Adam Buxton’s Big Mixtape

Following on from my earlier post regarding Podcasts etc, I’d just like to point you in the direction of Adam Buxton’s new show on 6Music – Adam Buxton’s Big Mixtape.

A blend of weird & wonderful music and chat, with guests in the studio.

Highly recommended – well worth checking out..

Cheers

Always look on the bright side of life

Now here’s a funny thing…

I’ve always been a huge fan of the film Life Of Brian. It has always been in my ‘Top 5 films of all-time’ list.

My eldest daughter is now 15 years old, so it’s time for her to start watching some of my favourite films (to make up for all the times I had to sit through her favourite films throughout her childhood!). Need to steer away from the 18-certificates for another year or two, but we can get stuck into the 15s.

I decided that a good place to start for her would be Life Of Brian. She’s a smart kid, and would ‘get’ the irony of it, no problem. She’s also got a friend at school who’s really into it,  so she’s already heard a lot of the quotes in the playground.

We sat down to watch it on Saturday night, me full of anticipation that her taste in films was about to change forever. Armed with a box of Roses, we watched the film.

Afterwards, I asked her what she thought of it. Her response: ‘it was ok’. Now here’s the thing – I had to agree with her. I’ve seen that film umpteen times, and can almost quote it word-for-word. But I hadn’t seen it in a couple of years. I think it’s hit a point where it’s finally ’aged’. Can that happen? I have adored this film for all these years, then suddenly I was indifferent towards it. I don’t think I’ve changed, and of course the film hasn’t changed – but something has. Fine wines improve with age, but do they hit a point where they don’t taste too good? Not that there’s necessarily anything wrong with the wine, but our taste in wine may have changed?

I’m scared to watch This Is Spinal Tap again now!

Whatever, it’s not a life or death situation, but it is surprising how time can change your views on something you thought you knew so well.

Psychoville

I did a bad murder

Just a very quick one – been watching Psychoville?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/psychoville/
By the creators of League Of Gentlemen, it has a similar macabre plot and bizarre characters.  Disturbingly funny, and funnily disturbing.
Just seen episode 3, and still not entirely sure what is going on, but I’ve a feeling it will come together very soon.
Do give it a go, I think you’ll like it. Catch up on iPlayer before it’s too late!!

I know what you did……

The Benefits Office

Started another blog with my a-steamed friends Talcy and Bingo. You can find it at http://benefitsoffice.wordpress.com
Not much on there at the mo, but keep an eye on it.

Ta

Fashion Tips for the Over-40s

Having recently turned 40, signalling the beginning of life, I’ve realised that there comes a time in a chap’s life when he has to evaluate his wardrobe situation.

A few weeks ago I was getting ready to go out for dinner with Tash (a rare occurrence since baby arrived!). All I could find to wear were jeans and t-shirts (mostly with something garish printed on the front). I tried a few on and they all looked terrible (for a restaurant situation). I think maybe I’m too old to wear t-shirts now?

I have to dress smartly for work, not a full suit and tie, but smart trousers\shoes and shirt. I feel comfortable in my work shirts, they seem to fit me properly, whereas my t-shirts don’t. Maybe it’s that I’m carrying a bit of weight these days – if I’m honest, I’m carrying more weight than I ever have. If I could shift a stone or two, the t-shirts would probably look and feel better. That still doesn’t account for the style of t-shirt, as plain as possible has to be the way to go, and definitely no brazen logos or cartoon characters!

I suppose a good compromise is the ‘polo shirt’. The casual look and feel of a t-shirt, but with a collar (always to be worn down, never up!). I’ll treat myself to some new shirts and polo shirts I think.

 Btw- thanks to everyone who bought me a t-shirt for my 40th, I got seven

That brings me on to the trouser\shoes department. Jeans and trainers are fine I think, for most situations. In fact I think there is a style of jeans for every situation. ‘Smart’ trousers are no good for casual wear, and please shoot me if I wear Chinos. So jeans it is. Nice dark denim (blue or black), is good enough for a semi-smart environment. Trainers are mostly fine too I think. I tend to favour old-skool (sic) Adidas trainers, that’s just my thing (they go great with the aforementioned polo shirts – Fred Perry of course). I have some Converse All-Stars too, but don’t wear them too often. It is quite nice to wear smart shoes on the weekend too, they can look good in combination with the right jeans.

Jackets. I’ve got quite a few jackets, mostly short ‘blouson’ type jackets, in various colours. They’re fine, no problem. For a change, I like to wear a smart jacket (usually left over from a suit where the trousers have rotted!). Yes, a suit jacket can look good with jeans.

So, in summary – a nice pair of jeans with smart shoes. A polo shirt and ‘suit’ jacket is the style for me from now on.

Hang on a minute – fuckin ell, I’m turning into Jeremy Clarkson!!

I’m off to change back into my baggy combats, CK T-shirt and Adidas Gazelles.

That was close.

Thanks for listening.