Blog Suspended - Now on Facebook

See you over on Facebook where I have updated my dormant profile and homepage, blogging away there now, more games, apps, features, more user-friendly and more feedback. Cheers - Erik

Parliament Building

Scottish Parliament Visit

Attended an enjoyable artsy evening at the Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh, on Wednesday 24 June, celebrating sense of place in Scotland, based on the Placebook Scotland social networking/blog/photo-video sharing site I contribute to with poetry and photos. Introduced by Andrew Welsh MSP, the artists included:- Talented father and daughter folk singers from Perth, a good ceilidh band trio, Robin Harper of the Greens did well on acoustic guitar and singing, other talented contributors including a prose/poetry reading extracts of his. Well attended and sociable, with canapes and quality red/white wine (water and soft drinks also). The building itself divides opinion but I like its appearance/design, wood finishes and roofing, granite and flagstone flooring, quirky design and original art displays.

BBC 6 Music News

Congratulations - The Ting Tings & Duffy

Congratulations to my favourite music acts of 2008: The Ting Tings and Duffy, for their Ivor Novello songwriting/music performance awards this week. Well deserved. Expecting big things from hotly-tipped, talented synth-pop artiste Little Boots 'Stuck On Repeat' etc, as well as La Roux, 'Going In For The Kill'.

By the way, my quiz team Hilltown Writers won the Highwayman YCC quiz again, lifting the cup for the 3rd time in a row; good hat-trick, should get the trophy engraved!

Some think my house is Balmoral - I need 500 trees

Ducking Scandal! Every MP knows every pond needs a good duck house

Rogues' Gallery

Assorted photos from the main runners and riders in the MPs' expenses scandal.

I'm as straight as they come (actual quote)

Sorry - we were found out

Biker Girl - I've Got A Little Cheque

I Was That Close To Getting Away With It

It Wisnae Me

Kate Hoey, You're Fired! No, Mr Speaker, You're Fired!

Iniesta Goal Sinks Chelsea - Viva Barcelona!

Champions League Semi-Final Second Leg: Chelsea got their just desserts for knocking out Liverpool in the quarters by being knocked out themselves from a stoppage time away goal for Barcelona, scored by Iniesta.

Ben Nevis Webcam

Benayoun Goal

Torres Scores

Benayoun Scores

Torres Goal

Liverpool 4-4 Take 2

Liverpool FC addicted to 4-4 high-drama, exciting draws; 1 in a million Champions League quarter-final game against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge followed by 1 in a million Premier League game against Arsenal at Anfield. 10 out of 10 to the Reds for spirited comebacks. Unfortuately, failure to win the game and get all 3 points plays into the hands of Man. United - but they still have to win their games in hand, with congested fixture list, snd on the back of being knocked out of FA Cup by Everton. And they still have to play Arsenal (as do Chelsea)...

Rock chick P!nk currently on UK tour

Scotland at the Crossroads by Erik Zoha

Hospitality and drink-fuelled random violence,
Camaraderie and break-ins to feed drugs habit,
National pride in losing teams (football and rugby),
And winning individuals – Andy Murray, Chris Hoy, Alex Ferguson.
Cringe culture being replaced by political self-confidence;
Unionism to devolution and – hopefully – independence.
Mythologising history – Mary Queen of Scots,
Rob Roy Macgregor and Bonnie Prince Charlie.
Urban sprawl and outstanding landscape –
New National Parks victims of their popularity –
Litter and pollution threatening to spoil the environment.
Culinary delicacies – venison, smoked salmon, prime beef
In contrast to ‘chips with everything’, deep-fried Mars bar.
Quality malt whiskies and premium ales
Set against Buckfast and Tennent’s Super.
Still one of the “best small countries” in the world
But, amid greedy merchant bankers, credit crunch
And serious-crime wave, knife culture,
For how much longer?

(Poem inspired by photographic images of Scottish culture, life and history, contrasting the ‘good, bad and ugly’ of Scottish society in 2009).

Sorry about the lack of activity on this blog recently, tried posting some videos and games but were not published, copyright problems maybe?
Am FLAMING ANGRY about two break-ins within 2 days at my flat about 4 weeks ago, had my laptop computer with my blogs, writing files, bank details stolen, along with a PSP and PS2 games consoles, and some loose change cash, plus the place was ransacked by the thief(s) looking for money and valuables. Had to change my bank account, my standing orders, direct debits, visa card details etc, very annoying, plus all the worry and stress, peace of mind and security gone completely, need to move out SOON.