Wednesday, April 16, 2008

In the wars again


saleen
Originally uploaded by fuggels
On my way to work this morning I had a suicidal bird swoop down and hot the hood of the car. Result - small dent that ruins the lines, big scratch that we've just tried (and failed) to disguise.

Will hit the dealer on Saturday about the dent but it seems as though hard objects are drawn to this car - at speed.

Long drive for a home run


The Photographer
Originally uploaded by sergei.y
This morning I was invited to join a hundred people on a trip up to Toronto to see a baseball game. Sounds like a riot, but all are driving up there in their own cars and it's about four and a half hours.

Of course part of me says "screw it, head on up" while the other says "work, long drive, overnight stay" and of course "you don't like baseball" - which side will win I have no idea.

Last night we went to a gallery opening. Photographs of Alabama taken over 40 years by a guy whose technique didn't seem to improve. Most of the people there seemed to be asking the same question "This guy is famous because....????"

It's one of the great statements of the upload age. People used to say "I could do better than that" ---> now they say "I HAVE DONE better than that" and in many cases they have.

I was reading an interview with Sir (!) John Hegarty where he was talking about being the chair of an art committee. He said that he can easily search for "picture of woman holding a baby" and the search engines and stock photo sites will give him 10,000 options. The only problem is that they'll all be rubbish. And what he wants is one GOOD pic of a woman holding a baby. Alas "Good pic of woman holding a baby" isn't a search engine friendly term.

As he said if you search the art world for the same pic you may not find the exact image and angle that you want but you're much more likely to stumble upon something that shows you something new or that invites you to think about the subject in a new way - and that's more valuable.

Also last night 38 Drinks with the very lovely Rebecca, who looked amazing swathed in the diffused glow of my favorite bar in Ann Arbor. I may have had more thatn I thought though -as this morning I'm feeling weirdly weak and out of sorts. Blaming the allergy patches for that though.

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

What a feeling


365days016.JPG
Originally uploaded by stevenjude
I went in for the second of my allergy tests this morning.

The guys took a bunch of panels, attached them to my back, bandaged me up and said "see you Thursday". Before they said that though they said "You're probably going to itch like hell. Don't scratch. Even if it becomes unbearable"

Now maybe it's just me but there has to be a better way of doing this. A blood test perhaps. Or stem cells. Or cloning. Just all seems a tad old fashioned to me.

Also got a call from the New York hospital... I'm due scans for cancer again. It's weird that every 8 weeks or so I have to start planning a New York scan trip. It kinda throws you off balance and I know that it's too much of a reminder for a lot of people around me - having my mortality questioned with such regularity.

Still it's a trip to New York - a place I adore, so (for once) I won't be complaining - unless of course it's about the itch that seems to be coming from directly under the bleach tab on my back

Monday, April 14, 2008

Stupidly Busy


P1030523.JPG
Originally uploaded by stevenjude
I'm ridiculously busy today, which means that this will be shorter than Obama's "Mission Accomplished" list.

I have to say that my interest in the Hillary / Obama thing has been dampened by the descent into politics as usual. Hillary claiming that she'd been under sniper fire, Obama attending the church of somebody that some people don't like - each claiming that they're not about smearing the other and then having proxies apply liquid manure.

It's a shame really - this was an election that I wanted to care about. But I do have a weird feeling that McCain is going to drop dead before November... he's just SO old. And it's a real strain. And he's not looking good at all. Weird that he's leading in the polls too. Though with his age and health being what it is his choice of running mate is going to be critical - as we're all imagining the President being upable to fulfil his duties at some point over the next 4 years.

Scary

Saturday, April 12, 2008

I always feel like


P1030257.JPG
Originally uploaded by stevenjude
somebody's watching me... and I get no privacy.

Back from Vegas and back into the swing of a warmer but very wet Ann arbor. The dog has been walked, there's a gallery show opening downstairs, we have a new BBQ (yesterday was 21c, we got giddy) and of course I got my camera back... so Jude's 365 days pic series is back on track.

Jude has dinner tonight and is out running right now and so Im home alone and trying to work my way into writing my book (it's about falling into the vast crevice between who you are and the person that you project to the world) rather than heading downstairs, opening a beer and watching Top Gear.

It's good to be writing again. Something that I promised myself - and that I can be good at - given the discipline. This blog is a testament to my indiscipline ---> but honestly I can turn a sentence once in a while.

The pic btw was taken in the Bellagio Glass Flowers and Butterfly garden. The butterflies are real - though I told the tourists that they were animatronics and many believed me. The gullible should not be let out unchaperoned in Vegas.

Friday, April 11, 2008

A Vegas Miracle


Miracle
Originally uploaded by jurek d.
10 minutes before I checked out yesterday I got a call.

"I've done a little investigation work and don't ask me how I did it but I think I have your camera"

I went downstairs and lo! behold! My camera.

And most of the pics were still on it too.

Flight was a nightmare, much delayed... but at least it was business.

In at 1am, up at 6am... now at work and slightly dazed

Proper post (and pics!) asap

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Lesbian Las Vegas


Las Vegas Bikefest, Sep 16, 2005
Originally uploaded by ihrctv
So last night we finished up the show and headed for the Private Members bar at the top of the Mandalay Bay hotel. The views were gorgeous, the bar staff still had their 'penthouse' looks and figures and the place was an oasis of calm, quiet and the scent of Asian spice.

Yesterday's massage was good. I arrived early and headed toward the individual hot tubs, then on to the sauna, the plunge pool and the steam room, then massage, more steam and a fantastically lit shower. A zen like experience spoiled only by the naked wandering of what seemed be the result of splicing the genes of an amphibian, a bear and a Russian.

Today I walked the strip wishing I had my camera and rueing the day that I didn't use the safe. But coming out from behind the lens does interesting things. I started noticing things again. Having ideas. Theories. Plans for how I could test my hypotheses... and sell the results. More on that later.

And finally there were the lesbians. Some older, leather faced and sinewy as the marched the strip. Other in bigger groups all blonde hair and Abercromie T-shirts, happy with life - out in the sunshine in gangs of belonging. I must have passed a dozen or so groups like this.

Not the Hogs and Heifers experience (above) by any means... but a cool morning. Check out in a half hour and head for A2.

Wednesday, April 09, 2008

Camera hunter


IMG_2837.JPG
Originally uploaded by stevenjude
So today I wandered off into Vegas in search of a new ultra zoom camera. I figured - what they hell, why not and other questions of a similar 'excuse to buy' ilk.

Instead I came back with a freshly steamed John Varartos shirt, a blister on my heel and the knowledge that the Sony ultra zoom is so complicated with its flickr wheels and scroll menus that you'd never be able to shoot a living thing. It's a still life only cam'

Knackered here so about to have a spa treatment that costs $1 every 20 seconds. I hope that for that kind of outlay I get oral sex from a unicorn.

Nap time

Tuesday, April 08, 2008

sad

so yesterday I was happy

the show was going well
I'd taken some amazing pictures
Life was a blast

And then....

I got up this morning and found that my camera was gone.
I was viewing pics last night
Went to work
Then on to jet

And my camera went 'poof'

It's not the money

It's two things

1. The pics
2. The idea that someone else is using my camera

I feel sick to the stomach
And sad

Have searched the room a dozen times
Retraced steps to places that I knew I had no camera
And called Lost and Found to the point of their distraction

But it's gone
And I'm a loser
Sigh

3am


1053b
Originally uploaded by JohnCarlosSF
3am and home alone, drunk but not embarrassingly so, in Vegas

met up with some guys who had tables at Jet and the persona to pull off the VIP room

Spent abput $5k on booze and 'union girls' but happy here. despite inabilty to type
\
Up in 4 hrs to repeat.

Wow

(to quote Kylie)

Monday, April 07, 2008

Excess


Vegas shelter
Originally uploaded by tarintowers
Vegas is all about excess.

Just a few minutes ago I passed a bunch of people gawping and whispering "oh----my------God" at "the world's tallest chocolate fountain"

I was too full from my 8pm fish n chips to comment.

The flight here was hell. Delayed. Too hot. And ripe with the scent of the obese in too thick sweaters. Many of the assembled looked more reptilian than they did human. Which should have stopped me eating. And it will. I swear.

The thing I'm here for looks mightily impressive. If unfinished. People will be working throughout the night - but things are looking good. I have faith in the product. All we need to do now is build marketing into the product too. The way that Apple do (thinnest, touch screen etc.) Then we have it made

Sunday, April 06, 2008

Is it just me or is this plane a little too close?


NWA Airborne
Originally uploaded by BiggerPictureImages.com
Revving up this morning for my trip to Vegas.

Jude is sewing and pressing the suit pants that I bought on the last trip.

I'm emptying trash and sorting recyclables ahead of a 4 day absence

The cats are merrily shedding

Velcro is hiding out in the hope that she might manage a stealth grab on a stray sock from my packing

And all is good with the world.

Saturday, April 05, 2008

"Nice tits missus, now where do you want these blinds"


oth23.jpg
Originally uploaded by stevenjude
Jude woke up this morning determined to get her 365 days of Jude shot in early. I noticed that if I stood at this angle the shadows from the blinds gave me the abs that two glasses of wine a day have been denying me.

That said I did go to pilates this morning and a long walk with the dog is slated for half an hour from now - so perhaps I'm not the slob that I seem to be in my mind's eye.

I know that when you ask women to judge themselves against other women they tend to place themselves against people a full dress size bigger - I'm hoping that's my issue. Body dismorphia. Not chocolate, guinness and an ability to dodge the gym like my brother does salads.

Friday, April 04, 2008

Friday


P1030119.JPG
Originally uploaded by stevenjude
It's Friday. Or as people of a certain age would say "Thank Crunchie" or maybe "TGIF"... amazing isn't it how consumption based advertising creeps into real life.

You can imagine the Crunchie strategy meeting.

"People love Crunchie. But they don't ever choose it. They get one in a selection box and think to themselves that they like this, that they should buy it but the next time they're in the shop they just don't. It's just not high enough in their daily repertoire."

"What it needs is an occasion Bob"

"Exactly Bob. A trigger. Something that just says - it's time for a Crunchie"

"How about Easter Bob?"

"Creme Eggs Bob. Same company. Cannibalization of brand and Creme Eggs make more money per unit... but good thinking"

"After dinner?"

"Too thick. Wafer thins own post dinner"

"Friday Bob!"

"Friday?"

"Yes Bob. People are in a good mood. They're gearing up for the weekend. They're lookiing for treats - for something celebratory"

"But what's my reason to believe Bob?"

"Champagne. The honeycomb in a Crunchie pops in your mouth like Champagne. And when do people drink champagne Bob?"

"FRIDAY!"

"FRIDAY Bob"

"Right that's settled then, 3 martini lunch anyone?"

Thursday, April 03, 2008

Bye bye bobblehead

>Say goodbye, Bobblehead.

Having shouted her way through Dolly Parton's "Do I Ever Cross Your Mind" on Tuesday night's show the Filipino would be lounge singer was answered by an indifferent America. "No you don't" they said, or rather didn't - as they failed to vote for her by the million.

Who was shocked? Nobody.

Also in the bottom three - Ms. Lobotomy Brooke White and 'horseless' Kristy Lee Cook.



Better still - i-tunes cover mechant David Cook had heart palpitations and needed treatment for high blood pressure near the end of Tuesday's show. The 25 year old obviously has the constitution of a grandpa and had to be treated at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

His story? "I have high blood pressure, and it spiked."

Very rock 'n' roll

I expect elasticated leisure pants from him next week

Another day in paradise


beer.JPG
Originally uploaded by stevenjude
there's the possibility that we might be extending our stay here in A2. Just a possibility. Which ain't a bad thing. But as friends start to contact me with tales of offers further afield, in more exotic locations and with better titles I can't help but wonder whether I've blown the career a little.

Of course there's a reason for this trajectory. Dr Jude is now a Doctor. And her desire to have that prefix far outweighed my desire to be Director of Creative Turpitude at Bangle Bongle Stronglemeijer.

And there are upsides. Cool apt, cool car, happy animals, job I like here, money in the bank and some cool vacations. I guess I'm just questioning my willingness to stay in one place for more than 2 years. I equate it with immobility rather than content I guess. Which is weird - 'cause I like it here.

Therapy here I come

Wednesday, April 02, 2008

Dollywood


Day 405
Originally uploaded by evaxebra
It was Dolly Parton night in Idol last night and the results were all rather predictable.

Brook White sang Jolene as though it was the sunniest and most carefree song in the world. Then smiled vacantly as Simon raised the issue that she's rather missed the point and that her violin player was offputtingly ugly. I can't work out whether this girl is deeply cynical or whether they're about to reveal her lobotomy any day now - but I'm done with her.

The batwinged bruiser belted out something or other without missing a note or making any real impact. Someone ought to check with the INS and make sure she's not here on an exceptional talent visa as it would be in danger of being revoked

The Magic Mormon did a ballad that reminded him of home and did a nice job on it. The problem is that he really does only connect on overly earnest ballads and he comes across more as grandmother's choice than he does American Idol. He could open for Niel Sedaka. Really.

David Cook searched I-Tunes for someone to rip off, failed to find anyone and faded into the background.

Jason Castro still has dreads and those eyes - so the performance was irrelevant. Just as well really.

Kristy Lee Cook chose nice jewelry and a simple "Coat of many colors" - her last hurrah (she's safe this week but she has to go soon) wasn't really a bang, but hey she might get a gig with the ice-capades that allow her to buy back her bloody horse

Michael Johns did his Australian Rocker schick again and it worked. He's genuinely happy to be there - realizing that this is his last shot at the industry and that kind of appreciation and humility goes a long way - even if he does look like a marketing manager at a kareoke.

Ramiele Malubay is still a bobble headed midget. I can't remember anything about her last night. Maybe TiVo cut her off. Maybe she just disappeared.

And finally cut priced Whitney Syesha Mercado did - you guessed it "I will always love you" minus Dolly's sincerity or Whitney's range.

So a bit of a flat night - where competence reigned and nobody really managed to stand out. That makes it a popularity contest (bar country girl, who;s safe on home turf)... expect Ramiele, Syesha and Carly Bruiser to be tonight's bottom three

Tuesday, April 01, 2008

Fabulously Nasty


pink lady 2
Originally uploaded by ellectric
As a Brit I'm kind of rejoicing in the weather at the moment. It's gray and wet. It's as windy as hell. The temperatures are shifting between minus and plau 15c daily. It's unpredictably damp, then wet, then icy. This may be a sign of the apocolypse. It may be a sign of spring. I have no idea. I really ought to look at Weather Channel viewing figures in the area. They skyrocket when the weather gets unusual. They thrive on 'extreme weather'... as of course do I.

Into this weather was born the new baseball season. Detroit lost 5-4 in the last inning (or something) and there are all manner of stats now showing how / why and where it fits comparatively to the rest of the league and previous seasons - none of which I understand. Perhaps I ought to try harder. It can't be that hard a game.

Monday, March 31, 2008

VEGAS BABY!


VEGAS BABY!
Originally uploaded by berger.erica
Yup - it's back to Vegas this weekend. And this time the temperatures will be in the high 20s. Centigrade. Which will be nice ahead of Cyprus in May.

Of course none of the Cyprus villa people are answering calls - which is a worry.

And I'm not confirmed in the Vegas hotel. Which might also be a worry come Friday.

But I have a flight. I have a plan. And I'm looking forward to some sunshine.

Sunday, March 30, 2008

Hair


P1030011.JPG
Originally uploaded by stevenjude
Jude went out yesterday and got herself new hair. It's lighter, toned down a little and, for the moment, it's dead straight.

Inky is still losing his hair and as I write is sitting on my lap smothered in unction and wearing an unfetching collar

I of course have no hair - but do have an infection of the hair follicles (I know how unfair is that?) which is requiring some hardcore treatment. Basically I'm taking medication for other scalp / hair diseases and turning up the dosage to nuclear.

I have lice treatment, I have scabies medication, I have steroidal creams - all being taken at around 6 times the dosage for the disease that they're meant to treat (6 pills at a time) in a bid to kill off what's lurking on my post chemo head.

Weird thing is it seems to be working - even i the people at the pharmacy now start to scratch at the sight of me