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Spike's Interests
General
Reading & writing fiction & travelogues; currently researching a book on the history of cartooning (I'm an amateur cartoonist myself); Long-distance walks; wildlife preservation - especially hedgehogs. Ten pin bowling, basketball - if I can get to a match.
I have to admit that my attention span is only slightly better than that of a goldfish; as a result, I have a hugely varied set of interests, from history to anime, code breaking to comedy records, and travel through to drinking copious amounts of tea. I also have to admit to a great fondness for what are known as 'casual' games; the ones you can play during your coffee break. I've provided one or two links below for you to see what I mean.
Not a huge fan, but I do like the Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Shawshank redemption, Amelie, and Monty Python's Life Of Brian (altogether now - "He's not the messiah, he's a very naughty boy!"). I also think that the original Blues Brothers film is an underrated classic, with a kicking soundtrack. I also like animated films; anything from disney/pixar, dreamworks all the way to Studio Ghibli and beyond.
Television
Red Dwarf, David Attenborough & other nature programmes, Doctor Who, Music Progs, CSI (when I have the opportunity - we can't get Channel Filth-er-Five round our way)
I do like The Simpsons too, but never remember to watch it... I much prefer to read a good book, really.
Books
Lord of the Rings is good, but my favourite is Skallagrigg by William Horwood - having said that, Stel Pavlou's 'Decipher' is also a hot contender. I like clever, but accessible writers; Terry Pratchett and Jasper Fforde are absolutely brilliant.Some fantasy, but not the standard 'sword & sorcery' shite, and the same goes fer my taste in sci-fi. I also love to read crime thrillers like Patricia Cornwell and Lindsey Davis. I've got a huge collection of cartoon books, including a complete collection of Giles annuals - now that took a bit of time & money. Plenty of science fact & nature too, with a healthy dollop of humerous travel writing.
Heroes
Terry Pratchett, Peter Gabriel, my Grandad (used to be a top-flight footballer by the name of Jack Vinall), John Peel, Kate Rusby (she's a folk singer, people).
About me:
Short, fat and temporarily lacking in the tonsorial dept. Occasionally four-eyed and generally cynical with a streak of humour wider than the *new*improved* M25.
Frequently didactic, although only sometimes accurate. Hey - it makes for a conversation, if nowt else.
I LIKE: Music; anyone starts sounding off on their own opinions of music should have a thermos flask to hand, because they're gonna be here for a while. This is not to say I'm narrow-minded about the whole thing - quite the reverse.
I ALSO LIKE: Animation and cartoons. I've split the difference because I like cartoon strips and editorials (yes, and graphic novels) as well as stuff to view on TV or at the cinema. Favourite strip? Calvin & Hobbes. Favourite single panel cartoonist? Either Gary Larson or Giles. Favourite animation? Anything by Nick Park (Wallace & Gromit, Creature Comforts) and most things by Studio Ghibli (Spirited Away, Howl's Moving Castle)
I DON'T LIKE: Bullies, bigots and narrow minded people. Which, I am fully aware, includes pretty much half of the world. There's been a couple of friends on here who have had to have a sit back and wonder if it's worth staying on Myspace.
I ALSO DON'T LIKE: Sushi - we invented fire for a reason, you know. That 'orrible misty rain that fools you into thinking it's not THAT bad and then gets you far wetter than jumping into the sea. I particularly dislike having to get up in the morning. Please note I said 'GET up' Waking up doesn't take place until at least three or four hours down the line.
ANYTHING ELSE? Yer just going to have ter ask, ain't ye?
Who I'd like to meet: Terry Pratchett (again); Peter Gabriel; Tony Blair - I can't believe nobody has managed to kick him in the knackers yet...
Loads of people that I have no chance of meeting by reason of their being deader than a dodo - John Lennon, John Peel, Ian Dury, Marilyn Monroe, Albert Einstein just to name a few.
I guess George Carlin is not known in The UK. My cousin hadn't heard of him either which surprised me. It's possible that his humour was uniquely american but he was unique among american comedy.
Ah thats the thing, I didnt do anything. Its an old photo that I just scaned on to the pc on the wrong setting and it came out quite cool. Thanks anyway Spike :-)
hope ya have a good week Matt and ive seen Chas n Dave quite a few times now they also use to have a pub in north london went there one xmas and they were there havin a sing song brilliant lol xxx
Friend, Hope all well just to let you know that 5 new tracks taken from the new Matthew Collins full album, 'Grow up Silver Acorn' have been added to my page. The album is complete and will be available from the 1st of May. Thanks for listening and the best of endevours!
