sidewinder

Fantastic weather today. Clear skies, calm, early 20s C. Ideal really - the rain will be heading in tomorrow night (coming your way first MG..)

Here I am, ready to go. Sorry - I changed my job, moved again, my life has been a big mess. But I am back for my BFT Welcome back !

Currently getting about 40-45 mpg in my sports coupe driving like a grandad at 55-60mph but the urge to put the foot hard down, kick in the turbo and leave the chav astra vans for toast is killing me !

Have never smoked myself other than the occasional cigarillo as a teen. My dad used to be a very heavy smoker though, in common with most guys his generation until around 35 years ago. Stopped after seeing a TV documentary where they disected a heavy smoker's lung and the black gunk oozed out. Freaked him out (as it did me too) and he's never touched them since. First year was the worst I understand but these days he can't stand the smell of the stuff or being near smokers. Good luck to anyone on the board who is currently working to quit. JohnS's point that you can spend the savings on jazz LPs/CDs is a great incentive, I would think.

Marco Pierre White F-ing Gordon Ramsay Hugh Fernley-Wittingstall

Really?

Is Michael Ray the trumpeter with Kool and the Gang who used to spin the trumpet round in his hand as part of the stage routine?

That's the way I've always done it buying gas in the States in places like NYC or Florida - paid my $20 or $30 fill-up amount up front (that dates it) - didn't think there was any alternative. Always came as a bit of a shock coming in either from Canada or the UK where you paid after filling up and then to see those pay booths in the US that often had metal bars on the windows.

Count Basie Complete Roulette Studio, LP 15. Schmokin' !

Yeah, I would second that. One of the best tournaments in recent time. Probably helped by the fact that my lot stayed at home.

'Fiery' Fred Trueman Raquel Welch Brigit Bardot

Spain definitely deserved to win, they dominated the game. It could easily have been 3-0. Germany did well to reach the final. An excellent tournament all round and good to see Spain win something major after many years (I think '64 was the last time). They should be a team to watch at the next World Cup.

Al Caiola Big Al Mr Big

Herbie Hancock 'Speak Like A Child' (BN Liberty blue/white stereo)

Roger Rabbit Roger the Dodger Roger Mellie

But there is a George Shearing Mosaic (good one too !) albeit without the pull-out centrefolds..

David Johansen Sylvain Sylvain Billy Murcia Danny Barcelona Jordi Pujol Jordan Chesty Morgan Morgan Three Wheeler Morgan The Pirate

Bobby Hutcherson 'Waiting' (BN blue label, stereo)

Debbie Harry Boris Johnson Ulrika Johnsson

Tone Loc Joe Locke Lem Winchester

Chris Christiern Hans Christian Anderson

Damn sad to hear this, although not unexpected. He'll be missed for sure. RIP.

Joe Henderson 'Our Thing' (BN NY USA mono. DG side 1)

Sam Salt Sam Goody Jade Goody

All the best, Stefan !