Post Xmas report

Well it is the Friday after Christmas here which wasn't a great day given half the town was shut up seemingly having no stock and most of the places that were open just appeared to have left overs out to clear with the exception of Iceland and Chatwin's bakery which was something of a wasted bus journey.

What was Christmas like this year?

A bit of a muddle through as while neighbours came in for a time on the day with cards and presents that were reciprocated, my older brother couldn't make it as he had a bad case of the cold, my troublesome younger brother came as promised on boxing day but at the really ill-advised time of half twelve just as we were about to eat having said before he'd be coming earlier in the morning.

And no there was no explanation so I was late getting something to eat.

I did have a few books such as the Beano annual and a couple of books looking at the time around four Beatles albums, the recording sessions, tours, and what else was going on as well I was pretty young back then and clueless really.

I did have some money that'll pay for a few upcoming cds and a couple of records ordered in advance but what I had I was happy with as I prefer time with people to much of that really. 

kk

Christmas edition

 Not that long to go, school closes today, so the long established ritual of the Christmas pause begins as things get rather busy here with visiting people and being visited too as I have been getting on with things like reading this years Beano Christmas special with its 68 pages of interlinked comic adventure and fun.

I also played a few records I hadn't spun for a few years before changing the cartridge over to the Ortofon Concorde Music Blue and the phono box which was quite enjoyable as I got around to posting a few cards off.

All that remains is to wish you all a Happy Christmas and a great New Year as crazy as politic is presently. 

Christmas preparations

The countdown towards Christmas is gathering very much at pace here even if with delays with the computer replacement issue and a few issues with cramp and that I'm a little behind in all honesty although the Advent Calendar is up and I do have some cards ready to write. 

Christmas would not be christmas without the Nativity Story for me, going back into childhood so being in church for services either at school, with parents or in Girlguiding or Scouts whatever people themselves may do or believe in.

For me it underscores so much of my own values and this life.

Santa Claus can be found in many places at the moment - must have a degree in Time Management - in the malls, schools and in his very own parades.

Many Girlguide/Girl Scouts and Scouts Associations have him fully signed up such as this Girl Guides unit in British Columbia, Canada where he's accompanied by by members in seasonal attire often making collections to aid the local unit and raise its profile in the wider community.

That for me is the sort of thing this time of the year is all about.

BBC Shows: Trouble at' mill

 It looks likely there be some holes in the festive television schedule this CatMas/Christmas with the cancellation of the Christmas editions of the tv show Masterchief which based on people cooking a complete meal in predetermined time and being judged upon the quality of it.

It was a show I first started to watch in the late 1980's when Lloyd Grossman presented it and have kept up with it in its altered formats such as introducing a celebratory version over the decades.

These days it is mainly fronted by Gregg Wallace who used to be a Fruit and Veg storeholder who has also presented a series looking at how foodstuffs are prepared and made which was rather interesting.

Unfortunately, it appears there have been many complaints regarding highly sexual remarks been made by him during and immediately before making the shows, allegations around sexual assault in addition to less than professional behaviour for which they had be cautioned about in the past.

Two things into this: Where accusations were made but not followed up why is just now, this minute they have surfaced and given the history of this, is it not the case that again the idea the Presenter is so important they should be kept on regardless of accusations to the point of dismissing them persistently rather than being focussed on the well-being of those on set and beyond won out? 

Then there was Ms Huq, a Labour M.P. who suggested the show be pulled in case it triggered women.

Women would be very aware and no doubt have strong feelings on what Gregg has been accused of but if they found it in any way triggering, then surely they'd just not watch the show and what of contestants whose friends might wish to see how they did?

To me it looks another celebratory mess at the BBC which could of been avoided by immediate action from the floor.

We call colleagues out for inappropriate comments sexual harassment and assault to the point we support them registering their complaints to Personnel and being prepared to give evidence ourselves.

Those who work on the studio set need to be prepared to do the same.