God, I love it!
And no, I have never found the idea of women's clothing remotely sexy. Honest.
Wednesday 30 November 2011
Support
Just a single image, and one which is wrong on so many levels...
God, I love it!
And no, I have never found the idea of women's clothing remotely sexy. Honest.
God, I love it!
And no, I have never found the idea of women's clothing remotely sexy. Honest.
Measuring up
A trio of images to introduce a notion I have always loved: the idea that all men are obsessed with quantifying their own willy.
Boys are, anyway, often obsessed with statistics and measurements, so this one seems particularly apt.
It's when the measurement gets into next logical stage of comparisons, though, that things get really, really interesting...
That's clearly the start of something beautiful.
Boys are, anyway, often obsessed with statistics and measurements, so this one seems particularly apt.
It's when the measurement gets into next logical stage of comparisons, though, that things get really, really interesting...
That's clearly the start of something beautiful.
Model launch
No-one was more surprised and delighted than me when British model railway manufacturer Hornby announced they were to produce these:
No, not the B1 and B17 4-6-0 steam locomotives (though those, too, are coming shortly, and magnificent they look), but models of non-corridor commuter coaches designed for the London & North Eastern Railway by the late, great engineering genius Sir Nigel Gresley (he of Mallard and the world speed record for steam engines).
That was a year or so ago and the first examples have now appeared -- one of these coaches is the Hornby, the other is hand-made by a master modeller. And it's almost impossible to tell which is which:
Each coach is only a couple of inches high, but the level of detail is staggering:
Even the complexities of the under-floor gubbins are captured in loving detail:
On the strength of the first couple of crimson ones (the livery is for the early Nationalisation period of British Railways, roughly 1950-1960) I slapped in an order for a load more, and also for a rake in the LNER's lovely varnished teak livery.
Then, of course, I had to order a couple of B1s and B17s in different liveries, so that something authentic could pull them. God, those people at Hornby are evil geniuses.
No, not the B1 and B17 4-6-0 steam locomotives (though those, too, are coming shortly, and magnificent they look), but models of non-corridor commuter coaches designed for the London & North Eastern Railway by the late, great engineering genius Sir Nigel Gresley (he of Mallard and the world speed record for steam engines).
That was a year or so ago and the first examples have now appeared -- one of these coaches is the Hornby, the other is hand-made by a master modeller. And it's almost impossible to tell which is which:
Each coach is only a couple of inches high, but the level of detail is staggering:
Even the complexities of the under-floor gubbins are captured in loving detail:
On the strength of the first couple of crimson ones (the livery is for the early Nationalisation period of British Railways, roughly 1950-1960) I slapped in an order for a load more, and also for a rake in the LNER's lovely varnished teak livery.
Then, of course, I had to order a couple of B1s and B17s in different liveries, so that something authentic could pull them. God, those people at Hornby are evil geniuses.
Excuse me
I love this first image -- "excuse me for interrupting...". How could anyone be cross at that approach?
Anyway, it has nothing to do with the images in the rest of this post, which are all by the same photographer:
The images are quite small (apologies for that) but I feature them because the 'tog is so, so good at using porno tropes to convey sensual emotion.
Even the conventional hard-on shot is rendered unconventional in a delightful way:
He does "arty" too -- this triptych got my juices flowing, all very Duane Michals:
Let's end here with proof, if proof be need be, that even some of the most intimate things we can do together can be aesthetically beautiful:
I love that image, only wishing it were larger -- the ordinary-looking models transformed into human archetypes by the primal, wonderful act on which they are embarked. Lovely.
Anyway, it has nothing to do with the images in the rest of this post, which are all by the same photographer:
The images are quite small (apologies for that) but I feature them because the 'tog is so, so good at using porno tropes to convey sensual emotion.
Even the conventional hard-on shot is rendered unconventional in a delightful way:
He does "arty" too -- this triptych got my juices flowing, all very Duane Michals:
Let's end here with proof, if proof be need be, that even some of the most intimate things we can do together can be aesthetically beautiful:
I love that image, only wishing it were larger -- the ordinary-looking models transformed into human archetypes by the primal, wonderful act on which they are embarked. Lovely.
Tuesday 29 November 2011
Would you Adam and Eve it?
Some images from great artworks are so powerful that they can be endlessly reworked but still give ever more pleasure.
I must say, this Adam looks to be a rather jolly and engaging sort of chap. How nice that we're all descended from him.
I must say, this Adam looks to be a rather jolly and engaging sort of chap. How nice that we're all descended from him.
Steaming ahead
It's common knowledge that I hate the Tories almost as much as I hate the turn-coat betrayers of NuLab, but then they go and do some things which are actually rather good.
Today, it was the announcement of a spate of railway improvement projects including the electrification of the Trans-Pennine route, Manchester-Leeds.
Bizarrely, this would be the second trans-Pennine route to be electrified, the first, via Woodhead, was energised in the 1950s and then destroyed in the 1980s.
That was such a waste. But the modern trans-Pennine route is completely over-stuffed and electrification offers opportunities for capacity enhancement which are long overdue. Although oddly they appear to be proposing to electrify only as far as Leeds, not all the way to Hull.
I suspect it's one of those schemes which will grow a little as it gets started.
The second major railway project -- completely unexpected -- was a commitment to the reopening of part of the former "Varsity Line", the cross-country railway connecting Oxford and Cambridge that was stupidly closed in the 1960s.
Sensibly they're starting with the restoration of the easier, western end, from Oxford to Bedford via Milton Keynes. Over much of its length this will effectively involve the construction of a completely new railway.
It makes me furious that NuLab spent almost all its time in office thinking up arguments against electrification (apparently we'll all be using hydrogen fuel cells within a decade, so electrification would have been a waste of money), and against honouring their commitment to re-nationalisation. Fuckers.
Today, it was the announcement of a spate of railway improvement projects including the electrification of the Trans-Pennine route, Manchester-Leeds.
Bizarrely, this would be the second trans-Pennine route to be electrified, the first, via Woodhead, was energised in the 1950s and then destroyed in the 1980s.
That was such a waste. But the modern trans-Pennine route is completely over-stuffed and electrification offers opportunities for capacity enhancement which are long overdue. Although oddly they appear to be proposing to electrify only as far as Leeds, not all the way to Hull.
I suspect it's one of those schemes which will grow a little as it gets started.
The second major railway project -- completely unexpected -- was a commitment to the reopening of part of the former "Varsity Line", the cross-country railway connecting Oxford and Cambridge that was stupidly closed in the 1960s.
Sensibly they're starting with the restoration of the easier, western end, from Oxford to Bedford via Milton Keynes. Over much of its length this will effectively involve the construction of a completely new railway.
It makes me furious that NuLab spent almost all its time in office thinking up arguments against electrification (apparently we'll all be using hydrogen fuel cells within a decade, so electrification would have been a waste of money), and against honouring their commitment to re-nationalisation. Fuckers.
The Devils inside him
Sad news of the death of mad and gloriously campy film-maker (and Southampton boy) Ken Russell.
Some people seem to think he's most famous for the naked wrestling scene in Women in Love or, worse yet, for The Who's rock "opera" Tommy. They are wrong. He will always be remembered for his mad genius master-work The Devils:
Ludicrously disowned by lemon-sucking Warner Bros, who appear to be terrified of offending evil Catholics, The Devils will -- at bloody last -- be released on DVD early in the new year. I'm glad Ken knew about that before he died.
The DVD is being produced by those nice people at the BFI. The stupid and evil fuckers at Warner Bros. still won't let them release the fully uncensored version (some of the most salacious material was miraculously rediscovered a few years back), and nor will they permit a high definition Blu-ray release (how dare these Americans refuse to let us see this iconic part of British culture?!), but at least, at last, it will be readily accessible for us to appreciate the bonkers and wonderful vision of Ken Russell.
He died, still ripe and fruity, at the age of 84. He was some kind of a man.
Some people seem to think he's most famous for the naked wrestling scene in Women in Love or, worse yet, for The Who's rock "opera" Tommy. They are wrong. He will always be remembered for his mad genius master-work The Devils:
Ludicrously disowned by lemon-sucking Warner Bros, who appear to be terrified of offending evil Catholics, The Devils will -- at bloody last -- be released on DVD early in the new year. I'm glad Ken knew about that before he died.
The DVD is being produced by those nice people at the BFI. The stupid and evil fuckers at Warner Bros. still won't let them release the fully uncensored version (some of the most salacious material was miraculously rediscovered a few years back), and nor will they permit a high definition Blu-ray release (how dare these Americans refuse to let us see this iconic part of British culture?!), but at least, at last, it will be readily accessible for us to appreciate the bonkers and wonderful vision of Ken Russell.
He died, still ripe and fruity, at the age of 84. He was some kind of a man.
Flying high
A few words of poisonous vitriol from me, and evil American Airlines finds itself filing for bankruptcy.
Couldn't have happened to a more deserving airline. The only problem, of course, is that swathes of people will now lose their jobs or a chunk of their income. I suspect the board room will escape without much damage, though.
Couldn't have happened to a more deserving airline. The only problem, of course, is that swathes of people will now lose their jobs or a chunk of their income. I suspect the board room will escape without much damage, though.
Thursday 24 November 2011
Who's who
This is a treat -- a mega-series of portraits featuring a rather strikingly contrasty couple.
The photographer holds no bars in comparing all their, er, features:
Inevitably, I suppose, they are afflicted with a pair of giant mutant winkies rather than the more normal sized jobs.
Then again, they also have particularly pert arses, so who am I to complain?
Notwithstanding my pervy lusts, there's something rather lovely that comes through in this sequence.
Even the overly artful poses, or the sub-clothing advert shots with weirdly not-quite-matching jackets work:
But it's when we get to the fleshy heart of the matter that this sequence sings:
Although they do have remarkable bottoms...
And I'm not overly sold on this soft focus advertorial style of portraiture:
No, not when you can have the wonderful honesty revealed in the final shot:
Yes, I think that says more about this couple than any number of saccharine, "let's stare moodily into camera" shots. Now I feel like I really know them.
The photographer holds no bars in comparing all their, er, features:
Inevitably, I suppose, they are afflicted with a pair of giant mutant winkies rather than the more normal sized jobs.
Then again, they also have particularly pert arses, so who am I to complain?
Notwithstanding my pervy lusts, there's something rather lovely that comes through in this sequence.
Even the overly artful poses, or the sub-clothing advert shots with weirdly not-quite-matching jackets work:
But it's when we get to the fleshy heart of the matter that this sequence sings:
Although they do have remarkable bottoms...
And I'm not overly sold on this soft focus advertorial style of portraiture:
No, not when you can have the wonderful honesty revealed in the final shot:
Yes, I think that says more about this couple than any number of saccharine, "let's stare moodily into camera" shots. Now I feel like I really know them.
The Last Werewolf
Spending half my life on planes and trains, I'm desperate for new books that will hold my febrile and limitless imagination. This is one that has managed that feat:
Sounds cheesy, doesn't it, all sub-Buffy, post-Twilight teenage angst? But that would be wrong: this is a very, very grown-up book, all world-weary cynicism and bawdy reflections. Thrilling, in fact. Recommended.
Sounds cheesy, doesn't it, all sub-Buffy, post-Twilight teenage angst? But that would be wrong: this is a very, very grown-up book, all world-weary cynicism and bawdy reflections. Thrilling, in fact. Recommended.
Performance
A jolly quartet of random performance art loveliness:
No idea where or what this is, but I remain utterly furious that no-one ever tells me when stuff like this is on:
I would race to the venue for the opportunity to view in live action and at close quarters the delightfully artistic charms on display here...
And, judging by this final image, the loving would be entirely mutual:
I've said it before but I think it's worth repeating: there is something wonderfully complete about the symbiosis between the voyeur and the exhibitionist.
No idea where or what this is, but I remain utterly furious that no-one ever tells me when stuff like this is on:
I would race to the venue for the opportunity to view in live action and at close quarters the delightfully artistic charms on display here...
And, judging by this final image, the loving would be entirely mutual:
I've said it before but I think it's worth repeating: there is something wonderfully complete about the symbiosis between the voyeur and the exhibitionist.
Prague
My life has changed fairly dramatically over the last couple of months.
A new job involves longer hours and lots of travel.
At one point I had over-lapping jet-lag, from both westerly and easterly directions. I had assumed these would cancel each other out but, alas, they simply multiplied.
Incidentally, these words bear no relationship to the images. Just in case you were trying to work it out.
No, the images are from a trip to Prague. My first, as it happens.
Throughout my time there Prague was grey and foggy, no glorious sunshine, alas.
But that didn't dampen my spirits. What a great city.
Unlike many eastern European places where the Communist regimes simply had no setting for Modern architecture other than "bombastic", Prague also has some rather interesting Modern buildings.
Being the geek you all know and love, I spent a happy few hours wandering around the museum of science and technology, where I developed a fascination with the "faces" of old cars...
...although obviously I did not neglect the older charms:
There's something extraordinarily contemporary about the best of the 1920s and 30s designs:
And Prague is fortunate to have a dense network of trams (as well as a tiny Underground system) which make getting about a doddle -- and a rather stylish one, too, in these yummy 1950s models:
Not everything is architecturally rosy. The glorious old railway station lies semi-derelict atop a rather hideous 1970s/80s overly flashy and anonymous Hell-hole. How could anyone have abandoned this:
And, to finish, here's a detail from the main window arch to one side of that dome:
I love those flying railway wheels. There is something almost Heavenly about them. And the same can be said of lovely Prague.
A new job involves longer hours and lots of travel.
At one point I had over-lapping jet-lag, from both westerly and easterly directions. I had assumed these would cancel each other out but, alas, they simply multiplied.
Incidentally, these words bear no relationship to the images. Just in case you were trying to work it out.
No, the images are from a trip to Prague. My first, as it happens.
Throughout my time there Prague was grey and foggy, no glorious sunshine, alas.
But that didn't dampen my spirits. What a great city.
Unlike many eastern European places where the Communist regimes simply had no setting for Modern architecture other than "bombastic", Prague also has some rather interesting Modern buildings.
Being the geek you all know and love, I spent a happy few hours wandering around the museum of science and technology, where I developed a fascination with the "faces" of old cars...
...although obviously I did not neglect the older charms:
There's something extraordinarily contemporary about the best of the 1920s and 30s designs:
And Prague is fortunate to have a dense network of trams (as well as a tiny Underground system) which make getting about a doddle -- and a rather stylish one, too, in these yummy 1950s models:
Not everything is architecturally rosy. The glorious old railway station lies semi-derelict atop a rather hideous 1970s/80s overly flashy and anonymous Hell-hole. How could anyone have abandoned this:
And, to finish, here's a detail from the main window arch to one side of that dome:
I love those flying railway wheels. There is something almost Heavenly about them. And the same can be said of lovely Prague.
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