the bitter tears of petra von kant (1972) - rainer werner fassbinder

Petra (Margit Carstensen ) is a fashion designer who falls in love/wants to possess Karin (Hanna Schygulla), but she (Karin) decides to go back to her husband. Petra is sadistic in her words and actions, especially to her assistant, Marlene (Irm Hermann), who appears to worship Petra. After many arguments and cruelty (and lazing on a sunny afternoon), Petra is left apologetic and swears to be nicer. This is when Marlene decides to leave as she enjoyed her own masochistic side of the relationship. Directed by Rainer Werner Fassbinder and based on his own play, the above makes it sound like there is a lot of sex. There isn't, and there is mostly lots of talking regarding the women's relationships. Exciting eh?

toodle pip

the invisible man (1933) - james whale

As l remembered from seeing this years ago, the plot could not make up it's mind whether it was a comedy or horror film. James Whale directed, so he certainly has a lot to answer for. It stars Claude Rains as Dr. Jack Griffin, (although you do not see him till the last couple of seconds), who has successfully turned himself invisible, but is also going mad, thanks to the monocane he has used as part of his experiments. He keeps getting interrupted at the inn, (a superb looking place, supposedly situated in Iping, Sussex), while trying to find an antidote, then goes on the rampage, after unsuccessfully trying to recruit his rival in love (for Flora Cranley, daughter of Doctor Cranley) as his partner. The effects are really excellent for the time, a few of them obvious, but some take a bit of working out. The end of the film is rubbish and over too quickly, and Gloria Stuart's over the top histrionics as Flora got on my nerves, but it was still good. Doctor Cranley was played by Henry Travers (from It's A Wonderful Life ), and l would normally say it would have been interesting to see Boris Karloff playing the invisible man, as he was the studios first choice, ( he wanted too much money), but of course, l would not have seen him until the end anyway. The book by H. G. Wells, (The Invisible Man 1897) does not have The Invisible Man going mad, but his exaggerated speeches in the movie about how he could rule the World were a bit of a laugh, but closely followed after the film's release by the real life threats of Adolf Hitler (which were not as funny).

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holton rower pour paintings

These are classic pieces where you think "I could have done that" as they look so good, but appear easy to do, once the idea had already formed and the colours have been chosen. By Brooklyn based Holton Rower.Then again, he thought of doing it and has cracked on, hence the results that appear above (plus a video of them being made).

(http://holtonrower.com/?page=gallery&section=painting&category=pour)

toodle pip

the first britain to get an artificial heart

Mathew Green of London, has become the first person in Britain to get a completely artificial heart (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/8677288/Father-becomes-first-in-Britain-to-get-artificial-heart.html). This sounds excellent news, but as the technology is all so new, l am not sure l would be happy carrying a shoulder bag with the power supply in and also having to change the batteries every few hours. Much better than his earlier position though, as he could only walk a few yards. I guess l had better stick my name down for one now. Got to think of the future!

toodle pip

wards of tokyo flags

As l was searching for an image of Sunflowers this evening (don't ask), l stumbled upon these flags for the 23 special wards of Tokyo, something l had never heard of before. I think they look pretty cool and may have to get them printed onto some T shirts (when or if l eventually get around to it.). I will claim copyright of that idea right now!

toodle pip

tidying up before the mother in law arrives

This cartoon is way too close to home

As the mother in law is coming for tea tonight, and as l am off work until Thursday afternoon, l have been given strict instructions by the FPO to tidy up our stinking hovel, which I have been doing in shifts, as the weather, although still crap, is very close.

To compensate for this, I currently have two fans on (in the bedrooms, not wearing them - that would look silly). This cleaning method also gives me time to read and listen to stuff while l am sorting through things, plus have a break from the computer every now and then, so l can stretch my legs and get a drink at the same time. A classic cleaning strategy, l am sure you will agree (honed to perfection when l used to do waking nights at work).

So far, l have done the dishes and clothes washing, taken the bin out (and then bought it back after it was emptied), tidied the bathroom and living room, cleaned around the kitchen and even washed the kitchen floor. At my age, no wonder l am exhausted.

The only thing left to do now is hoover (and drink more coffee), but l have until about 4.30/5pm, so it is all going splendidly. Now if l only knew where the hoover is kept.........................Hello...it looks like the sun is finally coming out.....

Damn! My cleaning plan may be foiled!

toodle pip

waiting women / secrets of women (1952) - ingmar bergman

An early (1952) film directed by Ingmar Bergman, this has some women (waiting, of course) telling stories to each other, about their young relationships, infidelity and unhappiness (shown in flashback). Another laugh a minute film from the man who also directed one of my favourite films, (The Seventh Seal ), although there is a humorous part in a lift between Gunnar Björnstrand and Eva Dahlbeck. It's old, black and white, and subtitled. What's not to like? It certainly passed some time on another gloomy summers day.

toodle pip

hunter s thompson rejection letter

This was sent as a reply to Mike Peterson in 1971 from Hunter S. Thompson, full story at http://www.lettersofnote.com/2011/07/jam-this-morbid-drivel-up-your-ass.html.

Nice PS at the end.

toodle pip

chris' stag do

End of the road for Johnny

End of the road for Robbo

The Durham pub we were in (The Boatman's?)

Newcastle train station

In Durham

My bedtime (last man standing)

Another Durham pub

In Newcastle

At The Boatman's in Durham

Went through to Newcastle, and Durham for Chris' stag do on Saturday, once myself and Robbo managed to get through the Tyne Tunnel, as we were following the sat nav we were instructed (ordered) to use, and there was roadworks at the tunnel, which threw it off the trail somewhat. Anywhoos, we got there in the end, then it was straight into a taxi and down into town for some ales with the boys. We then got the train to Durham for a few drinks there, then back to Newcastle for the evening. We managed to get back to Chris and Hills place (in Heaton ) in dribs and drabs, and once there, l would like to point out that l was last man standing, as everyone ended up flaking out. I shared the living room with Matt, which was a big mistake as he snores louder than Robbo, so l never had much sleep. Probably (no probably about it really) l would have been over the limit driving back on Sunday, then it was the traditional end to the adventure at The Cross Keys, before back to (not so sunny) Catterick. Sat drinking wine in the garden with the FPO and the idiot animals, followed by a soak in the bath and a relatively early night. Chris enjoyed it, l didn't flake out, and there was no violence, so a good time was had by all. I was surprised how many other stag and hen does were out in both Newcastle and Durham, especially as we avoided The Bigg Market. It wasn't like that back when l used to boss the place (Newcastle). Bloody kids today etc etc....

toodle pip

robert redford's hair

What the hell is he thinking going out and about with hair like that? There is no way it is real, so at some stage, he must have chosen the colour and look, checked himself in his (obviously distorted) mirror and said to himself "My, you've still got it, you handsome old cad". Somebody should have a quiet word in his ear about this, and if he doesn't listen, a very loud word. It's for his own good. Time waits for no man, but lets not be ridiculous, he can still see a reflection (but may not listen to dissenting voices).

toodle pip

choi xooang and emil alzamora art

Emil Alzamora art

Emil Alzamora art

Choi Xooang art

Choi Xooang art

Choi Xooang art

Choi Xooang art

These are kind of spooky looking but really emotive. They also remind me of work by Ron Mueck, who is liked so much in our household, we have a couple of prints framed in the living room.

Choi Xooang is based in Seoul, while Emil Alzamora is based in Beacon, New York (but is from Peru).

Cracking stuff.

toodle pip

tree shaping for the garden

This is all pretty damn good, but it needs a lot of patience. The trees have been manipulated by using wires and shaped into whatever the artist/shaper wants. Full details are here :

http://pooktre.com/

I'll have to start cracking on in the garden.

toodle pip

the night sky

Plains Milky Way from Randy Halverson on Vimeo.

Ah....lovely!

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worms inside your face

Now that is disgusting.

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bloody grass cutting

The before picture of the garden

The after picture

Another after picture

The overgrown rabbit run

Tubbs, the idiot rabbit, taking shelter in the run

After a hard days slog at work (OK, a pretty easy day), l returned home and carried on slaving away (putting in the hours) by cutting the bloody grass, which has been growing quite a bit while l have been otherwise engaged. I did think about putting it off, but no-one else was going to do it, and l would have been cursing even more if l allowed it to get longer, so l cracked on, cursing and a sweating as l did so. Thankfully, the worst is now over, and as l am off work until next Wednesday afternoon, l will be praying for some sun at the start of next week ( a fat lot of good that will do me). I am off on a stag do in Newcastle tomorrow, so it had better not be a scorcher until l return home (probably on Sunday evening). British bloody summers... Never mind..soon be in Portugal!

toodle pip

dexy's midnight runners - this is what she's like (full video)

Dexys Midnight Runners - This Is What She's Like on MUZU.TV

By Jimminy, this video has dated, but l still love the song and it brings back many happy memories of the good ship Dexy (and New York). Apparently there's a chance of a reformation of some form next year. If this turns out to be true, count me in. One of the best gigs l saw was at Newcastle City Hall when they were promoting the 'Don't Stand me Down' Lp. The gig did not sell out, but they got everyone to the front, played a great gig, then hung around for a chat and autograph signing. Just what l want from a gig. Great band, and as for Kevin's voice, you either love it or hate it. I'm on the side of love (bloody hippie that l am).

toodle pip

santos v flamengo - neymar goal

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAALLLLLL!!!!!!

SENNNNNNNNNNNNNSATIONAALLLLLL!!!!!!

FANNNTASTICOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

EL SPACTACULAROOOOOOOOOOOO GOL!!!!

Those crazy foreigners!

toodle pip

nick knowles - an eye for an eye

This is fantastic! Especially when it gets to about 1.10 minutes in when he goes all gravelly on your ass. Written by John Knowles (his brother or dad? - l haven't checked). There sure is some talent in that family. Get back to the DIY (but please stay off my TV screen).

toodle pip

my favourite amy winehouse joke (so far)

Amy Winehouse approaches the gates of Heaven and is at the back of a massive queue of people. St. Peter sees her and beckons her to the front. "Am I getting special treatment because of my fame?" she asks. St. Peter replies, "No, we're still waiting for a Norwegian translator for this lot!"

toodle pip

the qingdao lake

This is what the lake at Qingdao, China, (also the home of the Qingdao Haiwan Bridge / Jiaozhou Bay Bridge), is like at the moment. Lots and lots of green algae everywhere. Those plucky Chinese aren't put off their swimming, though l don't think l would be so keen to go for a dip in it. Yuk.

toodle pip

norway to stay open - hurrah!

Jen - the top man

The Prime Minister of Norway, Jens Stoltenberg, has stated that there will be no clampdown/war on terror/over reaction to last weeks shootings and car bomb.

He stated

“It’s absolutely possible to have an open, democratic, inclusive society, and at the same time have security measures and not be naive,” Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg told reporters in Oslo. “I think what we have seen is that there is going to be one Norway before and one Norway after July 22,” he said. “But I hope and also believe that the Norway we will see after will be more open, a more tolerant society than what we had before.”

Top man. That is the way to deal with any form of terrorism, don't let them win by becoming too scared and paranoid. By all means do some security checks, but it is better to live in an open society with the risks that entails, rather than all parts of our everyday lives being affected because of the 'terrorist threat'.

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