Two farces in one night- Strictly and X-Factor

Totally apoplectic tonight having firstly watched Strictly Come Dancing and saw the double left footed Ann Whitticome being saved once again by the public !!! a) she cannot dance and b) it was not even entertaining - however the public vote, for what it is worth kept her in - and the powers that be should take heed as it looks as though the residents of our Prisons are about to get the vote - this being the case, as soon as they get their rights, as per the Human Rights Act - the BNP will soon be in power.

Now, X - Factor, what a mockery, we have a foreigner who cannot speak English murdering every piece of music god sends, so much so that poor Elvis will be be turning in his grave - still in the running in what is obviously a well orchestrated internet scheme against the programme and Simon Cowell in particular. This being, despite the fact that he had the nerve to walk in on poor Mary and catch her with her pants down !!!
Not helped of course by the fact that Cheryl Cole refused to vote, especially after she sodded off to the USA to look after her own interests , leaving the team to look after themselves. Poor Tracy voted off by the panel to save Katie !! who certainly cannot sing as well.

Highlight of the night was Kylie Minogue who showed Cheryl Cole just how a good singer / entertainer should perform - no comparison - Kylie is the Tops.

Gemma's 21st and the Heart's v Hibs Derby

Sunday, up and out, but before I went anywhere there was a hard coating of ice to scrape from the car again - three mornings in a row now. Once on the road and sighting the Pentland hills glistening with a light dusting of snow on the tops. On my way back the south sides were clear again but in the distance there was a good covering on the Moorfoots.
Our young ski team, The Sussex Snow Race Team, reappeared for another breakfast, dressed in what appeared to be their pyjamas - they had managed to get through to the 2nd round of the University competition yesterday, and were saying that it was freezing cold at The Hillend Ski Centre with the rain which eventually turned to snow, it would have been much nicer today.
They ( Emma, Ellie, Sam, Fresher, Olivia, Clara, Georgie and Nicky) were in fine tune to give Gemma (bottom right) a chorus of Happy Birthday as she was celebrating her 21st. Hopefully family and friends will have another celebration for her once she gets home.

This end of the town was deserted today, looks as though everyone was at Easter Road for the Hibs v Hearts Derby match which is presently sitting at 0 - 2, ( two very good goals for Hearts so far). Although the fans in the stadium are in fine voice there was a bit of a disturbance with two smoke flares thrown onto the pitch, while outside in the local streets the "casuals" from both teams have been causing grief - totally uncalled for.

Saturday - fun and not so funny

Saturday night, back from the Mercat Bar where we were fairly busy all day, had a few groups in, including some skiers from the University of Essex, Brighton, who were taking part in the British University championships at Hillend Ski Slope (dry) - just a shame it was raining.
Only a week late we had a visit by eight USA guests from PA, USA, the Westchester area, two who were friends of young Terri Briggs, wife of "The Titanium Man - Graham) lifelong friend of RGB. They had been on a coach tour of the UK.

Now resting, feet up watching Strictly Come Dancing and the x-Factor, both shows becoming a bit of a joke with Ann Whitticome in Strictly, and the dreaded Wagner ( toneless and cannot speak English) - just outrageous - it just proves that the TV companies are only after the public cash and do not care a hoot about the participants or their skills/ real abilities.

On the theme of jokes, Robin Galloway and his producer on real radio have been fired (losing £100,000 p.a. salary) for staging a streak in front of Ed Milliband during an interview. Albeit I have a weird sense of humour at times but for long enough now I have been switching over to Radio 2 in the morning to listen to Chris Evans, as I was fed up with the drivel that Robin Galloway was churning out in his so called "wind ups" .

Next - Celtic 9 - Aberdeen 0 !!!!!!!!!!!!!! Three hat tricks for Celtic players - not quite sure how to describe this so called SPL match (debacle), but I am sure the Sunday papers will have a ball.

England cuffed at the rugby, but will say no more as Scotland have to take to the field next week.

Have to add to the doubting Thomas's who laughed at Susan Boyle when she first appeared on the musical scene, and here she is now one of the most downloaded artists in the world, not always in the public eye, but selling millions and making millions, and who whose talent in unquestionable - her latest record is outstanding, but even now when I hear her first song on Britain's Got Talent (I dream a dream)the hairs still go up on my neck still go up. Michale Barrimore being one who made a mockery of her . Despite everything this is one really remarkable lady.

I may regularly be rather scathing about the actions of certain Directors/ managers and staff within Edinburgh City Council - and will not change these views , but I must say that despite the best efforts by the Government to get rid of the Cleric Hamza the Hook, our legal system, constrained by the the dictates of European law have allowed this evil cesspit of an individual to keep a UK passport. Personally I would rather not have people like this within our society, and I am sure that there are many other countries who would not entertain the said "individual".

Talking of "bombers" and the recent attempt to smuggle bombs on airlines inside photocopiers, there was a similar attempt two years ago when terrorist packed dogs with explosives and timers but were detected when two of the dogs were found dead.

Frightening also is the the incident where the young Asian man has been captured using a disguise of an elderly man to get on board a flight from Hong Kong to Vancouver - just how do we cope with this, which is not new - it has been going on for years and years and years. Even the flight which exploded over Lockerbie had its secrets - many which may never be revealed.

Linlithgow Place and St Michael's Parish Church

Trying to keep up to date with where I have been,

but before the dinner on Thurday I took a look up to the site of Linlithgow Palace, built circa 1100 a.d. as an old old manour house,and now sitting just as it was left by the Duke of Cumberland in 1746

Home of Mary Queen of Scots, born there 8th December 1542.

Pictures of the entrance, east and west walls, etc., as it sits on the side of the picturesque Linlithgow Loch.

St Michael's Church was built in 1138 and has withstood the ravages of the years.

The new tower, which can be seen for miles and is mistakenly taken as part of the Palace, was added in 1964.

49 Club November dinner - Linlithgow

November lunch today of the 49 Wine Club, within Livingsone's Restaurant, Linlithgow.

A full house of members there to appreciate the excellent meal and wines provided.

Starter,

Home smoked Scottish Salmon with Capers, Parsley and Shallots.

Wine - Ferngrove Estate "Karri Oak" Chardonnay 2007

Main Course.

Pan-Fried layers of Pork belly,

Stornaway Black Pudding, Potato & Onion Gratin with apple puree.

Wine . GB Bin 43 merlot 2007, Grant Burge.

Dessert

Steamed ginger pudding with

house vanilla Ice cream & scotch sauce
Wine Black tie Pinot Gris-Riesling 2006, Pffafenheim.

Tea/ Coffee served with Mrs Livingston's tablet.

Leading up to a day off.

Thursday p.m.
Having a day out / off so letting the bus take the strain, etc., perhaps I should have taken the train after all. En route to Linlithgow to meet the members of the “49 Club” for their monthly lunch meeting, today being held at Livingston’s Restaurant (more details later).
Tuesday past was Mrs B’s 21st (again) so I met her after her work and she had a nice wee Proseco to set her up for her little pampering session – which she thoroughly enjoyed. In the meantime I had taken a glass of wine through to the Turkish barbers where I had relaxing hour, hair cut, ears set on fire, superb wet shave and even had my neck cracked, which cured an ache I had been suffering for several weeks.
As the Mercat Bar was very busy when we met up again it was a case of having a few nibbles then off to Penicuik, where we went to the Craigiebield Hotel for some supper, not a good idea as it turned out – so it was a quick bite and then we headed home in time to watch the last our of the Masterchef Finals. Tremendous food, well prepared, these chefs are real artists, however, that is fine if you are not hungry !!! A pretty plate does not always fill an empty stomach.
Reminded me of the time we went to stay at the Dunkeld House Hotel and were served a plate of “haute cuisine”, I had to send it back and asked the chef to give me a plate of food fit for a hungry person. Caused a bit of a stir, but I had several other diners who agreed with me and ended up doing the same.
Just passing the Gogar roundabout at the moment where there is a great deal of activity at the new Depot they are building to house the new Edinburgh trams soon to be delivered – but that is another story, the saga continues with the Resignation of the Edinburgh Council’s project leader, he has had enough of the project now daubed “Hell on Wheels”. The German contractors, TIE are still playing silly works – and it is costing Edinburgh a fortune in fees while they are all arguing.
Had a nice E mail from Paul and Joy in the Land of Oz, who we met on our recent coach trip in the USA, so far the only couple to get back in contact – but me being a bit of a crabby so and so, who can blame them.
This is a bit of an adventure , on this bus, just gone through Newbridge, now in Kirkliston and heading for Winchburgh, on a one way ticket – just like the folks who might in the future be heading off to have a closer look at Mars as space research changes from the current programme back to possible moon landings and flights further afield !!!
Not supposed to say this, but after sixty four months of heartache, etc, someone I know well is finishing work with Edinburgh Council and going on leave for the last time >

Our Norwegian tourists, Alfie and Bjorg

Monday again, how the time flies, and after Sunday's hammering in the Bar it was a nice bottle of red "tonic" wine last night to make up for the dehydration.
This morning I had four tables in for breakfast who had all been in yesterday morning, two tables from Norway, one from Finland, and a Portuguese couple. Later on I had a Belgium couple who were keen to try the traditional "fish and chips" , certainly well impressed.

My Norwegian couple, Alfie and Bjorg, from Raholt, Norway, have been in three times over the weekend, flying with the local airline , the one with the red nose on the front - from Oslo direct to Edinburgh. They are seen here with Chris, our latest link, who used to work with RGB at the Standing Order, and who has just returned from his wanderings in South America.

Must remember the wine night on 17th.