Cabin Fever

Cabin fever (also known as House Syndrome) is an idiomatic term for a claustrophobic reaction that takes place when a person or group is isolated and/or shut in, in a small space, with nothing to do, for an extended period (as in a simple country vacation cottage during a long rain or snow). 

Symptoms include restlessness, irritability, irrational frustration with everyday objects, forgetfulness, laughter, excessive sleeping, distrust of anyone they are with, and an urge to go outside even in the rain, snow or dark.

The phrase is also used humorously to indicate simple boredom from being home alone. The term was first recorded in 1918. Other references have the term in use at least to 1906. 

An 1820 reference is to an actual fever, common in Ireland, resulting from eating watery potatoes during wet years.

Die Westpendomina - Die Dominas

Domina - The Dominatrix Sleeps Tonight

We can't fly

I was one of the lucky ones who got out of the feral holding pen that is Gatwick's departure lounge. For many there is little hope of escape before Christmas. 

BAA staff were desperately trying to dampen down the growing mood of violence, distributing refreshment vouchers when they should have been handing out barbiturates. If Pret a Manger don't restock their shelves soon I fear angry and hunger could tip over into cannibalism. 

Aeroplane - We Can't Fly

Makin' Happy

ah ooh-wee ooh ooh-wee ooh ooh-wee ooh-wee ooh-wee

Crystal Waters - Makin' Happy

Oh no! We're not merry No!

Poly Styrene of X Ray Spex fame has unexpectedly surfaced with a rather fantastic downbeat Christmas song about a killer Santa. And not being a very good capitalist she's giving it away as a free download on her sexy website - all you have to do is sign up to her mailing list.



By way of context here's some background on Bruce Pardo - the Santa Claus killer, courtesy of Newsvine.

"California's 'Santa Claus Killer' Murders Eight at Party, Burns Down House, Bombs Own Car Before Committing Suicide"

A California man who had gone through a bad divorce dressed up like Santa, went to his ex in-law's Christmas party, and murdered at least eight people before killing himself.

Bruce Pardo, 45, has been identified by police as the 'Santa Claus Killer.' It is believed he murdered both his ex-wife and his in-laws during the killing spree.

Pardo walked up to the door of the house where the party was going on, carrying a large box wrapped as a present. When a young girl answered the door, he shot her and forced his way inside the home, randoming shooting other people and spraying a flammable liquid from a device he carried inside the box.

Pardo's car later exploded during the initial investigation by police, leading police to believe Pardo may have placed some type of bomb in the car.

Happy Christmas everybody!

Icy Spicy Leoncie

Feel the thaw!

Icy sentiment

I've been enjoying the cold snap, voluntarily housebound with jumper tucked into trousers, listening to records that I love but haven't thought of since last winter. 

Leonard Cohen - The Avalanche
Au Revoir Simone - Fallen Snow (Teenagers remix)

It's a cold world out there

Friendly Fires (feat Azari & III) - Stay Here