Hard to believe it’s nearly 7 years since I first wrote this article https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3909631325093680810#editor/target=post;postID=4800339557559087098;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=8;src=postname
I was in such a dark place when I wrote that. However, a lot has happened since then so I thought I’d provide an update (that’s if anyone wants to read it haha) on my condition.
First of all let me give a brief description of my condition. I have a condition called Becker’s Muscular Dystrophy. This is a neuromuscular condition, caused by a lack of protein called Dystrophin. This causes my muscles to lose their strength and structure. This affects mainly my legs and arms. However, it also causes problems with both the Heart and Lungs. It may also lead to issues such as Kyphosis (spinal curvature). Eventually it will lead to permanently being in a wheelchair as my legs lose even more strength. However there is no set timescale. Unfortunately there is no cure.
Anyway, I thought I would try and give an update on my condition and how I cope with it. Firstly, I cannot stretch my feet too much as my calf muscles and Achilles’ tendons are so tight. This became very apparent when learning to drive and using the pedals was tough. My feet also now tend to point inwards. Initially I didn’t even realise this. It was my parents who pointed this out to me. To combat this I try my best to do as many of my floor exercises as possible. I also have to wear splints every night (trust me, wearing them is no fun). My thigh muscles are also very weak at times, hence why I try to avoid stairs where possible as they can be tiring. I also have a set of exercises that I should be doing to combat this too. At this time I should say that these exercises aren’t to increase my muscle strength, they are merely to retain what strength I have in them. As for my arms, sometimes they’re fine but they can be hit and miss. Sometimes I have no problems with them, sometimes I struggle to lift a bag of shopping. At times I can lift boxes, other times I can’t push myself out of bed so end up flopping around like a fish on my bed. As you can probably tell my condition is very unpredictable. No day is ever the same.
My back does have some issues now. It is slightly curved. Standing for any length of time can be painful and regular rests are needed. Even though it’s a slight curvature, it can cause a lot pain to the extent that I can struggle to love even when sat down.
In terms of my mentality, whilst I try and remain cool with my issues, I struggle a lot with it at times. The idea of being in a wheelchair and not being self reliant terrifies me. The idea of having surgeries terrifies me too. The worries about heart issues will always be there even though I have regular heart tests. Knowing that my life will probably be shorter than average does play on my mind. I do know that my issues are minor compared to others with my same condition but I can’t help but worry about it.
Having said all this, there is help out there. The great guys and girls at http://www.musculardystrophyuk.org/ are raising money to provide people such as myself and others with the best care needed. They do this by using initiatives such as the “Makes Today Count” skydive and “Move A Mile For Muscles”. They also provide funding for cutting edge research on things such as Exxon Skipping and other research, helping to prolong the life of people with muscle wasting conditions.
There are also the Muscular Dystrophy Trailblazers. These are people who are at the forefront of the campaign, trying to raise awareness of Muscular Dystrophy. They also try and provide social justice for people with disabilities. They report on conditions faced by people with disabilities and try and work with varying governing bodies, trying to make the world a fairer place.
Wednesday, 21 March 2018
Friday, 17 August 2012
My Centre For Life Tour
First of all, let me explain why I visited the Centre For Life and what it is. The Muscle Centre at Newcastle upon Tyne is one of three centres in England for the diagnosis and management of inherited muscle diseases which are supported by the British Muscular Dystrophy Campaign. The Muscle Centre runs clinics in Newcastle and at various locations across the North of England. The Centre For Life is the main adult muscle clinic in the UK.
When I was young I was diagnosed with Beckers Muscular Dystrophy. I have already spoken about this in previous blogs here and here. Recently I have joined the Nottinghamshire branch of the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign.When I told them I was visiting Newcastle the lovely Sara Wilcox arranged for me to visit the Centre the day I arrived. After a couple of hours waiting around I visited the Biomedicine West Wing. I got into reception and me being me I completely forgot who I was supposed to be meeting. So there I was at reception, looking through past emails trying to find a name. Eventually I met up with Dr Steven Laval. The first thing we talked about was just exactly what the Centre For Life does. You can read more about the Centre For Life Science Village here. He told me a little about the history of the Centre. His department originally started out specifically researching Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy (LGMD). They have now spread their research into Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy too.
I was then told that all muscle biopsies (yes every single one) from the past 30 years are kept and still are there. This means that the muscle biopsy I had taken from me 23 years ago is still kept in that building. Crazy stuff.
He then gave me some info on the other Dr's/Professors who work there. He also told me how they are in contact with various other places around Europe (which obviously helps with research). We then started the "tour".
The first place we looked around was a research room where students were writing up some results I'm guessing. Although they clearly weren't working (the students, not the research). We then looked into a lab where they had been doing research into LGMD as the microscopes had the intials on them. Yet again there was no-one in there. Here's where it gets interesting. We then went into a small lab where heart cells of mice have been stored for research. We discussed how they were stored by a machine which used recycled air so the specimen wouldn't be tainted by bacteria. This also keeps the temperature constant. We then looked at some of the cells that had been stored. The first one had very little happening. The second one however, had what can only be described as small looking volcanoes. These would occasionally "erupt". What I was actually seeing was the heartbeat of the cell. Even though it was very small it was probably the highlight of the tour.
It was at this point I started to realise that most of the science stuff had gone way over my head. So I tried to make myself seem a bit more intelligent by talking about things like CK Levels.
He then proceeded to talk about a machine that is used to look at blood test and muscle biopsy results. Whilst this was happening we stopped at many posters, I cannot remember what was as the majority of what was said was specifically dedicated to DMD and LGMD so I got confused at times.
When we finally sat down I got chance to ask him some questions I had thought about. The first thing I asked about was Exon Skipping. Having BMD I thought that any research on DMD would be beneficial to me. Turns out thats not so as it would only result in people with DMD having a milder form of BMD. Whilst I am happy that this is a start, I was slightly disappointed that it would have no effect on me (I know that sounds selfish). There is a good explanation of what Exxon Skipping is/involves here.
I then asked him about how the Centre is funded. It is funded partly by the NHS, partly by the University of Newcastle and partly by the MDC (Muscular Dystrophy Campaign). What stuck with me was the fact that he said that the MDC was struggling to fund the Centre recently. This shows why it is important that we keep spreading the word about the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign. We must also raise awareness of all forms of MD.
When I was young I was diagnosed with Beckers Muscular Dystrophy. I have already spoken about this in previous blogs here and here. Recently I have joined the Nottinghamshire branch of the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign.When I told them I was visiting Newcastle the lovely Sara Wilcox arranged for me to visit the Centre the day I arrived. After a couple of hours waiting around I visited the Biomedicine West Wing. I got into reception and me being me I completely forgot who I was supposed to be meeting. So there I was at reception, looking through past emails trying to find a name. Eventually I met up with Dr Steven Laval. The first thing we talked about was just exactly what the Centre For Life does. You can read more about the Centre For Life Science Village here. He told me a little about the history of the Centre. His department originally started out specifically researching Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy (LGMD). They have now spread their research into Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy too.
I was then told that all muscle biopsies (yes every single one) from the past 30 years are kept and still are there. This means that the muscle biopsy I had taken from me 23 years ago is still kept in that building. Crazy stuff.
He then gave me some info on the other Dr's/Professors who work there. He also told me how they are in contact with various other places around Europe (which obviously helps with research). We then started the "tour".
The first place we looked around was a research room where students were writing up some results I'm guessing. Although they clearly weren't working (the students, not the research). We then looked into a lab where they had been doing research into LGMD as the microscopes had the intials on them. Yet again there was no-one in there. Here's where it gets interesting. We then went into a small lab where heart cells of mice have been stored for research. We discussed how they were stored by a machine which used recycled air so the specimen wouldn't be tainted by bacteria. This also keeps the temperature constant. We then looked at some of the cells that had been stored. The first one had very little happening. The second one however, had what can only be described as small looking volcanoes. These would occasionally "erupt". What I was actually seeing was the heartbeat of the cell. Even though it was very small it was probably the highlight of the tour.
It was at this point I started to realise that most of the science stuff had gone way over my head. So I tried to make myself seem a bit more intelligent by talking about things like CK Levels.
He then proceeded to talk about a machine that is used to look at blood test and muscle biopsy results. Whilst this was happening we stopped at many posters, I cannot remember what was as the majority of what was said was specifically dedicated to DMD and LGMD so I got confused at times.
When we finally sat down I got chance to ask him some questions I had thought about. The first thing I asked about was Exon Skipping. Having BMD I thought that any research on DMD would be beneficial to me. Turns out thats not so as it would only result in people with DMD having a milder form of BMD. Whilst I am happy that this is a start, I was slightly disappointed that it would have no effect on me (I know that sounds selfish). There is a good explanation of what Exxon Skipping is/involves here.
I then asked him about how the Centre is funded. It is funded partly by the NHS, partly by the University of Newcastle and partly by the MDC (Muscular Dystrophy Campaign). What stuck with me was the fact that he said that the MDC was struggling to fund the Centre recently. This shows why it is important that we keep spreading the word about the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign. We must also raise awareness of all forms of MD.
Monday, 13 August 2012
My Newcastle Trip.
First of all let me explain why I went to Newcastle. I went to visit both family and friends. I also had the once in a lifetime opportunity (at least for me) to tour SJP. My other reason was to tour the Centre For Life. Anywhoo here's the story of my trip.
FRIDAY
For some reason I thought I'd tempt fate and travel up on Friday 13th. The train journey up was normal i.e there was no problems (although the journey up made me appreciate the fact I don't live in Yorkshire haha). The journey only took 2 hours which I think is pretty good considering it takes us nearly 3 hours in a car. I arrived in Newcastle about 11:30ish and I did what someone who loves food usually does... I visited 2 cafes (merely to waste time of course).
Before I talk about the Centre For Life I should tell people why I wanted to visit there so much. For those of you who follow me on twitter you will know I suffer from BMD (Beckers Muscular Dystrophy). The Muscle Centre and The Centre For Life in Newcastle upon Tyne are one of three centres in England for the diagnosis and management of inherited muscle diseases which are supported by the British Muscular Dystrophy Campaign. I'm not going to go into much detail about this as I will be doing another article on it in the next few days.
After that I did the normal holiday things i.e find the hotel, get unpacked etc. But then I looked out my window and saw SJP. What an amazing site it was. It was at this point in the blog I was going to put the picture I took of the stadium, but me being me I seem to have deleted it. Anyway, after that I decided to go to the restaurant and get food. £15 for Scampi, Chips, Onion Rings and Coke is far too expensive. I then got quite bored so I watched TV (fun holiday so far). I then went back down to the bar, had a couple of pints and got talking to a ginger mackem. He called me a glory supporter because I started supporting Newcastle when King Kevin was in charge. He then proceeded to tell me that all NUFC fans were obsessed with Sunderland. He then told me he'd been to SJP on numerous occasions (ironic). Not much happened after that as I was completely zonked.
Saturday.
Saturday was far more eventful. I was meant to be visiting my dads cousin for lunch. Everything was going well until I exited the hotel. I went to look for Monument... and got lost. When I found it I headed towards the Quayside... and got lost. I was so lost I had to ask my twitter followers where I was. With the help of @JedAyeGeordie and Gareth (@TheHotspur103) I found my way to Prima Restaurant. I was supposed to be there about 1PM. I got there just in time. I proceeded to wait there 45 mins for my cousin who I thought had never turned up. I decided instead of sitting there like a lonely twat, that I order. I I have never had a nicer pizza in my life. As it turns out, my cousin was sat outside the place while I was sat inside.
Then took a trip to the Quayside to have a look around. I took some photos of the Tyne Bridge and the Millennium Bridge. That is one beautiful place.
After that you'd have thought things would've got better. How wrong I was. I found out Deborah (@LadyEashington) was in John Lewis. So I decided to see her. I tried to find Eldon Square from SJP... and got lost again. When I found it, I got lost in it. I then made the trek right to the top of it, only to find out she wasn't there. At that point I was so tired I sat in there for an hour eating. I made it back to the hotel in one piece. Then as a thank you I decided to go to The Hotspur. Quality pub, quality landlord is all I have to say about that place. As with Friday I was so tired when I got back, so as you do I decided to watch Gladiator.
Sunday.
Sunday was quite frankly, very emotional. First of all I wasn't sure what I was going to do as I had something planned, but that changed at the last minute. So I decided to visit the the Quayside properly this time. I got there fine. I then walked all the way to Ouseburn(?) to take this photo
I then walked up to the railway bridge, thinking I could get to Central Station from there. I couldn't find a way. I ended up walking all the way back along the Quayside and around. And yes, when I went along Collingwood Street I did start singing The Blaydon Races. When there I waited 45 mins for my uncle as apparently he got lost too. He took us to Crawcrook to see my aunty. We then went to Prudhoe to see family graves. We laid flowers at the graves of my Great Grandma, Great Grandad and Uncle Ernie. I was then shown other family graves, where my Great Grandma was brought up, and where my dad first lived.
I was then shown family albums which included family members I'd never heard of. We also saw photos of Robert William Robson who died in WW1. We didn't know who it was until I pointed it out. I then found out that both sides of my family lived across the road from each other. That day was the most tiring emotionally and physically.
Monday.
Quite frankly this was one of the best days of my life. First off I met my cousin in an Ice Cream place on Percy Street. Bear in mind this is the first time I'd ever met anyone from my dads paternal side of the family. He showed loads of pictures of family I'd never heard of, plus pics of my own Great Grandad and my own Grandad. He also proceeded to tell me of our family history of cancer and heart disease. He also told me a story about how a relative wanted to come home from war. He also mentioned a story of how some animal bones are under a statue in Prudhoe because of our family.
I then met Kayleigh (@KayleighK7) who had organised the SJP tour. She still turned up even though she was ill (what a trooper). We had a Nando's where I had quarter of a chicken with some spices (improvement). Then we went on the tour. £10 for 90 minutes of tour. first place we visited was level 2 where we were told about the rooms. We then talked outside for a while when we took this
We then went to levels 3 and 4 We were shown Barry Moat's match box. Apparently it costs £50,000 per season to own one. We then through the remaining levels. Here is level 7
We then went to the entrance where we saw these
A bust of Sir Bobby Robson
A bust of Wor Jackie.
We then went into the changing rooms where I proceeded to kiss Yohan Cabaye's shirt. We were also the only people allowed to do this hahahaha
We then went out onto the pitch and sat in the dugout. I was like a kid in a sweet shop when this photo was taken
After that the tour ended. Quite frankly it was the best 90 mins of my life and a day I will never forget for the rest of my life.
After that there was the small matter of a game. So I decided to go to The Strawberry. Whilst there I met Swin (Swin9). It absolutely was not a slightly awkward introduction by me. We then proceeded to go to Shearers Bar (not at the same time) and we ended up meeting again. I am living proof that Swin is not always pissed. Whilst him and his mates were playing Pool I ended up talking to a girl about why she worked with kids and our mutual dislike of makems and cheesy chips. I then needed 2 sober people and a drunkard to show me the way back as I was knackered. Best day ever!!!!!!
Tuesday.
Tuesday was highly uneventful apart from having to unpack 15 mins before I was supposed to check out. I also had a disgusting Pannini.
Overall.
Overall this was the trip of a lifetime. Newcastle is an amazing place with amazing people (apart from Hippie Green). I will live there one day. I will also own one of those matchday boxes in my lifetime. I will definitely be doing this trip many, many times in my life.
FRIDAY
For some reason I thought I'd tempt fate and travel up on Friday 13th. The train journey up was normal i.e there was no problems (although the journey up made me appreciate the fact I don't live in Yorkshire haha). The journey only took 2 hours which I think is pretty good considering it takes us nearly 3 hours in a car. I arrived in Newcastle about 11:30ish and I did what someone who loves food usually does... I visited 2 cafes (merely to waste time of course).
Before I talk about the Centre For Life I should tell people why I wanted to visit there so much. For those of you who follow me on twitter you will know I suffer from BMD (Beckers Muscular Dystrophy). The Muscle Centre and The Centre For Life in Newcastle upon Tyne are one of three centres in England for the diagnosis and management of inherited muscle diseases which are supported by the British Muscular Dystrophy Campaign. I'm not going to go into much detail about this as I will be doing another article on it in the next few days.
After that I did the normal holiday things i.e find the hotel, get unpacked etc. But then I looked out my window and saw SJP. What an amazing site it was. It was at this point in the blog I was going to put the picture I took of the stadium, but me being me I seem to have deleted it. Anyway, after that I decided to go to the restaurant and get food. £15 for Scampi, Chips, Onion Rings and Coke is far too expensive. I then got quite bored so I watched TV (fun holiday so far). I then went back down to the bar, had a couple of pints and got talking to a ginger mackem. He called me a glory supporter because I started supporting Newcastle when King Kevin was in charge. He then proceeded to tell me that all NUFC fans were obsessed with Sunderland. He then told me he'd been to SJP on numerous occasions (ironic). Not much happened after that as I was completely zonked.
Saturday.
Saturday was far more eventful. I was meant to be visiting my dads cousin for lunch. Everything was going well until I exited the hotel. I went to look for Monument... and got lost. When I found it I headed towards the Quayside... and got lost. I was so lost I had to ask my twitter followers where I was. With the help of @JedAyeGeordie and Gareth (@TheHotspur103) I found my way to Prima Restaurant. I was supposed to be there about 1PM. I got there just in time. I proceeded to wait there 45 mins for my cousin who I thought had never turned up. I decided instead of sitting there like a lonely twat, that I order. I I have never had a nicer pizza in my life. As it turns out, my cousin was sat outside the place while I was sat inside.
Then took a trip to the Quayside to have a look around. I took some photos of the Tyne Bridge and the Millennium Bridge. That is one beautiful place.
After that you'd have thought things would've got better. How wrong I was. I found out Deborah (@LadyEashington) was in John Lewis. So I decided to see her. I tried to find Eldon Square from SJP... and got lost again. When I found it, I got lost in it. I then made the trek right to the top of it, only to find out she wasn't there. At that point I was so tired I sat in there for an hour eating. I made it back to the hotel in one piece. Then as a thank you I decided to go to The Hotspur. Quality pub, quality landlord is all I have to say about that place. As with Friday I was so tired when I got back, so as you do I decided to watch Gladiator.
Sunday.
Sunday was quite frankly, very emotional. First of all I wasn't sure what I was going to do as I had something planned, but that changed at the last minute. So I decided to visit the the Quayside properly this time. I got there fine. I then walked all the way to Ouseburn(?) to take this photo
I then walked up to the railway bridge, thinking I could get to Central Station from there. I couldn't find a way. I ended up walking all the way back along the Quayside and around. And yes, when I went along Collingwood Street I did start singing The Blaydon Races. When there I waited 45 mins for my uncle as apparently he got lost too. He took us to Crawcrook to see my aunty. We then went to Prudhoe to see family graves. We laid flowers at the graves of my Great Grandma, Great Grandad and Uncle Ernie. I was then shown other family graves, where my Great Grandma was brought up, and where my dad first lived.
Monday.
Quite frankly this was one of the best days of my life. First off I met my cousin in an Ice Cream place on Percy Street. Bear in mind this is the first time I'd ever met anyone from my dads paternal side of the family. He showed loads of pictures of family I'd never heard of, plus pics of my own Great Grandad and my own Grandad. He also proceeded to tell me of our family history of cancer and heart disease. He also told me a story about how a relative wanted to come home from war. He also mentioned a story of how some animal bones are under a statue in Prudhoe because of our family.
I then met Kayleigh (@KayleighK7) who had organised the SJP tour. She still turned up even though she was ill (what a trooper). We had a Nando's where I had quarter of a chicken with some spices (improvement). Then we went on the tour. £10 for 90 minutes of tour. first place we visited was level 2 where we were told about the rooms. We then talked outside for a while when we took this
A bust of Wor Jackie.
We then went into the changing rooms where I proceeded to kiss Yohan Cabaye's shirt. We were also the only people allowed to do this hahahaha
After that there was the small matter of a game. So I decided to go to The Strawberry. Whilst there I met Swin (Swin9). It absolutely was not a slightly awkward introduction by me. We then proceeded to go to Shearers Bar (not at the same time) and we ended up meeting again. I am living proof that Swin is not always pissed. Whilst him and his mates were playing Pool I ended up talking to a girl about why she worked with kids and our mutual dislike of makems and cheesy chips. I then needed 2 sober people and a drunkard to show me the way back as I was knackered. Best day ever!!!!!!
Tuesday.
Tuesday was highly uneventful apart from having to unpack 15 mins before I was supposed to check out. I also had a disgusting Pannini.
Overall.
Overall this was the trip of a lifetime. Newcastle is an amazing place with amazing people (apart from Hippie Green). I will live there one day. I will also own one of those matchday boxes in my lifetime. I will definitely be doing this trip many, many times in my life.
Monday, 30 April 2012
My Muscular Dystrophy Update
A few months ago I did a blog about my Beckers Muscular Dystrophy. This is just an update as to my condition and how I am coping with it.
First of all I can still walk ok. However I can feel myself getting more fatigued than I can ever remember being. For example, I have recently started a new job for which I sit down a lot. Yet when i get home I feel like i have walked for 5 miles, which is very frustrating.
I still have the contractures with my ankles as my Achilles Tendons are still very tight. However, it has become very noticeable that I am spending more and more time on my tip-toes. I have also noticed that I am doing this more often whilst wearing shoes. This is very frustrating.
My arms still hurt as much as before, although because I have been carrying more stuff they have been hurting more often, However, I have noticed that because I am constantly lifting my arms up/down (because of work) I have had to take breaks just to rest them. Even as I am typing this my arm is hurting a bit. My slouch remains the same, although I have felt the odd bit of back pain every now and again. It is a very obvious slouch to both myself and my family. This is caused by a curvature of the spine known as either Kyphosis or Scoliosis. This is something that may require surgery in the future.
I have to say that I have been dieting for the past 4 months which may have affected my muscles. This is a doubled edged sword though as BMD means a higher risk of cardiomyopathy and other Heart and respiratory problems. So I lose weight, I affect my muscles, I don't then I highten my already high risk of Heart problems. How annoying eh?
I have also been really struggling emotionally with it. If you follow me on twitter then you will know that I haven't been particularly happy recently. 90% of this is because of my MD. I worry about it every day. I think about it everyday. I am reminded of it everyday. I think about it when I'm on my tip-toes, when my legs hurt and when my arms hurt. The things that have really caused me emotional problems though are as such: I worry about the fact I may need spinal surgery in the future. I worry about the fact that I will lead to an early death. I worry about the fact that I will need to rely on others in the future to do simple things such as going to the toilet. The biggest worry I have had though is that I will be in a wheelchair by the time I am 40. I think about these everyday. Its not something I can get away from or something I can just forget about. I try to keep positive about it as best I can. Talking to people online has helped me understand what may/may not happen. But as much as that can help, this is a battle I face by myself.
Recently though I have joined my local MDC group, helping to promote awareness of all forms of MD through fundraisers etc. I have also declared an interest in becoming an MDC Trailblazer. This may help myself and other people with the condition in the long run as I will be helping with investigations and trying to get more understanding about the disease.
Anyway I hope you understand this was quite hard for me to write. Hopefully it will make me feel better though as now people know how I feel. I will do another update in a several months again. I hope you liked this and I have helped understanding of the emotional side of the problem. Feel free to comment and I will answer as best I can.
Thankyou.
First of all I can still walk ok. However I can feel myself getting more fatigued than I can ever remember being. For example, I have recently started a new job for which I sit down a lot. Yet when i get home I feel like i have walked for 5 miles, which is very frustrating.
I still have the contractures with my ankles as my Achilles Tendons are still very tight. However, it has become very noticeable that I am spending more and more time on my tip-toes. I have also noticed that I am doing this more often whilst wearing shoes. This is very frustrating.
My arms still hurt as much as before, although because I have been carrying more stuff they have been hurting more often, However, I have noticed that because I am constantly lifting my arms up/down (because of work) I have had to take breaks just to rest them. Even as I am typing this my arm is hurting a bit. My slouch remains the same, although I have felt the odd bit of back pain every now and again. It is a very obvious slouch to both myself and my family. This is caused by a curvature of the spine known as either Kyphosis or Scoliosis. This is something that may require surgery in the future.
I have to say that I have been dieting for the past 4 months which may have affected my muscles. This is a doubled edged sword though as BMD means a higher risk of cardiomyopathy and other Heart and respiratory problems. So I lose weight, I affect my muscles, I don't then I highten my already high risk of Heart problems. How annoying eh?
I have also been really struggling emotionally with it. If you follow me on twitter then you will know that I haven't been particularly happy recently. 90% of this is because of my MD. I worry about it every day. I think about it everyday. I am reminded of it everyday. I think about it when I'm on my tip-toes, when my legs hurt and when my arms hurt. The things that have really caused me emotional problems though are as such: I worry about the fact I may need spinal surgery in the future. I worry about the fact that I will lead to an early death. I worry about the fact that I will need to rely on others in the future to do simple things such as going to the toilet. The biggest worry I have had though is that I will be in a wheelchair by the time I am 40. I think about these everyday. Its not something I can get away from or something I can just forget about. I try to keep positive about it as best I can. Talking to people online has helped me understand what may/may not happen. But as much as that can help, this is a battle I face by myself.
Recently though I have joined my local MDC group, helping to promote awareness of all forms of MD through fundraisers etc. I have also declared an interest in becoming an MDC Trailblazer. This may help myself and other people with the condition in the long run as I will be helping with investigations and trying to get more understanding about the disease.
Anyway I hope you understand this was quite hard for me to write. Hopefully it will make me feel better though as now people know how I feel. I will do another update in a several months again. I hope you liked this and I have helped understanding of the emotional side of the problem. Feel free to comment and I will answer as best I can.
Thankyou.
Monday, 27 February 2012
Buckethead - Electric Sea
In a change from the last 2 weeks I'm actually reviewing an album from an artist who I've actually heard of. Oh Buckethead, Buckethead, Buckethead... what a great album you have made.
1 - Electric Sea.
This song starts out with an acoustic rhythm. Then Buckethead starts to play a smooth, almost soulful tune. It definitely has some sort of classical guitar playing influence on it. To say it is made on an electric guitar the tune is very relaxing. It's a song which could easily send you into your own little world. One of the amazing things about this song is it is a Buckethead song which doesn't feature many effects.
2 - Beyond The Knowing.
This is an acoustic. A sweet melody which obviously has classic guitar picking style. The song is not too long, quite repetitive, but still good.
3 - Swomee Swan.
Another great song. Because of the title it did remind me of relaxing near a river (at least the intro did). Then he decides to go to a proper guitar solo, showing off his amazing guitar skills. This song sounds relatively simple compared to his usual stuff. However don't let that fool you. This song is quite frankly beautiful.
4 - Point of Doom.
This song isn't as downbeat as the title makes it sound. It's another song with an acoustic rhythm. However, the quick, intricate playing of Buckethead is what separates it from the other acoustic sounding tracks. This song is much faster than most of the tracks. It doesn't have the sweet melodies of the other tracks either. For me this is the weakest track on the album. Although I'd still recommend it.
5 - El Indio.
This is probably the most "rock" track on the album as it has a clear riff. It is also another song that has an obviously Spanish influence (as suggested by the title). It's hard for me to say anything about this song that I haven't already said about the previous tracks. It does have a sweet guitar solo on it though.
6 - La Wally.
Quite simply a fantastic track. I cannot say anymore about it.
7 - La Gavotte.
When I first heard this it reminded me of Greensleeves. It sounds quite simple, but that's what makes it excellent. Tbh if you're in a bad mood and need cheering up, this is a song you should listen to. If only we heard more people playing stuff like this.
8 - Bachethead.
This shows how truly amazing Buckethead is. He can take a orchestral tune by Bach and make it sound as if it were meant for a guitar. Just amazing.
9 - Yokohama.
Another nice track. The tone he uses in this song makes it what it is. I sincerely hope he plays this song whilst touring as I feel this could be a standout live track. It's very short though which would be my main criticism of this song (if that is a criticism).
10 - Gateless Gate.
This is another short track. This is probably one of the only filler tracks on the album. Although this filler song is better than most of the music produced by modern artists today.
11 - The Homecoming Beacon.
A fantastic ending to this great album. It's similar to most of the album as the effects are kept to a minimum, allowing the song flow well. This is a song I really could imagine falling asleep to.
It also has a real classic feel to it. His style of picking really lends itself to this song as its a relaxing song with no complicating effects such as wah wah. I'd love to hear him do another album similar to this.
Quite frankly, this is the best album I have heard in ages. It's not like many of the Buckethead tunes I've heard. But then again I'm guessing you cannot really predict what a person who wears a mask and a KFC bucket on his head is going to do next. I feel sorry for the album I'm going to listen to next week as it has a lot to match up to.
Standout Track = Electric Sea 10/10
Album Review = 10/10
1 - Electric Sea.
This song starts out with an acoustic rhythm. Then Buckethead starts to play a smooth, almost soulful tune. It definitely has some sort of classical guitar playing influence on it. To say it is made on an electric guitar the tune is very relaxing. It's a song which could easily send you into your own little world. One of the amazing things about this song is it is a Buckethead song which doesn't feature many effects.
2 - Beyond The Knowing.
This is an acoustic. A sweet melody which obviously has classic guitar picking style. The song is not too long, quite repetitive, but still good.
3 - Swomee Swan.
Another great song. Because of the title it did remind me of relaxing near a river (at least the intro did). Then he decides to go to a proper guitar solo, showing off his amazing guitar skills. This song sounds relatively simple compared to his usual stuff. However don't let that fool you. This song is quite frankly beautiful.
4 - Point of Doom.
This song isn't as downbeat as the title makes it sound. It's another song with an acoustic rhythm. However, the quick, intricate playing of Buckethead is what separates it from the other acoustic sounding tracks. This song is much faster than most of the tracks. It doesn't have the sweet melodies of the other tracks either. For me this is the weakest track on the album. Although I'd still recommend it.
5 - El Indio.
This is probably the most "rock" track on the album as it has a clear riff. It is also another song that has an obviously Spanish influence (as suggested by the title). It's hard for me to say anything about this song that I haven't already said about the previous tracks. It does have a sweet guitar solo on it though.
6 - La Wally.
Quite simply a fantastic track. I cannot say anymore about it.
7 - La Gavotte.
When I first heard this it reminded me of Greensleeves. It sounds quite simple, but that's what makes it excellent. Tbh if you're in a bad mood and need cheering up, this is a song you should listen to. If only we heard more people playing stuff like this.
8 - Bachethead.
This shows how truly amazing Buckethead is. He can take a orchestral tune by Bach and make it sound as if it were meant for a guitar. Just amazing.
9 - Yokohama.
Another nice track. The tone he uses in this song makes it what it is. I sincerely hope he plays this song whilst touring as I feel this could be a standout live track. It's very short though which would be my main criticism of this song (if that is a criticism).
10 - Gateless Gate.
This is another short track. This is probably one of the only filler tracks on the album. Although this filler song is better than most of the music produced by modern artists today.
11 - The Homecoming Beacon.
A fantastic ending to this great album. It's similar to most of the album as the effects are kept to a minimum, allowing the song flow well. This is a song I really could imagine falling asleep to.
It also has a real classic feel to it. His style of picking really lends itself to this song as its a relaxing song with no complicating effects such as wah wah. I'd love to hear him do another album similar to this.
Quite frankly, this is the best album I have heard in ages. It's not like many of the Buckethead tunes I've heard. But then again I'm guessing you cannot really predict what a person who wears a mask and a KFC bucket on his head is going to do next. I feel sorry for the album I'm going to listen to next week as it has a lot to match up to.
Standout Track = Electric Sea 10/10
Album Review = 10/10
Monday, 20 February 2012
Sleigh Bells - Reign Of Terror
I decided to review this album because, even though I've never heard of the band, the preview sounded like something I would enjoy. How wrong I was. I was very disappointed with the album.
I find it hard to describe the sound of this album and I cannot really compare it to any acts out there. But here goes...
1 - True Shred Guitar.
This is a live song. It reminded me very much of 80's acts such as Bon Jovi and Europe. It's sounds ok, guitars and vocals are ok. I found myself struggling to understand what was being said some of the time.
2 - Born To Lose.
This is an ok track. It's not great though. As before, vocals and guitars are fine but it really sounds like an album filler.
3 - Crush.
This very much reminded me of Avril Lavigne's "Girlfriend" only it's less catchy. Yet again it's another track which I couldn't hear properly. This song could be a grower though. If the vocals were more powerful or the guitars less prominent then it could be a good track. It's also very short which doesn't really allow the track to develop much. Shame really.
4 - End Of The Line.
It was at this point in the album that I started checking to see how long it had left to run. I'm really not sure what this song was supposed to be. Was it supposed to be a bit of a ballad or a pop song about heartbreak. I have a feeling this song could be very radio friendly. I also feel that a dance remix of this track could work very well. Lyrically it seemed ok (ok meaning I could tell what was being said).
5 - Leader Of The Pack.
I really don't know what to say about this track. It's not particularly brilliant, I couldn't understand the lyrics (again). At least it's short. I feel that as a live track it could be ok.
6 - Comeback Kid.
I actually think song is ok. It's catchy, has a good melody and rhythm. It's probably the most pop song on the album. It's also a song which I could easily find myself singing along too when going for a walk.
7 - Demons.
Probably my favourite track on the album. It's a good rock song. I could easily imagine a band like No Doubt performing this song. The riff is very good. It's quite a headbanger. The repetitive lyrics means its easy to sing along to. I feel if they are to improve as a band, they should use this song as an example of what they can do.
8 - Road To Hell.
Pretty similar to the last song. An ok rock song. Lyrically it's not great as half the song is just a repetition of the title.
9 - You Lost Me.
A good track. Good melody, good rhythm and the vocals actually work quite well with this song. This song sounds like a mixture of Kylie and No Doubt (an odd combination). The guitars are used to good effect in this song as I think the solo towards the end works well with the song and doesn't sound out of place.
10 - Never Say Die.
Yet another song I couldn't understand. The vocals on this song seem very weak. Not that good a track although it will get some people tapping their feet. The guitar saves (and possibly hinders) this track. The guitarist obviously has talent, they just need to home it more.
11 - D.O.A
When I first heard this track I thought it would be like the Foo Fighters song of the same name. I was wrong. It's nothing like it. It's an ok track. It's epitomises the whole album though. It lacks anything that makes it stand out from the crowd and is pretty meagre to be honest. It's a very poor end to the album.
All in all this album is pretty average. If they are going to improve then they need to become a bit more like No Doubt. They need to have more of a rock or pop edge to them. Otherwise they will just become mediocre.
Standout Track = Demons 7/10
Album Review = 6/10.
I find it hard to describe the sound of this album and I cannot really compare it to any acts out there. But here goes...
1 - True Shred Guitar.
This is a live song. It reminded me very much of 80's acts such as Bon Jovi and Europe. It's sounds ok, guitars and vocals are ok. I found myself struggling to understand what was being said some of the time.
2 - Born To Lose.
This is an ok track. It's not great though. As before, vocals and guitars are fine but it really sounds like an album filler.
3 - Crush.
This very much reminded me of Avril Lavigne's "Girlfriend" only it's less catchy. Yet again it's another track which I couldn't hear properly. This song could be a grower though. If the vocals were more powerful or the guitars less prominent then it could be a good track. It's also very short which doesn't really allow the track to develop much. Shame really.
4 - End Of The Line.
It was at this point in the album that I started checking to see how long it had left to run. I'm really not sure what this song was supposed to be. Was it supposed to be a bit of a ballad or a pop song about heartbreak. I have a feeling this song could be very radio friendly. I also feel that a dance remix of this track could work very well. Lyrically it seemed ok (ok meaning I could tell what was being said).
5 - Leader Of The Pack.
I really don't know what to say about this track. It's not particularly brilliant, I couldn't understand the lyrics (again). At least it's short. I feel that as a live track it could be ok.
6 - Comeback Kid.
I actually think song is ok. It's catchy, has a good melody and rhythm. It's probably the most pop song on the album. It's also a song which I could easily find myself singing along too when going for a walk.
7 - Demons.
Probably my favourite track on the album. It's a good rock song. I could easily imagine a band like No Doubt performing this song. The riff is very good. It's quite a headbanger. The repetitive lyrics means its easy to sing along to. I feel if they are to improve as a band, they should use this song as an example of what they can do.
8 - Road To Hell.
Pretty similar to the last song. An ok rock song. Lyrically it's not great as half the song is just a repetition of the title.
9 - You Lost Me.
A good track. Good melody, good rhythm and the vocals actually work quite well with this song. This song sounds like a mixture of Kylie and No Doubt (an odd combination). The guitars are used to good effect in this song as I think the solo towards the end works well with the song and doesn't sound out of place.
10 - Never Say Die.
Yet another song I couldn't understand. The vocals on this song seem very weak. Not that good a track although it will get some people tapping their feet. The guitar saves (and possibly hinders) this track. The guitarist obviously has talent, they just need to home it more.
11 - D.O.A
When I first heard this track I thought it would be like the Foo Fighters song of the same name. I was wrong. It's nothing like it. It's an ok track. It's epitomises the whole album though. It lacks anything that makes it stand out from the crowd and is pretty meagre to be honest. It's a very poor end to the album.
All in all this album is pretty average. If they are going to improve then they need to become a bit more like No Doubt. They need to have more of a rock or pop edge to them. Otherwise they will just become mediocre.
Standout Track = Demons 7/10
Album Review = 6/10.
Monday, 13 February 2012
Emeli Sande - Our Version Of Events
I have to admit until very recently I hadn't heard of Emeli Sandè. This was one of the reasons for choosing her as my first musical blog subject. Anyway,here goes.
I found the first 4 songs very hit and miss. It wasn't until I heard the song Clown that I truly appreciated how good this album could be. The song has a great piano melody, allowing miss Sandè to show off her great vocal range. Mountains is also a very solid track too. Not brilliant but a good addition to the album. Maybe is another great track. It's one of the more upbeat tracks. The song is about heartbreak which is very obvious when you listen to the lyrics "We broke up last sunday night
Keep on thinking about the fight
Rest my head against the wall
Your bags are by the door
Then your key turns in the lock
I see you on the stairs and stop
Have you had a change of heart
Can we go back to the start"
Suitcase is another very good track. The acoustic intro immediately hooks you in. However the intro is quite misleading as the song itself isn't an acoustic song.
The next 2 songs are very good, solid solid songs with "Next To Me" being the most Pop song on this album. The song will be very popular with radio stations such as Radio 1. The next 2 songs River and Lifetime are good tracks well worth a listen. The final three tracks (Hope, Read All About It Part III and Tiger) however are outstanding tracks. They have sweet, simple melodies, they're not too long and show off Emeli's great vocal range.
I would hazard a guess and say many people would be comparing this album to Adele's albums. However I never heard any of them. I they are as good as this though I shall be buying them tomorrow. All in all this is a great album which you should buy ASAP.
Standout Track = Clown 9/10
Album Review 8/10.
I found the first 4 songs very hit and miss. It wasn't until I heard the song Clown that I truly appreciated how good this album could be. The song has a great piano melody, allowing miss Sandè to show off her great vocal range. Mountains is also a very solid track too. Not brilliant but a good addition to the album. Maybe is another great track. It's one of the more upbeat tracks. The song is about heartbreak which is very obvious when you listen to the lyrics "We broke up last sunday night
Keep on thinking about the fight
Rest my head against the wall
Your bags are by the door
Then your key turns in the lock
I see you on the stairs and stop
Have you had a change of heart
Can we go back to the start"
Suitcase is another very good track. The acoustic intro immediately hooks you in. However the intro is quite misleading as the song itself isn't an acoustic song.
The next 2 songs are very good, solid solid songs with "Next To Me" being the most Pop song on this album. The song will be very popular with radio stations such as Radio 1. The next 2 songs River and Lifetime are good tracks well worth a listen. The final three tracks (Hope, Read All About It Part III and Tiger) however are outstanding tracks. They have sweet, simple melodies, they're not too long and show off Emeli's great vocal range.
I would hazard a guess and say many people would be comparing this album to Adele's albums. However I never heard any of them. I they are as good as this though I shall be buying them tomorrow. All in all this is a great album which you should buy ASAP.
Standout Track = Clown 9/10
Album Review 8/10.
Wednesday, 12 October 2011
My Family Tree
First of all let me explain why I wanted to do my family tree. I've always been interested in history and I wanted to know where my family came from. I always wondered if any of my family had been part of any major event.
I started by asking my grandma if she she knew anything about my Geordie roots. She then said my cousin Lindsay had done a family tree a few years back. The next time I saw her, she let me borrow what she had done (I still have it lol). I'd always assumed that most of the family were from the Newcastle area. However, my dads cousin Nigel had also done some research and found the Atkinson side of my family actually originated from a place called Kirklinton in Cumberland. Not only that, he found out that they were all Mormons. Just as important as finding this out, he also provided me with photos of my granddads side of the family which I had never seen before. The census records Lindsay provided also showed that my family were based all over the North East in places such as Prudhoe, Durham and their was even some Makem blood in there too. There was also some Scottish blood. And as I am writing this I am sure there is some French too. As you can tell the majority of my dads side of the family was done for me. However, my mums side was a lot harder to do as you'll find out.
This side was a lot harder to do for many reasons. First of all we have no idea who my Granddads father was. Also, my great grandma was adopted by her Aunty. With regards to my Granddads family all I really had to go one was the name Winifred Baker. I found a Winifred Baker born in 1909. I traced her paternal side of the family back to 1841 in Knutsford. I then traced one of my great great grandmas family back to 1798 in Lichfield. I'd done all the brothers and sisters families too. I thought I'd done really well and put lots of effort in. Then my uncle came to my house and I showed him the tree. With one sentence my work was undone. He said "who are these people?". That's right I'd worked hard for a month tracing the ancestry of the wrong family. He then rang one of his uncles asking for a bit of info so I could get started again. Eventually I traced the Bakers back to 18th century Derbyshire. We still have no idea who my Granddads father was.
My mothers maternal family was also quite hard to follow. This was because of my Great Grandmother and her mother. My grandmother was born in Newark in 1900 but raised in Spilsby, Lincolnshire. She was raised by her Aunty. So she had at least 2 surnames when she was young. I had no idea who her mother was until my mums cousin showed me a birth certificate. This showed her mother and fathers name. However at this time her mother was married and her surname would've been Wilson. The male on the certificate was called William Blatherwick. That's right, she had an affair. I assume because of this, her husband left her and she gave up my Great Grandmother. So not only had we found out her birth name, we also had the name of a father. However we don't have birthdates etc.
So far on my mums side of the family I have traced them back to mid 19th century Staffordshire, early 19th century Notts, mid 16th century Lincolnshire and early 19th century Newcastle. Thus bringing the tree full circle.
As for finding any people who've done something famous or been well known, well my family appear to have been very working class.
I started by asking my grandma if she she knew anything about my Geordie roots. She then said my cousin Lindsay had done a family tree a few years back. The next time I saw her, she let me borrow what she had done (I still have it lol). I'd always assumed that most of the family were from the Newcastle area. However, my dads cousin Nigel had also done some research and found the Atkinson side of my family actually originated from a place called Kirklinton in Cumberland. Not only that, he found out that they were all Mormons. Just as important as finding this out, he also provided me with photos of my granddads side of the family which I had never seen before. The census records Lindsay provided also showed that my family were based all over the North East in places such as Prudhoe, Durham and their was even some Makem blood in there too. There was also some Scottish blood. And as I am writing this I am sure there is some French too. As you can tell the majority of my dads side of the family was done for me. However, my mums side was a lot harder to do as you'll find out.
This side was a lot harder to do for many reasons. First of all we have no idea who my Granddads father was. Also, my great grandma was adopted by her Aunty. With regards to my Granddads family all I really had to go one was the name Winifred Baker. I found a Winifred Baker born in 1909. I traced her paternal side of the family back to 1841 in Knutsford. I then traced one of my great great grandmas family back to 1798 in Lichfield. I'd done all the brothers and sisters families too. I thought I'd done really well and put lots of effort in. Then my uncle came to my house and I showed him the tree. With one sentence my work was undone. He said "who are these people?". That's right I'd worked hard for a month tracing the ancestry of the wrong family. He then rang one of his uncles asking for a bit of info so I could get started again. Eventually I traced the Bakers back to 18th century Derbyshire. We still have no idea who my Granddads father was.
My mothers maternal family was also quite hard to follow. This was because of my Great Grandmother and her mother. My grandmother was born in Newark in 1900 but raised in Spilsby, Lincolnshire. She was raised by her Aunty. So she had at least 2 surnames when she was young. I had no idea who her mother was until my mums cousin showed me a birth certificate. This showed her mother and fathers name. However at this time her mother was married and her surname would've been Wilson. The male on the certificate was called William Blatherwick. That's right, she had an affair. I assume because of this, her husband left her and she gave up my Great Grandmother. So not only had we found out her birth name, we also had the name of a father. However we don't have birthdates etc.
So far on my mums side of the family I have traced them back to mid 19th century Staffordshire, early 19th century Notts, mid 16th century Lincolnshire and early 19th century Newcastle. Thus bringing the tree full circle.
As for finding any people who've done something famous or been well known, well my family appear to have been very working class.
Wednesday, 14 September 2011
My Top 10 Underrated Guitar Solo's
10. NUNO BETTANCOURT - Flight Of The Wounded Bumblebee.
The best solo from the most underrated guitarist. Its fast, tough and really good. Its just a shame that Extreme's most famous song is an acoustic song.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6DYsi9lBcI
9. MARK KNOPFLER - Local Hero.
Slow, rhythmic and classy from one of the greats. His style of finger picking is put to great effect throughout this whole song.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UqTXXOqIPts
8. LED ZEPPELIN - Rock and Roll.
For me this Led Zeppelin's most underrated solo. Whilst it may not be as great as Whole Lotta Love or Stairway To Heaven, most guitarists would kill to write a solo this good.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FeJkDewhTEw
7. IRON MAIDEN - Run To The Hills.
Just as good as The Trooper but doesn't get the same recognition. In short an awesome solo.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9OAfOwTZaU
6. AC/DC - Let There Be Rock.
A solo that shows everything Angus is about. Fast playing, hard rocking and putting on a great show. As it says in the title LET THERE BE ROCK!!!!!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVLRKk0EJTI
5. SANTANA - Smooth
Santana's biggest hit was a collaboration with Rob Thomas. Whilst its a great pop song the guitar solo is brilliant.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXp413NynFk
4. BUCKETHEAD -Jordan
Kind of hard to describe this solo so i'll just say one of the best solo's from one of the best guitarists.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTcg9JybEp8
3. THE KNACK - My Sharona.
Not an obvious choice but I just love this solo and don't think it gets the love it deserves.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bbr60I0u2Ng&ob=av3n
2. TOTO - Hold The Line
Hard to chose one specific reason for this. I think its better than the song Africa and think its a greatly underrated solo.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9okL8JucF-o
1. MICHAEL JACKSON - Beat It.
Typical EVH solo. Fast, hard to play, involves lots of intricate fret movement, tapping, hammer ons and pull offs. Maybe not as good as Eruption, but still a perfect example as to why EVH is one of the finest guitarists ever.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ym0hZG-zNOk&ob=av3n
The best solo from the most underrated guitarist. Its fast, tough and really good. Its just a shame that Extreme's most famous song is an acoustic song.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6DYsi9lBcI
9. MARK KNOPFLER - Local Hero.
Slow, rhythmic and classy from one of the greats. His style of finger picking is put to great effect throughout this whole song.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UqTXXOqIPts
8. LED ZEPPELIN - Rock and Roll.
For me this Led Zeppelin's most underrated solo. Whilst it may not be as great as Whole Lotta Love or Stairway To Heaven, most guitarists would kill to write a solo this good.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FeJkDewhTEw
7. IRON MAIDEN - Run To The Hills.
Just as good as The Trooper but doesn't get the same recognition. In short an awesome solo.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9OAfOwTZaU
6. AC/DC - Let There Be Rock.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVLRKk0EJTI
5. SANTANA - Smooth
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXp413NynFk
4. BUCKETHEAD -Jordan
Kind of hard to describe this solo so i'll just say one of the best solo's from one of the best guitarists.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTcg9JybEp8
3. THE KNACK - My Sharona.
Not an obvious choice but I just love this solo and don't think it gets the love it deserves.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bbr60I0u2Ng&ob=av3n
2. TOTO - Hold The Line
Hard to chose one specific reason for this. I think its better than the song Africa and think its a greatly underrated solo.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9okL8JucF-o
1. MICHAEL JACKSON - Beat It.
Typical EVH solo. Fast, hard to play, involves lots of intricate fret movement, tapping, hammer ons and pull offs. Maybe not as good as Eruption, but still a perfect example as to why EVH is one of the finest guitarists ever.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ym0hZG-zNOk&ob=av3n
Tuesday, 13 September 2011
My Life With Muscular Dystrophy.
First of all, let me explain what Muscular Dystrophy is. Muscular Dystrophy is a lack of Dystrophin being produced by the body causing the muscles to break down. There are many types of MD including Duchenne MD, Beckers MD, Spinal Muscular Atrophy, Limb Girdle disease plus many other types. Duchenne is by far the most common of all Muscular Dystrophies and is fatal in every case.
I have Beckers Muscular Dystrophy. This is similar to DMD however it is much milder. It affects around 3-6 of every 100,000 boys. Both my brother and I have the problem. The disorder is inherited with an X-linked recessive inheritance pattern. The defective gene is located on the X chromosome. Only females can be carriers of the disease. It usually only affects men as we only have 1 X chromosome whereas women have 2. There is more information about it in this link:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001725/
The first sign that I had the problem was when it took me until I was 18 months old to walk. To find out what I had, a piece of muscle was taken from me. It was then we found out.
My legs are the worst affected area of the body but my arms are still affected. When I was younger I would get severe cramps in my legs. To get rid of these cramps I had to use an electric wellies machine which would increase in pressure to get my blood circulating again. Of course my brother would always turn the pressure up when no-one was watching. I also had to wear splints for the first 10 years of my life. I hated those things. To get them made I had to have Plaster of Paris all over my legs to get the shape. I had to wear them at school. I also had to wear them at night. However I always ended up taking them off as I would get too hot. It was the same when I wore Gators too. I also had to have physio once every week. When at Primary School it was done at home, but when at Secondary School it was done there, meaning i could skive off for a bit.
I have to visit the Hospital every year so I can have an Ultrasound and Lung Function tests. This is because my Heart and Lungs will eventually become affected. I also have a curved Spine which will cause some problems later in life. I also have especially big calfs. Because so much muscle has been wasted I can't run or walk particularly far. Neither can I stand for hours or lift heavy objects. By the age of 25-30 BMD may find their ability to walk severely hampered. In a worse case scenario I may end up in a wheelchair.
However, recently great gains have been made in the fight against MD. For example just this year an exon skipping clinical test showed encouraging results in the fight against DMD. These results can be viewed in greater detail here:
http://www.muscular-dystrophy.org/research/news/4180_encouraging_results_of_uk_duchenne_exon_skipping_clinical_trial_published
Essentially what is showed is that by skipping exon 51, the drugs used showed increased Dystrophin activity with the people who were tested. It may only be a start, but its the biggest break through we've had since the discovery of the recessive gene.
Anyway, thats my life coping with MD.
I have Beckers Muscular Dystrophy. This is similar to DMD however it is much milder. It affects around 3-6 of every 100,000 boys. Both my brother and I have the problem. The disorder is inherited with an X-linked recessive inheritance pattern. The defective gene is located on the X chromosome. Only females can be carriers of the disease. It usually only affects men as we only have 1 X chromosome whereas women have 2. There is more information about it in this link:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001725/
The first sign that I had the problem was when it took me until I was 18 months old to walk. To find out what I had, a piece of muscle was taken from me. It was then we found out.
My legs are the worst affected area of the body but my arms are still affected. When I was younger I would get severe cramps in my legs. To get rid of these cramps I had to use an electric wellies machine which would increase in pressure to get my blood circulating again. Of course my brother would always turn the pressure up when no-one was watching. I also had to wear splints for the first 10 years of my life. I hated those things. To get them made I had to have Plaster of Paris all over my legs to get the shape. I had to wear them at school. I also had to wear them at night. However I always ended up taking them off as I would get too hot. It was the same when I wore Gators too. I also had to have physio once every week. When at Primary School it was done at home, but when at Secondary School it was done there, meaning i could skive off for a bit.
I have to visit the Hospital every year so I can have an Ultrasound and Lung Function tests. This is because my Heart and Lungs will eventually become affected. I also have a curved Spine which will cause some problems later in life. I also have especially big calfs. Because so much muscle has been wasted I can't run or walk particularly far. Neither can I stand for hours or lift heavy objects. By the age of 25-30 BMD may find their ability to walk severely hampered. In a worse case scenario I may end up in a wheelchair.
However, recently great gains have been made in the fight against MD. For example just this year an exon skipping clinical test showed encouraging results in the fight against DMD. These results can be viewed in greater detail here:
http://www.muscular-dystrophy.org/research/news/4180_encouraging_results_of_uk_duchenne_exon_skipping_clinical_trial_published
Essentially what is showed is that by skipping exon 51, the drugs used showed increased Dystrophin activity with the people who were tested. It may only be a start, but its the biggest break through we've had since the discovery of the recessive gene.
Anyway, thats my life coping with MD.
Tuesday, 14 December 2010
My Guide To Everything: Top 10 Guitar Solos
My Guide To Everything: Top 10 Guitar Solos: "Right then, this is my first blog so bare with me. As its my first blog i thought I would start of with something I know a little bit about ..."
Friday, 10 December 2010
My Guide To Everything: Top 10 Guitar Solos
My Guide To Everything: Top 10 Guitar Solos: "Right then, this is my first blog so bare with me. As its my first blog i thought I would start of with something I know a little bit about ..."
Top 10 Guitar Solos
Right then, this is my first blog so bare with me. As its my first blog i thought I would start of with something I know a little bit about Guitar solos. While some may agree with my list there will be many more who don't. So here goes...
10. Shake A Leg - Angus Young.
First of it's an AC/DC song and therefore its bound to be awesome. This is probably Angus' most technically difficult solo. It shows off Angus' skills as a guitarist, from his speed of play to his excellent use of hammer ons and pull. The solo has what i call a typical AC/DC sound, in that it is very hard and instantly recognisable. I also believe that is Angus is very under rated as a guitarist. He is also my favourite guitarist.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sa1R09SjS8E
9.Crazy - Joe Perry
I love Joe Perry's Blues style of play. This solo is slow and melodic. This is the most under rated solo ever, even by the band who didn't play it for many years. Its just an awesome solo which everybody should hear.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMNgbISmF4I
Ritchie Blackmore is one of the greatest guitarists ever, who possibly gets overshadowed by another great guitarist who goes by the name James Patrick Page. The reasons I love this solo are: Its fast, its hard and you can play air guitar to this solo. Whilst his most famous creation will be the riff to 'Smoke on the Water' this solo should be remembered with it. It is also fair to say that since Blackmore left Deep Purple there has been a void ever since (no disrespect to Steve Morse).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KgZSnAkQc4c
7. Texas Flood - Stevie Ray Vaughan.
This is quite possibly the finest blues solo ever. With a heavy influence of Hendrix on this solo, it will probably be SRV's greatest gift to music. Its hard to choose one reason why this solo is so good because I love the whole son. Its just amazing. It also shows the reason that SRV is the finest guitarist of the last 30 years. RIP Stevie Ray Vaughan.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWLw7nozO_U
6. Iron Man - Tony Iommi.
Heavy, hard hitting and just awesome. All trademarks of Sabbath and of Tony Iommi's guitar playing. While people will say the riff to 'Paranoid' is the best thing he ever did, I believe Iron Man is better (if they are comparable). The transition from the slow(ish) start to the faster part of the solo and back to the slower ending is just, just WOW. The fact that he is missing parts of his fingers makes his solo's much better. The tone of his playing is phenomenal. I must also pay tribute to Bill Ward's drumming in this solo as he really did add to it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9LjbMVXj0F8
5. Eruption - Eddie Van Halen.
Technically very difficult. Heavy sound. Eddie's use of tapping is shown off in full effect in this song. It shows that he could quite possibly be the most technically gifted guitarist ever. If ever there was a solo that showed how hard it can be to play guitar this is it. Guitar playing at its finest.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_lwocmL9dQ
4. Freebird - Lynyrd Skynyrd.
With Allen Collins, Steve Gaines and Gary Rossington all playing on this solo it was bound to be epic. What starts off as a slow song suddenly speeds up around the 5 minute mark. And thus, an air guitar anthem was born. The solo is not too fast, not too slow but goes on for a long time.I love the fact that during the solo they spped up and slow down a couple of times. Allen Collins is in my opinion one of the most under rated guitarists ever. This song/solo serves as a reminder of what could have happened had tradgedy not dogged this band.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4Yz7zIfJmY
3. Stairway To Heaven - Jimmy Page.
Jimmy Page's finest hour. With all due respect to Robert Plant, John Paul Jones and John Bonham, this song is all about Jimmy's solo. One of the things I love about this solo is that that you can listen to it for many years yet still realise its greatness every time you hear it. This solo is constantly voted the greatest solo ever and whilst i may have put it number 3 i can see why it would be number 1. From its melodic beginning to its even more melodic middle to its harder end it is awesome. This solo is the reason many people want to become guitarists, just to play this solo. Whilst Page can be sloppy at times, this solo shows why he has been the most influential guitarist for the last 40 years.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9TGj2jrJk8
2. Comfortably Numb - David Gilmour
When I saw Gibsons list I saw that Dave Gilmour was lower than 80 in the list. I then saw that Kurt Cobain was in the top 20. I then thought to myself has Kurt written anything as good as Comfortably Numb. I realised he hadn't. If ever a guitar solo showed any sort of emotion then this is it. Gilmour's trademark use of string bending is never better than in this solo. Its as if he has taken his own emotions and placed them in 6 strings. The slow tempo of this solo ensures you can listen to it for hours and never get sick of it.Its not Just Gilmours finest moment, but quite possibly the guitars finest moment.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wtiNzci1Wc
1. Hotel California - The Eagles.
There are probably a lot of suprised people because I chose this song. This is the finest solo of the classic rock era. I first heard this song when i was very young but i ahve to admit i preferred other songs. I then didn't hear it for many years until i was reminded of it again. I then came to love the song and the band. The more I listened to the song I realised how great the solo is. Its not easy to learn. Its quite a long solo. It shows that an epic song with meaning can have a great instrumental part. The song/solo transfers well to acoustic guitar as well, as proved in the Hell Freezes Over album. All in all this Solo is the reason I love rock music and to that I'm thankful.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ygI3BZxdCY
Well there you go, that was my first blog. Hopefully I will get better as I get used to doing this type of thing.
10. Shake A Leg - Angus Young.
First of it's an AC/DC song and therefore its bound to be awesome. This is probably Angus' most technically difficult solo. It shows off Angus' skills as a guitarist, from his speed of play to his excellent use of hammer ons and pull. The solo has what i call a typical AC/DC sound, in that it is very hard and instantly recognisable. I also believe that is Angus is very under rated as a guitarist. He is also my favourite guitarist.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sa1R09SjS8E
9.Crazy - Joe Perry
I love Joe Perry's Blues style of play. This solo is slow and melodic. This is the most under rated solo ever, even by the band who didn't play it for many years. Its just an awesome solo which everybody should hear.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMNgbISmF4I
8. Highway Star - Deep Purple
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KgZSnAkQc4c
7. Texas Flood - Stevie Ray Vaughan.
This is quite possibly the finest blues solo ever. With a heavy influence of Hendrix on this solo, it will probably be SRV's greatest gift to music. Its hard to choose one reason why this solo is so good because I love the whole son. Its just amazing. It also shows the reason that SRV is the finest guitarist of the last 30 years. RIP Stevie Ray Vaughan.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWLw7nozO_U
6. Iron Man - Tony Iommi.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9LjbMVXj0F8
5. Eruption - Eddie Van Halen.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_lwocmL9dQ
4. Freebird - Lynyrd Skynyrd.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4Yz7zIfJmY
3. Stairway To Heaven - Jimmy Page.
Jimmy Page's finest hour. With all due respect to Robert Plant, John Paul Jones and John Bonham, this song is all about Jimmy's solo. One of the things I love about this solo is that that you can listen to it for many years yet still realise its greatness every time you hear it. This solo is constantly voted the greatest solo ever and whilst i may have put it number 3 i can see why it would be number 1. From its melodic beginning to its even more melodic middle to its harder end it is awesome. This solo is the reason many people want to become guitarists, just to play this solo. Whilst Page can be sloppy at times, this solo shows why he has been the most influential guitarist for the last 40 years.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9TGj2jrJk8
2. Comfortably Numb - David Gilmour
When I saw Gibsons list I saw that Dave Gilmour was lower than 80 in the list. I then saw that Kurt Cobain was in the top 20. I then thought to myself has Kurt written anything as good as Comfortably Numb. I realised he hadn't. If ever a guitar solo showed any sort of emotion then this is it. Gilmour's trademark use of string bending is never better than in this solo. Its as if he has taken his own emotions and placed them in 6 strings. The slow tempo of this solo ensures you can listen to it for hours and never get sick of it.Its not Just Gilmours finest moment, but quite possibly the guitars finest moment.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wtiNzci1Wc
1. Hotel California - The Eagles.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ygI3BZxdCY
Well there you go, that was my first blog. Hopefully I will get better as I get used to doing this type of thing.
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