STARTS
This month:
Susie Townson
Safari
In the News
Marc Salem
The Lost Loch
A flying dog
Gigs this month
Graham P Jolley
Dave Arcari – again
...and a special mention. Ean Jones – thanks for your company. I had a ball!
Just so you know… This is the last newsletter before I head off on my marathon cycle from London to Paris. (So, next month’s newsletter will be a bit late because I can’t type and cycle at the same time!) I’m helping to raise cash to build a school in Zambia, where the little kids – many of them orphaned to AIDS - have to walk a twenty mile round trip each day to get their education, and then work in the fields all evening.
If you have already sponsored me, then bless you. I really do appreciate the fact that you are supporting me in what is going to be an arduous 300 mile cycle in around three days. I’ve been doing my bit and taking time off work to get on my bike, puffing and wheezing up the hills around my home town (managed 56 miles the other day, so I’m a lot more confident now!)
For those of you who have yet to sponsor me, thinking: “Oh, must do that some time…” NOW is the time to do it. Please. You can sponsor me online at www.justgiving.com/drewmcadam (You can also read the scathing comments from those who have already sponsored me.) DO bear in mind that it’s not about sponsoring me… it’s about building a simple school that, in the minds of the kids, will be greater than the finest and most imposing educational edifice that poses as a university. And you are giving a kid a chance.
If you don’t want to go online to sponsor me, then you can write a cheque made out to The U-Foundation, and send it to c/o Drew McAdam, 26a Society Place, West Calder, West Lothian, EH55 8EA. By the way, every penny that he U-Foundation receives goes straight to the project. There are NO administrative costs. Jay and the guys use their existing business staff and structure to do everything. Cool, huh?
ON SAFARI
It was glorious weather on a glorious day, so my friend, Li’l Emily and her mummy, Susan, headed off to the Safari Park. Not been to one in a while? Well do yourself a favour! The little lass certainly enjoyed seeing all the animals – and the astroglide. But, honestly, what a thrill to watch a 4-year old as she claps along with the Sea Lions. Her favourite, and mine, too. Grrrreat day out!
IT’S A BOY!
Congratulation to SUSIE TOWNSON and partner Jonny. Susie, who keeps wheeling me in front of TV production companies, gave birth to a little boy, Benjamin on April 3rd.
IN THE NEWS
This month, the Edinburgh Evening News ran an article “To inspire the public to take part in the Up Close and Personal Exhibition… an array of well known Edinburgh faces have turned their thoughts to their home city. Here they describe places which are significant to them and why...” The list comprised of Susan Morrison (Comedian and Talk 107 breakfast presenter), Karen Koren (Guilded Balloon artistic director and Fringe Festival impresario), James Thomson, (Restaurateur and a governor at George Heriot's School), Rhona Cameron, (Comic and author of The Naked Drinking Club), Alanna Knight (Detective novelist), Louise Hay (Edinburgh actress based in Los Angeles), Gary Mackay (Former Hearts midfielder who still holds the record for the highest number of appearances for the team)… and, eh, me; described as a Mindreader. Hmmm nice to be in such company, but Honestly!
Oh, and while we are on the subject, in the piece I mentioned my wonderful friend and mentor, PROFESSOR MARC SALEM. I have mentioned him in the newsletters before – and will again in the near future, with details of his forthcoming London show. But, for the moment, if you want to see a wonderful performance, here is a video of Marc when he appeared on the prestigious US 60-minutes programme.
http://www.marcsalem.com/movie.html I PROMISE you’ll enjoy it.
THE LOST LOCH
Wey-hey, a mystery solved. When I was out cycling, heading West across the Central Belt of Scotland on one of my training forays, the old track took me past a large body of water, which I had long suspected existed, but could never before work out where it was.
The story starts several years back when I was paragliding with a group of friends from the Pentland Hills, Edinburgh. I still don’t know exactly what happened that day, but there was a LOT of lift (that’s when all the air is going up the way.) We only had permission from Air Traffic Control (ATC) to fly at hill height – no higher. But for some reason, conditions were such that when I launched from the hillside I was lifted into the air and just kept going straight up. And up. There was a thin veil of cloud, and I ascended into it, and beyond. It was later reported to me that, from the ground, I just seemed to go straight up and then vanish. Tom, the school instructor, came across to my mate BILLY MCMURRAY and asked “Where’s Drew?” Billy pointed a digit skyward, Close Encounters style, and uttered the single word “Gone.”
While I was up there, I had a good look around – let’s face it, there wasn’t much else to do except panic and wonder when and if I would come back down. (?) It was strange; I was well above the thin layer of cloud, and the sun was setting There was no landscape detail, just the glimmer of the sun reflecting on the distant lochs and reservoirs. They were like pools of quicksilver on dark pewter. In that moment, caught in the breathtaking beauty of it, I was able to map out and identify each glistening, shimmering body of water. Except one…
And that was Hillend Loch, hidden away near Caldercruix, where I eventually found myself on the old railway cycle path… Mystery solved, and a wonderful memory rekindled.
LEGLESS
Do you, like me, enjoy really funny video clips? This is one of the best. Ever seen a dog levitate?
http://youtube.com/watch?v=SN77b9DqEbc
GIGS THIS MONTH
What a great month. Several of the gigs were in the most prestigious, beautiful, historic venues in the land. And I enjoyed every one of them. There was my usual after-dinner nonsense at ARDOE HOUSE, ABERDEEN, Then there was a small private party at PRESTONFIELD HOUSE in Edinburgh. That house is renowned for its grandeur, but to be honest it would be hard-pressed to beat NORWOOD HOUSE in Aberdeen.
As I was leaving, and handing over the keys, I mentioned to the receptionist that the client was paying, and that there was no extra charges. “I didn’t even use the mini bar,” said I. “Oh, that’s okay, sir, says she. “It’s complimentary.” Nooooo! I couldn’t even grab the key back and run back to the room, snatching a pillow case on the way.
After that came The MARCLIFFE HOTEL in Aberdeen for a charity fundraiser. Certainly, I had a ball at all of those, but the really Big Gig of the month was at CHELTENHAM RACECOURSE, sharing the top table with the mayors of both Gloucester and Cheltenham, after which I had to get up reeeealy early the following morning and drive back to Scotland for a gig at HOUSTON HOUSE HOTEL. As if all that were not enough, I had a cracking wee private gig at ARCHERFIELD HOUSE – unbelievable architecture and setting and fantastic staff. (Justin Timberlake had been there just a few days earlier, apparently... sorry he missed me!) Then, to round it all off, there was a gig at DEERPARK.
Having finished the last gig, I rushed through to Edinburgh, and the Sheraton Hotel. I have always wanted to see one of the stalwarts of my profession GRAHAM P JOLLEY perform. And this was my chance. My, he’s GOOD. And better, he’s good, AND funny. And as if that were not enough, he’s a really, really, nice bloke. What a laugh I had with him… and he at me! So, if ever you get the opportunity to see Graham perform, grab it with both hands.
Oh, and in between all this, I attended a meeting with BBC Radio Scotland, which may – or may not – produce something of value. I was working with a lady called Anne- she’s lovely, sensible and has a real grip on what she wants to do… it would be a fine project, I reckon.
BLUES AND BEYOND
If you even just glance at my newsletter from time to time you’ll know that I have a wonderful friend called DAVE ARCARI. I know that those of you who have seen this nutter in action, on his steel-bodied guitar – have been mightily impressed. Well, two things… This Saturday the 5th he’s performing at the Beinn Inn near Glenfarg. If you live in Scotland, and can make it to the gig… do. If you don’t live anywhere near the place – tough!
And while we’re on the subject of Anarchist Arcari, Radio Scotland is broadcasting a programme.. and here is the blurb: The programme charts Glaswegian alt.blues artist Dave Arcari’s travels round Scotland as he puts music to Burns’ Parcel of Rogues poem and searches for the poet’s influences and history behind the piece. The story starts when Arcari visits Dumfries for a gig and is inspired by the Parcel of Rogues poem recited by locals in the town’s Globe Inn – one of Burns’ favourite drinking dens and home for part of his life. After a crazy notion that Burns’ words would work in a more modern blues-based song, Arcari sets about writing a tune that would sit comfortably in his National guitar-driven bottleneck blues performance.
But to really get the vibe, he needs to understand more about the song, the poets and, of course, the 300-year-old Act of Union between Scotland and England that the Burns’ piece is centred around. The resulting music is just part of the programme, though. For as Arcari travels round Scotland talking to local historians, MSPs and other experts including legendary Scottish musician Tam White, the resulting set of opinions and ideas provide an intriguing thread through the programme. So, who were ‘the rogues’? What do some of Scotland’s main political players think Burns would have made of devolution? Did Robert Burns have the blues? And what has Dave Arcari come up with? To find out, tune into BBC Radio Scotland at 11.30am on Friday 4 May. If you're outside Scotland and want to listen, you can hear the programme online live from the BBC website - you can also listen again for a week after it goes out...see http://www.bbc.co.uk/ scotland/radioscotlandA 'proper' recording of the resulting track will be released (download only) by Buzz Records on Monday 7 May 2007 available through iTunes, eMusic and many other download stores. See www.davearcari.com for full info.
ALMOST THERE.
So that’s it. Next month is one of the busiest I am ever likely to have, including Cambridge, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Telford, Aberdeen, Belfast and three days on the Isle of Skye. And, not to forget, that charity cycle from London to Paris… See you next month, when I will be typing the May Newsletter/ Diary while balanced on a very large, well stuffed cushion.
Till then, take care!
ENDS
Monday, April 30, 2007
March 2007
(If you receive this it's because we've had some dealings in the past, you're a personal friend, or because you've expressed an interest in receiving the newsletter… or all of the above. However, if you have no wish to receive further issues - just hit reply and enter "unsubscribe" in the subject box. I won't take offence!)
www.mindplay.co.uk
Drew McAdam: MARCH 2007 NEWSLETTER
JANE INNES
DAVID TOD
DOUGLAS GILLESPIE
NEIL GRANT
FRED MACAULEY
STEVE HARLEY
LINDA RUNCIMAN
DAVE ARCARI
DOUGIE MCQUILLAN
Hello everybody!
SICK OF CYCLING
As most of you know, I’m taking part in a charity cycling trip from London to Paris in May, and have undertaken to cover the 300 miles in four days. (My friend and energetic Cockney Rebel, Steve Harley, has just cycled through Death Valley and refers to my venture as “small beans”. He might just be right; but I’m a small guy!)
Training. Training? The weather has been unbelievable here; pouring rain and gales. Even so, I have sallied forth on my bike during the breaks, and it’s proving even harder than I had imagined. Did you know that being on a bicycle makes you invisible? Just as one example, the other day I was cycling through the narrow main street of West Calder and past a traffic island. A bus driver decided that HE could fit in the space, too. And he could. Just. It was pucker factor nine for me, though! (That said, he kindly put on his hazard warning lights by way of apology.)
So, I am STILL looking for you friendly people to sponsor the cycle trip. You KNOW it’s for a great cause. Building a school in Zambia for youngsters, many of them orphans to AIDS, who have to walk ten miles every day – and back – because they are desperate for an education. And when not doing that they are working in the fields. Seems like a great cause, doncha’ think? I mean… building a REAL school. So, you can sponsor me online – dead easy – right here: www.justgiving.com/drewmcadam (You can also read the scathing comments from those who have already sponsored me.) And this is especially for those of you who were going to join me on the trip, but decided against it – for whatever reason. You know who you are! Don’t make me name you and shame you! Several people have kindly sent cheques, made out to The U-Foundation, c/o Drew McAdam, 26a Society Place, West Calder, West Lohian, EH55 8EA. By the way, every penny that he U-Foundation receiver goes straight to the project. There are NO administrative costs. Jay and the guys use their existing business staff to do everything. Cool, huh?
Oh, and talking of people joining me on the trip; DAVID TOD of Full Circle Graphics didn’t even have to be asked. He volunteered; which makes him as much of an eejit as me!
BIG thanks to all those who have already chucked a few bob into the pot. You have no idea how much I appreciate your kind thoughts and generosity. There is a short “upbeat” video where you can see the kids who will benefit, right here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWBYrXIkve4
TRICKS
Had a great little gig up at the Dunkeld Hilton – again. Fred MacAulay, Radio Scotland presenter and participant in Celebrity Fame Academy, was “doing his thing” at the same event. Good grief, he is a VERY funny man - and a nice guy, too. He was in the company of my manager, Douglas. Now, Douglas has a fine sense of humour. Just how fine is yet to be established after I managed to tack a “Kick Me” sign onto the back of his coat earlier in the evening. (A schoolboy prank, I know, but it makes ME laugh.)
A few days later, Douglas demonstrated his own (warped) sense of humour. You know those moments when a practical joke presents itself and you just HAVE to take it? Well, I was with Douglas, in his office, when somebody phoned him looking for a specific act. Give Douglas his due, he told the caller that he had a great mindreading act, and not only did he read minds, but he stopped watches, bent spoons, and so on. Douglas was taken aback when the caller said that she actually knew this person, that she had seen him work a couple of times. “It’s Drew McAdam, isn’t it?” At this point Douglas told her that he could do a wonderful impression of this Drew McAdam… The phone was then passed back and forward to me as this lady became more increasingly amazed at Douglas’ ability to perfectly impersonate me! Great fun!
NB I phoned the lady the next day to explain and apologise.
THE PAST CATCHES UP
You know those moments when you’re trying to work and some salesperson phones you? Well, every so often you get a really nice, positive, jolly person on the phone; they are a pleasure to talk to – the REAL salesperson. Well, exactly that happened to me when a salesperson for a training company called me. Within a few moments she asked what I actually did for a living, and I told her. “I was at school with you,” she informed me. And she was, too! LINDA RUNCIMAN, as she was then, is now married and living under her married name. Of course, I remember her as one of the “lookers” at North Berwick High School (waaaay too good for me!) Nice to know she is as lovely a person now as she was then!
DOUGIE McQUILLAN AND DAVE ARCARI
Those of you who know me will have heard me wax lyrical about Dougie McQuillan – the man and his music. He tells me that he is not long back from Cape Town where he went shark diving, climbed up Table Mountain and Cape Point, tried to drink all the red wine in the country and even went to see Cliff Richard. Of course, he had to stay sober for his gig, and long enough to pick up his fee. Hands up all those who think musicians have a hard life? Okay, not a hand in sight; that’s the way it should be.
And, of course, I know a few of you have already caught DAVE ARCARI do his thing – a sight and a sound to behold. Several of you have asked me when and where they can catch him in concert. He’s just back from California, but here are a few dates. Some in Scotland!)Wed 2 May – Nice n Sleazy, GlasgowSat 5 May – The Bein Inn, GlenfargMon 14 May – John Wheatley College, Glasgow (afternoon)Fri 18 May – The Moon & Sixpence, GlossopSat 19 May – The Simple Simon, WarwickSun 20 May – Katie Fitzgeralds, StourbridgeThur 24 May – Classic Grand, GlasgowFri 25 May – A K Bell Library, PerthMon 28 May – MAMAS @ The Crieff HotelSat 2 June – Ag Ol Anns An Achadh bike rally, West Calder…… and isn’t that just typical? Dave will be in West Calder. I’ll be in Paris! But, Dave, there is a key under the mat if you need a cup of coffee… but NO parties! J For more details, Dave's current gig list (always growing) can be seen at http://www.davearcari.com/
FROLICS IN FORRES
Had a great gig for some wonderful people in a little village just outside Forres. A visit to the small town gave me the opportunity of visiting my old friend (of over 30 years!) NEIL GRANT, and spending a very nice lunch time of almost three hours at the Italian restaurant of the “Mad Roman “I’ve been shot in the head, you know” Tony. (Best Italian restaurant it’s been my pleasure to frequent.)
Thank you, Jane for the opportunity of performing before your family and friends. I had a great time, and I’m sure they did, too!
Following that performance, I met up with Neil in his local; The Abbey, where the barman recognised me, and I spent another three hours bending spoons and reading minds. Tiring, but fun… and a lot easier than real work!
ENDS
www.mindplay.co.uk
Drew McAdam: MARCH 2007 NEWSLETTER
JANE INNES
DAVID TOD
DOUGLAS GILLESPIE
NEIL GRANT
FRED MACAULEY
STEVE HARLEY
LINDA RUNCIMAN
DAVE ARCARI
DOUGIE MCQUILLAN
Hello everybody!
SICK OF CYCLING
As most of you know, I’m taking part in a charity cycling trip from London to Paris in May, and have undertaken to cover the 300 miles in four days. (My friend and energetic Cockney Rebel, Steve Harley, has just cycled through Death Valley and refers to my venture as “small beans”. He might just be right; but I’m a small guy!)
Training. Training? The weather has been unbelievable here; pouring rain and gales. Even so, I have sallied forth on my bike during the breaks, and it’s proving even harder than I had imagined. Did you know that being on a bicycle makes you invisible? Just as one example, the other day I was cycling through the narrow main street of West Calder and past a traffic island. A bus driver decided that HE could fit in the space, too. And he could. Just. It was pucker factor nine for me, though! (That said, he kindly put on his hazard warning lights by way of apology.)
So, I am STILL looking for you friendly people to sponsor the cycle trip. You KNOW it’s for a great cause. Building a school in Zambia for youngsters, many of them orphans to AIDS, who have to walk ten miles every day – and back – because they are desperate for an education. And when not doing that they are working in the fields. Seems like a great cause, doncha’ think? I mean… building a REAL school. So, you can sponsor me online – dead easy – right here: www.justgiving.com/drewmcadam (You can also read the scathing comments from those who have already sponsored me.) And this is especially for those of you who were going to join me on the trip, but decided against it – for whatever reason. You know who you are! Don’t make me name you and shame you! Several people have kindly sent cheques, made out to The U-Foundation, c/o Drew McAdam, 26a Society Place, West Calder, West Lohian, EH55 8EA. By the way, every penny that he U-Foundation receiver goes straight to the project. There are NO administrative costs. Jay and the guys use their existing business staff to do everything. Cool, huh?
Oh, and talking of people joining me on the trip; DAVID TOD of Full Circle Graphics didn’t even have to be asked. He volunteered; which makes him as much of an eejit as me!
BIG thanks to all those who have already chucked a few bob into the pot. You have no idea how much I appreciate your kind thoughts and generosity. There is a short “upbeat” video where you can see the kids who will benefit, right here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWBYrXIkve4
TRICKS
Had a great little gig up at the Dunkeld Hilton – again. Fred MacAulay, Radio Scotland presenter and participant in Celebrity Fame Academy, was “doing his thing” at the same event. Good grief, he is a VERY funny man - and a nice guy, too. He was in the company of my manager, Douglas. Now, Douglas has a fine sense of humour. Just how fine is yet to be established after I managed to tack a “Kick Me” sign onto the back of his coat earlier in the evening. (A schoolboy prank, I know, but it makes ME laugh.)
A few days later, Douglas demonstrated his own (warped) sense of humour. You know those moments when a practical joke presents itself and you just HAVE to take it? Well, I was with Douglas, in his office, when somebody phoned him looking for a specific act. Give Douglas his due, he told the caller that he had a great mindreading act, and not only did he read minds, but he stopped watches, bent spoons, and so on. Douglas was taken aback when the caller said that she actually knew this person, that she had seen him work a couple of times. “It’s Drew McAdam, isn’t it?” At this point Douglas told her that he could do a wonderful impression of this Drew McAdam… The phone was then passed back and forward to me as this lady became more increasingly amazed at Douglas’ ability to perfectly impersonate me! Great fun!
NB I phoned the lady the next day to explain and apologise.
THE PAST CATCHES UP
You know those moments when you’re trying to work and some salesperson phones you? Well, every so often you get a really nice, positive, jolly person on the phone; they are a pleasure to talk to – the REAL salesperson. Well, exactly that happened to me when a salesperson for a training company called me. Within a few moments she asked what I actually did for a living, and I told her. “I was at school with you,” she informed me. And she was, too! LINDA RUNCIMAN, as she was then, is now married and living under her married name. Of course, I remember her as one of the “lookers” at North Berwick High School (waaaay too good for me!) Nice to know she is as lovely a person now as she was then!
DOUGIE McQUILLAN AND DAVE ARCARI
Those of you who know me will have heard me wax lyrical about Dougie McQuillan – the man and his music. He tells me that he is not long back from Cape Town where he went shark diving, climbed up Table Mountain and Cape Point, tried to drink all the red wine in the country and even went to see Cliff Richard. Of course, he had to stay sober for his gig, and long enough to pick up his fee. Hands up all those who think musicians have a hard life? Okay, not a hand in sight; that’s the way it should be.
And, of course, I know a few of you have already caught DAVE ARCARI do his thing – a sight and a sound to behold. Several of you have asked me when and where they can catch him in concert. He’s just back from California, but here are a few dates. Some in Scotland!)Wed 2 May – Nice n Sleazy, GlasgowSat 5 May – The Bein Inn, GlenfargMon 14 May – John Wheatley College, Glasgow (afternoon)Fri 18 May – The Moon & Sixpence, GlossopSat 19 May – The Simple Simon, WarwickSun 20 May – Katie Fitzgeralds, StourbridgeThur 24 May – Classic Grand, GlasgowFri 25 May – A K Bell Library, PerthMon 28 May – MAMAS @ The Crieff HotelSat 2 June – Ag Ol Anns An Achadh bike rally, West Calder…… and isn’t that just typical? Dave will be in West Calder. I’ll be in Paris! But, Dave, there is a key under the mat if you need a cup of coffee… but NO parties! J For more details, Dave's current gig list (always growing) can be seen at http://www.davearcari.com/
FROLICS IN FORRES
Had a great gig for some wonderful people in a little village just outside Forres. A visit to the small town gave me the opportunity of visiting my old friend (of over 30 years!) NEIL GRANT, and spending a very nice lunch time of almost three hours at the Italian restaurant of the “Mad Roman “I’ve been shot in the head, you know” Tony. (Best Italian restaurant it’s been my pleasure to frequent.)
Thank you, Jane for the opportunity of performing before your family and friends. I had a great time, and I’m sure they did, too!
Following that performance, I met up with Neil in his local; The Abbey, where the barman recognised me, and I spent another three hours bending spoons and reading minds. Tiring, but fun… and a lot easier than real work!
ENDS
February 2007
I’m gonna keep this one short. (February is always a quiet month for me, though I had great fun with gigs at, amongst others, the Glasgow Hilton and in Hinkley, Leicestershire... But there are more important things to cover here.
First of all, Happy Birthday, Mummy!
As some of you are already aware, I am training (and I use the word loosely) for a 300-mile charity cycle from London to Paris. My good friend Ean Jones, on discovering exactly what this entailed, wrote: “Please stress to people you are doing this in just 4 days, not 4 weeks! AND... if you really are (you're not, surely...SURELY??) going to do this on a bike with - in relative terms - tractor wheels, please broadcast this fact as well!”
Okay – I’ve done that. It’s NOT a jaunt to Paris, but a serious attempt to give myself leg-lesions and bottom-blisters. But it IS for a good cause. You can view a short, up-beat video here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWBYrXIkve4
Now, here’s your chance to make your mark. Just log onto www.justgiving.com/drewmcadam and you can help send me on my way. For those who already have, I thank you – you have all surprised me with your generosity and it is deeply, deeply appreciated. For those who haven’t - I would value a wee nod in my direction. This is the first – and last – time I’m doing something like this. Ever!
Now to some lighter stuff, which I hope you, enjoy.
XXX
Gladys Chucklebutty started me off on this one...
Born in the Fifties? Amazing we survived, considering that we were born to mothers who smoked and/or drank while they carried us. As though that were not bad enough, they took aspirin, ate blue cheese dressing, tuna from a can, and didn't get tested for diabetes.
Then, after that trauma, our cots – not to mention most of the toys we stuffed into our mouths - were covered with brightly coloured lead-based paints. Come to think of it, we had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, doors or cabinets. And when we rode our bikes, we had no helmets. Though we DID have an ice-lolly stick hitting the spokes in an attempt to make it sound like a motorcycle.
We drank water from the garden hose – or puddles if REALLY thirsty, and NOT from a designer bottle. We shared one bottle of fizzy soft drink with four friends, giving it a cursory wipe on a sleeve before each slug. And NO ONE actually died from this. If we dropped a sweet on the ground, the three-second rule applied.
We ate cakes, biscuits, crisps, chocolate, white bread and real butter washed down by full-fat soft drinks, but we weren't overweight because... WE WERE ALWAYS OUTSIDE PLAYING! Indeed, we would leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as we were back when the streetlights came on. No one was able to reach us all day. And we were O.K.
We would spend hours building our go-carts out of scraps and then ride down the hill, only to find out we forgot the brakes. After running into the bushes a few times, we learned to solve the problem.
Our dads would let us stick our heads out of car windows at speed so we could feel a 50mph wind whistling up our noses.
We didn’t have Play Stations, Nintendo's, X-boxes... no video games whatsoever. There was no 99 channels on cable, no DVD’s, no surround-sound, no mobile phones, no personal computers, no Internet or Internet chat rooms. No Bratz. No teenage soap operas... Instead, we had friends, and we went outside and found them!
We fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones and teeth - and there were no lawsuits from these accidents. We ate worms and tasted mud pies... and the worms did not live in us forever. We made up games with sticks and tennis balls, and although we were told it would happen, we did not put out very many eyes.
Instead of phoning, we actually walked to a friend's house and knocked on the door or – more likely - just yelled for them! Playground games teams were selected by one-potato, two-potato. And in school sports, not everyone made the team. Those who didn't had to learn to deal with the disappointment, and if they were determined to make the team next time, then practice! Imagine that!
AND YET - This generation has produced some of the best risk-takers, problem-solvers and inventors - ever! The past 30 years have been an explosion of innovation, imagination, and new ideas. We had freedom, failure, success and responsibility, and we actually learned how to deal with it all.
And YOU are one of them! CONGRATULATIONS!
You might want to share this with others who have had the luck to grow up as kids, before the lawyers and the government – along with the Health and Safety nazis - regulated our lives for our own good. And while you are at it, forward it to your kids so they will know how brave their parents were.
Kind of makes you want to run through the house with scissors, doesn't it?!
AND THIS FROM VARIOUS OTHER SOURCES...
I was reading this book today, The History Of Glue, and I couldn't put it down. I phoned the local ramblers club today, and this bloke just went on and on.My mate is in love with two schoolbags. He's bisatchel.So I met this bloke with a didgeridoo and he was playing Dancing Queen on it. I thought: That's Aboriginal.
XXX
You all know by now that I love quirky definitions... so here are some more, just for you...
Antelope (v): to run off with your mother’s sister.Assassination (n): an arrangement to meet a donkey.Basket (n): a short nap in the sun.Diarrhoea (n) a very unattractive bottom. Dictator (n): hilariously shaped, edible tuber.Dipthong (v): to wash a lady's undergarment. Dumpling (n): small lump of excrement. Gastronome (n): small person prone to excess wind.Innuendo (n): Italian suppository. Ostentatious: make and model of a pre-war British luxury car.Propaganda (n): a wooden support for one-legged male geese.
TOLD YOU I WAS KEEPING IT SHORT. I hope you enjoyed it, though!
Best wishes, and don’t forget www.justgiving.com/drewmcadam
Drew
First of all, Happy Birthday, Mummy!
As some of you are already aware, I am training (and I use the word loosely) for a 300-mile charity cycle from London to Paris. My good friend Ean Jones, on discovering exactly what this entailed, wrote: “Please stress to people you are doing this in just 4 days, not 4 weeks! AND... if you really are (you're not, surely...SURELY??) going to do this on a bike with - in relative terms - tractor wheels, please broadcast this fact as well!”
Okay – I’ve done that. It’s NOT a jaunt to Paris, but a serious attempt to give myself leg-lesions and bottom-blisters. But it IS for a good cause. You can view a short, up-beat video here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWBYrXIkve4
Now, here’s your chance to make your mark. Just log onto www.justgiving.com/drewmcadam and you can help send me on my way. For those who already have, I thank you – you have all surprised me with your generosity and it is deeply, deeply appreciated. For those who haven’t - I would value a wee nod in my direction. This is the first – and last – time I’m doing something like this. Ever!
Now to some lighter stuff, which I hope you, enjoy.
XXX
Gladys Chucklebutty started me off on this one...
Born in the Fifties? Amazing we survived, considering that we were born to mothers who smoked and/or drank while they carried us. As though that were not bad enough, they took aspirin, ate blue cheese dressing, tuna from a can, and didn't get tested for diabetes.
Then, after that trauma, our cots – not to mention most of the toys we stuffed into our mouths - were covered with brightly coloured lead-based paints. Come to think of it, we had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, doors or cabinets. And when we rode our bikes, we had no helmets. Though we DID have an ice-lolly stick hitting the spokes in an attempt to make it sound like a motorcycle.
We drank water from the garden hose – or puddles if REALLY thirsty, and NOT from a designer bottle. We shared one bottle of fizzy soft drink with four friends, giving it a cursory wipe on a sleeve before each slug. And NO ONE actually died from this. If we dropped a sweet on the ground, the three-second rule applied.
We ate cakes, biscuits, crisps, chocolate, white bread and real butter washed down by full-fat soft drinks, but we weren't overweight because... WE WERE ALWAYS OUTSIDE PLAYING! Indeed, we would leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as we were back when the streetlights came on. No one was able to reach us all day. And we were O.K.
We would spend hours building our go-carts out of scraps and then ride down the hill, only to find out we forgot the brakes. After running into the bushes a few times, we learned to solve the problem.
Our dads would let us stick our heads out of car windows at speed so we could feel a 50mph wind whistling up our noses.
We didn’t have Play Stations, Nintendo's, X-boxes... no video games whatsoever. There was no 99 channels on cable, no DVD’s, no surround-sound, no mobile phones, no personal computers, no Internet or Internet chat rooms. No Bratz. No teenage soap operas... Instead, we had friends, and we went outside and found them!
We fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones and teeth - and there were no lawsuits from these accidents. We ate worms and tasted mud pies... and the worms did not live in us forever. We made up games with sticks and tennis balls, and although we were told it would happen, we did not put out very many eyes.
Instead of phoning, we actually walked to a friend's house and knocked on the door or – more likely - just yelled for them! Playground games teams were selected by one-potato, two-potato. And in school sports, not everyone made the team. Those who didn't had to learn to deal with the disappointment, and if they were determined to make the team next time, then practice! Imagine that!
AND YET - This generation has produced some of the best risk-takers, problem-solvers and inventors - ever! The past 30 years have been an explosion of innovation, imagination, and new ideas. We had freedom, failure, success and responsibility, and we actually learned how to deal with it all.
And YOU are one of them! CONGRATULATIONS!
You might want to share this with others who have had the luck to grow up as kids, before the lawyers and the government – along with the Health and Safety nazis - regulated our lives for our own good. And while you are at it, forward it to your kids so they will know how brave their parents were.
Kind of makes you want to run through the house with scissors, doesn't it?!
AND THIS FROM VARIOUS OTHER SOURCES...
I was reading this book today, The History Of Glue, and I couldn't put it down. I phoned the local ramblers club today, and this bloke just went on and on.My mate is in love with two schoolbags. He's bisatchel.So I met this bloke with a didgeridoo and he was playing Dancing Queen on it. I thought: That's Aboriginal.
XXX
You all know by now that I love quirky definitions... so here are some more, just for you...
Antelope (v): to run off with your mother’s sister.Assassination (n): an arrangement to meet a donkey.Basket (n): a short nap in the sun.Diarrhoea (n) a very unattractive bottom. Dictator (n): hilariously shaped, edible tuber.Dipthong (v): to wash a lady's undergarment. Dumpling (n): small lump of excrement. Gastronome (n): small person prone to excess wind.Innuendo (n): Italian suppository. Ostentatious: make and model of a pre-war British luxury car.Propaganda (n): a wooden support for one-legged male geese.
TOLD YOU I WAS KEEPING IT SHORT. I hope you enjoyed it, though!
Best wishes, and don’t forget www.justgiving.com/drewmcadam
Drew
January 2007
NEW WEB SITE
CLOSE ONE
THANK YOU (PETER WILLATS)
THIS MONTH
ON YER BIKE – THE ADVENTURE BEGINS
DEFINITIONS
VIDEOS WORTH WATCHING. Brain Morrison, Flying and An Amazing Mind
ARCARI ON GUITAR
WOMEN ARE SMART
NEW WEB SITE
Hey, hey – I have a new website, loving designed and executed by the very talented chaps at Ideas.co.uk in Falkirk. You can even access the videos from one of the pages. DO have a look, and let me know what you think. www.mindplay.co.uk
CLOSE ONE
just today, it’s the last day of the month and I’m driving along the A71 – doing around 60. Unbeknown to me, the suspension spring is broken. I don’t know, but I’m about to find out. The bottom end of the spring, shaped rather like a spear, gouges into the tyre and instantly shreds it.
Thankfully, the worst thing was the fright (pucker factor 9). The 25-minute wait for the RAC recovery vehicle. And the garageinvoice; still to be received.
THANK YOU
Many thanks to Peter Willats. Peter, you may remember, has a house on the channel island of Sark, and he kindly invited myself (though God knows why) and some of the world’s top mind readers – including Luke Jermay, Bannachek, Ian Rowland and John Archer, to the island. He is a remarkably generous, and kind-hearted, soul. Recently, I received a package from him in which there was a copy of the DVD “Nightmare Alley”. Quite simply, he said “Saw this and thought of you”. A lovely gesture, well appreciated. Thank you, Peter.
THIS MONTH
I saw in the New year at DUNKELD HILTON HOTEL, complete with fireworks, a piper, a band, horizontal rain, gale-force winds, flooding and even an impressive landslide a little way up the glen. Despite the weather, there was a quick dash down the A9 the following morning for my annual gig at MELVILLE CASTLE on January 1. And great fun it was, too.
Then it was off to CRAIGELLACHIE in Speyside for an alcohol-fuelled get-together organised by my old (some of them now VERY old) paragliding buddies.
Other gigs included AIRTH CASTLE, two cracking gigs at ST ANDREWS – thank you John Collier for arranging that - a Burns Supper in WHITBURN, a charity gig at ELGIN TOWN HALL – with the two Allans from Magico (I was auctioned off, which raised £550.) They must be mad! Then there was the NORTH BERWICK Marine Hotel, the SHERATON HOTEL in Edinburgh – along with with Derek Heron, Kevin McMahon and Colin McLeod. And it was all rounded of with a gig at DUNBLANE HYDRO.
Busy month, huh?
ON YER BIKE
I’m just about to embark on a training programme for a charity bike run – more news of that later. David Todd of Full Circle graphics will be accompanying myself and other riders when we cycle from London to Paris in May – Hey! Paris in the the Spring! Okay, it didn’t look far on the map, so I was a bit concerned when I got through the schedule to realise I was going to have to do 100 miles on the first day alone! (I am hoping that some of that includes crossing the Channel on the ferry, but considering I’ve hardly been on a bike since I was fifteen, this is going to be a hard one!) Do they sell bottom ointment. D’ys know?
DEFINITIONS
I love words, and one kind reader took the time to send me this. Enjoy...
Coffee (n.): a person who is coughed upon. Flabbergasted (adj.): appalled over how much weight you have gained. Abdicate (v.): to give up all hope of ever having a flat stomach. Esplanade (v.): to attempt an explanation while drunk. Willy-nilly (adj.): impotent. Lymph (v.): to walk with a lisp.
Gargoyle (n.): an olive flavoured mouthwash.
Flatulence (n.): the emergency vehicle that picks you up after you are run over by a steamroller. Balderdash (n.): a rapidly receding hairline. Testicle (n.): a humorous question on an exam. Oyster (n.): a person who sprinkles his conversation with Yiddish expressions. Pokemon (n): A Jamaican proctologist. Frisbeetarianism (n.): the belief that, when you die, your soul goes up on the roof and gets stuck there. Circumvent (n.): the opening in the front of boxer shorts.
VIDEOS WORTH WATCHING.
The exquisite art of the Silhouette Cutter – whose name, in this case is respected caricaturist Brian Morrison. I’ve had the pleasure of working with Brian on a few occasions, and have one of these silhouettes of myself. He does them in less than 90 seconds! You can see it here.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QdZlVvqnHtk
Dropped from a helicopter above a mountain peak, this guy FLIES! Astonishing footage. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avQaR4sQ4Ng
And here’s one you really need to see to believe. Imagine, a young lad – a savant. After a 45-minute helicopter ride over Rome, he takes five days and a massive piece of paper, to draw an exact replica of the city.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0TibQ_1zH3U
ARCARI ON GUITAR
I am reliably informed that The December/January issue of Blues Matters! Magazine has aneight-page interview/feature on Dave Arcari. Oh, and the production company handling a special BBC Radio Scotland programme he’s fronting have arranged a show at The Globe Inn, Dumfries on Saturday 3 March (approx 8pm) which will be recorded live to be used in the programme. According to Dave: “The production sees me presenting a travelogue around Robert Burns, the union and stuff all based round my re-working the bard's Parcel of Rogues into an Arcari-esque blues stomp.” Yep. That works for me!.
WOMEN ARE SMART
A married couple is driving along a highway doing a steady 40 miles per hour.The wife is behind the wheel. Her husband suddenly looks across at her. “I know we've been married for twenty years, but I want a divorce."
The wife says nothing, but keeps looking at the road ahead but increases her speed to 45 mph. The husband speaks again. "I don't want you to try and talk me out of it," He says, "because I've been having an affair with your best friend, And she's a far better lover than you are."
Again the wife stays quiet, but grips the steering wheel more tightly and slowly increases the speed to 55. He pushes his luck. "I want the house," he says insistently...Up to 60."I want the car, too," he continues.
65mph."And," he says, "I'll have the bank accounts, all the credit cards and the boat!"
The car veers towards a massive concrete bridge. This makes him nervous, so he asks her, "Isn't there anything you want?"
The wife replies in a quiet and controlled voice. "No, I've got everything I need."
"Oh, really," he inquires, "so what HAVE you got?"
Just before they slam into the wall at 70 mph, the wife turns to him and smiles."The airbag."ENDS
CLOSE ONE
THANK YOU (PETER WILLATS)
THIS MONTH
ON YER BIKE – THE ADVENTURE BEGINS
DEFINITIONS
VIDEOS WORTH WATCHING. Brain Morrison, Flying and An Amazing Mind
ARCARI ON GUITAR
WOMEN ARE SMART
NEW WEB SITE
Hey, hey – I have a new website, loving designed and executed by the very talented chaps at Ideas.co.uk in Falkirk. You can even access the videos from one of the pages. DO have a look, and let me know what you think. www.mindplay.co.uk
CLOSE ONE
just today, it’s the last day of the month and I’m driving along the A71 – doing around 60. Unbeknown to me, the suspension spring is broken. I don’t know, but I’m about to find out. The bottom end of the spring, shaped rather like a spear, gouges into the tyre and instantly shreds it.
Thankfully, the worst thing was the fright (pucker factor 9). The 25-minute wait for the RAC recovery vehicle. And the garageinvoice; still to be received.
THANK YOU
Many thanks to Peter Willats. Peter, you may remember, has a house on the channel island of Sark, and he kindly invited myself (though God knows why) and some of the world’s top mind readers – including Luke Jermay, Bannachek, Ian Rowland and John Archer, to the island. He is a remarkably generous, and kind-hearted, soul. Recently, I received a package from him in which there was a copy of the DVD “Nightmare Alley”. Quite simply, he said “Saw this and thought of you”. A lovely gesture, well appreciated. Thank you, Peter.
THIS MONTH
I saw in the New year at DUNKELD HILTON HOTEL, complete with fireworks, a piper, a band, horizontal rain, gale-force winds, flooding and even an impressive landslide a little way up the glen. Despite the weather, there was a quick dash down the A9 the following morning for my annual gig at MELVILLE CASTLE on January 1. And great fun it was, too.
Then it was off to CRAIGELLACHIE in Speyside for an alcohol-fuelled get-together organised by my old (some of them now VERY old) paragliding buddies.
Other gigs included AIRTH CASTLE, two cracking gigs at ST ANDREWS – thank you John Collier for arranging that - a Burns Supper in WHITBURN, a charity gig at ELGIN TOWN HALL – with the two Allans from Magico (I was auctioned off, which raised £550.) They must be mad! Then there was the NORTH BERWICK Marine Hotel, the SHERATON HOTEL in Edinburgh – along with with Derek Heron, Kevin McMahon and Colin McLeod. And it was all rounded of with a gig at DUNBLANE HYDRO.
Busy month, huh?
ON YER BIKE
I’m just about to embark on a training programme for a charity bike run – more news of that later. David Todd of Full Circle graphics will be accompanying myself and other riders when we cycle from London to Paris in May – Hey! Paris in the the Spring! Okay, it didn’t look far on the map, so I was a bit concerned when I got through the schedule to realise I was going to have to do 100 miles on the first day alone! (I am hoping that some of that includes crossing the Channel on the ferry, but considering I’ve hardly been on a bike since I was fifteen, this is going to be a hard one!) Do they sell bottom ointment. D’ys know?
DEFINITIONS
I love words, and one kind reader took the time to send me this. Enjoy...
Coffee (n.): a person who is coughed upon. Flabbergasted (adj.): appalled over how much weight you have gained. Abdicate (v.): to give up all hope of ever having a flat stomach. Esplanade (v.): to attempt an explanation while drunk. Willy-nilly (adj.): impotent. Lymph (v.): to walk with a lisp.
Gargoyle (n.): an olive flavoured mouthwash.
Flatulence (n.): the emergency vehicle that picks you up after you are run over by a steamroller. Balderdash (n.): a rapidly receding hairline. Testicle (n.): a humorous question on an exam. Oyster (n.): a person who sprinkles his conversation with Yiddish expressions. Pokemon (n): A Jamaican proctologist. Frisbeetarianism (n.): the belief that, when you die, your soul goes up on the roof and gets stuck there. Circumvent (n.): the opening in the front of boxer shorts.
VIDEOS WORTH WATCHING.
The exquisite art of the Silhouette Cutter – whose name, in this case is respected caricaturist Brian Morrison. I’ve had the pleasure of working with Brian on a few occasions, and have one of these silhouettes of myself. He does them in less than 90 seconds! You can see it here.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QdZlVvqnHtk
Dropped from a helicopter above a mountain peak, this guy FLIES! Astonishing footage. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avQaR4sQ4Ng
And here’s one you really need to see to believe. Imagine, a young lad – a savant. After a 45-minute helicopter ride over Rome, he takes five days and a massive piece of paper, to draw an exact replica of the city.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0TibQ_1zH3U
ARCARI ON GUITAR
I am reliably informed that The December/January issue of Blues Matters! Magazine has aneight-page interview/feature on Dave Arcari. Oh, and the production company handling a special BBC Radio Scotland programme he’s fronting have arranged a show at The Globe Inn, Dumfries on Saturday 3 March (approx 8pm) which will be recorded live to be used in the programme. According to Dave: “The production sees me presenting a travelogue around Robert Burns, the union and stuff all based round my re-working the bard's Parcel of Rogues into an Arcari-esque blues stomp.” Yep. That works for me!.
WOMEN ARE SMART
A married couple is driving along a highway doing a steady 40 miles per hour.The wife is behind the wheel. Her husband suddenly looks across at her. “I know we've been married for twenty years, but I want a divorce."
The wife says nothing, but keeps looking at the road ahead but increases her speed to 45 mph. The husband speaks again. "I don't want you to try and talk me out of it," He says, "because I've been having an affair with your best friend, And she's a far better lover than you are."
Again the wife stays quiet, but grips the steering wheel more tightly and slowly increases the speed to 55. He pushes his luck. "I want the house," he says insistently...Up to 60."I want the car, too," he continues.
65mph."And," he says, "I'll have the bank accounts, all the credit cards and the boat!"
The car veers towards a massive concrete bridge. This makes him nervous, so he asks her, "Isn't there anything you want?"
The wife replies in a quiet and controlled voice. "No, I've got everything I need."
"Oh, really," he inquires, "so what HAVE you got?"
Just before they slam into the wall at 70 mph, the wife turns to him and smiles."The airbag."ENDS
December 2006
I’d like to share with you just what a wonderful year it’s been. Over the past 12 months I’ve performed at everything from a masked ball near Aberfoyle to a beach on St Lucia for some new Rastafarian friends. I’ve had the pleasure of performing from as far North as Inverness, to as far South Kent. Schools, swanky hotels and castles. There’s been TV work – including a guest spot on Ready Steady Cook. Five weeks out of the year was spent in the Caribbean - from Florida, south to Trinidad, and a point just off the coast of Venezuela. So many wonderful, wonderful experiences.
I’ve spent time in the company of some of my heroes, including Steve Harley, Paul Zenon, Marc Paul, Ian Rowland, Marc Salem, Buzz Aldin(?), Quincy Jones, Barry Cryer, Andrea Bocelli and Uri Geller. There have been wonderful celebrations with wonderful friends - and VERY talented people – including Colin McLeod, Gavin James, Don Jack, Dave Cairns, Len Murray, and Dave Arcari... actually, waaay too many to mention. There has been ANOTHER grandchild (Billy): the making of new friends and reunions with old friends.
My wish from last year came true, so I’m making the same wish this year. “The joy of coming into contact with new people with new stories, from the celebrities to the waiting staff and stage engineers. Fellow performers and speakers - new friends, who hopefully will become old friends - and old friends who made this year so deliciously sweet. I only wish I could have spent more time with you than I have.”
Oh, if only I had the time to call each one of you and thank you personally. But believe me, your friendship is incredibly precious to me. Thank you, one and all.
If you know me at all, and we have met on the circuit - or spoken at length in person or on the telephone – the above is meant for you.
I am a very, very lucky man.
I’ve spent time in the company of some of my heroes, including Steve Harley, Paul Zenon, Marc Paul, Ian Rowland, Marc Salem, Buzz Aldin(?), Quincy Jones, Barry Cryer, Andrea Bocelli and Uri Geller. There have been wonderful celebrations with wonderful friends - and VERY talented people – including Colin McLeod, Gavin James, Don Jack, Dave Cairns, Len Murray, and Dave Arcari... actually, waaay too many to mention. There has been ANOTHER grandchild (Billy): the making of new friends and reunions with old friends.
My wish from last year came true, so I’m making the same wish this year. “The joy of coming into contact with new people with new stories, from the celebrities to the waiting staff and stage engineers. Fellow performers and speakers - new friends, who hopefully will become old friends - and old friends who made this year so deliciously sweet. I only wish I could have spent more time with you than I have.”
Oh, if only I had the time to call each one of you and thank you personally. But believe me, your friendship is incredibly precious to me. Thank you, one and all.
If you know me at all, and we have met on the circuit - or spoken at length in person or on the telephone – the above is meant for you.
I am a very, very lucky man.
December 2006
Drew McAdam: DECEMBER 2006 NEWSLETTER
Tel: 01506 873013www.drewmcadam.co.uk
I’d like to share with you just what a wonderful year it’s been. Over the past 12 months I’ve performed at everything from a masked ball near Aberfoyle to a beach on St Lucia for some new Rastafarian friends. I’ve had the pleasure of performing from as far North as Inverness, to as far South Kent. Schools, swanky hotels and castles. There’s been TV work – including a guest spot on Ready Steady Cook. Five weeks out of the year was spent in the Caribbean - from Florida, south to Trinidad, and a point just off the coast of Venezuela. So many wonderful, wonderful experiences.
I’ve spent time in the company of some of my heroes, including Steve Harley, Paul Zenon, Marc Paul, Ian Rowland, Marc Salem, Buzz Aldin(?), Quincy Jones, Barry Cryer, Andrea Bocelli and Uri Geller. There have been wonderful celebrations with wonderful friends - and VERY talented people – including Colin McLeod, Gavin James, Don Jack, Dave Cairns, Len Murray, and Dave Arcari... actually, waaay too many to mention. There has been ANOTHER grandchild (Billy): the making of new friends and reunions with old friends.
My wish from last year came true, so I’m making the same wish this year. “The joy of coming into contact with new people with new stories, from the celebrities to the waiting staff and stage engineers. Fellow performers and speakers - new friends, who hopefully will become old friends - and old friends who made this year so deliciously sweet. I only wish I could have spent more time with you than I have.”
Oh, if only I had the time to call each one of you and thank you personally. But believe me, your friendship is incredibly precious to me. Thank you, one and all.
If you know me at all, and we have met on the circuit - or spoken at length in person or on the telephone – the above is meant for you.
I am a very, very lucky man.
Tel: 01506 873013www.drewmcadam.co.uk
I’d like to share with you just what a wonderful year it’s been. Over the past 12 months I’ve performed at everything from a masked ball near Aberfoyle to a beach on St Lucia for some new Rastafarian friends. I’ve had the pleasure of performing from as far North as Inverness, to as far South Kent. Schools, swanky hotels and castles. There’s been TV work – including a guest spot on Ready Steady Cook. Five weeks out of the year was spent in the Caribbean - from Florida, south to Trinidad, and a point just off the coast of Venezuela. So many wonderful, wonderful experiences.
I’ve spent time in the company of some of my heroes, including Steve Harley, Paul Zenon, Marc Paul, Ian Rowland, Marc Salem, Buzz Aldin(?), Quincy Jones, Barry Cryer, Andrea Bocelli and Uri Geller. There have been wonderful celebrations with wonderful friends - and VERY talented people – including Colin McLeod, Gavin James, Don Jack, Dave Cairns, Len Murray, and Dave Arcari... actually, waaay too many to mention. There has been ANOTHER grandchild (Billy): the making of new friends and reunions with old friends.
My wish from last year came true, so I’m making the same wish this year. “The joy of coming into contact with new people with new stories, from the celebrities to the waiting staff and stage engineers. Fellow performers and speakers - new friends, who hopefully will become old friends - and old friends who made this year so deliciously sweet. I only wish I could have spent more time with you than I have.”
Oh, if only I had the time to call each one of you and thank you personally. But believe me, your friendship is incredibly precious to me. Thank you, one and all.
If you know me at all, and we have met on the circuit - or spoken at length in person or on the telephone – the above is meant for you.
I am a very, very lucky man.
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