Each evening, on Radio 2, at about 5.30, Simon Mayo does a piece called "Homework Sucks"; where listeners ask for help to solve a 'homework' related problem.
Each time he introduces the segment, he starts the theme to what must be one of the most iconic childrens' soap operas of the 80s.
It makes me smile each time I hear it.
The theme to Grange Hill
Friday, April 30, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Swimming Gala
The tension was mounting. The voices echoing around the pool.
The children were changed and waiting in their teams.
The parents were hustling for seats in the grandstand!
The school swimming gala was moments away.
As a parent, with two boys selected to take part, I sat, nervously patient, for the first race to get underway.
There were 31 races (single length) to get through, and it has to be said the organisation was spot on.
It was great to see all the teachers supporting this event (their pupils) fighting it out in the water.
So how did the boys do? My middle son went first, in the breast-stroke. He's not the sportiest of boys, and he was as surprised as us to be picked - we used that to his advantage; building him up and giving him confidence.
He swam a great race, and although he didn't win, he gave it his best shot.
My oldest son was set to anchor two relays.
Race one - just the boys, and he brought it home in style; hardly a sweat!!
Race two - mixed. Girls first, handing off to the boys. It's safe to say it wasn't a great start, and by the end of the second leg they were in trouble. However, it wasn't over, and the first of the boys managed to catch up.
Number one son dived into action, and after half a length it was his to lose! He powered his way, freestyle, and comfortably won the race.
They both swam to the best of their abilities and I am so proud of them.
The children were changed and waiting in their teams.
The parents were hustling for seats in the grandstand!
The school swimming gala was moments away.
There were 31 races (single length) to get through, and it has to be said the organisation was spot on.
It was great to see all the teachers supporting this event (their pupils) fighting it out in the water.
So how did the boys do? My middle son went first, in the breast-stroke. He's not the sportiest of boys, and he was as surprised as us to be picked - we used that to his advantage; building him up and giving him confidence.
He swam a great race, and although he didn't win, he gave it his best shot.
My oldest son was set to anchor two relays.
Race one - just the boys, and he brought it home in style; hardly a sweat!!
Race two - mixed. Girls first, handing off to the boys. It's safe to say it wasn't a great start, and by the end of the second leg they were in trouble. However, it wasn't over, and the first of the boys managed to catch up.
Number one son dived into action, and after half a length it was his to lose! He powered his way, freestyle, and comfortably won the race.
They both swam to the best of their abilities and I am so proud of them.
Glee - Vogue
Glee is rocking the country again. Total Cheese. But totally great.
Here's Vogue, from this weeks episode.
Here's Vogue, from this weeks episode.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Electric Youth
I was ruminating and cogitating about how the 'yoof' of today seem so much better at technology than I was, when I was younger.
I know most would argue that, (and I'm not disagreeing) since we are immersed in a world of gadgets, gizmos and whatnots, then it's not really a surprise. Especially as they are exposed to it through the education system.
Blackboards and chalk? No way! Nowadays it's the interactive whiteboard. In a way, this might help hold the attention span of the pupils, who would otherwise be thinking about their next 'game'.
I say it like that simply because there are so many consoles to choose from, I'm amazed there is room in the market. From the family friendly Nintendo, to the hard-core PS3 and XBox - all vying for your cash.
It's not just games. It's television too.
When I were a lad it was 3 channels and a top loading Betamax video recorder. You could set the timer seven days in advance, and the tape lasted up to 4 hours (on long play!) There's the old joke about kids setting the video quicker than their parents; but...
... Leap forward a quarter of a century, and, not only am I going grey; but it's now possible to record programmes by series, for hours on end, on machines that a 4 year old can operate (trust me, I know!!)
The DVD player isn't alien, the computer less so. Using the Wii-mote to play a game is second nature.
It's amazing, but at the same time, all this time in front of technostuff is less time outside in the fresh air!!
Is this technology bad?
Do we need it?
Does it inhibit the mental growth of our children?
Of course, the answer is "No". It isn't bad, indeed progress is good.
We don't need it; but it helps make life more efficient.
Finally - does it have a negative impact on the future generations? In my humble opinion, no; but there's a caveat to that answer.
Whilst I'm all for advancements in technology; and we have much to thank for the railways and electricity!! there has to be a balance between what it does for us, and what we do for ourselves.
I know most would argue that, (and I'm not disagreeing) since we are immersed in a world of gadgets, gizmos and whatnots, then it's not really a surprise. Especially as they are exposed to it through the education system.
Blackboards and chalk? No way! Nowadays it's the interactive whiteboard. In a way, this might help hold the attention span of the pupils, who would otherwise be thinking about their next 'game'. I say it like that simply because there are so many consoles to choose from, I'm amazed there is room in the market. From the family friendly Nintendo, to the hard-core PS3 and XBox - all vying for your cash.
It's not just games. It's television too.
When I were a lad it was 3 channels and a top loading Betamax video recorder. You could set the timer seven days in advance, and the tape lasted up to 4 hours (on long play!) There's the old joke about kids setting the video quicker than their parents; but...... Leap forward a quarter of a century, and, not only am I going grey; but it's now possible to record programmes by series, for hours on end, on machines that a 4 year old can operate (trust me, I know!!)
The DVD player isn't alien, the computer less so. Using the Wii-mote to play a game is second nature.
It's amazing, but at the same time, all this time in front of technostuff is less time outside in the fresh air!!
Is this technology bad? Do we need it?
Does it inhibit the mental growth of our children?
Of course, the answer is "No". It isn't bad, indeed progress is good.
We don't need it; but it helps make life more efficient.
Finally - does it have a negative impact on the future generations? In my humble opinion, no; but there's a caveat to that answer.
Whilst I'm all for advancements in technology; and we have much to thank for the railways and electricity!! there has to be a balance between what it does for us, and what we do for ourselves.
Introducing BlackBerry 6
I couldn't resist posting this - for BlackBerry lovers everywhere, this is a preview of the new look, just around the corner.
It's fresh, familiar, looks easy to use, and fun too.
According to Research In Motion (RIM) the makers of BlackBerry, it should be available in the second half of this year - but I wait without baited breath. Version 5 took a while to propogate the various telecoms providers.
This looks like it keeps the best of BlackBerry, adding some new features, and modernising the look and feel along the way.
Will this help maintain RIM's commercial performance - on the basis of this video, it certainly looks like it could.
It's fresh, familiar, looks easy to use, and fun too.
According to Research In Motion (RIM) the makers of BlackBerry, it should be available in the second half of this year - but I wait without baited breath. Version 5 took a while to propogate the various telecoms providers.
This looks like it keeps the best of BlackBerry, adding some new features, and modernising the look and feel along the way.
Will this help maintain RIM's commercial performance - on the basis of this video, it certainly looks like it could.
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