Sartre Got It Wrong

Hell isn't other people, Hell is Amateur Dramatics. I suppose I shouldn't complain, its all in a good cause but the Lowry "Showcase" has to be experienced to be believed. First of all there's the audience - people who think that the simple application of a sequin to a T Shirt turns the garment into suitable attire for the theatre (it doesn't). Some people don't even bother with the sequin. They just walk straight out of the Primark changing room and into the theatre (having not been home to shower first). And then there are the Performers (always with a capital P). Of course Jim's lot are fantastic - and you really can't go wrong with Mary Poppins if you have a man and a woman who can sing. But Mamma Mia is an abomination anyway but when its performed by amateurs whose social workers believe that music and movement helps them with their anger issues (well, it certainly didn't help me with mine) it takes one straight to the Eighth Circle. And then there was "Witchfinder" (The Crucible set to music - I know, don't get me started). To be fair they had a cute blonde guy with a fabulous voice but you need some serious music to deal with burning witches, not an Andrew Lloyd Weber treatment where the witchfinder actually falls in love with the witch and they sing about it in a song designed to be recorded by Celine Dion and, oh I don't know, Elton John or someone. Honestly, my mouth hung open for the entire thing (and not just because of the cute blonde guy either).

Anyway, I'm home now so that's that over for another year. And also, to be fair, the professionals don't always get it right either. Sondheim at The Bridgewater on Saturday night could have been better. Hope you're all fine.

Tuesday will be going to the funeral of DDs father-in-law. I knew of him rather than actually knowing him but I have met her mother-in-law who is a complete sweetheart. Illness really sucks. Coping when someone who is a huge part of your life suddenly isn't there any longer is virtually impossible to start with. DD knows this as well as I do but we also know that you learn to get on with life but you never ever forget. And that's important. That's all. Sorry to finish on a sad note. J x

Michael Jackson

Just seen the news. I don't feel a great deal to be honest. I wasn't a huge fan. Haven't received any MJ jokes on my phone yet but its just a matter of time...

Other news - Enjoyed the party, the views from the 39th floor are stunning. London was good although I was a little hungover on the way down (First Class helps with this). Bought the shoes I was after and also bought a suit and a tie and some boots. A successful trip shopping-wise. If I do a shopping trip again, I wouldn't do an overnight. Trying to book a show last minute is not a good idea as there are no good seats left as a rule. Better to do down and back in a day I think.

Then to the cinema with Gill Sunday evening (Gill is finally going for promotion - good luck with that honey) to see Terminator Salvation - cute guys but rubbish story. Work is as eventful as ever - management never has a dull moment but that's what keeps it interesting. Nothing else to report at the moment. Off to a Sondheim night at The Bridgewater Hall on Saturday night with Jim. That's all. J x

Can't Stop

Thanks for all the political debate. I think we've solved it don't you?

Busy busy busy. Party on the 39th floor of the Hilton tonight (drink with DD first, natch). Then off to London for new shoes tomorrow and staying over on a deal in Mayfair. Back up the road Sunday and out to see Terminator Salvation with Gill. Phew. And then its work and those damn trainees all over again on Monday. Careful you don't get caught in my slipstream...! That's all. J x

100 to go

Not sure if my visitor number count is visible to everyone or just me but its up to 29,900. 100 more visits (every one counts!) and it'll hit 30,000. How fabulous is that? In honour of the occasion I thought I'd like to start a discussion going. Will make a change from all the usual humdrum stuff normally on here.

So anyway, I used to think (possibly naively) that the UK was a relatively civilised country full, for the most part, of relatively civilised people. Now we find out that not only are most of our politicians on the make but our police force indulges in torturing suspects too. Have we no shame? We're no better than some third world dictatorship where corruption and torture are rife. We should be ashamed of ourselves and we should vow to tackle it root and branch. Its no good just changing the voting system or kicking out a few top officers. We need to kick them all out. But what guarantees can there ever be that the next lot won't be exactly the same. Its way too depressing to even think about for long. Discuss. J x

Impressions

So Bristol seems OK. Walked into town yesterday evening and it all seems clean and modern. Stopped off at the new (well,since September) Harvey Nicks for a martini but as it was a Monday evening there wasn't a lot going on. The gay "village" is on the other side of town so decided against tramping all the way over. Walked round the shops but didn't but anything (how did that happen? - needed Sarah with me I guess) and then back to the hotel for a relaxing evening. More training today and then back oop North to dear old Manc. That's all. J x

Blogging From Afar

Hey everyone. I'm in the City Inn in Bristol (lovely hotel - free internet (and its Apple based hurrah), Peroni and Absolut in the mini bar, well at least there was some Absolut at the start of the evening). Have just watched The Apprentice and have won the sweepstake in work - so who on earth is going to eat the box of Maltesers I"d bought as a prize? Off to do some training tomorrow but back here tomorrow night (2 days worth of training) so I'll let you have my impressions of Bristol tomorrow. That's all. J x

Dead Birds

Lovely Saturday in town with Sarah (my top marked fit for promotion colleague from Leeds). We went to see the dead (ceramic) birds on exhibition at Manchester Craft Market in the Northern Quarter. I stocked up on lovely cards and Sarah didn't buy any earrings or tiles. Bought a multi-gingham shirt at some new shop and then did a tour of Spinningfields because the new Rylands library was about to close. Then it was off to Felicinis for cocktails and to meet Huw (Sarah's husband, who had been to see the rugby at Old Trafford). After 3 martinis it was time for me to leave and for them to eat. A thoroughly lovely day. That's all. J x

Netherlands

So I have Yasmina in the sweep ay work on The Apprentice, as you know. And clearly I'm going to win (famous last words). But I drew Netherlands in the 20/20 cricket sweep. And guess what? they beat England by 4 wickets... Yay. That's all. J x

Christies

Off to Christies this morning - regular 3 monthly check-up. will let you know later how it went. Am hoping that I can go to 6 monthly soon as we're approaching the 3 year anniversary of the end of my treatment (July). You'll be pleased to know that I'm still in the running for winning the sweep we're running on my Team re The Apprentice. I've got Yasmina and I'm still hopeful she'll win (although was rather disappointed that she didn't know the difference between net and gross profit - some businesswoman huh?Kate's too perfect and too blond (yes, you can be). Looking forward to Sarah coming over from Leeds on Saturday and then I'm off to Bristol on Sunday for 2 days training next week - what fun! That's all. J x