point of no-return

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_ekta_LzS0

I open this week’s post with a cover version of a cover song! Morgan James covers the whole Jeff Buckley album ‘Grace’. Track six, is Jeff Buckley’s version of Hallelujah (originally written by Leonard Cohen). As Buckley’s version is correctly held in such high regard, the cover she sings here is also beautiful, clean and pure. James does not attempt to personalise the song.

Social skill

I know that I cannot be the most outgoing, social butterfly, with my disability, requiring a wheelchair. However, I am content, as i have always been able to rely on my social mental ability. Some people (fully-able) stick out supremely, due to their basic, social inabilities. Egocentric rudeness is witnessed regularly in a high-street caffe, in Surbiton. Unfortunately such oblivious behaviour is probably copied at many similar sites. I seriously urge EVERYONE to ‘wake-up and start respecting people’.

This note is caused by witnessing the number of comuters who get off the train at Surbiton Station, rush to get drugged up (extra large, double mocchacino with cream, and ‘hundreds ’n’ thousands), and expect priority of everything, because they may work ‘in the City’. Queue up, and be aware. Don’t immerse yourself in your mobile phone. Be polite to staff, ALWAYS.

I get horrified by people who approach the ’secondary counter’ and take anything and everything that is free. GROW UP! Nothing is free in reality. Somewhere or somehow there is a cost to everything. The more your greed grabs, the weaker you become.

Traumatic Brain Injury Recovery is a journey without a destination. I am on the lifeline railway but not aboard ‘the human train’. I am on a road to nowhere. It is difficult.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWtCittJyr0

Broken down

and hungry for your love

But no way to feed it

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHXVDWsSm38

The cover at the start of this post, has me ‘in the zone’. So, an acoustic performance by the master himself, of my favourite song on ‘Grace’.

Burning in the corner,  

Is the only one,

Who dreams he had you with him

Hehehe. Be careful, there are benefits of using ‘Siri’, (or any voice recognition tool), on a mobile phone, but there is a flaw.

‘What?’

‘Sorry, I am speaking to my Siri!’

I use Siri on my iPhone, more and more. More and more people find me talking to my phone, but now it is literally! Gulp!

I went to Wembley, to watch England v Italy, on Tuesday. I had been to ‘the old Wembley’ many, many times, but this was my first since it has been rebuilt. Absolutely incredible. 

I admit that I am only so aware of ‘universal/accessible design’, since requiring it. I was always aware that it was needed , but it has only been since 2006, have I been struck when it is not provided wherever needed. Wembley gets full-marks!

England V Italy. I am a fan of both. Best result? No-one loses.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cAWFhE2N-oM

James Tarkowski is a young, inexperienced player who will learn what can or cannot be done, on an international stage.

Screenshot from ITV Sport

How his this not a penalty?

Ok, it WAS dubious, but it was a hero (Federico Chiesa, a Fiorentina star), so I HAVE TO be biased to convince myself! 🤪

5 is max

I will never admit to being addicted to coffee. I am a strong lover of a good cup of coffee, and i know that my maximum limit has increased from three per day to five per day in only a few years. I may want a sixth but i can stop, therefore is this really ‘addiction’?

A close-up photo of my Bialetti coffee machine, having reached the heated pressure point of no-return!

Move on...

 'The Shark' Nibali can attack rivals on a descent. Saturday allowed him to show how.

 A tight chase onto the Via Roma in San Remo, ensued.

The Italian had time to celebrate a home victory.

Wow! One of the best ever!

Screenshot photos (above) depict Vincenzo Nibali’s victorious ‘Classicisima’ of last Saturday. The Milan-San Remo cycle race classic, is traditionally the season-opener. Both the opening of the Paris-Nice stage race, and this opening ‘one-day classic’ involved two of the best finishes. Watching the photo-finish of four-riders (La premier étape de Paris-Nice), equalled the amazement I felt when watching Vincenzo Nibali’s solo attack over the Poggio, victoriously into San Remo. Vincenzo’s pure determination to hold-off the chasing pack of sprinters, was mind-blowing.

Although, there is not a great way of me finding out about audience wishes, ‘comments’ that are left by yourselves, below blog posts, are always read with care, highly valued and greatly appreciated. Thank you to those who have done so. Please, I encourage you to leave as much feedback as you can. It allows me to recognise that you are real people, not just numbers! The more that I learn about my audience, the better!

Alarming !!

World Health Organisation fact (2008)

The above photo is of page 76 of my current read (‘How did we get into this mess?’ By George Monbiot). I highlight this alarming fact which was written in 2008, as I was totally unaware of this problem. I am ashamed by my ignorance, but feel that this devastating fact, should be more widely recognised.

Ohhhhhh!!!  Grrrr! 

I may NEVER be fully happy again! 

Frustrating. Extremely Frustrating.

I am content though. I had found this perfect state of pure happiness, well over ten years ago. One cannot live continually, in heaven. I am not just talking about ‘physical love’, I mean a much broader term...‘mental satisfaction’.

I can exchange smiles with girls, but, I feel that my wheelchair acts as a bubble around me. I am constantly reminded of my disability. On seeing it, everyone fears the worst (much of which may be correct). I still have the mindset of an able-bodied human, but I am trapped. Beneath car, aged 22 +2 months ... 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 ... nothing...

Move on.

Progress. Just like our Earth does. 

We must show care for our planet. We need it.

I can inform you all now, that I am a Green Party candidate for my local Royal Borough of Kingston Council elections, on May 3rd. I will be standing where I am resident in St Marks ward, Surbiton. Vote as you wish but I urge you to open your eyes, recognise problems that EVERYONE faces. Don’t fall into the trap of voting by habit. Problems are ignored by certain parties, but continue to exist, or worsen. They are ‘swept under the carpet’ and forgotten, if you don’t have a Green in the room.

Kingston Green Party are posting key candidates in two wards, amongst the other wards of Kingston.

Support

Joe Holder in ‘Canbury’ ward election, or 

Simon Jakeman if in ‘Chessington North & Hook’ ward.

#OneGreenMakesaDifference

Vote Green

I heard Sarah Jarosz’s cover of the Dylan tune on the radio. I love this tune.

Simple Twist of Fate

Aerobic training. I enjoy trying my upmost, even if only managing to equal personal records. I give myself proof that I have pushed myself to my current physical limit, I can give no more. If I beat my PB, my limit may not have been reached, truth is unknown. Performance may have been affected by anything.!!

(Or, that’s my excuse!)

;)

Handy Scorpion!

Handy scorpion!

Playing against Cagliari, a Ciro Immobile equaliser rescued a point for I Biancocelesti (SS Lazio), 5 mins into stoppage time!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9Rrpc2scWA

The video seems to include a random clip of some dancing!!!! V strange!

I am so unused to ‘normality’. Yet again, I sip my gorgeous cappuccino, on a Saturday. ‘My cafe’ is over-run by ‘normal people’ (it is the weekend)! I feel alarmed, dumbfounded but slightly bemused. 

I am currently only working on a voluntary basis. I cannot step into the ‘9-5, money-grabbing world’. I value life and our world too much, for this (or, I tell myself this).

But I do hurt, that I am not aboard the lifeline train on which most others are. I am forever confused. I have battled so far, through bad, horrid places but because I was chucked off the train early on, I may never re-board. I continue moving along, following the train, but never aboard. It is hard-work!

I am pleasantly surprised however, by the popularity of this blog. Last year’s ridiculously high number of page views may never be matched. It shall be regarded as an anomaly, but I continue this year to attain a large readership of this blog, of at least 1500 views per month. These numbers tell me that you people actually do read my thoughts and opinions! I know that I do regularly talk about personal passions, coffee, music, cycling and football. These may bore you, I am sorry. I often offer a balance, discussing topics which effect everyone. I try to help us all!

I guess I’ll keep 

Rambling 

Ramble on

Monday gym … 

2.25km in 5 minutes … 250m short :( = 27kph …hmmm

I have been alarmed. Alerted that I seem to have found my maximum gear (16 out of 20). Any tougher, then my average cadence is too low (below 50rpm)!

Therefore I plan to increase duration, but maintain speed. I sprint no more.

I got my keyboard back!

I had feared the worst, but found out that my iPad case needed new batteries!  The integrated keyboard uses it’s own batteries, and is not powered by the tablet itself. I recognise that this keyboard may not be as ‘ecologically sustainable’ as a touchscreen device, but I use my physical disability as an excuse! This Logitech case is super tactile. 

This short post is supplemented with a link to an interview with the worlds best lead-guitarist. Still a key member of the band, he has progressed his individual career, writing award-winning scores for film-music.

https://www.theguardian.com/film/filmblog/2018/r/14/jonny-greenwood-readers-questions-radiohead-phantom-thread-you-were-never-really-here

Extra supplements...

Some photos that i wish were mine, but attained through Twitter...

@ParisAMDParis 

il giglio

Le premier etape

 Screenshots from British Eurosport coverage

Close, too close to call initially.

My blog post this week opens with both of my screenshots from the opening stage of the Paris-Nice race. Four riders were close, of which two were very close, but only one winner! French national champion, Arnaud Demare.

‘Man was born free, and he is everywhere in chain stores.’

Pg 25

Plenty of quotes could have been used, from my current read, ‘How did we get into this mess?’ By George Monbiot

I love this book. I am less than a quarter of the way through, but I feel safe when instructing EVERYONE in Britain to read this. The title may be off-putting, but my argument is that Monbiot’s book is truly eye-opening.

Sometimes, something’s just have to be said. On my way home yesterday, I noticed four workmen carefully carrying a sheet of glass across the road. I watched eagerly 

‘Jeez, that must be a pane?’

Five words had to be directed to them. One worker came over, asking for me to repeat, as he hadn’t heard. I realised how rubbish my comment was, he seemed to be speaking Polish. I apologised and groaned, disappointed with myself. He didn't understand. I didn't explain!

Sir Bradley Wiggins may be under suspicion of ‘ethically cheating’. However, no rules have been broken. My love of pro-cycling allowed me to read thoroughly around this subject. Sir Bradley did not cross any lines. I have absolutely no problem with anyone stretching rules, if remaining within regulations. If anything, they should be applauded for researching the problem as far as possible, in my opinion. I pity those who challenge him, they are desperate. The more desperate they get, the weaker their argument.

Sunday…

‘The world of calcio is in shock today at the news that Fiorentina captain, Davide Astori was found dead in his hotel room this morning. Club Spokesman Arturo Mastrodani explained that Astori was found unresponsive in his bed by a member of the club’s staff whilst the rest of the squad were eating breakfast. 

The cause of the Italy international’s death is currently unknown, and under investigation at a hospital in Udine. 

In the hours since the club’s announcement a number of former domestic and international teammates haven taken to social media this morning to grieve the passing of not just a fellow professional but a friend. Amongst them are former Cagliari and Roma teammate Radja Nainggolan, and compatriots Giussepe Rossi and Gianluigi Buffon, all of whom expressed the utmost respect for the great man that Davide was.

Astori began his career with AC Milan, but left for Cagliari in search of playing time. He remained with i Rossoblu for six years before joining Roma on loan for the 2014-15 season, after which he moved to Fiorentina on loan with an obligation to buy. 

In his first year with the club Astori was a key part of la Viola’s defence, helping the club to secure fifth place in Serie A and qualification for the next season’s Europa League. During the 2016-17 season Astori was one of few consistent performers in an often uninspired Fiorentina team, and following the departure of Gonzalo Rodriguez, new coach Stefano Pioli named Astori club captain at the beginning of the 2017-18 season. The centre half had been integral to the team this season, featuring in all but one of la Viola’s competitive fixtures. 

Davide made 109 appearances for Fiorentina in all competitions and had recently signed a new contract with the club which would have kept him in Tuscany until 2022.

Our thoughts go out to those close to Davide, in particular to his partner and their children.

Riposa in pace, capitano.’

Davide Astori  (Born 7 January 1987. Died 4 March 2018)

http://metro.co.uk/2018/03/08/gianluigi-buffon-among-attendees-as-thousands-turn-out-for-davide-astori-funeral-7371061/

il giglio

The ‘Fiorentina crest’ explained...

Fiorentina are known as the Gigliati (lilies) after the city crest, which features a lily (actually an iris named iris fiorentina). There is debate about why the lily is the symbol of the city; perhaps it’s after the Roman proconsul Fiorinus, who helped found the city in 59 BC during the celebrations of spring (florentia in Latin). Originally a white flower on a red background (hence the lily confusion), the colours were swapped in the late 13th century. After the Guelsphs expelled the Ghibellines from the city in 1289, the latter took the red lily with them. In response, the Guelphs changed the civic symbol to further distance their rivals from the city, and the imagery stuck.

Goal achieved. Gym bike success, attained for third week in a row! 

I have increased resistance gradually. I’ve already this year, beaten my PB of last year.

31.32kph

Every time I move up, increasing the resistance, I scare myself that I am over stretching myself! But we’ll see. My physiotherapist approves greatly.

I’ve got to keep the pedals turning!

Un ‘espresso in tre sorsi

My experience as a coffee lover has led me to be quite comfortable in drinking an espresso in just three sips. I am satisfied of my ability to cope with temperatures. If I have the time, I will take longer to enjoy the drink.

Late additions to my post, this week...

I am so strange. The enjoyment that i got when buying some bin-bags, this afternoon!

Music...

A new discovery of mine...

A podcast of some decent Deep House Music..

...to the sun!

I open this week’s post with a new music release of modern Composer, Nils Frahm. He has already appeared a number of times, on this blog. 

Nils Frahm - All Melody

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbnfQl1ny0E

BBC 6music reports of a legendary show of Nils Frahm, performed at London’s Barbican Centre, on this past weekend.

Approaching my ‘Monday Neuro-Gym’, I was nervous that I would test myself on the Gym-bike, and fail myself. Realising this possibility, I prepared an excuse...

Monday, snow excuse

It turns out that I not only achieved my goal but, i had done-so comfortably!

Happy! :)

2.57 g15

Tuesday, stress gave me enough power to start using g16!

Major F’n stress. Focussed into positive power!

I could be stuck in this gear for a while. It may take me a few weeks to train, and reach my target distance of 2.5km in 5minutes, using this tougher gear. 

Ah well, c’est la vie.

Culture-shift! 

I hear news of multinational fast-food chain Starbucks are introducing an extra-small tariff on ’single-use cups’.

Yipee!!

Related news (sort-of). Last weekend, my Bialetti espresso cup decided to jump.

Announced on Facebook…

Saturday - ‘Today it perished. Such a wonderful existence had to end at some point. Used across London, it threw itself from my bag, as I bumped down a curb, outside my flat. — feeling sad.’

Emergency replacement! 

I am not ‘the wheelchair’!

I was left flummoxed. Sitting on a busy bus, fellow passengers were alerted by the driver - ‘Could passengers please make room for the wheelchair?’. I should appreciate that he has done this. I should welcome the fact, however i felt like rubbish. I am a human, I am not ‘the wheelchair’. Was I regarded by everybody as an inanimate, mechanical contraption? Unfortunately I am a ‘wheelchair user’.

Some realise it is a requirement. Some abhorr cheats. 

Cheating in World Sport has consequences…

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/winter-olympics/43166761

i believe that it is everyone’s social responsibility to express their views. Positive views and opinions must be expressed. We will recognise that there may be strong support/disapproval. A broader range of opinions and views, regarding  anything, should only be viewed as a positive.

My self-confidence is maintained, by just speaking the truth. I have nothing to hide because I feel that my ‘biggest flaw’ cannot be hidden, I need a wheelchair.

My confidence acts as a pleasant surprise to many people. I feed off their positive feedback, and continue on. Speak honestly. Be proud of your beliefs. Only you have your mind! Never be ashamed of your beliefs!

I have found, disturbingly, that my confidence often takes people by surprise, which they may not like. I then feel the negative effect.

I cannot be bothered to ramble on too much, and do not want tire you, so, just two short sentences... Girls, i have no more effort. I give up.

Sunday to Sunday… a race to the sun

http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/paris-nice-2018/

2018 Paris-Nice Start-list

My love of pro-cycling used to start each year with the Paris-Nice race. It used to be a key warm-up point for the seasons of Tour de France winners. Indurain, Landis, Contador, and Wiggins were the last double-victors. 

A penultimate day without the symbolic ‘Col d’Eze’, but inland climbs could prove very interesting.

Key Stage 7

http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/2018-paris-nice-route-includes-18km-tt-and-intense-finale/

I want to promote more music for you. I started this week's post with a piece, and i finish it as well. Recently discovered for myself, Marlon Williams proves genius in this video...

This was published in 2014

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UC5mnJrub0g