Wednesday 27 December 2006

The Great Mouse Hunt

This guy filling my plate with rice and a big hunk of turkey is the Kurdish muslim guy who is also the head cleaner. He has one assistant, a sweet little South American who looks exactly like a Capey chick. But on with the story.

Let's call him Rufus...

He cooked the turkeys on Xmas and they came out surprisingly flavourful and moist. After we were all seriously worried. But life goes on. Last night there was a new Italian guy, Alfredo, in the room and Jozef the Slovak (white Columbia jacket) was upset because he got fired on Xmas day. So the mice came out in force and raided the bin. They managed to get into the bin and make a lot of (mouse-level) noise. Of course I just usually take the bag and put it in the toilet.

No, this new guy Alfredo kicks up a racket and today insists that the mice be killed. Black plague and all that. Was the black plague particularly bad in Italy? Was it recent?

So Rufus sneaks in with a pot of poison early this morning and sees me watching him. Later he has to explain.

"What kind of men are these?" he says. I laugh because this mouse is 1 inch long although very plump and healthy looking. But you never know with these Black plague mice, they probably look the same as other mice.

In his country, Rufus says, the rats are as big as dogs and no-one is afraid. As a matter of fact, they are a great local delicacy, if killed in the proper way of course.

Now our room is covered with rat poison and soon with mouse bodies. Will this killing never end? And now I am being followed around London by this Russian KGB-looking car. It is a 1993 Moskva GT and rather beautiful. I have seen it five times in the last 2 weeks. But more about this car later, if I'm still around.

Two days after Xmas

Horo: Use your natural inclination for intensity to focus all your energy on cleaning up the past before moving into the future.

Tuesday 26 December 2006

A negation of someone else's view

That's a little phrase that sets me thinking...







To get back to the core of thought, pure observation, unaffected reaction.

Back to meditation?

Glenn Gould

Playing Bach's music is as close to seeing God as you will ever get.

And this young man helps us, if we cannot play it ourselves (yet).
And this is what he sounds like.
Sorry, can't do music here.

Monday 25 December 2006

London Xmas Day 2006

Well obviously it's cold and foggy as usual, but nothing serious. Today the dudes at the Palace were going to cook for us. The muslim dudes from turkey were going to cook us a turkey.


I decided not to get involved as usual and go for a long walk. When I left at 11 the place was still quiet but the turkeys were there.

On my walk I stumbled across a few things.

The first was the Institut Francais, a weird building of indeterminate age, where apparently, they show movies.















Desaccord Parfait is one of them.




When I got back the turkey was done. Well almost. And a good time was had by all.

Wednesday 13 December 2006

Saturday 9 December 2006

Hitler's toys

Went to Science Museum today and drooled over aeroplanes and things. Do you know it took Frank Whittle FOUR years to persuade the british government to help him build a jet aircraft. DURING world war two. While ole Hitler was sponsoring anything you can think of, including a rocket-powered fighter that could climb to 6 miles up in 3 minutes. But the rocket, there's one in the museum, was too fast to shoot down the Flying Fortresses, flying at double their speed, 500 miles per hour, and it usually broke the pilot's back when it landed.

So ole Hitler used up all his favourite pilots, and had to invent a little jet fighter, I forget its name, that you could build from old packing cases in the school woodwork class and the kids could fly it without lessons. Off the rugby field I suppose. Or whatever they play in Deutschland uber alles.

Anyway did you know 2700 'flying bombs', the V1 with 850 kg high explosive, fell on London? The rest fell on the countryside, or were shot down.
That's why I have a new hobby. Looking for new buildings between old ones. Usually there's shrapnel marks on the building across the street if it's old, and when you look around, there's a new house between the row of old houses. A 'doodle-bug' could take out a whole house.
On the London site they have a pic of an old geezer who's sitting in the rubble of his house, he took the dog for a walk and when he came back his house was gone, with his wife in it.
It happened by day, you see, these things did not have to wait for night time to sneak in, they flew openly. And needed no pilots. There's one in the museum, of course.

Anyway here's my future all mapped out:

1. Get a nice job and work.
2. Buy a laptop and a backpack thingy for it.
3. Do interesting things and visit interesting places.
3. Write books about these things and places, and articles and web sity things.
4. Kick myself every day that I ever did anything else.

My promise to Claire. My ten fave rave movies. Not necessarily in any order.

1. 'The Gospel according to St Matthew', made by Pier Paolo Pasolini. He was an Italian gay atheist who was murdered later. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0058715/
2. 'Oh Brother Where Art Thou', made by those wise jewboy geniuses the Coen Brothers. I love 'em. The CD won an Emmy without being hyped much. http://imdb.com/title/tt0190590/usercomments-787
3. 'Breaking the Waves', a very simple and ultra-moving love story. Lars von Trier. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0115751/
4. 'Dancer in the Dark'. The incomparable Bjork in an industrial opera. Ahem, Lars von Trier. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0168629/
5. 'Lawrence of Arabia', by David Lean with that lovely man, Peter O'Toole. A huge and perfect piece of art. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0056172/
6. 'American Beauty'. Yes, a little piece of fun about turning 40-something. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0169547/

7. 'The Little Dictator'. Where I learnt that it's good to make fun of badness. Charlie Chaplin. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0032553/

9. 'Kill Bill'. Volume One, a perfectly choreographed Tarantino. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0266697/

10. 'Shrek'. I have seen Shrek, perhaps sixteen times, and it is still perfect. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0126029/

Friday 8 December 2006

Meet the real Loki

Is this the real Loki:



Or is this (Claire took this pic in Morrison's):


Thursday 7 December 2006

Rebuilding confidence...


Google Horo:

You may be redefining who you are and what is important to you now, as attractive Venus aligns with your key planet, Pluto. Even if you are a caterpillar on the leaf, imagine yourself as a magnificent butterfly. Once you begin to stretch your wings, you will be well on your way to flying. Anything is possible once you rebuild your confidence.

Saturday 2 December 2006

Saturday at the Tate Modern

Google Horo for Saturday: You can be a champion when it comes to navigating the shadowy realms of consciousness. Today a simple response from a friend or partner can quickly remind you of what you need to remember. Sometimes you can get lost in your own complexity; however, it's critical that you pay attention now to the most obvious things. Getting back to basics is how you can most positively impact your future.
Yes, today it was that French chick at the hostel. She set me off, talking about art and Braque and stuff. Si I set off for the Tate Modern, well actually I made the promise to myself that I could ride back, but I must see how far I got. I got as far as the Tate.
After that the British Museum, then back here. I was questioned by another chick at the BM, in that tiny little room by the entrance, filled in two pages of questions, but she was too cute to resist. And the questions were like, why do you come here, and what was satisfied by your visit? And one of the multiple answers was, because it's full of things of awe and wonderment, and another, because it enhances my own sence of creativity? That was easy...
Google Horo for Sunday: The tides are swirling around you, so it's crucial to keep your feet planted firmly on the ground to maintain your emotional balance. There is a real danger of being swept up in the moment if you cannot find a stable place to stand. Someone close to you may now step up to the plate, acting like the solid rock you seek. Let go of your fears and accept support when it is offered. Even temporary security can be the catalyst that allows you to relax.
Don't forget to check out my street...

Friday 1 December 2006

Visit to the Two Temples


The First Temple: To Science


The Science Museum



'The Engine that Saved Britain':

The Rolls Royce Merlin V12
38 litres, 1500 hp



Going Fast but not Far: 100 miles per hour, 12 mile per gallon (Gas turbine Rover)*




More news for conspiracy theorists here: http://www.turbinecar.com/mags/ms1964-02.htm

And here: http://www.turbinecar.com/mags/mtrcd6508.htm










The Second Temple: To Art

Mac Graphic Artist


We have an opening in our Antibes office for a full-time graphic designer / layout person, to work within our Marketing department.


Skills required:


- English as a first language (ESSENTIAL)

- Spoken French would be an added bonus

- All graphics / layout skills, including Quark, Adobe Creative Suite, Photoshop, Powerpoint, etc. - Must be capable of producing print-ready artwork and liaising with printers across entire production process

- Basic web design skills or an understanding of HTML and web/email-based marketing tools, Flash a bonus


- Prefer Mac user


Don't have a Mac? Then go here:




Or here:




Or just search yourself on Google: "run OS x on windows"


Next, get Quark 7.0 somewhere:




Wednesday 29 November 2006

The 'Hood

OK, so it costs 7 pounds to watch a movie here. No, it's a movie house, not the La Scala...

The Gate Cinema:
Tickets £7-9
87 Notting Hill Gate
tel. 020/7727-4043
reservations tel. 08707/550-063
Tube: Notting Hill Gate.


Guess the artist. Obviously loved hair.


















London Transport
Brunel is alive and well and making drain covers.


Your Blogger's Horo: Don't consider yourself a failure just because you might be stuck between the proverbial rock and a hard place. You may not be able to move freely enough to create the changes you desire. You are positioned better than you realize, but in order to make the most of it, you must open your mind wider than ever before. Then, hang on tight, for something big is about to happen.

Sunday 26 November 2006

Sunday Nite

Horo:

You may be feeling somewhat disconnected from your innermost feelings, but oddly enough this won't necessarily make you uncomfortable today. Think of it as a short vacation from your own intense passions. You haven't lost anything. Whatever you aren't feeling now will return shortly. Don't panic; just observe your process and maintain your sense of humor.

Saturday 25 November 2006

The Wild Ones

Pisces: Your mind is free to go anywhere today as your fantasies play out every possible scenario. It doesn't matter whether your desires are socially acceptable or not. The question now is whether or not you have the courage to bring your dreams into full consciousness. Remember, you don't have to tell anyone about them, nor do you need to act them out. Just enjoy the movie in which you are the writer, the director and the star.

Here's a wild site. Thank God for sanity:

http://ioannis.virtualcomposer2000.com/

And go here for some music:

http://www.platforma.pl/bach/eng/index.phtml

Friday 24 November 2006

Friday Night Important Horo's

Here's Claire's Google Horo:

Your attraction to the realms of fantasy may be strong, but now your dreams are closely tied to your career aspirations. Whatever choices you make today could lead you in an entirely new direction. You will likely receive accolades, maybe even a promotion, at work. But a great opportunity may be too good to be true, so don't let your expectations grow out of control.

Here's Mine:

Your fantasies give way to the reality of your finances. You know your current limitations, but can now visualize strategies to get ahead of the game. However, don't fall into the Pollyanna trap. You could paint too rosy of a picture if you are afraid to face the real issues. Remember, it's crucial not to be led by your imagination today.

So be it.

Google on Pollyana: the term "pollyanna" entered the language to describe someone who is cheerfully optimistic. It then became by extension (and contrary to the spirit of the book) a somewhat derogatory term for a naïve person who always expects people to act decently, despite strong evidence to the contrary. The real theme of Pollyanna is that she kept the spirit of forgiveness towards all and could find gladness for whatever was given her.

Today has been a tough day. Jeez. What do these guys expect. I am trying my best to get the most correct job I can find. God, one day up the next down.

"You know your current limitations, but can now visualize strategies to get ahead of the game."

So trust me pal.

Too much reality. I may have to go for a long long walk tomorrow.

Thursday 23 November 2006

Another day another X-ray

Went to St Mary's next to Paddington Station. It must be a good sign if the most beautiful woman in all of London catches your eye. Dark hair with dark eyes.

Got shoulder x-rayed for Dr Kadar in Newton (?) Street, typical London doctor, Lebanese, 60+, with horse pictures and antiques in his tiny office. Gruff but friendly type. Probably told too many people they were gonna die.

Google sez: Another layer of the onion is peeled as new levels of reality appear to you now. Don't worry if you sink deeper into the current set of circumstances, for this is just your way of finding the best path through the noisy distractions. Today your determination is strengthened by a certainty that you are on the right track, so hold fast to your dreams.

Well today my thought is this: There is a place and job for everybody and it is your task and responsibility to find it and your fault if you don't. Others may of course help you but they probably cannot tell you where to go. Only you know. Lots of opportunities appear in front of you all the time and you choose or duck away. The right one will simply fit so smoothly into your life that there is hardly any disturbance. If there is a disturbance there is a mis-fit.

Life does not necessarily consist of having things. It is much more likely to consist of doing things. But the things that you do must fit you like a glove. In a civilised country like this it is possible. In South Africa it was very unlikely. There is just not enough infrastructure.

If you want to grow and take the gaps that are offered they must be there. It is like learning to fly a plane, or sail a boat. Your own speed makes the limits, not the environment. On the contrary, the environment is always there to test you and fiercely too.

The past 10 years and the contact with people have made you think that there are limited resources for work and excitement and that they have to be fought over. On the contrary, that is like saying the sea is a calm place where there is no danger and the danger has to be fought over. It's like lying in the bath and pretending it's the sea, holding your breath in 2 inches of water. The real sea is out there, go swim in it. Living in Cape Town, that is in actual fact a very boring and limiting place. You have escaped, Loutjie, to one of the most exciting places in the world where possibilities are endless.
The infrastructure has to exist and here it is made up of all the people around you who do these basic things. The people working in shops, cleaning up, repairing buildings, booking you in and out of hotels, in hospitals, even the doctor in his consulting room. They are the basic structure and they are happy to be it.

Similarly the jobs around you are basic structure jobs and others. The newspapers have to be published, there are people who want them and they are part of the structure, ast least as it is now. The fact that you realise that it may be different does not mean that you have to change it or worry about it. Just let it be for the time being and find your own little niche.

Every day you will see and feel things which will help you get to the right place. The place where you will fit right in, and where they are waiting for you. They are waiting for you there Loutjie, but you have to find it!

Often one finds things by avoiding others. List those thing that are obvious, that are potential traps, and in this way build up where you really want to go, should be going.
  • Computers are tools
  • People are Interesting
  • Nature is vast

Wednesday 22 November 2006

Some Good Software Sites


First day on the job


Wednesday, November 22, 2006

Aaaahhh! I'm starting this one so I can say and do what I like. Again. The previous one might have been compromised.

Just a bit of a kicker first, in the form of my Google horo:

It may seem as if an era is coming to an end and you could even feel nostalgia for whatever it is that is passing you by now. This may not be about anything material; it's just time itself that continues to move forward. As much as you try to hold on to the present moment, it isn't yours to keep. Take the changes in stride by focusing on one step at a time as you head into your future.

I like that : As much as you try to hold on to the present moment, it isn't yours to keep.

Sort of free-setting, ain't it?

Ok, today I'm going to do XP jobs. Nothing else. Nada. I start with the search results of IT Jobs board. What I am mostly looking for is PC support, but on the road. Let's see what we can find.