Phil Smy's blog - no longer active. Go to philsmy.com

Moved!

2009-11-08T17:11:00.000+01:00

This blog is now being hosted back at the mothership!

Go to philsmy.com

bizarre note on amazon.co.uk

2009-08-21T18:40:00.001+02:00

Books, Music, DVD and Video items
Most countries in the world. Please note that customers in the US and Canada may be restricted to one copy of certain book titles because multiple copies may infringe US copyright laws

dvdgo

2009-08-01T16:24:00.003+02:00

Ok - we already know they are crap at customer service (looking back over the past 6 months I've probably sent 30 emails and had 4 answers)... but now they've broken their site - again - and left it while they all toddle off for the weekend.

They must have the worst IT department in Spain!

Beskine - Nicked!

2009-07-29T15:53:00.002+02:00

Here are a couple articles about Donald Beskine - you can search my blog here for more stories about him.

Action Required - Spanish Dog Shelter in Risk

2009-05-26T17:51:00.000+02:00

From ADANA

Having occupied the perrera for more than 10yrs, by formal agreement with
the Ayuntamiento, we have now been informed (by them) that we are there
illegally and that the order has been given for the dogs to be removed and
taken to Refugio (the place where all the strays are taken when rounded up
by the authorities)!

We will resist this with every strategy available to us, including
blockading the road if necessary. In addition, we will notify all the media
and press at the first sign of anyone trying to touch our dogs. We have 121
dogs in the perrera at the moment.

I am now appealing for volunteers to help us keep watch on the perrera each
day between 4.30pm and 8.30pm, which is when the staff are no longer there.
Volunteers would be required to notify us immediately if anyone arrives to
take out the dogs. They would not be expected to do anything else - no
confrontation etc. - but we need to be capable of mobilizing as many of our
volunteers & members as quickly as possible in order to stage a
demonstration and involve the media.

If you are willing to be involved in any capacity, either as a "watcher" or
as a demonstrator, please reply with your contact telephone number and
indication of availability.

Thank you,

Janet Greenstreet

--
President
ADANA
presidenta@adana.es
952 887 533
680 927 542

Shikoku Pilgrimage - Day 4

2009-04-21T03:52:00.000+02:00

The next day we got up and before breakfast we had climbed the 75 steps (and 62 further steps) of Temple 23 and done the stamping, praying, incense lighting and photo taking!
So there and then we decided to spend the day here in Hiwasa and then head up back to Tokusima. We checked out backpacks at Hiwasa station. 100¥ per bag.

Hiwasa has a really nice castle perched on an impressive hill. It is well worth the hike up to it. And also you can follow a trail out around the far, ocean, side of the mountain and look out over the vast pacific. Pretty spectacular.
From there we went back down the mountain and over to the beach - turtle free for now - to dip our toes in the Pacific.
Temple 23 is impressive and all of this combined makes Hiwasa a hilight.
We had a lunch of bento from the stalls and shops around Hiwasa station, collected our bags and got back on the train (direct!) to Tokushima, pretty worn out - again - from a day of walking around Hiwasa.
We got back to Tokushima and showed up at the Toyoko Inn again! They had a room - and here was another bonus of getting the Toyoko Inn Membership card - Sundays are 30% off!

Shikoku Pilgrimage - Day 3

2009-04-20T02:15:00.002+02:00

The plan was to go out and do Temples 4 - 7, stay and Shukobo (temple lodgings) at Temple 7 and then continue on to 8 - 10 or 11.
So, I got one of the girls from the Toyoko Inn to phone out to arrange the accommodations. I am not a big fan of the unexpected when it comes to sleeping!
And boy am I glad I did.
Let me preface this next bit by saying that yes, I know the Japanese have this strange inferiority/superiority complex (thinking that they are either much better or much worse than the rest of the world). They normally err on the superiority side. I watch NHK World all day, so I know this. So I was not suprised, just disappointed, when I found out we couldn't stay at Temple 7 'because we didn't speak japanese'. (now, seeing as pretty much only the Japanese speak Japanese you can equate this to being 'you can't stay because you're not Japanese'). Now, because of this inferiorirt/superiority thing I know that they justify this by saying that it is for OUR benefit they are refusing us. They wouldn't be able to communicate and therefore we wouldn't have a good stay. Or that the ground would be shaking and they would be running around yelling 'Earthquake!' in japanese and we would be thinking they were asking about dinner because of course we wouldn't notice the shaking. Or whatever.
There aren't too many civilized countries on earth where such discrimination would be tolerated, or even accepted. Especially from monks! But there you have it. Luckily for the Japanese such 'rules' don't exist in Germany or Spain or they'd be sleeping on the streets.
Anyway.
So that scuppered those plans and we decided to get out of Tokushima for the weekend.and, ironically, continue on numerically with the temples! The kind people at Toyoko Inn let us leave our bags there for 2 nights while we went off.
So - it was a bus to Temple 18. There is a bus that leaves from Tokushima station, as referenced in the Shikoku 88 book. This bus goes all over... so don't be alarmed! It takes 40 minutes to plop you down at the bottom of the hill from 18.

18 is GORGEOUS! It is what we had dreamed the pilgrimage would be. If you see one temple this should be right up there. Set in the woods up a hill (or small mountain as Marcie would claim) it is incredible.
From 18 to 19 you first walk for 20 minutes or so through a bamboo forest. Again - amazing. This decision to leave Tokushima was looking to definitely be the right one. You slowly walk into more developed areas and Temple 19 is in a small town.
We'd decided before coming over to Japan to skip 20 and 21 (and 12). The walk from 19 to 20 is about 18km, which is a looooong way when it is hot (again, 23c or so) and up hill. Also, there is no accommodation up there, or at 21 which is a further 6km.
19 is 5 minutes from a train station that takes you to within 2km of temple 22. So we hopped on the train and chugged down there. Speaking of chugging, we wanted to move on to Hiwasa - Temple 23's town - because we knew there were hotels there. So we raced, with packs, from the Aratano train station out to temple 22, did our praying, book stamping, etc etc (it was crammed with 4 buses of bus pilgrims as luck would have it) and raced back. The train came 10 minutes later! From there it was 2 trains to get to Hiwasa. There are direct trains, I think, but we had to switch through Anan.
We arrived at Hiwasa at 4:56. Temple's close at 5. Buggers.
We walked across the street from the station at stayed at Business Hotel Cairns. I assume that Business hotel is a classification, not a function, but who would be doing business in Hiwasa on a Saturday is beyond me. It is a SMALL TOWN.
But a word about the Cairns - clean room and great bed. Really nice.
Fishing village really. During the months of June/July perhaps more people are around because Hiwasa is also the site of the sea turtle egg nesting/laying. (Which funnily enough I had seen directly across the pacific in Nicaragua in November 2006).
But for now it was desolate. We found what is one of few restaurants and had a great meal. I had a sashimi platter. Nice!

Shikoku Pilgrimage - Day 2

2009-04-19T13:27:00.005+02:00

We decided to do the temples out of order. The reason for this was simply economic - the Toyoko Inn is such a good deal that I wanted to maximise our nights there. So, instead of going out and continuing on from temple 3, where we left off, we headed out to Temple 13. Temple 13 was a bus ride from Tokushima Station, about 5 minutes walk from the hotel.
The bus takes you to within a minute of Temple 13. But it is a 30 minute bus ride. The Shikoku 88 Temple Guide is very handy in telling you what buses stop near a temple, but, it is lacking in 2 areas - how long and how much (and how often, as we found out later).
So we started at Temple 13. Yes, this is cheating a little, but oh well. Temples 13 and 14 are in the outskirts of Tokushima and 14 especially is beautiful - set on an out-cropping of rock. Then on to 15 and you start to hit town a bit more. 16 is in town and 17 is REALLY in town.
The whole walk was around 9km, which, in 24c is a pretty good walk. We did it in around 3 hours. Yes, 3 hours to do 9km sucks, but, you have to spend 20 minutes at least at a temple, praying, filling in prayer cards and getting your book stamped, etc.
From 17 we walked back 1.5km to Kô station and took a train back to Tokushima station. We got back around 3:30 or 4.
Just to the left as you come out of Tokushima station and get up to the main road there is a nice little Ramen shop. You buy tickets out front from a machine. It's not fine dining but it is cheap and damn tasty! These kinds of things - with no English - are daunting to travellers but just get the 480¥ tickets, that gets you the soup.

shikoku day 1

2009-04-13T10:52:00.003+02:00

We got to Tokushima on Wednesday late afternoon but after traveling for about 20 hours we decided NOT to immediately start in on the pilgrimage. We went for sushi first - after checking into the Toyoko Inn.
I've never stayed at a TI before and I have to say I am now a complete and utter fan. First of all it is a BARGAIN! for 2 people it is around 8100¥ (at least here in Tokushima). Plus you get breakfast, free internet, free land line calls in japan and occasionally free dinner (though we haven't taken them up on it). The staff is the usual very service aware Japanese, but also very friendly. I even joined the Toyoko Inn Points Club because you get to check in an hour earlier, 30% off on Sunday stays and also you get a free night for every 10. You can't beat that! The rooms are average by japanese standards and the beds are hard but comfortable. I am a complete convert. (there are also other perks of joining, like discounted car rental that we will use on the next trip).
Anyway, on Thursday we started in on the mission - the first quarter of the 88 Sacred Temple pilgrimage.
Problem 1 - the heat. Wow is it hot here! Temperatures are over 20C making it pretty hot for walking. Most of the route we will be doing is in towns or outskirts with little shade. This is going to slow us down a little and limit our distance.
So, not wanting to over do it we go out to Temple 1 and buy our pilgrim gear. Because of the heat - and the expense - we pare it back a little to just the jacket and staff. We have our own hiking hats and the thought of the bamboo hat in this heat was not at all appealing. We also had to get prayer cards, incense offerings, stamp books and I bought the great 88 Temple Route book which has detailed maps and info.

This trip I have my new iPhone with us, loaded up with a GPS app that I will use to mark the temples we visit and track our progress.
We moved on from Temple 1 to 2. Yes - it is HOT. And then from 2 to 3. We were joined on that leg by this italian guy we met a few times over the next few days.
He had done the Santiago de Compestelo (Catholic) pilgrimage last year. He's been in Japan since January doing the pilgrimage. He started, bizarrely, at Temple 36. Now, there is no rule about the order you do them in or where you start, but by any standards 36 is a strange choice. It's not even near a big city! Anyway, he found Santiago better because there was a more group atmosphere. Of course, that is kind of the point of this one - to do it on your own. It is a time for inward reflection. You could say that is a big difference between Buddhism and Catholicism. Buddhism occurs without. Catholicism occurs in church with a group.
Anyway, we parted company at Temple 3. He was moving onwards and we were done for the day. We took the train from Itano station back to Tokushima station.
We had dinner that night with David Moreton. David has written a nice guide on the pilgrimage and is somewhat of an expert on it. Also at the dinner was Don Weiss, who also has a book online about the pilgrimage. Don has done the whole thing (which is 1200 km!) twice on foot. Once forwards and once backwards. No, not back to back. What are you crazy!? Also in attendance were Sherry and Bianca. They'd just finished doing 53 of the 88 temples by rental car (which is impressive all by itself given that between them their spoken Japanese amounts to ordering sushi and their ability to read it is non-existant). American ladies in their 50s (I'm guessing) they made the dinner a hoot. Also there was Claire (another Canadian, tipping the balance! Canadians 4, Americans 3!) and two kids -Don's daughter and Claire's.
We ate and ate at an all you can eat restaurant and had a good time.
We collapsed, stuffed, back to the hotel.

More news on Lifetimes magazine and Donald Beskine

2009-04-12T14:11:00.003+02:00

Now, you'd think I'd be blogging about our current adventure of hiking the Shikoku Pilgrimmage in Japan, but, this bit of news just came my way.
It seems that the founder of LifeTimes magazines has other worries apart from my blog!

The UK High Court seems to have ordered a company of his closed in the UK.

So - all you people down on the Costa del Sol beware!

Great quote

2009-03-18T13:04:00.001+01:00

Learning to dislike children at an early age saves a lot of expense and aggravation later in life.
- Robert Byrne

15 years ago I was in Miami

2009-02-27T01:22:00.002+01:00

I was in Miami and somehow ended up on a cruise ship getting married to a wonderful woman. 15 years later, and through ups and downs, we are still together and life is pretty good.
There is much that could be said but at the end of the day it stands for itself. To quote our dear late friend Kurt... 'and so it goes'.

Tips for the filmmaker

2009-01-19T16:18:00.001+01:00

Everyone should read this!

D.U.M.P.S.

bizarre wiki entries #287

2009-01-15T16:40:00.001+01:00

http://www.wikihow.com/Stop-Having-An-Inappropriate-Crush

Great things from Google Maps

2009-01-04T19:49:00.002+01:00

I wanted to see how to get from Melbourne, Australia to Fukuoka, Japan (don't ask!). So, hey, this is what google maps is for right? Directions?

Here is step 40:

Um... Kayak across Pacific Ocean?!

More about Lifetimes Magazine, Donald Beskine.... etc

2008-11-29T19:52:00.004+01:00

I got a very interesting email today... it read something like this:

Somehow came across your blog with information on your unfortunate dealings with Donald.
I worked for Donald last year and remember speaking with you about advertising in the magazine which at the time I believed in and worked hard for but his business etiquette left a lot to be desired. Not refunding you did not surprise me because he did it to a lot of people and he was very good at avoiding calls. He did not pay me for my last two weeks there, siting many different ridiculous reasons.
The only people that got somewhere with him were the few that showed up at his office and refused to leave until he paid them.

In related news, it seems that the magazine came out... but I have not seen it. There is an online edition, which does have my ad (though I don't remember approving it to be used online).

more 4

2008-11-05T00:29:00.002+01:00

You have to love more 4. They are showing 'Death of a President', the excellent mockumentary about someone offing George W, tonight. Shame that they are not in the US!

Great graphic!

2008-10-27T15:12:00.000+01:00

Sometimes 'Stumble Upon' brings up some real goodies!

FilmAmora.com breaks Top 100,000

2008-09-23T23:51:00.000+02:00

It ain't much, but I'm happy. Not bad for only 6 weeks open:

FilmAmora.com - the innovative DVD-Rental website has broken the top 100,000 sites visit by people from Spain.

In operation for only 6 weeks, FilmAmora.com has taken Spain by storm as the new, exciting and inexpensive way to rent movies. With unlimited rental plans starting from €9.99 a month there is no cheaper way to get your DVDs. And with the biggest selection in Spain, more than 35,000 titles, its the way to finally see all those movies you’ve head about!

More recording

2008-09-10T19:20:00.003+02:00

It's been a busy month! FilmAmora launched, another new venture - an ice hockey pool site in Canada - ramped up development, and there was more time in London in the studio with David Waldner.

We recorded another five tracks (though technically last time I think it was 4 as I didn't play on one). Once again we were recording at The Way Studio, with Luke Buttery behind the console.

I also got a chance to listen to the last set of songs and I have to say it is sounding SWEET!

Hopefully in a couple of months the whole thing will be done and you can pop over to Dave's site to start buying it!

Donald Beskine, Lifetimes Magazine

2008-08-21T18:50:00.005+02:00

I don't like to be the person that complains all the time, but, it seems that things are happening that have to be commented on in public.

Back in May FilmAmora.com purchased a half page ad in a new magazine called 'The Lifetimes Magazine'. They have an embarrassment of a website that I won't bother to link to.

The contract clearly states that we are buying space in the July issue. Well...it's almost September and no magazine has come out. So, a few weeks ago I started enquiring and the person in charge of the magazine - Donald Beskine, who also runs the Marbella Business Centre - referred me to David Townsend of something called Global Media, the company that would be handling the advertising now. I had several lengthy conversations with David where it was agreed that as the Lifetimes Magazine would not be happening any time soon that my money should be refunded.

So, I turned to Donald Beskine for the refund. On average I phone Donald five times a day. This week alone I have left 15 messages. He will not return my call. He did, however, send me this email:

"I have now had a chance to review the file for your advert.
I do not understand the basis for your demand for a refund.
There is no basis so far as I can see for a refund and we are confident we will be providing you a good advertising service." -- Donald Beskine

Well, Don, the basis is that THERE IS NO MAGAZINE! Donald refuses to give me a publish date. Or even let me know if the magazine is in pre-production.

Now, of course, getting ahold of David Townsend at Global Media also becomes impossible. A further 6 messages this week alone to him.

All in all I have phoned the two of them over 40 times. I am starting to feel like a stalker! But I have to ask - what kind of company doesn't return calls, from PAYING CUSTOMERS, after 40 attempts?

All I want is to know what's going on! Is there a magazine coming out? If so...when?

So - if you are thinking of doing business with Donald Beskine, Lifetimes Magazine, David Townsend or Global Media (all down here in the Marbella area) then I would offer you this cautionary tale.

I have emails, phone bills, contracts and so on to back all this up by the way.

So, dear reader, if you have some time and want some fun, why not phone Donald at 952 850 052 and see if you can get through! The first one who gets Donald to call me gets a free month's subscription at FilmAmora.com!

A tip I have about Dufflet Pastries

2008-08-16T14:11:00.001+02:00

The chocolate and raspberry cake is the best cake I have ever tasted. When we used to live in TO we would buy them… since moving it is one of the things I miss the most!

When I was over a few years ago doing some consulting I bought three of them and had them delivered to the office… and they were STILL amazing!

See more progress on: Dufflet Pastries

Amazing - my favourite place

2008-08-10T11:00:00.001+02:00

I was reluctant to go at first – but I literally fell in love with the country in between getting off the plane and getting into the car to take me to Tokyo. I’ve been back at least once a year ever since.

Japan is the only place I’ve visited (and I’ve been around the world) that I enjoyed WHILE I was there – it wasn’t something I thought back on how great it was. It was great in the now! (Ok, other places have had flashes of that, but Japan was the only one from start to finish).

See more progress on: Visit Japan

CADE Marbella

2008-07-22T16:26:00.004+02:00

The government of Andalusia have a division called CADE (Consejería de Innovación, Ciencia y Empresa). For NINE MONTHS I have been trying to solicit their assistance in ANY way with FilmAmora.

I thought maybe they would be interested in helping me find employees: No

Funding for innovation: No (we aren't innovative, despite the fact that no one in Spain is doing what we will do)

Funding for a creative pursuit: No - we aren't creative because despite the fact that we will be producing video content and streaming video content of other filmmakers in Spain.

Today was the last straw, really. A month ago I went up to Marbella to meet the particularly unhelpful and incompetent Eva Pizarro Leon. She asked me for a business plan, which I supplied (all 25 pages of it with SWOT analysis and everything! Aren't I clever lol).
It took her a month to read it. Until this morning. She read the first 2 pages, did a google search and told me that because we weren't in the first page of results (duh, we aren't accepting customers yet! How can we be high on Google!) and because there were 4 other companies doing this already she thought we were a waste of time and to go away.

Of course, all she did was look at Google. So, if she had looked at the companies she mentioned she would have seen that one was in Argentina (!), one simply had Alquiler (rental) in the keywords and pages but actually only sold, one was the website from our supplier listing titles that video shops could buy to rent out and the other was the one I listed in our business plan as competition (though they only have 8,000 titles to our 38,000 and cost 3 times the price).

Yes - she is that incompetent! But, she is the guardian of the money. It is seemingly in her best interest to not give it out!

She told us we were not innovative even in our technology... but she never asked for information about the inner workings of the website. She said 'it was just a website' and of course websites can't be innovative, can they Google, Amazon, Facebook?

Anyway, that's that I guess. We are doomed to failure now (according to her).

CADE, Consejería de Innovación, Ciencia y Empresa - you are simply an excuse to give incompetent bureaucrats who can't contribute to society a job.

Studio Time

2008-06-24T09:19:00.004+02:00

I'm up in London laying down bed tracks for the new David Waldner album. Playing drums is Brian McLellan, ex of Vega4, and on keys is Martin Jenkins. We're recording at The Way, which is a cool little studio in Hackney with some amazing equipment (including a nice old Neve console). Behind the console is Luke Buttery, who is getting some great sounds.
I love being in the studio and it is doubly exciting this time. Hearing Dave's latest batch of songs and listening to them evolve as we lay them down. Its what I used to love back when I was doing a lot of recording.
Hopefully this is the first of a few sessions as we build up the album.

See ya, Syndey

2008-05-28T19:46:00.002+02:00

On Monday Sydney Pollack died. He was, as I am sure you know, an amazing director and not a bad actor either! There will be thousands of web-tributes to him, so, I will just add my voice to the crowd in that respect.

But, I am writing this because it was just Sunday night that I saw Pollack on a TVE (TV España) programme about the treatment of film by television networks. Pollack was there because of the lawsuit that the Danish Directors Guild brought against DR (Demark's nationalized TV station) with regards to the showing of a Pan and Scan version of Pollack's 3 Days of the Condor. The Director's Guild argued that it was a violation of a piece of art. it was shown in Danish court with the original cinemascope version, but a hilighted area indicating the pan and scan. It was, at times, laughable. There were fights where you couldn't see the other person being fought!

The documentary was an interesting piece, especially when it came to the area of sound. It argued against the dubbing of movies, saying that an integral part of the movie is the voice of the actors. An actor is hired not just to stand there and move his mouth, but to give life to a character in all ways, including speech. The irony is, of course, that Spain and Italy are 2 of the few countries that continue to dub - and TVE is the biggest violator, all but refusing to show subtitled films.

One interest piece of trivia was the handling in Spain of 'Fort Apache', the seminal John Wayne movie.

There is a scene in the movie where Wayne speaks to an Indian (or Native American, if you prefer) through an interpreter. In Spain Wayne speaks to the interpreter and the indian speaks in this very odd 'ooga-booga' type language. Ironically, in the 'real' version of the film the Indian is speaking Spanish! This ridiculous act of dubbing is still available in Spain today.

Anyway, hopefully Spain (and Italy, and all the other dubbing countries) will come to their senses and see films for the art that they are and leave them unadulterated.

Yeah, right.

Writing - Does Everyone has at least one (good) book in them?

2008-05-25T11:01:00.005+02:00

So, earlier this year, after suffering a serious case of burn-out, I decided to take a bit of a change of direction and cross a few things off the old bucket list.
One very big entry was 'Write'. Of course I have been writing seriously for the past 6 or 7 years now, concentrating a lot on screenplays. But, I had a book idea that I first came up with 25 years ago. (How is that for depressing??!). I'd written a short story version and a screenplay version, but I felt that what the story really needed - or should I say that I felt what I really needed to do with the story - was a novel.
So I started out on it.

You might think it is crazy. But there is the adage that "Everyone has at least one good book in them" (And if and when it comes out I hope I don't get a review like this one!)

So I started in on it.

I have the prologue up on it's own blog that might contain hilights from the book. We'll see.

More sobering links!
Everyone does not have a novel inside them
You’re an Author? Me Too!
So you think you can write?

FilmAmora - now open for business

2008-05-18T11:57:00.000+02:00

FilmAmora is now open for business. Our rentals are (still!) waiting on our Payment processor, but you can buy films. Click on the 'Buy' link underneath any title.

With over 35,000 titles on offer you won't find a bigger selection. We have all Spanish and UK releases available!

filmamora - the best place to buy movies in Spain

Fanfare for the common man

2008-05-10T10:10:00.002+02:00

Things I know:

* I'll never own a house
* I won't create a chain of income that is more that one hour's pay for one hour's work.
* I'll never win the lottery
* I won't be able to stop working at some point in my life and 'retire'
* I'll not have someone to look after me in my old age
* I won't have children
* I won't make a lasting impact except on those immediately around me
* I won't create anything of any wide significance or startling originality
* I won't instigate a great crime, nor be a victim of one
* I'll never again experience a woman looking at me with uncompromisable desire
* I won't meet my heroes
* I'll never be famous or infamous
* I won't profit from the deaths of others through inheritance

I'm sure there's more, but that's all that comes to mind.

Oh and this one:

* Few will read this except by accident

Brilliant title

2008-05-08T21:54:00.000+02:00

A blatant attempt to get attention from a title - from the BBC none the less. Brilliant.

Great tits cope well with warming

Me and Bobby McKee

2008-05-04T15:47:00.002+02:00

Well, I just finished the 4 day intensive course (or is it coarse) with Robert McKee, arguably the best known lecturer on Story and Screenplay.
Mckee, for reasons I cannot fathom, ran his course in Malaga, only an hour away. I attended and thought I'd write up my thoughts on the experience.

It was remarkable that there were about 200 people in attendance - not just because I didn't think there were 200 writers in the area who'd be interested (there aren't - more on that later) but that 200 people could fit into the auditorium given the amount of space McKee's ego takes up.

I am a big fan of McKee's book - it is definitely near the top of the list of books all screenwriters (or writers in general) should read. But in personal he is somewhat abrasive and for my taste there was just too much of his political and social commentary in the course. I didn't really pay to listen to this American explain Europe to me. Incorrectly, I might add. I don't think McKee truly understands the Spanish film situation though he would argue - violently - otherwise.

But, it was a good way to get a refresher on the material about writing. I've read his book a couple of times and I do give it credit to helping me become a better writer. But like all books and lectures of this type it cannot be followed alone. I think McKee misses out some vital steps that all the writers I know use. I also think he skips over some structural elements that would help writers.

But for the most part his theories on story are valid. But who am I to say? Certainly McKee doesn't give a rat's ass whether I agree with him or not. He knows he is right.

I can't whole heartedly recommend this seminar. It is expensive and I think if you have discipline you will get as much from reading the book as attending the seminar.

Now, about all these people who attended. It seems that the majority of them work in ad agencies in Madrid and Barcelona. Or are casual writers. I spoke to a Spanish journalist who had spoken to a lot of the attendees and she said she had not spoken to one person who was a screenwriter or actually in the film business as a writer.

My hopes that McKee's idea of story would be taken up by the rather dreadful Spanish film industry look to be unrealistic, at least for now.

Japan photos

2008-04-26T10:26:00.001+02:00

Well, the bulk upload and basic tagging is done. Lots of photos this year - thanks to buying a bigger memory card for the camera. I went photo crazy! I'm going to create a best of album, but for now, if you dare, the bulk one is there.
Lots of photos of every town - and lots of monkey pics!

Japan again

2008-04-25T07:43:00.003+02:00

I'm just back from another great two-weeks in Japan. This is the third year in a row now that we've gone there for my birthday.
This is a great time to go to Japan as it is cherry blossom season. Sadly, this year, thanks to George Bush I'm sure, the cherry blossoms were early - the earliest ever recorded! - so we really only got the full on experience up in the mountains around Nagano. We were lucky enough to be there right at 'hanami' time (cherry blossom viewing).
It was a big trip - lots of traveling. Started in Osaka, on to Hiroshima, Miyajima, Okayama, Kurashiki, Kyoto, Nagano, Yudanaka (snow monkeys!), and then to Tokyo.
I absolutely love Japan. From the people to the landscape to the food I find the place amazing. Especially the people! They are incredibly friendly and inviting. I noticed a big difference this year. I'd taken the time to learn some rudimentary Japanese and that really helped. People were always polite (of course) and genuinely interested in what we thought of their country.
The plan is still to move there. We are trying to find the best place, really. Something that gives us a taste of the incredible urban life of the big cities but also has some of the traditional side left.

Pics are being uploaded to my fotki

Two weeks of fun

2008-03-25T19:19:00.004+01:00

The first two weeks of march were slightly hellish. I arrived back from a frigid trip to Canada on the 3rd and walked into an immediate move. After 7 and a half years in one place we decided to move on.
Initially the move was to be just around the corner really. We'd found a brand new house with reasonable rent. It was a little bit bigger than our old house and had a slightly different configuration. So, immediately after getting off the plane we went to Ikea to buy a couple of new couches. Then it was home and starting to move boxes.
For the next couple of days it was box moving a plenty. We were moving all the 'small' stuff and getting movers in to do the furniture.
But, the day before the move I had a conversation with Tony, my neighbour to be. It went something like this:

Tony: "Wanted to ask you something. You don't have dogs do you?"
Me: "Um, yes."
Tony: "Because this community voted not to allow pet owners."
Me: "Um"

Now, I happen to know, from previous experience that in the great zone that is Europe this kind of thing is illegal. Pets can not be a cause to deny someone the right to live somewhere. This is one of the many things that makes Europe so much better than shit holes like America. So, whereas I knew I was in the clear legally (and the owner of the house did too) the fact is you don't want to live next to assholes like that, do you?

So, I freaked out. This it the day before the movers are coming and almost all of our stuff is in the new house. But, our agent was amazing. Within an hour she showed us a MUCH MUCH nicer house and we had agreed to take it! How cool is that?

So, in the morning the movers came and we moved to a completely different house.

Unfortunately that means that I basically had to move twice as I now had to move all the boxes that I had moved into the 'new' house into the 'newer' house (which is technically older). Oh, and cancel the new furniture from Ikea as we no longer needed it.

Two days after my run in with Tony, this sign appeared on the community we didn't move into:

It was down the next day.

Anyway, this is our new house:

There are cons - for instance we had to get a new phone number, we couldn't take our old one with us. Small price to pay!

Fine Dining, Sarnia Style

2008-02-29T23:31:00.001+01:00

One of the key reasons I came over to Canada at this snow-blown time of year was my mother's birthday. I don't get to see her that often and it seemed like a good time to come.

Sarnia is not a place resplendent with fine dining establishments. If ever a town needed Gordon Ramsay's advice it is this one! We decided to go out to the casino for dinner. My brother is an avid casino-attendee and my mother likes the place.

I don't mean to come off sounding snooty, but, well, it's an ok place, but not great. It is nice to have a special meal to the strains of Aerosmith's 'Dude Looks Like A Lady'. That was special. The food was not. But, my mother and brothe seemed to enjoy themselves and really that was what it was all about for me.

But if you want great food - don't go here.

Mind you, I won $15 on the way out and there are not many restaurants that can happen in. My mother got the real kicker - she won the Lotto 6/49! But that's a story for another day.

And now it snows!

2008-02-26T16:47:00.002+01:00

This is crazy. Now the snow is coming down like no one's business. The only problem is that I am going a bit stir crazy - there is nothing to do! It is one thing to travel, but to go somewhere and sit and not have 'your stuff' is a bit frustrating.

I am working on the FilmAmora revamp, and also on the rewrite of 'Coming Out'... but good god where is the decent coffee?! Taking of the sacred brew at the Church of Tim Horton's I personally find unsatisfying. (Also, since when do they double glaze a frigging Dutchie?). I can't find a place with an actual coffee machine. Upon my return to España you will find me at the Carrefour tapas bar, without doubt.

I am reading this great book called 'The Dip'. I actually bought it for my brother for Xmas. I like reading books like this - it gets me motivated. I definitely agree with his philosophy - if you can't be the best, don't do it. Now, of course that is, on one level, blatantly stupid as a) who judges and b) someone is always better. But, the thought is be the best 'in your world'. Your world might be small town Indiana (though the internet has really buggered this idea up for a lot of people).

Anyway, I am rambling as a procrastination technique.

Up for air...

2008-02-21T23:47:00.002+01:00

It's been a tough few months recently. Some quite stressful work, and lots of it, combined with ongoing woes about FilmAmora.com (and the useless institutions called Banks in Spain - and no I am not trying to get money from them!) and various other factors have taken their toll on me.

But, I am on a little respite, over here in Canada visiting my mother (and of course doing a little work related side traveling too - I am a workaholic).

It is incredibly cold here. How do Canadians survive it? And WHY? It was -18 Celcius last night when I arrived here in Sarnia. That is just.... stupid!

But it is relaxing, and I can even write up a few blog entries. I'm getting some screenwriting done here too... so life is getting back on track a little.

More soon....

Phil

See the difference you can make

2008-01-18T19:52:00.000+01:00

Whoops.... a MONTH?

2008-01-10T15:11:00.000+01:00

Crikey! It's been more than a month since I posted. Funny how life can whiz by like that.
Christmas and New Year's has come and gone. My best friend Dave Waldner and his wife Linda Gahagan were down for that. It was great to spend time with them. We did some driving around (to places like Malaga and Ronda) but for the most part we just hung out (apart from Xmas dinner over at Anna and Tilly's). We had an awesome New Year's Eve in Malaga, hanging out in the centre and drinking Champagne. What more can you ask for?!

Life has been pretty crazy - I have this contract to do a website for a Russian gambling company, but at the same time I am developing FilmAmora and of course doing all the business side of that. And CostaFilma. With our first screenplay optioned we are into the development side of that.

The other news is that we are producing a TV show that will be shown on Sky. Once that is finalised later this month I will post details.

More to follow....

In DEFENCE of whaling?

2007-12-04T18:11:00.000+01:00

Incredibly, there seems to be some Japanese who think whaling is a good thing.
Today in the Japan Times was this letter:
Hold your beef about whale meat

By MISAO NAKAYA
Nara

J.H.G.'s Nov. 22 letter, "Plenty of other things to eat," motivated me to respond. It is true that only a few countries such as Japan, Norway and Iceland have hunted whales for food. Japanese fishermen used to make the best use of all parts of the whale, not only its meat but also fats and other stuff.

On the other hand, countries like the United States used to hunt whales only for the oil rendered from the fat, discarding all whale meat. What a waste! That was probably because Americans didn't have the habit of eating whale meat, just wasting the precious resources of the Earth.

Whales still provide a kind of meat that people eat for their meals. Although many kinds of whales were on the verge of extinction, some whales, such as minke, have proliferated to the extent that they can be used for our meals. Those whales are eating so much smaller fish, including sardines, that it is becoming harder for us to have fish for meals.

If the number of whales keeps increasing at the present rate, we will have fish shortages in the near future. It is too arrogant to insist that Americans can eat beef but that Japanese shouldn't eat whales.
The opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are the writer's own and do not necessarily reflect the policies of The Japan Times.

And my response:

I feel I have to respond to MISAO NAKAYA's letter of Dec 4,2007, "Hold your beef about whale meat".
To use America's continued addiction to beef as an excuse for Japan's whaling is morally questionable to say the least. One's actions should need to be defended by pointing out the errors of others.
Nakaya's letter is a veritable brochure for Japan's whaling industry and quotes the oft-mentioned fallacy about whales and their fish consumption. I don't think there is a single, credible (i.e. not funding by the ICR or a similarly vested-interest body) study that would give this any weight. Even if there were, one could argue that perhaps instead of slaughtering some of the earth's greatest inhabitants you could, oh, I don't know... eat less fish???
That Japan and the Japanese don't seem to mind being globally identified by their whaling is a mystery to me. I would not want to be known as 'the ones who kill whales'. Indeed that is near the top of what people think of when they think of Japan, and I think that is sad. And if Japan managed, as Nakaya's letter implies, that they limited themselves to Minke whales then maybe there would be some measure of tolerance. But, as was reported recently, that Japan thinks that scientific research (the by-products of which - the meat - seem to make it to the stores shelves somehow) on Humpback and other great whales is going ahead as well.
I find the action shameful and a striking blow against what I truly think is a great nation and people.

On another note, if Nakaya really wanted to try and win us over there should have been some mention of Japan's spending sprees to try and win sway at the IWC. All over Africa and the Caribbean poor nations receive millions from Japan to gain their vote of support. That, it could be argued, does some good in the world. Shame that it comes at the cost of the lives of some of the world's gentle giants.

Oh dear....

2007-11-28T14:14:00.001+01:00

http://kotaku.com/gaming/clips/kwaris-five-steps-326814.php

re: america

2007-11-27T18:34:00.000+01:00

Interesting post from the Japan Times (In case you think I am making it up:
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/rc20071127a3.html)

Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2007

READERS IN COUNCIL
Sticky details about America

By ROBERT LEZZI
Chiba

I was inspired by Roger Pulvers' Nov. 18 Counterpoint article, "How well do you really know Japan?" So I put together my own test on America. Many non-Japanese are up on Japan, but how well do Americans know their own land? Try this quiz:

(1) How many countries did America bomb after World War II, and can you name them?

(2) How many of the people that America has slaughtered or maimed have been women and children?

(3) How many tons of the poisonous chemical dioxin did America drop on the people of Vietnam?

(4) Two centuries ago, when adverse conditions on long sea voyages called for lighter loads, how many Africans were marched overboard, chained and weighed down to drown while on their way to new agricultural careers in America?

(5) What fraction of the Native American population survived America's expansion westward?

(6) What single country killed the greatest number of human beings in the history of civilization?

The answers? Search me . . . I'm an American.

CostaFilma update

2007-11-13T14:48:00.000+01:00

A little cross-posing never hurt!

My company, CostaFilma, is gearing up to be at a trade show in Puerto Real next week. The show is for film production companies in Andalucia. We are going to have a booth there, showing off our services and also promoting FilmAmora.com.

To get ready we've whipped up a new promo video that you can see on the CostaFilma website.

Check it out!

The Mighty JC

2007-10-26T10:56:00.001+02:00

No, the OTHER JC - John Cusack. It has come to my attention that certain people, who live in not SO remote parts of Canada that they have an excuse, are unaware of the works of this actor.

It is most likely my age, but, I've kind of felt John Cusack has represented what I wanted my life to be on screen. He's the same age as me (roughly).

I stand by my claim that you could only watch Cusack movies and rarely watch a mediocre one and almost NEVER a bad one...and many greats.

Here's my Top 10 Cusack films!

Grosse Pointe Blank

Being John Malkovich

High Fidelity

Identity

Say Anything

Bullets Over Broadway

Serendipity

The Grifters

Runaway Jury

Better Off Dead

All of these movies are also available through FilmAmora.com

The GPB Curse

2007-10-20T10:26:00.000+02:00

'Gross Pointe Blank' is probably the reason I didn't go to my high school reunion.

I stayed up last night watching it again - it's one of my favourite movies. The fact is that a lot of people, I believe, want to be Martin Blank. They want to have lived dangerously, been damaged and have a chance to return home, push the reset button and correct those post-high school mistakes.

My problem was that my life wasn't as dark and mysterious as Martin's. And that I didn't have a great love in high school to try and reset things with. And I had actually had a pretty normal life, in a way, after high school.

And for someone who WANTED to be different, to be dark and myseterious but didn't have the chutzpah to do so, it is pretty disappointing. And of course to not be one ounce as cool as John Cusack.

If I'd gone back to my reunion a year ago I can imagine that after the first few minutes of 'and what did you do after high school' it would have been pretty quiet. I didn't speak to any of these people after school ended...so how do you do that now? I've always had a problem with chit-chat. And to be honest I am not very convinced that I am that nice a person, which might explain why people don't chit-chat with me either!

Its very depressing at times to realise that life is not like the movies - not just rarely... it never is!

FilmAmora

2007-10-15T16:45:00.000+02:00

For the past few months CostaFilma (the independent film distribution company I own) has been developing a new website and service:

FilmAmora.com is an exciting new way to rent DVDs in Spain. With over 20,000 titles available FilmAmora offers an incredible selection of films - from the classics to the latest HD DVD releases. You don't have to go to the video store and look around. You don't have to drive back in the morning to drop it off.

The way it works is simple:

Go to FilmAmora.com and register. The site is fully in English and Spanish

Choose a plan that works for you. If you are a film-lover and watch lots of movies you can get 4 at a time with unlimited films a month! A more casual viewer may choose the 1 or 2 films at a time option.

Start building up your wish list from our catalogue of 20,000 titles

Wait for the films to start arriving in your mailbox. You can keep the films as long as you like. And we include a postage-paid envelope for you to send it back in

Return the film when you want and wait for more!

Contribute! You can write an online review for others to read and you can rate the film too

It couldn't be easier.

FilmAmora.com delivers to Spanish addresses only I'm afraid.

Gibraltar Elections

2007-10-12T13:33:00.000+02:00

Yesterday the elections were held in Gibraltar. Incumbent Peter Carauna, leader of the GSD, won. Of course. Statistically incumbents win. He got about 50% of the vote. It was not a landslide, but, decisive none the less.

The GSD's competition came from the GSLP/Liberal Alliance. Helmed by former Chief Minister twice over Joe Bassano they claimed to be the future of Gibraltar. (Slightly odd, seeing as they are most definitely part of the past of Gibraltar - they are the oldest political party going in Gib).

The GSLP ran on blatant discrimination and isolationism, vowing, if they won, to stop such things as foreign consultants in the Gibraltar Health Authority, or foreign companies getting a fair chance at government tenders. Ridiculous and potentially damaging to an already damaged economy. Thankfully they lost.
[interesting to note that the first thing they seemed to do upon losing was to remove their manifesto from their website.]

As we all know, there is no such thing as 'the right party to win'. Caruana and crew are not without their problems - crony-ism, pandering for votes, fear of criticism - they've taken their toll on the future of Gibraltar.

But, then what do I know?! I am a Spanish resident who slips across the border some mornings to rob Gibraltar's economy (according to the GSLP). I am Canadian by birth - not even part of the EU!

Slaughter

2007-10-11T15:38:00.000+02:00

I was shocked to read this story. I've been a vegetarian for a while, and recently when I was tempted for various reasons to eat meat again I thought about it and the fact that I would be asking that animals where killed in the name of my hunger.

Perhaps even worse, in a way, is how animals, such as those in this story, are slaughtered because they have contracted a NON FATAL virus that could, perhaps, potentially, maybe, be transported to another animal and maybe that animal might be part of someone's livelihood and even though even then that animal wouldn't die, it would be a drag. So kill them.

To be honest foot and mouth disease is the same. "Outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease have resulted in the slaughter of millions of animals, despite this being a frequently non-fatal disease. The destruction of animals is primarily to prevent the disease from spreading throughout herds intended for human consumption or producing milk." [source: Wikipedia]

Isn't that sick? It's not that the disease would jump to humans.

What country?

2007-10-10T14:50:00.000+02:00

Ever since I've heard about them, I have become fascinated with the notion of 'Unrecognized countries'. These are 14 areas of the world that believe themselves to be independent nations but for various, specific reasons, can't convince most of the rest of the world to go along with it.

I first heard of Somaliland. In the upper, right corner of Somalia, they have 2.5 million people, their own currency and own distinct culture. Sick of the battling in Somalia, they said screw it, quite literally drew a line in the sand and said that's enough.

Nagorno-Karabakh is officially part of Azerbaijan. The 138,000 people living there believe that they are distinct in their ways... and they're probably right! The Soviet Union was a mish mash over everything east of Germany, and not particularly known for its cultural sensitivity! They are closely tied to Armenia, and one could be forgiven for thinking that this was a little bit of Armenia stirring it up.

Transnistria sits inside another little-known (yet recognized) country called Moldova, famous mostly for a book about its dentistry, and personally, because a friend's brother got married there! There is, for some reason, a weird connection between Moldova and Ireland. Transnistria holds over half a million people and is squeezed in between Moldova and Romania on the right bank of the Dniester river. They had a war with Moldova in 92 and declared their independence, though not many other people were listening.

I'm interested in do a tour of these nations. There are about a dozen of them. Some, like Israel, are of course recognized by most, just not the people they are pissing off!

Anyway, I'll set up a tour of the nations and you can all sign up!

An exercise in democracy?

2007-10-09T16:33:00.000+02:00

There are elections in the works down here in Gibraltar (ok, technically I live in Spain but I do spend a lot of time - too much time - in Gibraltar).
Gibraltar is a country of about 30,000 people. i.e. a small town. They also have 5 newspapers and 5 political parties. When I say newspapers, I mean there is one newspaper and 4 guys with printers at home churning out old-style blogs on paper!

The election is between parties so narrow in scope and in name it would be laughable, if it were not taken so seriously. You have the GSLP/Liberal Alliance and the GSD about 1% apart in the polls. It is a place full of personal attacks and family feuds. A recent tactic is sending SMSs around smearing candidates. Newflash - SMS's are traceable! It is not the case of who is starting it, it is the fact that people are listening.

What Gibraltar needs is strong, bi-partisan, leadership that will sort out the huge social issues bogging this place down. Ok, keep your sovereignty, but the relationship with Spain has little to do with the fact that the government won't support schooling for all, the local schools and institutions that deal with the disadvantaged and handicapped, do something about sky-rocketing teen pregnancy, drug use and alcoholism.
The border is not the problem!
(For those of you that don't know, Gibraltar has ongoing border-issues with Spain that keep a ridiculous customs post open and 30 - 40 minute queues to get in or out of Gib going).
Any Gibraltarian who can lives at least on the weekend in Spain. So stop going on about it!

As a filmmaker I should have the gumption to make a film about politics here. Kazuhiro Soda did it with the wonderful Campaign!. It could happen here, but then again the election is in 2 days!

It's over

2007-10-08T16:51:00.001+02:00

Another Marbella Film festival comes to a close. The festival is, despite what anyone might think, a 3rd tier festival in only its second year. So, with that in mind, imagine my pleasure at being able to report that I actually saw some good stuff.

Afghan Muscles is <sarcasm>the best movie about Afghani body builders I've ever seen</sarcasm>. But seriously, the film is everything you would want in a documentary - it has a great central character, a story arc and is packed with emotions.

Fish Can't Fly was a delightful romantic short. Shorts, in my opinion, are best when done as jokes with a solid punchline and a twist. This one fits that to a T.

I Became is a touching narrative short from Mumbai. The filmmaker was actually there *I'll fill in her name when I find her card* . She was great to talk with. This film won the best short category, and it deserved it. She is a young filmmaker, with a great eye. Ok, it did meander a little, but for those of us NOT living in Mumbai, it was a visual treat.

check them out if you can (with hope they'll be appearing on FilmAmora)

Marbella Film Festival

2007-10-07T10:29:00.000+02:00

This weekend is the Marbella Film Festival. Last year my company, CostaFilma, bought the rights to the winning film. This year I haven't seen as many films, I've been promoting CostaFilma, and our new venture, FilmAmora, and also hooking up with the people from eWorld.
eWorld has this interesting Boomerang Media Station product that CostaFilma supply video content to. It's well worth a download. I don't think it is ready for prime time yet, but, I can see that it might actually be the future of watching content online.

Anyway, off to Marbella and more films!

TechnoCRAAAZY

2007-09-26T10:42:00.001+02:00

Technorati Profile

I'm rich!

2007-09-11T11:10:00.000+02:00

My attention to charity seems to have been finally rewarded! Oh wait, it might be spam.

Anyway, here is the funniest spam email I have received in a long time. I have left it uncorrected.

*************

Mr Paul Glover.
Hemel Hempstead Hospital
Hillfield Road
Hemel Hempstead
HP2 4AD
England.

Here writes Mr Paul Glover, suffering from cancerous ailment. I am into private practice all my life and do not have time for myself or any other things,except making money via my numerous business.I was oncemarried but after three decades without child i have to continue my life.

Iam writing this email to you because i want entrust the sum of 5 Million (Five Million Great Britain Pounds Sterling which were derived from my vast estates and investment in capital market with A Bank here in UK for the good work of charity in your country. Presently, this money is still with the Bank.

Recently, my Doctor told me that I have limited days to live due to the cancerous problems I am suffering from. Though what bothers me most is the stroke that I have in addition to the cancer. With this hard reality that has befallen my family, and me I have decided to donate this fund to you and want you to use this gift which comes from my effort to fund the upkeep of widows, widowers, orphans, destitute, the down-trodden, physically challenged children, barren-women and persons who prove to be genuinely handicapped financially,for doing this you will be entitle to 20%.

I made a vow to uplift the down-trodden and the less-privileged individuals as i had passion for persons who can not help themselves due to physical disability or financial predicament. I can adduce this to the fact that i do not have a Child from my late wife, which never came.

It is often said that blessed is the hand that giveth. I took this decision because I do not have any child that will inherit this money and my relatives are bourgeois and very wealthy persons and I do not want my hard earned money to be misused or invested into ill perceived ventures. I do not want a situation where this money will be used in an ungodly manner, hence the reason for taking this bold decision. I am not afraid of death hence I know where I am going. I know that I am going to be with the Almighty when I eventually pass on. The Almighty will fight my case and I shall hold my peace. I do not need any telephone communication in this regard due to my deteriorating health and my doctors advise. With God all things are possible.

As soon as I receive your reply I shall give you the contact of the Bank. I will also issue you a Letter of Authority that will empower you as the original beneficiary of this fund. My happiness is that I lived life worthy of emulation. Please always be prayerful all through your life. Please assure me that you will act just as I have stated herein.
Hope to hear from you soon and God bless you and members of your family.Reply to my mail through my email address: xxxx@xxxx.com

Mr Paul Glover.

New blog

2007-09-08T11:17:00.000+02:00

I've set up a new blog, with the hopes of just using the RSS feed of it on here... but bloggers feed widget seems to be broken.
Anyway, it's called Dog Walking Music

Too bizarre

2007-09-08T09:55:00.001+02:00

This is too bizarre NOT to post. Normally I wouldn't, and it is definitely adult content, but, my god this is strange! This is NOT a comedy piece, incredibly. It is from local TV.

Don't watch if you are under 18 or easily offended. Or don't have a sense of humour.

The power

"shrimp at long john silver, whats that plate, 2.99 ??"

Web Urbanist

2007-09-03T16:08:00.000+02:00

While spending a lazy Monday on holiday here in Newfoundland I discovered this website and a fascinating article:
7 Deserted Wonders of the World. Sometimes you get the feeling that places here in Newfoundland are deserted, but wow, the places on this website are freaky!

If you check out the main page you'll see lots of cool articles. What a great website. I wish I was clever enough to come up with something like that!

From one Rock to Another

2007-08-30T15:23:00.000+02:00

We're over here in Newfoundland. Our friends Joan (that's Dr. Joan to you and me) and Susan visited us in Spain last Christmas. So we thought, in punishment, we'd impose ourselves on them.
I've never been to the East Coast of Canada before. It is, well, pretty awesome! St John's, at least the downtown, is very beautiful and full of great restaurants. What more could you ask for?! (Outside of downtown of course it just turns into another Canadian city with shopping malls and WalMarts).
And the music! If you like traditional music, surely St John's is one of the best places to see it. We stopped in for lunch to a place called Auntie Crae's and saw a 'Kitchen Party' (newfie-speak for a jam session). A bunch of local players, cranking out the tunes.
Ok, I am a tourist, and maybe some of these things are touristy, but, I am enjoying myself immensely.

As I write this I am sitting out in a cottage on Conception Bay, perilously close to the edge of the cliff. Waves are crashing into the rocks and it is awe-inspiring.

Write more soon!

Model Search 2007

2007-08-17T10:20:00.000+02:00

Earlier this week I had the honour of being a judge at Model Search 2007, a modeling contest put on by Mark Montovio and Mount Productions.
Thankfully it wasn't as hot and humid as last year! It was actually a pleasant night, both weather-wise and the show.
Unfortunately, my choice didn't show on the night - I'll do a post on her later - but there were some good contestants.

The male winner, of course, could be none other than Adnan Laoudy. I've known Adnan for a while and he was in a short film I directed last year.

Female winner was Sascha McPhillips. Her photo didn't impress me, but in person she had great presence. Maybe she needs more photo time or something to bring that out on camera. She's not tall enough to be a pro model, but, I can definitely see her having some success in the local market (or perhaps acting) if she wanted it.

The runner up for females was Krisanne Alvez. This girl has a killer body, it has to be said. She didn't have the presence on stage that I would have liked, but she moved well. I think some training would bring her up to an amazing standard.

There were tears from the winners... not these winners (well, ok, Sascha had some!), but from some of the male winners. There was one guy, Nigel Usquieri, who I just couldn't make my mind up on. He was...odd! Odd is good, as you remember it (and hence I am talking about him and not others). But I just don't know if he is modelling material. But he did have something.

The show also included a couple of dance routines. One from Genyka Celecia - her first performance after a long injury. The other from a girl who's name I didn't catch (other than it was Tamara something) that was really amazing. Great choreography.

Anyway, thanks to Mark for the night.

Where NOT to shop

2007-08-12T11:01:00.000+02:00

I do try and restrain myself from turning this blog into a negative rant about things, but, unfortunately I can't stop myself on this one!

My wife, Marcia, is a massage therapist (and she also runs Spanish Spirit Holidays a holistic holiday retreat). One of the things she does is make up custom blends of oils for her clients. To hand these out she needs a lot of little bottles.
We thought we'd found a good supplier in Primrose Aromatherapy in the UK. They claimed to have 50ml Amber bottles with dropper tops.
Now, the stuff Marcia sells HAS to be in glass (plastic gets corroded by the oils). So, I sent an email to Primrose:

From: Phil Smy
To: primrose_aromatherapy@yahoo.co.uk
Subject: bottle droppers

hi, I'm interested in buying your 50ml bottles with dropper 
caps (item amber11), but can you tell me if the droppers 
are glass or plastic?

The response:

Hi Phil
droppers are glass.
 
Lucinda McKee
Primrose Aromatherapy

So, I placed the order! Guess what, the droppers were plastic.
Then I was told this:

Do you mean the long glass pipettes with the little
rubber squeezable teats at the top? The tops I have sent 
you are universally known as droppers but the others as 
I have mentioned are called pipettes. 
If this is the case I'm sure we can sort something out. 
Have a look on the site in caps and atomisers at pipette 
droppers (cap 02) and let me know.
Dawn Hinsley
Primrose Aromatherapy

Oh... I see. It's MY fault. I called them droppers instead of pipette droppers. Ok. So I looked at her suggestion (cap02). They looked good, so, I thought I'd bite the bullet and order them even though they should have come included.
This is what I got from placing the order:

In order to make the business what I wanted it to 
be I am going to discontinue some of the lines. This, 
unfortunately, is going to be one of them. I will sell 
what I have but I will not replace these lines once 
they are depleted. 
The stock situation is that we have pipettes for the 25ml 
bottles (67mm length on the shaft) but none for the 
50ml bottles (90 mm drop on the inside of the bottle).

So even though she told me to buy them she doesn't have them!
So I asked for a refund. Guess what?

Your request for clarification from Lucinda McKee was for 
the material used in the droppers. You were advised that 
the droppers were glass. The previous owner used the 
description "dropper" for the seperately sold items 
with a rubber top and a GLASS shaft. In this case the 
description was correct.
 
When we took the business over we were unaware of the 
correspondence as attached below. Your order was for 
Amber11 with black caps and droppers, which we 
believe we fulfilled.
 
This being the case we are unwilling to have these items 
returned to us. I trust you will undersand this and we 
can move forward. 
 
Best Regards
 
Dawn Hinsley
Primrose Aromatherapy

So. To summarize:
I asked what they were made of. Was told glass. Got plastic. Asked for glass, tried to order, was told they weren't going to help me and because they consider there isn't a problem (of course not, they got the money!) they wouldn't offer a refund.

Great customer service!

Buyer beware if you order from here!!!!

New Game Coming

2007-08-11T16:25:00.000+02:00

A while back I worked on the back-end of an interesting new online game. The game is part first person shooter and part money making! Basically, how well you play the game will determine how much money you win.
The public beta has just opened up, so why not go sign up.
I haven't played the game myself in months (since I ended the project) but it looks to be good.

Here's the link: Go To Kwari

getting the concept going

2007-07-25T16:57:00.000+02:00

Had an interesting meeting this morning with Mark Montovio and a group of his clients in Mount Productions. We are working on a kind of Public Service Announcement for Gibraltar about teen drinking.
We sat around with the 4 young people who are going to be in it (hopefully) and tried to get some ideas flowing. A couple of them were great - forthcoming with ideas and willing to share their experiences. The other 2 were a bit more shy. Funnily enough one of the shy ones told me she wanted to be in the modeling business. You can't be a shy wallflower in the modeling or acting world! You have to be confident and get out there.
At first I thought, hey, they're only young. But then I realised that a lot of the contestants on America's next top model (for example) were only a year or so older than these guys. I know that at the age these guys are at I was out playing in bands in clubs. So it is possible to be confident!

Anyway, I am hopeful that the product will be entertaining and get a message across. (FYI the message is that drinking as a teen is not all fun!)

Best Wikipedia page ever!

2007-07-24T15:15:00.000+02:00

Check this out

What Web2.0 is all about!

Once more with Tori!

2007-07-07T09:15:00.000+02:00

Once again we saw Tori Amos! Ah, we were in London anyway, so thought we'd stop in. Good seats. The show was a little different from Milan - she was a different opening character.
Unfortunately she did a prolonged solo set at the piano. And she managed to destroy 'Winter' - one of my favourite songs of hers. I really wish she would stop this self-indulgent pausing and interpreting. Yes, they are her songs... but come on! She needs a producer.
But the rest of the show was great and the fans were a bit more rowdy than in Milan, which was nice.
She wore this CRAZY outfit - it was after all the 4th of July.

See more photos on my photo site.

Oh Canada!

2007-07-02T10:38:00.000+02:00

Sunday was Canada day, and we flew up to London to attend my friend's Dave and Linda's Canada day party. The day was spent listening to Canadian music - more Terry Jacks please! - and eating such things as potato salad and pumpkin pie. Despite a high number of non-Canadians the part was a complete success.
The horrible weather even managed to hold off and we had a day of relative sunshine.

All for a good cause

2007-07-01T20:38:00.000+02:00

On Friday we went to a charity evening. The cause was 'Animal in Need' and the La Linea dog shelter.
Pedro (Peter) is a great guy, who has committed himself to making life better for the dogs of the area.
I am making a documentary about dogs in Spain - called 'No Shelter' - and Pedro's one of the shelters I am filming at.

It was also great to meet up with Diana Luchies. Diana is an ANGEL, who has spent the last few years committing herself to the dogs of the Costa del Sol. She has been spending her savings on living so she can devote herself to it.

So, if you can, show your support!

How cool is that?!

2007-06-23T09:50:00.001+02:00

As I look more into Blogger here I find that there are lots of cool little support features, etc.
This post, for instance, is being written inside of a cool dashboard widget (mac of course!).
It's great for quick little entries.

Latest News

2007-06-22T01:21:00.000+02:00

CostaFilma has sealed the deal with eWorld Entertainment.
We are the exclusive providers for this excitin Video On Demand system when it goes live in Spain in the autumn.

News Item Here

Back home

2007-06-19T15:16:00.000+02:00

Ah, it's good to be back home in the relative peace and quiet of the Costa del Sol.
California was a lot of fun, and it was an amazing personal experience for me. I was fortunate enough to be involved in the high level discussions about eWorld's exciting Boomerang product, and to spend time with some impressive industry-leaders.

For all of you that couldn't attend the party on Thursday, you missed a good one! People like Russ Reagen (the guy who signed Elton John), the legendary producer and promoter Don Grenough, actresses Sally Kirkland and Cybil Danning, producer Doug McHenry (New Jack City, etc), me :-) and others were there. The music was great too!

Rehearsing that day at SIR was Jeffery Osbourne, so that was cool to hang out and listen to him and his band.

Anyway, I had a good time... pics of Hollywood to come.

Hollywood

2007-06-15T03:27:00.000+02:00

Spending time in the Mecca of Movies....

(yes I took that picture from Hollywood and Highland).
Can't say as I'd want to live here, but it is a fascinating place. Even the street names are part of our popular culture... Mulholland, Sunset Blvd, Hollywood and Vine.
Pretty cool!

Off to LA

2007-06-08T14:19:00.000+02:00

I head off to LaLaLand next week for a couple of days. I've never really been to Hollywood, so this is almost exciting if it weren't for the fact that I am only going to be there for 3 days.
The reason for the trip is to liase with eWorldEntertainment. CostaFilma are going into an interesting deal (details to be revealed this weekend and at the event).

The event is open to the public. It's Thursday, June 14th at 7:30pm at SIR Studios in Hollywood. Maybe see you there?

Tori Amos in Milan

2007-06-03T14:30:00.000+02:00

We flew up to Milan (yes, Italy!) to see Tori Amos play at the Teatro Smeraldo. I've seen Tori quite a few times (I think this was my 5th time) and I have to say that this show was the best. Partly because she was playing with a band - I find her solo shows and they way she... stops... songs.......at..wierd...points very annoying. But with the band she was rocking!
She did, of course, some stuff from the new album, but the majority of the show, it seemed to me, was made up of old stuff. Even 'Liquid Diamonds' made a rare appearance!

The show appeared to be all but sold out - with a surprising cross section in attendance. Of course there were the feminist cheerleaders, but lots of men and a few old fogies like myself.
The girl in front of me seemed bored though, I think she was only their because of her friend.

Tori's daughter (I believe) hung out at the side of the stage for the first few numbers.

Someone's posted some videos from the show.

hit the road, jack... er, Phil

2007-05-28T01:43:00.000+02:00

Yes, it's time for more travelling!
Later this week I am off to Milan. It's my good friends Dave and Linda's wedding anniversary, plus, Tori Amos is playing.
After that it is over to LA for some meetings for a week.
Then up to London for Canada Day festivities on July 1st, and what the heck, another Tori Amos concert!

It had to go!

2007-05-22T20:21:00.000+02:00

Well, it took me years, but, I finally got rid of the hair. Not all of it mind you - not like that night in 1991 - but a significant chunk.
I am donating the hair to Locks of Love which provides hair for sufferers of cancer.

Back up...

2007-05-19T13:57:00.000+02:00

Well, THAT was painful.
A hacker took out my brother's hosting computer, and because of all the hassle he just thought his life would be better if he stopped running his hosting business. Way to go hacker!
Anyway, I am now back up with a new site (http://www.philsmy.com) and this new blog.
I am going to TRY to migrate across the old blog. Not that anyone cares, but it would be nice to have that stuff.

One hot night!

2006-07-22T13:50:00.000+02:00

I am not just referring to the contestants on stage at last night's Model Search 2006 in Gibraltar. It was roasting. Incredibly humid.

Like I mentioned previously, I was shooting the competition. Unfortunately our 3rd camera was suffering from a moisture condition, so we had to make do with 2. Should be fine. I'm starting editing tomorrow on it.

One camera was HDV the other SD. This will be my first attempt at combining footage. I am quite curious to see the outcome.

Frame grabs coming soon!

GibFocus feature

2006-07-19T13:49:00.000+02:00

GibFocus is this terribly cool website that has all the latest and greatest news about Gib. It is updated seemingly every 5 minutes.

Starting today I am the featured interview! How cool is that?!?

You can take a look at the site here.

This has been taken down, but you can still listen to it. Click the banner!

Uh oh!

2006-07-19T13:48:00.000+02:00

Members of a religious sect in central Kenya are bracing themselves for a nuclear war predicted to take place no later than 12 September 2006.

Buggers. I have already booked flights to London on September 26th! Can I get a refund in case this happens?

Writing success...kind of

2006-07-15T13:46:00.000+02:00

Google is a wonderful thing. I discovered that I got to the semi-final rounds in the Writers on the Storm screenwriting competition for my script 'Fire and Rain'.

Ok, I didn't make it into the finals - but then neither did England in the World Cup, so there you go.

Model Search 2006

2006-07-14T13:44:00.000+02:00

How exciting! Looks like I am the lucky guy who gets to coordinate the shooting/videoing/filming of Gibraltar's Model Search 2006 competition. It (hopefully) will be a 3 camera affair, which will be an editing headache, but, I am always up for a challenge.

The worst thing about it is that I will be too busy looking through the viewfinder to watch the show.

It's happening at Alameda Open Air Theatre on Friday 21st July at 9.30pm.

I know you all really want to see pics of the contestents, but, go see the show you cheap buggers! Should be a hoot.

Welcome home

2006-07-14T13:41:00.000+02:00

Today I picked up my official Resedencia card for Spain. It has been a long haul to get this thing - even though all it really means is that I have proof I live here!
But still, I have to say that I am very happy about it. I love living down here (another long haul to get to there, I can tell you) and to now be fully 'official' makes me proud.

In my dreams - when I let myself have them - I think about how I want to get the Campo de Gibraltar region on film. I like shooting down here - the people are great - and I think the place has a lot to offer as far as stories and locations.

Anyway, I am beaming and had to tell someone.

Done!

2006-07-08T13:39:00.000+02:00

It took a very very long time, but, I am truly done 'With Sand Alone'. The first submission has been sent off!

I need a break from Final Cut Pro for a while.

The page is up with a few pics and so forth. Click the 'Related Link' button at the bottom of this entry.

Related link:
movies

Congratulations!

2006-07-05T13:37:00.000+02:00

The actor in WSA and The Inquisition, Emilio Vera, has been accepted into the theatre school in Corboda! Well done!

Chop chop

2006-06-28T17:46:00.000+02:00

I can imagine that editing film (as opposed to video) is very satifying because you get to cut and slice. When you think about it, it is a very violent kind of thing. Cutting out bits. Slicing film. Chopping sound.
But in video we do nice little drops and slides, etc etc. I long for some violence, because I am having a hard time banging this film into shape.
I saw this interview with David Lynch where he talks about filming being the process of building a glass bridge across a ravine. At any moment it could shatter into a million pieces and you could plunge to a horrible death on the rocks below.
I know how he feels.
This was a film I had high hopes for and consequently it is a complicated edit. There are lot of sound effects to go in, music to add, dialogue to re-record (for the record, shooting in a cave is a bad idea) and of course colour correction and the like.

Can someone please buy me a faster computer? And a time machine?

Soon I'll set up a page with some stills and so forth on it. I know you all can't wait.

Not a new pet

2006-06-21T17:47:00.000+02:00

Now that's a bug!

Big night out

2006-06-19T17:44:00.000+02:00

Well, most of the cast and crew of the Inquisition got together on Saturday night for a meal and some drinks. I had just finished the editing of the thing, so it seemed like a good time to do it.
I figured out that I probably spent 1 day editing for every 5 minutes of finished product. Thank god the thing is only 25 minutes long!
Martin had this sweet, if silly, idea of handing out little plaques to everyone. (See what he does for his own films!) I scraped past the stiff competition to get the 'best director' award. One of my reasons I don't like things like this is that it I don't really believe in rewarding effort. I prefer to reward results. And since no one had seen the film I don't see how any comments can be made. But anyway.
Here's Marcie and I at the restaurant:
[img=images/Phil_Marcie_sm.JPG popup=false]

We had the dinner at the restaurant that we shot some WSA scenes in. Miguel (the owner), his wife and daughter were wonderful as ever. Of course it is a Spanish restaurant, so the vegetarian options were nil (I thought that maybe the effort could have been made to at least get the salad without tuna, but oh well). But everyone else seemed to enjoy the food while I ate tortilla #872 of the year.

Yet more proof

2006-06-15T17:43:00.000+02:00

As to why America is the greatest nation on earth:

Storm Payouts

I really try NOT to do any American-bashing on here...but come on! I am not saying that these people didn't need the money...a lot of them might. But then they spent it on crazy shit! There are people really suffering in America. Its bad enough the government does nothing about it, but to have their fellow citizens take the money for no good reason... well, it beggers belief.

WSA pics

2006-06-13T17:41:00.000+02:00

All the pics from the shoot last week are now up here.

No hi-res images, sorry. Running out of server space. If you want hi-res contact me.

A must visit for fans of Sabrina Perez Lungen, Emilio Vera, or Padma!

One of those days

2006-06-13T17:39:00.000+02:00

It didn't start well. One dog (Ari) was up all night scratching and licking. He is well overdue for a haircut, plus his ear is all bad again. So no one got much sleep. Then he barfs everywhere.
The other terrier, Rocky, also barfs.
Peaches leishmaniosis is acting up causing her kidneys to not be so good - so she pees on the floor.
On my way into Gibraltar I have my first every accident on my scooter. I go sliding down Avenida Maria Guerrero(see map here! ). I thought I was fine (I got up and drove away) but now my wrist is killing me. Luckily, I was, as always, wearing long trousers a jacket and riding gloves. But still...ouch! Must have sprained or torn something.

Of course there were good things too!
I found out the one of my scripts has made it to the semi-finals of a competition. That is great news.

So there you have it!

One crazy week

2006-06-12T17:37:00.000+02:00

Well, it was a good idea. Make (another) film in a week, while editing the last one (The Inquisition).
So I gathered up some actors: Sabrina Perez Lungen, Pepe Martinez, Padma, John Cortes - and see what happens.
It worked, though I haven't seen the footage. We just wanted to get the film done.
My biggest flaw is my lack of organisational skills. I am not too bad when it comes to myself, but when dealing with other people I suck.
Was it a perfect shoot? No. Of course there were problems. And the guys were a bit under-rehearsed, but I think that all in all the footage is there.
But with this film it was about more than footage. it is about trying to create an atmosphere onscreen. That is down to the editing process, which has yet to start.

With each film we set ourselves challenges. It was nice to have Simon around on this one. He was sorely missed on the Inquisition - especially when I got home and realised that I had fucked up the white-balance or the iris settings.

Here's me, Sabrina and Padma contemplating how to cope with a cow stampede through the set.

Give me a 'P'!

2006-05-28T17:35:00.000+02:00

A few years ago a friend recommended the book 'The Artists' Way' by Julia Cameron. This friend knew I was struggling with a deep loss of creativity...I was finally feeling the effects of stopping writing, music and filmmaking to follow the almighty dollar (well, Euro actually).
I read the book, and while a lot of it was a bit too 'naval gazing' for me it did start me out on something that I really think has changed my life.
And it relates to the first step of The PRICK Principle - Profundity.
The exercise sounds simple - write 3 pages of a journal a day. This is a completely private journal, not like the public blogs on the net. A place where you just write what you are thinking. It is bloody difficult. 3 pages is a lot. And you do it every day, whether you want to or not, whether you have anything to say or not.
And you know why this is about profundity? After doing these journal entries for a few days or weeks you start to really examine your thoughts and you life. You really get down to the things you feel and see - about your relationships, your art, your work, your friends...you name it. It is very calming, and yet intense.
I've been doing these journals for quite a time - I have a stack in the basement - and I feel that more than anything, this exercise started me on a path of recovery. I've recovered a sense of passion about my creativity. I've finished several scripts, written a filmscore, several articles and actually made 5 short films in the last year.

So - Profundity - seeing below the surface, deeply into things - starts with your life. And a journal, a real, private journal where you are honest with yourself, can take you there. A lot of people can't be honest with themselves, because of the lies they tell and live.

I think you can.

btw - you can pick up the artist's way here: The Artist's Way

Inquisition Photos

2006-05-24T17:32:00.000+02:00

Photos from the shoot are now available here

In the can!

2006-05-22T17:31:00.000+02:00

Pepe Martinez, Martin Nuza, Sabrina Perez Lungen, Passerby, Rebecca Figueras, Adnan Laoudy

It was 4 long days, but we have finished off the prinicple photography for the Inquisition.
(btw - I wrote a blog entry 2 days ago and it seems to have disappeared!).
I think we got some good footage but it is now down to my skills as an editor to pull this thing together.
A word about the cast.
Our two main actors are actually actors! That is a big change.
Sabrina Perez Lungen played Beth. Maybe it is a case of the director fawning over the lead actress but, she was amazing. She brought something to every scene - she thought about her character and how she would be. Zooming in to get the focus on her I couldn't help but be taken by her face - she has a great power and it really comes across.
Pepe Martinez played the priest and also was a real pleasure to work with. Pepe gives great face (as we say) - having him staring into the camera was enough for most takes! I think Pepe has a great spark on camera - with training I think he could be a good film actor.
The rest of the cast were (as they would be the first to say) amateurs, but they did a great job none the less.
Adnan Laoudy was 'The Boy'. Rebecca Figueras was 'Amaranta' - our other witch. And Nicola Howes played 'Amanda' - the little sister. Nicola too approached her character with insight and intelligence.

Martin Nuza - who wrote this thing - also produced. He did a good job of finding us locations and extras.

And now we are done. I have a mountain (ok, 3) of tapes to go through and try and hone out a film.

Wish me luck!

No one expects...

2006-05-17T17:30:00.000+02:00

Oh it's been a crazy time!
From tomorrow I am directing a short written by a Gibraltarian screenwriter, Martin Nuza. The script is about the Spanish Inquisition and features a host of local talent.

The film is called 'Inquisition' (ooo where do we come up with them!). A directory will be set up soon enough with all the usual goodies - photos, bios, etc etc.

Reiki moments

2006-05-06T12:18:00.000+02:00

My wife is heavily into Reiki. She is a Reiki master and practitioner, with a pretty good practice down here in Southern Spain.
So, when we were in Japan it seemed natural, and important, to visit a couple of Reiki sites. One day in Tokyo we went out to the Buddhist cemetery where the man who started Reiki, Usui, is buried. It was a very powerful experience, even for me as someone who knows very little about Reiki. His monument is an impressive obelisk, reminiscent of 2001, A Space Odyssey!
A collection of photos can be found here.

A few days later we popped down to Kyoto (thank you Shinkansen!) and climbed Mount Kurama. Kurama is where Usui had his enlightenment. The mountain, not found in any tour books, is pretty incredible. It is still a Buddhist center, and the entire thing is covered with Temples and Shrines.
Photos from that day are here.

Coincidentally, there was a massive exhibit going on in Tokyo at the National Musuem on relics of Tendai Buddhism, which is the branch that Usui followed. Seeing 800 year old items that belonged to the men who first spread Tendai Buddhism throughout Japan (centered on Mount Hiei) was a once in a lifetime experience and I think it was fated that we were able to see it. What made the day even more special was the (unexpected) generosity of complete strangers – two separate Japanese ladies gave both Marcie and myself tickets to get in to the special exhibit. Completely out of the blue. Quite wonderful.

Tokyo - pt 1

2006-05-03T12:06:00.000+02:00

Now that we are back from Japan I can sit down and write some impressions.
First, on one of our first days there we went out to Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi Park. The Shrine (see the day out in pics here ) is in a beautiful green area. I was warned before going to Tokyo that it was a concrete jungle. I found the opposite - that there were surprisingly large green spaces. Maybe coming from Spain I am used to brown dirt. I don't know. But the shrine is impressive and it was a great introduction to the historical cultural aspects of the city.
We stumbled across an Ayumi Hamasaki concert. I have been a fan of hers for years, but to be honest we couldn't figure out how to buy tickets! Oh well. I have the live concert DVDs.
Around the corner is Yoyogi Park. The park is also huge, but for me the big attraction was the live bands playing.
We caught a set by The Pink Panda. They were snappy uptempo JPop. Which I love. The singer(MaYou) is also terribly cute. Also saw a set by a band who's name is perhaps one of the oddest ever - A.N others after the 20th (click on the 'PC' link). I bought 3 of their singles. I found the music to be almost prog-rock. Very cool.
Across the street we stumbled into Tokyo's Earth Day celebrations. A huge area was covered in stalls selling food, earth friendly products and handing out information. There was also a stage where we caught a few live acts. Much to my disappoint there was very little food that was vegetarian. Since I consider vegetarian/veganism a good thing for the planet it seemed an odd ommision. There was a little woman handing out stuff on being a vegetarian, but that was it. We bumped into a guy (Hi Sanjay!) who was a vegan and kindly set me an email listing the good restaurants in Tokyo.
Also missing from the Earth Day booths was anything about Japan's practice of whaling. Japan consistently uses deceitful and underhanded techniques to ensure its whaling continues. It is one of the few things I hate about Japan.
But I digress.
From there it was down to Chibuya. And then back to the hotel, knackered.

Tokyo Life

2006-04-27T12:01:00.000+02:00

This place is pretty amazing. Everything is clean and it works - quite a far cry from London or Spain.
Full reports will follow - a bit too flustered right now - but have to say there are some great restaurants here. Big hello to the guys over at Antwerp Central, Junya and Atsushi. They showed us extreme hospitality, which we ended up paying for the next morning. Cold sake rules!
We've hit all the neighbourhoods this week - Ginza and Roppongi getting special attention. This is a different world. I think Japan is still the master at isolation and adaptation. It has trappings of Europe and the west but there is no forgetting that you are in Tokyo. For example, at Antwerp Central, it was packed with a 150 or so people. We were (literally!) the only non-japanese. I can't think of any central city restaurants that you would be the only non-native in. Certainly not in London, Toronto or especially Spain (where often you would be hard pressed to find one native amongst the foreign diners).

I need to collect my thoughts and write some concise things, but I can't think right now. I've never gotten comfortable with Internet cafe's.

Sunday we fly home, but, I am a little concerned as for some reason our status on the BA website seems a bit wierd.

Travel - GBAirways style

2006-04-24T11:57:00.000+02:00

The idea seemed simple - on my birthday fly to Tokyo.
GBAirways had other ideas! GBA, who run BA's flights in southern spain and Gibraltar, saw fit to put us on a plane first piloted by the Wright Brothers. Of course it arrived in Malaga fine. But couldn't take off.
First problem was the hydraulics, which required a new pump. That was 6 hours. Finally, the plane was ready to go! Yippee! Missed the flight to Tokyo of course, but got on one the next day.
Taxi out to the runway and doh! Now one of the engines is acting up. So back to the ramp for some more dicking around. Finally at 11 (that is about 12 hours after scheduled departure) it was called a night and we were shipped to the local hotel.
So, for my birthday dinner I was enjoying hotel food at midnight. Well, not enjoying as we were not given any choice, just a plate of chips and pork in sauce. Now, being a vegetarian I didn't find this particularly appealing, so dinner was chips (french fries for you Canadians, Freedom Fries for you Yanks).
Pork has to be the stupidest choice for a 'forced' meal as not just us vegetarians, but Muslims and Jews as well don't take kindly to it. Oh, and it was cold.
So, day 2 of the journey starts and we are still around 100km from home. Instead of getting us on the now-fixed plane nice and early, GB Airways decides to give us a noon slot, which means we have no margin for error to get onto our Tokyo flight.
We taxi out to the runway and doh! Same problem! Somehow it had not fixed itself over night. What a bummer.
I say 'fixed itself' because the pilot made no mention of them working on it over night.
So, another few hours while GB Airways decides what to do and all flights are now booked for the day from Malaga so they are really in a pickle.
At 11pm, now 36 hours late (on a 2 1/2 hour flight) a plane from Excel Airlines (who??) takes us to Gatwick.
Of course, we were supposed to be going to Heathrow, where the flight to Tokyo leaves from. Can we get to Heathrow at 1:30am when we land? No. We have to stay the night in Gatwick, then take the bloody bus from Gatwick to Heathrow. That means we can sleep for 5 hours only, because we have to schedule 90 minutes to get to Heathrow and of course be there nice and early to check in as we now are not automatically checked in because of the fact we are in a different airport and our bags are with us.

But I am writing this in Tokyo, so we got here eventually. 48 hours late. Thanks BA!

Oh, when we got to Heathrow I thought that perhaps BA owed me something and maybe, seeing as I missed my birthday, they would upgrade us to something a little nicer. Wrong. To quote BA ground staff - there was 'no reason' to perform the upgrade. And I was reminded that GB Airways is NOT BA (despite flying under their logo). I pointed out that I had booked tickets on ba.com, not GBAirways.com, but they weren't having it.

In short - GBAirways has a lot to answer for.

Spanish Spirit Holidays

2006-04-15T11:55:00.000+02:00

I have to put in an entry about my wife's company, Spanish Spirit Holidays. They are in their new premises and things are starting to take off. It is great to see someone following their dreams and making a success of it. Along with her partner Jeanette they have started to bring people down to our humble end of the Costa del Sol for healthy holidays.
I've sat in on the first few weekends and I think it is pretty amazing. The location is very nice - a hotel not too far from the beach but nicely quiet. And the room is great too.
Check it out! I think you'll find something you like.

Spanish Spirit Holidays

Kicking the habit

2006-04-11T11:52:00.000+02:00

No, nothing to do with abusing Nun's.
After 15 years I think I am finally free of my EastEnders addiction. I have pretty much watched the show since day one, with the short break here and there.
When I moved to Europe - and Canada was still 2 years behind in the shows - I had my brother mail over (pre high speed internet days!) tapes of the shows. Crazy!
But now it has been a month since I've seen it and I don't miss it one bit.

Of course, I have been too busy watching Lost, ER, 24 and so forth to care, really.