Friday 13 December 2013

Another Week 46 - 2013, Christmas Boat Parades, #Camino De Santiago., The Go Outdoors Team and



Let's bring it into the
21st Century

people


?

Por favor
if you don't mind






Light

I can't tell you just how dreary and miserable an English light can be is.., but it's bloody dreary and bloody miserable., so if you're a 'light' kinda person

Be warned..

If you like., love., enjoy color., colour  & change too., then I may have another warning for ya..

However., if you like the past., you're in luck 'cause we have plenty of that


NEAT
man




Local
Effort & Pride
or not
Sometimes you've just gotta scratch your head, wonder and scratch some more

Incidentally., I'm available
inexpensive., as in cheap
as in
A sandwich, weak black Early Grey with honey and lemon
Jus' requires enthusiastic 'different' people to be around
who are willing and eager to take on
a refreshing new approach to the same ole

I have the correct and necessary experience., but lets face it., who hasn't when one takes a look.!, however., I actually do
Call me., e-mail me., bump into me., let me know
and
I'll be there in the time it takes to blink an eye


signed

An Interested and Concerned Visionary



 
"The current century of the Anno Domini era or the Common Era, in accordance with the Gregorian calendar.
It began on January 1, 2001"

Wikipedia




 Apparently there's a new Poet Laureate (in town) that isn't 'Google-able', who isn't photo'd., or even known (?)..; I just hope 'he' hasn't produced the one an' only  'poem' for the competition (?) to be named honored honoured.., but hey, congrats to the poetic dude gentleman.; seriously, sincerely man..
In your own time, but can we get a bio, photo and some basic info 'up there'.., and out there, so we can all jump on the bandwagon and congratulate, support and enjoy.., innit dude..

We do what we do best and we do it., eventually., maybe., if we're lucky
Take our town Christmas Tree

PLEASE




 So., ceci est l'accord.; I heard "me, myself and I" again, sadly.. and disappointingly.. I'm not a me, myself and I kinda guy.. and my insides sorta cringe when I hear it, especially when it should be a case of, if absolutely necessary, which it wasn't in this case., a "we., us and the 'team'.."

Did the laundry., was sick and lost (quite) a bit of weight as a result.. I have a plan.. and my taste buds have been turned off of the beer and choc deal gig as a result of said sick thingy do da..  I'm on a culture fix after returning to the land of care homes, rehab and Big Issue sales..

I thought for a moment last night when asked where the Angel was..; she was cute and smiled with her eyes.. I don't get asked too many times, but when I do, it's ALWAYS when I'm not wearing my disguise dark glasses..
I hate others hiding behind barriers... and yet, I'm totally responsible for doing exactly what I hate.. BooHoo..- dang it..



Hmm., I have a room., but no room
okay, it's time.., but it's always time..
Gotta move., gotta groove
Action., fraction and reaction.., abstraction
dissatisfaction


To where.?

it makes sense
baby


Looking
for
Adventure
My feet are cold.; where are my socks.. Osprey backpacks., hydrate and layers..  I've got my buff on., the phone's charged and I'm remembering a flight and the particular moment the wheels left the runway..





&

color




 



47's

finito






the

headless, mindless wonder

&

author 



who's




Thanks this week go/goes to - Duck Dynasty - Stocking Stuffers - Madison Square Garden - Christmas Trees - David Thibault -  Selfies - Dilbert and Smart Watches


 

Another Week 47 - Michael Schumacher, Laurence of Arabia, Way of St.James, The Big Freeze, The Ashes and



ExWhyZed






I'm feelin' a trip coming on.. and as much as I don't like flash & tripods, I'm thinkin' 'flash and tripods'.., damn it..  I'm inspired..

Making an Effort
A day wandering the streets of London while taking in the river on a sunny Autumn day kinda works it's magic., if that stuff rocks your boat.. Spontaneous  and adventurous company with accents who're always up for traveling and checking in also add to the whole deal too..- #danke mein freund




Trains., gardens and #Art., or Blackfriers., Covent and the Tate.. Guards with fluffy things on their heads and shiny boots on their feet clomping  marching through courtyards.. and just how do those horses stay so still..! It seems that everyone in the entire world has either a Canon or Nikon and/or an iPhone..
Check out St.James' Park.. and make sure you turn around. The Tate's having some work done in the Hall and Tanks which kinda sucked as I love that place..; the ice rink at #Somerset House did it's stuff though.., fortunately..



 The All Blacks
man



 There was a full train.. and ticket for the England v All Blacks the next day..  After joining following England's team bus being escorted by two police riders on the commute in., one couldn't help noticing that the car park was full of Range Rovers., tables packed with food, while the glass wielding spectators sipped  their beverages with some degree of style, before the yelling an' cheering began.. The anthem was chillingly loud and  emotionally patriotic., the fireworks.. explosive.. and the company fun.., but man, those seats ain't made for anyone over 150lbs and 5'7".. The cute blonde NZ fan infront of me was getting slowly hammered on her several half bottles of white.. and her angelic southern hemisphere'd voice soon showed signed of a different kinda language, providing me with even more to smile about.. I had a beer an' Devine Burger before resting my ass on the S-line sports seats back to bass  camp..





Now., here's the deal., man.. What's a guy to do when it's cold enough to freeze a man's change together.. This morgen I got all my layers on.. and headed out feeling snug, smug and pretty damn good.. I was warm, IT was dreary  and bitterly cold., man.. within ten minutes I was moaning the fact that I hadn't got my dark glasses.. and within 15 minutes I was happy I hadn't, but bloody upset I hadn't grabbed an umbrella... Yep, three seasons in 15 minutes., but, but that wasn't all.. Once 'you're' all wrapped up, whatya got to do when you've got to hit a store..! One step inside and those damn blowers/heater thingies are hitting you with 80 degree blasts., dude.. SO, I'm cold, then wet., now I'm being blow dried dry again.. I've wrapped up in my thermals and mountaineering gear + four season socks only to be wandering the store where they're got the bloody heating on 85 degrees !.. Ya dress for what weather., what climate..! NOT funny., NOT impressed.. and I'm confused.. I still don't know what kinda wardrobe one's gotta decide on..




Ok., I'm kinda cool that you may feel the NEED to mail me a whole bunch of spam crap.. an' if it's what you've gotta do to make a living, then fill it doing negative stuff if you must, jus' sayin'., but hey., I'm deleting it all unread, unopened, FYI.. I was just wondering if you might reconsider though and NOT continue mailing it to me..; of course, only if you don't mind that it.. - Loser..





 

The novelty's over

 

by

The Good-natured Realist




ok

my 47's

dun an' dusted




 

"Everything is dust in the wind"




Fanks

but

I'm outta ear














reconsidering



but really
what appears the more fun

honestly




Thanks this week go/goes to New Zealand - All Blacks - Twickenham - Big Ben - Covent Garden - 461 Ocean Boulevard - iPersonic and BLAH







Tuesday 12 November 2013

Another Week 45 - #Angkor Wat, #BBC, #HorstFaas, #Tyhpoon, #CaptainPhillips..



Solitude






&




Thanks Ray
Auto designer, artist, racing driver, musician extraordinaire




So., today I hiked through the mud.. and after my last contribution to the social media world of blogging too.. I still didn't spit or scratch though..- Well., it was one of those sunny Fall Autumn days and the car was packed full of ramblers.. Off to the Forest where I  we hiked past cows, calves., horses and foals.., under trees., along paths, fields and heathland.. Offered a good morning here and an afternoon there... There were dogs chasing balls., mountain bikers spinning their wheels and children splashing..


Posed here., wandered there..; swung on the swing., got a bloody nose, opened gates, climbed over gates.. , crossed bridges and in the end, had a beer and listened to some live music in a busy lil' Market town..
RVP scored., I watched the Quo.. and I met a new accent.. The light filtered through the trees., I listened to a Radiohead tune and followed an angel down a path... I stood at a Crossroads (man)., felt the sun on my face.. and drove through a rising ford.. The exhaust gurgled and I came home with a nut in my pocket..
Laughing is good., but so is the feeling one has when the soul's been 'spoken' to and touched



I looked up through the autumn leaves and saw a blue sky
The air was clean and I didn't see a frown or Big Issue ALL day
I didn't see (or smell) a cigarette butt either
jus' saw experienced nature working it's mirAcle., baby

It was good., it was really good..; infact it was bloody great.. FaNTastic.. Truly a day to remember and take to the grave..

Thanks to the three guys and gals who made it all possible





Hold On Though 

Seriously., does anybody actually watch., listen., or take ANY notice of Ant and Dec.!

Of course., what's going to be written next, isn't really real., because there's always the beach, the huts., the frigidly cold ocean., the old seaside Dick Emery posters providing 'a history'..; there's always the balloon.., so yeah for those who're proud.., proud of the rooted sidewalks., the guy I saw walking through town holding his can of Carlsberg tightly in his left hand.. while holding onto his childs hand with his right.. There's always the Ink Room..




But 
For those who don't know., I live here., right here.. and for those who do know, I've just read something local and written with obvious pride..  "Christmas Shopping' on the 'Make It B--------th PRESENTS" website.. I see we're advertising and promoting that there are three 3 Tesco's in town..(!), 13 phone stores in town.. Are ya with me so far people.? 3 THREE galleries..; that's three whole art galleries. SAd innit.. Come to the jewel in the crown, the Riviera and take in the THREE art galleries., which tells ya just how proudly 'into the arts' this town is.. I should quickly add and deviate from the fist pumping attack at mediocrity for a moment and add that this ole town has a population of about 183,500 peeps., man.. and that's the largest in the 'county'., apparently.. and all we can muster up are three measly art galleries.., proving how supportive we 'tually are., how encouraging we are.. and just what a fantastic place this is to visit.., if you don't want to take in any culture., that is.. Of course there 'may' be an odd one or two more dotted around, further afield., but the website's only indicating that there are three.. Did I mention that there are a total of only three art galleries in town..?! In that case, there are only 3 galleries in a town that boasts a population of 183,500 peeps., dude.. COME shop here... I'm ashamed..





Oh Dear
I'm off and not holding back
SORRY

Ok., onwards and back to the website.. YOU (yes, you) may know who's responsible., or you may actually BE responsible., but hey, I really have  absolutely NO clue, I'm just a 'punter'., so, the supporters, YES you.., THE supporters are the real people to shop here.. There are., apparently..9 whole exciting national banks here..; yet another exciting reason to shop here.. We have yer actual banks, not just ANY banks I may add., but yer actual ones.., not like any other town, but this one actually has banks in it.. YEAH, man..
The list of shops on the website for Christmas shopping reads like a blockbusting Hollywood movie.. as the household names roll of my tongue..; for example., we have Genting Casinos.., we have a pharmacy.,  we have a Wilkinsons supermarket.. I can hear you already running towards your car., picking up your purses., aNd screaming for joy at the exciting reasons to shop here.. Let's not forget the Private Shop., Mailboxes Etc., Greggs bakery...Rio the Internet Cafe.. I know., I know.., I KNOW..; this stuff is riveting.. The website, the town., the people behind this are promoting this as a reason to effing visit and part wit' yur dough dude and dudettes.. Let's all drop everything., and drive from our town further along the coast where we have a roof over our stores., where we have a multi-storey car park that leads right into the warm, dry centre that offers up such a better choice., for..'THE Samaritans'..; YES, the Samaritans are being advertised and promoted on the CHristmas shopping website as a reason to shop... I mean dude., man.. is anybody editing this crap..? Is anybody actually copy writing this stuff..?
We have the British Red Cross Society advertised., we've got 'West---- Road Amusements '., the Southern Co op.. and we've got Argos baby.. This is really a fantastic effort to promote and bring in visitors., man..






Lunacy
Yeah., yep., absolutely YES..; I know what this reads like.. and YES, if you know me, you know how this may seem., but come on dude., what exactly am I saying that's wrong here..! I'm simply sharing a website that's promoting 'The Samaritans' for a reason to Christmas shop and visit .. How the heck do YOU think it reads to someone who can shop in Saffampton.., or hit Landan tahn.. I may as well go down the street to my local Tescos dude and pick up a six pack of Carlsberg to go with the roll ups.. Ok, so we can always go to one of the many bars advertised.., like Yates, Walkabout or even., wait for it.,  drum roll., THE Brasshouse..
This stuff is priceless..; seriously, come visit... Sharkies., the Moon in the Square.. There are always  da clubs for the families who want to bring along their children to enjoy a day out shopping, like for example, Triangle Club 2930., Taboo Nightclub or Camel..; that is if you can possibly drag yourself away from Coronation Street.., the TV., or the fire.. I mean guys, come on.., someone's gotta be pulling my dingaling here.,  surely..

The 'catch', or TAG line is.., or reads 'BRIGHTER CHRISTMAS SHOPPING'.; 'you'll find what you're looking for in this town center..'

Of course you'd think I'm making this up., but man, it's in black and white and sparkly bits with twinkly lights right here on this 'ere' internet thing..


 
Sadness
or
Madness

There's your actual market located in the Square clogging up the thoroughfare 'cause, I suspect., 'they're' a little scared to locate it somewhere fun, cool while offering a reason (and excuse) to 'move' around the town.. Put it right in the middle where it's going to be extra tough anyways to move.. Perfect vision, by experienced visionaries.. Geez, I love this stuff... Nobody's up in the 'Walk', but hey, let's clog it up here, baby..

I'm assuming 'someone' is responsible for signing off on this.. Someone looks at a plan and says., "yes people, this is exactly where I want a structure.; perfect. We've had this here for the last 50 years and we'll have it for the next 50., right here., right in this spot.." 
Oh looky look., the town's busy ain't it.. Look at everybody in town.. IT'S CHRISTMAS., OF COURSE IT'S BUSY..; DUH, you brain fart you..  Just make it fun., more interesting and 'locate' your village thingy to make it a fun, cool reason to actually wanna visit.. THINK Mr./Ms Planner approver person person.., 'cause I'm not that confident in wanting to make an effort to visit Da Samaritans., or one of the Banks., or Tescos.. I also won't be clubbing it in Triangle Club 2930 either.., but hey.. I'm probably the only one alive who considers this crap., to be pretty crappy.. I'll be taking my business elsewhere., man..., for what it's worth..
RANT OVER
maybe





   I'll be out of town., again, sadly.,  which means., I guess., I'll just have to postpone my Big Issue purchase an' experience, which in turn means I'll miss all this excitement that's building towards some kinda crescendo'd moment in the casino.., or Square bar.. I wonder if Santa's going to wheelie across the same two poles..? Back and forth., back and forth... and back.. and forth.. There's always the balloons and Elvis I suppose. Oh Gawd..

Qualification

Even 'the' Screen (link, button thingy) is showing last year's million dollar marketing ploy., thingy do da..  and 'we' have possibly the nation's best media school right on our doorstep..! ALbert..,  I feel sick..
I feel sad, disappointed., let down, embarrassed ., uninspired, flat..; I feel as though someone's pulling my plonker and treating me like a fool.. I feel as though someone truly thinks I'm a complete sucker.. I know I didn't achieve my M.A... or Bachelor's., but man oh man.. I know a round hole and square peg when I see one..






Of course THIS is your home and because it's your home, you'll be all over my case, but guys, guys.. I'm only sharing what's been approved, published and advertised..; infact., I'm probably doing a huge favour by even mentioning some of the above places and promoting them ... gawd forbid..

The truth is already written on the 'Make It' website dudes..

The CopyWriters have written
the editors have edited
the designers have designed and
the public will read

It's been approved, dude




I'm exhausted


Read it and weep
baby
read it and weep

'cause I'm Out








til 47 an' later

man



adios







tut., official naivety

I'm back wandering the nature trails for natural beauty

&
of course
there's always

Paris in Fall




&
Kyle Thompson Fine Art





Thanks this week goes/go to copywriters - web designers -  local councillors -  local investors - local visionaries - persons who thought up "Brighter Christmas Shopping" - Gardens of Light - "Make It" people - Christmas Markets and Sparkling Weekend Stays
 

 

Saturday 9 November 2013

Another Week 44 - #Biggie, #thelostalbum, #Street., #photojournalism, #reportage and #film



Soul.. man








Single Digits

The sun's flooding the study leaving some funky shadows all over the desk I've got my elbows resting on.., the ride on lawn mower is being ridden and I'm twirling my black inked uni-ball sigNO RT  0.7 around my right index finger and thumb.., thinking..  an' all while gazing across the fields.. The tree swing is gently rocking from the bare old tree and the couple of clouds mean I get to enjoy the color of blue that rocks my nature loving insides.. 
There's an opened spiral backed book with visible musical notes scribbled on the curling pages leaning against the keyboard stand thingy..  , while on the other side of me is the white Fender waiting for at least one of it's six strings to be bent.. There are a couple of medals  for athletic achievements hanging around too.. Twirl, twirl., twirl...


Cafe Wha ?
Sept' '66
I just opened a green hardback book at page 325.., read the fourth line of  text.. I was 'presented' with this book on the 13th July, 1970..-  I'm in kinda shock as I've accidentally come across something that could be considered a sign of sorts.. and a sign that I can't (and won't) share..; I'd normally share stuff like this with 'the' persons I know., but I'm sorta, kinda outta the loop.., so I'll simply have to sit on it.. I guess that means the sign will just 'fizzle'.. , but man.., if ya only knew.. I'll go over it a couple more times in order to digest and memorize the moment..


I'm now surrounded by a handful of old books, all in outstanding condition 'cause I look after my books.. man dude.. As a result of opening a few old pages I've learned something I didn't know until just a couple of minutes ago..; I love learning stuff..- Funny how opening a few pages can transport you.. Old books have 'that' smell (and story) about them too...

Right an' Wrong
Tasks

I set up and moved some lights around last night., adjusted them too..
There was a case of stairs., chairs
and runners


Goin' Down Slow
Zep'

I just hope the roof's sealed and secure.. A few push ups, sit ups, stretches, twists and I'll check again for who painted 'The Red Umbrella'.. I know it's not a Van Gogh, Picasso., Matisse, Gauguin..; I know it's not Vermeer., Miro or Dali.., but I do know it's been painted in the last 'few' years.., an' I like it.. It kinda reminds me of the little girl's (Oliwia Dabrowska) scene in "Schindler's List"..
Can 'we' offer up a note of some kind when 'we' send in requests., please., 'cause otherwise, they fall on deaf ears..;  To be honest wit ya., I just don't like being considered a number..
Back to the umbrella.., soggy leaves.., puddles.. and drips that run down the back of your neck.., although my guess is that you're sat drinking tea somewhere regularly & habitually checking your iPhone screen out..





WORDS

Spoken and written by oneself as opposed to those by someone else..
..'cause i can


"The rain sounds like rushing water
an'
I was just wondering how you were are
What leaves there are, are drained of color and life
an'
I can see the pale blue balcony furniture
while I wonder how you are
   The telephone rings., the garage door remains open
an'
I still wonder how you are"

Wondering how you are
hjs
2013

What  maketh da man (?) man..; riding a Harley while dressed in leathers and denim perhaps., off-roading in the mud and over rocks., bungee jumping, sky-diving., tackling a croc'., spittin' while scratching his crotch., cussing., knowing how to attach a shelf to a wall or perhaps changing a plug.. or  (maybe !) simply (maybe) able to share the truth of what beats within., while acknowledging the power of art.. I feel strong.. man... an' all I know a little of is paint (and it's texture), words, sounds, shape., light and the moment..; no mud and scratching an itchy effing crotch or spittin' for me.. baby..
 Apparently, it feels like 7., which made me think of The Prisoner.. (even though he was 6) .., which then made me think of a Caterham, which then made me think of geography (and places)., which in turn made me think of ... the sun's just hit the leaves leaving me to think about getting out and sucking in some fresh air., baby..

I saw an ice rink being put together ., bumped into a friend on a lunch mission.; I was approached and asked to take a photo, which I naturally did and with great pleasure.; I saw a light, a cross., listened to a young and cute classical singing busker who gained applause for her operatic street contribution.. After a few weeks 'on tour', I'm back in the land of the Big Issue.., and YES, I was asked.. Dark glasses really do work (?)!., 'cause when I'm NOT in 'em., I'm not (apparently) the ogre I am when in 'em..; I'm obviously one scary assed 158lbs of lean mean wearing Oakley's machine.. : buT., but., I need to be able to see.. man.. Focus dude..



 
Geez., 'we' do write some crap for those social media folk junkies who claim NOT to spend their time doing social media type stuff because they're "far too busy"..  We've become experts in our chosen subjects., more commonly (and better) known (to me though) as just having 'an opinion'.. an' as UNqualified as I am.. AND admit to being. It IS just a lame opinion, unless of course you're adding 1+1.,  which will naturally make 2; that's of course, a fact..; a simple fact..!

 Off to see what daily grime I can get stuck in the grips of my soles..


Discovery


It's always good to get out despite having to wear my gloves for the first time in a while .. I bumped into a couple of warm, smiley hugs and a friendly invitation somewhere close to the top of the hill..; quite a few bits of news was exchanged before finding a warm seat at the top of the escalator and carrying on with the ole newsy thing. Great and fun company rocks man.. I learned stuff, smiled AND slurped a small pot of Earl Grey in the process..

I also eventually learned that I missed a call and message, but fortunately when I realised, looked and checked, I found that there was another invite to rock 'n' roll.. I'm on it and all over it and will be ready for 10.oo am baby..
Fireworks are going off.., STill..

The Stealer

"The sun was shining
The world was right
I said "tell me baby wha'cha doin' tonight"
I'm goin' round the corner
where the music's loud
I'm tired of the city
won't you come on round
I said yeah!"


FREE






I finished off the daylight hours today by climbing a few outdoor stone stairs  steps that sadly lead me away from the horizon..


I just sneezed



An' 44's a done deal

OUT






It's a remarkable journey

Social Change
&
Documenting it






Thanks this week go/goes to James Brown - Honey Lantree - Colgate - Movember - Marshall Shaffer - Jessica Biel - Gravity and Met Office




Friday 1 November 2013

Another Week 43 - #Photojournalists, Cardboard Police Cars, #Movember and



I've Got Your Nachos




Windows

I flipped a table
I flipped a trampoline
I saw a rabbit
I rolled up some wool
I flipped

There are times when you look at something and.... shake your head an' wonder where the brain cells went.., well, at least I do..








Avant-garde
Wikipedia
"Saint Simonian Olinde Rodrigues in his essay "L'artiste, le savant et l'industriel" (“The artist, the scientist and the industrialist”, 1825), which contains the first recorded use of "avant-garde" in its now customary sense: there, Rodrigues calls on artists to "serve as [the people's] avant-garde", insisting that "the power of the arts is indeed the most immediate and fastest way" to social, political and economic reform."


La mer monte parfois jusqu'ici

Why

 I polished some silver a la Carson., found a drip and tied some vines back..; hung some Halloweeny stuff up and ate an apple.. The thing with laundry is ., it needs doing..
 There are times when you've just gotta travel by taxi.., 'cause you know there's going to be more than the one vino..; so, I sat in the corner at the red checkered table seating six while the other 40 took up most of the other table. The pizzas came out of the oven immediately after the garlic bread and then the red flowed.., after the Peronis (of course)..; the Chianti worked..- It all appears to always work when I'm away..
I've got a few more gig things lined up, one with a Punk idol type dude responsible for some of the most melodic bass line intros., hooks.., tunes and lyrics., some official sporty photo type stuff and a couple of days schmoozing around a London film set doing film set kinda stuff which makes the life deal a whole lotta fun, fun.. and fun baby..; oh., and there's talk of a bathtub style gig also.., but shh on that whole thing..
 ... so., who's Pixie Lott anyway... 

Music by Leonard Bernstein
lyrics by Stephen Sondheim

SOMEWHERE

 

 There are rakes, strimmer type instruments with big cutting teeth and other gardening equipment around, a couple of white vans, feather dusters, buckets and forks as well as a big blue plastic bag box bag type gardening box..

It's only rock 'n' roll

I've read a script and now know about Roxy's guitar, song and posters., so I'm ready for the clapper board, slate, slate board, sync slate, time slate, sticks, board, and/or sound marker man.. I haven't read anything about the wine shortage., or Giraffes... leaving me totally in the dark..

"What ever happened to the heroes.. "
Bass Starts
G|-----------------------------------|-----------------------------------|
D|-9--7------------------------------|-9--7------------------------------|
A|-------9--7------------------------|-------9--7------------------------|
E|-------------10---7----5----7------|-------------10---7----5----7------|

 Church of Christ the Cornerstone
I just moved a ladder ..; I'm drying my pockets on the Aga.., checking out the music stand & planning my next move.. The chair behind me is empty and I just checked the time..11.59 ., 12.00..

suspense


&
this one's
DONE

I'm out
man





Peaches



Foi, Espérance and Charité & their mother Sophie



It's good to laugh


Thanks this week go/goes to University Challenge - CC - Hollywood - Treehouses - Darrell Barton - e-books - Cool - Heidi Klum -
Michael Kamber and Getty Images