Sky's the Limit

Here I am, waiting again for a Sky engineer to call. A phone call is promised, before 9am, to confirm time of visit. A watched phone never rings, it is said. 10.30 and I ring Sky. Only 3 menus, so could be worse. A charming girl answers the phone and wants my personal details. I think of asking her for hers. I would like to know her address, date of birth, colour of eyes, vital statistics, phone number (including STD code)........ Yes, I am on the call-out list. Hurrah! Be in between 12 and 5. I'll be here.

The problem? Sky+. It suffers from 'skips' in sound on playback of recorded programmes. According to the excellent Digital Spy website, a common problem with Amstrad boxes. I had a visit last week, and had a new dish and other components fitted. "That'll fix it!" said the engineer. It didn't.

Sir Alan, You're fired!

Footnote: Now the proud owner of a Pace box - all working like clockwork. I am a happy bunny again!

Ode to Autumn

As Keats once wrote, "Oh to be in England, now that Autumn's Here." The sun is shining as I write, Ming is sleeping peacefully, giving me added time to be in control, the air is bitterly cold, and Hallowe'en approaches. Speaking of Hallowe'en, The Cavaliers have a new single out, called appropriately, Halloween.


The Cavaliers have a launch night on the 31st October. Press and record companies should be present. Fingers crossed for success at last! Full details can be found on their website:

http://www.myspace.com/thecavaliersuk

Gambling Hearts also have a new song on their website, Never Alone. A really great sound. you can listen to this in full at:

http://www.myspace.com/gamblinghearts

For those not in the know, my younger son, Maff, is the inspiration and writer of all the Cavalier's music, and elder son, Si, is likewise with Gambling Hearts. Such talent, and two great guys to boot. They certainly take after me!

Enough plugging!

Returning to Autumn, the trees are a golden brown and the sky is cornflower blue. This is a lovely time of the year. The excitement of Christmas starts to build up, escalating into a blaze of happiness, merriment and true wonder of the magic of the Nativity. Even non-believers must feel warmth at the sight of the crib.

Happy Days!

Thoughts from abroad...

I have a constant buzzing in my ears; an ache in my eardrum; a shimmering in my vision.... It has originated over five thousand miles away, in a country called Bangladesh. I know when the presence is near. My speakers PING, small windows appear on the screen - she is watching me! Big Brother? More like Little Sister! Hello Ming!