Adrian Phelan

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Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

Posted on August 16, 2026 by Adrian Phelan

Adrian Phelan

Post 45

Eclipse of a kind

I’m starting this bit with a note on the kindness of a stranger who gave me their eclipse glasses on Wednesday as they headed home just after the peak. I got to experience most of it through the glasses which was great, and I am very thankful for that. Whoever you are you spread more than a little bit of happiness.

I have to say, there were a lot of expectations not managed well regarding the eclipse. There were so many people underwhelmed. The long and the short of it was that without the glasses the sun was never going to look much different. In terms of my experience both the light and the temperature dropped significantly in the open field where I was, creating a definite hue. As it ended, the temperature shot back up again and the blue sky returned. You can see the contrast at the top.

So in summary, I say eclipse 1-0 naysayers. I was less than impressed with the eclipse in ’99 myself, but now I say, ‘silly me’.

Open mic

Perhaps I need a personal eclipse or epiphany but I’m a bit disillusioned with the lack of music nights locally, places where singer songwriters can play their own tunes. So I was very happy that on Thursday I stumbled upon an open mic night where no fewer than five original songs were performed by two separate artistes. And good songs they were too.

I understand why covers are appealing. At the end of a hard day, we don’t necessarily want to sit in a pub listening to loads of songs we’ve never heard before, but I think there must be a platform that is explicitly and exclusively for original music. I know I should put my money where my mouth is so if anyone is up for collaborating on this, let me know.

50 days to 50

From one showcase aspiration to another, at the time of writing, I’ve done 5 posts in the 50 days to 50 series signposting to The Big Issue, The Best Before Cafe, Dementia and Parkinson’s charities in the UK and Ireland and Black History Month.

Viewing numbers are modest compared to some of my posts (I regularly get over 1,000 views) but the frequency will have something to do with that. However, I am not deterred. I am always learning and optimistic I can keep the momentum building, up to 29 September. Self-indulgence will not be dead while I’m alive. Again, if there is a good cause that you would like me to promote then get in touch.

The filim bit or lack there of

Talking about live entertainment, I haven’t been to the cinema for a while, which is unlike me, however I checked in with my brother and one or two others and The End of Oak Street should be the next one on the list. If you’ve seen it, let me know what you think. There’s also a Scorsese season on at my local cinema so I’m keeping an eye on what’s on for that.

Talking about turning 50, Taxi Driver turns 50 this year and so does Rocky. I was in good company in 1976. My Dad was a boxing fan and I’m hoping it’s just a coincidence that with Rocky coming out when I was born, that I was given the same name as his wife. Everyone in my youth thought they had the best Rocky impression. For years people thought my first name was ‘Yo’. We did love all the Rocky films, however. They keep coming and that’s no bad thing.

(The Graduate has just come on the telly and I’m quite enjoying it I have to say)

Do Good Well – Daffodil Day in Australia

The blog gets read all over the world and my search for a good cause this week has taken me to Australia. It’s the Cancer Council’s Daffodil Day next Friday, 20 August. The campaign is asking people to take a cold dip in an ocean, lake, river, pool, or even a bath to raise vital funds for Australians affected by cancer. Similar perhaps to the ice bucket challenge we all did a few years ago.

If you don’t live in Australia (including those who are currently there for a year of debauchery), maybe consider donating to your local cancer charity.

Goodbye and thanks

Right now, even I’ve lost count of what issue we’re on now. I think we’re in the mid-forties. It’s possibly only my family reading at this stage so to each of you I say thanks. This blog and related projects remains the bridge to my next substantial role whatever that will be. As ever, do keep my CV on file and contact me if you need any extra capacity for your projects.

Socially viable

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Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

Posted on August 10, 2026 by Adrian Phelan

Adrian Phelan

Post 44

50 days to 50

10 August marks 50 days to 50 for me as I build up to the big day on 29 September. I wanted to find a way to be even more annoying, so I’ve decided I’m going to do daily micro video blogs plugging each one of the charities or good causes that we have featured in Adrian’s All up to now.

I’ll start tonight and they’ll all be short, I promise. I will have space towards the end to squeeze in a few new ones so if you have a good cause that could do with a plug, get in touch.

I do like to be by it…

From good causes to good times. I’m writing this on my way back from Deal in Kent having spent two nights with an old college buddy.

It was very cool down there. The weather was great and there was a real buzz around the restaurants and bars by the seafront.

The ‘friends’ bit is a recurring theme in the blog and because of my friends down there I got to do a new parkrun (Walmer and Deal), visit a new football ground (Deal Town FC v Sutton in the FA Cup) and eat and drink in some of the nicest bars and restaurants in the southeast. Saturday night was rounded off with a glass of port and a bodhran lesson from local musician Stuart Smith. It really was a top weekend.

Read, Meeting Friends by Stuart and a selection of his poems.

On the way back to Herts, I stopped off at a gig in North London being curated by an old friend and it was great. If you’re ever in the mood for a shot of Americana, check out Dave Sutherland and Dom Glynn. They put on a top show.

There’s more

From country music to a fellow countryman, I was sad to hear Jimmy Cricket has died, aged 80.

He stood out from other comedians of his time because his material was always clean, making him accessible and quite commissionable for TV. Part memory and part Google reminds me that his act regularly featured him reading humorous letters from his Mammy back in Ballygobackwards. His character may have been very much the bachelor but in real life he was married with four children. It also strikes me how different he was to Frank Carson, his fellow compatriot showing that resonance takes on many guises.

Have a GOD moment with Gary O’Donoghue

I’m getting through the backlog of Desert Island Discs and while I was out for a run the other night, I took a chance on the one with Gary O’Donoghue, the BBC’s North America correspondent. I have to say I found it very moving. His story is fascinating and his life journey very touching, from his relationship with his parents to the friendships he formed and how he rose to be one of the most recognisable journalists on TV despite being blind. He also had good anecdotes and a good mix of tunes too.

I think Lauren Laverne is the perfect choice of host for the show as well It was a great hour. Give it a listen.

Bingo

I stumbled on a small pub hosting a bingo night last Wednesday and although I was too late to join, in it was one of the most relaxing things ever listening to the guy reading out the numbers. I was mesmerised as they appeared on the big screen as well. It reminded me of being a kid at the local summer project when we had a rogue caller who would say things like, ‘All the sevens, 23’, which was hilarious when you were 12 but confusing at the same time. No one won anything. You couldn’t follow it.

I work next to a Mecca and I’ve never been in. I’m tempted now I have to say.

Do Good Well

Wednesday, 12 August is International Youth Day. The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs says, “it raises awareness of the challenges and opportunities facing young people around the world and celebrates their role as essential partners in achieving sustainable development.”

I’d never heard of the campaign before going rooting today, so I suppose the call to action is to read up on it and perhaps a new lens through which to view young people is on offer.

Goodbye and thanks

So I’ve launched 50 days to 50 and I hope the 50 good causes get a few clicks. To those returning to work from a summer break who might need extra capacity. Do keep me in mind. Here’s my CV.

As ever, thanks for sticking with me and I’ll see you next week.

Socially viable

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