In news that will surprise no-one, it has been announced Shane MacGowan has been pretty unwell recently, and this photograph was released by his wife a few days ago. Rather sadly it reminds me of the final pictures of George Best before he succumbed to his alcoholism, and it is another reminder that despite the many delights of alcohol (and they are plentiful) , there are prices to be paid in the long run, so let's be careful out there.
Toodle pip
More welfare / benefit cuts are on the way from the current right wing party of the hateful, while they also cut taxes on inheritance, benefitting the rich, as the majority of people who inherit homes are in their 50's or over, and already have homes of their own. Once again, looking after the rich (themselves and their friends) while demonising and punishing the less fortunate. As a side note, never forget unclaimed benefits far outstrips benefit fraud and errors, and removing medication will result in further illness and deaths. I shouldn't be surprised the nastiness, but how people can still vote for them highlights what little empathy and compassion people sometimes have.
Never vote Tory
Toodle pip
We will take the extraordinary step of announcing emergency legislation. This will enable parliament to confirm these pot holes filled and repaired, and therefore safe, and I will not allow a European court to block my imaginary repairs.
Please let this be real, as it's magnificent. However, l have my doubts.
Toodle pip
Obviously l know l have fought Spider-Man, but l didn't realise it had been captured in print.
Toodle pip
Once l'd grown accustomed to Raoul Pecks narration style (similar to Werner Herzog), l really enjoyed 'Exterminate all the Brutes' his four part documentary and history of colonisation, racism, imperialism, warfare and eugenics. Maybe enjoy is the wrong term to use, as it's also pretty harrowing and depressing, despite the fact that l knew most of the information beforehand, and agreed with what Peck was saying. It's also a timely reminder that a lot of the atrocities are being re-enacted in the present, and as he states in the documentary, people know, but choose to ignore it or justify it. Well worth four hours of your time.
Toodle pip
A few days ago I was alerted to the fact that these Superhero books by Taschen exist. Now l'm cursing, as they look 'amazing' and there are quite a few of them that l wouldn't mind, despite the prices being so steep. I'm especially looking at the Amazing Spider-Man and Silver Surfer ones, but the Fantastic Four ones look tempting as well.
Once again, l need more money and a bigger house. Fingers crossed for the lottery tonight!
More details here - where the photographs are a lot sharper.
Toodle pip
Obviously l agree with The Economist on this view, but they've also produced an outstanding image to go with the article.
Toodle pip
Part of my reading while waiting for my operation today. The Immortal Hulk, a comic l don't usually read but l read a bit at my mates, liked what l read, and borrowed it for the day. It's not just for kids (or puny humans) and can get pretty deep. I enjoyed it.
Spent a long day in North Tees hospital today having my pacemaker replaced. I stayed at Robbo's (a friend) in Nunthorpe the night before who then dropped me off at the hospital in the morning, as l had to be there for 8.30am. On arrival l was told l was scheduled to be next in and tests were done in preparation, but they then returned with the good / bad news that l was now going to be the last operation of the day, as l was the fittest person they were seeing that day. I then had all day in bed, being checked and monitored, reading, and listening to music and podcasts, which l must admit, is not a bad way to spend a day. Anyway, l was eventually carved up about 3.30pm and fitted with the new one, which wasn't that bad compared to getting the original fitted. I had a couple of moments of pain, and once again there was a lot of pushing and shoving to fit it in place. l also overheard that the old one was 'stuck in', there was a lot of 'oozing', and the original had been inserted 'the wrong way round' which apparently made the procedure more difficult. Nice. I also got to keep my old one (I asked for it), so that's another mad addition to the household crap. After further tests l was free to leave, and my mate picked me up again and dropped me off back home, which was good of him. l'm currently pretty sore, and have to be careful moving my left arm, but I'm also off work for a bit, and indestructible again, so hurrah!! Drinks all round!!
Toodle pip
To say this was ground-breaking at the time is underselling it. The Young Ones was unlike anything l'd ever seen before. Surreal, violent, anarchic, unpredictable, political, and most of all, very very funny.
As Children in Need comes around again, here's a couple of gentle reminders. I know a lot of good is achieved, but there's also so much hypocrisy around it. I don't agree with everything Ragged Trouser Philanderer posts, but he nails it here.
I think l have found a perfect t-shirt for one of my mates. He's already got the head, just needs the shirt.
An exciting time was had by all at North Tees General Hospital today for my pre assessment health check, as l'm having another pacemaker fitted on Wednesday. Pity l couldn't have done this on the same day, but at least it's done now and l've got the all clear to go ahead.
Toodle pip
You would imagine even they would know the difference.
See what l did there? They are a joke (but a nasty one).
A long time ago when l was younger and had more brain cells intact, l could recite the whole of Edgar Allan Poe's 'The Raven' poem. Those days have long gone, although l do remember a fair chunk of it.
Altogether now.........'Once upon a night so dreary, while l pondered week and weary' etc
