victim (1961) - basil dearden

Starring Dirk Bogard and Sylvia Syms, Victim is a ground breaking film in that it portrayed the absurdity of a law that made homosexuality illegal, opening the way for blackmailers to exploit them, threatening them with exposure and probably prison sentences. Bogard plays Melville Farr, a closeted married barrister who decides to hunt down the blackmailers and prosecute them, even if it results his own exposure and downfall. This is due to a young man he had relations with committing suicide, as he was being blackmailed (and trying to protect Farr). When the film was made in 1961, Bogard himself would have been dubious about coming out, as he was a homosexual and could have been prosecuted under the law at the time (it wasn't changed until 1967). This film is often stated as one of the things that helped change public opinion, and should be essential viewing for all. I won't give it away, but there's also a neat twist in the plot, and that is always a bonus in any movie.

toodle pip

his name is luka (he eats people on the second floor)

This young gentleman is called Luka Rocco Magnotta (aged 29). He looks nice enough, but is being charged in Canada with stabbing to death Lin Jun, a Chinese student. He is also being charged with dismembering the body, eating some of it, defiling it, posting the limbs to schools and government offices, dumping the torso behind his apartment, and posting a video of most of it online. Oh, I nearly forgot, the head was dumped elsewhere and found by a lake in Montreal.  He has previous form for posting videos of himself torturing animals. The good bit?  His lawyers had to decide if he should have a psychiatric evaluation. I'm no expert, but l would have considered that as a more than viable option as soon as the case was bought to court. I certainly wouldn't fancy sharing a cell with him.
On another note to do with the case, a Montreal teacher has been suspended for showing the video to students. Apparently the students asked to see it (I don't know their ages), but as a teacher, you would think  the requests would be ignored. Of course a team of psychologists are available in case the pupils are in shock (or to prevent the school getting sued).
It wasn't like this in my day - the tapioca pudding was the most scary think we had to face.


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led zeppelin on their private plane

This is the way l should be able to travel.  Loads of space, large beds, music, drink, drugs (not shown in the pictures) and groupies.  There's even a bleeding fireplace!  These photographs are of Led Zeppelin back in 1973 on their (rented) private plane 'The Starship'.  How the other half live.

I've always liked Led Zeppelin, and years ago (late 1970's) l had a denim jacket onto which l painstakingly added 'Led Zeppelin' on the back. The problem? I only went and missed out the 'e' and spelt it 'Led Zepplin', not realising until it was finished and too late to remedy or save. Thank God l didn't wear it to Knebworth in 1979, as l'd have been laughed out of the place. What an idiot. Lukkily l can spell now.

More info and pics about the plane here.

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the bleeding flu

I blame Ritchie, as he said he had a sore throat/headache etc the other day, but l have gone and got myself the flu, which is, quite literally, a pain. I got a phone call today to say old Joe was going to the pub for the first time in months, but l was aching and sneezing so much, l went and got a hot bath instead. I had already taken annual leave today as l didn't feel like going into work, and thought l'd be good and not go sick. Things are so bad, l nearly had an accident and crapped my pants, but managed to avoid it (for now). Once again - l blame God. I'm sure he/she has got it in for me.

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jon lord from deep purple has died

Damn! I've just found out that Jon Lord from Deep Purple has died. They were one of my favourite bands when l was a young whipper snapper, and l still love the classic albums from the early to mid 1970's. It's to my regret that l never saw them live when they were at their peak, but they have certainly given me plenty of enjoyment over the years.
Above is two fine examples of what made them so good.

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spike whining in jt's

Spike, the crazy Staffordshire Bull Terrier that belongs to Clancy, whining like a little girl in JT's bar yesterday.
What a pathetic racket for a supposedly hard dog.

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the rolling stones getting old

There's been a lot of fuss about The Rolling Stones celebrating the 50th anniversary since their first gig, with a new book in conjunction with The Daily Mirror featuring old photographs of the band. It's strange to think that they will no longer be around soon, as all of the old time greats are getting older and dying off. The trouble is, who the hell is going to replace them? X Factor and Brit school illuminati? I really don't think so.
Anyway, l digress. I really like this cover featuring Mick Jagger and Keith Richards as Chelsea pensioners. Rather sadly, this was done 17 years ago. They seemed really old when l saw them on the 1982 tour, but Keef was still only 39 at the time. I still have difficulty getting my head around that, and l don't like to dwell on how young The Beatles were when they split up (and what ages they were when they were conquering the world) . Time is certainly flying by.

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ron english poor sticker

Funny, yet true. By Ron English

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gateshead, newcastle and stormin norman whiteside

I went up here for a piss - very relaxing

The site of my meeting

The entrance to Chinatown in Newcastle - Rosie's bar is in the middle

The view from Rosie's to The Tynside Irish Centre

Stormin' Norman Whiteside

The ARC, with Norman in the background

One of my many Manchester United t shirts - featuring Norman

I had a meeting to do with work in Gateshead on Friday (which was much better than l anticipated), so afterwards, l decided to have a bit of a mooch around Newcastle, as it was finished by midday. I parked by Chinatown and went for a pint in Rosie's bar, an old favourite from years ago from the time l hung around with a predominantly gay/cross dressing crowd in Newcastle (ahh...they were the days..). While l was in there, l decided to give The Tyneside Irish Centre a go, as l had never been in there before, and thought they might have a decent pool table, seeing as they are few and far between in Newcastle. As it turned out, they didn't have one, but l had a decent (crazy) chat with a couple of the old Irish guys in there (naturally, called Paddy). I say old guys, they turned out to be my age, which was good for me, as l got a load of compliments for how well l looked (I said it was thanks to the copious amounts of drink and drugs). Actually, l probably only looked younger because they acted and dressed like old men, and you could easily imagine them being 60 or 70, and just the same. In fact they probably dressed and acted the same when they were teenagers.  A good day out for all the family, even if, yet again, l got another parking ticket. Bastards! 

On my return to Catterick, l called in at Old Joes, popped home briefly to get changed (well, a different shirt), and then the FPO dropped me off at The ARC for the 'gentlemans' evening Hammy had arranged, featuring the great (Stormin') Norman Whiteside, ex of Manchester United, Everton, and Northern Ireland (who was excellent). He spoke for a while and answered questions, and was also happy to sign stuff and have his photograph taken (which l can't work out how to get off my phone and onto the computer!).  There was also a comedian, but once Norman had finished, we buggered off to The Wine Bar and then home, tired but happy (and minus my phone, which l left in The ARC, realising just after getting in the taxi to White shops).  I telephoned Kung Fu Bez and told him it was by him, and he picked it up and took care of it for me, so at least l knew it was safe (and is now back with daddy).

I demand more days like this (but without the parking ticket).

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camille seaman storm photos

Camille Seaman has been taking photographs of storms in the USA, and they make the weather here in the UK look pathetic (but still miserable). More of these photographs, plus her series of iceberg ones, are on her site here.

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the banking / libor scandal

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monty python out-takes

If these Monty Python out-takes have made an appearance, there must be plenty more out there waiting to see the light of day. They should get them out there on DVD before they are all over the tinternet for free.

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zig and zag with robin williams

I used to love Zig and Zag when they were on 'The Big Breakfast', and before that, on Irish TV. In fact I have framed newspaper front pages with them on to the left of my computer as l am typing this. I was sorting through crap in the spare room a couple of days ago (still trying to clean it up a bit) when l found a load of old Zig and Zag DVD's that were transferred from video back in the day (amongst loads of old music ones). Because l used to be a sad bastard (OK l'll admit it - l still am), l accumulated loads of appearances of theirs from about 1988 (or1989) until about 1994 or so. I was thinking of putting them up on a separate blog, or on a specific You Tube channel, but l see there are some already up by fellow nerds like myself. I will check them out to see how much is up, and decide if l can be bothered doing it myself, as the main reason for putting them up would be to preserve them on the net somewhere. In the meantime, here they are with Robin Williams, in a clip that was already up.

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the sun is back out!

Hurrah! The sun made a welcome re-appearance this afternoon, so let's hope it decides to hang around a bit all weekend, as, apart from a meeting in Gateshead tomorrow morning, l am now off work until Tuesday afternoon.
Hurrah again!!

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adam buxton - summertime blues video

Watching the new series 'Bug' by Adam Buxton (from Adam and Joe) this evening, myself and the FPO had tears of laughter streaming down our faces watching this video. Something about it (the idiot march/dance? The violence? The music and explosions?) certainly tickled our fancy (OOEER!).
As for 'Bug' itself, it started off slow, but got funnier as it went on. The You Tube comments were revealed at just the right speed, and there are catchphrases already in evidence if you can be bothered to take them up. Already looking forward to the next instalment, but it's a shame Adam and Joe don't do their radio show any more. Then again (as Echo and The Bunnymen sang) Nothing ever lasts forever. Adam's blog is here.



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eminem in clockwork orange mode

 I saw this photograph of Eminem in Clockwork Orange mode for the first time today, and think it looks great. He's a pretty good looking guy anyway, but l have always loved the (much imitated) Droog look, and this certainly highlights his eyes.
Easily one of my favourite ever films, first seen when l was about 15 at the pictures. No wonder l got into music, drugs, ultra violence and a bit of the old in and out, until l too, was 'rehabilitated' in prison (with the help of 'Bronco').

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more dali! - the lady skull

After the earlier post about Dali, it got me a thinking (always a bad thing) about his lady skull. I'll rephrase that. The top picture is of Salvador Dali and his skull made up of women, from a photograph by Philippe Halsman (Dali Skull - 1951).  The guy (Dali) was a genius.
It's been much copied, and two of the examples are above. One is self evidently from 'The Descent', while the other is from 'Silence of the Lambs'.
Don't forget though, Silence of the Lambs is a much, much better film.

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13 conversations about one thing (2001) - jill sprecher

Life. What's the point? We live it, our lives get intertwined, coincidences abound, but is anybody really, truly happy?
That's what '13 Conversations about one thing' is about, and pretty good it is too, with a fine cast (and set in New York). Too much to explain, but l'd definitely recommend seeing it.

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old foreign music posters

I can't understand what they say (apart from the obvious), but they both look suitably weird, different and great.

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allans anti-fat

Smarten up this advert for the modern magazines, and l bet loads of women (and some men) would still buy crap like this. Times haven't changed that much.
Lose two to five pounds a week?  Pah!  Eat a bit less or do more exercise, it's pretty bleeding simple. Either make the effort or don't bother, but don't be wasting money on crap like this (or the modern day equivalent).
I bet Allan made a fortune.

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so close to a dream come true

Hellooooooooooooooooooooooooo
Three ladies in the bed ?
Hurrah!!!
Only.....hold on a minute..............who the hell is that with the glasses?
That just looks wrong - time to make the excuses and leave, cursing under my breath and slamming the door in disappointment on the way out.









Who am l kidding? Of course l'd still stay, l'm a bloke (in the loosest possible sense). The only difference is they'd be the ones slamming the door in disappointment on the way out.

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if jupiter was the same distance from the earth as the moon

It would look like this (if it wasn't still pissing down) and be very cool (looking wise - not weather wise).  Though l hate to think about what the tides would be like when l go swimming.

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the monkees and jimi hendrix

Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaay back in 1967, The Jimi Hendrix Experience were opening shows for The Monkees on a tour of the USA, and not going down too well in front of The Monkees young audience. I'm a fan of both bands, and it's one of the concerts l would like to have been witness to, but (for a change) l'm far too young (and l was in Singapore at the time).
However, l would rather have been hanging out backstage with the bands (and the ladies), as shown in this photograph taken by Micky Dolenz and put up on his Facebook page. Ahh, they were the days (my friends).

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the mc5 and keith chegwin

My admiration and love for the rather wonderful MC5 is second to none, and here is a rare concert from the German TV programme Beat Club in 1972. It's a shame they where never that succesful, but my reasoning for this is that (much as l love him), Rob Tyner (the singer) looks like Keith Chegwin nowadays, but with a fright wig/afro on his ample bonce. Now l don't mind Cheggers, and he was very nice to someone l knew a while back (and, like me, he's from Bootle). He is not however, trying to front a band at the moment (although l'm sure he would do so if he got the right offer). Everyone knows the rule about singers - the fans have got to want to be them, or have sex with them. Rather sadly for Rob, even though l'm sure he would have got plenty of offers of sex (and drugs) because he was in a cool band, on a larger scale, he is not going to appeal to lots of the ladies out there, and blokes would rather be someone else (Heeeeeeeeeeellllllllloooo, Keith). It happens all the time with bands, but let's face it, they are in a popularity game, and the looks play a huge part in it. The flip side of this is pretty boy/girl bands who are popular due to their looks and marketing, but their records are shite.

If you don't believe Rob looks like Cheggers - check out his showreel and imagine him covered in sweat, with a tan and the wig. Oooooooohhhh.....sexy!

And don't forget......

Kick out the Jams motherfuckers!!!!!





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driver's paltry road rage fine

This motorist (Scott Lomas) tried to knock a cyclist (Martin Porter) off his bike, and admitted he was trying to kill him when confronted.  Luckily Porter caught it all on his helmet camera, and the driver has been taken to court and fined. But only fined £250, which to me, as a sometimes cyclist, is a load of crap. If he had actually hit Porter and sent him flying, there is a possibility he could have killed or seriously injured him. He would also be the sort of person who would drive like this on a regular basis, but because there is no evidence, gets away with it. Don't get me wrong, l have broken the law many times when l have been driving, and if caught, l expect to be harshly punished. £250 is bugger all, and acts as no deterrent to anybody. Bloody horses in the road get on my nerves, and it drives me mad having to slow down and be careful to pass them, but l haven't started beeping my car horn and driving into them (yet). If it will only cost me £250, l might re-consider my options. Saying that, the judge (or magistrate) probably does not like cyclists himself (I assume it's a man), but would punish me more for upsetting the horse riding community of (mainly) posh bastards that will be part of his social set. Purely a speculation you understand, and we may indeed find out more in the near future.
The video and more information is here.

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deadeye dick and look at the birdie - kurt vonnegut

Another one of the great Kurt Vonnegut's  book ticked off!  I've been loving them all, and 'Deadeye Dick' is no exception.
A 12 year old boy commits murder, his family are dysfunctional, there's some real history thrown in, and it gallops along at a cracking pace.
It's also about perception, isolation, guilt and and society, which makes it sound dull, but it's certainly not that.
Highly recommended (as most of his stuff is)

Look at the Birdie is a collection of  his unpublished short stories - also excellent. He sure knows how to grip a reader straight away, and then develop the story very quickly, wanting you to know more with every sentence. My favourite story was probably the one about the singing teacher who gets stalked by a pupil, as l really wasn't expecting the ending. I had lots of scenarios in my head, but he completely threw me on the last couple of pages. Bloody smartie pants.

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