AT LAST Sunday, Jan 21 2007

Well I think I’ve done it!
It’s been a long haul. It’s taken me to the edge. It’s taken over my life for so long. It’s been a goal I’ve strived for. It’s really taken it out of me. But I think I’ve done it. I’ve learnt how to use my computer. I’ve learnt how to handle the internet.
I know. All you geeks out there are thinking it’s child’s play. But I’m fifty one and a long term M.E. sufferer. Concentration itself can have a physical effect on me. But I think I’ve done it.
It’s taken about six months. After all, I’d heard of blogs and websites and things. But I’d never been on one. I’ve been a life-long believer in steam powered typewriters. I’ve written dozens of books on them and thought they would do. But the world moves on, and so, I decided, should I – or I might as well pack in the craft.
And I think I’ve done it.
Blogging was the easiest to learn, and I’ve been doing that for a few months now. But the websites were a different matter. I had help, but I’m afraid html and other linguistic oddities are beyond me. But now, I’ve discovered page builders.
Yes, I know. All you geeks out there think they’re for kiddies. But I like them. I LOVE them. The other day I even created a box on them!
It was a Churchillian moment. After all, one of his greatest personal achievements was building a brick wall. Well I’ve built a box. On a little, titchy page builder. I’m ecstatic, and I think I’ve done it.
Until my advisor showed me Flash.
I THINK I’ve done it.

© Anthony North, Jan 2007

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BIG BOTHER Thursday, Jan 18 2007

Big Brother is in the spotlight again – this time regarding racism. It seems that some less attractive girls are picking on the pretty one. But because the victim is Indian, racial discrimination has reared its ugly head.
To make such a claim against the bullies is to imply they are racist. Is there any history of racism in their past? If there is, the charge might be correct. If there isn’t, I’m afraid we’re dealing with simple human nature.
It is a story that has been repeated millions of times and will continue to occur for as long as we are human. A number of less good looking girls are displaying jealousy and ignorance against a better looking one.
Indeed, one girl was bullied far more, by men, in the last Celebrity Big Brother. But because she was white and not particularly popular, there was no fuss. But include the racial mix and politicians and protest follow.
I feel for Shilpa Shetty. The bullying she is being exposed to is vile. But to cause mass protests in India and questions in Parliament is a gross over-exaggeration. We need commonsense rather than overreacting to symbols.
The fuss diverts us from the real issues of the day, AND the real racists. We spend so much time on cases like this simply to make the point. But this dilutes the issue and allows the real racists to get away with it.

© Anthony North, Jan 2007

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THE ROCK DAYS Monday, Jan 8 2007

Bowie is sixty. Do you read this right? David Bowie – rock god – is sixty! When I saw him on TV last year, I even thought he was daddy dancing. It shouldn’t be allowed – not his dancing; his ageing.
In my early days he was one of my heroes, along with Hendrix and Led Zep. I was just out of school, just discovering the pleasures of the female, and just learning how to play guitar. I never advanced past a dozen chords, but I had feeling. I could do all sorts with those chords, AND the guitar. So guess what. I ended up in a band.
Bowie inspired me then, along with the others I mention. Hey Joe, Communication Breakdown and Gene Jenie were definites when I played. I tried to play as loud as I could, but I only had 100 watts, and the village and school halls couldn’t take it – nor the cranky old teachers or caretakers. But I was a rock god then – in my dreams.
In later life, I’ve been told that my performances were enthusiastic. OK, I wasn’t brilliant, but as I said, I had feeling. I was once pulled off stage by some screaming female fans. I never accepted it was a set-up – a joke. Life’s too cruel.
I dreamt of making it; of showing the world my talent. I was part of the generation that changed attitudes; brought in the new world for a new millennium. I hope you’ll forgive me for that. But I never made it as a rock god. Not like Bowie.
It’s strange when you think about it. He was my hero, but he never knew I existed. I guess ultimate success would be him knowing that I do. But Bowie is sixty. Can you believe that? Still, in the end me and Bowie DID have something in common.
We aged.

© Anthony North, Jan 2007

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