Category: Personal

Knebworth Valentine

Valentine’s day is rapidly approaching, gentlemen. So I was thinking: what can I possibly get my girl that will amaze everyone? Hold on people, I think I’ve come up with the answer — check out the Frank Zappa at Knebworth Commemorative Set! According to the email that was sent to me, it consists of:

  • An original 1978 Frank Zappa Knebworth pass, with a letter of authenticity,
  • 12 photos of the 1978 Knebworth festival,
  • a 330 page book written by Freddy Bannister on the behind the scenes hassles of promoting the Knebworth festival and also working as Frank Zappa’s European representative in the seventies, including his ill-fated 1971 tour,
  • four CDs: Frank Zappa ’78, Captain Beefheart ’75, The Tubes ’78 and (this is the killer!) Peter Gabriel ’78,
  • a 50 mins DVD of various Knebworth festivals between 1974 – 1979, including The Rolling Stones, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Led Zeppelin and Genesis.

How’s about that! Mum’s the word though… no need for Dr Sharleena to know about this until the 14th…

Se Puede Fumar?

Blegh. I’m down with a severe cold that I caught within two hours upon boarding the plane back to Belgium. Did I mention the guy in the airplane who crushed my glasses with 14 hours left to travel?
I’ve had my first uneventful working day, I’m having to re-adjust to icy temperatures and to tell you the truth, I’ll admit to having something of a Buenos Aires/Brazil Blues. This morning I was about to make an attempt at selling a co-worker a 10 pack Marlboro sleeve purchased in São Paulo’s tax free shop, when he told me his NewYear’s resolution had been to quit smoking. Ha! He may have a point though. Here’s what Brazilian authorities put on the back of each and every cigarette pack. Gentlemen? This one should really make you think.

Hasta La Vista!

Ladies, gents, dear faithful KUR readers: by tomorrow Dr Sharleena and I will be off to the wonderful summer heat of Argentina for about a month. Obviously neither of us will have much time to update this weblog during that period. Which is why I have left the keys to the office in the hands of our much appreciated Hungarian friend Balint, who — I’m sure — shall do an excellent job at bringing you your semi-daily perverted diversion. On my end, I’ve made sure the Friday Boots continues on as usual. Our man in France, Gilles (salut Patron!), has prepared for you a multiple downloading fest which I’m sure you will appreciate very much. What’s left to say.. Have a good christmas, a splendid new year, and we will see eachother again come early January. Hugs! We’ll miss all of you.

Barenboim

A couple of days ago I saw a documentary on Daniel Barenboim, acclaimed conductor and pianist. Arguably his most important project however is The West-Eastern Divan Orchestra which he founded together with Edward Saïd. This orchestra consists of young Israeli, Lebanese, Lybian, Egyptian and Palestinian musicians who have performed all over the world, including the besieged areas of Palestine — Ramallah being the latest venue (shown on Arte last Sunday).

This post simply to express my utter admiration and respect for a man who’s willing to risk his life simply by playing music. His mission should be an eye-opener for many a hatemonger in the Middle-East. Respect!

I Spy With My Little iSight

iSight Sighting

… and there was much rejoicing as The Imaginary Publisher and The Good Doctor successfully installed the Apple iSight webcam!
Yes indeed folks: it is now possible for you to bust my balls about the wiki chatwise while looking me straight in the eye — provided you have a webcam and an AIM account. Ain’t technology a thing of wonder…

Rufus The Baptist

Rufus Wainwright

Want to know my latest musical obsession? Rufus Wainwright. The son of acclaimed Canadian American “alternative folk” singer Loudon Wainwright III, Rufus, in his last two albums, has brilliantly incorporated classical influences, folk, rock, even opera, and, well, plain camp, into songs of sheer beauty. Combine his goose bump invoking voice with lush arrangements, wonderful melodies and poignant, at times deliciously provocative lyrics and what you get is: a classic.