Site Changes

I really need to home my HTML skills and the like with this Blog, so be prepared for some cockups. I've tried to add a bit more of a Villa "feel" to it, but as there is no "test" and "uat" setup, it's all done on the fly. I've taken a backup of the code, CSS and the HTML, but it only takes one little mistake to mess up. Now, where is that HTML book Posted by BCV on 3/3/08; 3:19:38 PM from the Off topic dept. #  Discuss  Comment [0]   Trackback [0]

A Chat with Ian Astbury.

Sourced from Bullz-eye "I really felt connected with, like "War," "Ashes and Ghosts," and, I thought "Rise." Probably could have done without Nico," but it's essentially a good-written song. And "True Believers." But, again, it was all overproduced, you know. If we stripped it down and had done it more like this one ¦but, you know, everyone is an expert in hindsight. When you're going through it, you make choices on the field, and it's, like, if we all knew that, we'd all be able to go bet on the winning horse. But the criteria really for us is not so much about the commercial success of the record, it's really about the quality of it. I mean that's how I judge our work. I thought the record we put out in '94, the Cult album, the self-titled album, was probably the best record that we made of that decade, and it's been pretty much overlooked." I can't wait to see them again at the end of the month Posted by BCV on 10/2/08; 11:50:38 PM from the Off topic dept. #  Discuss  Comment [0]   Trackback [0]

Happy 11th Birthday Becky

It's always a proud moment when it's one of your kids birthdays, and today my little Princess Becky (not so little and growing up far too fast for my liking) is Eleven. She has wanted more "grown up" stuff this year like jewellery and clothes. It's always difficult with her birthday not long after Christmas, but she hasn't done bad - yet again. I can remember her little face as she was on the warning table, when she first looked about the room, back in the old Wordsley Maternity wing. The midwife hadn't got a little pink cap, only a blue one. She made up for her pink period much later. This is a photo of Becky (or should I say Rebecca Claire), at the Walsall friendly back in August. This was the first Villa game that she attended. Happy birthday Princess. Posted by BCV on 5/2/08; 12:36:08 PM from the Off topic dept. #  Discuss  Comment [0]   Trackback [0]

Funeral of 'Great Escape' veteran

From the BBC "The funeral of a veteran who took part in the prison breakout immortalised in the film The Great Escape has taken place in Shropshire.Sqn Ldr Bertram "Jimmy" James was one of 76 men who broke out of Stalag Luft Three, the supposedly escape-proof Nazi prisoner camp, in World War II. His funeral was held on Thursday in St Peter's Roman Catholic Church, Ludlow, and was led by Father Jim Robinson. Sqn Ldr James, 92, died earlier this month at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital. His coffin, draped with the Union Jack and military standards, stood at the front of the church." What a great age this brave man lived too. Despite heavy odds during the War, he lived to the fine old age, and finally he left his life as a true hero. I'm glad that he had a full Military send off, as there is no one that can deny that he deserved it. RIP Squadron leader. Posted by BCV on 2/2/08; 9:24:52 PM from the Off topic dept. #  Discuss  Comment [0]   Trackback [0]

Lions Across The Prairies

"Mr Hanks is in very good company as a Villa fan. HRH Prince William of Wales; 'HRH' Ozzy Osbourne - Prince of Darkness, not to mention Bubba, Flaybag, Beer-Monster, Atty, Smurf, Daz, Duck, Bappa et al from Black Country Villa. Welcome to B6 Tom, hope to see you soon?" It seems that Big Dek stil loves his Blogging, it seems that the Old Crew are still getting a mention. Check out his Lions Across the Prairies -  do you think that he is missing us already :¬) Congrats to Rog and Marg too -  I wonder if they have 100 balloons to blow up yet!!!! Posted by BCV on 14/1/08; 6:24:37 PM from the Off topic dept. #  Discuss  Comment [0]   Trackback [0]

Belated New Year

Belated New Year to all Villans out there. I've not done much again with the Blog, you can even see that we have a new Italian Manager for the National side since the debarcle that became the Croatia game. I'm not too fussed to be honest, I feel that we need the best man for the job, and in Capello, we have the man with the most impressive CV. Lets hope that he ignores the Press and does it, like his fellow Italian Sinatra - His Way. At least the dosh that I was using for the Austro-Swiss Expedition can be utilised elsewhere -  even though I didn't have it in the first place. On the Villa front, after a pretty shite December, by Novembers' standards anyway, the Villa are applying themselves quite well. I'm sure that when we draw Manure in the FAC3 next year, we should be in a position to finally beat the most obnoxious bunch of arseholes that you could ever come across. The dreaded lurgy set in for me at the start of the Year. My Doc reckons another 2 weeks to get back to being "normal". But on a side note,  there has been a couple of deaths in the family - one expected and one not. Unbelievably, they were Husband and Wife and with in 2 days of each other. This seems to have placed a bit of a cloud of the start of 2008. I suppose that things can only get better. Posted by BCV on 11/1/08; 5:57:51 PM from the Off topic dept. #  Discuss     Trackback [0]

Into the Valley - In Memory of British Casualties in Iraq

Into the Valley is one of my favourite tracks that was originally performed by the Scottish band The Skids. This was an anthem in the punk era that was to become a classic. Sung by Richard Jobson, backed by a pounding rhythm section, along with of course the screaming guitar of the genius that was Stuart Adamson,  this rocketed up the charts and has been one of their most notable tracks. Here is another rendition. This is voiced by Jobson, but although the same song, arranged entirely differently. This is his tribute to the fallen British Servicemen, that have paid the ultimate price in the Iraq War, otherwise known as Bush's quest for oil. This version is thought provoking and moving, and shows the real faces to the statistics that get published in the Media. I just hope that they price that they and their families have paid is not in vain. Into the Valley Betrothed and divine Realisations no virtue But who can define Why soldiers go marching Those masses a line This disease is catching From victory to stone Ahoy! Ahoy! Land, sea and sky Ahoy! Ahoy! Boy, man and soldier Ahoy! Ahoy! Deceived and then punctured Ahoy! Ahoy! Long may they die Out of concealment Blank and stark eyed Why so uncertain This culture deceives Prophesised, brainwashed Tomorrow's demise All systems failing The placards unroll Ahoy! Ahoy! Land, sea and sky Ahoy! Ahoy! Boy, man and soldier Ahoy! Ahoy! Deceived and then punctured Ahoy! Ahoy! Long may they die Time for the audit The gathering trial A collectors dilemma Repositioned and filed The cost will be with them all forever.To all of them, our debt cannot ever be repaid. It is Remembrance Day soon. Please never forget what these people have done and continue to do for us. RIP - Heroes to a man. Posted by BCV on 26/10/07; 7:39:15 PM from the Off topic dept. #  Discuss  Comment [0]   Trackback [0]

Vatican publishes Knights Templar papers - Yahoo! News

From Yahoo News "VATICAN CITY - It's not the Holy Grail, but for fans of "The Da Vinci Code" and its tantalizing story line about the Knights Templar, it could be the next best thing. Ignored for centuries, documents about the heresy trial of the ancient Christian order discovered in the Vatican's secret archives are being published in a limited edition -- with an $8,377 price tag. They include a 14th-century parchment showing that Pope Clement V initially absolved the Templar leaders of heresy, though he did find them guilty of immorality and planned to reform the order, according to the Vatican archives Web site. But pressured by King Philip IV of France, Clement later reversed his decision and suppressed the order in 1312. Only 799 copies of the 300-page volume, "Processus Contra Templarios," -- Latin for "Trial against the Templars" -- are for sale, said Scrinium publishing house, which prints documents from the Vatican's secret archives. Each will cost $8,377, the publisher said Friday." Now whilst the DVC has some artistic licence and the Roman Catholic Church condemning any of Dan Browns mixture of theories was the obvious response, it seems that the Boys in Rome have decided to flog off these "parchments" that explains the "reason" that the Templars were hunted down. Amazing that they are something that they were chastising only a year or so ago, now seems to be coming a revenue stream. Obviously it comes with their usual propaganda, but would you expect anything else. Perhaps the Templars as suspected, had the largest criminal organisation in the World by the short and curlies so to speak. Posted by BCV on 17/10/07; 9:12:53 PM from the Off topic dept. #  Discuss (2 responses)  Comment [2]   Trackback [0]

Battlestar Galactica: Razor

November will see the pre cursor to what will be the 4th andfinal instalment of Battlestar Galactica. BSG:RAZOR is a miniseries in it's own right and the details are as below. In my opnion the best Sci-Fi series since StarTrek: DS9. No surprise that Ronald D Mooreis heavily involved with both of them. There is a new trailer below on YouTube. From Wiki Battlestar Galactica: Razor is the title of an upcoming television film of the re-imagined Battlestar Galactica television series airing on the United States' Sci FiChannel on Saturday, November 24, 2007, at 8pm EST. Sci Fi Channel confirmed on March 21, 2007 that part of the show'srenewal for a fourth season of 22 episodes includes a television film to be released sometime in the fall of 2007. The film will comprise two of the 22 episodes and will be shown on SciFi. Since original series creator Glen A. Larson still holds all film rights regarding the show,"Razor" will be aired first on television but will be quickly released to DVD on December 4, 2007, 10 days after the airing oncable television. The DVD version will be an extended cut andinclude extras such as the cast members discussing their favorite episodes. "Razor" technically comprises the first two episodes ofthe fourth season, and is sold internationally as such, but inpractice it is intended to be a stand-alone film. SciFi.com also allowed fans to choose the cover art for the DVD release. Posted by BCV on 15/10/07; 4:44:58 PM from the Off topic dept. #  Discuss  Comment [0]   Trackback [0]

Escape from New York

Well not an escape as such, but a return. I've been in the States for the last week, well actually based in Mahwah, New Jersey, where my cousin Paul is living at the moment (an Englishman in New Jersey?). Many thanks to him actually for keeping the fridge well stocked with beer, and not just a roof over my head. There was a couple of nights in Manhattan too overnight. Arrived at Heathrow on Thursday night after a pleasant Virgin Atlantic crossing. I was a little concerned when on the runway at JFK, the plane did a U-Turn, with computer issues! The flight was just only over 6 hours, due to the Jet Stream, that also brought unseasonable weather to NYC, of 15 degrees Celsius over the norm. I would say that it has been the most humid place that I have ever been to.  On landing, Heathrow ATC decided that they had messed up the allocation of the stands and we had to sit on the apron for another hour and ten minutes. Now. I've been delayed on the way out before, but never after landing!! That's just a minor glitch on the trip. Managed to catch the Villa also in New York at the home of the NYC Villans, at Nevada Smiths. There were quite a few Kit Stealers in there, but we had the last laugh with another goal from a former Youth Team player and also one of our very own.. After the success of the English Rugger team too, Paul and me had a good session in Downtown Manhatten (we also had a good session the night before too). If there is anywhere to have a good time, this was the place. Hopefully, I'll get some of the pics off the camera sorted and post some of the best ones. I'd like to thank the New Jersey Transit rail network too. These guys are there on the money everytime, and having to have to be in and out the city from NYC Penn Station quite a bit this week, they never let me down. New York really is the city that never sleeps. It's everything you ever expect it to be and a lot, lot more.   Check out the view from Mahwah, but it's one that you can't see from the Turnpike. Posted by BCV on 12/10/07; 4:45:26 AM from the Off topic dept. #  Discuss  Comment [0]   Trackback [0]

Shoulder Update

It's been 2 weeks since the Op now, and I've returned to see my consultant (on Monday). He is very pleased with the outcome of the Operation. It seems that the procedure that he has undertaken this time, seems to have created a lot more freedom in the joint than there was before. He explained that due to the previous procedure, there was a lot of knotted scar tissue on the Supraspinatus tendon (see here for details on Rotator Cuff repairs). The tear was fixed, but somehow there was a lot of scar tissue development. This has been removed. He also removed some of the Bursae as this had thickened and performed a small amount of acromioplasty, which is essentially a slight grinding of the underside of the acromion bone of the shoulder, in order to create more space and aid movement. I'm told that with repeated physio, that I should be back to near enough normal in 4 weeks. I still am unable to drive at the minute until the Physiotherapist gives me the all clear and that there is significant strength and movement to allow this. At the moment there is still some inflammation and bruising in the area so this is a week or 2 away yet. There is still some residual discomfort, especially when the shoulder is tired. I have been given the all clear to remove the sling that I have had to wear for 2 weeks, only needed now when I feel the need. Wiki details the procedure as: Arthroscopy (also called arthroscopic surgery) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure in which an examination and sometimes treatment of damage of the interior of a joint is performed using an arthroscope, a type of endoscope that is inserted into the joint through a small incision. Arthroscopic procedures can be performed either to evaluate or to treat many orthopaedic conditions including torn floating cartilage, torn surface cartilage, ACL reconstruction, and trimming damaged cartilage. The advantage of arthroscopy over traditional, open surgery is that the joint does not have to be opened up fully. Instead, only two small incisions are made - one for the arthroscope and one for the surgical instruments. This reduces recovery time and may increase the rate of surgical success due to less trauma to the connective tissue. It is especially useful for professional athletes, who frequently injure knee joints and require fast healing time. There is also less scarring, because of the smaller incisions. The surgical instruments used are smaller than traditional instruments. Surgeons view the joint area on a video monitor, and can diagnose and repair torn joint tissue, such as ligaments and menisci. Arthroscopy is used for joints of the knee, shoulder, elbow, wrist, ankle and hip. Some details in pictures are below. Click on the pics to show full size. The first picture shows the joints and bits involved. The second is similar to the picture above and shows the "tools" involved and the third is akin to the pictures that I was shown of the inside of my shoulder yesterday, showing the "shaver" about to do its job.       Posted by BCV on 25/9/07; 2:50:22 PM from the Off topic dept. #  Discuss  Comment [0]   Trackback [0]

The Cult Gets Back To Basics On 'Born Into This'

The Cult September 17, 2007, 11:30 AM ET Wes Orshoski, N.Y. If the Cult's 2001 reunion album, "Beyond Good and Evil," was a heavily produced, muscular rock affair, the band took the opposite approach on the forthcoming "Born Into This," due Oct. 2 via New Wilderness/Roadrunner. The Cult cut the disc in 36 days with a mind toward re-embracing its punk-rooted past. "Our last record, with all respect to [producer] Bob Rock ... we were guilty as much as he was, it was an overproduced record. We just went too far with it. It took about a year-and-a-half to make [and] an exorbitant amount of money," singer Ian Astbury tells Billboard.com. "This one was far more economic. We didn't want to get entrenched in debates of whether this is working or is this not working. If anything got a little bit drawn out, we just moved on to the next track." The band, now featuring bassist Chris Wyse (Ozzy Osbourne) and drummer John Tempesta (Exodus, White Zombie), began demoing the disc in Argentina last year, and completed the core of the album over three weeks in West Hollywood, co-producing with Youth. Astbury says the new album is also much more personal lyrically, based on experiences he's collected splitting time between London and New York and traveling to India, the inspiration behind the track "Holy Mountain." "Going there put a boot up my ass," he says. "When you see people at that level of poverty and what they make of their lives and that humility and humbleness, it wakes you up. All the nonsense we go through each day, it's like the MTV awards the other day in Las Vegas -- that was obscene. Anybody who says that is cool needs their head examined." "Born Into This" is the first album since the departure of drummer Matt Sorum, now one-fifth of Velvet Revolver. With Sorum gone, it became easier and somewhat of a no-brainer to adopt a more indie rock approach, says Astbury. "Matt's a very grand figure, and a very theatrical figure. He's a big guy and he holds a lot of space. A lot of our songs -- especially the stuff we've been writing recently -- we broke the kit right down, and made it smaller," he says. "The kind of beats that I was going for were tribal beats, more punk rock, more direct. At some point, I got out the drum kit and started banging out some beats myself." "These songs are filled with experience," he continues. "It's a passionate record with intent. It's full of real events, real observations and real people. All the ingredients were retained in making this record. We didn't filter it out. It's a real, true Cult record." My copy is already on order !! Posted by BCV on 24/9/07; 3:02:28 PM from the Off topic dept. #  Discuss  Comment [0]   Trackback [0]

Lions Across The Prairies

Well Big Dek is finally across the pond in Canada. Seems that  He, Carla and the kids have dropped in a nice place. He's blogging now to keep us all updated. I'm sure that Deccas' musings will be at the forefront, would you expect anything less. All the best to you all Dek -  keep us posted. Posted by BCV on 22/9/07; 9:48:30 AM from the Off topic dept. #  Discuss  Comment [0]   Trackback [0]

Shoulder Arthroscopy - Again!

I'm in some discomfort at the minute, but the pain is worth it if my shoulder is finally sorted out. Last Saturday, I had an arthroscopic procedure preformed on my left shoulder, the second time in the last 2 years. The initial operation was done to repair a rotator-cuff tear, and to smooth the underside of my shoulder bone that for some reason had some bone deposits underneath, which was causing the tendons to "scratch" and inflame. I've had this for possibly 6-7 years, and after several cortisone injections, this could only be fixed by surgery. This last operation has just cleared out some scar tissue and some modification to the shoulder Bursa. Physio is going well and I have a lot more movement at this stage than I had last time, due to the fact that because of the tear last time around, I had to immobilise the shoulder completely. At the min, apart from the aching, especially after sleeping on it, all seems to be improving quite well. Here are a few pics of what a similar procedure has been done on someone else.        Posted by BCV on 17/9/07; 10:14:56 AM from the Off topic dept. #  Discuss (2 responses)  Comment [2]   Trackback [0]

Blues want a New Stadium - Vote NON!!!!

Tell you what, those clowns of the Small Heath Alliance over the South side of the City have been on the funny juice again. Not happy with their Meccano ground as it is, they are asking Joe Public to sign a petition to the Government, to support a new stadium in the Birmingham City boundaries, so that they can have a nice new ground to play football in. I quote: Birmingham City Football Club is asking you to show your backing for the project by signing a petition on the 10 Downing Street website by clicking here http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/BhamStadium/ and entering your details. Now, I'm not the best at English Grammer myself, but surely it should be "Birmingham City Football Club are asking you ... ", rather than "Birmingham City Football Club is asking you". And get this: As well as providing a new home for the club, a state-of-the-art stadium would create thousands of jobs in the local economy, in addition to providing sports and leisure facilities for the city as a whole. So whether you're a Birmingham City Football Club supporter or just somebody who believes that Britain's second city deserves a sporting arena of which they can be rightfully proud, please get signing today and also encourage your friends, relatives and workmates to do the same. Well I for one encourage any sane people out there, to petition their MP for a refusal of this madness. They can't fill the ground that they have now at any point, nevermind one that is supposed to be the show piece of Britains Second City.  If you want a laugh and read the full article, click on the title banner. Perhaps the stadium, could be sponsored by Billy Smart and they can send in the Clowns. Posted by BCV on 26/7/07; 6:01:36 PM from the Off topic dept. #  Discuss  Comment [0]   Trackback [0]

Happy 12th Birthday Luke

This is an old photo of Luke from the season before last playing for his football team., as I haven't uploaded some new ones recently. Anyway, Happy 12th Birthday to Luke. It seems like yesterday, that Luke was born in Wordsley Hospital. Like all kids, once they reach 10, they  seem to grow up really fast. He's had a new bike and a new Walkman phone too. I remember having Action Men at his age. How times change. Can I also place a quick apology to Becks. With my lack of Blogging, I missed her 10th birthday in February, so belated love goes to her too. We're all off for a meal tonight at Nandos in Dudley. Posted by BCV on 25/7/07; 6:17:32 PM from the Off topic dept. #  Discuss  Comment [0]   Trackback [0]

Big Country - The Resurrection

Last night saw the resurrection of the Greatest Band in history. With the sad death of Stuart Adamson, I never thought that I would see this day again, but the remaining 3 members have decided after all this time that they have something to offer collectively once again. Glasgow saw the band start off their new dates and they are coming south of the border during September. I can't wait for this to be honest, it will brilliant to see the lads jamming together once again. Tony Butler has taken on reigns of Lead vocals, something that he is not to unfamiliar with in his own solo projects and Bruce Watson has combined his and Stuarts roles in the lead guitar pieces. Dr Roboto is his brillaint self as always. I wasn't sure how this would go down, but looking at these Youtube clips, the Boys are back in Town. Best of luck lads and look forward to seeing you on the 7th September. Posted by BCV on 21/7/07; 7:13:49 PM from the Off topic dept. #  Discuss  Comment [0]   Trackback [0]

The Hunters Club on MySpace

I've not got a MySpace website, but browsing through, I found one for The Hunters Club. Saw these guys a fair few times in the 80's and they were rather entertaining to say the least. Their Anthem, "Welcome to my Island of Lies and deceit", was a Goth/Grebo tune that rivalled Crazyheads' "What gives you the idea that you're so amazing Baby" I'm not sure if they plan to tour again, but I bet that the Drum Machine that they used, is now appearing on the Antiques Roadshow. The following is a small bio, that is actually on Wikipedia: Band Members    Otis Oblivion - Vocals Rikki Torrent - Electric Wah & Fuzztone Guitars Django Slydog - Electric Snakeneck & Overdrive Guitars Influences    Jack Daniels Record Label    Trashcan Type of Label    Indie The Hunters Club were a British grebo goth rock band that formed in Leicester, England. They were the darlings of the press and the media in the UK, during the mid 1980's. The band known as the Black Hole of Rock'n'Roll were named after a short-lived Judge Dredd sub-plot in the sci-fi comic 2000AD, which - with bizarre-timing - re-surfaced years later just as the band split up. They trawled across Europe with Gaye Bykers on Acid, camping out between gigs and getting strip-searched by suspicious customs officers when their tatty van pulled up at border checkpoints. The last song on the Give Me Your Soul E.P. was originally recorded for [[Radio One]] at the BBC Maida Vale Studios. The Hunters Club folded in 1991 signing off with Burnt Alive, a live album on death-metal label Pigs Ear. Otis Oblivion's verdict (Ian Redhead)? - "It was awful," he said. He now runs Stayfree, an Internet Service Provider and labyrinth of rehearsal rooms, in Conduit Street, Leicester, U.K., Ian also managed local bands during the early 1990's; notably The Scum Pups, the the Stayfree Records label. Founder member Simon Crane is now big in new media after years as deputy editor of the Leicester Mercury. Posted by BCV on 19/7/07; 11:00:51 PM from the Off topic dept. #  Discuss  Comment [0]   Trackback [0]

Battlestar Galactica an Essay - Success versus Art

I found this Essay in the new series of Battlestar Galactica a while ago, and thought that I would share this out. If you haven't seen this series, then you have missed what has become class viewing. The plots, inter-plots, the standard of acting and last but not least the gorgeous Cylon women, add to what I think is probably the best Sci-Fi series that have ever been produced -  and I'ma big fan of Star Trek too. Although based on the old 07's series, this moves the plot on leaps and bounds, and is very dark. Dealing with issues such as rape torture, terrorism, strange beliefs, govermental control, religious fanatacism  and much more,  this seems to echo a lot of what goes on in normal life, and the fears that perhaps the Human Race as a whole at the moment. Series 4, will be the climax, and is due at end of the year. If you've not seen it, then it's your loss. Click on the TitleBar -  this is one persons view on things. He's added the best of moments in his opnion. These are listed below What are the most memorable moments from BSG? In no particular order (and in our "expert" opinion)    1.The opening, beautifully shot sequence of the cylons first destroying the emissary station and breaking the armistice.    2.Six breaking the neck of the baby in the stroller on Caprica and later sheltering Baltar in the nuclear blast.    3.Helo giving up his "seat" on the raptor for Baltar on Caprica.    4.The entire episode of "33" but especially the Olympic Carrier.    5.Boomer ignoring the signal for water in the raptor and then nearly blowing herself up.    6.Starbuck going renegade to get the Arrow of Apollo    7.Starbuck's doctor on Caprica when you know he's a cylon but you refuse to believe it.    8.Roslin announcing that aborting embryos will be punished for the good of the fleet.  Posted by BCV on 10/7/07; 8:47:06 PM from the Off topic dept. #  Discuss  Comment [0]   Trackback [0]

Planned visit to Estonia

Well the flights are booked and the accommodation is now sorted for a planned sortie to the beautiful country of Estonia for the England qualifying game in June. We have some apartments in the old part of the City of Tallin, overlooking the main square where the tourists congregate. Never been there before, but one of the lads that we are going with has been many times and raves about the place. He has managed to get the apartments through friends that he knows out there. The only issue that we have now are tickets, so if there is anyone out there that knows of a source for 4 tickets, good prices paid, let me know. Would be a real shame if we go all that way and not get the chance to get in the game. Well, maybe not that bad. Posted by BCV on 21/3/07; 1:07:13 PM from the Off topic dept. #  Discuss  Comment [0]   Trackback [0]

Big Country - 25th Aniversary Year

This year marks the 25th Aniversary of the formation of the band. It's good to see that the boys are still really good mates and are looking to get together in some form or other this year. Despite the loss of Stuart, these are 3 talented guys that have been doing a lot of stuff individually over the past few years or so. I have seen the Casbah Club with Bruce and Mark in on 2 occasions, and they all still have a lot to offer. They are never going to be "Big Country" again, but with guys like these on the scene, then. I for one, am looking with interest as to this years offerings. A post from Tony Butler is onthe news page at www.bigcountry.co.uk dated the 7th March 2007: .......I'd just like to add the following. After having the great pleasure of playing with Mark again last December, I became ambitious to get together with Bruce and Mark to play and see what kind of noise we would make. There has been a lot of talk about various activities and I'm sure you are all aware of how reluctant I have been about engaging in anything up until now. The past is the past and it is to be respected, but there is still a future and that future involves me playing and writing (preferably with my mates). So, it is our intention to enjoy each others company in a rehearsal studio for a day. What happens after will be down to how we feel and professional consultation with Ian Grant. We are all looking forward to this get together and we look forward to letting you know how it goes. Cheers, TB This is on the back of a Statement from Bruce Watson on the 2nd of February: As most of you know, from time to time over the last few years I have worked on a number of projects with a wide range of musicians. Fish, Dead Men Walking, The Casbah Club and 4GM to name four. I enjoyed every minute of it all but have come to realise that none of these will ever eclipse my days with Big Country. So, I have decided to step back from all other activities for the time being and just spend my time working on Big Country projects. This is our 25th anniversary year and with Tony, Mark and our manager Ian Grant, we are going to be celebrating the achievement in as many ways as possible. Whether it be doing promotional work on CD/DVD releases or possibly even working live, all my attention will be given to Big Country. Tony, Mark and I will be getting together in a studio real soon to play together. We have not done this since 2000. I thank all the musicians I have worked with over the past six years for enabling me to share some magical moments with them. Posted by BCV on 7/3/07; 4:47:37 PM from the Off topic dept. #  Discuss  Comment [0]   Trackback [0]

It's Spamming Time

Big thanks to Steve for helping me out with the spam attack on my Blog. There have been some scruplious members joining up and some even trying again they have been removed by the good man himself. What these people do for kicks is beyond me, but at least it keeps Steve happy if nothing else! Spam (or Spamming) An inappropriate attempt to use a mailing list, or USENET or other networked communications facility as if it was a broadcast medium (which it is not) by sending the same message to a large number of people who didn't ask for it. The term probably comes from a famous Monty Python skit which featured the word spam repeated over and over. The term may also have come from someone's low opinion of the food product with the same name, which is generally perceived as a generic content-free waste of resources. (Spam® is a registered trademark of Hormel Corporation, for its processed meat product.) Thanks to Steves' endeavour. they have been well and truely zapped  -  for now! Posted by BCV on 2/3/07; 9:28:19 PM from the Off topic dept. #  Discuss  Comment [0]   Trackback [0]

Cover of In a Big Country

Upon checking www.bigcountry.co.uk, for one of my weekly visits, there was a post that has been added regarding a cover of the Big Country track, In a Big Country. I'm not sure who these guys are, but their cover is spot and a fitting tribute to Stuart Adamson, this month being the 5th Aniversary of his sad death. You can find the track here Posted by BCV on 29/12/06; 10:42:42 PM from the Off topic dept. #  Discuss  Comment [0]   Trackback [0]

Off to Wales for the Week

Sorry for the lack of updates, not having the time at the minute, as there is a lot going on. Luke, Becky and me are off to Wales next week canoeing and hill walking with friends. This willl be on the Llyn Gwynant lake. We are hoping to do some walking, depending on the weather and perhaps even might try and walk Snowdon. This time last year was a great break, away from the hustle and bother of the normal stuff that goes on. We are back for a week and then off to Cyprus to round of the school holidays before Luke goes to senior school. Will get some of the pics posted on here when we get back. On the Villa front it's gone quiet again. However, I'm sure that things will hot up once one if the indicitive bids are on the table. Posted by BCV on 13/8/06; 12:05:38 PM from the Off topic dept. #  Discuss     Trackback [0]

I'm Back

You never thought that you had got rid of me for good did you? Well after a fantastic trip to Germany, not just the footy, but the weather, the people, the food and most important, the beer, I've returned to Blogging with a new Dell Inspiron 6400 laptop and a wireless network. Its a great bit of kit, but I'm sure that the kids will collar it far too much. The new house is under way mortgage wise. In the meantime, there are trips planned for canoeing in Snowdonia and guests at a wedding for a good mate of mine in Cyprus. Oh and the Villa - haven't renewed my season ticket. I honestly thought that I would have pains of guilt and regret. Well, I have none. I feel like a reformed alcoholic with a huge weight lifted off my shoulders. Have no inclination to see any of the friendlies that have been arranged locally or any other game. I'm sure that I will go at some point, but they are far away from my thoughts at the moment, which is probably a good thing seeing the laughing stock that we are.  On a sad note, deepest sympathies to Nige, Jackie, Nat and James on the death