Friday, December 31, 2010
Loafing Around
Spent the week loafing around at home, which has been quite pleasant. It's been raining all week so I can feel good about lying on the sofa watching TV and playing computer games. I haven't done any exercise, but I am not in too bad a shape right now, so I probably have a bit of leeway. Seen some wicked shows; Beautiful Equations, Korean War in Colour, and some more I can't remember. Two awesome movies have been Never Let Me Go and Mr. Nobody. Both are chilling Orwellian alternative future movies and are outstanding, if somewhat deep. Perfect for a rainy day. Another great id the BBC's The Lost Prince, about George V's epileptic son who was shielded from public view and died aged just 13. It was very sad, but he had a happy life on a farm on the Windsor estate. He also had a knack of saying very poinyant things to all the old fuddy duddies conducting the first world war and could put them all to shame in a single sentence.
Grace has been running about the house, smiling and talking to herself, and I have been able to give Oi a bit of a break and take her for walks up and down the street. She likes to be with me a lot right now, which is fine. This morning though, I still felt very tired when Grace woke up at five thirty demanding assistance. It's okay.
Radio has also been great, and I am currently acquiring the entire collection of In Our Time broadcasts with Melvin Bragg. I found a torrent of it, and it has become my favourite show of late. When I am listening to the university professors discussing some long dead scientist or king, I sometimes wonder how differently I could have lived my life. I do know though, that I married a near perfect woman who values happiness and harmony above all else, and that we should both do a super job of raising Grace. This is something I know and it important to me. I also love being a teacher and helping all these young kids. I always loved playing and most of my life has been spent doing just that. I believe playing to be great practise in problem solving. I am keen to get Grace started on puzzles.
Grace has been running about the house, smiling and talking to herself, and I have been able to give Oi a bit of a break and take her for walks up and down the street. She likes to be with me a lot right now, which is fine. This morning though, I still felt very tired when Grace woke up at five thirty demanding assistance. It's okay.
Radio has also been great, and I am currently acquiring the entire collection of In Our Time broadcasts with Melvin Bragg. I found a torrent of it, and it has become my favourite show of late. When I am listening to the university professors discussing some long dead scientist or king, I sometimes wonder how differently I could have lived my life. I do know though, that I married a near perfect woman who values happiness and harmony above all else, and that we should both do a super job of raising Grace. This is something I know and it important to me. I also love being a teacher and helping all these young kids. I always loved playing and most of my life has been spent doing just that. I believe playing to be great practise in problem solving. I am keen to get Grace started on puzzles.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Party!!!
Was called last night to attend a school bash at Patrick's college. He works at a tech college teaching hot 21 year old babes. I thought it was going to be a small classroom affair with a few budding students, a bottle of Fanta and a party popper. Boy, was I wrong! It was a huge entire school affair with most of the Smart English staff. I accused our manager, Pee Dtoi, of holding the Smart English party at someone else's party. But then again, there never is a Smart English party. The beer was free and there was a great turn out of friends up for laughs. Adam came in fancy dress as an enormous Eypgian Pharaoh and stood at least a good foot high then the rest of us. We all got very drunk and danced and partied like there was no tomorrow. The place was heaving with babes too. Tom, UK Tom and Patrick all had a wild night. Even Gee was there and we exchanged a few more words, especially when I bumped into a childhood friend of Egg, who is a teacher at the school.
Home now and pleased to report that Grace has made a full recovery and is happier than ever, and I have a full off work which is awesome. It's rainy weather so we have been watching lots of TV and playing computer games. I completed Mafia 2, which was awesome and Oi and I are both hooked on Bejewelled 3. She has a high score on one game that I am determined to beat. Also hooked up with Tom a few nights ago to watch Star Wars Robot Chicken, Billy Connelly Live 2010 and a horror docu called the Soviet Story, about Stalin and the like. All good stuff.
Back to Bejewelled and probably a Guinness run later.
Home now and pleased to report that Grace has made a full recovery and is happier than ever, and I have a full off work which is awesome. It's rainy weather so we have been watching lots of TV and playing computer games. I completed Mafia 2, which was awesome and Oi and I are both hooked on Bejewelled 3. She has a high score on one game that I am determined to beat. Also hooked up with Tom a few nights ago to watch Star Wars Robot Chicken, Billy Connelly Live 2010 and a horror docu called the Soviet Story, about Stalin and the like. All good stuff.
Back to Bejewelled and probably a Guinness run later.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Christmas Aftermath
Well, somehow I survived, but it was quite close.
A multitude of cool things kept me on the right side of sanity and these I must share.
Ryan Adams. Long discarded, I just found out out he married my secret heart throbe, Mandy Moore which I was dissed and happy about. Don't want to mention it but his album, Suicide Handbook is awesome as is all his stuff. It amazes me that one person can spawn awesome amounts of awesome stuff. Check him out; commercial and alternative hippies alike. He somehow touches all, yet being a Yankee douchbag. Incredible. I see Chuck Prophet has even sidled up beside him.
Patrick really came to the rescue this Christmas, and how wonderful that an Irishman should appear to dis-spell the horror of bad times. He was a star, and I am sure quite unaware of his greatness,
Here it is; Cry On Demand by Ryan Adams. Find, download and let relief flood over you.
Incred amounts of awesome audio and video research has ocuured of late. The Apostle with Robert Duvall was fucking A, The Ice Harvest with John Cusack, Mrs, Brown with Billy and Judi and a ton of period dramas I have seen of late. Best of was Ridicule, French Flick and so awesome.
Gracie is getting better but Oi took some with the recent sickness. For a moment I forgot she was human so intent was she on her mission, until she started to cry when I suddenly realised she was human too. Since then we have trod carefully and things have cooled down.
NUCLEAR - Ryan Adams. DL and play full whack. "GIMME AN ANSWER!!!!!!"
Love to all my buddies, don't give up the chase, enjoy even the darkest moments, for soon all will be gone. Check 101 Rekjavick for great line, "Dead before we are born and after, only live in between death:"
Even though I live mostly in solitude, my greatest ideas and moments come from interaction with other humans,
artist Christopher wood.
Robot Chicken Star Wars for instant laughs,
A multitude of cool things kept me on the right side of sanity and these I must share.
Ryan Adams. Long discarded, I just found out out he married my secret heart throbe, Mandy Moore which I was dissed and happy about. Don't want to mention it but his album, Suicide Handbook is awesome as is all his stuff. It amazes me that one person can spawn awesome amounts of awesome stuff. Check him out; commercial and alternative hippies alike. He somehow touches all, yet being a Yankee douchbag. Incredible. I see Chuck Prophet has even sidled up beside him.
Patrick really came to the rescue this Christmas, and how wonderful that an Irishman should appear to dis-spell the horror of bad times. He was a star, and I am sure quite unaware of his greatness,
Here it is; Cry On Demand by Ryan Adams. Find, download and let relief flood over you.
Incred amounts of awesome audio and video research has ocuured of late. The Apostle with Robert Duvall was fucking A, The Ice Harvest with John Cusack, Mrs, Brown with Billy and Judi and a ton of period dramas I have seen of late. Best of was Ridicule, French Flick and so awesome.
Gracie is getting better but Oi took some with the recent sickness. For a moment I forgot she was human so intent was she on her mission, until she started to cry when I suddenly realised she was human too. Since then we have trod carefully and things have cooled down.
NUCLEAR - Ryan Adams. DL and play full whack. "GIMME AN ANSWER!!!!!!"
Love to all my buddies, don't give up the chase, enjoy even the darkest moments, for soon all will be gone. Check 101 Rekjavick for great line, "Dead before we are born and after, only live in between death:"
Even though I live mostly in solitude, my greatest ideas and moments come from interaction with other humans,
artist Christopher wood.
Robot Chicken Star Wars for instant laughs,
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Christmas Misery/Irish Rainbow
Fuck, what an awful Christmas. So strange too, because for once I was actually half looking forward to it. I shall have to stop doing that.
Young Grace appears to have a throat infection. "A small cut." Stated the doctor, among doctors. Probably caused by a nut or fragment of crisp I am guilty of feeding her upon occasion. Hence she has been crying and in pain ceaselessly, all of which has become pretty darn stressful, I can tell you. By late afternoon, I had had enough and started to come over all funny, as I do when stress gets too much. I hadn't managed to get away at any point in time yesterday, which is something I always try to do and encourage Oi to do. Normally, I would go for a bike ride and get some fresh air, but yesterday it didn't happen. So, I locked myself out the back with some bottles of Archa beer, soft lights and music and attempted to chill while Oi held the fort.
Patrick and Adam sprang to the rescue late at night with bundles of Guinness and beer and merry Irish laughter. It was such a relief. Looking back I realise most of my fail-safe stop valves were ignored this past week. Namely, I didn't see any of my friends, usual no cash at the end of the month, no gym or exercise owing to no cash and no getaway from the wife and baby for a breath of air.
Anyway, I got my relief last night.
I wake up this morning and Oi is crying with the stress from Grace. She might even be a tad paranoid which I pointed out. Grace is underweight, not eating her food and definitely pretty grumpy at the moment. Personally, I think she is better from her throat but Oi is taking it all to heart. She is back at the doctor's now. I stayed home to get some space. I suggested that maybe Grace is going through a period of change which might be causing her pain and confusion, but right now Oi cannot console herself. I suggested we take a break to Songkhla for a couple of days to get away from hanging around the house. Grace is also desperate to be outside at all times these days. Even in the blazing heat. And right now she is so determined to get what she wants that we go through an entire procedure of head shaking and "EEEEHHHH!!!!" sounds before we find out what it is she requires.
Lucky we have a lonely, bored neighbour who doesn't mind taking Oi to the doctors.
The plot continues...
Young Grace appears to have a throat infection. "A small cut." Stated the doctor, among doctors. Probably caused by a nut or fragment of crisp I am guilty of feeding her upon occasion. Hence she has been crying and in pain ceaselessly, all of which has become pretty darn stressful, I can tell you. By late afternoon, I had had enough and started to come over all funny, as I do when stress gets too much. I hadn't managed to get away at any point in time yesterday, which is something I always try to do and encourage Oi to do. Normally, I would go for a bike ride and get some fresh air, but yesterday it didn't happen. So, I locked myself out the back with some bottles of Archa beer, soft lights and music and attempted to chill while Oi held the fort.
Patrick and Adam sprang to the rescue late at night with bundles of Guinness and beer and merry Irish laughter. It was such a relief. Looking back I realise most of my fail-safe stop valves were ignored this past week. Namely, I didn't see any of my friends, usual no cash at the end of the month, no gym or exercise owing to no cash and no getaway from the wife and baby for a breath of air.
Anyway, I got my relief last night.
I wake up this morning and Oi is crying with the stress from Grace. She might even be a tad paranoid which I pointed out. Grace is underweight, not eating her food and definitely pretty grumpy at the moment. Personally, I think she is better from her throat but Oi is taking it all to heart. She is back at the doctor's now. I stayed home to get some space. I suggested that maybe Grace is going through a period of change which might be causing her pain and confusion, but right now Oi cannot console herself. I suggested we take a break to Songkhla for a couple of days to get away from hanging around the house. Grace is also desperate to be outside at all times these days. Even in the blazing heat. And right now she is so determined to get what she wants that we go through an entire procedure of head shaking and "EEEEHHHH!!!!" sounds before we find out what it is she requires.
Lucky we have a lonely, bored neighbour who doesn't mind taking Oi to the doctors.
The plot continues...
Friday, December 24, 2010
Ryan's Nuclear War
With North Korea threatening nuclear war, bless them, on the day before Christmas Eve, it suddenly reminded me of a great track by Ryan Adams, note; that is not universally hated Bryan Adams. His little known album Demolition, which was one of the few albums available in Hat Yai's black markets back in the day before internet. Anyway, the track is called Nuclear and it is awesome. Check it out, if you can.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
A Poem for Young Arthur Beck
Matthew Beck
I knew a man, your uncle be,
As strong and fine as any,
And though no longer can we see,
He fills the hearts of many.
In Guildford town, we knocked about,
We laughed and joked our time thoughout,
Through all those endless days of joy,
Amid the streets, we did deploy.
And for a while, it was we three,
Young Daniel, Matthew Beck and me,
A carefree song of youth we sang,
We were a very, merry gang.
And time flew past, as you will see,
A different road leads you from me,
But good friends shall e'er remain,
Fair and true, in life's great pain.
A shadow comes to steal and wreck,
My fine companion, Matthew Beck,
Yet in our hearts we know so true,
His love will always shine for you.
So young Arthur, look and see,
The branches of your family tree,
Your loving father Daniel be,
The twin of Matthew Beck is he.
Friday, December 17, 2010
How Unicorns Die...
Snatched from another blog, but it makes great reading....
Unicorns do not die naturally. They are the supreme lords of all beasts so they are prey to none. They cannot be captured and held against their wills. They can only be killed, and only by Man. Why would anyone wish to kill so noble and precious a creature? The answer is Greed, of course. Kings throughout history have coveted the Unicorn’s Horn; from it, they made drinking cups that neutralized assassins’ poisons. Magicians pay heavily for Unicorn Horn, hair, and even blood to use in their rituals. “Heroes” love to hang the heads of Unicorns over their mantels and brag about how they fought and slew the most ferocious beast of all. But no man can kill a Unicorn in fair combat. He who would kill a Unicorn must enlist the aid of a woman, and not just any woman. Unicorns, purest of all beasts, are irresistibly drawn to Purity. To ensnare a Unicorn, men suborn a virgin woman of impeccable reputation if not character. Usually, money is what induces her to aid and abet the most of horrible of crimes. The Lady is set alone in a place known to be frequented by a Unicorn. She hums and sings, plays the lute. The Unicorn hears and smells her, tastes her upon the air. Drawn irresistibly to her apparent purity, the Unicorn comes to her and lays its head in her lap, gaze locked adoringly upon her angelic face… like a guy with a bad case of “Stripper-love”. The Maiden And The Unicorn, fresco by Dominico Zampieri, 1602 CE. Part of the “The Loves of the Gods” series of frescoes adorning the Palazzo Farnese, now the French embassy in Rome. While the Unicorn is distracted by the Lady, perhaps even falling into peaceful sleep in her lap, men come and stab it with spears and swords. Detail from one of the Unicorn Tapestries in the Cloisters Gallery of New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. Enraged, the Unicorn springs up and fights back, slaying many men and dogs. It bursts free to run away, but it is weakened and the men follow hotly. They catch the Unicorn in its blood-soaked weariness and slay it. Then they bring it home and butcher it for its Horn and other magical parts. Even more tragic than the irreversible loss of a Unicorn is the fact that the Unicorn knows it will be slain before it even lays eyes upon the Lady! The Unicorn, like all of its kind, knows all that has ever happened including the earlier killings of Unicorns. Yet when the Unicorn catches the first faint scent and sound of the Lady it goes to its doom, irresistibly drawn by her apparent purity that calls overpoweringly to its own. Loneliness is the Unicorn’s fatal vulnerability. The solitary Unicorn answers that which calls to its own purity, though it knows that final Death lies in the Lady’s soft, welcoming lap. The Unicorn is undone by Desire not to be alone. The wisest of beasts and Men has walked knowingly to its doom over and over again throughout eternity. One wonders when we will learn.
Unicorns do not die naturally. They are the supreme lords of all beasts so they are prey to none. They cannot be captured and held against their wills. They can only be killed, and only by Man. Why would anyone wish to kill so noble and precious a creature? The answer is Greed, of course. Kings throughout history have coveted the Unicorn’s Horn; from it, they made drinking cups that neutralized assassins’ poisons. Magicians pay heavily for Unicorn Horn, hair, and even blood to use in their rituals. “Heroes” love to hang the heads of Unicorns over their mantels and brag about how they fought and slew the most ferocious beast of all. But no man can kill a Unicorn in fair combat. He who would kill a Unicorn must enlist the aid of a woman, and not just any woman. Unicorns, purest of all beasts, are irresistibly drawn to Purity. To ensnare a Unicorn, men suborn a virgin woman of impeccable reputation if not character. Usually, money is what induces her to aid and abet the most of horrible of crimes. The Lady is set alone in a place known to be frequented by a Unicorn. She hums and sings, plays the lute. The Unicorn hears and smells her, tastes her upon the air. Drawn irresistibly to her apparent purity, the Unicorn comes to her and lays its head in her lap, gaze locked adoringly upon her angelic face… like a guy with a bad case of “Stripper-love”. The Maiden And The Unicorn, fresco by Dominico Zampieri, 1602 CE. Part of the “The Loves of the Gods” series of frescoes adorning the Palazzo Farnese, now the French embassy in Rome. While the Unicorn is distracted by the Lady, perhaps even falling into peaceful sleep in her lap, men come and stab it with spears and swords. Detail from one of the Unicorn Tapestries in the Cloisters Gallery of New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. Enraged, the Unicorn springs up and fights back, slaying many men and dogs. It bursts free to run away, but it is weakened and the men follow hotly. They catch the Unicorn in its blood-soaked weariness and slay it. Then they bring it home and butcher it for its Horn and other magical parts. Even more tragic than the irreversible loss of a Unicorn is the fact that the Unicorn knows it will be slain before it even lays eyes upon the Lady! The Unicorn, like all of its kind, knows all that has ever happened including the earlier killings of Unicorns. Yet when the Unicorn catches the first faint scent and sound of the Lady it goes to its doom, irresistibly drawn by her apparent purity that calls overpoweringly to its own. Loneliness is the Unicorn’s fatal vulnerability. The solitary Unicorn answers that which calls to its own purity, though it knows that final Death lies in the Lady’s soft, welcoming lap. The Unicorn is undone by Desire not to be alone. The wisest of beasts and Men has walked knowingly to its doom over and over again throughout eternity. One wonders when we will learn.
Bejewelled 3, Super Meat Boy, Rush and Unicorns
Also of note is the excellent Super Meat Boy. A platform game where you play a slab of meat, squirting blood wherever you hop, skip and jump. Great fun, super friendly and very instant. No waiting time at all. I particularly like the multi replays when you complete the level showing multiple yous falling into spinning razors for incarnations that didn't quite make it.
Recommended to all.
Talking of fantasy, I listened to an excellent "In Our Time" in the dark last night. Melvin was discussing with various boffs about unicorns. It was really fascinating. Originally reported BC from some folks who had ventured into India claiming a savage beast that could purify water by dipping its horn into the pool. Some conflicting information with White Rhinos and some amazing depictions in art through the ages. Unicorns also abound throughout the bible.
Friday
Friday, late afternoon, and Oi and Grace will arrive back tomorrow. They did what they needed to do in Bangkok, and in 15 days they should get the visa for the UK. So, it is effectively time to start booking tickets. Probably do that on Monday. Hope we get a good price.
Feeling a tad strange today. Not really in the mood to make merry, so may as yet pass up Patrick's invitation and have my last night of solitude, in solitude. It has been quite pleasant, but it will be more pleasant to be back with the family. I was wondering if I should buy a fake plastic tree for Christmas. Who knows?
Scanned through lists of best albums from 2010 and have since acquired a smattering of new tunes. One of interest, a 4CD Hendrix release. The last one, Valleys of Neptune, was superb, even by Tom's stratopheric standards, having heard just about everything ever recorded, ever. So, am keen to check it out. That reminds me of a track we used to play in The Truth, "Can You See Me". Strangely, Tom is not familar with this tune, but here is is on this new anthology. So, I can enlighten him.
Observing the Assange Wikileaks case now he is out on bail. I hope the US don't bump him off. There is a new docu-movie out called, "The War You Don't See" by John Pilsar. He relates how the press are all working alongside the US army and very little of what is reported is unbias. Of course, this is all fairly obvious, but later they confront the US Vice President about the "endless war" the US is following, and the self-perpetuating money machine that keeps the business of war afloat. "When will the US not be at war?", he asks. The Vice Pres gives some anal crap for about 2 minutes before the interview ends. Blair is all over it of course and even as late as Sept 2010 is stating on the news that military action with Iran is still very much on the cards.
Meanwhile, I also have David Attenborough's "The Death of the Ocean" awaiting viewing....
Feeling a tad strange today. Not really in the mood to make merry, so may as yet pass up Patrick's invitation and have my last night of solitude, in solitude. It has been quite pleasant, but it will be more pleasant to be back with the family. I was wondering if I should buy a fake plastic tree for Christmas. Who knows?
Scanned through lists of best albums from 2010 and have since acquired a smattering of new tunes. One of interest, a 4CD Hendrix release. The last one, Valleys of Neptune, was superb, even by Tom's stratopheric standards, having heard just about everything ever recorded, ever. So, am keen to check it out. That reminds me of a track we used to play in The Truth, "Can You See Me". Strangely, Tom is not familar with this tune, but here is is on this new anthology. So, I can enlighten him.
Observing the Assange Wikileaks case now he is out on bail. I hope the US don't bump him off. There is a new docu-movie out called, "The War You Don't See" by John Pilsar. He relates how the press are all working alongside the US army and very little of what is reported is unbias. Of course, this is all fairly obvious, but later they confront the US Vice President about the "endless war" the US is following, and the self-perpetuating money machine that keeps the business of war afloat. "When will the US not be at war?", he asks. The Vice Pres gives some anal crap for about 2 minutes before the interview ends. Blair is all over it of course and even as late as Sept 2010 is stating on the news that military action with Iran is still very much on the cards.
Meanwhile, I also have David Attenborough's "The Death of the Ocean" awaiting viewing....
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Home Alone
Oi and Grace are in Bangkok to get the visas for the UK trip. So far, Grace has been cool and had a good time in Chum Pon which lies halfway between Hat Yai and the capital.
Life at home has not been unpleasant. It's nice to have a little freedom now and again. It allows me to walk about with no clothes on, watch movies I otherwise have little chance of viewing at my leisure and to indulge in a little mid-week drinkiepoos. Each day I have picked up a few cans of Guinness, bought some lunch and crisps and enjoyed a fine meal, before settling down for the afternoon with a drink, some nuts and a game of Bejewelled 3, some music and a movie. I recall last time Oi went away, I watched a ton of movies that I collect and burn ceaselessly. It was a great achievement and sheer unadulterated pleasure. So far this week, I have watched, "The Ice Harvest", "The Apostle" and most of "101 Reykjavik" and "The History Boys". All have been most gratifying. I have also been ripping and ipodding some Echobelly and Paul Kelly CD's that are gathering dust and in danger of becoming unplayable, such is their age and condition.
I also noticed I have stopped my incessant sneezing fits since Oi and Grace have gone. Strange. Must be all those talcum powders and baby lotions constantly being applied.
Of course, I miss my little treasures, but it is fun to have some free space, for a space.
Christmas is fast approaching, and perhaps for the first time in a long while, I believe I am looking forward to it. Such is the life of a barren man. Now, with little Gracie to cherish, Yuletide has reclaimed its glean and charm. How sweet. I was telling Pit today that, for someone who doesn't really like Christmas since boyhood, I always seem to be in the thick of it, whether it be in a bustling toy department of a crammed and steaming department store, or dressed as Santa singing Jingle Bells countless times and throwing sweets to hundreds of scrambling children as I run about ringing my little bell. A bell, I should point out, that year after tedious year, becomes unscrewed from it's handle as I wave it about. When one is carrying a sackful of sweets, dancing some disco Christmas tunes to a wide-eyed audience of smartly dressed parents surrounded by a dozen little Santas and trying to re-attach a bell and its handle, is quite a feat to achieve. Somehow I have retained the elusive and much sought after skill.
Regarding world views, I am pleased to see the Italians up in arms against their mafia leader. What a disgrace, he is? I feel an air of the French Revolution as the teeming masses rise up against the gluttonous and greedy leaders. All of them have had it coming for a long time in my view and thanks to the Internet, their secrets are no longer safe. It's just my opinion, I hope folks will not be too offended for the way I see things.
Enough....game time.
Life at home has not been unpleasant. It's nice to have a little freedom now and again. It allows me to walk about with no clothes on, watch movies I otherwise have little chance of viewing at my leisure and to indulge in a little mid-week drinkiepoos. Each day I have picked up a few cans of Guinness, bought some lunch and crisps and enjoyed a fine meal, before settling down for the afternoon with a drink, some nuts and a game of Bejewelled 3, some music and a movie. I recall last time Oi went away, I watched a ton of movies that I collect and burn ceaselessly. It was a great achievement and sheer unadulterated pleasure. So far this week, I have watched, "The Ice Harvest", "The Apostle" and most of "101 Reykjavik" and "The History Boys". All have been most gratifying. I have also been ripping and ipodding some Echobelly and Paul Kelly CD's that are gathering dust and in danger of becoming unplayable, such is their age and condition.
I also noticed I have stopped my incessant sneezing fits since Oi and Grace have gone. Strange. Must be all those talcum powders and baby lotions constantly being applied.
Of course, I miss my little treasures, but it is fun to have some free space, for a space.
Christmas is fast approaching, and perhaps for the first time in a long while, I believe I am looking forward to it. Such is the life of a barren man. Now, with little Gracie to cherish, Yuletide has reclaimed its glean and charm. How sweet. I was telling Pit today that, for someone who doesn't really like Christmas since boyhood, I always seem to be in the thick of it, whether it be in a bustling toy department of a crammed and steaming department store, or dressed as Santa singing Jingle Bells countless times and throwing sweets to hundreds of scrambling children as I run about ringing my little bell. A bell, I should point out, that year after tedious year, becomes unscrewed from it's handle as I wave it about. When one is carrying a sackful of sweets, dancing some disco Christmas tunes to a wide-eyed audience of smartly dressed parents surrounded by a dozen little Santas and trying to re-attach a bell and its handle, is quite a feat to achieve. Somehow I have retained the elusive and much sought after skill.
Regarding world views, I am pleased to see the Italians up in arms against their mafia leader. What a disgrace, he is? I feel an air of the French Revolution as the teeming masses rise up against the gluttonous and greedy leaders. All of them have had it coming for a long time in my view and thanks to the Internet, their secrets are no longer safe. It's just my opinion, I hope folks will not be too offended for the way I see things.
Enough....game time.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Camp
Just got back from a 2 day English camp in Songkhla. It was a real laugh actually and I had a good time. There were 3 other Westerners, none of whom I know well; Ben (UK), Tom (UK) and Tony (USA). They are all about 10 years younger than me and were up for laughs. We had some beers in the evening and spent the day winding up the Thai teachers which is always fun.
The camp was set in a nature park with some interesting Mangrove swamps. There was a walkway through the swamps which we went around with the the kids. They were all teenagers about 16 years old. They did some fun shows in the evening, most of which centred around a gay boy who provided all the laughs.
Us four teachers all slept in a military style dormatory. After the dinner, we sneaked some beers in and the night was spent telling jokes and farting in true schoolboy style. I don't think I have experienced this kind of situation for many a year. It was a great laugh. We had a talcum powder fight and a farting competition. I won, of course. Actually, Tom said the reason for the potentcy, volume and sheer loudness of my farts was due to drinking tons of coffee and thousands of mints.
The Science Quiz the following day was a hoot too, when we asked over the microphone to the assembled teams of students, "What is the name of the gas that.....comes out of Tom's arse?". There were some bewildered looks from students and supervisors alike, until we changed it to, "...that keeps us alive?" Fortunately, the level of English is so low that I doubt anyone had a clue what we said, with the exception of quick-witted Pit and Gee.
Gee was at the camp and we exchanged stifled hellos. So sad to lose a friend, but it happens sometimes and seems inpossible to return to the old days. Just have to try not to upset people, which I seem so good at. Part of the reason I try not to make too many friends.
Oi and Grace are off to Bangkok tomorrow to get this blessed visa. I hope they will be okay and that Grace will be okay on the bus. Oi's brother will meet them at Chum Pon and continue with them to the capital. They will probably be gone about 3 or 4 days. After that, we have to buy the tickets.
Danny leaves for Aus on Monday, so there is quite a lot going on, and I sure we will get something going for Christmas. Several people have offered to cook a meal, which should be fun.
Grace is getting quite demanding these days and goes through a process of irritable barks and grunts until you find out what it is she wants. Iggie Piggle nearly always is a good last resort, but she does occasionally shake her head at the prospect of another episode.
More tests to write for tomorrow, then I suppose I shall soon have to don the old Santa outfit for the trillions of screaming infants at my school. Oh well!
The camp was set in a nature park with some interesting Mangrove swamps. There was a walkway through the swamps which we went around with the the kids. They were all teenagers about 16 years old. They did some fun shows in the evening, most of which centred around a gay boy who provided all the laughs.
Us four teachers all slept in a military style dormatory. After the dinner, we sneaked some beers in and the night was spent telling jokes and farting in true schoolboy style. I don't think I have experienced this kind of situation for many a year. It was a great laugh. We had a talcum powder fight and a farting competition. I won, of course. Actually, Tom said the reason for the potentcy, volume and sheer loudness of my farts was due to drinking tons of coffee and thousands of mints.
The Science Quiz the following day was a hoot too, when we asked over the microphone to the assembled teams of students, "What is the name of the gas that.....comes out of Tom's arse?". There were some bewildered looks from students and supervisors alike, until we changed it to, "...that keeps us alive?" Fortunately, the level of English is so low that I doubt anyone had a clue what we said, with the exception of quick-witted Pit and Gee.
Gee was at the camp and we exchanged stifled hellos. So sad to lose a friend, but it happens sometimes and seems inpossible to return to the old days. Just have to try not to upset people, which I seem so good at. Part of the reason I try not to make too many friends.
Oi and Grace are off to Bangkok tomorrow to get this blessed visa. I hope they will be okay and that Grace will be okay on the bus. Oi's brother will meet them at Chum Pon and continue with them to the capital. They will probably be gone about 3 or 4 days. After that, we have to buy the tickets.
Danny leaves for Aus on Monday, so there is quite a lot going on, and I sure we will get something going for Christmas. Several people have offered to cook a meal, which should be fun.
Grace is getting quite demanding these days and goes through a process of irritable barks and grunts until you find out what it is she wants. Iggie Piggle nearly always is a good last resort, but she does occasionally shake her head at the prospect of another episode.
More tests to write for tomorrow, then I suppose I shall soon have to don the old Santa outfit for the trillions of screaming infants at my school. Oh well!
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Wikileaks
Just spent a couple of hours watching everything on the Wikileaks case on utube and in the Guardian.
He's just been denied bail. Some suggest that the whole rape thing is a set-up and get him to Sweden and then to US, where Palin has stated she wants him dead. As have a number of other Americans.
This incredible story appears to show an awful travesty of justice and I could really expect a very violent outcome if things go badly for Assange. It will very clearly highlight the hypocrisy of the Western world and closing of ranks by the powers that be. Many comments talk about how populations are kept happy on TV and XBoxes. As I stated a long time ago, I was very surprised at the absence of political interest by my friends back home a couple of years ago and was even more astounded by the fact that I seemed to know more than they did. The juice that keeps the populous under control.
It's nice to know there are a few thousand force behind Wikileaks and that it will continue on its path. One Tory MP stated on an interview with Assange's lawyer, that this affair could fundamentally change the whole fabric of the West.
I mean, would the West close down the Internet? Don warned me of this ages ago, when he suggested you should get everything off the Net that you want, in terms of movies and music etc. What I have talked about with many people about the power of the Net seems to be coming to some sort of fruition.
Along with all the other news, this really is a crazy time. Just feel sorry for that poor guy in a prison cell somewhere....
USA is fuming and jumping up and down with ants in its pants. I bet the boys at Fox are going crazy; Bill O'Reilly and his fascist cronies.
Keep following the story.
He's just been denied bail. Some suggest that the whole rape thing is a set-up and get him to Sweden and then to US, where Palin has stated she wants him dead. As have a number of other Americans.
This incredible story appears to show an awful travesty of justice and I could really expect a very violent outcome if things go badly for Assange. It will very clearly highlight the hypocrisy of the Western world and closing of ranks by the powers that be. Many comments talk about how populations are kept happy on TV and XBoxes. As I stated a long time ago, I was very surprised at the absence of political interest by my friends back home a couple of years ago and was even more astounded by the fact that I seemed to know more than they did. The juice that keeps the populous under control.
It's nice to know there are a few thousand force behind Wikileaks and that it will continue on its path. One Tory MP stated on an interview with Assange's lawyer, that this affair could fundamentally change the whole fabric of the West.
I mean, would the West close down the Internet? Don warned me of this ages ago, when he suggested you should get everything off the Net that you want, in terms of movies and music etc. What I have talked about with many people about the power of the Net seems to be coming to some sort of fruition.
Along with all the other news, this really is a crazy time. Just feel sorry for that poor guy in a prison cell somewhere....
USA is fuming and jumping up and down with ants in its pants. I bet the boys at Fox are going crazy; Bill O'Reilly and his fascist cronies.
Keep following the story.
Wikileaks Video
Check out
"Inside wikileaks uk" on utube. It's only 5 days old and makes an interesting viewing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_g_VOdvqn5I&feature=fvsr
Enjoy.
"Inside wikileaks uk" on utube. It's only 5 days old and makes an interesting viewing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_g_VOdvqn5I&feature=fvsr
Enjoy.
World Have Your Say - Julian Assange
I would urge folks to listen to this podcast at the BBC radio site. It is a really great show and hosts comments from all over the world regarding the Wikileaks story.
This lastest revelation that suggests that the Libyan terrorist prisoner was released due to threats from Gaddafi on the UK government is appalling. And now the US is out for blood. One comment suggests Julian will be extradited to Sweden and then to US to face imprisonment. We shall see.
There are definitely two camps around this story. Fiercely for and fiercely against.
Which one are you?
This lastest revelation that suggests that the Libyan terrorist prisoner was released due to threats from Gaddafi on the UK government is appalling. And now the US is out for blood. One comment suggests Julian will be extradited to Sweden and then to US to face imprisonment. We shall see.
There are definitely two camps around this story. Fiercely for and fiercely against.
Which one are you?
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Beauty of Maps
Friday, December 3, 2010
Family
The family arrived in the early hours of the morning to sell a truckload of plants to the markets of Hat Yai. Grace awoke early as usual, and it wasn't long before she discovered we were not alone. She seemed to remember Grandma, even though it has been a few months, and as there was a new person to take her outside, she was most welcome. With Grandma are also Oi's two brothers, Ot and Om and Ot's wife and boy (The Wild One). The Wild One appears to have calmed down slightly and wasn't screaming the house down at the prospect of taking a shower. He successful lobbed a ball in Grace's face however, and I am pleased to report young Grace, after thinking about it for a moment, decided not to cry.
It is nice for Oi and Grace to spend time with the family and for the house to be busy, if only for a day. Like most Thais, they will stay only a few hours before heading to market and then making the long journey home. Don once related to me the story of the time he went on an excursion with his school. He and the other Thai teachers sat on a crusty old bus for the best part of eight hours, finally arriving at some such famed tourist destination. They disembarked, got something to eat, strolled around for about twenty minutes and then got back on the bus and drove back to Hat Yai. It was the first and last time Don went on a school outing. I won't go into the scorn a Thai teacher would receive from the headmaster if they made an excuse not to go, but it would probably result in a black mark on their name for the duration of their career.
Last night I went to see Tom in the famous, Tom's apartment. I had a thick head and was feeling irritable and needing to get out, so I was glad for Tom's pleasant and easy company. I bought a bag of Guinness with me and we sat and listened to some tunes and discussed life, the universe and everything. He played me P.J. Harvey and The Breeders, both of which I enjoyed and am subsequently acquiring. I seem to recall buying a Breeders CD single for my brother's birthday many years ago. P.J. Harvey's live gigs sound like something to behold. A true artist and heralding from cosy Dorset of all places. Wish I had gotten into her years ago, alas the chance to see her live is a remote and distant thing. However, with the up and coming trip to the UK next year, I spy that The Stranglers and Ron Sexsmith are both playing, as is Kate Rusby, Maybe I can see a gig or three after all.
I skipped the trip to the pub as I had a sudden attack of sneezing and choking which I get sometimes, so I thought it best to go home. Tom said all the boys have been drinking quite heavily the past week. Danny is about to head back to Tasmania and Patrick has his young nephew staying with him, so there is plenty excuse for hard partying. Personally, I am quite happy to head home and avoid the big scene. The Swan can be quite an intimidating place when it is heaving with Westerners, especially if there is a football game on. I much prefer Co-Art where the focus is on the music played by the wonderful Dtoi.
I am also glad these days that I am married and have young Gracie to take care of. I know that I would be pretty unhappy if drinking and hanging out with the boys was my main outlet. In fact, I wouldn't be doing that. I would probably be in Nepal or somewhere quite remote. Reading the news about the FIFA World Cup events, I am still astounded at these empires that surround these human creations, the money involved and the obsessiveness of people about it. I mean, it doesn't mean anything, does it? The horror expressed by English representatives of not being selected. UK does have the Olympics to look forward too, doesn't it? Isn't that enough? I find the whole thing very strange and alien and I am glad I am well out of it. It is rather like the Hitchhikers Guide when Earth sudden comes to a grinding halt because of the construction of a new intergalactic highway. Everything becomes meaningless. All those jobs, cash, proposals, long days of work and people tearing their hair out disappear in a puff of green smoke. On the other hand I read that the new climate talks in Mexico has so little support and interest by the world's movers and shakers that it is already being branded a disaster, and it hasn't even happened. As one comment read, "Even Kyoto has pulled out of Kyoto." So there you go.
It is nice for Oi and Grace to spend time with the family and for the house to be busy, if only for a day. Like most Thais, they will stay only a few hours before heading to market and then making the long journey home. Don once related to me the story of the time he went on an excursion with his school. He and the other Thai teachers sat on a crusty old bus for the best part of eight hours, finally arriving at some such famed tourist destination. They disembarked, got something to eat, strolled around for about twenty minutes and then got back on the bus and drove back to Hat Yai. It was the first and last time Don went on a school outing. I won't go into the scorn a Thai teacher would receive from the headmaster if they made an excuse not to go, but it would probably result in a black mark on their name for the duration of their career.
Last night I went to see Tom in the famous, Tom's apartment. I had a thick head and was feeling irritable and needing to get out, so I was glad for Tom's pleasant and easy company. I bought a bag of Guinness with me and we sat and listened to some tunes and discussed life, the universe and everything. He played me P.J. Harvey and The Breeders, both of which I enjoyed and am subsequently acquiring. I seem to recall buying a Breeders CD single for my brother's birthday many years ago. P.J. Harvey's live gigs sound like something to behold. A true artist and heralding from cosy Dorset of all places. Wish I had gotten into her years ago, alas the chance to see her live is a remote and distant thing. However, with the up and coming trip to the UK next year, I spy that The Stranglers and Ron Sexsmith are both playing, as is Kate Rusby, Maybe I can see a gig or three after all.
I skipped the trip to the pub as I had a sudden attack of sneezing and choking which I get sometimes, so I thought it best to go home. Tom said all the boys have been drinking quite heavily the past week. Danny is about to head back to Tasmania and Patrick has his young nephew staying with him, so there is plenty excuse for hard partying. Personally, I am quite happy to head home and avoid the big scene. The Swan can be quite an intimidating place when it is heaving with Westerners, especially if there is a football game on. I much prefer Co-Art where the focus is on the music played by the wonderful Dtoi.
I am also glad these days that I am married and have young Gracie to take care of. I know that I would be pretty unhappy if drinking and hanging out with the boys was my main outlet. In fact, I wouldn't be doing that. I would probably be in Nepal or somewhere quite remote. Reading the news about the FIFA World Cup events, I am still astounded at these empires that surround these human creations, the money involved and the obsessiveness of people about it. I mean, it doesn't mean anything, does it? The horror expressed by English representatives of not being selected. UK does have the Olympics to look forward too, doesn't it? Isn't that enough? I find the whole thing very strange and alien and I am glad I am well out of it. It is rather like the Hitchhikers Guide when Earth sudden comes to a grinding halt because of the construction of a new intergalactic highway. Everything becomes meaningless. All those jobs, cash, proposals, long days of work and people tearing their hair out disappear in a puff of green smoke. On the other hand I read that the new climate talks in Mexico has so little support and interest by the world's movers and shakers that it is already being branded a disaster, and it hasn't even happened. As one comment read, "Even Kyoto has pulled out of Kyoto." So there you go.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Wikileaks Aftermath
I stated earlier that I wasn't that bothered about the Wikileaks latest release, and I wasn't. The information released wasn't so much surprising, yet confirming of what many people were thinking. What is however, of great entertainment value is how the release has sent certain American parties into a flaming torrent of death chants for cutie and similar frothing at the gums madness. Yes, if you haven't already read it, they are calling for the execution of the parties involved claiming it as treason and heresy.
The feedback in the journals of Joe Public is quite the opposite, and I think it shows the fear and loathing of the higher echelons of power as they scream and shout as their web of conspiracy and secrecy is lifted for all and sundry and his dog to view.
Apparently there is another release on the cards concerning banks and the billions they have swindled out of folks. How wonderful is all this. The man should be knighted and given a castle, but I expect he will be burnt at the stake.
And how exactly will these evil doers that have assumed control of our world be brought to justice? They hold the keys to the kingdom. They make the rules. Even with all this knowledge of the guff we are all fed, there is still the unresolved problem of prising the winkles from the rocks.
We saw Cantona telling everyone to withdraw their savings from the banks. I don't really think that would take off, but these latest revelations certainly unsettles the whole political scheme of things and adds even more fuel to an already very angry fire. What with the student protests (who have received much praise for being the only ones to stand up against the governments) and all the spending cuts going on around the world, there are definitely some impressive cracks appearing in the glossy, shiny world we inhabit.
And all this time the great Chinese dragon rises from the smoke casting a sizable shadow on the West. And Mad Gun Kim Jong-il getting ready to let loose is just another massive headache for America to get involved in.
Incidentally, one should take time out to listen to BBC Podcast of Americana this week. Horrific description of some 70 million US citizens going hungry as we speak, and the seemingly mechanical and sterile government in Washington that refuses to cast a glance at this problem because, like climate change, if they were to acknowledge the size of this problem it would turn them all to jelly. So, an expanding gas bubble of discontent there, which will result in more crime and civil unrest.
One watches with mild interest and light amusement from beyond the clouds and across the seven seas....
The feedback in the journals of Joe Public is quite the opposite, and I think it shows the fear and loathing of the higher echelons of power as they scream and shout as their web of conspiracy and secrecy is lifted for all and sundry and his dog to view.
Apparently there is another release on the cards concerning banks and the billions they have swindled out of folks. How wonderful is all this. The man should be knighted and given a castle, but I expect he will be burnt at the stake.
And how exactly will these evil doers that have assumed control of our world be brought to justice? They hold the keys to the kingdom. They make the rules. Even with all this knowledge of the guff we are all fed, there is still the unresolved problem of prising the winkles from the rocks.
We saw Cantona telling everyone to withdraw their savings from the banks. I don't really think that would take off, but these latest revelations certainly unsettles the whole political scheme of things and adds even more fuel to an already very angry fire. What with the student protests (who have received much praise for being the only ones to stand up against the governments) and all the spending cuts going on around the world, there are definitely some impressive cracks appearing in the glossy, shiny world we inhabit.
And all this time the great Chinese dragon rises from the smoke casting a sizable shadow on the West. And Mad Gun Kim Jong-il getting ready to let loose is just another massive headache for America to get involved in.
Incidentally, one should take time out to listen to BBC Podcast of Americana this week. Horrific description of some 70 million US citizens going hungry as we speak, and the seemingly mechanical and sterile government in Washington that refuses to cast a glance at this problem because, like climate change, if they were to acknowledge the size of this problem it would turn them all to jelly. So, an expanding gas bubble of discontent there, which will result in more crime and civil unrest.
One watches with mild interest and light amusement from beyond the clouds and across the seven seas....
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