Monthly Archives: January, 2018

Falling apart at the seams

Yes, folks, its official, I either need to be put down, or cybernetically upgraded (robot exoskeleton might do), as another part of me ‘failed’ last night. Well, thats not strictly true, I’ve had issues with my knees for about 50 years now, so this happening isnt a total shock. Especially as this same event has happened before, but not in a long time. But now that I’m literally falling apart, its coming back again lol!

Last night, coming home, I was literally at the gate at home, about to turn in, and the next thing I knew, I was sprawled across the pavement, in a less than glorious heap. Thankfully I fell forward, so no more damage done to the back at least! No, I hadnt had too much to drink (not had alcohol since wedding in September), or anything like that, it was simply a case of my much surgically repaired right knee completely giving way under me!

Dont panic, a minute or two later, I was able to pick myself up, walk through the gate, walk through the door, and be home, safe and sound. Even more ironic, even though I removed about half the skin on my knee, there was no blood! Why, because my circulation in my legs is so poor, there is little blood flowing down there! So yes, cut knee, damaged pride, but no bloody scene. Just what I need on top of everything else.

Yes, its sore, and yes, it hurts, a bit, even 24 hours on, after a reasonably restful day, and work day medications, instead of the lower level I normally get by with, on a day off. No, I wont be running for a bus tomorrow at any point, but I’ll get by, I’m sure. But yes, just what I need, on top of everything else.

The other amusing medical fact this weekend, is that I seemed to catch a cold, or something, in the rain last Tuesday in Haworth. Normally at that point, You’d take Lemsip, or a cheap equivalent, right? Not me, do you know how much paracetamol is in those things? So yes, given that I’m already taking painkillers with that stuff, no go!

Ah well, the ‘joys’ of getting old, I guess? 😦 As I say, someone shoot me, or turn me into a robot, or something, please! I swear it would be for the best lol!…rolls eyes… OK, I’d enjoy the robot bit way too much, but…

The video tonight is a song I dont expect any reader to know. Its 42 years old, it was only a minor hit, and all that. But yes, just seemed rather apt, and provided the blog title too!

We Came To Dance

OK, so I worked the title to suit the video here, but I’ll include a mention of a certain chorus line dancer, and her various troupes, just to make it work.

As far as I know, no woman has been told to flaunt her body, albeit in the cause of entertainment, without being willing to do so. And no, the President Club hostesses werent given the full picture of what would happen, thats for sure. But any cheerleader, or walk on girl knows what they are at a sporting event for, and in the case of most, getting well paid for, and thats to add ‘an image’ to said event. I have no idea what these young ladies get paid for doing so at F1 races, boxing, US sports, and other sports get paid, but I suspect its a decent wage? Oh, and in the case of certain events, publicity too!

Yes, lets face it, if I was young, pretty, and had all the right bits, in the right places, I’d probably give it a go, and enjoy the experience. Fine, I’m elderly, and not currently owning all the right bits, but fine, if someone can arrange me a twenty something body, and some cute looks, try stopping me, if I got the chance.

Thats why I was sad to read today that the PDC Darts people have bowed to pressure from a Feminist group, and decided to drop the walk on girls, and said group has instantly turned on other sports, now they can sense blood. I am Feminist, but to a sensible degree, seeking equality, not superiority, as some seem to think it should be. Now if these girls were forced to do these roles, then fair enough, its wrong, but if you’re happy to show yourself a little, for publicity, and pay, then go for it.

Thankfully, some are trying to keep these girls in work, good for them. Cant see it, in these PC days, but I can hope.

I know it was a different era, with different attitudes, but seriously, some of the outfits (some were barely outfits, at least one movie, the outfit was a long blonde wig!) those chorus girls wore, revealed far, far more! Did they care? Probably not, they were earning decent money, at a time when many Americans were struggling with the depression. But yes, some happily stayed on the chorus line, a number became stars,and others got to marry rich men, who they got to know through their work.

But yes, there are times I’m sorry to see myself as a Feminist, and this is one of them.

Video? Pretty obvious, I hope?

Everything (should have been) out of sight

Oh fine, its nice to know we have as many ‘dirty old men’ on this side of the pond, as there are in Hollywood, seemingly. Not something to be proud of, but equally, not something I’m surprised to discover. Yes, the Presidents Club event, and for once, that word doesnt relate to Donald Trump, when it comes to disasters!

Lets see, a men only event, for the wealthy business, and media industry people, held in Central London, supposedly with an auction to raise money for good causes. But lets face it, when 2 of the things you’re bidding on are a personal laptop dance in Soho, and cosmetic surgery for a person of your choice, you can tell what sort of event it was likely to be. Or should have been able to, at least.

So lets see, if you see an advert for hostesses for such an event, and the dress code for the event, is a sexy short skirt/dress, sexy black underwear, and black high heel shoes, there should be a clue that its not going to be an event for Puritans! Therefore, despite feeling sorry for the women involved, and to the events that happened there, I equally have to ask that with that dress code, and the payment is £125 for a few hours work (plus taxi fare home), it should be obvious that someone is thinking that ‘something’ might happen that night. As we now know, it did! But seriously, unless you’re very innocent, isnt that a case of the money being too good to be true? Yes, it was!

I’m going to assume most readers will have heard about this, so I’ll keep the details brief. But lets just mention the seventy something man, who asked a 19 year old woman if she was a prostitute (she wasnt), and tales of men waving their penis in the face of women, and inviting them to their bedrooms, and yes, thats just the, err, highlights!

What I suspect the Presidents Club expected to happen, was that everything would be hushed down, and though tales might get out, and a number (if not all) of those women wouldnt be doing the job next year, they thought that would be the end of that. Fortunately for us, but not for them, a couple of reporters had sneaked themselves in as hostesses, and the news got out. The amusing thing is, all the people who were there, but supposedly never saw a thing, or conveniently left early! Given that the ‘events’ with the girls supposedly started when the meal starters were handed out, I wonder just how early some left!

The interesting thing was the reaction from the Club. No, not to look into events, and make sure these things never happen again. No, they just decided that they wont give money to good causes in the future! I have no idea if they’ve retracted that, as that comment seems to have disappeared from details, but who knows? I suspect that ideally, they’d just like everything hushed up. Whether the ‘powers that be’ can do so, who knows, hopefully its gone too far for that.

But yes, sadly, it just shows that its not just a Hollywood thing, with rich men abusing their power, it happens here too, and probably has for years, its just that now they’ve finally been caught!

OK, video time. its amazing, this song is over 50 years old, and it shows on the tape, but everything just seems so apt!

The moment it started raining

Oh fine, we’ll get to the title in good time, just bear with me. And no, for once, the title is no clue to the video lol!

So, despite a less than inspiring weather forecast, the weather was fair (well reasonably fair) this morning, so I decided to head back to Haworth today, as I’d originally planned, prior to seeing a wet forecast. By now, I’ve done the trip to Bradford so often that I’m not even going to mention that, beyond a feisty wing mirror outside the bus that the driver must have tried to re-position about 20 times. Crazy thing was, he still got into Bradford on time, despite that! I think because the previous bus was late (we caught it up, before the mirror incident), we had no one hardly to pick up.

The most notable point of the journey to Keighley was the section through Bingley. When I was younger, that was the main road, and could be a bottle neck at times. Now, there’s a bypass round the town, so far less traffic on that road. One thing that hasnt changed in over 40 years, despite road improvements, is the traffic jams in Keighley town center. The rail station, to the bus station, which is 400 yards at most, took about 15 minutes! Anyway, after a refreshment break, on to the main goal, Haworth.

When I was young, you used to get a battered looking old Metro bus on that route, which wheezed its way up the steep hill out of Keighley, towards Haworth. Now you get a flash new bus, that tells you what the next stop is, and they are all named after the 3 more famous Bronte sisters, seemingly. Rode a bus named Charlotte on the way there, and an Anne on the way back. Positive there is an Emily too, but wouldnt bank on rest of family, especially the 2 eldest sisters, who died before reaching the age of 13!

On arrival at Haworth, I took my chance at the bottom of the hill named Main Street, and got off the bus. There’s a good reason for that, my first ever ‘real home’ was near the bottom of said street. Now that, and its next door neighbor have been knocked into 1 cottage, which is now seemingly one of these rental places. The fact that its originally 2 cottages is given away by 2 facts, the street jumps a number there, and secondly the old door is still there, though nowadays with plants in the doorway, to stop anyone using it. No, our old door is still there, though it now has 1 of those coded locks on it, presumably so the people renting in out can get in without a key? Well, it may be a new door, not sure, but its the entrance you still use, all the same.

One blessing of visiting Haworth in January, over peak summer, is the lack of visitors! Fine, the fact that the Parsonage shuts to visitors during January might have something to do with that! Yes, you guessed it, just as I reached the top of Main Street, approaching the church, the heavens opened! Maybe someone was crying for my return to the village, who knows? I doubt it, but…? Anyway, I went in the church (where all but Anne are buried), and paid my respects, before heading back down the hill in the rain. Then, for one last time, I stopped outside 51 Main Street, and paid my respects to my first home, maybe for the last time. Thats right, there is no 49 any more!

I then took the ‘short cut’ back down to the bottom of the village, near the railway station, passing the school I would have gone to, had I stayed in the village, which is now a set of apartments, called Haworth Mews. To add to the moment, as I got down by the station, there was a steam train parked in the station, seemingly doing a goods run, probably topping up the souvenir shop, though I didnt investigate. But no, no passenger carriages, and besides I checked the timetable, no trains today, not at this time of year.

I didnt time my return well, because I didnt know the timetable any more, so stood for about 15 minutes in the rain, waiting for a bus to take me back home. Well, 3 buses to get all the way home, strictly! Will I go back? Who knows? Its taken me about 10 years to do so this time, and if it goes that long again, I cant see it happening. In truth, my back, even now, supported by a brace felt the climb, so give it a few more years, and it will probably be beyond me. And believe me, that hill is not wheelchair friendly lol!

But yes, one thing, I can now say, at long last, I’ve got back there as a woman! I stopped living there when I was a young child, but used to return on a regular basis up until the turn of the century, but after that, with no reason to do so, visits have become rare.

I wonder how things would have played out if I’d grown up in Haworth, instead of moving down South, because of my father being in the navy? The truth, we will never know! Even more intriguing thought, suppose that young child, growing up in Haworth had been a girl?

OK, video time. I dont know if I was amazed by the visit today, or if it just felt good to be back in the village? Either way, a Wings song tonight. A live performance from the first US city I spent a long period of time in, and which I’m going back to in May!

Back to the place I started

In truth, on the whole, the one thing I’ve avoided in my life, is going back to places where I lived for a long period of time. And before anyone says anything, 4 weeks isnt a long period of time, so revisiting Los Angeles is fine in my book! 😛

But the Medway Towns (departure date, 2003), Yeovil (1999), and Leytonstone (2005), I’ve pretty much passed on all 3 since leaving them for the last time. I passed through Leytonstone once in a car, but thats it! Yes, I’ve excluded Newbury (2001) because I did go back once, about 14 years later, and fine, it didnt really work. Unsurprisingly, it had changed dramatically from what I remembered, and only made me more determined not to go back to the others. In truth, the only one I’m torn about is Yeovil, but after 19 years, there is no way it could go well now, so I mustn’t!

So why, this week, am I going back to Haworth (1962), you might reasonably ask? Its funny, I’ve no idea why I dont have any issues in returning there, not that I have now been back for about 10 years, because I guess I just dont remember actually living there. Yes, you have to remember, the family moved officially to Medway Towns when I was 3, or 4, and hey, I was too young to remember much of that. I do know where the ‘old house’ is, or did 10 years ago, and ironically it, and its next door neighbor were now 1 house! May I add, that made it into 1 decent sized home!

Let me say it had changed dramatically, but it had changed dramatically long before then. When I came home as a teen even, it was just a small section at the top of the village that was pure tourism, the rest of the village, just an ordinary mill village. Move on 35 years, and the whole place was a tourist haven. So why go back now, I hear you ask?

Simple, if its going to be done, it needs to be done soon. As anyone who knows Haworth will know, or even seen pictures of the village, you know the Main Street is steep. Regular readers will also know my back isnt what it used to be! Whereas 10 years ago, going up the hill was fine, I suspect its going to be more of a challenge now, with my back, and lets face it, that situation isnt going to improve! So yes, if I want to do it, I need to do it soon.

I’m not saying it will be the last time, but I suspect, it might be. Its not exactly a disabled friendly village, by design, lets face it, lol. And yes, I’ll probably stop off in Keighley on the way. Thats not the town I remember as a youngster either, but it will be a swift pass through town, and on, I suspect.

In truth, I dont know if this is a good idea, or not, but just feel it needs to be done?

Video time. I did use this before, but it was 7 years ago, so dont really see this as a repeat?

The Acting Capital Of The World?

I’ll be honest, when I think of the echelon of places to act, my first thoughts turn to Hollywood. No idea why, because I’ve never made a proper movie of any kind, and in terms of theater royalty, Broadway, or Leicester Square should rank higher for me? Not that I have ever got even vaguely close to acting at any of those places either, to be honest.

Me, look at small theaters, village, or school halls would have been places where I was far more likely to perform, lets face it. Then tonight, I was watching something on TV, where the actors involved said that in fact, the acting capital of the world, for them, was Stratford Upon Avon.

I suppose if you’re a classical actor of some note (they are), then I can see the logic of that, given the whole Shakespeare thing, and all. As far as I can remember, I’ve only acted in one piece by Shakespeare (that Scottish play), and amusingly, and probably aptly, with foresight, I played a witch! Let me add, it was being done by a boys Grammar school, so apart from a few main parts, for which we borrowed girls from their grammar school across the road, we were expected to play all the parts. So, with hindsight, probably my first main female role!

Now, if I told you that the first movie capital of the world wasnt Hollywood, wasnt even on the West Coast, would you believe me? Yes, the movie industry was created in, and around the New York/New Jersey area in fact! But the winters made filming tricky, and when they heard about the all year round warmth in California, then history was created! It was really late into the 1920’s before Hollywood began to dominate the scene.

So where, readers, would you say was the acting capital of the world? I still say my vote goes for Hollywood, but thats probably that 30’s chorus girl/movie actress buried within me. No, I dont really expect anyone to answer here (rare that anyone does), but just think about it, for me, OK?

OK, video time. So my vote goes for Hollywood anyway, and besides which, I couldnt think of an apt song that links to Stratford in any way. I did think of using Shakespeare’s Sister, but seriously…? Anyway, fine, this seems apt, as its what the modern day chorus girl would probably be doing nowadays, shows on cruise ships, and the like.

Hope I Die Before I Get Old

And no, much though I dont want to live forever, given all my health issues, before anyone gets too concerned, its just one of the great lines from tonights video. But no, its not The Who, but someone more apt! Confused? You wont be for long!

When I was 6, The Who released this song, with the classic line in the title. If you take it literally, half the group failed to fulfill their request, they are still alive today, and over 70! Another lasted until 57, so in truth, only Keith Moon lived up to that request!

I’ll be honest, I’ve not been a big one for birthdays, ever since my childhood years. Yes, a meal out, maybe a few small presents, and thats been it, and its suited me fine. I’ve even ducked the landmark ones up until now. 40, I was with my ex partner, but we both had already accepted things were falling apart romantically, so though we celebrated to a small degree, that was it. We finally split, amicably the next year, I might add.

50, I managed to convince the others here that I didnt want a big fuss made, though I had suspicions that at least one wanted to. Now, I’m not saying I want a huge fanfare, and fuss made about me hitting 60 (2 months today), but in a sense, its quite a landmark, assuming I last that long, of course. Maybe its because its the first one since officially transitioning, or something? Strictly, 2008, I already knew I wanted to become a woman, but nothing had been done formally. Whereas now…?

There is of course the factor that I might not even be here on the night of my 60th birthday, if the Blackpool thing happens. No, I still havent looked into the sanity of doing that, was leaving that until next week, when I have more time, as I’ve got the week off. But other than that…?

I dont know, should I be trying to do something special to celebrate hitting 60? Other than not drawing my pension, which I would have been doing not that long ago! Certainly when The Who recorded that song, 60 was retirement age for women, and for quite a long time after that. Mind, life expectancy back then wasnt what it is now, which is the sensible reason for the change. I feel I should, but given that now, with my budget limits, and my current state of mobility, there’s only so much I could do! If Blackpool does work out, then great, that will be said magic moment, and I can party like its 1928 to celebrate! Mind, strictly on the painkillers I’m on, I cant drink, so…? I managed to survive for a few days before my friend’s wedding, but other than that…?

But yes, despite a few bad moments, I’m glad I didnt die before I got old, assuming I last 2 more months at least! First Buses seem to be trying to ensure I dont at present, but other than that…

Right, the video. Yes, fine, this lot make me look like a youngster! Obviously, given this was filmed just over 10 years ago, most of this group are no longer with us, though they definitely grew old!

Bit of a wild world

Oh fine, the amusing irony of tonight’s blog is that I know it will get one like, because a certain person is going to be tagged in this. Why its amusing, is because the guy seemingly loves Trump, and therefore anyone who uses his name as a tag, the blog gets liked, even if the opinion is less than favorable, like mine, because he clearly never bothers to read them. So thanks for the like, ‘Aussie Conservative’, and thanks for not actually reading it.

The previous times I needed a US Visa (long, long before ESTA, and they only work for tourists, anyway) involved going to the US Embassy in London, answering questions, being dutiful, and respectful, and all that. Oh fine, not all tourist visas used to get that treatment, but I suppose from time to time, they had to tick the boxes…But yes, anything more significant, and off to the Embassy you had to go!

The thing is, since those times, terrorism has become more of an issue in the world, and someone has decreed that the old Embassy building in London would have been difficult to protect. So back in 2008, George Bush made plans to move it to a safer building, outside the center of London. Yes, Donald, it wasnt Obama that made the decision, it was a Republican! But lets face it, niceties like the truth have never bothered Trump, so…

So hear we are, 10 years later, and its ready to open. I will miss the old building, and I certainly wont enjoy the extra travel if I have to apply for an Acting Visa, but I’m sure I’ll survive. Probably wont need to concern myself about it, but just in case…? In truth, I’m only assuming that in these days of doing everything online that it isnt initially done over Skype, or something, and only requires a visit in some cases? No idea, if I ever need to find out, I’ll let you know.

The thing is, Trump, as President, was going to come over and open the new Embassy. Then, he got the message delivered to him that, just maybe, he might not get the fawning welcome he was expecting! So he’s decided not to come, and his excuse for not doing so, relates to the baloney about Obama taking the decision to move it (not true), and that it cost too much (pretty much all the cost was recompensed by the sale of the old building), so thats shot him down in flames.

Oh, and on top of that, he’s seemingly sold a large number of fighter planes to Norway that only exist in a video game! Yes, so unless he knows something we dont (stop laughing here!), he’s telling even more lies! I think he has sold some planes, just not the ones he’s claimed to have done! Oh, and he’s described numerous countries (predominantly non white countries) as s**thole countries, so another diplomatic gaffe on top of everything. Anyone would think he was a white supremacist or something? Oh, wait…?

Believe me, I’m glad he’s not coming here, not that I would ever have seen him, mind, but I’m just glad we wont have to stand the taxpayers costs of protecting him. Still one year down, only hopefully 3 to go?

An old classic tonight, from Cat Stevens, who lets face it, Donald wouldnt be a fan of! But I think he sums up his effect perfectly!

Its the end of the route, as we know it

Fine, fooled you, everyone thinks they know the song, and you’re wrong! Right group mind, just wrong song!

Yesterday morning, as per normal on 4 days of the week nowadays, I set out for work. In terms of distance from home, the furthest I got was about 200 yards! The sad story of why, follows:

I got to the bus stop about my normal time, and waited for the bus to arrive. It didnt, but in all truth, given we’re talking about First buses, no great surprise there. The one thing I quickly realized was that no buses were going by, in either direction. About 30 minutes later, I was getting cold, damp, and sore, when someone checked on their phone, and discovered there’d been an accident between my home, and town, and no traffic was getting through. I did briefly consider just walking the 2 miles into town, getting the bus to work once there, and taking things from there. However, having stood around in said cold, damp weather for 30 minutes, my back objected to the idea, even wearing a brace.

So I went for Plan B, probably a wise starting point anyway, as I would have been pretty late for work, I came home and rung in. Thankfully, a combination of my bosses not thinking it was a wise idea for me to walk 2 miles with my back, in such weather, and the fact there was sufficient staff that day not to need me, I just took the day off, and stayed home. It did finally start to clear about 12.30 (over 3 hours later, 4 hours after accident), but by then, I was going nowhere.

Due to the wonders of the internet, I was able to track down what had happened, and where the accident was. Lets be honest, a horrible sight, as a BMW had crashed into a bus shelter that I’ve used many times when heading for the health center where I get my massages done, and when heading for Wakefield too. A link?

Sadly, late last night, its been announced that one young lady who was standing at the bus stop has died, the other woman there has had major surgery, and quite possibly wont be able to get around easily for about a year, possibly more. Yes, it makes you think, doesnt it? Just because the bus stop I use here has got ‘road bumps’ just before it, doesnt mean it couldnt happen to me. Other stops I use, no such thing, and then…?

I’m sure that at some point that more details of what caused it will come out, but nothing said as of yet. Was he speeding? Was he, heaven forbid, but possible, on his phone, and lost control? I know it shouldnt happen, but lets face it, it does!

Thankfully, all I lost was one day of work, or in a sense, one day of my holiday allowance, which I used to cover it. One poor family has lost a young lady, and another has got an older lady, whose life is going to be ruined for a year or so. Fact is, the next time, well, who knows?

Yes, you’ve worked out its an REM video, I’m sure. I’m only surprised I havent used it before, but seemingly not. I’ve no idea if the traffic in Huddersfield yesterday was as bad as this, but…?

A Need To Dress Modestly

So fine, lets go from the sublime to the ridiculous! Last posting, I was suggesting going full flapper for an evening, probably showing some leg, and even in all likelihood, some knees too. Fine at 20, but at 60, should a lady be more modest in her style? Which leads on to this…

In truth, I couldnt afford to buy clothes at Marks And Spencer, way beyond my budget, and in truth, was even before I had to cut back to a 4 day week! So no, until I saw this article today, I didnt even know they had what they call a ‘Modest Clothing’ section nowadays. Would be great for me, if I could afford any of it, but seemingly, for others, the title seems to be an issue.

Maybe I’m too easy going, and open minded, but I dont see the issue with it, and to say that means that everything else is immodest is just plain crazy. But fine, there are some crazies about, so…? Personally, in the middle of British winter, I appreciate clothing that covers my wrists, and ankles, it helps to keep me warm! I cant vaguely imagine in this country (other than in certain religious groups, maybe?) that people who want to wear respectable, but not figure hiding clothing shouldnt be free to do so, they should be! And lets face it there is a whole difference between dressing like that, and not dressing modestly, in my opinion at least.

I know, maybe in ‘everyday’ mode, I am fairly modest in my clothing looks. Probably comes from my nature, and more so, my age, and also the desire to look neat, and pretty (well, as much as I can!) in what I wear. Oh lets make no bones about it darlings, in my time, I’ve worn short skirts, I’ve worn leather numerous times, and even latex on occasion. Thats all before you start on what I’ve worn when acting, and some of those outfits were definitely weird! No, not saying, not without a huge bribe lol!

Lets be fair, this line isnt aimed at youngsters, and twenty somethings, is it? Lets be honest, Marks and Spencers works to a more mature, generally reasonably wealthy market, and they are probably more modest in look!

So no, sorry, most of their target market wont see it as regressive and wrong, lets face it. And no, modest ladies, please dont take this as an opportunity to say that Ann Summers (and the like) clothing makes women look tarty, because then we’re just as bad as the people complaining about this. Each to their own, I say.

Me, generally I verge on modest, but I do have my moments, boop, boop a doo! Short flapper dress, anyone, for me to wear? 😉 Think I’ll pass on latex clothing nowadays lol!

OK, a video treat tonight, in more senses than one. Who used to wear less than modest clothing in Hollywood? Why the chorus line dancers, of course! And who was one of those, why, Clara Elaine Johnson. Tonight’s piece is actually from Strike Me Pink, one of her 2 credited films, this one as a Goldwyn Girl. Oh, and the girl, with Cantor, at 4:13 on this video, well…? 😉 Yes, Clara is definitely less than modestly dressed lol!