30 December 2014

History

Time marches on but some things endure such as mountains, the ocean and the "Laughing Horse" blog awards. Rooting through the office archives, I stumbled across previous exclusive designs for the much-cherished "Laughing Horse" winners' widget. As with architectural or furniture design or fashion, these widgets reflect our changing times and no doubt bring back happy memories for so many bloggers.

The 2008 design. Overall "Blogger of the Year" winner - "Arthur Clewley" (Blog now mothballed)
 The 2009 winners' widget. Overall "Blogger of the Year" winner - "My Dad's A Communist" by Mrs Daphne Franks. (Blog now mothballed):-

The design for 2010. Overall "Blogger of the Year" for 2010 was none other than Earl John Gray of Thimble Cottage, Trelawnyd, Wales. Encouraged by the award, his "Going Gently" blog is still going strong:-
 The 2011 widget. Overall winner was Ian Rhodes for "Shooting Parrots". (Blog now mothballed):-
 This is the 2012 widget design. Overall "Blogger of the Year" for 2012 was Katherine de Chevalle (Kate Steeds) for the NZ based blog - "The Last Visible Dog". This blog is still reasonably well-maintained in spite of Kate's artistic endeavours:-
 The 2013 widget design. Overall winner last year was Thomas Reginald Gowans whose "Hippo on the Lawn" blog is due to return in the new year but is now mothballed:-
Readers must appreciate that the "Laughing Horse" committee always allocate a variety of different sub-awards for various blogging achievements. And this year will be just the same. So it will not just be the "Blogger of the Year" who is beaming with the happy glow that comes from official recognition.

Meanwhile the staff at Haddon Hall are bracing themselves for tomorrow night. Huge supplies of alcohol have been brought in and several wild pigs are preparing to meet their maker in the cobble yard. You can't beat a nice slice of spit roasted suckling pig on New Year's Eve! The tension is building.

22 comments:

  1. I am busy tomorrow. I'll just copy one into my sidebar shall I? I'll nominate myself for being trying.

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    Replies
    1. Presumptuousness is a human trait that belongs in the same old hessian bag as aloofness, bad manners and The Liberal Democrats!

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  2. Many of the bloggers I knew and enjoyed have moved to Facebook, where they no longer have to actually think about something before they contribute a sentence or two. I miss them. But not enough to be a casual "friend" after years of seeing their souls poured out on their blog. There are still some who manage to see a fresh new world every day and share it with the rest of us, like you YP. Thank you.

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    1. "There are still some who manage to see a fresh new world every day and share it with the rest of us" ~ I like that take on why we blog Jan. Thank you.

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    2. Only the strong survive Jan. We are redwood trees in the blogging forest. When I began blogging in June 2005, I never imagined I would be able to keep it fresh for so long.

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  3. I like your blog, Mr Pudding, and I like the Laughing Horse Award! When will the 2014 awards be posted?

    And I take it from your mention of Hippo that someone has made contact with him? I've been wondering if he's still among the living! I hope his blog does come back in the new year. I miss it.

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    Replies
    1. New Year's Eve Jennifer. If you want an award just wire me fifty bucks.

      Regarding Tom Gowans, I have been in touch with him but he swore me to secrecy so I can say no more at this juncture. But he's okay and he will be back one day.If you are reading this Tom - we miss you!

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  4. YP ~ Laughing Horse Awards aside and all, I sent you an email back on the 13/12. Not sure if you received it, as I have not had a reply? It's OK, it doesn't contain any financial incentive, so may have been overlooked.

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    1. I am sorry Carol. I recall that email I really meant to do some research on your behalf - not having easy answers to hand. Is it too late to do that research? By the way, congratulations on your success! Almost on a par with receiving a "Laughing Horse" award.

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    2. YP, that's OK ~ I have been online doing the research I need. If I send you something would you be able to look at it and give me some feedback please. I haven't won anything yet ~ it is quite a rigorous selection process ~ application first with complete itinerary, then two rounds of interviews. I have until February to do the application, but I am back at work on 20th January, so am working towards that deadline for myself and then be able to get my boss to vet my application. Thank you again.

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    3. As I was remiss in not doing that research, I will be pleased to look over the item you mentioned. Just email it my way Carol. This time I won't let you down.

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  5. Trips down Memory Lane are always so, um, er, nostalgic, and your review of previous years' Laughing Horse Blog Awards is certainly no exception.

    One should be forewarned, however, that huge supplies of alcohol and wild pigs can be a potent combination. Also huge supplies of alcohol and the staff at Haddon Hall. But I repeat myself.

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    1. The staff at Haddon Hall are not pigs! This is a calculated slur upon Lord Edward Manners and his noble family.
      http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haddon_Hall

      McDonalds will be delivering your Big Mac Meal with large coke while the rest of us enjoy a traditional medieval banquet. A special room has been made up for you already. It is in fact Lord Manners's own bedroom! Don't be surprised if he climbs in with you in the middle of the night.

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  6. You've done well to still be blogging regularly since 2005 YP. I've only been going since 2009 and I've struggled a bit finding something to write about this year. I'm going to get myself more motivated and find something to write about more regularly in 20015 I hope.

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    1. I have some ideas for blogposts from you Helen...
      "Our Wedding Day", "When the children were babies", "Aboriginals", "Australia's lesser known creatures", "Helen, Come Here! - Reflecting on the antics of a naughty schoolgirl" "Being a teenager in Australia in the 1970's", "My favourite kangaroo recipe". I have plenty more up my sleeve when you have done with these.

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  7. Hmm. No alcohol for me, but I'd be willing to give the wild boar a taste. Rustic breads & cheese would be a nice addition, too. Ok, I'm in. I want a comfy chair, though, if possible.
    Your blog is always thought provoking. (Notice that I did not mention what type of thoughts....). I'll accept my award now for my newbie-hasn't-quite-got-the-complete-hang-of-it-wait-til-I-get-going blog. The check, of course, is in the mail.

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    1. Okay it is a deal. But all attendees have to get blind drunk so be prepared to get tripped up Hilly! When you are lying on the dance floor, the plastic funnel team will pour a gallon of plonk down your gullet. Then you'll really get in the mood!

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    2. What a coincidence, I just realized I'm busy that day. I'm afraid I find drunk people to be embarrassing in their departure from their normal sanity. Dignity, YP, always dignity.....

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    3. "Dignity"? How did you know the name of my favourite pale ale?

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  8. Can I have the 2012 one, please? I like that picture.
    Oh.
    That's not how it works is it?
    Never mind then.

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    Replies
    1. NO THAT IS NOT HOW IT WORKS AJ! CHEEKY MONKEY!

      Delete

Mr Pudding welcomes all genuine comments - even those with which he disagrees. However, puerile or abusive comments from anonymous contributors will continue to be given the short shrift they deserve. Any spam comments that get through Google/Blogger defences will also be quickly deleted.

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