FLY ME TO THE MOON - FRANK SINATRA...

A STRANGER IN TOWN - MEL TORME...

JUST OUT OF REACH - JIM REEVES...

DREAM A LITTLE DREAM OF ME - The MAMAS And The PAPAS...

I'M ALL ALONE AGAIN - DON SPENCER...

Relax, Crivs, I'm perfectly fine (in response to

a comment), I'm just playing some of my fave songs.

I've liked this one since childhood, the 'B' side of the

Fireball XL5 theme.  Not about to throw myself

off a bridge anytime soon (or ever, in fact).

AUTUMN LEAVES - NAT 'KING' COLE...

SHE'S NOT YOU - ELVIS PRESLEY...

IT WAS A VERY GOOD YEAR - FRANK SINATRA...

CRYING - k.d. lang & ROY ORBISON...

From RUSSIA With LOVE - MATT MONRO...

THE HOUSE IS HAUNTED - MEL TORME...

BLUES IN MY HEART - JIM REEVES...

NOT FOR THE FAINT-HEARTED... (Updated)

Back in March, I told you about the Care Home my 104 year-old mother (who has Alzheimer's and cancer) has the misfortune to reside in.  The place is owned by a company called Enhance and currently goes under the name of Meadowbrook.  Unfortunately, my mother can barely walk and has trouble when she visits the toilet, sometimes leaving the seat covered in excrement.  The manageress seems to think that checking the cleanliness of the toilet every four or five hours (if they actually do) is sufficient, even though it's the work of seconds to open the door of her en suite facilities and check the condition of the seat.

Sometimes when I visit, the seat is filthy and even when I alert staff and they 'clean' it, it's still left in an unsatisfactory condition, sometimes until my next visit.  I always take photographs and it's obvious when photos between visits are compared, the excrement is the same from last time.  Anyway, let's cut to the chase.  Take a look at the above photo from some months back - would you say this is an acceptable standard of cleanliness?  Also, bear in mind that if the seat is dirty, the excrement is more than likely to be on my mother's skin as well, but management and staff don't appear to be unduly concerned with the situation.

Below are two photos from my Saturday visit.  My mother obviously had another 'accident' (at some stage through the week) and though the seat has been wiped, it's still dirty.  Don't know about you, but I think my mother deserves better.  Anyone with media connections reading this?  Or if you know someone connected to the media, perhaps you'd be so good as to direct them to this post.  I'll be contacting the media anyway as this place deserves to be named-and-shamed on a wider level, but any shortcuts will be most welcome.  As will your comments.

******

Update: The previous two photos were taken on the 27th.  Copies of them were sent to the Care Home manageress.  Now take a look at the two photos below, taken on the 30th.  The marks on the seat are practically identical, indicating the seat hasn't been cleaned (or cleaned properly) in three days.  However, as my mother is currently bedbound, she needs staff to take her to her en suite toilet and back several times, so you'd think they would have noticed the seat was dirty over a period of three days.  They certainly should have.  I got a staff member to clean it while I was there, but there's no way it should've been left in that condition, especially as it could have been like that for days before I first noticed it.

WHAT'S YOUR OPINION ON BLOGGING 'BEGGARS'...?

Here's a question for you, Crivvies.  I see on some blogs a 'donate' button so readers can make a financial contribution if they enjoy what they read.  Anyone else think this is a bit forward?  I read some blogs simply because they're there, though I probably wouldn't miss them if they weren't, but I'd never read them if I had to pay for the 'privilege'.  Of course, nobody's obliged to give money nor pay any specific amount, but some of those bloggers aren't exactly financially impoverished, so I think it's a bit cheeky to invite readers to donate to the cost of a blog's upkeep.  (Not all those bloggers are on Blogger, but on some different platform.)

Perhaps they feel they're enlightening the Internet with their 'words of wisdom', and their efforts in maintaining a blog should be rewarded, but my philosophy is "B*ll*cks to that!"  I do Crivens because I enjoy doing so (though I've got less energy and stamina to devote to it these days), but I'd never think of asking anyone to contribute money to what is essentially a 'hobby'.  That's because I don't consider anything I write as something that needs to be read and I can cease publishing any new posts should the 'glamour' of sharing my thoughts and/or goodies with fellow bloggers diminish past a certain point and it becomes more bother than it's worth.

The only thing I invite Crivs to contribute is a comment, so feel free to do so on this occasion.  How do the rest of you regard the 'donate' button?  It's not mandatory, but don't you think it's presumptuous, as though the host thinks what he writes deserves financial support - even only if you want to?  Is it any different to asking a passerby for a few quid for a cup of tea?  Yeah, they can give you it or not, but it's surely nothing more than begging, isn't it?  So tell me, are there any blogs you visit you'd be prepared to donate to?  Reveal all in our comments section - but only if you want to.  (And do you ever feel guilty about not making a donation?)

BOHEMIAN (RHAPSODY) CATSODY - These MOGGIES Have It Covered...

Saw this on another blog a little while back

and thought you Crivs might enjoy seeing it too,

so pin back your lug'oles and give it a listen.

RECENT DC And MARVEL FACSIMILE EDITIONS For COMIC FANS...

Copyright DC COMICS and MARVEL COMICS respectively.  Incidentally, given that
Ra's al Ghul is holding Bats' costume, the caped crusader's legs should be flesh coloured

Here's a quality quartet of Facsimile Editions from DC and Marvel.  Although the Marvel issues are excellent, the DC ones just steal the Blue Peter Badge as they're more like the original printings than the Marvel ones.  This is due to the paper DC use and their placement of the barcode box on the back cover instead of the front.  Not got 'em yet?  Don't wait too long, effendis - you wouldn't want to miss these beauties.

The RETURN Of Major MATT MASON... (Updated)

Back in 2022, the San Diego Comic Con had an exclusive set of new versions of a trio of classic characters on sale.  These were Big Jim, Pulsar, and Major Matt Mason by Mattel Creations. (Copyrighted 2020.)  Interestingly, some years before, I'd suggested in a comment somewhere on the blog it'd be a good idea for Mattel to produce an updated version of the character.  I was thinking of one that looked more like the original, but with a different type of articulation than wire within rubber.  Anyway, a few years back Major Matt made what was probably a brief and limited return, which I learned about only recently.  I got the set of three figures from eBay, though it was really only Matt I wanted, but I'll make the other two welcome as well.  Some years ago (around 15 or so) there was talk of a big-budget movie (possibly CGI) of the Major starring Tom Hanks, but for some reason or other it never came to pass.

Were you a fan of the original Major Matt Mason?  Tell your fellow Crivs all about your playtime past with Mattel's Man In Space in the comments section.  However, first check out the TV ad, below, from the dim and distant days of the '60s.

******

Update 25th June: Items arrived today and I was surprised to see that the figures are only around four-and-a-half inches tall, nearly an inch-and-a-half smaller than the original Mayor Matt Mason and even smaller compared to Big Jim and Pulsar, which I think were roughly around 12 inches in height.  Still, at least the trio got a chance to 'live' again in this modern age.  (They might've given Matt a space-helmet though.)

BABE Of The DAY - WONDER WOMAN...

Here's a nice pic of Wonder Woman

for all you Crivs to salivate over.  Aside from

Denny O'Neil's run on the character, I wasn't

much of a fan of comicdom's Princess Diana,

though I appreciated the 'good girl art' whenever

it appeared in her mag.  What about the rest

of you - did/does she ring your bell?

The DALEKS - MONEY In The BANK... (Updated)

It was Friday 6th October 1972 and I was in Hamilton with my father as I was off school that day because I was ill.  Too ill for school, but obviously not too ill to go to Hamilton.  (I'm talking about the Scottish town, not the musical, which didn't exist then.)  On that day I bought two items; a second copy of The Mighty World Of Marvel #1, and The Fantastic Four #126 - both from the same newsagent's shop.  It was nearly three items, but I decided against buying the third because it wasn't the finest example of its kind.

I saw it through the window of a shop similar in appearance to The Tinkerer's repair shop in The Amazing Spider-Man #2.  The premises were still there when I was last in Hamilton a few short years back, though the shop itself wasn't and the building was empty if I recall correctly.  And what was the item?  'Twas a Cowan de Groot Dalek Money Box (said box on the box, though I'd have called it a bank), and it wasn't what could be described as a totally accurate representation of Dr. Who's greatest enemy.

This was a toy from the 1960s, so in 1972 it was clearly old unsold stock and I was unaware of what a collectors' item it would become if it wasn't already, so I therefore decided to pass on it.  It was obviously patterned after the Marx Dalek, and I've seen a plate with an illustration of the same design, so maybe that had an influence also.  (I'm not sure which went on sale first, the plate or the bank, but either way, they were both released sometime in 1965.)

Anyway, I didn't buy it, but over the years/decades, I grew to regret that decision as the toy bank always reminded me of that day out with my father and what I believe was my first visit to Hamilton.  Bet you know where this is going, eh?  I recently bid on a boxed example in an eBay auction and guess what?  I won!  I should receive it tomorrow, but rather than wait to take my own photos, I thought I'd just show you some of the selller's and save time.  Yes, it's a weird shape, but it's good to finally own something I should've bought 54 years ago.

I've owned replacements for MWOM #1 and FF #126 for decades now, so when tomorrow comes, it'll give me an immense sense of satisfaction to finally add the Dalek bank to what should've been its two companions, back when I was a schoolboy on a jaunt to a neighbouring town all those years ago.  Any of you ever own this bank, Crivs?  If so, what did you think of it, and what does your grown-up self think of it now?

******

And in case you were wondering what the plate looked like, that's it below.

******

Update: The little chap arrived today so below is a couple of pics of him on my dining-room table.  The seller had mentioned he'd never removed the head because it was stiff and he didn't want to risk breaking it, but a little touch of WD-40 soon fixed that.  Also, in the seller's photos above, the appendages are not fitted all the way in, which leads me to believe the bank has never been used.  I ever-so-slightly 'loosened' the holes with a small fine circular file (don't panic, no damage) and now the eyestalk, sucker arm, and gun all fit perfectly.  Didn't I do well?  (There was a risk of the plastic around the holes splitting if I'd tried forcing them in.)  The Dalek's angular 'slant' to its body is the wrong way round in relation to the head, and though it's the same size as the small Marx friction-drive toy, the eye orb, blue base and inner head indicate that it was the large 'Bump 'n' Go' it was modelled after (approximately).

RED Into GOLD - 4 Into 5...

As most (if not all) of you already know by now, Corgi's 261 Aston Martin D.B.5 was created from an amended mould of an existing D.B.4 (218) in order to meet the Christmas market of 1965.  Apparently it was quicker to customise an existing mould than create an entirely new one from scratch, and three designers/engineers were tasked with adding the car's three working features.  Although the Bond version says D.B.5 on the base, the tail lights give the game away, but at least Corgi changed the headlights into D.B.5 ones.

Anyway, I decided I'd like to own the earlier version so bought one on eBay.  I also purchased a repro box on the same day (from a different seller) and both items turned up together.  The D.B.4 is 'playworn', but I'll give it a colour touch-up in places to improve its cosmetic appearance.  So there you are, Crivs - the source of  one of the most iconic diecast toy cars of the '60s.  And as you can see on the box, the car has an opening bonnet.  Nice, eh?

SUPER PIC Of SUPERMAN...

Copyright DC COMICS

Once again, I don't know who the artist is of this pic, but ain't it bloomin' brilliant?!  It's almost as if the artist has copied my drawing style and replicated it perfectly.  (Relax, I just threw in that last bit to give you all a laugh.)  You'd believe a drawing could fly, eh?  So where do you think Superman's off to in such a hurry, readers.  Easy, he's heading back to the Daily Planet so he can read the latest Crivens blog post on his computer!  (Oh, yes he is!)

ONE YEAR ON - REMEMBERING GERRY...

It's been one year to the day since my pal Gerry passed away.  To think I've neither seen nor heard from him in over 12 months is a startling wake up call as to the fleeting nature of time.  It only feels like a month or so at most since we sat out in my back garden on what was his final visit to me, on a nice sunny day as though neither of us had a care in the world.  He knew he was dying of course, but he continued to put on a brave face.  Anyway, here's to Gerry.  I think I'll print out the above photo from his Facebook page, frame it, and hang it in my living-room somewhere.  That way, he won't seem so far away.  Cheers, Gerry.

MINI MIGHTY MARVEL MASTERWORKS - The MIGHTY THOR...

Copyright MARVEL COMICS

Bought the above limited edition book on eBay recently (arrived today), mainly because I love the cover of Journey Into Mystery #83.   At around an inch smaller than the usual Marvel Masterworks volumes, the internal pages are still readable without straining my eyesight and, as I say, it's primarily this 'variant' cover I wanted it for just so I could enjoy looking at it.

Having said that, it doesn't seem quite right, does it?  Thor's left arm appears to be growing out the side of his torso, and his hands aren't the best ones Kirby's ever drawn.  Add to that the fact Mjolnir's handle is curved and that it doesn't look physically possible to swing it around himself in the way it's depicted (a continuous arc), I'd say it's not exactly Kirby at his best.

But, boy - it sure has visual impact, doesn't it?!

The THREE AMIGOS...?

Copyright DC COMICS

Well, Robin, the Boy Wonder (I wonder if he's a real boy) sure looks happy enough to see Superman fly overhead, but look at the expression on Batman's kipper.  It seems to suggest he's thinking what a show-off Supes is, or he's annoyed because Robin never smiles as warmly at him.  H'm, could Wertham have been right in his speculations about the Dynamic Duo?  Great piece of art, isn't it, but I don't know who the artist is, unfortunately.

BATMAN & ROBIN - LOOKING GOOD...

Copyright DC COMICS

Don't know who the artist is, unfortunately, but isn't this just an absolute belter of a painting?!  West and Ward as Batman and Robin never looked so good as they do here.  If they'd only been so dynamic in real life, then the Caped Crusaders' TV show back in the '60s might have lasted a few more seasons than it did.  I can only wonder what this ace artist's rendition of Catwoman and Batgirl looks like.  Would love to see what he does with them, art-wise.