The next favourite places I am going to talk about in a way is an Oxymoron. California. When we lived in the Bay Area of California when we both worked there in many ways it was not a pleasant experience. The pressure, especially financial was tough and created a big burden on us and tell you the truth when I was given the opportunity to relocate to North Carolina we jumped at it with out even seeing the State. However, we still had some good times and memories. We made some very good friends. Oreo was very happy for the last two years of her life living in Antioch. I found a Church where I was very happy and had a great time playing in the Worship Band of Immanuel Baptisit Church and still listen to Pastor Dan's Sermons on-line.

However, there were two places we really had fun , enjoyed and miss. The first if Monterey Bay where we went several times including a great trip onto the Pacific Ocean on a Whale Watching expedition (left). If, for some reason, we had to move back to California it's the one place we would consider to live.

The Second is Spartan Stadium (right. This picture was taken at the 2001 MLS All Star Game, the player Joe Cannon, former Earthquakes and Colorado Keeper, who is now defiling himself by playing the enemy LA Galaxy), the home of the now defunct San Jose Earthquakes. We spent many happy hours at that Stadium cheering on the boys. Hopefully the team will be back soon as more and more positive news comes out. The old Spartan Stadium will no longer exist under the provisional plan, but the new Stadium would be on the same land. It's like the old Wembley Stadium the memories will always be there even if the old Stadium does no longer exist.

-Richard

The next cat that came into our homes to foster was Olivia. She came to us January 2005. As, she was so unhappy where she was living because she did not like other cats she came to us and Sawyer went to where she was. Olivia was very scared and freaked out and did not trust anyone and is positive for FIV. After a lot of work she is now a very sweet girl, although can still get overwhelemd if over stimulated. She is still with us, and very, very, happy.

-Richard

Score Update:

International Cricket: England beat Bermuda by 241 runs. One Day Internatinal. World Cup warm up match.
Australia beat England by 5 wickets. One Day International. World Cup warm up match.

Rugby Union: Raleigh 6 PAC (Potomac Athletic Club) 55. Friendly Match.

Football: Hartlepool United 1 Lincoln City 1. League 2. Pools stay in 1st place.

Ice Hockey: Atlanta Thrashers 3 Carolina Hurricanes 1
Washington Capitols 0 Carolina Hurricanes 3. The Canes have 75 points and stay in 3rd place in the South East Division falling to 7 points behind Division Leaders, Tampa Bay Lightening.

Baseball: Houston Astros 9 Washington Nationals 2
St. Louis Cardinals 0 Houston Astros 5
Houston Astros 2 New York Mets 7
Houston Astros 5 Washington Nationals 2
Washington Nationals 12 Houston Astros 5
Toronto Blue Jays 7 Houston Astros 9. All games Spring Training.

Basketball: Houston Rockets 74 San Antonio Spurs 97
Cleveland Cavaliers 91 Houston Rockets 85
Boston Celtics 80 Houston Rockets 111
Houston Rockets 112 New Jersey Nets 91. The Rockets are 38-24 and still in 3rd place in the South West Division. They have fallen to 14 games behind Division Leaders, Dallas Mavericks.

College Basketball: North Carolina Tar Heels 86 Duke Blue Devils 72. UNC finish the ACC regualr Season in 1st place with a record of 11-5. Duke finish the ACC regular Season with a record of 8-8 in 7th place.
Maryland Terrapins 79 North Carolina State Wolfpack 59. NC State finish the ACC Regualr Season with a record of 5-11 and finish in 10th place.
Duke Blue Devils 80 North Carolina State Wolfpack 85. ACC Tournament 1st round.
North Carolina Tar Heels 73 Florida State Seminoles 58. ACC Tournament Quarter-Final.
Virginia Cavaliers 71 North Carolina State Wolfpack 79. ACC Tournament Quarter-Final.

-Richard

I finished reading:

"The Tenant of Wildfell Hall" by Anne Bronte.

-Richard

I finished reading:

"The History of Henry Esmond" by William Makpeace Thackery.

-Richard

The next one of my favourite places is Nebraska. This is where Jenn's grandfather is from, a little town in called Kennesaw. We went for a weeks vacation and took her Grandmother with us. A kinda pilgramage in many ways. For Jenn and Grandmother time to go back and visit family and places of so many memories. For me, a chance to see some of the family roots. We visited the old family home (left) as well as other places. I really liked Hastings and Lincoln. Nebraska is a pretty cool State. Miles upon miles of flat straight roads. I certainly got a sense of what Lewis and Clark must have felt on their treck West. We visited a museum just over the Iowa State line which showed what it must have been like for these early pioneers and also trying to get a concept of the distances involved. Here is a picture of Jenn (right)next to a schematic of the landscape, which also showed the miles all the way to San Fransisco, which is where we were living (well, in the Bay Area not the City itself) at the time, taken at that museum.

-Richard

The next cat we fostered was Sawyer. Like Reagan he was only with us for a week. Sawyer was an FIV positive cat that we took from another local rescue. As our FIV home was full at the time we took him and moved Reagan to another home. However, we swapped with another FIV cat who was no doing well in her current environment. He did get adopted about a year later.

-Richard

Score Update:

Rugby Union: West Hartlepool 30 Old Crossleyans 20. League Two North East. West stay in 3rd place.

Football: Hartlepool United 3 Hereford United 2. League 2. Pools stay in 1st place.

Rugby League: St. Helens 34 Bradford Bulls 22. Superleague. Bradford stay in 1st place.

Ice Hockey: Carolina Hurricanes 2 Ottawa Senators 4
Ottawa Senators 2 Carolina Hurricanes 0
Carolina Hurricanes 3 Pittsburgh Penguins 2. The Canes have 73 points and are still in third place in the South-East Division falling 5 points behind Division Leaders, Tampa Bay Lightening.

Baseball: Cleveland Indians 13 Houston Astros 2
Houston Astros 8 Detroit Tigers 13
Atlanta Braves 1 Houston Astros 6. Spring Training.

Basketball: Orlando Magic 93 Houston Rockets 97
Houston Rockets 72 Boston Celtics 77
Houston Rockets 90 Toronto Raptors 106
Denver Nuggets 97 Houston Rockets 108. The Rockets 36-22 stay in 3rd place in the South West Division falling 13 games behind Division Leaders, Dallas Mavericks.

College Basketball: Maryland Terrapins 89 North Carolina Tar Heels 87
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 84 North Carolina Tar Heels 77. UNC are 24-6 on the Season and 10-5 in the ACC. They are in 2nd place in the ACC and ranked 8th in the Nation.
St. John's Red Storm 50 Duke Blue Devils 67
Duke Blue Devils 77 Maryland Terrapins 85. Duke are 22-8 on the Season and 8-7 in the ACC. They are in 6th place in the ACC and ranked 14th in the Nation.
North Carolina State Wolfpack 73 Wake Forest Demon Deacons 66. NC State are 15-13 on the Season and 5-10 in the ACC. They are in 10th place in the ACC.

-Richard

I listened to:

"Symphony No.2 in C minor, Op.17 "Little Russian" composed by Peter Tchaikovsky performed by The BBC Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Gianaandrea Noseda.

-Richard

The Church Goer

I go to Church every Sunday -
Aren't I good?
Looking good?
Singing hymns with a smile,
A beautific expression
Impressing those around.
"He is so Holy.
Look at his joy!"
That was a nice service,
But, what's it about?
Does anyone care?
I've had a good natter
Done my duty
As I walk out with pride
So others can see
That I'm a Church goer!!

11th February 2004 - Uxbridge, Middlesex, England.

-Richard

Tomorrow is a Historic for Snowflake Animal Rescue 10 years ago the organisation was founded. A wonderful lady called Cindy, who I am now honoured to consider a friend founded us in memory of a special cat called Mr Snowflake (below) that she rescued. A lot of special animals and people owe an awful lot to this special lady. Long may we continue in our mission as we move into our second decade. Thank you, Cindy!

-Richard

I watched the Oscars Sunday. And got very irritated. I thought the show was pretty good and Ellen did a very good job hosting it.

The problem I had was Al Gore love fest. Yes, global warming is a big issue and is something we have to take seriously, but, the Oscar show is not and will never be the forum. Why?

First of all I am sick to death of Hollywood being holier than thou with the causes they make such a big deal over supporing and championing. The causes are important, but, they come across as they are the only people that (a) know what they are talking about and (b) doing anything about it. The fact is many times they are (a) wrong and (b) most ordinary folks do get involved in causes and community issues and their sacrifice is much greater than the millionaire Hollywood hypocrits.

Second, Al Gore. In many cases his Science is just plain wrong. He is creating a hysteria. How about all the homeless kids in, even this country. How about a health care system that is falling apart, how about out of control violence? Why does he fly around in his own personnel jet? Really helps the environment!! How about at least three homes he has? One had 20 rooms and 8 bathrooms and has an electricity bill that in one month is more than the average Americans annual bill? I had an excuse that it has a zero Carbon impact, well, ok, but this energy consumption has to come from somewhere so even if its does come from non-Carbon based sources the energy he pulls causes others to go the Carbon based sauces there certainly does not have a zero impact.

Again, I believe this issue is important, but, stop preaching until you get your own act together Al. You really are one of the regular "American People".

-Richard

I have done a lot of thinking recently about places I've been to and some of my favourite places. I guess the reason is that this year as a couple of key anniversaries. Jenn and I will celebrate out 10th wedding anniversary in May. Also, it will be 20 years since I left Hartlepool and went to Bradford University. This has made me think a lot about important places in my life. Over the next few weeks I will post some of these. It will not be everywhere as I do not have pictures from them all, but, certainly quite a lot. Also these are in no particular order or sequence as I do not have all photos in electronic form and it is impossible to put them in a particular order.

I will start today with Sri Lanka. I posted a while ago about this. I went to visit there in September 1993 at the end of a slightly confusing period of my life. It is a fantastic place, with fantastic people. The photo I am posting is a place called Sigiriya. It is a rock fortress which was a rotal citadal. Climbing to the top with my friend Lakmalee and her cousin was an awe inspiring experience. Other favourite places form that trip were Nuwara Eliya the heart of the tea growing company, Kandy and the Indian Ocean Cost. Great memories that I will never forget.

-Richard

The next cat that we fostered was Reagan. We only had her for a week. She came into us on New Years Eve 2005. We are at Cindys, the main Snowflake Foster Home cleaning when a lady turns up at her house and dropped Reagan off. As we had space we agreed to take her. However, a week later there was a more urgent need for another cat, Sawyer (see next foster cat post) so Reagan moved to Cindys.

-Richard

Score Update:

International Rugby: Ireland 43 England 13. The Six Nations Championship. England fall to 3rd place.

Rugby: Durham City 11 West Hartlepool 13. League 2 North East. West move up to 3rd place.

Football: Hartlepool United 3 Macclesfield Town 2. League 2.
Boston United 0 Hartlepool United 1. League 2. Hartlepool move to 1st place in the League Table.

Rugby League: Warrington Wolves 20 Bradford Bulls 36. Superleague.
Bradford Bulls 32 Wigan Warriers 28. Superleague. Bradford move into 1st place in the League.

Ice Hockey: Montreal Canadians 3 Carolina Hurricanes 5
Carolina Hurricanes 1 Atlanta Thrashers 3
Carolina Hurricanes 3 Philadelphia Flyers 2
Atlanta Thrashers 1 Carolina Hurricanes 4. The Canes stay in third place in the South-East Division with 71 points., closing the gap to new Division Leaders, The Tampa Bay Lightening to 2 points.

Basketball: Houston Rockets 112 Miami Heat 102
Atlanta Hawks 105 Houston Rockets 99. The Rockets are 34-20 and still in 3rd place in the South West Division 11 1/2 games behind the Division Leaders The Dallas Mavericks.

College Basketball: Boston College Eagles 72 North Carolina Tar Heels 77.
North Carolina Tar Heels 83 North Carolina State Wolfpack 64. UNC are 24-4 on the Season and 10-3 in the ACC. They are in 1st place in the ACC and ranked 5th in the Nation.
Duke Blue Devils 71 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 62
Clemson Tigers 66 Duke Blue Devils 71. Duke are 21-7 on the Season and 8-6 in the ACC. They are in 5th place in the ACC and ranked 18th in the Nation.
North Carolina State Wolfpack 81 Virginia Tech Hokies 56
Florida State Seminoles 78 North Carolina State Wolfpack 52. NC State are 14-13 on the Season and 4-10 in the ACC. They are in 10th place in the ACC.

-Richard

Bosnia

It's all insane
All this grief and pain.
Children dying,
Children crying.
Father's fighting
Father's killing.
He fired the shell
That made his life Hell.
He returned the granade
So that he might be repaid.

25th August 1993 - Uxbridge, Middlesex, England.

-Richard

I Finished Reading:

"Democracy, an American Novel" written by Henry Adams.

-Richard

Snowflake lost another kitty on Friday. Glynis. She was a cat that came into us a couple of months ago. She never learnt to trust, but, was at least safe and warm. She was taken to the vets on Friday to be tested for Feline Leukemia. Unfortunately she was found positive. Due to the nature of the disease we had to make the very sad and difficult decision to Euthanise her. At least we now know that she is happy.

-Richard

I listened to:

"Pieces of You" by Jewell.

-Richard

I listened to:

"Symphony No. 6 in A minor, "Tragic"" composed by Gustav Mahler and performed by The London Symphony Orchestra conducted by Mariss Jansons.

-Richard

Food

One week queues.
The Next queues.
The first for food not there
The second waiting for a table.
The first prices beyond means,
The second ample to spare.
One people starving to death
Another eating for entertainment.

15th May 1993, Leicester Square, London, England.

Written the week after I got back from Russia.

-Richard

I finished reading:

"Stranger in Paris" by W. Somerset Maugham.

-Richard

Score Update:

International Rugby: England 20 Italy 7. Six Nations. England are in 2nd place.

International Cricket: England beat Australia by 4 wickets. Internatinal Triangular One Day Final Tournament Game 1.
England beat Austrlia by 34 runs. International Triangular One Day Final Game 2. England win Final 2-0.

Rugby Union: Billingham 34 West Hartlepool 12. Durham County Cup.
West Hartlepool 50 Percy Park 14. League 2 North East. West stay in 5th place.

Football: Hartlepool United 3 Walsall 1. League 2
Torquay United 0 Hartlepool United 1. League 2. Pools move up to 2nd place.
Charlotte 24 Raleigh 6. Warm Up Game.

Rugby League: Bradford Bulls 18 Huddersfield Giants 14. Superleague. Bradford are in 5th place.

Ice Hockey: Boston Bruins 2 Carolina Hurricanes 5
Minnesota Wild 5 Carolina Hurricanes 4
Carolina Hurricanes 2 Los Angeles Kings 1
Carolina Hurricanes 1 New York Rangers 4. The Canes have 65 points and stay in 3rd place in the South East Division and are have closed the gap on Divsion Leaders, The Atlanta Thrashers to 4 points.

Basketball: Dallas Mavericks 95 Houston Rockets 74
Houston Rockets 104 Charlotte Bobcats 83
Houston Rockets 109 Sacramento Kings 104
Houston Rockets 77 Dallas Mavericks 80. The Rockets are 33-19. They stay in 3rd place in the South West Division, but, fall 10 1/2 games behind the Divsion Leader The Dallas Mavericks.

College Basketball: North Carolina Tar Heels 104 Wake Forest Demon Deacons 67
North Carolina Tar Heels 80 Virginia Tech Hokies 81. UNC are 22-4 on the Season and 8-3 in the ACC. They are in 2nd place in the ACC and ranked 4th in the Nation.
Maryland Terrapins 72 Duke Blue Devils 60
Boston College Eagles 70 Duke Blue Devils 78. Duke are 19-7 on the Season and 6-6 in the ACC. They are in 5th place in the ACC.
Miami Hurricanes 80 North Carolina State Wolfpack 65
North Carolina State Wolfpack 70 Maryland Terrapins 85. NC State are 13-11 on the Season and 3-8 in the ACC. They are in 10th place in the ACC.

-Richard

I listened to:

"Peter Grimes" composed by Benjamin Britten and performed by the Chorus and Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden conducted by Colin Davis.

"Symphony No.9 "Choral" composed by Ludwig van Beethoven performed by The London Symphony Orchestra and the London Symphony Chorus conducted by Bernard Haitink.

-Richard

Finished Reading:

"The Bostonians" by Henry James.

-Richard

I listened to:

"Piano Concerto No.1" composed by Bela Bartok and performed by Krystian Zimmerman and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra conducted by Pierre Boulez
"Piano Concerto No.2" composed by Bela Bartok and performed by Leif Ove Andsnes and the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Pierre Boulez.
"Piano Concerto No.3" composed by Bela Bartok anbd performed by Helene Grimaud and the London Symphony Orchestra conducted by Pierre Boulez.

-Richard

The next, very short poem was written on a visit to St. Petersburg. This visit was more of a pligramage for me with my love for everything Russian. St. Petersburg certainly lived up to those expectations. Some spectacular visitas and architecture. I think the Winter Palace is the most amazing building that I have seen.

However, the spectacular was contrasted with the poverty and empty feeling and darkness that could be felt. This was 1993, just before the compete fall of communism, but, after the Berlin wall had fallen and during Gorbechevs Perestroika era.

Love III

You gave me love.
I gave you pain.
You gave me everything.
I gave you nothing.
You said You'd die for me.
I said "so what".
But, You did!

10th May 1993 - St. Petersburg, Russia.

-Richard

The next three kittens we fostered were given the nickname "The Geography Kittens". This is because they were named after three important places in Jenn and my life. They came into us the week of November 23rd 2004.

The first to be adopted was Texas, (left with me) a little Black and White short haired boy. He was named after Texas, which is were Jenn was living when we first started dating and where we lived (Edna, Texas, 100 miles South-West of Houston) when we first moved to the States. Texas was adopted the week of December 28th 2004.

The next to go, the week of January 4th 2005 was Jersey (below). She was a sweet little "fluffy" black and white girl. She was adopted to a great family. Jersey was named after New Jersey. This where Jenn and I first met in the Summer of 1989 whilst we were both working at Camp Tecumseh.

The last to get adopted was a Tabby boy called London (left, taken just before he was adopted). He was
adopted the week of January 18th 2005. He was named after London, England where I was living when Jenn and I started dating and where we got engaged (well, in Uxbridge). We also spent the first year of our married life in High Wycombe, just outside London and I worked in London for that year.





-Richard

In Memorium:

Yesterday Snowflake lost another precious foster cat. Savvy, a very sweet, friendly boy very suddenly and unexpectatly died at a vets. He was originally a Snowflake kitten and was adopted out. He was returned to us after the couple who adopted him split up. He moved into his new foster home and was treated like a king. He loved attention and was a great foster home. In his far too short life he finished where he was happy and knew he was loved.

He will be missed.

-Richard

Score Update:

International Rugby: England 42 Scotland 20. Six Nations Championship. England are in Second Place.

International Cricket: New Zealand beat England by 58 runs.
England beat Australia by 92 runs.
England beat New Zealand by 14 runs. All matches in the Triangular One Day Tournament. England qualify for the final against Australia.

International Football: England 0 Spain 1. International Friendly.
United States of America 2 Mexico 0. International Friendly.

Rugby Union: West Hartlepool 3 Hartlepool Rovers 16. NIGHTMARE. League 2 North East. West fall to 5th place.

Football: Swindon Town 0 Hartlepool United 1. League 2. Pools move up to 3rd place.

Ice Hockey: Carolina Hurricanes 1 Toronto Blue Jays 4
Carolina Hurricanes 0 Tampa Bay Lightning 4
Carolina Hurricanes 3 Boston Bruins 4 (after over time)
Montreal Canadians 1 Carolina Hurricanes 2. The 'Canes have 61 points and fall to 3rd place in the South-East Division but stay 6 points behind Division Leaders the Atlanta Thrashers.

Basketball: Houston Rockets 105 Philadelphia 76'ers 84
Houston Rockets 112 Seattle Supersonics 102
Houston Rockets 74 New Orleans / Oklahoma City Hornets 87
Houston Rockets 105 Minnesota Timberwolves 77
Memphis Grizzlies 90 Houston Rockets 98. The Rockets are 31-17, still in 3rd place in the South-West Division falling to 8 1/2 games behind Division Leaders, Dallas Mavericks.

College Basketball: North Carolina Tar Heels 105 Miami Hurricanes 64
North Carolina State Wolfpack 83 North Carolina Tar Heels 79
Duke Blue Devils 73 North Carolina Tar Heels 79. UNC are 21-3 on the Season and 7-2 in the ACC. They are in 3rd place in the ACC and ranked 5th in the Nation.
Duke Blue Devils 75 Boston College Eagles 61
Virginia Cavaliers 68 Duke Blue Devils 66
Duke Blue Devils 67 Florida State Seminoles 68. Duke are 18-6 on the Season and 5-5 in the ACC. They are in 6th place in the ACC and ranked 16th in the Nation.
Virginia Tech Hokies 59 North Carolina State Wolfpack 70
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 74 North Carolina State Wolfpack 65. NC State are 13-9 on the Season and 3-6 in the ACC. They are in 10th place in the ACC.

-Richard

I Finished Reading:

"Lost in Translation - A life in a new Language" by Eva Hoffman.

-Richard

Fear

As night draws near
A rising fear
Encroaches all of her
Emotion. As year after year
The torture and pain
And hurt remain
Gnawing deeper into a soul -
A great, black hole
Causing a nightmare, a vision
With an uncanny precision
To linger on refusing to go.
She screams - "Daddy No!!"

23rd April, 1992 - Skegness, Lincolnshire, England.

I wrote this after hearing Josh MacDowell tell about some harrowing stories of child abuse at Spring Harvest in 1992.

-Richard

I read Genesis as a part of reading a Chapter of the Bible before work every morning.

-Richard

I listened to:

"Rattle and Hum" by U2.

-Richard

Finished Reading:

"Golden Fox" by Wilbur Smith.

-Richard

I listened to:

"The Best 1980-1990" by U2.

-Richard

Score Update:

International Cricket: England beat New Zealand by 3 Wickets.
Australia beat England by 4 wickets
New Zealand beat England by 90 runs
Australia beat England by 9 wickets - All matches part of the one day Triangular series.

International Football: USA 3 Denmark 1. International Friendly.

Rugby Union: West Hartlepool 20 Rochdale 17. League Two North East. West stay in 4th place.

Football: Wrexham 1 Hartlepool United 1. League 2
Hartlepool United 2 Bury 0. League 2. Pools move up to 4th place.

Ice Hockey: Florida Panthers 2 Carolina Hurricanes 3
Carolina Hurricanes 2 Washington Capitals 5
Carolina Hurricanes 5 Tampa Bay Lightening 6 (after over time)
Carolina Hurricanes 6 Washington Capitals 2
Washington Capitals 7 Carolina Hurricanes 3. The Canes have 58 points and are still in 2nd place in the South East Division, 6 points behind The Atlanta Thrashers.

Basketball: Dallas Mavericks 109 Houston Rockets 96
Houston Rockets 92 Phoenix Suns 100
Houston Rockets 113 Denver Nuggers 121
San Antonio Spurs 85 Houston Rockets 90
Houston Rockets 99 Portland Trailblazers 69. The Rockets are 27-16 and in third place in the South West Division 8 games behind Division Leaders, Dallas Mavericks.

College Basketball: Clemson Tigers 55 North Carolina Tar Heels 77
North Carolina Tar Heels 77 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 61
Wake Forest Demon Deacons 60 North Carolina Tar Heels 88
Arizona Wildcats 64 North Carolina Tar Heels 92. UNC are 19-2 on the Season and 5-1 in the ACC. They are in 2nd place in the ACC and ranked 4th in the Nation.
Duke Blue Devils 62 Wake Forest Demons Deacons 40
North Carolina State Wolfpack 56 Duke Blue Devils 79
Duke Blue Devils 68 Clemson Tigers 65. Duke are17-3 on the Season and 4-2 in the ACC. They are in 4th place in the ACC and ranked 10th in the Nation.
North Carolina State Wolfpack 58 Virginia Cavaliers 71. NC State are 11-8 on the Season and 1-5 in the ACC. They are in 11th place in the ACC.

-Richard

I listened to:

"Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Heart Club Band" by the Beatles. This is probably my favourite "pop" album, and in my opionion the greatest one ever. It broke so many boundaries and was so far ahead of its time.

-Richard

Discovery

Metaphors,
History,
Visions - "Lies!"
Truth is found,
Relative -
Possibly!!
Are you sure
I exist?
You exist?,
Anthing
Exists? What
Energy
Power, Life -
Physical
Domain - Earth
Creation?
Evolut-
ion? Big Bang?
Truth is God
Truth is true
God is God
I AM Me
I am Good
God love Me!!!

19th April 1992 - Skegness, Lincolnshire, England.

-Richard

I listened to:

"Dove Hits 2002" by Various Contempory Christian Artists.

-Richard

I finished reading:

"The Anti-Soviet Soviet Union" by Vladimir Voinovich. This is been the book that I've enjoyed the most for some time. The author is a Soviet emigre expelled by that country in the 80's. The book consists of different satires on that country. In some cases very funny, in others mind blowing in the sense of some of things that he wrote about. Many were from personnel experience.

-Richard

I listened to:

"1" by the Beatles.

-Richard

The next cats we fostered we nicknamed the fabric kittens. They came into us the week of November 16th 2004. They were not with us long as they were adopted very quickly. The first to go was Chenille (top). She was little Tortie and was adopted the week of November 30th 2004. Cashmere (second down), who was a little fluffy black cat went the week of December 4th 2004 followed finally by Flannel (Third), a little grey guy and Silk (bottom) a short haired black kitten the week of December 21st.

-Richard

"I Have a Dream..."

How often we find
When painting pictures in our mind
The images idealize
Giving the reality a surprise
By creating a paradise
With so much extra spice
That it, itself can't
(And quite often daren't)
Compare. However, my dream
Does (for once) seem
To be approaching a truth
That despite being from youth
The vision is clear
Comaprable to life, that, without fear
I can surely say:-
My dream is the U.S. of A!!

19th February 1992 - Edna, Texas, USA.

This poem was written on my first visit back to the States after working at Summer camp in 1989. I actually went to visit Jenn and her mother, with whom, I had kept in touch with after leaving in 1989. It was still a good three years before we started dating. What I did get from this visit was that I did love this country and it wasn't a one off feeling. There was a certain something that caught my imagination back when I first landed at JFK in 1989 to this visit to Texas, to now that I still have. At this point I did could not ever imagine that I'd end up living over here never mind falling in love with Jenn and marrying. It's a funny old world!!

-Richard

Finished Reading:

"The Blessing Way" by Tony Hillerman.

-Richard

Finished Reading"

"Reminiscences" the Autobiography by Douglas MacArthur.

-Richard

I guess, the follow up question to my previous post about the possibility of becoming a Citizen so that I could vote is: "Who would I vote for?"

The answer at the moment is a resounding "I don't know" . This is despite studying American politics for the last 9 years. One, would think, with my general political activity over the years back in England (out lined briefly in my previous post) that I would be a natual fit for the Democratic Party. This may end up ulitmately correct, but, to be perfectly honest if I could have voted (this is hypothetical as I never had to put it in to practice) I would have voted for Bush. The reason for saying this is the absolute weakness of, in my opinion, two awful candidates the Democrats put forward. Both, came across confused, clueless and ultimately were hypocritcal in many ways. Bush, whilst philosophicaly the opposite to me at least (at the time) came across more assured consitent and left no doubt where we stood. Like, I said, if it came to it could I have voted for a Conservative? I really do not know.

I guess the cruz of my uncertainty is essentially that both parties (and I know if any Democrats or "Liberals" happen to come across this they will hate this statement) are Conservative. At least economically. From everything I have observed all references to "equality", or "fairness" etc.. are just statements without the substance to back it up. Getting lectured by Millionaires like Kerry, Gore, Michael Moore etc.. on such things, with such hypocrosy rub my the wrong way. On the other hand, at least they to talk about it. They are just as much Conservative Capitalists as the other party. Also, their Liberalism is not the Liberlism of the greats. There Liberalism is essentially to ethical issues such as abortion for example. Liberalism is freedom, is the right of people to make their own decisions, the right of individual States, for example, to plot their own course, in many ways it is Federalism. It got lost in the translation. The centerlisation that the Democrats are proponants off is very pale image of Socialism. Now, you can see why I am not certain. The party where I should naturally be inclined to vote for are too Conservative economically, Morally and ethically in most cases misguided and organisationally choose one of the worst aspects of Socialism.

On the other hand the Republicans. In most cases one word greed can sum them up. Right wing Conservatism at the worst. Look after yourself and screw the rest. However, in decentralisation I agree with a more Federal and free approach.

I always said that I would never vote Conservative. If I was back in England I would certainly not vote Labour at the moment as they have gone to far to the right with Tony Blair and away from their roots. So, as both parties here are essentially Conservative what am I going to do? At the moment who knows, but, I will listen read, study and make a decision based on which candidate meets more of things I agree with than the other. It may come to a list and the one with most ticks wins.

Time will tell.....

I realise these are very sweeping and general statements and there are many, many people who are members of these parties who exceptions to these very brief and incomplete observations. More of an impression and explanation of where I am at now. Obviously there is no room or I do not have the time to go into each issue individually.


-Richard

One of the major decisions I have to make this year, and if its going to be a yes, I need to start on so far is the question of my Citzenship. Despite the fact that I lived in the States for nearly 9 years I have not really considered to this question. There have been times it has crossed my mind, but, never really seriously.

The reason I am thinking about this year is for one reason only. That is the right to vote. Essentially as a "permanent resident" I have do not have many disadvantages compared to the Citizen. and of course, I still have to pay a ridiculously high rate of tax as a Citizen. I have always had as active interest in Politics from joining the Liberal party when I was a teenager back in Harltepool to being a member of the Liberal Society at University before quitting with the merger of the party with the Social Democrats and campaigning for Labour when living in London etc... The last two General elections over here I have followed assiduasly with a growing frustration with my lack of a franchise. Next year is the next General election, which at the moment looks as though it could be a very interesting event. I would like to be able to vote in it, so, now is the time to get moving.

There is one negative to the whole thing, which, to be perfectly honest, is more stubborness on my part than anything else. It is my total irratation and anger of the amnesty that illegel immigrants get. They get to break the law and avoid all the financial costs, and emotional stresses that is involved in doing it correctly. Even though, I was married to an American it was a long, stressful and occaisonally intimadating process, so why should those who do not do it corrrectly get to avoid these costs? The act of becoming a Citizen also involves more cost, hence, my so far not doing it, not, for the financial side of it, but, for the reasons I have stated above.

Does this mean that I will be giving up my Citizenship of the United Kingdom? Absolutely not. I would retain it as dual Citizen which is theoretically allowed. To not be a British Citizen I would need to formally renounce it at the British Embassy in Washington. I also do not want to cut off the opportunity to move back home. It is something that Jenn and I are open to if the opportunity comes, therefore, it would actually make sense to get US Citizenship before that point. Also, at the moment I would consider moving back to England at retirement. The primary reason for this would be Health Care. In the US the cost of this is ludicrously and in my opinion criminally high and out of reach of most people. In England we have the National Health System, which, although has many, many flaws, but, is still free. Who knows what the situation will be in thirty years, but, it is certainly something to think of even now.

At the moment I do not really know what I will do. At the moment I am leaning to "go for it",but, I am still not sure. I hope to have made a decision in the next month or so. I will post my decision, deliberations and the steps of the process on here as (if) I go through it.

-Richard

I listened to:

"The Big Blue" the soundtrack to the movie of the same name composed by Eric Sera. This is one of my favourite pieces of music. It was first introduced to me by my friend Steve when we both at Bradford University together.

-Richard

Score Update:

International Cricket: Austrlia beat England by 77 runs. Twenty 20 International
Australia beat England by 8 wickets. International One Day Triangular Series.

Rugby Union. Horden 20 West Hartlepool 7. League 2 North East. West Stay in 4th place.

Football: Hartlepool United 1 Milton Keynes Dons 0. League Two. Pools stay in 5th place.

American Football: Philadelphia Eagles 23 New York Giants 20. NFC Wild Card Play-off

Ice Hockey: Toronto Maple Leafs 1 Carolina Hurricanes 4
Carolina Hurricanes 6 Florida Panthers 4
Carolina Hurricanes 3 Atlanta Thrashers 4 (after overtime). The Canes have 53 points and are still in 2nd place in the South East Division 5 points behind the Atlanta Thrashers.

Basketball: Chicago Bulls 77 Houston Rockets 84
Houston Rockets 102 Los Angeles Lakers 77
Denver Nuggers 86 Houston Rockets 90
Sacremento Kings 111 Houston Rockets 115. The Rockets are 25-13 and in 3rd place in the South West Division 5 games behind Division Leaders, Dallas Mavericks.

College Basketball: North Carolina Tar Heels 84 Florida State Seminoles 58
North Carolina Tar Heels 79 Virginia Cavaliers 69
Virginia Tech Hokies 94 North Carolina Tar Heels 88. UNC are 15-2 on the Season and 2-1 in the ACC. They are in 4th place in the ACC and ranked 1st in the Nation.
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 74 Duke Blue Devils 63
Miami Hurricanes 63 Duke Blue Devils 84. Duke are 14-3 on the Season and 1-2 in the ACC. They are in 8th place in the ACC and ranked 11th in the Nation.
North Carolina State Wolfpack 76 Clemson Tigers 87
Wake Forest Demon Deacons 74 North Carolina State Wolfpack 88. NC State are 11-6 on the Season and 1-3 in the ACC. They are in 10th place in the ACC.

-Richard

I listened to:

"Double Live" by Garth Brooks.

-Richard

Beckhammania has hit the States. Well, at least in the football circles the world is a buzz. The World's most famous and most marketable sportsman makes the move to MLS. I guess the first thing the main stream US media will have to learn is that whilst Beckham may be the most famous he is not the World's best and secondly they will have never seen anything like the media circus that will follow him. It will make Barry Bonds, for example, seem irrelevent.

So, outside the glitz what does it mean for the sport in this country? The initial exposure has to be nothing but good. However, he needs to perform at least to a reasonably level. I've watched is career since he was a young kid playing for the Manchester United Youth Team and like him so I hope from a playing perspective he can suceed and finish career at a high level. If he can do that and maintain the interest he will be worth every penny. My only concern is that league does not over extend itself ala the old NASL. As long as they do not carried away and continue to grow the home players and keep the "big" players limited I think it will be fine and we will see a good growth. However, time will tell.

The really unfortunate thing about this is who he signed for. The unmentionables.!!

-Richard

I listened to:

"Greatest Hits" by Bob Dylan.

-Richard

I listened to:

"Love of Colours" performed by Katie and Marielle Labeque

"Big Love" performed by Tracy Byrd.

-Richard

Score Update:

International Cricket: Australia beat England by 10 wickets. 5th Ashes Test Match. Australia sweep the series 5-0

Rugby Union: West Hartlepool 31 Sheffield 16. League 2 North East. West are in 4th place.

Football: Shrewsbury Town 1 Hartlepool United 1. League 2. Pools stay in 5th place.

Ice Hockey: Pittsburgh Penguins 3 Carolina Hurricanes 0
Carolina Hurricanes 0 Phoenix Coyotes 2
Carolina Hurricanes 4 New York Islanders 2. The Canes have 48 points and are in 2nd place in the South East Division 8 points behind Division Leaders Atlanta Thrashers.

Basketball: Houston Rockets 103 Seattle SuperSonics 93
Houston Rockets 100 Utah Jazz 86
Minnesota Timberwolves 103 Houston Rockets 98. The Rockets are 21-12 and in 3rd place in South West Division 5 1/2 games behind Division Leaders The Dallas Mavaricks.

College (American) Football: Auburn Tigers 17 Nebraska Cornhuskers 14. Cotton Bowl

College Basketball: North Carolina Tar Heels 102 Pennsylvania Quakers 64. UNC 13-1 on the Season and 0-0 in the ACC. The are in 7th place in the ACC and ranked 2nd in the Nation.
Duke Blue Devils 73 Temple Owls 55
Duke Blue Devils 67 Virginia Tech Hokies 69 Duke are 13-2 on the Season and 0-1 in the ACC. They are in 9th place in the ACC and ranked 5th in the Nation.
North Carolina State Wolfpack 95 North Carolina Greensboro Spartans 93
North Carolina State Wolfpack 58 Boston College Eagles 74. NC State are 10-5 on the Season and 0-2 in the ACC. They are in 12th place in the ACC.

-Richard

The next kitten that we got was Glynne, a little black girl, that came from the same place that our first set of kittens (Gladstone, Winston, Maggie, Blair and Clementine) came from. She was with us for a month coming in the Week of Oct 16th 2003 and getting adopted the week of Nov 16th 2003.


-Richard

The next poem that I wrote that I am going to post was written at the time of Freddy Mercury's death.

Loneliness III

The life he lived, or tried to live
Appeared to everyone outside
A spectacular combination
Of adulation, wealth and fame.

He exuded that sparkle
That one attributes to a
Person to whom performing on a
Stage comes naturally.

Acclaim, talent, success, life
The world put under his feet
"Prince of the Universe" he sang
Strutting around, crown on his head.

"The Show must go on" he cried
As ravages of drugs, drink and sex
Combined with deel loneliness started
Destroying all he created.

Even a monarch must have love,
Must have a inward life to
Sustain all the vast excesses brought upon
Superstars in this world of ours.

Superstars have always been
Idolised seeking their fame.
All except one. The greatest of all.
He was mocked, spat upon amd killed.

This one, however, is the
Only "star" to leave a mark
Forever upon the earth. Leaving
A legacy of life not death!!

"But for the great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead." - Ephesians 2:4

30th November 1991 - Hanwell, London, England.

-Richard

I finished reading:

"People of Darkness" written by Tony Hillerman.

-Richard

I listened to:

"An Innocent Man" by Billy Joel.

-Richard

I listened to:

"Please Please Me" by The Beatles.

-Richard

A fresh new year!! Life is good, no problems a new clean out look on life!! How things change quickly. It's like the beautiful white snow. Pure, shiny, exciting and then along comes the slush!! 2007 already tainted after only a couple of days....

-Richard

I listened to:

"Symphony in Three Movements", "Symphony in C" and "Symphony of Psalms" all composed by Igor Stravinsky and performed by the SWR Sinfonieorchester Baden-Baden und Freiburg conducted by Michael Gielen.

-Richard

Finished Reading:

"The Romanovs" by W. Bruce Lincoln.

In 2006 I finished 46 books.

-Richard

Score Update:

International Cricket: Australia beat England by an Innings and 99 runs. Australia lead The Ashes Series 4-0.

Football: Hartlepool United 1 Peteborough United 0 League 2
Mansfield Town 0 Hartlepool United 1. League 2. Pools stay in 5th place in the table.

American Football: Washington Redskins 28 New York Giants 34. The Giants finish the regular Season 8-8 and in the 3rd place in the NFC East Divsion. However, they clinched a play-off spot as the last wild card team.

Ice Hockey: Carolina Hurricanes 4 Florida Panthers 2
Buffalo Sabres 4 Carolina Hurricanes 1
Carolina Hurricanes 4 Anaheim Ducks 2
Carolina Hurricanes 2 Philadelphia Flyers 5. The canes have 46 points and are in 2nd place in the South East Division 6 points behind Division Leaders, The Atlanta Thrashers.

Basketball: Indiana Pacers 81 Houston Rockets 76
New Jersey Nets 71 Houston Rockets 96
Houston Rockets 94 Atlanta Hawks 68
Houston Rockets 111 Memphis Grizzlies 109. The Rockets are 19-12 and in 3rd place in the South West Divison, 5 games behind leaders, Dallas Mavericks.

College (American) Football: Iowa Hawkeyes 24 Texas Longhorns 26. The Alamo Bowl.

College Basketball: North Carolina Tar Heels 87 Rutgers Scarlet Knights 48
North Carolina Tar Heels 81 Dayton Flyers 51. UNC are 12-1 on the Season 0-0 in the ACC. They are in 6th place in the ACC and ranked 2nd in the Nation.
Duke Blue Devils 70 San Jose State Spartans 51. Duke are 12-1 on the Season and 0-0 in the ACC. They are in 7th place in the ACC and are ranked 5th in the Nation.
North Carolina State Wolfpack 64 East Carolina Pirates 57
North Carolina State Wolfpack 72 North Carolina Wilmington Seahawks 51. NC State are 9-4 on the season and 0-1 in the ACC. They are in 11th place in the ACC.

-Richard

So, here it is another year. 2007. 2006 is in the books.


2006 was a tough year in many ways, but also had some good points. One of my highlights is the way Olivia, one of our foster cats learned to trust and has progressed from being one of the wildest cats our vets has seen to be being really sweet. Below is a photo that was taken on Christmas Day with her laying on my chest sleeping.


I think my prime goal for 2007 is a year to "Honour God". I am starting a new position at work (theoretically today) which will have more responsibility and pressure so I want to Honour God in that. We are looking forward to the start of the Football (soccer) Season of the new Carolina Railhawks USL Division 1 team starting play this year. We have Season tickets. The other major event of the year we are looking forward to is our 10 year wedding anniversary for which we are going to rent a cabin in the Smokey Mountains for a week.

I would like to wish everyone a prosperous, succesful and blessed New Year.

-Richard

It's been a while since I posted some of the Foster cats that have came through our house.

The next three came in to us the week of September 15th 2004. They were Joy (below), a grey and white momma with her two tabby girl kittens, Mia (left) and Brandi (right). They were names after the US Womans Soccer players: Joy Fawcett, Mia Hamm and Brandi Chastain. They were not with us long all getting adopted fairly quickly. Mia was first to go the week of October 19th 2004, followed by Joy the week og Oct 26th 2004 and finally Brandi the next week.

-Richard

University

Tall, grim blocks of flats rise high
Above the seeing vision leaving
The view beyond entirely up to the imagination
Of the mind. The mind so young,
So impressionable, unable to appreciate
Situations above and beyond the that known rises
And falls as it tries to reach goals. Goals that
Seem unattainable, seem beyond the scope
Of an immature, unstretched being. University?
A university that teaches, not subjects
Deemed to stimulate, designed to cram
The brain full of information useful
Only in the passing of exams, obtaining a degree
Thats use is beyong negigible, but,
A university who's education develops men.
Graduation is in life, a person that can reach
The very depth of his soul, the very depths
Of his personaliti. A mature, useful mind
That into the world can survive, so the view
Above the flats can be seen.

14th November 1991 - West Ealing, London, England.

-Richard

I listened to:

"The Dharma at Big Sur" composed by John Adams and performed by Tracy Silverman (electric Violin) and The BBC Symphony Orchestra conducted by John Adams
"My Father Knew Charles Ives" composed by John Adam performed by Bill Houghton (trumpet) and The BBC Symphony Orchestra conducted by John Adams.

-Richard

I listened to:

"Powaqqatsi" composed by Philip Glass conducted by Michael Riesman.

-Richard

I listened to:

"Symphony No.3 in E flat major, op.55 "Eroica" and "Leonore Overture No.2". Both were composed by Ludwig van Beethoven and were performed by The London Symphony Orchestra conducted by Bernard Haitink.

-Richard

Score Update:

International Cricket: Australia beat England by 206 runs. Australia lead the series 3-0 and regain the Ashes.

Rugby Union: West Hartlepool 63 Hartlepool Rovers 3. Friendly.

Football: Bury 0 Hartlepool United 1. League 2
Hartlepool United 2 Grimsby Town 0. League 2. Pools move up to 5th place in the table.

American Football: New York Giants 22 Phildelphia Eagles 36
New York Giants 7 New Orleans Saints 30. The Giants fall to 7-8 and are in 3rd place in the NFC East.

Ice Hockey: Tampa Bay Lightening 2 Carolina Hurricanes 3
Philadelphia Phillies 1 Carolina Hurricanes 2
Carolina Hurricanes 5 New York Islanders 1
Florida Panthers 2 Carolina Hurricanes 3. The Canes have 42 points and are in 2nd place in the South East Division 6pts behind Division Leaders Atlanta Thrashers.

Basketball: Los Angeles Clippers 103 Houston Rockets 108
Portland Trail Blazers 89 Houston Rockets 87
San Antonio Spurs 78 Houston Rockets 97
Houston Rockets 93 Los Angeles Clippers 98. The Rockets are 16-11, in third place in the SouthWest Divison 4 1/2 games behind Division Leaders San Antonio Spurs.

College Basketball: North Carolina Tar Heels 105 Florida Atlantic Owls 52
Saint Louis Billikens 48 North Carolina Tar Heels 69. UNC improve to 10-1 on the Season and are 0-0 in the ACC. They are 7th place in the ACC and ranked 2nd in the Nation.
Duke Blue Devils 79 Kent State Golden Flashes 72
Gonzaga Bulldogs 54 Duke Blue Devils 61. Duke are 11-1 on the Season and 0-0 in the ACC. They are in 6th place in the ACC and are ranked 5th in the Nation.
North Carolina State Wolfpack 75 Alabama Crimson Tide 82
Cincinnati Bearcats 80 North Carolina State Wolfpack 71. NC State fall to 7-4 on the Season. They are 0-1 in the ACC and are in 11th place.

-Richard

I listened to:

"The Threepenny Opera" composed by Kurt Weill performed by Rene Kollo, Mario Adorf, Helga Demesch, Ute Lemper, Milva, Wolfgang Reichmann, Susanne Tremper, Rolf Boyson, and The RIAS Berlin Sinfonietta conducted by John Mauceri.

-Richard

I am going to indugle myself one more time. I found another famous Morecambe and Wise sketch and another of my favourites. Singing in the Rain.



-Richard

Listening to Andre Previn play and conduct The London Symphony Orchestra reminded me of when he was on Morecambe and Wise. Morecambe and Wise were (are) my Dads favourite comedy duo. As such, we spent many hours watching them on TV. In my opinion they are still very funny now. The Previn appearance was and still is one of my favourite. I managed to find a little documentary on YouTube that features this sketch. Enjoy!!



-Richard

I listened to:

"Rhapsody in Blue", "An American in Paris" and "Piano Concerto in F" . All were composed by George Gershwin and performed by Andre Previn (Piano) and The London Symphony Orchestra conducted by Andre Previn.

-Richard

I mentioned earlier this week of my love for art. I first gained this love when I was living in London. I regularly visited The National Gallery and The Tate Gallery and spent hours in the impressionist and modern sections especially. My favourite painting and infact the only one I have copy of is "Boating on the Seine" by Pierre Augustus Renoir (below) which is in my home office. I spent hours staring it, especially times when I was feeling stressed just to escape. I often stopped in the Gallery on my way downtown on the way to Concerts at the South Bank. The art and the ambience always put me in the right frame of mood to relax, and soak up the music. Lots of happy memories!! For those visiting the City it is on my top of my list of recommendations to visit.

I am extremely grateful that I married a girl who also loves and enjoys art!!

-Richard

I listened to:

"Pomp and Circumstance March Op.39, No.1 in D Major" and "Pomp and Circumstance March Op.39, No.4 in G Major" composed by Edward Elgar and performed by The London Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Daniel Berenboim.
"Cello Concerto in E minor, Op.85" performed by Jacqueline du Pre (cello) and The Philadelphia Orchestra conducted by Daniel Barenboim.
"Variations on an Original Theme, Op.36 "Enigma"" performed by The London Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Daniel Barenboim.

-Richard

On Monday I took the day of work to go to a special "Monet in Normandy" at the North Carolina Museum of Art here in Raleigh.

It was a beautiful experience. I love art, especially the impressionists. The way they re-create nature and God's creation is breathtaking. It gave us an hour escapism from the craziness of life. Normandy is also my favourite place in France having visited it several times, so that was an extra bonus.

Jenn and I are actually members of the Museum. We believe in support local art and every year we choose something to support this year it is the Art Gallery. I have chosen two Monet's to post here. They are both actually part of the Museum's permanent collection. Click on them and it will take you to the Museum web-page giving the story and credits.


-Richard

I listened to:

"Plymouth Town" composed by Benjamin Britten and performed by the BBC Symphony Orchestra conducted by Grant Llewellyn.
"Nocture" composed by Benjamin Britten performed by Andrew Kennedy (tenor) and the BBC National Orchestra of Wales conducted by Douglas Bostock.
"Ballads for Orchestra" composed by Grace Williams performed by the BBC Symphony Orchestra conducted by Baldur Bronnimann.

-Richard

Score Update:

International Cricket: England drew with Western Australia. Warm up match.

Rugby Union: West Hartlepool Technical Days School Old Boys 5 West Hartlepool 47. Friendly
West Hartlepool 3 Middlesbrough 27. League North 2 East. West slip to 4th place.

Football: Hartlepool United 1 Rochdale 0. League 2. Pools stay in 7th place.

American Football: Carolina Panthers 13 New York Giants 27. The giants improve to 7-6 and stay in 2nd place in the NFC East Division.

Ice Hockey: Colorado Avelanche 5 Carolina Hurricanes 2
Carolina Hurricanes 3 Toronto Maple Leafs 4. The Canes stay 34 points and fall to 3rd in the South East Division 8 points behind Divisioin Leaders Atlanta Thrashers.

Basketball: Washington Wizards 109 Houston Rockets 114
Houston Rockets 94 Los Angeles Lakers 102
Golden State Warriers 109 Houston Rockets 107
Los Angeles Lakers 112 Houston Rockets 101. The Rockets are 14-9 and in 3rd place in the South West Division, 3 1/2 games behind Division Leaders San Antonio Spurs.

College Basketball: North Carolina Tar Heels 94 High Point Panthers 69
North Carolina Tar Heels 93 North Carolina Asheville Bulldogs 62. UNC improve to 8-1 on the Season and ranked 3rd in the Nation.
North Carolina State Wolfpack 74 Savannah State Tigers 53
North Carolina State Wolfpack 80 Mount St. Mary's Mountaineers 65. NC State are 7-2 on the Season and 0-1 in the ACC. They are in 11th place in the ACC.

-Richard

Fighting

The towns are fighting.
Riots in the street:-
Fire's lighting,
With a bass drum beat
Of stone's being thrown
At anything breakable.
Through the noise a drone
Is heard. Police trying to make is stable.

The nations are fighting.
Bombs are stockpiled,
Armies are marching.
However mild the problem seems
Panic ensues
As each leader dreams
Of holding all the cues!

The earth is fighting
To stay alive
As pollution is creeping
In a relentless drive
To deprive its natural resources,
To destroy every living thing,
It seems as all the courses
Can only terror bring.

Every person is fighting
An inward fear of turmoil -
A dormant fear no longer sleeping
A peaceful existance to spoil.
Emotions all mixed up
From hate to love and back
As if everyone has a full cup.
The only way out - attack.

God is fighting -
To save man
From all the eveil feeling.
The hatred that began
When Satan dropped to Hell
Through all the work he's done.
Many fell -
Until there came God's "only begotten Son".

12th September 1991 - West Ealing, London, England.

-Richard

I listened to:

"Symphony No 1 in B Flat Minor" composed by William Walton performed by The London Symphony Orchestra conducted by Sir Colin Davis.

-Richard

I listened to:

"String Quarter No.3 in F Major, Op.73", "String Quartet No. 7 in F Sharo Minor, Op. 108" and "String Quartet No.8 in C minor, Op.110" all composed by Dmitri Shostakovich and performed by The Hagen Quartet.

-Richard

Finished Reading:

"The Dark Wind" by Tony Hillerman.

-Richard

Here are the two goals scored last week by Hartlepool's Darryl Duffy in their 2-0 win over Wycombe Wanderers.



-Richard

Score Update:

International Cricket: Australia beat England by 6 wickets. Second Ashes Test Match. Australia lead the series 2-0. Durham's Paul Collingwood scored 206 in England's 1st innings.

Football: Notts County 0 Hartlepool United 1. League 2
Bristol Rovers 0 Hartlepool United 2. League 2. Pools move to 7th place in the table.

American Football: New York Giants 20 Dallas Cowboys 23. The Giants fall to 6-6 and stay in 2nd place in the NFC East Division.

Ice Hockey: Calgary Flames 3 Carolina Hurricanes 0
Edmonton Oilers 3 Carolina Hurricanes 1
Vancouver Canucks 4 Carolina Hurricanes 3 (over-time) The canes have 34 points and stay in 2nd place in the South-East Division 6 points behind Division Leaders, Atlanta Thrashers.

Basketball: Houston Rockets 81 Cleveland Cavaliers 63
Houston Rockets 118 Golden State Warriers 90
Minnesota Timberwolves 90 Houston Rockets 84
Charlotte Bobcats 62 Houston Rockets 92. The Rockets record is now 13-6. They are in 2nd place in the South-West Division, 1 1/2 games behind division leaders, San Antonio Spurs.

College (American) Football: The Texas Longhorns have been invited to play in the Alamo Bowl on December 30th against The Iowa Hawkeyes. They finish the regular Season ranked 18th in the Nation.
Oklahoma Sooners 21 Nebraska Cornhuskers 7. The Big 12 Championship Game. Nebraska finish the Season 9-4 and ranked 22nd in the Nation. They have been invited to play in the Cotton Bowl on January 1st against The Auburn Tigers.

College Basketball: Duke Blue Devils 57 Holy Cross Crusaders 45. Duke move to 8-1 on the Season and are ranked 7th in the Nation.
Virginia Cavaliers 67 North Carolina State Wolfpack 62
West Virginia Mountaineers 71 North Carolina State Wolfpack 60. NC State are 5-2 on the Season and 0-1 in the ACC. They are 12th in the ACC.

-Richard

Natural Cathedral

The Cathedral rises,
Rock jutting out above.
Heath land descending form a Congregation
For the services.
The hills climb:-
Ascending into Heaven
Where the choir is that of Angels.

18th August 1991 - Staffordshire, England.

-Richard

Last weekend was "Santa Paws". This where folks can bring there pets to Petsmart to get their picture taken with Father Christmas (Santa!!). Local rescues do the work and Petsmart donate a share of the proceeds to the group. Petsmart do an awful lot of work with animal rescues and have donated a lot of dollars to Snowflake over the year. I would like to thank them here.


I was on "Santa duty" last Saturday morning. My last "customer" was our dog, Vanilla Bean for her annual Christmas photo. Here is she is (below). She had no idea who Santa was!!


- Richard

I listened to:

"Violin Concerto in E minor, Op.64" composed by Felix Mendelssohn performed by Zino Francescatti and The Cleveland Symphony Orchestra conducted by George Szell
"Violin Concerto in D major, Op.36" composed by Peter Tchaikovsky performed by Zino Francescatti and The New York Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Thomas Schippers.

"The Tale of the Priest and his Worker, Balda Op.36" composed by Dmitro Shostakovich performed by The Moscow State Chamber Choir conducted by Alexander Solovyov.
"Symphonic Suite for the Opera "Lady Macbeth of the Mtensk District, Op.21a" composed by Dmitri Shostakovich performed by The Russian Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Thomas Sanderling.

-Richard

About time I posted another poem.....

Desert Music


I can see the values
So long cherished,
So long held dear -
Evaporated.

When life was gentle,
Security the key,
Time enjoyed -
Harried.

There once was harmony,
Tunes so clear,
Melodies so fresh -
Disonence!!

7th August 1991 - The Royal Albert Hall, London, England.

This was written during the performance of "Desert Music" by Steve Reich. My first exposure to his music which led me to becoming a huge "fan" of his.

-Richard

Finished Reading:

"Everest The Hard Way" written by Chris Bonnington.

-Richard

Score Update:

International Rugby: England 14 South Africa 25

International Cricket: Australia beat England by 277 runs. 1st Ashes Test Match.

Rugby Union: Sheffield Tigers 19 West Hartlepool 5. League North 2 East
West Hartlepool 22 Morpeth 28. League North 2 East. West drop to 4th place in the Table.

Football: Hartlepool United 0 Rochdale 0. Hartlepool win 4-2 on Penalties. FA Cup 1st Round Replay.
Hartlepool United 2 Wycombe Wanderers 0. League 2. Pools move up to 12th Place.
Macclesfield Town 2 Hartlepool United 1. FA Cup 2nd Round.

American Football: Jacksonville Jaguars 26 New York Giants 10
Tennessee Titans 24 New York Giants 21 The Giants fall to 6-5 and to 2nd place in the NFC East Division.

Ice Hockey: Carolina Hurricanes 5 Dallas Stars 4
New York Rangers 4 Carolina Hurricanes 0
New York Islanders 4 Carolina Hurricanes 2
Boston Bruins 1 Carolina Hurricanes 5
Carolina Hurricanes 1 Ottawa Senators 4
Carolina Hurricanes 4 Montreal Canadians 2
Carolina Hurricanes 5 Boston Bruins 2. The Canes have 33 points and are in 2nd place in the South-East Division 3 points behind Division Leader Atlanta Thrashers.

Basketball: Detroit Pistons 104 Houston Rockets 92
New York Knicks 90 Houston Rockets 97
Houston Rockets 86 Washington Wizards 82
Houston Rockets 85 Memphis Grizzlies 76
Houston Rockets 82 Minnesota Timberwolves 75
Phoenix Suns 102 Houston Rockets 91 The Rockets are 10-5 and in 3rd place in the Southwest Divsion 1 1/2 games behind Division Leaders The Dallas Mavericks.

College (American) Football: Texas Longhorns 7 Texas A & M Aggies 12. Texas finish the Season 9-3 overall, 6-2 in the Big 12. They finish 2nd to Oklahoma Sooners in the Big 12 South and are ranked 17th in the Nation.
Nebraska Cornhuskers 37 Colorado Buffaloes 14. Nebraska are 9-3 on the Season and 6-2 in the Big 12. They are ranked 19th in the Nation.
North Carolina State Wolfpack 16 East Carolina Pirates 21. The Wolfpack finish the Season at 3-9

College Basketball: Duke Blue Devils 71 Air Force Falcons 56
Duke Blue Devils 62 Marquette Golden Eagles 62
Duke Blue Devils 75 Davidson Wildcats 47
Duke Blue Devils 54 Indiana Hoosiers 51
Duke Blue Devils 61 Georgetown Hoyas 52. Duke are 7-1 on the Season and are ranked 11th in the Nation.
North Carolina Tar Heels 103 Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs 50
North Carolina Tar Heels 74 Gonzaga Bulldogs 82
Tennessee Volunteers 87 North Carolina Tar Heels 101
North Carolina Tar Heels 98 Ohio State Buckeyes 89
North Carolina Tar Heels 75 Kentucky Wildcats 63. UNC are 6-1 on the Season and ranked 7th in the Nation.
North Carolina State Wolfpack 78 Valparaiso Crusaders 0
North Carolina State Wolfpack 88 Gardner-Web Runnin' Bulldogs 76
North Carolina State Wolfpack 74 Michigan Wolverines 67. NC State are 5-0 on the Season.

-Richard

Time to post another one of my favourite Sporting Videos. Here is one I found on you tube. It is the second leg of the MLS Cup play-off 1st round between the San Jose Earthquakes and the evil Los Angeles Galaxscum. LA won the first game 2-0, and as you can see scored two more goals to make it 4-0 on aggregate before the fun started!!



-Richard

Finished Reading:

"Skinwalkers" by Tony Hillerman.

-Richard

I finished reading:

"The Russian Revolution" by Alan Moorehead.

-Richard