When A Friend Said Watch American Beauty You Need It

I thought Nah Not My Type Of Film - Married People Definitely Need to Watch American Beauty

Frank Black

2026-03-02T10:27:00.0000000 2026-03-02T11:37:43.7870000

I am going to start by saying, this is not my type of film. I like war, action, violence, horror. Just looking at the cover I thought this was a chick movie. I was wrong. Not what I expected at all. Really really good film. Very funny. Scary in places.

A friend of mine told me to watch this film and although I’d never normally watch something like this it had such a massive impact I am back on here reviewing it. I watched it with my teenage sons which was fine, they found it funny and could definitely relate, one who loves Lady Gaga. She’s not in the movie but one character has a little Gaga about her, also why a Star is Born was snapped alongside. We watched the Sweeney afterwards which is another movie I’d definitely recommend. Much more my genre, crime, violence and an epic car chase.

American Beauty whilst it does have sex and violence those elements are subtle. It’s basically about a guy who has a midlife crisis, me and so many others too, played by Kevin Spacey who gets his mojo back. He has had the same job for 14 years, the ad agency isn’t that important except we’ve all had a boss like “Brad”. He’s living in a city suburb, also me, on a street with a wife, Carolyn, an estate agent he’s lost complete touch with somewhere along the way. The only thing holding the marriage together is their daughter Jane, trying to navigate puberty who forms a weird yet refreshing friendship with new neighbour Ricky next door a couple of years older. Ricky has a tyrannical ex military father who collects Nazi memorabilia and guns, plot twist, Frank (Chris Cooper) and a basket case mother Barbara (Alison Janney). It’s the weirdness of the characters that build a story you literally become entangled in. Pretty much because it’s most people to some extent or other.

For anyone enduring a difficult marriage that once was good but now just isn’t this film may be a difficult watch, anyone having an affair to get through it, could just push you over the edge but recently separated/divorced and maybe struggling a bit, this film will definitely shine an amusing light on what has been left behind.

The cast and characters make this film, all living and working in close proximity, it could be any group of people on any street. The script which won Alan Ball the Oscar for best original screenplay has some laugh out loud funny lines, cutting and dark around a pretty tragic subject that so many people go through and can relate to, the mid life crisis. It may be a corny turn of phrase but it’s something most people I know in their forties, especially men, my mates even if they don’t share, (sorry guys if you are reading this) haven’t escaped. Take the hint watch the film.

Lester Burnham (Spacey) begins to make a stand, quits his job, starts working out, starts buying pot from Ricky, the next door neighbour and Jane his daughter’s love interest unbeknownst to her, things also start to change for Carolyn subtly played by Annette Benning his neurotic people pleasing wife. It’s the best portrayal I’ve ever seen in a film of a woman clinging on to her sanity, the mask so layered when it starts cracking the crevasse left is like an artic glacier breaking away. She didn’t scoop the Oscar for the role beaten out by Hilary swank for Boys don’t cry but the Brits didn’t agree and she did take the BAFTA for best actress.

When she’s bonking Buddy Kane, the King of Realty, a cheesy local real estate agent in an even cheesier roadside motel, the cut prior is his car number plate parked outside “B. KING” him asking if she likes getting nailed by the king, and her screaming “on yes I love it, fuck me your majesty” it’s one of the funniest movie moments of all time for me.

The comedy is very dark, Lester narrates the story and as Lester wanks off in the shower he talks about it being the highlight of his day, things will go progressively downhill from there he says. Another moment I secretly related to. I told myself I’ve got to get a grip and stop wallowing myself. He fantasises about sex with Jane’s best friend, Angela an aspiring model who enjoys male attention from every angle and enjoys rolling her eyes at Lester and laughing about it with Jane who becomes progressively more mortified by her parents and their crumbling relationship. Not that I’ve crossed any lines with my kids friends but guys might cringe a bit if they’ve fantasised about the baby sitter.

Lester trades in his car for a sports car and gets a job in the local burger joint, he begins to feel completely empowered no longer being passive in what is clearly a very bad and broken marriage.

Ricky and Jane gravitate together. Ricky has his own problems at home, Colonol Frank Fitts, an ex military bully boy who has some really dark issues “denial is a powerful thing” says Ricky as he sells Lester the best pot available manufactured by the US government for $2000 a bag. A keen videographer his father thinks he has purchased all his high tech equipment from his weekend catering jobs and is subjecting him to six monthly urine tests, samples he is getting in trade from a client who is a paediatric nurse.

And the plot thickens, the story of the characters intersect in a way you’d never imagine. The film opens with one line which gives the game away but never prepares you for what is actually going to happen. They say in the North, nowt so queer as folk and that could be the tagline for this film.

You just got to watch it. It is a bloody good film.

Need To Change A Correspondence Address With Companies House - file a CH01 form online

Who Designed The Companies House Gov.UK Webfiling System?

Frank Black

2025-11-06T11:22:00.0000000 2025-11-06T12:40:31.5800000

Let’s start with the positives. At least, unlike other government agencies and local authorities / councils Companies House do answer the phone. Fair enough they do try to point you to incomplete incomprehensible online help first but if you hand in long enough they will pick up.

I had to get a what you’d imagine to be a simple issue resolved today, a change of correspondence address changed for a company director. Should be straight forward right? 

I called Companies House, hung on for about 15 minutes which considering it can take 30 minutes on hold to speak to the bank wasn’t too bad to be told my change had to be done online by filing a CH01 form. I was given no further instructions, just login, file the form and bobs your uncle.

I remember a time when you could just make a call and the helpful civil servant at the other end of the phone would sort you out. But hey I am pretty technical and her eagerness to get off the phone without any further assistance assured me it was a pretty easy task to complete.

After a bit of searching I found all the information I needed, my company number, gov.uk login email and password except I had no idea web filing in gov.uk is completely different to logging in to companies house.

I spent about 45 minutes navigating the companies house website after login, I searched the help files online for what appeared to be a very straightforward filing of the CH01 form. The instructions didn’t differentiate between the companies house website and online web filing at Gov.uk, two completely separate portals I later discovered.

Eventually I gave up and called Companies House back, I got cut off and was told to call back later, lines were too busy. I waited 10 minutes and called again. This time after another 10-15 minutes I did get through to someone who patiently talked me through the process, which I have to say wasn’t straight forward and even the expert on the other end of the phone wasn’t 100% familiar with the multiple screens she was guiding me through.

There were probably 10 or 12 different screens to navigate to get to the CH01 form I needed to make my one simple change. Without someone helping I don’t think anyone trying for the first time would have managed it. The navigation was clunking and not intuitive, like I said at the beginning not sure who designed these websites.

It would have been better to have a search facility to put in “CH01 form” and then be guided from there.

The key piece of information I was lacking was all web filing changes happen from gov.uk login not companies house. If you are looking through all the tabs on companies house, manage account, web filing etc, you are in completely the wrong portal.

I was asked for feedback after each of my three calls to Companies House.

I did finally manage to successful make the one simple change of address. It took about 90 minutes in total.

The main issue was the downplay of how easy it was by the first companies house agent, I suggest anyone attempting this themselves, get an agent on the phone at companies house and ask them to talk you through the navigation.

Even if they are reluctant it will save you loads of time trying to figure out the maze of prompts yourself.

The starting point for anyone attempting this task is to go to Gov.UK website and type in CH01 form in the search. I have put the link at the bottom of this snoop.

Re Visit Roxy Music's Formative Years in Bob Carruthers' Documentary 'Roxy Music 1972-1974'"

Roxy Music's Formative Years Captured in Bob Carruthers' Insightful Documentary

Frank Black

2025-10-02T07:42:00.0000000 2025-10-02T09:20:33.8870000

Roxy Music 1972-1974: A Glimpse into the Early Years Through Bob Carruthers' Documentary

I just watched this film, certainly thinking I knew a little bit about Roxy Music but as John Wingate (Jonathan Wingate worked as a spokesman for David Bowie and Sir Bob Geldof for many years before he became a music journalist and broadcaster) says in the film, most people know 4 or 5 songs like the back of their hand, the Best of Roxy Music or the tracks they constantly play on the radio and the rest gets missed completely.

It’s certainly true for me, I owned and listened to the Avalon album a lot in my teens and early twenties

Side 1

More Than This, The Space Between, Avalon, India: (instrumental) ,While My Heart Is Still Beating

Side 2

The Main Thing, Take a Chance with Me, To Turn You On, True to Life, Tara: (instrumental)

And of course if most people, me included were asked to come up with a Roxy Music track off the top of their head most would think think of More than This, Love is a Drug, Over You, Jealous Guy or Dance Away, maybe Slave To Love.

If you were a child of the 1980’s anyway.

Roxy Music, a band that dramatically reshaped the musical landscape of the 1970s, is revisited in Bob Carruthers’ compelling 2004 documentary, "Roxy Music 1972-1974." Available on YouTube, I've included the link in the snoop below, this film delves deep into the formative years of the band, providing fans and newcomers alike a rare look into their innovative beginnings. Central to this story is Bryan Ferry, whose working-class roots in Washington, County Durham, played a pivotal role in shaping his artistic vision.

The Journey of Bryan Ferry

Bryan Ferry's journey from a humble background to the frontman of one of the most stylistically forward-thinking bands of the 70s forms a critical narrative arc in the documentary. Born to a working-class family in the North East we share a good deal in common, Ferry's early life in the industrial landscapes of Northern England is portrayed not just as a biographical detail, but as a foundational element that influenced his unique approach to music and aesthetics. His transition from these modest beginnings to studying art at the University of Newcastle under Richard Hamilton, and eventually forming Roxy Music, is a testament to his drive and artistic ambition.

The Documentary's Rich Content

Carruthers’ documentary stands out due to its extensive use of rare archive footage and performances that chart the band's early days and their rapid evolution. These visuals not only serve as a nostalgic treat but also as a crucial historical record of the band's innovative use of music and theatrical stage performances. The film captures the essence of Roxy Music’s unique style, which combined glam rock with elements of modern art and fashion, setting them apart from their contemporaries.

Insights from Industry Experts

What enriches the documentary further are the insights from a host of music critics, fellow musicians, and producers. Notably, the film features commentary from Chris Turner, John Wingate, Mark Smith, and Les Davidson, each bringing their unique perspectives to the narrative.

When I watched the film which opens with bass Guitarist Mark Smith (The Waterboys) he played bass guitar with Roxy Music in 2003 narrating and he looks so young (born 1960) considering he was only 12 when the footage curated was recorded 1972 - 1974, I couldn’t believe I didn’t recognise a single track except maybe “Do The Strand” which I had heard before but never really listened to to the lyrics.

Chris Turner, a noted music producer, provides an in-depth look at the production techniques Roxy Music employed, shedding light on how their sound was crafted in the studio. His experience in the music industry gives him the authority to comment on the technical aspects of Roxy Music’s recordings, making his insights invaluable.

John Wingate, now a music journalist, but with massive experience in the genre offers context to the band's impact on the music and cultural scene of the 70s. His expertise helps viewers understand the broader cultural movements of the time and how Roxy Music both influenced and was influenced by these trends.

Mark Smith, not only a musician, also a respected figure in music criticism, adds to the documentary by discussing the band's legacy and their influence on future generations of musicians. His long-standing career provides a seasoned perspective on the lasting impact Roxy Music has had on the music industry. It was very interesting to see him in this context as he obviously knows Bryan Ferry very well.

Lastly, Les Davidson, a professional guitarist, speaks to the technical prowess and originality of Phil Manzanera and other band members. As a musician, Davidson offers a more technical analysis of the band’s style and musicianship, which will particularly appeal to viewers with an interest in the intricacies of musical performance.

"Roxy Music 1972-1974" by Bob Carruthers is more than just a documentary; it is a rich tapestry that combines rare archival footage with expert commentary to narrate the story of a band that was ahead of its time. For fans of Roxy Music, and for those who appreciate the fusion of art and pop culture, this documentary is a treasure trove of insights and entertainment, capturing a brief yet pivotal period in the band's history. Through this film, the legacy of Bryan Ferry and his colleagues is both preserved and celebrated, offering a window into the creative explosion that was Roxy Music in the early seventies.

This film is a whole other world and a deep dive into the origins of the band. Who knew there were 7 studio albums before Avalon.

Roxy Music: (1972)

For Your Pleasure: (1973)

Stranded: (1973)

Country Life: (1974)

Siren: (1975)

Manifesto: (1979)

Flesh + Blood: (1980)

Avalon: (1982)

If you think you are a big Roxy Music fan but like me thought they were eighties not seventies you need to watch this film. Not only do you get to see some really rare archive footage and performances likely you are going to hear tracks you never knew existed and find out not just how innovative Bryan Ferry himself was but also the genius of art haus producer Brian ENO and Pete Marannza too. The founding fathers of the whole Glam Rock movement. When I saw the

this footage it gave me a whole new perspective on who exactly Roxy Music were, and the massive body of work so far from the handful of songs we hear played repeatedly on the radio. So much “More Than This” I have just put A Song for Europe on my Spotify.

Apple 20W USB-C Power Adapter and USB C Cable

Next level USB charging

Frank Black

2025-06-14T07:22:00.0000000 2025-06-14T07:56:41.1000000

I am the type of person who doesn’t care about having the latest and greatest. I’ve had three phones in 20 years. I use things until they stop working and absolutely hate built in obsolescence, where tech companies actually make things so they break. Yep built in obsolescence is a worrying thing. It’s how they keep us shopping. Built to last is no longer a thing. Who wants that? Not anyone manufacturing and selling any kind of tech hardware that’s for sure.

I don’t know if the 20W USB - C power adapter from Apple is going to be any better. I just decided to give it a go at £19 from Apple and have gone ahead and purchased a 20W usb - C charging adapter.

I got a few of the original plugs for the other USB cables now obsolete I suppose why I was reluctant to buy into a load of new kit but got so frustrated with cables just not bloody working and I’d found a USB - C cable I already had I didn’t know how, it must have come with something else, I decided to swap over and see if it worked better.

What’s the difference, the only thing visible is the shape of the connector that goes into the power supply. It is smaller than the rectangular flat USB we are all used to seeing.

I’ve had a few power packs, started with Boompod, now I have an Earldom I picked up for about £30 with two regular USB ports and one USB-C ports that I have to say I was struggling connecting to our phones, I put it down to the cables and the new system USB - C cable won’t connect either but the cable works fine with the new power adapter so that could just be the charging block USB - C port is knackered. I don’t really know.

I’ve read on Reddit, where I go for most of my tech research the best cable to get is called a native union USB - C cable but at £45 without really understanding the advantage and thinking I am going to need more than one I am holding off on this purchase short term and seeing how long the USB-C cable I already have actually lasts, even though it won’t connect to my Earldom power pack.

The only thing I will say the 20W usb - C power adapter is better. The you get a full charge in an Iphone in a couple of hours instead of needing it on charge all night and I guess the native union cable has two connectors so you can charge two phones at once off one power adapter so this would be a reason to buy it for couples or families with multiple phones to keep charged.

The 20W power adapter is better. It’s annoying all my other USB plugs are now obsolete. What are we supposed to do with them, I’ve probably got 6 or 7? Landfill??

Angelo Poretti Take me to the lake beer

Have you seen the foxes advert?

Frank Black

2025-04-26T07:59:00.0000000 2025-04-26T14:16:23.7830000

The advert made me notice but hasn’t made me try. Yet. That’s today while watching the Marathon on TV. The advert is worth looking out for, set to the unconventional 1972 Italian hit, Prisencolinensinainciusol by Adriano Celentano it tells the story of escape using Italy's northern lakes as a backdrop and Poretti ancestral home to create advertising magic we don't usually see at this level from ad executive and creative director David Shirley at Pablo.

We are always taking about the adverts in our house. It’s been discussed having cable TV subscriptions without there are so many. We have not subscribed to ad free TV as yet.

I do love a cold beer lager in the summer and the “Take me to the lake” beer ad that’s popped up lately on our screen has caused some discussion in our house. We think it’s a bit of a knock off of the Virgin broadbands ads where we see a big fat sealion take the controls of a small boat moored at a jetty and set off out to sea and yet we are discussing it, the advertising executives mandate, get people talking.

Similarly in the Angelo Poretti advert a bunch of foxes are driving small wooden boat the “motoscarfo” or water taxi you see ferrying celebrities around Venice at film festivals and the like, stepping off jetty’s into the iconic wooden boats. A good looking movie star like bachelor lounges in the back of the boat stewarded by his friends, the foxes taking care of business whilst he sips on his Angelo Poretti lager which is also available in a zero alcohol version.

No where in the advert does it tell us this ad is actually produced by Carlsberg even though they are “probably the best lager in the world” and just as comparison in Tesco a four pack of Carlsberg costs £5.25 a four pack of Angelo Poretti is £5.75

I’ll be interested to try them side by side with my mates to see if we can tell any difference in taste.

I am becoming a bit of a zero alcohol connoisseur since signing up for the London Marathon 2026.

We are watching at home from the sofa with a couple of 4 packs of each. I’ll report back whether I am transported to the Italian Riveria at first sip, if I change from a slightly overweight Geordie into a suave slick laid back Italian stallion it if it’s Carlsberg in a different can.

The advert worked and made me purchase, I haven’t tasted the beer yet and I am already telling you the story. The mark of a great advertising campaign.

Who else is having a pint and watching the London Marathon today?

Just to clarify the original Angelo Poretti brewery established in 1877 is now 75% owned by Carlberg, it will be interesting to see if it’s just Carlsberg in a different bottle for a higher price.

Swatch Watch Comeback Trends

Staying relevant in 2025

Frank Black

2025-04-13T07:55:00.0000000 2025-04-14T10:13:28.5370000

I bought a plain black swatch watch around 1985 and I thought it was probably the best thing I’d ever owned. They only came out in 1983 so I was for sure one of the first people rocking a Swatch in my area of Newcastle. Having a Swatch watch was big deal and I felt like a winner. My Mam had won some money on the bingo and she came home and treated us. I’ll never forget it.

I was playing football and rugby at the time., I was single and I remember thinking the Swatch watch was the business. I’ve never worn jewellery, even a wedding ring, chain, nothing so my watch has always been the one thing to make a statement.

In the 1980s and 1990 the Swatch watch was massive. Swatch was well known for trendy watches. The idea simple design, multi style multi colour, fun and function and we all bought in.

I haven’t thought about Swatch until the other day Easter holidays day out in London and there it was a massive swatch watch shop on Oxford St. I immediately started telling everyone my story and we all went in to have a look.

_

The kids, well not kids anymore like the brand, they talked and compared to another trendy watch brand Ice watches and as they started to browse and get excited I had my credit card out, I was transported back to a day when girls thought the Swatch watch was the coolest thing ever. You couldn’t get on a plane anywhere in the world without seeing Swatch on offer duty free or in the airplane magazine.

I think what happened was the brand captured the imagination of a generation with fun affordable luxury, Swiss watch craftsmanship coupled with fresh modern design and watches made from materials we hadn’t seen before.

It was very interesting to see my sons all about the age I was when I bought and wore my Swatch watch to death (it never broke, not sure what happened to it, I actually kept it for years)

I remember my swatch watch as part of my coming of age polite way to out it.

The lads shopped, well two of the three had a Swatch watch 2025. We bought one checkpoint black at £140 and the younger one a keen mountain biker and stunt cyclist went for the sporty Pilgrim inspired by Sam Pilgrim at £125.

We nearly had another one in the bag for she who wears the trousers a collaboration with super expensive watch makers Omega, she’s thinking about it. She tried on the biosemeric moon swatch watch at £240 with Velcro strap and loved it.

The prices were a damn sight more expensive than I ever remember paying but as watches go I thought an hundred odd quid was fair, what can you get for that oh and be prepared for feeling like you are being watched like a hawk, the security in the shop was intense in London.

Aside from that the service was great and the tradition lives on.

Innocent Smoothies

What's the best smoothie combination; Banana, Pineapple and coconut

Frank Black

2024-12-04T10:21:00.0000000 2025-03-18T16:27:51.8430000

My kids tell me there are two companies I should invest in the first is Rizla and the second is innocent.

Do you remember the Covent Garden Soup Company, fresh soup in a milk carton that came and went, well innocent is the same kind of small start up idea blending fruits to make delicious healthy concoctions marketed initially for children I suppose and then the rest of us were hooked.

They’ve been around a while now, started in Cambridge in 1998 from an office, one room the founders Richard Reed, Adam Balon and Jon Wright called Fruit Towers, I liked the story.

Like Richard Reed I too was born in West Yorkshire in 1973 before moving to the North East as a nipper so I do feel some kinship.

The drink is a cross between dessert and a pick me up. It’s thick and cold I love it from the bottle straight from the fridge. slips down with a citrusy tangy shudder. I cannot say more except I absolutely love it. Refreshing, satisfying, light, the perfect accompaniment to breakfast cereal or with a pastry mid morning.

The time I like it best is late, before bed instead of a hot drink, not a massive glass, just a couple of shots.

Kathleen does complain how much I get through at £3.90 a bottle, it is a luxury so I try to limit to two a week or stock up a few when it’s on offer. Don’t try to freeze it, it doesn’t come back the same.

They do make a few other flavour combos, there’s a mango one, a blueberry one, a strawberry banana and a kiwi one but for me nothing tops the banana pineapple.

Although saying that we have bought innocents mixed fruit little cartons in packs of four for the kids lunchboxes, it’s a green box and these are really good too on the go.

There are loads of other smoothies and raw juices out. I haven’t tried one that beats this one for me on value, taste, texture and company ethos.

Thanks Innocent. A job really well done.

Restaurante Mena

Outdoor restaurant in Old Marbella square

Frank Black

2024-10-23T16:36:00.0000000 2024-10-23T17:04:51.1700000

Located in the heart of Orange tree square and you can smell the oranges, this lovely restaurant is where we spent our last night in Marbella old town.

Every review says this is a special restaurant offering everything from meat, seafood, fish, and local produce any chef would be delighted to cook.

Reservations are not required although this restaurant is popular and does get very busy. We booked a special vegetarian paella, not for me, which was absolutely blooming tasty when it was delivered to the table with aplomb by a very professional waiter. This restaurant is all about the show from the up beat staff to the glasses on every table polished to a sparkle and whiter than white dinner napkins the waiters unfold on the ladies laps.

The bread fresh out the oven, (so good you had to stop yourself having more before the food arrives) olive oil and vinegars smelling just pressed and aged respectively. The portions were hearty, we ordered too much and the wine list was long, loads of choice, we went with the waiters recommendation, a Rioja about €34 euros and it was very drinkable.

The desserts, cheesecake, ice cream, crepes made at the table doused in booze and set a flame.

It was a special and memorable night. The bill with a tip €220 for three people with special order paella and two bottle of wine.

Thank you to everyone at Mena Restaurante. We definitely hope to see you again.

Niki’s Bar and Restaurant, Marbella Spain

Had a lovely meal amazing staff

Frank Black

2024-10-23T09:38:00.0000000 2024-10-23T09:55:59.0100000

Nothing me and the wife like better than a nice meal outside, friendly people, good fresh food, we can eat anything pretty much so long as it’s fresh and good service and you get all of this in abundance at Niki Cocktail Bar.

It’s in the heart of the Marbella town shopping area so we stumbled across it by chance. We decided on an early dinner. The courtyard is great and I was knackered so ready for a beer at 5.30pm. By 7.00pm the patio outside was packed with a mixture of locals, always a good sign and tourists. A few people tried to get a table but were turned away disappointed.

We had delicious pasta, the menu wasn’t extensive but there was definitely something for everyone.

It is a definite cocktail bar, we saw a few fancy drinks being served and inside the decor, dark and moody was appealing to younger crowd.

We had such a laugh. The staff were really friendly and went above and beyond to ensure we had a good time.

A wonderful place to sit, enjoy Spanish hospitality, great tapas, beers, or a full three course meal. The setting is absolutely perfect after some heavy duty shopping.

Old Town Beach Cafe

Not the best first impression

Frank Black

2024-10-02T11:32:00.0000000 2024-10-02T12:30:28.5400000

Right I understand people can have an off day. And also know sometimes you can say something without intention and put someone’s back up. In this case I am pleading the 5th.

All I did was ask for a piece of fruit, anything, a banana, an apple, an orange.

I had no idea it might trigger the disproportionate response I got. Fruit was available at the greengrocer in town.

The person who served me then indignantly proceeded to go through all the things they did sell and how they were a cafe and only had a limited amount of space, she did make me pay through the nose for asking for clearly the wrong thing.

We spent 3 more days at the beach after this encounter but ended up going into the Strange hotel for lunch and never returned to the cafe. It’s actually called Le Strange Arms hotel, funnily enough. Thought I best qualify the hotel wasn’t “strange” per se.

Which was a shame really because the lunch they made for us to go for the whole family, was actually really fresh and really tasty.

Cutting a long story short if you find yourself in this beautiful spot on the Norfolk coast, the beach is clean and the tide goes out for miles so the dog loves it too. Be warned The cafe gets busy and mind your Ps and Qs.

Salduba Pub Puerto Banus, Spain

2 seconds walk from Versace shop

Frank Black

2024-08-08T15:39:00.0000000 2024-08-08T15:56:20.7200000

I don’t know a Geordie who doesn’t like to sip on a pint and watch the world go by and that’s exactly what I do at Salduba pub in Puerto Babus.

It’s situated on the first corner where the taxis drop off so you cannot miss it. White umbrella all outside on the entrance to the Marina.

I always have a mushroom pizza with extra anchovies, been going regularly to

Puerto baby’s for about 10 years and this is perfect for the blokes while the ladies look around the shops.

The staff waiters are old blokes who have been there for years so

Don’t expect service with a smile, they don’t try hard. For me not fake and all part of the charm as probably one of the best value restaurants in a prime location there is.

A real mix of people like, posh glamourous ladies to football shirt wearing blokes like me. It’s hard to find a place that suits both my wife and me. She’s always nagging me into Sinatra’s up the road but for me there’s nothing better than Una cerveza por favor at Salduba pub.

Bamburgh Castle

Frank Black

2013-03-25T08:48:00.0000000 2016-07-21T08:52:00.3000000

BAMBURGH MADE ME IMAGINE

We had a drive up to Bamburgh this weekend. One of my lads had been nagging to go. He's been learning about the Vikings at school and the mrs said she'd take them for Easter. £4.25 per child we got a family ticket for £24.

Looking round old ruins has never been my thing too boring for words but I have to say we got there and I had a brilliant day.

The castle is not a ruin, it has been extended several times throughout it's history and still has some lords family living there.

But the things for my memory, was when we looked out over the water, it was freezing cold, the sea was choppy as hell and my lad talking to me about the vikings coming across and imagining the seige on the castle build right close to cliff edge. Great.

My family will never believe this but even though I had to shell out fifty quid all in, we did all had a cracker of a day.

The views out over to Lindesfarm are like nothing I've ever seen even though I don't think I've ever been colder, blue balls on that beach and we were not just kicking em.

Monsters University

Frank Black

2013-07-17T10:39:00.0000000 2016-07-09T10:41:55.5000000

DISNEY CLASSIC WORTH A CINEMA TICKET

Took my lads for a treat like and get them out from under their ma's feet. They are 10 and 8 so weren't around when the first one came out and I had no idea what to expect.

John Goodman plays the voice of the big blue monster Sully and Billy Crystal the little green guy Mike Wozcowski and the story takes you back to their monster training days at the university when they weren't good mates.

I thought Disney Pixar did a brilliant job. The animation is like nothing I've seen. A few kids seemed a bit scared, not my two though they couldn't get enough of it. There are some good jokes and some clever adult humour to keep the grown ups entertained. You could hear laughing virtually all the way through. I am not sure I'd want to sit through it again but as kids films go this one I did enjoy. The 3D effects were worth the extra to see in the cinema. This is the kind of film that would lose a lot on DVD I think. Any kids 4 or 5 upwards would like this film. Good timing on the release too while the bairns are off from school.