Thursday, 31 December 2009

Serious

Skreeworld are planning a trip to sellafield.

An amoeba is too small to grasp the dimensions of time and space that an ant operates in. An ant cant grasp our world understanding

Therefore something must be too big for me to understand. To think we are at the top rather than on a sliding scale would be arrogant.

The Earth was once flat but is now spherical, roughly.

The next thing up knows that I know it is there  but won't help me find it.

Science will not get us there nor religion.

It won't be found in a book or on the internet.

There is a clear paralel between decaying industrial architecture and churches. Both punctuate our country, grey, magnificent, misguided. They are all in decay. Our two great attempts to understand,capture or produce power. Religion. Industrial science. The origin of species. The industrial revolution. There is something we are not seeing. Something blatantly obvious, sat right in our laps. Something as important as 'time', some factor that would clarify things, sort out this seeming chaos. I have always believed in my lifetime it would be discovered or noticed. The fear of the seeming chaos spawned many religions, Science came next. A theory, a series of tests to prove or disprove, scientists, chip chipping away at little corners of our world, so focused on detail, so lost of overview. Much like our ant.
If Religion will not show it to us and science plods down obscure avenues of endeavour no one is doing the job.
So it must be up to Skreeworld to sort out.

Wednesday, 30 December 2009

Anniversary

A decade has passed since that sad, sad day. I hadn't seen Blue Peter for many years. Presenters had come and gone. The beautiful Karen Keating, so cruelly cut down in her prime. Richard Bacon, sold to the redtop scum by his best friend for a handfull of silver.
This episode was different, I saw it advertised. The holy trinity of Valerie Singleton, John Noakes and Peter Purves were back. Like the Pistols at Finsbury Park or Led  Zeppelin at the O2 arena.
In 1972 I was 7. A common school essay was, 'What will life be like in the year 2000'. This seemed impossibly far in the future. It would be shiny silver with spaceships and robots, even a fool, even a 7 year old fool could see that.
The Blue Peter team made a time capsule. A collection of items from that time, a Blue Peter annual, various other pop trivia. The items were placed in a box, this time capsule was then buried in the Blue Peter garden to  be dug up in the year 2000.
The concept fascinated me, like when they sent a Kajagoogoo record in to space so the aliens could hear how far we had come musically.. Laikas' barks of disapproval can still be heard, the sound travelling through space will be reaching them now. I digress.
The holy trinity of Singleton, a kind of spiritual mother to all 70s children. Purves, a precurser to the Top Gear generation, so popular now. And of course, the maverick, the daredevil, the hero John Noakes. He had sailed off from these shores, disgusted with the trivial direction English culture was taking. Who knows for certain why he returned to these shores but I'd place a bet it was for the disinternment of the time capsule.
It was a rainy day as the trio took spade to earth. The box was once again free of its grave. I watched in awe at the ceremonial opening. Tears filled my eyes as the contents had turned to mush. Perhaps the sticky backed plastic seals had failed and the contents were destroyed. To me, who had waited 28 years for the event it was too much. I spiralled off in to depression, alcoholism, heroin addiction.
A decade has passed since that grey day in 2000. I realise now that lessons were learned. Entropy. Time.
We may no longer have the turntables to play Slade but CD boxsets can take us back in time even if we cant yet travel forward.

Tuesday, 29 December 2009

Local Stories

Just for local readership.
Well a few things have happened in Skreeworld. Satans Claws dug deep in to my stomach and kidneys, hospitalised me. The evil of the creature is beyond comprehension. Spent christmas pissing blood rather than drinking the blood of christ. Still not drinking. Just antibiotics and codeine that don't work bevcause of the bupronorphine. A fine old mess. Coincidentally, whilst I was in hospital a few loose ends regarding Richards death have been tied up and laid to rest up in Leeds, hoping to go pay my respects soon.
Regarding our war with the evil Satans Claws, it hasn't escaped our attention that only people of pure evil drink in La Strada and it doesnt take a genius to see that la strada is an anagram of satan, nearly. Steps will be taken by Skreeworld to curtail the Lucification of Frome, ultimately La Strada will be destroyed.

On a lighter note , everyone has their favourite crap terrorist. Yesterdays thigh strapped wierd substance on the educated guy was pretty good. He got out a blanket when no one was looking, got a syringe, injected his leg strapping and set his leg on fire.He didn't even have the bottle to do it when the plane was in the sky. Now that is one crap terrorist.
Nevertheless he comes second. Fromes very own shoe bomber tried to blow up his own shoe whilst flying over the Atlantic.Fortunately staff saw him striking the swan vestas trying to light the bangers on his Nike. No one has got it out of him what he was trying to do blowing up his own shoe.
Being from Frome his campaign of martyrdom maywell have been directed against West Country heroes and princes of ciderdelia The Wurzles. The poster for thier, much anticipated gig at the Cheese and Grain, last time they played there we got to meet the kings of scrumpy and western, has been stolen. Skreeworld knows not by who. We considered stealing it ourselves but know this would have been just plain selfish.
The hunt for the poster has born a parallel with Polands recent quest to find the thieves of the Arbiet Macht Frei sign stolen from the entrance to Auschwitz. The townsfolk are enraged and once the culprits are found there is a veritable cornucopia of farmyard impliments with which to enact vengeance.

Sunday, 27 December 2009

Troubled Times

Skreeworld is going through some hard times of late. Trust put in the wrong people. In hospital last night too with kidney infection and a fourth day of agony. Skreeworld will continue once the malfunctions are resolved.

Wednesday, 23 December 2009

Thou shalt not steal


Father Tim Jones told his York congregation to shoplift from supermarkets if they are desperate. Last year Tim went to a shop and threw 'playboy' merchandise on the bfloor. This is the fighting Jesus who stood up against the Romans and the Jews, the one we need. the one who stood up against the money lenders and turned over their tables in the temple. This is what we need now in a country robbed by the money lenders, the banks. 'He who hath no coats. let him take from him that hath two; and him that hath not meat let him do likewise.' This is the  Christ I can follow, he who stood up against the establishment, not those who would murder homosexuals, those who wouldnt ordain female priests. Jesus was a kick ass jew who said 'fuck you rich cunts' and I am with him all the way. Jesus said some fucking ace stuff yet a load of idiots followed him and bent his words. Father Tim Jones, stand tall, stand strong, all the hearts of skreeworld are with you. Hang on in there, yours is the treal Jesus, the fighting Jesus.

King of the Wolves 2

I lie on my sofa, settee, daybed listening to Richard Hawley Trueloves Gutter with Tex sharing the space, curled up by my feet. We have lived together since my wolf came to live with me from the dogs home. This is how I remember the noughties. Tex cant be left on his own. He isnt like a dog.He destroys everything until he escapes if you try. So many dog owners have told me they could train him to be alone. They have no idea. I tried everything, all advice but became resigned that we would always be together so he comes everywhere I go. He is an Angel. Not a metaphorical Angel, he is a real Angel. He saved my life just as I saved his. The love we have, the connection we have is impossible to describe. We are each other.I would push a man off a lifeboat were there no space for him. I have learned more from him than anyone, a rescue dog I dont know his true age or why he does certain things. He used to cower if I swore at certain things on the news that angered me, now he just mumbles a quiet mumbled rebuke, 'hey, no need for that kind of language.' He has never bitten anyone other  than in over exhuberant play and even then shows guilt, he has never caused a fight withy another dog. Sometimes he goes over to say hello to anothere dog, if it snaps at him he will display his dominance as few are his phisycal equal.. He lets children poke him in his eyes, children I dont know say hello to him in the streets, friends I dont know. How can an animal be so good? No human is like that, all humans have selfish trates. Tex has none. Somrtimes people take him wrong. I tie him outside a shop, they go to interfere with him, he cant get away, he barks, How would you feel if everytime you went to town people tried to touch your face. He is a little too wild for society. Streets, cars, he doesnt get it, he loves to run through the fields, he loves to play,

Tuesday, 22 December 2009

Fox Cub 2


Regular readers will remember the sad story of the young fox cub killed during the torrential rain. Today, walking behind the studio on the piece of land by the river, I saw what I thought was a cat that sometimes ventures down there. Through the scope of my rifle I saw the young fox. Presumably from the same litter. He didnt notice me and I got quite close. Looking healthy. So glad that at least one survived.

Lines of Communication 10


Drug Thoughts

Monday, 21 December 2009

Arbiet Macht Frei 2

Today 5 men were caught, 3 in Votlavek and 2 in Krakov and the icon is back though in three pieces. Apparently it has no material value so it looks like it was stolen to order for nazi historians or neo nazis, nonme of the 5 men have connectionms to political groups but all have criminal records. The sign will be restored and returned to its rightful place. I had assumed they were scrappers. The word 'junky' originates in Germany where heroin addicts stole or gathered junk meytal to sell to scrap men for drug money.

Sunday, 20 December 2009

End of chapter one

I'm nearly at the end of this book, I look up at the christmas tree I eracted today ands fiulled with white lights and it shines down on me.
I think of John Hodgson, six feet u der the earth in lawnswood cemetery, a big man in so many ways who I only got through to in his last year ovewr Richards, his sons death, my b
est friend.
I think of my new years resolution that I am only beginning to achieve.
I think of Paul who welcomed me back and in to his world, a world, I barely understood.
I think of Alan Peters who quietly changed the face of material culture,
I think of Tex, the King of the Wolves who I still learn from each day.
I think of John Holmes, the greatest rugby league player I ever saw.
Most of all I think of Claire, who I have helped and let down in equal measure. I love her.
I think of Kipper, the best friend I have had this year.

Best TV of the year

Well they finally got 'The Wire', best programme ever made. Red Riding trilogy. The Fattest man in Britain. The Execution of Gary Glitter

Observer

Saturday, 19 December 2009

Skreeworld says get real about climate change

Arbeit Macht Frei

State of emergency in Poland. Some gang of idiots have stolen a globally significant artifact.. A nationwide hunt is on to find the bronze entrance to Auschwitz. Created by by Jews who even in hell maintained a sense of irony. Oswieczim. Catch these criminals and return it to its' rightful place. It must have been a professional job. No guards nor CCTV caught them. 'This is an attack on the rememberance of the holocaust' Avner Shalev. This sign said all about the cynicism of Nazi rule and paraded thier shame. I pray the plaque isnt destroyed in a scrap metal robbery. An act of vandalism that has no equal. Speculation runs to neo nazi regalia collectors. Unscrewed on one side and ripped down off the other then chucked swiftly in to a van. 1.5 million people, mostly Jews died here. The Polish say, 'finding the sign is a national priority'
The Arbeit Macht Frei sign was erected by prisoners with metal work skills on Nazi orders in june 1940 and was a cynical take on the title of an 1873 work by the lexicographer, linguist and novelist Lorenz Diefenbach in which gamblers and fraudsters discover the path to virtue through hard work.

Friday, 18 December 2009

Evel Knievels son Robbie is coming to London

Robbie Knievel began jumping bycicles age 4, rode motorcycles aged 7. At age 8 he performed his first ever show at Madison Square garden.

Robbie 'Kaptain' Knievel      age 47

Occupation  Daredevil

Robbie favours the Honda CR 500 that have been designed for jumping. Evel made most of his jumps on a Harley Davidson XR 750. The CR 500 is derided by some critics but Robbie aims to prove them wrong at Wembley he aims to use a Harley XR 750, the same bike his father did in 1975 but Robbie is going to jump 16 buses, his father jumped 13, the current record is 15 for the Harley 750 currently heald by Bubba Blackwell.
Amongst Robbies great jumps was the Grand Canyon jump inspired by Evels ill fated Snake River Canyon jump in the strange rocket car. Robbie jumped the Canyon on a bike, 228 feet with a drop of 25000 feet below. On landing he lost control of the bike and broke his leg. Robbie Knievel is coming to London and, god willing, the Knievel name will live on in the hearts of all bike lovers. To mark the 35th anniversary, Robbie will jump 16 buses to avenge the the event that virtually ended Evels career.

Dogs in Space 3

Nick Abadzis book Laika tells very accurately the story of the first living creature in space. A tragic tale of the cold war and the Soviet obsession with getting one over on the yanks. Who knows what truly went through the mind of Kudrayavka. The fact no one can despute is that she did what no human did. You can argue that Soviet scientists used her, they undoubtedly did, but what did she see? Dogs observe, have the whole spectrum of emotions we have. Perhaps, in the few hours she had before she burned to death she looked out and saw what no creature had seen before. Perhaps she looked back at the conspiracy that had forced her journey at our decaying, beautiful blue and green planet.

Thursday, 17 December 2009

followers

thanks for all anonymous followers, you are amongst centurions now, it makes all the hard work worthwhile. Count yourselves proud. we will become millemial soom

Telstar by Paul Fryer = in Native Hardwoods


Pauls nTelstar detail

For me the most beautiful of the series. Built from native hardwoods with timber defects evident and unhidden takes the piece from science in to something far more organic, afterall, can we do anything inorganic?

Waterworks

There is something major going on here to do with water. Thisbwaterworks and outlying buildings bhave the beauty ofb architecture bbuilt purely for function yet as with the water towers and gas silos there are decisions in there design that are inescapably aesthetic ones. A human can not take a decision that is not in some way an aesthetic one

Bolsover

dont fuck about with tne castle, get straight to the heart of the matter. A 70s building up for auction had a firemans pracrice tfower behind. A swift excallation, roman tile roof encrusted with moss and an old exclamation of love scored in to steel. I knew an Alison Goodall from school but her lover Ellis must have done the piece with stone or penknife. Rust has embelished his work over time. Perhaps the lack of heart showed the raw sexual passion or the fear of police but a gordious exclamation of intense feeling is evident. This is no Banksy cartoon but a work of impassioned craftsmanship.

Did you miss me>

the flash bouncing back off the perspex cover spoiled the picture. A realy good Damien Hirst
been on an expedition of discovery to clarify how to progress. Went up north to see an old friend for advice , conpanionship and a bit of love. Next year there are going to be big changes, the themes and approach may undergo some major changes but stick with me, the adventure is only just beginning

Tuesday, 15 December 2009

Safe Drinking

The government and various scientific bodies have recently produced a lot of confusing and misleading information about the safe ammounts of alcohol to consume and drug classification systems. We at Skreeworld have carried out a thirty year study on these subjects and, as such, are the only body truly quallified to claqrify the situation.
Firstly and most importantly, know your limits, after drinking a bottle of spirits there is clear evidence that your judgement may well be impaired so here are a few guidelines.
One bottle of wine an evening is a healthy intake, sufficient to prevent heart problems in later life and should leave no hangover for anyone born north of  Nottigham. Two bottles, though twice the fun, can lead to a distopia or feeling of sadness the following morning that is unlickley to pass until you drink your evening wine. The same rules apply for a 4 pack of Special Brew, a healthy midweek drink however 8 cans and you are pushing your luck and the following working day may be affected.
Should you have the misfortune to be born south of Nottingham or, indeed be a poor drinker all is not lost. There is always binge drinking. This activity is really for women but the afforementioned can benefit from this drinking systemk too. It is best carried out within the sight of CCTV cameras so that your staggering around in a state of undress, carrying your removed stilletoes can be watched on channel 5 or Panorama at a later date.
A brief aside, thier is an area of nthe west country known as the Mendip Hills where famous cider drinkers the Wurzels come from who canm give any northerner a good run for his money. For further information google Adge Cutler and the Wurzels.

Monday, 14 December 2009

What aq Shambles


Babyshambles in Bath

So after some umming and aahing we went to see Babyshambles last night. I haven't seen them for a while, not since Peter got told to leave London and took up residence near Marlborough. mThis was a wise move regarding his librty but it has stripped him of his streongest assett, contoversy. I fondly recall those early shambles gigs ehen he was off the rails.Incredibly exciting nights where anything could happen. A fight, a no show, a riot, an overdose. Truly the most thrilling experience following a band since the Sex Pistols. The music came second. Barely a day went by without some tabloid story. None of it led to sales just great nights out.
Last night they started a little late, no major event but a good solid gig. Mainly Shotters Nation, a few new ones but tghe highpoint was the tryptic from 'I wanna be adored'through 'Killimangiro' and into 'Albion'.

It was better back in the old days for us fans but probably easier now for Peter.

Sunday, 13 December 2009

Satans Claws

Yarls Wood immigration removal centre in Bedfordshire. Armed with £300 worth of 'presents', in this world nothing comes for free. The Anglican churches leading expert on Satans Claws dressed in his traditional red, representative of the blood of his victims and white, representative of the innocence of children he seeks to steal. Along with a distinguished cleric they approached the perimeter fence. Security staff managed to keep them at bay as Rev Canon James Rosenthall, thw world authority on St Nicholas of Myra, the inspiration for Satans Claws, violently protested but the brave security staff called in the police for assistance. The row comes amid mounting concern about the treatment of children in immigation removal centres. The security staffs valiant rejection of he who climbs down childrens chimneys ay night is to be applauded.
See clips of Satans Claws attempted attack at Yarls Wood  http://tinypie.com6jj49K/3

Saturday, 12 December 2009

snooker

just turned the telly on for the valium-ketamin experience that is snooker. I recall my first desigm lessons about pattern within a frame that snooker provides. I suppose it isnt a surprise to see Damien Hirst there for the finals. Much like a dot painting, the pattern, order and disorder within a frrame offers that eternity of possibility within a defined structure. There is never a thrill without a brief, a framework of rules is necessary to create infinite possibility. Hard to articulate what I'm saying here. If asked to do anything the result is generally poor yet set with a framework of boundaries you can achieve freedom.

Friday, 11 December 2009

Chain of thought


Since my computer wont let me show The King of the Wolves prowling down Cheap street, it seems I must consult the chain of command.

Thursday, 10 December 2009

Quarry Hill Flats Leeds

Yahoo Flickr has a vast stock of photos relating to Quarry Hill Flats, I was tempted to put a few up for fans of the Flats but you are better getting it from the horses mouth. I had felt that only myself and Peter Mitchell whos' tremendous photographic study on the demolition of Quarry Hill Flats published as Memento Mori were the only ones who had deep interest but there is a huge body of memory and images relating to the flats to be found on line. Arguably the most ambitious project in British housing history. Seeing the slow rejuvernation of the lesser Park Hill estate in Sheffield along with the plethora of media attention it has recieved is saddening for those of us with fond memories of Quarry Hill Flats. Sadly Sheffield has always heald a jealousy for Leeds just as Leeds has a jealousy for Manchester. The cultural trichotomy of the three cities as they all vied for Capital of the North through the noughty years of prosperity was fascinating and now the economic downturn is here it will be interesting to see who,ultimately comes out on top. I have a sneaky feeling that Leeds will win. Sheffield has topped the last 5 years musically as Manchester has topped the football but Leeds was always really a Rugby League town, football is our second sport. Three grand finals in a row, world club champions. Outsiders may see Manchester United as some sort of achievement but the real sporting legends are taking place at Headingley. We are Leeds and we're proud of it!

Wednesday, 9 December 2009

Shambles in Bath

Death for Claws

Since the execution of Gary Glitter I am sure I am not alone in feeling that we nust exute the arch paedophile Satan Claws. Do the fairies keep him sober for a day or does he carry out his filthy work under the influence? There is something not right about an old man who's sole interest is children
. All that bribery, 'sit on my groin young boy, have you been good this year?'
According to Albert Pierrepoints mathematical study of bbody weight and neck strength to work out the length of rope it takes to snap the human neck, the evil Claws would presumably warrant a short drop, obese, works only one day a year, perhaps 3 fot 6 inches. Should anyone see this villain climbing down chimneys looking for his prey then please report it to skreeworld blog. 'What will your daddy do when he sees your momma kissing satans claws?' Well lets hope report it to us. The gallows awaits Mr Christmas. And there is no present you can bribe us with.Your end is nigh.

Tuesday, 8 December 2009

lines of communication 6


rust and gold

One night, off my head, I lay there, looked to the side. Made in england. The platform we perform our trivia upon. Hurt, failure, success, acceptance. Caught twixt rust and glory I couldnt deside which was the more beautiful pursuit. No irony, just the lack of knowledge of where I fit in to societys scheme. I have, university's asking me to lecture on my thoughts, friends dieing from thier own choices, friends living glorious dreams of material  achievement. Where do I belong. I don't want to lose either.

From Rust to Gold

it is a thin line between homelessness and all the dreams you are presured to want from the media. Some are lieing in the gutter looking at the stars, some of us are lieing in the gutter looking down the drains.

Gold and rust

you find yourself coming round after a good kicking and it is so close, that which you may have never really looked at. Its been there , underfoot all your life.

Semi Golden routes to Subterrania


Turner Prize

Can't really argue with nthe result, the prize is supposed to be for the best work of the nominees last years work though, due to the non art following judge panel the prize usually gets judged on the show itself. Clearly were it on the years work it should have gone to Roger Hiorns for the ongoing 'Seizure', the london bedsit encrusted in copper sulphate crystals. Even the sink is engorged with this beautiful and fantastic growth. His piece for the tate, the atomised metal dust fron a passenger jet engine formede a beautiful landscape and given this moment in history and all environmental cocerns had a voice.
However, for pure beauty I believe Richard Wright was a worthy winner. His gold leaf piece has to be seen in the flesh. Photograph renders it meer graphic design yet in reality, its' scale and the knowledge that it exists outside the art market and will be painted over and its sheer magnificence bowled me over.
Lomg live Glasgow and the thriving culture of Art.

Monday, 7 December 2009

Kiki tortoise sex machine RIP

Staff at theMenargerie dy jardin des Planks in Paris last week were the first to know. Harriet the turtle lived to175, Tu'i Malila, a tortoise died in the year of my birth 1965 aged 188. Kiki, a giant tortoise died last week aged 146. Famed for his voracious sexual appetite. even shagging innanimet objects, Kiki stayed 'fresh' to the end.All of France is in mourning as are many throughout the world. He arrived in Paris in 1923 when his species was on the brink of extinction, seemingly fired on by this Kikis' sexual appetite was legendary, his grunts could be heard across the other side of the zoo and the Jardin des Plantes. Weighing 250kg he had to be moved by forklift. However crushed by his weight the females suffered his assaults without complaint. Born in 1863. Just pause for a minute or two to contemplate what has taken place during his lifetime.

Kiki RIP

Warning

The climbing of large industrial buildings is big and clever but don't try it at home or if you have any concerns about getting in to trouble then dont try it at all. You may well find really nosy men knocking on your door dressed in formal black and white clothing who have no interest in creativity, they may even take you to a small room, ask you loads of questions, none of them to do with art theory or history. They will be identifiable by thier low IQs and very uncool dress sense.

Sunday, 6 December 2009

Skreeworld blog

No one will stop Skreeworld

Friday, 4 December 2009

Tex King of the Wolves


I havn't posted much about my closest friend. He is getting older but still the king of dogs in our town. Never hurt a child, never started a fight but beaten every dog that has tried. I have learned more from Tex than anyone else I have ever met. Mark Rowlands 'The Philosopher and the Wolf' says it all along with Claire Bears book she is working on so i'll leve it to them to explain the comparative intelligence of the lupine and the simian.

Shooting Ice


Boring day at work so we got the ice tops off all waterbutts and buckets, this one at 300 yards made good target practice

Fred on Friday

Woke and leapt out of bed. Down the workshop to get a drawing done of the new water tower. Estimated pitch of cones. Drove through the lanes past Westbury cement proccessing factory, tempted to go try get some photos tommorrow. I used to drive this route to work and back every day when I worked making Fred Baiers furniture. I'd forgotten how beautiful a drive it is, continual stearing and gear changes punctuated by country side from Westbury white horse hill, the dege of Salisbury plain and the marlborough downs.
Freds studio is quite unlike the workshops of designer craftsmen. The vocabulary of shapes, forms and techniques he uses to project his ideas is quite unlike any other and I feel honoured to have worked there. At the time I didnt see the learning going in but returning, a decade later I see. They were working on a complex facetted cone that penetrates a facetted doughnut shape. The computer is used as a tool to work out angles through advanced maths but fine craftsmanship brings the visios to reality.
He leant me the programme to work out the angles from number of facetts, height and diameter to create the cones for my making of the water tower.
The Vand A have bought a nother piece that they missed the significance of when it was first made, it is often the case that museums fail to see the significance of works at the time of making, fortunately they have registered during Freds lifetime. The resale of his work has also picked up in the major auction houses, a significant occurance. If I were him I would buy back my majorworks wherever I could, there can be no greater investment. Damien Hirst clicked on to this as other major artists have. There is a piece of my own work that I never sold through exhibition that was way ahead of it's time. I leant it to a girl, we fell out, she sold it. Sometime later I found myself at a k dealers house and all the buisness was taking place on my table, after or two I asked where he had got the table and learned the series of events that had led to him owning it. He fell on hard times and gave it to a guy further up the ladder as a debt payment. This guy is now on the straight and narrow. I plan to buy it back, restore it, and hopefully people are ready for it now.

Heard the police are looking for me. They went round to Hawkwind frontman Ron Trees house, one of my postal addresses earlier today. Dont know what they want me for. I suspect someone is trying to set me up..

Wednesday, 2 December 2009

Yuri Gagarin - cosmonaut

I understand that this will come as a huge disappointment to fans of Babylon Zoo but on 12th april 1961, Yuri Alekseyvich Gagarin becane the first man in space shot up in a Vostock rocket. 9th march 1934 - 27th march 1968.
'I saw for the first time how beautiful our planet is. Mankind, let us preserve and increase this beauty and not destroy it'.
Born in to poverty, Gagarin was the son of farm workers in north west russia. In 1942 the area was invaded by nazis, his sisters were taken to 'labour camps', his younger brother hanged.
'What beauty I saw clouds and thier light shadows on the distant dear earth. It is surrounded by a light blue aureole that gradually darkens becoming turquoise, dark blue and finally coal black'.
He retrained as a fighter pilot but crashed and died with his instructor. His body is buried in the walls of the Kremlin in Red Square.