The Boy and The Coconut Tree

Today, April 20 2016, one of my all time favourite entertainers died. Victoria Wood's comedy played such a big part of my life, especially my teens that I feel genuinely sad.  Her sketches were a daily part of my life as a teen, me and my friends laughed out loud over and over at them, we quoted them, we re-enacted them in 6th form common room or over a beer in the pub. There are far too many of her sketches to post on here but I am going to post my favourite few, anyone who claims to know me well, will understand why I derive so much pleasure from these sketches. Sketch 1, Department store cafe, some great lines! Sketch 2, Italian Restaurant sketch  Sketch 3, 2 Soups (a classic even though Victoria isn't in it ) Sketch 4, The Ballad of  Barry and Freda Sketch 5, Acorn Antiques (I could post all of them!) I recommend her sketches to anyone who loves comedy. The world is certainly a less funny place today! And remember, neve...

Today is the Grand National , one of the most famous horse races in the world. I have probably watched it every year, especially during my childhood as my grandfather loved horse racing.  I have sometimes placed a bet but though I watch it, I don't know a thing about horses or the grass or the racecourse (well I know it is near Liverpool) so I choose my horses based on the numbers I choose for the lottery and the colours.  I think most people do the same apart from serious gamblers who really follow the horses and know their speed, the weight of the teeny tiny jockeys etc. I am an amateur and have been in a betting shop about 3 times in my adult life (I went in more as a child with my grandfather). I was banned from a betting shop when I was a child (or so the story goes) because I turned off all the televisions when my grandad was in there placing a bet.  I am sure in 1973 it was illegal for me to be in there in the first place!? One of the horses I've bet on, "No ...

I was once told by a former manager that you had to be careful what you wished for, be it work or in life. I never quite understood what he meant until I was transferred to Boston for a few weeks that turned into almost two years. I thought that was cool, something I hadn't asked for, so why should I be sorry? However, his words of warning did come true this time.  I was interviewed for a job in May 2015, the job description met my wish list and the people who interviewed me were lovely, what could go wrong!? The gap between the interview and starting was almost 5 weeks due to security checks etc.  Once I started, both those lovely people from the interview had resigned and my adventure and downward spiral began.  I won't name the place I worked, for obvious legal reasons, let’s call it the Commission and see how many of you guess where it is?  My first 2 months weren't too bad but when the vacancy for my line manager was finally filled, so my troubles began. ...