Gunning FOG Index

I have been reading novels and books for as long as I can remember, but until Monday (2nd), I had never heard of the Gunning FOG Index. So, I set out to discover more about it.

This Index was created by Robert Gunning, an American publisher of textbooks, who observed that many of his high school graduates were unable to read. However, he soon discovered that it wasn't because of illiteracy but because there was too much unnecessary complexity, or fog, in the text, which hindered their progress. Forming the first consulting firm specialising in readability, in 1944, Robert Gunning worked with more than sixty daily newspapers and popular magazines, aiding their editors to write to their target audience by using his FOG Index Readability Formula. Robert Gunning published a book, The Technique of Clear Writing and created an easy-to-use FOG Index, in 1952.

The FOG Index works on a scale of 1 - 12, with 1 being the simplest and 12 being the hardest to read.

To give you an idea of the FOG Index for different publications:

Time Magazine, Newsweek and the Wall Street Journal - about 11

Reader's Digest - between 8-9

The Bible, Mark Twain and William Shakespeare - about 6

The equation for the FOG Index or Readability Formula is below:

1. Take a sample passage of at least 100-words and count the number of exact words and sentences.


2. Divide the total number of words in the sample by the number of sentences to arrive at the Average Sentence Length (ASL).


3. Count the number of words of three or more syllables that are NOT (1) proper nouns, (2) combinations of easy words or hyphenated words, or (3) two-syllable verbs made into three with -es and -ed endings.


4. Divide this number by the number or words in the sample passage. For example, 25 long words divided by 100 words gives you 25 Percent Hard Words (PHW).


5. Add the ASL from Step 2 and the PHW from Step 4.


6. Multiply the result by 0.4.

Readability Level = 0.4 (ASL + PHW) 

Here is a link to an on-line Gunning FOG Index calculator.

http://gunning-fog-index.com/index.html

It is quite a fascinating area and, if you like writing as much as I do, it can help you to reach your target audience. It is not, however, an exact science or perfect formula, but it does give you a very good idea as to your writing level and your reading level. I tried it out on a passage from Lou Morgan's The Patron Saint of Wishful Thinking, and found it had a readability level of 8-9.

Martial Arts and Me

Dojo Kun - Morals of the Dojo

In the majority of Karate Dojo's, there are a set of DOJO KUN (Morals or rules of the Dojo) that are recited at the end of each class. Depending on the style, there can be between four and eight rules. My style has five rules, which were recited at the beginning and end of each class. I have listed them below.

To strive for the perfection of character

To defend the paths of truth

To foster the spirit of effort

To honour the principles of etiquette

To guard against impetuous courage

My Martial Arts career began when I was 5 or 6 years old, when my Uncle Ian took me to a JUDO (Gentle Way) class, that was held in the grounds of Holywell School. I remember that I didn't take to it at all well and soon left. A few years later, at about the age of 8 or 9, I tried again. The club had moved to Yorke Mead School in Croxley Green, by now, and was run by Sensei George Bonney. My Uncle Ian attended the club and so I tagged along to see what I thought of it. This time I was in my element. I do remember avoiding gradings, as I believed (as I still do now) that they were a waste of time. Soon I was training regularly at our club on Monday evenings, travelling to Acton for training on Friday evenings and, occasionally, to other clubs in the area on other nights of the week. These included, High Wycombe, Northwood and St. Albans to name a few. Eventually I started to lose interest in the entire concept of JUDO, so I left the club. I was about 12 years old.



In the summer of 1986, my friend Chris and I were discussing things to do, when Chris suggested that we should try KARATE (Empty Hand). So, we did. A new KARATE class had just opened on St. Albans Road, at the Co-Op Hall, and we were the first two students. The school was run by Sensei Andrew Moss, along with help from Sensei John 'The Tank' Sherman and another Sensei named Paul. (I can't remember his last name.) The style of this KARATE was, YOSHINRENTAN DAIKENTAI JITSU, and our School was called the RONIN DOJO. For the next few weeks Chris and I were the only students, and we received some of the best one-on-one training that I have ever received. Soon, though, Chris got bored with KARATE and decided to leave. I, however, decided to stay. Gradually, more and more students began to join the club. Of all the students, I was the only one with any background in other Martial Arts, and this helped me with the Japanese terminology, use of balance and technique. By now Sensei's John and Paul had left to start their own clubs, leaving only Sensei Andrew Moss. Not that it mattered, as he was a great Sensei. I found myself reading more and more about the Martial Arts and Sensei Moss even gave some of his books to read. Some of the books that I borrowed from him were so good, that I began to build a collection of my own. Then, during the school holidays, I would meet up with Sensei Moss and we would do some fitness training. This normally meant running around a park a number of times, followed by push-ups and squats, etc.. Sometimes, we would go to the pool and stand in the water up to our necks. We would then drop into a KIBA DACHI (Horse Stance) and throw punches and kicks. This helped to perfect the technique and was invaluable in creating good posture and balance. Then we would grab lunch and maybe watch a video. Sometimes, Sensei Moss would teach me techniques that were way above my grade. It was during one of these sessions that I mentioned that I really wasn't interested in grading, but was far more interested in the techniques and history. Sensei Moss, seemed to understand this and so I became exempt from gradings. By now I had turned 16 and had left school. I had found a job working at Halfords, and this still allowed me to train every Monday evening and during my free-time. By now, the class was being instructed in the use of weapons. The first weapon that Sensei Moss instructed us in, was the BO (Staff). A six-foot, one-inch thick piece of Red Oak, tapered at the ends. At first I remember being very clumsy with it, but that soon passed and I came to understand that the BO, or any other weapon for that matter, had to be treated as part of me, rather than as a seperate piece. Pretty soon, I was learing to use the BOKKEN (Practice Sword), JO (Short Staff), TONFA (A rice husking tool), SAI (Three-pronged daggers) and, eventually, NUNCHAKU (Rice Flails). Of all the weapons that I learnt, the BO and NUNCHAKU remain my favourites. The club moved a few times, and as we gained a few new students, some of the older ones left. As the spring of 1988 approached I had begun to find it more and more difficult to travel to Abbots Langley with my kit and weapons. So, I spoke to Sensei Andrew Moss, and he understood completely. I promised to stay until June and go with him to Hatch End, to a friends club. This would be my first visit to another KARATE dojo. The day that Sensei Moss had chosen, to visit this other dojo, was Wednesday 25th May, 1988. We met at Watford Junction and got the train to Hatch End, where we were met by Sensei John 'The Tank' Sherman. John then drove us to the grounds of a school. We all entered the school, made our way to the changing rooms and then entered the hall. We all bowed as we entered. Sensei Sherman introduced Sensei Moss and myself to the class, and then we started our warm-up. After this we were paired off and began practising attacks and defences. To start with, a few of the students were taking it easy with me, or seemed unsure of me, until I realised that I was the only JU KYU (10th White) in the room. This was purely as I had never taken a grading. Noticing this, I started to put more power into my blocks and punches. Soon we were all separated and were told that next we would be doing some KUMITE (Free Fighting). Again, the other students seemed apprehensive towards me, until their Sensei told them that anyone who didn't put their best in would be doing push-ups for the rest of the night. I won my first three fights quite easily, even though one was against a ROK KYU (6th Green). Then it got a bit harder. I lost my next two fights. Won the following two, and drew my last fight. I was exhausted, but ecstatic. As the class ended, and we all knelt along the side, I was summoned to the centre. So, I made my way to the centre of the dojo, wondering what was coming next. Then the three Sensei's stood and faced me. Then the Sensei of the club bowed to me and stepped forward. I did the same. He then congratulated me and awarded me with my SHIK KYU (7th Orange). As he released my hand, he said, "Ichibon. Ichibon." Then Sensei's Moss and Sherman bowed and moved forward to shake my hand. We then returned to our kneeling positions. Bowed and made our way to the changing rooms. On our way home, Sensei's Moss, Sherman and myself stopped off for a drink. While we sat there drinking Coke, I asked Andrew what 'Ichibon' meant. He replied that it was Japanese for 'First Class' or 'Number One'. I went to two more classes at Sensei Moss' club before leaving to find something else to tackle.

Finding nothing that interested me, in my area, I decided to try my hand at JUDO, again. So, I called my Uncle Ian, and was soon back training at Yorke Mead School. By now Ian had achieved his SHO DAN (Black Belt) and was now running the club. Now that I was over the age of 16, my Uncle was insistent that I took gradings. So I did. I attained my GO KYU (5th Yellow) on Sunday 10th July, 1988, at the Acton BJC club, in front of Sensei Brian Caffary. It was at a competition, soon after this, that I met Master Robin Otani (President of the BJC), who honoured me by signing his name on my belt. I was so happy with this, that I had my Mum embroider it, so that it wouldn't fade or disappear. My training went from once to twice to sometimes four times a week. On Monday 20th February, 1989, I passed my YON KYU (4th Orange) at Yorke Mead School. By now our club was called GENSHIN JUDOKWAI, ('Genshin' means 'intuition') a name bestowed on us by Master Robin Otani. In the summer of 1989, my Uncle took me to Potters Bar, to try out JU JITSU (Gentle Techniques). The club was held at the Potters Bar Cricket Club and was run by Sensei Mick Player. Within 20 minutes or so, I had found my calling. JU JITSU had everything: It was like all the Japanese Martial Arts rolled into one. In fact, this was how all the Japanese Martial Arts started out, before being separated into the various disciplines we know now. On our way home, my Uncle and I discussed what we had seen that night, and decided to join the following week. So, we had our regular JUDO class on Mondays and from the following week began JU JITSU on a Wednesday. The following year, 1990, was a busy one for me. It began on Monday 12th February with my SAN KYU (3rd Green) in JUDO, followed on Wednesday 14th February with my SHIK KYU (7th White) in JU JITSU. On the Wednesday 7th March, I attained my ROK KYU (6th Yellow) in JU JITSU. Three weeks later by I took my GO KYU (5th Orange) and surpassed all my expectations by attaining my YON KYU (4th Green) the following week, April 4th. By now we had opened our club up on a Thursday evening, for Senior Grades only, and were teaching JU JITSU to our JUDOKA. My Uncle was flying through his grades, too. On the 25th July I took and passed my SAN KYU (3rd Blue). On the same day my Uncle reached his NI KYU (2nd Purple). Then on 7th November, I reached my NI KYU (2nd Purple) and my uncle reached ICHI KYU (1st Brown). It was incredible to think that in 11 months, I had reached Purple and Ian had reached Brown Belt. And, to cap it all off, Ian won the trophy for 'Best Brown Belt Grading, 1990' and I won the trophy for 'Best Purple Belt Grading, 1990'. During this year, Sensei Mick Player had introduced us to various different instructors, including Sensei's Jim Thorpe, John Steadman, James McDade and Soke Kevin Pell. The following year though, the club changed and the politics of the World Ju Jitsu Federation changed, so Ian and myself, went looking for another club. And we found it, in Stanmore. And it was run by none other than Sensei Jim Thorpe, who had transferred over to the British Ju Jitsu Association. So, we joined and continued our training. Sensei Thorpe seemed pleased that we had both joined as, because of our JUDO background, we knew how to break-fall, whereas many of the other students had no previous experience. This was where my nickname of 'Rubber Man' came from. Sensei would use me, or my uncle, for demonstrations, knowing that we would be able to break-fall, get up and be thrown again, without any problems. And, on Wednesday 30th September 1992, I achieved my ICHI KYU (1st Brown), in front of Sensei Thorpe. The club continued, although we moved location several times, until finally it was impossible for me to continue with, as I was now raising my daughter, Alysha. So, I went back to just training in JUDO on Mondays, and practising JU JITSU on Thursdays, at our club. Then, on Monday 16th June 1997, I passed my NI KYU (2nd Blue) in JUDO. Soon after my Uncle was forced to close GENSHIN JUDOKWAI, due to rising costs and a lack of support from parents, who seemed to think that the club was there for baby-sitting their kids on a Monday evening.

Genshin Judokwai ~ Class of 1997

Links

Below are some links to various Martial Arts websites, including those of some of my instructors. 

Hanshi Jim Thorpe 

Soke Kevin Pell

British Ju Jitsu Association

British Judo Council

Bank Holiday Weekend

Saturday 25th May

To celebrate 150 years of the London Underground, various Steam Engines and Carriages were brought back to the Metropolitan Line over the May Bank Holiday weekend, running between Harrow-on-the-Hill and Amersham. Along with 'Metropolitan 1' London Underground also ran a GWR Hawksworth Large Pannier Locomotive, (No. 9466, in British Railways Livery) & a GWR Prairie Locomotive along with the 'Sarah Siddons' Electric Locomotive. Ex British Rail 1950s coaches, an ex Metropolitan Jubilee coach and a Class 20 Diesel were also used over the weekend.

So, after an early start we caught a train to Moor Park, where we alighted and waited to see the 10:28 'Metropolitan 1' steam engine travel through on its way to Amersham. Due to a few technical issues the train was delayed, so we hopped on an Amersham bound train, where Emma met her mum and took the girls for a wander, while I went off to get some photos and videos of the various locomotives. After a good half-hour, I went off to find Emma and the girls, so that we could get some lunch. After eating at 'Greggs' we headed to the park, so that Erin could have a good run-around. Once Erin began to get sleepy we said goodbye to Alyson and headed back to the station and our train back to Watford. The rest of the day we spent relaxing in the garden.

Sunday 26th May

Another bright sunny day dawned and another day out was planned. After breakfast we headed into Watford to pick up a couple of bits, before heading into Cassiobury Park, where we were to meet Dave and his kids. Steven's funfair was in full swing and after the little taste of the funfair at Rickmansworth, the previous week, Erin could barely be contained. After a quick scout around, I took Erin on the 'Red Dragon' rollercoaster. This ride was a lot faster and had more loops than the rollercoaster at Rickmansworth, but Erin still enjoyed it. We then moved on and while Dave took Malakye on the 'Ghost Train', Erin went on her first ride... solo. Granted, Neveah was sat in the car behind her, but Erin was in her own 'Fire Engine' with its own bell to ring, all by herself. As the ride went round her smile got bigger and bigger until the ride stopped and I had to lift her off. If given the chance I am sure that Erin would have ridden it all day long. When Dave and Malakye rejoined us, Erin and Neveah went on the 'Carousel Swings', which again made Erin's face light-up, until the ride finished. We then took a break and fed Keilyn, while Malakye took Dave for a ride on a 'Quad' bike. With the afternoon drawing on Dave had to head off to get Malakye to a Birthday party, so we made our way back home and relaxed in the garden.

Monday 27th May

Since we were having a BBQ later in the day, there were still a few things that I needed to buy. Also, it was the last chance for me to see the Steam trains. So, I left the house and walked down the Ebury Way to Croxley Moor, which I crossed so that I could head up on to the old Railway sidings, near Long Valley Wood. As I crossed the clearing a deer ran across my path. Now, I knew that there were deer in the area, but I wasn't expecting to see one so close. Cursing myself for not having my camera at hand, I continued along the path and on into Croxley Hall Wood. I headed towards the bridge, by Croxley Great Barn, where I was joined by a few other people with cameras. We each picked our spot and at 10:49 the steam train came thundering along the track, passing right below where I stood. Having got the footage I required, I decided to cut through the woods and make my way to the main road, so that I could get to the shop. As I picked my way along the path, bushes around me kept rustling and twigs snapped. Then, to my amazement, two deer appeared in a small clearing in front of me. I stopped dead and slowly brought my camera out of its housing and, keeping as still as possible, raised it up. I managed to get a couple of shots before the deer headed back into the woods proper. Keeping the camera in my hand, I carried on but at a slower pace. Sure enough, more deer came out and I was able to get some close-up shots. After leaving the woods I got to the shop, bought what was needed and headed home, feeling great about what the day had already shown me.

Rickmansworth Canal Festival, 2013

The annual Rickmansworth Canal Festival took place this weekend, signalling the end of ‘Ricky Week’. As usual, Emma, Erin, Keilyn and I took a stroll down the Ebury Way, to enjoy the festivities. Just before noon we stopped for a coffee at Lock 81, before heading along the towpath and into the Rickmansworth Aquadrome, where we headed straight toward the Beer Tent, as this is where we were to meet Len and EmJ. Surprisingly, Len and EmJ were waiting at a table as we approached. After getting us all a drink, Len took Erin down to the Music Stage, as she loves music of all kinds, while I went to the Thai Kiosk to get Erin some chicken chow-mein. After Erin had eaten, Emma and EmJ took the girls for a walk, while Len and I finished our drinks. We caught up with them, a few minutes later, near the Acoustic Stage. Erin was starting to get frustrated at being cooped up in the buggy, so I took her out and Len and I took her into the ‘Petting Zoo’. She held a rabbit and saw some pigs and guinea pigs, before we headed into the farm area, where she stroked goats and sheep. Then she found a brush and started to brush the sheep. After a while she started to get bored, so we headed out of the zoo and washed our hands. We then made our way towards the fun fair, looking at all the stalls as we went. After a quick look around the fun fair, it was decided that only two of the rides were suitable for Erin to go on. So, I took her on the ‘Tea Cups’, which she thought was fun as she just laughed for the entire ride. Then I took her on her first roller coaster. Again, all she could do was laugh. (Check out the video.) After this we had another look around the stalls, buying a brush with ‘Keilyn’ written on it, to match Erin and Alysha’s. With the time approaching 17:00, we arrived back at the Beer Tent, where we bought a drink before deciding that we really should make a move towards home. Len and EmJ came back with us and, after a few drinks, they headed home themselves.

All-in-all another great Rickmansworth Canal Festival.

Roll on the third weekend in May, 2014.

Morning Sun

The great bird shuddered,
Her engines spluttering to life.
The men looked at each other,
Thoughts turning to family and wives.

The great bird lifted,
Reaching cruising height.
As the the men wondered,
If they would return this night.

The great bird flew,
On towards her enemy.
Below darkening cloud,
Above rolling sea.

The great bird banked,
As explosions shook the night.
The sound of Hell,
With Heaven's Light.

The great bird soared,
And, with target below,
Her cargo was loosed.
And she turned for home.

The great bird survived,
Carrying seven mothers sons.
Who now stood thankful,
In the early morning sun.

Star Trek: Red Shirts!

This is a purely random post that I decided to do after seeing Star Trek into Darkness.

 

Having always been fascinated by the fact that Red Shirts, in the Star Trek: The Original Series, were always getting killed off, I decided to do some research. Here is what I found out.

 

 

RED SHIRTS

 

In the three seasons of TOS, only 25 Red Shirts died.

Of these only 1 was female.

 

20 of these were Security Officers (80%)

2 were engineers (8%)

1 was a Transporter Chief (4%)

1 was a Yeoman (4%)

1 was an unknown rank (4%)

 

 

17 had names (68%)

8 were unknown characters (32%)

 

 

Season 1 was the safest season to be a Red Shirt as only 4 died. (16%)

Season 2 was a blood bath as 16 Red Shirts were massacred. (64%)

Season 3 was also a safer time to be a Red Shirt as only 5 died. (20%)

 

 

10 Red Shirts died aboard The Enterprise (40%)

15 Red Shirts died on Away Missions (60%)

 

 

IN CONCLUSION

 

 

A Red Shirt without a name, who avoided Away Missions and was not a Security Officer or worked in Engineering, had a better than average chance of surviving aboard The Enterprise. This chance dramatically increased if the Red Shirt was female.

It's a Girl... Again!

Tuesday April 30th. 2013.

Today was ‘due day’. Despite Emma’s best efforts to evict our baby from her womb, the little tyke was being stubborn and not playing ball. So, much to Emma’s displeasure, she was summoned in to ‘Victoria Ward’ for inducement. Emma arrived on 'Victoria Ward' at just after 08:15, while I remained at home, waiting for the ‘in-laws’ to arrive, as they were looking after Erin for the day, so that I could go to work. Once Erin was packed off, I went into work and carried on with my usual duties, popping up to see Emma, as and when I could. After lunch I had a two-hour meeting in the office, which went quite well, but I couldn’t wait for it to be over, so that I could go and see Emma. With the meeting over it was straight back up to the Ward, where Emma had started to have contractions. With the time between them decreasing it was decided to move her up to ‘Delivery Suite’, as a matter of urgency. We arrived on ‘Delivery Suite’ at 15:50 and soon Emma was in full labour. At 17:28 Emma gave birth to a healthy baby girl.

With mum and baby doing well, I called Alysha, to let her know that she had yet another sister, before calling my mum to give her the good news. I then went to the shop to get Emma a cold drink, before heading to my office to shut down my PC, before heading back up to see Emma. By this time Emma had phoned all of her immediate family, and was getting tired. Although Emma wanted to go straight home, Hospital policy states that you must remain under observation for a minimum of six hours and, since they wouldn’t discharge her at midnight, she would be moved to ‘Katherine Ward’, until the following morning. I looked after our latest daughter, while Emma had a shower, before we were taken down to ‘Katherine Ward’. Once Emma was settled in, at about 21:00, I said my goodbyes and headed home to Erin, who was being looked after by Emma’s brother, Christopher.

The following morning I was up early to get Erin fed and dressed, before heading to the Hospital. On our way in, Emma had texted to ask me to bring in a few items (Cheese and pickle roll and a cold drink), so we bought them at the ‘League of Friends’ shop, before heading up to the Ward. After the usual tests and paperwork had been filled in, Emma was discharged. I ordered us a taxi and within 10 minutes we back at home with our latest daughter.

Keilyn Joanna Amy Morrissey was born at 17:28 and weighed 4026g (8.875lb)

A big thank you to all the staff on Victoria Ward, Katherine Ward and the Delivery Suite.

And all the others that we have seen throughout this pregnancy.

A Stroll around St. Albans

Saturday 6th April, 2013. (The day after the 50th pre-anniversary of First Contact.)

 

With the weather finally improving, Emma, Erin, Emma Jayne and myself headed off to St. Albans for the day. After parking at the Drovers Way car park, we headed onto the High Street and down to 'Simmons' bakery for a bite to eat. 'Simmons' make the tastiest sausage rolls, that I have ever tasted, which Erin and Emma Jayne soon agreed with. Once we had eaten, we headed off toward the Alban Arena, where Alysha and the 'Living the Dream' dance group were scheduled to do a 'Flash Mob' at noon, followed by another one every half-an-hour. With a place found to sit, I got out my camera, set it to video and waited. The 'Flash Mob' began and we were treated to three minutes of various dance set to pop music. The small crowd that had gathered seemed to enjoy it, too. When the dancers had finished, Alysha came over to say 'hi' and play with Erin, before we headed off to get a coffee, promising to pop back to catch another show later on.

 

We walked back down the bustling High Street, with its myriad market stalls, buskers, families, etc. and made our way towards The Clock Tower. For a change The Clock Tower was open so, while the girls went to get the coffees, I paid my £1 and climbed the 93 narrow, winding steps to the roof, nearly 20 metres above.The St. Albans Clock Tower was built between 1403 & 1412, by a former Royal Mason named Thomas Wolvey, and was based on the great Clock House at Westminster, which was built in 1365. Its walls are made of flint rubble in a lime mortar and are up to four-feet thick. The ground floor has been used as a shop and as government offices for the government telegraph station, which was built on its roof, during the Napoleonic Wars from 1808-1814. The rooms on the next two floors were originally designed as living areas and had their own privies. The third floor room is where the mechanism for the clock is situated. The original clock was very poor at keeping time and was eventually replaced, in the eighteenth century, by a 'modern' pendulum clock. The belfry is situated on the fourth floor and contains the Clock Towers original bell. The bell was built by William and Robert Burford of Aldgate and weighs one ton. The bell sounds in F-natural and is named after the Archangel Gabriel and has the Latin inscription; Missi De Celis Babeo Nomen Gabrielis (From Heaven I Came, Gabriel My Name). Gabriel last rang out for the funeral of Queen Victoria, in 1901. Also contained in the belfry is the Market Bell, which was cast in 1729, and was moved from the old Market House in 1855. The last few steps take you on to the roof, through a Gothic spirelet, which was added between 1865-6. The view from the roof is incredible. Looking North you can see St. Peter's church, the Old Town Hall and the Corn Exchange (which stands on the site of the Market House. Tracking East you can see Trinity church and following South you can make out the M25 at Ridgehill, Shenley Tower, the Sopwell ruins and Woodcock Hill. To the South you can see St. Bartholomew's and St. Stephen's churches before resting your eyes on St. Albans Abbey. Continuing to track towards the West, you can see the Roman Town of Verulamium and out towards Dunstable Downs. Batchwood Hall, Christ Church and St. Albans City Hospital complete the panoramic view. After taking a few photographs, I carefully made my way back down the stairs, stopping on each floor to let others wind their way up. On exiting the Clock Tower, I spotted Emma Jayne, with Erin, waiting outside of 'Starbucks'. Emma came out with the coffees and we made our way down a small alley toward the Cathedral and Abbey Church of St. Alban. We passed the Abbey and continued down the path to Verulamium Park. Erin awoke at this point, so out of her buggy she came and we walked hand-in-hand around the lake, stopping along the way to feed the various ducks, geese, coots, moor hens, gulls, pigeons, swans, etc. More photographs were taken before it was decided to go and have a look around the Market stalls. After a good look around, we headed back over to the Alban Arena, in time to catch another 'Flash Mob' and yet another video. Emma Jayne was completely exhausted from her stroll around St. Albans, so I waited with her and Erin while Emma popped into the Tesco Metro, to pick up a few essentials for home. This meant I caught another performance by Alysha and the Living the Dream team, this time managing to video it and take some photographs, at the same time. We then sad 'goodbye' to Alysha and made our way back to the car and then home.

 

Yet another great day out.

London: Commonwealth Observance Day, 2012

Monday 11th March, 2013.

With Alysha performing at Westminster Abbey, for Commonwealth Observance Day, later in the day, I decided to head off to London to try and get some photos.

With the temperature at zero degrees and a bitter wind, bringing in snow, I boarded the 10:50 train from Watford Met station and began my journey. As we approached Northwood station the driver announced that there was a problem at Baker Street, so this train would be terminating at Harrow-on-the-hill. No mention was made of how long this problem would last or whether there would be a bus replacement, so I began formulating a new plan. (Take Met line to Rayners Lane, then Piccadilly line into London. Sorted.) As it turned out, the delay was only 15 minutes, so I carried on with my planned route. I alighted at Finchley Road and took the Jubilee line to Green Park, where I left the confines of the underground for a walk through the Royal Parks. No sooner had I entered Green Park I realised that I was the only pedestrian around, probably due to the dropping temperature. This was beneficial as the Bomber Command Memorial was deserted, giving me the chance to get some nice photos, without anyone in them. With the time approaching midday, I headed South, along Constitution Hill, towards Buckingham Palace, just in time to catch the changing of the guard, which I hadn't seen for many years. I then followed the guards towards their barracks before turning into St. James's Park, where I bought a latte, to warm me up. I crossed St. James's Park lake, via the foot bridge, before walking along the South side of the lake. I was surprised by how many breeds of bird and wildlife were to be seen. There were Pochards, Mallards, Great White Pelicans, Herons, Ravens, Swans and many more. With the snow getting heavier and the wind picking up, taking decent photos was becoming more difficult.

Satisfied that I had some nice pics I left St. James's Park and took Great George Street to Parliament Square. Possibly because it was a Monday lunchtime, or because the temperature was zero degrees, Westminster was deserted. Parliament Square had erected 54 flagpoles, one for each of the Commonwealth nations. Because of the lack of people, I got some great shots of the deserted square. One of my favourite shots, which I took for the fun factor, was of the Jamaican flag with snow falling. It made me chuckle. As I crossed from Parliament Square towards Westminster Abbey, a young foreign couple with a young daughter crossed the other way. It was a good job I was paying attention as the wind blew the young girl's scarf into the road, without their knowledge. I picked up the scarf and turned to call out to them, but the wind and traffic noise drowned out my voice. Spying a break in the traffic I managed to catch up with them and reunite the girl with her scarf, much to her parents delight. I then headed back to the crossing and Westminster Abbey. When the green man appeared I checked that the traffic had stopped, but a big black car, with the registration AMS 1, stopped a bit too late. If I had have stepped into the road as soon as the green man had appeared, this car would surely have clipped me. Still, no harm no fowl. I am not sure if Lord Alan Michael Sugar was actually in the car, but if he was I hope he had words with his driver.

All the gates and entrances to Westminster Abbey were sealed and guarded by many Metropolitan Police officers, none of whom appeared to be carrying firearms, but I am sure that some of them had to be. All the dignitaries, VIPs, Royalty and Alysha would be entering the Abbey via the West entrance, by The Sanctuary, directly into The Nave of the abbey. With the time getting on and no sign of anyone famous yet, I decided to try and warm myself up by getting something hot to eat. So, back across Parliament Square, onto Parliament Street and into The Red Lion. A pint of London Pride and a toasted bacon, cheese and mushroom baguette did the trick. Once the warmth had come back into my face and hands, I left the pub and headed towards Westminster station to find Alysha. A few minutes later and we met outside the station and headed off to the Abbey together. More and more people had arrived and news filtered down that HM Queen Elizabeth II was still not well enough to attend. I don't think that Alysha was too upset by this, as the the chance to dance in front of 3,000+ people at such a prestigious venue was, in itself, a massive honour. After taking a few photos of Alysha, outside of Westminster Abbey, I wished her luck and watched her disappear into the crowds. A few special guests started to arrive, including the Jamaican High Commissioner, Aloun Ndombet-Assamba. The number plate of his car? JAM 1. Then more High Commissioners began to arrive, with the same style of number plate;; NAM 1, RSA 1, etc. How cool.

With the temperature beginning to drop and the snow falling heavier, I decided to find some shelter. The Parliament Shop is a small shop selling various books, crockery and the like. It was while I was browsing through some books, I noticed a man (who looked familiar) talking to the cashier. Not able to place the man I continued browsing until I remembered where I had seen the him before. Then it hit me. His picture was on one the books I had just looked at! I quickly grabbed the book and checked the photograph. Yep. It was him. I then went up to the cashier, placing the book on the counter between the two men. The both looked at the book, then at me and then at each other. I waited until the transaction was complete before looking directly at the author, who still stood beside me. Pretending to have only just recognised him, I asked if he would do me the honour of signing his book. He politely agreed and I ended up with a signed copy of 'Order! Order! A Parliamentary Miscellany', which is written by Robert Rogers, Clerk of the House of Commons. Feeling very pleased with myself I headed back to The Red Lion for a pint of London Pride, to warm up and wait for Alysha to finish.

I made my way back towards Westminster Abbey in time to see some of the dignitaries departing, of which I got a few photos. Then it was a case of waiting for Alysha. She appeared at the top of the steps of the West entrance and I managed to get some photos of her, leaving the Abbey. We then waited for her friend Sophie, before making our way to Westminster station. The girls were going back to Watford via a different route, to me, so we made our farewells and headed off home.

All in all another great, if cold, day out in London.

A Stroll to Cassiobury Park

Sunday 17th February, 2013.

My alarm went off just before seven in the a.m. with its chime of ‘Dad? Dad?? Dad. Dad! DAD!!!’ So, up I got. I put Erin in bed with Emma, while I busied myself with getting dressed. Then I scooped Erin up and took her downstairs to get her changed and fed. Breakfast consisted of a coffee with a vanilla shot, for me, and milk and toast with jam, for Erin. Pretty soon Emma was up and we all made our way to Cassiobury Park. We normally go for a walk on a Sunday, but this was the first time in a few weeks that we had ventured out, as the weather had been too cold and wet for Erin.

It didn’t take us long to reach the park, which we entered via Cassiobury Park Lodge, just off Cassiobury Park Avenue. Opposite the ‘Cha Cha Cha Café’, I unbuckled Erin from her pushchair and carried her onto the fields to the left. Although Erin has been walking for the last three months, she has never had a proper run around outside. Well, she was in her element, when I finally put her down. She began by holding my hand, then decided to go and look at the branches of a tree, then the tree itself. Then she was fascinated by the people running around kicking a football. Then her fascination was taken by her shadow, which she couldn’t pick up. Finally, giving up on catching her shadow, we started to head in the direction of the playground. Erin’s choice of direction was circuitous, to say the least, but we managed it, eventually. On reaching the playground area, we decided to stop for a drink and something to eat. So, while Emma took Erin to find a picnic table, I bought us both a bacon roll, Emma a coffee and myself a bottle of water at ‘Vince’s Café’. After we had all eaten, including Erin who had managed to con her mum out of a piece of bacon, or two, I took Erin into the playground, while Emma finished her coffee.

As with all playgrounds, that we take Erin to, she has to go on the swing, first. All other pieces of apparatus can wait until later. Well, she began chuckling and giggling before I had even pushed the swing, for the first time and, looking along the row of four swings, I noticed that every swing was taken by a daughter and each was being pushed by their dads. How cool. By the time Erin decided that it was time to try something else, Emma had rejoined us. Looking around the playground, which was getting busier by the moment, I took Erin over to a mini climbing frame with a slopes and slides. Once she was on it that was it. Backwards and forwards across the sloping bridges to peer down the two slides, before heading off in the other direction. The odd clash of wills with other bigger kids and the odd loss of balance on the sloping floor, but no tears. The only problem with Erin, on something like this, is that she has no fear. This is evident when she does decide it is time to go down the slide. She would much rather step out into thin air than sit and slide, so we have to be very wary. Of the two slides attached to this piece of play equipment, the smaller baby slide was far less slippery than usual and Erin really wasn’t interested in it anyway. The bigger, taller slide on the other hand, was super slippery. Once we had managed to get Erin to sit at the top, she began chuckling away to herself as she nudged herself ever closer to the precipice. Then she was gone. Laughing and giggling all the way down to the rubber floor at the end of the slide. With no other children waiting to come down the slide, I sat Erin back at the top and almost immediately she threw herself down again, laughing all the way. Then she decided that there were other things to explore. The bouncy ‘animal’ chairs didn’t hold her attention but the roundabout did. The roundabout was pure fun for her. She began by holding on, like we had told her to, then she let go and slouched back and began giggling, as her world began to blur. She laughed even harder when I finally removed her from the roundabout and stood her on the tarmac, which to her dizzied brain made her stagger in a large circle, before she collapse on the floor, smiling at her shoes. Another go on the slides and it was time to head into Watford town centre and, pretty much as soon as Erin was strapped back into the pushchair, she was asleep. We walked back up through Cassiobury Park and to Rickmansworth Road, where we went through the subway and out onto the High Street. I had purchased some new boots from ‘Shoe Zone’, the day before, and one of the rivets had popped out as I put them on, so I needed to exchange them. The lady in the shop was very helpful and they were exchanged with no problem. On handing her my receipt, she informed me that the boots I had bought had gone into the sale, so I was entitled to £5 back. Bonus!

It was at this point we decided to head home, before Erin awoke wanting her lunch.

All in all another great Sunday morning walk.

Until next time…

May it be well with you.

Guinness World Record Breakers

*BREAKING NEWS*

 

 

 

On Saturday October 20th 2012, Star Trek fans (including me) descended on London's ExCeL Centre, to try to break a Guinness World Record. The record was for 'The Largest Gathering of People Dressed as Star Trek Characters' and was held by 1,040 Trekkies at a Star Trek convention in Las Vegas, that took place in 2011.

 

 

 

Today, Friday February 8th 2013, Guinness World Records confirmed that we had indeed broken the record with 1,063 fans turning out in full costume. Woohoo! However, with another convention due in Las Vegas later this year, I am not sure how long this record will remain in England. If it does get broken I hope that Media 10 (organisers of the Destination Star Trek London convention) or another company will set up another convention, in Englnd, so that we can smash the record again.

 

 

 

Until next time...

 

 

 

Live Long and Prosper.