The second book from the 19 century with a similar theme to that of Moby Dick. Revenge! This book of course is one of the forerunners of Gothic Horror stories, interestingly I always thought that the Vampire story was based in Bram Stoker's Dracula, It seems that Lord Byron had a lot to do with the beginnings of the tale.
I also always thought that ' The Bride of Frankenstein' was a bit of a joke Hammer Horror sequel, but how wrong I was, Mary Shelley has poor old Doctor Frankenstein ditching the future Mrs. Fiend in a basket in the waters somewhere near the Orkneys. I have ordered the oldest DVD film (1934) and hopefully nearest to the story of Frankenstein.
I must admit I did enjoy this book and I am glad that I made the effort to read it. I know there are lots of messages about the industrial revolution and Godwinian philosophy, but its still a really scary story!
Where next? Well, it's time for a short story and one I do not know anything about, including the writer.
Joseph Conrad and 'Heart of Darkness' To be followed by a film (but not a book) that I do know, Alice Walker's The Color Purple.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
The King's Speech (2)
(2) ? Because it is the second time I have seen this film in the cinema and to be honest I think I would go again!
I can't remember the last time I watched a film twice? Life of Brian?
I love this film, I love the history and the humanity of the story. It deserves every honour it gets , Oscars , the lot.
I can't remember the last time I watched a film twice? Life of Brian?
I love this film, I love the history and the humanity of the story. It deserves every honour it gets , Oscars , the lot.
50 Books to read before you die No 4. Moby Dick
Excellent!
I watched the DVD straight after I had finished the book. The book is just so detailed and of course the film tells the story of the Whale and the chase.
Yet I was beginning to think that the amount of detail would detract from the story of Ahab's revenge. I was wrong.
I found myself looking for the detail described in the book in scenes in the film. Small details, but what a difference it made to my enjoyment of the film, which I had seen before, probably many times.
So , on to the next book. Mary Shelley's Frankenstein.
I seem to be stuck in the Gothic period, but I must be honest I loved Hammer Horror when I was a kid.
I watched the DVD straight after I had finished the book. The book is just so detailed and of course the film tells the story of the Whale and the chase.
Yet I was beginning to think that the amount of detail would detract from the story of Ahab's revenge. I was wrong.
I found myself looking for the detail described in the book in scenes in the film. Small details, but what a difference it made to my enjoyment of the film, which I had seen before, probably many times.
So , on to the next book. Mary Shelley's Frankenstein.
I seem to be stuck in the Gothic period, but I must be honest I loved Hammer Horror when I was a kid.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
50 Books to read before you die No 4. Moby Dick
Some thoughts on Moby Dick.
I am about half way through the book now and I must admit, it has really surprised me in the sense of the style of writing. I guess I expected a book that would be written in a more simple style, probably because of my memories of the film and knowledge of the story. Well I couldn't have been more wrong!
In one sense this is an encyclopaedia of all things Whaling. Detailed accounts of species and equipment, all things nautical, of which I can only imagine how these amazing sailing ships worked.
I love the writer's short chapters, especially when describing the Crew which represents the Human race.
Clearly recognised as a classic novel, it is more than obvious that this will jump to number one of my top 50, when I have finished it!
I am about half way through the book now and I must admit, it has really surprised me in the sense of the style of writing. I guess I expected a book that would be written in a more simple style, probably because of my memories of the film and knowledge of the story. Well I couldn't have been more wrong!
In one sense this is an encyclopaedia of all things Whaling. Detailed accounts of species and equipment, all things nautical, of which I can only imagine how these amazing sailing ships worked.
I love the writer's short chapters, especially when describing the Crew which represents the Human race.
Clearly recognised as a classic novel, it is more than obvious that this will jump to number one of my top 50, when I have finished it!
Voces inocentes.
Thanks to the amazing Dvd library at Durham University, I can now access material I would never have found.
This week I found a Mexican film directed by Luis Mandoki.
This film called Voces inocentes, is set in El Salvador in the 1980s. Politically, the film comments on the American involvement in the Civil war. But the message for me was the shocking use of children in the guise of Child soldiers.
More worrying probably to me is, what the Hell did I know about it at the time and to be honest, did we really care?
This week I found a Mexican film directed by Luis Mandoki.
This film called Voces inocentes, is set in El Salvador in the 1980s. Politically, the film comments on the American involvement in the Civil war. But the message for me was the shocking use of children in the guise of Child soldiers.
More worrying probably to me is, what the Hell did I know about it at the time and to be honest, did we really care?
Sunday, March 06, 2011
50 books to read before you die, No 3 Life of Pi
Total genius!
The next time we get a cat, he will be called Richard Parker. This book is going to be made into a film 2012 ?
It will have to be a hell of a film, to represent this amazing story!
What a story, I couldn''t put it down. Surely that' s a sign of a really good book. I took it everywhere with me, it is so good to have a good book to take out of your bag and read with a coffee, for example in a cafe.
Definitely my favourite so far, so this is the rating.
1 = Life of Pi
2 = The Catcher in the Rye
3 = Money
Now a total classic, that I have never read!
The great leviathan himself.
MOBY DICK. Even in the first few pages, it seems to me that another book on the list needs to be read. The Bible! Immediately, references to the Old testament are a really important part of understanding the text. Could be one of my most interesting reads?
The next time we get a cat, he will be called Richard Parker. This book is going to be made into a film 2012 ?
It will have to be a hell of a film, to represent this amazing story!
What a story, I couldn''t put it down. Surely that' s a sign of a really good book. I took it everywhere with me, it is so good to have a good book to take out of your bag and read with a coffee, for example in a cafe.
Definitely my favourite so far, so this is the rating.
1 = Life of Pi
2 = The Catcher in the Rye
3 = Money
Now a total classic, that I have never read!
The great leviathan himself.
MOBY DICK. Even in the first few pages, it seems to me that another book on the list needs to be read. The Bible! Immediately, references to the Old testament are a really important part of understanding the text. Could be one of my most interesting reads?
Friday, March 04, 2011
50 books to read before you die, no. 2 Money. Martin Amis
Ummm
Not quite sure what to make of this book?
I must admit it was quite funny in places, the main character John Self, reminds me of a few people. It also reminds me of the 1980s Bloody awful decade!
Anyway, I am well into a much better book now.
The Life of Pi.
Not quite sure what to make of this book?
I must admit it was quite funny in places, the main character John Self, reminds me of a few people. It also reminds me of the 1980s Bloody awful decade!
Anyway, I am well into a much better book now.
The Life of Pi.
Wednesday, February 09, 2011
50 Books to read before you die . 1 The Catcher in the Rye
Excellent!
Swell!
I really enjoyed this book, although set in a time and a place, I do not know. I can relate to a lot of adolescent experiences in J.D. Salinger's novel.
I love the language, swell! Goddamn kills me!
I can also appreciate the tragedy in the story, thank God I am not a 16 year old again!
Definitely recommended,
Number 2
Money by Martin Amis, should be totally different, set in the 1980 's. Some fairly odd critique, but I'll give it a go.
Swell!
I really enjoyed this book, although set in a time and a place, I do not know. I can relate to a lot of adolescent experiences in J.D. Salinger's novel.
I love the language, swell! Goddamn kills me!
I can also appreciate the tragedy in the story, thank God I am not a 16 year old again!
Definitely recommended,
Number 2
Money by Martin Amis, should be totally different, set in the 1980 's. Some fairly odd critique, but I'll give it a go.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
A visit to the Guildhall
We have done it again, getting invited to all of the best places!
Mark, Phil and I in our posh suits. MAES was shortlisted for the E Gov awards and the presentation was at London's Guildhall.
What a place!
Photos to come!
Mark, Phil and I in our posh suits. MAES was shortlisted for the E Gov awards and the presentation was at London's Guildhall.
What a place!
Photos to come!
50 Books to Read before you die.
After visiting one of my favourite places in the world, The British Library.
I bought myself a little souvenir, a bookmark with
50 BOOKS TO READ TO READ BEFORE YOU DIE
Among the list, it has to be said are some of my favourite books.
Over the next few months, ( or maybe Years! ) I will tell you the books on the list and track my progress.
To start with, a short one.
The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger.
I bought myself a little souvenir, a bookmark with
50 BOOKS TO READ TO READ BEFORE YOU DIE
Among the list, it has to be said are some of my favourite books.
Over the next few months, ( or maybe Years! ) I will tell you the books on the list and track my progress.
To start with, a short one.
The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
De Brus Centre / Skelton
Yesterday was spent with a lovely group of Pickle enthusiasts!
We spent the day making Chutney and jams at the De Brus Centre in Sunny Skelton.
Thank you for the kind words and enthusiastic feedback.
Here is the recipe for the Chilli Jam.
Simple as you like!
5oz Chillies, any size any type, depends how hot you like it!
5oz Red Pepper.
Chop them up roughly, including the seeds!
Put them through a food processor.
Take 1/2 litre of CIDER VINEGAR
Desolve 1 kg. of preserving sugar in the vinegar on the heat.
When the sugar is dissolved add the purree of chilli and pepper.
Heat to setting point, it will look quite runny, but it always seems to set!
And that's it!
Eat with whatever you like! Especially a Petch's Pie!
Cushty!
We spent the day making Chutney and jams at the De Brus Centre in Sunny Skelton.
Thank you for the kind words and enthusiastic feedback.
Here is the recipe for the Chilli Jam.
Simple as you like!
5oz Chillies, any size any type, depends how hot you like it!
5oz Red Pepper.
Chop them up roughly, including the seeds!
Put them through a food processor.
Take 1/2 litre of CIDER VINEGAR
Desolve 1 kg. of preserving sugar in the vinegar on the heat.
When the sugar is dissolved add the purree of chilli and pepper.
Heat to setting point, it will look quite runny, but it always seems to set!
And that's it!
Eat with whatever you like! Especially a Petch's Pie!
Cushty!
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
You are never too Old!
Today was the first day of my Language degree at Durham University!
God , it brought back some memories of my first degree more than 20 years ago.
The anxiety I felt then and today of being a mature student.
The students seem so young! But then again , they are!
I wil also never get over the buzz of the first Lecture and the Lecture theatre. A learner enquired the other night, ' You really must love learning, Pete'. You are damn right I do!
Somehow, there seems to be a little less stress than in the past, but I am sure that is to do with my confidence, and AGE!
God , it brought back some memories of my first degree more than 20 years ago.
The anxiety I felt then and today of being a mature student.
The students seem so young! But then again , they are!
I wil also never get over the buzz of the first Lecture and the Lecture theatre. A learner enquired the other night, ' You really must love learning, Pete'. You are damn right I do!
Somehow, there seems to be a little less stress than in the past, but I am sure that is to do with my confidence, and AGE!
Tuesday, September 07, 2010
KILDALE SHOW
I love this photo from last year, I was stood in the river Loire on a red hot evening.
It won first prize for the section, 'Tales of the Riverbank' .
Along with third prize for my painting of a swan, I'm pretty chuffed with myself!
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Time for an update
Never enough time!!
The end of term is here and my visits around the North are under way.
A very busy summer lays ahead, Victoria's wedding, Summer Shows, Sailcamp.
Planning for next year is also under way, Latin in redcar and CHinese in Middlesbrough! Exciting stuff!
The end of term is here and my visits around the North are under way.
A very busy summer lays ahead, Victoria's wedding, Summer Shows, Sailcamp.
Planning for next year is also under way, Latin in redcar and CHinese in Middlesbrough! Exciting stuff!
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Tinca Tinca
El otra día estaba pensando en un poema alemán, que se llama,
‘Sommer’. En español ‘el verano’.
Estaba pescando y pesqué mi primero ‘ Tinca Tinca’, [Tenca en español], del año.
El poema alemán tiene tres versos con tres preguntas.
Weiβt du, wie der Sommer reicht?
¿Sabéis cómo huele el verano?
Weiβt du, wie der Sommer schmeckt?
¿Sabéis cómo sabe el verano?
Weiβt du, wie der Sommer klingt?
¿Sabéis cómo suena el verano?
This is my version of the poem; I thought that you would like to add to it, your own personal verses?
¿Sabéis cómo huele el verano?
Para mí el olor del verano es;
El olor del amanecer, humedad y hierba.
¿Sabéis cómo sabe el verano?
El sabor de café de un frasco.
¿Sabéis cómo suena el verano?
Cuando el cucú está cantando.
Wednesday, May 05, 2010
Powerboat Course
It's been another weekend of boating!
On Bank Holiday Monday, I went to Scaling Dam Sailing Club to complete my level 1 Powerboat Course.
It was freezing!!
But! The cuckoo is back and today I am going fishing.
Pictures to follow.
Una aventura en alta mar.
Hace dos semanas fui a Blythe en Northumberland para comenzar una aventura en alta mar. Íbamos a Edimburgo.
El viaje empezó a las 13:00 a Stockton, entonces fuimos una hora en coche a Blythe.
El barco de vela estaba en puerto, éramos cuatro marineros y teníamos el fin del semana para ir a Edimburgo.
Teníamos también mucha comida, whisky y pastillas para el mareo.
A las 16:00 salimos a Blythe en una tarde buenísimo de primavera.
El capitana John dice que había suficiente de viento, pues cancelé el motor del barco.
Después dos horas de navegación, John intentó arrancar el motor, ¡no había motor!
Tenemos que cambiar nuestro destino. Pues nos quedamos en un pequeño puerto se llama Low Newton.
Al día siguiente volvimos a Blythe, sin motor.
Finalmente, fuimos al mar para ir en Escocia.
Ahora éramos un tripulación de tres, porque un marinero estaba enfermo.
Durante el viaje, vimos muchas focas y aves marinas.
Llegamos a Escocia a las cuatro de la mañana, en la oscuridad. Por la mañana anduve a la playa y vi el escollo!
Muchas Gracias Paty,
El viaje empezó a las 13:00 a Stockton, entonces fuimos una hora en coche a Blythe.
El barco de vela estaba en puerto, éramos cuatro marineros y teníamos el fin del semana para ir a Edimburgo.
Teníamos también mucha comida, whisky y pastillas para el mareo.
A las 16:00 salimos a Blythe en una tarde buenísimo de primavera.
El capitana John dice que había suficiente de viento, pues cancelé el motor del barco.
Después dos horas de navegación, John intentó arrancar el motor, ¡no había motor!
Tenemos que cambiar nuestro destino. Pues nos quedamos en un pequeño puerto se llama Low Newton.
Al día siguiente volvimos a Blythe, sin motor.
Finalmente, fuimos al mar para ir en Escocia.
Ahora éramos un tripulación de tres, porque un marinero estaba enfermo.
Durante el viaje, vimos muchas focas y aves marinas.
Llegamos a Escocia a las cuatro de la mañana, en la oscuridad. Por la mañana anduve a la playa y vi el escollo!
Muchas Gracias Paty,
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
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