Timing is everything

At last! I have been highly critical over the last few weeks of the lack of policy statements coming out of the Conservative Party.

When this campaign started at the beginning of the year, I understood why David Cameron was reluctant to put detailed policies on paper. Only an idiot would give his opponents the opportunity to steal their policies and present them as their own - and let's be honest, Labour are experts at doing precisely that.

Even in Thursday night's debate, I felt that Cameron did not nail Brown by coming out with concrete promises and guarantees, and consigning the Labour scaremongerng machine to the dustbin of history.

Well, I'm sorry Dave. I apologize. Your leaflet today leaves me in no doubt that I have greatly underestimated you because here it is at last.

I'm also sorry that I waited until today to vote, because like many others I was swayed by the polish and style of the LibDem performance. But while I think the electoral system is wrong, I'm not going to pay for changing it by giving amnesties to illegal immigrants and joining the Euro.

But there is one thing I am not sorry about - watching the death throes of a man who has done more damage to this nation than Hitler. Better start booking the removal van, Gordon - and good riddance!

I am now beginning to really believe that the Labour nightmare is drawing to a close - and frankly I can't wait to see the destruction of Brown by his own party once the voting is over. Never has it been more richly deserved.

My vote is in the post. Now let's get on with sorting this shambles out...
READ MORE » Timing is everything

A ouvir #37

READ MORE » A ouvir #37

Otro Tipo de Perspectiva

Estimados seguidores.. ultimamente.. no he tenido la inspiracion suficiente en términos literarios. Sin embargo, les traigo una composicion mia, version del Tema de Yiruma, The river flows in You


READ MORE » Otro Tipo de Perspectiva

Gordon Brown - I Dreamed a Dream

Here's Gordon doing Susan Boyle (makes a change from him doing Gillian Duffy - I feel for the woman!)



Thanks to Rory Bremner for the vocals
READ MORE » Gordon Brown - I Dreamed a Dream

Come clean Cleggy - who ya gonna sleep with?

Tonight's the night of the third debate - but I bet no-one is going to put these questions forward :

To Cameron and Brown : What are you going to promise Nick Clegg to get him in bed with you?

To Nick Clegg : Can you trust either of these buggers to honour their promises?

First it's Labour, then you can't work with Brown, then you can again. It's not inspiring me with confidence...

I think we have a right to have these questions answered before we decide where to put our votes.

And just in case you need a lighter note, here's a cracking litte Clegg song I nicked off YouTube (Thanks to TommyReckless - nice one!)


READ MORE » Come clean Cleggy - who ya gonna sleep with?
There are no good girls gone bad - just bad girls found out.
-Mae West
READ MORE »

Perdió el fútbol


Aquellos sujetos cuatreros y ciegos voluntarios que llevan todo el año nombrando a un tal Ovrebo -o como se escriba- como principal artífice de que el mejor equipo de la historia sea precisamente eso, el mejor equipo de la historia, ya pueden respirar tranquilos. Un año de campaña ha dado sus frutos y la pesadilla de millones de merengones ha terminado. Al Barça le han mangado el pase a la final de la Champions del Bernabéu. Habría sido duro, en el fondo os comprendo. Pero no deja de ser triste que ese sea el único objetivo de los aficionados de un equipo tan grande y, en el fondo, tan mediocre en la actualidad.

Y es que hoy, en contra de lo que sucedió en mayo pasado, ha perdido el fútbol pero por goleada. Ha perdido ante un equipo rastrero cuyos méritos han sido todos excepto los que hacen tan grandísimo a este deporte. Rehuyendo el balón y centrándose sólo en cerrar espacios y llenar de futbolistas blancos la frontal del área primero, y el área después.

Desde luego, los dos mangazos son incuestionables, pero la pena es que sólo con que uno de los dos no hubiera existido el FC Barcelona estaría muy cerca de ganar su cuarta Copa de Europa. Desde el gol en fuera de juego de Diego Milito, al penalti no pitado a Piqué en Milán pasamos al penalti no pitado a Ibrahimovic nada más empezar el partido y, por último y por ello aún más flagrante, el gol injustísimamente anulado a Bojan que daba la clasificación.

Enhorabuena a los que se contentan con que el mejor equipo de la historia no firme un segundo año inolvidable, y enhorabuena a los amantes del fútbol y del mejor equipo de la historia, porque con este Barça seguro que disfrutaremos muchas más veces a corto plazo de momentos aún mejores que éste.

Un Saludo
READ MORE » Perdió el fútbol

take just a miserable second #19

"É altura de ser louco, de as coisas existirem mais do que nós, de o pânico nos explodir sem se saber de quê,
- Pauli...i...nho!
de nada ter importância, por não termos importância,de as ficções infantis terem razão por nada a ter, de haver em nós um fantasma que é nós e o terrível que é."


Vergílio Ferreira in para sempre
READ MORE » take just a miserable second #19

Sing-a-long-a-voter with the Travelling Wilburys

Let's put the election campaign into perspective with this collaboration between yours truly and the Travelling Wilburys - although to be fair, I didn't exactly ask them!



"Well, it's all shite
'Cos we're coming to election time..."
READ MORE » Sing-a-long-a-voter with the Travelling Wilburys

Kelly Clarkson 'All I Wanted' Concert

Pretty good view from my seat. Kelly is such an awesome singer. She sang right to my heart. Dody texted me today. His excuse for going missing... Crap excuse. I'm not buying it. He texted me during the concert. Apparently his wife is also at the concert. Hahah waatever. The song that I felt most was 'Already Gone' - "You can't make it feel right.. When you know that it's wrong.. There's no moving on.. So I'm already gone"...

"Already Gone"

Remember all the things we wanted
Now all our memories, they're haunted
We were always meant to say goodbye

Even with our fists held high
It never would have work out right, yeah
We were never meant for do or die

I didn't want us to burn out
I didn't come here to hurt you now I can't stop

[Chorus]
I want you to know
That it doesn't matter
Where we take this road
But someone's gotta go

And I want you to know
You couldn't have loved me better
But I want you to move on
So I'm already gone

Looking at you makes it harder
But I know that you'll find another
That doesn't always make you wanna cry

It started with the perfect kiss then
We could feel the poison set in
"Perfect" couldn't keep this love alive

You know that I love you so
I love you enough to let you go


[Chorus]

You can't make it feel right
When you know that it's wrong
I'm already gone, already gone
There's no moving on
So I'm already gone

Ahhh already gone, already gone, already gone
Ahhh already gone, already gone, already gone

:: Kelly Clarkson ::
READ MORE » Kelly Clarkson 'All I Wanted' Concert

Peppa Pig - I don't believe it!

I was absolutely gobsmacked when I saw this on the BBC website!

It's bad enough that some brainless idiot in the Labour party even thought of using a children's cartoon character in their campaign in the first place, but to have two senior cabinet ministers talking such total bollocks in a press conference beggars belief.



If there was any doubt in anyone's mind that these clowns are unfit to govern, this should settle the matter once and for all.

Un-bloudy-believable!
READ MORE » Peppa Pig - I don't believe it!
querem que os alunos tenham respeito pela bandeira e pelo hino. desculpem, mas não sou capaz disso. chamem-me anarquista, chamem-me não patriota, chamem-me traidor, mas creio que incentivar o culto de uma nacionalidade deve ser feito fora das escolas. gosto de algum fado, gosto da poesia, literatura e música ligeira portuguesa. gosto da gastronomia, das paisagens, etc. mas não me obriguem a gostar da bandeira e do hino...
READ MORE »

A ouvir #36



incrivelmente, o vídeo é uma montagem de vários outros vídeos dos Enigma... está muito bom o video...
READ MORE » A ouvir #36

Bullshit bingo!


Don't know about you, but I'm getting to the point where listening to all the parties droning on is beginning to get to me!


So come on guys, let's bring some colour into the campaign! Spice up your rhetoric! You know you can do better!

Here's a list of just a few of the useful phrases I have already spotted some of you using (you know who you are!)....

  • Let me just pop something into your mental microwave and see if it defrosts
  • The wheel's spinning but the hamster's dead
  • We’re not cutting back, we’re just shortening the waste chain
  • We've got to downsize our sloppiness
  • We need to ensure we're all singing from the same hymn sheet before we push forward
  • Scatter the ideas across the floor and let's see where the chickens scratch
  • We will introduce a radical cost reduction action plan (C.R.A.P.)
  • Unemployment is higher than it was in 1994, but not as high as it would have been if the others had been in power
  • We will cut the deficit by ensuring that the increase in our rate of overspending is not as high as it otherwise would have been
  • I'll do whatever I can to make sure that the future of this country becomes entrenched
  • Frontline services will be protected but it may be necessary for some frontline services to be reclassified into the backoffice
  • Government waste is running out of control and it is essential that we ensure that any future waste will not be unnecessarily wasted (sorry?...)
  • Management is essential but we must ensure that these managers are effectively managed
  • We need to increase National Insurance so that it is not necessary to increase taxes
And my own particular favourite :
  • We need to deliver simplified contract management, effective service evolution and responsive scaling to requirement bringing cost savings by flexible services, control and balanced service levels
I will leave it up to you to work out who used that particular little gem...
READ MORE » Bullshit bingo!

Trouble With Love Is...

Everytime I turn around
I think I've got it all figured out
My heart keeps callin' and I keep on fallin'
Over and over again
This sad story always ends the same
Me standin' in the pourin' rain
It seems no matter what I do
It tears my heart in two

I texted Dody a good morning message. He never replied. I think I got my answer.

Going to the Kelly Clarkson concert tonight. Perfect timing. Perfect soundtrack.

xoxo
READ MORE » Trouble With Love Is...
não sei porque ainda me admiro com a estupidez, imbecilidade, falta de cultura e de educação do Miguel Sousa Tavares. ele é uma besta. e muitos portugueses pensam como ele. é deprimente...
READ MORE »

Need You Now



















Picture perfect memories scattered all around the floor
Reachin for the phone cause I can't fight it anymore
And I wonder if I ever cross your mind
For me it happens all the time

It's a quarter after one, I'm all alone and I need you now
Said I wouldn't call but I lost all control and I need you now
And I don't know how I can do without
I just need you now

Another shot of whiskey can't stop looking at the door
Wishing you'd come sweeping in the way you did before
And I wonder if I ever cross your mind
For me it happens all the time

It's a quarter after one, I'm a little drunk and I need you now
Said I wouldn't call but I lost all control and I need you now
And I don't know how I can do without
I just need you now

woah woaaah.

Guess I'd rather hurt than feel nothin at all

It's a quarter after one I'm all alone and I need you now
And I said I wouldn't call but I'm a little drunk and I need you now
And I don't know how I can do without
I just need you now
I just need you now

Ooo, baby, I need you now

:: Lady Antebellum ::
READ MORE » Need You Now
Remember this morning I said I dont have feelings for Dody, and I should find a way out from him and that I'll survive and move on?

Its been 9 hours since Dody last called or texted.

Why do I feel like dying?
READ MORE »

NHS - The death throes of a sacred cow

"Old Sawbones" is an established consultant
surgeon with many years experience working both
inside the NHS and private practice who cares
passionately about his vocation


An insider's view by "Old Sawbones" - our man in the know inside the NHS

I admit to being an anti-establishment critic. I have written about 100 letters to broadsheets and medical journals over the past 10 years, but there has been little public reaction.

Off the record, many apparently agree with what I write, but they daren't put their head above the parapet for medico-political reasons such as conflict with their work on committees or private practice. Basically, the motivations are money, power and prestige -the self interest factor.

In it's present form, our NHS was unsustainable even before the credit crunch, but as a country in collective denial and with politicians of all shades terrified to say the unsayable, we muddle along. Cancer cure rates and other indicators of success in medical treatment are already near the bottom of the European league.

No other country has a Healthcare system funded purely from taxation alone. Our NHS is not free, and there are financial restrictions on what care we receive. Whilst emergency care remains free, dental care certainly does not, and many people still pay for prescriptions. There is a post code lottery, and "NICE" admits that it's recommendations over cancer drugs have to be influenced by the cost. Thus we don't necessarily receive the life prolonging treatments available in some other European countries.

We have been graded as low as 18th by the OECD in the European league, and while health care systems throughout Europe (and indeed the world) struggle to contain costs, the most successful ones had mixed funding. Sources include "top up" patient's private medical insurance (in some cases compulsory), "Social Insurance" paid by the employer as in France and Germany, and voluntary contributions. So, with rising costs from expensive new treatments for an ageing population, I see no alternative to some form of direct payment such as charging to see a GP - as in Eire.

Perhaps we should turn a blind eye to the European Working Time Directive, as already happens in many, mainly Southern, European countries which don't slavishly follow it in every detail. This may be politically unacceptable, but there is no reason why today's doctors cannot work a reasonable amount out of hours, as still is the case in many parts of the world.

How can doctors bear to simply shut up shop at the end of the day?

There is some truth in the aphorism that from being a vocation or profession, medicine is now just a job. It is no longer a way of life, and a privilege to practice. I fail to see why today's GPs cannot work out of hours on a reasonable rota or with acceptable cover. With regret, I suspect it may simply be that they haven't got the resilience, stamina and staying power to do so. The "new" GP contract must be rescinded. If motivation were a patient, it would surely be on its last legs!

Another controversial measure would be to allow direct patient referral to specialists as occurs in many countries world wide. Patients know or can find out with help from the internet what specialist they need to see. But the GP as the gatekeeper to secondary care has to validate this. Often this is a waste of GP time and, of course, money. Unfortunately, there are too many vested establishment interests at heart here and the BMA trade union exists to preserve them.

And then of course there is immigration with its attendant costs to the NHS, the myriads of managers and jobsworths, "health and safety", and the compensation culture to consider...

I don't see our health service surviving in the long run, it's time expired, but the public and politicians have a blind spot - and our devious deluded dissembling PM wants to "protect" it!

READ MORE » NHS - The death throes of a sacred cow

I'm the 7-Year-Itch

I gotta admit I'm very much behind in updating my blog. You probably guessed it right. Somehow I've slipped into an affair with a certain gentleman I'ld like to call Dody (previously referred to as Shrek, but now I feel like it doesn't do justice... to Shrek. Heh.)

11.44am - Rainy Monday
I'm stranded at home due to the fabulously pouring rain. This is how Monday mornings should be. I've already called the office to say I'm out running errands and might not come in today. This was followed by a few other sms-es from colleagues (inc my boss) saying that they're not coming in to work also. Haha. This is why I love my day job.

As I was saying earlier, yeah... I think I'm having an affair with a married man. Wow. Another firsts box checked. Last Saturday, Dody finally asked me over to his place and we made love.

I've known Dody for 20 days now (inc. today) and last Saturday after that love-ly episode, I ended up spaced and zoned out throughout the rest of the day. That night, at a concert that I had to attend, I finally burst and started crying at one of the songs.

I still find it mind-boggling how a man can have an emotional affair behind his wife. When I was at Dody's place, I saw the pretty framed pictures of him and his wife. Now I knw what Dody meant when he once before said, "One day you'll see the resemblance you have to my wife"... and its true. His wife and I looked like we could be sisters. Infact, I think his wife looks even better that me. But then again, those were his wedding pics from 7 years ago.

Oh yes, did I mention that I'm his 7-year-itch...?

WHY?? WHY?!!! How can a man bring himself to break that wedding vow?

Since I first met Dody, we've only met at his restaurant. I've been there about 4 to 5 times and even have my own special table. Table 60. We'd make out on his couch at the back of the dining area after closing time and I'ld come back like 3 in the morning everytime.

Dody is not a paying customer. More like a sugar daddy who feeds me well. Too well cos I'm putting on a bit of weight no thanks to the late night suppers. He makes the best coffee, showers me with chocolates, foots my cab bills and he checks up on my all the time. With Dody, I feel pretty loved and I enjoy his care and attention.

But after all that, as much as I promised not to judge... I still dont understand how a man can have the heart to bring another woman into the same bed where he and his wife makes love.

Dody says he loves me. But I'm already thinking of how I to get myself out of this. After Popeye, I've learnt my lesson. No love. Nooooo wayyy. Not again. L-O-V-E is just another word I'll never learn to pronounce.

On the downside, I havent been able to get much whoring done with Dody around. Wait. I've only done the Geologist guy and Popeye... yeah, I think that was it.

If I ever have to get rated, I'ld probably be one of the poorly rated whores who fails terribly when it comes to emotions. To date, I've revealed my identity to 2 men - Popeye and Dody. *sighs*

Anw, end of the month is looming. Time for the 'Fifth Wave'... new pictures, new name... still wondering if I should get a new number cos I might lose my regulars. *would have met up with another regular this morning if not for Aunt Mary who is in town :P Then again, I'm pretty relieved when 'she' visits*

Reminder to self: Meeting a 30-something italiano this week.... looking forward to that.

Verdict: Time to move on from Dody. I will miss him but I'll survive.
READ MORE » I'm the 7-Year-Itch

constatação de facto: pessoal incógnito

o facto de escrevermos incognitamente traz-nos a liberdade de escrevermos pessoalmente, sem qualquer medo. é muito mais livre, mais libertador... é por isso estranho alguém que aprecia tal coisa, pensar em acabar com esse incógnito. sim, estou a pensar em identificar-me. não sei que é que o blog poderá perder com isso... muito provavelmente... a liberdade quando escasseia, nem parece a mesma! é um risco que talvez venha a correr. para já não sei...
READ MORE » constatação de facto: pessoal incógnito

25 de abril - comemorações

apenas para referir a triste figura do Bloco de Esquerda e do Partido Comunista. Não terão sido os únicos, mas foram os mais evidentes. falo da não saudação das palavras do Presidente. pode ter muitos erros como político mas discursou bem, de acordo até com a grande luta que o BE tem tido. mais uma vez o velho preconceito esquerda/direita (a única coisa de jeito, ou pelo menos importante, que o "preconceituoso" ["perigosos esquerdistas"] Aguiar referiu). sendo eu aderente do BE fiquei triste com esta incoerência da bancada parlamentar, assim como com os comentários do líder parlamentar. isto porque a Alegre tudo é permitido, a Cavaco não. enfim...
READ MORE » 25 de abril - comemorações

The Wonder of You


From the BBC : 'Gordon Brown has attacked Conservative NHS plans - and been joined by an Elvis impersonator - as he sought to "up the tempo" of Labour's election campaign.'

I tried desperately to find something funny or witty to say about this, but frankly I just couldn't find anything more farcical than the reality. Will this idiot stop at nothing? God help us all!
READ MORE » The Wonder of You
25
a
b
r
i
l

READ MORE »

Con la Lolita en La Coruña

















READ MORE » Con la Lolita en La Coruña

perdidos


perdemo-nos, perdemo-nos e onde estamos? eu estou já ali, por trás daquela árvore a urinar, mas de ti não sei... fugiste ao tempo? ao espaço? talvez já estejas em casa, espero bem que não, ainda tenho coisas para te dizer...
-tens um cheiro bonito
mas não tanto como tu
-tens um sorriso bonito
mas não tanto como tu
-tens uma voz bonita
mas não tanto como tu
-tens uma alma bonita
e é mais bonita que qualquer outra que eu conheça!!!

perdemo-nos. melhor, eu perdi-me, tu continuas o teu caminho. perdes-te mas segues caminho. eu perco-me mas não compreendo a beleza da dúvida, do desconhecido, e paro, assustado, à procura de um rumo, sem compreender que não há rumo melhor que aquele que os nós pés querem dar. tu sempre apoiaste os meus pés. eles sempre andaram para ti, e eu forçava para mais perto estar de ti...

"o meu quarto vê-se da estrada" e a estrada cheia, já sei, para tentar entender a alma bela, e não só... todos os contornos, que até uma alma pagã aprecia. e todas almas pagãs quando te vêm... não existe outro deus, não existe outro ser, não existe outro lugar. e tanto tempo! e tanta beleza... espero que me leves um dia para esse teu lugar. porque eu perdi-me e não sei brincar aos perdidos.
READ MORE » perdidos

Man undergoes first 'Full Face' transplant


A team of 30 Spanish doctors at Vall d'Hebron University Hospital revealed they have successfully performed the world's first full face transplant.

Another 10 face transplants have been carried out around the world, but this is believed to be the most complex.

Hospital spokesperson Bianca Bont said "This is the first total face transplant. There have been 10 operations of this kind in the world - this is the first to transplant all of the face and some bones of the face."

The man is pictured above with his wife Samantha. She commented "It's really thrilling for us. People were always saying how much Dave sounded just like Tony Blair. Well, now he looks like him as well."

Further operations have been planned, but the hospital is being very tight lipped about who the recipients and donors may be.

Does anyone out there have any ideas?
READ MORE » Man undergoes first 'Full Face' transplant

Three men in a boat called "Britain"


In the words of a poet called Robert Calvert :

Rowing, rowing,
Going nowhere
What do we care
If we get there?
Rowing, glowing,
Showing such flair
We're three men in a boat.

READ MORE » Three men in a boat called "Britain"

A ouvir #35 (PdC 10)






estes dois nomes prometem!!!
READ MORE » A ouvir #35 (PdC 10)

Sing-a-long-a-Gordon returns!

To commemorate the latest unemployment figures, here's my interpretation of Clapton's 'Layla' (sorry, Eric)



"What'll I do now I am jobless?
And I'm living on the dole...."

I really would like some other suggestions for Clegg & Cameron - it just seems too easy to be hitting Gordon all the time. But then again, he's a very easy target and he deserves it.
READ MORE » Sing-a-long-a-Gordon returns!

e já não sei onde ela vai!

Por vezes a boca foge-me para a verdade. Depois tapo-a com a mão e finjo que não disse nada.
-Ai é assim?
Não, não é assim... Como pode ser assim se nem disse nada?
-Ai é assim?
Mentira a minha, raramente a boca me foge para a verdade. Eu fujo para a verdade, mas a boca destoa, e não parece que acontece. Talvez uma ilusão. Certamente uma ilusão. De certeza uma ilusão... Caso contrário,
-Só podes estar louco?
nunca. Porque como pode uma pessoa tão normal estar louca?
-Lá estás tu com a mania...
Realmente... Dá-me com ela.... Será que é a boca que me foge para a verdade?
-Certamente não, manias tuas...
Irrita-me a normalidade, o quotidiano, a perfeição no seu sentido mais lato... Gosto do caos, da liberdade, e do pó dos pinheiros... Gosto de muita coisa, mas não gosto mais de nada como de...
-De???
de...
Sei lá do que gosto... A boca foge-me para a verdade, e a verdade é que não sei o que quero

"don’t feel guilty if you don’t know what you want to do with your
life…the most interesting people I know didn’t know at 22 what they
wanted to do with their lives, some of the most interesting 40 year
olds I know still don’t."


a verdade é que até gosto de viver em Portugal, e por mais que inveje a Dinamarca, não me vejo a viver num desses sítios, sem defeitos (aparentes), e sem coisas para arranjar.
-Fugiste para mentira...
Talvez... Já estou tão habituado a viver num mundo imperfeito, que é um acontecimento a boca fugir-me para a verdade.
-E talvez nunca o tenha feito!
READ MORE » e já não sei onde ela vai!

Paris-Lisboa



AVISO: Não venho enxovalhar a deputada Inês de Medeiros, venho, isso sim enxovalhar quem votou a favor (ou o permitiu) da decisão de pagar as viagens Paris-Lisboa à deputada socialista (que constam ser de classe executiva)

Não sou contra isso por nos encontrarmos ao pé do abismo, ou por ter sido aprovado maioritariamente pelo mesmo partido que aprovou um PEC que pretende, nada mais nada menos, que diminuir salários e cortar dinheiros em todo o lado (menos onde não faz falta nenhuma, exactamente, lá em cima). Não, isso já é habitual. Carros novos na EDP. Prémios pagos pelo estado (pois claro que os gestores são bons, sobem quanto quiserem, investimento todo público, será assim tão difícil atingir objectivos?). Recibos verdes e outras falcatruas. A assembleia melhor equipada tecnologicamente da União Europeia (ou das melhor). etc. etc. etc.

Simplesmente me custa o facto de todo o professor, médico, enfermeiro, trabalhador ter de pagar as suas deslocações para o emprego. Qual é a diferença entre um deputado e um outro qualquer trabalhador? Aparentemente toda... (Daqui a algum tempo os porcos começam a andar em duas patas).

Custa-me também o facto de essa senhora não trazer de Paris alguns ideais revolucionários, para virar o país ao contrário, para se investir na educação, que está garantida (sem menção a qualquer preço) na declaração universal dos direitos do Homem (onde também aparece que todos os homens nascem iguais), sim, porque é a única hipótese portuguesa. O futuro. O presente está em cacos, e tão cedo, pelo que mostra a total apatia popular, não vai melhorar.

Bonne soirée
READ MORE » Paris-Lisboa

Desperate Gor-Dan


An "anti-Tory alliance", Gordon?  Christ you really are desperate!

Go on! Jump! Please.
READ MORE » Desperate Gor-Dan

Allá vamos...



...a acabar con los berberechos de La Coruña.

Un Saludo
READ MORE » Allá vamos...

Let's play "Fantasy Government"

In the event of a LabServative Democrat government who would you like to see in the cabinet ?



The rules are simple - people have to be real and alive, but other than that you can have anyone. After all, Gordon does it that way doesn't he? You can give reasons if you like for any or all, serious or satirical.

I will reward a generous prize for the winner. My decision is final. No appeals to the European Court will be allowed. The prize is 10p - so you can use it to phone someone who gives a shit...

Here are my selections for the Fantasy Cabinet. Let's see yours!

Prime Minister : David Cameron (a toff always looks good)
Deputy Prime Minister : Nick Clegg (lost the toss of a coin with Cameron)
Chancellor : Vince Cable (best man in the wrong party in my view)
Foreign Secretary : William Hague (no-one patronises foreigners quite like him)
Home Secretary : Nick Clegg (Labour used this post to keep people out of the way)
Business & Consumer Affairs : Esther Rantzen (obvious choice)
Justice : Norman Lamb (he's actually a lawyer, which I would have thought could be handy)
Environment : Dick Sawbridge (demonstrates practical knowledge in the field)
Transport : Jeremy Clarkson
Defense : John Prescott (no-one would dare attack us with him in charge!)
Speaker : Jeremy Paxman (if Paxo can't get them to shut up, no-one can)
Energy : Simon Hughes (one Nick got right)
Europe : Nigel Farage (talks bollocks, so should fit in well)
Health : Gerry Robinson (Is there actually a doctor in any of the three party teams?)
Pensions : Teresa May (I wanted Barbara Castle, but she's dead and it seems Dave got this one right)
Northern Ireland : Gordon Brown (with luck they may shoot the bugger)
Scotland : Alex Salmond (let's face it, he's got the job anyway)
Wales : John Redwood (did such a good job last time)
Education : David Laws (seems to me Nick got this one right too)
Chief Whip : Peter Mandelson (You need a nasty, sneeky underhand bugger in that job)

What do you think ?
READ MORE » Let's play "Fantasy Government"

A ouvir #34



muita gente não gostou desta nova música dos mão morta. é mais pop sem dúvida. eu acho-a completamente viciante, algo cómica até ridícula, mais pelas letras, mas no bom sentido. não será a melhor deles, talvez nem esteja ao seu nível, mas não deixa de ser uma excelente música!
READ MORE » A ouvir #34

HELP! I'm in danger of voting Liberal!

Don't get me wrong - I probably want Gordon Brown out more than just about any other person on this planet.

Unfortunately, I don't get a vote!

"Rubbish!" I hear you all cry. "Of course you get a vote just like everyone else on the electoral roll." Not so. Let me explain this to you :

I live in a Tory safe seat. Before I moved here three years ago, I lived in an even safer Tory safe seat. So fair enough - I got what I voted for; a Tory MP.

"But I thought you said you didn't get a vote?"

That's right. I don't. The voting system in this country is so shit that votes like mine don't count. I'm going to get a Tory MP unless about ten thousand of us get arsey and vote Liberal which, frankly, isn't going to happen.

The future government is going to be decided in a small number of marginal seats. Not in my seat. That's why so far not a single election leaflet has passed through my letterbox. Not a single canvasser has knocked on my door and asked for my vote. I am treated with complete contempt. I do not count.

So I find myself on the horns of a dilema : Do I vote Conservative because I think they should form the next government or do I vote Liberal because they will change the voting system so that next time my vote does actually count?

And does it matter anyway because this is a safe seat?

HELP! Please tell me what you think I should do?
READ MORE » HELP! I'm in danger of voting Liberal!

MP3 Semana Santa 2010

Como el año pasado, desde hoy voy a ir colgando en la columna de la derecha los enlaces para descargar todos los mp3 que he grabado este año con mi mini disc.

El primer archivo es el correspondiente a la Santa Cena de Almería.

http://www.mediafire.com/?zx0jgqmmytz

Excombatientes de Ayamonte.

http://www.mediafire.com/?johywzo2ztl

Vísperas de Sevilla. La Misión, Alcosa y la Milagrosa.

http://www.mediafire.com/?ym1ewx5fnhz


Lunes Santo de Sevilla.

http://www.mediafire.com/?eqxtz2t2mm0


Martes Santo de Sevilla.

http://www.mediafire.com/?dhynnzzcj3m

Miércoles Santo de Sevilla.

http://www.mediafire.com/?k2lutiytmmz

Jueves Santo de Sevilla.

http://www.mediafire.com/?zoimmy3odmj

Madrugá de Sevilla, sólo la Macarena.

http://www.mediafire.com/?jemt0ljihdj

Viernes Santo de Sevilla, sólo el Nazareno de la O.

http://www.mediafire.com/?4yczykqmgzz


Sábado Santo de Sevilla.

http://www.mediafire.com/?jymiji5gzij

Domingo de Resurrección de Sevilla.

http://www.mediafire.com/?njn0bjmnnyk


Un Saludo


READ MORE » MP3 Semana Santa 2010

A ouvir #33

READ MORE » A ouvir #33

"Nada é permanente, excepto a mudança"


Cito acima Heráclito. Tudo vai mudando. Talvez por isso, a mesma coisa, em dois momentos diferentes, separados por um pequeno intervalo de tempo, pareça duas coisas completamente diferentes. Porque a mudança não é consciente do que faz (com certeza não o é, caso contrário, não seria, por vezes tão radical) ela é imprevisível. E por vezes quando olhamos para trás ficamos embasbacados, cegos de "wow" e curiosos: como é que as coisas vieram aqui parar? Provavelmente foi um segundo que olhamos para o lado, e não vimos a mudança a trabalhar.

Eu gosto de mudança. Tenho medo, mas gosto bastante dela. No entanto, quando conheço o fruto dessa mesma mudança reajo com precaução. Por exemplo quando me encontro com alguém que já não via há muito tempo não sei como reagir. Qual terá sido a intensidade dessa mudança? Provavelmente isto acontece a muita gente. Parece-me ser natural. Será que esse algo mudou na sua essência? Talvez sim, talvez não. A única coisa previsível em relação à mudança é a sua perdurabilidade.
READ MORE » "Nada é permanente, excepto a mudança"

Toros en Sevilla: Semana de preferia




Casi acabada ya la semana de preferia en cuanto a lo taurino se refiere, es momento de valorar los cuatro festejos a los que he asistido desde el martes. Otrora analizaba de la mejor manera posible todos y cada uno de las corridas de forma individual, pero visto lo visto y tras la experiencia de muchas decepciones, veo mejor hacerlo en bloque y centrarme en, de momento, lo único bueno que he visto.


El martes fui a la de Palha, una corrida multicultural donde las haya. Un torero catalán, otro mexicano, el que cerraba vasco y la ganadería portuguesa. Destacaron las ganas de Macías y Fandiño y, sobre todo, la sobrecogedora cornada que el quinto de la tarde le pegó a Arturo Macías, que si bien se mostró muy valiente durante toda la tarde quizás pecó de arrimarse ante un toro al que se le veía venir. También es digno de destacar el buen funcionamiento de la lona que se le pone al ruedo y que ha posibilitado que se hayan celebrado unas corridas que hace tan sólo dos años no se habrían podido dar.


El jueves estuve en la de Victorino y lo único destacable fue la presentación de algunos toros. Destacable teniendo en cuenta que lo presentado el año anterior ni siquiera lo parecía. Eso sí, los toros sin casta ni fondo. Si esto es lo que ha mandado a Sevilla, con razón el ganadero de Galapagar no lidia este año en Madrid.


Ayer sábado le tocó el turno a la corrida de Gavira. Una de las que más expectación había levantado a la hora de configurar los carteles y que fue decepcionante al máximo. Toros mansos, corretones que sólo destacaron en la mano izquierda de Talavante. Morante, de nuevo, no quiso ni verlos aunque había poco que verles y Luque demostró que venía con ganas.


Pero lo realmente bueno vino, una vez más, con la corrida de El Ventorrillo y de las manos de El Juli. Quizás el torero más regular de la actualidad, o al menos esa es mi impresión tras verlo en más de cinco plazas distintas y en diversos años. El madrileño firmó una actuación perfecta desde el primer capotazo a la estocada en el primero de la tarde. El público, con razón y perseverancia, pidió las dos orejas y el presidente inició el mitin concediéndole sólo una. Tras cuatro años asistiendo de forma asidua a esta plaza, nunca había visto una faena tan redonda y, sin embargo, sí he visto en alguna que otra ocasión la concesión de dos orejas. El toro del Ventorrillo fue un auténtico carretón lleno de nobleza que El Juli metió en la canasta desde que salió de chiqueros.







El cuarto fue más bravo y, a la vez, más complicado. Pero de nuevo el madrileño hizo con él lo que quiso y le recetó otro estoconazo. Esta faena, bajo mi punto de vista, fue de una oreja, pero el presidente terminó su mitin y le dio las dos del tirón después de que el puntillero fallara en tres ocasiones. Lo justo para El Juli fueron sus tres orejas, pero repartidas de otra manera, por lo que se demostró la ineptitud del presidente de la corrida.

Castella dejó pasar su oportunidad con un quinto que tenía buen son, mientras que Perera tuvo, sin duda, el peor lote, casi sin opciones.

Al terminar la corrida, la apoteosis fue vivir mi primera Puerta del Príncipe en feria -antes había visto a Salvador Cortés salir a hombros en una encerrona en octubre-. Merecida por uno de los mejores toreros de la actualidad y que, creo, no está suficientemente valorado en Sevilla. Yo lo tengo claro, para el Domingo de Resurrección de 2011 El Juli y dos más con los toros de El Ventorrillo...





Un Saludo
READ MORE » Toros en Sevilla: Semana de preferia

Huge grey cloud descends over Britain

Life in the UK threatened to come to a complete standstill as a huge grey cloud descended over the United Kingdom.

Believed to have originated in the banks of Iceland, it threatens to engulf all economic activity for the foreseeable future.

The Government has stated that it poses no immediate threat and that it intends to carry on as usual, but opposition experts have speculated that it could start to dissipate as early as May 6th.

It was hoped that the emergence of a front of hot air over Manchester earlier in the week would help to disperse the cloud, but this has not proved to be the case.
READ MORE » Huge grey cloud descends over Britain

A word from the big, bad bard

My regular reader will have wondered where I have been for the last couple of days.

Well, I've been to Stratford to take in a bit of culture - that's the genuine stuff not wot passes for kulcher these days!

Anyway, whilst there I engaged the help of a friend of mine who communes with spirits (not the type that comes in bottles) and took him along to Shakespeare's grave to ask the great Bard himself what he thought of the goings on in our election campaign.

This is what Will had to say about it all...

Medium : Mr Shakespeare, how do you feel our election campaign is going so far?


Bard : To-morrow, and to-morrow, and to-morrow, creeps in this petty pace from day to day, to the last syllable of recorded time

Medium : Yes, it seems to be dragging a bit, but what about the the TV debate?

Bard : Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player, that struts and frets his hour upon the stage, and then is heard no more.

Medium : Unimpressed then. Let's turn to the manifestos. Labour first?...

Bard : And all our yesterdays have lighted fools the way to dusty death. Out, out, brief candle!

Medium : And the Conservatives?

Bard : Nothing shall come of nothing. Speak again

Medium : I'm sorry - a brief loss of contact there. I'll repeat - what of the Conservatives?

Bard : Done to death by slanderous tongue was the Hero that here lies

Medium : Yes, they certainly have been attacked a lot by Labour. Finally, the LibDems?

Bard : It is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing

Medium : So you don't rate their chances. Any views on a hung Parliament?

Bard : What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet

Medium : And finally, if you were able to vote, where you put your cross?

Bard : I am hurt. A plague a' both your houses!

Medium : Thank you very much, William Shakespeare

Bard : I go, and it is done; the bell invites me
 
So there we have it. Quite clearly he is about as impressed with it all as I am.
READ MORE » A word from the big, bad bard
You gain strength,courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face.You are able to say to yourself,"I lived through this horror.I can take the next thing that comes along."

You must do the thing you think you cannot do.
READ MORE »

BROWN OUT - A good or bad thing?

Two nations seperated by a common tongue
READ MORE » BROWN OUT - A good or bad thing?

Boggled and B*witched

2.42am
I really should be getting my beauty sleep by now but I've just got alot on my mind.
I'm just a lil boggled after being approached by a few married men. Dody, is one of them. He confessed that I'm his 7 year itch.
Dody celebrated his 7th wedding anniversary yesterday and while he was on a dinner date with his wife, he actually slipped me a text message.
I mean, what's up with these married men? What is your wife there for? Go and fuck them 'lah! I'm not complaining cos for us, at the end of the day, its just the cash that we're after. But to cheat on your wife?! To betray the matrimonial vow? Man...
This, will be one of the reasons why I will not marry. Period.

p/s: Got a phone call from a fella just nw. I have a strict no phone call rule. So if my phone rings (obviously men are stupid and don't follow instructions) usually what I would do is, I'ld pick up the phone and wait for them to say 'hello' first. 99% of the time, they LOSE me at 'hello'. From their 'hello', I can tell if its a cikopek-uncle, a bleak malay mat or a bangla.
But today, I received a call from this fella with a really hot-man voice. My natural response is to hang up but this time, after I hung up on him, I actually called him back. *lol*
The fella spoke in full sentences. Decent english. Nice low-tone. I took the chance to flirt with him a little but kept it short. The name's Andy. Hmm, but you know what they say about a guy with a nice voice. They're usually ugly. But what the heck, if Andy can afford me, he'll be back. I really hope he does *cross my fingers* Cos I'm totally bewitched.
xoxo
READ MORE » Boggled and B*witched

At last! A policy all the parties agree on...

The three main parties leaders issued a joint statement today having agreed to introduce a new 'Gravity Offset Levy" in the next Parliament


The leaders shake hands on their historic agreement
while demonstrating first hand the effects of their policy
A Bill will be introduced in the next Parliament which will prove that the UK leads the world in tackling environmental problems.

The statement said "We have complete cross party agreement to introduce a new Gravity Offset Levy which will enable the UK to reduce its gravity by 10% in real terms. Reducing our gravity in this way will have the following immediate beneficial effects :
  • Vehicle pollution will be reduced as everyone knows that lighter vehicles use less fuel. This will also apply to aircraft and diesel railway engines.
  • Lower fuel consumption also addresses the growing unrest over petrol prices
  • Wind turbines will spin faster as the blades will weigh less, thus improving their generating efficiency
  • Everyone will be fitter as less effort will be required to walk, run and lift things
  • Our newborn children will be less obese, as they will grow taller and thinner
  • Our cricket team will win more matches as they will be able to hit the ball further
  • Productivity will improve as everyday tasks will require less effort
And all this can be achieved with a modest per house levy of only £5,000 per annum which will be automatically added to Council Tax bills. It will enable us to half the National Debt within the lifetime of the next Parliament without us having to make any cuts in public spending."

Gordon Brown commented, "This is such an obvious new tax that I cannot believe I never thought of it before" whilst David Cameron added, "It's a fair tax as it effects everyone equally and everyone gets the same benefit."

For the Liberal Democrats, Nick Clegg added "It's not a new idea. We proposed it in our last manifesto but we are pleased the other main parties have finally adopted it."

Of course, not everyone is happy. The Green Party dismissed it as just another stealth tax masquerading as environmentalism, and Weight Watchers complained it would ruin their business.
READ MORE » At last! A policy all the parties agree on...

My sailor and I... or what's left of us.
READ MORE »

The Manifesto Song 2010




Click image to play

I've decided that we should commemorate manifesto week with a musical look back over Labour promisses of the recent and distant past just to prove that nothing has really changed at all. Some of these posters are classics!



Who could forget that great manifesto of 1997? After all, don't forget that "Things can only get better"...

Suggestions for other songs I can butcher in my own inimitable way are always gratefully recieved

READ MORE » The Manifesto Song 2010

Don't Let It Go To Your Head _ the song
















So what if I came clean, and told you all you mean to me,
so what if I meant every word I said,
baby don't let it go to your head
So what if I write your name,
cause you're always on my brain, in a heart I paint in crimson red,
baby dont let it go to your head
Dont be getting any big ideas, let me make it clear

Just cause I cant go on,
just cause I die when ur gone, & just cause I think of you in bed, dont let it go to your head, if I looked in your eyes, one too, too many times, & memorzied every word you said, dont let it go to your head, oh oh, don't let it go to your head, oh oh

So what if I want to kiss, from your toes up to your lips, it don't mean that you have me yet, youre gonna be good out of bed, i'm the one who's in control here, let me make it clear

Just cause I cant go on, just cause I die when ur gone, just cause I think of you in bed, dont let it go to your head, if I looked in your eyes, one too, too many times, memorzied, every word you said, dont let it go to your head, dont let it go to your head, oh oh

Now you think you got me
Well im gonna get you
Now you think you can touch me
Well im gonna let you

Just cause I cant go on, just cause I die when ur gone, just cause I think of you in bed, dont let it go to ur head
Just cause I cant go on
Just cause I die when ur gone
Just cause I think of you in bed, dont let it go to your head, if I looked your eyes, one too, too many times, memorzid every word you said, dont let it go to your head, dont let it go to your head, dont let it go your head, dont let it go to your head, dont let it go to your head...

:: Jordin Sparks ::

READ MORE » Don't Let It Go To Your Head _ the song

Don't Let It Go To Your Head

7.41am
My mind is in fragments. I just woke up but I havent been able to shake off that heaviness in my heart. Feeling like an emo-wreck. Here's what happened the past few days...

- Hooked up with another Swiss Choc... this ones from Geneva.
- Did I mention he's a geologist! Cool, huh?
- Nice guy. Confessed he's married to a french woman and has a 5y.o daughter. Said his wife hadnt made love to him eversince they had their daughter. Oh man...
- He cummed to a mere blowjob. $150 for a 10 min job. Not too shabby I guess.
- Went to Dody's restaurant after that for supper. I now, officially have a special table.
- I'm the woman at table 60.
- Dody's wife was at the restaurant too. Bummer.
- Dody joined me at the table after she left.
- I told Dody I might be getting too comfortable with him. Crossing the lines of 'business'.
- Shrek said to not get emotional and to enjoy this while it last.
- Feel myself falling into the same emo-pattern that I did with Popeye.
- Left in a cab around midnight. Refused Dody's cab money. (Damn, $30 gone)
- Received a txt msg at midnight that says "I'm back!!!". It was from Popeye.
- Had my first anal last night + crazy sex, courtesy of Popeye
- Popeye said he just signed on with a German company (Carpenter's song playing in the background)
- This might be his last visit in S'pore in a long time.
- I cried alone in the room after Popeye left.
- I'm an emo-wreck.

"They're not paying for sex because they want a relationship, silly. There will be others. There always are."
- Belle's A-Z of London Sex Work :: Belle De Jour :: pg 92
READ MORE » Don't Let It Go To Your Head

I Need To Be In Love

The hardest thing I've ever done
Is keep believing
There's someone in this crazy world
For me
The way that people come and go
Thru temporary lives
My chance could come and I might never know

I used to say "No promises,
Let's keep it simple"
But freedom only helps you say
Good-bye
It took a while for me to learn
That nothin' comes for free
The price I've paid is high enough for me
I know I need to be in love
I know I've wasted too much time
I know I ask perfection of
A quite imperfect world
And fool enough to think that's
What I'll find

So here I am with pockets full
Of good intentions
But none of them will comfort me
Tonight
I'm wide awake at four a.m.
Without a friend in sight
Hanging on a hope but I'm alright

:: Carpenters::

READ MORE » I Need To Be In Love

Tempus Fugit



Esto de la Semana Santa, especialmente en Sevilla, tiene la virtud a la vez que el problema de que el tiempo se escapa, de la fugacidad.

Vivir todo un año para morir en una Semana, para agonizar en 60 cofradías y más de un centenar de pasos que, cuando se pierden por la siguiente calle, por la puerta de su iglesia o a lo lejos en el mediodía de una amplia avenida se acaban.

Y al acabarse comienza otra vez ese gusano anterior que le esperará el año que viene en la esquina de siempre, o en la acera de nunca, buscando nuevas sensaciones y redescubriendo uno a uno todos los detalles de ese paso que un buen día analizaste pero del que nunca recuerdas todo. No da tiempo. Es la fugacidad.

Por tanto, cada vez me resulta más complicado saborear y paladear esos momentos que ya nunca se van a repetir, y que casi sin avisar de su inicio ya se están acabando.

Me sentía anonadado a la vez que apesadumbrado cuando el exquisito palio de los Dolores de San Vicente, a los sones de la imprescindible Jesús de las Penas alcanzaba el refugio de la puerta de su parroquia.

Embriagado pero apenado mientras la Virgen de las Aguas seguía los pasos del impresionante Cristo de la Expiración con una batería de marchas alegres que hacía que la Oliva despertara a todos los vecinos de la collación por Alfonso XII.

Entusiasmado a la par que melancólico cuando, otra vez, el crucificado del Desamparo y Abandono salía a su barrio. Aún sin mí abajo, pero por fuera, el Cerro vivía esa simbiosis en cofradía y barrio que sólo él sabe crear, como siempre, con su mar de gente tan auténtico que hace de sus calles patrimonio de la humanidad de una mañana cofradiera en Sevilla.

Asombrado y anestesiado cuando la Virgen de los Dolores de Santa Cruz, ganaba Mateos Gago mientras La Madrugá hacía en mí otra vez más despertar la emoción como ninguna otra marcha hace, o cuando el impresionante misterio de Jesús ante Anás, tras el que actúa la sevillanísima Sinfónica de las Cigarreras, toma la plaza de San Lorenzo sin ningún aspaviento y tan decidido como hacía unas horas salía de ella.

También en San Lorenzo asistí una vez más al agridulce momento en el que la Soledad ponía el punto y final, pase lo que pase antes o después, inmersa en un sinfín de esos cantes que seguro que se crearon para entonarse en ese preciso momento. No hay mejor manera de despedirse, en un compendio de instantes del que no se puede desaprovechar ni uno solo. Perderíamos mucho si así fuera.

Pero si tuviera que resumir esta Semana Santa en un instante, ese lo encontraría en los escasos minutos en que la Virgen del Valle transitaba por Cuna hacia Laraña. Tan fugaz y tan intenso como esa vuelta magistralmente mandada por Pepe Luna con Valle de Sevilla en la que sus ojos verdes se fijaban ya en la certeza de que la Anunciación, y el final del más clásico Jueves Santo, estaba cerca. Ahí sí que fui capaz, con mi costal en la mano, de disfrutar y sentirme envuelto en un ambiente único e irrepetible. Sé que no se repetirá, que será un momento único que nunca será igual aunque espero que sea parecido porque no quiero perderme, ni una sola vez más, al palio elegante por excelencia en esos momentos en que Sevilla no sabe en qué día vive.

Y sólo me faltas tú, Esperanza.

Un Saludo
READ MORE » Tempus Fugit