Greetings boys and girls. So I’m pleased to report that this year’s birthday – see previous post – turned out to be a particularly good one. One reason for this was the plethora of completely spot-on birthday presents, amongst which was the double DVD re-issue of Ken Russell‘s 1971 masterpiece The Devils. Generally thought of as his finest work, and definitely a cinematic landmark, albeit one which was cut to pieces by film censors at the time of it’s release. Anyway, this is as complete a version as we’re ever likely to see.
To the uninitiated, it concerns the supposed demonic possession of a convent of nuns in 17th Century Loudon, France, and how this was used to assist political chicanery. Fast & Furious 2 this isn’t. pop-kids. I saw it described once as being essentially about completely bonkers, vengeful women. Well, simplistic though that description may be, it’s hard to disagree – two women can’t get what they want out of Oliver Reed and set about doing their worst. And their worst is pretty bad as it turns out. Yep, Vanessa Redgrave and Georgina Hale turn in two of the finest BVW performances in cinema history. I won’t spoil the ending for y’all but it’s not exactly a Hollywood one.

And lo, it came to pass that today is that most holy of all the holy festivals: My Birthday. Devotional festivities are well underway as we speak, with some fine gifts carried from afar and a handsome birthday cake of chocolate made. Behold The Cake. There will be a ceremonial taking of the holy elixirs later on today, and it is my duty to imbibe many of these sacramental brews as is humanly possible. Apparently. Who am I to go against such ancient sacred rituals? So mote it be. Now, let us all join hands…

Yes my people, Summer comes to Satan’s Sliproad. This was how my journey to work looked yesterday. Not much in the way of Nature’s Unfolding Wonderment to choose from on this run. Much like Eskimoes and snow, we citizens of Cruel Britannia have 44 different words for Drizzle. However fear not. Summer is indeed on it’s way, and tomorrow is a very special day. Await details.

Given the weather on offer here today, I’m in a Beach frame of mind, and I don’t mean Morecambe Beach pop-kids. Click links above to access this mindset. That is all.

So I reckon eight weeks (to the day) downtime after the heady sundrenched delights of Flo Rider is enough for anyone. Time to man-up and get back on beam. As we’re currently in the throes of an ongoing rain-fest, bathing in sunshine is now a lovely but distant memory for yours truly. At the time of writing, Sonic Shorts aren’t even a good idea here in Cruel Britannia, never mind the minimalist footwear and gaily coloured vests I have planned for the season. All in good time though pop-kids. For now, a blast of peak period Ramones is enough to get me out of my bespoke high-seat chair and look to the Summer. Follow me children…

Saddened to hear that Davy Jones died earlier today. Always the most likeable Monkee with the least Hey man I’m a Monkee but I really wanna be in Jefferson Airplane kind of attitude of the band. If you don’t own at least a Best Of the Monkees pop-kids you really should, and will probably be given ample choice in the months to come. My own favourite song of theirs – A Little Bit Me A Little Bit You –  featured young Davy on lead vocals. RIP.

Spent yesterday afternoon at the world’s number one location for shark-attacks, New Smyrna Beach, Flo Rider. Nobody was surfing much, and having read the statistics I can see why. Incredible coastline though, with that talcum powder-like sand. Anyhoo, the day was rounded up in fine style back at the custom car hootenanny in Kissimmee’s  rootin’ tootin’ Old Town. 256 cars took part this time, a small selection of which can be seen above. The sheer god-like beauty of many of the automobiles on show stun me into open-mouthed silence. It’s surreal to consider that at one time, these were just everyday cars on the road. This event is now definitely one of my favourite things to do in Flo Rider. Recommended if y’all are in this neck of the woods.

So what did I do this last weekend? I attended my first ever significant sports event is what I did. When I say significant, I mean not  a hot-dog eating contest or beer-race. This was a basketball game ‘twixt the Milwaukee Bucks and the Orlando Magics. I have to say pop-kids, it was as much fun as you could have while still watching sports. Best night out I’ve had in a long time.
The whole evening was soundtracked throughout by hip hop, electro house, stadium organ,  and assorted We-Will-Rock-You-related handclaps, even during the game, which was a surprise to me. At least at first. Saying that, I suppose basketball itself  is a relatively quiet affair so the entertainment was piled on thick all night. Music, cheerleaders, a man armed with a bazooka firing t-shirts into the crowd, even a marriage-proposal on the court – she looked mortified but said yes anyway.
Prior to this, my experience of the game was limited to the Harlem Globetrotters…and I mean the 70′s cartoon,  not any actual games. So I was worried that not knowing much about it might impede my enjoyment thereof, but I should have worried not. You could actually be a basketball hater and have a great night out at one of these events. Seriously. I shall definitely be going again.

Picked this up in a bar last night and it very quickly became top of my favourite newspaper list. The title tells you all you need to know. Lots of naughty folks saying/shouting/scowling/screaming Cheese for the benefit of their local police photographer. Am now wondering if it’s available for Kindle.

So, another great weekend over here in Flo Rider. Didn’t manage to get to the Hot-Rod Friday bash mentioned in the last post. Rain unfortunately stopped play with that one. Yes, rain. Hopefully I’ll get to that one this coming Friday, weather permitting.
Spent much of my time on a sun-lounger on a private beach in a place called Ruskin, in the South Tampa Bay. Very beautiful and very therapeutic I have to say, especially whilst checking weather reports from back home in Cruel Britannia.
This is a location where large numbers of people begin to assemble in the late afternoon, arriving by car or on foot, specifically to watch the incredible sunsets. The finale of each invariably garners a spontaneous  round of applause right along the beach. It’s a great way to start the evening.
On the way home, we spotted this place. Just when you thought drive-in movie theatres  belonged to a bygone era, here’s one that’s been doing business since 1952, first feature - Singing in the Rain.