A variety of scenes from one day is a title inspired by the late evening film on DVD Scenes of a sexual nature, which stared Ewan McGregor. Catherine Tate, Gina Mckee, Hugh Bonnerville, Eileen Atkins, Adrian Lester and Holly Aird among, a non erotic epic low budget independent film shot over two weeks on Hampstead Heath and Kenwood and self distributed although the DVD was distributed by Sony. More on the film and how it was made later.
The first interesting and enjoyable experience of the day was to hear John le Carre, his pen name of course, speaking about his real life, on the day his latest book is published. I have enjoyed his books and the films and TV dramas made from them as they possess that rare quality of a believable story, believable character, and understanding of politics and international relations as mostly a dirty or hazy grey. I have six of his books, the latest The Mission Song and the Constant gardener, the latter made into a film and the former about someone with a priest missionary as a father. I also have two of Smiley Books Smiley's People and Tinker Taylor Soldier Spy. And also the Russia House and the Honourable Schoolboy. The Smiley TV Dramas were brilliant starring Alec Guinness and the Tailor of Panama which I thought was Graham Greene until checking an realised it was inspired by Greene's Our Man in Havana. I also know or at least I think l I know A small Town in Germany and the Looking Glass war but will need to confirm this another day
David John Moore Cornwall grew up in difficult but prosperous circumstances being sent to established boarding schools, St Andrews Preparatory and Sherburne, Lincoln College Oxford and Berne after which he entered the British Foreign Service and was recruited by MI5, whose cover was first blown to the Russians by Philby and then by MI5 after his the success of his third book, the Spy who came in from the Cold, which also made into a great film staring Richard Burton. His father was constant resident of Her Majesty's institutions and his mother walked out of the marriage early on and he had no contact with her until the age of 21. He spoke movingly of the great hope for the world with the fall of the Berlin Wall and the disillusionment since which ahs lead to an angry tone to his latter writing.
It was also day when International Relations was a major concern at the Labour Part Conference. While the main focus of Chancellor Alistair Darling was the impact of the global financial crisis, the rise in energy costs and in food on the domestic economy and those the worst affected.. His contribution was a sombre explanation rather than a Political Party rallying call. Designed to bring stability and confidence to the markets. Confirming that the British economy was soundly based and that the Prime Minister was the right person to engage in taking measures to resolve the problems internationally while also adopting measures at home to stop the worst aspects of the financial free for all unleashed by Margaret Thatcher and taken up with some enthusiasm by New Labour (the latter he forgot to mention). I hope the conference will demand a windfall tax on the energy companies tomorrow although the government will argue that the billion obtained from them for measures such as insulation is more constructive as it reduces consumption. The argument of companies is that the profits are required for investment but as Frank Field pointed out there is no evidence that this money has been used for this purpose as the company i.e. financial investment by borrowing. Everyone borrows and pays the interests (The great boom in buying property to rent was because the rent paid for the interests and property upkeep and he profit came as the property value increased) However Frank was believe that the Chancellor was proposing to stop the worst excesses although how anyone can now control the bonuses being paid.
In early afternoon it was the turn of South Shields Member of Parliament David Miliband. Few can quarrel with his overview of British action internationally, supported by the Minister for Overseas Development and the Minister for defence as part of the debate on the Party Document Britain in the World. There are two discussion going on at Conference the united behind Gordon brown, lets not overlook our achievement and apologise for our mistakes unit but you can trust and rely on us rather than the conservative devil that you know argument, and the who will replace Gordon brown when he goes, not his week, but likely if the by election loses or there is no improvement in polls as a consequence of the two main Party conference. The Approach of David Miliband was to express loyalty and praise the role of the Prime Minister but also to give the kind of speech which said I am here and ready to be your leader if the need arises. I was more impressed than expected but still feel he lacks the charisma and background to convince the rank and file fop the party as well as the country in general. I also strong believe the next leader should be female.
Here are my notes for the early part of the day.
08.29 Why does the Microsoft Works Word Processor open towards the end of the list of type faces?. 08.33 What is that continuous rolling noise outside?
08.15ish decide to get out of bed after lots of wakings and dreams since going up to bed and sleep after 0.2. Go to bathroom and question why there was need for a two steps before bathroom and it was not built on the one level? Make coffee and remember that both printers do not work. Why?
08.36 Rolling noise stops and open games programme, selecting Spider Solitaire and play short game which ends quickly 433 of 489 at 88% close by mistake so move to Hearts
08.40 Open Hearts short game and need two rounds to win with 36 points closest is opponent is 53 game 548 win of 1364 and confirm last night's move to 40%, then concentrate rest of day on Spider and Chess.
08.45 Rumbling noise continues play Spider a still thinking about various things. Play another short version 434 of 490 and move on to standard game.
08.47 I have the feeling I need to try different moves and this game is not going to work out and it does not after one working back so I end and try again after putting the bin out.
08.59 Have put bin out the rumbling of a motor of some kind noise that of a moving vehicle though. Decide to keep half full supermarket bag of rubbish which I keep on hook by kitchen door rather than use new black waste bag, and decide to leave washing up, time for Football First on Sky and the Man City game with Portsmouth after their mid week their first games in Europe midweek. The new Chairman and the former owner in the Director's box., Portsmouth have the best of opening minutes in this extended recording. There are lots of empty seats which later realise are blue shorted spectators !
09.08 Robinho shoots well from around 25 five yards and goal keeper put ball round corner for penalty after three minutes.
09.09 Robinho and Wright Phillips working well together and appear to have been given freedom to play as they wish.
09.10 Portsmouth try long ball for fifth or sixth time and nearly created a scoring opportunity for first time. Fancy toast but delay.
09.12 Pompey chimes are heard. Robinho to Shaun Wright Phillips great vision and weight of pass and goal keeper has to save. Stadium has filled.
09.14 Wright Phillips with cross but no one to take.
09.15 Robinho passes to fellow Brazilian Jo who side steps advancing goal keeper and scores into the open net, They perform samba at side lines. 1.0 City.
09.16 Robinho magic footwork for first time after long ball and moves ball to centre for Jo but defence stops strike. Earlier shot of new Chairman pleased with goal
09.18 Corner and poor defence results in Richard Dunn scoring second goal on this 29th birthday. 2.0 City, No one on post and goal keeper reacts late. Harry Rednapp not pleased. City fans are in wonderland
09.20 Portsmouth have first good chance. And Portsmouth make change of players.
09.21 Robinho has long shot after Ireland in midfield creates situation.
09.22 Ireland to Shaun Wright Phillips passes and creates corner.
09.24 Great moves started by Ireland and Robinho shows his skill to win ball on by line and turn and shoot. 10-12 minute spell of holding situation at 2.0.
09.25 Portsmouth near score after commentators warning of dangers of show boating than scoring.
09.28 First half comes an end. Portsmouth still trying to get goal back.
09.36 second half begins Portsmouth has chance. Made toast will butter now and have sent early morn text confirmation I am here for another day
09.38 Ireland to Jo to Robinho unmarked and scores second goal in successive home games City 3.30 after Portsmouth opening efforts.
09.40 Ireland to Shaun Wright Phillips and he moved in from side and score across goal mouth Brilliant finish. 4.0 game over. First goal at stadium since 2005 and going to Chelsea. Quarter of game left. Portsmouth in panic. City fans in ecstasy
09.53 Shocking clearance by James and City nearly sore 5th.
09.44 Jo departs and replaced by young Evans. Ireland goes forward to try and score himself. Maintained level of performance throughout.
09.48 Passage where city shows they keep the ball with succession passes around midfield.
09.45 Standing ovation fro Steve Ireland
09.49 Manchester City decide to try and score another. O9.50 series of brilliant moves with back flips of Robinho and Shaun Wright Phillips . Evans scores for goal and City 5.0 ten minutes to go.
09.53 Portsmouth nearly give sixth goal.
09.55 Fernandez makes it six after pass from Shaun Wright Phillips and other passes. 83rd minute.
09.57 Portsmouth in disarray at back facing attack upon attack. Evans great strike.
09.59 Wright Phillips has four players trying to stop him and gets by at 89th minute. 3 mins extra time. City win free kick near penalty area. Over wall and over goal. Game ends City 6.0
10.02 Fantastic perfect day movement and drive. Harry never seen his team give away so many bad games Abysmal defending. Hughes set the standard today for the future if not better. Harry we will watch the video time and time again we cannot play like that again. Biggest win in forty years for city in the top flight.
10.06 Take dishes to kitchen, spread to fridge and then play chess while waiting for comments on game from Sky.
10.07 Short game takes wins to 93 from 97 96% and run of 21 at level three, best run 41 games so far.
10.08 Play standard game
1 PK4 P-QB4; 2 P-KB4 P-Q4; 3 P-K5 Kt-Q2; 4)P-QB3 5)P- KKt4; 6)P-Q3 Q-QB3; &) P-Q4 Q-QR4; 8)QB- Q2 P x P KB5; 90 B x P P x P: 10) Q-Q2 P x P ; 11) Kt X P KB-P3; 12) P xP PXP; 13) Kt -B3 Kt-K2; 14)P QR3 P-PQB4; 15) P-Kt4 ? ; 16) B-K3 P-Q5: 17) B x P Q QR3) 18) B X P Q K3 ch: 19) Q-K3 Q-B2; 20) PK3 P x kR4: 21) P-KR4 B-Kkt: 21)
10.38 Win game after computer makes bad move. Decide not to continue notation as lengthens play too long and nothing good about performance.
10.39 play Spider
10.47 win game 125 moves core 1118 play again
10.53 win game 116 moves play chess dislike opening response of black but make quick pawn gain which black should have cancelled but as consequence I am able to gain a knight and secure an attacking pawn position for later if required
11,00 Computer falls into trap and I am able to checkmate from high pawn position having exchanged queens. Time to complete yesterday writings after checking email.
1
1.47 Completed writing and uploaded as Blog 503 and then take in the start of the Politics Show at the Labour Party Conference 11.30. David Miliband at Conference fringe for pushing the cause of those aged 20 to 40.
12.00 Labour conference watch and continued before speech by Chancellor and play and win Hearts.
12.50 The Chancellors speech was one of explanation, confidence and proposed action to create stability and bring to an end the way the financial institutions had had unlimited and unfettered power since Thatcher which they have used not for the interests of the economy or the general public in the UK but to line their own pockets. There was also a discussion in studio on energy where Frank Field pushed the case for a windfall tax on energy companies because there is no evidence they have used their excessive profits on investments, borrowing money in the market to do this in order to maintain profit levels to shareholders and bonuses.
The second issue covered is Foreign affairs with David Miliband talking to conference this afternoon, which is likely to include covering the roles in Iraq and Afghanistan, Zimbabwe and Georgia, peace Israeli Arab conflict.
15,00 I made and enjoyed a sit fry using a chopped red pepper, some already chopped runner beans, half a packet of small carrots chopped further, the rest of the packet of chopped onions, half the roast chicken from yesterday, some Thai noodles microwaved for two minutes and some Thai spicy sauce in packet. It was a wholesome portion with the consequence that I needed to rest and slept waking towards the end of the speech of the Foreign secretary. Time to for washing up and cup of tea, E mail announces that replacement cartridges are being posted. I looked out for the speech later in the day and listened to the evening repeat.
I then spent four mostly frustrating hours trying to sort out the printers to have one workable. I tried the Multi printer but it still would not take the IJT cartridges and then the one purchased on Saturday as part of the cheap set locally. However later on in desperation I swopped all six for the local ones and it still not work rejecting the black so I changed the black back and so far it has printed OK. I tried various things with the second 900 printer but could not correct the smudging denied realigning and various other moves. I have not found a solution to the changing lights on the other but think this means a service is required. Do I spent £25 to save £25 of cartridges? I must check out the free c42 or 45 which I got from IJT as it is useful to have a working standby
.
And so to the film with a title that will put more people off than it will attract. This is Ed Blums first film venture which cost just over a quarter of a million pounds and obeyed the rules for the independent low budget film. having one location, Hampstead Health and Kenwood, asking he actors to attend for filming for just two or three days., organised the shoot over two weeks, paying basic equity rates but offering the investors 50% of any profits and the cast and crew /production team the remaining 50% by deciding to self distribute to some 40 selected cinema locations including Vue Odeon and Cineworld. In some way the film about the making of the film and the way the film was made and distribution is what gives it the edge over other similar low budget film projects, together with attracting some of the best British and familiar actors of the day. The trick was to have a brilliant and at times witty script always acute in its observations about human relationships and behaviour in a public place.
I have only had limited experience of Hampstead Health and Kenwood. Once after I had been to prison I had a female friend from the CND Committee of 100 world who lived in the most expensive area of Hampstead and we went for a walk on the health in the early 1960's and then in the late sixties I made a visit to Kenwood. I gained a sense of a vast and diverse area as is also the two major parks in central London, Hyde and Regents Park and which is something like I have gathered Central Park in New York. I can understand why people go to parks in the midst of cities of if they do not have gardens, or there are special facilities such as for children, but is one wants space and view than I have always liked something on the grander and wilder scale which makes living in the North East such as treat with the Lakes, the Scottish Borders, the vast countryside, forest Lake and coast of Northumberland, The Yorkshire Moors and the Durham countryside and Pennine approaches such a joy, as one can travel and walk within a day. The viewed of the park by Catherine Tate writer Aschin Ditta and Ed Blum is that he park is a place of drama, sexually charged, and full of people with agendas which are more than enjoying a sunny day. Given the summers of the past two years and the tight shooting schedule there was the amazing good fortune of two very warm and sunny days.
This is the film of scenes which are not connected other than the broad the film of issue and love and sex although it is more about being an observer perhaps sitting on a bench and speculating about the lives of those within ones vision or walking through, wondering why they are there, what kind of lives do they have and what will happen when you and they depart. It is the writer's perception before the era of reality TV and Internet when everyone is queuing up to be themselves, their most darkest and silliest of selves before anyone anywhere anytime who cares to watch. The Heath with its views across London provides a visual treat for those who not have the kind of views available here in the North East, in Ireland, Wales, Scotland or in other parts of the world to experience. There are some good lines which I wish I could remember Eileen Atkins, plays a widow, who has been sitting on the same bench once a week for some fifty years including throughout her long married life of forty three years. She came to remember what might have been had she been able to marry the young man she met on this spot as a teenager. Either she or the young man was already engaged. Eddie, also a widow, played by Benjamin Whitlow also comes to this bench on a different day to remember and celebrate the life with his wife. As a result of one making the mistake about he day and getting into conversation they realise that they were teenagers who met, became infatuated and subsequently speculated about what might have been during the difficult and everyday times of their respective relationships. However confronted with what has been a fantasy they realise that there was more to their respective marriages than previously appreciated. Eileen decides that she will spend her Wednesday in future visiting he graveside of her former husband. Eddie suggest that they meet again but his suggestion is half hearted. Perhaps they have nothing in common that the attractions and memory of a youthful infatuation even in the their respective lonely worlds. Perhaps there is a bond which will be of some comfort in the future.
Gina McKee is on a blind date at the age of (41) with Hugh Bonneville (43). She brings a rug and he the picnic basket with wine. There is also the clumsiness tension hope and uncertainty capture in their brief meeting and one moment they express their contentment at not having children and criticism of what their friends who are parents have become and the next they are both admitting they wish they had a child or two. However whereas Gina is interested in what she feels is last chance saloon, Hugh decides she is not for him and disappears as fast as his legs will carry him. The film begins with a married couple enjoying the sun. The wife is reading about multiple orgasms which the husband says is always made up. He notices a young woman should her knickers which are more like those of Bridget Jones than what the title of the film might lead one to expect. When the husband (Adrian Lincoln) takes a secretive interest and is noticed by his wife Holly Aird she not only lays into him but when he fabricates an account about the book the French girl is reading Camus' L'Etranger played by the vampish Eglantine Remabuville-Nicole, she creates a scene calling her husband a pervert and telling the girl to be more careful about showing off her underwear. When the wife goes off in a huff the girl offers to give the man another look.
Anna Sophie Atkins is a young disturbed woman prone to mood swings and rows with her boyfriend and then gets into conversation and then encounters another young man who tries to into conversation with a girl friend relationship in the fullness of time and is shocked when one minute she says she wants sex there and then and the next rushes off. His experience does form rebuff to another. Ewan McGregor plays the young gay in a 15 year relationship who cannot resist anything in trousers or in this instances shorts that takes his fancy in the Men only area of the Parkland. He then says he wants a child and his older partner Douglas Hodge to give up work to look after the child to create a normal sense of family life and stability
Catherine Tate with Adrian Lester were passionate lovers who made the mistake of marrying. They met with their seven year old daughter to mark the arrival of the divorce absolute after not seeing each other for sometime. Although they both claim to be happy in their separate lives it is evident they want each other physically as much as ever.
Mark Strong and Polly Walker met and discuss family affairs and a holiday but it becomes evident that the girl is an escort and that he pays for her time.
The fact that the stories are not linked ads to sense of truth and reality but it is not clear what is the purpose of the film other than t make the point that things are never what they appear to be especially in a park on a bright Summers day. I remember a BBC biography documentary about 24 hours in a London park which covered a lot of the same ground within an hour and was more effective.
The first interesting and enjoyable experience of the day was to hear John le Carre, his pen name of course, speaking about his real life, on the day his latest book is published. I have enjoyed his books and the films and TV dramas made from them as they possess that rare quality of a believable story, believable character, and understanding of politics and international relations as mostly a dirty or hazy grey. I have six of his books, the latest The Mission Song and the Constant gardener, the latter made into a film and the former about someone with a priest missionary as a father. I also have two of Smiley Books Smiley's People and Tinker Taylor Soldier Spy. And also the Russia House and the Honourable Schoolboy. The Smiley TV Dramas were brilliant starring Alec Guinness and the Tailor of Panama which I thought was Graham Greene until checking an realised it was inspired by Greene's Our Man in Havana. I also know or at least I think l I know A small Town in Germany and the Looking Glass war but will need to confirm this another day
David John Moore Cornwall grew up in difficult but prosperous circumstances being sent to established boarding schools, St Andrews Preparatory and Sherburne, Lincoln College Oxford and Berne after which he entered the British Foreign Service and was recruited by MI5, whose cover was first blown to the Russians by Philby and then by MI5 after his the success of his third book, the Spy who came in from the Cold, which also made into a great film staring Richard Burton. His father was constant resident of Her Majesty's institutions and his mother walked out of the marriage early on and he had no contact with her until the age of 21. He spoke movingly of the great hope for the world with the fall of the Berlin Wall and the disillusionment since which ahs lead to an angry tone to his latter writing.
It was also day when International Relations was a major concern at the Labour Part Conference. While the main focus of Chancellor Alistair Darling was the impact of the global financial crisis, the rise in energy costs and in food on the domestic economy and those the worst affected.. His contribution was a sombre explanation rather than a Political Party rallying call. Designed to bring stability and confidence to the markets. Confirming that the British economy was soundly based and that the Prime Minister was the right person to engage in taking measures to resolve the problems internationally while also adopting measures at home to stop the worst aspects of the financial free for all unleashed by Margaret Thatcher and taken up with some enthusiasm by New Labour (the latter he forgot to mention). I hope the conference will demand a windfall tax on the energy companies tomorrow although the government will argue that the billion obtained from them for measures such as insulation is more constructive as it reduces consumption. The argument of companies is that the profits are required for investment but as Frank Field pointed out there is no evidence that this money has been used for this purpose as the company i.e. financial investment by borrowing. Everyone borrows and pays the interests (The great boom in buying property to rent was because the rent paid for the interests and property upkeep and he profit came as the property value increased) However Frank was believe that the Chancellor was proposing to stop the worst excesses although how anyone can now control the bonuses being paid.
In early afternoon it was the turn of South Shields Member of Parliament David Miliband. Few can quarrel with his overview of British action internationally, supported by the Minister for Overseas Development and the Minister for defence as part of the debate on the Party Document Britain in the World. There are two discussion going on at Conference the united behind Gordon brown, lets not overlook our achievement and apologise for our mistakes unit but you can trust and rely on us rather than the conservative devil that you know argument, and the who will replace Gordon brown when he goes, not his week, but likely if the by election loses or there is no improvement in polls as a consequence of the two main Party conference. The Approach of David Miliband was to express loyalty and praise the role of the Prime Minister but also to give the kind of speech which said I am here and ready to be your leader if the need arises. I was more impressed than expected but still feel he lacks the charisma and background to convince the rank and file fop the party as well as the country in general. I also strong believe the next leader should be female.
Here are my notes for the early part of the day.
08.29 Why does the Microsoft Works Word Processor open towards the end of the list of type faces?. 08.33 What is that continuous rolling noise outside?
08.15ish decide to get out of bed after lots of wakings and dreams since going up to bed and sleep after 0.2. Go to bathroom and question why there was need for a two steps before bathroom and it was not built on the one level? Make coffee and remember that both printers do not work. Why?
08.36 Rolling noise stops and open games programme, selecting Spider Solitaire and play short game which ends quickly 433 of 489 at 88% close by mistake so move to Hearts
08.40 Open Hearts short game and need two rounds to win with 36 points closest is opponent is 53 game 548 win of 1364 and confirm last night's move to 40%, then concentrate rest of day on Spider and Chess.
08.45 Rumbling noise continues play Spider a still thinking about various things. Play another short version 434 of 490 and move on to standard game.
08.47 I have the feeling I need to try different moves and this game is not going to work out and it does not after one working back so I end and try again after putting the bin out.
08.59 Have put bin out the rumbling of a motor of some kind noise that of a moving vehicle though. Decide to keep half full supermarket bag of rubbish which I keep on hook by kitchen door rather than use new black waste bag, and decide to leave washing up, time for Football First on Sky and the Man City game with Portsmouth after their mid week their first games in Europe midweek. The new Chairman and the former owner in the Director's box., Portsmouth have the best of opening minutes in this extended recording. There are lots of empty seats which later realise are blue shorted spectators !
09.08 Robinho shoots well from around 25 five yards and goal keeper put ball round corner for penalty after three minutes.
09.09 Robinho and Wright Phillips working well together and appear to have been given freedom to play as they wish.
09.10 Portsmouth try long ball for fifth or sixth time and nearly created a scoring opportunity for first time. Fancy toast but delay.
09.12 Pompey chimes are heard. Robinho to Shaun Wright Phillips great vision and weight of pass and goal keeper has to save. Stadium has filled.
09.14 Wright Phillips with cross but no one to take.
09.15 Robinho passes to fellow Brazilian Jo who side steps advancing goal keeper and scores into the open net, They perform samba at side lines. 1.0 City.
09.16 Robinho magic footwork for first time after long ball and moves ball to centre for Jo but defence stops strike. Earlier shot of new Chairman pleased with goal
09.18 Corner and poor defence results in Richard Dunn scoring second goal on this 29th birthday. 2.0 City, No one on post and goal keeper reacts late. Harry Rednapp not pleased. City fans are in wonderland
09.20 Portsmouth have first good chance. And Portsmouth make change of players.
09.21 Robinho has long shot after Ireland in midfield creates situation.
09.22 Ireland to Shaun Wright Phillips passes and creates corner.
09.24 Great moves started by Ireland and Robinho shows his skill to win ball on by line and turn and shoot. 10-12 minute spell of holding situation at 2.0.
09.25 Portsmouth near score after commentators warning of dangers of show boating than scoring.
09.28 First half comes an end. Portsmouth still trying to get goal back.
09.36 second half begins Portsmouth has chance. Made toast will butter now and have sent early morn text confirmation I am here for another day
09.38 Ireland to Jo to Robinho unmarked and scores second goal in successive home games City 3.30 after Portsmouth opening efforts.
09.40 Ireland to Shaun Wright Phillips and he moved in from side and score across goal mouth Brilliant finish. 4.0 game over. First goal at stadium since 2005 and going to Chelsea. Quarter of game left. Portsmouth in panic. City fans in ecstasy
09.53 Shocking clearance by James and City nearly sore 5th.
09.44 Jo departs and replaced by young Evans. Ireland goes forward to try and score himself. Maintained level of performance throughout.
09.48 Passage where city shows they keep the ball with succession passes around midfield.
09.45 Standing ovation fro Steve Ireland
09.49 Manchester City decide to try and score another. O9.50 series of brilliant moves with back flips of Robinho and Shaun Wright Phillips . Evans scores for goal and City 5.0 ten minutes to go.
09.53 Portsmouth nearly give sixth goal.
09.55 Fernandez makes it six after pass from Shaun Wright Phillips and other passes. 83rd minute.
09.57 Portsmouth in disarray at back facing attack upon attack. Evans great strike.
09.59 Wright Phillips has four players trying to stop him and gets by at 89th minute. 3 mins extra time. City win free kick near penalty area. Over wall and over goal. Game ends City 6.0
10.02 Fantastic perfect day movement and drive. Harry never seen his team give away so many bad games Abysmal defending. Hughes set the standard today for the future if not better. Harry we will watch the video time and time again we cannot play like that again. Biggest win in forty years for city in the top flight.
10.06 Take dishes to kitchen, spread to fridge and then play chess while waiting for comments on game from Sky.
10.07 Short game takes wins to 93 from 97 96% and run of 21 at level three, best run 41 games so far.
10.08 Play standard game
1 PK4 P-QB4; 2 P-KB4 P-Q4; 3 P-K5 Kt-Q2; 4)P-QB3 5)P- KKt4; 6)P-Q3 Q-QB3; &) P-Q4 Q-QR4; 8)QB- Q2 P x P KB5; 90 B x P P x P: 10) Q-Q2 P x P ; 11) Kt X P KB-P3; 12) P xP PXP; 13) Kt -B3 Kt-K2; 14)P QR3 P-PQB4; 15) P-Kt4 ? ; 16) B-K3 P-Q5: 17) B x P Q QR3) 18) B X P Q K3 ch: 19) Q-K3 Q-B2; 20) PK3 P x kR4: 21) P-KR4 B-Kkt: 21)
10.38 Win game after computer makes bad move. Decide not to continue notation as lengthens play too long and nothing good about performance.
10.39 play Spider
10.47 win game 125 moves core 1118 play again
10.53 win game 116 moves play chess dislike opening response of black but make quick pawn gain which black should have cancelled but as consequence I am able to gain a knight and secure an attacking pawn position for later if required
11,00 Computer falls into trap and I am able to checkmate from high pawn position having exchanged queens. Time to complete yesterday writings after checking email.
1
1.47 Completed writing and uploaded as Blog 503 and then take in the start of the Politics Show at the Labour Party Conference 11.30. David Miliband at Conference fringe for pushing the cause of those aged 20 to 40.
12.00 Labour conference watch and continued before speech by Chancellor and play and win Hearts.
12.50 The Chancellors speech was one of explanation, confidence and proposed action to create stability and bring to an end the way the financial institutions had had unlimited and unfettered power since Thatcher which they have used not for the interests of the economy or the general public in the UK but to line their own pockets. There was also a discussion in studio on energy where Frank Field pushed the case for a windfall tax on energy companies because there is no evidence they have used their excessive profits on investments, borrowing money in the market to do this in order to maintain profit levels to shareholders and bonuses.
The second issue covered is Foreign affairs with David Miliband talking to conference this afternoon, which is likely to include covering the roles in Iraq and Afghanistan, Zimbabwe and Georgia, peace Israeli Arab conflict.
15,00 I made and enjoyed a sit fry using a chopped red pepper, some already chopped runner beans, half a packet of small carrots chopped further, the rest of the packet of chopped onions, half the roast chicken from yesterday, some Thai noodles microwaved for two minutes and some Thai spicy sauce in packet. It was a wholesome portion with the consequence that I needed to rest and slept waking towards the end of the speech of the Foreign secretary. Time to for washing up and cup of tea, E mail announces that replacement cartridges are being posted. I looked out for the speech later in the day and listened to the evening repeat.
I then spent four mostly frustrating hours trying to sort out the printers to have one workable. I tried the Multi printer but it still would not take the IJT cartridges and then the one purchased on Saturday as part of the cheap set locally. However later on in desperation I swopped all six for the local ones and it still not work rejecting the black so I changed the black back and so far it has printed OK. I tried various things with the second 900 printer but could not correct the smudging denied realigning and various other moves. I have not found a solution to the changing lights on the other but think this means a service is required. Do I spent £25 to save £25 of cartridges? I must check out the free c42 or 45 which I got from IJT as it is useful to have a working standby
.
And so to the film with a title that will put more people off than it will attract. This is Ed Blums first film venture which cost just over a quarter of a million pounds and obeyed the rules for the independent low budget film. having one location, Hampstead Health and Kenwood, asking he actors to attend for filming for just two or three days., organised the shoot over two weeks, paying basic equity rates but offering the investors 50% of any profits and the cast and crew /production team the remaining 50% by deciding to self distribute to some 40 selected cinema locations including Vue Odeon and Cineworld. In some way the film about the making of the film and the way the film was made and distribution is what gives it the edge over other similar low budget film projects, together with attracting some of the best British and familiar actors of the day. The trick was to have a brilliant and at times witty script always acute in its observations about human relationships and behaviour in a public place.
I have only had limited experience of Hampstead Health and Kenwood. Once after I had been to prison I had a female friend from the CND Committee of 100 world who lived in the most expensive area of Hampstead and we went for a walk on the health in the early 1960's and then in the late sixties I made a visit to Kenwood. I gained a sense of a vast and diverse area as is also the two major parks in central London, Hyde and Regents Park and which is something like I have gathered Central Park in New York. I can understand why people go to parks in the midst of cities of if they do not have gardens, or there are special facilities such as for children, but is one wants space and view than I have always liked something on the grander and wilder scale which makes living in the North East such as treat with the Lakes, the Scottish Borders, the vast countryside, forest Lake and coast of Northumberland, The Yorkshire Moors and the Durham countryside and Pennine approaches such a joy, as one can travel and walk within a day. The viewed of the park by Catherine Tate writer Aschin Ditta and Ed Blum is that he park is a place of drama, sexually charged, and full of people with agendas which are more than enjoying a sunny day. Given the summers of the past two years and the tight shooting schedule there was the amazing good fortune of two very warm and sunny days.
This is the film of scenes which are not connected other than the broad the film of issue and love and sex although it is more about being an observer perhaps sitting on a bench and speculating about the lives of those within ones vision or walking through, wondering why they are there, what kind of lives do they have and what will happen when you and they depart. It is the writer's perception before the era of reality TV and Internet when everyone is queuing up to be themselves, their most darkest and silliest of selves before anyone anywhere anytime who cares to watch. The Heath with its views across London provides a visual treat for those who not have the kind of views available here in the North East, in Ireland, Wales, Scotland or in other parts of the world to experience. There are some good lines which I wish I could remember Eileen Atkins, plays a widow, who has been sitting on the same bench once a week for some fifty years including throughout her long married life of forty three years. She came to remember what might have been had she been able to marry the young man she met on this spot as a teenager. Either she or the young man was already engaged. Eddie, also a widow, played by Benjamin Whitlow also comes to this bench on a different day to remember and celebrate the life with his wife. As a result of one making the mistake about he day and getting into conversation they realise that they were teenagers who met, became infatuated and subsequently speculated about what might have been during the difficult and everyday times of their respective relationships. However confronted with what has been a fantasy they realise that there was more to their respective marriages than previously appreciated. Eileen decides that she will spend her Wednesday in future visiting he graveside of her former husband. Eddie suggest that they meet again but his suggestion is half hearted. Perhaps they have nothing in common that the attractions and memory of a youthful infatuation even in the their respective lonely worlds. Perhaps there is a bond which will be of some comfort in the future.
Gina McKee is on a blind date at the age of (41) with Hugh Bonneville (43). She brings a rug and he the picnic basket with wine. There is also the clumsiness tension hope and uncertainty capture in their brief meeting and one moment they express their contentment at not having children and criticism of what their friends who are parents have become and the next they are both admitting they wish they had a child or two. However whereas Gina is interested in what she feels is last chance saloon, Hugh decides she is not for him and disappears as fast as his legs will carry him. The film begins with a married couple enjoying the sun. The wife is reading about multiple orgasms which the husband says is always made up. He notices a young woman should her knickers which are more like those of Bridget Jones than what the title of the film might lead one to expect. When the husband (Adrian Lincoln) takes a secretive interest and is noticed by his wife Holly Aird she not only lays into him but when he fabricates an account about the book the French girl is reading Camus' L'Etranger played by the vampish Eglantine Remabuville-Nicole, she creates a scene calling her husband a pervert and telling the girl to be more careful about showing off her underwear. When the wife goes off in a huff the girl offers to give the man another look.
Anna Sophie Atkins is a young disturbed woman prone to mood swings and rows with her boyfriend and then gets into conversation and then encounters another young man who tries to into conversation with a girl friend relationship in the fullness of time and is shocked when one minute she says she wants sex there and then and the next rushes off. His experience does form rebuff to another. Ewan McGregor plays the young gay in a 15 year relationship who cannot resist anything in trousers or in this instances shorts that takes his fancy in the Men only area of the Parkland. He then says he wants a child and his older partner Douglas Hodge to give up work to look after the child to create a normal sense of family life and stability
Catherine Tate with Adrian Lester were passionate lovers who made the mistake of marrying. They met with their seven year old daughter to mark the arrival of the divorce absolute after not seeing each other for sometime. Although they both claim to be happy in their separate lives it is evident they want each other physically as much as ever.
Mark Strong and Polly Walker met and discuss family affairs and a holiday but it becomes evident that the girl is an escort and that he pays for her time.
The fact that the stories are not linked ads to sense of truth and reality but it is not clear what is the purpose of the film other than t make the point that things are never what they appear to be especially in a park on a bright Summers day. I remember a BBC biography documentary about 24 hours in a London park which covered a lot of the same ground within an hour and was more effective.
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