3BT: Sport, music, fun

We did have a finalist at Wimbledon and, just in case you missed the commentator in the men's Final mention it, her name is Lucy Shuker. Together with Australian partner Daniela Di Toro, she was runner up to a Dutch pair in the Ladies Wheelchair Doubles. STOP PRESS: Jeremy Bates won the Senior Men's Doubles!

Listening to the radio in the car and I was tapping away to this, never heard it before but found it quite infectious. So I was surprised to find it was JLS, not that I'd anything against them in X-Factor, in fact I quite liked them. I think it'll do well!

Matt spent some more of his birthday money today, on The Simpson's Board Game and the Moe's Tavern section is hilarious. At least, Matt as Bart was - he had to sing a love song about bananas, pretend to be the Road Runner and tell a joke in a Russian accent, which he didn't have a clue about, rolling up instead at my attempts. Great fun for a Sunday afternoon. Very easy to play - unlike the Simpson's Game of Life, which has only been out of the box once ...

The things they say ...

This time he really left me speechless.

I'm making our morning coffee and hot chocolate and turned up the volume on Jazz FM, since they were playing one of my favourites, New York Afternoon. Hm, I thought - the Cha Cha I learnt at the Strictly Kent do will go nicely with this and there was just enough room in the kitchen.

Matt walks in and says: "Stop it mum, before I need therapy."

SportsDay

Archery: Gold for Terry ; Canoeing Bronze for Florence, Hounslow and Cawthorn
Bronze for womens kayakers.

Gymnastics – but not as we know it! Louis Smith, Olympic Bronze medallist, is taking part in this year’s X-Factor. He mentions Montel Jordan in this clip and I’m reliably informed by The Hobbit that he is 'legend', so I’m expecting great things from Louis! He’s setting himself up post 2012, good luck to him.

European success for Modern Pentathletes, along with one I missed on an earlier round-up *slaps wrist* Alistair Brownlee wins second ITU Triathlon on the bounce.

Athletics: Third for GB in European Team Championships. Weir, Woods and Bushell all record wins in Jona International, with Bushell adding to his recent world record.

Three Golds and a silver for adaptive rowers with Gold for Lightweight Womens Double Scull, three silvers and three bronzes also.

Goodison takes third sailing world cup victory; Windsurfer Bryony Shaw clinches a Bronze medal in European Champs (but the link isn’t there so not sure when it was!)

The things they say ...

Matt saunters out to the car, leaving me to bring his cricket bag, drink and fleece.

"What did your last servant die of?" I ask him.

"He choked on some beef," he answers back casually "and the first one was eaten by a crocodile."

Michael Jackson

When the shock wears off – and I’ll admit, I was pretty choked when hearing any of his songs today and some of the tributes being read out on radio – I’ll remember Michael only for his wonderful music and dancing. Off The Wall and Thriller were part of the soundtrack to my life and whilst I wasn’t a fan dedicated enough to embrace all his subsequent recordings, he consistently delivered some cracking tunes.

Clearly, Michael had been unwell for some time; I was reading a list of the various ailments he was suffering from and I couldn’t help but wonder, why hadn’t all those people who surround him put a stop to these rehearsals and shows for his own good? Yes, he can demand to carry on, but it’s not like he physically organises them himself is it? Why didn’t anyone have the courage to say NO – enough is enough? Just because someone is so famous or rich doesn’t mean they’re not vulnerable and in need of some honesty. What kind of management let him get to that state? Obviously, sadly, the one that needed him to make more money.

It seems his cardiac arrest may have been caused by an overdose of prescription medicine and his private doctor is being sought by police. Tragic enough that he died, that it might be brought about by the possible negligence of a medical professional makes it worse.

I doubt we’ll ever know the whys and wherefores, just like we never knew the real Michael, remaining an icon in death as in life, joining that should’ve-been-immortal list with the likes of Monroe, Princess Di and JFK - any sins forgotten, elevated to saint status.

Me, I’ll just continue to listen to this, this and this and rock with him forever.

3BT: Twinterview, cricket, funny story!

The second 'twinterview' has been posted, it's with dancer and choreographer Leah Hather (@Brighteyes08) of Bright Eyes Long Lashes dance group. Mosey on over and check out the Pirates at WITS End video, it's excellent!

Congratulations to Charlotte Edwards and the England Ladies cricket team, who have won their 20/20 World Cup to go with the 50 over game and the Ashes. See, if you want something done, ask a woman. Unless it's houswork, in which case just ignore me.

Crop Circles Culprits Finally Discovered: I couldn't make it up! Really, I don't think I'd have thought of it, although I shall probably nick the idea at some point ...

Well, duh!

Matt's birthday today - just spent 2 hours wrapping. (I might be exaggerating there slightly, it felt like hours) Among the little things I got him, a big badge with a '9' on it. Which is just as well, cos that's how old he is now. Anyhoo, health and safety being what it is these days, there's a "CAUTION" notice: "This Badge Pin MAY Have a Sharp Point!" I sincerely hope so, or he's going to have helluva job pinning it on ...

Medway Fuse Festival 2009

The finale to this year's festival took place last night at Rochester Castle (which was actually the only night I could attend anything) and it was probably a mistake to take Matt!

From The Inky Deep, taking place in the moat (it's dry now, there's grass in it) promised "tightwire and aerial circus with dance and physical theatre, transporting you to a far-away world where dark fairy tales and mythical creatures will amaze and delight" which it kind of did, albeit just ten feet off the ground. The music was quite low key and it really wasn't something an eight year old could appreciate; very arty but we were expecting something a bit more lively on the acrobatic front. So he spent the last twenty minutes asking when the fireworks started. And cheered up a bit when I bought him a three colour, flashing lightsabre!

Then we made our way to the castle grounds proper to watch a man set light to a lot of artistically placed wood to the sound a mournful cellist. It said pyrotechnics, you see - again, we thought it'd be a little bit more lively than it was. Don't get me wrong, had I been on my own or with adults I'd have appreciated it a lot more. But having an eight year complaining he was tired/cold/bored took the edge off it.

It's important to support these events though - Medway Council, I feel, do a sterling job of keeping the arts alive in the towns, hopefully next year we can get along to a few things Matt will enjoy more.

Just had to share! Love Canadians ...

... this is an actual transcript (apparently! I'm not so sure) of a radio conversation between an American ship (which could be the Nimitz or the Lincoln, depending on which website you believe most!) and Canadian Authorities:

CANADIANS: Please divert your course 15 degrees to the South to avoid a collision.

US SHIP: Recommened you divert your course 15 degrees to the North to avoid a collision.

CANADIAN REPLY: Negative. You will have to divert your course 15 degrees to the South to avoid a collision.

US SHIP: This is the Captain of the US Navy Ship. I say again, divert your course.

CANADIAN REPLY: No, I say again, divert your course!

US SHIP: THIS IS THE AIRCRAFT CARRIER USS NIMITZ (or Lincoln). WE ARE ACCOMPANIED BY THREE DESTROYERS AND NUMEROUS SUPPORT VESSELS. WE ARE THE SECOND LARGEST WARSHIP OF THE US NAVY. WE DEMAND THAT YOU CHANGE COURSE 15 DEGREES NORTH NOW OR WE WILL BE FORCED TO TAKE COUNTER-MEASURES TO ENSURE OUR SAFETY. DIVERT YOUR COURSE NOW.

CANADIAN REPLY: This is a lighthouse. Your call.

Sportsnight

Badminton: Robertson and Clark in shock Singapore Open win.

Gymnastics: Double Gold for Tweddle again, Louis Smith a Silver, and Daniel Keatings a silver and bronze at the European Artistic Champs.

Swimming: Rebecca Adlington wins prestigious Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year award.

And of course, Jenson won the Turkish GP – shall we just take it as read for this season, I’ll just let you know if he loses one? An honourable mention (for a change) for Andy Murray - the first Briton to win that other tournament, you know - the one before Wimbledon – since 1938. So now the press will go completely over the top and expect him to win Wimbledon and then crucify him if he doesn’t, we all know how it works ...

The things they say ...

Watching the Moto GP (what a stunning last lap, did you see?!) and they advertised the next one, in Assen on 26th June.

Hubby says to Matt: "I've been there, it's clean and they've got mixed showers." (Why he'd tell his eight year old that, I've no idea) but anyway, Matt says:

"Has it got nice clean toilets you can put your Assen ..."

He thought it was hysterical. I had to tell him it's not good form to laugh at your own jokes.

3BT: Music, cricket, coincidence

This song by Enrique Iglesias and Ciara is really growing on me, possibly because I think it’ll make for a terrific Paso Doble!

Matt’s team lost out to a very good side in last night’s cricket match, but two wins out of three games so far isn’t bad, considering they range from 7-10 years old in an Under 11’s side. As a brand new team together though they are gelling nicely – and they learn quick, though I’m not sure if hearing 8 year olds sledging is a good or a bad thing!

I was driving home from work and was stopped in a queue of traffic outside a Christian Book Shop. And literally as I stopped, George Michael came on the radio with Faith!

Strictly Kent: Ian and Camilla

What a fab night out! The lovely people at Strictlydancers.com brought us what we’d been begging for – a demo night by, of all things – Strictly dancers! The inaugural event was hosted by Mark Shutlar, of the Starlite School of Dance and undefeated 10 Dance champion with wife and fellow principal, Jayne.

A ballroom demo by amateur couple Paula Harding and Jodie Tolhurst, who treated us to a waltz, foxtrot, tango, quickstep and Viennese waltz, preceded a cha cha workshop led by Mark, which was enormous fun – just when I thought I’d nailed it I missed a step; we considered going in for the competition but decided to let the others have a chance ...

The highlight of course, was Ian and Camilla’s five dance Latin demo. I’m lucky enough to have seen them live before and knew it was an awesome experience – my mum and friend were blown away at their speed and intricacy (not to mention seeing them in full view instead of via a whirling camera!) They entered to the Strictly Come Dancing theme and the crowd responded immediately – you’d think clapping was compulsory! Straight into a fantastic, fast samba to Tequila; while Cam changed for the Cha Cha, Ian took the mike like a seasoned stand up, albeit a breathless one.

Ian's pretty cheeky and nabbed Sarah, a DS forumite from our table, insisting she help him change his shirt (can't say I saw you resisting much Sarah!) and she had the pleasure of helping him out of the old one and into the new, including tucking it in! A brilliant jazzed up Summertime later and we entered the world of the Phantom of the Opera with the themed, theatrical Paso, before Ian and Cam launched into a jumping jive to Stuff Like That There (similar start, but with Ian and the hat on a chair and Cam miming the opening wearing a nun’s habit, whipped off by Ian to reveal a gorgeous red fringy affair!) Tall people can’t jive? Give over; these two tall people are incredible. The demo finished with Cam’s favourite dance, the rumba to The Story of My Life, which swept us all away with them, it was so beautiful.

The evening finished off with Ian and Cam meeting and greeting (everyone!) autographs signed, photographs taken (which may appear sometime!) keepsakes of a truly wonderful evening. Faye and everyone at StrictlyKent/e-motive media did a fantastic job and guess what? There’ll be more, oh yes! Can’t wait.

Top day out

I finally braved it – the London Eye! Don’t like heights, see – I was fine except for the odd occasion I made the mistake of looking down! It was a spur of the moment decision, since we had tickets for a river cruise sailing from Greenwich to Westminster and wasn’t sure how much time we’d have once there. The queue for tickets was longer than the queue to ‘fly’ but we were quickly through both – impressive for a busy Sunday afternoon on the South Bank. And it was well worth it, with Matt’s reaction: “It’s amaaaaazing! This is the best day of my life!”

We had a little wander along both banks, taking in the street artists – watch out for the Charlie Chaplin juggler, clever and funny, before heading back to Greenwich, accompanied by a hilarious commentary from a crewman of the City Cruise boat – who does it out of the goodness of his heart as I’m-not-a-proper-tour-guide-but-if-you-found-me-informative-and-funny-please-show-your-appreication-in-the-champagne-bucket-at-the-end!

Back at Greenwich we had time to explore, as I’d overloaded the car park machine somewhat, just in case. I’d forgotten how completely beautiful Greenwich Park is – either that, or I’d failed to notice when I lived on its doorstep. Being able to wander through the foot tunnel during the school lunch break was a given, and it was just another somewhere to hang around at the weekend.

If you want a day out at hardly any expense, Greenwich is the place to go. Cost me a tenner to park all day, possibly there are cheaper car parks (we’ll try the almost empty university one opposite the park next time) BUT – The National Maritime Museum = Free; The Queen’s House = Free; The Royal Observatory = Free! The beautiful park itself = free! No need for booking, wake up, see it’s a nice day and off you go. You don’t even need a picnic – there’s an M&S Simply Food at one end of the main road and one in the BP garage at the other end! And if you can’t resist shopping, the indoor market is an experience in itself. Only one piece of advice for you: Trainers! And maybe do the Observatory first, before you’re tired :-)

Twinterviews!

You may or may not have seen but I've started a new blog: Twinterviews - interviews via Twitter! There are so many interesting, fun people on Twitter - writers, musicians, singers and more - and hopefully those I approach will be up for a bit of twitter banter for the blog.

The first one is with Jeremy C Shipp, a writer of dark fantasy stories and it was a lot of fun to do, so I hope you'll pop over and read it. I've started a new playlist there too, which should end up a very eclectic mix as more goes on it!

Sportsnight

Badminton Agathangelou and Middleton win Spanish Open.

Rowing - Team GB dominate World Cup in Spain with NINE Golds!

Sailors also on top in their own World cup. Rule Britannia? Oh, yes!

Triathlon: Brownlee wins his first ITU World Championship.

Running Commentary: Race for Life. Yeah, right ...

... of course I walked it, but I did make it all the way! Oh, yes I did, and in one piece. So I thought I’d take you on a musical journey through it.

The Start: Walking on Sunshine; at 1km I was Walking in Rhythm; honestly, the best version I could find on youtube, even with those trousers. By 2km it had turned to Walking on Thin Ice; 3km became Walking on Broken Glass; but at 4km I was Walking My Way Back To You (ok, taking liberties with that one and couldn’t even find the Detroit Spinners) maybe should have gone with this instead. 4.5km and in sight of the finish and I’m Walking Back to Happiness!

And guess what – you can still sponsor me up till the 19th July, by clicking on the link right there *points left*. And pray for the day I’m able to upload my own discs ...

Britain's Got Talent Final

Kicking off the show with Flawless, who were absolutely awesome, so so slick, followed by Shaheen, who I thought sang the best he has and I was thinking: Oh-oh, this is going to be tough! But since I was at a friend's house I wasn't going to be voting anyway and was happy in that the Great British Public generally get it right!

One act who mesmerises me is Aidan - he has a huge future, it's a shame he didn't have longer to prepare for the final. 2Grand are so sweet, I know what Simon's trying to say, not the most talented (although Sally has potential with training), but certainly bring a lump to your throat - it was lovely to see them in the final. Hollie's vocal really doesn't work for me, I'm not one to pigeon hole people but whereas Shaheen is a soul singer and Shaun is a boybandee type, is she destined for shows or a fledging opera singer?

Stavros Flatley are the total fun package, the old man is having an absolute ball! Lord of the Dance and you get more fun when they've finished. Shaun up next, doing 'Ain't No Sunshine again and I'm very impressed that his voice got even stronger at the end of the 'I know' sequence!

Susan I didn't think was as strong as before, probably because hearing her the first time was so unexpected. And having seen 'Beyond the Barricade' since, I prefer their version of the song. She's good but I think Piers and Amanda have lost the plot slightly. Simon's clearly thinking it might not be good enough.

My favourites all along have been Diversity - they have, I tell you - I'm not just saying that now! Read back if you don't believe me! And they gave us something new again, with Superboy and the buzzers, which brought squeals of delight from the whole house and a general: Yep, they should win/I'm voting for them/they're the best etc. Amanda could have lost them a few votes there though, with the comment about Flawless, it brought some boos. But then Piers evened it up. *whispers: Think I'm developing a little bit of a crush on Ashley* Jeez, I'm probably old enough to be his mum, isn't that depressing? Julian played 'Somewhere' again, and stronger than before - and having gone straight through on the public vote in the semi, he can't be discounted.

The moment of truth and they are calling out the final three. Susan Boyle - expected; Julian Smith, probably unexpected. Come on, come on - I swear Aidan just mouthed ... DIVERSITY, oh yes! 3rd Place - I feel quietly confident that'll be Julian and it is. I'm still convinced Susan will win but hoping it'll be Diversity ...and it is! Woooohoooo! Brilliant, totally brilliant, they've been consistent and entertaining and they're a fab bunch. Can't wait to see what they put together for the Queen!

Britain's Got Talent Round Up 2

Assuming I haven't taken up stamp collecting instead, of course - because, frankly, it's not all been a barrel of fun has it? Even the panel admit to beng exhausted: Yeah - you wanna try actual working for a living, bloody prima donnas ...

Last night had a few acts I did enjoy - Julian Smith and his sooo sweet sax gave 'All by Myself' it's self respect back (if the last time you heard it was by Bridget Jones) and the Kent girls Sugar Free have been the best girl dance troupe, they've clearly taken on board the structure of Diversity/Flawless but it was 2Grand that made it through with Julian, with another touching performance - somebody there is pitching on exactly the right songs for these two - if it's their choices *thumbs up*.

But tonight, oh good grief - no competition for Aiden Davis, so cool, and that set with the - I've no idea what the technical term is - the mirror/projected images of him. Simple yet inspired. I'd say the act I enjoyed most apart from him was Dreambears! Poor, brave Hollie was put through but didn't get my vote for being brave I'm afraid - I thought her singing was pretty off. DCD Seniors may have had a chance if they'd left the seen-it-all-before disco dancing alone.

A quick run down then of the finalists - 6.45pm , ITV1 tomorrow, if you haven't bought your tv paper yet:

Susan Boyle; Diversity; Flawless; Sean Smith; Shaheen Jafargholi; Hollie Steele; 2Grand; Julian Smith; Aidan Davis; Stavros Flatley & Son.

Susan appears to be the favourite but if they all perform to their best it could be a lot closer than we think. I'll be looking forward to the dance troupes most, though would love Shaheen and Julian to blow me away with something mega soulful or jazzy.

Britain's Got Talent Semi-Final Round Up

Diversity and Susan Boyle through first night, though Susan showed signs of nerves and vocally, it wasn’t as strong although she picked up at the end. Disappointed in Natalie - seemed to age from around 8 to 13, I’d like to have heard her do another slower R&B song, like Rihanna’s Take a Bow. Likewise Sue Son - should have stuck with the boho chick attitude instead of going for the glam/sexy Vanessa Mai look. As for Darth Jackson - the storm troopers on their own would have been far more entertaining, in fact, a proper themed Star Wars Thriller with decent dancers would have been great. Jamie Pugh was far too nervous and it showed, so Sean Smith and Flawless, who both delivered, went through. Stavros Flatley, although not as strong as the audition, made it through, as did Shaheen, although again, not the best performance - the singers have disappointed so far - my favourite at this stage is Diversity. And you know what - apart from saxophonist Julian Smith, I can’t recall anyone else yet to come! And can someone tell me why the judges buzz the acts they themselves put through? Hel-loo, duh!

And on a different subject, it turns out the Buffy movie I’d heard about won’t be involving Joss Whedon, or any of the regular supporting cast. So it’ll be about a vampire slayer called Buffy - BUT IT WON’T BE BUFFY! I say again: Hel-looo, duh! How to alienate the majority of your projected audience in one fell swoop!

Sports Night

The big news of the week of course - Gillingham’s promotion to League One! You can imagine how excited Matt was on arriving home, I was talked through the goal - it’s been a long time since I had to play a goal post!

Another superlative drive from Jenson Button, lights to flag at Monaco, after another last minute pole position, who could ever have believed it after the winter he had - five out of six races now!

Archery: British Women win Bronze in Euro champs. And four medals in the first World Cup meet in the Dominican Republic. Canoeing - Gold for Rachel Cawthorn in the World Cup meet in Poznan, Bronze for Lucy Wainwright and Lani Belcher.

Paralympic World Cup: Cyclists already bringing in the medals; more cycling Gold; Bronze for basketball; swimming medals; more Gold for David Weir ;double Gold for Tweddle and Smith at Gymnastics Grand Prix.

Badminton Horse Trials won by Oliver Townend; Women’s Ice Hockey Bronze; Tania Bailey wins World Tour Squash Title.

Let it alone too long again, didn't I!