navajo joe (1966 ) - sergio corbucci

A Spaghetti Western starring Burt Reynolds as Navajo Joe (when Burt was still young). Badly overacted, badly dubbed, crap plot and a crazy soundtrack (by Ennio Morricone). This, l would like to say makes it worth seeing, but whereas the Clint Eastwood spaghetti western films are class, this is rubbish. Joe's wife gets killed, so he seeks revenge on the outlaws that did it, saving a village at the same time. Crap, although l did like the mad banshee wailing on the soundtrack when Joe appeared on the top of hills/mountains (but l wouldn't waste my money on the album). Also, even though Burt was young when he made it (about 30), the hair still looks pretty dodgy. A syrup l reckon.

toodle pip

creature from the black lagoon (1954 ) - jack arnold

This film has to be seen to be believed. It is not dissimilar to the King Kong idea, whereas a creature is found, who then falls for the (there's always one!) girl in the expedition. Of course she has to be rescued, and it does not end well for the creature. The creature is also shot at and captured, but also manages to kill a few humans before being seen off. Great stuff, even if it is in no way, shape or form, even mildly scary. So bad it is good, in a crazy kind of way. Originally released in 3D and featuring Whit Bissell as one of the Doctors (who was General Kirk in one of my favourite TV shows, The Time Tunnel). Splendid stuff!

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r.e.m have split up

A statement on their website has confirmed R.E.M have split up. Although l have not been that bothered about their last few releases, during the late 1980's and early 1990's, they were one of my favourite bands, and gave me a hell of a lot of pleasure. Their concert at Newcastle City hall (I think on the Green tour) was one of the best gigs l have ever been to, with the audience being enraptured when Michael Stipe stood on a chair and sang solo, to an absolutely silent crowd. I suppose it's because of people like me that haven't kept buying their records, that they feel they can't take it further, but there comes a time when you can have too much music from one group. It's still a shame (but now they can now go off and spend all the money l invested in them).

The statement:

"To our Fans and Friends: As R.E.M., and as lifelong friends and co-conspirators, we have decided to call it a day as a band. We walk away with a great sense of gratitude, of finality, and of astonishment at all we have accomplished. To anyone who ever felt touched by our music, our deepest thanks for listening." R.E.M.

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the unicorn shut down

Out and about in Richmond today l saw that the Unicorn is all boarded up and not open for business. What is happening to this great land of ours? This is one of the pubs l usually frequent when l am indulging in the odd tipple in Richmond, and have been doing so on and off for many a year, man and boy. Apparently (so l have been told) there has been a dispute between the manageress and the brewery, so she has told them to stuff their pub. Let's hope it re-opens again soon. What am l going to do with my life otherwise?

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yet another spider at work

I was on a work sleepover again last night, and guess what? Another fucking spider scared the crap out of me. The photo above is taken in the room l was just about to sleep in, on the wall next to the bed. The corner of the picture does not give full justice to the size of the picture or the largeness of the spider. They are both pretty big. Saying that, the spider was big, as l obviously killed the bloody thing, even though l was once again crapping my (by now) heavily stained pants (especially when l only stunned it and knocked it to the floor first in my panicky state). I usually shove the bed away from the wall so there is a decent gap, just in case of any spiders appearing on the wall next to me, or (heaven forbid), actually crawling onto the bed. Last night, that bed was shoved nearly in the centre of the room, well away from having anything against it (apart from the floor and myself). I still did not sleep very well, as l imagined the eight legged bastards coming to get me, as this seems to have turned into a battle between them and me. Trust me, it's not a battle l would want to be involved in, and l would rather they all buggered off somewhere else and left me alone to lead a peaceful life. God l hate them. Before finding this one, l had been having a pleasant evening watching Manchester United beating Leeds 3-0 in The Carling Cup, so l was retiring to bed in high spirits. My, how things can suddenly change (and not for the better). AAAAAAAAAARRRGGGGHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My sleepover tomorrow had better not involve discovering more of them, or l will be doing a dirty protest.

toodle pip

bride of frankenstein (1935) - james whale

Just what you would expect from James Whale. Lots of moody and atmospheric shots, plenty of overacting, and some (rather splendid but) ludicrous stuff, like the little King/Queen etc in the jars. This film is obviously the follow up to Frankenstein (1931) and continues on from where that film ended. Mary Shelly is still weaving her magical tale, in which the creature and Baron Frankenstein have both (of course) survived, and the Baron is persuaded (against his will) by Dr Pretorious to make the creature a mate. Along the way, the creature meets (and is befriended by) the blind hermit (as in the book), but (of course), that also ends in tears. Don't think it is good news when the mate is made either, as once again, the poor old creature is rejected (I know how he feels). It's bad news when even a female bought back to life is not happy to be with you. Once again, the creature dies at the end. But for how long?

Another classic from the archives!

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shain erin dolls

Shain Erin dolls. What's not to like? Buy one now for that loveable little kiddie in your life.

More dolls and information here.

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winter's bone (2010 ) - debra granik

Winter's Bone was a strange one. I enjoyed it, but not as much as l was expecting, as l usually like slow moving, realistic, gritty and dark films. That is not to say it is not good, it is. Somehow though, l was disappointed and felt that there was something lacking, what that was, l couldn't put my finger on. The acting was superb, and it certainly put me off going to The Ozarks for a holiday, particularly in their neck of the woods, as it was a bit like Deliverance country, but missing the river (and the great child banjo player - which was faked l hope you know).

Ree Dolly (played by Jennifer Lawrence, who was outstanding), has to find her father before their shack is repossessed. He has skipped bail and also put the place up for a bond. Ree meets some unsavoury characters along the way, but gets some assistance from Teardrop (John Hawkes), her dad's brother. It is certainly not a feel good movie, and it also highlights the effects of the methamphetamine industry out in the wilds, where there is a lot of poverty and no hope, except for maybe joining the Army. The ending is (kind of) happy, albeit in a dark way, but it is not a date night movie by any stretch of the imagination.

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burke and hare and bonded by blood

These are not getting full write ups as l only lasted about half an hour with each. They really were that bad.

Burke and Hare l had high hopes for, as it was directed by John Landis (An American Werewolf In London, Animal House and The Blues Brothers - all excellent), and stars Simon Pegg and Andy Serkis amongst many others from British comedy shows. However, Landis has not done a half decent film for years, it was not that dark and it certainly was not funny. I found out later that it was written by the guys behind the last St Trinian's film (who l won't dignify by naming), which l also thought was crap (worse than crap in fact, whatever that may be). That would explain a lot. What a rotten stinker (as The Sex Pistols may have said to Bill Grundy).

Bonded by Blood is another run of the mill gangster movie, with some recognisable faces from 'The Football Factory' (Tamer Hassan, Neil Maskell) , a football film l did enjoy. I definitely did not enjoy this heap of clichéd garbage, and l nearly put my back out lunging for the off switch. My good and giddy aunt could write a better movie than these efforts by banging the idiot rabbits nose against the keyboard for half an hour, and still have time for a coffee break.

toodle pip

the adventures of robin hood (1938) - michael kurtiz

Had fun seeing this again today, as for me, it is the ultimate Robin Hood film. It is the one l remember watching it as a kid, and since then (and for men of a certain age), there has only ever been one Robin, the thigh slapping, fast talking and acrobatic Errol Flynn. Everyone knows the story, but here it is again. King Richard is away on a Crusade, his nasty brother John takes over and taxes punishes the poor, so Robin defends them, while also having the time to have a grudge with Sir Guy of Gisbourne and fall in love with Maid Marian, whenever he has the odd moment or two spare. A classic, although l am a bit unsure about Will Scarlet, l bet he wanted to be in Marion's shoes really. A rip roaring adventure, and there's a fact!

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the southern lights from space

The Southern Lights from space, taken by astronaut Ron Garan. Impressive!

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irish man tries to smuggle 72 cocaine capsules

An Irish man was stopped trying to get on a plane from Brazil, as they suspected he had drugs on him. It turned out (via the scan above) that he had swallowed 72 capsules of cocaine. I would not like to see the state of his bottom after they have all found their way to freedom. Free the Irish (or more likely Columbian) 72!

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ansonia apartments - new york city 1906

This is from 1906 and the apartments were on Broadway. If more apartments (or flats as they are called in the UK) were built like these (and had doormen, or some kind of decent security), people would be more than happy to live in them.

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another spider at work

I was at work overnight again on Saturday night, and this bleeding thing scared the life out of me. I was still trying to get over the last one on Thursday (see here), so my nerves are now shot to pieces. It didn't help when l got home and the FPO told me there had been a big spider in the bath while l was away. Damn this cold weather to buggery if it means all the spiders are coming indoors. I blame God (he made them).

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united beat chelsea - torres misses a sitter, and l am covered in hairs

What happens next? Excellent!

The rabbits arse and my groin (not for the first or last time)

The bloody rabbit hairs

What a gay afternoon. United beat Chelsea 3-1, Torres misses a sitter, and l have had the rabbit cuddling up to me while l sat on the floor watching the footie. Only problem is, he seems to be moulting again. Blithering idiot that he is.

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colburn kids in the puddle

Coming back from work today l was instructed by the FPO to get some cat food etc. I therefore called in at the Colburn Top Shops, where there had just been a downpour. Coming out of the shops, l managed to get a quick photo of some kids jumping in the puddles before l was chased off as a dirty old paedo. The joy of being young and free (and being quick with a photo).

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ban the bomb with marc bolan

This is the 1965 Ban the Bomb march in London. Who is that dapper young gentleman on the front left, who has managed to get himself alongside the stars of the march? Why, it's only young Mark Feld, later to become the glam rock god that was Marc Bolan. He always had a flair for publicity, and didn't mind attaching himself to movements if it could benefit him. I just wonder what record he had in his bag (probably Bob Dylan).

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baloo the bear and keith richards

I try to live my life as an amalgamation of the two.

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bloody big spider at work

This sodding thing was on the wall at work last night when l was on a sleepover. I managed to trap it and send it to a watery death (after shaking it for a while), but l had it on my mind all night and didn't get a lot of sleep, as l thought there must be more of the buggers. It was big, very, very big. In fact, l would be as bold to say it is the largest one l have seen for probably 10 years or so. I nearly crapped myself catching it.

BASTARDS!

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free the amish eight!

The Amish men in the top picture are from Kentucky. They have all been fined for refusing to put a reflector on the bag of their buggies like on the buggy above (their religion forbids bright colours) and have been jailed for not paying the fines.

They won't last two minutes in the slammer - look at how tall they all are (between about 5'3'' and 5'9''). Plus those beards give the other prisoners something to grab hold of.

Surely if the their Lord was on their side, he would have made them taller.

That's why l belong to Eric (and am a strapping 6' exactly - De Vinci's perfect Vitrivuin man).

Amen and praise the Good Lord Eric.

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casino royale (1953) - ian flemming

The first James Bond book l have ever read! I saw the film a while ago, and was not that impressed. I thought it dragged on a bit as it was too long, and although l know the typical audience loves explosions/car chases etc, l couldn't wait for it to finish (I was at the cinema). I thought the book was a lot better, and much more up my street, as there was more about Bond's thoughts and misgivings. It also portrayed him as a man who has weaknesses (along with being a cold blooded killer of course). He does not run around knocking people off (unless you count Vesper), and he is also sexist and ruthless with women (until of course, he falls in love and becomes a big softie). He plays at the Casino, survives a couple of assassination attempts, gets abducted and tortured, but does not kill anyone, although he describes a couple of earlier killings. A lot different from the films, l'm sure you will agree.

Plus Daniel Craig played Bond in the Casino Royale film, and everyone knows that Sean Connery is the best Bond.

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