From Alpha to OM3GA

Boxing doesn't need these fools...

2012-02-20T23:47:00.007Z

German prosecutors stated David Haye is suspected of grievous bodily harm and Dereck Chisora of malicious injury after their Munich brawl.
David Haye & Dereck Chisora could face prison over brawl
Dereck Chisora and David Haye brawl at a news conference

Is it too much to hope the German authorities will do us all a favour and toss both these clowns in prison?

If Haye and Chisora seriously want to face each other, they can take up pro wrestling instead.
Boxing doesn't need these fools.

OM3GA at the movies...

2012-02-19T01:10:00.006Z

Man of Steel (2012) Official Trailer

The Dark Knight Rises Official Movie Trailer

THE AVENGERS Trailer 2012 Movie - Official

Prometheus - Official Trailer

Men In Black 3 - Official Trailer

Battleship - Official Trailer #2

The Three Stooges Official Trailer #1 - Farrelly Brothers Movie (2012)

Amazing Spider-man trailer (Official)

Looking forward to a few movies this year - but some more than others...

Nilli Willis is 40...

2012-02-15T23:57:00.005Z

Just time to offer a belated "Happy Birthday" To former adult model Nilli Willis, who turned 40 on Valentine's Day (her birthdate is February 14, 1972).

Now I feel old - Ω

Listen to your heart...

2012-02-14T23:03:00.003Z

Anyone can catch your eye, but it takes someone special to catch your heart.
Author Unknown

Goodbye David Kelly...

2012-02-13T23:05:00.002Z

Irish stage and screen actor David Kelly, known for films like the original The Italian Job, Stardust and Tim Burton's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, has died aged 82.
Irish actor David Kelly dies aged 82

I remember him best as the useless builder O’Reilly in Fawlty Towers and as a one-armed dishwasher in 70s sitcom Robin's Nest. A greatly underated actor who will be sadly missed.
RIP

Shake on it...or not?

2012-02-12T04:36:00.008Z

Sir Alex Ferguson branded Luis Suarez a "disgrace" for refusing to shake Patrice Evra's hand before Manchester United's ill-tempered 2-1 victory over Liverpool at Old Trafford, and suggested he should never play for Liverpool again.
Luis Suarez is a disgrace, says Man Utd boss Sir Alex Ferguson

Fergie should remember the adage about people in glass houses. Some would cite the following Man United players as disgraces to football:

Roy Keane, who admitted in his biography deliberately injuring Alf-Inge Håland in 2001, which effectively ended Håland's career;

Eric Cantona, who aimed a "kung-fu" style kick at a supporter in 1995.

However on this occasion, I am in agreement with Sir Alex. Suarez has taken English football to a new low.

UPDATE: since posting this entry both Suarez and Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish have apologized for their pre and post match conduct respectively, after the direct intervention of the club's American owners.
Luis Suarez and Kenny Dalglish apologise after US owners intervene over handshake row

Goodbye Whitney Houston...

2012-02-12T01:55:00.005Z

American singer and actress Whitney Houston, widely regarded as one of the most celebrated female acts of all time, has died at the age of 48.
Police spokesman Mark Rosen told reporters Houston was found dead at 15:55 pm (23:55 GMT) at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, where she was staying as a guest. The cause of her death remains unclear but police said there were "no obvious signs of criminal intent".
Houston also enjoyed success acting in films such as The Bodyguard and Waiting to Exhale. But her later career was overshadowed by substance abuse and a turbulent marriage to singer Bobby Brown.
US singer and actress Whitney Houston dies aged 48

I wasn't a fan of Whitney Houston's music, but at her peak her voice was majestic.
Unfortunately everyone will now remember Whitney for all the wrong reasons, as a cautionary tale about the dark side of fame and fortune.
RIP.

Charmaine Sinclair is on the move again...

2012-02-09T00:53:00.003Z

Last December I stated that glamour model Charmaine Sinclair had set up a Private Members Group at Freespotlight. Well, sadly that group is no more; it has ceased to be (to quote from a certain Monty Python sketch).

However the good news is that the lady can be found instead on MyPornProfile (apparently the largest resource for links to social networking and websites for pornstars and ladies in the adult industry):
MyPornProfile charmainesinclair

And the next England manager is...

2012-02-08T23:34:00.004Z

Fabio Capello has resigned as England manager, the Football Association has confirmed.

Capello quit following a meeting with FA chairman David Bernstein and general secretary Alex Horne - their first since the FA's decision to strip John Terry of the England captaincy, pending the outcome of his court case in July. Terry, 31, denies a charge of allegedly racially abusing QPR's Anton Ferdinand.

On Sunday, Capello told Italy's state broadcaster RAI he did not believe someone should be punished by sporting authorities before a court had reached a verdict.
Fabio Capello quits as England manager after meeting with FA

Since Harry Redknapp was cleared of all charges in his tax evasion trial today, I guess the "Redknapp for England" bandwagon is certain to gather pace....

Let it snow (the 2012 remix)

2012-02-05T07:17:00.003Z

Snowfalls of up to 15cm (6in) has caused disruption to road, rail and air travel in parts of Britain, with the threat of more delays later.
Several Tube (underground) lines were hit by suspensions or delays because of the adverse weather late on Saturday. This included the Central Line, where passengers became stuck on a train that broke down between Snaresbrook and South Woodford and say they were asked to walk 15 minutes down the tracks to the next station.
Heavy snow sees travel disruption across much of Britain

Time to wrap up, methinks....

Not another pointless remake (continued)...

2012-02-05T01:42:00.003Z

I've only just learned that Hollywood has remade TOTAL RECALL with....Colin Farrell in the lead role.
I've nothing against Farrell, but remaking Total Recall?? Sorry - there can be only one Douglas Quaid - and it's Arnie...
Total Recall (1990)
Total Recall (2012)

Goodbye David Peaston...

2012-02-04T03:32:00.003Z

R&B and gospel singer David Peaston, best known for the tracks Two Wrongs (Don't Make it Right) and Can I?, has died aged 54.
His niece Neuka Mitchell, said the star passed away on Wednesday from complications of diabetes.
David Peaston, R&B and gospel singer, dies aged 54

Sad news - I'll miss David Peaston's incredible voice - but his music endures.
RIP

Jada Fire retires...

2012-02-04T02:14:00.003Z

According to some websites, adult actress Jada Fire has announced her retirement from the porn industry on Twitter. Apparently she'll continue to do webcam work, but that's all, folks.
Porn Star Jada Fire Announces Retirement

She could always take up politics (I'll always remember her as former Secretary of State “Condoleezaa Wright” in the adult parody “Who’s Nailin’ Paylin?”).... Ω

Fred Goodwin

2012-02-03T00:38:00.008Z

The decision to strip former Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) boss Fred Goodwin of his knighthood has been criticised by business and political figures.
Fred Goodwin knighthood 'hysteria' criticised

Due to his part in the banking crisis, Sir Fred Goodwin was suffering from sleepless nights.
Now he just suffers from knightless sleeps.
(Courtesy Sickipedia)

Seriously though, I believe removing Fred's knighthood was just a token gesture, and does nothing to address the flaws in a banking system which made the fall of RBS possible (the British Government took over RBS in 2008 to prevent its collapse).

Meanwhile in North London (continued)...

2012-02-01T23:21:00.004Z

Times are grim for us Gooners, as we watch the Spuds disappear over the horizon (where is that chef behind the alleged food poisoning back in 2006?), but at least we can still have a laugh at our rivals (just):

Ebony Ayes is 50...

2012-01-28T10:51:00.005Z

Today is the 50th Birthday of the legendary retired American porn star Ebony Ayes.
Regardless of her whereabouts, many happy returns to her!
Ebony Ayes at the Internet Adult Film Database

Kudos to J-MONEY (VEF) for the pic.

What's it all about, Harry (continued)...

2012-01-27T22:43:00.005Z

Harry Redknapp told police his accountant ‘runs his life’ because he ‘writes like a two-year-old’ and can barely ‘fill in a team sheet’, a court heard yesterday.
Mr Redknapp is heard saying he is the ‘most disorganised person’ in the world.
The Tottenham Hotspur manager is accused of receiving untaxed payments from Milan Mandaric during their time at Portsmouth. Mr Mandaric and Mr Redknapp deny charges of cheating the public revenue.
Harry Redknapp: 'I write like a two-year-old'

Cue the following (spoof) Spuds team-sheet vs Citeh:

Goodbye Jimmy Castor

2012-01-27T01:28:00.003Z

Legendary funk/disco saxophonist Jimmy Castor, whose classic grooves were sampled for numerous hip hop hits has died aged 71. The musician died in a Las Vegas hospital, family members confirmed.
Soul musician Jimmy Castor dies at the age of 71

RIP Everything Man - the world is less funky with your passing...

Bonfire of the file-sharers...

2012-01-26T00:08:00.009Z

The founder of file-sharing website Megaupload has been denied bail by a New Zealand court. German national Kim Dotcom - also known as Kim Schmitz was arrested with three others in Auckland on 20 January in a raid requested by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). He has been accused of internet piracy and money laundering.
Megaupload founder denied bail by New Zealand court

The arrest of Megaupload's founders has led to other file storage sites taking action in an apparent attempt to protect themselves from legal action.
Filesonic has disabled its sharing functions, allowing users to access only their own files.
Uploaded.to has blocked US access to its site entirely, with a message saying "sorry about that".
Storage sites unnerved by Megaupload action

Meanwhile, TorrentFreak reported that 4shared, FileJungle, FilePost, Fileserve, UploadStation, VideoBB, and VideoZer have reacted with some combination of the following: closing numerous accounts, deleting large numbers of hosted files, or disabling third-party downloads. Meanwhile, smaller sites x7.to and UploadBox have announced their closure, with the latter saying users had until January 30, 2012, to download copies of their files.

So, is this the demise of free filesharing? Judging from the lamentation on the internet, it appears so. Some observers have likened prohibiting file sharing to last century's American Prohibition of alcohol...others have attacked the PROTECT IP Act (PIPA), the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA), comparing the proposed legislations to internet censorship in China.

Ready, Steady, Run like f*ck!

2012-01-16T00:57:00.004Z

TV chef Antony Worrall Thompson said he has "let down" his family after being cautioned by police for shoplifting from a supermarket and said he will "seek treatment".
Antony Worrall Thompson 'sorry'

Cue the (inevitable) internet jokes:

Anthony Worrall Thompson has been caught shoplifting. Police asked him to empty his bag and then tell them what he planned to make with it.

Antony Worrall Thompson says he is getting help for his shoplifting. Next time his brother is coming along to keep an eye on the security guard.

I went to see Ready, Steady, Cook the other day. It was fantastic. Antony Worrall Thompson absolutely stole the show.

Tesco's profits are down and they're asking Anthony Worrall Thompson for help. Aparently a director heard he was good at lifting shops.

Anthony Worrall Thompson stole some cheese and wine. And that was only for starters

Eurogeddon (again)..

2012-01-15T23:38:00.004Z

French PM Francois Fillon defends his government's economic policies following the decision by Standard and Poor's (S&P) to downgrade the country's credit rating.

Last Friday the credit ratings agency announced that France had lost its cherished top AAA rating. Austria, Slovakia, Slovenia and Malta were the other countries downgraded by S&P.

Italy, Spain, Cyprus and Portugal were cut two notches, with the latter two given "junk" ratings. Germany kept its AAA rating.

S&P criticised the Eurozone's response to the crisis, saying austerity and budget discipline alone were not sufficient to fight it, and risked becoming self-defeating.
France downgrade: French PM downplays rating decision

Meanwhile talks between Greece and its private sector lenders over a possible 50% write-off of its debts have stalled.

Reaching a deal is a pre-condition for Athens receiving the next chunk of bailout cash from the International Monetary Fund and European Union. Without that money, the Greek government could run out of cash and be forced to leave the euro.
Greece debt write-off talks with banks stall

The downgrades had been mostly expected, but combined with the collapse of the negotiations between Greece and their lenders, it looks as if 2012 will be another year of impending eurogeddon...

Armageddon Outta here!

2012-01-13T01:03:00.003Z

This week, the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists (BAS) moved the hands of the symbolic Doomsday Clock one minute closer to midnight – meaning that the world is theoretically one step closer to a huge global disaster.
The hands of the clock were moved from six to five minutes before midnight to reflect the world’s lack of progress on battling climate change, and new states pursuing nuclear weapons that could spell Armageddon.
Japan’s Fukushima accident last year was also a deciding factor in the clock’s change.
Doomsday Clock moves one minute closer to midnight

As if things isn't bad enough already!

Louise Hodges retires

2012-01-12T06:51:00.005Z

While on the subject of retired adult models, it appears Louise Hodges has now joined their ranks. The following message was sent to various adult forums, whereby Ms Hodges (aka Louise Armani) gave notice of her retirement, effective last month:

"after much soul searching I've decided to hang up my g - string and stockings permanently at the end of this year. "

Well good luck in whatever the lady does next and here are a few pics of Louise in all her splendor, as a reminder.

Happy Birthday, Vida Garman...

2012-01-11T23:33:00.003Z

Crikey...today is the 45th birthday of former adult model Vida Garman (OK the IMDb claims Vida's birthday is November 1st 1966, but most websites state her birthdate as January 11 1961, so I'm going with the majority).

Anyway, many happy returns to the lsdy...
Vida Garman (The Internet Adult Film Database)

Meanwhile in North London (continued)...

2012-01-09T22:51:00.002Z

Thierry Henry scores the winner in his first game back for Arsenal to beat Leeds in the FA Cup third-round tie at Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal 1 - 0 Leeds

227 goals and counting!!
What else can I say, except the man is a bloody LEGEND!!

More Charmaine...

2012-01-07T23:34:00.003Z

As promised, Charmaine Sinclair is in this month's edition of "Men Only" magazine - behold:

Goodbye Ronald Searle....

2012-01-04T00:40:00.002Z

British cartoonist Ronald Searle, best known for creating the fictional girls' school St Trinian's, has died aged 91.

His daughter Kate Searle said in a statement that he "passed away peacefully in his sleep" in a hospital in France.
St Trinian's cartoonist Ronald Searle dies
Obituary: Ronald Searle

A sad loss of a very talented man who offered so much more than St Trinians....RIP

2012

2011-12-31T23:57:00.006Z

It is my sincerest hope that 2012 doesn't resemble the Hollywood movie (things are bleak enough as it is)!

But for tonight at least, let us look forward in a positive vein....A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ONE AND ALL!!

Haley Paige

2011-12-30T05:17:00.004Z

Time for a retrospective...
Today would have been the 30th birthday of Mexican-born American Maryam Irene Haley, a woman better known by her porn star stage name Haley Paige.
Haley's untimely death in 2007 was - and is still - a terrible loss.
RIP Maryam Irene Haley.
Haley Paige - Wikipedia entry

Merry Christmas...

2011-12-24T06:08:00.003Z

Here's wishing everyone all the joy, hope and wonder of the season.
Let peace be on our lips and in our hearts..

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Savannah Gold aka Natalie Heck

2011-12-20T08:44:00.003Z

Part of me is still hoping this is all a horrible mistake, but according to reports around reputable websites, it appears the model known as Savannah Gold, aka Natalie Heck has passed away.
My thoughts are with her family and friends during this sad time.
Requiescat in pace.
Natalie Heck - British Girls Adult Film Database (NSFW)

Goodbye Ralph MacDonald...

2011-12-19T07:11:00.003Z

Ralph MacDonald, the composer of "Where is the Love" and "Just the Two of Us," died Sunday in Connecticut at the age of 67, his family announced.
Composer Ralph MacDonald dead at 67
Ralph MacDonald Discography at Discogs

I will greatly miss this amazing musician and composer - but his music endures.
RIP Ralph MacDonald

Kim Jong-il is dead.

2011-12-19T05:31:00.002Z

North Korean television announces the death of Kim Jong-il, who had led the communist nation since the death of his father in 1994.

His designated successor is believed to be his third son, Kim Jong-un, who is thought to be in his late 20s.
N Korean leader Kim Jong-il dies

Goodbye Vaclav Havel...

2011-12-18T23:12:00.002Z

Vaclav Havel, the Czech Republic's first president after the Velvet Revolution against communist rule, dies at the age of 75

The former dissident playwright, who suffered from prolonged ill-health, died on Sunday morning, his secretary Sabina Tancecova said.

As president, he presided over Czechoslovakia's transition to democracy and a free-market economy. He also oversaw its peaceful split into the Czech Republic and Slovakia in 1993.
Vaclav Havel, Czech leader and playwright, dies at 75

I'm ashamed to say I had forgotten about Vaclav Havel until today's sad news. He wasn't a career politician, and for that reason he came across as more genuine than other politicians I could mention.
RIP

Goodbye Joe Simon...

2011-12-18T01:53:00.003Z

Comic book artist Joe Simon, who co-created Captain America, has died at his home in New York after a brief illness. He was 98.

A pioneer figure in the American comic book industry, he worked alongside fellow comic book legend Jack Kirby in the 1940s. Together they also created characters such as Newsboy Legion, the Fighting American, Blue Bolt, the Boy Commandos and the Challengers of the Unknown.
Captain America co-creator Joe Simon dies

RIP Joe Simon.

"Wars come and go, but my soldiers stay eternal."
Tupac Shakur

On the outside looking in?

2011-12-11T23:56:00.003Z

The deputy prime minister says David Cameron's blocking of EU treaty changes could leave the UK "marginalised", but says the PM was put in a "very difficult position" by his own backbenchers.
Clegg says veto 'bad for Britain'

Was Cameron's veto ultimately good or bad for the UK ? The jury will be out for a while on whether our Prime Minister made the right decision or not. However this argument hides the fact that last week's EU summit hasn't fixed the immediate issues already facing the euro.

Charmaine Sinclair is on the move...

2011-12-10T08:00:00.007Z

My thanks to the alluring Charmaine Sinclair for this tit-bit of news:

You can find her on freespotlight.com (update: the link appears to have been removed since this post - will update further once I have more details).

The lady also has a New website coming soon, and it appears Charmaine will be appearing in the January 2012 edition of "Men Only" magazine.

It's been years since I've looked at top shelf jazz-mags, but since the info came from the GoddessSinclair herself, I guess I have an early new year's resolution...here's some pics of the lady herself throughout the years:

'Tis the season to be jolly...

2011-12-09T01:26:00.003Z

Unless you're Fergie - he's just heard that due to Man United's exit from the Champions League, every match this weekend will observe one minute of laughter.....
FC Basel 2 - 1 Man Utd

I, Robot

2011-12-04T08:55:00.004Z

Don't know about you, but I find this robot absolutely creepy...
Pictures: Latest hi-tech robots from Europe

The Office Christmas Party...

2011-12-04T01:31:00.005Z

Yes, it's that time of the year, so here's...

Some tips for surviving the works party

1. Do go along. Unless you have another, unbreakable commitment it is really politic to attend, even if it is just for a short while.

2. Don’t drink too much. You want to be relaxed. Not dancing on tables, singing karaoke and exposing yourself on the photocopier before slumping unconscious in a corner.

3. Do dress appropriately. The venue will determine the dress code so make sure you know what it is. “Women are advised to stay away from slinky dresses, low-plunging necklines, short-short skirts or tight-fitting trousers”, according to workplace etiquette expert Pamela Holland. And, men “should refrain from unbuttoning more than two buttons on their shirts and wearing overly fitted shirts that show off their muscles”.

4. Don’t make a move on a colleague. A poll by Tickbox.net commissioned by Quatro Wilkjnson Sword revealed that 41% of workers admit to having a sexual liaison with a co-worker at an office party. However get frisky with someone from the office and you will have to face them every day. Don’t do it if it is going to have you curling your toes in regret from 9 to 5. What’s more, in a survey conducted by ContractorUK 13% of female workers who have had a pass made on them by a male co-worker end up lodging an official complaints about their colleagues’ conduct.

5. Don’t let careless talk cost you career advancement. Just because your tongue has been relaxed by a few drinks, bitching about your boss or colleagues isn’t nice and could get back to them if you don’t know who is listening. After all, you don't want your Christmas card from the boss containing your P45.

6. Don’t tell suspect jokes or use foul language, especially if you don’t know your audience. Some business associates could be offended. And, for fcuk’s sake, don’t swear!

7. Don’t leave too soon. Stay for at least a couple of hours even if it is the most boring party ever.

8. Do say thank you to the organiser. Some poor sap will have had to organise it all so they would probably appreciate the acknowledgement.

9. Don’t do drugs or anything else illegal. Otherwise all you'll get for Christmas is the sack and a criminal record.

10. Above all, enjoy the party. Strive to be remembered for the right reasons and not for your lustful antics or dancing like David Brent.

The Abyss Stares (continued)...

2011-12-03T23:26:00.006Z

One of the architects of the euro, former head of the European Commission Jacques Delors, says it was flawed from the start, as his plans for economic co-ordination were never followed.
Delors: Euro flawed from launch

Pardon my French, but un-FUCKING-believeable! Delors helped design the euro - wasn't he aware that the currency's "convergence criteria" were being bent and/or flouted by certain countries? Or perhaps he turned a blind eye like all the other politicians....

The Abyss Stares...

2011-12-02T23:13:00.007Z

Global stocks and the euro rallied on Wednesday after the world's leading central banks acted jointly to provide cheaper dollar funding for European banks facing another credit crunch.
The US Federal Reserve, the European Central Bank, along with the Bank of England, the Bank of Canada, the Swiss National Bank and the Bank of Japan said they would slash the cost to banks of securing US dollars by 50 basis points.
Shares jump as central banks try to ease financial woes

Meanwhile China also announced that it was cutting its bank reserve limit, also a move designed to boost lending.

However yesterday the Governor of The Bank of England, Sir Mervyn King, urged British banks to brace themselves for a potential eurozone collapse. The Bank's Financial Policy Committee added the eurozone crisis was the biggest threat to the UK's banking system.
Bank says economic climate 'extraordinarily serious'

So what would happen if a eurozone country collapsed?
If events lead to a country leaving the eurozone, that country cannot just simply revert back to their old currency. If (or when) that country leaves the euro, its banks will have be to closed down, in order to prevent depositors from withdrawing their euro savings or moving their euros to a bank still in a strong eurozone country.
Meanwhile the euro would be replaced by a new national currency (ie: a new penny/ new lira/ new drachma). This new currency would be immediately devalued against the euro and other major global currencies (US Dollar) - while the country's exports would become cheaper, its imports (like oil & gas) would be much more expensive - this will have a knock-on effect in other areas (ie: increased bankruptcies).
The country's debts would become more expensive, since most would remain denominated in euros. Families and businesses would receive their income in the new currency, but would have to pay their old debts in euros. UBS recently estimated that the costs of leaving the eurozone for a weak country would be equivalent to 9,500 to 11,500 euros ($12,800-$15,500) per person in the first year.

All the above is based on the assumption that the eurozone would still exist in the core northern countries (Germany, France, the Benelux countries, Austria & Finland for example) - if the euro completely collapsed, it would have dire consequences for world markets and the global economy. Yet increasingly it appears that the EU policy makers are simply incapable of handling the problem.

Interlude...

2011-12-01T01:13:00.008Z

For a change of pace, here's a few pics of Sarah Daniel, who is currently on our TV screens as a telephone model.
And here's another pic of this gorgeous adult entertainer from yesteryear...
Sarah Daniel - British Girls Adult Film Database (NSFW)

Austerity, austerity, austerity...

2011-11-30T00:36:00.004Z

Chancellor George Osborne announces a two year pay cap for public sector workers and lowers UK growth forecasts in the Autumn Statement.
The chancellor added that much of Europe was heading towards recession as he pledged to do "whatever it takes" to protect Britain and keep interest rates low. However he admitted that the target to erase the UK's structural deficit would not be met until two years later than planned, and offered a bleak outlook of the UK economy, forecasting that 710,000 public sector jobs will go over the next five years.
Autumn Statement: At-a-glance summary of key points

We are in one hell of a mess. But if you have been following my previous entries over the years, this state of affairs didn't happen overnight. And hanging over us all like a modern Sword of Damocles is the fate of the Euro. Since the Eurozone is Britain's biggest export market, we would certainly not be immune from the fallout if the Euro collapses. Already the eurozone crisis has cost the UK almost £15bn in lost economic activity (according to the Governor of the Bank of England).

So I guess the message is: austerity, austerity and even more austerity.

Goodbye Ken Russell...

2011-11-29T02:12:00.005Z

Friends and colleagues have paid tribute to Oscar-nominated film director Ken Russell, who died last Sunday at the age of 84.
Ken Russell: Tributes paid to film director
Ken Russell: A true British original

At least no-one can label Ken Russell's movies as boring.
Controversial? Yes. A visionary maverick? Yes again. But we will miss his genius and eccentricity.
RIP

Back to the abyss (continued)...

2011-11-28T02:06:00.005Z

Tensions within the Eurozone will mount this week as Italy, Belgium, Spain and France plan to raise €17 billion ($22 billion; £14.6 billion) in the financial markets.

Expect more headlines, and pictures of politicians with furrowed brows. Even Germany is no longer being considered a "safe haven" by investors in this Euro crisis. Last week, Germany had a "disastrous" sovereign debt auction, whereby 6bn euros ($8bn; £5.2bn) of 10-year German government bonds was scheduled to be sold to investors, but only 3.6bn euros was sold (the rest were retained by the German central bank).

Gary Speed RIP

2011-11-27T22:35:00.003Z

Leading figures in football and politics pay tribute to Wales football manager Gary Speed, after he was found dead at his Chester home. Speed was 42 years old.
Footballing world pays tribute to Gary Speed

I won't go into the details behind Gary Speed's death. Suffice to say, like most people I was shocked and stunned after hearing the news today.
My condolences to his wife and children at this difficult time. RIP

Jodie Marsh's new look (continued)...

2011-11-25T08:55:00.004Z

Some more pics of glamour model Jodie Marsh with her new physique...

Compare and contrast against her old look...

Sic transit gloria mundi...

2011-11-24T10:01:00.005Z

Remembering the recent passing of Andrea True, I am reminded of the following news story from last month:

Radiohead spearhead surge in vinyl sales

I'm glad that vinyl records can still cut it in today's digital era. While downloading is no problem these days, it doesn't compare with going to the record shop with your mate(s) for that particular new 12" record and discuss its merits/faults afterwards (back in the day)...

These days though, record shops like BlueBird Records in Edgware Road, Groove Records (Soho), and Mole Jazz (Kings Cross) are long gone (thank goodnes Reckless Records appears to be still with us, though)....
Rare groove shops facing extinction
Reckless Records

More praise for the fuller woman...

2011-11-23T03:46:00.003Z

And now for something completely different - some pics of full-figured telephone model Mellie D currently on TV now (kudos to marxian at The UK Babe Channels Forum)...

Wishing you a golden christmas...

2011-11-23T02:42:00.004Z

I was almost speechless when watching the news about Tokyo jeweller Ginza Tanaka unveiling a 2.4 meters tall Christmas tree made from pure gold, weighing 12 kilograms, and valued at just under $2 million.
Raw Video: Christmas Tree Worth Nearly $2000000

Goodbye Andrea True...

2011-11-23T02:05:00.003Z

Just learned that Andrea True, the 1970s pornstar best known as disco act Andrea True Connection, died on November 7th in a Kingston, NY hospital. True was 68. The cause of death has not been disclosed.
True, real name Andrea Marie Truden, performed in over 50 adult movies during the Seventies, but she will always be remembered for the disco smash hit "More More More (How Do You Like It?)".
Andrea True, 70s-era Porn Star, Passes
Andrea True Connection– More, More, More

When interviewed in 2002 for a VH1 documentary called Disco Divas: One Hit Wonders, True is quoted as saying, "I want to be remembered as someone who brought people joy with my music."
I can't think of a more fitting epitaph.
R.I.P.

Goodbye Basil D'Oliveira...

2011-11-23T01:13:00.003Z

Last week, South African-born English Test cricketer Basil D'Oliveira, died at the age of 8o.
"Dolly" as he was known, is best remembered for his role in exposing the racist policies of his native country's apartheid regime, when the South African government made it clear he would be unwelcome in the England touring party to South Africa in 1968.
The tour was cancelled and the incident culminated in a ban on sporting ties with South Africa which would last until the fall of apartheid in the early 1990s.
Obituary: Basil D'Oliveira

A timely reminder to a certain Mr Blatter that sometimes a more principled stance than a handshake at the final whistle is required against racism in sport.
RIP Dolly...

Shake on it?

2011-11-17T07:22:00.004Z

England and Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand says he is astonished by Fifa president Sepp Blatter's "condescending" and "laughable" view on racism in football.
Blatter stated in a CNN interview football didn't have a problem with racism on the field, and any incidents should be settled by a handshake. The 75-year-old later claimed his comments had been misunderstood.
Rio Ferdinand 'astonished' by Sepp Blatter comments on racism

Blatter just doesn't get it, does he?

Lest We Forget...

2011-11-13T07:33:00.002Z

They ask me where I've been,
And what I've done and seen.
But what can I reply
Who know it wasn't I,
But someone just like me,
Who went across the sea
And with my head and hands
Killed men in foreign lands...
Though I must bear the blame,
Because he bore my name.

Wilfred Gibson (1878-1962)
"Back"

Goodbye Smokin' Joe & Heavy D...

2011-11-09T01:25:00.002Z

Former world heavyweight boxing champion Joe Frazier has died after a brief battle with liver cancer, his family said.
Frazier - also known as Smokin' Joe - had been receiving hospice care in Philadelphia after being diagnosed with cancer several weeks ago.
Boxing ex-world champion Joe Frazier dies

Larger-than-life rap star Heavy D - real name Dwight Arrington Myers - has died in Los Angeles at age 44.
His agent, Andrew Weitz, confirmed the rapper's death but did not reveal a cause of death or where he died.
Rap Star Heavy D Found Dead At Age 44

RIP guys...

Back to the abyss (continued)...

2011-11-08T01:19:00.002Z

The story so far...
Greek PM George Papandreou agreed to stand down last Sunday, after days of turmoil caused by his call (now revoked) for a referendum on accepting a vital EU bailout package to save the country from imminent bankruptcy.
Now Greece's political leaders are locked in debate over the formation of a national unity government and naming a replacement for Mr Papandreou. Eurozone leaders are worried that if Greece were to default, and even leave the euro, it would cause a major financial crisis that could spread to much bigger economies such as Italy and Spain.

Meanwhile Italy's borrowing costs hit record highs over Greece and political instability, as PM Silvio Berlusconi denies rumours he is set to resign.
Q&A: Greek debt crisis

To be continued...

Back to the abyss (again)...

2011-11-01T22:41:00.003Z

Greece PM George Papandreou is facing calls to resign from within his own party after saying a referendum would be held on the EU bailout plan. Six members of Mr Papandreou's governing socialist Pasok party have said he should stand down and one MP has resigned from the party. A confidence vote is to be held in the Greek parliament on Friday but opposition leaders have called for early elections to be held.
France and Germany will discuss the crisis with Greece at Wednesday's G20 meeting in Cannes. Meanwhile international markets have fallen sharply after Mr Papandreou announced the referendum plans.
Greece's Papandreou in crisis talks over bailout revolt

Either Papandreou has pulled off a brilliant piece of political manoeuvring, or he has committed political (and economic) suicide.
I leave it to you (and the Greek public) to decide....

Happy Halloween...

2011-10-31T22:24:00.004Z

Have a very Happy (and safe) Halloween!

Goodbye Sir Jimmy Savile...

2011-10-30T06:32:00.002Z

Tributes are being paid to DJ, TV presenter and charity fundraiser Jimmy Savile, who has died at the age of 84.
Obituary: Sir Jimmy Savile

Sir Jimmy Saville was a larger than life British character, who did so much, for so many. He will be missed.
RIP

The New Football League (NFL)...

2011-10-25T01:49:00.005+01:00

Man Utd 1 - 6 Man City
Manchester City inflicted Manchester United's worst home defeat since February 1955 as they thrashed the champions in ruthless fashion to go five points clear at the top of the Premier League.

I'll admit my first reaction to watching Fergie's boys getting a sound thrashing was undisguised glee - and Mario Balotelli is definitely a character.
But while Sunday's result was great for Citeh, was it a good result for the English Premier League? With access to unlimited money, and the ability to buy up the best players around by offering thrice what they earn, can any team in the top tier stay the pace with these galacticos?

Ahem...

2011-10-22T07:50:00.002+01:00

The 2011 end times prediction made by American Christian radio host Harold Camping stated that the Rapture and Judgment Day would take place on May 21, 2011,and that the end of the world would take place five months later on October 21, 2011.
2011 end times prediction - Wikipedia entry

Sorry to dissapoint Mr Camping, but we all appear to be still here...

(except for a certain Muammar Gaddafi - Ω)

Goodbye Muammar Muhammad Abu Minyar al-Gaddafi...

2011-10-22T04:07:00.007+01:00

Libya's authorities have come under pressure to give a full account of the death of ex-leader Col Muammar Gaddafi.

The US said they should do it in an "open and transparent manner". The UN called for a full investigation, after video footage showed Col Gaddafi captured alive - and then dead.

The burial of Gaddafi has been delayed, amid differences among Libyan officials about what should be done with his body. A post-mortem is expected.
Libya urged to examine Muammar Gaddafi's death

My sentiments are with the Libyan people: how the colonel died matters not. What counts is that he's gone, and that he won't be coming back.
Rest in Pieces...

Carmella Bing is 30

2011-10-21T22:59:00.007+01:00

Just time to post "many happy returns" to Carmella Bing, who turns 30 today (according to Wikipedia, Carmella was born October 21st 1981, in Salem, Oregon).
Regards the debate about her current BBW status: I'm not bothered - after all, it is her body...

The New Football League (NFL)

2011-10-18T23:27:00.005+01:00

Several foreign-owned Premier League clubs want to scrap relegation, according to League Managers Association (LMA) chief Richard Bevan.

Bevan fears that if more clubs are sold to foreign investors they may have enough votes to force changes.

But the Premier League said relegation and promotion were part of its rules and added to the league's strength.
Foreign owners 'want end to Premier League relegation'

Back in 2008, I dismissed the Premier League's plan for a 39 game season as "money-induced lunacy" - but this idea is worse. I sincerely hope that football fans, managers AND the clubs show a joint front in opposing this proposal.

Babe channels

2011-10-14T05:07:00.013+01:00

Can't sleep, so I'm doing some channel-hopping, and just watched Charmaine Sinclair do her phonebabe thang, which led to this post.
If I had to consider any "favourite phone babes" to date, it would be as follows:

Charmaine Sinclair

Mellie D

Ruby Summers

Tammy Oldham

Savannah Mai (aka Rochelle)

Jemma Jey

Michelle Thorne

Gilly Sampson

Dani Armour

Sydney JJ

Leah Jaye

Sophia Lares

Robyn Ryder

Lynda Leigh

Josephine James

Sarah Daniels

Kirsten Imrie

Linsey Dawn McKenzie

Nikki Lord

Victoria Brown

However, I believe the concept of today's unencrypted UK "babe channels" is rather one-dimensional - the female presenter (aka the "babe") enticing viewers to contact them via premium rate phones services or text messaging.
I understand the content of these channels are restricted by OFCOM (the independent regulator and competition authority for the UK communications industries), but surely with a bit of ambition and investment, couldn't a proper adult channel could be developed, incorporating the "babeshows"?
Or why not become fully encrypted channels? While this step will kill off the casual viewer, this will also allow full nudity and less restriction from OFCOM.
Otherwise it's seems rather pointless spending one's night-time watching these TV channels in its current format
Televised sex line - Wikipedia entry

London 2012

2011-10-13T02:57:00.004+01:00

The deal to award West Ham the Olympic Stadium after the London 2012 Games has collapsed, the government has confirmed.

The board of the Olympic Park Legacy Company (OPLC) has ended negotiations amid concerns over delays caused by the legal dispute with Tottenham.

The OPLC, government and mayor of London have instead agreed the stadium will remain in public ownership.
London 2012: West Ham Olympic Stadium deal collapses

Meanwhile, Transport chiefs have recommended an old-fashioned way for commuters to avoid Olympian queues during London 2012 - have a beer before heading home.

Transport for London Commissioner Peter Hendy gave the advice as he briefed London Assembly officials on the capital's readiness for the Olympics.

With the Games nine months away, planners are bullish they can keep the city's ageing transport system running.

But delays are still expected as London prepares for an extra 5.3m visitors.
London 2012: 'Have a beer' to avoid Olympic delays at Games

I think I'd prefer taking a really long holiday during the 2012 Olympics - travelling is going to be hell!
Another thing: if the Olympic Stadium stays publicly owned, is this a better deal for the taxpayer? Or will it become yet another white elephant, for which the taxpayer will have to pick up the bill?

Alexis Silver

2011-10-10T06:38:00.005+01:00

After Jodie Marsh's new look, time to redress the balance with some pics of British ex-pornstar Alexis Silver. This also gives me the opportunity to wish Ms Silver "many happy returns" in advance of her 32nd birthday (since her date of birth is October 27, 1979).

According to her Twitter, Alexis now describes herself as "the ex-porn star who's landed back in reality with a crash" and is now a waitress. But (as with Jodie Marsh), I hope the lady is happy with her lot in life these days.
Alexis Silver (@Alexis_Silver) on Twitter

Meanwhile across the pond...

2011-10-09T08:50:00.005+01:00

Former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin has declared she will not run for the White House next year.
Sarah Palin says she will not run for president in 2012

I'll miss the comedy material Ms. Palin's campaign would have provided, case in point:

All the same, I wouldn't under-estimate Sarah Palin. The lady has charisma and, I suspect she'll still be a force in American Politics beyond 2012.

Jodie Marsh's new look (continued)...

2011-10-09T05:07:00.004+01:00

More Jodie Marsh revealing her new muscles...

OM3GA on "Melancholia"

2011-10-08T04:51:00.004+01:00

In view of the current grim news about the state of the economy and the questions being asked on the tenth anniversary of the invasion of Afghanistan, I guess yesterday was the right time to watch "Melancholia".

"Melancholia" is an unusual disaster movie, in that the viewer already knows the outcome of the disaster (namely, the complete destruction of planet Earth) and yet it's one of the few disaster movies I've watched where the disaster is almost incidental. Definitely not the standard Hollywood fare. It is also long (over 2 hours), beautifully filmed, yet at times painful study of depression.

"Melancholia" is a study of two sisters - part one focusing on Justine (played by Kirsten Dunst), whose wedding day begins with such promise for the future, but ends in ashes as her growing despair costs Justine her job and her Husband. At times I almost felt like screaming at the rest of the cast to understand Justine's self-destructive plea for help, and Kirsten Dunst deserves the accolades for her portrayal of a woman slowly disintegrating before our eyes.

Part two turns to sister Claire (Charlotte Gainsbourg) who takes a now visibly depressed Justine into her home, much to the annoyance of husband John (Kiefer Sutherland). Meanwhile Claire struggles to cope with her own rising anxieties over the passing of the mysterious planet Melancholia, which all the scientists claim will miss Earth (but we already know THAT outcome).

If you're looking for gimmicky special effects and a happy ending, then "Melancholia" isn't for you, and in all honesty it is a difficult film to love (as for Dunst's nude scene, it is serene rather than gratuitous). But as a thought-provoking study of despair in the face of the Apocalypse, "Melancholia" fits the bill.

Ω

Staring into the abyss...again

2011-10-07T07:54:00.003+01:00

Moody's has downgraded the credit rating of 12 UK financial firms including Lloyds, RBS, Nationwide, and Santander.
Moody's said it now believed the UK government was less likely to support some firms if they got into trouble. However, the firm emphasised that the downgrades did not "reflect a deterioration in the financial strength of the banking system".
UK financial firms downgraded by Moody's rating agency

Meanwhile Bank of England governor Mervyn King has said this financial crisis could be the worst the UK has ever seen.
His comments came after the Bank authorised the injection of a further £75bn into the economy through quantitative easing.
Bank of England governor fears crisis is 'worst ever'

Goodbye Steve Jobs....

2011-10-06T02:13:00.004+01:00

Steve Jobs, Former chief executive and billionaire co-founder of US technology giant Apple dies, aged 56, the company announces.
Apple co-founder Steve Jobs dies aged 56

As I write this entry, I am playing my iTunes, and charging up my iPhone, via a laptop influenced by the creative genius that was Steve Jobs. His legacy is all around us in some shape or form.

I can't think of a better tribute for the man.
Rest In Peace.

Jodie Marsh's new look...

2011-10-05T04:44:00.003+01:00

32-year-old Jodie Marsh has completely re-invented herself, by swapping her former glamour model curves for rock hard muscle:
Jodie Marsh shows off her amazing new look as she makes her bodybuilding debut at championships

I'm no fan of Jodie's new muscular look (in only eight weeks, too? Good grief).
But regardless of my personal opinion, she deserves respect for the hard work and dedication to get her body into shape.

PS: here's a pic of the old Jodie:

Terra Nova...

2011-10-03T23:56:00.005+01:00

Watched Terra Nova tonight and I'm already bored with it (watching Terry Nova instead would have been more preferable).
Won't be looking out for this show next week....
IMDb - Terra Nova (TV Series 2011)

Doctor Who: The Wedding of River Song

2011-10-03T01:04:00.003+01:00

I need to watch this episode again - parts I enjoyed (the opening sequence depicting planet Earth subjected to a mish-mash of time and space; the respectful nod to the passing of Nicholas Courtney aka the Brigadier), parts I didn't (I guessed early on that the Doctor would cheat his death via the Teselecta shapeshifting robot - but I'd thought the beings as thorough as the Silence would double-check that the Doctor was really dead). As for the question ("Doctor Who?") - one felt that the end of Matt Smith's stint as the eleventh Doctor began here.
But why, oh WHY can't we get by without yet another reference to Rose Tyler?

Goodbye David Croft...

2011-10-02T23:31:00.003+01:00

Obituary: David Croft

More depressing news about the death of Comedy writer David Croft last week in Portugal at the age of 89.
Together with first Jimmy Perry, and later Jeremy Lloyd, David Croft was responsible for truly classic television comedies such as Dad's Army, Are You Being Served?, It Ain't Half Hot Mum, Hi-De-Hi! and 'Allo 'Allo!.
RIP

Goodbye Sylvia Robinson...

2011-10-02T05:55:00.003+01:00

Sylvia Robinson, known to many as the mother of hip-hop, has died aged 75.

The former soul singer set up trail-blazing record label Sugar Hill Records in 1979 with her husband Joe.

She produced hip-hop's first commercially successful single, Rapper's Delight, and co-wrote Grandmaster and Melle Mel's anti-drugs anthem White Lines (Don't Do It).

Robinson died of congestive heart failure in New Jersey, said her publicist Greg Walker.
Sylvia Robinson, pioneer of rap music dies

Sylvia Robinson deserves her place in music history as one of hip-hop's earliest pioneers, and for her provocative 1973 hit 'Pillow Talk'.
RIP

Not another pointless remake (continued)...

2011-09-26T00:04:00.002+01:00

So now we're remaking a remake...

Say hello to my little friend again! Hollywood to remake Al Pacino's Scarface

Obviously nothing is sacred in Hollywood these days - the best response would be to vote with your feet, and stop going to see these remakes. Maybe then, the movie execs will get the message.

Oh dear (continued)....

2011-09-22T01:10:00.002+01:00

Apparently Cheryl Cole plans to go on a date with a "gorgeous" soldier she met during a visit to troops in Afghanistan. The singer and former X Factor judge swapped numbers with the young corporal during her four-day, morale-boosting trip to Helmand province.
Cheryl Cole: I'm going to call the hunky British soldier I met on trip to Afghanistan

Gives a new meaning to the phrase "entertaining the troops"....

Rearranging the financial deck chairs

2011-09-21T23:07:00.003+01:00

Italy has had the rating of its creditworthiness cut, the latest move in the European debt crisis. Standard and Poor's cut its rating by one level to A from A+. The agency cited Italy's weak growth, criticised Rome's response to the debt crisis so far and said political uncertainty could hamper it in future.
Economy enters 'dangerous phase'

The Greek cabinet is meeting to discuss accelerating austerity measures in order to secure further bailout funds and help ease the country's debt crisis.
Greece bailout: Cabinet meets to discuss faster cuts

Wall Street shares fall after the Federal Reserve announces its $400bn Operation Twist scheme to help stimulate the flagging US economy.
Federal Reserves launches 'Twist' stimulus initiative

The Bank of England moves closer to re-starting quantitative easing because the UK economy is deteriorating, minutes show.
Bank hints at economic stimulus

The International Monetary Fund warns that the global financial system is more vulnerable now than at any time since the 2008 financial crisis.
IMF warns of threat to global banking system

And so we continue to rearrange the deck chairs on our financial Titanic...

And justice for all?

2011-09-17T07:52:00.002+01:00

Ex-Conservative peers Lord Taylor of Warwick and Lord Hanningfield have been released early from jail sentences for fiddling parliamentary expenses.

Former Essex County Council leader Lord Hanningfield was jailed for nine months in July for falsely claiming almost £14,000 for overnight stays in London.

Lord Taylor was jailed for a year in May for fraudulently claiming £11,277.
Expense: Hanningfield and Taylor freed from jail

Apparently both men were freed on curfew with electronic tags. But they are still free.
Now I don't have any qualms against the rioters receiving tough sentences (within reason), but what kind of message does the early release of these peers send to the rest of us?
Analysis: The riots data so far

Goodbye Suzanne Mizzi...

2011-09-14T23:30:00.003+01:00

A very belated post, but I only just learned of the passing of former Page 3 girl Suzanne Mizzi, who died in May 2011 after a year-long fight against ovarian cancer. She was 43.
Former Page 3 girl Suzanne Mizzi dies at 43

Very, very sad news. I didn't even realise she was ill until today, when I came across her name on the internet. In my opinion, Suzanne Mizzi was a Page 3 legend. May she rest in peace.
Suzanne Mizzi (Wikipedia)

Oh dear....

2011-09-11T02:59:00.002+01:00

Katie Price is launching a new magazine about herself.
Katie Price launches her own magazine giving style tips

To quote from Ozymandias:
"Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!"

OM3GA on "Tron: Legacy"

2011-09-05T01:22:00.004+01:00

I've seen "Tron: Legacy" several times prior to yesterday's afternoon viewing on TV. But I was particulary bored enough today to register my opinion...

First of all, having seen the original "Tron" - I wanted so much to like "Legacy" - but it felt like this movie was merely arranging the characters for the next Tron sequel (if Walt Disney decides as such). Why give Cillian Murphy a brief cameo as Edward Dillinger Jr, son of baddie Ed Dillinger/Sark (David Warner) from the original movie? What was the fate of Tron/Rinzler (and why the stupid helmet and odd breathing)? What made Tron/Rinzler suddenly fight for the users again and attack Clu, towards the climax of Legacy?
Too many questions....but most of all, I missed seeing the light-cycles make those amazing 90 degrees turns.

Meanwhile in North London (continued)...

2011-09-01T01:02:00.003+01:00

Arsenal sign midfielders Mikel Arteta and Yossi Benayoun
Arsenal complete the signing of Brazilian defender Andre Santos
German defender Per Mertesacker joins Arsenal

At this point in time I'd take Julia Chanel in an Arsenal kit, all things considered...

Anarchy in the UK - the aftermath (continued)...

2011-08-20T00:17:00.004+01:00

The two-day Notting Hill Carnival will go ahead despite the recent riots in London, but the festivities will end early, organisers say.
The event will begin at 09:00 BST and end by 19:00 BST on 28 and 29 August.
Early start and end to Notting Hill Carnival after riots

My opinion? I would stop this year's carnival. But I guess with the money spent to date arranging the event, that was never going to be an option.

Anarchy in the UK - the aftermath...

2011-08-14T01:17:00.006+01:00

As I said in my last post, the recent explosion of violence across England should not be attributed to the late Mark Duggan or about being oppressed. It wasn't about race or politics or poverty. The riots was nothing more than wanton criminal acts, culminating in the murders of five people.
But the recent well-meaning platitudes and usual hot air being spouted by community leaders, politicians and so-called "experts" is obscuring some disturbing points:

Various people, youth and adult, from all walks of life, either in work or in higher education have been charged and prosecuted. Perpetrators included a youth ambassador for the 2012 Olympics, a teaching assistant and the daughter of a millionaire. Yet there has been a knee-jerk response to classify this as the work of a young, predominately black "underclass" (take a bow, SKY News and historian David Starkey).

The Prime Minister has backed plans to cut benefits and evict families of rioters from their homes by several council authorities, including Manchester, Wandsworth and Salford, and last Friday, Wandsworth Council became the first to serve a tenant with an eviction notice after their son appeared in court in connection with the Clapham Junction riot. This isn't justice (otherwise shouldn't we also chuck out those rioters who live in owned property and sell their houses?). This is demonising a section of society, and I believe it's also setting a dangerous precedent in our law.

If the police had adopted the 'all guns blazing' approach at the start of the riots they would have taken criticism for being too heavy handed (as with the student & G20 protests). They are damned if they do, and damned if they don't - and the planned police budget cuts by this government is not going to help. Folks, we have got to solve this problem, otherwise get ready for more vigilante patrols by the friends of Anders Breivik (aka the English Defence League).

Peace, Ω.

PS: I keep thinking about a comment made by the late Bernie Mac about disciplining errant children:
"If you grown enough to talk back, you grown enough to get fucked up!"

Anarchy in the UK...

2011-08-10T01:16:00.003+01:00

London is relatively calm after Monday's night of mob violence, arson and looting - many shops and pubs have closed early and windows have been boarded up. The Metropolitan Police's decision to flood London streets with 16,000 officers - many drafted in from other forces, appears to have worked.
However trouble has flared up in Greater Manchester and the West Midlands, with scores arrested in city centre disturbances. There has also been reports of sporadic violence in other English cities including Liverpool, Leicester and Notthingham, where a police station was firebombed.
Meanwhile the Independent Police Complaints Commission has stated there is no evidence Mark Duggan - whose death set in motion the events leading to the first riots on Saturday - opened fire at police,
Finally Prime Minister David Cameron has recalled MPs from summer recess for a debate on the riots this Thursday.
UK riots: Trouble erupts in English cities

As far as I'm concerned these riots are not about Mark Duggan or about being oppressed. These are just opportunist scumbags involved in criminal acts - nothing more or less.
But if the rumours on the net that EDL (English Defence League) vigilantes are present in Enfield and Eltham are true, then things are going to get grimmer...

Interlude...

2011-07-30T06:40:00.003+01:00

Well I'm fed up watching the American government appearing paralysed by the actions of lunatics playing politics with people's lives, so here's a welcome change of pace with some pics of telephone model Ruby Summers (aka Dannie Low)...

When you stare into an abyss...

2011-07-30T02:08:00.002+01:00

The US House of Representatives has passed a Republican bill proposed by Speaker John Boehner to increase the nation's debt ceiling and cut the budget deficit, but the bill was quickly killed by the Democratic-led Senate. Senate leader Harry Reid is now seeking a vote on a rival plan he proposed

The US risks defaulting on its financial obligations if a federal budget deal is not struck by 2 August.
Q&A: Why has the US not agreed a new debt ceiling?

The following picture expresses my sentiments exactly on this impasse:

Goodbye Amy Winehouse...

2011-07-23T21:34:00.002+01:00

Troubled singer Amy Winehouse, who has battled drink and drug problems, is found dead at her London home at the age of 27.
Amy Winehouse found dead, aged 27

I've said some unkind words about Ms Winehouse in the past and (sadly) I'm not surprised at today's news.
But at the end of the day, Amy was someone's daughter. RIP.

Goodbye News of the World (continued)....

2011-07-17T23:47:00.003+01:00

Ex-News International chief executive Rebekah Brooks has been arrested by police investigating phone hacking and bribery at the News of the World.
Rebekah Brooks arrested by hacking police

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Paul Stephenson resigns as the phone hacking scandal continues to widen.
Met chief resigns in hacking row

And the dominoes continue to fall from the News of the World hacking scandal....
Q&A: News of the World phone-hacking scandal

Goodbye News of the World....

2011-07-08T00:12:00.002+01:00

This Sunday's issue of the News of the World will be the last edition of the paper, News International chairman James Murdoch announced after recent damaging allegations against the 168-year-old tabloid paper involving hacking into the mobile phones of crime victims, celebrities and politicians.
News of the World to close amid hacking scandal

While I won't be shedding much tears over the demise of the News Of The World, I do feel sorry for the honest workers who will pay the price.
However, closing the paper is not enough. Those people who were responsible for the hacking and those in responsibility at the newspaper who were aware should also brought to account.
And we, the British public, should also consider whether our appetite for lurid headlines is the reason why some journalists would adopt such reprehensible practices.

Spot the tyrant...

2011-07-06T02:59:00.004+01:00

Fifa boss Sepp Blatter meets Zimbabwe’s dictator Robert Mugabe, to help tackle corruption in football.

Sorry - too busy laughing at that last comment....

Still here...

2011-06-25T08:42:00.002+01:00

Sorry - I'm currently redecorating the flat, so I'll be only making sporadic entries on the blog....but I'll still be around, so don't worry.

Goodbye Our 'Enry...

2011-05-02T07:13:00.002+01:00

The former British, Commonwealth and European heavyweight champion Sir Henry Cooper has passed away at the age of 76 at his son's house in Oxted, Surrey.
Boxing legend Sir Henry Cooper dies aged 76

A sad loss to British sport. RIP.

Osama Bin Laden is dead....

2011-05-02T05:59:00.004+01:00

Al-Qaeda founder and leader Osama Bin Laden has been killed by US ground forces in Pakistan, President Barack Obama says.
Al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden dead - Obama

Already news channels are reporting of possible retaliatory attacks by followers of the late Osama bin Laden. The man is dead - but sadly his legacy still remains...

Meanwhile in North London (continued)....

2011-05-02T05:40:00.004+01:00

Arsenal 1 - 0 Man Utd

It is days like yesterday that make supporting Arsenal painful - on our day we're capable of beating United, Chelski & Barca...and yet, I keep thinking of the 4-4 against Newcastle, the Carling Cup Final, WBA, Liverpool and the results against the Spuds.

Wedding - what wedding?

2011-04-30T00:44:00.005+01:00

So around one million people in London, and approx. two billion people around the globe watched that wedding.
While I consider myself a republican (with a small "r"), it would be churlish not to wish "Good Luck" to the happy couple.
Royal newly-weds celebrate at Buckingham Palace