"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
Friday, April 10, 2009
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
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
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
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
Saturday, April 04, 2009
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
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
Saturday, March 28, 2009
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
"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
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
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
Monday, March 23, 2009
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Thursday, March 12, 2009
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
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
Saturday, March 07, 2009
Sunday, March 01, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
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
"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
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
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
"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
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
Friday, February 20, 2009
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
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
Sunday, February 15, 2009
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
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
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
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
"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
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