Notes of Life

Look who I bumped into today! OK, maybe not bumped in to… more like queued for over 2 hours on a cold & windy high street in Birmingham. I looked extremely windswept and the lovely John Barrowman looked perfect!

JB was only supposed to be signing books for an hour, but I’m guessing he stayed a bit longer (depending on his schedule) as the queue stretched right down the High Street.

I took this photo (click to enlarge) while I was in the queue. A couple of police officers had come in and he asked if he was in trouble. It turns out the male police officer just wanted to take JB’s photo!

When it was my turn I had my photo taken with JB (which turned out awful - I was windswept and the Waterstone’s staff member who took the photo had obviously never used a digital camera before), my book personally signed and a smile, then I was off. Happy as Larry.

JB’s autobiography Anything Goes has jumped the queue and is now next on my pile of books to read. I’m currently half-way through Gary Barlow’s autobiography My Take (the updated paperback version), which is very interesting so far. I’ve also got Richard Hammond’s account of his life before & after his terrifying high-speed car crash while filming for Top Gear - On The Edge - waiting to be read, as well as one or two other books.

January usually sees the return of Jack Bauer and ‘24? on our TVs (well on my TV, anyway!). Unfortunately, Kiefer Sutherland is currently sat in jail and the 7th season of ‘24? is on hold indefinately due to the writers strike. Filming hasn’t finished on the series and the season needs to air uninterupted due to its format, so it looks like we’ve got a bit of a wait for this one. I have seen a trailer for the forthcoming season and it looks great, so I’m sure it will be worth the wait.

Another show I’m looking forward to is Torchwood season 2, starting 16th January on BBC2. The first episode of the season not only stars the wonderful John Barrowman (obviously!), but it also stars another favourite of mine, James Marsters as Captain John Hart. Videos (including spoilers - so BEWARE!) can be found over at the Episodes section of the website - Link.

Talking of John Barrowman… His autobiography (so far!) Anything Goes (written with his sister) is released on 24th January (UK) and in April (US). Yet another book for me to add to my growing pile, but one I’m sure I’ll enjoy. John will also be doing book signings… and I am very tempted! The book will also be available as an abridged audiobook.

Everybody Loves Raymond is currently in my DVD player. I finished season 7 last night and will probably start season 8 at the weekend. I have yet to buy season 9 though, so I guess I’d better hurry up on that score!

I couldn’t help myself last weekend while passing through WH Smith. They had a sale on DVDs, so I couldn’t resist taking a look… and buying 4 DVDs (including In Pursuit of Happyness)! I had a bargain though. The DVDs cost me £19 in total, with one of them only costing £1. I also found a bargain in Woolworths. I managed to buy Take That’s official 2008 calendar for £2.49 - Definiately a bargain!

… Hopefully!

The other day I received a Virgin Megastores gift card in the mail, but it doesn’t say who it’s from! The handwriting doesn’t give it away as I don’t recognise it. The postmark is local, but there’s also a 2nd postcard hidden underneath that I can’t read. Whoever it is from spells my name wrong (but that could be any number of people!). I would love to know who sent me the gift card so I can say thank you.

Shortly after writing my last post I received a message from Russell Ash, the author of Potty, Fartwell and Knob: From Luke Warm to Minty Badger - Extraordinary But True Names of British People (click the link to read more about the book). If you’ve got a silly name (or know of somebody with one), why not visit Russell’s website and let him know… you may even make it into a future edition of Potty, Fartwell and Knob! I haven’t yet bought the book because I’m waiting to see what I get for Christmas, but if it’s not under the Christmas tree I’ll be buying it myself.

Another book I have my eye on is Cheshire’s Execution Files by Derek Yarwood. I had a quick flick through it in WHSmith yesterday and it looks quite interesting. I have relations and ancestors from Cheshire, not that I think any of them were executed, but Cheshire did have it’s own unique way of executing condemed criminals.

Now for a couple of recommended links. I recommend these 2 websites every year, but I think they’re great for kids and anyone who believes!

Santa Claus Live - This website gives a live web video of Santa Claus in his office on the Arctic Circle. If you log on to the website at the right time you can catch children visiting Santa and giving him their wishlists. There is also a live web video situated outside of the office for you to view.

NORAD Tracks Santa - NORAD have tracked Santa on Christmas Eve for years. This year you can track Santa using Google Earth

While looking for Christmas presents for various friends and family members, I have come across this book that looks to be a must-read.

Potty, Fartwell and Knob: From Luke Warm to Minty Badger - Extra Ordinary But True Names of British People

It’s written by Russell Ash. He’s trawled through 900 years worth of parish registers and census records to present us with quite unlikely but true British names (you have to feel sorry for some of these people!). Each name has been checked for authenticity and it’s source is given, including extra notes where further fascinating illumination is possible.

It was published in hardback format (256 pages) on 14th November.

ISBN: 9780755316540