jimmy savile books

As more accusations regarding Jimmy Savile come to light, there's a possibility that these books will soon be worth a fortune.  Then again, l very much doubt it, no matter how 'ironic' they will deem to be.  I had my suspicions back here, as his inappropriate behaviour was there for all to see.

toodle pip

the beatles, john lennon, and the kite poster

When The Beatles were recording 'Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band', John Lennon famously got the idea (plus a load of the words) for 'Being For The Benefit Of Mr Kite' from an old poster he bought in Sevenoaks, advertising a Circus in Rochdale.  This has now been lovingly recreated and is currently for sale, but rather sadly, much as l wouldn't mind a copy, there is no way on God's green earth that l will be parting with nearly £300 for it, even if l could roll it up, stick it down my trousers, and impress the ladies with it. The poster itself is still great to look at, and if you have a hankerin' to buy one, viddy here, but l think l will wait for the knocked off pirate copies ("£2.99 at market soldier boy"), as l'm a poor and simple man, and can think of other things l'd rather waste £300 on.

toodle pip

new london underground signs

This is sheer class.  Somebody has been putting up fake signs and notices on The London Underground, and an excellent job they have made of it.  It looks great, it's kind of believable, and it's funny.  You can find more of the notices here.  The foreign tourists must be confused to buggery.

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another card from work

I must be doing something right at work, as l got another card presented to me from one of the people l support. The inside message would breach confidentiality, but the message is (roughly), they think l'm great.  I've been saying that to the FPO for years, but she is still having non of it.  Perhaps now that others have noticed, she will start giving me the praise and respect that has for so long been sadly lacking at home (but l doubt it).  They say a prophet is not without honour, except by his own land or family (or something like that), so perhaps she is just too close to witness the heavenly beauty before her (probably looking at the finger pointing to the heavens). Nothing like mixing up The Bible and Bruce Lee films to make a point.

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jeff lynne at home

Watching a documentary about Jeff Lynne of ELO and The Travelling Wilburys (amongst others) yesterday, l was impressed by what appeared to be his front room.  A classic rock stars home, with the large rug, records on the wall, huge armchairs, and a robot in the corner.  To say l was jealous would be a rather large understatement.  He also came across as a likeable, down to earth bloke, who rose from good old working class stock to huge financial riches, hanging out and recording with his heroes, so good luck to him.  Saying that, re-recording his own records is the workings of a mad control freak with too much time on his hands, but what the hell, it's his time and his money, so if it makes him happy, l won't lose any sleep over it (but he probably will).

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the bastard government cuts

I get sick of going on about how the current coalition government are screwing over the poor to benefit the rich, while also demonising them along the way, trying to make it appear as though they are all on the scrounge or the fiddle, as there are plenty of jobs out there, and the unemployed and disabled just don't want to work. There are presently talks about stopping Housing Benefit for those under 25.  Along with all the other cuts and red tape being inflicted upon the disadvantaged of the society, what do they really think the outcome will be?  Are they even thinking long term?, or just trying to show how tough they are, to try and gain the right wing votes at the next election, and damn the consequences.  I will predict now, that the more cuts there are, the more homelessness, substance abuse and crime figures will rise, and the children of those affected will also suffer and repeat the cycle, costing the county  more, not just in the wasted lives, but in the real financial cost of cleaning up the mess. Don't start complaining when your car is broken into, your house is burgled, or you are mugged in the street, because there are not enough jobs or low cost housing, people still need food, shelter and warmth (or an escape through substances), and they will find the money for that one way or another. That is without taking into consideration any demonstrations or riots.  All this while the tax for the rich is cut.  Bunch of bastards, all of them.
The cartoon is from The Observer, Sunday 6th October.

toodle pip

gangnam style live in korea

This is what you call a (80,000) crowd going crazy.  Psy performing 'Gangnam style'  to his adoring public in Seoul, South  Korea.  The song has certainly taken off in a big way, but it's just soooooo irresistibly catchy!

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be more chill - ned vizzini

Are you a geek who wants to be cool and attract the ladies?  Fear not, as all you need is a squip tablet (and $600 to buy one).  Obviously l don't need any help myself, but if you do, this will influence you to make cool choices, therefore making you cool, interesting, intelligent, and (most importantly) attractive to the ladies (the main benefit).  Will it end in tears?  Read 'Be More Chill' by Ned Vizzini, and find out what happens to the young narrator, Jeremy Heere, who gets the money together and takes one (and later on, an Ecstasy tablet).  Believable and funny, and aimed at 'young adults', if done in the right way, this would make a good film.  However, l won't hold my breath, as so many book (or graphic novel) adaptations have disappointed me in the past.

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usa election fight poster

It's all getting serious in the USA presidential race, as it drags on and on.  Thankfully, it will soon all be over, but l really hope Obama get's back in, as Romney is just a rich arse.  The trouble with the USA though, is you can never be sure.

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bottle opening remote control

This is pure genius!  A remote control that can open bottles.  Ideal for lazy bastards like myself who don't like to move from the settee.  Things like this will be the death of me (but what a way to go!).
They are available here.

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old football players

Colin Appleton of Barrow

Graham Taylor of Grimsby

Johnny Haynes of Fulham

I found these pictures while looking through some old Football League Reviews, the magazine that used to be inside football programmes back in the day (late 1960's).  You don't get footballers looking this old anymore, as these look about 50.  Apart that is,  from the youthful toothsome chappie in the middle, Graham Taylor, who went on to become the manager of England (It didn't end well).  Originator of the phrase 'Do l not like that', and the 'star' of the England documentary of the same name.  If you haven't seen it, do so.  It's priceless.

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debbie harry book cover

This is the first time l have ever seen this book, and didn't know Debbie Harry had done it, but it sure is her on the cover.  It looks like she's not having a good day.

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a picture of me

This was given to me by somebody l support a couple of days ago, who (obviously) thinks l am great.  It's a joint effort between her and one of the other workers, but l don't know whether to be flattered or scared.

toodle pip 

zoolander (2001) - ben stiller

I never fancied watching Zoolander in the past, as l thought it looked to be too 'goofy American humour' (if there's such a thing) but l  had so many people going on to me about how good it is, that l finally crumbled.  I'll be the first to admit that l'm glad l did, as it was much, much funnier than l expected.  That's not to say that l found it hilarious or groundbreaking,  but it certainly had lots of amusing moments, and Ben Stiller was more than believable as an air headed model, who is brainwashed to become an assassin (don't ask).  Featuring lots and lots of cameos (such as the great and good David Bowie), and piss takes a plenty of the fashion industry, l can now see what all the fuss was about (only 11 years too late). I've got my finger on the pulse of all the current trends if you ever need advice about clothes and music.  Just page me.

toodle pip

sunderland v manchester united 2010

Time is certainly flying by.  I went to this game exactly two years ago, but it certainly doesn't feel like that amount of time has passed.  It was a 0-0 draw, l ended up going by myself as Robbo ended up not being able to go, and l also got a parking ticket as (my own fault) l left my car on the grass outside of the Sunderland supporters pub outside the ground (despite the warnings about tickets). The price you have to pay to be cool.   I may well be (OK, I am) an arse, but l am seriously debating whether to bother with the Newcastle United v Manchester United game this weekend.  It will be about £40 (or more) for a ticket, add on drinks and travel to up the cost, plus it's also on Sky, where l can watch it from the comfort of my settee with crisps and ale, and then hit the pub afterwards.  I think the ticket prices nowadays are taking the piss, but l will also probably have to go in the Newcastle end, as l haven't got a ticket for the Manchester United away end.  This means it's not so atmospheric and much less fun, and to top it all, you have to (generally) keep quiet about being a United fan.  Last year it pissed it down and Manchester United got beat, so is it really worth it?  I think if an away end ticket or two materialises, l'll go, otherwise, my (limited nowadays) trips to matches may be coming to an end (apart from special occasions).  It's not like the old days.   I remember when you could just turn up with your pocket money on a whim (good bikes),  pay on the gate, indulge yourself with a programme and bovril, and still have enough left for a bag of chips and scraps on the way home.  Kids today don't know nothing blah blah blah etc etc ......

toodle pip

the new adele / james bond song

It's here!  What the world has been waiting for has finally arrived!  It's Adele's song for the new James Bond film 'Skyfall'.
I must admit, l think it's OK after a couple of listens (in the heartfelt, angst ridden, emotional kind of sloppy slush that passes for a lot of new music nowadays kind of way), but l wish she would pronounce the words properly, instead of mangling them up.
Diction young girl!  DICTION!!!!!
Or maybe l'm just an old fart who needs to get his ears de-gunged (or maybe views both are right).
I also think Sean Connery was the best Bond, and Daniel Craig doesn't look right, but that's another matter.

toodle pip

gram parsons and keith richards on a motorbike

I hadn't seen this picture of Gram Parsons and Keith Richards on a motorbike before, but l think it's pretty cool, especially Keith's sunglasses and cravat/scarf combo. I assume it's when The Rolling Stones were recording 'Exile On Main Street' at Keith's house (Nelcote), at Villefranche-sur-Mer, near Nice.  He was probably on acid (and/or Heroin) at the time.

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playing guitar - it's easy

Want to play guitar?  Learn these two chords and you will have the backbone of loads of songs (literally) at your fingertips.  All you need is a guitar and patience.  Unfortunately, when l had a guitar, l didn't have the patience, and just felt like smashing it up (I was ahead of my time).  Therefore, don't listen to me - l'm an idiot who doesn't practise (once again, literally) what he preaches. All of the information however, is correct.

toodle pip

save the tiger (1973) - jack avildsen

Jack Lemmon won an Oscar for his portrayal of Harry Stoner, a World War 2 ex Jazz playing veteran who pines for the old innocent days of his youth, as the world around him shows itself to be uncaring, corrupt and depressing.  He is trying to keep his company afloat, but has to resort to dodgier and dodgier methods to do so.  He fought for ideals in the war, and is haunted by the loss of his buddies, but much as he tries to hold onto his integrity and ideals, they are being chipped away at and eroded by the times he has to live in.  'Save The Tiger' is certainly not a comedy, and can be considered pretty depressing and slow, but l loved it.  Maybe, however,  that says more about me (depressing and slow) than the film itself.   There's hippie hitch hikers offering sex, clients wanting sex with prostitutes laid on before they will commit to ordering clothes, stress at work, thoughts of going to prison for fraud (we've all been there), considering arson as a way out, and an inability to remember the baseball team he adored as a youth. All of this and a pining to see the ocean again (probably as a metaphor). He's isolated from everything and everyone, but at least he manages to get high, have sex, and see the ocean again.

toodle pip 

the crown in middlesbrough

This is the price Lager should be all of the time.  I picked this up in The Crown in Middlesbrough a week or so ago, as l was so impressed with their prices.  Around Catterick way, a lager is over £3, unless you head to a working mens club such as The Arc at Colburn.  The Crown however, is a large pub with a dance floor, seats, a juke box (and DJ at night), a mixed crowd (aimed at students, but good for old farts like myself), bouncers in case of trouble, and plenty of pool tables.  It used to have a chalk outline of a body on the floor, but this was removed, probably due to people like me lying on it (drugs were often involved).  Anyway, get yourself in there if you end up in Boro and haven't yet been, it's the big pub on the corner on Linthorpe road, which you can't really miss.  It's quiet early on, but that gives you time to chat and hone those magical pool playing skills. I'm saying all of this, and l don't even work for them, so it must be good (and cheap).  There's a door charge later on, though it's not expensive (can't remember how much, as l don't usually pay).  Miles better than the likes of Walkabout etc.  Public service announcement is now over.  Eat this message.

toodle pip

the ramones are rubbish (according to morrissey)

I don't think so myself, as The Ramones were outstandingly brilliant and innovative when they first appeared, and a proper kick up the arse to a stagnant music industry of the time.  However, a certain Steven Morrissey doesn't seem to agree.  Then again, what does he know, and who is he anyway?

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james bond japanese film posters

Morte classic artwork from Japan.  This time it's the James Bond film posters. Marvellous stuff.

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