Blog masonry

Background

Radio News

Information Before the Internet: Teletext, Ceefax, and Oracle

Before Google, Wikipedia, and even dial-up, there was television teletext—the colourful, blocky, text-filled service that brought news, weather, sports, and more straight into your living room. For Gen X, teletext was often the first place we went for quick facts, scores, or TV listings, long before “googling” was a thing. The Birth of Teletext Teletext was born in the 1970s as a way to use the unused lines in a TV broadcast signal to send text and simple graphics. In […]

todayMarch 10, 2026 6

News

News 10/03/26

US forces have carried out strikes on sixteen mine-laying boats near the Strait of Hormuz. Earlier, Donald Trump said ten inactive mine-laying boats had already been destroyed, adding there was “more to follow” in an update posted at 8:24pm. The announcement came less than an hour after the president indicated uncertainty over whether mines were present in the strait. He said Washington had “no reports” confirming Iran’s involvement, but insisted that if mines were present they should be removed immediately. […]

todayMarch 10, 2026 4

Radio News

Eurovision: Why We Love It (or Don’t), Famous Winners and What to Watch in 2026

Love it or not, the Eurovision Song Contest is one of those cultural touchstones that keeps Gen X talking every spring. It’s big, it’s bold, it’s a bit bonkers sometimes—and for better or worse it’s the place where quirky mashups, heartfelt ballads and avant‑garde pop collide in a three‑hour live televised spectacle that attracts millions around the world. What Eurovision Means For some, Eurovision is pure nostalgia. It’s memories of watching with family, arguing over who should win and talking […]

todayMarch 9, 2026 13

News

News 09/03/26

RAF fighter jets have carried out military action to defend the nations of Jordan and Bahrain overnight, the Ministry of Defence says. The jets successfully took out an uncrewed aerial system in defence of Jordan and intercepted a drone heading towards Bahrain, it said. Iran's foreign minister has criticised the US for destabilising oil prices with strikes on the country. Chancellor Rachel Reeves is giving a statement in the House of Commons on the current economic situation, following the Iranian […]

todayMarch 9, 2026 5

Radio News

Slough Jets are Britton League Champions … again!

The Slough Jets have won back to back Britton League titles following a 4 goal shutout in Streatham. The Jets clinch the title with two weekends left in the season. Following a 9-3 demolition of fellow contenders Chelmsford on Saturday night on home ice, the Jets travelled to Streatham to face last year's runners-up, needing only a regulation time win from one of their last three games to seal the title. A Christian Mohr goal gave the Jets a 1 […]

todayMarch 8, 2026 13

Radio News

Albums That Defined a Decade

The records Gen X still can’t skip Some albums do more than just play—they stick with you forever. For Gen X, the albums of the 80s and 90s were more than music. They were experiences, memories, and the soundtrack to everyday life. Take Jagged Little Pill. Its raw honesty and unforgettable hooks made it a must-have in bedrooms, car stereos, and on long drives. Or Definitely Maybe, with its swagger and anthems that could be belted out at the top […]

todayMarch 8, 2026 11

News

News 08/03/26

A fire at a vape shop has forced the closure of Scotland’s busiest railway station until further notice, Network Rail says. Dozens of trains were cancelled on Sunday after a four-storey building on Union Street, near Glasgow Central Station, caught fire. The building has partially collapsed, and the station will remain closed on Monday as firefighters continue to tackle the blaze more than five hours after it began. A spokesperson confirmed: “Glasgow Central Station has been closed until further notice, […]

todayMarch 8, 2026 8

News

News 07/03/26

The King will describe this as a time of great challenge during his message to mark Commonwealth Day. In an extract released ahead of the annual event celebrating Commonwealth nations, King Charles, who is also head of the Commonwealth, says the day comes at a moment of both challenge and possibility. He says communities and nations are facing increasing pressures from conflict, climate change and rapid transformation, but adds that in difficult moments the enduring spirit of the Commonwealth is […]

todayMarch 7, 2026 4

Radio News

The TV Shows We Never Missed

Appointment viewing before streaming existed Before catch up TV and streaming services, there was a simple rule. If you missed the show, you missed the show. For Gen X, television was all about appointment viewing. The family gathered around the living room TV, the theme tune started, and that was it. No pausing, no rewinding, and definitely no spoilers online. Thursday nights might mean the laughter and chaos of Friends, with everyone quoting their favourite lines the next day. If […]

todayMarch 7, 2026 6

0%