Jason Thompson's Blog

Seen on a health centre noticeboard today

How unlucky is that person, eh?

On our way home

Well that was a fun and memorable evening. After a quick drink in what turned out to be a gay bar (lovely chaps and very friendly) Andy, Mick and I went over the road to an Italian restaurant where we had a very nice relaxed meal.

The gig was to start at 8 so we went over at 7 to get our IDs checked out - security was tight. The merchandise stall was very crowded and we queued for a few mementos. The programme was in the form of a Chapbook which would have pleased one of my clients who is both a Tom Waits fan and Chapbook expert.

Tom eventually came on stage at 8.30 and over the course of the next two and a half hours took us on a journey that was, at points, sublime and rediculous. Very theatrical, almost circus like in style at times. Great music from a unique talent. If you're interested I'm seeing some do a YouTube search for Tom Waits Glitter and Doom.

Andy driving us south again now through the cool mist. See you soon.

In Edinburgh

I've just arrived in Edinburgh with Andy Flounders and Mick Slaughter. The sun is shining and we are currently enjoying a drink at the Cafe Habana next door to the Playhouse where, later this evening we'll be seeing Tom Waits - one of my favourite musicians. It's really hot and sunny here and I really need to eat something. Have fun back home - see you soon!

Just like my dad

I have found as I've grown up that I can see bits of my parents' character and personality in me. I suppose everyone does, and sometimes it's something to be proud of, and sometimes it isn't. We're part of our parents and part of our upbringing, including the friends, experiences and baggage we pick up along the way.

My dad has undergone a change of character since getting Alzheimer's several years ago. He was always quite a quiet person, but with a temper you wouldn't forget if you saw it in full swing. He didn't express emotions very readily. His condition has opened up - or made clearer anyway - a side of him we as his kids hadn't seen much of. He's still got a temper - not that we see much of it, but the folks who care for him say that he can be quite ready to shout at those who upset him. But he's also got a very emotional side - and more often than not when we go and see him, he's unable to stop the tears as he recognises a family face.

Last week when we went to see him, I saw a side of him I don't think I've seen for years. Whenever the young kids are visiting him, he still has enough awareness to try and amuse them - and one way he does this is by pretending to be asleep so that they can wake him up and he'll act surprised. Last week he was doing this and once when he woke up, Michelle my sister asked him what his name was. He started to say 'Malcolm' (the right answer) but couldn't get the word out properly, so he started to say a whole load of gobbledygook and pull funny faces to make us laugh. He was well aware he was doing it, and it was really funny - and we laughed and he laughed, then he said "That was funny wasn't it?" I was amazed at such a clear glimpse at his former self. I was lucky enough to catch it on video too, and I'm sure it will be a clip I return to many times to cheer myself up.

I showed Katrin my daughter the clip, and she said "Dad - I can see where you get it from!"

Animal magic?

This is Kung Fu Panda as he appeared on our daughter's birthday cake. He played a triple role in the celebrations yesterday - not only did he adorn the cake but he's in a computer game she got, and he was also the star of the film we went to see.

The film Kung Fu Panda is a fun, action packed, computer generated adventure film based on the unlikely hero premise. It is a martial arts genre film - pupil learning the secrets of Kung Fu from a wise master before he can defeat his enemy and triumph over evil. Japes aplenty.

It's also the latest in a now established genre of films for which there is no name as far as I know. That of the parallel universe in which animals - usually these days styalised computer generated animals - inhabit a human styled world and behave in a human way - talking, walking upright, wearing clothes and adopting the styles and trappings of a human way of life, despite no humans being evident in this strange world.

Part of me thinks it's just the latest in a rich tradition of 'humanimal' stories dating back perhaps hundreds of years. The Fables of Aesop used animals to demonstrate the weaknesses and flaws in human character and attitudes. Disney used animals to retell traditional fairytales. And now of seems that the formula for a successful kids fill is to take a straightforward Storyline and render it in 3D cute animals who behave exactly like humans. If it works don't knock it.

My only complaint is that it's become a lazy formula, and there are dozens of similar films out there which are largely interchangeable. And film makers have an opportunity to do new things with CGI that nobody has seen before, but choose the safe option of another Humanimal film that will be just like Madagascar or Over the Hedge or Open Season or Into the Wild or Surfs Up or Happy Feet or Finding Nemo or Shark Story or Ice Age or any of the numerous sequels.

I think the problem is to do with risk taking. No studio wants to spend hundreds of millions on a film that may be unique but alienates an audience. But I also believe that the PG audience is perhaps uniquely able to cope with something different - hopefully they haven't yet had their tastes and preferences stuck in the rut that many of us get stuck in. Short cuts to pleasure that we don't have to think about too much and the marketing companies can sell easily. So called high concept films that can be understood in six words (James Bond with CGI animals for example) and marketed with a single image.

Nevertheless, Space Chimps looks like fun. See you there.

This is Isabella

She was a big hit yesterday as the main event for our little Rebecca's 7th birthday. Today she will be joined by her soon-to-be best friend (whether she likes it or not) Jeffryetta (the kids choose strange names sometimes). More on this story later.

Clouds in the Newbiggin sky

 

What do you think they look like?

Aaaaaaaaarrrr gym lad

I think I may have used that title for a blog in the past but I don't care if I have.

I've been going to the gym more recently, or rather accompanying Ian to the gym. He's the one with the enthusiasm this time. And it makes me realize how important it is to do some things together -especially if you might need a bit of encouragement. I feel so much better going through something unpleasant and painful if I know I'm not doing it alone.

I feel the same way about work at the moment and fortunately today Tim is in. I always get more done with Tim around because I'm aware that something else on my to do list is being attended to and that's enough to make me feel less stressed. It's that simple.

There's a bloke at the gym who really reminds me of one of Rob Brydon's comic creations. He's a middle aged guy whose social life seems to be conducted entirely in the gym with people who don't really want his advice or attention. Last night he chatted to one girl about a great lasagne he was planning to make later with some mince he'd bought earlier and a jar of ragu, and then as we left he was accosting some other poor lass over something or other - talking with his face really close as she cowered, trapped on the pectoral press machine. As I checked out he was asking the blokes if amy of them fancied a shower and looked devistated when there were no takers. At least he didn't open up the offer to the girls.

This morning I'm delivering a seminar to a women's business group in a hotel in Newsastle. First one I've done in a while so I hope it goes ok - bit apprehensive. It's been billed as a web marketing masterclass. Not my hype you understand. We'll see...

That Friday feeling

I am so very glad that it's the end of the week. Katrin is back from her school field trip, Andy is back from the states, it's a BB eviction night, and I don't have to work tomorrow. Hurrah! How about you? Got anything planned?

Has this ever happened to you?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/norfolk/7496923.stm