With the MLS Season starting Saturday, with again, no Earthquakes I spent a centimental time looking at videos of the team. Below is a tribute video that put someone put together. Hopefully, the Quakes blue will once again grace the league.



-Richard

Now, that Hartlepool United's amazing 23 game unbeaten run, unfortuntately over (at the worst possible time of the Season). I can talk about some of the stats. Out of the 23 games an amazing 18 were victories. At one point they had 10 succesive wins, which is another club record and over 900 minutes without conceding a goal. Hopefully, they can re-group after the dissapointment of losing to Barnet and clinch promotion. Below is a video from You Tube which is from the most important win of the 18. The local derby against Darlington. The second goal from Eiffen Williams is a classic that would grace any league. Enjoy!!



-Richard

The next cats we fostered where nicknames the "tea" kittens. It had been a while before we had taken in new cats. Mainly this was because of taking care of Baby Boy was a full time occupation. These guys game into this week of July 19th 2005, just after Baby Boy died. In many ways it was healing experience after the loss of him, in being able to save some more guys. It was like a memorium to his life and what he taught us.

The first two were two little siamese guys: Assam (top left) and Ceylon (top right). Assam was the fist of the kittens to be adopted the week of August 9th 2005. However, a week later the family that adopted her called back and also wanted Ceylon as they decided that they did not want to seperate them. They are grown up and doing well in their home.

Typhoo (bottom left) was the next to go the week of September the 6th 2005, followed finally by Tetley (bottom right) who was adopted the week of Spetember 22nd 2005.

These little guys were a pleasure to foster and are all doing very well.

-Richard

Score Update:

International Cricket: England beat Ireland by 48 runs. World Cup Second Round
Sri Lanka beat England by 2 runs. World Cup Second Round

International Football: Andorra 0 England 3. European Championship Qualyfying Group E. England drop to 4th place.
USA 3 Ecuador 1. Friendly
USA 0 Guatalmala 0. Friendly

Rugby Union: Morpeth 25 West Hartlepool 29. League 2 North East. West stay in 3rd place.
Raleigh 46 Detroit 13. Friendly

Football: Hartlepool United 3 Chester City 0 League 2
Barnet 2 Hartlepool United 1 League 2. This ends Hartlepools record 23 game unbeaten run. They stay in 1st place in the league.
Carolina Railhawks 0 University of North Carolina Tarheels 1. Pre-Season Friendly
Carolina Railhawks 1 Charlotte Eagles 3. Pre-Season Friendly

Rugby League: Bradford Bulls 22 Catalan Dragons 29. Superleague.
Bradford Bulls 24 Castleford Tigers 16. Challenge Cup
Bradord Bulls 14 Leeds Rhinos 18. Superleague. Bradford fall to 3rd place.

Ice Hockey: Toronto Maple Leafs 6 Carolina Hurricanes 1
Philadelphia Flyers 5 Carolina Hurricanes 1
Carolina Hurricanes 2 Tampa Bay Lightening 4
Carolina Hurricanes 4 Florida Panthers 3
Tampa Bay Lightening 3 Carolina Hurricanes 2
Carolina Hurricanes 1 Atlanta Thrashers 4. The Canes stay in 3rd place in the South-East Division with 86 points, 9 points behind division Champions, Atlanta Thrashers. The Canes are eliminated from the play-offs.

Baseball: New York Mets 3 Houston Astros 11
Houston Astros 4 Atlanta Braves 6
Houston Astros 8 Cleveland Indians 7
New York Yankees 2 Houston Astros 12
Detroit Tigers 3 Houston Astros 1
Houston Astros 4 Kansas City Royals 2
Houston Astros 5 Kansas City Royals 3. All these games Spring Training
Houston Astros 2 Pittsburgh Pirates 4
Houston Astros 2 Pittsburgh Pirates 3
Houston Astros 4 Pittsburgh Pirates 5
Houston Astros 2 St. Louis Cardinals 4. The Astros are 0-4 and are in 6th place in the National League Central Divsion 3 games behind Division Leaders, The Cincinatti Reds and Pittsburgh Pirates.

Basketball: New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets 106 Houston Rockets 94
Houston Rockets 106 Milwaukee Bucks 87
Los Angeles Clippers 87 Houston Rockets 92
Los Angeles Lakers 104 Houston Rockets 107
Houston Rockets 83 Utah Jazz 86
Houston Rockets 99 Golden State Warriers 110
Houston Rockets 78 Portland Trailblazers 85. The Rockets are 47-29, and still in 3rd place in the South West Division 15 1/2 games behind the Division Champions, Dallas Mavericks. The Rockets have qualified for the play-offs.

-Richard

Easter is always a very important time of the year for me. It makes me very angry in how todays culture the greatest event in the worlds history has been trivialised to almost a non-event. The Passion, Sacrifice and Resurrection of Christ is life changing, history changing and ultimely the event the whole axis of the world will revolve around.

For many years over this weekend, starting back in 1991 until just before we left England to move to the US in 1998 (infact in 1998 we had to leave a day early so we could go to the US Embassy in London to get my Visa) I went with David, my closest friend and many other friends to a Butlins Holiday Camp in the Lincolnshire town of Skegness. It is event called Spring Harvest, a meeting of about 8,000 Christians who get together to play, learn and Celebrate. It was always cold (except one year - pictured left at the Easter Sunday Morning Sunrise Service), it was always fun and above all it was always a time of Spiritual refreshment and growth. Many, many happy memories were had there. I was thinking about it last night during the Maundy Thursday service at Church and took a trip down memory lane. One of the best times was the last time I went when I was able to take Jenn with me. She had heard about the event many times over the years, but, as we spent our first year of married life in England she was able to come. She had a great time and had a chance to understand why it was so important and special to me. We hope one day to get the chance to go back again. The photo above is a group picture taken from that year just before we left.

The other really good Easter retreat I had was during a trip to Europe during a visit to France and Spain during the Easter of 1989. My best friend Louise, was in Pamplona, Spain during a Placement at University. During this visit I went with her Church to their Easter retreat at a small town called Alsasua. Despite not understanding a word of Spanish, just the fellowship with other Christians was enough to gain a blessing. Alsasua is in the Pyranees (above) so there was fantastic countryside as well as companionship. I even one the Church chess tournament whilst I was there. I also visit some other friends in Europe during that little Easter Vacation: Julie in Oviedo, Spain, Pauline in La Rochelle France (Right) and Jane in St. Nazaire, France. A great trip.

I guess this "favourite" place post ended up more in a favourite time of the year post. It is my favourite time of the year so is totally appropriate.

Remember the meaning of Easter, and especially today, Good Friday.

-Richard

I listened to:

"Ivan the Terrible" composed by Sergei Prokofiev performed by Liubov Sokolova (mezzo-soprano), Nikolai Putilin (baritone), The Chorus of the Kirov Opera and The Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Valery Gergiev.

-Richard

Polzeath

A relentless drive
As each wave builds,
Growing, growing
Reaching a crescendo
Of noise,
Of Power,
Of Majesty
Trying to destroy all in its way:-
Until a crash
Folowed by a cascading spray
Leads to its finale,
Its destruction.
But....
The sea tries again....

4th July 1994 - Polzeath, Cornwall, England.

This short poem was written whilst taking a holiday in Cornwall with my old flat mate, Jacqui and her family. Although I am not listing this as one of my favourite places or memories it still was a good time. I love the sea. Having been raised on the coast the sea is always a place I go to think and reflect. The power of Gods Creation that despite centuries of trying man has still failed to conquer.

-Richard

Polzeath

A relentless drive
As each wave builds,
Growing, growing
Reaching a crescendo
Of noise,
Of Power,
Of Majesty
Trying to destroy all in its way:-
Until a crash
Folowed by a cascading spray
Leads to its finale,
Its destruction.
But....
The sea tries again....

4th July 1994 - Polzeath, Cornwall, England.

This short poem was written whilst taking a holiday in Cornwall with my old flat mate, Jacqui and her family. Although I am not listing this as one of my favourite places or memories it still was a good time. I love the sea. Having been raised on the coast the sea is always a place I go to think and reflect. The power of Gods Creation that despite centuries of trying man as still failed to conquer.

-Richard

I listened to:

"Symphony No. 2" and "Symphony No.3 'The Camp Meeting'" composed by Charles Ives and performed by the Dallas Symphony Orchestra conducted by Andrew Litton.
"General William Booth enter into Heaven" composed by Charles Ives and performed by Donnie Ray Albert (Baritone) and the Dallas Symphony Chorus directed by David R. Davidson and the Dallas Symphony Orchestra conducted by Andrew Litton.

-Richard

I finished reading:

"Cancer Ward" by Alexander Solzhenitsyn.

-Richard

I finished reading the Second Book of The Bible : Exodus.

-Richard

Radical Celebration

Many people boppin'
With loud praises ringin'
God's name celebratin'
In the aisles dancin'
Roof raised with clappin'
Jesus' name up-liftin'
Leaving God's face a-smilin'
I can't wait to get to Heaven.

2nd April 1994 - Spring Harvest, Skegness, England.

-Richard

The Carolina RailHawks football team started their long awaited history yesterday in a pre-season friendly against the University of Wake Forest Demon Deacons. It's been a long time since we've had a professional team to go and watch regularly and we are really looking forward to it.

Unfortunately we were not able to make yesterday's game and will have to miss the second pre-season game next Saturday as we will be out of town, but, after that game on!!

-Richard

Score Update: International Cricket: England beat Canada by 51 runs. World Cup Group Group C.
England beat Kenya by 3 wickets. World Cup Group C. England finish the group in 2nd place and qualify for the Super 8 Second Round.

International Football: Israel 0 England 0 European Championship Qualyfying Group E. England are in 3rd place.

Football: Darlington 0 Hartlepool United 3. League 2. Pools stay in 1st place.
Carolina RailHawks 1 Wake Forest Demon Deacons 3. Pre-Season.

Ice Hockey: Carolina Hurricanes 4 Washington Capitals 3
Carolina Hurricanes 6 San Jose Sharks 4. The Canes have points and are still in 3rd place in South East Division, 4 points behind the leaders. Atlanta Thrashers.

Baseball: Toronto Blue Jays 3 Houston Astros 4
Florida Marlins 2 Houston Astros 4
Houston Astros 2 Tampa Bay Devilrays 9
Houston Astros 2 Washington Nationals 16
Cleveland Indians 2 Houston Astros 6
Houston Astros 5 Detroit Tigers 7. All games Spring Training.

Basketball: Philadelphia 76'ers 74 Houston Rockets 124
Houston Rockets 88 Indiana Pacers 76
Houston Rockets 91 Detroit Pistons 85. The Rockets are 44-25 and still in 3rd place in the South-East Division 13 1/2 game behind Division Leaders, Dallas Mavericks.

College Basketball: North Carolina Tar Heels 74 Southern California Trojans 64. NCAA Tournament Sweet 16. UNC advance to the Elite 8.
West Virginia Mountaineers 71 North Carolina State Wolfpack 66. NIT Quarter Final. State finish the Season with a record of 20-16.

-Richard

The next cats we fostered did not actually come into us straight away. They went to another foster home first. The story behind these guys is that we got a report of two kittens in a pick-up truck near Red Lobster in Raleigh. So, some of us went out there to try and trap them. However, it turned out that there were a lot more than two, there was infact eleven. We succesfully traped them and they went to two foster homes. Six to one and five to the other. This was the week of October 12th 2004. Some very cold evenings were spent getting these guys.

In January 2005 the foster home where the five where was not making any progress and they were still in some cases still semi-wild and still very, very shy. So, Jenn and I decided to take them and work with them. Four have gotten adopted and only one is still with us.

Comet (right) was the first to go the week of March 1st 2005. He was a black and white tuxedo male, who although was very shy allowed us to pick him up and pet him. He went to a young couple who saw him and fell in love with him.

Sunny (left with Comet in the background) also went the week of March 1st 2005. He was an orange buy, who was very sweet and very playful. His disposition and nature certainly matched his name.

The next to go was a very sweet, but she Calico kitten with the name of Syke (right). She found her home the week of March 15th 2005.

It took a long time after that before the 4th member of this group found a home. Star (below, with Nimbus in the background), actually moved to another foster home in September 2006. He was always the shyest of the group and although he had progressed very well he still did not like to be picked. Pauline, the girl who adopted Stella from us, and with whom we had kept in touch wanted to start as a small foster home for Snowflake, so we decided to try Star with her. He immediatly won her heart and settled in very quickly to her home. Although, still shy he is very happy. Infact so happy that Pauline adopted him in February of this year.

The cat that is left is Nimbus. He was the wildest of the bunch and for a while it looked like we would not be able to tame him. The photo to the left was taken if him the evening that we caught him. However, he has turned out to be one of the most loving and attention seeking cats. For us to actually adopt him out it would take a fantastic home and will still be very difficult as we have spent so much time and emotion into working with him to where he will trust us, let us pick him up and just lay around on our lap. When other people come to visit he still gets very scared and hides. Nimbus getting to where he is now (right) is definately one of my proudest achievments in working with Snowflake.

There are still four others from the group of eleven, know affectionatly as the Lobsters, that we trapped that week, looking for the their homes. They are: Monkey, Bunny, Foxy and Bobcat.

-Richard

The next poem that I wrote is about a wedding. However, that was not the main purpose. It was to have two themes. A friend of mine at the time was going through a tough situation, so one of the themes was "It'll never happen to me". The second theme was how selfish we are, always thinking about ourselves rather than others. Ironically the poem finishes off three years later... at the time I was single and had no idea of getting married...three years later from writing this poem I was only be three months from being married.

The Wedding

I arrived at the church
A few moments to spare
A crowd already gathered
With a mounting excitement in the air.
The groom's all alone hoping not to be left in the lurch.

As the minutes tick by
The bride is late again.
I'm feeling restless, read the order twice
And start to think about the bloody rain!
Suddenly a commotion. "She's here!" they cry.

All the heads turn in unison
To see the glory of the bride
Shining with radiance and beauty.
By her side her father swelling with pride
He's lost a daughter, but, gained a son.

At last it's over, legally wed.
As I sit there waiting, the organ is grinding away
A friend turs to me and says with a smile
"Just you wait, it'll be you one day!"
"I doubt it!". I said.

Outside the church the cameras are flashing
Picture after picture so that everyone is taken,
By now, it's raining again and is very cold
And I am so hungry that my belly is achein'.
I'm difinately not going through this kind of thing!

On to the reception I go.
I've never seen such a poss gaff
And to be welcomed as "Sir"
By a poked faced usher I had to laugh
And say "You only reap what you sow!"

There's so many people milling around
All seemingly some distant relative or friend
I don't want to drink, don't want to talk:-
I just want to eat. Will this waiting ever end?
Anyway, the toilets must be found.

Sitting down with food at last
An aroma so nice and pleasing to the eye,
But, it's been so long that I can only look
And say to my companion with a wry
Smile. "Don't mind me I'm on a fast."

The speaches start, some in prose, some in poesy,
I think again "I'm never going through this."
As the toasts go on I can only think
Of my fear of speaches. Yes, I'll definately give it a miss.
"Raise your glasses to the couple, for a future so rosy!"

Three years later and all alone
At the front of a church stomach all churning
So, despite what I said on that day above,
I look down the aisle, my bride now coming
And suddenly my stomach begins to groan!

23rd March 1994 - North Acton, London, England.

One of the best Vacations that we have taken was when we took a juant up through Northern California into Oregon. We took a week and drove up stopping at Medford, Astoria on the Coast and Newport Beach. It had many, many happy memories for us from the mountains, the coast with beautiful sunsets (above right - Newport Beach, OR), the giant Redwood tries on the way back home. However, I think the best two were the oasis it gave us, a chance to refresh after the stresses of a difficult couple of years in California and most inportantly it was the last trip we took with Oreo. She had a great time, espcially on the beaches. Some, very, very happy memories of this wonderful dog that still choke me up thinking about it. The photo below is me taking her down to the beach from the hotel we stayed at in Newport Beach.

-Richard

Score Update:

International Rugby Union: England 26 France 18. Six Nations Championship
Wales 27 England 18. Six Nations Championship. England finish in third place.

International Cricket: New Zealand beat England by 6 wickets. Cricket World Cup Group C. England are in last place in the group.

Rugby Union: Driffield 31 West Hartlepool 29. League 2 North East. West stay in 3rd place.
Washington 36 Raleigh 15. Friendly.

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

Rugby League: Bradford Bulls 56 Salford Reds 18. Superleague
Harlequins Rugby League 22 Bradford Bulls 36. Superleague. Bradford stay in 1st place.

Ice Hockey: New York Rangers 2 Carolina Hurricanes 1 (Over Time)
Carolina Hurricanes 3 Florida Panthers 1
Carolina Hurricanes 2 New Jersey Devils 3
New Jersey Devils 2 Carolina Hurricanes 7. The Canes now have 80 points and are still in 3rd place in the South East Division 4 points behind Division leaders, Atlanta Thrashers.

Baseball: Houston Astros 3 Philadelphia Phillies 2
Tampa Bay Devil Rays 3 Houston Astros 5
Philadelphia Phillies 6 Houston Astros 6
Atlanta Braves 3 Houston Astros 11
Houston Astros 4 Atlanta Braves 2
Houston Astros 8 Florida Marlins 9
Houston Astros 4 New York Yankees 3
Los Angeles Dodgers 6 Houston Astros 5. All games Spring Training.

Basketball: Houston Rockets 103 Orlando Magic 92
Phoenix Suns 103 Houston Rockets 82
Houston Rockets 109 Los Angeles Clippers 105
Toronto Rapters 100 Houston Rockets 114. The Rockets are 41-25 and still in 3rd place in the South West Division 13 games behind Division Leaders, Dallas Mavericks.

College Basketball: North Carolina Tar Heels 71 Boston College Eagles 56. ACC Tournament Semi-Final.
North Carolina Tar Heels 89 North Carolina State Wolfpack 80. UNC win the ACC Championship.
North Carolina Tar Heels 86 Eastern Kentucky Colonels 65. NCAA Tournament 1st Round.
North Carolina Tar Heels 81 Michigan State Spartans 67. NCAA Tournament 2nd Round. UNC advance to the Sweet Sixteen.
Duke Blue Devils 77 Virginia Commenwealth University Rams 79. NCAA Tournament 1st Round. Duke are eliminated and finish the Season with a record of 22-11.
Virginia Tech Hokies 64 North Carolina State Wolfpack 72. ACC Tournament Semi-Final.
Drexel Dragons 56 North Carolina State Wolfpack 63. NIT 1st Round.
North Carolina State Wolfpack 69 Marist Red Foxes 62. NIT 2nd Round.

-Richard

I finished reading:

"One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich" written by Alexander Solzhenitsyn.

-Richard

I finished reading:

"Mao II" written by Don DeLillo.

-Richard

The Meeting

Sitting around a table,
Arguing to and fro
Meaningless waffle
Trying to get one over -
Where does it get us?
Back to square one.
What do I care?
I want to go to sleep!!

3rd March 1994 - North Acton, London, England.

-Richard

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