The move is today. I have not yet sorted a new internet connection, so I anticipate being offline for at least a little while.
See you when I get reconnected.
JJ.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Forty-One
Obviously, at this time I have been thinking about my great friend Matt Beck who passed on Thursday 15th Oct. It's heartbreaking. He was one of my best friends. We never had cross words in near 20 years. Long ago, in the bustling aisles of the Army & Navy store on Guildford High Street, our paths first crossed. I would go and visit Matt and Dan in Menwear on the ground floor from my own Toy department on the fourth floor. It was on the way to the canteen, so I passed by often. We would go for a few pints at The Star pub most weeks. We used to reminisce about the great bridge jumping episode on the River Wier. How we bought a canoe for a cigarette. I remember watching a barge crash into the river bank exposing a rat's nest and watching a dozen or so rats fall into the river as their home was expectantly destroyed. I remember the crazy party at their house in Guildford. Someone punched a hole in the bathroom floor (on the first floor) down into the kitchen below where the party raged on. Someone had a massive teenage vomiting session in the bath. I recall drinking frozen beer on a sofa in their garden after the party and the trip to buy cheap Royal Standard Lager from the Happy Shopper on the estate. The train ride up to Epsom college where Peter had his wild night with some girl and earned great respect from the Beck Brothers. And of course there was the Toilet Warrior at Pete's famous party eons ago. Our thoughts are with Dan in particular, who is studying History I am pleased to learn.
When I was back in England last April, I had a great time with Mat and Dan down in Wiltshire. We had a grand walk along a white road on the windswept hills and a huge lunch at Dan's local. Always great times with those guys.
Yes, it's my birthday today. Thanks all for kind words and thoughts.The move is on, and I went to the house today to do the last bit of painting before the big day. It's in not bad condition, but there is still a lot of work to be done after we move in.
School is okay and I am doing my best to get into it, though I am aware I am not performing to my usual standard. The kids have been great though and are very forgiving.
I would highly recommend a rapidshare account to all and sundry, then log onto rapidfind for the best collection of movies I have ever seen. It is probable the internet connection at the new house will not be as good as in town, so I have been furiously DL everything. Among the jewels, as I am sure you will want to know are; Angelique, The Ruling Class, Repulsion, Evil Roy Slade, all of River Cottage series and more to come in the closing moments of high speed. You could literally spend weeks sifting through the threads of movies. In particular, I recommend the Movie Collections forum. There are some great groups thrown together including sixties movies and WWII, of course. Did you know their is a Stones film called "Sympathy for the Devil"?
Resident Evil 5 has been great fun and I think I am nearing the end. Almost worth a replay, such is the quality of this shooter.
Grace has been developing very nicely. She's smiling at lot more and her focus on us is more direct. She seems to be a month ahead of where she should be. She's definitely a sweetie.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Matthew Beck
To inform loved ones that great friend Matt Beck has passed on.
Our thoughts are with twin brother Dan and family.
Last Days
Down to the last few days of Klongrien Song (2) and approaching country life. I am so looking forward to it. The back porch is so tranquil and sleep inducing. I anticipate most of our time will be spent relaxing on the porch.
The country rides are also just outside the gate. There is a ton of area to explore. Lots of rubber plantations stretching up the hills that surround. As I whistle about on my bike and I turn the corner to see a huge jungle encased hill in front of me, I am reminded I am in South East Asia. I'm so glad I will be surrounded by green. I don't think I ever want to live in a town again. I draw energy from the trees.
The house is looking okay now. The painting is nearly finished. I will do the last lot on Thursday. Two guys that Pee Dtoi brought in have sown a fantastic job on the garden and sorted the bathrooms and plumbing. The garden is ready to be turfed and the vegetable patch seeded. I'm sure Oi will love taking care of that whilst Grace sleeps in her cot on the porch.
Having acquired a rapidshare account I have been DL on a non stop basis, especially as I will be down for a while as things get connected. The benefits of membership are easy to see. I can get a movie in about 20 minutes. Right now, I am concentrating on TV series, namely; Barchester Chronicles, River Cottage, North and South. I even just found one on Ants by Edward O. Wilson, my latest hero.
Actually, I am a pretty big fan of Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall right now too. River Cottage is the most addictive show I have ever watched. It's a guy wandering around a farm and yet it is compelling to the eye. I feel so ashamed looking at myself when I watch him. He does everything. Butchering, cooking, animal husbandry, vegetables. The guy is self sufficient. Makes me want to head to Oi's farm and start digging. It'll never happen.
Back at school and it's actually pretty fun, even though I am not really up for it yet though. I will need to get back to it once the move is completed.
The country rides are also just outside the gate. There is a ton of area to explore. Lots of rubber plantations stretching up the hills that surround. As I whistle about on my bike and I turn the corner to see a huge jungle encased hill in front of me, I am reminded I am in South East Asia. I'm so glad I will be surrounded by green. I don't think I ever want to live in a town again. I draw energy from the trees.
The house is looking okay now. The painting is nearly finished. I will do the last lot on Thursday. Two guys that Pee Dtoi brought in have sown a fantastic job on the garden and sorted the bathrooms and plumbing. The garden is ready to be turfed and the vegetable patch seeded. I'm sure Oi will love taking care of that whilst Grace sleeps in her cot on the porch.
Having acquired a rapidshare account I have been DL on a non stop basis, especially as I will be down for a while as things get connected. The benefits of membership are easy to see. I can get a movie in about 20 minutes. Right now, I am concentrating on TV series, namely; Barchester Chronicles, River Cottage, North and South. I even just found one on Ants by Edward O. Wilson, my latest hero.
Actually, I am a pretty big fan of Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall right now too. River Cottage is the most addictive show I have ever watched. It's a guy wandering around a farm and yet it is compelling to the eye. I feel so ashamed looking at myself when I watch him. He does everything. Butchering, cooking, animal husbandry, vegetables. The guy is self sufficient. Makes me want to head to Oi's farm and start digging. It'll never happen.
Back at school and it's actually pretty fun, even though I am not really up for it yet though. I will need to get back to it once the move is completed.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Oi has taken Grace to a friend's wedding in Pattalung. I stayed at home so I can continue with the painting. Basically, I am trying to get as much of the house done as possible before we move in next Saturday. Our bedroom is finished, as is the hall/living area. This leaves one bedroom and the work room. I have to complete the workroom before the move. It is slowly coming together. Yesterday some Thai guys were at the house too, doing the garden and the plumbing. A fat woman swabbed the floors.
It's just so nice to be able to sit outside again and listen to the bugs and birds in the trees. I started following some red ants, thinking about Edward O. Wilson. I listened to one of his lectures talking about Charles Darwin. Good, it was.
I now have all of Porridge, but the movie. And I have just discovered "Return to River Cottage." I think Oi might like that, making jam and slaughtering pigs. Nature stuff.
Back to school. Boy, I got to get with the programme. I can't even bring myself to think about it yet.
It's just so nice to be able to sit outside again and listen to the bugs and birds in the trees. I started following some red ants, thinking about Edward O. Wilson. I listened to one of his lectures talking about Charles Darwin. Good, it was.
I now have all of Porridge, but the movie. And I have just discovered "Return to River Cottage." I think Oi might like that, making jam and slaughtering pigs. Nature stuff.
Back to school. Boy, I got to get with the programme. I can't even bring myself to think about it yet.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
A Day Off
I took a days reprieve from the greulling paint job. It was Oi's birthday and things are getting busy with the move approaching and the return to school around the corner. Oh help! And I have so been enjoying the hols! How unfair. Still, it is only 3 hours a day and I'm off at twelve.
I signed up for a rapidshare account which finally came through today. Cripes! I been grabbing as much as I can; Porridge, Taxi, Bridehead Revisited, Barchester Chronicles, The Amazing Collasal Man, The Wasp Woman, Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Gracia, Orca to name some. The range of stuff available is embarassingly wonderful.
Richard Beckinsale was the business, and Godber and Fletcher are just amazing. Robbie Barker was right about his views on comedy. The guy is a master.
Back on the job tomorrow and two bedrooms to paint. I take my Ipod dock now the trickery is on.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Three Colours Buttermilk
That's the colour of the walls.
About 4 days in and the paint job is going well. Actually, I am loving doing a bit of normal work for a change. Hopefully, the bigger house will allow more DIY opportunities in the future. I just love this house. It's so far away from the town, on a really cool road. Sort of reminds me of a drive like McCarrs Creek Road, North of Sydney. Ok, nothing like that but in that direction. Long, winding and not much traffic.
And then the silence.
Sitting on the back porch with just insect sounds and a murmur of someone far away. Happy times are spent in a trance on that back porch, before I pull myself up to do another gruelling stretch on the chain gang. Slowly, the painting is coming on. I had to apply a waterproof coat to the bottom of the walls. I don't think Thais have a damp proof membrane preventing water in the soil to travel up the building. Hence, all houses in Thailand have walls stained and peeling at the bottom. Anyway, a couple more days the the place will be a bit more livable.
I must state that last night I watched Three Colours Blue after initially being in love with the name and the poster, I tragically never saw it all those years ago, although strangely I used to discuss it with Sharon in Aus and various art house friends at the time. I did however see the other two, which, by all accounts were not up to "Blue". So, on this wonderful new site I have found, it caught my eye.
...how I wished I had seen it all those years ago. I loved it, of course, yet, I am so far removed from that time and place that I am sure it did not have the same impact if I were 21.
It's funny how our lives turn out, eh? Here we are, in the over 40's bracket (some people despise me for categorizing), and looking back at the major part of our lives. In a life where the right path is so hard to identify, you make the best choices you can. How did I act? As if in a fancy! Actually, one thing I have noted, is how things I have learned long in the past suddenly come into prominence again, like this painting job I am doing. Straight back to gardening for my mum's friends in 1985 preparing to go to Alton 6th form college, and the legendary meeting of the master mystic Rowland The Browning Version. Yes, as we cut hedges that Summer we struck deals, deals with the Devil Master himself. We even had our own religious Ouija come New Christian Fellowship encounter, which I believed climaxed when refusing to speak in tongues when instructed by the bearded dude, I think we named him Chris Beard. I remember a group of worshippers praying to help Rowland "with his problem" and us dreaming of dressing up as devils and dancing outside the window of the local estate gymnasium as they performed their religious ceremonies inside.
...Happy days.
Children and the birth of Grace is a wonderful blessing when one is starting to feel the weight of life and, I am sure, that grandchildren provide another.
About 4 days in and the paint job is going well. Actually, I am loving doing a bit of normal work for a change. Hopefully, the bigger house will allow more DIY opportunities in the future. I just love this house. It's so far away from the town, on a really cool road. Sort of reminds me of a drive like McCarrs Creek Road, North of Sydney. Ok, nothing like that but in that direction. Long, winding and not much traffic.
And then the silence.
Sitting on the back porch with just insect sounds and a murmur of someone far away. Happy times are spent in a trance on that back porch, before I pull myself up to do another gruelling stretch on the chain gang. Slowly, the painting is coming on. I had to apply a waterproof coat to the bottom of the walls. I don't think Thais have a damp proof membrane preventing water in the soil to travel up the building. Hence, all houses in Thailand have walls stained and peeling at the bottom. Anyway, a couple more days the the place will be a bit more livable.
I must state that last night I watched Three Colours Blue after initially being in love with the name and the poster, I tragically never saw it all those years ago, although strangely I used to discuss it with Sharon in Aus and various art house friends at the time. I did however see the other two, which, by all accounts were not up to "Blue". So, on this wonderful new site I have found, it caught my eye.
...how I wished I had seen it all those years ago. I loved it, of course, yet, I am so far removed from that time and place that I am sure it did not have the same impact if I were 21.
It's funny how our lives turn out, eh? Here we are, in the over 40's bracket (some people despise me for categorizing), and looking back at the major part of our lives. In a life where the right path is so hard to identify, you make the best choices you can. How did I act? As if in a fancy! Actually, one thing I have noted, is how things I have learned long in the past suddenly come into prominence again, like this painting job I am doing. Straight back to gardening for my mum's friends in 1985 preparing to go to Alton 6th form college, and the legendary meeting of the master mystic Rowland The Browning Version. Yes, as we cut hedges that Summer we struck deals, deals with the Devil Master himself. We even had our own religious Ouija come New Christian Fellowship encounter, which I believed climaxed when refusing to speak in tongues when instructed by the bearded dude, I think we named him Chris Beard. I remember a group of worshippers praying to help Rowland "with his problem" and us dreaming of dressing up as devils and dancing outside the window of the local estate gymnasium as they performed their religious ceremonies inside.
...Happy days.
Children and the birth of Grace is a wonderful blessing when one is starting to feel the weight of life and, I am sure, that grandchildren provide another.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Manual Labour
Sunday morning and a bit later I will go back to the house to continue the painting.
I really felt like I was back in some job in UK when I used to do a lot of manual work. I bought my lunch from 7, and started work at an easy pace. By eleven I took a break and sat on the porch eating my sandwich and drinking water in relative silence. It took me straight back to old times, when I would be on a work break in a factory or various outdoor jobs I have had. Then, quite diligently, I resumed work and got the days order finished by about one.
I have bought a load more paint for today's effort.
I have one more week off work. I'm so glad. It is nice to have a complete break from teaching now and then. It's been quite a busy holiday too.
I have been fighting my way through Resident Evil 5 which has proved great fun. It still has those strange green and red herbs that one has to combine together. I enjoy the re-equipping exercise to get all tooled up before the next encounter. The backdrop is Africa, so the zombies are usually some Zulu tribe lobbing spears and huge masks.
I haven't seen much of the guys, though Carl came over the other night and I showed him Hard Times, some Porridge, Flight of the Conchord and Taxi. It was fun.
I think life now will be more about my family and my life at home. I think having a family scares off some friends. Come what may, I am happy to disappear into the garden. I have a great study room too to continue my research. I am looking forward to exploring the area around the new house too and I suggested that we get bicycles as an evening cycle ride might be a good tonic.
....Later.
Just got back from the paint job and did quite a bit more. This time I took the time to explore the area on my bike and I found a great winding new road amid the rubber plantations, up hills as well as it is behind the main mountain that overlooks Hat Yai. I carried on the road until it came to a T junction that lead the way back into town. So I turned around and came back through the shady lane. It's a great track. I mean really. And a great Thai occupation is to cruise about in the evening when the weather is cool. It's a very cool thing to do. One of my favourites in this country. I will post the co-ords from Google one day.
Yes...I can imagine relaxing in the garden for a bit and then going on a little cruise around the forest on the bike. Sounds great to me.
I really felt like I was back in some job in UK when I used to do a lot of manual work. I bought my lunch from 7, and started work at an easy pace. By eleven I took a break and sat on the porch eating my sandwich and drinking water in relative silence. It took me straight back to old times, when I would be on a work break in a factory or various outdoor jobs I have had. Then, quite diligently, I resumed work and got the days order finished by about one.
I have bought a load more paint for today's effort.
I have one more week off work. I'm so glad. It is nice to have a complete break from teaching now and then. It's been quite a busy holiday too.
I have been fighting my way through Resident Evil 5 which has proved great fun. It still has those strange green and red herbs that one has to combine together. I enjoy the re-equipping exercise to get all tooled up before the next encounter. The backdrop is Africa, so the zombies are usually some Zulu tribe lobbing spears and huge masks.
I haven't seen much of the guys, though Carl came over the other night and I showed him Hard Times, some Porridge, Flight of the Conchord and Taxi. It was fun.
I think life now will be more about my family and my life at home. I think having a family scares off some friends. Come what may, I am happy to disappear into the garden. I have a great study room too to continue my research. I am looking forward to exploring the area around the new house too and I suggested that we get bicycles as an evening cycle ride might be a good tonic.
....Later.
Just got back from the paint job and did quite a bit more. This time I took the time to explore the area on my bike and I found a great winding new road amid the rubber plantations, up hills as well as it is behind the main mountain that overlooks Hat Yai. I carried on the road until it came to a T junction that lead the way back into town. So I turned around and came back through the shady lane. It's a great track. I mean really. And a great Thai occupation is to cruise about in the evening when the weather is cool. It's a very cool thing to do. One of my favourites in this country. I will post the co-ords from Google one day.
Yes...I can imagine relaxing in the garden for a bit and then going on a little cruise around the forest on the bike. Sounds great to me.
Grace Oi New House
The Garden.
The Back Porch.
The Coconut Tree.
View to rear of house.
Baby Grace.
Oi.
Combined Forces.
"Are you looking at me?"
In a Spin.
Cutie. (B&W)
Friday, October 16, 2009
Paint Job
The holiday is flying by and the move is looming.
Last night I rode up to the new house to sit in the garden for the evening. I sat listening as the sun went down. Actually, I began focusing on all the noises a bit too much. They are far away noises. The sight of leaves against the sky is a welcome sight and as it had been raining, the forest was dripping its tune. I kept expecting someone to appear around the corner of the house, but of course, they never came. It is a quiet street.
Today, I must go back to the house and start painting. I bought semi-gloss by accident. Normally, I buy matt, but for some reason I got the semi-shiny variety. I hope it looks okay. It ain't cheap as chips.
This house (sorry...please excuse my enthusiasm) has a lot of possibilities. Probably more than I can provide, but I will try to make it as awesome as possible. Obviously I would like to do all the work myself, but it might be wise to get a man in for some of it, in case I end up taking years or not bothering at all. Oi will be pleased and it is perfect for Joo-Joo (Baby Grace). Riding home in the dark was cool too. Hat Yai felt like a different city and I rode passed a plethora of food stalls on my way back into town. It reminded me of Koh Samui or somewhere where one is first introduced to the bustling street life that represents Thailand.
I am DL all of Porridge. I will endeavour to get all of Taxi and Brideshead Revisited too, though moving house will interrupt this process. Hopefully, I can get the same excellent service in the new pad.
Last night I rode up to the new house to sit in the garden for the evening. I sat listening as the sun went down. Actually, I began focusing on all the noises a bit too much. They are far away noises. The sight of leaves against the sky is a welcome sight and as it had been raining, the forest was dripping its tune. I kept expecting someone to appear around the corner of the house, but of course, they never came. It is a quiet street.
Today, I must go back to the house and start painting. I bought semi-gloss by accident. Normally, I buy matt, but for some reason I got the semi-shiny variety. I hope it looks okay. It ain't cheap as chips.
This house (sorry...please excuse my enthusiasm) has a lot of possibilities. Probably more than I can provide, but I will try to make it as awesome as possible. Obviously I would like to do all the work myself, but it might be wise to get a man in for some of it, in case I end up taking years or not bothering at all. Oi will be pleased and it is perfect for Joo-Joo (Baby Grace). Riding home in the dark was cool too. Hat Yai felt like a different city and I rode passed a plethora of food stalls on my way back into town. It reminded me of Koh Samui or somewhere where one is first introduced to the bustling street life that represents Thailand.
I am DL all of Porridge. I will endeavour to get all of Taxi and Brideshead Revisited too, though moving house will interrupt this process. Hopefully, I can get the same excellent service in the new pad.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
The Girlfriend Experience
That was yesterday's movie and it was fairly lame in an easy way. It is about a high class call girl in New York listening to a load of bankers talking about how much money they're losing.
Then I watched most of Sin City last night and today. It's great, but doesn't captivate me.
Now on Zulu and a bit movied out to be honest.
I have been playing Batman but have come across a bug where I cannot use my grappling hook to escape from the bottom of an elevator. Highly frustrating and I see that others have experienced the same protuberance in their silky smooth playing of a great game.
In protest, I am installing Resident Evil 5, which has been sitting on my desk for a fortnight, patiently waiting for active duty. Well, that time is now, soldier. You're ass is mine since you dropped into that little black plastic bag downtown in the markets. Apparantly it's a cracking game and it's been a long time since I played one of this series. Yes, I remember the 2 second delay every time you went through a fucking door. Hopefully, they'll have spotted that for this edition.
Best go check on the installation...
Then I watched most of Sin City last night and today. It's great, but doesn't captivate me.
Now on Zulu and a bit movied out to be honest.
I have been playing Batman but have come across a bug where I cannot use my grappling hook to escape from the bottom of an elevator. Highly frustrating and I see that others have experienced the same protuberance in their silky smooth playing of a great game.
In protest, I am installing Resident Evil 5, which has been sitting on my desk for a fortnight, patiently waiting for active duty. Well, that time is now, soldier. You're ass is mine since you dropped into that little black plastic bag downtown in the markets. Apparantly it's a cracking game and it's been a long time since I played one of this series. Yes, I remember the 2 second delay every time you went through a fucking door. Hopefully, they'll have spotted that for this edition.
Best go check on the installation...
Monday, October 12, 2009
Yesterday's Movies
Yesterday we checked out the new house and boy is it awesome. I'm really excited about it. It needs some work but it has great potential. We have been playing around with floor plans and garden ideas. It has an amazing rear porch which will be great in the evening, and I have already claimed a room for my continued research.
Yesterday's movies? Yes. First was "Pig Hunt". It was an enjoyable romp in the California mountains in the style of Deliverance and Southern Comfort. The sceond which I have still to finish is "The Girl With Pearl Earrings" which is first rate. Set in 1660's following some European artist (Colin Firth) who takes a shine to the maid. It's great.
I started watching film noir, "The Man Between" with James Mason. Although I really liked to style of film making and the shots of post war Berlin, it did not captivate me, so I stopped after 45 minutes. So sad, as there are so many avenues to explore and appreciate. It is impossible to enjoy them all if give adequate time to savour all these works has to offer.
Am starting to DL "Three Colours Blue". I think I have seen both the others (White and Red) many moons ago.
Of course, now I may lose internet for a while when we move and I may not be able to get the same excellent service in the new house as it is out of town but we shall see.
Baby Grace is doing fine and it is nice to have a break from teaching.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
The Next Phase - Social Unrest
Talking to Don last night and watching George Carlin, we both agreed that since this time last year when the financial market crash that social unrest across the globe is rising.
Watch what happens around the world as corrupt governments and corporations are exposed.
Eyes on Kenya and Peru among others. A lot of indigenous folk are getting screwed right now for a change.
Watch what happens around the world as corrupt governments and corporations are exposed.
Eyes on Kenya and Peru among others. A lot of indigenous folk are getting screwed right now for a change.
George Carlin
Last night Don introduced me to this guy. I thought I had seen it all but this guy was maybe the best I ever saw.
Sadly, he died last year, but if you want some real laughs and hear some real home truths, check him out.
Here are some quotes from him;
I would never want to be a member of a group whose symbol was a guy nailed to two pieces of wood.
I look at it this way... For centuries now, man has done everything he can to destroy, defile, and interfere with nature: clear-cutting forests, strip-mining mountains, poisoning the atmosphere, over-fishing the oceans, polluting the rivers and lakes, destroying wetlands and aquifers... so when nature strikes back, and smacks him on the head and kicks him in the nuts, I enjoy that. I have absolutely no sympathy for human beings whatsoever. None. And no matter what kind of problem humans are facing, whether it's natural or man-made, I always hope it gets worse.
Some national parks have long waiting lists for camping reservations. When you have to wait a year to sleep next to a tree, something is wrong.
I watched a video of him from 1990 and it was hardcore. Check him out if you have the time.
Sadly, he died last year, but if you want some real laughs and hear some real home truths, check him out.
Here are some quotes from him;
I would never want to be a member of a group whose symbol was a guy nailed to two pieces of wood.
I look at it this way... For centuries now, man has done everything he can to destroy, defile, and interfere with nature: clear-cutting forests, strip-mining mountains, poisoning the atmosphere, over-fishing the oceans, polluting the rivers and lakes, destroying wetlands and aquifers... so when nature strikes back, and smacks him on the head and kicks him in the nuts, I enjoy that. I have absolutely no sympathy for human beings whatsoever. None. And no matter what kind of problem humans are facing, whether it's natural or man-made, I always hope it gets worse.
Some national parks have long waiting lists for camping reservations. When you have to wait a year to sleep next to a tree, something is wrong.
I watched a video of him from 1990 and it was hardcore. Check him out if you have the time.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Topsy Turvy
Lazy days and learning, evr learning to relax.
We go to do a doubl;e check on a house on Monday. It has a great garden and could be fantastic, but it requires quite a lot of work. It's only 6,000B a month too and it's out of town. We shall see.
Two movies yesterday both of incredible brilliance; "The Hurt Locker" about a bomb squad in Iraq and "Topsy Turvy" about Gilbert and Sullivan (Mike Leigh). Joel, I don't know why, but you reminded me of Jim Broadbent in this role. It think you would love this - particularly the arguements between him and Sullivan. He's a writer - I just think if you haven't seen it you would.
Grace is developing rapidly. She loves music and dancing around the room. It's nice to finally meet someone who enjoys these things too. She can also now attempt to talk. Normally, as she wakes up one can say, "Hello!" repeatedly in varying intonations and she will reply in a kind of talk; a softer tone than the usual crying and with intonations. She has been very good and my problem solving brain can quickly identify what to do if she starts blubbing. The main thing she requirings, of course, is stimulation, and I am quick to provide it to fast track her brain growth.
Oi is suitably pleased to with my interest in Grace stating that most men don't want to be involved with their babies. Oh dear. I'm just glad I have a good break from school to spend with her and Oi. It has been sweet, if inside. Still, we might be moving to the country next week.
Call of Juarez put to bed I have moved on to Batman. Other than this I am DL Taxi and Porridge. I am also back to trying to get through Anna Karenin which is awesome, but Oh so long. And I heard a prof on one of these lectures I listen to refer to it, which drew me back.
Just this morning I have been watching some episodes of People and Power on Aljazeera. Amazing show but shows the horribleness of many people - Human trafficing in Singapore and Malaysia. Folks in Bangladesh borrowing money from loan sharks, paying an agent for supposed work in Singapore and Malay, they go, no job, money gone, no way back home. I am always surprised at how the journalists have gone so far with thier stories then accept a simple "No cameras!" when they find the cunt taking all the money, and of course many government workers are involved too. Another one is on the country Kyrgyzstan and how it got hijacked and how the US don't do nothing cos they need it for their planes to fight in Afganistan. The US pay an annual fortune to some cunt and his family and hoods, so they can park their planes for their own little wargames. Those not wishing to know about such things, it is best not to watch.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
The Charge of the Light Brigade
This is today's movie and what a gem it is.
The dialogue is first rate and Trevor Howard as Lord Cardigan is hilarious.
The dialogue is first rate and Trevor Howard as Lord Cardigan is hilarious.
Cost of a Shave
I have long been pissed at the cost of razor blades, even here in third world Thailand they are still an astronomical rip off and carefully held behind the counter to prevent light fingers.
Don told me that even in WW2 Gillette gave out free razors to the US troops only for them to discover later that they had to buy Gillette's own brand if they were to ever use them again.
The mark up?
4,750%
Now owned by my old friends Procter and Gamble since 2005.
A pack of four Fusion Power cartridges costs only 20p to manufacture, plus 8p for packaging. But they are sold for £9.72 - a mark-up of £9.44.
An industry insider said Gillette takes the lion share - £6.28 - to cover its operating costs and make a profit. Some £1.90 goes to the retailer and £1.26 to the Government in VAT.
Therefore, one has attempted to go around this insult, and I have found a lot of useful tips.
Water is what causes the razor to blunt quickly. So, dry your blade.
And the best suggestion which I am now adopting is to sit the blade in a mix of alchohol and baby oil (amazingly had these both at hand.)
I will let you know how the experiment goes.
Don told me that even in WW2 Gillette gave out free razors to the US troops only for them to discover later that they had to buy Gillette's own brand if they were to ever use them again.
The mark up?
4,750%
Now owned by my old friends Procter and Gamble since 2005.
A pack of four Fusion Power cartridges costs only 20p to manufacture, plus 8p for packaging. But they are sold for £9.72 - a mark-up of £9.44.
An industry insider said Gillette takes the lion share - £6.28 - to cover its operating costs and make a profit. Some £1.90 goes to the retailer and £1.26 to the Government in VAT.
Therefore, one has attempted to go around this insult, and I have found a lot of useful tips.
Water is what causes the razor to blunt quickly. So, dry your blade.
And the best suggestion which I am now adopting is to sit the blade in a mix of alchohol and baby oil (amazingly had these both at hand.)
I will let you know how the experiment goes.
John Lennon's Birthday
Through the wonders of Utube I heard it is John Lennon's 69th birthday today.
Play some of his tunes and remember the message he was talking about...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-O7PnvVgQvA
...and remembering that classic JL quote...
"Is Ringo Starr the best drummer in the world?"
to which John replied,
"He's not the best drummer in the Beatles."
and another about Bob Dylan and Lennon in a taxi in London and something about the River Thames and that fact that it was the reason Hitler failed to invade England. Look it up...
Awakening Grace (and Taxi DL)
Being at home and spending concentrated time with Baby Grace (something I would recommend to all fathers) things have started to come together.
Just lately we got into the habit of me "driving" her around the house. Sat on hand and held securely and roaming about with a gentle rocking motion .Sure to put a stop to any screaming. Yes, she has come to demand this service at least twice daily for about 40 minutes at a time. It sends her to sleep eventually allowing me the opportunity to dock her back on the mat to sleep away - and for me to scuttle back to the DL programme.
A new development is the inclusion of music. Having to balance plugging in the Ipod dock and with dodgy Thai wiring it is quite a struggle to fire up some tunes with Baby Grace in arms. Until today when I got "What Difference Does it Make" by The Smith and noticed that Grace wasn't crying when I wasn't moving - which is the usual procedure. Oh Joy! Then came "Bad" by U2 - then I switch to Amadou and Mariam (the album with M'bife on it - prior to Welcome to Mali and and awesome track called Djatu or something near the end of the album that folks must hear). This means that potentially I won't have to struggle around the house all the time but can rock a while by the Ipod.
Top Downloads are Porridge series 1, Comic Strip Bad News Tour and I just found Taxi! The classic series with Danny DeVito and Chris Lloyd which I have loved since my youff.
I invite all to join me on this journey...
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Call Of Juarez - Busted
Busted. Completed. Finished. Maimed. Awesome.
The most fun I have had in a vid game for a long old time.
Hard Times
About 20 minutes into todays movie, Hard Times with Charles Bronson and James Coburn. It has the promise of something amazing.
Also worthy of great note is the audiobook, A novel of Hong Kong by Paul Theroux. The English accents are hilarious.
Post me if you want the source.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Download Overload
Enjoying the hols and have been exercising every day. Either swimming or walking at the lake. Up at 6 and 4 laps around the lake listening to lectures on biodiversity or tunes by Amadou and Mariam. I have to restrain myself from breaking out into dance in front of the fellow Thai walkers and joggers.
We checked out a new house today and am scheduled for more tomorrow.
I have found some super secret DL sites and have been scuttling as much as I can off. Herew is a sample of acquired or yet to be acquired item;
1. Hard Times (Charles Bronson)
2. Joseph Andrews (Ann Margret)
3. Paul Theroux Audio books.
4. Porridge (complete series)
5. Bury my Heart at Wounded Knee (Audiobook)
6. True Grit (John Wayne)
7. 3 Colours Blue (Juliet Binoche)
8. Brideshead Revisited (Jeromy Irons)
This is just from the first days scouting.
Again, I am loving these audio lectures, mainly coming out of Boston Uni, and in particular I love this Edward O. Wilson chap and a fellow German ant expert. I love their research into Superorganisms and how they work.
I heard Dr. Karl say the other day about how terrible companies are to keep everyone working so hard leaving people unable to carry out other interests and research which would be far more beneficial to the human race than lining some goons pocket with Yankee dollar.
We checked out a new house today and am scheduled for more tomorrow.
I have found some super secret DL sites and have been scuttling as much as I can off. Herew is a sample of acquired or yet to be acquired item;
1. Hard Times (Charles Bronson)
2. Joseph Andrews (Ann Margret)
3. Paul Theroux Audio books.
4. Porridge (complete series)
5. Bury my Heart at Wounded Knee (Audiobook)
6. True Grit (John Wayne)
7. 3 Colours Blue (Juliet Binoche)
8. Brideshead Revisited (Jeromy Irons)
This is just from the first days scouting.
Again, I am loving these audio lectures, mainly coming out of Boston Uni, and in particular I love this Edward O. Wilson chap and a fellow German ant expert. I love their research into Superorganisms and how they work.
I heard Dr. Karl say the other day about how terrible companies are to keep everyone working so hard leaving people unable to carry out other interests and research which would be far more beneficial to the human race than lining some goons pocket with Yankee dollar.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Today's Movie
The idea is to watch one movie every day of the holiday. This will enable me to get through the backlog of movies I have stored away and to view some lost classics.
Today's movie was "Revenge" with Kevin Costner and Anthony Quinn. It was excellent, set in Mexico and a great pace.
The problem is right now is that supply is outweighing demand.
Did 4 rounds at the lake at six this morning which was awesome and finished listening to a lecture about ant society by Havard prof. Edward O. Wilson.
Today's movie was "Revenge" with Kevin Costner and Anthony Quinn. It was excellent, set in Mexico and a great pace.
The problem is right now is that supply is outweighing demand.
Did 4 rounds at the lake at six this morning which was awesome and finished listening to a lecture about ant society by Havard prof. Edward O. Wilson.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Sunday
A morning swim, a trip into town to by a baby papoose, and and afternoon of movies. I watched "The White Countess" with Ralf Fiennes. I thought it was awesome though I am very aware some would hate it. Lost Western aristocrats in 30's Shiang Hai. I saw him in "The Reader" the other day with Kate Winslet which was also brilliant. After this movie I tried a new technique of holding baby Grace, facing outward my hands folding a seat. She can look about as I rock lightly about the house. A little trip outside the front door to see the flowers. The visuals stimulate her and eventually she fell asleep. Big difference is it stops her screaming immediately. Later she fell asleep on my stomach as I watched movie No.2 "King of the Hill" about a young boy in 30's America directed by Stephen Soderberg. This was also excellent.
Seriously into science podcasts right now and just found a new site with some audio lectures on insect societies and sustaining life. It will make for an entertaining nighttime listen; cool fan, soft murmur of high brow prof should send me straight to sleep.
http://forum-network.org/taxonomy/term/1132/audio-downloads
Following Don's recommendation, I viewed "The Obama Deception" on Google Video. So-so, some of it I liked, some was crap. Those of a delicate disposition on world society should avoid at all costs.
Seriously into science podcasts right now and just found a new site with some audio lectures on insect societies and sustaining life. It will make for an entertaining nighttime listen; cool fan, soft murmur of high brow prof should send me straight to sleep.
http://forum-network.org/taxonomy/term/1132/audio-downloads
Following Don's recommendation, I viewed "The Obama Deception" on Google Video. So-so, some of it I liked, some was crap. Those of a delicate disposition on world society should avoid at all costs.
Friday, October 2, 2009
The Holidays
At last, after a 2 day gruelling English camp I am officially on holiday until the 26th October.
Okay, I won't be going anywhere but it will be great to relax, watch movies, maybe read some (Anna Karinina, Fafhrd and Grey Mouser lay, sadly, unfinished, play some games, go walking, go swimming, maybe do a bit of cooking, try to find a new house (still) and take care of the baby.
Baby Grace is developing nicely, though she has started to learn to scream much better these days and Oi cannot afford to be very far away before the screaming starts. Quite a frightening sound, I can tell you. Starts off as a whimper, quickly amplifying into a heart attack inducing and terrifyingly blood curdling scream. This instantly vanishes upon being thrust against mummy's bosom. I gave her the wagging naughty finger and she looked suitably guilty. Her face goes through a spectrum of expressions as she lays there being an absolute beast; smile, disapproval, annoyance, tranquillity, anger, fear, terror...it goes on. We're waiting until she develops just a little bit more so the interaction level is up a bit. By the time I go back to school she'll be 2 months. I hear 3 months is when things start picking up pace. Of course, seeing a momentary smile flash across her tiny face fills ones heart with little butterflies and dessert bowls of jelly and ice cream, only to be replaced with maggots boring through half decayed eye sockets as she gives the full Winston Churchill grimmace and mortifying "Face of Rage."
Don is off to island paradise, but many of the lads are staying around town which hopefully means we can meet for breakfasts.
Have DL some super wiz movies of late. I sat through Kevin Costner's Open Range yesterday which was brilliant and am watching, "The Flight of the Conchords" after being egged on by Dr. Macabre. It is fantastic. "Grey's Anatomy" is proving popular with the good lady wife. Heroes lay unviewed as yet.
Batman and Call of Juarez fill my game time and Resident Evil 5 awaits installing. Really Call of Juarez should be put in a museum for sheer Mexican cowboy blasting fun. Wonderful pace, breath-taking scenery as one rides ones horse over the plain to gun down some brawly gang of bandits. May have to leave this one on my hard drive a while longer.
Starting watching Warren Beatty's Bulworth last night. Hilarious and excellent.
Okay, I won't be going anywhere but it will be great to relax, watch movies, maybe read some (Anna Karinina, Fafhrd and Grey Mouser lay, sadly, unfinished, play some games, go walking, go swimming, maybe do a bit of cooking, try to find a new house (still) and take care of the baby.
Baby Grace is developing nicely, though she has started to learn to scream much better these days and Oi cannot afford to be very far away before the screaming starts. Quite a frightening sound, I can tell you. Starts off as a whimper, quickly amplifying into a heart attack inducing and terrifyingly blood curdling scream. This instantly vanishes upon being thrust against mummy's bosom. I gave her the wagging naughty finger and she looked suitably guilty. Her face goes through a spectrum of expressions as she lays there being an absolute beast; smile, disapproval, annoyance, tranquillity, anger, fear, terror...it goes on. We're waiting until she develops just a little bit more so the interaction level is up a bit. By the time I go back to school she'll be 2 months. I hear 3 months is when things start picking up pace. Of course, seeing a momentary smile flash across her tiny face fills ones heart with little butterflies and dessert bowls of jelly and ice cream, only to be replaced with maggots boring through half decayed eye sockets as she gives the full Winston Churchill grimmace and mortifying "Face of Rage."
Don is off to island paradise, but many of the lads are staying around town which hopefully means we can meet for breakfasts.
Have DL some super wiz movies of late. I sat through Kevin Costner's Open Range yesterday which was brilliant and am watching, "The Flight of the Conchords" after being egged on by Dr. Macabre. It is fantastic. "Grey's Anatomy" is proving popular with the good lady wife. Heroes lay unviewed as yet.
Batman and Call of Juarez fill my game time and Resident Evil 5 awaits installing. Really Call of Juarez should be put in a museum for sheer Mexican cowboy blasting fun. Wonderful pace, breath-taking scenery as one rides ones horse over the plain to gun down some brawly gang of bandits. May have to leave this one on my hard drive a while longer.
Starting watching Warren Beatty's Bulworth last night. Hilarious and excellent.
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