Author: theroyalist

Knockin’ on Heaven’s door

As probably the site’s only comic book enthusiast (lapsed) I feel great sorrow, as I’m sure everyone else does, about the events in Colorado. It’s still not known what made the madman go on the rampage. Some in the comic book fraternity say that there is a scene in an old Batman book that mirrors what happened. This was when the scriptwriters at DC comics started writing about more adult-orientated themes in their books; the old Comics Code Authority was washed away. Personally, I don’t think this was the reason for the tragedy. Time will tell. Continue reading “Knockin’ on Heaven’s door”

Fast Bizz (lunch is for wimps)

We’re your friends, we’re your friends
We’re your friends to the bitter end (the bitter end)

If you need to transact
We’ll be on your case
Right to the death
We’ll send you to the right place
We’re friends with every financial institution of the human race
In – fact – we – never – met – a – CEO – we – didn’t – hate
(DIDNNN’TT HATE)- we – didn’t – hate Continue reading “Fast Bizz (lunch is for wimps)”

There is no third way

There are three steps to heaven. The best democracy has an executive, legislature and a judiciary. Basic technical drawing at first year level will show you that designs have a front elevation, end elevation and plan. This three-dimensional world we live in just loves to hit us with threes. The post-impressionist French artist, Paul Cézanne, defined natural things by their geometric shapes. In nature everything was either a cylinder, a cone or a sphere. I could go on with more trinities but it’s time to get the point and it concerns that most basic of popular art: the song. Continue reading “There is no third way”

Getting rid of cookies the easy way

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly provided us with a sprinkling of memorable quotes, not least-
“You see, in this world there’s two kinds of people, my friend: Those with loaded guns and those who dig. You dig.”
I’ve been thinking that in this world there is two kinds of people- those that take hundreds and thousands with their cookies and those that don’t. I do.

Olympic song by Neo-Queen band (apologies to CO and Bearsy)

Muse definition.
1. Greek Mythology Any of the nine daughters of Mnemosyne and Zeus, each of whom presided over a different art or science.
2. a. A guiding spirit.
b. A source of inspiration.
3. A poet.
4. Unidentified rock band (sank) on Battleships 2 (still under appeal from OZ).

If Freddie were still with us this would be the type of song he’d be writing. Muse are almost a clone of Queen. No bad thing that, don’t you think? Over-produced crystal clear sound, histrionic vocals, screaming guitars all laced within a classical background. It’s a throwback to the first five Queen albums.

Though there are some murmurs of disapproval; even some Muse fans are unhappy with the song. One commentator saying it would be in last place at the Eurovision. Sorry buddy, you’re missing the point. Muse don’t write catchy pop songs. To appreciate their music you have to listen over and over again. One listen is not enough, the song does grow on you. Bombastic- yes. Pretentious- yes. A cut above the other bands- oh yes.
Janh1 will like this.

When projectionists go wild

Before the multiplex took over the world there was an abundance of picture halls. Most of these cinemas were what were called flea pits. It didn’t matter that they were called flea pits, they were still filled to capacity. Affordable and with a wide variety of fare on offer, the films did a roaring trade with the populace. These were the days of the ice-cream lady with her tray of ice-cold goodies. The usher with a torch. The likeable greeter at the foyer. (Walmart retired greeters from their stores recently, a business update you might have missed) Cinemas employed a vast variety of people- from cleaners to admin staff.

My mother told me recently that my uncle James worked as a projectionist in one of the picture halls. And then she told me of the time uncle James turned up for work, let’s just say, worse for wear. James put the reels on wrong and the film played upside down. The audience were vocal in their consternation. James retrieved the situation and got things back to normal. He didn’t get fired. He continued working for a good few more years.

Roman all over the park

Now and again you watch an individual performance on the football field that takes the breath away. Andrea Pirlo, take a bow. If England fans think that Steven Gerrard is world class what must they think of you? Pirlo is the type of guy who plays the game without breaking sweat; he never seems to be running or under pressure. Although the quarter-final tie between England and Italy went to penalties that the Italians won, Pirlo was majestic throughout, even dinking his penalty kick over the falling, didn’t do his homework properly, Joe Hart.

The word in the community is that Pirlo makes Xavi look ordinary. For those that eschew the folly of the oval shaped game, here’s a little video tribute to the maestro or as some in the community call him- the Hammer of the English.

Continue reading “Roman all over the park”

Latest Amis

Despite delivering a cavalcade of superb fictional novels (Money, The Information, London Fields) the great Martin Amis has never won the Booker prize. His latest offering, Lionel Asbo, will probably not appeal to this year’s judging panel either. This doesn’t make it a bad book.

A constant criticism of Amis is that he can’t write good stories. Jealously, critics barb that stylistic writing and fancy metaphors can’t hide weak plots. Maybe, they ask for too much. When every paragraph is peppered with a variegation of exotic gems, the storyline does sometimes need to take a breather. Continue reading “Latest Amis”