I have now started a collection of Desert Island Disc podcasts and relaxed today listening to Bill Bailey, Jo Brand and Richard Griffiths.
State of the world at years end? Well, it aint really very good, though good things and good people still abound. It seems the world is more or less held to permenant ransom by the controlling bodies. As a democratic West sinks through trying to accommodate the world, other dictatoral bodies tighten their grip. People seem to be rebelling all over the world and a shift continues to shift against all odds. Media seems totally up its arse. I hear folks saying we were all fooled by the financial situation. Were they? I think a lot of people saw what was going to happen a vcry long time ago, and any slide is just the continuation of a slide that began a long time ago.
Next year I suppose there will be a lot more blood on the streets as a growing populus become more and more desperate. Environmental concerns have have a bit of a backseat as global politics dominates. It's hard to remain positive in a world full of litter and noise, but one does try.
We watch with interest what will happen in Europe, the US and now in China and Russia.
I have enough projects to keep me from dwelling on this subject too long.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Doctors
So, I just spent 1000 Baht on a second visit to the doctor. She prescibed me three more medicines to counteract the side effects of the previous three medecines I was prescibed for my back ache. I checked the bill, 300 baht for the quack's advice, 700 Baht for the drugs. What a joke. My tummy went all hard and insides felt awful.
So, I came home and didn't take any of them. Just drank a ton of water, and hey the next day I feel a lot better. ANd you know, you can't sue Thai doctors. When they tried to introduce the right to do so, they went on strike.
On happier notes I have started watching Breaking Bad, S1E1 was awesome.
Grace was in a show at school yesterday. It would have been ok if the 2 muppet teachers weren't shouting so much that my eardrums stopped bleeding. Holy fuck.
Picked up some more private work for next week which will mean an hour every weekday. It will bring in a bit more cash which will be cool.
Found some ok red wine for 320 baht a bottle.
Been listening to the radion and heard a great live album review of 1964 BB King's Live at the Regal. Hunted it down and it is cracking. Messaged muso Tom who was mightily impressed as he didn't know of it either. Get it. It will blow yer socks off. Love the line, "I gave you 7 children, Now you wanna give 'em back." too which the crowd (black, Chicago, 1964) goes crazy.
Been taking Grace swimming and walks at the lake at the uni. Very happy family times with Oi and Gracie right now. Don't need nuthin' else.
So, I came home and didn't take any of them. Just drank a ton of water, and hey the next day I feel a lot better. ANd you know, you can't sue Thai doctors. When they tried to introduce the right to do so, they went on strike.
On happier notes I have started watching Breaking Bad, S1E1 was awesome.
Grace was in a show at school yesterday. It would have been ok if the 2 muppet teachers weren't shouting so much that my eardrums stopped bleeding. Holy fuck.
Picked up some more private work for next week which will mean an hour every weekday. It will bring in a bit more cash which will be cool.
Found some ok red wine for 320 baht a bottle.
Been listening to the radion and heard a great live album review of 1964 BB King's Live at the Regal. Hunted it down and it is cracking. Messaged muso Tom who was mightily impressed as he didn't know of it either. Get it. It will blow yer socks off. Love the line, "I gave you 7 children, Now you wanna give 'em back." too which the crowd (black, Chicago, 1964) goes crazy.
Been taking Grace swimming and walks at the lake at the uni. Very happy family times with Oi and Gracie right now. Don't need nuthin' else.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Movie Time
Holiday is going well so far. I watched a couple of great movies, The River Murders and The Help.
I have been walking in the rubber plantations, reading and listening to the radio.
I have been walking in the rubber plantations, reading and listening to the radio.
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Boxing Day
It doesn't really exist here, but it is Boxing Day. Grace is back at school and I begin a 2 week holiday. We will be staying at home and taking it easy. I have to get regular exercise however. That's top of my agenda. I will also be playing World of Tanks and watching movies.
Christmas Day was fabulous. Grace wasn't terribly enamoured by the presents but we went swimming which she loves, although this time she swallowed some water and was a tad cold. Then we went to the lake at the university where a young girl made friends with her. She loves being outside more than anything. It was quite windy and fresh for a change. We stopped off at 7-11 which she finds wonderful, eyes agog with shelves of goodies.
She watched the Snowman at least three times and finally fell asleep.
As time ticks by, family life becomes more and more comfy and the way I want to spend my time.
Christmas Day was fabulous. Grace wasn't terribly enamoured by the presents but we went swimming which she loves, although this time she swallowed some water and was a tad cold. Then we went to the lake at the university where a young girl made friends with her. She loves being outside more than anything. It was quite windy and fresh for a change. We stopped off at 7-11 which she finds wonderful, eyes agog with shelves of goodies.
She watched the Snowman at least three times and finally fell asleep.
As time ticks by, family life becomes more and more comfy and the way I want to spend my time.
Friday, December 23, 2011
So this is Christmas
Today at school we did the Christmas show, which was amazing, even by my high standards. These catholic institutions really know how to get the dollars. Show upon show of beautiful costumes witnessed by a flock of nuns and rich eager parents dripping with gold and sporting Ipad 2 cameras.
I played Santa and hurled sweets around the auditorium in my usual fashion. Eventually, I was relieved of duty and took a slow ride home. I cracked open the wine, cheese, and smoked ham and chilled out to a second listen of John Peel.
I have acquired Kate Bush's last few albums; Ariel and 50 words for snow for my festive break listening and am doggedly determined to spend some quality time listening to the radio and some fine podcasts during my 2 week break.
I got Grace a wicked stocking and lots of pressies to fill it, so she can wake up on Sunday morning to a frenzy of present opening. Oil can't understand why I refuse to let her have any presents early.
It's been good. The Danish Blue cheese, Ritz biscuits, wine (Chili), palma ham, olives have made all the difference. It ain't bad at all. The James Bond season on TV has added something too.
Merry Christmas one and all.
I played Santa and hurled sweets around the auditorium in my usual fashion. Eventually, I was relieved of duty and took a slow ride home. I cracked open the wine, cheese, and smoked ham and chilled out to a second listen of John Peel.
I have acquired Kate Bush's last few albums; Ariel and 50 words for snow for my festive break listening and am doggedly determined to spend some quality time listening to the radio and some fine podcasts during my 2 week break.
I got Grace a wicked stocking and lots of pressies to fill it, so she can wake up on Sunday morning to a frenzy of present opening. Oil can't understand why I refuse to let her have any presents early.
It's been good. The Danish Blue cheese, Ritz biscuits, wine (Chili), palma ham, olives have made all the difference. It ain't bad at all. The James Bond season on TV has added something too.
Merry Christmas one and all.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Santa's Coming to Town
OI and Grace are back from a week in Chum Pon.
It was okay being on my own. It was great and strange to be alone, though as the week wore on I had a slow realisation that if I lived alone again for very long I would probably not live very long. I found it hard to motivate myself to do anything, though later in the week I got back into exercise and started on some great plans.
I have been suffering with back ache for the past six months and I finally got to the docs yesterday. Thankfully, it isn't serious, but tight muscles that need to be relaxed. Sitting in the classroom, or in front of the PC frezzing my body into a motionless state. Now I am trying to loosen up those muscles and give myself some flexibility.
I have been swimming a lot and started the walk near my house again, both of which are great. I am sure any father with appreciate the space to free ones mind and body in vigorious and solo exercise.
Grace is really developing now and is more of a human and less of a baby. She is very communicative and I am glad to say speaks to me in English straight away after her week long stint at the farm.
Witnessing these sparks of fire across the world is interesting and the whole movement is gathering momentum. However, comes with it awful crimes and brutality. It's on a biblical scale. Money and greed are destroying the Earth in every corner. Every year at school the teachers say the kids are getting worse and worse. Thailand is a great place to witness the change in generations. UNtil very recently taught these ancient ways of calm and acceptance, now force fed Angry Birds and violent comics, mocile phones and designer clothing, they are tearing each other apart. Oi said the King was weeping at what his country has become.
Heavy rain still dominates the skyline and Mater sent me some Peter Storm waterproof trousers after my Thai bought ones fell apart upon donning the feeble garnment.
Socially I see Tony fairly frequently and we battle it out in World of Tanks. I see Tom about once or twice a month and that's it. I have bumped into Patrick at the gym. He is amiably enough, but lectures me solely on health and fitness, never straying from this subject. I nod politely and resume swimming.
I think I have evolved now from needing buddies. Family is number one and occupies my time more than enough. As usual it is my body that requires attention and is the hardest part for me to solve. I seem to be naturally stressed and strained. Mighty efforts to relax and loosen my muscles seem to have the reverse effect.
Damn it, I have to jump around in the Santa outfit again this Friday.
It was okay being on my own. It was great and strange to be alone, though as the week wore on I had a slow realisation that if I lived alone again for very long I would probably not live very long. I found it hard to motivate myself to do anything, though later in the week I got back into exercise and started on some great plans.
I have been suffering with back ache for the past six months and I finally got to the docs yesterday. Thankfully, it isn't serious, but tight muscles that need to be relaxed. Sitting in the classroom, or in front of the PC frezzing my body into a motionless state. Now I am trying to loosen up those muscles and give myself some flexibility.
I have been swimming a lot and started the walk near my house again, both of which are great. I am sure any father with appreciate the space to free ones mind and body in vigorious and solo exercise.
Grace is really developing now and is more of a human and less of a baby. She is very communicative and I am glad to say speaks to me in English straight away after her week long stint at the farm.
Witnessing these sparks of fire across the world is interesting and the whole movement is gathering momentum. However, comes with it awful crimes and brutality. It's on a biblical scale. Money and greed are destroying the Earth in every corner. Every year at school the teachers say the kids are getting worse and worse. Thailand is a great place to witness the change in generations. UNtil very recently taught these ancient ways of calm and acceptance, now force fed Angry Birds and violent comics, mocile phones and designer clothing, they are tearing each other apart. Oi said the King was weeping at what his country has become.
Heavy rain still dominates the skyline and Mater sent me some Peter Storm waterproof trousers after my Thai bought ones fell apart upon donning the feeble garnment.
Socially I see Tony fairly frequently and we battle it out in World of Tanks. I see Tom about once or twice a month and that's it. I have bumped into Patrick at the gym. He is amiably enough, but lectures me solely on health and fitness, never straying from this subject. I nod politely and resume swimming.
I think I have evolved now from needing buddies. Family is number one and occupies my time more than enough. As usual it is my body that requires attention and is the hardest part for me to solve. I seem to be naturally stressed and strained. Mighty efforts to relax and loosen my muscles seem to have the reverse effect.
Damn it, I have to jump around in the Santa outfit again this Friday.
Monday, December 5, 2011
Catching Up
A three day weekend and highly relaxing. Surprisingly, I slept a lot and today got back into In Our Time, because of two people whom I had given or recommended the series, recently praised the show and how fascinating they had found it. With my new friend, Crazy David, I had sparelying restricted my "lends" to him to perhaps three episodes, carefully picked, mind you, that being "The Fischer King" and "Anarchism" both of which he thoroughly enjoyed and reported back to me on.
Great shows.
I have been slowly ploughing through Skyrim and trying to only play when I relish the experience, as opposed to, hacking through it. The dungeons are so good, it is criminal to rush through it.
Watching 'The Brest Fortress"
Loving reading Book 4 of Game of Thrones.
Am somewhat worried by the amount of time I spend in fantasy worlds. If I spent my time looking at real issues and doing real things, think how much cleverer I would be. What is it that courses me to do this?
Great shows.
I have been slowly ploughing through Skyrim and trying to only play when I relish the experience, as opposed to, hacking through it. The dungeons are so good, it is criminal to rush through it.
Watching 'The Brest Fortress"
Loving reading Book 4 of Game of Thrones.
Am somewhat worried by the amount of time I spend in fantasy worlds. If I spent my time looking at real issues and doing real things, think how much cleverer I would be. What is it that courses me to do this?
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Trip to Songkhla
The pool was great and Grace had her first proper swim and was exstatic with joy. We went to the night market and bought some food and came back to the lovely room and ate out on the balcony. I brought a rare can of Amstel beer with me to enjoy. A friend had brought me a crate back from the Malaysian border. This morning we shot over to the zoo. Only in Thailand can you ride your bike around a zoo, getting off when you see some groovy animal worth checking out. We shot all over the place looking at tigers, bears, parrots, snakes, hippos and turtles.
We nearly then went home but a second detour past Waterworld and Oi gave in to my suggestions of a visit. Grace went mental at the baby water slide and I took her about a long flowing river. Oi rented an inflatable ring for her.
On the way home G fell asleep.
It was only one day but we packed a lot in and had a thoroughly enjoyable time.
Back home now to chill out and continue my quest across Skyrim.
Friday, November 25, 2011
The World at War
A note to say that I am acquiring and watching this excellent series from the 1970's with Larry doing the commenatry. From the opening episode, A New Germany, is is compelling viewing.
Also along the WWII front I have got hold of The Brest Fortress, a Russian WWII movie and the German flick, Stalingrad by the chap who made Das Boot.
Attempting to heal my sore back. Chilling at home on a Saturday afternoon. Family ok.
Also along the WWII front I have got hold of The Brest Fortress, a Russian WWII movie and the German flick, Stalingrad by the chap who made Das Boot.
Attempting to heal my sore back. Chilling at home on a Saturday afternoon. Family ok.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Return
Didn't really want to do this but....
Wet season here and lots of rain possibly leading to a flood. If it floods I get holiday, if not, school.
Two fantasy quests have been occupying my time of late, namely the Game of Thrones books, now on book 4 A feast for crows and PC game Skyrim. Both are awesome and devouring my sacred free moments, usually after nine when Grace has gone to sleep. I have started staying up until midnight to make full use of my free time.
See Tom from time to time. Tony has come to the forefront of friendships as he only lives down the road and is primarily a fun guy. No politcal droning, no bitchiness, so prevailent in these parts amoing the ex-pats or dead beat teachers, and a barrel of laughs....and a gamer.
We have been playing World of Tanks free online game which is a hoot. We are both struggling up the charts and have had some great co-op moments pulling off a great vicyory and canning a few enemy tanks between us.
School is slow and boring as years of doing the same thing take their toll. Phit is fine.
Oi is fine and our relationship slowly evolves into a happy marriage. Taking time for a hug and holding on to ones tongue are key elements. I must be a level 8 expert of not saying the onorious thought that pops into my mind when something annoying happens. Luckily I recognize the peace that resides after not following through with some cutting remark. Thus we remain happy.
Grace is racing along very nicely.
Music, some Blur I have been playing.
Games. Urge folk to get Panzer Corps turn based table top like game. Its great fun with a hot toddy late at night. I downloaded a file of Nazi war tunes to play along in the background for added spirit.
Lower back pains on a daily basis. I finally got back to the gym on Tuesday after a 7 month break. My body was killing me with aches and pains and generally feeling awful. I have done 2 lots of 40 lengths and aim to continue.
Grace here bye
Wet season here and lots of rain possibly leading to a flood. If it floods I get holiday, if not, school.
Two fantasy quests have been occupying my time of late, namely the Game of Thrones books, now on book 4 A feast for crows and PC game Skyrim. Both are awesome and devouring my sacred free moments, usually after nine when Grace has gone to sleep. I have started staying up until midnight to make full use of my free time.
See Tom from time to time. Tony has come to the forefront of friendships as he only lives down the road and is primarily a fun guy. No politcal droning, no bitchiness, so prevailent in these parts amoing the ex-pats or dead beat teachers, and a barrel of laughs....and a gamer.
We have been playing World of Tanks free online game which is a hoot. We are both struggling up the charts and have had some great co-op moments pulling off a great vicyory and canning a few enemy tanks between us.
School is slow and boring as years of doing the same thing take their toll. Phit is fine.
Oi is fine and our relationship slowly evolves into a happy marriage. Taking time for a hug and holding on to ones tongue are key elements. I must be a level 8 expert of not saying the onorious thought that pops into my mind when something annoying happens. Luckily I recognize the peace that resides after not following through with some cutting remark. Thus we remain happy.
Grace is racing along very nicely.
Music, some Blur I have been playing.
Lower back pains on a daily basis. I finally got back to the gym on Tuesday after a 7 month break. My body was killing me with aches and pains and generally feeling awful. I have done 2 lots of 40 lengths and aim to continue.
Grace here bye
Friday, October 7, 2011
Hanna and Koh Mook
Back from a lovely trip to Koh Mook.
The weather was a bit shit, but rain is never unwelcome and there were sunny spots to enjoy. The holiday was, of course, for Grace and she had a ball. She entranced everyone she met and had a ball of fun. The monkey incident was very scary and has become her fear word.
We met a great French couple who came back to Hat Yai with us, and we also helped a couple of French students who were being conned by Happy Tours operating out of Krabi. I put them onto the tourist police and the agent folded after Oi had a word. Cunts. I hate these wankers who get so rich conning a never ending stream of folks trying to enjoy themselves, especially a couple of young, strapped for cash, students. Oi caught the agent out telling a lie, but there was still this indifferent, "oh, you fucking caught me out." from the cunt female con artist.
Koh Mook is a muslim fishing island forced to accommodate tourist due to its location. One resort charges 8,500 baht a night in high season. Ours, which was super, was 800 Baht with free interenet and tea and coffee.
We came home a bit early after a day of constant rain. I did a lot of reading of Game of Thrones book 3 and drank whiskey coffee and Leo beer in moderate quantity.
Back home and enjoying no school. Watching movies and TV and taking Grace for rides in the country. I found a little farm up a dusty road with a pond, cows and stuff. It is very quiet with dragonflys and butterflies buzzing around. There is a indefinite number of great tracks near the house to explore, with friendly farming folk offering a wave as we ride by.
I have a plan to head into the jungle with a trowel and a plastic bag and nab a few plants for the garden. Better than giving money to the ambitious woman in the plant shop.
One awesome movie I am almost through is Hanna. Best movie I have seen this year. Stunning, gripping and brilliant. Get it immediately.
Also watching thr new Downton Abbey, which is a bit pants I think.
Ain't seen anyone. Tom flew back to the States for more Grateful Dead gigs.
Massive floods in central Thailand and expected here next month.
Global scene is rather interesting. I tuned into John Zerzan the other day on Radio Anarchy. Let's see what happens Stateside. Glad to see the American people finally standing up for themselves.
Listening to Alan Watts lectures and Eurythmics Touch album.
The weather was a bit shit, but rain is never unwelcome and there were sunny spots to enjoy. The holiday was, of course, for Grace and she had a ball. She entranced everyone she met and had a ball of fun. The monkey incident was very scary and has become her fear word.
We met a great French couple who came back to Hat Yai with us, and we also helped a couple of French students who were being conned by Happy Tours operating out of Krabi. I put them onto the tourist police and the agent folded after Oi had a word. Cunts. I hate these wankers who get so rich conning a never ending stream of folks trying to enjoy themselves, especially a couple of young, strapped for cash, students. Oi caught the agent out telling a lie, but there was still this indifferent, "oh, you fucking caught me out." from the cunt female con artist.
Koh Mook is a muslim fishing island forced to accommodate tourist due to its location. One resort charges 8,500 baht a night in high season. Ours, which was super, was 800 Baht with free interenet and tea and coffee.
We came home a bit early after a day of constant rain. I did a lot of reading of Game of Thrones book 3 and drank whiskey coffee and Leo beer in moderate quantity.
I have a plan to head into the jungle with a trowel and a plastic bag and nab a few plants for the garden. Better than giving money to the ambitious woman in the plant shop.
One awesome movie I am almost through is Hanna. Best movie I have seen this year. Stunning, gripping and brilliant. Get it immediately.
Also watching thr new Downton Abbey, which is a bit pants I think.
Ain't seen anyone. Tom flew back to the States for more Grateful Dead gigs.
Massive floods in central Thailand and expected here next month.
Global scene is rather interesting. I tuned into John Zerzan the other day on Radio Anarchy. Let's see what happens Stateside. Glad to see the American people finally standing up for themselves.
Listening to Alan Watts lectures and Eurythmics Touch album.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Holiday
Breaking into holiday mode. This will take a few days of doing very little. I am trying to read, listen to music and relax. Not play too many games, though Dead Island is awesome.
Got back into Alan Watts listening and reading Game of Thrones and other research.
Also got a great kids multi cultural music cd by ella jenkins
Of course, Gracie is on the rampage!
Hopefully heading to an island next Saturday.
Got back into Alan Watts listening and reading Game of Thrones and other research.
Also got a great kids multi cultural music cd by ella jenkins
Of course, Gracie is on the rampage!
Hopefully heading to an island next Saturday.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Page Eight
After watching the first twenty minutes of the Tree of LIfe and abandoning it. Then sitting through 45 minutes of Freight, a violent London Russian gangster flick< i finally found something good. Bill Nighy in Page Eight. He is one fine actor and a pleasure to watch.
Two days until the end of term and fuck am i looking forward to it. Please excuse my punctuation, Grace ripped off half the keys on my keyboard.
I'm going to buy her some crayons as she loves the felt pens i bouyght her
Life has settled down from a nasty hectic pace and being fucking sick for about two months with heavy mucuc phlegm awfulness> i have recovered and the pace of work has diminished allowing more time for rest/
still ploughing through book 3 of game of thrones, still listening to skye edwards and still playing deus ex and dead island.
hoping to head to tropical island in october. first time in 3 or 4 years and only a couple of hours away. grace can enjoy swimming and the beach
enjoying home life and family life. funny i keep thinking back to something john reed said at bobbo's wedding in spain that he was a family man. i like tyhis and know that this is the best of times. like i know where my home is, with oi and grace having fun.
Jim of jim and linda fame died the other day. we had fallen out when my boss won a contract at a school over them and they picked the easy target and blamed me. so, someone died and issues had not been resolved. there are a few of those.... tom expressed sadness that circles of friends have been broken for what appear to be nothing more than difference of opinion. i am always stunned that folks are willing to let it happen, then again, i am not going to stop them or go running after them. if some folks can't accpet debate then that's their call.
mexican food still prevales here and i churn out salsa and guacamole weekly.
I'm going to buy her some crayons as she loves the felt pens i bouyght her
Life has settled down from a nasty hectic pace and being fucking sick for about two months with heavy mucuc phlegm awfulness> i have recovered and the pace of work has diminished allowing more time for rest/
still ploughing through book 3 of game of thrones, still listening to skye edwards and still playing deus ex and dead island.
hoping to head to tropical island in october. first time in 3 or 4 years and only a couple of hours away. grace can enjoy swimming and the beach
enjoying home life and family life. funny i keep thinking back to something john reed said at bobbo's wedding in spain that he was a family man. i like tyhis and know that this is the best of times. like i know where my home is, with oi and grace having fun.
Jim of jim and linda fame died the other day. we had fallen out when my boss won a contract at a school over them and they picked the easy target and blamed me. so, someone died and issues had not been resolved. there are a few of those.... tom expressed sadness that circles of friends have been broken for what appear to be nothing more than difference of opinion. i am always stunned that folks are willing to let it happen, then again, i am not going to stop them or go running after them. if some folks can't accpet debate then that's their call.
mexican food still prevales here and i churn out salsa and guacamole weekly.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Game Time
We are approaching a period of a plethora of games to get through, and one must be careful not to abuse any or the enjoyment of play.
I was happily nearing completion of the excellent Deus Ex when Dead Island arrived. It too is awesome and a zombie whacking fest in a luxury beach resort.
Diablo 3 is about to arrive and I want to replay some of Diablo 2, which has many die hard fans, some saying it was the best game of all time.
Fading further into the distance is Oblivion, which I was enjoying so much, and 11/11/11 is fast approaching which heralds the release of Skyrim, the next Oblivion Elder scrolls game. If you ain't checked it already, you must. It has to been seen to be believed.
And that is just the start. There is a bunch of others coming out all of which set to push the gaming tech ever further.
It is a time of games, gentlemen. And now I must return...
I was happily nearing completion of the excellent Deus Ex when Dead Island arrived. It too is awesome and a zombie whacking fest in a luxury beach resort.
Diablo 3 is about to arrive and I want to replay some of Diablo 2, which has many die hard fans, some saying it was the best game of all time.
Fading further into the distance is Oblivion, which I was enjoying so much, and 11/11/11 is fast approaching which heralds the release of Skyrim, the next Oblivion Elder scrolls game. If you ain't checked it already, you must. It has to been seen to be believed.
And that is just the start. There is a bunch of others coming out all of which set to push the gaming tech ever further.
It is a time of games, gentlemen. And now I must return...
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Grace's Sports Day
It was Grace's first Sports Day today and they gave me the day off to go and spectate. It was fun though the area was pretty cramped. Fun to be with Oi and Grace in a different environment.Camp Crusty's English Camp tomorrow and a chance to see a bunch of folk I rarely see these days. Oi and Grace will come to as it is a free day out.
Private classes going well at this new place down the road. Been teaching IELTS for adults which is interesting.
Heavily involved with Deus Ex. A Blade Runner extravaganza!
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Ry Cooder - Pull Up Some Dust and Sit Down
The Beaver
A dreadful day yesterday we had a standoff about money issues. Eventually, we came to an understanding and things have thanksfully returned to normal domestic bliss. It was the worst day I have had for decades and reminded me of times twenty years plus ago when I was pretty depressed in Sydney and around A level times. Once things were discussed though the black cloud passed quickly.
Strangely enough, I stumbled upon a great movie which I recommend, The Beaver, with Mel Gibson. A worthy movie about a guy suffering from severe depression. It seemed fitting to how I was feeling the day before. I had gone for a ride on my bike wandering around places I had never been to before with this numb feeling until I eventually found my way back home.
I have been doing a lot of private classes which I have really enjoyed. I am a wizz at making plans and worksheets on Publisher. Mother has sent lots of fun games and Happy Families has proved a smash hit.
Gamewise, I have been ploughing through Oblivion, but I have now been distracted by amazing Deus Ex Human Revolution.
Bookwise, I have started on Book 3 of Game of Thrones which still excites, but like many things it is a bit of a never-ending slugfest.
Working much more now means there is less time for idle pursuits.
Tom has made weekly visits and is usually armed with a jar of salsa. I have been making my own, and I made a wicked Gukomole. I downloaded an English show on Mexican cooking made easy and the recipes are amazing and I can get all the ingredients. I love avacardos.
Been listening to the new Morcheeba album and some of Skye Edwards solo stuff, like Love Show. Check it out.
I have been doing a lot of private classes which I have really enjoyed. I am a wizz at making plans and worksheets on Publisher. Mother has sent lots of fun games and Happy Families has proved a smash hit.
Gamewise, I have been ploughing through Oblivion, but I have now been distracted by amazing Deus Ex Human Revolution.
Bookwise, I have started on Book 3 of Game of Thrones which still excites, but like many things it is a bit of a never-ending slugfest.
Working much more now means there is less time for idle pursuits.
Tom has made weekly visits and is usually armed with a jar of salsa. I have been making my own, and I made a wicked Gukomole. I downloaded an English show on Mexican cooking made easy and the recipes are amazing and I can get all the ingredients. I love avacardos.
Been listening to the new Morcheeba album and some of Skye Edwards solo stuff, like Love Show. Check it out.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Salsa
I made some home made salsa today. Tom often brings some over that he buys in the supermarket, but ever to do th eright thing I looked it up on the Net, raced down to the shops and made not a bad one. Oi loved it. Luckily, you can buy decent nachos here, no fat and very cheap, so it looks like party snacks are here to stay.
Saturday and watched Thor today on my now free Saturdays. I loved it. I had sudden urges to check out Joseph Campbell again (the myth hunter) and downloaded 3 of his books. I just finished book 2 of Game of Thrones. JC's great book is called Hero with a thousand faces for those wanting to know.
Been working which has been okay, but hit a bit of a boring patch at the main school. Still, we do push them so I guess it is to be expected.
Still, battling through Oblivion which is great but quite wearing. I remind myself to stop playing when it gets fucked up. Actually I can tell, when I suddenly creep into someone's house in the night, steal their gold and hack them to pieces if they wake up and cause a scene. I turn it off the return to a previous save when I am feeling a tad better.
Grace has just got sick again and once again we go into recovery actions of no food or milk and just water. Hopefully it will pass in a day or two.
Lots of work leaves little time for anything else and when I do get a break I am truly grateful just to kick back.
Saturday and watched Thor today on my now free Saturdays. I loved it. I had sudden urges to check out Joseph Campbell again (the myth hunter) and downloaded 3 of his books. I just finished book 2 of Game of Thrones. JC's great book is called Hero with a thousand faces for those wanting to know.
Been working which has been okay, but hit a bit of a boring patch at the main school. Still, we do push them so I guess it is to be expected.
Still, battling through Oblivion which is great but quite wearing. I remind myself to stop playing when it gets fucked up. Actually I can tell, when I suddenly creep into someone's house in the night, steal their gold and hack them to pieces if they wake up and cause a scene. I turn it off the return to a previous save when I am feeling a tad better.
Grace has just got sick again and once again we go into recovery actions of no food or milk and just water. Hopefully it will pass in a day or two.
Lots of work leaves little time for anything else and when I do get a break I am truly grateful just to kick back.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Workin'
Tuesday night and finished my gruelling start to the week. 3 different jobs in a day, for 2 days which has me riding to the other side of town. The work is okay but the prep and the body ain't so good at massive workloads anymore. I frequently drop stuff and forget stuff when I got too much going on. And a plethora of health issues comes to plague me, in the form of rroids, a sty, cough, tight chest pains etc. I had to squat in the middle of Robinsons the other day until it subsided. I am looking for ward to when the extra work drops off in September.
Grace's birthday tomorrow and I think I will buy her a Thomas tank engine toy train set. never know with toys. Some they love, some they ignore.
Been watching an awesome movie I last saw when I was about 12 when BBC1 would show a movie at 9.25, after the news. I saw tons of gritty 70's stuff in my bedroom at High Trees on a 4 inch screen on an ancient telly we used to have. This is Straight Time with Dustin Hoffman. I always remembered it and it is as brilliant now as it was then, and more so.
I am trying to detox a bit right now and eat a lot of fruit to help my body through this trying time.
Grace has come to annoy me. Byee.
Grace's birthday tomorrow and I think I will buy her a Thomas tank engine toy train set. never know with toys. Some they love, some they ignore.
Been watching an awesome movie I last saw when I was about 12 when BBC1 would show a movie at 9.25, after the news. I saw tons of gritty 70's stuff in my bedroom at High Trees on a 4 inch screen on an ancient telly we used to have. This is Straight Time with Dustin Hoffman. I always remembered it and it is as brilliant now as it was then, and more so.
I am trying to detox a bit right now and eat a lot of fruit to help my body through this trying time.
Grace has come to annoy me. Byee.
Monday, August 15, 2011
On The Mend
Just to let folks know, that Grace is much better now. She isn't completely well and may be off school for a few more days, but the miserable days have ended and she is back to being naughty and cheeky and funny.
Things have calmed down for me too as I am getting used to working 3 jobs. I enjoy all of them but they do take preparation. I try not to rush through lessons and spread them out a bit to soak up some time. The nun at work keeps smiling at me so something must be going right.
I haven't seen much of anyone lately, and often when I do someone has a problem with someone or such and such, so I am fairly happy being left to my own devices. There is enough to keep me busy in my own life. I remember dad never had mates over. I wonder if that is something to do with age.
I have even converted over to cans of Leo beer. They are smaller and more handy. Two cans refreshes me quite well after a hard days graft and doesn't get me drunk.
I am still ploughing through Book 2 of Game of Thrones. Gruesome news in the latter pages of this tome for those embarkig on the quest.
Much of last weekend was spent playing Oblivion The Elder Scrolls. It is huge and countless ways to get absorbed in alchemy or exploring. Highly recommended if you have acres of time. The sequel Skyrim is out in November. Utube it to be blown away.
Cash has started to re-enter our lives, though I have to go and pay off the boss after last months hospital injunction. The new jobs will give us enough to live a little more comfortably. Snickers bars and Pepperidge Farm cookies are back on the snack menu.
Things have calmed down for me too as I am getting used to working 3 jobs. I enjoy all of them but they do take preparation. I try not to rush through lessons and spread them out a bit to soak up some time. The nun at work keeps smiling at me so something must be going right.
I haven't seen much of anyone lately, and often when I do someone has a problem with someone or such and such, so I am fairly happy being left to my own devices. There is enough to keep me busy in my own life. I remember dad never had mates over. I wonder if that is something to do with age.
I have even converted over to cans of Leo beer. They are smaller and more handy. Two cans refreshes me quite well after a hard days graft and doesn't get me drunk.
I am still ploughing through Book 2 of Game of Thrones. Gruesome news in the latter pages of this tome for those embarkig on the quest.
Much of last weekend was spent playing Oblivion The Elder Scrolls. It is huge and countless ways to get absorbed in alchemy or exploring. Highly recommended if you have acres of time. The sequel Skyrim is out in November. Utube it to be blown away.
Cash has started to re-enter our lives, though I have to go and pay off the boss after last months hospital injunction. The new jobs will give us enough to live a little more comfortably. Snickers bars and Pepperidge Farm cookies are back on the snack menu.
Friday, August 12, 2011
Guardian - Russel Brand
I don't know much about this chap, except he is a bit of a twerp. But when he makes more sense than the Brit. gov, then things are beyond the pail.
"This week's riots are sad and frightening and, if I have by virtue of my temporary displacement forgone the right to speak about the behaviour of my countrymen, then this is gonna be irksome. I mean even David Cameron came back from his holiday. Eventually. The Tuscan truffles lost their succulence when the breaking glass became too loud to ignore. Then dopey ol' Boris came cycling back into the London clutter with his spun gold hair and his spun shit logic as it became apparent that the holiday was over.
In fact, it isn't my absence from the territory of London that bothers me; it's my absence from the economic class that is being affected that itches in my gut because, as I looked at the online incident maps, the boroughs that were suffering all, for me, had some resonance. I've lived in Dalston, Hackney, Elephant, Camden and Bethnal Green. I grew up round Dagenham and Romford and, whilst I could never claim to be from the demographic most obviously affected, I feel guilty that I'm not there now.
I feel proud to be English, proud to be a Londoner (all right, an Essex boy), never more so than since being in exile, and I naturally began to wonder what would make young people destroy their communities.
I have spoken to mates in London and Manchester and they sound genuinely frightened and hopeless, and the details of their stories place this outbreak beyond the realms of any political idealism or rationalisation. But I can't, from my ivory tower in the Hollywood Hills, compete with the understandable yet futile rhetoric, describing the rioters as mindless. Nor do I want to dwell on the sadness of our beautiful cities being tarnished and people's shops and livelihoods, sometimes generations old, being immolated. The tragic and inevitable deaths ought to be left for eulogies and grieving. Tariq Jahan has spoken so eloquently from his position of painful proximity, with such compassion, that nearly all else is redundant.
The only question I can legitimately ask is: why is this happening? Mark Duggan's death has been badly handled but no one is contesting that is a reason for these conflagrations beyond the initial flash of activity in Tottenham. I've heard Theresa May and the Old Etonians whose hols have been curtailed (many would say they're the real victims) saying the behaviour is "unjustifiable" and "unacceptable". Wow! Thanks guys! What a wonderful use of the planet's fast-depleting oxygen resources. Now that's been dealt with can we move on to more taxing matters such as whether or not Jack The Ripper was a ladies' man. And what the hell do bears get up to in those woods?
However "unacceptable" and "unjustifiable" it might be, it has happened so we better accept it and, whilst we can't justify it, we should kick around a few neurons and work out why so many people feel utterly disconnected from the cities they live in.
Unless on the news tomorrow it's revealed that there's been a freaky "criminal creating" chemical leak in London and Manchester and Liverpool and Birmingham that's causing young people to spontaneously and simultaneously violate their environments – in which case we can park the ol' brainboxes, stop worrying and get on with the football season, but I suspect there hasn't – we have, as human beings, got a few things to consider together.
I should here admit that I have been arrested for criminal damage for my part in anti-capitalist protest earlier in this decade. I often attended protests and then, in my early 20s, and on drugs, I enjoyed it when the protests lost direction and became chaotic, hostile even. I was intrigued by the anarchist "Black bloc", hooded and masked, as, in retrospect, was their agenda, but was more viscerally affected by the football "casuals" who'd turn up because the veneer of the protest's idealistic objective gave them the perfect opportunity to wreck stuff and have a row with the Old Bill.
That was never my cup of tea though. For one thing, policemen are generally pretty good fighters and second, it registered that the accent they shouted at me with was closer to my own than that of some of those singing about the red flag making the wall of plastic shields between us seem thinner.
I found those protests exciting, yes, because I was young and a bit of a twerp but also, I suppose, because there was a void in me. A lack of direction, a sense that I was not invested in the dominant culture, that government existed not to look after the interests of the people it was elected to represent but the big businesses that they were in bed with.
I felt that, and I had a mum who loved me, a dad who told me that nothing was beyond my reach, an education, a grant from Essex council (to train as an actor of all things!!!) and several charities that gave me money for maintenance. I shudder to think how disenfranchised I would have felt if I had been deprived of that long list of privileges.
That state of deprivation though is, of course, the condition that many of those rioting endure as their unbending reality. No education, a weakened family unit, no money and no way of getting any. JD Sports is probably easier to desecrate if you can't afford what's in there and the few poorly paid jobs there are taken. Amidst the bleakness of this social landscape, squinting all the while in the glare of a culture that radiates ultraviolet consumerism and infrared celebrity. That daily, hourly, incessantly enforces the egregious, deceitful message that you are what you wear, what you drive, what you watch and what you watch it on, in livid, neon pixels. The only light in their lives comes from these luminous corporate messages. No wonder they have their fucking hoods up.
I remember Cameron saying "hug a hoodie" but I haven't seen him doing it. Why would he? Hoodies don't vote, they've realised it's pointless, that whoever gets elected will just be a different shade of the "we don't give a toss about you" party.
Politicians don't represent the interests of people who don't vote. They barely care about the people who do vote. They look after the corporations who get them elected. Cameron only spoke out against News International when it became evident to us, US, the people, not to him (like Rose West, "He must've known") that the newspapers Murdoch controlled were happy to desecrate the dead in the pursuit of another exploitative, distracting story.
Why am I surprised that these young people behave destructively, "mindlessly", motivated only by self-interest? How should we describe the actions of the city bankers who brought our economy to its knees in 2010? Altruistic? Mindful? Kind? But then again, they do wear suits, so they deserve to be bailed out, perhaps that's why not one of them has been imprisoned. And they got away with a lot more than a few fucking pairs of trainers.
These young people have no sense of community because they haven't been given one. They have no stake in society because Cameron's mentor Margaret Thatcher told us there's no such thing.
If we don't want our young people to tear apart our communities then don't let people in power tear apart the values that hold our communities together.
As you have by now surely noticed, I don't know enough about politics to ponder a solution and my hands are sticky with blood money from representing corporate interests through film, television and commercials, venerating, through my endorsements and celebrity, products and a lifestyle that contributes to the alienation of an increasingly dissatisfied underclass. But I know, as we all intuitively know, the solution is all around us and it isn't political, it is spiritual. Gandhi said: "Be the change you want to see in the world."
In this simple sentiment we can find hope, as we can in the efforts of those cleaning up the debris and ash in bonhomous, broom-wielding posses. If we want to live in a society where people feel included, we must include them, where they feel represented, we must represent them and where they feel love and compassion for their communities then we, the members of that community, must find love and compassion for them.
As we sweep away the mistakes made in the selfish, nocturnal darkness we must ensure that, amidst the broken glass and sadness, we don't sweep away the youth lost amongst the shards in the shadows cast by the new dawn."
"This week's riots are sad and frightening and, if I have by virtue of my temporary displacement forgone the right to speak about the behaviour of my countrymen, then this is gonna be irksome. I mean even David Cameron came back from his holiday. Eventually. The Tuscan truffles lost their succulence when the breaking glass became too loud to ignore. Then dopey ol' Boris came cycling back into the London clutter with his spun gold hair and his spun shit logic as it became apparent that the holiday was over.
In fact, it isn't my absence from the territory of London that bothers me; it's my absence from the economic class that is being affected that itches in my gut because, as I looked at the online incident maps, the boroughs that were suffering all, for me, had some resonance. I've lived in Dalston, Hackney, Elephant, Camden and Bethnal Green. I grew up round Dagenham and Romford and, whilst I could never claim to be from the demographic most obviously affected, I feel guilty that I'm not there now.
I feel proud to be English, proud to be a Londoner (all right, an Essex boy), never more so than since being in exile, and I naturally began to wonder what would make young people destroy their communities.
I have spoken to mates in London and Manchester and they sound genuinely frightened and hopeless, and the details of their stories place this outbreak beyond the realms of any political idealism or rationalisation. But I can't, from my ivory tower in the Hollywood Hills, compete with the understandable yet futile rhetoric, describing the rioters as mindless. Nor do I want to dwell on the sadness of our beautiful cities being tarnished and people's shops and livelihoods, sometimes generations old, being immolated. The tragic and inevitable deaths ought to be left for eulogies and grieving. Tariq Jahan has spoken so eloquently from his position of painful proximity, with such compassion, that nearly all else is redundant.
The only question I can legitimately ask is: why is this happening? Mark Duggan's death has been badly handled but no one is contesting that is a reason for these conflagrations beyond the initial flash of activity in Tottenham. I've heard Theresa May and the Old Etonians whose hols have been curtailed (many would say they're the real victims) saying the behaviour is "unjustifiable" and "unacceptable". Wow! Thanks guys! What a wonderful use of the planet's fast-depleting oxygen resources. Now that's been dealt with can we move on to more taxing matters such as whether or not Jack The Ripper was a ladies' man. And what the hell do bears get up to in those woods?
However "unacceptable" and "unjustifiable" it might be, it has happened so we better accept it and, whilst we can't justify it, we should kick around a few neurons and work out why so many people feel utterly disconnected from the cities they live in.
Unless on the news tomorrow it's revealed that there's been a freaky "criminal creating" chemical leak in London and Manchester and Liverpool and Birmingham that's causing young people to spontaneously and simultaneously violate their environments – in which case we can park the ol' brainboxes, stop worrying and get on with the football season, but I suspect there hasn't – we have, as human beings, got a few things to consider together.
I should here admit that I have been arrested for criminal damage for my part in anti-capitalist protest earlier in this decade. I often attended protests and then, in my early 20s, and on drugs, I enjoyed it when the protests lost direction and became chaotic, hostile even. I was intrigued by the anarchist "Black bloc", hooded and masked, as, in retrospect, was their agenda, but was more viscerally affected by the football "casuals" who'd turn up because the veneer of the protest's idealistic objective gave them the perfect opportunity to wreck stuff and have a row with the Old Bill.
That was never my cup of tea though. For one thing, policemen are generally pretty good fighters and second, it registered that the accent they shouted at me with was closer to my own than that of some of those singing about the red flag making the wall of plastic shields between us seem thinner.
I found those protests exciting, yes, because I was young and a bit of a twerp but also, I suppose, because there was a void in me. A lack of direction, a sense that I was not invested in the dominant culture, that government existed not to look after the interests of the people it was elected to represent but the big businesses that they were in bed with.
I felt that, and I had a mum who loved me, a dad who told me that nothing was beyond my reach, an education, a grant from Essex council (to train as an actor of all things!!!) and several charities that gave me money for maintenance. I shudder to think how disenfranchised I would have felt if I had been deprived of that long list of privileges.
That state of deprivation though is, of course, the condition that many of those rioting endure as their unbending reality. No education, a weakened family unit, no money and no way of getting any. JD Sports is probably easier to desecrate if you can't afford what's in there and the few poorly paid jobs there are taken. Amidst the bleakness of this social landscape, squinting all the while in the glare of a culture that radiates ultraviolet consumerism and infrared celebrity. That daily, hourly, incessantly enforces the egregious, deceitful message that you are what you wear, what you drive, what you watch and what you watch it on, in livid, neon pixels. The only light in their lives comes from these luminous corporate messages. No wonder they have their fucking hoods up.
I remember Cameron saying "hug a hoodie" but I haven't seen him doing it. Why would he? Hoodies don't vote, they've realised it's pointless, that whoever gets elected will just be a different shade of the "we don't give a toss about you" party.
Politicians don't represent the interests of people who don't vote. They barely care about the people who do vote. They look after the corporations who get them elected. Cameron only spoke out against News International when it became evident to us, US, the people, not to him (like Rose West, "He must've known") that the newspapers Murdoch controlled were happy to desecrate the dead in the pursuit of another exploitative, distracting story.
Why am I surprised that these young people behave destructively, "mindlessly", motivated only by self-interest? How should we describe the actions of the city bankers who brought our economy to its knees in 2010? Altruistic? Mindful? Kind? But then again, they do wear suits, so they deserve to be bailed out, perhaps that's why not one of them has been imprisoned. And they got away with a lot more than a few fucking pairs of trainers.
These young people have no sense of community because they haven't been given one. They have no stake in society because Cameron's mentor Margaret Thatcher told us there's no such thing.
If we don't want our young people to tear apart our communities then don't let people in power tear apart the values that hold our communities together.
As you have by now surely noticed, I don't know enough about politics to ponder a solution and my hands are sticky with blood money from representing corporate interests through film, television and commercials, venerating, through my endorsements and celebrity, products and a lifestyle that contributes to the alienation of an increasingly dissatisfied underclass. But I know, as we all intuitively know, the solution is all around us and it isn't political, it is spiritual. Gandhi said: "Be the change you want to see in the world."
In this simple sentiment we can find hope, as we can in the efforts of those cleaning up the debris and ash in bonhomous, broom-wielding posses. If we want to live in a society where people feel included, we must include them, where they feel represented, we must represent them and where they feel love and compassion for their communities then we, the members of that community, must find love and compassion for them.
As we sweep away the mistakes made in the selfish, nocturnal darkness we must ensure that, amidst the broken glass and sadness, we don't sweep away the youth lost amongst the shards in the shadows cast by the new dawn."
Sickness
I have been working like a bastard at 3 different jobs, to get out of this crap cash problem. It has been tiring but not without some fun. I am managing to squeeze games of Carcassonne in with some students who are determined to beat me.
Grace has been horribly sick and spent a night in the hospital for a mere 9,000 Baht. We had to borrow from my boss to get through the month. I told Phit it was like those jobs the Indians do in the Middle East. They get paid, then have to pay back for rent and food and end up being in debt to the boss. Doctors and hospitals are just scam mechants here taking advantage of peoples ignorance and need to stay alive. It's disgusting.
Grace has dehydration through a cold bug in her stomach causing her to vomit continuously and loose fluid. Then she got broncitius like me. She seems a lot better now though. She has got better much more quickly than her aging dad.
With Grace sick, things have been a tad touchy between me and Oi. We disagree on medical grounds fairly fundamentally. With G's improved health though thus returns our peace. It's just horrible when your kid is sick and you don't know what to do or who to believe.
Patiently awaiting Oblivion Skyrim, I reinstalled Obivilion and have become engulfed in amazing gameplay. Luckily, it was mother's day yesterday and I got some time to play it.
Hoping to return to the jungle behind the house today (Sat) with a friend and explore the mountain.
Grace has been horribly sick and spent a night in the hospital for a mere 9,000 Baht. We had to borrow from my boss to get through the month. I told Phit it was like those jobs the Indians do in the Middle East. They get paid, then have to pay back for rent and food and end up being in debt to the boss. Doctors and hospitals are just scam mechants here taking advantage of peoples ignorance and need to stay alive. It's disgusting.
Grace has dehydration through a cold bug in her stomach causing her to vomit continuously and loose fluid. Then she got broncitius like me. She seems a lot better now though. She has got better much more quickly than her aging dad.
With Grace sick, things have been a tad touchy between me and Oi. We disagree on medical grounds fairly fundamentally. With G's improved health though thus returns our peace. It's just horrible when your kid is sick and you don't know what to do or who to believe.
Patiently awaiting Oblivion Skyrim, I reinstalled Obivilion and have become engulfed in amazing gameplay. Luckily, it was mother's day yesterday and I got some time to play it.
Hoping to return to the jungle behind the house today (Sat) with a friend and explore the mountain.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Hash Run No. 2
Just done my second hash run and it was great. Such fun and a wonderful bunch of guys. Danny, the Aussie, came with me and thoroughly enjoyed it. Up in the rubber trees and it was quite wild and gruelling. The party and beer afterwards was fantastic and the folks there are awesome.
Thanks, Percy, for introducing me to something so fantastic.
Thanks, Percy, for introducing me to something so fantastic.
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Friday, August 5, 2011
Natural Obvilion
Just had a fun ride with Grace. I took off down a dirt track into teh rubber plantations. I found these huge lakes and tiny wooden farm shacks way off in the woods. It was very quiet and serene. Grace loves anything with water these day.
Got a bit of bronchitisosaurus, so coughing up nasty phelm.
Gameswise, I loaded up Obvilion, an epic adventure quest, swords, magic that sort of thing.
I am churning out lesson plans, wordsearches, colouring sheets, crosswords and flashcards 24/7 at the moment. I think Oi is a bit shocked at my transformation from lounging around the house complaining to busy ultra effecticient and dynamic problem solver extrodinaire!
I'll ride it while it lasts!
Got a bit of bronchitisosaurus, so coughing up nasty phelm.
Gameswise, I loaded up Obvilion, an epic adventure quest, swords, magic that sort of thing.
I am churning out lesson plans, wordsearches, colouring sheets, crosswords and flashcards 24/7 at the moment. I think Oi is a bit shocked at my transformation from lounging around the house complaining to busy ultra effecticient and dynamic problem solver extrodinaire!
I'll ride it while it lasts!
Double Dip?
I don't know why the media is reporting the latest crash as a double dip. It never recovered in the first place. If an old git in the jungle can see what's going on, why can't the folks who are paid millions?
It may cause personal discomfort, and for that I am sorry, but Cripes! we fucking deserve the shit that's gonna go down (as a race of fuckwits - that is).
Of course, it's all just a news story projected to the global population to appease the masses. You can still sit in the garden, drink beer and watch the sun go down, it won't change that.
Love to all cuddly people!
From the Guardian;
The Repugnant party in the US have themselves to blame and nobody else. Clinton got them out of debt and Bush the lesser bankrupted the country with two pointless wars...... congratulations right wing America... you have screwed your country up just nicely.
It may cause personal discomfort, and for that I am sorry, but Cripes! we fucking deserve the shit that's gonna go down (as a race of fuckwits - that is).
Of course, it's all just a news story projected to the global population to appease the masses. You can still sit in the garden, drink beer and watch the sun go down, it won't change that.
Love to all cuddly people!
From the Guardian;
The Repugnant party in the US have themselves to blame and nobody else. Clinton got them out of debt and Bush the lesser bankrupted the country with two pointless wars...... congratulations right wing America... you have screwed your country up just nicely.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Private Classes
Woah! I have been projected into a savage and hectic world of private classes.
After putting the word out and doing the rounds I have got a whole bunch of extra work on top of my morning gig. Working every day except Saturday afternoons and evenings. So far, I am quite enjoying it and am trying to make it as easy for me as possible. Everyone seems happy with my performance, and although the pay sucks, it does make quite a difference to how we can live. I was initally a bit stunned by the extra workload but now I am coping pretty well and like being ultra busy for a change.
We are heading to Songkhla again this weekend so Grace can play in the sea and run around a hotel room and eat in reastaurants. It should be fun.
Oi is busy making her T shirts and both of us keeping busy with our activities.
I caught Tom the other day. First time in a month, and he is very well.
After putting the word out and doing the rounds I have got a whole bunch of extra work on top of my morning gig. Working every day except Saturday afternoons and evenings. So far, I am quite enjoying it and am trying to make it as easy for me as possible. Everyone seems happy with my performance, and although the pay sucks, it does make quite a difference to how we can live. I was initally a bit stunned by the extra workload but now I am coping pretty well and like being ultra busy for a change.
We are heading to Songkhla again this weekend so Grace can play in the sea and run around a hotel room and eat in reastaurants. It should be fun.
Oi is busy making her T shirts and both of us keeping busy with our activities.
I caught Tom the other day. First time in a month, and he is very well.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Groo the Wanderer
In case you find yourself in the depths of dispair and brought down by everlasting sadness, fear not! There is always the adventures of Groo to make you smile and laugh, as only Groo can.
Acquire by any means and enjoy.
War Picture Library
I am ploughing through, "A Clash of Kings", book 2 of Game of Thrones and for some reason I clocked onto some lost comics, hoping to read again, namely, Groo the Wanderer and ElfQuest. I have found both and am attempting to install them on my ereader. Okay, I will lose the colour, but I can relax in a chair or on a sofa and enjoy, as opposed to sitting in front of a PC, an attempt which previously failed as I have never completed either series, much as I love them.
I have yet to locate software which will allow perfect viewing on the ereader, but I hope to have sussed this over this coming weekend.
I have done a few private classes now and have more lined up for next week. Fuck, it was so easy tonight. The kids were very weak and shy, it was 5 minutes from my house and I waltzed through an hour and a half of games and talk and came home with 450 Baht, which I gave straight to wifey (which keeps her happy). It was a breeze and she asked me back tomorrow. These extra credits will make the difference between having some cash to have fun with and going hungry at the end of the month. Easy money, and yes I am grateful.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Monday, July 25, 2011
Percy and the Hash House Harriers
We exchanged hugs after a 12 year absence and caught up over some beer. He brought us a bottle of champayne and some jigsaws for Grace.
Next morning I woke him up horribly early (he had flown in from Geneva) to eat Dim Sum with Phit and Nam, Oi and Grace at the Chinese restaurants in town. After that, we came home and he took a quick nap.
The group had left for the run five minutes previous. Percy took off after them. I opted to walk the short route, and very pleasant it was; peaceful and serene in nature.
When I arrived back at the vehicles from my happy walk, there was a grumpy fat German man sitting in a chair. I hung about as more and more people started to appear from between the trees. Old men from all over the world collected together and started drinking beer supplied by a giant ice box in the back of the Song Teow. I grabbed one and joined in. What a great bunch of guys, most, I would say in there late 50's up. Some in their 70's. One guys dad had died in Tobruk during the war and another's dad had been at Monte Cassino. Percy reppeared and started drinking beer too.
The circle. At some point everyone formed into a circle and we and some others we forced to sit on blocks of ice as we were initiated. They all broke out in song and some Aussie mad man ranted at us like a Sargent Major. It was mad and hilarious, and I will definitely be going back for more.
Percy and I continued chatting and drinking at home and the next morning he was off to the airport and Manila to some work meeting.
So short, but so sweet.
The great thing I said to him was that his brief visit had introduced me to something that has been going on here for years that I never knew about, and it was him that showed me. So awesome, as I have been feeling down of late and needing some form of new relief.
Percy loved it, and shouted to me as we sped passed the rice paddies on the backroads to Songkhla, "You live in an amazing country." Another visitor, first in a long time actually, had had an awesome time and was gutted to be leaving this little corner of Asia.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Percy
A rainy Friday afternoon and I am waiting with some joy for old time friend from P&G, Percy Kirkman to arrive. He is staying just until Sunday and it has been about 12 years since I have seen him. He lives in Switzerland these days I think and is married with two young boys. A far cry from when we drank gin and tonic and I force fed him Woody Allen movies in my little house in Portsmouth. It should be great.
This week has seen me putting things back in place after last weeks harrowing events. I did a teaching demo at a small language school last night which went well. The pay sucks, but it is close by and very easy for me. I also have some work coming up with Philip Hiver's mum (thanks Phil), so I am going to be a busy boy and earning some extra much needed dosh.
Grace's 2nd birthday next month and we want to buy her a doll's house. I was recalling the fun I had with my Star Wars Death Star eons ago. I loved it, and I am sure Grace can ignite her imagination with a doll's house.
I have started her on flashcards, just colours for now, and she is getting good after just a few days. Orange was the first word she can recall, and now brown and black. She does the classic looking at me to prompt her with the answer and whenever she starts getting stupid I stop and put them away. I brought home my animals and food flashcards this weekend to continue the training. Normally, Phit uses them for her private classes, though they are all mine. I made, printed and laminated the lot, hundreds of them in all subjects.
Peppa Pig is played daily and is fantastic for me and Oi too. There is one episode when Dr. Brown Bear is describing his own medicine as, "It tastes like jammy yogurt flavoured custard socks." It cracked me up.
I haven't had a drink all week. My mood improves immediately I take a break from the booze. Time is telling me to jack it in permently, and perhaps one day I will. Oi, being Thai and very zen like reminds me of my change in character and about my health.
Percy has just called from Bangkok airport and will be on his way here presently.
This week has seen me putting things back in place after last weeks harrowing events. I did a teaching demo at a small language school last night which went well. The pay sucks, but it is close by and very easy for me. I also have some work coming up with Philip Hiver's mum (thanks Phil), so I am going to be a busy boy and earning some extra much needed dosh.
Grace's 2nd birthday next month and we want to buy her a doll's house. I was recalling the fun I had with my Star Wars Death Star eons ago. I loved it, and I am sure Grace can ignite her imagination with a doll's house.
I have started her on flashcards, just colours for now, and she is getting good after just a few days. Orange was the first word she can recall, and now brown and black. She does the classic looking at me to prompt her with the answer and whenever she starts getting stupid I stop and put them away. I brought home my animals and food flashcards this weekend to continue the training. Normally, Phit uses them for her private classes, though they are all mine. I made, printed and laminated the lot, hundreds of them in all subjects.
Peppa Pig is played daily and is fantastic for me and Oi too. There is one episode when Dr. Brown Bear is describing his own medicine as, "It tastes like jammy yogurt flavoured custard socks." It cracked me up.
I haven't had a drink all week. My mood improves immediately I take a break from the booze. Time is telling me to jack it in permently, and perhaps one day I will. Oi, being Thai and very zen like reminds me of my change in character and about my health.
Percy has just called from Bangkok airport and will be on his way here presently.
Monday, July 18, 2011
And to top it all off...
oi got bitten by a dog while riding the motorcycle with Grace.
17,000 Baht later after the hospital treatment. That's about 350 quid!!!!
17,000 Baht later after the hospital treatment. That's about 350 quid!!!!
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Dry
It's been a long weekend. Four days. It started with the new hotel job being cancelled. Then I lost my ATM card. We went to Songkhla and stayed in a hotel for a night. Grace had an awesome time in the sea and running about.
When we came home the water is off in our street. It won't be back on until tomorrow (I hope). This makes life very uncomfortable.
Been feeling pretty glum lately.
Old friend from P&G Percy Kirkman is flying in on Friday for 2 days. That should be great.
I hope the water is on by then and the building work (the leaking roof) in the house is finished.
On book 2 of the Game of Thrones Series (A Clash of Kings)
When we came home the water is off in our street. It won't be back on until tomorrow (I hope). This makes life very uncomfortable.
Been feeling pretty glum lately.
Old friend from P&G Percy Kirkman is flying in on Friday for 2 days. That should be great.
I hope the water is on by then and the building work (the leaking roof) in the house is finished.
On book 2 of the Game of Thrones Series (A Clash of Kings)
Sunday, July 10, 2011
3 Day Weekend
End of a long weekend, and a very pleasant one at that. Oi and I are trying to put our money worries behind us and get on with easy times. Also, Carole Hiver (Phillip's mum) has offered me 2 weeks work teaching hotel staff, so that could be quite fun and profitable.
Have been ploughing through Game of Thrones and loving every rich minute of it. I can't wait to find out what happens in book 2, remember I know everything about book 1 from the TV series. I even found a world map on the net and printed it off, so I can get a feel of the geography of this fantasy world. It's quite political with armies moving hither and wither, so it help put things in place
Watched a great Aussie flick today, "Black Water" about some folks trapped up a tree in a swamp infested by crocodiles - very real, very scary.
New Canada Mark, wife Jackie and 3 year old baby girl daughter, Noi came over last night which was very pleasant. His a a very chilled chap who earns extra dosh by kick boxing. His next fight has a prize of 10K, so he is really hoping to win.
Been keeping track on the financial world scene and listening to various folks take on it. This dame, Margaret Atwood (Canadian writer) has some highly listenable views.
Builders have arrived to fix our roof. I won't talk about the Chinese landlady trying to get us to pay for it and indirectly accusing us of cheating her. Only that she fits the mold of what I have come to expect of landlords in Thailand - utter cunts.
School tomorrow.
Have been ploughing through Game of Thrones and loving every rich minute of it. I can't wait to find out what happens in book 2, remember I know everything about book 1 from the TV series. I even found a world map on the net and printed it off, so I can get a feel of the geography of this fantasy world. It's quite political with armies moving hither and wither, so it help put things in place
Watched a great Aussie flick today, "Black Water" about some folks trapped up a tree in a swamp infested by crocodiles - very real, very scary.
New Canada Mark, wife Jackie and 3 year old baby girl daughter, Noi came over last night which was very pleasant. His a a very chilled chap who earns extra dosh by kick boxing. His next fight has a prize of 10K, so he is really hoping to win.
Been keeping track on the financial world scene and listening to various folks take on it. This dame, Margaret Atwood (Canadian writer) has some highly listenable views.
Builders have arrived to fix our roof. I won't talk about the Chinese landlady trying to get us to pay for it and indirectly accusing us of cheating her. Only that she fits the mold of what I have come to expect of landlords in Thailand - utter cunts.
School tomorrow.
Friday, July 8, 2011
USIt ain't what you don't know that gets you into trouble. It's what you know for sure that just ain't so.
It's 4 in the morning and I am scanning the online papers.
Things do look rather serious right now for the human beans. The US is hemorrhaging so badly right now it's almost scary. Not much on the job front and it ain't getting any better. Actually, it is the belief of this linear pattern that we expect to follow that is the pit we all fall into. And the belief that everything can return to normal, like the old ways.
Here's a nice article
http://questioneverything.typepad.com/question_everything/2011/06/what-gets-us-into-trouble.html
and here is a great article on predicted futures;
http://questioneverything.typepad.com/question_everything/2011/05/two-scenarios.html#comments
and if that's too daunting, just watch this (it's very easy)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJ-J91SwP8w&feature=relmfu
...or perhaps it is merely the idle musings on an old fool...
...or is it?
...or maybe it is?
...or is it?
Things do look rather serious right now for the human beans. The US is hemorrhaging so badly right now it's almost scary. Not much on the job front and it ain't getting any better. Actually, it is the belief of this linear pattern that we expect to follow that is the pit we all fall into. And the belief that everything can return to normal, like the old ways.
Here's a nice article
http://questioneverything.typepad.com/question_everything/2011/06/what-gets-us-into-trouble.html
and here is a great article on predicted futures;
http://questioneverything.typepad.com/question_everything/2011/05/two-scenarios.html#comments
and if that's too daunting, just watch this (it's very easy)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJ-J91SwP8w&feature=relmfu
...or perhaps it is merely the idle musings on an old fool...
...or is it?
...or maybe it is?
...or is it?
Euro Future
Watching Witness on Aljazeera about the Greek crysis, one chap was saying what will eventually happen is that as more of these bailouts occur and the cost is put to the taxpayers of the wealthier states, (Germany etc), that Germany will eventually pull the plug on the Euro and pull out, presumably letting all the defaulting countries sink and fall into some sort of chaos. After this who knows? I imagine a lot of these debts will have to be written off. China is holding all the cards right now. US and Europe are sliding into insolvency. I guess, a lot of assets will be bought by wealthier nations in the Middle East and the East.
I suppose a lot of people won't like it. Individuals will have stashed money away and escape.
Maybe China can then start calling the shots on who gets the energy resources it so badly needs. Maybe then war will start.
I suppose a lot of people won't like it. Individuals will have stashed money away and escape.
Maybe China can then start calling the shots on who gets the energy resources it so badly needs. Maybe then war will start.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Sports Day
It's Sports Day tomorrow at the school, so I get a day off. That's cool.
This week I have been reading Game of Thrones. I have just over a hundred pages to go. The TV series follows the book very closely, so I know what is going to happen, but it is still awesome, and there are three other books after this one. It's great and so compelling.
I also downloaded Hitman Blood Money, a game that had escaped me years ago. What fun. OPen ended levels. You have to take someone out in a variety of settling, by any means possible. There is a South American villa, an opera house, a suburban estate, a Hollywood rehab clinic and a carnival so far. One can get into some awful scraps taking out cleaners and changing disguises. Normally, all hell breaks loose and a lot of people get blown away, but one does try to be a bit clever about it and do it the cunning way.
I met up with Tom on Tuesday and we managed to remain fairly sober. Alas, Jim Clark, of "Jim and Linda" fame has passed away. Only 55. He and Linda had split up a while back and he had relocated to Hua Hin. We had also fallen out when my boss won a contract at a school which they were working in. They sent me nasty emails and blamed me for it all. Thus I had cut contacts with them and haven't seen them in ages. Still, it is sad and he was a very funny guy.
I am currently looking for extra work as cash is short. I have been in a few language centres in town and will continue the hunt until it bears fruit. Hopefully then, we will have a bit more cash. Oi also may start working for Smart English next year when a place is available for her.
In class, I have introduced tons of new songs from the Internet which are great and go down a storm.
This week I have been reading Game of Thrones. I have just over a hundred pages to go. The TV series follows the book very closely, so I know what is going to happen, but it is still awesome, and there are three other books after this one. It's great and so compelling.
I also downloaded Hitman Blood Money, a game that had escaped me years ago. What fun. OPen ended levels. You have to take someone out in a variety of settling, by any means possible. There is a South American villa, an opera house, a suburban estate, a Hollywood rehab clinic and a carnival so far. One can get into some awful scraps taking out cleaners and changing disguises. Normally, all hell breaks loose and a lot of people get blown away, but one does try to be a bit clever about it and do it the cunning way.
I met up with Tom on Tuesday and we managed to remain fairly sober. Alas, Jim Clark, of "Jim and Linda" fame has passed away. Only 55. He and Linda had split up a while back and he had relocated to Hua Hin. We had also fallen out when my boss won a contract at a school which they were working in. They sent me nasty emails and blamed me for it all. Thus I had cut contacts with them and haven't seen them in ages. Still, it is sad and he was a very funny guy.
I am currently looking for extra work as cash is short. I have been in a few language centres in town and will continue the hunt until it bears fruit. Hopefully then, we will have a bit more cash. Oi also may start working for Smart English next year when a place is available for her.
In class, I have introduced tons of new songs from the Internet which are great and go down a storm.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
He's Back
Sunday evening and yesterday was a write off after a lukewarm heavy session on Friday with Tom, Danny and Tony. I fell asleep early as usual and felt like utter shit all day Saturday.
The good things this weekend was that I have become completely enthralled with the Game of Thrones book which I am projecting myself into a fantasy world as I lie in bed or on the sofa. Makes for great resting.
I saw a couple of cool flicks too; Paul, about an alien with Simon Pegg and Nick Frost, and The Adjustment Bureau with Matt Damon.
The realisation that we are flat broke means I have to find private work. I have sent out feelers and will stomp the streets tomorrow. I just hope I can get a rate which isn't a total insult.
Grace is cool and provides mirth.
Oi makes T-shirts. Fun but hardly profitable.
Looks like Thaksin's kid sister has won the election. Only a matter of time before he is back here from exile in Dubai.
Greece looks set to crumble, and I hear when it defaults they will start to sell of the assets of the country, including the islands. A steal if you are a Russian billionaire gangster or the like. Maybe Tony Blair will buy one.
After Greece, Spain, Portugal, Ireland and Italy are in line to default. The US?
Meanwhile the Eastern Dragon is rising...
The good things this weekend was that I have become completely enthralled with the Game of Thrones book which I am projecting myself into a fantasy world as I lie in bed or on the sofa. Makes for great resting.
I saw a couple of cool flicks too; Paul, about an alien with Simon Pegg and Nick Frost, and The Adjustment Bureau with Matt Damon.
The realisation that we are flat broke means I have to find private work. I have sent out feelers and will stomp the streets tomorrow. I just hope I can get a rate which isn't a total insult.
Grace is cool and provides mirth.
Oi makes T-shirts. Fun but hardly profitable.
Looks like Thaksin's kid sister has won the election. Only a matter of time before he is back here from exile in Dubai.
Greece looks set to crumble, and I hear when it defaults they will start to sell of the assets of the country, including the islands. A steal if you are a Russian billionaire gangster or the like. Maybe Tony Blair will buy one.
After Greece, Spain, Portugal, Ireland and Italy are in line to default. The US?
Meanwhile the Eastern Dragon is rising...
Friday, July 1, 2011
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Jiddu Krishnamurti
When one loses the deep intimate relationship with nature, then temples, mosques and churches become important.
The constant assertion of belief is an indication of fear.
We all want to be famous people, and the moment we want to be something we are no longer free.
Only in relationship can you know yourself, not in abstraction and certainly not in isolation. The movement of behavior is the sure guide to yourself. It's the mirror of your consciousness: this mirror will reveal its content, the images, the attachments, the fears, the loneliness, the joys and sorrow. Poverty lies in running away from this, either in its sublimations or its identities.
The description is not the described; I can describe the mountain, but the description is not the mountain, and if you are caught up in the description, as most people are, then you will never see the mountain
If you voluntarily and intelligently put aside this craving to possess, then you will create a society not based on compulsion and exploitation.
As long as you remain within that field of the culture, of society, of greed, of envy, of achievement, you are not a free human being. You may think you have free will, but you are just part of this monstrous society, a conditioned human being.
You must find out for yourself what it is you love to do. Don't think in terms of choosing a vocation in order to fit into society, because in that way you will never discover what you love to do. When you love to do something, there is no problem of choice. When you love, and let love do what it will, there is right action, because love never seeks success, it is never caught up in imitation; but if you give your life to something which you don't love, you will never be free. But merely doing whatever you like is not doing what you love to do. To find out what you really love to do requires a great deal of penetration, insight. Don't begin by thinking in terms of earning a livelihood; but if you discover what it is you love to do, then you will have a means of livelihood.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Gloves Off
Perhaps it is because I have been picking up the news again, but then again, what prompted me to do that, yet it seems that we appear to be in the free fall that folks have been barking on about now for the past few decades. Things are getting really ugly in all manner of areas. A bit like watching a tower of little piggies or monkeys collapse in Angry Birds, when you know you scored a direct hit and the whole fucking lot comes down.
Briefly, let's look at it.
Economics is buggered. The lies and endless "everything's fine" has just melted away. People are actually physically hungry and fighting back against the controlling authorities. Jobs are vanishing, homes are overcrowded and further education is now only reachable by the wealthy. The resentment is spreading like a cancer around the world as hopes and dreams fizzle away in a puff of green smoke. Food costs are soaring. Now you pay more and you get less. I noticed a lot less folks in the supermarket last week, shelves stacked full of expensive, imported items. Even the street food is hard to afford at the end of the month. This war is on the streets, and all that cash spent on guns was really for the uprising of its own people.
Environment. Best not go there. In a place like Thailand, whole chunks of mountains lie exposed and machines digging up earth for ever more crummy flats built by fat cunts for poor folks to carry out domestic abuse in tiny rabbit hutches. The late rush for resources means the gloves are really off and the big, bun fight has begun. Disputed territories are soft targets for tension. Those superpowers need their boilers stoked. Weather, constant floods on my side of the world, no trees? Who gives a fuck? As long as we can build more....blah, blah, blah
Health. Another young dad died at the school last week. This one was 36. Poor little kid in class was hardly aware that anything was wrong. Cancer and diseases stemming from dirty air and cramped, stressful lives sends people to an early grave.
Tech. This ideology that tech is the answer and will save us is a bit limp wristed, isn't it? It hasn't saved us yet. Smart phones and Ipads have some work to do. They are just the tools pushing us ever faster over the edge.
Sometimes when I am riding about the town, I say to myself, "Is this a cool place"? Or is it actually a dirty, smelly shitheap?" And most of the populated world looks like this.
Is it gonna be any better next year? Or in 5 years? Or in 10 years? I don't honestly see how.
Briefly, let's look at it.
Economics is buggered. The lies and endless "everything's fine" has just melted away. People are actually physically hungry and fighting back against the controlling authorities. Jobs are vanishing, homes are overcrowded and further education is now only reachable by the wealthy. The resentment is spreading like a cancer around the world as hopes and dreams fizzle away in a puff of green smoke. Food costs are soaring. Now you pay more and you get less. I noticed a lot less folks in the supermarket last week, shelves stacked full of expensive, imported items. Even the street food is hard to afford at the end of the month. This war is on the streets, and all that cash spent on guns was really for the uprising of its own people.
Environment. Best not go there. In a place like Thailand, whole chunks of mountains lie exposed and machines digging up earth for ever more crummy flats built by fat cunts for poor folks to carry out domestic abuse in tiny rabbit hutches. The late rush for resources means the gloves are really off and the big, bun fight has begun. Disputed territories are soft targets for tension. Those superpowers need their boilers stoked. Weather, constant floods on my side of the world, no trees? Who gives a fuck? As long as we can build more....blah, blah, blah
Health. Another young dad died at the school last week. This one was 36. Poor little kid in class was hardly aware that anything was wrong. Cancer and diseases stemming from dirty air and cramped, stressful lives sends people to an early grave.
Tech. This ideology that tech is the answer and will save us is a bit limp wristed, isn't it? It hasn't saved us yet. Smart phones and Ipads have some work to do. They are just the tools pushing us ever faster over the edge.
Sometimes when I am riding about the town, I say to myself, "Is this a cool place"? Or is it actually a dirty, smelly shitheap?" And most of the populated world looks like this.
Is it gonna be any better next year? Or in 5 years? Or in 10 years? I don't honestly see how.
Aljazeerza Viewing
Just sat through, "To the Last Drop", a Witness show on the Aljaz website. OMFG! The oil sands extraction project is a third the size of Norway and the rivers and towns within 50 kms have got 13 heavy metals, massive increases in rare cancers, leukemia and other nasty diseases. The fish are all rotten and deformed. Independant scientists have carried out in depth studies to come up with the stats that this is dicing with death. But nothing can stop the machine. All the major oils companies are there and money coming in from all over the world. Politicians throw up confusing data signals to allow the extraction to go ahead year after year. One chap said that this was so crucial that one could use it as the tipping point for the future of humanity on Earth. And this is coming from Canada. Not China, not the Middle East, but the home of maple syrup.
Watch and weep, if you have the guts...
Watch and weep, if you have the guts...
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Nightmare
Oh, I had a terrifying nightmare last night about an alien invasion. It was so real and scary I woke up and that was my beauty sleep over at 3.00am. Perhaps it was brought on by toom uch Crysis 2 and watching a UFO video on the Daily Mail website...I guess I will never know.
Thailand is set for general elections this weekend and it is anticipated that Thaksin's sister will win and then the army will move in to prevent her taking power. Awesome stuff. Sad really, but also amusing as the human beans scramble over each other for power.
Right now I am deeply engrossed in the book Game of Thrones on my ereader and looking forward to getting beyond what has been covered in the TV series. I would particularly recommend this to Collett's whom, as I remember, enjoy a good fantasy epic.
Also, downloaded, and yet to be watched is a Russian WW2 movie "The Brest Fortress" which is supposed to be fantastic.
Glastonbury looked a bit weird from the press coverage.
It should be noted Burma's cunt government just banned actress Michelle Yeoh who played Aung San Suu Kyi in a new movie. Those cunts really are as dumb and shit as they profess themselves to be. There's quite a lot happening in SE Asia right now, and most of it pretty stupid, especially crappy words from an old buffoon like me.
New song on the player at the top of the screen; Yellow Cab by the Stones from Through the Vaults Darkly.
Enjoy.
Thailand is set for general elections this weekend and it is anticipated that Thaksin's sister will win and then the army will move in to prevent her taking power. Awesome stuff. Sad really, but also amusing as the human beans scramble over each other for power.
Right now I am deeply engrossed in the book Game of Thrones on my ereader and looking forward to getting beyond what has been covered in the TV series. I would particularly recommend this to Collett's whom, as I remember, enjoy a good fantasy epic.
Also, downloaded, and yet to be watched is a Russian WW2 movie "The Brest Fortress" which is supposed to be fantastic.
Glastonbury looked a bit weird from the press coverage.
It should be noted Burma's cunt government just banned actress Michelle Yeoh who played Aung San Suu Kyi in a new movie. Those cunts really are as dumb and shit as they profess themselves to be. There's quite a lot happening in SE Asia right now, and most of it pretty stupid, especially crappy words from an old buffoon like me.
New song on the player at the top of the screen; Yellow Cab by the Stones from Through the Vaults Darkly.
Enjoy.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Rock and Read
This new facility took some Internet wizardry, but eventually He figured it out and with a plethora of tunes to inflict upon the universe He will attempt to change the melody frequently.
He was scanning through the programmes page on Aljazeera and quickly remembered how He had angered the world with what He had witnessed. Nay! Nothing had changed. A show on the rising masses in Spain and then another on global dirty money and how the world banks keep it rolling is enough to make an honest man turn away and walk into the forest never to be seen again. It makes a mockery of anyone attempting to live by the method in which he was raised. He wishes He had an invisibility cloak and go and pump all guilty parties full of hot lead. Alternatively, He could just retire to the garden and attempt to forget.
Weekend is here and We assaulted the garden and dug up a plant that we had bought near on two years ago and had spread like a weed. Eventually, we agreed that neither of Us liked it, so out it came. I also threw tons off fallen fruit over the garden wall and conducted a massive clean up operation. Now, the garden doesn't look half bad.
Those who missed His recommendation of Norwegian flick, "The Troll Hunter", here is a reminder to whet your appetite;
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Friday Morning
Almost the weekend, not that there is really much difference between weekdays and weekends, but that is where we are at.
At school, the boss's niece has joined Phit and I for some experience. She is 19 and a very nice girl; polite and fun, just like her aunt. She is with us for a month which makes a nice change from the usual 2 man show. School is going well and we are pushing the kid's limits ever further this year. I have got some great songs, an area that needed much development from DreamEnglish off Utube. This guy is great, and Grace loves watching them too. Night Garden is ancient history, though Peppa Pig is still very popular. I just DL'd a bunch of The Wiggies videos to see if Grace likes them.
I had real bad chest pains last Sunday which took about 3 days to wear off. I totally detoxed off tea and coffee and beer, of course. Luckily it went away, but these things act, in my opinion, as warning signs, to be regarded with respect, so I shall try damn hard to stay off the toxins. My main diet is water, cornflakes and Thai food. That's it. I rarely eat anything else, as most of it is too expensive. Anyway, I had a couple of beers last night, as I had the thirst, and sat out back on my own listening to some tunes. As long as I control it, it is fine. Unfortunately, when I am with my buddies I tend to get carried away and want to party. Oi says I am normally sick for 2 of 3 days after one of these occassions. Others buds are also trying to cut back on the booze, but as any man knows, it is a hard thing to do.
Things are pleasant and quiet. I have been reading Game of Thrones and watched the end of the TV series which was awesome. Sean Bean gets his head cut off! Also, I have been in the garden which needs constant attention. I have to dress in full clothing to minimize the mozzie bites to do this.
Two great movies; Age of Heroes and one from Norway, "The Troll Hunter"
Signing off.....
At school, the boss's niece has joined Phit and I for some experience. She is 19 and a very nice girl; polite and fun, just like her aunt. She is with us for a month which makes a nice change from the usual 2 man show. School is going well and we are pushing the kid's limits ever further this year. I have got some great songs, an area that needed much development from DreamEnglish off Utube. This guy is great, and Grace loves watching them too. Night Garden is ancient history, though Peppa Pig is still very popular. I just DL'd a bunch of The Wiggies videos to see if Grace likes them.
I had real bad chest pains last Sunday which took about 3 days to wear off. I totally detoxed off tea and coffee and beer, of course. Luckily it went away, but these things act, in my opinion, as warning signs, to be regarded with respect, so I shall try damn hard to stay off the toxins. My main diet is water, cornflakes and Thai food. That's it. I rarely eat anything else, as most of it is too expensive. Anyway, I had a couple of beers last night, as I had the thirst, and sat out back on my own listening to some tunes. As long as I control it, it is fine. Unfortunately, when I am with my buddies I tend to get carried away and want to party. Oi says I am normally sick for 2 of 3 days after one of these occassions. Others buds are also trying to cut back on the booze, but as any man knows, it is a hard thing to do.
Things are pleasant and quiet. I have been reading Game of Thrones and watched the end of the TV series which was awesome. Sean Bean gets his head cut off! Also, I have been in the garden which needs constant attention. I have to dress in full clothing to minimize the mozzie bites to do this.
Two great movies; Age of Heroes and one from Norway, "The Troll Hunter"
Signing off.....
Sunday, June 19, 2011
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