I've just discovered Alan Moore's wonderful Dodgem Logic. It's an old school type underground magazine.
So far there's been eight issues published. I've picked up the first two, and will get the rest of them soon.
Issue one came with a free cd celebrating 50 years of Northampton music. It's an eclectic mix, so obviously all of it won't float everyone's boat, but overall it's a great cd. Current favorite from it is "I can't show my face in that bar" by Gerald Claridge.
There's some bizzaro comic strips, recipes, and hints on guerrilla gardening.
If you've an open mind and like something a little bit different, then give it a look.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Friday, November 11, 2011
Zen and the art of aching thighs
For those that don't know, I do karate. I'm attend two clubs, Caledonian Shotokai at the Caley Uni, and Waseda in the Whiteinch Community Centre. Both clubs are part of the Shin-do Shotokai Association. The Caley club is a Wednesday lunchtime, and Waseda is Thursday night. Anyway, to get back on track, this week on Wednesday, we spent the majority of the class concentrating on proper stance, as it's easy to get sloppy, and if you do, you can't have a strong base. The result was achey thighs, which after last night's class at Waseda, turned into VERY achey thighs.
I honestly don't think my legs were this achey after I ran the Edinburgh marathon a few years back !
Ach, it's all good though.
New anthology comic
Strip Magazine is a new anthology comic. Issue 1 is just out. Years ago I used to love Deadline, so I thought I'd give this a go. For those of a certain age, it's reprinting Hook Jaw from Action comic from the 70's. Has to be worth a peek even if it's just to relive a childhood memory.
Anyway, it's £2.99 a pop.
Anyway, it's £2.99 a pop.
Wednesday, November 09, 2011
Oh joy
The boiler has gone into it's annual meltdown, and doesn't want to switch from heating to hot water. The result is that it's bloody hot in the house, but there's no hot water. We can get hot water if we let it trickle out the taps , but it's not working properly.
This always seems to happen when this time of year. It's a wee valve that gets jammed. Fortunately we've a service contract. Unfortunately, it's going to be Wednesday before it'll be fixed, as that's the first day that one of us can be in the house to let them in.
Could be worse, at least we've got heating.
This always seems to happen when this time of year. It's a wee valve that gets jammed. Fortunately we've a service contract. Unfortunately, it's going to be Wednesday before it'll be fixed, as that's the first day that one of us can be in the house to let them in.
Could be worse, at least we've got heating.
Monday, November 07, 2011
Everything louder than everything else
Yup, went to see Motorhead (again) on Saturday. The support was a couple of old punk bands who've been doing the rounds for what must seem like eternity. First up was the UK Subs, and then The Anti-Nowhere League.
I've got to admit to liking both when I was listening to punk, before I got into rock/metal, but I knew more ANL stuff than Subs stuff. Still, UK Subs were good, but the League were really really good. Motorhead of course, were superb as usual.
The rest of the weekend was taken up with doing some housework, some shopping at Silverburn, where coffee was partaken of, and a spot of feeding the ducks at Queens Park. There's also swans and moorhens on the pond, so there's a bit of variety.
I've got to admit to liking both when I was listening to punk, before I got into rock/metal, but I knew more ANL stuff than Subs stuff. Still, UK Subs were good, but the League were really really good. Motorhead of course, were superb as usual.
The rest of the weekend was taken up with doing some housework, some shopping at Silverburn, where coffee was partaken of, and a spot of feeding the ducks at Queens Park. There's also swans and moorhens on the pond, so there's a bit of variety.
Friday, November 04, 2011
This is kind of cool
I found the following post on someone else's blog when I click on the "next blog" button on Blogger. The person that posted it had come across it as a piece of graffiti in a bathroom. It's kind of cool.
"People tend to forget that happiness is a state of mind, not a result of circumstance."
"People tend to forget that happiness is a state of mind, not a result of circumstance."
If this is Scotland's greatest album, we're screwed
Just checked the results for Scotland's Greatest Album and sorry, but what a crock. Out of 12 tracks, the Proclaimers have 2, Rod Stewart IS NOT SCOTTISH, and neither are Snow Patrol.
The only good thing is they're remembered who Frankie Miller is, but come on, Caledonia? He's been on the go for decades, and you pick a cover he did that was used in a lager commercial. Words fail me.
Also, where's Alex Harvey? A true Scottish legend if ever there was one, or Maggie Bell?
Seriously, what where the panel thinking?
The only good thing is they're remembered who Frankie Miller is, but come on, Caledonia? He's been on the go for decades, and you pick a cover he did that was used in a lager commercial. Words fail me.
Also, where's Alex Harvey? A true Scottish legend if ever there was one, or Maggie Bell?
Seriously, what where the panel thinking?
Wednesday, November 02, 2011
Post lurgi post
So I'm feeling human again which is good, and I'm back at work (boo!). During the lurgi phase I managed to catch up with some stuff that needed viewing. In no particular order, I watched The Beach, Batman (Tim Burton version), The Creature from the Black Lagoon, The Incredible Shrinking Man, Outpost, The Horde, and some episodes of Big Bang Theory
I also (finally) got round to reading Arkham Asylum (wtf!) seriously mental, but very very good. dave McKean's artwork is superb. I much prefer this to the artwork in Dark Knight Returns (see earlier post on this). I also finished reading The Roil. This was a terrific book, totally loved it, but it IS the first part of a trilogy and there in NO conclusion here, so don't go looking for one. Saying that, it's an ending that leaves you wanting more, so that must be a good sign, right?
The Colour of Magic got a re-read in a little over a day. That's some kind of record for me, I usually like to stretch books out for a bit, and I kind of feel that I sped read my way through this. Still a good book no matter how many times I re-read it.
I'm now just about up to date enough that I can start a novel that a friend wrote. The Elect is available from the Amazon kindle store. Check it out, and give it a go.
So, that's me just about up to date. Other than the fact that I'm going to veg for the rest of the week (work aside) and not go to skating or karate (I still need a bit of a rest after the lurgi), there's not much else to say at the moment.
I also (finally) got round to reading Arkham Asylum (wtf!) seriously mental, but very very good. dave McKean's artwork is superb. I much prefer this to the artwork in Dark Knight Returns (see earlier post on this). I also finished reading The Roil. This was a terrific book, totally loved it, but it IS the first part of a trilogy and there in NO conclusion here, so don't go looking for one. Saying that, it's an ending that leaves you wanting more, so that must be a good sign, right?
The Colour of Magic got a re-read in a little over a day. That's some kind of record for me, I usually like to stretch books out for a bit, and I kind of feel that I sped read my way through this. Still a good book no matter how many times I re-read it.
I'm now just about up to date enough that I can start a novel that a friend wrote. The Elect is available from the Amazon kindle store. Check it out, and give it a go.
So, that's me just about up to date. Other than the fact that I'm going to veg for the rest of the week (work aside) and not go to skating or karate (I still need a bit of a rest after the lurgi), there's not much else to say at the moment.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Urgh, lurgi
Not been great since Friday. Someone in work assumed I was hungover after a gig on Thursday, but I knew it wasn't a hangover. I've got the lurgi. Spent Satuday and Sunday in bed with a raging temperature, and a head full of mucus. On Satuday I wasn't eating as I felt nauseous, and it was only last night I felt ok with food.
Still not back to normal, so I'm off work and doping myself up with lemsips.
The plus side to this is that I can veg out and watch The Beach (this is one of my "fall back" movies). The weird thing is that Robert Carlisle's character is even freakier when you're running a temperature.
Still not back to normal, so I'm off work and doping myself up with lemsips.
The plus side to this is that I can veg out and watch The Beach (this is one of my "fall back" movies). The weird thing is that Robert Carlisle's character is even freakier when you're running a temperature.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Lifestyle re-boot
Ok, I need to do a clear out. Seriously, I need to get rid of stuff. I buy new t-shirts with the intention of them replacing some that I have in a drawer, then never do the replacing part. I could also do with downsizing the cd/dvd collection as well. There's stuff I've bought because it was cheaper than renting at the time, and I've watched once and that's it.
I also need to stop snacking during the day. It's not good, and I know it. I don't have a weight problem or anything, but if I don't give it a rest, I'll NEED to diet. It's also a brutal waste of money. Boredom eating sucks.
So basically my plan for a healthier happier me revolves round letting go of material stuff (after all it IS just "stuff") and eating better. I've sort of started on the eating better with buying a tagine and cooking meals in that.
I get 3 to 4 meals if I just go by the quantities in the recipes, and with Karen not eating meat, it's all mine, so that's one to eat straight out the tagine, and 2 or 3 to freeze for later. Result.
Here's one I made earlier. Chicken with honey, onion, tomatoes and chickpeas. Mmmmmmh!
I also need to stop snacking during the day. It's not good, and I know it. I don't have a weight problem or anything, but if I don't give it a rest, I'll NEED to diet. It's also a brutal waste of money. Boredom eating sucks.
So basically my plan for a healthier happier me revolves round letting go of material stuff (after all it IS just "stuff") and eating better. I've sort of started on the eating better with buying a tagine and cooking meals in that.
I get 3 to 4 meals if I just go by the quantities in the recipes, and with Karen not eating meat, it's all mine, so that's one to eat straight out the tagine, and 2 or 3 to freeze for later. Result.
Here's one I made earlier. Chicken with honey, onion, tomatoes and chickpeas. Mmmmmmh!
Nom!
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Graphicy goodness
More comics stuff.
Last night I finished reading The Dark Knight returns. The story is great (Frank Miller is great), but I'm still not sure about the art. There's some of it I think is really cool, but some of it - specifically the mutants - I just don't like. On the whole though it's good, and the since the story is great, it's well worth a read. It's not my favourite Batman book though, that still has to be The Killing Joke, but I've still got Arkham Asylum sitting waiting to be read, so we'll have to wait and see.
I've still got a pile of Walking Dead books that Ed gave me a loan of, that needs my attention, and I think both the Luther Arkwright books are in need of a re-read.
Last night I finished reading The Dark Knight returns. The story is great (Frank Miller is great), but I'm still not sure about the art. There's some of it I think is really cool, but some of it - specifically the mutants - I just don't like. On the whole though it's good, and the since the story is great, it's well worth a read. It's not my favourite Batman book though, that still has to be The Killing Joke, but I've still got Arkham Asylum sitting waiting to be read, so we'll have to wait and see.
I've still got a pile of Walking Dead books that Ed gave me a loan of, that needs my attention, and I think both the Luther Arkwright books are in need of a re-read.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Weekend stuff
On Friday, there was the Rock Radio Farewell gig at the Cathouse. That was in the previous post, so I won't go over it again.
Saturday, we hit Silverburn, where we did a bit of shopping and had a bit of a wander, before going over to visit Simon & Wendy.
Yesterday, was in-line skating again which was fun, after which, K went round the shops and I went for a pint or two in Lauders :-). Back at the house, we watched Daybreakers, which was a pretty decent take on the vampire myth.
Saturday, we hit Silverburn, where we did a bit of shopping and had a bit of a wander, before going over to visit Simon & Wendy.
Yesterday, was in-line skating again which was fun, after which, K went round the shops and I went for a pint or two in Lauders :-). Back at the house, we watched Daybreakers, which was a pretty decent take on the vampire myth.
Lunch. Lauders style.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Rock Radio Farewell tour
Friday night was the Rock Radio farewell gig. The 3 dj's who have been sacked as part of the corporate makeover where there, along with the Legend that is Tom Russell. It was a great night, with three bands, and lots of crazieness onstage.
So Bye to Donald, Billy and (the biggest nutter to grace the airwaves) Ted. It's been fun, and Ted, cheers for the namecheck on your final show, that was cool man.
Anyway, got to meet the Legend that is Tom Russell. Pictorial evidence as well.
So Bye to Donald, Billy and (the biggest nutter to grace the airwaves) Ted. It's been fun, and Ted, cheers for the namecheck on your final show, that was cool man.
Anyway, got to meet the Legend that is Tom Russell. Pictorial evidence as well.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Thank you DC...
...for re-booting your universe. I'm now collecting comics again, and it's all your fault :D
I'm now a card carrying standing order owning customer at FP instead of just a customer. The really cool thing is that I got standing order number 6. "I am not a number, I am a standing order!"
For those of a geeky nature, I'm breaking myself in gently with only three titles. Detective Comics (Batman), Action Comics (Superman) and finally, a title I used to buy intermittently waaaay back in the day, Swamp Thing.
*happy dance*
I'm now a card carrying standing order owning customer at FP instead of just a customer. The really cool thing is that I got standing order number 6. "I am not a number, I am a standing order!"
For those of a geeky nature, I'm breaking myself in gently with only three titles. Detective Comics (Batman), Action Comics (Superman) and finally, a title I used to buy intermittently waaaay back in the day, Swamp Thing.
*happy dance*
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Wheelie good
Apart from one (I think) post before I'd tried it, I mentioned I was going inline skating. I've been going twice a week now for about three weeks, and I'm loving it. Last night was good, as some of the ice skating stuff I could do is coming back to me and I'm slowly getting them on the inline skates. Specifically forward crossovers, and mohawks (forwards to backwards, not the other way round. Yet.). I also tried and managed a spin stop. It might have been a tad wobbly, but it did what it was meant to and I didn't fall, so I don't care that it wasn't graceful or cool looking, I'm claiming it as a success.
The only problem is that now I've got these fun new skills, the weather is conspiring to keep me indoors, and not try them outside. I mean Largs seafront must be perfect for skating this time of year. Well, as long as the wind stays away and doesn't (a) blow me into the sea or (b) blow the sea onto the prom.
On second thoughts.....
The only problem is that now I've got these fun new skills, the weather is conspiring to keep me indoors, and not try them outside. I mean Largs seafront must be perfect for skating this time of year. Well, as long as the wind stays away and doesn't (a) blow me into the sea or (b) blow the sea onto the prom.
On second thoughts.....
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Grumpy old man
Don't know what's up, but yesterday (and to a lesser extent today) I've been grumpy as f*ck. I was feeling run down yesterday and seriously couldn't be arsed. People in work got my hackles up just by walking into the room. It didn't help that I had to spend half a day chasing students out of a room that had signs saying "Room closed, NO ENTRY", and that was basically a building site! I mean seriously, would you walk past a no entry sign into a building site to look for a stapler. Colour me confused, but I thought university students were supposed to be intelligent. Maybe it's just the department I work in, who knows.
By the time I had finished work I had a hell of a headache. Whether this was down to chasing students out the building site, or down to lack of caffine I don't know. Either way, I went for a nice de-stressing pint before heading home, where I watched someone more stressed than me on tv (Gordon Ramsey on Hells Kitchen).
Today I don't feel stressed, but I am full of that "can't be arsed" feeling. Think I need to win the lottery and get the hell outa Dodge.
By the time I had finished work I had a hell of a headache. Whether this was down to chasing students out the building site, or down to lack of caffine I don't know. Either way, I went for a nice de-stressing pint before heading home, where I watched someone more stressed than me on tv (Gordon Ramsey on Hells Kitchen).
Today I don't feel stressed, but I am full of that "can't be arsed" feeling. Think I need to win the lottery and get the hell outa Dodge.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Weekend stuff
Firstly the ceilidh. It was ok, but just ok. The band seemed to have changed line-up, and there was no guitar/bass, but there was a keyboard, manned by one very enthusiastic band member. It sounded sort of cheesey. Not great.
Think next time we'll try the one at Sloans.
Saturday, I FINALLY got round to watching Resident Evil: Afterlife. It was worth the wait. Pretty fun movie.
Later we headed into town so K could do the shake plate, while I went for a pint and excercised my drinking arm. Later we went to Exotic India in Renfrew for a curry, which was excellent and I highly recommend them. Back home we watched Vertigo.
Yesterday, we picked up Robbie and went to Costco and Tesco so he could do a bit of shopping. When we got back to the house we vegged out and watched The Extraordinary Adventures of Adele Blanc-Sec, which was good fun.
And that, as they say, was that.
Think next time we'll try the one at Sloans.
Saturday, I FINALLY got round to watching Resident Evil: Afterlife. It was worth the wait. Pretty fun movie.
Later we headed into town so K could do the shake plate, while I went for a pint and excercised my drinking arm. Later we went to Exotic India in Renfrew for a curry, which was excellent and I highly recommend them. Back home we watched Vertigo.
Yesterday, we picked up Robbie and went to Costco and Tesco so he could do a bit of shopping. When we got back to the house we vegged out and watched The Extraordinary Adventures of Adele Blanc-Sec, which was good fun.
And that, as they say, was that.
Wednesday, October 05, 2011
Wee video camera
Well the credit card bill came in, and the wee cheapo video camera I picked up to play about with on holiday was a pleasing £34 thanks to the exchange rate. If I find I'm playing with it on a regular basis, I'll put my hand in my pocket and invest in a decent one, but at the moment, this wee toy is fine to experiment with.
I'm really looking forward to Friday night, as we're off to a ceilidh, so it'll be time to dig the kilt out and have a wee swoosh round the dancefloor. (Kilts "swoosh" apparently). Anyway, should be fun, there's 5 (maybe 7) of us going, so it'll be a good night.
I'm really looking forward to Friday night, as we're off to a ceilidh, so it'll be time to dig the kilt out and have a wee swoosh round the dancefloor. (Kilts "swoosh" apparently). Anyway, should be fun, there's 5 (maybe 7) of us going, so it'll be a good night.
Tuesday, October 04, 2011
Hectic social life ahead
You go for long enough without any gigs/nights out, and then they all come at once.
This Friday I've got a ceilidh at the Renfrew Ferry, Saturday we're off out for a curry, next Friday, it's the Rock Radio farewell bash, at the end of the month it's Whole Lotta Led.
Next month, on the 5th, it's Motorhead, and on the 30th it's the Quireboys.
Throw in a night at the theatre, and 2 SF meet-ups a month, and a day course at karate, and that's me socially for the next couple of months.
I may need a holiday to recover.
In the meantime, things at work are still trundling on. There's been no resolution to the change to the ordering system, that actually sets us back about 3 years. The resource room that we fought for years to get has, of today, ceased to be, and I've spent most of today binning stuff.
On the plus side, I'm now helping out with some sample testing for the RICH centre, or at least I will be when they get the samples in, so that's going to be good. I'm looking forward to it. The PILLS project is starting to wind down, or at least the sampling part is, so I'll be involved less now, as it's now over to the lab for analysis.
I'll be needing a holiday soon at this rate.....oh, wait, I've just had one. (arty pic below)
This Friday I've got a ceilidh at the Renfrew Ferry, Saturday we're off out for a curry, next Friday, it's the Rock Radio farewell bash, at the end of the month it's Whole Lotta Led.
Next month, on the 5th, it's Motorhead, and on the 30th it's the Quireboys.
Throw in a night at the theatre, and 2 SF meet-ups a month, and a day course at karate, and that's me socially for the next couple of months.
I may need a holiday to recover.
In the meantime, things at work are still trundling on. There's been no resolution to the change to the ordering system, that actually sets us back about 3 years. The resource room that we fought for years to get has, of today, ceased to be, and I've spent most of today binning stuff.
On the plus side, I'm now helping out with some sample testing for the RICH centre, or at least I will be when they get the samples in, so that's going to be good. I'm looking forward to it. The PILLS project is starting to wind down, or at least the sampling part is, so I'll be involved less now, as it's now over to the lab for analysis.
I'll be needing a holiday soon at this rate.....oh, wait, I've just had one. (arty pic below)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)