hey everyone
well, no updates for a couple of days as our server at verk appears to have had something of a brain melt. we cannot access anything, and neither can our clients, which has caused some complaints!
I have picked up this Alexander, ostensibly because it has Angelina Jollie in it and Michele rather likes her. no doubt Matt does too, so I shall get a copy to him. I gather it is one of the worst films ever made, so I am in no real rush to watch it.
our good friends in Denver, Blondie and Stacey, are expecting their little baby girl any day now. nice one! hope all goes well, and we look forward to meeting her sooner rather than later.
on that note, Spiros will be a father in March. is the world ready!
right, I have just got my hands on two awesome Ian Brown gigs, so I have an urgent need to deafen myself.
hopefully all is well with the computers at work and I can post a decent update soon!
be excellent to each other!
Thursday, January 27, 2005
Wednesday, January 26, 2005
Decent Oscar Nominations Horror Shock!
hello
well, for the first time in a long, long time the Oscar nominations actually reflect the best film making of the past year, and it will be hard to argue with whoever wins. the most interesting category has to be Best Actor, with five sterling actors all potential winners :
Jamie Foxx - Ray
Leonardo DiCaprio - The Aviator
Clint Eastwood - Million Dollar Baby
Johnny Depp - Finding Neverland
Don Cheadle - Hotel Rwanda
now, I know that someone like Leo is not always popular, but he was an excellent choice to play Howard Hughes.
I have a suspicion that the winner will be Don Cheadle - he's one of the finest actors I have ever had the pleasure of watching, right from his amazing and underrated support role in Boogie Nights. Sentiment might well send it the way of Clint, but then again how any of them will beat Jamie Foxx's work in Ray is somewhat puzzling. and then you have good old Mr Depp, who was genuinely unlucky not to be recognized for Pirates Of The Caribbean. oh well, no moaning from me no matter who wins!
as for the other categories, well, Hilary Swank for Million Dollar Baby strikes me as the obvious Best Actress winner. I am sure the other four were great, but she's just a fantastic actress.
Best Director? Hmn, tough one. needless to say, I would give it to Martin Scorsese, but as he does not seem to get recognized for anything, I believe Clint Eastwood for Million Dollar Baby would be a worthy winner.
we shall see soon!!
otherwise, not a great deal to report on. my good friend Rolf has scored some Depeche Mode DVD's at a very low price, so they are being (ahem) duplicated.
be excellent to each other!!
well, for the first time in a long, long time the Oscar nominations actually reflect the best film making of the past year, and it will be hard to argue with whoever wins. the most interesting category has to be Best Actor, with five sterling actors all potential winners :
Jamie Foxx - Ray
Leonardo DiCaprio - The Aviator
Clint Eastwood - Million Dollar Baby
Johnny Depp - Finding Neverland
Don Cheadle - Hotel Rwanda
now, I know that someone like Leo is not always popular, but he was an excellent choice to play Howard Hughes.
I have a suspicion that the winner will be Don Cheadle - he's one of the finest actors I have ever had the pleasure of watching, right from his amazing and underrated support role in Boogie Nights. Sentiment might well send it the way of Clint, but then again how any of them will beat Jamie Foxx's work in Ray is somewhat puzzling. and then you have good old Mr Depp, who was genuinely unlucky not to be recognized for Pirates Of The Caribbean. oh well, no moaning from me no matter who wins!
as for the other categories, well, Hilary Swank for Million Dollar Baby strikes me as the obvious Best Actress winner. I am sure the other four were great, but she's just a fantastic actress.
Best Director? Hmn, tough one. needless to say, I would give it to Martin Scorsese, but as he does not seem to get recognized for anything, I believe Clint Eastwood for Million Dollar Baby would be a worthy winner.
we shall see soon!!
otherwise, not a great deal to report on. my good friend Rolf has scored some Depeche Mode DVD's at a very low price, so they are being (ahem) duplicated.
be excellent to each other!!
Monday, January 24, 2005
Hello Peter
I have posted a link for Hello Peter, as it is class.
please feel free to check out my cellphone comments there. I have not hidden behind an alias, you should find me as Lee.
please feel free to check out my cellphone comments there. I have not hidden behind an alias, you should find me as Lee.
break in transmission......
hey everyone
sorry for the lack of updates - busy at work, and a colourful weekend. I am asleep on my feet right now, but will have a bash at bringing everything up to date.
firstly, a round of appluase for Matt. he has sourced & priced me a DVD+R drive and an amazing price. thanks for all the trouble, mate.
cellphones. a modern evil. Michele had a problem with hers. we went to "****world" to get it fixed, and were met with new levels of incompetence. 20 staff signing up clients for upgrades, two total retards trying to deal with a building full of repairs. then we were told that it did not need repairing, and then we were told that it did need repairing but it would take seven days. so much for their advert "repairs in one hour" which features on every lamppost and billboard to the place!
we dealt with the supervisor in the end, who was a real einstein, if you like your sarcasm. the short of this is that Michele got a brand new phone today.
so, kids, if you are in SA and are looking for a cellphone, use MTN or Cell C. even if they offer no service at all, that is better service than the lot we are stuck with!
we had huge storms over Johannesburg this weekend, which included lots of lightning. ahem, my PC is on a lightning protector, my stereo was not. blew the sound card, managed to install an older one after hunting for the XP driver.
and just as well, as I have the class Miami Vice game to play. well, I think it is class, as I keep getting killed on the second screen. but it plays the Miami Vice theme, so it should be class!
Right, Tuesday is Oscar Nomination time. my theories? Scorsese should be a cert for Director at last with The Aviator, but will probably get overlooked again. watch out for Clint Eastwood for Million Dollar Baby. Leonardo Di Caprio should get best actor for Aviator, but has ferocious contest from Clint Eastwood in possibly his best ever claim to an acting award, although the favourite is most likely Jamie Foxx for Ray. Mr Foxx crops up as a contender for best supporting actor for Collateral, with Alec Baldwin out of Aviator being the only stiff competition. as for Best Actress, Hilary Swank for Million Dollar Baby, a wild card being Kate Winslett for Finding Neverland. best supporting actress? no clue. probably either of the alledged "leading" ladies in The Aviator.
I have kind of tuned out of the Oscars since Forrest Gump. they used to be a symbol of pride, but then they just became a forum to reward Spielberg and his friends. I mean, Braveheart best picture? sure, why not Die Hard? all it was was an action film pretending to be historic. and 30 years down the road The Godfather is hailed as a classic. will the same be said of American Beauty? Titanic? I very much doubt it.
well, that's a wrap for now. as for work, the guys are settling in well and working as a team. makes my job a cruise so who am I to argue!
be excellent to each other!
sorry for the lack of updates - busy at work, and a colourful weekend. I am asleep on my feet right now, but will have a bash at bringing everything up to date.
firstly, a round of appluase for Matt. he has sourced & priced me a DVD+R drive and an amazing price. thanks for all the trouble, mate.
cellphones. a modern evil. Michele had a problem with hers. we went to "****world" to get it fixed, and were met with new levels of incompetence. 20 staff signing up clients for upgrades, two total retards trying to deal with a building full of repairs. then we were told that it did not need repairing, and then we were told that it did need repairing but it would take seven days. so much for their advert "repairs in one hour" which features on every lamppost and billboard to the place!
we dealt with the supervisor in the end, who was a real einstein, if you like your sarcasm. the short of this is that Michele got a brand new phone today.
so, kids, if you are in SA and are looking for a cellphone, use MTN or Cell C. even if they offer no service at all, that is better service than the lot we are stuck with!
we had huge storms over Johannesburg this weekend, which included lots of lightning. ahem, my PC is on a lightning protector, my stereo was not. blew the sound card, managed to install an older one after hunting for the XP driver.
and just as well, as I have the class Miami Vice game to play. well, I think it is class, as I keep getting killed on the second screen. but it plays the Miami Vice theme, so it should be class!
Right, Tuesday is Oscar Nomination time. my theories? Scorsese should be a cert for Director at last with The Aviator, but will probably get overlooked again. watch out for Clint Eastwood for Million Dollar Baby. Leonardo Di Caprio should get best actor for Aviator, but has ferocious contest from Clint Eastwood in possibly his best ever claim to an acting award, although the favourite is most likely Jamie Foxx for Ray. Mr Foxx crops up as a contender for best supporting actor for Collateral, with Alec Baldwin out of Aviator being the only stiff competition. as for Best Actress, Hilary Swank for Million Dollar Baby, a wild card being Kate Winslett for Finding Neverland. best supporting actress? no clue. probably either of the alledged "leading" ladies in The Aviator.
I have kind of tuned out of the Oscars since Forrest Gump. they used to be a symbol of pride, but then they just became a forum to reward Spielberg and his friends. I mean, Braveheart best picture? sure, why not Die Hard? all it was was an action film pretending to be historic. and 30 years down the road The Godfather is hailed as a classic. will the same be said of American Beauty? Titanic? I very much doubt it.
well, that's a wrap for now. as for work, the guys are settling in well and working as a team. makes my job a cruise so who am I to argue!
be excellent to each other!
Thursday, January 20, 2005
lack of updates
hey readers
sorry for the quiet spell on my site for the past couple of days. we have a new guy, Leslie, in my team at work and obviously I am showing him how it all works and all that. so far so good, but I am not left with much spare time to write. I am barely getting enough time to pay homage to Marlboro!
I managed to find the class game Worms for the playstation at a reasonable price. I really love the PC version, but it seems that, for love nor money, it will not run on XP. ho hum, quite a shame really. I think there is a new version that does, will consider buying it!
Michele is going hammer and tongs with her degree this year. she has most of the books, and has spent much of the evening making class files for her notes. aaah, I knew there was something I forgot to do when I studied.......
I am getting old or lazy. I have a new, full Manics gig from last week on my hard drive, and I have yet to put it on CD and play it in the car. will probably mess around with it at the weekend and see how it goes. actually, on something of a Bowie trip at the moment, so maybe it will not get played for a while yet. no doubt Michele wants a copy sooner rather than later!
another blank DVD bombed on me, after three hours of recording. basically, I am never buying Sony blank discs again, they are useless. I encourage you to do the same.
thanks Matt for the class Dave Hasselhoff calendar!
anyway, I am feeling somewhat tired (late night, long day), so forgive the fact that my linguistical pioneer status has not been underlined in this update. hope you are all doing well!
be excellent to each other!
sorry for the quiet spell on my site for the past couple of days. we have a new guy, Leslie, in my team at work and obviously I am showing him how it all works and all that. so far so good, but I am not left with much spare time to write. I am barely getting enough time to pay homage to Marlboro!
I managed to find the class game Worms for the playstation at a reasonable price. I really love the PC version, but it seems that, for love nor money, it will not run on XP. ho hum, quite a shame really. I think there is a new version that does, will consider buying it!
Michele is going hammer and tongs with her degree this year. she has most of the books, and has spent much of the evening making class files for her notes. aaah, I knew there was something I forgot to do when I studied.......
I am getting old or lazy. I have a new, full Manics gig from last week on my hard drive, and I have yet to put it on CD and play it in the car. will probably mess around with it at the weekend and see how it goes. actually, on something of a Bowie trip at the moment, so maybe it will not get played for a while yet. no doubt Michele wants a copy sooner rather than later!
another blank DVD bombed on me, after three hours of recording. basically, I am never buying Sony blank discs again, they are useless. I encourage you to do the same.
thanks Matt for the class Dave Hasselhoff calendar!
anyway, I am feeling somewhat tired (late night, long day), so forgive the fact that my linguistical pioneer status has not been underlined in this update. hope you are all doing well!
be excellent to each other!
Wednesday, January 19, 2005
Frankenfish
at the moment I am recording some film called Frankenfish. it appears to be about genetically modified fish twatting people.
Richard, my brother, the soon to be proud owner of a copy of Smokey And The Bandit on DVD, will no doubt love this one.
Richard, my brother, the soon to be proud owner of a copy of Smokey And The Bandit on DVD, will no doubt love this one.
Tuesday, January 18, 2005
Message To Matt
Mr Bowes
you will no doubt be interested to know that our internet server has blocked your site and added it to the banned list because of the language. it has been classified as "offensive".
knowing you, you will no doubt wear this like a badge of honour!
you will no doubt be interested to know that our internet server has blocked your site and added it to the banned list because of the language. it has been classified as "offensive".
knowing you, you will no doubt wear this like a badge of honour!
the voice of Nicky Wire
well, the HMV package did indeed arrive, and most smart it is too!
the Manics singles are what I expected - with the exception that Nicky Wire, bass player extraordinare, seems to do quite a few of the vocals on the extra tracks. I am unsure as to wether or not this is a bad thing.
as for the new Ian Brown, I am most impressed that a 7" single got here in one piece, although I am not sure what we will do with it. the actual single, Time Is My Everything, is a class now as it was on the Solarized CD. it is the extra tracks where my heart goes boom-ticky-boom - the great one has re-recorded a classic Stone Roses tune, Where Angels Play. it is, frankly, awesome!
well, I finished up work early yesterday, as we started early for some system tests. silly me thought I would get home and kip for a couple of hours. first thing I find when I get in, mind, is a whole bunch of feathers. one of the cats in our lives had obviously "played with a bird", but for the life of me I could not find any remains of any such bird! I assume the plucky thing escaped, or was eaten entire!
after than, tried to snooze, but the phone kept ringing as people were keen to congratulate me on England's victory. well, that and throw abuse in my direction as a consequence!
otherwise, I appear to have obtained the Manics gig from Glasgow last week. looks good, just have not had chance to play it yet. that is something to do tonight!
well, time to do some work or verk, if you recall the old blog. be excellent to each other.
the Manics singles are what I expected - with the exception that Nicky Wire, bass player extraordinare, seems to do quite a few of the vocals on the extra tracks. I am unsure as to wether or not this is a bad thing.
as for the new Ian Brown, I am most impressed that a 7" single got here in one piece, although I am not sure what we will do with it. the actual single, Time Is My Everything, is a class now as it was on the Solarized CD. it is the extra tracks where my heart goes boom-ticky-boom - the great one has re-recorded a classic Stone Roses tune, Where Angels Play. it is, frankly, awesome!
well, I finished up work early yesterday, as we started early for some system tests. silly me thought I would get home and kip for a couple of hours. first thing I find when I get in, mind, is a whole bunch of feathers. one of the cats in our lives had obviously "played with a bird", but for the life of me I could not find any remains of any such bird! I assume the plucky thing escaped, or was eaten entire!
after than, tried to snooze, but the phone kept ringing as people were keen to congratulate me on England's victory. well, that and throw abuse in my direction as a consequence!
otherwise, I appear to have obtained the Manics gig from Glasgow last week. looks good, just have not had chance to play it yet. that is something to do tonight!
well, time to do some work or verk, if you recall the old blog. be excellent to each other.
Monday, January 17, 2005
falling short
oh dear, Manics went in the UK chart at Number 2 with Empty Souls, with Elvis being the official Number One.
a slice of history missed for the boys - this weekened marked the 1,000th single to be Number One.
better luck next time!
a slice of history missed for the boys - this weekened marked the 1,000th single to be Number One.
better luck next time!
on the way this morning
here's our HMV order :
1 CDS MANIC STREET PREACHERS EMPTY SOULS GBP 1.42
1 CDS MANIC STREET PREACHERS EMPTY SOULS GBP 1.421
DVS MANIC STREET PREACHERS EMPTY SOULS GBP 1.42
1 CDS BROWN, IAN TIME IS MY EVERYTHING GBP 1.69
1 CDS BROWN, IAN TIME IS MY EVERYTHING GBP 2.54
1 SS BROWN, IAN TIME IS MY EVERYTHING GBP 1.27
I guess we will have a busy afternoon and evening, with a bit of luck, as they are due to land today!
the housewarming & baby shower at House Of Spiros went rather well. I had many, many fine ales, and some class stuff to eat. thanks to The Dude for the smart cooking!
I look forward to reports as to how Spiros has got on with playing Death Race 2000!
more later
cheers for now.
1 CDS MANIC STREET PREACHERS EMPTY SOULS GBP 1.42
1 CDS MANIC STREET PREACHERS EMPTY SOULS GBP 1.421
DVS MANIC STREET PREACHERS EMPTY SOULS GBP 1.42
1 CDS BROWN, IAN TIME IS MY EVERYTHING GBP 1.69
1 CDS BROWN, IAN TIME IS MY EVERYTHING GBP 2.54
1 SS BROWN, IAN TIME IS MY EVERYTHING GBP 1.27
I guess we will have a busy afternoon and evening, with a bit of luck, as they are due to land today!
the housewarming & baby shower at House Of Spiros went rather well. I had many, many fine ales, and some class stuff to eat. thanks to The Dude for the smart cooking!
I look forward to reports as to how Spiros has got on with playing Death Race 2000!
more later
cheers for now.
Friday, January 14, 2005
how to win friends and influence people - Ali G style.
my deepest thanks to Giggstastic for bringing my attention to this class story :
LONDON - British comedian Sasha Baron Cohen escaped a near-riot at an American rodeo while filming his satirical “Da Ali G Show.”
According to a report in the Roanoke (Virginia) Times, a man who was introduced as Boraq Sagdiyev from Kazakhstan — in reality a Cohen character named Borat — appeared at the rodeo over the weekend after organizers agreed to have him sing the national anthem.
After telling the crowd he supported America’s war on terrorism, he said, “I hope you kill every man, woman and child in Iraq, down to the lizards ... And may George W. Bush drink the blood of every man, woman and child in Iraq.” He then sang a garbled version of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
The Roanoke Times reported that the crowd turned “downright nasty.” One observer said “If he had been out there a minute longer, I think somebody would have shot him.”
Cohen and his film crew were escorted out of the Salem Civic Center and told to leave the premises.
“Had we not gotten them out of there, there would have been a riot,” rodeo producer Bobby Rowe told the paper. “They loaded up the van and they screeched out of there.”
It is not the first time Cohen has wooed controversy with his show, which airs on HBO. In one episode last year, Borat sang an anti-Semitic song called “Throw the Jew Down the Well” at a country music bar, prompting protests from the Anti-Defamation League.
in all honesty, I am thrilled to bits that he is going on with the Borat character. Ali G was class when he first appeared, but the last few appearances of him were somewhat stale. the film, Ali G In Da House, was a nice final burst from him, mind.
at present, listening to The Small Faces' Olden Nut Gone Flake, an awesome album that more or less inspired the whole career of another top band, Ocean Colour Scene. I reccomend you check out either!
off to Spiros tomorrow, should be a class few ales and a good laugh.
have a smart weekend!
LONDON - British comedian Sasha Baron Cohen escaped a near-riot at an American rodeo while filming his satirical “Da Ali G Show.”
According to a report in the Roanoke (Virginia) Times, a man who was introduced as Boraq Sagdiyev from Kazakhstan — in reality a Cohen character named Borat — appeared at the rodeo over the weekend after organizers agreed to have him sing the national anthem.
After telling the crowd he supported America’s war on terrorism, he said, “I hope you kill every man, woman and child in Iraq, down to the lizards ... And may George W. Bush drink the blood of every man, woman and child in Iraq.” He then sang a garbled version of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
The Roanoke Times reported that the crowd turned “downright nasty.” One observer said “If he had been out there a minute longer, I think somebody would have shot him.”
Cohen and his film crew were escorted out of the Salem Civic Center and told to leave the premises.
“Had we not gotten them out of there, there would have been a riot,” rodeo producer Bobby Rowe told the paper. “They loaded up the van and they screeched out of there.”
It is not the first time Cohen has wooed controversy with his show, which airs on HBO. In one episode last year, Borat sang an anti-Semitic song called “Throw the Jew Down the Well” at a country music bar, prompting protests from the Anti-Defamation League.
in all honesty, I am thrilled to bits that he is going on with the Borat character. Ali G was class when he first appeared, but the last few appearances of him were somewhat stale. the film, Ali G In Da House, was a nice final burst from him, mind.
at present, listening to The Small Faces' Olden Nut Gone Flake, an awesome album that more or less inspired the whole career of another top band, Ocean Colour Scene. I reccomend you check out either!
off to Spiros tomorrow, should be a class few ales and a good laugh.
have a smart weekend!
friday morning
hello, good morning and welcome.
well, the rain is hammering down here in Johannesburg at present. that probably means that the cricket test todays is going to be severely hampered. a pity, as England are doing rather well. oh well, I am sure we shall still claim victory!
not much to add to my comments of last night, kids. this weekend I am off to see Spiros, which should be quite a class laugh. he has a most excellent shed.
anyway, if there are no more posts today, have a smart weekend!
well, the rain is hammering down here in Johannesburg at present. that probably means that the cricket test todays is going to be severely hampered. a pity, as England are doing rather well. oh well, I am sure we shall still claim victory!
not much to add to my comments of last night, kids. this weekend I am off to see Spiros, which should be quite a class laugh. he has a most excellent shed.
anyway, if there are no more posts today, have a smart weekend!
In Homage Of A True Great
Kinky John Fowler is the infamous compere at Baron's nightclub, regularly voted 4th top night spot in Hull. he appears to be the confidante of part owner of the club, the elusive Mr Paul Barron, who amongst other things once claimed to be on TV as a vicar appear on Songs Of Praise.
Kinky John is no stranger to controversy. His infamous Eroticar Night featured a supermarket staff member peforming an unusual, risque erotic dance with a bottle of brown sauce, and he pledged to personally eat his "own ass" if his manufactured boy band, ManDate, did not make it onto the popular Big Breakfast TV show.
Kinky John was last seen firing several shots at staff and patrons of Baron's Night Club when he was "souped" on his own manor. Paul Barron had hired Les Dennis of TV fame to compere at the club for one night and took the possibly fatal decision to give Kinky John the night off.
Wherever you are in the world right now, Kinky John, we love you and long for your safe return.
work / Blade Trinity
well, sorry for a lack of updates, or if you will this late-ish one today. just one of those days at work really - could not find much time to myself. oh well, I suppose I do not get paid to mess around too much. at least not all of the time!
we watched Blade Trinity last night, and I have to say I was reasonably impressed with it. I was somewhat dubious about the premise (no spoiler here, it's on the posters and in the trailer), that premise being Blade vs Dracula. however, they kind of pull it off rather well, inventing their own mythology and all that.
as we were watching it, it dawned on me why the Blade trilogy has three entertaining films, whereas the Matrix trilogy consists of one interesting film and two crap sequels. Blade basically uses the same spine of a story in three films, and yet they have cultivated entirely different concepts and sequences around it. you basically get three radically different stories from the same premise, and they remain loyal to that premise. Matrix kind of impressed everyone when it came out, Reloaded was promoted with the "we built 8 miles of highway for this film" policy and managed to discard all that was interesting from the first, and Revolutions was just sheer boredom on screen. I mean, 20 minutes of Keanu dude Reeves stood on a train platform? very groundbreaking indeed!
nice one, Mrs Ricketts. not only has she registered for more courses for her degree, but she has also wisely invested in the new Ian Brown single (Time Is My Everything) and the new one from the Manics (Empty Souls). HMV will ship ours on Monday, which means we will have them on Tuesday or Wednesday. all you kids in the UK, go and buy them!
I am still reading Stark, an early Ben Elton novel. have not got very far with it, but it seems interesting. I enjoyed Dead Famous and Popcorn, but found that High Society dropped the ball a bit. ho hum. I see there is yet another new John Grisham on the way - I have only just finished reading The Last Juror!!!
oh, if any of you reading this have a font called "Myriad", please send it on to me. a good friend of mine is looking for it urgently.
well, that's about it for this update. in the words of "The One", be excellent to each other!
we watched Blade Trinity last night, and I have to say I was reasonably impressed with it. I was somewhat dubious about the premise (no spoiler here, it's on the posters and in the trailer), that premise being Blade vs Dracula. however, they kind of pull it off rather well, inventing their own mythology and all that.
as we were watching it, it dawned on me why the Blade trilogy has three entertaining films, whereas the Matrix trilogy consists of one interesting film and two crap sequels. Blade basically uses the same spine of a story in three films, and yet they have cultivated entirely different concepts and sequences around it. you basically get three radically different stories from the same premise, and they remain loyal to that premise. Matrix kind of impressed everyone when it came out, Reloaded was promoted with the "we built 8 miles of highway for this film" policy and managed to discard all that was interesting from the first, and Revolutions was just sheer boredom on screen. I mean, 20 minutes of Keanu dude Reeves stood on a train platform? very groundbreaking indeed!
nice one, Mrs Ricketts. not only has she registered for more courses for her degree, but she has also wisely invested in the new Ian Brown single (Time Is My Everything) and the new one from the Manics (Empty Souls). HMV will ship ours on Monday, which means we will have them on Tuesday or Wednesday. all you kids in the UK, go and buy them!
I am still reading Stark, an early Ben Elton novel. have not got very far with it, but it seems interesting. I enjoyed Dead Famous and Popcorn, but found that High Society dropped the ball a bit. ho hum. I see there is yet another new John Grisham on the way - I have only just finished reading The Last Juror!!!
oh, if any of you reading this have a font called "Myriad", please send it on to me. a good friend of mine is looking for it urgently.
well, that's about it for this update. in the words of "The One", be excellent to each other!
Wednesday, January 12, 2005
slow times
heya
well, not a lot to report on at the moment. work and not much else!
we have a class new wild kitten running around in our garden these days. a little black thing with cute white paws. boy. can he/she jump about and run fast!
rumours abound that the Manic Street Preachers will be touring with Oasis this UK summer. what an awesome gig that would be!!
my good, new found friend Architect/Butcher off the manics site is about to exchange a whole load of Manics material with me - I will be sending him a stack of Derek Bowie in return. nice one!
ho hum, time to do some work. hope all is well with everyone!
well, not a lot to report on at the moment. work and not much else!
we have a class new wild kitten running around in our garden these days. a little black thing with cute white paws. boy. can he/she jump about and run fast!
rumours abound that the Manic Street Preachers will be touring with Oasis this UK summer. what an awesome gig that would be!!
my good, new found friend Architect/Butcher off the manics site is about to exchange a whole load of Manics material with me - I will be sending him a stack of Derek Bowie in return. nice one!
ho hum, time to do some work. hope all is well with everyone!
Tuesday, January 11, 2005
more musings........
well, I have just had a gander at Matt's blog this morning, and it does not disappoint. he's got some really interesting links up at the moment, well worth taking the time to read!!
as per the message I left on your blog, Matt, I am still keen to have a crack at this Manhunt game, especially as it had chainsaws in it!
now then, where are the blogs of other people? I imagine Spiros could produce an interesting one. either that or I could make up one for him!
looking at the "best British song" list of 25 again, how is it that Spandau Ballet are on, but no Duran Duran or Depeche Mode? those two are considerably better songwriters for my money. Planet Earth or Hungry Like The Wolf are vastly superior songs to True, as I guess are Enjoy The Silence and Stripped or Never Let Me Down again.
a somewhat interesting link has been sent to me - www.thehiddenrecords.com - it would seem to be full of all sorts of theories and ideas that I know full well interest a number of you!
oh well, time for some work. cheers for now.
as per the message I left on your blog, Matt, I am still keen to have a crack at this Manhunt game, especially as it had chainsaws in it!
now then, where are the blogs of other people? I imagine Spiros could produce an interesting one. either that or I could make up one for him!
looking at the "best British song" list of 25 again, how is it that Spandau Ballet are on, but no Duran Duran or Depeche Mode? those two are considerably better songwriters for my money. Planet Earth or Hungry Like The Wolf are vastly superior songs to True, as I guess are Enjoy The Silence and Stripped or Never Let Me Down again.
a somewhat interesting link has been sent to me - www.thehiddenrecords.com - it would seem to be full of all sorts of theories and ideas that I know full well interest a number of you!
oh well, time for some work. cheers for now.
good morning
I guess a lot of people gave themselves yesterday (Monday) off - today is Tuesday, and the traffic is back to good old fashioned Johannesburg chaos!
not a lot to report on, as it happens. a pretty quiet evening, with no storms and no power cuts. nice one!!!
I have started reading an early Ben Elton book, Stark. thus far it seems clumsy and less organized than his latter works. oh well, might turn out to be fun.
have a smart day, wherever you are!
not a lot to report on, as it happens. a pretty quiet evening, with no storms and no power cuts. nice one!!!
I have started reading an early Ben Elton book, Stark. thus far it seems clumsy and less organized than his latter works. oh well, might turn out to be fun.
have a smart day, wherever you are!
Best British Song?
The Brit Awards this year have an interesting idea - trying to name the best British song of the past few decades. here's the list :
Heroes - David Bowie
We Are The Champions - Queen
Wuthering Heights - Kate Bush
Night Fever - Bee Gees
London Calling - Clash
Love Will Tear Us Apart - Joy Division
That's Entertainment - The Jam
I Don't Want To Talk About It - Rod Stewart
Look of Love - ABC
Golden Brown - The Stranglers
True - Spandau Ballet
Careless Whisper - George Michael
Holding Back The Years - Simply Red
Sledgehammer - Peter Gabriel
Sacrifice - Elton John
Unfinished Sympathy - Massive Attack
Why - Annie Lennox
Fields of Gold - Sting
Kiss From A Rose - Seal
Wonderwall - Oasis
Angels - Robbie Williams
Yellow - Coldplay
Babylon - David Gray
Leave Right Now - Will Young
Dry Your Eyes - The Streets
what can I say? starts off well, falls away badly at the end. I mean, Will Young? as popular as he may be, has he really done anything that would be considered better than the works of people like The Smiths & Morrissey? The Streets instead of something like Frankie's Power Of Love? and where exactly is what could well be the greatest song ever recorded, "I Am The Resurrection" by The Stone Roses?
alarmingly, this by and large appears to be "English", not British. not one appearance by the Welsh Wonders, the Manic Street Preachers? U2 from Ireland? Simple Minds, for that matter?
oh well, these things always do tend to cause debate and "controversy". ho hum, good luck to the winner. I can't pick one - if it's the entries from Bowie, Queen, Joy Division or Kate Bush, or even perhaps The Clash, then I guess all is well. anything after them on the list and I think you have a "novelty" winner on your hands!
Heroes - David Bowie
We Are The Champions - Queen
Wuthering Heights - Kate Bush
Night Fever - Bee Gees
London Calling - Clash
Love Will Tear Us Apart - Joy Division
That's Entertainment - The Jam
I Don't Want To Talk About It - Rod Stewart
Look of Love - ABC
Golden Brown - The Stranglers
True - Spandau Ballet
Careless Whisper - George Michael
Holding Back The Years - Simply Red
Sledgehammer - Peter Gabriel
Sacrifice - Elton John
Unfinished Sympathy - Massive Attack
Why - Annie Lennox
Fields of Gold - Sting
Kiss From A Rose - Seal
Wonderwall - Oasis
Angels - Robbie Williams
Yellow - Coldplay
Babylon - David Gray
Leave Right Now - Will Young
Dry Your Eyes - The Streets
what can I say? starts off well, falls away badly at the end. I mean, Will Young? as popular as he may be, has he really done anything that would be considered better than the works of people like The Smiths & Morrissey? The Streets instead of something like Frankie's Power Of Love? and where exactly is what could well be the greatest song ever recorded, "I Am The Resurrection" by The Stone Roses?
alarmingly, this by and large appears to be "English", not British. not one appearance by the Welsh Wonders, the Manic Street Preachers? U2 from Ireland? Simple Minds, for that matter?
oh well, these things always do tend to cause debate and "controversy". ho hum, good luck to the winner. I can't pick one - if it's the entries from Bowie, Queen, Joy Division or Kate Bush, or even perhaps The Clash, then I guess all is well. anything after them on the list and I think you have a "novelty" winner on your hands!
Monday, January 10, 2005
Manchester G-Mex, Jan 10th 1987
blimey, i guess i am getting old - 18 years ago today i went to see my beloved Frankie Goes To Hollywood, as per above.
once upon a time i could recall the entire setlist. now? well, they started with Rage Hard, moved into The Only Star In Heaven, and the encore was certainly Two Tribes. otherwise, somewhere inbetween they played Lunar Bay with Ped, the drummer, using some smart drumsticks that lit up red and was the only thing you could see in the darkness that descended.
we had a massive powercut just before midnight on Saturday. I messed around trying to find a decent radio station, Michele sat and kept reading The Da Vinci Code by means of a small torch. I guess that says what a good book it is!
Sunday saw us messing about with my class new beard trimmer. well, Michele tried to do it properly, i messed around. as a result, i have very little of my moustache left intact!
anyway, Monday is usually colourful here at work - best i get on with a bit of work and going through mountains of reports. if i get the chance, will send an update later or tomorrow!
have fun, and try and play some Frankie if you have some!
once upon a time i could recall the entire setlist. now? well, they started with Rage Hard, moved into The Only Star In Heaven, and the encore was certainly Two Tribes. otherwise, somewhere inbetween they played Lunar Bay with Ped, the drummer, using some smart drumsticks that lit up red and was the only thing you could see in the darkness that descended.
we had a massive powercut just before midnight on Saturday. I messed around trying to find a decent radio station, Michele sat and kept reading The Da Vinci Code by means of a small torch. I guess that says what a good book it is!
Sunday saw us messing about with my class new beard trimmer. well, Michele tried to do it properly, i messed around. as a result, i have very little of my moustache left intact!
anyway, Monday is usually colourful here at work - best i get on with a bit of work and going through mountains of reports. if i get the chance, will send an update later or tomorrow!
have fun, and try and play some Frankie if you have some!
Sunday, January 09, 2005
please visit.........
http://mattbowes.blogspot.com/
Matt, I am delighted to say, has taken up my advice and is writing his own blog. I reccomend you read it, never once do I recall him having anything dull to say!
a lazy Saturday as I try to get better. watched a couple of films - Cellular, which I highly reccomend, and The Clearing, which is not bad at all.
Cellular has Kim Basigner & William H Macy in it, and I really can't say much as it is a nice twisting thriller. a reverse version of PhoneBooth should give you a clue.
The Clearing certainly is not bad, but it is not the epic, "best Robert Redford performance" ever that some people are claiming it is. well worth watching, one of Willem Dafoe's best roles for sure.
oh well, I am off to order pizza. hope the weekend is going well!
Matt, I am delighted to say, has taken up my advice and is writing his own blog. I reccomend you read it, never once do I recall him having anything dull to say!
a lazy Saturday as I try to get better. watched a couple of films - Cellular, which I highly reccomend, and The Clearing, which is not bad at all.
Cellular has Kim Basigner & William H Macy in it, and I really can't say much as it is a nice twisting thriller. a reverse version of PhoneBooth should give you a clue.
The Clearing certainly is not bad, but it is not the epic, "best Robert Redford performance" ever that some people are claiming it is. well worth watching, one of Willem Dafoe's best roles for sure.
oh well, I am off to order pizza. hope the weekend is going well!
Saturday, January 08, 2005
possible sigh of relief
recall the picture of the, ahem, large gentleman from Episode III that appeared to be The Emperor?? well, it seems that it isn't The Emperor, but some other nasty evil Jedi dude (oh, OK, Dark Lord Of The Sith) called Menomon or something. At least that's what I think is going on there.
I really don't want to say for sure, or say anything that spoils the film for people who want to wait, but let it be said that I have seen a pic that suggests he is not the Emperor.
otherwise, I feel somewhat slightly ill. not sure what is wrong, probably just seriously run down. a chilled weekend should fix me up.
thanks to Matt for the heads up on the new Robert De Niro film, Hide And Seek. I have kind of avoided recent De Niro films as he has not been that good, but the trailer for this one does look rather smart. can't wait to see it!
whilst we are thanking Matt, nice one on the support and kind words you have for my blog, mate. as you are easily one of the most interesting and intellectually stimulating people on the planet (which is saying something for one of Richard's gang), you know you should really set up a blog yourself!
I am just about finished reading the latest Grisham book, The Last Juror. Good, but a word of warning - the book is not really like how the back description says it is, and in all honesty the back tells you in a paragraph what happens for the first 300 pages of a 500 page book. my advice? buy the book but DO NOT read the back!
I will hopefully post some stuff over the weekend. if not, have a good one, and more speaks soon!
I really don't want to say for sure, or say anything that spoils the film for people who want to wait, but let it be said that I have seen a pic that suggests he is not the Emperor.
otherwise, I feel somewhat slightly ill. not sure what is wrong, probably just seriously run down. a chilled weekend should fix me up.
thanks to Matt for the heads up on the new Robert De Niro film, Hide And Seek. I have kind of avoided recent De Niro films as he has not been that good, but the trailer for this one does look rather smart. can't wait to see it!
whilst we are thanking Matt, nice one on the support and kind words you have for my blog, mate. as you are easily one of the most interesting and intellectually stimulating people on the planet (which is saying something for one of Richard's gang), you know you should really set up a blog yourself!
I am just about finished reading the latest Grisham book, The Last Juror. Good, but a word of warning - the book is not really like how the back description says it is, and in all honesty the back tells you in a paragraph what happens for the first 300 pages of a 500 page book. my advice? buy the book but DO NOT read the back!
I will hopefully post some stuff over the weekend. if not, have a good one, and more speaks soon!
Friday, January 07, 2005
sing me to sleep
blimey, i am falling asleep fast on my feet right now. no idea why, a decent night's sleep and all has been well. oh well, it is Friday at least, i am sure work can take care of itself!!
not much to report on. Michele watched Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow last night. i opted to give it a veru significant miss - looks dull, and Michele's "um, it's kind of OK" review probably says all that you need to know about it!
right, let me try and do some work, pass the day, then get home and sleep, since it seems to be what i want to do!
not much to report on. Michele watched Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow last night. i opted to give it a veru significant miss - looks dull, and Michele's "um, it's kind of OK" review probably says all that you need to know about it!
right, let me try and do some work, pass the day, then get home and sleep, since it seems to be what i want to do!
a curious tale...
from the BBC.........
The infamous World Cup bust-up between Roy Keane and Mick McCarthy is being made into a musical.
considering the dialogue exchange between the two (unrepeatable here, or in decent company), I can hardly imagine what this will turn out like!
The infamous World Cup bust-up between Roy Keane and Mick McCarthy is being made into a musical.
considering the dialogue exchange between the two (unrepeatable here, or in decent company), I can hardly imagine what this will turn out like!
Thursday, January 06, 2005
National Treasure
hmn. not too sure how to review this one, really. my instinct has proved to be correct - the guy who wrote this film has more than a passing knowledge of the novel The Da Vinci Code, and a school of thought suggests that this is a well crafted piece of plagarism. different storylines of course, but reaches the same conclusion by the same methodology.
as they have put Tom Hanks in the film version of Da Vinci Code, and have the less than celebrated Ron Howard directing it, so far it is 1-0 to National Treasure, as they have a proper actor, Nicholas Cage, in the lead.
outside of concerns between the (ahem) "similarties" to the mentioned beloved novel, National Treasure is actually rather good. quite nicely paced, allowing for the standard Hollywood ending philosophy of "there's 15 minutes to go, let us see what we can ram in there", and never really dull at any point.
it has a clever "liberation scene" that puts all the praise for 'clever' things such as Ocean's Eleven to shame, but I really can't expand on that or any other key moments without deliberatley giving the game away.
well worth a look.
as they have put Tom Hanks in the film version of Da Vinci Code, and have the less than celebrated Ron Howard directing it, so far it is 1-0 to National Treasure, as they have a proper actor, Nicholas Cage, in the lead.
outside of concerns between the (ahem) "similarties" to the mentioned beloved novel, National Treasure is actually rather good. quite nicely paced, allowing for the standard Hollywood ending philosophy of "there's 15 minutes to go, let us see what we can ram in there", and never really dull at any point.
it has a clever "liberation scene" that puts all the praise for 'clever' things such as Ocean's Eleven to shame, but I really can't expand on that or any other key moments without deliberatley giving the game away.
well worth a look.
Santa Monica 72
good morning
copies of the rather rare Derek Bowie CD Santa Monica 72 change hands for the amount of US$80 or so. thanks to the brothers in vibes at www.foreverdelayed.co.uk , I have it for somewhat less than that :)
hailed as the definitive gig from the Ziggy Starudst era, it is certainly impressive, and I am struggling to understand why Mr Bowie allowed only a very limited release for this one. I have not played the whole thing, but I have heard enough to know a good thing when I hear it. the highlight thus far has been what could well be the best ever live performance of The Width Of A Circle, easily better that the David Live bizarre jazz odyssey version, and edging past the rather frantic "let us do this quick" version on the other Ziggy Stardust Live CD.
I believe I now have a Derek Bowie live recording from every era of his illustrious career. a regret would be the very low quality recording I have from the Station To Station tour, live in New York. all and sundry know that The Thin White Duke period is my personal favourite, and thus I would love to have a '75 or '76 gig in full. nearest closest is 1978's Stage, which is no bad thing.
my Bowie collection has now spiralled well out of all control. official. if I added it all up, I could probably broadcast my whole Derek collection for a week or so and never play the same recording twice. nice one, but of course this would mean having to play the rather unfortunate Never Let Me Down album too.
copies of the rather rare Derek Bowie CD Santa Monica 72 change hands for the amount of US$80 or so. thanks to the brothers in vibes at www.foreverdelayed.co.uk , I have it for somewhat less than that :)
hailed as the definitive gig from the Ziggy Starudst era, it is certainly impressive, and I am struggling to understand why Mr Bowie allowed only a very limited release for this one. I have not played the whole thing, but I have heard enough to know a good thing when I hear it. the highlight thus far has been what could well be the best ever live performance of The Width Of A Circle, easily better that the David Live bizarre jazz odyssey version, and edging past the rather frantic "let us do this quick" version on the other Ziggy Stardust Live CD.
I believe I now have a Derek Bowie live recording from every era of his illustrious career. a regret would be the very low quality recording I have from the Station To Station tour, live in New York. all and sundry know that The Thin White Duke period is my personal favourite, and thus I would love to have a '75 or '76 gig in full. nearest closest is 1978's Stage, which is no bad thing.
my Bowie collection has now spiralled well out of all control. official. if I added it all up, I could probably broadcast my whole Derek collection for a week or so and never play the same recording twice. nice one, but of course this would mean having to play the rather unfortunate Never Let Me Down album too.
Tuesday, January 04, 2005
freedom of speech won't feed my children
a newspaper article for you all. I make no further comment :)
http://www.epherald.co.za/herald/2005/01/04/news/n15_04012005.htm
http://www.epherald.co.za/herald/2005/01/04/news/n15_04012005.htm
there is a great disturbance in the force.....
what on earth is this all about? SW 3 all of a sudden might start to look dodgy. I mean, THAT'S the Emperor????????
i just hope that this is some sort of practical joke.
oh it's such a perfect day........
well, the terms and conditions of my employment prevent me from discussing what happened at work today. it was not a good day, and yet again I have seen a bunch of idiots make a mess of something and probably get away with it. the Corporate world is an excellent place for failures of human beings to succeed.
ho hum, out of the office, out of mind for now.
not much else happening. some matches on tonight, but not at all sure that I am in the mood to watch them. although one features West Brom, and that means seeing the class skills of Robbo the manager :)
hope all you guys had a better Monday than I did!
ho hum, out of the office, out of mind for now.
not much else happening. some matches on tonight, but not at all sure that I am in the mood to watch them. although one features West Brom, and that means seeing the class skills of Robbo the manager :)
hope all you guys had a better Monday than I did!
go and visit......
http://giggstastic.blogspot.com/
my good buddy down Denver way has started his blog up again. recommended reading.
in response to a post on his, my New Year resolutions involve smoking Malrboro cigarettes, hoping George Lucas gets it spot on with Episode III, and of course following the plight, the trials and the tribulations of Boro!
my good buddy down Denver way has started his blog up again. recommended reading.
in response to a post on his, my New Year resolutions involve smoking Malrboro cigarettes, hoping George Lucas gets it spot on with Episode III, and of course following the plight, the trials and the tribulations of Boro!
Monday, January 03, 2005
silly time
well, a New Year, and yet still the same old nonsense at work. today I will be generating a whole load of reports that mean nothing to anyone, and just sending loads of facts and figures in so that people can pretend they mean something. ho hum.
a quiet New Year, really. both of us were feeling somewhat under the weather, and had no desire for a worse feeling the next day for the sake of alcohol. call it old age, I guess.
not a great deal else to report on. stopped off and bought six cans of Coke this morning for my boss, a consequence of Boro being somewhat useless on Saturday!
more as and when I get the chance after the aforementioned nonsensical figures......
a quiet New Year, really. both of us were feeling somewhat under the weather, and had no desire for a worse feeling the next day for the sake of alcohol. call it old age, I guess.
not a great deal else to report on. stopped off and bought six cans of Coke this morning for my boss, a consequence of Boro being somewhat useless on Saturday!
more as and when I get the chance after the aforementioned nonsensical figures......