Bob Black (BobBlackUK)

Hi, I'm Bob. I'm 80, retired in 1997, amateur web designer (self-taught), living in East Midlands, UK, played squash regularly until I moved here from Hampshire in 2015. Started several blogs to fulfil a need to write, and dabbled with Facebook and Twitter. Then in September 2011 I discovered Squidoo and started building lenses (articles). Suddenly I really felt part of a community! Wow! Got my first Lens of the Day on 18th November 2011 and, in December, made it to the Top 100 Lenses of 2011. Thanks to all who voted for me and everyone's kind comments!

When in September 2014, Squidoo closed down, I joined Hubpages and transferred all my Squidoo "lenses" to Hubpages articles, which I am gradually bringing up to date!

Believe it or not, I've been in 'computers' since 1967. That's before some of you were even born! I first worked on an NCR-500, which occupied a room as big as my house and had about as much computing power as my watch. Now I scratch around on the Internet earning a few pounds here and there to supplement my pension and keep myself occupied.

In the Spotlight

Things I Did as a Kid in the 1940s

A personal reflection of life in the 1940s.

In the Spotlight

Do I Have OCD?

I have mild OCD, so they say! Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is a serious condition, but many people suffer a slight form, which makes them want to put things in order, check locks and light switches, hoard stuff, protect their territory, wash frequently, make lists, keep everthing clean and tidy. I'm like that.

In the Spotlight

Skiffle, the UK Music Craze of the 1950s

The UK Skiffle music craze lasted from about 1953 to 1960 when Rock and Roll began to take hold. A rousing mixture of folk, gospel and blues, Skiffle was first played in the interval Continue »

In the Spotlight

How to Survive Retirement

With any luck, most of us will experience a period of retirement when our working lives come to an end. The fact is, to a large extent, unlike the world of employment, retirement is mostly what YOU make of it. Your future health and happiness are almost entirely in YOUR hands.

In the Spotlight

Are Cruise Ships Good for Holidays?

Cruising is an increasingly popular way of spending a holiday or vacation. There are cruise lines covering all the world's best exotic, romantic and exciting destinations. Cruise ships enable tourists to see and enjoy the most interesting sights in a number of different countries all in one trip.

In the Spotlight

Jobs I Have Had Since the 1950s - the Story of My Early Working Life

I think the story of my early employment, starting in the 1950s, illustrates how working practice, the work ethic, attitudes and management have changed since the end of the Second World War.

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  25
  Easter

  Easter Poems

  5 years ago

  A light-hearted review of poetry, particularly Easter poems, including notes on origins of Easter Eggs and Bunnies, limericks and greeting cards verses. Serious poets include Wordsworth and Kingsley.

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  2
  Special Tips for Travel

  Are Cruise Ships Good for Holidays?

  5 years ago

  Cruising is an increasingly popular way of spending a holiday or vacation. There are cruise lines covering all the world's best exotic, romantic and exciting destinations. Cruise ships enable tourists to see and enjoy the most interesting sights in a number of different countries all in one trip.

• 
  48
  Birds

  How to Attract Wild Birds to Your Garden.

  5 years ago

  Bring your garden alive! Feed the birds. Attract wild birds to your garden, put out food, not just bread scraps, feed them what they like, get some bird feeders and a bath. Buy seed mix, fat balls, peanuts, etc., and put out other leftover fruit, berries, nuts, fat and cereal. If they eat it, they...

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  19
  Aging & Longevity

  Retirement - Planning and Preparing

  5 years ago

  How to plan for your retirement and find happiness and fulfillment for the rest of your life. List your skills, experience, assets, abilities, hobbies, activities, sports and games, and plan a balanced life after work.

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  9
  History of the Modern Era

  Jobs I Have Had Since the 1950s - the Story of My Early Working Life

  5 years ago

  I think the story of my early employment, starting in the 1950s, illustrates how working practice, the work ethic, attitudes and management have changed since the end of the Second World War.

• 
  15
  Aging & Longevity

  How to Survive Retirement

  5 years ago

  With any luck, most of us will experience a period of retirement when our working lives come to an end. The fact is, to a large extent, unlike the world of employment, retirement is mostly what YOU make of it. Your future health and happiness are almost entirely in YOUR hands.

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  7
  Consumer Electronics & Personal Gadgets

  The Pinnacle Dazzle Dvd Recorder

  5 years ago

  How to copy your videos from tape, cassette, PC, phone, tablet, camera, etc., onto DVDs using the versatile Pinnacle Dazzle DVD Recorder. Burn DVDs of your favourite home movies, films and videos with this simple and inexpensive device.

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  34
  Personal Development

  How to Live a Good Life. Here are a Few Tips From My Personal Experience.

  5 years ago

  I am proud to be me. I am honest and decent. I respect other people and their property, and try to help my fellow humans where I can. I deplore bad manners, bad behaviour, inefficiency and incompetence, and a general lack of respect and consideration for others, and am not afraid to speak out...

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  16
  Music

  Skiffle, the UK Music Craze of the 1950s

  6 years ago

  The UK Skiffle music craze lasted from about 1953 to 1960 when Rock and Roll began to take hold. A rousing mixture of folk, gospel and blues, Skiffle was first played in the interval at Traditional Jazz gigs, and it's simplicity caught the imagination of teenage boys. Guitar sales rocketed,...

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  339
  letterpile.com

  Things I Did as a Kid in the 1940s

  7 years ago

  A personal reflection of life in the 1940s.

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  28
  Mental Health

  Do I Have OCD?

  5 years ago

  I have mild OCD, so they say! Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is a serious condition, but many people suffer a slight form, which makes them want to put things in order, check locks and light switches, hoard stuff, protect their territory, wash frequently, make lists, keep everthing clean and tidy....