Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Reunited With My Magic Footwear.
Monday, May 09, 2011
Magdeburg and the River Elbe.Two Versions
Tuesday, May 03, 2011
Tulips In The Britzer Garten Berlin.
Sunday, May 01, 2011
May Day In Berlin
The first day of May in Berlin . Sunny,,lots to do, so what better way to start than cycle down to Die Eins , enjoy terrific music , fine food and lots of fun . Although this was the last Jazz brunch of the season , you can still enjoy a fine feast there every Sunday whilst sitting outdoors watching the boats sail along the Spree. As for Acki Hoffmann and Friends , click on the link to his website to see where forthcoming gigs are .......Meanwhile ,'Come on and hear , come on and hear 'Friday, April 29, 2011
Nobody Does It Better.



Monday, April 25, 2011
A Celebration of Life , Freedom Plus Technology
I hope that your Easter has been enjoyable. Europe has experienced excellent weather and in Berlin the festival was reflected in the overall happiness of people . Easter Sunday had a particular significance for Berliners . Fifty years ago on April 24th 1961 they awoke to discover the wall had been built .Their city , families , places of work were to be divided. This could have meant 'death' to the western part of the city . Yet, after many frustrations plus an airlift to break the blockade they finally, in 1989, breached the madness . It was Germans who broke down that wall . The airlift was peaceful .No bombs were dropped . Cameron and Co do take note . So onto the collage . This marks a celebration of photography in my life . The box camera was a gift when I was extremely young .I still have it to this day .Top right is the tiny Tchibo camera I bought for approximately 68 euro .This had me hooked on digital , especially video making . Bottom centre is one beloved Pansaonic Lumix DMC TZ10 . These cameras serve as markers . The Panasonic has enabled the three main photographic colours effects to be seen :- sepia / black and white / colour. Fascinating contrasts. Each has a place still. The mini coloured collage within the collage is a Mac iPhoto Booth work . Imagine what an Easter posting will look like 50 years from now . Let's wait , see and use this tremendous technology for the improvement of our world . Saturday, April 23, 2011
This Easter ,Imagine Then Imagine Again .
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Music Makes My World Go Round .
On a warm sunny day it was wonderful to sit on the ground in Gendarmenmarkt Berlin and film this talented Polish musician as he sat playing the clarinet. From Warsaw ,he plays classical as well as many other genre .Why I ask , are the arts and talented people so underfunded , and supported , yet money is never a problem for wars and the weapons industry .
Earlier I'd had a coffee whilst watching a jazz musician . Do note the bride and groom on the steps of the Konzerthaus . They certainly had the weather and the music .... Good luck to them for their future and to all musicians who bring so much pleasure to our lives .
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Night and Day, Berlin is the 'one'

The weather has been sensational so all the more reason to double my cycling *.A tip to all who visit is ... do rent a bike . It's a city built for such and you will see so much more of this wonderful capital .
Here are a few shots captured over the last few days .Just as at night there is much to see , do and experience , so it is during the day.
Late this afternoon after a hectic schedule round and about I was only too glad to spot 'Minouche ' a Cafe and Patisserie .Situated at Budapesterstr 6 not only do they serve excellent coffee etc , they have also created a wonderful oasis where you can unwind . In these surroundings one can read, snooze, listen to an iPod or simply people watch .It scores full marks on Ms V's scale . Then my final surprise find of the day . Photo Huber at Budapesterstr 22. They know their cameras and just what is possible . Using my experimental shot of the moon , (taken last night) they made a good enlargement and framed it for me . Other shops had said not possible. Two more places I will be frequenting and can recommend.
A Lunar, Lumix Experiment Ms V Style
For sure I need a telescope . Regular readers are aware of my lunar passion Tonight it is huge ,low in the sky and so yellow. No chance of sleeep for me until it has sailed by . To capture the colour and as much shadow as possible I stood for ages holding the camera lens to the right lens of a pair of not very good binoculars . Actually the were pretty decent when used as intended but this mini experiment has pleased me and shown me that a telescope is a muct have .......
Sunday, April 17, 2011
'The Roaring Fifties' In Berlin
This group is sensational and with their wealth of experience one can't go wrong .Karl Heinz Wahren ( piano ) took time to answer some of my questions . These five musicians met years ago whilst studying music .They got together and began playing.as a group.
As is the way with student life , it comes to an end and each went his own way . Axel Knuth for example played with a major symphony orchestra .. Karl Heinz went into composition . Then approximately twenty years ago they reformed and began playing as a group once more.
Their next scheduled appearance is on May 22nd at Literaturhaus Berlin , FasanenstraĂźe 23 .. It will be from 11am - 14pm. A good way to start the day .
* double click for full screen viewing .
Saturday, April 09, 2011
Coming Shortly At A Blog Near You
My first movie trailer made using a Mac Book . Now there is an adventure .The film is due for release . However no oscars expected . Merely a pat on the back from myself for fathoming how to get this ...It's a laugh .
Sunday, April 03, 2011
Men Are From Mars- Women Are from Venus ?
Today,in Berlin, was like summer---26°c . So out on the bike along with what seemed like most of the city .Then all of a sudden I met this fantastic alien on the 17th Juni Strasse. In excellent English he informed me that his home was the galaxy ,Planet 88. (France will be peeved as it seems not only is English the world language ..it's now used out in space !) This alien was extremely friendly so let's hope more arrive .The collage shows some of Berlin's famous landmarks and a little of the city centre nature.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Farewell Scotland ,Hello Manchester.
Hope you enjoy this stills movie. I have to say leaving Scotland and Manchester was a hard thing to do . The days spent there were 'absolutely fabulous '.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Sutherland ,My Wonderland
For me there is no other place on earth as wonderful and breath takingly spectacular as Sutherland , way up on the north west coast of Scotland.... No stress here, beauty everywhere you look , fine food ( let's hear an end to the myth of poor food in GB) The clear sea waters of the Minch , warmed by the Gulf Stream are a cure to all who bathe in them .There is real film footage to prove I did take the waters .That comes later on YouTube.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Doctor Feelgood Weekend On Canvey Island
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
'Safari' on Safari or Out Of Berlin .
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Cookie Club Trio At Cafe Oberwasser .

Cafe Oberwasser is a superb cafe / bar restaurant at Zionskirchstrasse 6,10119 Berlin .telephone 448 3719
Open Monday to Saturday from 6pm to 'whenever' it's a place to go and enjoy life .
The owners are excellent and the picture depicts a figure made by one of them .From paper mache it guards the entrance ......
On Saturday ,no bad spirits entered ,only lovers of fine food and music and the phenomenal Cookie Club Trio .Thus all were satisfied .Of the nineteen videos shot each is faultless. This is not a reference to my camera skills but to the talents of a truly remarkable trio.Choosing which film to use was very difficult .in the end I chose 'Sunday' since this posting was started on , yes , Sunday .
Meinolf 'Cookie' Saggel, dr and vocals , Martin Zentner ,piano , Max Hartmann bass
Do try and see this group .
Friday, March 11, 2011
Wonder Women Love Mac Cosmetics

It's been a very busy week with little time to spare . Acquiring a Mac Book Pro didn't help either.Here is one person who will never be an Apple Mac zealot. It's OK but all the hype is rather OTT. ( Only my opinion but am not impressed )
Now Mac cosmetics , quite another matter and whilst shopping for presents today who should I meet but Wonder Woman ( all 2 metres of her !) plus lots of Wonder Women .Two lipsticks , one mascara and cosmetic sparkle later , a very happy Ms V emerged from Ka De We with some beautiful presents for a little girl and an invite to go film a group tomorrow night . Hence a new cam case .Note the foxy logo.
Friday, March 04, 2011
As Time Goes By
Doesn't it just since here we are,already in March. This piece was played last night as a birthday request for a lady celebrating her birthday . It's a great rendition and sung in German rather special.
Wednesday, March 02, 2011
Django Reinhardt ..A Jazz Legend
There are certain pieces of music that simply never fade . Here's just such a work. It's piece that has me dancing and hearing it played never palls. Django Reinhardt was an amazing musician . His life story is well worth looking up on the net .
The techniques he developed in jazz remain legendary ...
Tuesday, March 01, 2011
Today's Lottery Win.
Every day is new and I can honestly say that each day I'm a winner. Not Euro Millions or German Lotto.... mine is the Lottery Of Life . For the price of a smile you experience real wealth. For example ,today I met this terrific couple . From Korea , they now live in Paris and are architects. They had spent a week here and we shared coffee, conversation and so much ,out in the sunshine on BismarckstraĂźe . The cafe owner took this shot and the image underneath is a technique shown to me by the couple .They called it the Korean Way . This meant going indoors, setting the camera on self timer then placing on the floor whilst we stood around in a sort of rugby scrum looking down onto the camera lens .Their holiday photos were pretty wonderful and will be forming part of an exhibition. This encounter was but a part of my life lotto win for today. Like I say,true wealth .
Monday, February 28, 2011
Carnival In Berlin
Bright sun, blue sky, but low temperature ( very low )Yet in spite of this fact the atmosphere was warm ,and full of fun . These pictures serve to show the imagination people have when it comes to costume. Hope you enjoy .As soon as possible will add a sound track.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Welcome To The World Of Wonder Woman

http://www.maccosmetics.de/
This Foxy Wonder Woman will be going. Take a look at the picture .It says ( I translate ):-'Wonder woman in action. With her magic arm jewellery she defends herself from Medusa's dark intentions.'
Friday, February 25, 2011
My Post to Gaddafi

Let's hope he comprehends the message contained in these words .
'He who establishes his argument by noise and command shows that his reason is weak.'
Michel de Montaigne
Time for you to go Mr Gaddafi ( your tin pot medals and braid mean zilch to me and many more ) All that most people need is a good dose of common sense and humanity . Violence, corruption and rambling rhetoric , never !
Tony Blair will surely allow you to reside with him . He toadied and grovelled sufficiently ignoring the blood on your hands then. You make a good pair .Hardly a dynamic duo but full of hot gassy empty air.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Miss Vixen Has Her Own Reunification Day

Last week I had to send my Panasonic Lumix off to their workshops .Minus this amazing camera I felt lost but could capture stills with my very ancient Tchibo no brand. Imagine my joy therefore when today a text came through informing me the TZ10 was awaiting collection. It was a reunification day for BVFL. First a coffee to celebrate , then capture the Funkturm ,finally the rather beautiful sunset which seemed to signify 'all is well with Lumix and Miss V '.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
The Green Citadel of Friedensreich Hundertwasser.
Magdeburg isn't far from Berlin and easy to reach via road or rail. What's more it's worth it .Today was very cold but the visit was a joy and I have to say it is a place to return to ,plus will take my bike. Look at this architecture and wow at the film of what must be one of the classiest WC's in the world .
Friday, February 18, 2011
A Man's Point Of View .
On leaving Physiotherapy and pausing to find my keys I noticed the above . Worn by a man who was sitting in a room awaiting treatment, he was more than happy to say 'fine' to being photographed . The camera , (my old one) played up but was sorted by a very clued up physiotherapist . These T-shirt fun sayings are often spot on . To the happy wearer who said yes to the picture and his wife I say a big thank you , long live your humour and have a great weekend.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Lazarus Lavamat



As you are well aware two weeks ago I lost my long life 'partner' Lazarus Lavamat. Oh how I missed him . His solid sturdy frame that meant total reliability . In twenty three years he'd never once let me down, for not only was he great to look at, he was inwardly terrific , and as genuine as one could wish for. We were a pair.He was my AEG Lavamat 971
Shopping for a replacement was depressing . So many flashy items that didn't inspire confidence .Nor did I 'fancy' any of them .No X factor .
Thus today I had a guy call round who had a look at Lazarus , examined him and pronounced him to be ... fine. A new plug and whoosh life came back. With swishing and swirling he made a good job of a wash .How long L and I will remain in our blissful union who can say .They don't make them like him anymore . It's a little late but maybe he should now be called Lazarus Valentine Lavamat .
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Bei Mir Bist Du Schön
This was recorded at the end of December 2010. The group played it as a special since they knew I dearly wanted the complete work . Until now ,technical matters have prevented my uploading it . However here we are, two days after Valentine's Day 2011.[Never let it be said Ms V gives up easily.]
Plus it's an appropriate piece for all who find some one / some thing ,beautiful
ps. Best viewed in full screen mode
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Valentines Day Is A Coming
There are those who find this celebration a nonsense , others think it delightful and some are totally indifferent .
February is not a month of glorious weather so why not enjoy this half way marker.
The above were spotted today at my favourite French bakery. What a shame I can no longer eat sugar.The photo is my enjoyment and who knows, maybe it will give you some idea for a fun treat on Monday. ' Say it with cookies' . To finish here's a rather wonderful quotation:-
"Love is an irresistible desire to be irresistibly desired "
Robert Frost...
Monday, February 07, 2011
Negatives and Positives ..
A week ago my washer died in a rather spectacular fashion. This negative event was balanced by lots of excellent advice re washing machines from a guy who writes a fantastic review site,followed by delivery of a long awaited beautiful new bed .
Today the sun shone and off I went on my bike to begin a busy programme . Only at Innsbrucker Platz did I notice that several important keys were missing from my key chain. After riding back and forth but to no avail I gave up. Later in the day on calling at a favourite shop ,namely 'Mode & Sparen',there was coffee ,a meeting with a rather wonderful Vietnamese architect and a present from the lady pictured here . She and I share a love of Skull and Crossbones. This belt buckle is her present to me. For some time now she has been carrying it around on the off chance we met. Again a negative experience was counterbalanced .Last week I read that the head of Barclays Bank in UK is to be awarded a nine million pounds bonus ! My views on that are not for here but this much I will say ... Never would I swap my financial status and happiness for his wealth. Little things do mean a lot .. a very lot. The secret of life being, 'keep on smiling'
Sunday, February 06, 2011
Acki Hoffmann & Friends at Die Eins Jazz Brunch .
Die Eins [Wilhelmstr67A Berlin] is a very good restaurant/bar famous for it's excellent Sunday Jazz brunch. However no superlatives are able to fully describe this group who were there today. Acki Hoffmann and Friends never fail to give a superb performance . Five amazingly talented individuals who come together to make magical music. Well it even cast a spell on my Windows XP and that has to be something .
Thursday, February 03, 2011
The Cookie Club Trio Plus One .
left to right :-
Drums) Meinolf Saggel,known as 'Cookie',Bass) Axel Obert, Piano) Martin Zentner.
On Wednesday 2nd February we were treated to an evening of great music at the Piano Cafe, Neue Kantstrase 20. Joined by Burkhard best known as 'Quasi' on Saxaphone ,the result ? Magic . I made 17 videos which back up my words but uploading will have to wait until next week and an Apple Mac. The Trio will be a regular monthly feature at Piano Cafe ,so should you want a pleasant evening and good food ,I can recommend.
Make a note of this group. They are going places .On dates when the trio play with Quasi ( sax) they are known as Magnolia Jazz Quartet . Not really confusing simply best remembered as GREAT MUSIC .
Wednesday, February 02, 2011
Parasitic Politicians Cling To Power.

Yesterday on reading that the United States faced a moral dilemma I had to smile.
How on earth can they have a moral dilemma when politically they are lacking morals .If you think I am being anti US or OTT in my opinions read on.
:-These are the words of former CIA agent Robert Baer, “If you want a serious interrogation, you send a prisoner to Jordan. If you want them to be tortured, you send them to Syria. If you want someone to disappear—never to see them again—you send them to Egypt.”
For years the US has funded President Hosni Mubarak and known only too well that his corrupt government did little , if anything for it's people .Elections have been rigged , human rights flouted but silence from the USA. Now as millions of ordinary downtrodden men and women protest the US is worried .They have only them selves to blame. An average Egyptian has had to exist on 2 dollars a day. Has Mubarak ...no way. Yesterday he told the crowds he wont stand for reelection but neither will he step down now . Oh how the greedy cling onto power . You can be sure he'll be arranging his bank accounts and setting up candidates .This wave is sweeping across the middle east . Mind you it seems in vogue elsewhere. Last month the Irish Parliament had to resort to strong tactics to force the Prime Minister Brian Cowen to dissolve Parliament and make ready for an early election. Mr Cowen did not want either nor did he want to stand down .
It would appear that at long last people all over the world are waking up to who is really the "boss". THEY ARE . Let's face it, any worker found stealing or not fulfilling their duties can be fired without notice .Why therefore should corrupt and or inefficient politicians be exempt from such treatment . Mubarak showed what dictator material he was made of when he closed the entire Egyptian internet network down.Not a good move . As for the USA they would do well stop trying to buy friends and cease playing Geo-Politics.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Another 'Tale Of Two Cities '.
The year is hardly underway and it would appear that chaos is everywhere . Actually there is most certainly more than is desirable and the lust for power at all costs is to be seen in most governments . 'LIES ARE THE NEW TRUTH'. Awful but a fact .
Germany is stumbling it's way through yet another agricultural scandal due to Dioxin levels in eggs , chicken and pork. Bad timing as the huge international food exhibition GrĂĽne Woche began at weekend . Denial best sums up this latest affair. The ministry say how many farms are closed yet supermarket shelves are full and were never cleared. I for one miss my eggs and chicken but don't trust the hot air gushing from the ministry . The German public are wary but more accepting than most .
So over to Britain and the Chilcot Inquiry where Tony Blair had to return for questioning re the Iraq invasion . His response being 'regret over the number of Iraqi deaths but time for the west to cease apologising '.
Bad taste is Mr Blair's style . Imagine if a German or anyone for that matter said the same re the victims of the second world war . That Blair carries the title UN Middle East peace envoy has to be the joke of the century . He's best viewed as a war criminal .Did he really believe that three thousand bombs a night on Baghdad alone would be any thing other than a massacre ?
I could go on re so many countries .Instead I ask you to click on this link and read paragraph 1 chapter 1 of a Tale Of Two Cities by Charles Dickens . It's very short but so appropriate. Little it would seem has altered .In his work Dickens wrote of London and Paris . I have but highlighted two events in Berlin and London .
http://www.online-literature.com/dickens/twocities/1/
Dickens and Orwell --- two excellent authors who could highlight corruption and the abuse of power.
As for the photo of the Funkturm .This was taken last week as they were getting ready. Now the illumination is 100% green .I think this image symbolizes the half hearted approach to what is a major scandal.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Japan Festival Berlin 2011
Japan is a fascinating country , ultra modern and famous for high quality electrical goods , cameras etc ,yet still retains and is proud of it's culture. When it comes to the arts Japan has much to offer. Some years ago I enjoyed my stay in this country and found the people delightful . So it was I was only too happy to spend a day 'plus' at the JapanFestival Berlin 2011. There was much to experience plus a sensational Gala Evening on Saturday. My memorable purchase is an interesting work of art .Of all the stage performances TENGU DAIKO , Japanese drums see :- http://www.tengudaiko.de/ and Queen II were the tops. (This morning Windows XP ruined a short video featuring both. ) Mortified I may be but life must go on and there will be other opportunities to film both groups.
Note ) for those wondering why so many youung people in costume the reason is , turning up in such entitled the wearer to a reduced entrance fee.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Thought For Today
Spotted today in my favourite little shop , this 'truth' was gracing a T-Shirt. As I have discovered , it's not the cost that matters , it's style coupled with personality. The chemistry that brings about pleasure and a feel good factor.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Down At The Doctors !
A New Year , new moon , new start , new challenges so what's special with that ?Monday morning the sun shone and for the first time in weeks, looking out one saw snow free roads , cars and pavements . It was with a very good feeling I left the flat to go forth on my bicycle . First of all a good 'once over' was vital after weeks of it standing out in awful weather. In Berlin is Stadler ,a huge bicycle store with a remarkable workshop. Dr 'Bicycle' carried out a full examination , replaced brake blocks and oiled all moving parts . ( what a pity they don't deal with knees )Then it was off down the road singing Dr Feelgoods , 'Down At the Doctors' .......... Later, after collecting my salad I spotted the moon and had to capture this image . To complete a great day a mini night ride . Making up for lost time .Being back in the saddle is wonderful . The BVG is terrific but nothing beats the buzz my bike gives me .It's freedom .
Sunday, January 09, 2011
Sunday With Kat Baloun and Boogie Radio .

I began this post in the Yorkschlösschen , Kreuzberg. Lots to be happy about . Better weather, Kat Baloun & Boogie Radio playing and a choice of breakfasts to feast on . Now who could ask for more ? Here you see Kat arriving almost fit to be renamed Cat Woman ( the reason being obvious ) Now it's time for more coffee , a chat and then more music .

OK the music finished. Every set was great . After goodbyes I set off home only to have a fascinating encounter and adventure . Life is never dull .
Friday, January 07, 2011
Mode & Sparen Make My Day

centre )yet another excellent assistant .
Thursday, January 06, 2011
Red Sky At Night -- Miss Vixen's Delight .

On the 4th I was up and out early (in fresh snow).The reason being a partial solar eclipse .Thick cloud prevented any view from my vantage point. Actually all for the best, since in spite of special glasses plus a cover for my camera lens there were still worries over damage to my Lumix .From now on it's Lunar shots and sunsets for me. Yesterday the weather was fabulous .Cold but very clear sky and sunny.As I was about to go out ,this sunset was to be seen . It took my breath away and for me is as dramatic as any eclipse ... well almost .










