Laxey to Ramsey - Walk of the Century

These are a collection of photographs taken on the epic walk from Laxey to Ramsey. On a sunny Saturday afternoon at the end of the Easter vacation the Duke and Benjo decided to set out on the greatest journey man has ever undertaken. The plan was to follow the coastal footpath but it all went very Stand By Me as we had to follow the Tram Lines to find our way.

Gaffer Tape - Offensive Weapon!

The following is an email I sent to Manchester Airport following an incident at Security:

Dear Sir,

I was travelling back from the Isle of Man yesterday (Friday 17th April Flybe 14.45 flight to Isle of Man) and was only carrying hand luggage due to having to pay £13.50 for a hold baggage. Nothing in my baggage was on the banned list, no gels etc. I went through security and the x-ray operator asked to check my bag. No problem. Inside my bag was a roll of gaffer tape I'd picked up as I use it in my film work.

I was told that Gaffer tape is classed as an offensive weapon as it can be used to bind hands. Gaffer tape which can be ripped by hand an offensive weapon? Maybe we should have been looking for gaffer tape in Iraq instead of WMDS? The mobile phone charger that I was carrying, which in my opinion would be a much better device for binding hands, was fine. I was also informed if it was insulation tape, which we all know is alot stronger than gaffer tape, is fine also.

I have now checked the aviation listings on the caa website and it does not anywhere list any kind of tape as an 'offensive weapon'

http://www.caa.co.uk/docs/1219/20081222WhatCanICarry.pdf

Now I understand it says that it is at a discreation on certain items, but this whole incident was confounded by the fact that after you go through security you can buy extra strong parcel tape from the WHSmith store in the waiting area. Now any educated person knows that gaffer tape can be ripped by hand easily, whilst Insulation tape and Extra Strong Parcel tape cannot. I am currently £3.50 down in cash for what was obviously a bogus claim and bored security officers looking for kick. I await a resonable response.

Regards,
Andrew W. Shaw


Still awaiting a reply but the roll that security wanted to take away was posted by myself, to myself, via the Post Office in Terminal 1. I paid for 2nd Class. It arrived the next day. Take that Manchester Security!

Fear and Loathing in 60 Seconds

This is the Duke and Co's entry for the Empire magazine 'Done in 60 Seconds Film Contest'. The aim was to remake a classic film in 60 seconds. So one sunny sunday afternoon in Laxey we set about making this masterpiece. Took about 3 hours to film and edit; it shows but that was the point! Didn't make it to the finals of the competition but a worthy effort none the less.

Credits

Raoul Duke - Nick Jones
Dr. Gonzo - Quentin Sinclair
Hitchhiker/ Nixon - James Brew
LSD - Robyn Spencer

Principal Photography - James Brew
Secondary Photography - Andrew W. Shaw
Editing - Andrew W. Shaw

Music by Mr Riff (used without permission, but hopefully he dosn't mind ;)

Gentlemans Wager

Always one for a 'Gentlemans Wager' I have made a pact to drink no alcohol from 5th May (the end of the Big Wheel Blues Weekend) until Mad Sunday (7th June). If that wasn't enough the stake (or should that be steak, you'll understand the pun in a moment) has been raised with possibly the greatest challenge the Duke has every faced. Not only must he give up alcohol during this time but there is to be no meat either. You heard that right. For a whole month there will be no beer, no steak, no cider, no chicken wings, no vodka, no ribs, no Jagermeister, no bbq. The self-proclaimed man who invented the wheel and fire will go without lifes essentials. It will either be a feat of human endurance to rival David Blaine or a tragic and costly failure. Follow the progress here as I prepare for the task ahead. Don't fear though. There will be plenty of eating and drinking in the meantime.