Well, after some rather aimless times, the past week has been very encouraging.
First, I sent a chronicle of my own personal experience of depression to a charity. Not only could this help other people, but putting the document together was a rewarding experience for yours truly. It helped to "draw a line" under the preceding eighteen months of my life.
In addition, a nagging "DIY" issue at home seemingly rectified itself, as if by magic. I am sure that the laws of physics played their hand somewhere, but the good fortune was in keeping with the positive trends of the week.
As the week drew to a close, I was in receipt of some surprising but welcome news on the financial front.
Allied to a productive week of research for internet projects, these developments were all very invigorating! It is noticeable how a series of minor but happy episodes can buoy the spirits....
Friday, 19 August 2011
Thursday, 4 August 2011
After The Rain
Well, the rain ruined my best-laid plans earlier today, and I was caught out in the deluge, sans umbrella! However, undaunted, and determined to salvage something constructive and productive from the situation, I tried to take some "arty" photographs, once a watery sunshine sought to break through:
Monday, 1 August 2011
"The Fall of Paris" - Alistair Horne
I have just finished reading this book, which chronicles the Franco-Prussian War, the Siege of Paris and the Paris Commune.
Originally I was lead to this book by my efforts to learn more about the Franco-Prussian War, although Horne's publication does not cover the military aspects of the war in great detail, preferring to concentrate on the Parisian reaction to the traumatic series of events.
The book places the dramas of 1870/71 in their historical context, examining the prelude to the war, including the state of France as presided over by Napoleon III, and the tensions evident in the proletariat and the bourgeoisie in the light of the revolutions and upheavals of the previous eight decades.
Horne paints a vivid picture of the inertia, inefficiency and self-interest which characterized the actions of the main protagonists, and also the multi-faceted ideological landscape, which was loaded with paradoxes and ironies. The author apportions blame where it is warranted, whilst remaining even-handed. Later in the book, Horne comes across as equally critical of the Commune, and the subsequent repression by the "regular" army.
Throughout, there is an effort to stress the impact of the tribulations of 1870/71 on European history of subsequent generations, in particular the two world wars. These issues, it seems to me, are sometimes overlooked by those in the English-speaking world.
Perhaps those looking for a dry, technical and chronological military history of the period should look elsewhere, but this book manages to inter-link the military, political and social elements to some effect, with first-hand testimony proving particularly potent.
Whilst I appreciate the times and prevailing attitudes were different in the late nineteenth century, the horrors and authoritarianism detailed in "The Fall of Paris" have reminded me why my world-view and outlook have inexorably become libertarian!
Originally I was lead to this book by my efforts to learn more about the Franco-Prussian War, although Horne's publication does not cover the military aspects of the war in great detail, preferring to concentrate on the Parisian reaction to the traumatic series of events.
The book places the dramas of 1870/71 in their historical context, examining the prelude to the war, including the state of France as presided over by Napoleon III, and the tensions evident in the proletariat and the bourgeoisie in the light of the revolutions and upheavals of the previous eight decades.
Horne paints a vivid picture of the inertia, inefficiency and self-interest which characterized the actions of the main protagonists, and also the multi-faceted ideological landscape, which was loaded with paradoxes and ironies. The author apportions blame where it is warranted, whilst remaining even-handed. Later in the book, Horne comes across as equally critical of the Commune, and the subsequent repression by the "regular" army.
Throughout, there is an effort to stress the impact of the tribulations of 1870/71 on European history of subsequent generations, in particular the two world wars. These issues, it seems to me, are sometimes overlooked by those in the English-speaking world.
Perhaps those looking for a dry, technical and chronological military history of the period should look elsewhere, but this book manages to inter-link the military, political and social elements to some effect, with first-hand testimony proving particularly potent.
Whilst I appreciate the times and prevailing attitudes were different in the late nineteenth century, the horrors and authoritarianism detailed in "The Fall of Paris" have reminded me why my world-view and outlook have inexorably become libertarian!
Friday, 29 July 2011
New Formula 1 TV deal
I awoke this morning to news of the UK F1 television deal for 2012 onwards.
Given the recent speculation about the threat hanging over the BBC's coverage, such an announcement comes as no great surprise. What is surprising, perhaps, is the nature of the deal, with the BBC retaining some of the rights to coverage.
The reaction from F1 fans has been predictably hostile and confused, and in some cases shrill and hysterical. The fact is that the BBC is under pressure to make economies, and although F1 often regards itself as the centre of the universe, the Corporation has to balance its sports commitments with other "public-service" interests and duties. They cannot please everyone.
There is little doubt that Sky's coverage of the sport will be comprehensive and technically excellent, if their treatment of such sports as football, cricket and both rugby codes is any guide. However, I do emphathise with those who, for whatever reason, will not be able to watch all of the races live.
Of course, some of us feel that cases such as this throw into sharp relief the flaws and absurdities of the "compulsory" BBC licence fee, but that is another debate....
Given the recent speculation about the threat hanging over the BBC's coverage, such an announcement comes as no great surprise. What is surprising, perhaps, is the nature of the deal, with the BBC retaining some of the rights to coverage.
The reaction from F1 fans has been predictably hostile and confused, and in some cases shrill and hysterical. The fact is that the BBC is under pressure to make economies, and although F1 often regards itself as the centre of the universe, the Corporation has to balance its sports commitments with other "public-service" interests and duties. They cannot please everyone.
There is little doubt that Sky's coverage of the sport will be comprehensive and technically excellent, if their treatment of such sports as football, cricket and both rugby codes is any guide. However, I do emphathise with those who, for whatever reason, will not be able to watch all of the races live.
Of course, some of us feel that cases such as this throw into sharp relief the flaws and absurdities of the "compulsory" BBC licence fee, but that is another debate....
Friday, 22 July 2011
Dad's Army
A recent purchase of mine was the DVD boxset of "Dad's Army", the sitcom written by Jimmy Perry and David Croft about the Home Guard during World War 2. Watching all of the episodes back-to-back endowed me with a new perspective on the themes and issues tackled.
Although "Dad's Army" was a comedy, it managed to achieve a balance, in that it did not trivialise war or downplay its horrors. Often the humour served to soften the edges, and was derived from the hardships and upheavals being endured by the populace. Whilst the universal values of idealism, stoicism and patriotism are to the fore, gentle satire and bathos are regularly employed to prevent things becoming excessively trite.
One of the strengths of this sitcom is that it is not permitted to descend into the realms of becoming a rose-tinted account. The tensions of class, bureaucracy and power are explored; normal human frailties against the backdrop of war.
Perhaps the hinge of "Dad's Army" was the sometimes fraught relationship between Captain Mainwaring and Sergeant Wilson. Mainwaring is the classic self-made "chip on the shoulder" type, whose overbearing nature is largely born of insecurity. At times he struggles to conceal his contempt for the languid and often dilettante Wilson, contrasting their social backgrounds with their respective professional and military standing. The sergeant generally responds with gently sarcastic remarks which tend to go completely over Mainwaring's head!
I still think that Arthur Lowe received insufficient credit for his extraordinary performance as Captain Mainwaring. He expertly conveyed the officer's characteristics, and his "physical" comedy skills came in very useful at times!
An emollient to the Mainwaring-Wilson dynamic comes in the shape of Corporal Jones, who cuts through some of the tension with his straightforward, salt-of-the-earth style.
For all the eccentricities and vagaries of the characters, such as Frazer the doom-laden undertaker, and Walker the black-market profiteer, when the crunch comes their loyalty can usually relied upon. This is evident in several touching but underplayed moments throughout the life of the series. When their own interests are threatened, the platoon was at pains to present a united front, particularly in their tussles with Mr Hodges, the grumpy ARP warden.
Even though the series is set around seven decades ago, the themes and emotions examined in "Dad's Army" still resonate today.
Although "Dad's Army" was a comedy, it managed to achieve a balance, in that it did not trivialise war or downplay its horrors. Often the humour served to soften the edges, and was derived from the hardships and upheavals being endured by the populace. Whilst the universal values of idealism, stoicism and patriotism are to the fore, gentle satire and bathos are regularly employed to prevent things becoming excessively trite.
One of the strengths of this sitcom is that it is not permitted to descend into the realms of becoming a rose-tinted account. The tensions of class, bureaucracy and power are explored; normal human frailties against the backdrop of war.
Perhaps the hinge of "Dad's Army" was the sometimes fraught relationship between Captain Mainwaring and Sergeant Wilson. Mainwaring is the classic self-made "chip on the shoulder" type, whose overbearing nature is largely born of insecurity. At times he struggles to conceal his contempt for the languid and often dilettante Wilson, contrasting their social backgrounds with their respective professional and military standing. The sergeant generally responds with gently sarcastic remarks which tend to go completely over Mainwaring's head!
I still think that Arthur Lowe received insufficient credit for his extraordinary performance as Captain Mainwaring. He expertly conveyed the officer's characteristics, and his "physical" comedy skills came in very useful at times!
An emollient to the Mainwaring-Wilson dynamic comes in the shape of Corporal Jones, who cuts through some of the tension with his straightforward, salt-of-the-earth style.
For all the eccentricities and vagaries of the characters, such as Frazer the doom-laden undertaker, and Walker the black-market profiteer, when the crunch comes their loyalty can usually relied upon. This is evident in several touching but underplayed moments throughout the life of the series. When their own interests are threatened, the platoon was at pains to present a united front, particularly in their tussles with Mr Hodges, the grumpy ARP warden.
Even though the series is set around seven decades ago, the themes and emotions examined in "Dad's Army" still resonate today.
Monday, 13 June 2011
2011 Canadian Grand Prix
Yesterday's thrilling and compelling Canadian Grand Prix has restored my enthusiasm for the sport, and helped Formula 1 grab the worldwide headlines for the right reasons, following the recent unseemly saga concerning the Bahrain race. The ebb and flow of competition and the skill and daring of the drivers were once again allowed to flourish, and reminded us anew why we find this sport so intoxicating.
Prior to the weekend, the weather forecasts appeared to promise an element of unpredictability, and the nature of the Montreal circuit invariably makes for thrills and spills. Add in the vagaries of KERS, DRS and tyre strategies, and we were promised drama aplenty, even if Vettel and Red Bull still looked like top dogs.
Much attention has been focussed on Lewis Hamilton's adventurous approach in the early portion of the race, and his exit from it. My own view is that this is merely a case of a racer wanting to race,but feeling slightly frustrated, and I think that the stewards on balance made the correct judgement concerning his collision with Jenson Button in particular. Hopefully in the races to come Lewis will be able to make up places without such drama. He may just need one win to restore his equilibrium. Reports that he heaped fulsome praise on Button after the race would seem to give the lie to some of the wilder rumours circulating about his McLaren future.
This will probably go down as Jenson Button's finest victory to date. Granted, some of the cards fell for him in respect of the weather, pit stops and so on, but he drove like a man possessed in the closing stages, retaining that characteristic calm and focus, capitalising just as others came to grief or encountered problems. His driving has on occasion been likened to that of Alain Prost, and there were echoes here of Estoril in 1987, when Prost forced Gerhard Berger into an error late in the race.
Honourable mentions should also go to Michael Schumacher, Di Resta and Kobayashi for their efforts at various stages of the weekend.
Let us hope that the rest of the F1 season is as entertaining and intriguing as the race in Montreal.
A word also about this weekends superb Le Mans 24 hours , which featured a monumental tussle between Audi and Peugeot, and had one of the closest finishes seen in the classic race for many years. Audi clinched a deserved victory, but my abiding memory will be of the escapes of two of their drivers from huge crashes. Massive credit must go to the designers and engineers, and also to the rule-makers, for helping to ensure that drivers can emerge from such accidents relatively unscathed.
Prior to the weekend, the weather forecasts appeared to promise an element of unpredictability, and the nature of the Montreal circuit invariably makes for thrills and spills. Add in the vagaries of KERS, DRS and tyre strategies, and we were promised drama aplenty, even if Vettel and Red Bull still looked like top dogs.
Much attention has been focussed on Lewis Hamilton's adventurous approach in the early portion of the race, and his exit from it. My own view is that this is merely a case of a racer wanting to race,but feeling slightly frustrated, and I think that the stewards on balance made the correct judgement concerning his collision with Jenson Button in particular. Hopefully in the races to come Lewis will be able to make up places without such drama. He may just need one win to restore his equilibrium. Reports that he heaped fulsome praise on Button after the race would seem to give the lie to some of the wilder rumours circulating about his McLaren future.
This will probably go down as Jenson Button's finest victory to date. Granted, some of the cards fell for him in respect of the weather, pit stops and so on, but he drove like a man possessed in the closing stages, retaining that characteristic calm and focus, capitalising just as others came to grief or encountered problems. His driving has on occasion been likened to that of Alain Prost, and there were echoes here of Estoril in 1987, when Prost forced Gerhard Berger into an error late in the race.
Honourable mentions should also go to Michael Schumacher, Di Resta and Kobayashi for their efforts at various stages of the weekend.
Let us hope that the rest of the F1 season is as entertaining and intriguing as the race in Montreal.
A word also about this weekends superb Le Mans 24 hours , which featured a monumental tussle between Audi and Peugeot, and had one of the closest finishes seen in the classic race for many years. Audi clinched a deserved victory, but my abiding memory will be of the escapes of two of their drivers from huge crashes. Massive credit must go to the designers and engineers, and also to the rule-makers, for helping to ensure that drivers can emerge from such accidents relatively unscathed.
Sunday, 5 June 2011
The Professionals
Well, after blogging on the question of Starsky and Hutch, I have been giving attention to what some regarded as their British equivalent, The Professionals.
It is in fact debatable whether The Professionals can be directly compared to Starsky and Hutch. The former also contained elements of both The Sweeney and James Bond! The characters can be seen to have counterparts in the famous American series. For Starsky read Doyle; sometimes cynical, but idealistic and occasionally volatile. For Hutch read Bodie;the strong, silent type but intensely loyal to his partner.
The plot-lines often seemed like cartoonish, less plausible portrayals of contemporary themes, particularly Cold War espionage, urban guerillas and gangland activity. In fairness some of the topics covered swung a lamp over the future, suggesting the possibility of terrorism by lone fanatics, biological and chemical attacks and the increasing ferocity of drugs gangs.
It is difficult to escape the conclusion that some of the storylines were embellished for shock value, because the reality was a touch too mundane. The social issues (drugs, vice and corruption), however, were handled with some sensitivity and balance.
One amusing aspect of the programme was the way that it placed the British motor industry of the 1970s in a favourable light. No end of Ford Capris and sporty Escorts and Triumphs could be seen whizzing around in the hands of either CI5 themselves or the villains of the piece!
No mobile phones back then, of course! The venerable public call box was much in evidence, and most of the other communication was done via humble walkie-talkies, although we did get the occasional glimpse of futuristic James-Bondesque communications technology.
Looking back at The Professionals, one criticism would be the unconvincing dialogue exchanged between Bodie and Doyle. It seemed contrived and lacking in idealism, hardly the sort of words to come from the mouths of an ex-policeman and a former solider, no matter how elite they had now become.
Based on my recent viewing of some episodes, Lewis Collins emerges with more kudos as an actor than I had previously accorded him. This belies his image as an "action hero".
One thing which the producers achieved was to convey the peculiarly sinister and claustrophobic atmosphere of the London of that time. Leafy suburban streets, urban tower blocks and industrial wastelands provided a gritty backdrop to the action.
It is in fact debatable whether The Professionals can be directly compared to Starsky and Hutch. The former also contained elements of both The Sweeney and James Bond! The characters can be seen to have counterparts in the famous American series. For Starsky read Doyle; sometimes cynical, but idealistic and occasionally volatile. For Hutch read Bodie;the strong, silent type but intensely loyal to his partner.
The plot-lines often seemed like cartoonish, less plausible portrayals of contemporary themes, particularly Cold War espionage, urban guerillas and gangland activity. In fairness some of the topics covered swung a lamp over the future, suggesting the possibility of terrorism by lone fanatics, biological and chemical attacks and the increasing ferocity of drugs gangs.
It is difficult to escape the conclusion that some of the storylines were embellished for shock value, because the reality was a touch too mundane. The social issues (drugs, vice and corruption), however, were handled with some sensitivity and balance.
One amusing aspect of the programme was the way that it placed the British motor industry of the 1970s in a favourable light. No end of Ford Capris and sporty Escorts and Triumphs could be seen whizzing around in the hands of either CI5 themselves or the villains of the piece!
No mobile phones back then, of course! The venerable public call box was much in evidence, and most of the other communication was done via humble walkie-talkies, although we did get the occasional glimpse of futuristic James-Bondesque communications technology.
Looking back at The Professionals, one criticism would be the unconvincing dialogue exchanged between Bodie and Doyle. It seemed contrived and lacking in idealism, hardly the sort of words to come from the mouths of an ex-policeman and a former solider, no matter how elite they had now become.
Based on my recent viewing of some episodes, Lewis Collins emerges with more kudos as an actor than I had previously accorded him. This belies his image as an "action hero".
One thing which the producers achieved was to convey the peculiarly sinister and claustrophobic atmosphere of the London of that time. Leafy suburban streets, urban tower blocks and industrial wastelands provided a gritty backdrop to the action.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)