shadow of a doubt

Apparently this 1943 film by Alfred Hitchcock was his personal favourite, but l can't see why. Obviously it has dated a lot but even so...

'Charlie', who is bored and a female teenager (always going to be dodgy), has her (she thinks) cool uncle come to stay with the family. He is however, being followed by two detectives posing as reporters. This is because they suspect he may be a grannie/old lady killer. I won't give the ending away, but l was disappointed at the end and felt it was an easy ending to take. Not scary, not a lot of suspense.....bloody Hitchcock, overrated if you ask me.

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the sex drugs

I don't have a clue about this band, but l saw these posters the other day and thought they looked fantastic. There is however, no way the band can live up to the rather high and unreasonable expectations l now have of them.

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the imaginarium of doctor parnassus

Good news and bad news. l am off work with the flu or something, aching a lot, but the good news is l am staying in bed most of the day and then watching films and football (Manchester United have just beaten Marseilles 2-1 to go through to the Quarter finals of the Champions league). Well worth the aches and pains.

Watched The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, today, it's a 2009 film by Terry Gilliam, which, like some of his other films (Brazil, Time Bandits, The Adventures of Baron Munchausen and The Fisher King), to me at least, have excellent sets/scenery/design/imagination, but the stories leave me wanting more. It was interesting to see how the death of Heath Ledger was handled, and it was done well. The story had a bit of a re-write and Johnny Depp, Jude Law and Colin Farrell played some of his parts, which sound crap but worked really well within the story.

My favourite one by the good Mr Gilliam is still Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, but l still preferred the book.

While the computer has been down l have been a busy lad, working (sadly), but also finding time to read and watch films and series. I will post some of them up one at a time, rather than lumping them all in together. What excitement!!

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batmans new sidekick

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bloody files and man flu

I have just finished checking files for work (at home, this evening, while off work!!!) which have to go to Darlington tomorrow morning. What a pain, especially as l have a cold/flu/pleurisy and am aching and tired. Bloody work - where is that lottery win?

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the killing

By jimminy, this series has been fantastic, just watched episodes 15 and 16 so there are only 4 more to go before it reaches it's conclusion. It is in Danish with English subtitles, but that has not detracted from the excitement and false leads in pretty much every episode. It is slowly paced but also flies by with lots of cliffhangers. One of the best TV shows l have ever seen, and l can't wait for the end (and then series 2).

Bet it won't be long before there is a British version, which will probably lose all that is good about the Danish one, although Wallender is OK.

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the beach boy s re-worked smile project

Do not get me wrong - l love the Beach Boys and l would have loved this idea a few years ago, but l really hope it is a proper reworking over the old master tapes, rather than another botch job

that once again, abuses the Beach Boys legacy, because, trust me (a sad old bastard) they were one of the best bands ever. Love the sound of it but l will hate the reality.

Smile being released....

Beach Boys associates -- engineer Mark Linett and archivist Alan Boyd -- are co-producing the release, which Capitol has titled "The Smile Sessions."

The project will be released in three versions: a two-CD set, an iTunes LP digital album and a limited-edition boxed set containing four CDs, two vinyl LPs, two vinyl singles and a 60-page hardbound book written by Beach Boys historian Domenic Priore.

Q&A: Engineer Mark Linett Talks "Smile" Release

"The Smile Sessions" is being released with the support of the band, including Beach Boys mastermind Brian Wilson. Wilson wasn't immediately available for an interview but he expressed his excitement about the release in a statement released through Capitol.

"I'm thrilled that the Beach Boys' original studio sessions for 'Smile' will be released for the first time, after all these years," Wilson said. "I'm looking forward to this collection of the original recordings and having fans hear the beautiful angelic voices of the boys in a proper studio release."

royal wedding t shirts

Once again, no matter how tired or drunk l am, l feel the need to post, so it will (eventually) get me into a rhythm of writting some other time (only l know when and how). So here's an easy target, the royal wedding t shirts. Class in a glass (as my cancer ridden toothless , slightly drunk and stinking of wee wee grannie used to say) if only that was true. Never mind, l still hate the royals and everything they stand for, but what can you do (Brighton springs to mind)

o

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size of the planets

Space - it's big

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portlandia

This series has just finished season one in the States, and l for one am looking forward to it coming to the UK (and it had better not let me down Godamnit!!). All l then require is loads of time off work - come on you lottery!

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dental ad

A simple idea, but done well

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stewart lee on top gear

Great stuff - my kind of humour

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how to clean records

My kind of woman

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rockabilly japanese

Somehow, they just don't pull off the look.

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It's arrived!!!!

Hurrah! The bloody modem has now arrived, so it's back to normal service.

computer still down

Still waiting for the new bloody modem to arrive - hence the lack of posts. Bastards!!!!!!!

phineas and ferb - the city of love

A class song - that's all

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newcastle united calendar

I bet the fans will be pleased when they have to look at this picture all through February. Excellent timing.

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the rolling stones on the david frost show - you can't always get what you want

First time l have clapped my eyes on this little beauty, which l found when l was searching around on you tube for unusual or rare Rolling Stones clips (l repeat again, l am a sad bastard). Pleased l am sad though, as it is great. They used to be so bleeding great back in the day.

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caught up in a charlie sheen sex scandal (allegedly)

Wow - Charlie Sheen is apparently still partying hard and living up to his wild boy reputation and the bastard reporters seem to have nearly caught up with me. You can't hide from the press anywhere these days.

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Charlie madam in drug stash

Told frantic hookers to hide star's coke

By ANITA BENNETT in LA and DAVID K. L I in NY

Last Updated: 10:38 AM, February 3, 2011

Posted: 2:47 AM, February 3, 2011

Comments: 16

Charlie Sheen's high-priced angels hid his cocaine before paramedics rescued the self-destructive party hound from an epic bender, a Hollywood madam claimed yesterday as 911 tapes from the meltdown emerged.

The flesh merchant, who identified herself only as "Felony," told RadarOnline that hookers dispatched to Sheen's 36-hour bash last week called her in a panic when the star collapsed in pain.

"The girls were, 'Oh, my gosh, they're calling 911 . . . The drugs. What are we going to do?' " Felony said, according to the site.

Once it was clear Sheen needed help and paramedics were on their way, the madam said she launched into cover-up mode.

JACKSON LEE/SPLASH NEWS

GOING TO XXXTREMES: Porn star Kacey Jordan was among the babes frolicking with Charlie Sheen (above) at his wild bash before paramedics were called by 'Felony' who said that the party was arranged by Jamie Davidson, who was also involved in the shenanigans. Mr Davidson has denied any involvement in the drug taking or hooker exploits and was unavailable for comment last night. His representative said last night Mr Davidson was with Keith Richards at the time of the party, and if not, he was working in North Yorkshire, England, thousands of miles away.

ufo over jerusalem

These are from 28/1/2011 - the end of days has begun!

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the silent witness shooting

I was on another blog where they were discussing the end of 'Silent Witness' and how shocking it had been, what a surprise it was etc and it got my curiosity up. It is a programme l have never had an interest in before, but l was intrigued to know what had happened that was so shocking. Although l don't know any of the cast and haven't got a clue about the story lines, l booted up the old iplayer and skimmed to the end to see what happened. l then went to the start of the next episode on the iplayer to find out the explanation for the miraculous escape. What a load of unexpurgated crap l discovered there, making me thankful that l do not watch the programme, if that is the sort of unbelievable storyline they are promoting. SPOILER ALERT!!!!! They make a big thing of showing off the would be assassin's tattoo on his right hand (the one in which he his holding the gun) and then show the switcherooonie guy holding the gun in his left hand (but no tattoos when setting fire to the body). l also find it unbelievable he would have swopped so many clothes and also worn so much of the other guys stuff (with hoodie up) as it would have taken too long to do the swop and there was obviously traffic going past (hence part of the reason for the death). He would have been better off kicking in all his teeth or something to destroy the dental records (not that l am a serial killer or anything). Also an assassin who was so good would have kept his distance as he reloaded, even if he wanted to stand on the victims leg and inflict more pain. Also.........OK, l can't be bothered carrying on with this, suffice to say, l don't know what all the fuss is about with the programme, and l won't be watching it again. l am sure that will destroy their viewing figures.

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new film posters

How the new film posters should look - telling the truth.

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flat head part 2

I wrote about this guy ages ago (but can't be bothered looking up when), but he has turned up in another mugshot as he has been a bad lad. It certainly looks like he would have had a hard life and a lot of teasing/bullying, so it's hardly a big surprise he seems to have gone off the rails. Rather sadly, my dent seems to have healed up. Damn!

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lose fat with tapeworms

Another advert you wouldn't see nowadays. They make it sound so easy to lose weight, and the tapeworms are sanitized! What more could you ask for?

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out for lunch at the cross view

Got dragged out of bed and out for lunch today to see 'The Family' (those dreaded words!). We all met up in Richmond at The Cross Keys, which was pretty good for the food, but full of old folk (including me). They seem to be doing a roaring trade there, and got more of our greedy mob (although l only had a cheese, onion and mayo sandwich). Good job the table had been booked in advance as there was myself and the FPO, Bill, sue, Anne, Ken, Louise, Dazzer, Nora, and fat head. It wasn't too painful an experience, and it sounds like we are going to be getting some more sloe gin out of it, so alls well etc.

Got a book (Bill Bryson - a short history of nearly everything) and dosh for Hayley's 18th today, going to drop it in on the way to (or back) from work. At least it's an early finish tonight, but have to sort out the spare room on my return as l am picking up a new sofa bed tomorrow, so will have to make some space for the bleeding thing. I feel weak and faint already, just thinking about it.

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randy's catering

This has to be my favourite catering company. All l need now is the t shirt.

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the firm and adidas trimm trabs

This film (from 2009) is a remake of the 1988 one starring Gary Oldman, which is a hundred times better. It is about the bad boys of West Ham's firm and a young lad who wants to join in and then discovers it's maybe not as glamorous or as much fun as he thought it would be. He starts of idolising Bex, the top boy but then discovers he is not as great as he thought. Pity the film was pretty crap, which surprised me as it was by Nick Love (proper geezer, Millwall fan etc), who also did 'The Football Factory', which was miles better and much more realistic. The film was like one long advert for Fila, Sergio Tacchini and these bad boys below. Ah, took me back a bit, l used to have a fantastic Sergio Tacchini tennis top, if only l could fit into one now......

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old school football fans 1977

This is the Manchester United fans at the end of the FA Cup Quarter final against Aston Villa in 1977. Those were the days when there was a proper atmosphere at the games. Admittedly it was a hell of a lot more violent and dangerous, but a much better laugh.

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the world is coming to an end

Maybe you are a spendaholic or addicted to gambling? Perhaps you are a fangirl or fanboy or obsessed with your dog? You could be living a double life or obsessed with social networking and ‘Second Life’… perhaps you are addicted to badboys or obsessed with fame? Maybe you are dating a puma or a cougar? Perhaps you spend more time gaming than with your girlfriend?

If you have an amazing real-life story you’d like to share with Peaches Geldof which will make us say “OHMYGOD!” email us at OMG@itv.comnow!!!

What a load of shit (and l don't have to watch this to confirm l am correct)

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the 13th floor elevators - you didn't realise and levitation

These used to be fucking great before Roky got arrested and then lost his marbles. Makes me pine for some acid tabs again

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razorlight

This is hilarious - talk about a band trying too hard. The one in the stupid cowboy hat at least looks suitably embarrassed. They have either been set up by their pissed up (and probably blind) stylist or have no idea what they are doing now because they have been hammering the drugs too much. Looking at Johnny Borrell in the photo, l would say it was the latter.

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blackpool 2- 3 manchester united

Another superb finish from those wonderful United boys. I certainly didn't expect that result after the shambles of the first half, but what a comeback, 2-0 down at half time and with 20 minutes left - well worth staying up late for. I planned ahead and don't have to go to work till 4pm today, so the lazing around in the morning is also going to be extra sweet. Football, bloody hell, makes life worth living.

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paige drumming alongside lps

This picture was on 'The Word' blog, and features a sad bastard like me's storage system for LP's. l was immediately jealous and wished the storage shelves and all the albums belonged to me (as l am a sad bastard), even though l obviously don't know what the albums are (though l could harbour a good guess at most of them). I can't remember who's taken the picture and l certainly can't be bothered looking, but the child is called Paige and it is either his (it is always a man who who has records like this) child or near relation. It would make a great album cover if it was cropped slightly, a childs innocent pleasure playing music against the history of music and the weight of expectation. One day, when l win the lottery, l will have rooms filled up like this (but without the pesky kids). Ah well, one can still dream.

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drum and bass and church dancing

What's not to like?

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more dodgy adverts

Innocent adverts or subversive messages? l know what l think.

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tubbs is an idiot

At the moment, myself and the FPO are trying to train Tubbs, (the new indoor rabbit) to jump out of his cage, and also to go to it when he wants a poo or piss. No joy so far, although he is getting slightly better. l think he may be a bit simple, as he even finds it difficult walking on the wooden floor, so he only tends to go to the end of the carpet in the living room. It looks like it may take some time, so in the meantime he is hardly moving and getting fatter by the day. Must have been watching and copying us. Here is what he looks like now (thankfully, that is not Tubbs or the FPO)

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the kings head at roseberry topping for kerry's birthday

Met up with Kerry and Robbo yesterday at The Kings Head, by Roseberry Topping. We thought it would be nice to go there for a meal (for Kerry's birthday) as the views are good and the food has always been pretty nice in the past. The food was still as good as past visits, but it was pretty misty when we arrived, so we couldn't even see Roseberry Topping. A couple of things about the Kings Head though. The menus were just printed A4 bits of paper, and they had no apple sauce for the pork, which l would have thought would be an easy thing to stock, store, and keep tabs on. Very shoddy indeed, which is a shame as that is the sort of memory you come away with, rather than remembering the good bits. Anyway, the view was alright by the time we left, but myself and the FPO had to scadadle away at 3pm as l had to go to work for 4pm. It actually worked out pretty well, as l dropped off the FPO at home, then went straight to work, and arrived dead on 4pm, couldn't have planned it better. Pretty busy at work but l had a break after tea to do another hospital visit, so that broke it up a bit. Called in at Tescos before coming home to stock up on the old vino (it's purely medicinal, for the stress of work). Watched the Manchester United v Birmingham game on football first (5-0 with a Berbatov hat trick), and also saw the documentary on Iron Maiden, which was much better than anticipated, even though neither myself or the FPO are fans. Decided to wait till Sunday for Match of the Day, so l hit the computer for a while instead. Splendid day all round (apart from the work bit of course). Still no bleeding lottery win. Damn!

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shut up little man

Two drunks arguing in a San Francisco cheap hotel get taped. Marvellous stuff

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vocal track for the rolling stones gimme shelter and merry claytons version

This is brilliant. Part of the vocal track for The Rolling Stones 'Gimme Shelter'. The best bit is about 2.45 minutes in when Merry Clayton gets stuck in. By jove, the Stones used to be great.

The other track is the Merry Clayton single of the same song, where she sings it all. More great stuff.

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a fine day off work

As detailed in the posts below, l have been off work today and spent most of it sitting around watching films, some good, some not so good. I have also been downloading music, reading, and sorting out some books (no wonder l am so exhausted). it's the Rook Meisters birthday today, so we are off round to his house for some food and drink about 7pm (but rather sadly, l have work in the morning). l was meant to be going to work today, but am still feeling the after affects of a cold/flu/pneumonia, so l took annual leave and had the day off. Things aren't too bad at the moment, as although l still have loads of work to do, l should be off Saturday for Kerries birthday meal (although l still have to sort that out), then Sunday and Monday. I will probably need another rest after going in tomorrow.

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war inc (2008)

The only reason l stuck with this film so long is because l like John Cusack, but l gave up after about an hour. It's a political satire, so l did think l might enjoy it. How wrong l was. The best bit was right at the beginning, which raised my hopes for the film, but they were soon dashed. How does it end? Who cares - life's too short (especially the amount l have left).

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franklyn

This is a 2008 film which deals with modern day London, plus a place called Meanwhile City. A girl is doing an art project and a father is trying to find his son. Meanwhile, in Meanwhile city, someone is trying to do a hit on someone. Oh, nearly forgot, someone else (Milo, played by Sam Riley) has been jilted and is trying to find his childhood sweetheart. I watched it all the way through, but can't say l thought much of it. The Meanwhile City backdrops looked great, but that was about the highlight of the film. Not exactly riveting, to say the least.

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staten lsland (2009)

Although this film did not get very good reviews, l really enjoyed it. It concerns a mob boss, a butcher and a sanitation man in Staten Island (hence the title), and how they all become interlinked in each others lives. A bit like Pulp fiction whereby it went back to the same scene a few times, but from different viewpoints, and although not as good as Pulp Fiction (which is certainly one of my favourite films), it was still an unexpected treat.

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breakfast on pluto (2005)

Based on the book by Patrick McCabe, this is a comedy/drama following the life of Patrick 'Kitten' Braden (Cillian Murphy) , who was left on a doorstep in Ireland and travels to London to find his mother. It's too long for my liking and therefore drags a bit, but it was a pleasant enough film and a relaxing way to spend a couple of hours. I was surprised to see Bryan Ferry in it (playing a sleazy character - no typecasting then), and l thought Gavin Friday was pretty good as Billy Hatchett (a singer in a glam band - a bit more typecasting). The music chosen in the background was excellent though, certainly took me back to my youth (a long, long time ago).

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the motorcycle diaries - ernesto (che) guevara

Just finished this a few minutes ago, and it was a pretty good travel book (South America in 1952 on an old Norton 500) with some funny episodes (and of course, some political views about the peasants being exploited). I didn't know beforehand how much 'Che' suffered from Asthma, and how he enjoyed football so much (he played in goal and was looking forward to seeing a Real Madrid game).

There was a good bit about the Bufeo fresh water river dolphins of the Amazon, and how people supposedly had sex with them, and also a part where he writes about crapping out of a window (and it landing on fruit).

Not the sort of stuff l was expecting when l started reading it, but l was pleased with the discovery.

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le diner de cons (1998)

Watched this tonight and it was really good. People are invited as guests to a dinner because there is a competition to see who can bring the biggest idiot (my invite was lost in the post). Pierre Brochant (Thierry Lhermitte) invites Francois Pignon (Jacques Villeret), but foolishly asks him to come to his house first. All sorts of calamities then occur, with lots of twists and turns. Even the FPO liked it.

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the drinker - hans fallada

The FPO got me this at Christmas as l had enjoyed reading Fallada's 'Alone in Berlin' when l was on holiday in Turkey last year. I think the 'Alone' book is written better, but l enjoyed this one more (probably because l can relate to a lot of it). It is about a man (Erwin Sommer) and his descent into alcoholism (although he was apparently unwell beforehand), his anger towards his wife (Magda) and the consequences. It immediately made me want to go out and get some wine (which l did). It was that good.

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slaughterhouse 5 - kurt vonnegut

This l read years ago, but got the urge to buy it again at Christmas (it was going cheap) when l was getting books for my nieces. Re-read it and it was as good as l remembered, an excellent book. Billy Pilgrim gets captured by the Germans in the Second World War, witnesses the bombing of Dresden (as did Vonnegut in real life), and also travels in time. What more could you ask for? A classic.

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the gambler - katherine ogden, charles cohen and nick dear

Read this at Christmas time. It's a screenplay (haven't seen the play) about Dostoevsky trying to finish his novel 'The Gambler' in time to pay off his gambling debts, with a love story thrown in. I didn't realise that it was based on a true tale of Dostoevsky writing the book under such conditions, but hey ho, you live and learn. Didn't think much of it.

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