Gates of Eden by Ethan Coen is a superb collection of fast paced and chaotic short stories. The situations in which the characters turn up are wide and varied, but perhaps the most detailed (as well as funny) descriptions are based on his own Jewish upbringing. Essentially, the main characters in all the stories spend… Continue reading Gates of Eden. By Ethan Coen
War is not heroic
Do you ever get the feeling that war has somehow become acceptable part of western life? This got me thinking the other day, dangerous as that might be, about where the horrific violence of war gained itself such a good reputation. Maybe it was World War 2, the clean cut epic struggle of good against… Continue reading War is not heroic
Shambala 2004
The mood at this weekends Shambala festival at Newnham park in Plymouth was that of happy and friendly party . The sun shone down all the fancy dress on Saturday which added to the relaxed family orientated atmosphere already in place. This was different from most other festivals I’ve been to both in size, about… Continue reading Shambala 2004
Gates of Eden, Ethan Coen
Gates of Eden by Ethan Coen is a superb collection of fast paced and chaotic short stories. The situations in which the characters turn up are wide and varied, but perhaps the most detailed (as well as funny) descriptions are based on his own Jewish upbringing. Essentially, the main characters in all the stories spend… Continue reading Gates of Eden, Ethan Coen
Blunkett gets hot under the collar in the Sun
I picked up a copy of the Sun this morning on the train and had a bit of a read. Interesting to see that today David Blunkett actually had his own column to react to the latest hysteria in Britain’s daily dose of racism. Previous Home Secretaries had to wait and see if Murdoch, or… Continue reading Blunkett gets hot under the collar in the Sun
Private Lee O’Callaghan
Private Lee O’Callaghan is the 63rd British soldier to die in Iraq since the conflict began. His picture stared out at me from the front pages of the Metro, a face full of hope as well as the cynicism and sense of humour that makes the British Army what it is. As usual in reporting… Continue reading Private Lee O’Callaghan
A Tale of Two Cities
Okay, now for some reason I’ve never really been into proper classic books or old literature or whatever the right name is for it. Maybe because I was in the wrong set for English at my distinctly average suburban comp, or maybe because the front covers of Dick Francis and Douglas Reeman seemed an easier… Continue reading A Tale of Two Cities
Express delivery
Have you noticed how adverts have those identifying tags bolted on the end? Just in case you don’t know what brand is lobbying for your trade, you get some highly annoying little phrase or ring tone to hear people repeat to themselves subconsciously. The worst offender is vulgar The Daily Express and it’s little cartoon… Continue reading Express delivery
The National lottery: The poor mans tax
Well over fifty years ago George Orwell eerily predicted the use of a national lottery game to occupy the proletariat whilst also raising funds for Big Brother. The national lottery 2004. Only poor people play the lottery, fooled into coughing up their hard earned cash by a government that openly admits its dislike for them.… Continue reading The National lottery: The poor mans tax
Pauls stag night
It was my cousin Paul’s stag night last weekend in Bournemouth, me Ben and Chris decided to camp at a site near Poole both to save money and show off our latest camping gadgets. Chris has a superb frame tent, freestanding cooker with grill, additional gas hob, sturdy aluminium table, chairs and various different lamps… Continue reading Pauls stag night