An old sign under a bridge in town, with a 1950s look about it.
She Bop
Most people probably know Cyndi Lauper for one song. Foremost, that is; there were two others. Or three if you recall that Spielberg film.
But most people won’t recall She Bop. Because it was banned in the UK (Scotland too). BBC radio wouldn’t play it, even though it’s quite lovely and (perhaps a little) ahead of its (no apostrophe needed) time.
I was somewhat surprised this evening when Ms Lauper sang She Bop. Most people don’t get the subject matter and, thanks to the BBC, won’t know the song. She plays Glastonbury tomorrow. It’ll be interesting to see whether the BBC will cover the song if she goes for it.
Anyway, she was somewhat amazing this evening. There was stuff from the new album, some She’s So Unusual and True Colours material, but also songs I’d not expected.
Videos may follow.
Peebles
We’re just back home after a couple of days in Europe Peebles. I’d never been before and was somewhat surprised to find that it’s pretty gorgeous.
The locals (in the locals) we met were lovely; there were even a couple of expats northeasterners (one from Newcastle and another from Gateshead).
We were quite intrigued by the Beltane festival, which apparently has its roots in Brussels mediaeval Europe.
We spent much of yesterday in the capital Edinburgh. Regrettably, the cool graveyard was closed, but it’s great to see restoration in progress. The view from the hill was still pretty impressive though.
While in Edinburgh, we had a quick pint (Punk IPA) in the World’s End pub before heading back to Peebles.
Back in Peebles, we went to the Bridge Inn, after which I saw a familiar creature.
While I don’t have a picture to hand, I’m pretty sure that such things exist outside Europe in London, by the Thames.
Also, when in the Bridge, I visited a urinal which appeared to have once belonged to Adam Ant.
We’d have remained stayed in Europe Peebles longer, but we have a date with a goddess in town this evening.
Referendum
I voted to leave the European Union. I didn’t try to persuade anyone else to do so and kept my views to myself. However, I’ve been disappointed with the number of people who made a point of forcing their views on me and, now that the UK has decided, are using social media to insult what is, in effect, the majority. A small majority, I acknowledge, but that’s how democracy works; a majority is a majority.
Contrary to the many comments I’ve read on social media, I don’t fit their profile for the majority. I’ve worked all my life and never claimed a penny from the state. I’m educated; I have two degrees.
I love Europe, I like the culture(s) and adore the beer. I simply don’t want to see the UK lose control of its future. I’m not racist, but I do believe that EU migrants shouldn’t be filling the low paid jobs that UK nationals won’t take because they feel that state benefits are a better proposition.
I voted to leave the EU. Had the majority been in favour of remaining within the common market, I would have accepted the UK’s decision with grace.
Sun-derland
I recognise that it’s quite early, but I’m currently sitting in Wetherspoons (the scruffiest of the three) in Sunderland.
However, I feel I’ve earned my bottle of Tucher. After my third dental appointment, my tooth is now reconstructed.
The experience hasn’t been fun, but at least the optional gap/crown/bridge has been avoided.
The beer’s nice, though, and the sun’s shining outside.
Twitter II
While I don’t actually engage very much with social media (and, in ten years time, people may not recall such a thing), my current Twitter profile …
Disappointed …
… that we’re not going this year.
Even though we weren’t supposed to be going anyway.
I have a new follower on Twitter. A man unknown to me. On looking at his profile, I Found that he follows many people named Gary Moore.
I’m unsure as to whether I should find this creepy.
Middle age II
On returning home yesterday, I found that the NHS had written to me.
Middle age
I always considered myself to be very fortunate in terms of my body’s durability. I’ve never had a serious illness and have demonstrated my ability to bounce, rather than break, on many occasions. And those latter episodes were mostly the result of carelessness, or clumsiness, on my part.
My recent blood pressure scare is already fading into the past. Admittedly, I do have medication, but a very low dose, and I’m hoping it’s a temporary measure. I now have the healthiest diet ever, although (since my liver is officially in excellent condition) I have not reduced my beer consumption (well, I don’t drink cheap rubbish, so every glass contains important nutrients).
I’m currently sitting in Dat Bar, with a pint of Allendale APA. My second in command is shopping and, as she’d confess, she shops better alone. For dresses, that is.
On the down side, I’m only here because I have a stupid, irrational fear of all things dental. And, so, I took the day off because I had a root canal filling this morning. My dentist was great; I didn’t feel a thing (though my imagination was painful).
But I’ve come to the realisation that I’m now of an age when things start to break. Ugh.