I’m afraid this week’s ABC Wednesday will be a tad shorter than usual, and not only because it is the letter ‘X‘ this week. I spent so long doing the post about the premiere yesterday that I don’t have much time to fit this in before I need to leave for Sheffield for No. 2 Son’s birthday dinner.
So, without further ado, let’s get going!
This first one is a little bit of a cheat. You see, I’m doing Round 4′s pictures from around my house and garden, as far as possible, and these pots of Xanthan Gum are not in my house. They’re in Tesco’s.
I know for sure I have a pot somewhere here at home, but I can’t find it, and don’t have time to search. I bought it because I was trying to find out what was making The Pirate throw up so often, and I’d cut wheat out of his diet, and I wanted to make him some biscuits. Xanthan Gum is a substitute for wheat gluten. It holds things together – not as well as wheat gluten, but it does its best.
Next I found some Johnny Depp movies I could possibly squeeze in, and when have you known me not to try?
You see, these movies are the equivalent of what used to be called ‘X-rated‘, meaning only adults could get into the cinema to see them. These days, they’re rated ’18′ in this country, or ‘R’ in the US. The Libertine is an adult movie because the Earl of Rochester was a debauched rake (is that an oxymoron?) and indulged in all kinds of outrageous behaviour, faithfully portrayed by Johnny Depp. How could you not love that one?
Sweeney Todd is – I think – the first ‘X-rated’ Disney movie of all time. It’s because of the blood, of course, and also the relentless murder and cannibalism. Some might say it deserves the ‘X-rating‘ because it’s a musical, but I think Johnny sang very well indeed, and Helena Bonham-Carter, too!
The Brave is X-rated because the theme is violent. It’s basically about a man who sells himself to be the star of a snuff movie. ‘Nuff said, if you’ll excuse the pun.
This little fellow – the one on the right of the chewed wood – is a Deathwatch Beetle. His latin name is xestobium rufovillosum.
Not a welcome visitor in any man-made structure containing wood, because that’s what his children eat.
This creature, however, is welcome in many households, especially mine -
Yellowswordfish is, of course, my own dear OH, or at least, the name of his blog. And swordfish, dear readers, belong to the fish family ‘Xiphiidae‘! Mr Swordfish is xiphias gladius.
Well, that’s him. Here’s me -
Well, part of me anyway! This is one of a series of X-rays I had to have before my shoulder surgery, and after I told them I had a fragile neck. They needed to know if I had any actual injury or bone damage so that they didn’t make it worse, pulling me about, and I have to say they did a great job because for once, I didn’t wake with a headache.
That’s it, for this week. A little shorter than usual, because I spent yesterday evening doing that mammoth post about the Public Enemies premiere in London. Hopefully, I’ll be back up to full strength next week for ‘Y’!
queen of the letters as usual. I want to play this next round..sk
Some great Xs there. Looking forward to Y.
eXcellent as always, Jay! Lots of creative uses of X. I will have to come back later to read your review of Public Enemies–the trailers look good.
Well Xanthum Gum is a new one on me. Always educational and inspirational even when you’re short for time!
I was looking forward to reading your x post today…
Always a treat.
thanks.
Sherry
Tesco for letters, thats inspired. I nearly did a beetle for my X, the exotic Xylotrupes. Latin is so useful. Hope you are recovering from gazing into Johnny eyes.
Well, you look very good! Even if it’s only the inside. After all, isn’t it the inside that counts?
I’m curious what the Disney connection is with Sweeney Todd, since according to the various resources of the Internet, it was produced by Dreamworks and published by Warner Bros….
As it goes, though, the ‘X-rating’ wouldn’t have been a first for Disney anyway – remember that Disney owns Miramax and Touchstone, amongst others, and those companies have been releasing R/18 movies for ages.
Ah – the inside view of the Depp Effect!
Duh… I did ‘W’ AGAIN, but now did a quick ‘X’ as well, the mind is giving away! Rushing here as the house is loaded with people here for the holiday weekend. My daughter even returned from London for a short visit…so it is crazy here.
Very nice post Jay, I especially enjoyed getting to know you better ‘inside’ as well as out.
It might be a tad shorter but it is still an outstanding effort.
As for film clasifications, we hedge our bet both ways in Australia; R18+ (your R and the 18 from the US)
I never heard of Xantham gum or deathwatch beetle, so I learned something. Xcellent X’s.
I also learned something today. Thank you for this informative post!
I’m very impressed Jay that you found any X’s apart from anthing with a Xmas theme (I know – a bit early!) I did wonder if we would have a photo of JD, from previous day, covered with kisses (xxx)! A x
You’ve done so well! I waas really stuck for Dungloe Xs.
eXcellent ideas !
thank you for your visit
Jay, you look a tad underweight in that photo. I wouldn’t workout any more if I were you
xcellent, as always – hope the birthday dinner is/was a success and how could it now be?
not would work – scratch now.
xtraordinary post!
As always, I enjoyed your post! X is a hard letter to use – especially if you limit yourself to your own home. Good job.
Hope you enjoy your trip, Jay, and am still reeling from your post of the Premier of “Public Enemies.” Always fun reading, Jay! Thank you!
Sandy and Anthony North – Thanks!
Rose – Ah yes … I’m looking forward to getting to see that, for sure! I’ve seen the trailers and it looks great!
Baino – Xanthan gum was new to me too, until I looked into wheat-free cooking!
Sherry – Thank you!
Joy – Indeed yes, Latin will often get you out of a hole! LOL!
As to recovering from gazing into Johnny’s eyes, that may never happen! *Swoon*
Mara – Why thank you! I’m glad some of me looks good! LOL!
Jake – See? See? I told you I wasn’t obsessed!! ROFL!
Kate – Indeed!
Sistertex – Oh, no worries! I liked your ‘X’ post, anyway. And isn’t it good to be busy with family?
Gordon – Thanks! I know different countries have their different ways of managing the ratings. So long as everyone knows where they are, huh?
Janie and Reader Wil – I’m happy to hear I’ve been useful this week!
SJ Anne – Ah, well, you see, OH has informed me that, tolerant though he is, there is a line, and that might just be beyond it. ROFL!
Dragonstar and Miss Yves – Thanks! I really didn’t think I’d find many ‘X’s at all!
Babs – Hahaha! I only wish I were underweight … although that might be taking it a tad far! :p
Tumblewords – Thanks – yes the birthday dinner was wonderful! Actually, there’s a post coming about that.
Magiceye – Thank you!
Karyn – I’m not going to limit myself to my own home if I continue! It’s been quite difficult. Fun, but difficult.
Petra – Thanks, Petra! Yes, that post will take some topping, won’t it? Best not to try.
Some people struggle with X in ABC, but not you
I always wondered what that Xanthan gum was for.
You not only have the best posts and photos of Mr Depp, you educate as well.
Thx.