Here is a wonderful coffee ad from a few years back. It just goes to show how attitudes have changed. Can you imagine any advertising agency getting away with this today?
Saturday 30 April 2011
Phew! I survived...
Well, all the guff is just about over and I managed to survive without becoming contaminated. Apart from the odd flash on my computer screen as I attempted to find out what else was going on in the world, I have managed to avoid all of it.
Still, I am sure the powers-that-be will be delighted. It has served its purpose - a massive distraction from the real issues of the day. Interestingly, whilst all the fluff and stuff was going on in London, Facebook were busy taking down a number of contentious groups from the website in advance of the May Day bank holiday. Of course, they claim it is not in any way politically motivated. However, the timing and the nature of the groups just stretches credibility a tad too far. The Guardian reported...
Still, I am sure the powers-that-be will be delighted. It has served its purpose - a massive distraction from the real issues of the day. Interestingly, whilst all the fluff and stuff was going on in London, Facebook were busy taking down a number of contentious groups from the website in advance of the May Day bank holiday. Of course, they claim it is not in any way politically motivated. However, the timing and the nature of the groups just stretches credibility a tad too far. The Guardian reported...
Facebook has removed dozens of profiles from its site, causing an outcry from campaigners trying to organise anti-austerity protests this weekend.
The deactivated pages include UK Uncut, and pages created by students during last December's university occupations.
A list posted on the Stop Facebook Purge group says Chesterfield Stop the Cuts, Tower Hamlet Greens, London Student Assembly, Southwark SoS and Bristol Uncut sites are no longer functioning.
Apparently, Facebook claim that it is really to do with registration issues. Chinny Reckon! Do they really think we are that stupid? Still, the important thing is that this blatant act of censorship has been shoved out of the news by the Will & Kate Show. Whoever was behind this must be delighted. Their aim, of course, is to disrupt any demonstrations planned for this weekend.
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| They think we are this stupid |
It makes you realise that the Internet is not a government-free space, available for the uninhibited promotion of free speech. If you thought that was the case, forget it. They own it and they own us. Barf!
Friday 29 April 2011
Royal Wedding - Special Souvenir Blog Post
Welcome to our special Royal Wedding, cut-out-and-keep souvenir blog post. Simply cut around the edge of the poster (ask a grown-up to help you) and stick the poster where all your friends can admire it. You will be the envy of your Royal Wedding street party. So slap on your union jack bowler hat & enjoy!
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The pressure pays off
Bradley Manning, the whistle-blower currently awaiting trial in the U.S. has finally been moved from the Quantico Marine Base to a military prison. The serviceman who is accused of leaking embarrassing state secrets to the Wikileaks website, had been held in conditions amounting to 'torture'. A concerted campaign by human rights organisations, national newspapers and individuals has helped highlight the disgraceful behaviour of the U.S. authorities and the pressure has led to him enjoying more humane conditions in the run-up to his trial.
The Guardian newspaper had kept a spotlight aimed at Manning's treatment, which has included incarceration in his cell for 23 hours a day, shackled exercise in a small room (only allowed to perform figure of eights), solitary confinement, forced to sleep naked, sleep deprivation and tightly controlled visitation rights (with visits cancelled or hampered by the authorities on a regular basis). All of this was aimed to break a man who has not yet been tried, or found guilty, though the U.S. authorities have refused to accept that any of this was designed to be 'punitive'.
He is now in Fort Leavenworth Military Prison, where he is able to associate with other prisoners. The fact that reporters have been shown the conditions in which he will now await trial demonstrates the power of public pressure. One has to wonder how many other whistle-blowers, who have not enjoyed publicity, have been left to rot in conditions amounting to torture. Manning's alleged 'crime' is exposing the genuine documented crimes of the U.S. authorities - crimes against civilisation - and yet it is he who they are attempting to punish. Regardless of this latest twist, a dark stain remains on the reputation of the U.S. - to add to all the other dark stains it has been accumulating over the years.
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| Thank goodness for the watchers |
The Guardian newspaper had kept a spotlight aimed at Manning's treatment, which has included incarceration in his cell for 23 hours a day, shackled exercise in a small room (only allowed to perform figure of eights), solitary confinement, forced to sleep naked, sleep deprivation and tightly controlled visitation rights (with visits cancelled or hampered by the authorities on a regular basis). All of this was aimed to break a man who has not yet been tried, or found guilty, though the U.S. authorities have refused to accept that any of this was designed to be 'punitive'.
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| Manning - Tortured but not broken |
He is now in Fort Leavenworth Military Prison, where he is able to associate with other prisoners. The fact that reporters have been shown the conditions in which he will now await trial demonstrates the power of public pressure. One has to wonder how many other whistle-blowers, who have not enjoyed publicity, have been left to rot in conditions amounting to torture. Manning's alleged 'crime' is exposing the genuine documented crimes of the U.S. authorities - crimes against civilisation - and yet it is he who they are attempting to punish. Regardless of this latest twist, a dark stain remains on the reputation of the U.S. - to add to all the other dark stains it has been accumulating over the years.
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| The U.S. - a disgrace to civilisation |
Thursday 28 April 2011
God Bless You, Ma'am
Yes, indeed! God bless you, your majesty! We, your humble subjects, are gratified to share in this happy moment in the history of our great nation. And we count our blessings every day, and give humble thanks for your magnificent reign.
Surely there couldn't be a better queen anywhere on the planet. But we know that you have followed the great example of your wonderful parents, Good King George and his celestial consort, Queen Elizabeth. With his chirpy stutter (what became known as 'the Royal Stutter') and her wonderfully aristocratic teeth (the shade became known as 'Royal Brown'), how could we have been better served in those dark days of the blitz?
And then there are your regal children - three royal princes and a princess that are surely the envy of the world. Who could forget the fairytale royal romance of the last generation - the marriage of Prince Charles to his lovely wife, PrincessDiana Camilla? And who could ever forget Princess Anne and her husband Mark Tim? Or Andrew and Fergie? And now the next generation will make us all humble and proud all over again.
So, God bless you Ma'am. We all love you and wish you many more years reigning over your loyal subjects. And so, we raise a glass and raise a cheer. Three cheers for you Ma'am!
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| The Queen (right) |
Surely there couldn't be a better queen anywhere on the planet. But we know that you have followed the great example of your wonderful parents, Good King George and his celestial consort, Queen Elizabeth. With his chirpy stutter (what became known as 'the Royal Stutter') and her wonderfully aristocratic teeth (the shade became known as 'Royal Brown'), how could we have been better served in those dark days of the blitz?
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| Teeth - 'Royal Brown' |
And then there are your regal children - three royal princes and a princess that are surely the envy of the world. Who could forget the fairytale royal romance of the last generation - the marriage of Prince Charles to his lovely wife, Princess
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| 'May I humbly exterminate your majesty?' |
So, God bless you Ma'am. We all love you and wish you many more years reigning over your loyal subjects. And so, we raise a glass and raise a cheer. Three cheers for you Ma'am!
Hague takes 'Nuclear Option' on Syria
Foreign Secretary, William Hague, has lived up to his hard-man reputation by imposing the strictest penalty possible against the Syrian regime, in response to the continuing violence in Damascus. Hague, in discussion with other departments of state, has gone for the 'nuclear option' and withdrawn the invitation of the Syrian Ambassador to the royal wedding. "No one messes with the Hague", laughed a spokesman.
"I bet President Assad must be feeling pretty stupid right now", a beaming Hague announced, adding "they will certainly think twice before they decide to quell civil unrest in that fashion again." Insiders in the Syrian Embassy have talked of the shock that has greeted the news. "The Ambassador had already hired his suit from Moss Bros and had spent most of yesterday ironing his shirt and polishing his shoes. The poor man is devastated. It will take weeks for him to get over this".
Buckingham Palace announced the news on the Royal Wedding website, stating that they had reluctantly agreed to go along with it. "There will be a Syria-shaped hole in the pews at Westminster Abbey", claimed Palace spokesman Tarquin Bumbleberry. "We pray that this does not mar the occasion too much for the the happy couple, who had been looking forward to spending their special day with Dr Sami Khiyami. The young royals have now been informed and Catherine is being consoled by close friends and relatives."
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Criticism of the move has come from an unexpected source - the British Ambassador in Damascus. Tristram Smedley-Smythe is concerned that there may be a violent backlash against the decision. "The trouble with the nuclear option is that both sides can play the same game. Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD) has ensured that governments refrain from using the ultimate option. Who knows if Assad will choose to push his button." Ambassador Smedley-Smythe had been expecting to attend the wedding of Bashir Assad, nephew of the President early in June. "It could be the end of the line - we will just have to wait and see", he added, wiping tears from his cheeks. "I know MAD when I see it and this is certainly becoming a MAD situation."
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| Hague - 'The Nuclear Option' |
"I bet President Assad must be feeling pretty stupid right now", a beaming Hague announced, adding "they will certainly think twice before they decide to quell civil unrest in that fashion again." Insiders in the Syrian Embassy have talked of the shock that has greeted the news. "The Ambassador had already hired his suit from Moss Bros and had spent most of yesterday ironing his shirt and polishing his shoes. The poor man is devastated. It will take weeks for him to get over this".
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| Syrian Ambassador - Inconsolable |
Buckingham Palace announced the news on the Royal Wedding website, stating that they had reluctantly agreed to go along with it. "There will be a Syria-shaped hole in the pews at Westminster Abbey", claimed Palace spokesman Tarquin Bumbleberry. "We pray that this does not mar the occasion too much for the the happy couple, who had been looking forward to spending their special day with Dr Sami Khiyami. The young royals have now been informed and Catherine is being consoled by close friends and relatives."
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| Kate - Dark glasses hide tear-soaked eyes |
Criticism of the move has come from an unexpected source - the British Ambassador in Damascus. Tristram Smedley-Smythe is concerned that there may be a violent backlash against the decision. "The trouble with the nuclear option is that both sides can play the same game. Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD) has ensured that governments refrain from using the ultimate option. Who knows if Assad will choose to push his button." Ambassador Smedley-Smythe had been expecting to attend the wedding of Bashir Assad, nephew of the President early in June. "It could be the end of the line - we will just have to wait and see", he added, wiping tears from his cheeks. "I know MAD when I see it and this is certainly becoming a MAD situation."
Wednesday 27 April 2011
Nostalgia Trip - Opening Credits to Tarzan
This somewhat speaks for itself. Another one of those TV programmes shoved on during the school holidays. It came complete with Tarzan wrestling clearly tame lions and lots of running and talking to animals. Enjoy!
They really do exist...
I went into Reading town centre yesterday. Having walked around for a bit, I sat down for a brief rest on a low brick wall just outside St Mary's Church. It wasn't very far from a bus stop and before long, prospective passengers started sitting down on the wall, not too far from where I was sat. One smartly dressed seventy-something guy sat down next to me and immediately initiated a conversation.
Normally, I will indulge anyone who wants to talk - within reasonable limits. But on this occasion, I was happy to encourage this guy to talk for as long as he wanted. He intrigued me. I didn't realise people like him really existed, but here he was in the flesh. He talked, without pausing for breath and covered a staggering range of views in a very short space of time. In short, he believed:
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| St Mary's Church and the wall where I sat |
Normally, I will indulge anyone who wants to talk - within reasonable limits. But on this occasion, I was happy to encourage this guy to talk for as long as he wanted. He intrigued me. I didn't realise people like him really existed, but here he was in the flesh. He talked, without pausing for breath and covered a staggering range of views in a very short space of time. In short, he believed:
- All politicians are rabid liars (so far, so good), so he was therefore going to vote for the BNP at the next election. Obviously!
- The trouble with this country is the immigrants. They live in mansions, paid for by WW2 veterans' tax receipts, and they are all breeding like rabbits (the immigrants that is - not the veterans). They are planning to turn the UK into a Muslim state. The Tories and Labour are clearly colluding with the blacks and the Muslims in this plan.
- All young people are evil. None of them want to work and they desecrate churches just for fun.
- The local council are deliberately making hay fever sufferers ill by cutting grass verges without collecting the cuttings. Sadly, he didn't state why that was their intention.
Then his bus came - just as he was warming up. I didn't want him to stop. I wanted to know what else he thought and why he thought it. He reminded me of one old duffer called Ken Baily from a few years back who regularly turned up to major sporting events, and other big occasions, dressed in union jack clothing and top hat. He always got a mention from commentators and was always treated as a benign symbol of patriotic support. That all changed when he was interviewed by the BBC, only for him to reveal that he made Genghis Khan appear to be a whimpering wet liberal who wears girl's clothing whilst reading peace studies at Brighton Poly.
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| Stupid Old Duffer |
Well, I enjoyed my encounter with the rabid looney. It was almost entertaining, in a strange sort of way. The only thing he seemed to be missing was a copy of the Daily Mail under his arm. Oh well! I hope I bump into him again some time. There are so many topics we have still to cover.
Tuesday 26 April 2011
A Truly Great Tribute
There are actors that I really cannot stand. Will Ferrell is one that I could mention. It seems that everything he touches turns to poo - to put it mildly. Occasionally, there are actors that I start out disliking and then that opinion gradually changes. Sometimes it is me. Sometimes it is them. For me, Jim Carrey started out as one of those actors I could not abide - it was the OTT, manic and rather childish roles he accepted early in his career that got to me (e.g. Ace Ventura - Pet Detective). But, as time passed, he has really grown on me.
There are two films in particular that changed my opinion. The first was The Truman Story, which worked so well on so many different levels. The second was his masterful performance as left-field comedian Andy Kaufman in the marvellous biopic Man on the Moon. Since then, with a few bloopers aside, he has been one of my favourite comic actors. As a personality it is swings and roundabouts - on the up-side, he has been outspoken about his own bouts of depression and has campaigned for democratic change in Burma, but to off-set this, he has also been an rather vocal sceptic on the efficacy of vaccinations. Well, you can't win them all.
It turns out that the rather manic persona he portrays is not too far from the real man. I was delighted when he was asked by Sir George Martin to offer a contribution to a Beatles tribute album and he chose one of my favourite tracks - I am the Walrus. The track suits Carrey - it compliments his madcap image and he certainly did not fall short when it came to the recording. Here is that recording. Enjoy...
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| Ferrell - All that glisters is not necessarily gold |
There are two films in particular that changed my opinion. The first was The Truman Story, which worked so well on so many different levels. The second was his masterful performance as left-field comedian Andy Kaufman in the marvellous biopic Man on the Moon. Since then, with a few bloopers aside, he has been one of my favourite comic actors. As a personality it is swings and roundabouts - on the up-side, he has been outspoken about his own bouts of depression and has campaigned for democratic change in Burma, but to off-set this, he has also been an rather vocal sceptic on the efficacy of vaccinations. Well, you can't win them all.
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| Carrey as Truman Burbank |
It turns out that the rather manic persona he portrays is not too far from the real man. I was delighted when he was asked by Sir George Martin to offer a contribution to a Beatles tribute album and he chose one of my favourite tracks - I am the Walrus. The track suits Carrey - it compliments his madcap image and he certainly did not fall short when it came to the recording. Here is that recording. Enjoy...
Monday 25 April 2011
Royalty & Equality - A Match made in Heaven
David Cameron has started a debate in the UK. Should the law be changed to allow gender equality with regards to the royal succession? In other words, if our beloved William & Kate's first child turns out to be a girl, should that girl become the heir apparent and succeed to the throne ahead of any subsequent male child? You know - in the interests of equality.
You must forgive me. I have watched open-mouthed as this debate has trundled past the collective torpor of deference currently awash in the UK. How can you use the monarchy as a vehicle to express your views on equality? The continued existence of this institution is an insult to any concept of equal opportunity. It is the very embodiment of undeserved and arbitrary privilege. It makes as much sense to demonstrate your commitment to equality through royal succession as it is to advocate the health benefits of apples using a witch. Seriously! Only in Britain...
You must forgive me. I have watched open-mouthed as this debate has trundled past the collective torpor of deference currently awash in the UK. How can you use the monarchy as a vehicle to express your views on equality? The continued existence of this institution is an insult to any concept of equal opportunity. It is the very embodiment of undeserved and arbitrary privilege. It makes as much sense to demonstrate your commitment to equality through royal succession as it is to advocate the health benefits of apples using a witch. Seriously! Only in Britain...
"Try it - it will do you good"
And how many tattoos do you have?
The flat above me has become vacant. The nice, quiet couple who lived there have moved on and now I face the prospect of having someone new, unknown and potentially noisy move in. It has started me thinking. What can I do to effect an outcome that works for me?
I know that this is normally the prerogative of the landlord. Normally. And I suppose that it somewhat depends on whether the prospective tenants actually like the place and want to move in. Or dislike it. Of course, who does move in eventually will have an impact on my life to some degree. Maybe I should consider exactly how I can 'influence' the outcome so that all parties are happy.
I mean - think about it. Right now I can play my music a bit louder than normal. I cannot hear anyone stomping around upstairs. No doors, no stairs, washing machines, TVs or music systems breaking in upon my peace. But that will change and not every prospective tenant will share my enthusiasm for their low-impact existence. The possibilities are nearly endless and the permutations & combinations will need some careful thought.
I suppose that I will just have to make as quick an assessment as I can when any prospective tenants turn up for a viewing. Do they look noisy? How heavy are they and do they look like 'stompers'? Are they the sort who will have lots of friends calling at all hours, hanging around on the doorstep, smoking - or worse still - selling drugs? Or new-born kittens? Or dealing in scrap metal? How do you tell anyway? Is it too rude to go out and ask them - say, give them a questionnaire to fill in, or check them for tattoos or whatever?
And if they seem 'undesirable', how can I engineer the outcome to my advantage? Do I play my music extra loud during the viewing? Or will they then just think that loud music is acceptable? Do I casually 'meet' them in the hallway and share my enthusiasm for Mormonism or flash a copy of The Watchtower at them? That could work - but what if they turn out to be Mormons or Jehovah's Witnesses themselves? That tactic could backfire big time.
Maybe, I will just have to leave it to luck. And besides, who's to know that they won't find me objectionable. I know - unlikely isn't it? But it could happen. Whoever they turn out to be, I am sure that we will all get along just swell. I imagine that I will get to enjoy the next couple of weeks in relative peace and then a van will turn up and the new person or persons will be revealed. You never know, I could be lucky. I still have all that scrap iron I am trying to shift.
I know that this is normally the prerogative of the landlord. Normally. And I suppose that it somewhat depends on whether the prospective tenants actually like the place and want to move in. Or dislike it. Of course, who does move in eventually will have an impact on my life to some degree. Maybe I should consider exactly how I can 'influence' the outcome so that all parties are happy.
I mean - think about it. Right now I can play my music a bit louder than normal. I cannot hear anyone stomping around upstairs. No doors, no stairs, washing machines, TVs or music systems breaking in upon my peace. But that will change and not every prospective tenant will share my enthusiasm for their low-impact existence. The possibilities are nearly endless and the permutations & combinations will need some careful thought.
I suppose that I will just have to make as quick an assessment as I can when any prospective tenants turn up for a viewing. Do they look noisy? How heavy are they and do they look like 'stompers'? Are they the sort who will have lots of friends calling at all hours, hanging around on the doorstep, smoking - or worse still - selling drugs? Or new-born kittens? Or dealing in scrap metal? How do you tell anyway? Is it too rude to go out and ask them - say, give them a questionnaire to fill in, or check them for tattoos or whatever?
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| "Hi! We're your new neighbours" |
And if they seem 'undesirable', how can I engineer the outcome to my advantage? Do I play my music extra loud during the viewing? Or will they then just think that loud music is acceptable? Do I casually 'meet' them in the hallway and share my enthusiasm for Mormonism or flash a copy of The Watchtower at them? That could work - but what if they turn out to be Mormons or Jehovah's Witnesses themselves? That tactic could backfire big time.
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| Powerful weapon - or a trap |
Maybe, I will just have to leave it to luck. And besides, who's to know that they won't find me objectionable. I know - unlikely isn't it? But it could happen. Whoever they turn out to be, I am sure that we will all get along just swell. I imagine that I will get to enjoy the next couple of weeks in relative peace and then a van will turn up and the new person or persons will be revealed. You never know, I could be lucky. I still have all that scrap iron I am trying to shift.
Sunday 24 April 2011
Some Good Old Fashioned Violence
Ah! Those were the days. They wouldn't get away with this sort of thing now - which explains why you don't see these being screened any more. They are considered too violent (groan!).
What a joke! I grew up adoring Tom & Jerry cartoons and I never felt the inclination to act out any of the violence contained within. In this modern age, where these harmless animations are considered too violent for kids to watch, the alternative forms of entertainment are computer games where you can shoot realistic looking people or run them over in your car. Nice trade-off!
Anyway, I think that Tom & Jerry should make a come-back. This is one of their greatest episodes and includes one of those special expressions of pain that only Tom could pull off (4:25). To enjoy in full screen, access the cartoon on YouTube by clicking here. Enjoy!
What a joke! I grew up adoring Tom & Jerry cartoons and I never felt the inclination to act out any of the violence contained within. In this modern age, where these harmless animations are considered too violent for kids to watch, the alternative forms of entertainment are computer games where you can shoot realistic looking people or run them over in your car. Nice trade-off!
Anyway, I think that Tom & Jerry should make a come-back. This is one of their greatest episodes and includes one of those special expressions of pain that only Tom could pull off (4:25). To enjoy in full screen, access the cartoon on YouTube by clicking here. Enjoy!
Nostalgia Trip - Opening Credits to Daktari
Daktari was a late sixties offering for children's TV which aired most of the way through the 70s on british television. I did watch it from time to time - it was most notable for featuring a cross-eyed lion called Clarence. The word Daktari is a Swahili word, meaning 'doctor', though the series actually followed the exciting adventures of a vet and her family based somewhere in East Africa.
Oh Dear! They no friendly no more
Wow! Steady on there, little Nick. You guys are supposed to be friends. There's no need to go making such a to-do. If you keep this up, there's no telling how this will end.
Little Nicky is not happy with Big Dave. It's all over this AV thing. Apparently, Dave has said some stuff and L'il Nick thinks he's all lying and things and now they are all like fighting and stuff. Because if there is one thing our Nicky cannot abide, it is a bit of the old fibbing. Breaking promises, he can live with. Crapping on people, he can dig. But telling porkies is just not his bag.
What started out as a beautiful friendship seems to be dissolving before our very eyes. It really is so sad. But one can sort of understand Little Nick's point of view. If he doesn't win this AV thing, he's going to be a bit of a 'Post Turtle' - very nice looking for the coalition, but pretty useless and going nowhere.
I suspect that these guys are set for a mighty big fall-out. I mean, if Little Nicky goes to the party but comes home without any presents, none of his friends are going to be very happy. They are waiting for him to bring home some new toys to play with. Now they just think that Big Dave is using him - stringing him along. And they would probably be right. I can envisage a time, very soon, when there will be a forced evacuation of toys from a certain person's perambulator and someone will be taking their ball home.
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| There there, little one. Calm down. |
Little Nicky is not happy with Big Dave. It's all over this AV thing. Apparently, Dave has said some stuff and L'il Nick thinks he's all lying and things and now they are all like fighting and stuff. Because if there is one thing our Nicky cannot abide, it is a bit of the old fibbing. Breaking promises, he can live with. Crapping on people, he can dig. But telling porkies is just not his bag.
What started out as a beautiful friendship seems to be dissolving before our very eyes. It really is so sad. But one can sort of understand Little Nick's point of view. If he doesn't win this AV thing, he's going to be a bit of a 'Post Turtle' - very nice looking for the coalition, but pretty useless and going nowhere.
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| Post Turtle Nick - Useless |
I suspect that these guys are set for a mighty big fall-out. I mean, if Little Nicky goes to the party but comes home without any presents, none of his friends are going to be very happy. They are waiting for him to bring home some new toys to play with. Now they just think that Big Dave is using him - stringing him along. And they would probably be right. I can envisage a time, very soon, when there will be a forced evacuation of toys from a certain person's perambulator and someone will be taking their ball home.
Happy Easter
Yes. Happy Easter everyone. Consider this your Happy Easter card from me. And what better to adorn such a card with than an Alder Valley bus.
Alder Valley really were the greatest of all the bus companies. My favourite was the 444 - which ran from Aldershot Bus Station all the way to Reading Bus Station, taking in Yateley on the way. The thing that made Alder Valley special, I think, was their commitment to value for money. You didn't just get a simple bus ride from A to B. No way! They gave you A to Z, with complicated and convoluted rides through estate B, village C, other-estate D, long-cut E etc. Hop on the 444 and you saw the world.
So what better way to celebrate Easter than to celebrate Alder Valley (or, to give it its full name - The Thames Valley & Aldershot Omnibus Company). Happy Easter everyone!
Alder Valley really were the greatest of all the bus companies. My favourite was the 444 - which ran from Aldershot Bus Station all the way to Reading Bus Station, taking in Yateley on the way. The thing that made Alder Valley special, I think, was their commitment to value for money. You didn't just get a simple bus ride from A to B. No way! They gave you A to Z, with complicated and convoluted rides through estate B, village C, other-estate D, long-cut E etc. Hop on the 444 and you saw the world.
So what better way to celebrate Easter than to celebrate Alder Valley (or, to give it its full name - The Thames Valley & Aldershot Omnibus Company). Happy Easter everyone!
Saturday 23 April 2011
A week of books & music
I have decided that it is time to shut down the TV and radio for at least a week. The awful gushing and fawning has reached a tipping point. I will spend this week either outdoors, reading a book or listening to music instead. The BBC are the worst - bombarding us with an olde worlde style of sychophantic deference. I suppose they have to make an effort for all those who find this soap opera somehow relevant. There is only so much of this guff that I can take and I have had enough already.
Friday 22 April 2011
Roger Glover - Love is all
I was talking to the Bean and somehow this came up in conversation. Roger Glover was a member of Deep Purple. Whilst many a budding guitarist has mastered the opening chords to the Purple's Smoke on the Water, few would even be aware of this offering from the welsh bass player. It is a chirpy fairy tale of a song - based upon the children's book 'The Butterfly Ball and the Grasshopper's Feast'.
It is far from being what you might expect from a heavy rock bassist, though it does feature fellow rocker and recently deceased Ronnie Dio on vocals. An animated music video was produced to go with the song. I sent the link to the Bean but I thought it was worth sharing regardless. Enjoy!
It is far from being what you might expect from a heavy rock bassist, though it does feature fellow rocker and recently deceased Ronnie Dio on vocals. An animated music video was produced to go with the song. I sent the link to the Bean but I thought it was worth sharing regardless. Enjoy!
The American Police - A well deserved Barf Award
I regularly read the news that spills across the pond and I cannot help but thank my lucky stars that I do not live in the United States. I know that the U.K. is not the happiest place on the face of the planet, but the U.S. is one completely screwed up society. And I am not even going to mention their bankrupt political system.
What I do notice is that the actions of the U.S. police are, by any reasonable standards, called into question with unswerving regularity. They so often seem to take the heavy-handed, trigger-happy approach to dealing with the most mundane of incidents - with death or serious injury a regular outcome.
Last week, a primary school pupil was arrested and detained for not clearing up a mess he had made in his school cafeteria. Earlier this week, a man reported to be carrying a rifle in a shopping mall was stopped by police. Even after the 'rifle' had been shown to be an umbrella, he was still searched, frisked, questioned and detained. As many commentators stated at the time - why? You wouldn't do that to a regular person carrying an umbrella, so once the mistake had been detected, why was this man further inconvenienced? Because they can. Because they do. Because they are inclined to do so.
The latest incident involves a man in Florida reported to police as acting 'strangely'. How threatening could this strange behaviour be, I wonder? Well, the report suggested he was 'kind of pacing around, grabbing his beard, grabbing his head and hair'. Wow! Send in the cavalry! We can't have that sort of thing going on. He was approached by five officers, tasered, arrested - and died. Well, that was a fair outcome, wasn't it? All that arm waving deserved nothing less than death.
This wouldn't warrant a mention if it was just an isolated incident. But it is not. The problem with the U.S. is that these incidents fail to register much sympathy with the public - which is why they continue to happen. There is a sense that dealing with the poor, the mentally-ill, and the down-trodden in this manner is generally accepted. There is a dearth of compassion for the most unfortunate members of society which is reflected in their politics at all levels - which often results in them being criminalised for the most pathetic of reasons. Even the idea of state-sponsored welfare or medical care for the poorest regularly receives the harshest of condemnations from 'ordinary' americans.
The questions that I would like answered are...
What I do notice is that the actions of the U.S. police are, by any reasonable standards, called into question with unswerving regularity. They so often seem to take the heavy-handed, trigger-happy approach to dealing with the most mundane of incidents - with death or serious injury a regular outcome.
American Police - Issuing a parking ticket
Last week, a primary school pupil was arrested and detained for not clearing up a mess he had made in his school cafeteria. Earlier this week, a man reported to be carrying a rifle in a shopping mall was stopped by police. Even after the 'rifle' had been shown to be an umbrella, he was still searched, frisked, questioned and detained. As many commentators stated at the time - why? You wouldn't do that to a regular person carrying an umbrella, so once the mistake had been detected, why was this man further inconvenienced? Because they can. Because they do. Because they are inclined to do so.
The latest incident involves a man in Florida reported to police as acting 'strangely'. How threatening could this strange behaviour be, I wonder? Well, the report suggested he was 'kind of pacing around, grabbing his beard, grabbing his head and hair'. Wow! Send in the cavalry! We can't have that sort of thing going on. He was approached by five officers, tasered, arrested - and died. Well, that was a fair outcome, wasn't it? All that arm waving deserved nothing less than death.
This wouldn't warrant a mention if it was just an isolated incident. But it is not. The problem with the U.S. is that these incidents fail to register much sympathy with the public - which is why they continue to happen. There is a sense that dealing with the poor, the mentally-ill, and the down-trodden in this manner is generally accepted. There is a dearth of compassion for the most unfortunate members of society which is reflected in their politics at all levels - which often results in them being criminalised for the most pathetic of reasons. Even the idea of state-sponsored welfare or medical care for the poorest regularly receives the harshest of condemnations from 'ordinary' americans.
American Dream - Just don't wake up poor
The questions that I would like answered are...
- Why did five officers dealing with a single unarmed person need to use a taser?
- Why does a confused or mentally-ill individual have to be treated as a criminal?
- Why do these regular stories about taser-related deaths seem to make no impact on their use?
I can hardly bear to watch
I have no head for heights. I honestly believe that's why I stopped growing when I reached 5' 7". I don't think my head could take any more.
I have always admired people who can scale tall buildings and dangle precariously over precipices. I don't know why their self-preservation instincts aren't doing to them what mine do to me. I find this video difficult to watch. Even though I am sitting in my chair, at ground level, and nothing in the video can threaten my safety in any way, I go weak when I watch it. My guts are in knots. How these guys do this I will never ever understand.
To turn your guts upside down, watch below or click here to watch on Youtube, in full screen mode, if you dare.
I have always admired people who can scale tall buildings and dangle precariously over precipices. I don't know why their self-preservation instincts aren't doing to them what mine do to me. I find this video difficult to watch. Even though I am sitting in my chair, at ground level, and nothing in the video can threaten my safety in any way, I go weak when I watch it. My guts are in knots. How these guys do this I will never ever understand.
To turn your guts upside down, watch below or click here to watch on Youtube, in full screen mode, if you dare.
Thursday 21 April 2011
Nostalgia Trip - The Banana Splits
Early 1970s offering from California - can't you tell? I think this is one that I did watch beyond the credits but I am not really sure if I understood what was going on. There is something of the home chemistry lab about this show. For some this will be a nostalgia trip - for others, just a trip.
Wednesday 20 April 2011
I bet that cured her high temperature
What does the doctor recommend if you are running a bit of a temperature? Probably not what this poor woman got. Janet Richardson, 73, from Cumbria was feeling so ill whilst on a cruise ship, they decided to take her to hospital. The ship, being just off the coast of Norway, called for help and the Norwegians sent a ship of their own. But in transferring her from one ship to the other, they dropped her in the sea.
She was in the sub-zero waters for eight minutes before they managed to retrieve her. That will have brought her temperature down a point or two. They then took her off to a hospital, where she is recovering.
I would imagine that this incident probably ruined her afternoon, if not the whole day. Still, I am sure that Janet and her husband George are probably laughing the incident off as I write. Still, mustn't grumble. Anyway, do you know what this story reminds me of? Yes, got it in one.
She was in the sub-zero waters for eight minutes before they managed to retrieve her. That will have brought her temperature down a point or two. They then took her off to a hospital, where she is recovering.
I would imagine that this incident probably ruined her afternoon, if not the whole day. Still, I am sure that Janet and her husband George are probably laughing the incident off as I write. Still, mustn't grumble. Anyway, do you know what this story reminds me of? Yes, got it in one.
Quote of the Day
Chris Huhne is the Lib Dem Energy Secretary in the Con-Dem Coalition Cabinet. He has strong views on electoral reform and dearly wants us all to go out and vote 'Yes' in the forthcoming AV Referendum. But he is not happy. He has accused David Cameron of over-seeing a dirty tricks campaign, urging people to vote 'No' with a combination of 'downright lies' and 'unfair tactics'. He has made the following observation about these tactics. I think we should bask in his undoubted wisdom...
"There is no doubt that if you behave in a thoroughly reprehensible and underhand manner you are going to lose the respect of people."
My my! Imagine someone in politics doing anything like that. I wonder what sort of things he could have been referring to. Maybe, he might have been thinking of stuff like...
- Breaking Signed Election Pledges.
- Submitting an MPs expenses claim of £5,066 for painting work on his garden fences and chairs.
- Shamelessly plastering pictures of his wife and kids on his election literature whilst secretly having an affair with a party worker, only to admit the affair to the press once the election was over, before telling his wife and children. Nice!
- Banging on and on about 'Labour's security-obsessed surveillance state' whilst holding shares in the UK company IRISYS, which specialises in producing... surveillance equipment.
Clegg signs away his soul - if he ever had one
Still, it didn't stop 28 Lib Dem colleagues from voting directly against their signed pledges. Anyway, weren't all the MPs on the gravy train when it came to expenses? Who can be blamed for claiming for their garden furniture, eh? Even multi-millionaires like Chris need a nice garden to sit in. And an executive mahogany Corby trouser press (£119). Semi-skimmed milk (62p), chocolate Hob Nobs (79p), tea bags (89p), a bus ticket (£3.20), a cheese muffin (99p), bacon flavour Wheat Crunchies (28p) and Ready Brek (£1.81). He even submitted a bill for £85.35 for the "mounting, framing and inscription of a photo of Chris Huhne". A bit vain perhaps, but I am sure it was very nice.
A Corby Trouser Press - no MP should be without one!
And doesn't everyone at some time in their lives do something a bit naughty - like talk on their mobile phone whilst driving (he did that too and received a driving ban). I mean, who doesn't exploit their family for electoral purposes whilst cheating on their wife? And then let her find out about it from the press. It's what any self-respecting guy might do - right?
'Be a good wife and smile for the cameras, Love'
And who doesn't have shares in companies that make thermal imagers and surveillance cameras? Doesn't everybody profit from the ubiquitous commercial and state-sponsored spying and then rail against it in parliament? I know I would if I was an MP.
So why shouldn't Chris shout his mouth off about a rival politician behaving in a 'thoroughly reprehensible and underhand manner'? We need guys like him in politics - the sort who are not afraid to hold up a mirror to the seedy, back-handed, double-dealing, cheat & liars that infest our political life. At least he didn't do what his leader Nick Clegg did - go to Cambridge University and join their Conservative Association. No, not our Chris. He went to Oxford University and joined their Labour Club.
Actually, in a strange way we do need MPs like Chris Huhne. We need them to remind us just how duplicitous and hypocritical the political class have become. We need them to spur people into action - to sit up and take notice. Sadly, I think the british people will continue doing what they have always done. They will tug their forelocks, wave their flags, cheer for Wills & Kate and retire to watch the latest goings-on in Albert Square, leaving the way clear for the political class to carve up the country for themselves. And to Mr Huhne - for your wonderfully ironic and shameless hypocrisy, I award you a 'Quote of the Day' Barf Award. You really deserve it...
Beatle's Childhood Home Demolition
If you ever visit Liverpool, you will see the city's status as the 'Home of The Beatles' at every turn. The city is proud that it fostered and raised the four mop-tops who went on to change popular music forever. Personally, I love The Beatles' music. When I was a student in Liverpool many years ago, I lived just a stone's throw away from Penny Lane, the road (and the area around it) that inspired the famous song. I later lived in Wavertree, another stone's throw away from Arnold Grove where George Harrison grew up.
It was not unusual for students to 'do the Beatles' during their time there. One would visit all the usual sites - The Cavern Club, of course, was top of the list, but there were a host of other sites such as Strawberry Fields that formed part of the unofficial tour. It may have been unofficial back then - on my return to Liverpool last year, such tours had become very much part of the commercial fabric of the city. It is now possible to hop on a 'Magical Mystery Tour' coach and visit the usual Bealtes-related sites. One of the favourite stops on the tour route is 'Mendips', the boyhood home of John Lennon, in the pleasant South Liverpool suburb of Woolton.
I have friends who live within spitting distance of Mendips and they are used to the groups of (often japanese) tourists that stop outside and snap away. Mendips is now owned and run by the National Trust (lord help us), sports a blue plaque and is now a listed building. So is Paul McCartney's childhood home in nearby Allerton. George Harrison's former home in Arnold Grove remains a private property and due to the rather tight streets in the area, is not always on the tourist route.
But the childhood home of Ringo Starr is currently causing quite a stir. He was born in Toxteth in a tiny terraced house that was originally built to house welsh dockers. The streets are known locally as the 'Welsh Streets' and have names reminiscent of the welsh connection. Number 9 Madryn Street was where Ringo came into the world and where he lived for the first four years of his life. The Welsh Streets are now well past their sell-by date and the plan is that the area needs redeveloping.
But the plans to tear these streets down has caused a storm of protests. I must confess that there is a part of me that has some sympathy with the protesters. However, I can also see why the plans have popular local support. Opinions are sharply divided. I recently took my Dad on a tour of the Beatles' sites and he wasn't exactly bowled over by Madryn Street. The houses are all derelict, boarded up and are basically beyond repair. But that is not stopping people from calling for their preservation. It does raise some interesting questions. In maintaining the heritage of a city, what qualifies for preservation and what does not? Is Ringo's former home important enough to warrant the effort? Is Ringo important enough? What is supposed to happen to the people who live in the area and want this eyesore removed? And what should happen to those who might benefit from the new houses that are planned for the area?
Well, it is a tough one. This dilemma has form. The famous Cavern Club itself was demolished (or rather filled-in) in 1973 (though since re-constructed). No great effort was made to save it at the time and it is easy to argue that it played a much greater role in the Beatles' story than Ringo's childhood home.
However, I don't think that I can get away with sitting on the fence with this issue. I recently lived in South Liverpool and I know these landmarks well. I also know the people who live in these areas too. Whilst the other former homes of the Beatles are viable, 9 Madryn Street simply isn't. The area is a slum. People have to live next to this slum and there are others who need somewhere to live. To keep these awful, tiny, back street houses in place - to attempt to redevelop them - would be an expensive and practically fruitless folly. In an ideal world, it would be just dandy. But this part of Liverpool is far from ideal.
Liverpool City Council have finally approved the demolition of the Welsh Streets, including 9 Madryn Street. Local residents are delighted. Those from the campaign to save the streets are distraught. As one spokesman put it... "It is an important part of the heritage trail."
Well, the truth is - it isn't. Very little heritage value will be lost if these streets go. If there wasn't such a human cost in this issue, then maybe I might feel differently. But there is. On this occasion, people must come first. And I must confess to having a slightly different argument for going ahead with the demolition. My rather left-field justification is this. I may have loved the Beatles, but, well...
Let's face it - Ringo was just plain jammy to be in the Beatles in the first place. He joined the band just as they were becoming famous and he hardly contributed to the band's success in the way the other three did. I mean, John, Paul & George were immense musical talents. Take any one of them out and history would have been different. But with Ringo? I think John Lennon summed it up very nicely. When asked by a reporter if Ringo was the best drummer in the world, Lennon retorted - without hesitation - "he's not even the best drummer in the Beatles." Sorry about that, Ringo. But I think he was probably right.
"Right lads - send in the bulldozers!"
Near the University Halls of Residence
Mendips - complete with blue plaque - where the Beatles would practise
I have friends who live within spitting distance of Mendips and they are used to the groups of (often japanese) tourists that stop outside and snap away. Mendips is now owned and run by the National Trust (lord help us), sports a blue plaque and is now a listed building. So is Paul McCartney's childhood home in nearby Allerton. George Harrison's former home in Arnold Grove remains a private property and due to the rather tight streets in the area, is not always on the tourist route.
But the childhood home of Ringo Starr is currently causing quite a stir. He was born in Toxteth in a tiny terraced house that was originally built to house welsh dockers. The streets are known locally as the 'Welsh Streets' and have names reminiscent of the welsh connection. Number 9 Madryn Street was where Ringo came into the world and where he lived for the first four years of his life. The Welsh Streets are now well past their sell-by date and the plan is that the area needs redeveloping.
Madryn Street - Ready for Demolition?
But the plans to tear these streets down has caused a storm of protests. I must confess that there is a part of me that has some sympathy with the protesters. However, I can also see why the plans have popular local support. Opinions are sharply divided. I recently took my Dad on a tour of the Beatles' sites and he wasn't exactly bowled over by Madryn Street. The houses are all derelict, boarded up and are basically beyond repair. But that is not stopping people from calling for their preservation. It does raise some interesting questions. In maintaining the heritage of a city, what qualifies for preservation and what does not? Is Ringo's former home important enough to warrant the effort? Is Ringo important enough? What is supposed to happen to the people who live in the area and want this eyesore removed? And what should happen to those who might benefit from the new houses that are planned for the area?
The Cavern Club - Filled-in without a fuss
Well, it is a tough one. This dilemma has form. The famous Cavern Club itself was demolished (or rather filled-in) in 1973 (though since re-constructed). No great effort was made to save it at the time and it is easy to argue that it played a much greater role in the Beatles' story than Ringo's childhood home.
However, I don't think that I can get away with sitting on the fence with this issue. I recently lived in South Liverpool and I know these landmarks well. I also know the people who live in these areas too. Whilst the other former homes of the Beatles are viable, 9 Madryn Street simply isn't. The area is a slum. People have to live next to this slum and there are others who need somewhere to live. To keep these awful, tiny, back street houses in place - to attempt to redevelop them - would be an expensive and practically fruitless folly. In an ideal world, it would be just dandy. But this part of Liverpool is far from ideal.
Liverpool City Council have finally approved the demolition of the Welsh Streets, including 9 Madryn Street. Local residents are delighted. Those from the campaign to save the streets are distraught. As one spokesman put it... "It is an important part of the heritage trail."
Well, the truth is - it isn't. Very little heritage value will be lost if these streets go. If there wasn't such a human cost in this issue, then maybe I might feel differently. But there is. On this occasion, people must come first. And I must confess to having a slightly different argument for going ahead with the demolition. My rather left-field justification is this. I may have loved the Beatles, but, well...
Let's face it - Ringo was just plain jammy to be in the Beatles in the first place. He joined the band just as they were becoming famous and he hardly contributed to the band's success in the way the other three did. I mean, John, Paul & George were immense musical talents. Take any one of them out and history would have been different. But with Ringo? I think John Lennon summed it up very nicely. When asked by a reporter if Ringo was the best drummer in the world, Lennon retorted - without hesitation - "he's not even the best drummer in the Beatles." Sorry about that, Ringo. But I think he was probably right.
"Right lads - send in the bulldozers!"
Nostalgia Trip - Opening Credits to 'Marine Boy'
Remember this one - our first taste of japanese animation with definite hints of the manga style. This one was a sixties offering and played out every day during those long summer holidays. Enjoy.
Tuesday 19 April 2011
Worldwide Condemnation helps Manning
The US authorities have finally been stung by worldwide criticism of their treatment of serviceman Bradley Manning and have agreed to move him to a different prison. Manning is in custody awaiting trial having been accused of leaking state secrets to the Wikileaks website and has been held in conditions which have been condemned by many as 'amounting to torture'.
The Guardian newspaper has kept the story alive in the UK and have kept the focus on the military authorities holding him in inhumane conditions at Quantico Military Brig. In recent weeks, a rising tide of politicians and commentators, including UK MP Ann Clwyd, have made representations on behalf of Manning. His case has been taken up by a diverse range of human rights organisations, such as Amnesty International, and the pressure finally seems to have paid off.
It is not currently understood how the conditions at the new prison will differ from the old, but the move is seen as an acknowledgment that the criticism and scrutiny have dented the reputation of the U.S. - and deservedly so. The U.S. likes to preach to the rest of the world about human rights, but it has increasingly become an abuser of such rights in its own back yard. Much of the campaign to help Manning has been facilitated through social network sites. It certainly adds weight to the idea that when the watchers are themselves being watched, it is harder for them to get away with state-sponsored human rights abuses.
U.S. authorities - the world continues to watch.
The Guardian newspaper has kept the story alive in the UK and have kept the focus on the military authorities holding him in inhumane conditions at Quantico Military Brig. In recent weeks, a rising tide of politicians and commentators, including UK MP Ann Clwyd, have made representations on behalf of Manning. His case has been taken up by a diverse range of human rights organisations, such as Amnesty International, and the pressure finally seems to have paid off.
It is not currently understood how the conditions at the new prison will differ from the old, but the move is seen as an acknowledgment that the criticism and scrutiny have dented the reputation of the U.S. - and deservedly so. The U.S. likes to preach to the rest of the world about human rights, but it has increasingly become an abuser of such rights in its own back yard. Much of the campaign to help Manning has been facilitated through social network sites. It certainly adds weight to the idea that when the watchers are themselves being watched, it is harder for them to get away with state-sponsored human rights abuses.
U.S. authorities - the world continues to watch.
Postcard for a Warm Spring Day
Yes, the lovely warm spring weather is back. The garden is growing with a fury and people are smiling again - sort of. I will have to attend to the garden some time soon. The biomass is increasing exponentially - especially the creeping plants that have come over the fence and are now strangling everything. My 'lawn' - or weedpatch - has gone simply mad. Still, it is a day for enjoying the glories of nature and looking forward to the best that a british summer can offer.
So here is my postcard. Wish you were here. I wish I was there too.
So here is my postcard. Wish you were here. I wish I was there too.
Coalition Watch - Warm Words from Chris Huhne
"I think this is the politics of the gutter."
So thinks Chris Huhne, the Lib Dem Energy Secretary in the Con-Dem Coalition Cabinet. Who could he be talking about? Yes, the Conservatives. Well, strictly speaking, those that are spreading 'downright lies' and are involved in 'scare and smears' regarding the 'No' Campaign in the AV Referendum.
I know that Labour are involved in the 'No' campaign, but his remarks were specifically aimed at the Conservatives. He went on...
"I am frankly shocked that coalition partners can stoop to a level of campaign that we have not seen in this country before."
Mmm! Things ain't sounding so cosy any more. He is still awaiting a response to an earlier letter he sent to Baroness Warsi, the Conservative Party Chairman, complaining about such tactics. Personally, I don't think he will get a response. I don't think they're talking any more.
I give it five months. Max.
So thinks Chris Huhne, the Lib Dem Energy Secretary in the Con-Dem Coalition Cabinet. Who could he be talking about? Yes, the Conservatives. Well, strictly speaking, those that are spreading 'downright lies' and are involved in 'scare and smears' regarding the 'No' Campaign in the AV Referendum.
Huhne - Not a happy bunny this Easter
I know that Labour are involved in the 'No' campaign, but his remarks were specifically aimed at the Conservatives. He went on...
"I am frankly shocked that coalition partners can stoop to a level of campaign that we have not seen in this country before."
Mmm! Things ain't sounding so cosy any more. He is still awaiting a response to an earlier letter he sent to Baroness Warsi, the Conservative Party Chairman, complaining about such tactics. Personally, I don't think he will get a response. I don't think they're talking any more.
I give it five months. Max.
Coalition Watch
The coalition is under threat. Here are today's pointers...
The AV referendum is likely to be lost. Polling shows that the 'No' campaign is gaining support and is now 16% ahead. If the Lib Dems fail to change the voting system, there will be very little to keep their MPs on-message. Doubtless, thoughts will turn to their chances of re-election under the current system and rebellion against the coalition's cuts will not be too far behind.
Vince Cable was sounding rather defeatist today. He considered resigning over his 'War on Murdoch' gaffe and he admitted in an interview that ..."if I find myself outside the government, I can assure you there are all kinds of things I can do with my life. I can have much fun going around the country speaking, writing books and probably doubling my income in the process." Goodness, man! You've only just got into government. Are you really so pre-occupied with what you will do once you are out of it?
I give it six months. Tops!
The AV referendum is likely to be lost. Polling shows that the 'No' campaign is gaining support and is now 16% ahead. If the Lib Dems fail to change the voting system, there will be very little to keep their MPs on-message. Doubtless, thoughts will turn to their chances of re-election under the current system and rebellion against the coalition's cuts will not be too far behind.
Are you going somewhere Vince?
Vince Cable was sounding rather defeatist today. He considered resigning over his 'War on Murdoch' gaffe and he admitted in an interview that ..."if I find myself outside the government, I can assure you there are all kinds of things I can do with my life. I can have much fun going around the country speaking, writing books and probably doubling my income in the process." Goodness, man! You've only just got into government. Are you really so pre-occupied with what you will do once you are out of it?
I give it six months. Tops!
Nostalgia Trip - Opening Credits to 'The Flashing Blade'
Another offering from the depths of my childhood. And yet another programme that I never watched beyond the opening credits. Just as well really - it was the worst dubbed programme in the history of television. But to get to the dialogue, you had to sit through that theme music, chosen I presume because it had the tempo of a galloping horse - and so very many mentions of the word 'fight', which seemed central to the programme.
Monday 18 April 2011
New Barf Award - Congrats to the Lib Dems
Nick Clegg has said a lot of things over the past few years. Not all of them have been true and not all the promises he has made have been kept. There is one issue he has gone to town on - cleaning up politics - what he has referred to as the 'new politics'.
The country needs politicians who will do things differently. Their reputation has been sullied in recent years by expenses scandals, with a number of MPs now behind bars as a result. They were seen as greedy and self-serving, with little regard for the people who elected them. There have also been scandals regarding payment for access - where politicians in positions of power have 'sold' opportunities to meet with them and lobby for particular interests. 'We will listen to your concerns - if the price is right'.
But the Lib Dems have come up with a new access scheme which flies in the face of all the sanctimonious guff that Nick Clegg has been spouting for years. The only thing that I can admire about this is its brazenness. In every other way, it is a despicable flight from principle. The 'Leaders' Forum' will provide access to the movers and shakers within the Lib Dems for an annual fee of £25000, with the money going straight into the party's bank account. In a communication with lobbyists, Clegg has written...
"We are in Government for the first time in almost 70 years and are playing a central role in creating a fairer and more prosperous Britain. I'd like to invite you to join the debate ... My colleagues and I want to listen to you and to continue this dialogue."
Maybe this explains Clegg's choice of coalition partner. Forget principles - go with whoever could secure the power - and the money will follow. Plain and simple, this is cashing in. What better way of funding the party's debts than selling access to power? 'Oh, we want to listen to you - now get your cheque book out'.
They have seriously tried to deny this is cash for access. A spokeswoman said:
"Far from it being about access or influence it is an opportunity for us as a party to discuss and explain what we are doing in government and to stimulate conversation on various issues within group settings."
And explaining your policies and having a conversation should cost £25k? Do they really think we were born yesterday? Who pays £25k to have a nice chat about Lib Dem policy? People pay money for access to power. But Mr Clegg should remember where that power comes from. It comes from the will of the electorate, as expressed by the votes cast last May. It is not theirs by right - it has been bestowed upon them, in trust, by the people. It is, in short, not theirs to sell. Everyone in Britain should expect to have equal access to the ear of those that govern. And that access should not come at a price. Once again, we see the Lib Dems flush their principles down the Westminster toilet. And I for one am sick of it.
For that reason, I award Mr Clegg and his high-powered Lib Dem colleagues, the Barf Award.
The country needs politicians who will do things differently. Their reputation has been sullied in recent years by expenses scandals, with a number of MPs now behind bars as a result. They were seen as greedy and self-serving, with little regard for the people who elected them. There have also been scandals regarding payment for access - where politicians in positions of power have 'sold' opportunities to meet with them and lobby for particular interests. 'We will listen to your concerns - if the price is right'.
Don't make me laugh!
But the Lib Dems have come up with a new access scheme which flies in the face of all the sanctimonious guff that Nick Clegg has been spouting for years. The only thing that I can admire about this is its brazenness. In every other way, it is a despicable flight from principle. The 'Leaders' Forum' will provide access to the movers and shakers within the Lib Dems for an annual fee of £25000, with the money going straight into the party's bank account. In a communication with lobbyists, Clegg has written...
"We are in Government for the first time in almost 70 years and are playing a central role in creating a fairer and more prosperous Britain. I'd like to invite you to join the debate ... My colleagues and I want to listen to you and to continue this dialogue."
Maybe this explains Clegg's choice of coalition partner. Forget principles - go with whoever could secure the power - and the money will follow. Plain and simple, this is cashing in. What better way of funding the party's debts than selling access to power? 'Oh, we want to listen to you - now get your cheque book out'.
How to start a conversation with the Lib Dems
They have seriously tried to deny this is cash for access. A spokeswoman said:
"Far from it being about access or influence it is an opportunity for us as a party to discuss and explain what we are doing in government and to stimulate conversation on various issues within group settings."
And explaining your policies and having a conversation should cost £25k? Do they really think we were born yesterday? Who pays £25k to have a nice chat about Lib Dem policy? People pay money for access to power. But Mr Clegg should remember where that power comes from. It comes from the will of the electorate, as expressed by the votes cast last May. It is not theirs by right - it has been bestowed upon them, in trust, by the people. It is, in short, not theirs to sell. Everyone in Britain should expect to have equal access to the ear of those that govern. And that access should not come at a price. Once again, we see the Lib Dems flush their principles down the Westminster toilet. And I for one am sick of it.
For that reason, I award Mr Clegg and his high-powered Lib Dem colleagues, the Barf Award.
Casual Racism - Well, I'll be a Chinaman!
I have looked high and low to find one of my 'favourite' clips ever from a british television programme, but it doesn't appear to be 'out there'. I really wanted to share it with you. The sketch in question is from a show featuring 'Little & Large', a supposed comedy duo who were bafflingly given air time on the BBC between 1978 and 1991. The casual racism displayed in the sketch would make most people curl up in a ball and vomit. And I mean barf until they could barf no more.
The sketch I am referring to, sadly, involved an group of indian musicians - a bhangra group - along with the rather unwelcome intrusion of our comic heroes to mock every last aspect of indian culture. Eddie Large conversed with the band leader, referring to him as 'Poppadom', and every line consisted of casually racist remarks sprinkled liberally with references to items from an indian takeaway. I remember watching it and wishing that these painfully embarrassing relics of a different age would spontaneously combust.
Mind you, Little & Large were not alone. Back in the 70s, casual (and not so casual) racism formed the basis of a number of 'comedy' shows. The following came from two of the best examples - Mind Your Language and Love Thy Neighbour. Mind Your Language was probably marketed as 'evening class teaching a diverse group of racial stereotypes how to speak English with hilarious results' whilst Love Thy Neighbour probably went with 'working class white couple are horrified to realise their new neighbours are actually black'.
Casual racism still exists. Obviously it is not as bad as full-on Ku Klux Klan neck-stretching type racism, but it still rears its ugly head every so often, especially amongst the more elderly members of our society. I mean, Prince Phillip is 90 this year, after all. His collection of racist remarks would be the envy of many a Grand Wizard. He is 'forgiven' by those who suggest that his attitudes spring from a more innocent age - one without the benefit of our more enlightened and modern views.
Whilst this sort of thing has all but disappeared from our screens, there are a few recent gems that pop up from time to time. I don't know if this business owner in the States thought that he would be winning people over with this display of bizarre casual racism, but it is worth watching just to savour the execution of this truly awful advert. I even love the way he throws in a little animal cruelty as well. And no, this isn't a comedy sketch. This is the real thing. Keep watching to the end - you never know when spontaneous combustion might occur...
Syd Little & Eddie Large - Interestingly, they are no longer talking to each other
Mind you, Little & Large were not alone. Back in the 70s, casual (and not so casual) racism formed the basis of a number of 'comedy' shows. The following came from two of the best examples - Mind Your Language and Love Thy Neighbour. Mind Your Language was probably marketed as 'evening class teaching a diverse group of racial stereotypes how to speak English with hilarious results' whilst Love Thy Neighbour probably went with 'working class white couple are horrified to realise their new neighbours are actually black'.
Casual racism still exists. Obviously it is not as bad as full-on Ku Klux Klan neck-stretching type racism, but it still rears its ugly head every so often, especially amongst the more elderly members of our society. I mean, Prince Phillip is 90 this year, after all. His collection of racist remarks would be the envy of many a Grand Wizard. He is 'forgiven' by those who suggest that his attitudes spring from a more innocent age - one without the benefit of our more enlightened and modern views.
Whilst this sort of thing has all but disappeared from our screens, there are a few recent gems that pop up from time to time. I don't know if this business owner in the States thought that he would be winning people over with this display of bizarre casual racism, but it is worth watching just to savour the execution of this truly awful advert. I even love the way he throws in a little animal cruelty as well. And no, this isn't a comedy sketch. This is the real thing. Keep watching to the end - you never know when spontaneous combustion might occur...
Sunday 17 April 2011
Nostalgia Trip - Opening Credits to 'Follyfoot'
How about this one from the early 1970's. You'll know the music alright, but I don't know anyone who ever watched this. You will notice one time Aldershot FC President and 'Are You Being Served' superstar Arthur English displaying some truly great physical comedy. Oh, what a funny guy! Sorry about this - this music will probably be in your head for the next few weeks.
So, how is the economy doing?
We hear a lot about national debts and budget deficits these days. So, how are the western economies doing? Really?
Take a look at this. This is a chart of gold prices over the last 10 years. Notice anything?
Gold is now worth six times what it was 10 years ago. Wow! And it looks like it is still going up. I wonder if this is a comment on the state of our economies - you know - by people who understand these things? What is wrong with good old paper money, eh? Why would people be buying up so much gold?
Go figure!
Take a look at this. This is a chart of gold prices over the last 10 years. Notice anything?
Gold is now worth six times what it was 10 years ago. Wow! And it looks like it is still going up. I wonder if this is a comment on the state of our economies - you know - by people who understand these things? What is wrong with good old paper money, eh? Why would people be buying up so much gold?
Go figure!
Saturday 16 April 2011
Quotes of the Day
From Johann Hari at The Independent
"The American head of state grew up with a mother on food stamps. The British head of state grew up with a mother on postage stamps. Is that a contrast that fills you with pride?"
"I can’t think of anything more patriotic – and more deserving of a tumult of Union Jacks waving at a thousand street parties – than the belief that every child in Britain should grow up knowing that one day, they could be our head of state. And I can’t think of anything less patriotic than saying that the feudal frenzy of deference and backwardness we are about to witness is the best that Britain can do."
Thank you, Johann. Roll on 30th April.
"The American head of state grew up with a mother on food stamps. The British head of state grew up with a mother on postage stamps. Is that a contrast that fills you with pride?"
"I can’t think of anything more patriotic – and more deserving of a tumult of Union Jacks waving at a thousand street parties – than the belief that every child in Britain should grow up knowing that one day, they could be our head of state. And I can’t think of anything less patriotic than saying that the feudal frenzy of deference and backwardness we are about to witness is the best that Britain can do."
Thank you, Johann. Roll on 30th April.
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