Darling , I don't love you at all !

Not much of a man are you Mr D ? Your ridiculous statement could well prove to be ,the executioner of the pound .

Foreign investors are shunning it as world confidence vanishes .Then as like as not many residents of UK will be pulling their savings out of building societies thereby creating a run , thus more mortage chaos.

WELL DONE DARLING !.

Two sayings spring to mind :-

"discretion is the better part of valour " .... you have none ,so let's move on .

" actions speak louder than words " ... you could have insisted on restricting mortgages , Put an end to the inflated prices of homes .

Given the rather greedy British public a breakdown of just what it is costing them per day to keep troops in Iraq and Afghanistan .Then asked do they still wish to say yes , we want them there . I would doubt it .

The bottom line is the whole world is in a mess due to Blair being so eager to invade Iraq years back . Few made any attempt to stop him .

We are suffering now as Iraq , the worlds 2nd largest producer of oil is .

As if the the hammering and misery inflicted upon it by US and UK were not enough they remain occupied , infiltrated and in ruins .

To cap it all the US is now very keen to begin action against Iran ! Another country with oil .. In the words of that song ....

When will they ever learn ?"

My final words to you Darling are as follows :-

"You are little better than a traitor ."

Orange Orange,Still.Alive.

Please do try and look at the following from The Orange Campaign .
http://www.TheColorOrange.net/uk/page220
It's a very objective account of the action taken to draw attention to the abuse of human rights in relation to the most inappropriately hosted Olympic Games ever . Plus ,those fickle fellows of the media get some mention. Important point to all ,Orange will be kept as a symbol and all are encouraged not to forget Tibet . I for one would like to invite you to view us a team .A team going for Gold . Our gold being the rights of all Tibetans and that the Dalai Llama be recognized .One never wins by giving up !

All Creatures Great and Small.

When each day brings so much to see it's best viewed as Nature's Lottery and yes, I just keep winning .Actually anyone can ,if, that is ,they keep their eyes open.
A bat has been successfully 'captured' on cam and today a young eagle was spotted sunning himself on a bridge. He allowed this photo to be taken minus zoom. Yes, right beside him. Later, sitting by a lake what should swoop down but the heron you see. Across the water scudded water boatmen,and above darted dragonflies. Don't know what you think but in all of these creatures lies the beauty of our planet . That shiny black beetle looked like jet . Simply beautiful !

Mrs Tiggy-Winkle in France .......?

A brief encounter between Ms V and Mrs Tiggy-Winkle .... maybe ?

The Return Of The Cabbage Patch Doll.

Whoever could have visualized such a chic creation ? Or is it a question of going green ?

To tell the truth it's neither,but believe me when I say this really is a case of 'truth being stranger than fiction .'

Let Him Who Is Without Sin .....

This has to be the joke of the week , if not the year !
His ' Holiness and Righteousness ,G W Bush is planning to go on air and take Russia to task for invading it's neighbour. Seems our George deems such an act to be "completely unacceptable to the free nations of the world".
Sorry George , your invasion of Iraq , based as it was on lies , fabrications and greed, renders you the very last person to condemn this atrocity . Come on Bible Boy , remember those words, " Let him who is without sin cast the first stone "
So G W B roughly translated by a somewhat down to earth Mancunian female ,that means , " shut it ."

ps) Hey George, note you enjoyed your freebie time in China minus one word to those Tibet occupying Chinese ! A selective coward as well eh ?

No Regrets---- Not For Miss Vixen .

Today Evaux Les Bains had a fantastic festival ...Antiques, bric a brac , flea market , call it what you like . The entire town was buzzing and alive . Music , food , wine , all kinds of bread and cakes , each street provided more . Paradise for yours truly . Here's a funny little collage in which I was tempted by yet another bike ! Hmm rustic or rusty ? In my hand is a delightful little spice jar ,a present from the lady you see me pictured with . It's not often one gets to speak German here but she was fluent in ´'Deutsch and English '. Staying way out in the country a real chamber pot was a crazy must get .So I got ! As for the little video .This guy was Mr Happy Plus . So much so he even granted my wish by playing 'No Regrets ' . I have none for joining in with singing. My voice is hardly akin to that of 'The Little Sparrow ' . So it's , Little Vix signing off with 'Non je ne regrette rien.....'

ps ) I was given yet another present ... A book all about Saint Bernadette.

You see , each day is full of miracles , if we but look .

Forget the Horse Whisperer -Think Cows !

So here you see a star whisperer in action

The Sound Of Moo-sic.

After the wonders of Lourdes I'm back on a bike and training . Way off my former standard but getting there. The circuit is through wonderful countryside where many fields have herds of creamy white cows , special to this region . Yesterday I stopped to imitate them and make a sort of 'moosical aria ' . The result was spectacular . Some herds actually galloped to get to me . At each field they came and jostled for front row places . Maybe the EU will find a place for 'a cow whisperer' .
Meanwhile this is Vache donna Vixen signing off---- my fan club is waiting .

The Sunshine Of My Life.

We all need sunshine in our lives and here you see mine. Sunflowers , huge yet graceful and a colour that can lift my spirits no matter what . Yesterday coming back from Charroux field after field of these amazing flowers was seen and my joy was complete .

The Wonder Which Is Lourdes.

If you've read earlier posts you’ll be aware that I recently suffered a very bad accident . This left me extremely immobile and with some nasty bone damage to my left knee. Thus it was , last Saturday ,with a degree of fear and trepidation I left Limoges on a special train bound for Lourdes .
This was organized by the diocese of Limoges . Five hundred participants all French and no English speakers .Guess who is hopeless in French ! At first it wasn't easy but one adapts and the beautiful part of the Catholic faith is that it is Universal . I’ll be honest I was seeking a miracle and am happy tell you I was blessed with such . In Lourdes , each day brought more improvement. Look at the collage and you'll spot the differences . It’s all to easy to knock Christianity since it’s such a passive believe. In Lourdes there is a wealth of love, joy , humanity and faith . This, as we are aware moves mountains .

ps ) Lourdes is open to all irrespective of their beliefs . Tolerance at it's best .

Why Is An Honourable Man Deemed Strange ?

Of late I feel absolutely disgusted with the British public, media , and many British politicians .

Since coming to power Gordon Brown has certainly had some bad luck with almost 'plague like happenings '. Numerous agricultural catastrophes, floods , knife crime , revelations of Tony the Far from Divine and his ghastly partner Sister Cherri of the Grab All , Gab All , to name but a few . The market crash which has resulted in a weakened pound is linked to a policy of hold hands with the USA plus squander in Iraq .[ a place we should never have gone ] Who took us ? Why ....Tony the Far from Divine and his gungho pal George of The Litany of Lies .

So when I read that Brown is now expected to be replaced as he appears , behaves and looks strange I am livid . For me, here is a man who is absolutely normal. None of that insincere toothy grin with sickly smooth voice ..Hallelujah Say I.

Mr Brown would do well to hold two positions, PM and Chancellor . Also retaliate but what stops him here could be attributed to the fact that he is a genuine person ,worthy of his title The Right Honourable . How sad that such decency is no longer vogue ..................I'm no longer sure that Britain rules the waves . More a case of sinking under them .

An ABC Of Music .. Well Almost.

In spite of my restricted movement ,this last weekend found me taken to several fantastic musical events .
As one who resides in Berlin ,where culture is nonstop, I have to report that the same can be said of here. Yes here in the very middle of France where fields and animals appear to outnumber humans .Read the local papers and what do you discover but a plethora of events .
On Thursday in Toulx-Sainte-Crox there was a harpsichord concert held in the tiniest church ever . Encores were very much in demand and the soloist Etienne Leuridan obliged .Brilliant.
Friday there was an entire evening of music and fun in the delightful village of Saint Fargeol. Click on this link to witness some of the talent.[Album for 25th]
http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/andromeda333
With good food and wine it proved fantastic and went on until 2am !
Then on the Saturday off again to an accordion concert in Boussac where an amazing young French man ,one Alexandre Peigne delighted a packed church with a programme of classical works . Here you see him with a fabulous Russian accordion . Afterwards there was a super little party held in a nearby hall .
TV who needs it ? Therapy for injured knees .. Excellent .

Tour de France leg 19 .2008

My leg may be out of action but look at these guys and theirs ! Sitting on the kerb gave me a beetles eye view...Neris-les-Bains never looked so good . More later .

Send In The Clowns !

I've always loved the words to this song but over the years some of them have acquired a deeper meaning .... Yours truly is forever making her' entrance again ', and with amazing flair . Put simply I am, an accident , waiting to happen .

After a seemingly 'free period' things were to change. On Friday there I was having a great time skinny dipping in the moonlight , Sunday, Russian dancing . Add to this lots of cycling and walking . Then Monday came and with it the most spectacular fall ,down stairs onto a stone tiled floor. Worthy of a stunt woman . So now I have a superb, swollen left knee which is all shades of blue , a suspect broken rib and a chipped right shoulder . Add to this the sensation I've just done several rounds with a prize fighter and you'll get the picture.

But it isn't only the Phoenix who rose from the ashes .. Miss Vixen can and will. After all, there are boots to wear, trekking plans to see through and so much more . I hit rock bottom with an almighty bang . After seeing stars I'm back on my way up .

Note ] Any tips on how best to deal with severe bruising will be welcome . Have tried sliced onion . Effective ,but smelling like a burger is simply not my style ......

Oradour -sur -Glane

This slide show is a record of a visit made yesterday . After watching it , ask yourself , why is this this sort of atrocity still happening all over our world.

What Really Is Offensive In Christianity ?

Simple answer as far as I'm concerned :-
The Archbishop of Canterbury .
It's time this , 'I want to look like John the Baptist ' figure be removed from office . His comments are next to being insane and extremely inflammatory .
Mr Williams , take note . NOBODY in Islam would live very long after similar critic of that faith .Also the crusades were a very long time ago . Life goes on . Or Mr Williams do you delight in attempting to be trendy , not to mention trying to manufacture a religious holocaust ?

Ms Vixen Sings A Song .

* A few of my favourite things in France .[ apologies to Julie Andrews]

Partridge a wandering , all over the roads ,

Lizards that dart in front of your toes ,

Horses and herons to name but two

Then don't forget those shy coypu .

--------------------------------

Bats at sundown a flitting through trees

Frogs croaky chorus broadcast on the breeze

Hedgehogs that stumble across your path

Hares making yet another mad dash

-------------------------------------

Lot's of donkeys ,lot's of cows ,many bright wild flowers

With so much to see in any one day..

There simply aren't enough hours .

Hardly a master work I know ... But truly this place is very much 'alive .' The cats in the collage are ferrel .Each day there are numerous birds of prey to be seen , but my tiny camera can't do justice to such . At sundown, bats flit amongst the trees then suddenly swoop around in circles. They, like the hedgehog , who trundle along in the dark are very difficult on capture on disc . I haven't given up though !

Mon anniversaire avec le Tour de France -

Another birthday has come and gone . It was a fun, action packed day . Also for those who say, 'ha one year older ' , I reply with the words of Lauren Bacall , "I am not a has-been. I am a will be " and the Miss V in me adds , old 'enough' is all that matters.

Much was seen , done and experienced and made even more magical by some amazing gifts from Nature. After an early swim , followed by coffee and cake I was taken to view the Tour de France . Excitement enough but , en route what should we spot but this amazing Heron. As a result of being held spell bound , formula one type driving ensured we got to a superb view point . The reward .... colourful spectacle . See the video , hear the video . All shop windows were decorated to celebrate this event . Astonishing . On the return journey one could only marvel at the contrast .... Tour de France = speed , nature = calm . In the evening a sumptuous meal at a local restaurant . Add to this Hermes 24 Faubourg , a Renault Clio *, plus ,[wait for it ] Bridget Jones's Diary and you have but some idea .

* In the collage you see a furry Ms V standing by a Clio . Errr my pressie is a not quite as large .Still it brings to mind two sayings :-

'small is beautiful ' and 'keep death of the road '

Boussac

Last Sunday a mystery drive was the order of the day. Miles of amazing countryside . Certainly no overcrowding problems here. Then Boussac . A typical French village/ town this place has so much . Most enjoyable was the chateau seen here. A fascinating place to visit and yes, there is a tour guide in English . George Sand used to stay here . The single bed is hers .Indeed as is the commode ! Then you can see the Bishops bed . ( Made me think of the Father Ted series) Many of the household items bore a fox as this had been a family crest . Whilst waiting to go round we enjoyed an exhibition of tapestries made in Aubusson and exquisitely hand painted gourdes . My favourite is to be seen twice in this collage .Of course it depicts a fox . However at €480 it was a tad expensive for this foxy lady.

Words of Wisdom .

'To win something, you have to lose something.

These words were sent to me by a very dear Tibetan 'friend' Tenzin. Her and I have never actually met ,yet through our correspondance we have established a real understanding . This 'wisdom' , arrived at the right moment and set me thinking over their truth. Events of my past now appear positive , setting the present in a clearer light .

So Perfect You'll Purr.

It is a truth ,' not quite' universally acknowleged ,that I am an icecreamholic.

Put quite simply I adore it and can't say no.

This summer I've been experimenting and making my own . To date , Japanese green tea ice , caramel , Guinness, lemon with ginger, melon sorbet .. but the best has been Roquefort ice cream !

Now now don't pull your face ... try, and be surprised . My little recipe is derived from a more complex professional version . It requires no ice cream maker , no eggs so no cooking a custard mix.

1)take 400ml of thick cream ( I found the Irish product superb )

2)beat until really stiff, but not butter texture.

3) To the cream add 2-3tablespoon's good honey into which 70gram of Roquefort cheese has been very finely crumbled and stirred.

4) stir well and place in 500 ml container . I used Tupperware and made sure there was no air left in .

5) place in your freezer and wow will you have a delicious desert.

note ) if your freezer makes it go really hard then simply move to fridge an hour before serving.

Halftime In The 2008 Game Of Life.

On Sunday the 29th June the rather political , very sporty Miss V stopped en route to France . Why ? Well the European Cup final was a must view . Sadly , Germany lost to Spain . Mind you the hotel room had orange, sheets, curtains , flowers ,the lot .Thus I did my bit for the orange campaign . If I'm honest, this room / hotel did little for me, comfort wise... how one suffers for the cause .

Next day and over the Rhein , into France with a break for chips ! Comfort food one could say .

I needed this . Fortunately the wonderful church by Corbusier at Ronchamp was visited [enjoy the slide show ] I could spend days there and recommend it as a' must' on your places to visit list .

Safe Sex Need Not Be Boring .

The above title refers to the following piece written some years ago in Berlin . A city where , yes the heaven and earth really do move for you if you have a night or two on, or at one of the fabulous Volkesfest -- Try it and test my theory -- Mind you , in an ideal world --

Safe sex need not be boring - far from it
Indeed I think I´ve found the answer
And from the look of things - hundreds have,
But do they know it?
I wonder.
Funfairs, Volksfest, call them what you will.
An orgasm costs three euros - five for a real heaven and earth experience.
It's true, try it and see !
And, should you say, "Such rides would make me ill"
So what - the chances are you´d say the same in bed.
But, if like me, you relish that glorious surge,
Body tingling and racing heart beat,
Not to mention ecstatic crying out -- well,
Roll up, roll up, try a fun fair.

Note .Below see a slide show of fun fair shots.

BrItain's Best At A Berlin First

As those who read my blog may know , Savignyplatz is a favourite Berlin spot . So much so ,I risk life and limb , to film it whilst riding a bicycle. Imagine therefore my euphoria this weekend on discovering a first ever three day festival was staged there. With so much fabulous music it equalled the Brussels jazz marathon. Three stages , lots to drink, plus gourmet food you could feast on jazz , rhythm and blues , soul , big band ,and more . Saturday was brilliant with Sydney's Blues . Fans of Sydney Bechet take note , this guy is amazing .I've four CD's to help me remember.The Boogie Radio Orchestra and the Ingrid Arthur Band who really brought the house down with their soul and R& B. On Sunday after a bike ride to Potsdam, friends and I were back for more . The heavens opened ,there was thunder and lightening, but did it disperse the crowd ? No ... with music like this on offer, who cares . I can't begin to name all the groups but two stars merit a special word. 'Made in Britain ', so to speak, they had me and thousands more singing , dancing and thinking ...wow , when it comes to this kind of music, nobody does it better .I give you Denise Gordon who sang accompanied by Roger and the Evolution and Phil Bates [of ELO fame ] With his German band he had this little lady and many more in a frenzy . Can't wait for next year.and a second event here . Make a note in your diaries.

It's A Great Day - Thanks To The Irish.-

It may be a very small country , but the wake up call sent from the Irish public to those smug Brussels Eurocrats has come as a shock. At last, courage via politics in action.

Once again let's hear it for 'small is beautiful' whilst we marvel at this rare example of democracy .

Ireland was the only ,member state to have a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty . Take note Brussels .That eighteen member states have said yes is meaningless as their public were not allowed a voice . Had they been able to what then ?

The EU may be reeling in shock but this is largely due to it's having spun out of control. With a massive hierarchy who live extremely well [ not to mention tax free], funded by populations who have no say, they have gone too far . Matters such as this require a referendum. As long as we the tax payers foot the bill , we are the ones who should have the final voice .

As for me I'll be celebrating with homemade Guinness ice cream . Wonderful stuff.

PS ) take note . People most certainly do not want a permanent, unelected European President or, Foreign Minister. Downsizing, less of the 'do as we say , not as we do ' mentality and starting to pay your own taxes plus VAT, may go some way to regaining credibility .

U N = Utter Nitwits .

The United Nations proved it was nothing but a joke , and a money waster years back when it sat by and let the USA manipulate the truth and in so doing create a precedence for preemptive strikes . Not very good . It has recently shown more apathy with the on going charade in Zimbabwe, corrupt generals in Burma and , let's never forget, accepts China ,holder of the gold medal for human rights abuse, as a member of the security council.
For Tibet it does absolutely nothing .. yet ..wait for it .. ,has today issued a dictate that the UK must , yes must , not should , give the public a referendum as to whether the Royal family remain. Oh really . Well all I can say is , the reported 62p per annum paid by each adult tax payer is extremely cheap compared to what we paid for Blair . Also very economical when one considers the amounts given in handouts to many war torn lands .Hand outs which sadly are taken by corrupt regimes. [As one who pays tax to UK this 62p is not begrudged.]
Sri Lanka [home of ethnic unrest if ever] voiced concern over the British monarchy . Hey guys put your own house and corruption in order first . As yet we aren't blowing each other up.
Then Syria stated UK was unfair to Muslims . Why ? They have land for their mosques, are provided with appropriate food in schools and hospitals . Plus we even have Muslims in our parliament . I wonder if Syria can say the same re Christians . Not to be outdone Iran went on to voice concern over Britain's poor record for sexual discrimination ! What ,did this mean-- lack of hijab ? Are we to take it Iranian men need that to tell the difference .
So today Syria , Sri Lanka , Iran , Saudi Arabia and Cuba all had a go at Britain bashing and did so via the Human Rights Council . Sorry but I'm in stitches laughing . They really were off with their timing . This should all have been said on April 1st .Still it is almost the 'silly season'.

Spotted This Week In Berlin .

A wonderful forest, remnants of the 'wall', wild poppies, icecold beer, equestrian antics, fireworks, strange dancers in Alexanderplatz.This and so much more. Part of any day in Berlin .

What A Way To Go !

I found this snippet today on yahoo and as they said it could be embedded ,here it is for the enjoyment of those who may not have seen. Hmmm ,after mini filming whilst riding my bike ,I now feel inspired to strive towards, dare I say,'greater heights'.


Ps )
Sure beats checkin not to mention fuel taxes

Zazzle Equals More Than Geek Chic .

I bought this long sleeved shirt on line from Zazzle. The design is, [wait for it]

'Binary Boobs'. I have to say it's lovely to wear and ideal with shorts or jeans . Found during a google search re Geekette mode etc,it hasn't disappointed .

Santa Swing

These little clips were made using my mobile phone . Whilst the picture quality isn't brilliant, the sound is much better than those made with the digital camera. This group were terrific and the violinist brilliant . They were pleased to say "yes" I could post here .Later in the week , maybe more . [It's summer and here's the Santa I do believe in.]

Brussels Jazz Marathon 2008.

Should you ever get a chance to visit Belgium for this annual event,take it.Last weekend, Brussels had hot humid weather and,even hotter jazz . On Saturday night there was a 'jazz trinity'. Three fantastic groups ,one after the other . Each playing a different kind of music and all so terrific I just wanted 'more'.Indeed,later, as the heavens opened ,it was still wonderful to remain and dance under a tiny umbrella. Never has 'In the Mood ' been so apt. The left collage shows pictures of a small group called Santa Swing . Then a larger group by the name of Night Crowd Blues Band . The evening ended with a superb band ie) Union Big Band . Middle row left and right show two groups from Sunday at another city venue .

In the streets and bars were even more artists . The second collage shows some interesting individuals .Not all jazz artists but fabulous re personality and talent.I flew back today with some great memories.

Templehof . A Very Special Airport.

Templehof Airport is wonderful ,both architecturally and historically. Sadly it is to be closed . [A rather well manipulated vote settled that last month .]

Built for the 1936 Olympic Games it went on to play an active part in saving West Berlin from the DDR during the very nasty Berlin Blockade.

On Friday I flew to Brussels from Templehof . Here are a few pictures of what for me and so many more, is place worth keeping . It's user friendly and a joy to be in . On arrival in Brussels I had a walk which proved utterly exhausting ...along , up , down then even further . Don't get me wrong ,Brussels Airport is excellent but you do need to have your walking shoes on !

It's worthy of note that Tegel Airport is also due for closure . Built in a few weeks , during the blockade to supplement Templehof air traffic, it is also a real gem . . Hmmm what will remain ? Schönefeld .. Way out in the former DDR and still far from presentable . Airport politics can be awful for the users .

By 'Blogger' They've Done It !

They've done it ! Test card gone , videos back . Whether or not these function or not who knows and, guess who doesn't care ? My filming may not be the greatest but it sure beats white squares . Well done to the Blogger team who resolved this massive problem.

Normal Service Will Be Resumed ASAP

Seems that everybody on blogger is experiencing this problem ie) blank white squares where their videos should be . Not good, but better when you know it's not just yourself . Plus it's been beneficial for yours truly in as much as I didn't panic !

Almost a first for this trainee geekette. So here's hoping the team who are responsible soon sort things and enable us to get back to normal .[whatever that may be ]

The Sound Of Music .

After the delights of the Salle Pleyel on Thursday night [do visit their site at] http://www.sallepleyel.fr/ I decided that more music was a' must do' . So Friday I visited Cité de la musique . This is an enormous complex offering much in the way of music and theatre . After wandering around admiring what can best be described as sophisticated space age architecture I was just ready to leave when I met this young man .He was happy to play for me and was all for this video and it being shown on here. You can find out more about him at, www.myspace.com/pedrokouyate He has a terrific personality . There is one sad note . A group of schoolchildren were in the building and on hearing the music they came to join in . Within seconds a ring of singing swaying very happy individuals surrounded this charismatic guy . So why sad ? I clicked the wrong button and lost the shot. We still had this however .France really has been alive with the sounds of music this weekend . There was Nielsen, Sibelius and Bartok then this superb African rhythm. Just a few highlights of a great weekend !

A Bird's Eye View.

These little videos were made over the weekend . The commentary is rather weird due to use of English + German and a lot of very breathless excitement . Strange the effect heights can have !

A Funny Thing Happened On the Way To --

It's not been my week with the SBahn . After what could best be described as a close encounter of a weird kind I thought all was fine but tonight was to prove me wrong !

That which we dread most, happened . I and three others were trapped in a lift .. and not just any lift. This was a plate glass affair situated where the sun blazed in from all sides creating an oven effect. Pressing the emergency button we asked for help and never has 30 minutes seemed so long .None of my usual geek chic, I sat on the floor . On being released from this 'hell' we were encouraged to go to hospital for a check up .All declined.There was ,after all ,the theatre.Exchanging a glass lift which was more like a chamber it was full speed ahead for the English Theatre and a work entitled The Harvest Chamber .

More on that tomorrow plus some good clips ( I hope )

A Way With Words.....

The world is mud-luscious and puddle- wonderful
e.e.cummings

In poetry and quotations this writer had a way with words !
He 'painted' ideas in a literary format.

News Update

Greetings from Berlin . I'm all set to catch a train bound for France but have to take time to enclose the following from The Orange Campaign.. Expelled from Hong Kong ! Hmmm so it seems that 'bully boys' in China are trying to control colour .

Here is the latest from The Orange Team.Do check out the link

'We have been in Hong Kong but were expelled and are now back in Denmark, see the press release below.*Apparently China is trying to stop the divulgation of TheColorOrange idea, but so far it is not very successful as the expulsion from Hong Kong has only given the orange idea even more publicity and attention by the media.*The Chinese Democracy Movement in Hong Kong is taking over the project of painting the 8 meter tall “Pillar of Shame”-sculpture orange on 30th April.*We encourage you to support the project by tearing up orange pieces of cloth and tie them to sculptures in the city where you live, and in that way manifest the use of Orange and give moral support to the endeavour of the Chinese Democracy Movement.*If the orange cloth stays tied to the sculptures until the Olympic Games, it will be a good visual reminder of the Human Rights issue in China.'

None of this is violent . What a pity the same cannot be same for those who abuse human rights . Two more points .

1) a friend and I have noted so much more orange is being worn and sported . Great !

2) here's a quotation ideal for governments who seek to take from others and distort freedom.

'The earth is the mother of all people , and all people should have equal rights upon it.'

Chief Joseph .

I O C Pathetic Statement For This Week .

You have to hand it to the I O C for pathetic comments . Having made the biggest error in a long time they expect the public to go along with it .

The latest lamentation is that they are saddened that the torch relay has 'not had the peaceful passage it deserves '

Note,there is no I O C concern over Chinese displays of Nationalistic fervour and threatened boycotts of western goods etc .Clamp downs on visitors visas.

Can we get a few things straight here ? This torch is but an inanimate object .Minus feelings. It has been entrusted to the biggest group of bullies going and quite a lot of reasonable people are opposed to this as they set more store on human life and rights .

As for the Chinese Communist Government , it's worth pointing out that the difference between communism and fascism is but a razors edge !

Now excuse me ,I need strong coffee . Just thinking of unchecked,Chinese flagrant abuse of rights makes me feel vile...Arms shipped by China to Zimbabwe . Involvement in Sudan . Tibet .Next scene Taiwan .Oh how peace loving can a nation be ?

Berlin's Very Vile Foxy Lady

showing today :-Savigny Platz Berlin

Nearly called this post 'keep death off the road ' Indeed somebody I know has suggested I refrain from risking my life doing such , or at least wear a helmet with a camera fixed on... Quite a good idea .. Any geeks out there who can design such for me ? Must be sportlich elegant ! [Geekette Productions GMBH]

A Mini Bike Tour Of Olympia Stadium

Today has been lovely weather . So much so I took off for the Tiergarten with my little notebook and worked there .I came home via Olympia Stadium and made a tiny film using my mobile phone whilst holding onto the bike with one hand ! This is for all and especially for a friend who has a 'thing ' for Corbusier architecture .Mind you I have to admit that though this Berlin apartment block is not a favourite of mine , his other works are pretty spectacular . Especially in India .Hope you all enjoy . The sound quality is a little off as no matter what ,there's always a breeze around the stadium .

Great Minds !

Today I received this from a reader. Seems graffiti is catching on. Great stuff. Any more examples ? Meanwhile ,thank you to this fellow supporter .

Miss Very Vile Vixen

Blue Skies Shining On Me ...........

Today we had 'real' sun , ie ) one actually felt the warmth . For too many weeks it's been grey skies and lots of rain. Hence I really enjoyed being out on my bike minus a coat or jacket ! Tonight as the sun was setting the balcony was an ideal place to be . Laptop, glass of Belgian beer with a light meal and somehow it didn't matter that this weekend I'd had no lottery win. Next week the open air swimming season begins . Guess who's already feeling like a foxy mermaid ? [vile of course ]

Football Crazy, Football Mad .

Wow ,German football supporters are tops at making noise .This little video was made today on the SBahn. These Dortmund fans , though not exactly tuneful ,were probably heard back home by those unable to attend . I have to say ,that for all the bellowing there's no fighting . Later on in Ka De We [the Harrods of Berlin ] I saw even more of these football crazed individuals . Was there trouble ? No . Just enjoyment , especially in the food hall ?

Wen will 'Wong' be Right

Why a green and orange posting ? To support the Green party. Especially John Gormley who had the courage to speak on human rights with particular emphasis on Chinese, exploitation and suppression in Tibet .
This resulted in the Chinese Ambassador walking out .Amid veiled threats re future economic relations this individual went on to say :- [ all in orange here ]
After the usual rhetoric of how much the Chinese love only peace Mr Liu stated that Mr Gormley's understanding of Tibet as a country is 'totally wrong' , He then added that now around 200 countries in the world recognise that Tibet is an integral part of Chinese Territory . Also, that Mr Gormley had made accusations 'without knowing what is truly happening there '.
Piffle Mr Liu ! This vile vixen has done her homework .The UN recognises 192. So who are these 200 China loving cheerleaders?
Mr Liu maybe , just maybe , you should let free press visit .Let's see 'real truth'
Ah , Chinese freedom ...like Chinese numbers ...
All 'wong '.

A Lotto Fun

Sorry couldn't resist that heading . Today I was in Ka De We and discovered that I'd won a very small prize on the German lotto . €2-50. This had me over the moon . Then on my way out of the store I saw that flowers were being sold for just 13cents each . Twenty five orange and yellow blooms later I decided to have a go at winning this mini . All that had to be done was to complete a card with name etc and pop inside the car -You never know - Watch this space.

The smallest things make life such fun and fill each day with joy .

Lottery , Graffiti, Champion.

Back once more from France where ,---- I won the euro lottery ! OK only €9, 10 but it's a start and had me excited . Then a remarkable individual actually gave me the chance to become an interior graffiti writer . How many would say, "sure you can write all you like on my walls ." I was taken to the local Champion supermarket where suitable orange colour pens were selected . The picture is at the checkout . [My laughter due to the pens having fallen all over as the cashier tried to scan them]

Today I received the latest news from Jens Galschiot .Read for yourself on Orange Campaign . He reminds all of us that, "The pen is mightier than the sword. " Even if you don't have a website , blog or column .you can still contribute by writing a letter re the abuse of human rights in China to a local paper , MP etc ,etc . Help make a difference and together who knows we may just win the biggest prize -- justice and freedom .

Tip ) if you are unable to use the walls of your room then buy some post its . When you feel the urge , write the thought ,in orange on one . Then , either use blue tack , or a notice board to collect and display your beliefs . Please .photograph and send to the campaign . We'd love to share..

For Junk, Read Jowell

When Olympics Minister Tessa Jowell said Britain was celebrating the Olympics, not China's human rights record she had to be joking ! It ranks as the silliest statement ever ..ie) junk .
She went on to inform the BBC that :-
"The welcome of the Olympic torch to London is not the same as condoning the human rights regime in China or condoning the treatment of Tibet,"
Really Mrs Jowell , so can I and others take it you would lend support to the games being held in , North Korea, Iran , or Afghanistan to name but three ? Or is it as usual Mrs J , a question of money helping ministers turn a blind eye ? Do such if your conscience allows but for heavens sake spare us such piffle .

From, Berlin's Vile Foxy lady

Live / Vile / Evil

Thanks oh Bully Boys of China you've just made my day !

I love Wh question words .

So the London protests in support of Tibet are vile eh ? Oh really , says Who ? Says Wen no doubt ,or is that When as in When will you get out of Tibet ? Tragic that where you live , all freedom of thought , speech and action is mission impossible isn't it ? . What's the latest Beijing spin ? That the global stage show you are trying to manage is a way of encouraging people ,"to together build, a more harmonious , better tomorrow "(I quote`Xinhua') Note ,controlled media .

Why the need for such ? Total control is all one finds in China where a party who rules via fear and brutality dare not allow other opinions to be seen or heard . Ignorance and suppression are the parties gifts to their masses. Like all cowardly bullies you seek to buy favour. With some feeble politicians anxious for their economy this works , with the public it doesn't.

Well my message to Wen is , we LIVE and in so doing seek truth . This you find VILE .

Odd that I for one , find your dictates EVIL ..

Amazing what one can do with four letters ...

From Berlin's 'Vile' Foxy Lady

ps ) If we are so vile why not let your people see ? Why the blacking out of any free media coverage ?

The Woolgatherer

No, this is not about a shepherd or sheep shearer . Rather , a dramatic comedy and a pretty remarkable one too. Written by William Mastrosimone it centres around two people . Rose and Cliff. On Saturday it was produced at the English Theatre Berlin. Absolutely brilliant , humorous and very human ,these actors drew you in .They were well cast and the minimal props added to the atmosphere.

Hope you like the pictures . In the interval 'Rose' remains on stage and prepares for bed. The lights are dimmed. Guess who made her camera function as a video ? Not my best work but the background music is good . Should you ever get a chance to see this work , do try. It's being repeated here in May and yes , I'll be there ?

Blair, Bush and Bertie .

The UK saw the back of Blair but not before he did a fare well tour of the world ! Why ? Now we see Bush doing like wise . Why ?Question ) do these ego maniacs pay green taxes on very long and even more unnecessary flights ?

Today we have Bertie Ahern resigning . Roll on May 6th .Question) Is 'Mr Shamrock' planning a trip ?

For the life of me I fail to see why these very unpopular specimens think they need to bid farewell. Most of us think " good riddance " and note how each day our air smells a little sweeter .

Mr Brown take note :-

Either change your ways and bring honour back to the letter B ,or resign now .

"I like it "

Painting is silent poetry and poetry is painting that speaks .

Plutarch .

Every Day A Birthday .

Another truth from that amazing leader , the Dalai Lama :-

"Smile at others and keep the world smiling. "

Some weeks ago I met a person in my favourite shop 'Mode und Sparen '. After coffee, and chat, email addresses were exchanged , they went off to Madrid , I to Belgian , via France . Back in Berlin we met for lunch and imagine my surprise on receiving a bag of goodies more in keeping with a birthday ! Edible , drinkable, wearable and, shakeable for amongst them was ..... a snow dome . Oh how my collection is growing . All are lovely but the most wonderful of all is a gift and from the Alsace. region. [ see post for March 22nd ]