On Yer Bike.

I returned to biking later in life when I started to see signs for cycle routes as I was driving around Birmingham in my car. I presented a radio breakfast show so had few traffic problems. But the signs made me think about bikes, so I bought a cheapy one from Halfords, Kings Heath. Not the best move. I had to take it back 3 times as the pedals kept coming loose! But don't let that put you off. A trip to a proper bike shop solved the problems.

The first time I did cycle the 7 miles to the studio – up a big hill – it took me nearly an hour. But I'd make the effort once a week.  The start of the journey was through the rather lovely Cannon Hill Park.  Sun shining, birds singing, mugggers mugging...  During the summer it gradually dawned on me that I quite liked being in the fresh air, so I started cycling two or three times a week.  Within 12 months, the hour ride magically became 20 mins. I also lost 5 stone! And I was unexpectedly overcome with a very strange feeling of well-being after a ride…

Cycling is an almost organic experience after years of being cooped up in cars and public transport. If you’re new to the idea, give it a go. It really will effect your outlook on life. I’m discovering London now. I no longer present a breakfast show and London doesn't have Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham, but it does have the River Thames.  Which as you can see from the picture below, is rather nice!

To Write or not to Write, that is the question...

... or rather, to blog or not to blog. Or at least where to blog.  Read on...

Now I've finished Uni and the banks are being uncooperative with the £15k I need to get Maverick Theatre out touring, I've been looking at other ways of generating income.  (This is Producer Speak for I'm looking for a job!)

I came across a site offering income for blog posts and subsequently read an article in Writer magazine about such sites.  They survive by attracting search engines and splitting some of the income with you.  But you need to write SEO stuff that computerised machines will be likin'. The title of this little rant, for instance, is not very good.  If it said 'Royal Wedding Prince William Make Cash Quick Sex' it would attract more search engines and therefore earn the site more money.

In fact, what a good idea...!

Back in a moment....

Royal Wedding Prince William Make Cash Quick Sex

There. Now let's see if that generates any traffic from the Bots.  It's already attracted Spam Comments, but Blogger seems rather good at getting rid of them.

Anyway, back to the point.  The article basically concluded that in terms of writing style and volume of posts needed for the blog sites, it was probably better creatively to do it yourself and if you can generate enough traffic, you might even earn a bit too.

And so I shall attempt to become more regular.  And see what happens.

Anyone know how to make any additional income out of the Royal Wedding Prince William Make Cash Quick Sex?

Just wondered.

Keep Right On...

Birmingham City Football Club won the League Cup tonight.  I'm not a huge football fan, but it's hard not to be lured by the pure drama of it all.  There's goodies and baddies and hope and despair.  Just like life in fact.  And there's nothing like a good sporting celebration to help keep our minds off an unfair economy...

Blues are celebrating their first silverware since about 1963.  But I actually think it's the first major trophy they've won since they were formed.  About 130 odd years then.

I'm approaching my fiscal survival this year with the same tenacity. I just hope it's not going to take me as long as the Blues.  More beer!

Romantica

It's been a tough few months.  But the return to a radio show I did years ago has been very positive. And a great way of introducing an arts concept that very few will realise was one! Maverick this year is to be about nostalgia and reminiscence and Romantica was just that, with a lovely bunch of people sending in stories that, in some cases, had never been repeated before. On the first of two nights some of the feedback was tearful and very emotional. But it's great. It's what makes us human.

Students are revolting...

And to prove it...

Happy New Year!

Chiswick House and Gardens

A Detour On The Way Back From The Post Office

And Wow!  What a detour.  I was on my bike and dropped a parcel off at the Post Office at the top of Chiswick High Road.  Having a half hour to kill, I thought I'd take a slightly different route home and this is what I came across.  I'm blessed that even at my age I'm still surprised at what London can come up with.  These are snapshots taken with my phone, but all taken 20 mins from our flat.  You should try a detour from a daily route  and post the photographs here.  I'd love to see what you come up with.

Chiswick House.  Available for weddings apparently!

This is the view from the gate I entered.

And the view from a little further back.

Swinging down past Chiswick Mall, this is a public right of way to the River Thames.

Is this little cottage in Stratford-upon-Avon? Nope.  Chiswick again.

Groovy sign to the river 'right of way'.

The view toward Hammersmith Bridge

People live on this.  I can't blame them!

Look the other way from the boat and this is St Nicholas' Church.  Many famous folk rest here.

A house in St Peter's Square, Hammersmith.  Our flat is just round the corner.

Groovy baby!