Hello and welcome to the new John B-S blog.
On these pages you will be able to read my exciting thoughts on the news of the day and anything I've been up to IF I want to tell you.
I have just heard Robert Plant with the Band of Joy broadcast live from the Roundhouse in Camden Town, as part of the BBC Electric Proms. Very enjoyable for us Led Zeppelin fans but the set from Elton John and Leon Russell on Thursday night was even better. I will go out and buy the new album or perhaps it will appear in my Christmas stocking!
The news continues to be depressing with more cuts announced by the coalition government every week. The plans to cap housing benefit sound ok until you realise huge numbers of people will find themselves homeless, especially in London. Meanwhile the threat of a fire strike in the capital on and around Bonfire Night is a cause for real concern. Personally I blame both sides for this dispute, and the sooner they sort it out, the better.
The poppy appeal has started and I always support it, because the the ex-servicemen and women deserve our thanks and we should remember many made the ultimate sacrifice. I learn that this year many tube trains won't run on Remembrance Sunday. Transport for London argue that essential work is needed on the Underground, but this will surely mean many war veterans won't be able get to the Cenotaph that day. It's a disgrace and I have written to the mayor about it. If Boris sends me a reply, I will let you know.
This weekend I will tune in to Tony Blackburn as he does his final breakfast shows for Smooth Radio. It is true his jokes don't get any better but he is a friendly voice on the radio and has kept us entertained over the years. Next week he takes over Pick of the Pops on Radio 2.
I am enjoying the appearances of Ann Widdecombe on Strictly. Other dancers may be more talented, graceful or even competent but the sight of her suspended on a trapeze last week was the funniest thing I have seen in ages. This week she struts her stuff to Wild Thing! Meanwhile over on X-Factor the bickering continues. We can look forward to a halloween theme tonight including Wagner's rendition of Bat Out Of Hell. After that, Piers Morgan talks to Rod Stewart. Or you could watch Elton John night on BBC 2, while Neil Diamond is live on Radio 2 as the BBC Electric Proms concludes on Saturday night.
If you enjoy this blog do tell your friends or you could try my afternoon show. I am on Mondays 2 - 4pm on Radio Verulam 92.6 in St Albans or http://www.radioverulam.com/
Cheers
John B-S
