Global Warming and Climate Change.

I have my own theories on this front and none of them conclusive. With more and more people populating the planet on a yearly basis, it only makes sense that we all use more and more energy. All that seems to do is create more and more pollution, tree cutting, road building, aviation, travel and general consumerism.

The one thing that has never failed to amaze me on all my travels, is that no matter where you go, whether it be beach combing in Shetland or in one case, I was sitting on a rock in the middle of nowhere in Victoria and there it was. An empty Coke can. You would think that the people who had the presence of mind to lug a full one to these remote parts of the planet might more easily take home a light empty crushed one for recycling. Now I'm not for one minute blaming Coca Cola for anything. I'm talking generally about our disposable nature about nearly everything which comes packaged for our convenience.

Could that be our problem ?

Do Insects Have Brains ?

This was a question put to me by my girlfriend Maggie.

I don't know. Is there anyone out there who does ?

My Worries Are Over ?

This could be my last blog before I set off for Antigua.

Yes, arrived in the mail this morning, notification that my name has come up in the Hispanic Lottery. My agent bought the ticket for me and all he wants is a measly 10%. I am truly minted. All I have to do is phone a geezer called Dr Mark Luis in Spain to arrange for the transfer of the cash into my bank account.

How much I hear you ask ? Well, I'm not supposed to tell you until my claim has been processed but I can't resist...... 815.510.00 Euros. Now I'll have to get going as I have to register before 2nd December or my money will be returned as unclaimed to the
Ministry of Hacienda.

Now we can't have that, can we ?

The Three Roddys.

I was at school with a guy called Roddy. My eldest son is called Roddy and on Sunday night I went to see another Roddy.

Downstairs at Oran Mor, was hosting the totally brilliant Roddy Hart. I go to a lot of gigs and every so often a belter comes along. This was one such gig. I'm not going to try and tell how good, just click the link and listen.

Roddy was joined by none other than Eddie Reader for one tune, he then disappeared into
the crowd only to emerge up at the back and play an acoustic number with no amps. You could have heard a pin drop, utterly fantastic.

If this guy isn't a major headline act in the near future I give up.

Go and see him.

Friday Night.

Last Friday night I was off to record a lady called Margaret Mc Gregor receiving the title of "Freeman of West Dunbartonshire". This was a very formal affair which took place in the Millenium Hall in Gartocharn. The Provost and a host of dignitaries were present at the event. Margaret was great and it all went well.

I managed to get finished by around 10.00 pm and it was time for a swifty in one of my favourite pubs in the west end, Tennent's Bar. I like going there because it always has a great mix of people and the food is great. Friday night was no exception. I had to ask this quartet why they were dressed up. " It's our golf club theme evening", was the reply. I don't know about you but I can't think of any golf club that would let them across their door dressed like that. But hey, they seemed happy enough. Next, I spied a "wee dug" having a drink of Guinness. It didn't half kick up a stink when the last order bell rang. Never mess with a dug and its drink.

A guy asked me why I was taking the photos and I told him for no particular reason. "Will you take one of us"? he asked. No bother and here they are.

Time Marches On !

Where do all the years
go?

They say there is a first time for everything, well it was the first time I had been driven anywhere with my eldest son Roddy at the wheel. We drove around for a while on a dark night in Helensburgh and I have to say, it was like driving with a veteran. He has already passed the theory side of things and going on his performance the other night, the rest should be a doddle.I still can't believe that it is over seventeen years since he was photographed at five days old. Yes that's him he's holding.

My other son Andrew, while all this was going on, was practicing his guitar. " I'm learning off the web dad", was his comment. Next day he was off playing footy and managed to pick up a yellow card for kicking the ball in the air, caused he told me, by frustration. Aye right.

Halloween Is For The Kids. Or Is It ?

I have always been fascinated by human behaviour. The West End of Glasgow was alive with all sorts of "miscreants" last night. I remember as a nipper, dressing up and
dooking for apples etc at Halloween and loving it. As I got older, it began to loose its appeal somewhat.

I have to admit, it was great fun watching everyone. Elvis was out, as was David Bowie
and a host of Super Hero's. They all seemed to be going to the pub, in fact, some were taking the whole alcohol thing so seriously that they turned themselves into giant cans of Tennent's Lager. Hope they managed to get onto the Underground!