A Beatles Clip!

The Beatles were always great favorites of Retro Britain's 1960s decade. They were euphoric and every song they sung became classic. Good times from the Retro Brit past.

Covenant With Death - A story about a group of young men during the Great War!

A group of young men all from the same town are trained for combat in WWI. All their close friendship and training comes to a climatic moment when they must make their big charge. All the long training for this one big event that lasts no more then minuets charging across no-mans land.

We are presented with a group of young men from a small town or district. They all know one another and are caught up in the patriotic fever of the nation during the Great War. They enlist because it is the noble thing to do. All the old ladies of the village are thanking them for going to a far flung land to protect them and all are immersed in the propaganda of the time.

Among the young men are all the various people from brash young lads who think they are a hit with the ladies, others that are, some that are shy, others that are sheltered and still clutching their Mother's apron strings. All sorts of young men are among the recruits who train for the one great spectacle. The charge across No Mans Land. The story is daunting but compelling too. Well worth a read.

Mexican SciFi - So Bad; Its entertaining - LOL!

These old SciFi flicks were the same all over during the 50s decade. Not just in the USA or the UK. The world was churning them out. This one is called the The Ship of Monsters and is a Mexican SciFi movie. 

Its atrocious as a futuristic story, but fabulous as an entertaining movie with bug eyed monsters and scantly clad ladies making out they always wear such attire while hanging out with bug eyed monsters. For laughs its an absolute peach of a stinker movie. The bottom link is the entire movie.

Sothend Geezers grab a point at Carlisle United.

CONOR Clifford's low, long range strike on the stroke of half-time secured Southend United a 1-1 draw at Carlisle United this afternoon.

Southend United travelled to their farthest northern fixture to play Carlisle United. They got a point in the 1-1 stand off. Carlisle had gone one up, but Southend equalized within two minuets. This stalemate remained in the second half.

The point is fine but three points would have been better. Southend jumped up the table a few places, but many fans will be looking at the 1 point out of 5 after a 6 points from 6 start.

I'm sure Southend will keep plugging away, but a few wins would be grand as it would be wonderful if Southend could get a promotion this season.

The Good, the bad and the ugly - Very Mixed Reviews for The Black and Tan Summer by C.A. Powell

The Black and Tan Summer has had some fine reviews and also attracted bad ones too. I suppose this is to be expected. One of the bad one says; the plot is simplistic and there are no bad books but fussy readers. I should take some comfort from this.

I take a step back and say to myself, "I wanted a simplistic plot." Why does it need to be complicated?

There was also another review that says the writing was poor because of the dialouge. People never spoke in such a way back in 1920. Well I guess I'll have to take that one on the chin. The book was professionally edited, but one can't please all the people all of the time.

The book is selling well around the Isles (Britain and Ireland) and in the USA. I just can't always understand why certain people want complex plots. Still, I'll keep plugging away. Reviews are reviews - good or bad - people are giving it a go.

The reviews: Check out the good the bad and the ugly! and this one.

HMS Thunder Child from H.G. Wells' War of the Worlds

There are so many images of HMS Thunder Child (the fictional ship from H.G. Wells' War of the Worlds.) I enjoyed the story so much, it blew my mind away. I also loved the musical adaptation by Jeff Wayne. In the musical there is a song for Thunder Child describing the ironclad's gallant action against three Martian tripods in order to save a paddle steamer full of fleeing refugees.

If you have never listened to the musical by Jeff Wayne; please do so.

If you have never read the book by H.G. Wells; please do so.

If you have never done any of these things; you are denying yourself so much enjoyment.

Next brings me to the humble effort of The Last Days of Thunder Child. (An adaptation from War of the Worlds and about Thunder Child leading up to the event from the image in this blog. 

200 MPH Plus - Isle of Man TT.

I just can't get over the allure and the brush with near death experience. It comes to us all eventually, but to tweak the nose of the grim Reaper and get away with it. People find all sorts of ways of testing themselves and many brave fellows die in such pursuits of speed.

Jim Clark, Wolfgang von Trips, Peter Collins, Donald Campbell, Ayton Senna upon racing cars. Then there is this motorbike circuit like no other in the world. It brings out the knight in all across the world. They flock to this event and many die pitting their wits against this extreme speed demon. 

There will always be people like this who test the boundaries and I am in awe of them and their bravery. I could never do it, yet I get excited watching the grand race.

Southend United's Early Nineties Striker!

Brett Angell was a great Southend striker who was in the Dave Webb Managed side of the 1990/1991 season when the Shrimpers made it to the next division after finishing second behind Cambridge United. I saw many of the games that season. There were so many exciting games and Southend United were spectacular during this promotion campaign.

Brett Angell was the star striker. Often Southend played on a Friday night when at home. It used to set the weekend off very nicely. These were great days and Southend football was very exciting in the early to mid-nineties.

Eventually the higher teams noticed Brett Angell and he was bought by Everton. He was a little out of his league in the premiership table and did not make the grade. He was passed around a little among the clubs. He eventually enjoyed another great spell at Stockport County.

I will always remember him as one of Southend's finest as he always seemed to shine for the Blues.

Southend United can do it this Season.

Good old Southend Geezers all the way. Can we get out of Division 2 and begin the climb? They've got six points which is a good start. However, there is a long way to go yet. Good luck - all Southenders are cheering you on.  :)

HMS Thunder Child - Book Review in USA

THE AUDACIOUS COMMITMENT OF THE CREW TOOK THE BOLD IRONCLAD TO STRIKING DISTANCE!

THE INTREPID GUNS ROARED!

THE MARTIAN FIGHTING MACHINE WAS TORN APART BY THE INIQUITY OF HUMAN FURY!

Check out this Review!

Southend United Get Another 3 Points.

Dashed well done Southend United. I live in March, Cambridgeshire now, but I still love to see the shrimpers win. Great start and hope you guys keep it going.

There is a pastiche novel of The War of the Worlds. It looks at the story from the perspective of the Royal Navy crew of HMS Thunder Child. Give it a go. On sale in the USA via Amazon and other leading outlets.

The story switches between the crew of HMS Thunder Child and the Ministry of Defence clerk named Mister Stanley. The crew are at sea and cannot believe the semaphore messages they receive from the land based signal stations. It all leads up to the dreadful climax against the Martian tripods in the River Blackwater. See the battle through the eyes of the crew.

BBC News - Lancasters in first tandem flight over Lincolnshire

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Lancasters in first tandem flight over Lincolnshire

Two World War Two Lancaster bombers have flown together for the first time in 50 years.

The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight's aircraft was joined by the only other airworthy example, which had crossed the Atlantic from Canada to Lincolnshire.

The pair was due to pass over Lincoln cathedral last Friday but the flight was postponed due to bad weather.

Click Link Below:


BBC News - Lancasters in first tandem flight over Lincolnshire

Go Southend Geezers All the Way

The Day of the Jackal - No other thriller can compare.

1963 in President de Gaulle's France, the OAS hire a contract killer to assassinate the head of state because of the Algeria crises. The anonymous Englishman is hired. No one knows who he is and all police forces keep finding is a cold dead end trail or fake identity and then dead bodies. This is a real page turning cat and mouse chase to stop an assassination attempt by a cold blooded killer. Every time the authorities try to close the net; the assassin seems to be able to avoid the trap as he draws closer to his prey - the French head of state. Both French and British security services are frantically trying to work out the skilled assassin's next move while time continues to run out.

Great SciFi Promotion at $0.99 Kindle Download - H.M.S. Thunder Child's Story in USA.

Post by Retro Brit.

The Invisible Man by H.G. Wells

This was a thrill of a story. I thought it would be corny, but to my delight it was so wonderfully presented. It takes place at an Inn in an English village during the time of Victorian Britain. The locals are nosy rumor mongers who find the strange bandaged man a bit of an odd fellow who keeps himself to himself. From here the wonderful plot begins as we gradually learn of the invisible man and the growing intolerance towards his desperate need for isolation and secretive studies. A gripping tale with characters that are deeper and more real than those in his other good novels.

I would say this story is a must for all fans of retro science fiction.

Isle of Man TT 2014 - The Knights of the World Gathered.

I would never have the bottle to do this, but can't help being drawn to the event. I love watching it and get an adrenalin rush just observing the audacity of these guys. Heaven knows what it must be like, skimming the very limit of such a danger zone - just brushing it and getting the 'do or dare' buzz - gritting ones teeth at the face of danger or sticking two fingers up to it. Once again, the knights of the planet are drawn to the monster that lives on a small island. The Isle of Man TT.

Are You a War of the Worlds Fan?

Are You a War of the Worlds Fan?

I've always had strong interest in War of the Worlds. This was from a time when I watched the American 1950s adaptation as a kid. I thought it was very tense and rather scary at the time. I was very impressionable as a youngster. I remember talking with my class mates about it and asking our school teacher Mister Richards about the story. He told me he had read the book and the original story was set in England where we all lived and during Victorian times. I was pleasantly surprised and rather pleased to know it was a British Sci-Fi story.

Later, I read the book and then a few years later still, Jeff Wayne did his marvellous musical about the story too. I lived in Essex and often went to the town of Maldon where an event from the War of the Worlds took place. It was the battle upon the River Blackwater between HMS Thunder Child and the three Martian Tripods.

Projects and whims.

I had also been going to a writing class in Leigh-on-Sea where our tutor set some homework for us. One was to try and write a small piece from a written work from a different perspective. Just about 1,200 words. I chose to be on HMS Thunder Child as the ship was sinking amid the black smoke. The battle was over and the Boy Seaman has to get off of the doomed wreck. It was well received and most there liked the little rendition. I went home pleased with myself and started to imagine the days leading up to the event. I began to write as the idea developed, knowing what the endgame was. I had the outcome and I was inventing a story leading to the dramatic event. It was a wonderfully consuming writing project that increased with interest as the idea developed.

In August 2016 you can download the pastiche story of H.M.S. Thunder Child from H.G. Wells' original War of the Worlds on Kindle anywhere in the EU. It is already on sale in the USA. The Last Days of Thunder Child allows the reader to see the unfolding events from the crew's perspective. 

It is the age of Queen Victoria and the British Empire. The super power nation has it all. But then the whole world is rocked by an alternative history/scifi adventure.

In USA, this adaptation is available in paperback and Kindle.

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Mott the Hoople - All the Young Dudes.

H.M.S. Thunder Child charges to the Rescue Against Martian Tripods.

The Last Days of Thunder Child pastiche story of War of the Worlds is available on Amazon print and download on USA Kindle. Click Amazon link to right side of the blog from 11th August 2014.

During the War of the Worlds story by H.G. Wells, there is a scene were a British ironclad makes a stand to defend a paddle steamer full of fleeing refugees. It is in the River Blackwater off of the coast of Essex near the town of Maldon. As the paddle steamer pulls out into the river, three huge Martian tripods wade out into the water in pursuit of the helpless paddle steamer and all aboard.

It is at this grand moment when H.M.S. Thunder Child, the British ironclad, decides to attack with everything she can muster. The pastiche story called: The Last Days of Thunder Child brings the days leading up to the event. We see the Martian invaders through the eyes of the disbelieving crew of H.M.S. Thunder Child. The reader can embark upon Thunder Child's final voyage and watch as the brave crew makes their gallant stand. Read The Last Days of Thunder Child by C.A. Powell.

War of the Worlds the true story on Amazon

Click War of the Worlds the True Story link below.

Post by War of the Worlds The True Story.

A new War of the Worlds production on Amazon. Looks good and will give it a try.

Glenda Jackson on Margaret Thatcher

I have some mixed views on Margaret Thatcher. She brought in a lot of radical changes and some were for the good. I do, however, reluctantly find myself agreeing with some of what Glenda Jackson said. Especially concerning the NHS.

I do not believe Glenda Jackson was right on all things, but she was right to say the things she did during the tributes. Margaret Thatcher was a brutally honest person. So is Glenda Jackson.

Overload - Brit Boy Band

Go Overload...  :)

The Beatles - the fab four going for it in a colour 1965 clip.

This takes me back to my child hood memories. Groups like the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, the Who and many, many, more. The nostalgic world of my Retro Brit sixties memory. Odd little things allow me to reach back to those times and this clip is a kind memory of Britain in the sixties.

Bloodhound SSC - 1,000 mph car.

The Bloodhound SSC is a vehicle being designed to brake the speed of 1,000 mph. To know more read below links. It has a Rolls-Royce Eurojet. An after burning turbofan with Nammo HTP hybrid rocket. It is still under development and the project has been running for a few years now.

Soon, in South Africa, the proof will be in the pudding.


http://www.bloodhoundssc.com/project/car

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bloodhound_SSC

BBC News - Bloodhound SSC to visit Northamptonshire schools

Violent U.S. Civil War Picture Cards of the Sixties Decade.

  

As a kid in the mid - sixties; I'm talking 5 to 6 years of age, I could walk down to the news agents in London's East End of Poplar. The news agent was by the crossroads of East India Dock Road/ Comercial Road and Burdett Road/West India Dock Road. It was the Limehouse area and I lived in St Annes Street. I always brought the various picture card sets with the tanner a day that I got from my Dad. A tanner was six pence in old money (two and a half pence in today's money decimalised money.) For this I could buy two packs that cost threepence a pack (old money.) Two threepence bits being a tanner.

I liked sweets but I liked picture cards better. There were all sorts of sets in the 60s and the U.S. must have earned a few bob in exports to the UK back then because the various American TV shows were always popular and many shows sold picture card sets. So too did the British TV show. It was a time when Americans and Brits were not ashamed of who they were.

Then there was other picture card set. The gory collections like the U.S. civil war series. They were on sale for a number of years before they were banned..As I kid, I was gobsmacked by the powers that be. For why would they do such a thing to little kids who loved to collect these fabulous kiddie cards. I thought they were loaded with action shots and we all loved the American West history. 

Of course, today, I can understand the reasons for banning such cards. They are explicitly gory and to sell them to little kids is, of course, is a huge NO, NO.

I know it is wrong but I have a compelling fascination to these violent and gory picture cards because they are a link to the innocence of my child hood memories, when the world was a place of black and white. Perhaps these gory cards lent a wicked hint that I lived in a world where evil could still exist. Perhaps a kid of 5 or 6 years should not be given shut views.

I still have a few looked in boxes. I can't bare to part with them because they are a link to the Retro Brit past. A past that I like to nostalgically bath in every now and then.

The V.I.P.'s - I Wanna Be Free 1966.

Alien Atmospheres – Methane, CFCs and Signs of Extraterrestiel Life.

Scientists are developing all sorts of ways to work out if distant stars have planets in orbit. Then they can also work out if there are worlds within the Goldilocks zone of the star system (the just right area) Not too hot or too cold. Now they can also work out if the planet of observation has an atmosphere. To learn more read the report below from Astrobiology Magazine


Alien Atmospheres – Methane, CFCs and Signs of Extraterrestrial “Intelligence” | Astrobiology Magazine