forgetmenot525

Trump................Grrrrrrrrr

2012-02-12T20:41:00.000-08:00

Grrrrr what an idiot that bloody man is. Please please please please take him home. He's wrong on so many counts its not even worth bothering to argue. The only thing that has been foisted on 'the people' (us) is HIM.

Art Sunday; Deborah Okeeffe

2012-02-12T09:15:00.000-08:00

Art Sunday; Deborah O'Keeffe
All information from her website,
please visit it to see many more of her works.
http://deborahokeeffe.blogspot.com/2011/01/winter-paintings-sheep-in-snow.html

All works are in soft pastel and are of the Maharees and Killarney in Co.Kerry and the surrounding area.

She grew up in New York I was taught to draw by her father who was an artist working in the Museum of National History in NYC. She went on to study fine art at SUNY New Paltz in Upstate New York, and after graduating worked as a graphic artist and freelance illustratrator..

In 1995 Deborah moved to Ireland where she met a married her husband Pat. The art career went on hold for a while they renovated a barn on his family's farm. During that time Deborah used her artistic abilities in another direction and learnt the old crafty of weaving, she worked for 5 years as a weaver Mucross House in Killarney.

Once the renovation project was complete Deborah gave uop weaving and returned to her original passion, drawing. She has now opened the Back Lane Gallery on New Market Lane in Killarney

The landscapes of Killarney and the surrounding towns and makes it a perfect place to be an artist. I chose her for this weeks Art Sunday because the landscapes and seascapes she draws with such sensitivity remind me of the landscape in this area.

She draws scenes from Ireland, but they are very reminiscent of things I see every day.

I especially like her sheep.

Opera Babes - Casta Diva

2012-02-06T10:48:00.000-08:00

Opera Babes - Casta Diva

From the Bellini Opera Norma

"Casta diva" was one of the most familiar arias of the nineteenth century, I love the way these ladies bring the vaguely Gothic back into opera.

Art Sunday; Art from Trash

2012-01-27T13:06:00.000-08:00

This week I've been looking at recycled art, art made from 'stuff' that's been used and thrown away. It's surprising how many artists are now recycling rubbish and turning it into art.These are just a few.

http://forkartist.mosaicglobe.com/gallery/11720/image/155760

Ian trask turns old spoons into art.

Tim Nobel & Sue Webster
These artists are best known for their art made from trash collected from the London streets, which shows an image when light is projected in front of it.

Tom Deininger
Deininger is widely known as a famous artist who upcycles junk into fine art installations.

Song Saturday; Carol King

2012-01-27T12:14:00.000-08:00

Song Saturday; Carol King

I heard her playing on the radio today at work. That brought back memories, before getting rid of all my vinyl last year it was one of my favourite albums.

Art Sunday Jennifer Thomson Scottish Artist.

2012-01-21T11:56:00.000-08:00

Art Sunday; Jennifer Thomson

all information from website below.

http://www.jenniferthomson.com/

Jennifer began her painting career ten years ago when she gave up teaching art to paint full time. She has a keen following and her sell-out exhibitions typically open to a queue of eager buyers.

Her success lies in her ability to observe the subtle, humorous moments in everyday life. She skilfully captures the personality of the places she paints as well as the characters she finds there.

Jennifer's work is influenced by the work of The Na�ve Artists with their simple compositions and their use of bright colours.

I hope you enjoy looking at her originals, prints, cards, placemats and other gifts on her website. These are just a few of the paintings you can see there.

Song Saturday; Peter Gabriel, Solsbury Hill.

2012-01-19T12:19:00.000-08:00

Climbing up on Solsbury Hill
I could see the city light
Wind was blowing, time stood still
Eagle flew out of the night
He was something to observe
Came in close, I heard a voice
Standing stretching every nerve
Had to listen had no choice
I did not believe the information
just had to trust imagination
My heart going boom boom boom
"Son," he said "Grab your things,
I've come to take you home."
To keepin' silence I resigned
My friends would think I was a nut
Turning water into wine
Open doors would soon be shut
So I went from day to day
Tho' my life was in a rut
"Till I thought of what I'd say
Which connection I should cut
I was feeling part of the scenery
I walked right out of the machinery
My heart going boom boom boom
"Hey" he said "Grab your things
I've come to take you home."

When illusion spin her net
I'm never where I want to be
And liberty she pirouette
When I think that I am free
Watched by empty silhouettes
Who close their eyes but still can see
No one taught them etiquette
I will show another me
Today I don't need a replacement
I'll tell them what the smile on my face meant
My heart going boom boom boom
"Hey" I said "You can keep my things,
they've come to take me home."

Friday 13th as I saw it.

2012-01-16T09:22:00.000-08:00

Last week I said I wanted to find something every day to be happy about. So..... this is what i found on Friday 13th. I like to think that on an ordinary day, in an ordinary town, there are moments that make it all worthwhile. friday was one of those cold sunny days, the first thing that caught my eye on the way to work was this tree (above). I especially like how the morning sun hits the side of the tree.

When I reached my work I noticed how the ornamental grass outside my office caught the sun and threw long shadows over the cobbles.

by the time I leave work the day is almost done, but on friday dusk was pretty amazing. Its such a shame that so few people notice.

Christmas Jethro Tull style..................

2011-12-17T12:42:00.000-08:00

Christmas Jethro Tull style

Songs from the sea.Vangelis

2011-12-03T12:47:00.000-08:00

I guess this is too late for saturday music..........but its in plenty of time for Sunday. Music from the sea to go with my Art Sunday Seascape post

Vangelis - Song of The Seas and The Ocean Sea

Occupy London takes over empty USB Bank offices.

2011-11-18T23:13:00.000-08:00

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/video/2011/nov/18/occupy-london-ubs-video

Occupy London takes over empty offices owned by UBS bank - video

Early on Friday, Occupy London protesters, together with members of a squatters' action group, took over a disused office block owned by the bank UBS. Police left the scene after activists claimed squatters' rights over the block, near Liverpool Street, just outside the City of London

be sure to watch the video

Song Saturday; Fleetwood Mac

2011-11-18T12:26:00.000-08:00

I was out at a local restaurant this evening, eating local caught fish and enjoying some good conversation when these songs were played. The conversation stopped and we sat and listened, this is as good now as it ever was, nothing is lost with the passing years.
The two amazing female voices from Fleetwood Mac Christine McVie and Stevie Nicks

Art Sunday; Hans Dahl

2011-11-11T12:38:00.000-08:00

Norwegian Painter Hans Dahl (1849-1937)

Hans Dahl, born19 February 1849, Granvin, died 27 July 1937, was a Norwegian painter, famous for his paintings of Norwegian fjords and surrounding landscapes.

Dahl had his first exhibition in D�sseldorf in 1876. He lived in D�sseldorf until 1888, when he moved to Berlin. Almost every summer he was back in Norway painting.

In 1893, he commissioned his summer residence to be built on the banks of the Sognefjord at Balestrand. This was a popular and picturesque area frequented by artists of the time.

After 1919, Dahl no longer traveled to Berlin, he lived permanently in Balestrand which became a popular tourist destination in western Norway.

The German emperor, Kaiser Wilhelm II, became one of Dahl's most loyal patrons, conferring a professorship upon him in 1910, and visiting Dahl in Balestrand several summers in a row.

Dahl resisted the transition in art from Romanticism to Modernism. In the 1890s a new school of art arose, and artists like Dahl became unfashionable.

He was openly criticised by the art historian Jens Thiis and several of his fellow artists especially by Christian Krohg.

Krohg was one of the leading figures in the transition from romanticism to naturalism which characterized Norwegian art in this period.

Dahl often described the scenery of the western part of Norway in brilliant sunshine with smiling people in national costumes.

His vibrant colors and charming portrayals of young Norwegian girls in their national costume are simplistic but have remained popular.

Hans Dahl was married to Helene Bewer, the daughter of the German painter Clemens Bewer (1820-1884). Their son was the Norwegian painter Hans Andreas Dahl (1881-1919), who died of tuberculosis at the age of 37.

In 1902 Dahl was appointed knight of the Royal Norwegian Order of St. Olav, 1st class. Hans Dahl died in Balestrand in Sogn og Fjordane during 1937. His grave is located in the churchyard of Tjugum.

Music by Altan, an Irish folk music group.

A couple of old well loved songs.

2011-11-09T12:02:00.000-08:00

A couple of simple little songs from a long time ago that always make me think of this time of year. And a water colour I did a while ago.

Occupy London another video

2011-11-01T11:46:00.000-07:00

A good report on the St Pauls protest site.

St Paul's Dean Graeme Knowles resigns over protests

2011-10-31T13:12:00.000-07:00

St Paul's Dean Graeme Knowles resigns over protests

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-15524483

Another senior member of St Pauls clergy resigns, this follows last week's resignation of Dr Giles Fraser, who had been sympathetic to the activists. What a moral dilemma these people are finding themselves in

Clergy resigns over St Pauls Protest.

2011-10-27T07:46:00.000-07:00

Some of the clergy know how to do the right thing.
The St Paul's Cathedral canon chancellor, Dr Giles Fraser, said he had to resign over plans to remove protesters because he could not sanction 'violence in the name of the church'. Photograph: Alex Diaz/PA

read more here
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2011/oct/27/st-pauls-cathedral-canon-resigns

this one doesn;t embed
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=St+Paul%27s+Cathedral+canon+resigns&aq=f

Occupy London, a short film...........

2011-10-25T08:12:00.000-07:00

It says here, ''now is the time.................''

Sunday Morning Velvet underground

2011-10-22T23:04:00.000-07:00

And a nother Sunday dawns.

I took this photo a couple of Sundays ago by Montrose basin. That was a lazy Sunday spent watching boats and gulls and doing a bit of drawing. There's not a lot of sunshine around here today, not that the weather makes any difference to me. For me its NOT going to be another lazy Sunday, its another day of stripping walls.

But first, coffee and music.
Velvet Underground Sunday Morning.

Bryan ferry You are my sunshine

Good Night Ladies, ( and gents of course), Lou Reed

2011-10-22T12:44:00.000-07:00

Tis Been a busy day for me, worn out stripping walls and now I'm off to bed. This keeps buzzing around my head. Good Night Ladies (and gents of course)
Even if you're not a fan of Lou's voice, and I can't imagine why you wouldn't be .............ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhh the sax is wonderful.

Thr true colour of advertising.

2011-10-14T14:44:00.000-07:00

Most people probably know by know I'm not a great fan of the consumer society and I've no time for the profit before people mentality. BUT; where there is consumerism, there is advertising...........and some of this advertising is brilliant, its clever, artistic, creative, funny and in this case... its COLOURFUL, and I love its genius.

Pattie Griffin, Mary..................

2011-10-11T15:04:00.000-07:00

Stayed up very late tonight and watched a documentary about American servicemen coming home from Iraq. It's so sad, these young men have seen things and done things that will haunt them forever. Some are physically disfigured and disabled, but its the mental anguish that makes it so sad.
This song played at the end

This lady wants to save the NHS...........

2011-10-09T09:44:00.000-07:00

This lady wants to save the NHS and we should all listen to her..........

Song Saturday; Autumn Leaves.

2011-10-07T20:27:00.000-07:00

Song Saturday
Autumn Leaves
The season is changing, the evidence is every where.

Like a rolling stone

2011-10-01T17:48:00.000-07:00

Being awake while the rest of the world sleeps makes you feel quite alone...........

How does it feel
How does it feel
To be on your own
With no direction home
Like a complete unknown
Like a rolling stone ?

Is there anybody out there?

2011-10-01T17:32:00.000-07:00

Birthday meal was a great success, but now its past 5 in the morning, I have heartburn thanks to a wee bit of overindulgence and can't sleep...............I bet you are all happily ZZZZZZZZ ing your way through the night

So much trouble in the world.............

2011-09-07T13:20:00.000-07:00

This guy knew a thing or two..............
and not a lot has changed in the last 30 years

Try a little tenderness

2011-08-29T09:37:00.000-07:00

I'm tired, no energy left, early night for me I think. I love this guys voice, I should listen to him more often. What a waste that he should die so young. Enjoy the music.
Nighty night, don't let the teabags bite

The world could do a lot worse than..............
TRY A LITTLE TENDERNESS

what if the tea party were black??

2011-08-27T00:26:00.000-07:00

Found this on one of my friends page and don't think I've ever seen any of you there.........If you've seen it already, apologies but I don't remember seeing it here.

A good nights sleep; Fry and laurie

2011-08-13T17:12:00.000-07:00

Ohhhhhhhhhhh still not sleeping........................But its a good excuse for a bit of vintage Fry and Laurie

Song saturday; King of the Road.

2011-07-20T15:15:00.000-07:00

I used to love this song, its so old, I can't remember the last time I heard it. It seems like an appropriate song to post just before I leave for my little holiday.

Song Saturday, Isn't life strange.............

2011-07-16T01:24:00.000-07:00

Isn't life strange
A turn of the page
Can read like before
Can we ask for more?
Each day passes by
How hard man will try?
The sea will not wait
You know it makes me want to cry, cry, cry -

Wished I could be in your heart
To be one with your love
Wished I could be in your eyes
Looking back there you were, and here we are.

Isn't love strange
A word we arrange
With no thought or care
Maker of despair
Each breath that we breathe
With love we must weave
To make us as one
You know it makes me want to cry, cry, cry -

Wished I could be in your heart
To be one with your love
Wished I could be in your eyes
Looking back there you were, and here we are.

Isn't life strange
A turn of the page
A book without light
Unless with love we write;
To throw it away
To lose just a day
The quicksand of time
You know it makes me want to cry, cry, cry -

Wished I could be in your heart
To be one with your love
Wished I could be in your eyes
Looking back there you were:

Nice to be here, written and sung by Ray Thomas ( Moody Blues)

2011-07-11T13:12:00.000-07:00

And finally to bed...........
after all I do have my granddaughter tomorrow :-)
sweet dreams

NICE TO BE HERE
MOODY BLUES
WRITTEN AND SUNG BY RAY THOMAS
FROM THE ALBUM
EVERY GOOD BOY DESERVES FAVOUR

Nice to be here hope you agree
Lying in the sun
Lovely weather, must climb a tree
The show has just begun

All the leaves start swaying
To the breeze that's playing
On a thousand violins
And the bees are humming
To a frog sat strumming
On a guitar with only one string

I can see them they can't see me
I feel out of sight
I can see them they can't see me
Much to my delight

And it seems worth noting
Water rats were boating
As a lark began to sing
The sounds kept coming
With Jack Rabbit loudly drumming
On the side of a biscuit tin

I can see them they can't see me
I feel out of sight
I can see them they can't see me
Much to my delight

Silver minnows were devising
Water ballet so surprising
A mouse played a daffodil
A mole came up blinking
Underneath an owl who's thinking
How he came to be sat on a hill

I can see them they can't see me
I feel out of sight
I can see them they can't see me
Much to my delight

I know you won't believe me
But I'm certain that I did see
A mouse playing daffodil
All the band was really jumping
With Jack Rabbit in there thumping
I found that I couldn't sit still
I just had to make it with them
Cause they played my kind of rhythm
And the bees hummed in harmony
And the owl played his oboe
Then the frog's guitar solo
It was all just too much for me

The is the best one I could find but the sound quality is still not that good, or very loud.........if you can find a better one feel free to add... :-)

Beaver Lake Cree Nation fight against Tar sands development.

2011-06-19T07:04:00.000-07:00

Found this video, its so very sad, how many times do people need to be reminded, we don't need to find ever more ways to use ever more fossil fuels, we need to find new ways to live with less................

The Co-operative's Toxic Fuels campaign aims to stop the exploitation of unconventional fossil fuels, such as tar sands and shale gas.

http://peopleandplanet.org/navid12017

Our campaign champions the cause of the Beaver Lake Cree Nation in Alberta, Canada, who are taking on the Albertan and Canadian Governments, and the world's largest oil companies, to stop the expansion of tar sands developments on their lands.

Art Sunday; Midsummer

2011-06-19T06:20:00.000-07:00

( above a print titled 'Midsummer' by Inam)

My weekend has been spent with family. My daughter who lives a couple of hours away was here for the weekend, she spent friday night with me and then partied with her sisters on Saturday while I looked after the children. Now they have all gone back to their different homes and I don't expect I'll see that daughter again for another couple of months. When you are used to them all living close by it feels very odd not having them around.But it was a great weekend, can't believe its almost midsummer, another couple of days and it will be the longest day. To me summer is about BBQ and beach, and holidays, and kids, and family. Also about ancient traditions and earth magic. To others, summer, especially midsummer, has quite different meanings. After every one left I started thinking about midsummer, and how many different ways it has been portrayed by different artists. My favourite, and the one that captures my meaning of summer has to be the James Guthrie painting titled Midsummer; ( below) I love the light in this painting.

And after a little googleing....here are some of the other ways in which artists have represented 'Midsummer'.
Aus Heures Perd 'Midsummer Late Lunch ', I like the feel of this, can imagine taking lunch in the sun in a lovely french pavement cafe.

Colin Carruthers 'Midsummer Landscape', can feel the heat in that landscape.
Albert Joseph More 'Midsummer'...........a very popular choice.
Edward landseer 'Midsummer Nights Dream'...........another well known one.
Walter Withers 'Midsummer', I like the way the coloures look washed out by the sun here.
William Frederic Witherington 'Midsummer'...........so very 'English' looking.
Anders leonhard Zorn 'Midsummer Dance'..........it just looks ...'joyful'
Edward Robert Hughes 'Midsummer Eve'..............for some people midsummer is the most magical time of year.
Daniel Gerhertz 'Midsummer'.............not a very well known painting, but I liked the look on this young girls face.

And that's my Midsummer collection.

Just because.....................

2011-06-13T13:32:00.000-07:00

Just because...........................

weekend music; Sin�ad O'Connor - Something Beautiful (Jeremiah)

2011-06-11T14:57:00.000-07:00

Sin�ad Marie Bernadette O'Connor, born 8 December 1966, is an Irish singer-songwriter. She rose to fame in the late 1980s with her debut album The Lion and the Cobra and achieved worldwide success in 1990 with a cover of the song "Nothing Compares 2 U".
This song is 'Jeremiah' from her 2007 album 'Theology'.

is he the good guy??

2011-06-05T14:47:00.000-07:00

Scary...............would someone like to explain this to me? I thought he was the good guy.

src="http://www.youtube.com/v/8mPZlysCAm0?version=3&hl=en_GB&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="349" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true">

Jai McDowall - The Winner, Britain's Got Talent Live Final

2011-06-05T00:37:00.000-07:00

I wanted this guy to win, he deserves it, but I'm pretty fed up with every one saying how the result is a 'surprise', how he was 'the dark horse' etc etc. Give the guy a break, he's great, and he won. He is a young guy with a powerful voice who is also very nervous about performing. He looks after adults with learning disabilities for a living, he is liked by every one he comes into contact with, he is a genuinely nice person with a great talent Well Done. Be happy for him

sorry but the embed code is not available, go see his winning performance here.

http://youtu.be/dmta3_MoJuM

daydreaming about a 'dark' garden.......................

2011-06-03T12:22:00.000-07:00

I've been daydreaming about a 'dark' garden. A little ornamental space with dark red, purple and black leafed plants, with maybe a few white flowers. Daydreaming is as far as its got .......

Song Saturdau; Ry Cooder

2011-06-02T20:27:00.000-07:00

Feeling Bad Blues................

positively the BEST slide guitar EVER

is it a car? is it a tank? ...........It's THE OBAMAMOBILE

2011-05-24T06:03:00.000-07:00

Have you see that car he is touring Ireland in? Started life as a cadalac, morphed into tank and now resembles the batmobile.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1389825/Obamas-Beast-Cadillac-flown-US-London-drive-Mall.html

and a little hump in Irelands roads defeated it J

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-13507728

you just gotta laugh :-)

Caro Emerald, A night like this

2011-05-23T22:02:00.000-07:00

I have never dreamed a night like this.....................thought it was appropriate :-)

Another unmissable dance routine

2011-05-22T12:36:00.000-07:00

This is called 'Butterfly lovers'.............

and the name seems to fit so well

Song saturday; for women everty where

2011-05-13T16:19:00.000-07:00

Song Saturday;
songs for women every where.

Urban Veg

2011-05-11T04:30:00.000-07:00

I have just found a local source of home grown veg that looks great. And the best thing is, this 'garden' has been made by a company called 'tayside recyclers', they are ( as the name suggests) a local recycling company. BUT; what they have done here is wonderful, they have turned an old yard in the middle of the city into a veg garden using only things that they have 'recycled'. I think next time I'm in Dundee I must pay them a visit. This is what they say about themselves

''Fresh Homegrown Veg now available at Tayside Recyclers: low prices and low "food miles"! Visitors are always welcome to our new backyard vegetable garden - come and see how stony ground has been transformed into an urban growing space.''

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.220078554671193.66743.100000071513960

Song Saturday; two ladies from the 60's

2011-05-07T13:35:00.000-07:00

these songs were in my head
as I sat watching the rain through the cafe window.

Downtown by Petula Clark and Going Back by Dusty Springfield.

The best thing to come out of 'that' wedding :-)

2011-04-30T23:55:00.000-07:00

Pretty sure most people will have seen this by now, but just in case any one missed it..........this really is the BEST thing to come out of the wedding :-)

Music for the wedding weekend.

2011-04-29T02:28:00.000-07:00

What ever you think of the Wedding or the Royal family, there must have been a shadow over this day for William. Every one wants their mother present when they get married. Without her there would be no wedding.

The rain has gone................say it with music

2011-03-15T20:49:00.000-07:00

Oh so much better................at last :-)

Unbelievable.............AGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

2011-03-15T06:18:00.000-07:00

AGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

Just stumbled on this on another page, If it wasn't so tragic it would be funny, WTF......................who IS this moronic imbecile?

Song saturday; Why does it always rain on me?

2011-03-11T21:25:00.000-08:00

No points for guessing what the weather is doing today.............
oh, and now we are told we have snow on the way!!

music for the weekend; Fruit and fun.

2011-03-05T21:08:00.000-08:00

Fruit seems to be my 'theme' for the weekend, and in the spirit of fruit
( and fun) ...............
a couple of songs. The second one cuts out too suddenly, but its fun.....

Art Sunday; SPRING

2011-02-27T03:37:00.000-08:00

This week a random collection of 'Spring' paintings.........

Above is

Joyful Spring by Jennifer Vranes
http://www.jensdaily.com/

It is so nice to se little shoots growing again, and to feel the weather getting a little warmer. I went for a walk by the sea today, the sea was blue, the sky was blue,and the sun was shining. It feels as if we have waited a very long time for this.

Spring Bounty by john Nussbuan
http://www.petfuton.com/paintingsbyjohn/watercolours.htm

Spring by Ludmila Gurar
http://www.artrussia.ru/artists/picture_s.php?pic_id=6085&foa=f

Bluebells by Patricia Richards
http://www.minigallery.co.uk/Patricia_Richards/art52288/

Book of Spring lambs by David Blyth
http://www.minigallery.co.uk/Patricia_Richards/art52288/

Duck with Ducklings by Dan Civa
http://www.dancivagallery.dk/denmark7.html

spring by Frances Landel
http://www.franceslandel.com/paintings.htm

Weekend Art; John Piper

2011-02-18T12:05:00.000-08:00

JOHN PIPER

John Piper was born in 1946 in Salisbury, Wiltshire, England, and moved to Cornwall on the south coast of the country in 1963.

He settled in Cornwall and for most of his working life has used the countryside and coastline as his inspiration.

You can see his intimacy with the land reflected in his paintings.

He always paints in oils and not, as many artists do these days, in acrylics. His paintings are oil on canvas and sometimes oil on board.

Each painting uses a limited range of colour which captures the light and mood of his chosen landscape. He often uses thick strong colour, sometimes scraped back or scored and then covered in a series of coloured glazes.

Some paintings show the basic drawing through the paint and some are layered to the extent they appear to be relief work.

His landscapes are full of hedges, boundaries, coastline cottages, moors, cliffs, headlands, fields, and of course many, many interpretations of the coastline he loved. This land lends itself to the soft blues, greens and ochres so often found in his work. The effect can be sharp or gentle, hard or soft.

John Piper is a member of the Newlyn Society of Artists and the Penwith Society. I often show Scottish artists who paint the Scottish coastyline and show the traditional way of life in and around the area where I live. This man is not Scottish, he is English and paints a specific area of England, but from these paintings alone you can see how similar this area is to the the East Coast of Scotland. There are many similarities in the landscape and many similarities between this work and the work of the artists working in this area.

Weekend Music; The Allman Brothers Band

2011-02-18T11:29:00.000-08:00

''The Allman Brothers Band is an American rock band once based in Macon, Georgia. The band was formed in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1969 by brothers Duane Allman (slide guitar and lead guitar) and Gregg Allman (vocals, organ, songwriting), who were supported by Dickey Betts (lead guitar, vocals, songwriting), Berry Oakley (bass guitar), Butch Trucks (drums), and Jai Johanny "Jaimoe" Johanson (drums) While the band has been called the principal architects of Southern rock, they also incorporate elements of blues, jazz, and country music, and their live shows have jam band-style improvisation and instrumental songs.''

Thats what wikipedia has to say about them...........personally, I just think they are great, totally laid back chilled out music.

more of the above here;

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Allman_Brothers_Band

Jessica, followed by Melissa;

The Allman Brothers Band

RIP Gary Moore (Thin Lizzie)

2011-02-06T07:42:00.000-08:00

Gary Moore - Don't Believe a Word live (Thin Lizzy)

Bandmates of former Thin Lizzy guitarist Gary Moore have paid tribute to a "great player and great guy" following his death on holiday in Spain.
The 58-year-old, originally from Belfast, was found dead in a hotel room on the Costa del Sol in the early hours of Sunday.

Mean Green Mother :-)

2011-02-06T01:48:00.000-08:00

I really, really want to start doing stuff in the garden, but I know I have to wait, its not a good place out there right now, :-)

Leon Russell, Back to the Island

2011-02-05T13:04:00.000-08:00

Music to set the tone for my planned lazy sunday

John Martyn; 11th September 1948 - 29th January 2009

2011-01-28T15:00:00.000-08:00

In Memory, John Martyn - May You Never [1973]

11th September 1948 - 29th January 2009

Art Sunday; Women in Western Art

2011-01-28T13:44:00.000-08:00

The changing faces of women in western art

Selling England BY the pound ( FOR REAL!!!)

2011-01-26T19:40:00.000-08:00

Selling England BY the pound ( FOR REAL!!!)

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/government-plans-huge-selloff-of-britains-forests-2115631.html

The Government is drawing up plans to sell off publicly owned forests in a move that could see private developers allowed to clear ancient trees to make way for holiday resorts, golf courses and adventure playgrounds.

The battle of Epping Forest

from the album

Selling England by the pound

A sick idea?? or not??

2011-01-25T12:33:00.000-08:00

Is this sick??, or maybe I'm sick for thinking its quite a good idea.
http://uk.news.yahoo.com/5/20110125/tuk-row-over-crematorium-heating-for-swi-45dbed5.html
''Moves to warm a swimming pool with heat generated by an adjacent crematorium have sparked outrage.
Conservative-run Redditch Borough Council believes it would be an environmentally good use of energy and could save �14,000 a year at the Abbey Stadium pool''

It's... umm.... an 'unusual' idea, a very novel idea...........but in a weird sort of way I think its quite a good idea.

I like swimming, I think I would be quite happy for the very last of my energy to be used helping other swimmers.

Picture Perfect; Focused

2011-01-20T09:10:00.000-08:00

Totally Focused; he was focused on us and we were focused on him.

http://fotofriday.multiply.com/journal/item/377/Picture_Perfect_Competiton_Time_Week_Three_Focused_

Russian Orthodox Monastery, Konevets Island

2011-01-14T14:57:00.000-08:00

I know very little about this place.
It is apparently the Russian Orthodox Monastery of Konevets, which is surrounded by pine forests on Konevets Island, a tiny (10 km) remote island in the middle of Ladoga lake. The monastery was stripped of all its icons and other religious works of art and used indiscriminately by the Russian military for the over 50 years. It is now used by the monks again and is slowly being restored.
The pictures of this once magnificent building in such a state of disrepair is so sad.

A little time, and the three weird sisters

2011-01-13T00:16:00.000-08:00

I've had a few days off work, my arthritis has been quite bad and I find my self in the unusual situation of having to stay indoors, not move about too much and finding a way to occupy myself. AND.........this is the result :-)

My interpretation of the three witches made famous in 'That' Scottish play.

Moral of the story seems to be.............don't piss me off, the ...'models' for this painting, are three ladies who I work with and who could, at times, easily be mistaken for three witches.

:-) not to ne taken too seriously of course.

Amasing portrait painter, shame about the politics.

2011-01-12T23:44:00.000-08:00

Maybe you will appreciate the artistry more if you just turn the sound off.

Song Saturday; Runrig, Our earth was once Green

2011-01-07T13:18:00.000-08:00

An old favourite, Runrig, Our Earth was Once Green

and just inn case there is any one who doesn't know.......from Wikipedia

''Runrig are a Scottish Celtic rock group formed in Skye, in 1973 under the name 'The Run Rig Dance Band'. Since its inception, the band's line-up has included songwriters Rory Macdonald and Calum Macdonald. The current line-up also includes longtime members Malcolm Jones, Iain Bayne, and more recently, Bruce Guthro, and Brian Hurren. To date, the band have released thirteen studio albums, with a number of their songs sung in Scottish Gaelic.''

AND............a nice little bit of history. .......The run-rig system was the means by which arable land was divided up in almost all of medieval Europe.
Land held run-rig meant different strips of arable land were allotted each year to the peasantry. This was done in such a way so as to ensure everyone got a share of the better and worst ground in different years.
However, this system lead to bad agricultural practices, with the inevitable consequence of general impoverishment of all the available arable land. No-one was in a hurry to manure a field or maintain drainage if there was no guarantee of getting the same piece of land the following year.
In medieval Europe this system
of alloting land was almost universal until the mid 18th century when rural populations were rising at a vast rate, due to better diets and improved medical care. Around this time there was major upheaval in European society and revision of land management and ownership.

My dream destination, where is it??

2010-10-31T10:41:00.000-07:00

This is a cheap and not particularly good print on canvas of a photograph. I bought it in the supermarket with my groceries and it only cost �2.00 ( less than $5). I've noticed it sitting in a wire basket with a whole load of other cheap prints for the last couple of weeks. Every time I saw it I thought. ''yeah I want to be there''. This week it still sat in the basket but this time it was all on its own, so I bought it. I guess it's a bit of a dream for me, I'm pretty sure its one of the Greek Islands but I don't know which one, where ever it is...............it's where I want to be.

It looks a bit like Lindos, but its not, I've been to Lindos. Where is it?? I know someone will know, and then I can put a name to my dream destination.

Song Saturday; Rod Stewart, Amy Belle and Chrissie Hynde

2010-10-30T12:22:00.000-07:00

Rod Stewart, Amy Belle and Chrissie Hynde

Rod Stewart in his 'American Songbook' phase. Amy Belle earned a living busking on the streets of Glasgow before she was spotted by a friend of Rod Stewart, and here she is performing live on stage with the man himself.

She was spotted by a friend of Rod Stewart's busking outside an underground station in Glasgow and within five days she was working alongside Rod and had been invited to appear at a special concert for the Prince's Trust.

The second video is Rod Stewart live on stage with his old friend Chrissie Hynde

Beatles; Baby you're a rich man

2010-10-28T13:20:00.000-07:00

Just about ready for my bed, it's very late, and this comes on the radio. OMG...........I think I was still at school when this was released ( recorded by The Beatles on 11 May 1967 at Olympic Sound Studios) and somehow all those years melt away and I'm right back there. Just had to share before going to bed :-)

Elton John and Leon Russell

2010-10-24T10:06:00.000-07:00

Needs no introduction, this mans voice doesn't change over the years. So good to see these two guys together again after so long.

Weeken music, Rolling Stomes, She's like a Rainbow.

2010-10-16T22:54:00.000-07:00

I heard this on the radio and it took me back.
This used to be one of my favourite songs and I havn't heard it for ages, I think its one of those songs that is so .. much of that time

art Sunday; Dan Colcer, Romanian artist in America.

2010-10-16T22:16:00.000-07:00

DAN COLCER

Romanian artist, born in Hunedoara, Transylvania in 1976 and established in United States in since 2006.
1999-2000 - Cairo University, Department of Archaeology, Cairo - Egypt.
1994-1999 - University of Arts, Department of Ceramics, Cluj-Napoca - Romania.
He has exhibited in many group shows in Romania, America and many other countries.
Exhibited in Art Festivals, Art Camps around the world.
A Member of Romanian Artists Union since 2000
Work is hung in museums and private collections in Sweden, Holland, Hungary, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, Romania, France, United States...
This man is a prolific worker, he produces photography, ceramics, graphic arts, graphic design, web design, experience-performance arts, installation, murals, and of course PAINTINGS..............as shown here. These paintings are almost, but not quite, cartoonish, or have a comic book look about them. On the surface many of them seem bright, colourful and pleasing to they eye. On closer inspection they feel dark and brutal. I think this man is talented and produces work that is not easily defined.

See more of his collection of paintings, ceramics and photographs here
http://www.dancolcer.ro/

She died thirty years ago..... Janis Joplin

2010-10-02T23:27:00.000-07:00

Hard to believe she died thirty years ago. What a loss, I always believed she had so much more to give.

http://http://www.findadeath.com/Deceased/j/Janis%20%20Joplin/janis_joplin.htm

Song saturday; Three tenors

2010-10-01T11:07:00.000-07:00

Music to lift the spirits, already the first term of this academic year is over, today was the last day of the first term. This is the shortest of our academic terms, it only lasts about 6 weeks but those 6 weeks can feel like 6 months. Now I have a couple of weeks rest and maybe some time to catch up on a few things.

Young Women in Afghanistan...

2010-09-18T11:45:00.000-07:00

First woman's football referee in Afghanistan

Afghan national basketball player.

Afghan girl studying human rights and politics.

Art Sunday; Mina Sherzoy

2010-09-18T11:34:00.000-07:00

SAARC Fashion Show

awwsominfo | 29 December 2007
Contact info: msherzoy@gmail.com
msherzoy@awwsom.com

AWWSOM Showcases Designs in New Dehli, India on December 7, 2007

Fashion has a new meaning for Mina in Afghanistan. Fashion for Mina is a way of teaching women and their families to live again, of nursing people back to work culture and more importantly, making women economically empowered. This to Mina is the biggest fashion statement of all: Empowerment.

Over the years Mina Sherzoy has been trying to find a way to provide income for the poor and deprived widows of war. In addition to stimulating these women economically, she has helped also revive the handicrafts of Afghanistan which disappeared during the 30 years of war. AWWSOM was created as a shopping haven that reinvigorates the rich culture of Afghanistan. When you purchase from AWWSOM, you will directly empower an Afghan.

As Mina attempts to breathe life into the age-old handicrafts and embroidery; she also gives them a modern restoration.

Here is just a taste of the hundreds of unique and inspiring work of Afghan artisans.

Song Saturday; Leon Russell

2010-09-18T11:22:00.000-07:00

Think we're going to get more rain tonight................love this version of the song. This guy has never changed his image, this is what he looks like these days, not a lot different to the way he looked back then, just older.

New York Public Library archives and photos.

2010-09-12T11:47:00.000-07:00

This link should lead you to the New York Public Library collection of historic photographs stored on their flickr site.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/nypl/

It is a fascinating site with a wealth of visual information, most of which is copyright free and available to copy, download and print. These few photos are from the Ellis Island set which is a collection of photographs of immigrants at Ellis Island who arrived from all over he world at the beginning of the twentieth century. I find these photos fascinating, like something from a lost world.

Amateur photographer, Augustus Sherman, the Ellis Island Chief Registry Clerk, had special access to potential subjects for his camera. It is likely that Sherman's elaborately costumed subjects were detainees, new immigrants held at Ellis Island for one reason or another. While waiting for what they needed to leave the island (an escort, or money, or travel tickets), some of these immigrants may have been persuaded to pose for Sherman's camera, donning their best holiday finery or national dress, which they had brought with them from home. Sherman's pictures were published in National Geographic in 1907 and for decades hung anonymously in the lower Manhattan headquarters of the federal Immigration Service. Incoming correspondence in the William Williams Papers suggests that the Commissioner gave copies of Sherman's haunting photographs to official Ellis Island visitors as mementos.

1, Algerian man.
Digital ID: 418036. Sherman, Augustus F. (Augustus Francis) -- Photographer. [ca. 1906-1914]