Terry Neason - Confidence, Music, Gigs & Blog

Confidence Building for Women in London and Glasgow

2011-11-25T18:52:00.000Z

Build Confidence & Improve Self Esteem

Women's Personal Development Workshops
Terry Neason Confidence & Self Esteem Course

My Body And Me

Booking Now for 2012: www.MyBodyAndMe.co.uk
GLASGOW - Saturday, JANUARY 14
LONDON - Saturday, JANUARY 21

This is what you can expect from the day...plus exchanging thoughts and opinions with some very interesting women.

Boost Confidence and Self Esteem
Develop interpersonal skills, improve relationships at home and at work
Explore potential, push your boundaries and become more assertive
Improve personal drive, motivate yourself, achieve goals and outcomes
Develop body language, express yourself and communicate effectively
Feel positive about you, your abilities, your age, your body
Be inspired, make new connections and have fun while you learn

Special thanks for online promotion and support to:

The Centre for Confidence

The Glasgow Women's Library

Engender

Presentation Skills App - Terry Neason & Peter Pilgrim

2011-08-17T16:40:00.002Z

Communication Diva Terry Neason

& Peter Pilgrim

Video interview

Presentation Skills Pronto for Android

Presentation App Android - Terry Neason & Peter Pilgrim from Terry Neason on Vimeo.

Public Speaking App for Android - Terry Neason

2011-08-12T18:57:00.001Z

Presentation Skills Pronto App

by Terry Neason

At last! I got the chance to express my inner geek. My opportunity to combine my passion for music and singing with training tips on how to stop the crowd turning ugly...

It took 4 months to design, develop and deliver... 4 months of discussion, debate, downright distasters and demolished demos; till finally the dream was fully realised

with the help of coding from Java Champion, Peter Pilgrim. Power to your programming!

An App was born...

Presentation Skills Pronto App for Android

Download on Android Market

Public Speaking Pronto App for Android
Download on Android Market

My Body And Me - Women's Confidence Event Glasgow October 2

2010-07-20T14:15:00.000Z

MY BODY AND ME - Women's Event

Motivational Confidence Training Workshop

with TERRY NEASON & MARIE ROBINSON

Glasgow - OCTOBER 2nd

Personal Development for Women

Build Confidence - Personal Impact - Positive Self Esteem

STRICTLY NO TREE HUGGING! Stimulate your senses. Take away the best user friendly

NLP Skills, Tools & Visualisation Techniques.

Confidence - Motivation - Empowerment - Self Esteem

Stress Relief - Personal Impact - Body Image

Trainers: Women with 'Attitude'
Terry Neason - Confidence & Personal Impact/NLP Master/Motivational Entertainer
Marie Robinson - Body Design/Hypnotherapist/NLP Master

Book Online Now for OCTOBER 2 Glasgow
Click on link to BOOK at Eventbrite

Attend This Event

Watch Testimonials Video -
www.MyBodyAndMe.co.uk

WAR BABY - Terry Neason Band - Tom Robinson classic

2010-01-31T14:14:00.008Z

WAR BABY
by Tom Robinson
The Best of Vintage Glasgow Mayfest

In Memory of Neil Hay
The Band:
Terry Neason : lead vocal
Hermie Longalong: sax
Paul Henderson: guitar
Neil Hay: bass
Mike Travis: drums
Gordon Dougall & Jim Hannah: keyboards
Ray Dowling: backing vocals

TERRY'S VOCAL TIPS:
1. Drink at least 1 - 2 liters of water a day.
2. Avoid fizzy drinks and carbonated water as it can lead to dehydration.
3. Avoid eating dairy, as it produces thick mucous. (cheese, milk, yogurt, chocolate)
4. Eating fresh pineapple or pure steam inhalation, may help to clear light mucous.
5. ALWAYS gently warm up the voice before singing or presenting.
6. Preparation of content helps to avoid stress, which can cause tension in the voice.

Terry Neason Gig - Sheltered Love & He Wishes for the Cloths of Heaven

2010-01-18T17:55:00.010Z

Sheltered Love & He Wishes for the Cloths of Heaven
Vocal - Terry Neason
Piano - Brian Prentice

I wrote this song in Ireland after a break-up and insisted on singing it in the concert I was doing at that time, Screams 'n' Kisses. Woh! Yes, one could say, it made for an emotional performance. Sob! Sniff! Waaaaaaaaaaaaaah! cathartic or what.
Being a fan of poetry, I included the W.B Yeats poem, He Wishes for the Cloths of Heaven, in the intro. It's got to be one of the most beautiful poems ever written.

Had I the heavens' embroidered cloths,
Enwrought with golden and silver light,
The blue and the dim and the dark cloths
Of night and light and the half-light,
I would spread the cloths under your feet:
But I, being poor, have only my dreams;
I have spread my dreams under your feet;
Tread softly because you tread on my dreams.

Rather than use a gig video, I thought it would be kool to use some romantic images. These stunning pictures from my chum, Suzi Lemon, set the mood perfectly.
The Changing Light of Loch Fyne...I used 4 transitions and they change slowly during the song.

Terry Neason - If You Go Away - Ne me quitte pas

2010-01-18T17:15:00.005Z

IF YOU GO AWAY

After some time in the office, I decided it's time to get back to the music. 'If You Go Away' is from our recent concert, Torch Songs of Pleasure 'n' Passion. Brian Prentice plays an amazing arrangement on piano.
Written by Rod McKuen and based on the beautiful Jacques Brel song, Ne me quitte pas.
Pic: Changing Light on Loch Fyne by Suzi Lemon

Terry Neason Tron Theatre Gig 6th November

2009-10-27T23:27:00.013Z

Terry Neason Gig 6th Nov 2009
Brian Prentice on keyboards
Torch Songs of Pleasure'n'Passion

Brian and I shall perform this show after Maw Broon has gone to bed...I just couldn't come to the Tron Theatre without blasting out a few songs...just like ol' times.
A late night sassy and classy cocktail of torch songs: an emotional roller-coaster of comedic poems, raunchy monologues, soulful songs and soaring ballads from Edith Piaf, Jacques Brel and Gershwin to Judy Garland...Jings! we even manage to squeeze in some Bob Dylan, Waterboys and Snow Patrol.

A special thanks to my chum, the rather splendid actor, Alan Cumming, who reminded me to include the beautiful I Dance and Dance and Smile and Smile, by Dory Previn.
Also congratulations on your OBE Alan!

Terry Neason in
Torch Songs of Pleasure'n'Passion
The Tron Theatre Glasgow
Friday 6th November @ 10pm
Book Online:

HISTORY of The Tron Theatre
The site of the present day Tron Theatre has played a central role in the life of Glasgow City for nearly five centuries, during which time it has been a place of Christian worship (both Catholic and Protestant) and a place of execution, a meeting hall, a market and a store house, a police station and a theatre.

A church was originally built on the site now occupied by the Tron Theatre in 1529. However, the oldest surviving part of the structure is the 16th Century clock tower – still one of Glasgow’s most recognizable landmarks.

Maw Broon Monologues 3rd - 8th November

2009-10-26T22:31:00.014Z

The Maw Broon Monologues
written by Jackie Kay
CAST - Suzanne Bonnar, Terry Neason, Tom Urie
directed by Maggie Kinloch
3rd Nov-8th Nov Tron Theatre @ 19.30

‘Scotland’s happy family makes every family happy.’ But Maw Broon and her doppelganger are not so sure. Maw Broon, in these hilarious and riotous monologues, is having a mid-life crisis and has lost her way. She goes in search of happiness, visits a therapist, tries colonic irrigation, goes Green, reads Tolstoy, goes on Britain’s Got Talent – she even meets Gordon Broon - but she’s still not happy.

In these funny, searching, politically astute monologues Scotland’s first woman, Maw Broon, receives a makeover for the twenty first century. As we follow her quest for happiness, her trials adventures and new discoveries, Maw Broon holds a mirror up to herself, and to us.

Featuring a fabulous score specially written by Tom Urie, these monologues might also be called, Maw Broon: The Musical!

TRON THEATRE BOOKING OFFICE - 0141 552 4267
Book Online

Terry Neason Singer - Concerts September 2009

2009-09-03T15:08:00.006Z

TERRY NEASON Concerts - 'Simply the Best'
September 17th - 19th 2009

Enriching my life... meeting up with old
friends and playing some gigs

Strathaven Hotel 17th Sept
Paisley Arts Centre 19th Sept

Click for booking Best Western Strathaven Hotel Thurs. 17th Sept. 8pm
To Book Tickets Call: 01357 521778 Tickets also on door
This is a family run hotel, in Stathaven. Enjoy a complimentary glass of wine and shortbread, included in the ticket price. How jolly!
It's always an excellent gig and the local folks give a warm welcome.

Click for booking Paisley Arts Centre, Saturday, 19th Sept. 7:30pm
This is a great little venue. The audience are close enough to touch...oooer! The tickets go very quickly, so book well ahead.

My good friend, and Musical Director, is Brian Prentice.

Press Release: Terry Neason 'Simply the Best'
Consists of some of the best from previous award winning shows. Comic anecdotes, poetry and songs, showcase the amazing versatility of Terry’s voice. Her eclectic repertoire of country, jazz, blues, folk rock and pop, includes some of her own original material, as well as songs from Snow Patrol, Waterboys, Gershwin, Peter Nardini & John Hegley...and so much more.

Hermie Longalong Band & Terry Neason in Concert 28th August 2009

2009-07-30T22:19:00.029Z

Terry Neason &
The Hermie Longalong Band
in Concert with a fantastic line-up...
including guitarist Paul Henderson

Community Benefit for Charities
Breakthrough Breast Cancer Scotland &
The British Heart Foundation Scotland

Friday, 28th August 2009 at 7:30 Hamilton Townhouse
This is Hermie Longalong's first fundraising Concert and I was delighted when he asked me to Host it for him. Hermie has put together a great line-up of talented musicians and performers.

All proceeds from profits will go to the two charities.

Here's a blast from the past, when Hermie and Paul were playing along side me in the Terry Neason Band. This version of Lady Madonna by the Beatles, was inspired and played on this video, by the late great Neil Hay on bass. I was also joined by Jim Hannah and Gordon Dougall:keyboards and Mike Travis on drums. These guys are blazing!!!

TERRY NEASON- Singer/MC
HERMIE LONGALONG BAND

Hermie: saxaphones

Paul Henderson: guitar

Gino Ciancio:piano/keyboard

Bill Fleming: keyboard

Sandro Ciancio: drums/percussion

Ryan Gallagher: drums

Martin Henderson: bass guitar

Thank you to these performers -and to all the local Business people who will contribute

Graham Duffin:Wet Wet Wet guitarist

Moira Kerr: Folk singer/writer with Jamie Campbell on keyboard

George Rodger: Gypsy Band

Strathaven Academy Choir

Heather McCloud: violin

Holy Cross High School Band

The Jive Dancers

Tom Reilly/Simon Harris guitar

Tickets £10 & £8
Call: 01698 452299
email: thetownhouse@southlanarkshire.gov.uk

BREAKTHROUGH Breast Cancer Scotland

Breakthrough Breast Cancer has set up the first and only dedicated breast cancer research unit in Scotland. We are trying to develop more personalised treatments for people with the disease so there is a better chance of success.

Breast Cancer affects one in nine women at some point in their lives

Around 4000 women a year are diagnosed in Scotland

Around 1000 women a year in Scotland die from the disease.

THE British Heart Foundation Scotland
We are the largest, independent funder of heart research in Scotland and we currently spending over £25 million.

We play an important role in funding education and teaching the public and health professionals.

BHFS also provide life-saving cardiac equipment and provide support for heart patients through our BHF Scotland Heart Nurses.

Twitter Tweet Life is Sweet

2009-07-08T13:17:00.006Z

Twitter Tweet Life is Sweet

What am I doing? The Birdie Song! Learning, laughing and loving it.

Time management will probably fly out the window, however, there's a wealth of inspirational items of excellence, interest and intrigue to be had out there.

Professional Public Speaking

2009-06-19T13:41:00.010Z

Public Speaking Tips - Sound, Lights ACTION
Preparation is the Key. It's second nature to me now, like breathing out and breathing in...oops! I nearly burst into song there. Ok, here's my simple yet effective tips for getting it right on the night.

Sandro Russo - Liszt’s Consolation no. 3 - performed on Liszt's 1862 Bechstein Piano

2009-02-18T12:29:00.005Z

Play it again Sandro...

My chum, Sandro Russo, not so much tickles the ivories, more of a beautiful caress. :+>
Sandro sent me an email sharing two excerpts from a DVD he recently recorded on the historical 1862 Bechstein Piano which belonged to Franz Liszt. I in turn, wish to share it with you.
Visit Sandro's site and pleasure your ears:Sandro Russo

Events Speaker Terry Neason Communication Video

2009-02-11T16:15:00.019Z

Events Speaker, Communication Coach, Humorist and Diva... a winning combination

Do One Thing Animal Christmas Song

2008-12-19T00:58:00.003Z

Animal Christmas Song
This is may be cutesie yet it says it all. Be kind to those furry, feathery and leathery ones, who enrich our lives.

Terry Neason & Karen Dunbar - Calum's Cabin 2008

2008-09-16T22:40:00.010Z

Benefit Show on The Isle of Bute for Calum's Cabin

12 year old Rothesay boy, Calum Speirs lost his fight for life little more than a year after being diagnosed with a brain tumour. Brave Calum, a first year pupil at Rothesay Academy, died peacefully at home in Mountstuart Road on Friday 16th February 2007. The funeral service, much of it arranged by Calum himself, was held at the former High Kirk on Wednesday 21st February 2007. Calum was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour only a few days after the first symptoms were noticed last January- but he’s left his family with a host of happy memories from the 13 months since then. In the 13 months, Calum was an inspiration to all who knew and met him. Calum always laughed and smiled, and his priority was always to think of others.

Calums Cabin
Calum and his family had decided that they would like to keep helping others by having a Holiday Cabin in Calum’s name to allow other families who are dealing with a child with cancer to have a wonderful holiday on the Isle of Bute. Details of the proposed Cabin can be found on the Calums Cabin page

Funny Health & Safety video of Bricklayer Story told by Terry Neason

2008-08-06T14:12:00.011Z

Bricklayer's Story...Hilarious Health and Safety tale

This bonkers story has been around since the 1950s. It's based on the old Gerard Hoffnung tale of an unfortunate bricklayer, who suffers from an attack of really 'bad planning'...he reports his incredible amount of injuries and places a claim, to Health and Safety, who come back with " You're having a laugh mate! ...explain!" so he does.

I first heard it read by Clive James, when I was entertaining at an Awards Ceremony. and I laughed till I wept! Seemed the only thing to do, was to pinch it....so I did and now I can say " I DID IT MY WAY"

Social Networking in Plain English VIDEO

2008-04-17T14:42:00.011Z

Social Networking Success

Networking is a good way, to build relationships, socially as well as in business. Getting to know people, helps to build mutual rapport and trust...and with trust, comes friendship and with friendship, the possibilities are endless.

My pleasures are simple...and because this is so...I have many. These folks being one, as they really make me think and smile. This is what they had to say about this video.

"We made this video for people who wonder why social networking sites are so popular. We think one reason is because they help to solve a real world problem.
www.commoncraft.com/show

Deepak Chopra Video - Gratitude

2008-04-14T19:13:00.006Z

This is a Heavenly moment on Earth...

I am excited at the prospect of reading Deepak Chopra's book, Quantum Healing...At the risk of sounding like an old hippy, I have to be honest and inform you, that I was seriously uplifted by this video. I do hope you share the sentiment. Enjoy.

Terry Neason - Nerves? Stress? Fight or Flight in Presentations BRING IT ON!

2007-11-28T15:56:00.002Z

We need a little Nerves and Stress in life and business...BRING IT ON!

The next time someone makes the promise to eradicate your nerves, for when you are delivering a Speech or Presentation, think again!...We thrive on short bursts of stress and our mind and body benefits from the hormones which are released. It's even said to be good for the immune system.

A little Stress now and again does you good...so learn to control it...here's what I do when I'm nervous before I go on stage...

Controlled Breathing: Sitting or standing; make sure you keep your shoulders down and your arms relaxed by your side; Inhale through the nose over 3 seconds, then hold for 3 seconds and then exhale slowly through the mouth/ repeat 5 times then breath normally.
This oxygenates the blood and keeps you alert , yet calm. ahhhhhhh!

General info available online:
The human body responds to stressors by activating the nervous system and specific hormones. The hypothalamus signals the adrenal glands to produce more of the hormones adrenaline and cortisol and release them into the bloodstream. These hormones speed up heart rate, breathing rate, blood pressure, and metabolism. Blood vessels open wider to let more blood flow to large muscle groups, putting our muscles on alert. Pupils dilate to improve vision. The liver releases some of its stored glucose to increase the body's energy. And sweat is produced to cool the body. All of these physical changes prepare a person to react quickly and effectively to handle the pressure of the moment.

Terry Neason - Active Listening whilst Networking

2007-11-28T00:51:00.001Z

Don't yak! yak! yak!...Listen and Learn
plus a brilliant poem by Steve Kaye

Terry Neason - Career change after 25 years? I did

2007-10-17T12:31:00.000Z

CAREER CHANGE

I realise that when we get to a certain stage in our lives, it can seem like an uphill struggle, changing the habits of a lifetime. But I never fancied being a GOW (grumpy old woman) as I'm sure none of you gentlemen out there, fancy being a GOM.

I changed career after 25 years. The roar of the grease-paint and the smell of the crowd ceased to turn me on anymore. Because I was unhappy in my work, I would be unhappy in my home,,,and full circle again, I would be unhappy in my work and so it went on.
The obvious choice was to change career and hold onto my core values...so I did!

Ok, I know I was in a lucky position of not having kids or dependents, so I could afford to walk close to the edge, but the thought was still scary. I couldn't eat my furniture, so I had to think of a new earner.
People and communication being my passion, I started my own communication coaching business, TLC Powertalk and the rest is...the future!
Friends, fans and relatives thought I was being a foolish meanie, not singing anymore. The hate mail started arriving ha! ha!...So now that I have a positive mind-set, I perform now and again, which is good for the soul, as well as my inbox...I post music videos...so everyone's happy...but most importantly...I AM HAPPY!!!

My advice...if you can persuade the family and friends to support you, don't be bogged down emotionally and frozen with fear, at the thought of change. You are and will always be, your own best asset. Change after 25 years??? You can bet your sweet butt-cheeks DO IT!

Here's a small video rant:
Publicity pics from previous shows, are by my good friend :Alan Crumlish

Terry Neason Edutainment - Funny song+stand-up about too much booze at the office party

2007-08-01T17:29:00.000Z

Did you drink too much booze at the office party? and after throwing up over the boss, I think you can forget the promotion.

This is a clip from the conference Edutainment...Walk Your Talk. It has a great song and funny poem about the joys of 'selective memory'.

Arrangement: Brian Prentice
My Body and Me:by Mick Hanley
Office Party: Alison Chisholm

Terry Neason of TLC Powertalk is on a mission to rid the business world of Death by PowerPoint

2007-07-31T16:10:00.002Z

Let's get passionate about the effective basics of communication...when life was simple and synergy was a shampoo...and there was life before Death by Powerpoint.
If you have any forthcoming presentations or business pitches, then it might be an idea to visit my 1-2-1 Influential Communication Skills page at: www.tlcpowertalk.com/one-to-one

Forgive this business rant on my fun blog but, wow! it feels great to admit to not being a fan of PowerPoint...and I don't care who knows it!...obviously, this will not come as a great surprise to my business clients.
Effective communication skills are a must for your next presentation.
FORGET THE PINGER POWER, or at least remember, less is more!

Star Quality...Top Ten Tips

Stop the crowd turning ugly

1. Always remember…Preparation is the key.

2. Refrain from drinking caffeine related liquid, as this only speeds up the nervous process and can cause the mind to race, as well as the heart.

3. Refrain from consuming dairy produce as this affects the mucous glands, and can cause you to constantly clear your throat.

4. Drink plenty of water and always have plenty on stand by.

5. Go somewhere private and warm up your voice and facial muscles.

6. Breathe deeply, evenly, and slowly for several minutes, as this not only oxygenates the blood, to keep you alert, but also helps you keep calm.

7. Go to a mirror and check out how you look, as you only have 5 seconds to make a first impression and only 90 to blow their socks off.

8. Make a positive entrance with good upright posture, as that shows confidence.

9. Make good eye contact.

10. Make them laugh, think and sigh…and you will make them listen!

Proclaimers Scotland's Story performed by Terry Neason LIVE

2007-07-26T15:50:00.000Z

Scotland's Story performed by Terry Neason- LIVE in Concert

The Proclaimers are one of my favourite bands and it was my pleasure to perform this song. Brian Prentice, as always, did a fab track. This song reminds us Scots of why we should welcome the cultural diversity of our nation. After all, it's the wealth of nationalities that makes up Scotland, which enables us to impact on the World Stage...OK! quick! someone get me down off this soap-box!

Chasing Cars sung LIVE by Terry Neason-art video

2007-07-26T15:32:00.000Z

Chasing Cars performed LIVE by Terry Neason

Brian Prentice did a great arrangement of this for me. We based our version on the Natasha Bedingfield cover. It's a song for lovers... slow and vibey. This is another song from our show... Secret Smiles and Love Songs.
I recorded all my own vocal harmonies and emailed the MP3s to Brian, who then bounced them onto the piano track...we felt it gave the song a different feel as well as loads of passion...ooooer! Also decided to make an art video for this one...I've alot to learn, but I'm getting there. :+>...Hope you enjoy the tune!

Terry Neason sings Whole of The Moon LIVE

2007-01-09T09:36:00.000Z

A LIVE one for 2007...Whole of The Moon...and climate change.

I do hope you had fabulous fun-filled frolics over the festive season. I enjoyed happy times and headed to the land of my birth, Scotland...it was a pity about the New Year parties being shelved, because of the weather, but hey! that's El Nino for you... El Nino causes climactic havoc every 7 years apparently...plus a wee bit of Global Warming thrown in..oh! and let's not forget, we also have the affects of La Nina to contend with.
El Niño is characterized by unusually warm ocean temperatures in the Equatorial Pacific.
La Niña is characterized by unusually cold ocean temperatures in the Equatorial Pacific.

I'm rambling, so here's the amazing classic by Mike Scott, The Whole of the Moon...oh! and speaking of which, the moon also has an affect on things...DOH!...THE SONG.

Please check out Mike Scott and The Waterboys at : http://www.mikescottwaterboys.com/

Organic Food

2006-11-29T16:55:00.000Z

Simply Organic...is simply the best!

I've been a Pescetarian now for over 20years......no! I'm not practicing some quaint ye-olde-Scottish religion; it means that I'm a fish eater. In certain households, it's easier to be known as a vegetarian, but that's usually for the benefit of friends who are not known for their cooking skills...simpler all round...I mean after all...you can't go far wrong with salad, pasta, rice or beans...hmm! or can you?..don't worry, I won't be naming & shaming anyone. But now you'll be able to buy these excellent meals and hopefully share them around.

Pure & Pronto Organic Food
Eureka! I'm thrilled to say, I've finally discovered an amazingly tasty range of posh nosh vegetarian TV Dinners that are good for you. They are also cheap as chips, if you pardon the expression. You can even pop them in the micro and the quality is as good as you would get in a great vegetarian restaurant. I'm also proud to announce that it's a Scottish Company run by 2 wonderful women in Edinburgh.

I highly recommend :

Mediterranean Vegetable & Bean Casserole
Mixed Bean Chilli
Moroccan Vegetable Tagine
Roasted Mediterranean Vegetables with Quinoa
Spiced Red Lentils and Vegetables
Thai Vegetable Curry with Green Lentils

Simply Organic was set up in 1998 by Christine Manson and Belinda Mitchell (Christine is on the left).

Check them out!!!
Simply Organic

Star Quality Public Speaking & Presentation...Top 10 Tips

2006-11-21T17:04:00.000Z

Star Quality...Top Ten Tips

Stop the crowd turning ugly

1. Always remember…Preparation is the key.

2006-11-17T14:55:00.000Z

Why Dogs Hate Hallow'een

In loving memory of Wee One

Let's start with something that's close to my heart...my love of animals. Their needs are so basic and their love unconditional. I'm so glad there are Animal Welfare groups who speak up on their behalf.

I had the pleasure of sharing my life with a little collie/spaniel called Wee One. I named my Theatre Production Company after her, Wee One Productions. She was my best Pal for going on 18 years. Her final resting place is a peaceful hillside overlooking Loch Lomond in Scotland. It's a place I go to enjoy quiet contemplation.

Our family always had dogs and when I was a child, I had a little terrier called Ricki. I'd dress him as a baby and pop him in a pram...he never objected, just sat there, waiting for his chocolate treat...probably thinking to himself...Grrr!...next time I'm coming back as a Wild Bear.

My very good friend Jaspre Bark, sent these pics to me. (Actually I'll introduce you to Jaspre later, he's a brilliant novelist/poet/journalist.) I'm ashamed to say, I did find them very funny, yet with a bitter twist...kind of cruel but compulsive...it's amazing what our little furry friends put up with, just to get a decent meal and a roof over their heads!

NOOOOOO! I can't believe that people would really do this to their best friend...

Oh jings!...I wish these didn't make me smile so loudly.

Och!...they've gone too far...Please never try anything like this at home.

For those who are true animal lovers...remember to make a donation to the RSPCA. Since its humble beginning in 1824 - as the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals - the RSPCA has worked tirelessly to promote kindness and prevent cruelty to animals.

Amazing Painters, Poets & Puppets

2006-11-10T18:58:00.000Z

Amazing Painters, Poets & Puppets

PAINTER...Willow Cairn
I'm so pleased my chum, artist Willow Cairn, said I may post some of her paintings...though this virtual vibe doesn't quite capture the magic of her glorious talent.
You may enjoy other paintings of Willow's and discover more about this fabulous lady if you pop over to her Blog

www.wiz1willow.blogspot.com

POET...John Hegley
There are some amazing Poets out there...so just thought I'd name a few for your perusal. I'll probably add to this as I find a wee bit more time...However for now...there's one chap I just love and that's John Hegley, he's absolutely brilliant. I've had the pleasure of being granted the permission to perform some of his stuff in my show.
Check him out at:
www.johnhegley.co.uk

His Audience draw and send him loads of piccies like this cos, he has a special soul...seriously, check him out.

Also please check out the fabulous Elspeth Murray at:
www.elspethmurray.com

Here's the fabulous FLIP-FLOP poem for flip-flop fans

Flip Flotsam

This is the beach
where the flip flops come
at the end of their
flip flop trip.

And where does a
flip flop trip begin?

the floor of a flip flop factory;
on the shelf of a flip flop shop;
or the foot of a flip flop fan?

And what snaps the strap
of each flip flop
that finds its flip flop fate?

a flip too far;
a flop too fast;
or a slip that
flapped it back?

And what does the sea say
when she sees another flip flop fall?

Oh, flip flop and flotsam
fair and foul,
I'll freely float you all!"?

OR ...

Do the waters, wavey and wide
curse each clutch of clutter
that comes on each tide
and storm up the sand
with curses that worsen
at each

beach-tripping
strap-snapping
flip-flopping person?

Elspeth's hubby is an amazing puppeteer and had a HUGE hit show at the Edinburgh Festival this year 2006...Richard Medrington and he can be found at:
www.puppetstate.com

THE MAN WHO PLANTED TREES

2006-11-09T23:23:00.000Z

My music video from youtube

Well here's the video from youtube...though you can embed one of your own, as long as it already exists on the web. Just edit the HTML link into your post.
Handy Tip
Every time you edit your post on here and you have any video embedded, it always re-opens so don't forget to close the embed with a /embed at the end.(adding the < > where appropriate)

A very late night indeed...

I was working on some vocal tracks for a Producer friend of mine and I finally rolled home about 4am...he told me, "that's the best time to post a Youtube video"..."adds to the 'KOOL' factor" he said...och aye these young folks... what are they like!!!...so here I am...looking like a straggly posing twit. (gosh! I hope none of my business clients recognise me from this, or I'll never work again) :+>

Singing one of my own...Sheltered Love...includes a W.B.Yeats poem

World of Soft Toys, Soft Skills, Software

2006-11-05T16:21:00.000Z

The World of All Things Soft
toys, skills, ware
(Wow!...this is an oldie... I've always had a soft spot for a furry toy...or maybe I was just perched on a teddy at the time.)

Pic by Alan Crumlish

SOFT TOYS spooky stuff
It all began with a photo-shoot...surrounded by toys for a publicity pic and before I knew it, I was hooked...or so many other people led me to believe.

I started with a very small lucky charm in the shape of a mini teddy, then someone spotted it in my dressing room at the theatre and in their infinite wisdom, decided to add to my collection. My boudoir then over-flowed with oodles of little furry folks. The removal of these invaders became more difficult as time went by, as they seemed to develop a life of their own...I went through a period when I believed everything had Karma. (I practiced Buddhism for over 3 years in my 30s)...I suppose I also gave into the soft-toy theory of harping back to childhood...free from responsibility...when all was simple, soft and warm. I'm better now!

SOFT SKILLS Say it as nature intended
Why can we not just hold onto the courage and confidence we were born with?

There have been many quotes over the years about walking and talking...this is a favourite adaptation and I use it often in my coaching work "We spend the first 12 months of our lives, learning how to walk and talk...and the next 12 years being told to sit down and shut up".Is it any wonder, so many of us never recover the sense of our own personal value.

SOFTWARE oh! ware have you gone
Finally...on the software issue...what baffles me is...how can individuals get so much pleasure out of infecting others with a virus???...surely it will most certainly be a case of what goes around comes around (did I mention I was a Buddhist in my 30s?) Goodness knows we get enough hassle from the bloomin' anti-virus companies!!! I downloaded some updates for McAfee recently and my lap-top nearly drowned...I would surf for a site...it would go under...then it would go phishing...then it would come up against a wall of fire...and in the meantime I would shower, make a cuppa, eat a choc and still the end was not in SITE!

Right! that does it...I'm off to see if I can find a decent security system other than McAfee...there's a couple I have in mind, other than Norton.

SecurityShield or ZoneAlarm ...all suggestions are welcome.

2006-11-05T15:51:00.000Z

All creatures GREAT and small...

Just wanted to say...I love them all and we must do something before it's too late. Visit WWF and share some empathy...as well as your generosity.

http://www.wwf.org/

A ZOO alternative and still fun for all the family

These are just a few of my favourite HUMAN ZOO pics...much more PC than the real thing and shows the value of putting a few ol' house-hold items to good use...er!..*cough*..not the bloke but the gloves 'n tights 'n stuff...er...moving right along...

No but seriously!...I wonder if this individual was chemically challenged, when they came up with this rather ingenious cat-walk...it's bonkers!