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There was a job vacancy in one of the comics for the role of “ Enrolment Officer” at the Samaritans a while back. Any names spring to mind?? Lol.
Another one comes to mind...……...Andromeda StrainQuote:
Originally Posted by FUJIMO
Sittin' in the boat making motor noises...…..that's probably what Memorial Day weekend will be like in the USA. Access to launch ramps are being gated up.in WA state. If Billy still has access to his CC be's one of the lucky ones. I have no idea what Seattle intends to do for opening day of boating season. Boaters who routinely cross the border to Canada will find all border crossings closed except for commercial truck traffic. Speaking of our neighbors to the north, Harry & Meghan have "disappeared" since this Covid19 really kicked into overdrive. Our secretary of the Navy recently fired for blowing $250K on a private Gulfstream flight to Guam to fire an aircraft carrier captain for a virus outbreak on the ship. I would assume that any nuclear subs at sea have been ordered to stay put at sea?Quote:
Originally Posted by jackiewilson
NBC News USA reports that the Oxford experiment is failing with highly variable test results. I hope the Oxford scientists keep pounding away at it though because their test uses a skin-prick approach (like diabetes) rather than "snot-on-a-swab" sample like the Abbott Lab gizmo uses.Quote:
Originally Posted by jackiewilson
...Harry and Meghan no longer live in the great white north. They moved to Los Angeles, you know...where she wanted to be the whole time. They bought a house there.Quote:
Originally Posted by WaterZebra
[QUOTE=FUJIMO;3199992]...Harry and Meghan no longer live in the great white north. They moved to Los Angeles, you know...where she wanted to be the whole time.
They bought a massive palace on Vancouver Island. I think they own both places. Either way, we haven't heard much about them since this virus nightmare kicked in. I will speculate that the Vancouver Island location was too "remote" for her.
You couldn’t even make this stuff up—— miracle cures have been found using “Malaria and HIV medicine” Craperootle and Jolly hockey sticks—— why not give the poor buggers cod liver and malt or in the worst cases some honey and lemon!!Quote:
Originally Posted by WaterZebra
Bet my sainted mother could find a cure in no time flat——- doctors and surgeons used to ask HER what to do in emergencies.
Sad to report the demise of Tullio Abbate—— prominent boat builder—— racer and friend !
Raced against him many times in the sixties——- he was quite good in his time—— his tunnel boats just weren’t as quick as the Scotti and Molinari’s.
But he did make a lot more exciting boats than either of the others——- most of the inboard hydros you only see in museums——— those with the beautiful finish were built by him.
He supplied a bunch of boats every year for the F1 car drivers —— most were based at the Villa-D-Este
the most wonderful hotel on the bottom end of Lake Como.
They raced against each other in the boats provided by Tullio.
I once persuaded Jackie Stewart to visit the Molinari factory at Torriggia——- he turned up in an ABBATE.
WORLD ON Championships were held in Rabondages on a beautiful hydro electric site in 1971.
I had the little black sprint Molinari with a great 1000 BP on its bum—— it was untouchable, knew I only had to finish and the title was mine———- first Englishman to win a world title in modern times!
Miles in the lead —— coming in to the top turn——- sun was low in the water, reflections were blinding, damned near ran over a guy in the water—— I just never saw him—— he was a long way from his boat. Turned out it was Tullio !
Turned my boat around and stuck it between him and the chasing pack ( it’s what you did back in those days) rescue boat came, I took off after the pack——- finished second to Giorgio.
Georgio is still a good friend—- has been for over fifty years.
Looking back, over the years I’ve known some pretty wonderful characters—— their children and wives—- mechanics—— and helpers.
Ive laughed with them when they won——- cried with them when we lost someone—— all in all I can’t think of anything I’d rather have done!
Nothing comes even close to the boat racing fraternity——- Thank you God !
I never met the man, but did admire his work. First time I saw an Abbate was at the Como 100 Mile Race. Wicked looking boats, I wondered if they ran as good as they looked. I remember several occasions having lunch at 'John's' on Lake Como interrupted by an Abbate shooting past the window. First you'd hear a deep sound and as it got louder you recognized it was open headers roaring on the lake. Then someone in the restaurant would shout 'ab-bat-te', and sure enough, one of the big hydros could be seen through the window ..... Beautiful sight & sound.Quote:
Originally Posted by jackiewilson
This video catches that very well...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5dno0mYW3XI
Im quite sure that Tullio and Scotti used to love to wind Renato up—— he always had a pair of bins round his neck—— or close at hand—— he would sprint upstairs to the showroom the minute there was a “Howl” coming from the lake !Quote:
Originally Posted by willabee
Do you ever “ Reminisce “ Bill ?——- Twas Gene that started me off with his comment I THOUGHT THOSE DAYS WOULD NEVER END———Afraid I was one of those ——- I got to thinking about all the great people that were around back then, guys I knew, laughed and drank with——- they’re not there any more! Garbrecht—-Mert—- SIROIS——Shakey Bill—— Scotti—- Salabert—- Inward—-Pruett——- Percival—Spalding. in the early seventies we lost seven drivers in one season.
Fatalities were the norm——- before Hodges and the safety cell !
Glad times and sad times—— we had ‘em all.
Most of my happy and sad times were centred around BOATRACING——- what about you William?
It certainly does, that was the 'window run' ...... thank you :thumbsup:Quote:
Originally Posted by AZMIDLYF
Quote:
Originally Posted by willabee
You could hear the “HOWL” long before you saw the boat!!!
Still remember the rush of everyone leaving the shop floor to see what was making it !
I remember Renato and his binoculars! Seems to me the boats would come by on their first pass closer to his side of the lake, but only running maybe 50/60 mph. They'd disappear, turn around and come back running full song, but much farther away. Seemed like they were putting on a show for someone.Quote:
Originally Posted by jackiewilson
Do I reminisce, of course I do. By definition, reminiscing is thinking about enjoyable past events. That sure sounds like my time spent with the boat racing fraternity ..... enjoyable past events. :thumbsup:
Most of the pleasure I get these days comes from the past and the people connected with it.Quote:
Originally Posted by willabee
Then I get to the SHOULDA——-COULDA———-. MIGHTA.—— OUGHTA——WHAT IF—— IF ONLY—.
They say you only get ONE life——- they sure as God made little green apples got that totally wrong!
Ive lived Two—- Three —- Four——- maybe more——- still think that the best life I ever had was the seventies !, If I ever write a book——- most of it would be my time in the seventies.
Cant think of anyone I ever met who got as much out of life as I did !
Regrets——- I’ve had a few—— same as anyone with a mouth and ambition!
Loves !?????—-Just three——— but that’s a closed book and not up for discussion.
Ambitions—— I’ve still got those in bloody spades—- ?
Some people are naturally talented——- rest of us have to learn the hard way—- pick yourself up, by the bootlaces and squeeze what you can out of life!
Sometimes you don’t quite get it right and the result is a bit like a fat girl in a thong !
Other times you reach that mystical “Cloud Nine”, thinking bugger me, did I really do that!
Nicko McBrain has an uncle who races F1 race boats.
I am not certain if Nicko McBrain the drummer for Iron Maiden has an uncle that use to, race F1 race boats. But I did find some pictures of a past British driver who has a semblance to Nicko. They are both British so maybe that race driver Jackie Wilson (not Jackie Stewart) is biologically related to Nicko.
Jackie when I was over there in Europe back in the early 1970’s, I brought some 8 track music with me from the states. I had some English artists with me, when I hauled powerheads and towed race boats around Europe in the Mercury van. Two Led Zeppelins, one Rolling Stones and a Joe Cocker – Mad Dogs & Englishmen tape. Maybe I had a Beatles and Black Sabbath with me too. Some of them my uncle Bobby (Robert) gave me.
The tape that I was apprehensive about was, when Roy Ridgell put the Santana tape in the 8 track player. The Creedence Clearwater Revival and the 5th Dimension would be acceptable to his country western music tastes. Maybe not so much the Grand Funk Railroad tape. We are heading to downtown Como, and I think he was driving. When he inserted the Santana tape, I just looked ahead and didn’t say anything.
His response was nothing. But there were a couple of things he did not like about my generation. The drug use he was against and, he did not look upon guys with long hair favorably. If his sons had long hair that would displease him, it had to be shorter than Gary G’s hair.
Attachment 462910
Heavy Metal Singer at night, and band's pilot during the day.
Band members and stage crew have confidence in singer Bruce Dickinson's aviation skill levels. The energetic singer pilots the tour group, to there next concert destination. The band leases a commercial jet and Bruce takes the control.
Would you ride with Bruce? See Jackie and Gene if you guys were singers, instead of spinning your propellers in the water ... see what might have been.
The thing that will clip the wings of a pilot, is a divorce from your wife of 29 years.
Attachment 462913
Absolutely loved the seventies music ROY——/still do in fact !Quote:
Originally Posted by Lake X Kid
Did you know Joe Cocker was a friend and neighbor of GENE LANGHAM ?
Funny how all the best music came out in the seventies—— the most remembered artists—— the days of Songs—- Lyrics—- Tunes and Melodies——- Singers and Groups—— Musicians and Bands.
acdcQuote:
Originally Posted by jackiewilson
...yep...acdc...and Aerosmith...and...Quote:
Originally Posted by powerabout
Joe Cocker was a neighbour of mine as a kid he lived about a mile away Tasker rd crooks was his address i never new him but saw him perform a few times before he became famous he went under the name of Vance Arnold.Quote:
Originally Posted by jackiewilson
Dire Straights——- Enigma—- Camel——Neil Diamond—— Dylan ——- The Eagles—-Beach Boys—— Elton John——- Carly Simon—— Roberta Flack—— Minnie Ripperton—— Glen Campbell——— John Williams ——- Tina Turner ——- Waylon Jennings——- Cat Stevens——Dozens more.
All were entertainers—— with real music——— none of that “RAP CRAPP”. .
Once travelled from Heathrow to LA in the company of the Bee-Gees.
Another time sat next to David Gates.
Quote:
Originally Posted by jackiewilson
They had a nice little place in CRAWFORD---
Pam had a little restaurant in town called THE MAD DOG INN---
Pam died of lung cancer a few years ago---
Attachment 462956
Ive been pretty fortunate in life Gene——- cancer gave me a wide berth——- bastard took my eldest daughter Sandra when she was 42. But Illness and Sickness pretty much left me alone !Quote:
Originally Posted by GENE LANHAM
Joe’s place in Crawford has a damn nice backdrop——- looks like a western film set.
[QUOTE=jackiewilson;3200576]
Joe’s place in Crawford has a damn nice backdrop——- looks like a western film set-
SHARE ON FACEBOOKSo there you are one day, looking at homes in Colorado and you come upon a piece of history. Rock and Roll history. The Mad Dog Ranch in Crawford, which was the home to the Mad Englishman himself, Joe Cocker was put up for sale after Cocker passed away.
The price, once at over $7 Million was reduced and is one of the most beautiful properties in Colorado.The English Manor home boasts 243 acres, has a 16,000 square foot home with 9 bedrooms, 9 bathrooms and a whole lot more.
According to the Delta County Assessors Office, the property sold on 12/12/2017 for $3,875,000. Thanks to our Facebook friend Heidi for pointing tipping us.
Read More: Joe Cocker's Crawford Mansion Sold for a Song | https://kool1079.com/joe-cockers-
Jackie--I am pretty fortunate also---and Blessed---and lucky--Quote:
Originally Posted by jackiewilson
Steve and I were diagnosed nearly 10 years ago----
Attachment 462990
Steve—- Odell—-?—?—Jeff Hall—— Tommy——Vicky—- Mark——Billy—-is that your boy Gene?
Hells teeth Gene——- you call that lucky?—— I had no idea.Quote:
Originally Posted by GENE LANHAM
Anyway——- will the bird fly this summer??—— you keep dodging the question !!!
I look upon the seventies & sixties music, as the golden era of so many musical genres; rock, pop, blues, R&B, and country western too.Quote:
Originally Posted by jackiewilson
But there is hope for 21st century music.
An unemployed village girl living with her mother, stuns the judges on Britain's Got Talent. The never been married frumpy-looking 47 year old, was dismissively viewed by the audience and the TV show's judges.
Then she sang, and Simon Cowell and Pierce Morgan had dumbfounded looks on their faces. Overnight Susan Boyle became a national and USA sensation. In her new founded success Susan got to sing with her idol Elaine Paige.
Hopefully there is more creative artists to come ... "move over Beethoven."
Attachment 463006
Agree with what you say ROY—— in the main.Quote:
Originally Posted by Lake X Kid
Fact is——— Susie Boyle sang. someone else’s material—— she’s good at singing—— that’s about it——- God was not kind to her when they queued up for good looks!
In the seventies groups—— guys and dolls did their own thing ——- made up the lyrics——- even Liberace —— Elton John and Victor Borge could beat the crap out of a Joanna.
Hendrix ——- Plant—— Geldof and the likes could make a bloody guitar talk.
Nigel Kennedy played the fiddle till it begged for mercy—— .
“Britains got talent”—— is a poor continuation of the “ GOONSHOW”——- but nowhere near as good !
We lost another all time great yesterday—— Stirling Moss—— one of the greatest race drivers ever.
He did have a bloody good innings though——- made 90 years before he copped it.
I would like to raise the banner, on a favorite 4 Wheeler Racer of mine.Quote:
Originally Posted by jackiewilson
Yes, there is Andretti, Earnhardt, Foyt, Hamilton, Hendrick, Kimi, Lauda, Mansell, Mears, Penske, Pearson, Petty, Schumacher, Senna, Stewart, Unser, and Vettel, to name a few.
Arguably there is no equivalent in Boat Racing and automobile racing too, to this 4 Wheeler's diversity and accomplishments. A gentleman whom you would not mind dating your sister.
A guy that would not do business deals with shading individuals, like some boat racers did in South Florida.
This man introduced the champagne spraying celebration, on the winners podium
(at a Lemans victory with co-driver AJ).
Daniel Sexton Gurney was an American racing driver, race car constructor, and team owner.
Gurney won races in the Formula One, Indy Car, NASCAR, Can-Am, and Trans-Am Series.
Gurney is the first driver to have won races in Sports Cars, Formula One, NASCAR, and Indy cars.
Surely there is/was someone that is the Dan Gurney of boat racing ... but I do not know who that is.
Attachment 463034
Hey Jackie regarding this photo I have a question.
Did Bob and Tom have a rift, where say they did not want to co-drive with each other?
I am so use to those two colleagues fraternizing on and off the race course. That when I see this caption, on the bottom left corner, I wonder if there was a time when Bob & Tom didn't see eye to eye. Or might it be just a case where Gary G. had an American and European team-up with each other for a marathon race.
Attachment 463036
Sutter and Percival were good friends—— Lee would provide a boat for Tom when he raced in the States—— Tom would reciprocate!Quote:
Originally Posted by Lake X Kid
Billy always had great boats and shared them with lots of different drivers—- Even Mike ! Bob was an easy guy to get along with.
Omly time there was any dissent between GG- Spalding and Percival Was after the pair landed the MARTINI deal. Gary told ‘em , no way, you race the John Players boats ! End of.
Course, they were the series sponsor, ploughed some big bucks into the sport!
Bob and Tom were the “ DON JUANS” of Powerboat racing——- Black haired Argentinian—— and an upper crust English gentleman——— a couldn’t possibly fail with the ladies combination!!!!
l am still kicking--JackieQuote:
Originally Posted by jackiewilson
And the BIRD will fly this summer--if THEY will let me travel back to the Mountains--
I did get all the new parts$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ and the engine-landing gear--new mount were all in place when I left in November---
And Doug will be there to help with the --STUFF
It’s good to have a project Gene—— and I’m so pleased that the MALIBUSTANG will soar again.
I can only begin to imagine the shear dollar cost of the parts alone cost!!$$$$$$$$$$$
Only thing that keeps me going into the shop every day is the fact I’ve got a PROJECT——— something to look forward to.
At the moment I’ve got a couple of concepts running together——— one is the long lost PEARL OF THE EAST——— Other is the John Paul Getty’s “KLONDIKE” Silver Ghosts !
Each Roller normally takes me five weeks to produce—— ( 150/200 hours)—— but I’ve gotten quite clever at the job—— so it now only takes me over six weeks to produce each one?
Im still trying to work that one out! Is it me slowing down——- taking more care—— or maybe just getting older and slower?
I don’t think so——- I do take more care these days——— ( after my son and grandson told me I never finish ANYTHING). Probably true—— but it still pissed me off, you can probably understand that!
Attachment 463073Attachment 463074Attachment 463075
Sneaky Peeky preview of the Getty Klondike Roller——- four weeks into it already—— still have the seats and interior —- leatherwork——— steering and gearshift to construct!
I go to bed thinking of how I’m going to get over the latest problem, but I usually wake up with the answer?
Suppose I ought to be grateful that I wake up up at all!!!!