Brill blog's

It’s not often I mention blogs but last night I must have done the longest comment I’ve ever posted on a blog. The comment was on gawblimeyguv's blog which I thought was an amazing read, totally straight, upfront and bravely honest – blogs like this are what it’s all about for me, it was a refreshing and amazing read. Take a look, it's called 'Dead at last'.

Another blog of note is North country dispatches by a Yorkshire guy named Martyn, it's got some really interesting posts that make fluid compelling reading.

Guys if you’ve no objection I’d like to put links to your blogs on my side bar of blogs of interest?

Amendment

Martyn has actually pointed at that his regular blog is called the shrine of blind-winger jones

Radio = Nostalgia

Ah the radio, what memories it can evoke. I’ve just spent some quality time reading other blogs in the wee small hours at work when a song came on the radio that took me right back in time – ah the nostalgia.

The song was called Rock Me Amadeus by Falco.

It reached number one back in May 1986 and I loved it. I recall going to Blackpool in August of that year, I’d not long since become 18 and off I went on a ‘life initiation’ holiday with half a dozen mates. As we pulled into the car park of the holiday chalet park the radio was playing Rock Me Amadeus. Back then I had blonde streaked hair with a centre parting, I wore a slim crimson leather bow tie and pink shirt with matching pink cardigan, how young and naïve I was. The holiday was a heady mix of pubs, girls, night clubs, neon lights, amusement arcades and endless bags of chips. I was young, carefree and new to the world of adult life, to think it was nearly 20 years ago, now I feel old. Maybe I should recline and take a nap in the chair.

Dark times

I see mock rock outfit ‘The Darkness’ have released a new album entitled ‘One way ticket to Hell.... and back’ – How the heck can it be one way when they come back? Believe me these much vaunted theatrical rockers are already ‘has beens’ and the critics think so too. Irritating vocals, dire songs and the point being it’s all been done before but by better bands.

I suggest a firing squad for them at the side of the unholy river Thames, after all we can’t do it at the side of the holy river Trent and pollute our water!

Rant over.

Cursed

I’ve no trouble in meeting and dating the opposite sex but I’m cursed, yes cursed with an affliction of always meeting what turn out to be Bunny Boilers, quirky or just damn strange. I never profess to be an expert on the female psyche, even with qualifications in psychotherapy and psychology but I can safely say women can still be quite unfathomable at times, largely by their own admission too. The thing is I end up (or maybe get drawn to) the odder side of the feminine world.

Why can’t I just find a plain Jane of normal disposition that is chatty, caring and fun?

Far from it, I get the loonies, the ones that seem ok initially then suddenly turn quite bizarre or intense. My back catalogue of female acquaintances reads like a hammer horror script list bar a few sparse exceptions ( I nearly said ‘odd exceptions then !).

Rant over.

Hate it already

Christmas, I hate it already with a passion, it should ideally be banned and holiday time allocated in summer instead. Already we are a nation in Christmas overkill, deluged with adverts, junk mail and ostentatious decorations as households vie to out do each other with external pompous inflatable Santa’s. Ban it all I say – bah humbug.

I may even out do my blogging amigo Pat this year in the misery stakes.

Rant over.

Eubank

It appears Chris Eubank is bankrupt, owing 1.3 million having squandered over 10 million of his personal fortune. It doesn’t get any better though, Mrs Eubank has walked out with the kids and he’s now living in rented accommodation. When I read the full story I didn’t feel sorry for the guy at all, firstly he’s always been an arrogant plush suited monocle wearing fop, all very self deluding considering he comes from a poor background.

So what went wrong?

Mr Eubank himself blames it on poor financial advice; other sources say he never took any advice at all. It seems that each day lawbreaking fines would land on the door mat as Eubank liked to park his American truck anywhere in Brighton he chose to, on one occasion he took the family to cinema in it, only for it to be removed and a hefty fine incurred. That’s just one tale of his excess fuelled lifestyle, when shopping in London’s Knightsbridge Eubank decided to take a taxi 300 yards to another shop on the same street, surely an athlete would prefer to walk the short journey in no time at all? – not Eubank. There’s other tales of unpaid fines, court appearances and £1,400 meals he preferred not to pay for.

Expect to see him back in the boxing ring soon - hopefully someone will knock some common sense into him.

Mirren

On reading the Daily Express yesterday I couldn’t help drool at Helen Mirren on the front cover, even if she is 60 she still looks stunning for her age. On commenting about her youthful looks it seems that she doesn’t do plastic surgery and works out just now and again. She posed nude aged 50 and at 58 she again disrobed for the film calendar girls.

My guess is she’ll still look fab in years to come - oh and her acting isn’t bad either!

Scandal

Another interesting story I read in the Daily Express yesterday was about John Profumo. For those of you that are unsure who he is you may recall the 1989 film ‘Scandal’ with Joanne Whalley, John Hurt and Ian McKellan about war minister John Profumo who had an affair with Christine Keeler which led to the downfall of the MacMillan government.

Anyway, back to the main point of this blog, the story in the paper told about the 90 year old Profumo attending the memorial service of Ted Heath. The article mentioned how after his resignation he was supported by his wife and allowed to settle in anonymity and not hassled by the press back in the sixties. There was a general understanding back then that you didn’t kick a man when he was down and the church still preached redemption (I’m beyond redemption). The points I really liked was in the conclusion of the story, the first being that Profumo never sought to cash in on the story in fact he led a life of charity work, the second point was the fact even though the sixties were considered wild - how normal they seem by today’s standards!

Gas leak

A work related story I shall share. Where I work we do property maintenance for WH Smiths and their warehouses across the country but the last few days we’ve had a unusual amount of gas leak calls from them.

The reason why was soon discovered.

A recent children’s magazine has been dispatched with a free gift for those rascals out there, the gift being ‘stink bombs’!

Basically the workers in warehouses unaware of the stink bomb free gift attached basically threw the bundles of magazines around thus releasing the pungent odour of the bombs – the result being gas leak panics nationwide, it was the same when the magazine reached the stores too!

All that glitters is not gold

I’ve been following the news of Gary Glitter’s antics in the Far East, not out of interest in the singer basically to see what they end up doing with him – I just hope it’s severe.

It’s hard to believe that once Mr Glitter (real name Paul Gadd) was a national icon and had sold 18 million records by 1975. He was the original comeback kid having been bankrupt several times he always managed to resurface and take his show back on the road, in his latter years he appealed to students who liked the camp image for its irony.

Now of course any image he had is tarnished forever by his sick actions.

Having had several holidays in the Far East I know they don’t generally mess about too much with criminals and the penalties are harsh, in fact we should adopt some of their no nonsense ideas over here – and with that I don’t mean going around killing people!

I don’t think it will be long before we hear about the demise of Mr Glitter and the world will be safer from his unsavoury behaviour.

The latest news is that he’s applied for residency in Vietnam and he’s denied any wrong doing at all, in fact he claims he was teaching young girls English!

The reality of course is far different and sinister, recent news stories tell of him molesting a young waitress in a bar, which was seen by all, he was ejected after by the English bar owner and also a 15 year girl being found in his apartment, the list goes on but I don’t really want to go into it. It’s a catalogue of shame and also reflects badly on the English people who flock to this area of the world in their tens of thousands each year. Let’s hope Mr Glitter stumbles into one of the land mined area’s out there and goes kaboom.

Tenebrous Tales

Drum roll….

The moment you’ve all been waiting for - the unveiling of my new blog.

‘ Tenebrous Tales ’

A blog that will hopefully contain short stories, poetry and prose that lean towards darkness, surrealism and fiction/fantasy. If you're unsure what tenebrous means then pick up a dictionary or check the definition out on the blog header!

Please click here for the link and feel free to add it to your own links.

Happy reading

Writers block

I’ve got writers block and you just can’t write/type with it, that’s for sure – whatever you put down on the screen just doesn’t look right when your not on a roll. I want to get my new blog up and running this week but first I have to complete my first descriptive piece I want to put on it, otherwise there’s an empty blog sat there. So bear with me folks, it will happen, even with Pat and Shep haranguing me! The invites should be sent this week.

Almost there

It won’t be long before I’ve set up my blog for creative fictional pieces, it’s seems a couple of you guys are interested and contributing so I will be sending out invite emails in the next couple of days when I’ve put the finishing touches to it, then you’ll have your own interface and be able to post. There won’t be any rules really for contributing but I don’t really want any stories that could be branded as ‘nice’, though romance pieces with twists are ok. I want the blog to have a noir feel about it, gutsy and imaginative where nothing is taboo.

And yes I have a name for it !

Creative juices

I’m thinking of doing a another blog with a creative writing slant. I’ve got several ideas milling around in my head, short stories and such that would perhaps be best in a blog of their own. I have posted a couple of creative bits and bobs before but I don’t really want my blog to become a mish-mash of randomness (ok smart comments from pat!). I’m sure some of you out there may be interested in contributing if I do a team blog thing? I may have to consult with shep how to go about that after he set up the joint dream blog a short while back.

I don’t want it to be a blog of ‘nice’ stories, I want sleaze, violence, sex, treachery, debauchery, bondage, vampires, lust and of course jaffa cakes. I don’t think I will be posting epic stuff on it, just short pieces, ideas that drift in and out of my empty head in those productive day dreaming moments.

If anyone of my fellow blogging associates are interested then let me know – let’s get those dark side creative juices flowing!

Stuff & nonsense ~ 3

Another weekend, another hangover, still it was better than last weekend. Last weekend involved a trip to Tamworth in Staffordshire, not too much of a train journey away from me really. Anyway I won’t go into details about my foray to Tamworth, that’s another story, it did turn out to be a bit surreal though – people aren’t always what they seem.

Anyway back to this weekend. Friday I went to my local and played cards, I lost far too much money and still suffering from the flu had copious quantities of Carlsberg and whiskey for medicinal purposes of course. Saturday began with the hang over from hell that just wouldn’t go. I made an effort to pop into town very early and pay some bills and do a little bit of retail therapy. My friend Dave came around later and we ended up watching Sin City on dvd (that’s about 20 odd times for me). Later that day I popped to see my friend Alen that’s having a hard time getting over his ex, usually I drop into counselling mode and listen to his woes and try to be supportive but as we’d quickly polished off some stella I decided to hit him with a couple of home truths, some straight talking. We ended up down at his local and the no nonsense talk continued, in a way I really empathised with him as my ex has taken some getting over but there comes a time when you have to dust yourself down and make steps forward even though it's emotionally hard. Within no time we were both drunk and putting the world to rights, Later Alen booked a taxi and shortly after that I popped to the gents, saw the taxi waiting and wobbled over;

‘Taxi for Alen?’ the driver nodded and I said ‘that’s’ me’

As the taxi pulled off I slumped in the back with an evil grin knowing poor old Alen would be waiting for the taxi – how mercenary of me.

Sunday passed without event, a spot of video game playing and yet another hangover to contend with, the flat was a pig sty but I just couldn’t be arsed to deal with it. Later I ended up in the pub with Alen again (yes he’d forgiven me) and again had too much to drink, considering I had to be up at 5am to get to work and travel to our Leeds office to do some training with them. I must have reeked of beer sat in the car with my boss. My eyes semi closed with the mundane motorway travel I mused to myself ‘soon be next weekend’.

Nottingham Vs London

Well, after much banter with Pat and Em’s it’s time to put the record straight about which is the greater city. Evidence and information has been collated fairly and using up to date information. So here goes.

Culture & History

London is teeming with culture and steeped in history, it’s probably the most historical city in the world. London is crammed with the very essence of different cultures and diversities, it’s probably the most multicultural place on the planet.

Nottingham though having a wealth of history all of its own doesn’t match up to London. It is however very cosmopolitan and is home to many different cultures and ethnic people.

Score: London 10, Nottingham 7

Nightlife

London of course has theatres and bars and clubs into the hundreds, it’s an entertainment mecca to millions every year, it’s a place that has something for everyone whatever your taste or vice may be.

Ideally situated in the heart of the UK, Nottingham is accessible for very many. Though it cannot brag the same amount of bars and clubs as London, Nottingham has a flavour of its own, there’s casino’s, rock clubs, open air bistro’s and vibrant clubs, it’s a city that has a very fresh appeal.

Score: London 10, Nottingham 7

Crime

London is noted for it’s past villains and gangsters; it’s been a victim to recent terrorism and generally has a fair old bit of underworld activity, theft and muggings throughout the day.

Nottingham was recently on t.v and hailed has the crime capital of the country, statistics show that Nottinghamshire police are undermanned and seemingly overwhelmed by the rising level of crime. Over the past couple of years gun crime has risen dramatically and its fair to say if you piss the right person off then they will pop a cap in your ass. Wild west, Chicago gang land and the Kray’s move over – Nottingham is the daddy, home also to the legendary outlaw Robin Hood.

Score: London 8, Nottingham 9

Transport

If you need to get anywhere in London its easy, the underground, buses, thousands of taxi’s, major train stations and huge airports – it may be crowded but it’s generally easy to get from A to B in London.

Nottingham whilst having a decent tram system and buses in abundance doesn’t really quite match up to London for ways and means of getting about.

Score: London 10, Nottingham 7

Links to Robin Hood

London may have the odd street or close named after the legendary hero but that’s about it (15 streets with Robin Hood in the name), Robin never really got down that neck of the woods, perhaps he didn’t care for London at all. Alas Robin Hood doesn’t have much sway in London, not even a monument.
Nottingham is the home to Robin and his merry band, there’s a statue, Nottingham castle, a museum and references almost everywhere. Just down the road is the ancient oak tree called the major oak where Robin hid from the sheriff of Nottingham. Robin is also alleged to have owned several casino’s and brothels and the local ice hockey stadium but I cannot confirm those facts at the time of this going to print, I can state however I have not visited the brothel. So, to conclude, Nottingham is Robin Hood and vice versa, Men in green tights are always fashionable.

Score: London 2, Nottingham 10

Final Score London 39 – Nottingham 40

So that’s it, Nottingham wins by a whisper – and rightly so, sorry Pat and Em’s !!!

There's no place like Rome

I really enjoyed the first episode of ‘Rome’ the new mini series that began on bbc2 last night at 9pm. A really graphic look at how Rome really may have been, bawdy, corrupt, decadent and full of power play intrigue – my kind of place. It’s good to see a refreshing bit of telly at long last that isn’t afraid to depict things with adhering to political correctness.

This era of history really appeals to me, I have a few books on it but I’m no expert but the whole programme had the right feel to it.

It made me giggle when I thought of how my blogging buddies would fit into the Roman era.

I see myself as the archetypal roman, sat there on my horse (well my little pony) and looking arrogant and pompous, surveying all my willing servants and slaves, ever popular with the pleb masses.

Pat of course would have to be the Germanic or Gaul type with that long beard but instead of wielding a sword and yelling some barbarian war cry you can be sure he’d he commenting how arty and avant-garde the nearby tree’s look.

Em’s of course is often a stalwart opponent of our chauvinistic blog comments, so she’d have to be a concubine or roman kitchen slave !

Shep, like me is of typical roman stock, quick witted and an eye for the ladies, a book worm and cunning linguist for sure !

Serendipity seems to be the strong willed type so I’d have to put her down as the rebellious Boudicca (at least with a chariot you would not run out of petrol on the way home from work!)

Lastly I’d like to say something about Minxtress but as I’m just getting to know her it would not really be fair, so perhaps you could add something in the comments section !?

Wunderbar

They’ve been around for years, they are eccentric, off the wall and seemingly quite mad but they are also musical geniuses. I’m talking about Sparks, the brothers Ron and Russell Mael from L.A.

Their last album Lil' Beethoven is one that will ever grace my mp3 player, it’s a work of modern day madrigals devoted to today’s suburban society. Never once does this album try to conform, in fact it does the opposite with panache and style and a single chorus hook can be turned into a song with pomp, majesty and an infectious tune that can get you chanting along with abandon. Vocal harmonies intertwine with uplifting sharp vocals, piano’s sync with keyboards, punchy guitars make appearance when apt to the mood, some of it is offbeat, some of it surreal but all of it relevant. There’s no moralistic messages here, just pure indulgence in the music and the lyrics. From the sublime opening track of ‘Rhythm thief’ you know you’re in for a treat, eclectic Sparks at their best as they deliver songs such as the raw and powerful ‘Ugly guys with beautiful girls’, the pure anthem of ‘My babies taking me home’ to the surreal ‘Wunderbar. The deluxe edition has extra tracks and is definitely worth a couple of extra £’s of you money. Buy, switch off, indulge – enjoy.

In Spark’s own ostensible words "nine scintillating works of seduction and self-delusion"

Nottingham

Well after a comment from Em’s on Pat’s blog about me not posting any photo’s of Nottingham I thought I’d better retort and do exactly that – post some! So below are some photo’s I took a few weeks ago and one I borrowed from the net (cheats always prosper).

The first is of the the council building on slab square, a lovely cosmopolitan area of Nottingham that’s nearly always lively with something happening, a lot of people pick it as a meeting place and at weekends there’s usually an attraction of some sort. Most people like to just sit on the adjoining walls in summer and just chill out. Surrounding the square are lots of shops and bars, its an area where there’s something for everyone.

The second picture is the tram which has come down Victoria street and is picking up passengers at the side of slab square, none of those cramped tubes here (Em’s and Pat take note!!).

Lastly here is a photo of the Trip to Jerusalem pub (borrowed), allegedly the oldest in England and a place where knights would gather to have a drink before embarking on the Crusades, though they probably would have had a drink in the next town! The pub nestles below Nottingham castle at the front of sandstone rocks, it’s more of a touristy pub really.