards.According to my records I may be a YAP (young age pensioner) but I actually feel only about 25 years old. When I look into a mirror I have a bit of a shock. Who is that old man looking back at me!!
They (who is "they"?) say that you are as young as you feel and I still feel young. Strange isn't it?
Anyone want to challenge me to a sprint?
Thought for today:- How old to you feel?
Joke for today:- How do you leave Las Vegas with a small fortune? Go in with a big one.
On this day:- 9th March
In 1942 I was born. What a great day!
In 1934 Yuri Gagarin the first man in space was born
In 1943 Bobby Fischer the world chess champion in 1972 was born
In 1945 Micky Dolenz a founder member of the Monkees was born
In 1945 Bill Beaumont (no relation) the English Rugby captain was born
Hey look at all those famous people born on March 9th!!
Hey it's my birthday today. Another year younger. Yep YOUNGER. I decided a few years back that I wasn't going to get any older so each birthday I get a year younger. I will soon be passing 40 again but this time going downwards.According to my records I may be a YAP (young age pensioner) but I actually feel only about 25 years old. When I look into a mirror I have a bit of a shock. Who is that old man looking back at me!!
They (who is "they"?) say that you are as young as you feel and I still feel young. Strange isn't it?
Anyone want to challenge me to a sprint?
Thought for today:- How old to you feel?
Joke for today:- How do you leave Las Vegas with a small fortune? Go in with a big one.
On this day:- 9th March
In 1942 I was born. What a great day!
In 1934 Yuri Gagarin the first man in space was born
In 1943 Bobby Fischer the world chess champion in 1972 was born
In 1945 Micky Dolenz a founder member of the Monkees was born
In 1945 Bill Beaumont (no relation) the English Rugby captain was born
Hey look at all those famous people born on March 9th!!
Monday, 8 March 2010
Well done EDF
Wow. I have to report great service from a utility supply company. Bet that doesn't happen that often! Oh what a cynic I am becoming. Seriously though it is really nice when you get good service isn't it?
What happened is that when Tim got up to my property in Sunderland he found that somehow the departed tenant had left with an outstanding amount of nearly £100 on her electricity bill. This is supposedly a pre-paid meter so how that happened I don't know.
Since Tim needed to start work immediately Sue rang the supplier EDF Energy Customers plc and told them the problem. No electricity no work! Andrew Miller of EDF Pre Payment Dept in Sunderland was very helpful. He told Sue that if Tim arranged to put the £100 on the prepaid electricity "key" plus some extra to cover his electric needs then EDF would repay the amount that the tenant owed (can't find the tenant. Totally disappeared). As good as their word as soon as we submitted the receipts to them they sent a cheque for the full amount by return.
So I'm very pleased with both their helpful service and their integrity.
Thought for today:- Why do so many companies go chasing after new business giving special offers etc whilst neglecting their exisiting customers? It is easier to keep an existing customer if you give good service than trying to get a new one.
Joke for today:- Joe goes into a butcher's shop where there is some beef hanging on a rack quite high up. Bet you can't touch that beef says the butcher. No thanks says Joe. The steaks are too high! Boom boom
On this day:- 8th March.
In 1906 the British Government published a book that claimed that it was now possible to travel round the world without ever leaving the Dominions of Great Britain.
In 1931 James Dean was born
In 1702 Queen Anne accedes to the English throne after William 111 dies in a riding accident
What happened is that when Tim got up to my property in Sunderland he found that somehow the departed tenant had left with an outstanding amount of nearly £100 on her electricity bill. This is supposedly a pre-paid meter so how that happened I don't know.
Since Tim needed to start work immediately Sue rang the supplier EDF Energy Customers plc and told them the problem. No electricity no work! Andrew Miller of EDF Pre Payment Dept in Sunderland was very helpful. He told Sue that if Tim arranged to put the £100 on the prepaid electricity "key" plus some extra to cover his electric needs then EDF would repay the amount that the tenant owed (can't find the tenant. Totally disappeared). As good as their word as soon as we submitted the receipts to them they sent a cheque for the full amount by return.
So I'm very pleased with both their helpful service and their integrity.
Thought for today:- Why do so many companies go chasing after new business giving special offers etc whilst neglecting their exisiting customers? It is easier to keep an existing customer if you give good service than trying to get a new one.
Joke for today:- Joe goes into a butcher's shop where there is some beef hanging on a rack quite high up. Bet you can't touch that beef says the butcher. No thanks says Joe. The steaks are too high! Boom boom
On this day:- 8th March.
In 1906 the British Government published a book that claimed that it was now possible to travel round the world without ever leaving the Dominions of Great Britain.
In 1931 James Dean was born
In 1702 Queen Anne accedes to the English throne after William 111 dies in a riding accident
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