Apologies to Non - 'Wire' readers

I had read about attitudes towards the use of a hot, asian woman to advertise product on the inside of the 'Wire' magazine.

To be honest this reader is sad enough to enjoy both the photos & the furore it caused.

However, I fell over laughing at the photo of Mattin in this month's 'Wire', where he strikes a similar provocative pose, but sadly it does not have the same effect on these old bones.

Nice one Mattin!

Who Saves the Lifeguards, When They Fall in

Proud of my children. One of them saved someone who fell out a RNIL boat today, while he was surfing.

However, I am getting bombarded by weird propaganda that I do not understand:

• Security level in UK goes up a notch.........very high..putting big fear in folks
• Osama Bin Laden (supposed to be dead? (Aye right!)) puts out another message saying that he did everything........by now he doesnt know what he is being framed for?
• As a UK Taxpayer, I have to buy these faulty bomb detectors for Iraq/Afghanistan........I mean this was a huge contract...............Masonic Conspiracy anyone...........they dont work...lives are lost........

PlayTime

Finally caught up with this piece of magic by Jacques Tati. Although it was made in 1967, it is so clever with it's observations on modernity & that was then, this is now.

His use of a predominately, Grey background, concrete, steel & especially glass creates such a masterpiece. It is a film I could watch again & again.

It is a timeless ballet of such beauty, why watch all this Hollywood drivel, when Mr Tati lifts me so high.

The ladies hats with flowers was a gag that hung around for most of the film, only to be subtly shown in the background. Such genius.

The use of limited dialogue, but with superb sound effects & the sudden appearance of colours & motion help this film rub shoulders with painting & dance.

Celtic Carnivale Connections

I couldnt believe it when Kimmie Rhodes was rabbiting on about carnival roustabouts & coochie coo dancers who were relatives.

After spending recent weeks speed watching 'Carnivale' where all the above was so central.

This was surely a sing for me.

Incidently the 4 Texas songwriters in the round @ Celtic Connections: Tom Russell, Slead Cleaves, Kimmie Rhodes & Sam Baker were outstanding.

Canal Surfing for Beginners

The boys went east to surf the coast (What is it with water??) I decided a walk along the canal would suffice.

The towpath was still treacherously icy & I had to walk on the muddy grass.

Still there was a few other brave walkers & lots of interest watching the poor birds, coots, swans, ducks......etc struggling to cope with the iced canal.

All the time I was walking I was pondering over 1-bit music & Tristan Perich.

http://www.tristanperich.com/

http://www.onebitmusic.com

Carnivale

I stumbled upon series 1 of this HBO masterpiece on 'catch up'. I vaguely remember it being on tv.

Also I do not believe in stumbling, there is usually something behind finding info.

The series I discovered was supposed to be in 12 parts & there was only 10 in the 'catch up'.

Perhaps there is a Masonic conspiracy going on as it would fit into the plot of the story.

There is a second series, but I cannot find this anywhere.

The fact that the plug was pulled on it in the USA, when it was popular caused an uproar.....conspiracy again, I would suggest.

If you are a fan of 'Twin peaks' then this is along similar lines. I was totally hooked & we watched it rapido.

Strangely Strange, but Oddly Normal

Weird things have been happening to me since attending my friend's funeral last friday.

Last night I spoke to a man in Benbecula & I found out that he used to be a neighbour on Benbecula, of one of my work colleagues.

Also my friend, Tariq from Libya is now a carer for my wife's cousin.

In themselves, these events are probably reasonable, but one after another it is too odd.

OOOps while I am typing this my wife is looking for his phone number & it just appeared. So freaky.

Wee Men on the Big Hills

Some colleagues at work have suggested I join them on some planned hillwalking. I am assuming this will not occur until the Spring.

Of Time & Tide & Ice & Snow

Still edging my way along my local rivers including the Clyde, Leven, Allander & the Kelvin in the past week.

I have been listening to Dan Arborise's 'Of Tide & Trail' in keeping with this watery theme. However this is the second album of his I have heard & it sounds so flat on cd.

I saw him live last year & he was stupendous. A mix of Frippertronic, John Martyn & Nick Drake.

Stalker

Proof positive that I am being stalked by my neighbour.

A Good Wine Only Improves with Age

Back to 5 - a sides after a 4 month lay off due to Sciatica. Another new challenge from last year, like diabetes.

Anyway big disappointment concerning failure to achieve usual hat - trick & I had to settle for two tap-ins.

However my number of assists was sky high.

Hungry Freaks Daddio

As I am getting older & prone to deep reflection, I cannot help but wonder about the first wave of Scottish traveller in Africa/Asia.

I thought I was being cool going to Asia in the early 70s, but Bert Jansch, Robin Williamson & David Graham went to North Africa & Clive Palmer to Afghanistan & India.

They must have some rich memories of these travels, But I have never seen it mentioned anywhere.