Zimbabwe

I was listening to the radio yesterday and I heard an interview with a government spokesman for Zimbabwe. For those who don't know it is a proper African dictatorship, and has been for many years. Recently the president, Robert Mugabe (called among those who know 'goat'), has instigated a huge campaign of repression against his own people. In the last few weeks this has taken the form of removing many of the townships that form the backbone of Africa. With many casualties and arrests along the way.
Gradually word is getting out of what is going on out there and the repression is being slowly condemned by governments around the world. In this interview on the radio yesterday this spokesman lied 62 times in the 4 minute interview. Saying things like Zim is a really peaceful country, Mugabe is universally popular, there is no famine, all of the game parks are teeming with animals and so on. And it's not just me who thinks he's lying, but a news channel (the BBC) went over the interview today and pointed out which parts were lies. I wonder if this is a record for number of lies in a short interview?

When I was younger I spent a year teaching in the bush in Zimbabwe, and grew very attached to the country and it's people. In 1993/1994 when I was there, there were still issues and it wasn't the most liberal country, but the people all had food and were generally OK. Certainly in the rural areas people tended to just get on with things. And as long as you kept your head down the powers that be ignored you. It was/is a typical dictatorship though, with the president being one of the richest men in the world!

In the last 5 years Mugabe has started being more and more oppressive and made some typical nonsensical decisions. Which has resulted in widespread crop failures and famines. There has also been a noticeable increase in violence. Tourism used to be a huge earner, and Zim was widely seen as one of the safer countries to visit. But no more unfortunately. People are being denied tourist visas, the populace have eaten many of the game park animals, there is not much left of the already previously crumbling infrastructure, and there are regular demonstrations and much violence.

This post was just going to be a laugh about some goverment spokesman who lies even more than our ones. But there you go!

It's hotter than hell

Well, actually it's hotter than Hades in London at the moment! Despite the weather forecast pic above it is a lot hotter than that with all of the buildings reflecting the heat. And they recorded a temperature of 46 Celcius yesterday on the underground line when a train stopped in a tunnel for a few minutes. Ammusingly on the same line that I use daily. so hopefully that'll happen to me tonight and I will be put out of my misery.

And to make things more fun the pollution levels are dangerously high and anyone with bad hearts, bad lungs, bad eyes and any other ailments are advised to avoid central London. And the rest of us can continue to travel in until we also start to enjoy a long lingering death or fry in the Ozone-layer-free London.

Wednesday results to Friday quiz

For the record:

My favourite show at the moment is 1b) 24. Didn't think it could get any better than before but it has. Series 4 is the best one yet I reckon.

The pic I had on the wall at home was 2d) my mum. Never been into celebrity posters or stuff like that.

I have never 3b) bungee jumped. Do I look insane??

At school I was 4d) all of the above. And proud of it too.

My favourite things are 5b) red wine and chocolate. Although all ofmthe list are pretty tasty in my books!

If I was rich I would wear 6d) nothing. All of the time instaed of just at week-ends. I am not a nudist, just comfortable with my body. Lol!! But only in the Summer.

My favourite film is 7d) 10 Things I hate about You. Makes me laugh every time even though I could probably recite the script to you.

And my new favourite celeb is 8c) Sinead o'Connor. Although all of the list were cool, she was the sweetest of all.

For what it's worth, amazingly, Pep knows me best, with 4 correct answers. Paul and C run close with 3. And thanks for all believing that I'm an exhibitionist and would walk around naked while being terrified of heights! Lol.

Over 5000 hits

I have just passed the 5000 hits mark, so thank you everyone. It's not a competition or a race or anything of the sort. But it is incredibly flattering to have people visiting.

Midsummer Solstice

We have this really old monument in Southern England called Stonehenge. No-one really knows what it is or who built it, but it's pretty ancient. There is speculation that it was a temple, meeting place or giant astrological clock. Whatever it is at the Summer and Winter Solstice lots of druids and hangers on gather at the place and watch the sun rise between the pillars at one end of the monument.




Here is a pic of the sunrise and some people gathered there. It seems to make the news every year here for some reason. Do people celebrate something like this elsewhere?

MOJO awards 2005

I had the privilege oif attending the MOJO magazine music awards a couple of days ago, in West London. And they were the best awards I have ever been to. Really relaxed, friendly, great setting and very welcoming even to industry outsiders like me. Because it was so relaxed (no press inside the hall) everyone was quite happy to chat. Or be approached as I was doing to them. So I met Paul Weller (not a huge fan, but had heard of him), Slash from Guns'n'Roses (softly spoken), The Edge from U2 (was wearing a tea cosy on his head), Siouxie Sioux (lovely), Sinead o'Connor (see pic and really so sweet, and she gave the most wonderful hug), Sean Ryder and Bez from the Happy Mondays (odd), Suggs and Madness (very funny and the most normal blokes there) and others.

Unfortunately I only had my camera phone and didn't take many pics. Was hoping some pics would be online by now, but no sign yet. It has coloured my opinion of music stars because they are just normal people like you and me. and when they are taken away from the hassle of their jobs they are quite chatty, decent people for the most part.

And, yes, I know I am a HUGELY lucky git!

PS: Pep - Siouxie Sioux was really friendly and she looked gorgeous (she makes the fishnet/Goth look REALLY work), even more so considering her age.

Friday afternoon quiz

Let’s take a step back from the emotional rollercoaster of the past few weeks and take some time out for a little “know your Dom” quiz.

The answers to the following questions (multiple choice, because I hail from the GCSE era, just) cannot be found on the blog. It’s all about predicting what you think might be right, from what you know already.

The first person to answer all the questions correctly in the comments box below will receive a very attractive and expensive personalised prize.

1. What is Dom's favourite television programme?

a) Star Trek Enterprise
b) 24
c) Gordon Ramsay Kitchen Nightmares
d) Big Brother

2. Which of the following laydeeez has graced Dom’s bedroom wall?

a) Madonna
b) Cindy Crawford
c) Kylie
d) My mum

3. Which of the following has Dom never done?

a) flown a plane
b) bungee jumped off a bridge
c) worn sarongs in public
d) raced cars

4. At school was Dom…

a) trouble
b) a prefect
c) captain of the hockey team
d) all of the above

5. Dom’s favourite ambrosia is:

a) a bacon sandwich and a cup of tea
b) a glass of red wine and some dark chocolate
c) fish, chips and mushy peas, eaten outdoors
d) a jumbo pot of nutella and a spoon

6. if Dom was filthy rich, he would dress in:

a) Adidas
b) Prada
c) Moss Bros
d) Nothing

7. What is Dom’s favourite film of all time?

a) Empire Strikes Back
b) Black Hawk Down
c) Pride and Prejudice
d) 10 Things I hate About You

8. Dom's new favourite celebrity is?

a) Slash from Guns 'n' Roses
b) Sinead o'Connor
c) Siouxie Sioux
d) The Edge from U2

Digging in for afternoon

Went to the MOJO magazine awards last night and had the most fantastic time. Will post a bit later with pics. In the meantime am struggling with today so have shipped in supplies to get through afternoon.

500ml of fresh Orange and Mango fruit juice
Bottle of Purdeys silver
Banana
Diet Coke with lemon
Orangina
Pack of fig rolls biscuits
Pack of fresh baked 4 chocolate cookies

Insane German office question of the day....

I sometimes ask myself why I bother getting out of bed.....

(PHONE RINGS)

Dom: Hello
Editor in Munich: What is our policy on dogs in the office? I'm looking to employ a new magazine designer and she insists on bringing her dog to work.
D: Ummmm..... (am I about to have the piss taken out of me), I'll check.

(I CHECK)

D: What sort of dog? (female human, guide dog or pet?)
EiM: A Poodle
D: Not a Guide dog?
EiM: No
D: Then our policy is no animals in the office. They bite management.
EiM: Would it make a difference if it was a Guide dog?
D: Yes
EiM: Then we'll call it a Guide dog.
D: Quick question.
EiM: Yes?
D: This designer is 'officially' blind then?
EiM: Officially yes.
D: How is she going to design magazines if she's blind?
EiM: (QUIET)
D: Goodnight.

Absiolutely true and I've retyped it word for word.

-Michael Jackson trial

I'm not one to normally have huge opinions on world events, but a couple of questions sprang to mind at the end of this farce. What was the point of this trial, and exactly how guilty is he?!

I'm a firm believer in the rights of man and not guitly until proven and all that, but I can't help thinking there's no smoke without fire and he's always looked shifty to me. And even if he's not guitly of this then he's definitely been out of order in the past. He played the naivety card well, but not convincingly enough for me. I rest in the comfort that what goes around, comes around and he will get his comeupance in time. And as for the trial, as usual the only ones to get something out of it were the lawyers and the media. (And I say that as a member of the media industry). I hope the local economy made plenty of money because then some good will have come out of it.

And don't even get me started on the fans camping outside the courtroom or his house...... (life, get one...)

Star Wars

Went to see Star Wars episode 3 a couple of days ago. There have been so many reviews of this film on the Net that I thought I would add mine! I enjoyed it. The dialogue is the usual Lucas rubbish, but it does tie all of the prequels and sequels together well. And the effects are actually properly integrated this time and look REALLY cool. I understand this film has been out for weeks and stuff, but hey.

And on another point I reckon the new War of the Worlds film with Tom Cruise looks cool as well.

Been away....Now I'm back part 2

There are several bigger and quite interesting towns in the area, Avignon being the best in my opinion. It is a medium sized town, but one that has bigger significance than it's actual size probably. For a while, a few centuries back, it was where the Pope was based and there is a huge palace still dominating the town. It's now a museum and hugely impressive. To a degree it's been restored to try and simulate what it was like in the 15th century, but the thing that struck me most was how overwhelming the place is still. At the time it must have been like going to a different planet. And it struck me how much power and money the church had in those days. Far more than today. I always find it a bit strange going round old castles and the like because they feel very bare and cold nowadays. I try to imagine myself in the time they were built though, and they must have been warmer and more welcoming. There must have been lots of rugs, drapes, paintings and such around. Not just bare stone walls as we see today. The other thing that has made Avignon famous is it's bridge. In the UK kids are taught French by singing a song about dancing on the bridge. Not sure why this folk song exists, but it kind of sticks in the head.

The pace of life in rural southern France is wonderful. In the mornings I would go to the local bakery and buy some fresh croissants and a baguette. For some reason the bread in France tastes very different to the same products in the UK. There follows a leisurely breakfast of meats, cheeses, spreads and fresh juice, washed down with coffee. All the while the sun is out, people are pottering around and taking the time to chat to each other, and life just feels like it's winding merrily along. No stress, no rush. People look healthier and happy. Much more so than in London for example. I know things usually appear rosier when you're on holiday, but it did make me think a lot about how good life would be in Provence instead of London. To the extent that I started to look in estate agents windows at properties for sale (how much they were, that sort of thing). The situation was heightened by the fact I was reading a book called Driving Over Lemons, by Chris Stewart, which is a bout a family who bought a farm in Spain and moved there to start a new life. It's a true story and very down to earth, and just relates their experiences good and bad. It's very funny and quite inspiring.

Having been away from France for a few years now I'd forgotten how much I loved speaking French I wasn't sure how easy it would be to slip back into it, but from the first moment it felt incredibly natural. And I realised how much I loved it. For me it is a gentler and more expressive language, despite not being my first tongue. I'd also forgotten how good the smell of the countryside in southern France is. The hot earth, pine trees, flowers, scrubland and grasses (collectively know as the maquis) has a sweet, almost sickly smell. But it's the right side of bad. It's very hard to describe unless you've smelt it, but the best way I can is that it smells 'hot' I guess part of the appeal to me is that it brings back memories of childhood holidays in that part of the world, but it's also quite a lazy smell and induces relaxation.

The bridge at Avignon.

Been away....now I'm back part 1

Hi everyone. Apologise for the HUGE absence, and thanks for the comments on the pics. I tried not to post too many, despite taking hundreds during the week.

But anyway, back to the present reality. I'll be popping by you all to see what's the gossip. Apologies once more for not being about this week much. I don't know if you've ever found this, but you go away. Have a fantastic holiday. Come back to find two nightmares. Big Brother is back on, and work has so piled up that I can't even see my desk anymore. Not good. So spent the last few days trying to burn, correct, pacify or disregard all of the shit that wasn't done in my absence.

However the holiday was great. Went to the Haute-Provence region in Southern France. Sort of in the region of Cannes for non-Europeans. About an hour from Avignon for those who have been to the area. I've been through it before, but never stopped enough to have a look around. And the area is fantastic. I can't recommend it enough. I was staying on the high plateau area (about 1000m/3000ft) above sea level so it was relatively cool (about 25-30 celcius), and very pleasant. Also meant you got a tan quicker! Down by the coast it gets pretty stifling even this time of year.

The area feels really like old rural France. There is plenty of rolling unspoilt countryside, with little farms dotted about. Many are deserted and just crying for someone to come in and do some renovation. They're not so expensive either and the concept is severely tempting I have to say. Even to the extent of investigating the subject with some estate agents locally! There are also many small fortified villages around, all perched on the tops of hills. They all still operate as normal villages and many are not touristy at all. When you walk around them it feels like time has not moved from the Middle Ages.

Where I stayed is the Lavender growing region so there are these slightly bizarre lined fields everywhere. At the moment they're green, but in July they go purple and smell incredible. As long as you like Lavender. In the background the whole time was Mont Ventoux. This 2000m/6000ft mountain with it's lunar-like peak. And a weather station on the top! It's an epic drive to the top and huge fun if you like switchback roads and death-defying drops. And the views from the top really take your breath away. See the pics below.

Le Mont Ventoux from the house I was staying in. More pics later.

Lavender is one of the main exports from the region and this is a Lavender field. In the background is an old abandoned cabanon (sort of house thing). Still very sturdy and just waiting for someone to come along and restore them.

I made a new friend. Little Pooh. So wanted to bring her back, but she was too young. I think I finally got the 'cat thing'.

Another village perched on a hill. This one was much smaller. With the flowers in the foreground I thought this was kind of cool.The colours of the flowers at this time of year are incredible.

There were Poppies everywhere.

One of the typical villages in the Haute Provence. Many are old fortified villages with big walls and on the top of hills. and many have been there for many centuries. This was one of the bigger ones called Rousillon.

I thought the colours of this were cool. Especially reflecting off the lake in the foreground. I have done no retouching to this photo.

An area called Colorado in Haute Provence. Beautiful colours, especially in early evening when I was there. A mixture of sand, chalk and other stuff.

More red rocks in Colorado. with a slightly phallic, but famous one....

The bridge in Avignon. me giving it large on it. 'Sur le pont d'Avignon, on y dance,....'

The Salle des Papes in Avignon. An incredible building which was home to the Pope for many years. Now a very impressive museum.

Me at the top of le Mont Ventoux. An amazing drive, incredible view and freakishly lunar like landscape.

A 28km climb and one of the old classic stages of the Tour de France. It doesn't get used anymore, but it is still a tough challenge. Thought this shot of the cyclists contemplating the climb they have just completed.

Le Mont Ventoux. 1912m/6000ft.

The last sunset in Provence, with the Mont Ventoux in the backgroud. Taken from the house. So quiet, so envelopping. I will miss it....

One of the most incredible sunsets I have ever seen. Taken over the Bodensee in south Austria on Saturday. I have done nothing to this photo and this is exactly the atmosphere while I watched it.