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I do wonder whose work it is that is inspired by the other. I certainly like Ben Krain's strong photo-journalistic image, and I think Bud Force's weaker version pales somewhat in comparison. Who knows, maybe each have never seen the other. Striking similarity, though.
Just to clarify, in case anyone is Googling themselves - I think this work by Bud Force is poorly conceived and executed.
Wednesday was a bit of a downer this week, because I found myself in sufficient discomfort not to do my radio show. Given how much I enjoy the radio thing, this gives you a fix on how discomfortable I was.
Undaunted by a fair whack of pain and a slightly disturbed night, TL and myself set off for Huddersfield on Thursday morning. Round about Weatherby, I realised I wasn't much good as a driver and we switched roles.
The next two days were a dizzying round of meals, meetings, computer jobs and a little light ADSL installation. I stayed with my mother for the first time in years and managed to deal with it OK. Very comfortable bed and a delicious breakfast. I think I got more sleep than TL, for whom interview for an important job looms ever closer.
Nevertheless, we visited many people, said some useful things, listened quite a lot and spoke highly of a purple piano. These facts are true and beyond doubt.
That said, the star of the trip was our visit to Yak and Yeti - an amazing Bhutanese restaurant in the centre of the throbbing multicultural metropolis that is Huddersfield. Truly enchanting and magical food is there - including my first ever potato and cheese curry - delightful nan breads - intriguing spicy kebabs and Bhutanese potato pancakes. I want to go back as soon as possible and sample some more. It was a great experience - and I am very grateful to my mother and Frank for showing it to us.
I was particularly impressed to see Frank - not long out of hospital after a real hard battle, walking in just with two sticks. He's a very brave and courageous man - I admire him. Many would have just relaxed into a wheelchair.
We've returned home with Louise, TL's C3D2, and we're just kicking back and enjoying a relaxing weekend for once. Mostly spent eating and watching LOST. Not that we were eating LOST, you understand. Honestly.
Anyhow, i have a radio show to do tonight to make up for my lax attitude during the week, for which I apologise profusely. A selection of great blues tunes to spin this evening from 11pm to midnight.
I do hope all my knobs work correctly.
Very often, my pictures engage me with my life. I find they help me to remember the moments, rather than the events. In reality, those who know me well will tell you that it is remarkable if I even remember the events.
Andyhow, to this end, I offer the following photos and their attendant thoughts.
Ed's Hand - outstretched and looking decidedly freaky.
It's a good hand for the job, though. The job in question being teaching and supervising young people on outward bound type activities. If you're in the west Yorkshire area, watch out for him at a climbing wall near you.
Why photograph a hand? ...I hear you ask. Well, when one is waiting for Tapas food to arrive, all manner of things can and must be done. Things like this, to emphasise the handy theme:
Ed's hand, you know...mine is the chubby one and Liz's is the ringed girly one.
I suppose this one got taken because of that wonderful hand shot I showed recently on this blog. Hands are interesting things, and reveal more about us than we may care to admit. I thought this might make a REALLY good picture, but such is not the case. I tis what it is, a hastily inspired work, done whilst waiting or an almost unfeasible amount of food was being plotted for us in the depths of the kitchens in El Torero.
There is a perception that Tapas is expensive. One that I have bought into up till now. In reality, there are a few expensive dishes which need to be avoided (the cold meat platter for one), but by enlarge the dishes are very reasonably priced, enabling us to have a very generous meal for four for under £55. Worth bearing in mind - although we didn't douse ourselves in "Dos Equis" like there was no tomorrow.
At last, some nice colour. I call this meisterwerk - "Insalata"
This work has been almost three days in the making - involving literally five minutes of painstaking image manipulation. To blazes with the expense - I /will/ express my art. Strong salad themes here.
These are not mine, they're Olives
TL has moved past her pure hatred of these delicate creatures and now relishes the mild and delicious larger olive, as carefully thrust at us by the impassioned serving-elves at El Torero. In actuality, I ate most of these, because Ed and Rachel were not keen, but I was not in any way depressed by this.
On reflection, these two appear mad.
So, then, not just a visit to El Torero, a chance to explore the intricacies of my mind, take weird pictures and generally observe people. My file on Ed and Rachel is already huge - but little could compare with the room I reserve at the British Museum for my notes on TL. See her here, pleased with her new camera:
I mean, could she /look/ more pleased?
Now I know where Ruth got that overbite from, and the smuttmongers amongst you can glory in one delicious glimpse of TL's bra strap.
All is well.
Unsalted Anchivies, Completely and utterly virgin olive oil, herbs and....crisps.
Out tonight with TL's son, Ed and his wife, Rachel to El Torero Spanish Restaurant for what, in all honesty, was far far too much food. Fortunately for us, "far far too much" was a quantity we managed to deal with reasonably well, with only the slightest need for serviettes to cover the remainder of the over-ordered patatas bravas.
The silly thing is that the staff could care less. We bought a little too much - good for business - and leaving it is so much quicker than eating it, so win-win. we left in good time, but not before the said patatas were involved in a little amateur film-making exploit.
Ladies and Gentlemen - I proudly announce the Uk premiere of "The Potato Dance". I hope Jonathon Ross is ready for this - and watch out Nick Park. We're on your case, matey.
To those of you out there who really are weathering the storm. I found this picture inspiring, along with the artist's comments. If you click it, there is a really large version.
Artist's Comments
Mountains should be climbed with as little effort as possible and without desire. The reality of your own nature should determine the speed. If you become restless, speed up. If you become winded, slow down. You climb the mountain in an equilibrium between restlessness and exhaustion. Then, when you're no longer thinking ahead, each footstep isn't just a means to an end -- but rather a unique event in itself.
OK, so I got bored this afternoon as I tried to get motivated to work, and started playing a little game with myself.
I checked for mail every fifteen seconds to see how long I could go without receiving a piece of Spam mail.
In about three quarters of an hour the longest I managed was two minutes.
I can't even remember where I found this - but I like it a lot.
... that it's better weather in NBTS than in Stanley.
(Picture taken in Stanley - today)
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