I recently purchased a signed and numbered copy of Alex Ross's very rare and hard to find Limited edition hard cover of Earth X. This versions release title is actually: Earth X: Graphitti Designs Limited Hardcover Edition 1-A. 1-A is a key character from the story arc as well as the molded plastic character that encases the pack.
This edition is signed by Alex Ross (Writer), Jim Krueger (Writer), John Paul Leon (Artist) and William "Bill" Reinhold (Artist). Numbered out of 6000. Conceived by Alex Ross, written by Jim Krueger with art by John Paul Leon, Bill Reinhold and Ross, the deluxe Earth-X Book Package, is a multi-media event. Each package contains the hardcover book, sculpted translucent, outer-skin box and two compact disc containing a wealth of digital audio/visual material. Containing over 500 pages, the Smyth-sewn hardcover book collects for the first time ever all 14 chapters (#0, 1-12 and X) and Earth-X . Printed at the request of artist John Paul Leon in black and white, this oversized 8" x 12 5/8 format book also includes a 16 page color section that contains all of the covers (including variants) and more. A new 5 page Epilogue featuring painted art by Alex Ross over pencils by John Paul Leon, sketches (both new and all previously seen), 4 panel cover gatefold and lots of new art, makes this package impossible to properly describe in the space allowed.
Two compact discs contain 25 musical compositions assembled by Scott Vladimir Licina, 16 dialogue tracks and the first ever, fully-realized Earth-X video containing both live action and computer animation. These two discs are worth the price of admission all by themself! Includes a unique illustrated sequentially-numbered signature page signed by Ross, Krueger, Leon and Reinhold. Limited to 6000 copies.
I recently purchased a signed and numbered copy of Alex Ross's very rare and hard to find Limited edition hard cover of Earth X. This versions release title is actually: Earth X: Graphitti Designs Limited Hardcover Edition 1-A. 1-A is a key character from the story arc as well as the molded plastic character that encases the pack.
This edition is signed by Alex Ross (Writer), Jim Krueger (Writer), John Paul Leon (Artist) and William "Bill" Reinhold (Artist). Numbered out of 6000. Conceived by Alex Ross, written by Jim Krueger with art by John Paul Leon, Bill Reinhold and Ross, the deluxe Earth-X Book Package, is a multi-media event. Each package contains the hardcover book, sculpted translucent, outer-skin box and two compact disc containing a wealth of digital audio/visual material. Containing over 500 pages, the Smyth-sewn hardcover book collects for the first time ever all 14 chapters (#0, 1-12 and X) and Earth-X . Printed at the request of artist John Paul Leon in black and white, this oversized 8" x 12 5/8 format book also includes a 16 page color section that contains all of the covers (including variants) and more. A new 5 page Epilogue featuring painted art by Alex Ross over pencils by John Paul Leon, sketches (both new and all previously seen), 4 panel cover gatefold and lots of new art, makes this package impossible to properly describe in the space allowed.
Two compact discs contain 25 musical compositions assembled by Scott Vladimir Licina, 16 dialogue tracks and the first ever, fully-realized Earth-X video containing both live action and computer animation. These two discs are worth the price of admission all by themself! Includes a unique illustrated sequentially-numbered signature page signed by Ross, Krueger, Leon and Reinhold. Limited to 6000 copies.
Guns N’ Roses regrets to announce that the following concert tour dates have been cancelled:
January 10th Sacramento January 11th Bakersfield January 13th Reno January 16th San Diego
Due to the schedule of these particular shows valuable time needed by the band and record company for the proper setup and release of the album Chinese Democracy would be lost. Rather than delay the album yet again all involved have decided to remove these shows from GNR’s schedule. We sincerely hope our fans understand and we apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused anyone. Tickets may be refunded at local point of purchase.
To say the making of this album has been an unbearably long and incomprehensible journey would be an understatement. Overcoming the endless and seemingly insanity of the obstacles faced by all involved, not withstanding the emotional challenges endured by everyone: the fans, the band, our road crew and business team has at many times seemed for all like a bad dream where one wakes up only to find they are still in the nightmare and unfortunately this time it has been played out for over a decade in real life.
The true ongoing behind-the-scenes triumphs and casualties are much more complicated than any negative speculation that media or otherwise has managed to hit upon. For much of the time some form or another of legalities have been taking place that really the best way to deal with publicly was to keep our mouths shut in an attempt to ensure the best outcome and especially one that wouldn’t jeopardize the band or the album. One can easily point to how others have done things or how they themselves feel that they would were they in the same situations but without full knowledge of the various dynamics and circumstances involved, again these types of comments or commentary are uninformed, outside, generally useless and often hindering speculation.
When I agreed to do our recent North American tour I agreed with the understanding that I and my manager Merck Mercuriadis were in full agreement as to our strategy, touring plans and most importantly that any and all things needed to release the album at the latest by Dec. 26th were to be in place. Unfortunately this turned out not to be the case and not only do I regret to say that again the album will not be released by the end of the year but that though many things went extremely well and were very exciting there were in our opinion unnecessary and avoidable complications on our tour having to do with the tour routing, scheduling and album and video plans that played hell on all involved especially our crew. This was compounded by an overall sense of a lack of respect by management for the band and crew and each individual’s particular expertise that has resulted unfortunately in the end of both Guns and my relationship in having a management or sense of band involvement with Merck Mercuriadis.
In regard to a release date for the album itself certain minor and by that I do mean minor things and or additions as well as contract negotiations need to be completed and barring any unforeseen complications these things have now been adequately scheduled. Both the band and I along with our record company feel that this record deserves the proper setup and promotion not the “13 Tuesdays left” and “it may just appear in your record store” approach offered by management. We believe this strategy may have been used in order for management to sell this latest tour to the various promoters. We feel that if this was so, this was obviously unfair to them. The stress of dealing with this situation has been considerable for everyone as well as to the band themselves as a whole but that this was more importantly in our opinion something utterly insane to do to our fans. Our apologies and please know we have been laboring over this with management for the entire North American tour.
It takes approximately 8 weeks for an album to hit the shelves once it has been turned in to the record company. For whatever reasons it appears it may have been mistakenly inferred by management that this could be condensed to three. That being said this is not a promise, a lie or a guarantee but we do wish to announce a tentative release date of March 6th. This is the first time we have done this publicly for this album. Any and all other dates have been made up by others for their own reasons. We would like to assure the fans that though tentative everything in our power will be done to meet this date. Once it is finalized and official you will be notified. If we are delayed for unseen reasons you will also be notified as soon as possible in regard to a new date and the album will be released as shortly thereafter as is possible. We thank you for your patience.
In the end it’s just an album and one that I, the band, our record company and all involved believe and feel is a true Guns N’ Roses album. Ultimately the public will decide and regardless of the outcome our hearts, lives and our passion has been put into this project every step of the way. If for no other reason we feel those elements alone merit your consideration. We do hope you can hold on just a bit longer and if not we hope you would please feel free to take a break and we’ll be more than glad (if you so choose) to see you again later.
Once again, our sincere apologies and our deepest thanks, Guns N’ Roses would also like to thank all the fans who attended the 70 concerts in 21 different countries for their support in 2006. All the best to each and every one of you over this holiday season, thank-you and God bless.
Guns N’ Roses regrets to announce that the following concert tour dates have been cancelled:
January 10th Sacramento January 11th Bakersfield January 13th Reno January 16th San Diego
Due to the schedule of these particular shows valuable time needed by the band and record company for the proper setup and release of the album Chinese Democracy would be lost. Rather than delay the album yet again all involved have decided to remove these shows from GNR’s schedule. We sincerely hope our fans understand and we apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused anyone. Tickets may be refunded at local point of purchase.
To say the making of this album has been an unbearably long and incomprehensible journey would be an understatement. Overcoming the endless and seemingly insanity of the obstacles faced by all involved, not withstanding the emotional challenges endured by everyone: the fans, the band, our road crew and business team has at many times seemed for all like a bad dream where one wakes up only to find they are still in the nightmare and unfortunately this time it has been played out for over a decade in real life.
The true ongoing behind-the-scenes triumphs and casualties are much more complicated than any negative speculation that media or otherwise has managed to hit upon. For much of the time some form or another of legalities have been taking place that really the best way to deal with publicly was to keep our mouths shut in an attempt to ensure the best outcome and especially one that wouldn’t jeopardize the band or the album. One can easily point to how others have done things or how they themselves feel that they would were they in the same situations but without full knowledge of the various dynamics and circumstances involved, again these types of comments or commentary are uninformed, outside, generally useless and often hindering speculation.
When I agreed to do our recent North American tour I agreed with the understanding that I and my manager Merck Mercuriadis were in full agreement as to our strategy, touring plans and most importantly that any and all things needed to release the album at the latest by Dec. 26th were to be in place. Unfortunately this turned out not to be the case and not only do I regret to say that again the album will not be released by the end of the year but that though many things went extremely well and were very exciting there were in our opinion unnecessary and avoidable complications on our tour having to do with the tour routing, scheduling and album and video plans that played hell on all involved especially our crew. This was compounded by an overall sense of a lack of respect by management for the band and crew and each individual’s particular expertise that has resulted unfortunately in the end of both Guns and my relationship in having a management or sense of band involvement with Merck Mercuriadis.
In regard to a release date for the album itself certain minor and by that I do mean minor things and or additions as well as contract negotiations need to be completed and barring any unforeseen complications these things have now been adequately scheduled. Both the band and I along with our record company feel that this record deserves the proper setup and promotion not the “13 Tuesdays left” and “it may just appear in your record store” approach offered by management. We believe this strategy may have been used in order for management to sell this latest tour to the various promoters. We feel that if this was so, this was obviously unfair to them. The stress of dealing with this situation has been considerable for everyone as well as to the band themselves as a whole but that this was more importantly in our opinion something utterly insane to do to our fans. Our apologies and please know we have been laboring over this with management for the entire North American tour.
It takes approximately 8 weeks for an album to hit the shelves once it has been turned in to the record company. For whatever reasons it appears it may have been mistakenly inferred by management that this could be condensed to three. That being said this is not a promise, a lie or a guarantee but we do wish to announce a tentative release date of March 6th. This is the first time we have done this publicly for this album. Any and all other dates have been made up by others for their own reasons. We would like to assure the fans that though tentative everything in our power will be done to meet this date. Once it is finalized and official you will be notified. If we are delayed for unseen reasons you will also be notified as soon as possible in regard to a new date and the album will be released as shortly thereafter as is possible. We thank you for your patience.
In the end it’s just an album and one that I, the band, our record company and all involved believe and feel is a true Guns N’ Roses album. Ultimately the public will decide and regardless of the outcome our hearts, lives and our passion has been put into this project every step of the way. If for no other reason we feel those elements alone merit your consideration. We do hope you can hold on just a bit longer and if not we hope you would please feel free to take a break and we’ll be more than glad (if you so choose) to see you again later.
Once again, our sincere apologies and our deepest thanks, Guns N’ Roses would also like to thank all the fans who attended the 70 concerts in 21 different countries for their support in 2006. All the best to each and every one of you over this holiday season, thank-you and God bless.
Cool, someone has developed a 3D hologram system. So there is hope for my 3D chess game with animated characters. I thought I was going to have to start experimenting with a complex jimmy rig of steam and projectors.Watch this space
Cool, someone has developed a 3D hologram system. So there is hope for my 3D chess game with animated characters. I thought I was going to have to start experimenting with a complex jimmy rig of steam and projectors.Watch this space
As winter comes into its own, and my pile of things that are valuable but that have been upgraded, replaced or outlived their usefulness grows into a pile that is taking up way to much space. My thoughts turn to eBay last refuge of unwanted goods. A little while ago I received an eBay blue star this has "happened because you've achieved a Feedback rating of 50. With your Blue Star, you are now an established member of the eBay Community".
I have had a mostly good with some bad relationship with eBay over the last 4 years.
The good: - I like eBay it's a bit rough around the edges, but by and large I'm comfortable with the services they provide. - I can sell stuff with relative ease.
The bad: - The amount of con-men purchasing (& trying to purchase) my goods - The amount of con-men trying to contact me with partnership offers. - The amount of con-men trying to sell me non existent goods. - The amount of con-men trying to sell counterfeit goods. - The amount of spoof mail I receive. It should be noted this is not really an eBay only problem. Rather a net problem. I do not believe I have ever received an eBay spoof mail to my real eBay address only randomly to my tertiary unsecure address that has no connection to eBay. Therefore I believe these are completely random. - My main gripe is that eBay had not initially prepared or gave me any warnings of the modus operandi of the above reprobates or given me much in the way of immediate tactile support.
I have had around 60 eBay transactions. 10 Of these have been multiple transactions with same eBayers. Hence the 50 blue star feedback. Using the 60 transactions as a reference I believe I have had a rather high proportion of illegible contact. I can only imagine the amount of scam traffic that regular or established eBayers have to endure. Or do these criminals only prey on those who are in the "use eBay occasionally " category. With the perception that this category will yield the highest return, as these eBayers are not as savvy as high transaction users?
In my limited exposure I can tell you about the following scams I have been exposed to:
The rookie: The spoof email this con seems to be completely random and you have as much chance of getting spammed as you do have of been the target of the spoof mailer. I have been spoof mailed from banks, Pay Pal and eBay. EBay support here
The novice: The cheap branded white goods seller scam. This is an online version of the Great International White Van Speaker Scam. See a description here.
In essence you find an name brand item at a price below its value e.g. Bose sound system valued at £3,500 but the listed price is rather more attractive. Only thing is you have to contact the seller to get on his "approved list" because of previous time wasters.
Once you contact the seller. The sequence of emails is as follows:
1. You have been approved, even though your rating is low they will trust you. They are a warehouse/seller/repossesor of goods in ... (some eastern European location).
2. Look its easier just to deal with us directly. We have lots of stock but it's going quickly.
3. OK we are down to the last few of that item you liked. How about this send us €x,xxx via Western Union. Send it your best friends name. Let us know the name of your best friend, so we can confirm the funds have been moved.
Then we'll send you the Bose Home system. When you are have received it . Just let Western know that you would like to change the recipient of the funds to our name. Ok every foo and his dog knows that Western Union do not change the name of a funds recipient will nilly. They take these sort of thing seriously. Turns out that its easier to make fake IDs purpose made to collect funds from Western Union than to get a proper job.
I looked for an example of this but could not find any so maybe eBay has cleaned up its act. Sure!!!
The artful amateur The partner scheme - After you have listed an item that has gained these guys attention. They'll start bombarding you with requests to be their partner, up front some cash to get goods from them or send them your stock for a quick sell over "there" and then predictably they disappear. Although I'm guessing the final steps. As I have never actually responded to their emails. eBay seems to be aware of this as I received an alert a couple of days after my first contact.
The initial email: hello ,dear friend .thanks for your concerning here: www.pipbj.com. This is famous notebooks agent.It is a large digital electronice market which only sell authentic ones, brand new, in good condition, any interest in our products, please take a look around, a big surprise waits for you. good quality with wholesaler's price, excellent service which deliver the goods in time. It is a sensible choice to choose us as your supplier in future. sweetable negotiated with business, combine wonderful price with famous products. msn:grace5186@sina.com email:grace5186@sina.com
Another email: 4 days later I received this from eBay:
From : eBay (for real) Dear ME:
Our records indicate that you recently sent an email to or received an email from cxxu905 through the eBay email system (for example, you may have sent an email to this member through Ask Seller a Question or received an email from this member through Contact eBay Member).
Sometimes eBay accounts are used to send email solicitations for transactions outside of eBay, or to send unrelated questions in hopes that you will respond so that the other party can obtain your email address. We wanted you to be aware of the potential fraud risk these solicitations pose and encourage you to be cautious about the email you received from this member.
Please keep in mind, sales that take place outside of eBay are not eligible for any eBay or PayPal protective services and you run the risk of losing your money or your item if you complete these transactions. We would encourage you to review the eBay pages related to Fraud Protection at the address provided below for information on steps you can take to ensure that your transactions are successful: etc.
Although eBay only alerted me to the second contact being less than legitimate.
The semi- professional This is perhaps the most annoying scam. Once you have listed an item. Someone buys it and then asks you to ship it to some international destination. Sorry didn’t I mention they'll pay you once the item arrives. This happened about 5 times on a single item. I tried different approaches ranging from just relisting, complaining to eBay, stringing the buyer along so they didn’t purchase or harass me while I made the actual sale. The sequence is as follows: These are actual emails I received. I couldn’t make this stuff up. Ok maybe I could.
First contact: "seun ken" Dear Seller, How are u doing today hope fine and cool I am Mrs Genny From Holland, and i made buy it now option on your item place at ebay and i have been notified by them to contact u and also if u can get back to me as soon as possible,i will be very glad.I am on my business trip now and i purchase the item to present it to my Daugther in Lagos Nigeria for her coming birthday that she want to do nest week,So i will like u to get back to me as soon as possible then i want you to caculate the total amount of the item with the shipping cost to lagos nigeria so that i will be able to send the payment to you and when u are notified of the payment u can be able to send the item to Daugther immediately,in lagos nigeria i will need secure email address so that it' can be used for the payment And i will be paying you via PAYPAL,so kindly reply to my email asap so that we can sort it and the item can get to my Daugther immediately before her birthday.Plz kindly i want the item to be sihpped via Royal Mail First Class Express shipping to nigeria i don t worry about the shipping cost ok,
Another contact: jelobe john - h_jelobe014@fastermail.com Dear Seller, Thanks so much for your mail. I want to notify you that the cheque payment for your item will be ready tomorrow to send to you.but i have some questions for you before it is sent...My client said that the cheque payment that will be sent to you will include my commission as an agent and shipper.i will like to know if u can be trusted with is by sending the commission tome via western union after the cheque might have cleared in your account....Please i will want you to consider this item is sold..Let me have a reply to this as soon as possible...
Another contact: Dear Seller, I will like to purchase these Item New Black Slimline PlayStation 2 Console & 5 Games (82xxxxxxx) for a friends Child oversea as a late Easter gift.He School with British America University there in West Africa Due to my workload, i might not be able to be checking my mails often.So i will be offering £120.I want the item posted via Royal Mail International Signed For to Him.hope the package will get to him in good condition ..What is the present condition of this item and does it comes in it's original box?.I will be paying you for the item via Postal Order, so get back to me with your full name and address where payment will be deliverd to. Best
Regards from Green
Second Contact:
Third Contact: Dear Seller, I am the e-buyer of your item i want these item ship to lagos nigeria for a cousin that is celebrating her birhtday next week Friday.Can you please get me the postage cost to Nigeria via FISRT CLASS ROYAL MAIL INTERNATIONAL SIGNED FOR so that i can effect payment via paypal today ok. Get back to ma asap Kind regards, Christy.
Fourth Contact: Ok so by now I'm guessing the scammer thinks its a done deal. Making him a little sloppy notice the reply to email address.
The rest of the email continues with:
Dear ME, This email confirms that Christy Morgan has sent you £1,030,00 GBP with PayPal.
To complete this payment, you must ship the item to the shipping address given to you by the buyer and provide us with the shipment tracking number for verification within 48hours so that we can credit your PayPal account accept or deny it within 30 days.
If you do not accept or deny this payment within 30 days, it will be cancelled and the funds will be returned to Christy Morgan's account.
Payment Details Buyer's User ID: chty4300 Buyer: Christy Morgan Amount: £1,000,00 GBP Shipping & Handling: £ 30,00 GBP Insurance: £ 00,00 GBP Total Amount: £1,030,00 GBP
Item Information eBay Item #: xxxx eBay User ID: xxxx eBay Item Headline: Ultra shiney object of desire. eBay Item Quantity: 1 eBay Item Unit Value: £1,000,00 GBP
This payment is pending because it was sent in a currency in which you do not currently hold a balance.Get back to us with the Shipment Tracking details so that we can verify that the item has been shipped and transfer the funds deducted from the buyer's PayPal account to your account. If you have any question or you want to send the Shipment Tracking details to us at paypalsenquiryinvoice@usa.com <<<<<<<< style="font-weight: bold;">Fifth Contact:Dear Craig, I have made out my payment to you for this item number (88xxxxx),So check your mail for the confirmation mail from paypal.Get back to me immediately if you receive the confirmation mail from paypal.I want these item shipped through ROYAL MAIL INTERNATIONAL SIGNED FOR to my cousin in Lagos Nigeria.And this is the Shipping Details Name : JOHNSON ADEWALE Address : No.2 AYINKE STREET City : AKOKA State : LAGOS Zipcode : 10014 Country : NIGERIA . As soon as you send it,Send the shipping details to me today so that i can forward it to her ok,hope to hear
from you. Kind Regards, Christy
Sixth Contact: I get a reminder from "PayPal"
From: "pay pal" Dear ME ----------------------------------- Details of Transaction ----------------------------------- Seller's I.D: xxxxxx Seller's Email : xxxxxxxxx Transaction Date: June 01, 2006 Transaction ID: 6D694274EY338930K Transaction Amount: 1,030,00 GBP Buyer's Name: Christy Morgan Buyer's Ebay ID:chty4300 Buyer's Email : ch_m02@yahoo.com Status: CAD - Verified (2) ----------------------------------- Transation Reminder ----------------------------------- This is to remind you of the above transaction,and at the same time let you know that the fund will only be credited into your account immediately we confirm the shipment of the item paid for.Get back to us with the shipping tracking number of the item sent and the money will be credited immediately. Mail the tracking number to
our customercare at : paypalsenquiryinvoice@usa.com ----------------------------------- Due Dates -----------------------------------
Please respond within the next 24hrs. Thank you for using paypal ® . We look forward serving your online auction payment needs in the future. Sincerely, Gene Braint Paypal Customer Care, PayPal logo Internet Merchant Accounts - MerchantPlus.com BUYER SHIPPING OPTIONS : HomeFedex LogoUPSRoyal Mail™ Logo CB:PP-091-962-222:R4:GBP1,030,00:2110**0000:6D694274EY338930K PayPal Email ID PP622
Seventh Contact: From:Christy Morgan" Subject: GET BACK TO ME ASAP
I HAVE ALEADY EFFECTECD FOR THESE ITEM VIA PAYPAL.I HAVE CONTACTED PAYPAL NOW AND I WAS BEEN TOLD THAT THE MONEY HAS BEEN DEDUCTED FROM MY ACCOUNT.GET BACK TO PAYPAL CUSTOMER SERVICE WITH THE SHIPPING TRACKING DETAILS SO THAT YOUR MONEY CAN BE CREDITED IMMEDIATELY OK.GET BACK TO ME ASAP WITH THE SHIPMENT DETAILS SO THAT I CAN FORWARD TIT
TO MY COUSIN IN NIGERIA. REGARDS, CHRISTY.
I respond: Ok so by now everytime I relist the item it's bought with the same sequence of emails. So I decide to go off road on this one.
Hi Christy, Thanks for your promptness on this. I sent off the package yesterday via Royal Mail International Signed For Airmail. Delivery will take 5- 7 working days. I was a bit concerned as It is only covered for loss up to £500.
As requested it has been sent to:
JOHNSON ADEWALE No.2 AYINKE STREET AKOKA LAGOS 10014 NIGERIA
Do let me know how it goes. As I am keen to get paid.
Best
Eighth Contact: Hi Craig, Thank you for your mail and your sincerity towards the transaction.I need the tracking number so that i can forward it to my cousin ok.get back to me asap. Regards, Christy.
----- At this point the item was sold and no more contact was necessary. I report the scammer to eBay and get the following response from eBay:
Hello, Thank you for writing to eBay Customer Support UK, Your question is very important to us and will be treated with our full attention and respect for your needs. If you have received this auto-response, your email has been received, and it is not necessary for you to resend it. You will receive a response from one of our customer representatives on your specific question within 24 to 48 hours of receipt of this mail. e-Tip! Need help fast? Visit our NEW interactive Help pages to get instant answers to our most frequently asked questions, as well as a wealth of information about all things eBay! Click on "Help" in the menu at the top of any eBay page, or go directly here: http://www.ebay.co.uk/help/ IMPORTANT NOTE: Please do not respond to this email. Any email sent as a response to this Acknowledgement will not reach us. Should you have another question or would like to send us additional information, please contact us by using our online Contact Customer Support page found at: http://pages.ebay.co.uk/help/contact_inline/index.html Thanks for your co-operation and assistance, Best regards, eBay Customer Support UK
________________________
eTip! Keep track of your eBay activities from your desktop - for free. Use the eBay Toolbar to see the items you're bidding on, selling or watching, even when you're not on the eBay.co.uk web site. This also has the "Account Guard" feature built in to protect you from fraudulent spoof sites. For a complete Toolbar tour please visit the following page: http://pages.ebay.co.uk/ebay_toolbar/tours/ eNews! The eBay Announcement Boards contain the latest information regarding eBay features, system status, and special promotions: http://www2.ebay.com/aw/marketing-uk.shtml
I was particulary taken by the eTip!s at the bottom of the email. just what I needed. Anyway I will be unloading a plethora of unwanted gadgets and out of date stuff. So keep your eyes on my eBay page.
As winter comes into its own, and my pile of things that are valuable but that have been upgraded, replaced or outlived their usefulness grows into a pile that is taking up way to much space. My thoughts turn to eBay last refuge of unwanted goods. A little while ago I received an eBay blue star this has "happened because you've achieved a Feedback rating of 50. With your Blue Star, you are now an established member of the eBay Community".
I have had a mostly good with some bad relationship with eBay over the last 4 years.
The good: - I like eBay it's a bit rough around the edges, but by and large I'm comfortable with the services they provide. - I can sell stuff with relative ease.
The bad: - The amount of con-men purchasing (& trying to purchase) my goods - The amount of con-men trying to contact me with partnership offers. - The amount of con-men trying to sell me non existent goods. - The amount of con-men trying to sell counterfeit goods. - The amount of spoof mail I receive. It should be noted this is not really an eBay only problem. Rather a net problem. I do not believe I have ever received an eBay spoof mail to my real eBay address only randomly to my tertiary unsecure address that has no connection to eBay. Therefore I believe these are completely random. - My main gripe is that eBay had not initially prepared or gave me any warnings of the modus operandi of the above reprobates or given me much in the way of immediate tactile support.
I have had around 60 eBay transactions. 10 Of these have been multiple transactions with same eBayers. Hence the 50 blue star feedback. Using the 60 transactions as a reference I believe I have had a rather high proportion of illegible contact. I can only imagine the amount of scam traffic that regular or established eBayers have to endure. Or do these criminals only prey on those who are in the "use eBay occasionally " category. With the perception that this category will yield the highest return, as these eBayers are not as savvy as high transaction users?
In my limited exposure I can tell you about the following scams I have been exposed to:
The rookie: The spoof email this con seems to be completely random and you have as much chance of getting spammed as you do have of been the target of the spoof mailer. I have been spoof mailed from banks, Pay Pal and eBay. EBay support here
The novice: The cheap branded white goods seller scam. This is an online version of the Great International White Van Speaker Scam. See a description here.
In essence you find an name brand item at a price below its value e.g. Bose sound system valued at £3,500 but the listed price is rather more attractive. Only thing is you have to contact the seller to get on his "approved list" because of previous time wasters.
Once you contact the seller. The sequence of emails is as follows:
1. You have been approved, even though your rating is low they will trust you. They are a warehouse/seller/repossesor of goods in ... (some eastern European location).
2. Look its easier just to deal with us directly. We have lots of stock but it's going quickly.
3. OK we are down to the last few of that item you liked. How about this send us €x,xxx via Western Union. Send it your best friends name. Let us know the name of your best friend, so we can confirm the funds have been moved.
Then we'll send you the Bose Home system. When you are have received it . Just let Western know that you would like to change the recipient of the funds to our name. Ok every foo and his dog knows that Western Union do not change the name of a funds recipient will nilly. They take these sort of thing seriously. Turns out that its easier to make fake IDs purpose made to collect funds from Western Union than to get a proper job.
I looked for an example of this but could not find any so maybe eBay has cleaned up its act. Sure!!!
The artful amateur The partner scheme - After you have listed an item that has gained these guys attention. They'll start bombarding you with requests to be their partner, up front some cash to get goods from them or send them your stock for a quick sell over "there" and then predictably they disappear. Although I'm guessing the final steps. As I have never actually responded to their emails. eBay seems to be aware of this as I received an alert a couple of days after my first contact.
The initial email: hello ,dear friend .thanks for your concerning here: www.pipbj.com. This is famous notebooks agent.It is a large digital electronice market which only sell authentic ones, brand new, in good condition, any interest in our products, please take a look around, a big surprise waits for you. good quality with wholesaler's price, excellent service which deliver the goods in time. It is a sensible choice to choose us as your supplier in future. sweetable negotiated with business, combine wonderful price with famous products. msn:grace5186@sina.com email:grace5186@sina.com
Another email: 4 days later I received this from eBay:
From : eBay (for real) Dear ME:
Our records indicate that you recently sent an email to or received an email from cxxu905 through the eBay email system (for example, you may have sent an email to this member through Ask Seller a Question or received an email from this member through Contact eBay Member).
Sometimes eBay accounts are used to send email solicitations for transactions outside of eBay, or to send unrelated questions in hopes that you will respond so that the other party can obtain your email address. We wanted you to be aware of the potential fraud risk these solicitations pose and encourage you to be cautious about the email you received from this member.
Please keep in mind, sales that take place outside of eBay are not eligible for any eBay or PayPal protective services and you run the risk of losing your money or your item if you complete these transactions. We would encourage you to review the eBay pages related to Fraud Protection at the address provided below for information on steps you can take to ensure that your transactions are successful: etc.
Although eBay only alerted me to the second contact being less than legitimate.
The semi- professional This is perhaps the most annoying scam. Once you have listed an item. Someone buys it and then asks you to ship it to some international destination. Sorry didn’t I mention they'll pay you once the item arrives. This happened about 5 times on a single item. I tried different approaches ranging from just relisting, complaining to eBay, stringing the buyer along so they didn’t purchase or harass me while I made the actual sale. The sequence is as follows: These are actual emails I received. I couldn’t make this stuff up. Ok maybe I could.
First contact: "seun ken" Dear Seller, How are u doing today hope fine and cool I am Mrs Genny From Holland, and i made buy it now option on your item place at ebay and i have been notified by them to contact u and also if u can get back to me as soon as possible,i will be very glad.I am on my business trip now and i purchase the item to present it to my Daugther in Lagos Nigeria for her coming birthday that she want to do nest week,So i will like u to get back to me as soon as possible then i want you to caculate the total amount of the item with the shipping cost to lagos nigeria so that i will be able to send the payment to you and when u are notified of the payment u can be able to send the item to Daugther immediately,in lagos nigeria i will need secure email address so that it' can be used for the payment And i will be paying you via PAYPAL,so kindly reply to my email asap so that we can sort it and the item can get to my Daugther immediately before her birthday.Plz kindly i want the item to be sihpped via Royal Mail First Class Express shipping to nigeria i don t worry about the shipping cost ok,
Another contact: jelobe john - h_jelobe014@fastermail.com Dear Seller, Thanks so much for your mail. I want to notify you that the cheque payment for your item will be ready tomorrow to send to you.but i have some questions for you before it is sent...My client said that the cheque payment that will be sent to you will include my commission as an agent and shipper.i will like to know if u can be trusted with is by sending the commission tome via western union after the cheque might have cleared in your account....Please i will want you to consider this item is sold..Let me have a reply to this as soon as possible...
Another contact: Dear Seller, I will like to purchase these Item New Black Slimline PlayStation 2 Console & 5 Games (82xxxxxxx) for a friends Child oversea as a late Easter gift.He School with British America University there in West Africa Due to my workload, i might not be able to be checking my mails often.So i will be offering £120.I want the item posted via Royal Mail International Signed For to Him.hope the package will get to him in good condition ..What is the present condition of this item and does it comes in it's original box?.I will be paying you for the item via Postal Order, so get back to me with your full name and address where payment will be deliverd to. Best
Regards from Green
Second Contact:
Third Contact: Dear Seller, I am the e-buyer of your item i want these item ship to lagos nigeria for a cousin that is celebrating her birhtday next week Friday.Can you please get me the postage cost to Nigeria via FISRT CLASS ROYAL MAIL INTERNATIONAL SIGNED FOR so that i can effect payment via paypal today ok. Get back to ma asap Kind regards, Christy.
Fourth Contact: Ok so by now I'm guessing the scammer thinks its a done deal. Making him a little sloppy notice the reply to email address.
The rest of the email continues with:
Dear ME, This email confirms that Christy Morgan has sent you £1,030,00 GBP with PayPal.
To complete this payment, you must ship the item to the shipping address given to you by the buyer and provide us with the shipment tracking number for verification within 48hours so that we can credit your PayPal account accept or deny it within 30 days.
If you do not accept or deny this payment within 30 days, it will be cancelled and the funds will be returned to Christy Morgan's account.
Payment Details Buyer's User ID: chty4300 Buyer: Christy Morgan Amount: £1,000,00 GBP Shipping & Handling: £ 30,00 GBP Insurance: £ 00,00 GBP Total Amount: £1,030,00 GBP
Item Information eBay Item #: xxxx eBay User ID: xxxx eBay Item Headline: Ultra shiney object of desire. eBay Item Quantity: 1 eBay Item Unit Value: £1,000,00 GBP
This payment is pending because it was sent in a currency in which you do not currently hold a balance.Get back to us with the Shipment Tracking details so that we can verify that the item has been shipped and transfer the funds deducted from the buyer's PayPal account to your account. If you have any question or you want to send the Shipment Tracking details to us at paypalsenquiryinvoice@usa.com <<<<<<<< style="font-weight: bold;">Fifth Contact:Dear Craig, I have made out my payment to you for this item number (88xxxxx),So check your mail for the confirmation mail from paypal.Get back to me immediately if you receive the confirmation mail from paypal.I want these item shipped through ROYAL MAIL INTERNATIONAL SIGNED FOR to my cousin in Lagos Nigeria.And this is the Shipping Details Name : JOHNSON ADEWALE Address : No.2 AYINKE STREET City : AKOKA State : LAGOS Zipcode : 10014 Country : NIGERIA . As soon as you send it,Send the shipping details to me today so that i can forward it to her ok,hope to hear
from you. Kind Regards, Christy
Sixth Contact: I get a reminder from "PayPal"
From: "pay pal" Dear ME ----------------------------------- Details of Transaction ----------------------------------- Seller's I.D: xxxxxx Seller's Email : xxxxxxxxx Transaction Date: June 01, 2006 Transaction ID: 6D694274EY338930K Transaction Amount: 1,030,00 GBP Buyer's Name: Christy Morgan Buyer's Ebay ID:chty4300 Buyer's Email : ch_m02@yahoo.com Status: CAD - Verified (2) ----------------------------------- Transation Reminder ----------------------------------- This is to remind you of the above transaction,and at the same time let you know that the fund will only be credited into your account immediately we confirm the shipment of the item paid for.Get back to us with the shipping tracking number of the item sent and the money will be credited immediately. Mail the tracking number to
our customercare at : paypalsenquiryinvoice@usa.com ----------------------------------- Due Dates -----------------------------------
Please respond within the next 24hrs. Thank you for using paypal ® . We look forward serving your online auction payment needs in the future. Sincerely, Gene Braint Paypal Customer Care, PayPal logo Internet Merchant Accounts - MerchantPlus.com BUYER SHIPPING OPTIONS : HomeFedex LogoUPSRoyal Mail™ Logo CB:PP-091-962-222:R4:GBP1,030,00:2110**0000:6D694274EY338930K PayPal Email ID PP622
Seventh Contact: From:Christy Morgan" Subject: GET BACK TO ME ASAP
I HAVE ALEADY EFFECTECD FOR THESE ITEM VIA PAYPAL.I HAVE CONTACTED PAYPAL NOW AND I WAS BEEN TOLD THAT THE MONEY HAS BEEN DEDUCTED FROM MY ACCOUNT.GET BACK TO PAYPAL CUSTOMER SERVICE WITH THE SHIPPING TRACKING DETAILS SO THAT YOUR MONEY CAN BE CREDITED IMMEDIATELY OK.GET BACK TO ME ASAP WITH THE SHIPMENT DETAILS SO THAT I CAN FORWARD TIT
TO MY COUSIN IN NIGERIA. REGARDS, CHRISTY.
I respond: Ok so by now everytime I relist the item it's bought with the same sequence of emails. So I decide to go off road on this one.
Hi Christy, Thanks for your promptness on this. I sent off the package yesterday via Royal Mail International Signed For Airmail. Delivery will take 5- 7 working days. I was a bit concerned as It is only covered for loss up to £500.
As requested it has been sent to:
JOHNSON ADEWALE No.2 AYINKE STREET AKOKA LAGOS 10014 NIGERIA
Do let me know how it goes. As I am keen to get paid.
Best
Eighth Contact: Hi Craig, Thank you for your mail and your sincerity towards the transaction.I need the tracking number so that i can forward it to my cousin ok.get back to me asap. Regards, Christy.
----- At this point the item was sold and no more contact was necessary. I report the scammer to eBay and get the following response from eBay:
Hello, Thank you for writing to eBay Customer Support UK, Your question is very important to us and will be treated with our full attention and respect for your needs. If you have received this auto-response, your email has been received, and it is not necessary for you to resend it. You will receive a response from one of our customer representatives on your specific question within 24 to 48 hours of receipt of this mail. e-Tip! Need help fast? Visit our NEW interactive Help pages to get instant answers to our most frequently asked questions, as well as a wealth of information about all things eBay! Click on "Help" in the menu at the top of any eBay page, or go directly here: http://www.ebay.co.uk/help/ IMPORTANT NOTE: Please do not respond to this email. Any email sent as a response to this Acknowledgement will not reach us. Should you have another question or would like to send us additional information, please contact us by using our online Contact Customer Support page found at: http://pages.ebay.co.uk/help/contact_inline/index.html Thanks for your co-operation and assistance, Best regards, eBay Customer Support UK
________________________
eTip! Keep track of your eBay activities from your desktop - for free. Use the eBay Toolbar to see the items you're bidding on, selling or watching, even when you're not on the eBay.co.uk web site. This also has the "Account Guard" feature built in to protect you from fraudulent spoof sites. For a complete Toolbar tour please visit the following page: http://pages.ebay.co.uk/ebay_toolbar/tours/ eNews! The eBay Announcement Boards contain the latest information regarding eBay features, system status, and special promotions: http://www2.ebay.com/aw/marketing-uk.shtml
I was particulary taken by the eTip!s at the bottom of the email. just what I needed. Anyway I will be unloading a plethora of unwanted gadgets and out of date stuff. So keep your eyes on my eBay page.
In an effort to continue the exploration of Blade Runner media my final post covers Blade Runner literature. The film spawned 2 book sequels which continue the adventures of Rick Deckard.
Blade Runner, by Philip K. Dick Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? is a book that most people think they remember and almost always get more or less wrong. Ridley Scott's film Blade Runner took a lot from it, and threw a lot away. Wonderful in itself, the film is a flash thriller, whereas Dick's novel is a sober meditation. As we all know, bounty hunter Rick Deckard is stalking a group of androids who have returned from space with short life spans and murder on their minds--where Scott's Deckard was Harrison Ford, Dick's is a financially strapped municipal employee with bills to pay and a depressed wife. In a world where most animals have died, and pet keeping is a social duty, he can only afford a robot imitation, unless he gets a big financial break. - Amazon.com
Blade Runner 2 : The Edge of Human, by K.W. Jeter The book continues the story of Rick Deckard. Beginning several months after the end of Blade Runner, the author attempts to resolve many of the differences between the movie and the novel. He also addresses at least one inconsistency to be found in the movie itself -- the question of the sixth replicant. Is Deckard a replicant after all?
The book is, however, extremely poorly researched, showing little indication that Jeter had read more than a synopsis of Dick's original novel or seen the movie more than once. He includes appearances from both JF Sebastian and JR Isidore despite Sebastian and Isidore being the same person (the character was renamed for the movie and given a different disorder, but he serves precisely the same function in the plot of each). This alone would be sloppy enough, but to make matters worse both Sebastian and Isidore were killed in the movie and book respectively. - wikepedia
Blade Runner 3 - Replicant Night, by K.W. Jeter Is it real or is it a replicant? Nothing is what it seems in Jeter's second sequel to Ridley Scott's classic SF film, Blade Runner, itself based on Philip K. Dick's classic novel, Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? Here, Jeter casts doubt on the identity of just about every character who appeared in either the film or the previous sequel, The Edge of Human (1995). The action opens in the orbital studio Outer Hollywood, where a video is being made of Rick Deckard's original pursuit of the rogue replicants, with Deckard acting as technical advisor. After both a replicant and Deckard's former partner are murdered, Deckard storms off the set to head back to Mars, where he lives in squalor with Sarah Tyrell, former heir to the defunct Tyrell company, the original creators of all replicants. Sarah, however, out of her mind with bitterness and boredom, plans to murder Deckard upon his return. Fortunately for Deckard, she is whisked back to Earth by two disciples of her dead uncle, the evil genius Eldon Tyrell. There, she is convinced to reenter the time-warping derelict starship on which she was born, in search of information about her past. If this sounds confusing, it is. Reality could not be trusted in either Scott's film or the Dick novel, and matters have gotten only more complex since Jeter took over the franchise.
Readers unfamiliar with the story's previous incarnations will have a hard time figuring out many twists and turns, suddenly revealed secrets and cameo appearances by characters who died in earlier instalments of the series. - Publishers Weekly
Blade Runner IV, Eye and Talon, by K.W. Jeter Fully authorised by the estate of Philip K. Dick and written by the author they felt best equipped to take forward the vision of one of the great what's going on here. Blade Runner aficionados, however, will enjoy the names in SF, BLADE RUNNER 4: BEYOND ORION combines the dark imagery, paranoia, tension and pace of Dick's original novel and the cinematic genius of Ridley Scott in a novel that takes the Blade Runner series into a new millennium. Blade Runner has become one of the most recognisable and well loved brands in SF and K.W. Jeter has only added to its reputation and impact.
In an effort to continue the exploration of Blade Runner media my final post covers Blade Runner literature. The film spawned 2 book sequels which continue the adventures of Rick Deckard.
Blade Runner, by Philip K. Dick Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? is a book that most people think they remember and almost always get more or less wrong. Ridley Scott's film Blade Runner took a lot from it, and threw a lot away. Wonderful in itself, the film is a flash thriller, whereas Dick's novel is a sober meditation. As we all know, bounty hunter Rick Deckard is stalking a group of androids who have returned from space with short life spans and murder on their minds--where Scott's Deckard was Harrison Ford, Dick's is a financially strapped municipal employee with bills to pay and a depressed wife. In a world where most animals have died, and pet keeping is a social duty, he can only afford a robot imitation, unless he gets a big financial break. - Amazon.com
Blade Runner 2 : The Edge of Human, by K.W. Jeter The book continues the story of Rick Deckard. Beginning several months after the end of Blade Runner, the author attempts to resolve many of the differences between the movie and the novel. He also addresses at least one inconsistency to be found in the movie itself -- the question of the sixth replicant. Is Deckard a replicant after all?
The book is, however, extremely poorly researched, showing little indication that Jeter had read more than a synopsis of Dick's original novel or seen the movie more than once. He includes appearances from both JF Sebastian and JR Isidore despite Sebastian and Isidore being the same person (the character was renamed for the movie and given a different disorder, but he serves precisely the same function in the plot of each). This alone would be sloppy enough, but to make matters worse both Sebastian and Isidore were killed in the movie and book respectively. - wikepedia
Blade Runner 3 - Replicant Night, by K.W. Jeter Is it real or is it a replicant? Nothing is what it seems in Jeter's second sequel to Ridley Scott's classic SF film, Blade Runner, itself based on Philip K. Dick's classic novel, Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? Here, Jeter casts doubt on the identity of just about every character who appeared in either the film or the previous sequel, The Edge of Human (1995). The action opens in the orbital studio Outer Hollywood, where a video is being made of Rick Deckard's original pursuit of the rogue replicants, with Deckard acting as technical advisor. After both a replicant and Deckard's former partner are murdered, Deckard storms off the set to head back to Mars, where he lives in squalor with Sarah Tyrell, former heir to the defunct Tyrell company, the original creators of all replicants. Sarah, however, out of her mind with bitterness and boredom, plans to murder Deckard upon his return. Fortunately for Deckard, she is whisked back to Earth by two disciples of her dead uncle, the evil genius Eldon Tyrell. There, she is convinced to reenter the time-warping derelict starship on which she was born, in search of information about her past. If this sounds confusing, it is. Reality could not be trusted in either Scott's film or the Dick novel, and matters have gotten only more complex since Jeter took over the franchise.
Readers unfamiliar with the story's previous incarnations will have a hard time figuring out many twists and turns, suddenly revealed secrets and cameo appearances by characters who died in earlier instalments of the series. - Publishers Weekly
Blade Runner IV, Eye and Talon, by K.W. Jeter Fully authorised by the estate of Philip K. Dick and written by the author they felt best equipped to take forward the vision of one of the great what's going on here. Blade Runner aficionados, however, will enjoy the names in SF, BLADE RUNNER 4: BEYOND ORION combines the dark imagery, paranoia, tension and pace of Dick's original novel and the cinematic genius of Ridley Scott in a novel that takes the Blade Runner series into a new millennium. Blade Runner has become one of the most recognisable and well loved brands in SF and K.W. Jeter has only added to its reputation and impact.
In my last post I discussed the visual history of Blade Runner I thought I would follow up with an exploration of one of the most loved film soundtracks.
The film had a checked history and the sound track was not spared controversy either. Delays in bringing out an official soundtrack brought on a spate of bootleg versions. Naturally having such a tech based fan base the bootlegs and variations continued after the official soundtrack release. Which was deemed to be unsatisfactory by many.
1982 - The first official release was a reinterpretation by the New American Orchestra. Billed as an "orchestral adaptation of music composed for the motion picture by Vangelis" this release consisted of jazz-inspired, orchestrated renditions of the major tracks from the film, but not the original score tracks.
1989 - The Vangelis "Themes" Collection LP was released. This compilation featured compositions from a variety of Vangelis film scores, including three tracks from Blade Runner.
1994 - Vangelis released the Official Blade Runner Soundtrack for the first time. Vangelis' notes accompanying the album say:
"Most of the music contained in this album originates from recordings I made in London in 1982, whilst working on the score for the film BLADE RUNNER. Finding myself unable to release these recordings at the time, it is with great pleasure that I am able to do so now. Some of the pieces contained will be known to you from the Original Soundtrack of the film, whilst others are appearing here for the first time. Looking back at RIDLEY SCOTT's powerful and evocative pictures left me as stimulated as before, and made the recompiling of this music, today, an enjoyable experience." - VANGELIS Athens, April 19941982 - Bootleg studio tape 1993 - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack: Blade Runner (Off World Music) 1994 - Gongo Records Bootleg (The Gongo release is considered the best presentation of the music) 2003 - Esper Edition double disc 2003 - Los Angeles - November 2019
In my last post I discussed the visual history of Blade Runner I thought I would follow up with an exploration of one of the most loved film soundtracks.
The film had a checked history and the sound track was not spared controversy either. Delays in bringing out an official soundtrack brought on a spate of bootleg versions. Naturally having such a tech based fan base the bootlegs and variations continued after the official soundtrack release. Which was deemed to be unsatisfactory by many.
1982 - The first official release was a reinterpretation by the New American Orchestra. Billed as an "orchestral adaptation of music composed for the motion picture by Vangelis" this release consisted of jazz-inspired, orchestrated renditions of the major tracks from the film, but not the original score tracks.
1989 - The Vangelis "Themes" Collection LP was released. This compilation featured compositions from a variety of Vangelis film scores, including three tracks from Blade Runner.
1994 - Vangelis released the Official Blade Runner Soundtrack for the first time. Vangelis' notes accompanying the album say:
"Most of the music contained in this album originates from recordings I made in London in 1982, whilst working on the score for the film BLADE RUNNER. Finding myself unable to release these recordings at the time, it is with great pleasure that I am able to do so now. Some of the pieces contained will be known to you from the Original Soundtrack of the film, whilst others are appearing here for the first time. Looking back at RIDLEY SCOTT's powerful and evocative pictures left me as stimulated as before, and made the recompiling of this music, today, an enjoyable experience." - VANGELIS Athens, April 19941982 - Bootleg studio tape 1993 - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack: Blade Runner (Off World Music) 1994 - Gongo Records Bootleg (The Gongo release is considered the best presentation of the music) 2003 - Esper Edition double disc 2003 - Los Angeles - November 2019
The latest member of Jonas Damon's collection that arrives at the new by revisiting the familiar. All the different pieces of the collection are only a step or two away from their origins as commercially available items, yet present themselves as something entirely different.
The Untitled (Numbers) LED Clock (previously known as the Open Edition LED Clock) is a set of 4 individual cubes each with a LED digit displayed. The 4 cubes together give you the time.
The latest member of Jonas Damon's collection that arrives at the new by revisiting the familiar. All the different pieces of the collection are only a step or two away from their origins as commercially available items, yet present themselves as something entirely different.
The Untitled (Numbers) LED Clock (previously known as the Open Edition LED Clock) is a set of 4 individual cubes each with a LED digit displayed. The 4 cubes together give you the time.
The Trafalgar by definition the most central hotel in London. a unique, contemporary concept. eliminating barriers and boundaries, adding depth to design and experience. a space vibrating with diversity and culture. minimalistic with a soothing perk."
This little spot was discovered completely by surprise. Just off Trafalgar Square and part of the Trafalgar Hilton. It was recommended to me by a friend after we missed our dinner sitting, at a restaurant nearby. It may have made the list as I had not heard of it, had no expectations and was taken by surprise when I stepped out of the lift into the "roof garden". More like a penthouse bar it has 180° views over Trafalgar Square - Millennium Eye - further South East.
Hip & happening restaurant downstairs called " Rockwell". The "roof garden" Has its bar, menu & waiting staff. On chilly nights its heated.
"Discreet and unique, the Trafalgar is London's first unbranded Hilton property. located on the south side of Trafalgar square, the hotel is situated to the left of Canada house. as an unbranded Hilton you will not find the blue Hilton sign; instead look for the striking building with black flags and a clock."
The Trafalgar by definition the most central hotel in London. a unique, contemporary concept. eliminating barriers and boundaries, adding depth to design and experience. a space vibrating with diversity and culture. minimalistic with a soothing perk."
This little spot was discovered completely by surprise. Just off Trafalgar Square and part of the Trafalgar Hilton. It was recommended to me by a friend after we missed our dinner sitting, at a restaurant nearby. It may have made the list as I had not heard of it, had no expectations and was taken by surprise when I stepped out of the lift into the "roof garden". More like a penthouse bar it has 180° views over Trafalgar Square - Millennium Eye - further South East.
Hip & happening restaurant downstairs called " Rockwell". The "roof garden" Has its bar, menu & waiting staff. On chilly nights its heated.
"Discreet and unique, the Trafalgar is London's first unbranded Hilton property. located on the south side of Trafalgar square, the hotel is situated to the left of Canada house. as an unbranded Hilton you will not find the blue Hilton sign; instead look for the striking building with black flags and a clock."
I have been getting some emails about whether I have seen Casino Royale yet, and if so what I thought. Photos showing the bond pack: - tickets to a premiere (back & front) - Casino Royale water shaken not stirred - chocolate chips & cards. These are finished :-) - & Casino Royale poker pack. With authentic Casino Royale chips and cards as seen in the film. After some deliberation I'll be holding onto these babies as a keep sake, foregoing the £500 offer.
Yes, I saw Casino Royale last week. It's good. Go see it. Support Daniel Craig and they'll make more good Bond films.
Ok so to truly understand Bond we have to accept that all males (I can only speak for males in this instance) have an inner voice that guides them through their everyday. No I'm not speaking about the voices that tell you to do bad things, those voices not covered in this entry.
Most males decision making is guided by an inner voice. A sort of what would "X" do when faced with this. Some people hear the voice of a:
- religious figure e.g. "turn the other cheek" - iconic seminal male figures show up constantly such as Elvis (as visualised in True Romance - if you could not understand why Val Kilmer kept popping up in the film dressed in gold and giving Clarence advice or motivation on his next move. Be confused no more. In fact True Romance stole this directly from "Preacher" whose guide was John Wayne.) or David Beckham, Tyler Durden, Donald Trump, some guy in a film etc. The voice could be that of complete reason such as a father, teacher, lecturer etc. Or even a comic character such as Wolverine, Batman or Superman.
My inner voice happens to be James Bond on occasion. So next time you ask me a stupid question and I look like I'm about to pistol whip you, down a Vesper (Vodka martini) and drive through the streets recklessly at high speed. You know why.
Ok so I'm introduced to Sean Connery around 1974/5. He is as an elderly, bitter, arrogant, misogynistic, women beating, aggressive, funny dressing (this was South Africa and I was about 5 years old) villain. What! oh he's the hero of the piece. Well actually I thought he was worse than Auric Goldfinger he matches the criminal on all counts, deviousness, cunning and viciousness. Except he works for the Goverment.
What is this new kind of filmmaking its definitely not Disney. Oh it's British. Aahhh. Those Europeans so brutal. So real
By 1977 I was taken with the casual swagger of Roger Moore's secret agent. He was dashing had cool gadgets and cars and was by far the most American Bond I had seen. My favourite Bond film at the time was The Spy who Loved me. Then Moonraker was released. Wait a minute -its the same film, the same formula, even some of the same characters - just in a different setting.
Well this goes on for a couple of years by the 80's I was starting to appreciate that the franchise had become a parody of itself and it forced me to revaluate some of the early Bond cinema. Dr. No, Thunderball. Whoa new favourites, these were the business. A couple of the Bond books found themselves on my reading list.
Fast forward the Bond series:
Sean Connery - the original George Lazenby - The Australian surfer never really got a chance. The producers tried to many new things and didnt allow Lazenby to find his feet. Although OHMSS was more about Bond than any of the previous films Roger Moore - suave, sophisticated, spoof Sean Connery (again), we like you but let it go. Please Medicine Man Timothy Dalton - Trying to recapture the old Sean Connery Bond but failing at the box office Pierce Brosnan - Brings back the spoofs and the explosions Daniel Craig - Spot on, closer to Ian Fleming's blunt thug with a little Connery shaken in.
Ok so here we are 2006 - 007 is back in Casino Royale. Ian Fleming's first James Bond book.
The film is relatively well adapted. A lot more than other Bond films. Daniel Craig is good - young, more dynamic (than imagined) and unafraid. Everything a Bond should be. In the absence of Sean Connery indelible impression. I would say the best. All the books characters are here. The girls, villains, sidekicks and allies. The film has been admirably updated to a contemporary setting.
It really is James Bond: Year One - Casino Royale. This is a technique made popular by comics. They reinvigorated a lot of the story arcs by reengineering the origins of the characters, updating them and adding additional bits of motivation and hero mythology. The gadgets have been toned down. Not gone, just toned down. Loads of Sony product placement.
XXXX SPOILERS XXXX The locations are different - South of France is now Montenegro. Texas Hold'em replaces Baccarat. Bonds relationship with M is fleshed out and definitely not what you would expect of a professional relationship.
One of the plot devices for the film is that we are not introduced to SMERSH* or SPECTRE*. This will know doubt be rolled out throughout the new Bond series. Hopefully Sony will not play their hand to soon and reveal the criminal network, or its head Bloefeld to soon. Rather Bond works his way through the organisation to reveal Bloefeld over a couple of films. With occasional elusive partial appearances being made every now and then. There are clear parallels between Al-Qaeda and the mystery organisation behind events in Casino Royale.
*In the James Bond film series, Bond's archenemy became SPECTRE, first used in Ian Fleming's novel Thunderball (film-wise, SPECTRE is mentioned in the first Bond movie, Dr. No). Film versions of novels in which SMERSH was featured either substituted them with SPECTRE or made the villains independent operatives. In truth, SMERSH never really makes an appearance in the James Bond film franchise at all, although it is referred to twice. In the film From Russia with Love, Bond initially thinks he is fighting SMERSH, only to find that the villains are actually working for SPECTRE; this includes the villain Rosa Klebb, who was formerly a SMERSH operative, but who has secretly defected to SPECTRE.
The second reference to SMERSH in films was in the The Living Daylights (1987), which featured a faked re-activation of SMERSH. It was noted by General Pushkin, the then-current head of the KGB, as having been defunct for twenty years prior to the film. SPECTRE (SPecial Executive for Counter-intelligence, Terrorism, Revenge and Extortion) is a fictional terrorist organisation featured in the British James Bond novels by Ian Fleming, and the flms based on those novels. Led by Ernst Stavro Blofeld, the organization first appeared in the novel Thunderball, and subsequently in a number of James Bond films including the very first, Dr. No. The organisation is the fictional spy's most persistent opponent and most famous antagonist. - Wiki
The novel, Casino Royale, breaks SMERSH down into five departments:
Department I: In charge of counterintelligence among Soviet organizations at home and abroad. Department II: Operations, including executions. Department III: Administration and finance. - Lechiffre Department IV: Investigations and legal work. Personnel. Department V: Prosecutions — the section which passes final judgment on all victims. This will be more important as the series continues as all the villains are in one of the above departments.
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Its not commonly known but there are actually 8 Bonds:
Barry Nelson 1954 Sean Connery 1962 - 1966, 1971, 1982 David Niven 1967 George Lazenby 1969 Roger Moore 1973 - 1985 Timothy Dalton 1987 - 1989 Pierce Brosnan 1995 - 2002 Daniel Craig 2006 - ...
Although Casino Royale is Bond 21 there have been 24 Bond films. I have not included the original Casino Royale or should I say the original Austin powers.
* Casino Royale (TV program, 1954 starring Barry Nelson) 1. Dr. No 2. From Russia With Love 3. Goldfinger 4. Thunderball 5. You Only Live Twice * Casino Royale (1967, starring David Niven and Peter Sellers) 6. On Her Majesty's Secret Service 7. Diamonds Are Forever 8. Live and Let Die 9. The Man with the Golden Gun 10. The Spy Who Loved Me 11. Moonraker 12. For Your Eyes Only 13. Octopussy * Never Say Never Again (1983, starring Sean Connery) 14. A View to a Kill 15. The Living Daylights 16. Licence to Kill 17. GoldenEye 18. Tomorrow Never Dies 19. The World is Not Enough 20. Die Another Day 21. Casino Royale 22. "Bond 22" (2008)
As well as Goldeneye (1989) & Spymaker (1990), Bond'ified films about the life of Ian Fleming
XXXXXXXXXXXX SPOILERS XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Bond 22 is in pre production and promises to continue the action from Casino Royale. With Bond chasing the trail he beats out of Mr White. IF they are to follow the Fleming lead Live & Let Die would be next but rumour has it that
"The Ian Fleming short story from the "For Your Eyes Only" collection entitled "Risico" which was used for story elements for that movie is also being used as a story source for this one." - imdb
In much the same way as Bond begins was the working title for Casino Royale. Risico is the working title for Bond 22. South African movie maker Roger Michell walked away from the chance to take charge of his first James Bond film after talks with producers fell through. "Creative differences" prompted the South African to give up on the project. XXXXXXXXXXXX SPOILERS END XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
The James Bond books:
Ian Fleming: Casino Royale| Live and Let Die | Moonraker | Diamonds Are Forever | From Russia with Love | Dr. No | Goldfinger | For Your Eyes Only | Thunderball | The Spy Who Loved Me | On Her Majesty's Secret Service | You Only Live Twice | The Man with the Golden Gun | Octopussy and The Living Daylights Kingsley Amis (writing as Robert Markham) Colonel Sun
Christopher Wood (novelisations) James Bond, The Spy Who Loved Me | James Bond and Moonraker
John Gardner Licence Renewed | For Special Services | Icebreaker | Role of Honour | Nobody Lives For Ever | No Deals, Mr. Bond | Scorpius | Win, Lose or Die | Licence to Kill | Brokenclaw | The Man from Barbarossa | Death is Forever | Never Send Flowers | SeaFire | GoldenEye | COLD (a.k.a. Cold Fall)
Raymond Benson "Blast From the Past" | Zero Minus Ten | Tomorrow Never Dies | The Facts of Death | "Midsummer Night's Doom" | High Time to Kill | The World is Not Enough | "Live at Five" | Doubleshot | Never Dream of Dying | The Man with the Red Tattoo | Die Another Day
Which Batman Character Are You?
Cool, someone has developed a 3D hologram system. So there is hope for my 3D chess game with animated characters. I thought I was going to have to start experimenting with a complex jimmy rig of steam and projectors.Watch this space
