I finished reading:

"Patriots, The Men Who Started the Revolution" written by A.J. Langguth. 563 Pages.

This is the 28th book I have read this year for 8850 pages at an average of 316 pages per book.

-Richard

I think I am now becoming a redneck. I assume it's the natural progression after becoming a Citizen and living in the South?

A couple of weeks ago we went to see George Strait in concert in Raleigh. A great concert by a great artist. Then Memorial Day weekend I went to my first NASCAR race, the Coca Cola 600 at Lowes Motor Speedway near Charlotte, NC. It was fun and despite the first day being completely rained out and the the race only eventually going 227 of the 400 laps I think it is something I would do again. Part of the the fun is chosing a driver. In my ignorance I chose Tony Stewart. Not for any particular reason except I heard an interview with him on a radio and I was impressed how the
"bad boy" became a team owner.

On top of this we are now back in Texas for a vacation and my love for Texas is still as strong as ever.

So, from North-East Englishman to a Southern US Redkneck???

-Richard

I finished reading:

"Only When I Laugh" written by Len Deighton. 241 Pages.

"Circus" written by Alistair MacLean. 192 Pages.

These are books 26 and 27 of the year for a total 8287 pages at 307 pages per book.

-Richard

I finished reading:

"The Jungle" written by Upton Sinclair. 412 Pages.

This was a very good book which I really enjoyed. Some of the conditions described at the turn of the century was awful. A lot of things have improved, but, unfortunately some things haven't such as continuous strive for greed not worrying about who or what is in the way. One quote from the book I really liked was, talking of Socialism "It was the new religion of humanity - or you might say it was the fulfillment of the old religion, since it implied bit the literal application of all the teachings of Christ."

This is book 25 of the year for a total of 7854 pages at 314 per book.

-Richard

I listened to:

"The Best of Elgar". I do not normally listen to these "compilation" CD's. However, it was given to me by a very good friend, Pauline, who I haven't seen for a long time and now lives in Great Malvern where Elgar lived. This CD has the following works on it - "Pomp and Circumstance March in D major, Op.39, No.1", "Nimrod from Enigma Variations, Op.36", "Introduction and Allegro, Op.47", "Cello Concerto in E minor, Op.85 - Adagio", "Salut d'amour, Op.12", "Symphony No.1 in A flat major, Op.55 - Andante nobilmente e semplice", "Serenade for Strings in E minor, Op.20 - Larghetto and Allegretto", "Violin Concerto in B minor, Op.61 - Andante", "Pomp and Circumstance March in G major, Op.39, No.4" and "Cockaigne Overture (In London Town), Op.40"

"String Quartet in C minor, Op.18 No.4", "String Quartet in F major, Op. 135" and "String Quartet in F minor, Op.95 'Quartetto serioso" all composed by Ludwig van Beethoven performed by The Pavel Haas Quartet. This CD came with the BBC Music Magazine.

"Symphony No.2 in B flat major, Op.52 'Lobgesang'" composed by Felix Mandelssohn performed by Veronique Gens (soprano), Pamela Helen Stephen (mezzo soprano), Robert Tear (tenor) and The BBC National Orchestra and Chorus of Wales conducted by Richard Hickox.

-Richard

I finished reading:

"The Good Earth" written by Pearl S. Buck. 360 Pages.

"The Stranger" written by Albert Camus. 123 Pages.

"Death of Salesman" written by Arthur Miller. 152 Pages.

Doing a cross country trip has some benefits. Reading!! Being back in California always seems surreal. By that I mean being back there it seems amazing and unreal that we actually lived there.

These books were 22, 23 and 24 of the year for a total of 7442 pages averaging 310 pages per book.

-Richard

I finished reading:

"Hoover's FBI" written by William W. Turner. 310 Pages

-Richard

I listened to:

"Il Tabarro" composed by Giacomo Puccini. It was performed by The BBC Philharmonic Orchestra et al and conducted by Gianandrea Noseda.

This CD came with the BBC Music Magazine to which I subscribe.


-Richard

The next cat we fostered was Silky. She was a return from a home. I can't remember the reason why. She came in August 13th 2006. Fortunately she was adopted out again very quickly, three weeks later. For a return from home the sooner they get re-adopted the better as it is easier for them to adjust. I wish people could see the affect on their cats when they return them, or abandon them from the home where they were safe. Our first cat, Jubilee was a return that was so freaked out we took her home.

-Richard

I finished reading:

"Alistair MacLean's Nightwatch" written by Alastair MacNeil. 315 Pages.

This book was conceived by MacLean but he died before he wrote it so MacNeil actually wrote the book.

The 20th book of the year for 6497 pages at an average of 325 pages.

-Richard

We are starting a new blog for Snowflake Animal Rescue. We are going to use it announce new cats, events and other things we are doing. Check it out.

-Richard

The search for a new Church that we and Mike and Yvonne, the other couple in our small group started out at the beginning of the year is over. We are very happy to have settled on a small, modern non-denominational Church called Connections. Why? Apart from feeling that this is where we are meant to be, we like the Pastor who is genuine and a good teacher. Also, the Church is more concerned with living the Christian life as a reflection of Christ in everyday life and not worried about ritual and religion.

I am excited about this new page of my Christian life. It's been a rough few weeks, especially at work where I am at the point of totally hating my job. I know this is harsh under the current climate, but, that's how I feel. Having said that I believe that my faith needs to be active there as well, so having a few, challenging Church will help this and everything else and I have faith that God will give me peace in whatever I do.

-Richard

I finished reading:

"The Last Temptation" written by Val McDermid. 481 Pages

This is the 19th book of the year for 6182 pages at an average of 325 pages.

-Richard

The League One season for Hartlepool United with them finishing in 19th place out of 24 surviving relegation by two places and one point. Over all a disappointing Season after a good start. There big highlights were beating two Premier League Teams. One, West Brom, in the League Cup and the other Stoke City in the FA moving us to the fourth round for only the second time.

Hopefully for next year they can strengthen the squad and move forward.

-Richard

Christmas Present

It's Christmas time again
And all around the world
Life goes on
Rich and poor in various ways
Let's look and see shall we?

There's snow on the ground,
Dark and cold
No sign of life Nothing to cheer....
Wait! there's movement
A pile of cardboard boxes.
A head sticks out,
A child, blue with cold
All alone, waiting for the day
To try and beg for a bite to eat
Hoping to survive and make one more day.

Across the street a light is on.
Through the window we can see
A family gathered around
Eating their feast,
Plenty to eat and plenty to drink.
They're finished now.
Time for the gifts so expensive and fine
The remaining of the food left to waste.


Across the street the boy cries
From hunger and pain
The sun is up next day
He never did see Christmas morn.

Sounds like a tale from the past?
We've read it all before.
I wish I could say it is,
But, it is today
London, New York or Africa
It's all the same
As when Dickens wrote his story
Of Ebeneezer Scrouge and poor Tiny Tim.

September 1996 - North Acton, London, England

-Richard

It's taken me almost a week to post this, but, I felt after the message at Church on Sunday I needed to add a few comments. I will not go into the whole sermon, but, just focus on a key point that is so often over looked and contrary to todays modern, right wing Christianity.

The subject was Mercy. God's mercy and how that should affect us. Taking that a step further is how should Christians treat those who disagree? The answer is simply with the same mercy God gives us. Obviously, we are imperfect in our lives, but, our hearts and efforts should be in this. One good example we saw this year was the election. How much hate and vitriol did we hear from the so called Religious right against Obama? A real good example. Jesus teaches that we can disagree, we can be angry but we have to love, show forgiveness, mercy, tolerance and not to judge any single individual. We do not condone the actions and there is, like I said, nothing wrong with disagreeing and trying to show a different point of view, but, it needs to be done in a positive not hateful way.

That's my poor attempt at commenting on this small aspect. The Pastor has a blog with the key points on the sermon that can be found here.

-Richard

I finished reading:

"Tortilla Flat" written by John Steinbeck. 151 pages.

Book 18 on the year, 5701 pages total at 317 pages per book.

-Richard

I finished reading:

"Loon Lake" written by E.L. Doctorow. 295 pages.

This is the 17th book I have read this year, 5550 pages at an average of 326 pages per book.

-Richard

The Season finished for West Hartlepool Rugby Club this weekend. A good season. The Senior team finished 7th in North 1 which is very respectable considering it was the first season in a higher league and got to the quarter finals of the National Intermediate Cup. The Second Team won their League and the Under 18's also won their league which augurs well for the future as the team try to crawl back up the league ladder.

-Richard

The end of the Read-a-Thon

1. Which hour was most daunting for you? Getting up this morning for one more hour.

2. Could you list a few high-interest books that you think could keep a Reader engaged for next year? Not really. I enjoy most books and they are interesting to me.

3. Do you have any suggestions for how to improve the Read-a-thon next year? Nope it's good.
4. What do you think worked really well in this year’s Read-a-thon? I like the fact that there are no real hard fast rules. If there was I won't enjoy it.

5. How many books did you read? Finished 4

6. What were the names of the books you read? Mikhail S. Gorbachev, an intimate portrait, The
Life and Extraordinary Adventure of Private Ivan Chonkin, a life without armor, The Mermaids Song.

7. Which book did you enjoy most? The Life and Extraordinary Adventure of Private Ivan Chonkin

8. Which did you enjoy least? a life without armor

9. If you were a Cheerleader, do you have any advice for next year’s Cheerleaders? N/A

10. How likely are you to participate in the Read-a-thon again? What role would you be likely to take next time? Will do as a reader. This is my third one.

-Richard

At the end of Read-a-Thon hour 24.

Before I went to bed and this morning I read a little more before 8am EDT.
Total new pages read - 68. I finished another book (see below). I also an up to page 39 out of 295 of the next new book, Lake Loon written by E.L. Doctorow
Total pages read - 950
New time spent - 61 minutes.
Total Time - 10 Hours 38 minutes.
Books Finished - 4

-Richard

I finished reading:

"The Mermaids Song" written by Val McDermid. 364 pages.

This is the first book of the Dr. Tony Hill series which I first became acquainted with after watching the adaptations on BBC America. I wasn't sure that I would like the book, but, I did.

This is the 16th book I have read this year for 5255 pages at an average of 328 pages a book.

-Richard

The end of Read-a-Thon Hour 15.

For the hour pages read - 42 pages. I am up to page 335 out of 364 in the book I am reading.
Total Pages Read - 882 pages
For the hour time read - 22 minutes.
Total time read - 9 hours 37 minutes.
Books read - 3

That's it for tonight...hopefully I will squeeze another hour in tomorrow morning.

-Richard

The end of Read-a-Thon Hour 14

For the hour pages read -72. I am up to page 293
Total pages read - 840
For the hour time read - 47 minutes
Total time read - 9 hours 15 minutes.
Books finished - 3

Half an hour to go before the big soccer game between "my" San Jose Earthquakes and the evil L.A. Galaxy. I may read for a few minutes after that before going to bed and I "hope" to get up in time to complete one more hour in the morning.

-Richard

End of Read-a-Thon Hour 13.

For the hour pages read 67 - I am up to page 221 of The mermaids Singing.
Total pages read - 768
For the hour time read - 46 minutes
Total time Read - 8 hours 38 minutes
Books Read 3

-Richard

End of Read-a-Thon Hours 11 and 12.

For the hours pages read - 64. I am up to page 154 on the book I am reading.
Total pages read - 701
For the hours time read - 57 minutes
Total Time - 7 hours 52 minutes.
Books Read 3

-Richard

End of Read-a-Thon Hour 10.

For the hour pages read - 48. I am up to page 90 (out of 364)
Total pages - 637
For the hour time spent - 44 minutes.
Total time spent - 6 hours 55 minutes.
Books Finished - 3.

Time for a dinner break, but, we are going to Panera so we can eat and read at the same time :)

-Richard

End of Read-a-Thon Hour 9.

For the hour pages read - 42. I am up to page 42 (out of 364) in my next book, The Mermaids Song written by Val McDermid
Total pages - 589
For the hour time spent - 44 minutes.
Total time spent - 6 hours 11 minutes.
Books finished - 3

-Richard

End of Read-a-Thon Hour 8.

For the hour pages read - 136. Finished a book (see post below)
Total Pages - 547
For the hour time spent - 47 minutes
Total time read - 5 hours 27 minutes.
Books finished 3.

-Richard

I finished reading:

"a night without armor" - poems written by my Jewel. 136 pages.

I like poetry but this was not my style. Easy to read though. Claiming 136 pages is a bit of a cheat as some were only 4 lines long taking up a whole page.

This is my 15th book of the year for a total of 4891 pages averaging 326 pages per book.

-Richard

End of Read-a-Thon Hour 7.

For the hour pages read -78. Finished the book I was reading (see previous post)
Total Pages Read - 411
For the hour time spent - 38 minutes
Total Time Read - 4 Hours 40 Minutes.
Books Finished - 2.

-Richard

I finished reading:

"The Life and Extraordinary Adventured of Private Chonkin" written by Vladimir Voinovich. 316 Pages.

I've been looking forward to reading this book since I read Voinovich's book "Anti-Soviet Union" a while ago. I was not disappointed. Very funny and also poignant.

This is my 14th book of the year for a total of 4755 pages at an average of 340 pages per book.

-Richard

End of Read-a-Thon Hour 6.

For the Hour Pages Read - 45. I am up to page 238.
Total Pages Read - 333
For the Hour Time Read - 22 minutes.
Total Time Read - 4 hours 2 minutes.
Books Finished - 1

-Richard

End of Read-a-Thon Hour 5.

For the Hour - Pages Read-68. Up to page 193 out of 316
Total Pages Read - 288
For the Hour Time Read - 44 minutes.
Total Time Read - 3 hours 40 minutes.
Books Finished - 1

-Richard

End of Read-a-Thon Hour 4.

For the Hour - Pages Read - 83. I am up to page 125 out of 316.
Total Pages Read - 220
For the hour time read - 51 minutes.
Total Time Read - 2 hours 56 minutes.
Books Finished - 1

-Richard

End of Read-a-Thon Hour 3.

For the Hour - Pages Read - 53. Up to page 42 out of 316 of my new book, The Life and Extraordinary Adventure of Private Ivan Chonkin written by Vladimir Voinovich.
Total Pages Read - 137
For the Hour Time Read - 39 minutes.
Total Time Read - 2 hours 5 minutes.
Books Finished - 1

-Richard

I finished reading:

"Mikhail S. Gorbachev - An Intimate Biography" written by the editors of time. 244 pages.

An interesting book, but, due to the fact that it came out in 1988 is obviously a very incomplete history of the impact and the downfall of Gorbachev.

This is the 13th book that I have read this year for a total of 4439 pages at an average of 341 pages per book.

-Richard

End of Read-a-Thon Hour 2.

For the Hour - Pages read - 44. Up to page 233 out of 244.
Total Pages Read - 84
For the Hour time Read - 44 minutes
Total Time Read - 1 Hours 26 minutes.

-Richard

End of Read-a-Thon Hour One

For the Hour - Pages Read - 40. Up to page 189 out of 244 in book on Gorbachev
Total Pages Read - 40
For the Hour Time Read - 42 Minutes.
Total Time Read - 42 Minutes.
Book Finished - 0

-Richard

Read-a-Thon 8am.

Ready to start on another day of reading, which hopefully will not be too interrupted with work this afternoon.

I am starting with the book I am currently reading: An Intimated biography of Mikhail S. Gorbachev. I am currently at page 149 out of 244, so if my maths is any good I will have 95 pages to go in this book to start the day.

My plan for blogging today is post a quick update every hour and when a book is finished blog it at the point as I normally do on here.

Let's Read!!

-Richard

I listened to:

"Drumming" composed by Steve Reich and performed by Steve Reich and Musicians.

-Richard

We have a change in plans for tomorrow. We almost missed it, but, tomorrow is the next 24 hour read-a-thon. I am planning on reading from 8am (when it starts) until 10:30pm, so, not as long as the last couple. The reason is the San Jose Earthquakes vs LA Galaxy game is at 10:30 and there ain't no way I am missing that. I will also have to work at various points during the day as well which will cut down the time. I will continue to use my usual plan of reading: i.e. work through my list in the order that I bought them so it is always a surprise to me what come next!!


-Richard

The next cat we fostered was Fluffy. He came from the same situation as Ama (see below, posted April 4th). When he came in he had very badly scared and infected wound on his next. This took a long time to heal, but, he was a very sweet boy who was desperate for attention. He came into us the end of July 2006 and eventually got his "forever" home in 2007.

-Richard

Happy Easter.

Today is one of the greatest days in History. The Resurrection of Christ. An event so profound, dramatic and so life-changing that words cannot really describe.

However, today an interesting discussion came up. Easter eggs being pagan and therefore should not be part of a Christian celebration. As this subject is expanded (and there is no way enough time for me to give this full argument justice) it apparent and obvious that so many other Christian "Traditions" or "Rituals" are based on some pagan or other religious rite. This is from the date for Christmas scheduled around the Winter Solstice, Christmas Trees, the giving of gifts and I could go on and on.

So, where does all this fit in? My take on it is that I no have problems with any traditions being used for Christendom. The reason is simple. There is no problem, in my opinion, in using these because taking something from the devil and Christ using it can only be good as long as the people using, or celebrating, this occasions are doing it with a Christlike mind and therefore living in the right way. Where there is a problem is if people are not following with the right mind and heart. It then becomes a pagan event again.

A complicated subject that needs more justice than a three paragraph ramble on an uneducated blog.

I will finish this post with a quote from General William Booth after he was criticized for setting hymns and songs to "modern popular" tunes. He said, and I think it can also be transposed to this discussion, "Why should the devil have all the best tunes".

-Richard

I finished reading:

"Andrew Jackson - Symbol for an Age" written by John William Ward. 213 pages.

This is the 12th book I have read this year. 4195 pages at 350 pages.

-Richard

Today is a sad day. One of our long time foster cat's died after a quick and sudden illness. Katrina was with us for over two years and with Snowflake since 2001. She had a rough start to life, but, found her home in our organization. She was very shy and scared and not really trusting people. However, last April when I was sitting on the floor she came to me, rubbed her ahead against me and purred. Ever since that point she loved attention. This moment is one of the most special and precious memories in Snowflake.

She will be missed and there will be a hole in our hearts.

-Richard

I listened to:

"Sarikiz, Concerto for Violin and Orchestra" composed by Karl Jenkins and performed by Marat Bisengaliev (violin) and The London Symphony Orchestra conducted by Karl Jenkins.

Quirk, Concerto for Flutes, Keyboards, Percussion and Orchestra" composed by Karl Jenkins performed by Gareth Davies (flute), John Alley (keyboards), Neil Percy (percussion) and The London Symphony Orchestra conducted by Karl Jenkins.

"La Folia, Concerto for Marimba and String Orchestra" composed by Karl Jenkins performed by Neil Percy (marimba) and The London Symphony Orchestra conducted by Karl Jenkins.

"Over the Stone, Concerto for Two Harps and Orchestra" composed by Karl Jenkins performed by Catrin Finch (harps) and The London Symphony Orchestra conducted by Karl Jenkins.

"Allegretto from Palladio" composed by Karl Jenkins and performed by The London Symphony Orchestra conducted by Karl Jenkins.

An excellent CD which I thoroughly enjoyed.

-Richard

I finished reading:

"Paul Gauguin's Intimate Journal" written by Paul Gauguin. Weird, but, what else would you expect from Gauguin. 254 pages.

This is the 11th book I have read this year for 3982 pages at an average of 362 pages per book.

-Richard

I really want to make an effort to catch up on all the cats that we've fostered over the years.

The next one is a sad, but, happy story. Ama. He came to us after his owner, a Snowflake volunteer died. When he first came to us he was very aggressive and scared. Eventually after a lot of work by Jenn he became a very loving boy. Unfortunately he did not get on with our other foster cats so he had to move to a new home. He eventually got a great home made friends with the dog there, but, sadly we found out late that after a happy few months he passed away. He had a tough couple of years, but, ended up very happy which is all we can ask.

-Richard

I finished reading:

"Journal of a Novel, The East of Eden Letters" written by John Steinbeck. 182 Pages.

This a journal that Steinbeck wrote for his editor, Pascal Covici, whilst he was writing East of Eden. Funnily enough East of Eden is one of the few Steinbeck books I do not own. This was interesting and enjoyed it despite the fact that I do not normally enjoy reading journals or diary's.

This is the 10th book I have read this year. 3728 pages ar an average of 373 per book.

-Richard

I listened to :

"Farewell" a live recording of Petra's farewell concert funnily enough.

-Richard

I listened to a new CD.

"Da Pacem Domine" composed by Arvo Part performed by The Hilliard Ensemble.

"Lamentate" composed by Arvo Part performed by Alexei Lubimov (piano) and the SWR Stuttgart Radio Symphony Orchestra conducted by Andrey Boreyko.

This was an excellent CD that I thoroughly enjoyed.

-Richard

I finished reading:

"Renegades, Hitler's Englishmen" written by Adrian Weale.

A very interesting read about something I new very little about, British and Commonwealth traitors during World War II. 199 Pages.

This is book 9 of the year, 3546 pages at an average of 394 pages per book.

-Richard

I finished reading:

"Journey into Russia" written by Laurens van der Post. 352 pages.

This is the eighth book I have finished this year. A total of 3347 pages at an average of 418 pages per book.

-Richard

I listened to:

"No Line on the Horizon" by U2.

-Richard

40!!!! Wow, how did that happen? Where did time go? Amazing.

Well, I've had a blessed forty years. Many, many great experiences. I mean how many people from Hartlepool have been to the places I have? Lived in the places I have? There are way to many things to talk about, or, reminisce on. All I can say is that I am blessed with the family, friends, love that I have had.

-Richard

I finshed reading:

"Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" written by J.K. Rowling. The first of the Harry Potter series was better than I thought it would be. It was 384 pages.

This book #7 on the year. A total of 2995 pages. An average of 428 pages per book.

-Richard

I finished reading:

"The Shadow of The Winter Palace - The Drift to Revolution 1825-1917" written by Edward Crankshaw. 464 Pages.

This book # 6 on the year for a total of 2611 which works out an average of 435 pages per book.

-Richard

I listened to:

"Sinfonietta" composed by Leos Janacek performed by The BBC Philharmonis Orchestra conducted by Sir Charles Mackerras and

"Glagolitic Mass" also composed by Leos Janacek this one performed by The BBC National Orchestra and Chorus of Wales, The Bristol Choral Society with Susan Bullock (soprano), Ameral Gunson (mezzo soprano), Kim Begley (tenor), Matthew Best (bass) and Adrian Partington (organ) conducted by Richard Hickox.

This CD came along with The BBC Music Magazine The reason I picked this up is because the CD is also a tribute to the conductor Richard Hickox, who conducted the second work. He is the first "professional" conductor I remeber seeing conducting a live orchestra. The Orchestra was the Northern Sinfonia. I can't remember where exactly. It may have been Hartlepool Town Hall, but, if not somewhere local to Hartlepool, nor, what they played, but, for some reason I remember the conductor. He died late last year because of a heart attack aged 60.

-Richard

I finshed reading:

"The Shack" written by William Paul Young.

I broke my "rules" with this one because I bought the book and read it immediately without finishing the one I was reading. Why? Because it came recommended and because the Church we will be trying next Sunday is doing a series on it. It is certainly an interesting book. In my opinion not as good as some of the hype, but, still thought provoking. I think it certainly gives some good illustrations explaining the Trinity, redemption and forgiveness. The thing I really like about the book is that the picture of God it gave was a relationship one. This is something I strongly believe that as a Christian we need develop a daily, hourly, completed relationship with Him. Way two much to go into here with the time I have, so that quick statement will have to do for now!!

This book at 250 pages. It is the 5th I have finished this year for a total of 2147 pages at an average of 429 per book.

-Richard

I know I've harped on about this on the past, but, once again The Oscars managed to irritate me. In my opinion it was actually a very good show which I thoroughly enjoyed. However, once again a couple of award winners managed to spoil the night with inane comments. These were two winners from the movie "Milk".

The first was from the guy, who I believe wrote the screenplay. He was openly gay and made the comment about God loving him. Well, duh!! God loves everyone without exception. What God does not love is the blatent disregard for His law and teaching.

The other was Sean Penn winning the Male Actor award. He went off about the vote in California for Gay Marriage being legalised and that those who voted against it will come enlightened (my paraphrase). Well, basically he saying millions of people are wrong and he Mr Penn, must be right and secondly the Government has absolutely no say in Marriage. It is a Church ceremony or more correctly Sacrament. If the Church says it is not be so be it. If the Church it is to be so be it. The Government can allow recognision in a "civil" way in whatever it wants, but, Marriage it cannot have any say on at all. I'm sure Mr Penn is one hunderd percent in favour of seperation of Church and State, but, by pushing this agenda he obviously does not understand at all what it is about. Keep to acting sir!!

-Richard

I've listened to three new CD's over the past week or so.

The first was: "...lontano in sonno", composed by Anders Hillborg, "4 Epitaphs, op.10", composed by Laci Boldeman and "Lydas sanger", composed by Hans Gefors. All three works were performed by Anne Sofie van Otter (mezo-soprano) and the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra conducted by Kent Nagano.




The Second was "all that is within me" by Mercy Me.

The last one was "Concerto for Flute" composed by Marc-Andre Dalbavie. It is performed by Emmanuel Pahud (flute) with The Orchestra Philharmonique de Radio France conducted by Peter Eotvos . "..un temps de silence..." composed by Michael Jarell and performed by Emmanuel Pahud (flute) with The Orchestra Philharmonique de Radio France conducted by Pascal Rophe. The last work was "Transir" composed by Matthias Pintscher and performed by Michael Jarell and performed by Emmanuel Pahud (flute) with The Orchestra Philharmonique de Radio France conducted by conducted by Matthias Pintshcer.

-Richard

OK, so I haven't written much on here recently. Basically by the time I finish work I am really sick of being on the computer and want nothing else to do with it. So, what I have decided to do is copy the note "25 Random things about me" from my facebook page.

25. I'm a Citizen of two Countries.

24. I never had any animals until Oreo changed my life.

23. The most friendly country I have visited is Sri Lanka.

22. The most spectacular city I have visited is St. Petersburg.

21. I am a man of few words.

20. I am a Scientist and an artist.

19. I am a Liberal and a Conservative (US Politics)

18. In my opinion the greatest sportsman in history by a long way is Donald Bradman as he transcends his sport in a way that Michael Jordan, Wayne Gretzky and Pele for example, can only dream of, but, as ESPN doesn't cover it it doesn't count.

17. I fell in love with America the first time I came here in 1989. When I got home my best friend told me that I end up living here. Little did we know that 9 years later it would come true.

16. Russian Literatue and Music are one of my greatest passions.

15. I hate doing things like this as I never know what to say!!!

14. The first sporting game I can remember seeing live was West Hartlepool Rugby Club vs Hartlepool Rovers on Boxing Day 1979. West won with hatrick of tries by "Alfie Garnett". West has been a favourite sports team ever since..through the good times and not so good...

13. I only have 40 days left as "Thirties - something"

12. I hate greed, selfishness and unfairness.

11. I believe that quality health care is a right not a priveledge to be only enjoyed by those who can afford it. How else can we have the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness if we can't go to the doctor's, get sick and die??

10. Did I say I only have 40 days left as "Thirties - something"

9. My wife calls me a "musical snob"!!

8. I can't stand religion.

7. I believe in the Church of "Acts 2". Everyone sharing everything. True "communisim" not "Godless Marxism".

6. I am blessed to have had many wonderful friends and people to influence and teach me over the years.

5. My favourite sports teams are - West Hartlepool Rugby Club, San Jose Earthquakes, Hartlepool United, Durham County Cricket Club and New York Giants.

4. I am opposed to the "three" murders - Abortion, Death Penalty and War.

3. My favourite author is "Tolstoy", favourite pop band "The Beatles", favourite artist "Renoir" and favourite composer "Stravinsky". (Yeah I know that is 4, but I ran outta space!!.

2. I love my wife and look forward to many, many happy years together. I am a very lucky man.

1. The greatest thing I ever did was to accept Christ has my Saviour and be filled with the Holy Spirit. It's a great life, a tough life to live in today's world, but the only true life.

-Richard

I finished reading:-

"From Here to Eternity" written by James Jones. 820 pages.

"Ward Six and other Stories" written by Anton Chekhov. This book contained the short stories "Ward Six", "The Duel". "A Dull Story", "The Name Day Party" and "In the Ravine". 377 pages. That means for the year I have finished four books for a total of 1897 pages with an average of 474 pages per book.

Yesterday I went on a business trip to New York. I flew into JFK airport. This is the first time I have used that airport since my first trip to the States in 1989. I guess one could say that trip twenty years ago changed my life!!

-Richard

Wow...it's been an interesting start to 2009 to say the least....

On the more trivial side of life The Giants flames out in the play-offs against Philadeplhia. Philly was the only team I was afraid off an unfortunately my foreboding came to pass. Still it was a good season.

Our small group at Church took a hit when one couple left. However, the two remaining couples have decided to stay together and also find a new church together. So far, this has resulted in a much closer relationship between us all and I believe it will be good thing.

Work has been really tough. We had a big RIF (reduction in force) a couple of weeks ago. This meant I had to lay two people off. This is one of the hardest things I have had to do, primarily because it was two good people who did not deserve it. Firing is one thing, that is self inflicted and deserved. A RIF. not the case. I have a major conflict about it because my faith say we are to live a fair, compassionate life so this action goes against this. However, as a Christian I am also called to do the best I can in everything I do and this includes work (as long as it is does not go against God's teachings) so therefore as this was a required I did the best I could. A great paradox of trying to be Christ-Like living in the World. Plenty to ponder going forward.

-Richard

I finished reading:

"The Book of the Navajo" written by Raymond Friday Focke. 464 pages.

-Richard

It's been a tough week in so many ways. 2009 has not started off particularly well, but, today whilst in line at the grocery store I had to smile. The person two places in front of my could not afford all her groceries. As she left the store the guy behind her and in front of me paid for the item that was left and got the cashier to run out and give it to her. A small gesture that did not cost much, but, that is what life is about, not the corporate greed, violence and hate we see everyday.

-Richard

I listened t0:

"WOW Hits 2009" a 2 CD compilation.

-Richard

2008 - The Review....and.... 2009 - The Hopes

It's always hard to write a review of a year as there is always good, the indifferent and the bad. So, I will try and compartmentalize it into sections -

• Church - This was a tough year as far a church was concerened. We got to the point where we are more and more dissatisfied with the one we were attending. However, we are still part of a good small group that has generally made a lot of progress. For 2009 the goal is simple and this is perhaps the most important one that I have, we need to find a church were are comfortable in, can attend regularly and be involved.

• Friends / Family - This was a tough year for so many people we know. We ourselves lost Jenn's Grandmother. We also got closer to some people through this to where I would say we have much stronger bonds with more people than we have since we moved to North Carolina. For 2009 it is simple I hope and pray that everyone has a much better and "smooth" year.

• Snowflake - A good year for us for Snowflake. We adopted out nearly 30 cats and saved about the same amount. For the group as a whole we adopted out about 115 and saved about 120 with only less than 20 getting returned. For 2009 we want to pull back slightly in what we do to allow is time to focus on things such as Church, relationships and above all to have some valuable down time. Something that did not happen much in 2008.

• Work - No changes (for once) in the job that I am doing, but, it was a very stressful year with the economy starting to hit. I had to travel more this year than I have had to previously. I guess for 2009 it is a matter of hoping for Status Quo with jobs being slashed around the globe surviving would be good!!

• Sports - 2008 was a good year on the sporting front. It started well with the Giants winning the Super Bowl. Football (soccer) was good from the point of view that The Earthquakes are back and did better than expected. Hartlepool United survived in League 1, but, seem to have gone slightly backwards. The RailHawks were very disappointing in their second season. I also started to play indoors again, a very scary proposition. Alas, the level of play is still no good!! On the Rugby front West Hartlepool one their league to be promoted to North Division 1 and so far they have held their own with a solid mid-table position at the half way point. The only bad thing was losing to Rovers (albeit with a much weekend team) on Boxing Day. Durham became county champions in cricket which was an outstanding performance. These are the teams that I really care about. For the others that I follow they all had mediocre seasons. For 2009 another Championship would be good, with The Giants giving me the best shot with a repeat, although, I fear that is unlikely.

• Citizenship - A guess my biggest personnel achievement becoming an American Citizen in October just in time to vote. I think this qualifies for the photo of the year (below).

In Summary 2008 was a very busy, too busy and way too stressful. It's by far the most stressed I've felt in my life. For 2009, yes it's going to be busy and stressful, but, I need to reduce it somewhat and I think actions like cutting back a bit here and there, finding a good church, continuing to read, listen and play music and continuing to develop close friendships will help.

Happy 2009!!!

-Richard

I finished reading (well not strictly!!):

"The Long Valley" written by John Steinbeck.

This a collection of short stories written by Steinbeck. Although generally I am not a fan of short stories I really liked this collection. The reason I said I had "not strictly" finished this book is that I have already read the two stories last year in a separate book, "The Red Pony" so I did not read them again. The stories I read were - "The Chrysanthemums", "The White Quail". "Flight", "The Snake", "Breakfast", "The Raid", "The Harness", "The Vigilante", "Johnny Bear", "The Murder" and "Saint Katy the Virgin".

The part of the book I read was 198 pages.

-Richard