It turns out – or more accurately people are slowly coming to the realisation – that BREXIT does not actually have a definition; more like a fluid/subjective interpretation driven mostly of your mood on a given day. What we do know for a fact is that the lies perpetrated during […]
Read MoreBlog
Politics Nugget: The Policy of Appeasement & A Debate on Immigration
The Policy of Appeasement I read an interesting piece on the CNN site entitled; Trump torches Macron, his last friend in the G-7; Let me suggest that any form of appeasement to the current U.S administration is a BIG mistake as I eluded to in this in a previous post prior […]
Read More The Gang of 4 & The BREXIT Micro Nugget
I know that being critical of Special Interest/Lobbyist as a threat to Democracy has been more like a theme in my recent posts. But this level of vial corruption takes us to a new level where a preacher is seeking to raise funds to buy a jet. That’s not all […]
Read More
Pure Tunes: O Sole Mio
Note these videos are more for training/tracking my own progress. Also for me it’s more about technique rather than sophisticated back music hence recording solo to make it simple and effective. If someone does enjoy the tunes all the better
Read More
The Music Hour: The Sicilian Clan
Another brilliant performance by the Danish National Symphony Orchestra. Here it is the story of The Sicilian Clan (released in 1969) with the musical genius Ennio Morricone. He always complained that people normally associate him with Western movies where in reality his musical repertoire covers a wide variety of genres/styles; a truly […]
Read More
Iniesta; The Dynamo of Barcelona Calls it Quits (updated)
A truly inspiring player for over 20 years has decided to retire. Andrés Iniesta kind of reminds me of Arjen Robben with both the amount of energy & great creativity he brings to the pitch. He will certainly be missed as a key player for Barca but he ends his career […]
Read More Pure Tunes: Cinema Paradiso
Tunes for the Trumpet & Flugelhorn: Note these videos are more for training/tracking my own progress. Also for me it’s more about technique rather than sophisticated back music hence recording solo to make it simple and effective. If someone does enjoy the tunes it would make it all the better.
Read More UK turns blind eye to dirty Russian money, say MPs – Commentary
An interesting article on the BBC website – link below. In my opinion the fear is NOT only about Russian money that impacts on our security but more broadly all national & foreign money in the UK that does nothing but undermine our Democracy. Some of these fundings are clear/deliberate […]
Read More Pure Tunes: The Godfather Waltz
Note these videos are more for training/tracking my own progress. Also for me it’s more about technique rather than sophisticated back music hence recording solo to make it simple and effective. If someone does enjoy any of the tunes I publish well, who am I to complain 🙂
Read More
The Cowards Strike Again
Deepest condolences to family/friends of the victim of this cowardly attack in Paris last night and prayers to all injured from it. The battle against terrorism starts and ends with us all holding to our values and way of life. It is a battle that does not start at the […]
Read More The Music Hour: Bohemian Rhapsody
I came across this great talent of a musician by the name of Jarrod Radnich playing one of my favourite tunes the Bohemian Rhapsody by Freddie Mercury (Queen). Great interpretation of this masterpiece and superb overall clip directing. I hope you enjoy the ride with this clip – because it […]
Read MoreA BREXIT Nugget: "The Trick Question" followed by "A Reflection"
A very interesting and quite revealing radio interview about BREXIT – I would recommend listening to the end. The reality that some continue to challenge is that the BREXIT referendum was less about clarity of vision and more about emotions driven to extremes by powerful Eurosceptics; I am afraid this […]
Read More The Music Hour: An Interview with Maurice Jarre
Now I have to say that though I love all forms of music – western/eastern, classical, rock, easy listening etc. – when it comes to Film soundtracks/music I am a big buff. Names like Maurice Jarre, John Williams, James Horner – but to name a few – are true inspirations […]
Read More
A Political Nugget: Interview with James Comey (updated)
A very interesting interview with former FBI Director, James Comey on CNN. It provides truly unique analysis/observations of Covfefe and more importantly the contrasting styles of leadership between him that old friend. For me James Comey embodies the temperament/approach of a true leader; balanced, consistent and with a firm moral/ethical foundation. […]
Read More A Political Nugget: Emmanuel Macron's Call to Protect European Democracy
It is all well said by President Emmanuel Macron in calling for the protection of Democratic/Liberal values/traditions in Europe. In my mind however this is only one part of the equation/approach. The other integral part of this approach is for Europe to apply basic principles when dealing with rogue/authoritarian regimes […]
Read More The Music Hour: All That Jazz
As usual I continue to share some of my favourite music I come across on the web. This is one performance I came across lately of a jazz concert by; Candy Dulfer (saxophone) Jan Van Duikeren (flugelhorn) Improvisations are just awesome – great talent. In my view the saxophone is […]
Read More My Journey with the Trumpet: La Paloma Blanca
My latest music video – mostly audio to make it simple – playing “La Paloma Blanca” a composition by Dutch composer George Baker. Still working my way through the learning curve of audio recording so bear with me – for best quality you can get please use a headphone – connected to the […]
Read More My Journey with the Trumpet: I See the Light
My latest music video – mostly audio to make it simple – playing “I See the Light” a composition by Alen Menken. Still working my way through the learning curve of audio recording so bear with me. I am also hoping with the new (audio only) simpler setup I am […]
Read More A Politics Nugget: The Trump Conundrum
We’ve been watching the complete travesty of politics/government Trump Style for over a year now. But beyond the shenanigans that have clouded this administration one of the most dangerous elements is when personal affairs (and/or personal judgements) start influencing policy, particularly foreign policy and particularly when this involves a super […]
Read More
The Music Hour: Recuerdos de la Alhambra
Once in a while I like to share some of my favourite music I come across on the web. This is one performance I came across lately of a very popular composition by the Spanish composer Francisco Tarrega called “Recuerdos de la Alhambra” – translated to “Memories of Alhambra”. Alhambra (Qalat […]
Read More
Fallen Hero
Yet another cowardly attack claims lives in France. Today we also here about the death of Lt-Col Arnaud Beltrame, 45; the gendarme helped bring an end to a gunman’s shooting spree in southern France yesterday. I am angry – very very angry – the same way I feel every time a similar […]
Read More Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Clarinet Concerto in A major
One of my all time favourite clarinet concerto’s performed brilliantly by; Iceland Symphony Orchestra Cornelius Meister, conductor Arngunnur Árnadóttir, clarinet The concerto was written in October 1791 for the clarinetist Anton Stadler. It consists of three movements, in a fast–slow–fast succession. It was also one of Mozart’s final completed works, and […]
Read More The Magic that will last; James Last
Some may know that I am a HUGE fan of James Last and his incredible orchestra from previous postings. It was through his musical interpretations that I decided to play the trumpet. Though I do know most if not all his work, I came across this piece recently which is […]
Read More
Spy poisoning: How could the UK retaliate against Russia?
Well it certainly helps when we have a proper government in place rather than a bunch of hacks led by BREXITEERS who do nothing but brag about their nationalist approach in protecting the interest of the country. However, when it is truly crunch time in terms of action required against […]
Read More The Godfather Conducts his Extended Family
A wonderful moment where the Godfather finally decides to conduct his family playing themes from the Godfather movie; though it seems they don’t always agree. Or is it Danny DeVito doing the conducting? Could go both ways, but hope you enjoy anyway this weekend and don’t you forget to order […]
Read More The Music Hour: Heading East, again!
Here is another composition worth watching/hearing. It’s by the Nader Abbassi Orchestra a Swiss/Egyptian Conductor also with solid classical music conducting experience; his profile site here. The performance is of Egyptian movie scores; here a composition by Moudy Al Imam for a film named “A Message to the Governor”. Reason […]
Read More
The Trumpet & I – The Immigrant (from Godfather II)
My latest music video playing – or attempting to play – The Immigrant from Godfather II. A few glitches along the way but happy with overall progress. It’s a start and certainly a way for me to record progress. Hope you enjoy.
Read More
The Making of "Lawrence of Arabia"
Now that I’ve returned to Trumpet playing as a hobby, one of my favourite tunes among the many film scores is the music of the film Lawrence of Arabia by the French composer Maurice Jarre. I also love the film and while browsing I came across this interview about the […]
Read More The Making of "Lawrence of Arabia"
Now that I’ve returned to Trumpet playing as a hobby, one of my favourite tunes among the many film scores is the music of the film Lawrence of Arabia by the French composer Maurice Jarre. I also love the film and while browsing I came across this interview about the […]
Read More The Trumpet & I – Lawrence of Arabia
This is my second music video and the learning journey continues – with pleasure I might add; considering what I mentioned in previous post regarding my experience. Here I am accompanying the BBC Concert Orchestra performing the famous Lawrence of Arabia theme. A few glitches on the way but happy […]
Read More
The Trumpet & i – Nature Boy
Now here’s my little story about me and the Trumpet. It all began in the early 1980’s when I was high on what’s sometimes referred to as “easy listening” orchestra’s like James Last & Paul Mauriat. It was actually through their musical interpretations that I was quite effectively introduced to […]
Read More
Happy New Year 2018 – from an Old Timer
As an old timer I cannot think of a better way to spend the New Year except with music from my all time favourite Orchestra – James Last; I am an old timer you understand 🙂 Hope you take the time to view the clip and that you enjoy it […]
Read More
The Christmas BREXIT Nugget: Reflections on the BREXIT & the EU Project
The Christmas BREXIT Nugget: Reflections on the BREXIT & the EU Project
With 2017 drawing to a close here’s a couple of final thoughts for the year about BREXIT & the EU; The first suggestion is that Referendums built around a slim majority to make decisions that have profound impact on a nation is a flawed concept; whether it be BREXIT or […]
Read More Music to Warm Your Christmas Eve
The U.N. Votes to Criticise the U.S. Decision on Jerusalem
Music to Warm Your Christmas Eve
Here is some great music by a young and talented Harpist Amy Turk from the South of England playing Johann Sebastian Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D Minor; a superb interpretation of this musical masterpiece. Hope you enjoy the music as I have and make sure to visit Amy’s website to learn […]
Read More
The U.N. Votes to Criticise the U.S. Decision on Jerusalem
The United Nations General Assembly on today, Thursday 21, 2017 adopted a resolution criticising the U.S. decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and begin the process of moving its embassy there. Now beyond the foolishness of the U.S. administration to make that decision, something I posted about here, and […]
Read More
China’s “Sharp Power” and our Vulnerabilities that make Self-Protection & Engagement a Difficult Balance
I came across a very interesting article entitled How China’s “sharp power” is muting criticism abroad (link below) about China’s increased influence/meddling in western democracies mainly to promote a positive image of the country, and distorting information to suppress dissent and debate. It’s safe to say that this behaviour is […]
Read More The BREXIT Nugget: Time for Reflection for the Prime Minister When Lecturing on Respect/Decency
In a recent tweet by the PM she called for Tolerance, Decency & Respect in the treatment of politicians. Here’s the tweet; Threats of violence and intimidation are unacceptable and have no place in our politics. Everybody should be treated with tolerance, decency and respect. — Theresa May (@theresa_may) December […]
Read More
BREXIT Flicks: Tweet to Tweet
Here are some interesting tweet exchanges today (my responses are in green) Theresa May’s Orderly/Painless BREXIT .@theresa_may: We’ll deliver Brexit in a smooth and orderly way – without disrupting people’s lives and without disrupting businesses. pic.twitter.com/pwwDNo2MDt — Conservatives (@Conservatives) December 15, 2017 Yes of course, no one will feel a […]
Read More BREXIT Flicks: Theresa May tells EU she's still in control despite Commons loss
BREXIT Flicks: Theresa May tells EU she's still in control despite Commons loss
Arriving soaking wet to Brussels suffering from the effects of the political Tsunami battering her government every since the Conservatives loosing overall majority in British parliament on her watch to the latest defeat on BREXIT bill, this while arguing to EU she’s still in control, one can only imagine whispering […]
Read More
Remembering "Amadeus"
This is in every sense of the word my all time favourite movie ever. The film was released in 1984 and directed by Miloš Forman, adapted by Peter Shaffer from his stage play Amadeus. The story, set in Vienna, Austria, during the latter half of the 18th century, is a […]
Read More The BREXIT Nugget: Kicking the Can Down the Road(updated)
The BREXIT Nugget: Kicking the Can Down the Road(updated)
OK, now that our political “geniuses” are celebrating defeating the government in parliament to give MPs a legal guarantee of a meaningful vote on the final Brexit deal struck with Brussels; here are a few thoughts; This is merely kicking the can down the road because as of yet there […]
Read More The Genius of Paganini
Another one of my all time favourite Composers, Niccolò Paganini an Italian violinist, violist, guitarist, and composer (1782–1840). He was the most celebrated violin virtuoso of his time. A truly transformative composer when it comes to violin compositions – what one would call in the world of technology nowadays “Disruptive” […]
Read More
The BREXIT Model
The BREXIT Model
It seems on a daily basis now that we continue to get a drip..drip analysis of BREXIT’s effects on the economy, some good but mostly quite negative – and the worse part is that no one can really tell fact from fiction. This while our “lovely” politicians continue playing their […]
Read More The BREXIT Nugget: How Racism Influenced the Referendum
The reason for this brief post is to record a tweet I posted on twitter commenting on a video clip by journalist/LBC radio presenter James O’Brien speaking to a caller on his reason for voting to leave the EU; I feel it is important enough to re-post on my blog site […]
Read More