Mike Leigh's latest movie is wonderful.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Saturday, February 26, 2011
The Holidays
Yes, the holidays have started and I can look ahead to 10 odd weeks of lazy freedom. Yonug American-Mexican Tony and his Thai girlfriend, Kitar came over last night. He is a fun, bubbly American sort and easy to get along with. For once Oi could join, as there was another female and it made a fun night.
So, we have just over a week before the great trek to the UK and I have some games to play. After a long drought of games, the new releases are starting to come out, the first of these being the excellent Dead Space 2 and the wild and crazy Bulletstorm. Both have been mind-blowingly fun. In the next couple of months a ton of new ones are due out; Dragon Age 2, Duke Nukem Forever, Diablo 3, Deux X, Crysis 2. There should be some good blasting there.
Started watching an awesome Spanish flick yesterday called, "The Secret in their Eyes." I would highly recommend this detective movie.
So, we have just over a week before the great trek to the UK and I have some games to play. After a long drought of games, the new releases are starting to come out, the first of these being the excellent Dead Space 2 and the wild and crazy Bulletstorm. Both have been mind-blowingly fun. In the next couple of months a ton of new ones are due out; Dragon Age 2, Duke Nukem Forever, Diablo 3, Deux X, Crysis 2. There should be some good blasting there.
Started watching an awesome Spanish flick yesterday called, "The Secret in their Eyes." I would highly recommend this detective movie.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Get Ready for Fuel Cost Rise
Just read in the dear old Daily Mail that oil prices are souring right now, up to 119 pounds a barrels at the moment and still rising. They think it will go to 220 quid and it will cost over a ton to fill your car. Ithink mine was 20 quid in the old days.
I hadn't actually thought of this but it is obvious really and should prove an interesting development. Good job I have already bought the plane tickets home and bad job I am being levered to buy a car when we get back - to take young Gracie to school. Let's see what happens.
School is finished and today I begin my 10 week holiday. Yippee! Being a teacher is great for holidays.
Young Grace has been very naughty today. She bit mummy and young neighbour Ching Ching and had a tantrum at the shops when mummy wouldn't let her play with the necklaces.
I hadn't actually thought of this but it is obvious really and should prove an interesting development. Good job I have already bought the plane tickets home and bad job I am being levered to buy a car when we get back - to take young Gracie to school. Let's see what happens.
School is finished and today I begin my 10 week holiday. Yippee! Being a teacher is great for holidays.
Young Grace has been very naughty today. She bit mummy and young neighbour Ching Ching and had a tantrum at the shops when mummy wouldn't let her play with the necklaces.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Fair Game
Just finished watching Fair Game with Sean Penn and Niomi Watts as the CIA agent dumped by the US for supporting the evidence of no WMD in Iraq. It's an amazing movie and pretty brave for the States to release something so close to admitting there was no evidence for the invasion of Iraq. Watch it. It is very gripping and Sean Penn is excellent as always.
Tomorrow is the last day of term. I procured 4 Guinness for today and didn't go to the gym, as I have a sore elbow from a crazy night with Tom and Tony on Tuesday and what I believe to be chemical burns on my body from too much chorine in the pool. There is a full bottle of Famous Grouse waiting too, and I have a super fun new game, Bulletstorm to blast away the night to.
Something I wanted to do;
Top 5 Thai Foods
1. Spring Rolls - SR are awesome in Thailand. Originators and excellent with a variety of fillings from vegetables to bean sprouts.
2. Chicken Satay. awesome and delicious street food strips of chicken in a peanut sauce. Yummy.
3. Musaman. Muslim Curries chicken in Peanut sauce with potato. Yummy.
4. Soups. Thai soups are awesome. Often bitter with leaves and stuff and big chunks of tender pork on the bone.
5. Tom Yam Goong. Though I don't eat it too often, it is an awesome dish and very famous. A shrimp soup with Lemongrass and ginger with mushrooms. A wonderful taste.
The Last Three Days with Russell Crowe was great and Oi enjoyed it. As a teacher he decided to follow his own life, from Don Qixoute (?), within the world we are instructed to live within. Thus so, attempting to break his wife out of prison. Great story and great philosophy.
Less than 2 weeks to UK trip and making mental preparations.
Tomorrow is the last day of term. I procured 4 Guinness for today and didn't go to the gym, as I have a sore elbow from a crazy night with Tom and Tony on Tuesday and what I believe to be chemical burns on my body from too much chorine in the pool. There is a full bottle of Famous Grouse waiting too, and I have a super fun new game, Bulletstorm to blast away the night to.
Something I wanted to do;
Top 5 Thai Foods
1. Spring Rolls - SR are awesome in Thailand. Originators and excellent with a variety of fillings from vegetables to bean sprouts.
2. Chicken Satay. awesome and delicious street food strips of chicken in a peanut sauce. Yummy.
3. Musaman. Muslim Curries chicken in Peanut sauce with potato. Yummy.
4. Soups. Thai soups are awesome. Often bitter with leaves and stuff and big chunks of tender pork on the bone.
5. Tom Yam Goong. Though I don't eat it too often, it is an awesome dish and very famous. A shrimp soup with Lemongrass and ginger with mushrooms. A wonderful taste.
The Last Three Days with Russell Crowe was great and Oi enjoyed it. As a teacher he decided to follow his own life, from Don Qixoute (?), within the world we are instructed to live within. Thus so, attempting to break his wife out of prison. Great story and great philosophy.
Less than 2 weeks to UK trip and making mental preparations.
Monday, February 21, 2011
US Bahrain
Funny how the US government is supporting protesters in all revolting states except Bahrain, home of their 5th fleet. Here they side with the government.
Inside Job
Saturday, February 19, 2011
More News Analysis
Shocking scenes of people being shot, doctors and nurses being beaten and news of mercenaries being brought in to Libya by Gadaffi. Scenes in Bahrain are equally horrific.
I suppose the violent crackdown was to be expected as the alternative for leaders is to grab the money and run, like Mubarak. Europe seems strangely quiet on the matter. Possibly scared of spread to its own countries. Russia? I know there is a lot of discontent there and obcenely wealthy mafia, but we know the brutality of the Russians. That's was blowing up airports is a good way for the persecuted minority states to be heard. A quote from Peter Ustinov I like was something like, "Terrorism is the war of the poor against the rich, and war is the terrorism of the rich against the poor."
If these uprisings in North Africa and the Middle East fail in any way, it could either fall into civil war or a high rise in terrorist activity.
And most worrying in the case of Egypt, what determines the next government and rulers. Will there be any change for the average person? How long before they too are personally corrupted if not already. Sad, isn't it really
I saw an awful report about how Nightingale House in Mayfair London holds groups of finace wizzes who bought 7% of the world's coco bean supply and held it, thus driving up the cost worldwide. One dispondant escapee of such a scheme said, the operators had little regard for the global consequences of what they were doing and only thought of it as clever business and ways to make money. Rising food costs were a direct reason of the uprising in Tuninsia. Dreadfully awful how the world operates. We are pulling each other apart. Governments seem powerless or unwilling to intercept such actions.
It occured to me this morning that it could potentially spread to Muslim states in Asia, like Indonesia.
I suppose the violent crackdown was to be expected as the alternative for leaders is to grab the money and run, like Mubarak. Europe seems strangely quiet on the matter. Possibly scared of spread to its own countries. Russia? I know there is a lot of discontent there and obcenely wealthy mafia, but we know the brutality of the Russians. That's was blowing up airports is a good way for the persecuted minority states to be heard. A quote from Peter Ustinov I like was something like, "Terrorism is the war of the poor against the rich, and war is the terrorism of the rich against the poor."
If these uprisings in North Africa and the Middle East fail in any way, it could either fall into civil war or a high rise in terrorist activity.
And most worrying in the case of Egypt, what determines the next government and rulers. Will there be any change for the average person? How long before they too are personally corrupted if not already. Sad, isn't it really
I saw an awful report about how Nightingale House in Mayfair London holds groups of finace wizzes who bought 7% of the world's coco bean supply and held it, thus driving up the cost worldwide. One dispondant escapee of such a scheme said, the operators had little regard for the global consequences of what they were doing and only thought of it as clever business and ways to make money. Rising food costs were a direct reason of the uprising in Tuninsia. Dreadfully awful how the world operates. We are pulling each other apart. Governments seem powerless or unwilling to intercept such actions.
It occured to me this morning that it could potentially spread to Muslim states in Asia, like Indonesia.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Thursday, February 17, 2011
The News
I am being pressed for my political views on the situation in North Africa and the Middle East, though frankly, the entertainment scene is far more appertizing these days.
Well, yes...a domino effect. And I note that Bahrain has clamped down especially hard on protests there, having seen the success of Eygptian protests no doubt. Nice learning curve from the people claiming authority over other people.
Hmmm...internet. It has a lot to answer for. Actually, a thought that occurred to me yesterday. I have heard scholars claim that if Man is to survive, and beat his own genetic flaw, that the answer will come from technology. It was technologu that brought us internet and global communication, so therefore one could assume that Tech = global communication = discontent with archaic regemes and upheaval. It makes sense.
In reality, the authorities should shut down the internet. It won't do them any favours. On the show In Our Time, discussing Anarchism, it is defined as people living and working without a governing body. It states that people can actually get along very well like this, and be productive. I still see anarchism as a transitional move to something else, but the idea is an interesting one. Though, sadly, I doubt we will ever see it, as there is always someone who thinks he is entitled to more.
England seems to be in a sorry state right now. The populus warm and cosy deluding themselves with Xboxes and having enough money to get lashed on Friday night seems to be enough to prevent them from thinking about anything else. I am mighty pleased however that the government have been forced into a U-turn on the forestry sell-off plan. Praise the Lord (or the trees, if you are a Pagan like me). i don't know what is going on in the UK, but it seems to have a weird gameplan. Chugging along, not really knowing what it is doing.
Hilary Clinton? I was thinking early about her being torn apart by hooks like in the dreadful Hellraiser movies. I do wish she would shut the fuck up. I think they should airdrop her into one of these protests "she is right behind" and she how she gets on. Hey Lady, US is over. You guys threw away your grip on the world. It's China's turn now, and I don't think they will be taking any prisoners. Strange, I used to like her. Now I think she is a power-deranged bitch. US is over and it is boring. Of course, I am not refering to some of the wonderful folks and music that comes from there, but to the power hungry wankers as Bush, Cheney and Rumsfeld who have probably sealed the fate of Man.
Middle East? I don't know what will happen next? Will another cunt assume the role of leader or Pres? I don't think people will buy this junk anymore. It's been played too many times. Maybe states will just fall into a permenent state of civil war and anarchy, as one people cannot accpet the other. Authority has never looked worse than it does right now; providing nothing and reinforcing it with violence. Like I said, maybe technology will show us the way ahead, but I don't think Man is cool enough to accept a smaller portion for the good of all. And this isn't even taking into consideration the environmental catastrophe going on as we speak.
Movies. Two essential movies to view are; Let Me In and The Fighter.
Games. The gaming world is really picking up right now. I successfully completed Dead Space 2, which has to be the most incredible game ever. I have now back-tracked to pick up a RPG Drakensang The Dark Eye. Predecessor to The River of Time. It's absorbing and excellent, building up characters and fighting wolves and goblins. I opted for a Battlemage, as opposed to the Barbarian I played in the previous game. Brute force is fun, but the allure of bursts of fire and thunderbolts, as well as Perbambaum's Withered Arm is just too damn tempting.
Music. A lot of Neil Young right now. Also, a chap called Hugh Dillon has catch my attention. A good album.
Gym. Exercising four times a week, lifting ever increasingly heavier weights and a huge swimming megathon has me feeling like a God most of the time. It's great and kind of addicted. Though I am dreading the day when I suddenly stop for no reason.
Grace and Oi. Both cool and very cute. Enjoying family life at home. The garden is super cool and a perfect place to hang out and chill. Guinnes and Famous Grouse whisky enjoyed in the balmy evening sundown.
Enjoy
Well, yes...a domino effect. And I note that Bahrain has clamped down especially hard on protests there, having seen the success of Eygptian protests no doubt. Nice learning curve from the people claiming authority over other people.
Hmmm...internet. It has a lot to answer for. Actually, a thought that occurred to me yesterday. I have heard scholars claim that if Man is to survive, and beat his own genetic flaw, that the answer will come from technology. It was technologu that brought us internet and global communication, so therefore one could assume that Tech = global communication = discontent with archaic regemes and upheaval. It makes sense.
In reality, the authorities should shut down the internet. It won't do them any favours. On the show In Our Time, discussing Anarchism, it is defined as people living and working without a governing body. It states that people can actually get along very well like this, and be productive. I still see anarchism as a transitional move to something else, but the idea is an interesting one. Though, sadly, I doubt we will ever see it, as there is always someone who thinks he is entitled to more.
England seems to be in a sorry state right now. The populus warm and cosy deluding themselves with Xboxes and having enough money to get lashed on Friday night seems to be enough to prevent them from thinking about anything else. I am mighty pleased however that the government have been forced into a U-turn on the forestry sell-off plan. Praise the Lord (or the trees, if you are a Pagan like me). i don't know what is going on in the UK, but it seems to have a weird gameplan. Chugging along, not really knowing what it is doing.
Hilary Clinton? I was thinking early about her being torn apart by hooks like in the dreadful Hellraiser movies. I do wish she would shut the fuck up. I think they should airdrop her into one of these protests "she is right behind" and she how she gets on. Hey Lady, US is over. You guys threw away your grip on the world. It's China's turn now, and I don't think they will be taking any prisoners. Strange, I used to like her. Now I think she is a power-deranged bitch. US is over and it is boring. Of course, I am not refering to some of the wonderful folks and music that comes from there, but to the power hungry wankers as Bush, Cheney and Rumsfeld who have probably sealed the fate of Man.
Middle East? I don't know what will happen next? Will another cunt assume the role of leader or Pres? I don't think people will buy this junk anymore. It's been played too many times. Maybe states will just fall into a permenent state of civil war and anarchy, as one people cannot accpet the other. Authority has never looked worse than it does right now; providing nothing and reinforcing it with violence. Like I said, maybe technology will show us the way ahead, but I don't think Man is cool enough to accept a smaller portion for the good of all. And this isn't even taking into consideration the environmental catastrophe going on as we speak.
Movies. Two essential movies to view are; Let Me In and The Fighter.
Games. The gaming world is really picking up right now. I successfully completed Dead Space 2, which has to be the most incredible game ever. I have now back-tracked to pick up a RPG Drakensang The Dark Eye. Predecessor to The River of Time. It's absorbing and excellent, building up characters and fighting wolves and goblins. I opted for a Battlemage, as opposed to the Barbarian I played in the previous game. Brute force is fun, but the allure of bursts of fire and thunderbolts, as well as Perbambaum's Withered Arm is just too damn tempting.
Music. A lot of Neil Young right now. Also, a chap called Hugh Dillon has catch my attention. A good album.
Gym. Exercising four times a week, lifting ever increasingly heavier weights and a huge swimming megathon has me feeling like a God most of the time. It's great and kind of addicted. Though I am dreading the day when I suddenly stop for no reason.
Grace and Oi. Both cool and very cute. Enjoying family life at home. The garden is super cool and a perfect place to hang out and chill. Guinnes and Famous Grouse whisky enjoyed in the balmy evening sundown.
Enjoy
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Queen Elizabeth Country Park Sell Off
Surprised that my mother knew nothing of the governments plans to sell off forestry, including the above mentioned country park and Butser Hill. And I hear some people justifying it. Though delighted to hear Judi Dench and Annie Lennox leading the protests and even more delighted to hear of the MP at the forest of Dean pelted with eggs at a meeting to discuss it. He refered to the protesters as a "braying mob". Let's hope they fucking kill the cunt and rip off his balls and stuff them down his throat. Maybe then he might think twice about selling off the very heart of England and the right to roam.
Ever more surprised that thousands of miles away I appear to know more of this than many of my countrymen.
Ever more surprised that thousands of miles away I appear to know more of this than many of my countrymen.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Zeitgeist Moving Forward
Though I loathe to get involved, it is worth casting a comment on the situation in Egypt (finally I learnt how to spell it). Interesting to see Blair backing Mubarak and the support of the masses to the opposition. Is it one step in a global phenomenon? Well, I can't see things getting any easier on the global front as the world of Man becomes ever more populated, publicised and exposed. We may see, or are already seeing a domino effect as the populus rise up against the world leaders, if the comments from the Guardian articles are anything to go by. I think the ruling elite should have rubbed out the Internet in its infancy, I really do. Global communication opportunities really do unite the masses.
Then again, if your like me, it is all part of the course we must inevitably follow. No, I am not some crank, just following the nature path of process. We could be studying ants, but then again, they have about 180,000,000 years of evolutionary advantage over us.
Deep discussions with Tom in the wee hours of last week, we agreed on the awful factor of "personal greed" being the poison in the apple. Though, according to Milton, Adam was already unable to think merely being in the presence of Eve, thus diverting the blame of the Fall of Man back to God. Brilliant, really.
Today, being a holiday and Chinese New Year (thanks China), I have been making two giant foam birthday cakes for a new game at an English camp I am forced to attend on Saturday. The kids have to run relay, grab a piece of cake and assemble the pieces in the right order to spell Happy Birthday. Should be good, even though it will have taken me 2 days to build a game that will last about a minute, and some English teachers will turn up with a pencil and some paper and probably conduct an equally entertaining game with about 5 seconds preparation. Oi told me not to think like that.
BTW, there is a new Zeitgeist movie out called Moving Forward if folks are interested. Find it yourselves.
Then again, if your like me, it is all part of the course we must inevitably follow. No, I am not some crank, just following the nature path of process. We could be studying ants, but then again, they have about 180,000,000 years of evolutionary advantage over us.
Deep discussions with Tom in the wee hours of last week, we agreed on the awful factor of "personal greed" being the poison in the apple. Though, according to Milton, Adam was already unable to think merely being in the presence of Eve, thus diverting the blame of the Fall of Man back to God. Brilliant, really.
Today, being a holiday and Chinese New Year (thanks China), I have been making two giant foam birthday cakes for a new game at an English camp I am forced to attend on Saturday. The kids have to run relay, grab a piece of cake and assemble the pieces in the right order to spell Happy Birthday. Should be good, even though it will have taken me 2 days to build a game that will last about a minute, and some English teachers will turn up with a pencil and some paper and probably conduct an equally entertaining game with about 5 seconds preparation. Oi told me not to think like that.
BTW, there is a new Zeitgeist movie out called Moving Forward if folks are interested. Find it yourselves.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Let Me In
Chinese New Year tomorrow and another days holiday. Things have been quite chill of late and I have really enjoyed just being at home with Oi and Grace. Grace is at the very, very cute stage now, and I am making the most of it. She has made a little cubby hole for herself which she hides in and plays Peek a Boo. I chase her around and she runs off screaming. It's great fun.
Managed to sneak a movie in tonight with Oi. Let Me In. Totally awesome horror flick and highly recommended.
Playing the newly released Dead Space 2 which is great fun. It's been a while since any decent new game was released and this more than makes up for it. Very creepy, very scary and lots of jumps when an alien suddenly scrambles towards you in the ducting. A great level in a space station kindergarten school and a residential block, with guests running passed you on fire as the aliens run rampant.
In Our Time still dominates my pre-sleep listening. And I got an audiobook of Milton's Paradise Lost which I may start listening to tonight.
Going to the gym about 4 times a week, doing weights and swimming. When I am feeling really good (like today) I do the whole workout in one go. About an hour in the gym and then a 40 length swim. Come out feeling like a god. Now I am married et al. the desire to stay at the gym and not rush through it is far stronger than before. I can relax, knowing that when I am home I will be with the family for the duration. I don't know, but I find it easier the exercise properly and not give up now I am hitched.
Can't wait for the end of term, but it hasn't been too bad. I think they are fixing me up with a new school for next term. I will probably retain Kindergarten year 3 where I am, but drop the first 2 years and do something else at another school. Hopefully, it will all work out.
Managed to sneak a movie in tonight with Oi. Let Me In. Totally awesome horror flick and highly recommended.
Playing the newly released Dead Space 2 which is great fun. It's been a while since any decent new game was released and this more than makes up for it. Very creepy, very scary and lots of jumps when an alien suddenly scrambles towards you in the ducting. A great level in a space station kindergarten school and a residential block, with guests running passed you on fire as the aliens run rampant.
In Our Time still dominates my pre-sleep listening. And I got an audiobook of Milton's Paradise Lost which I may start listening to tonight.
Going to the gym about 4 times a week, doing weights and swimming. When I am feeling really good (like today) I do the whole workout in one go. About an hour in the gym and then a 40 length swim. Come out feeling like a god. Now I am married et al. the desire to stay at the gym and not rush through it is far stronger than before. I can relax, knowing that when I am home I will be with the family for the duration. I don't know, but I find it easier the exercise properly and not give up now I am hitched.
Can't wait for the end of term, but it hasn't been too bad. I think they are fixing me up with a new school for next term. I will probably retain Kindergarten year 3 where I am, but drop the first 2 years and do something else at another school. Hopefully, it will all work out.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)