Semi-Detached by Griff Rhys Jones
This is a sensitive and gently funny account of the early formative years of Griff Rhys Jones’s life up until the time he joined the BBC and became well known.
‘From birth through bell-bottoms to the BBC…
Semi-Detached is Griff Rhys Jones’s own account of his ordinary suburban childhood; of adolescent scraps and scrapes; of coming of age in the 1960s and 70s; of family and university life; and of times lost or at least fuzzy around the edges.
It’s a powerful, moving and above all touchingly funny memoir of how one of the nation’s most popular comics and personalities got from there to here…’
Friday, July 20, 2007
Monday, July 16, 2007
Beer by name and by nature…
This year Sue’s birthday coincided with the annual Albury Morris weekend adventure of traditional dance, music and of drink.
We drove down to Beer in Dorset with my Aunt and Uncle, stopping midway for a sandwich a pint and a then at the National Trust property of Lytes Cary Manor (misheard by me as Light Scary Manor) before arriving in time to meet up with the others for another drink before dinner (you can see a theme starting to emerge).
The village of Beer is quaint and retains much of the feel of the original fishing village, albeit sanitised and more affluent than when it relied on that trade. The proximity to the sea did mean that the restaurant we had our evening meal in had a great fish menu that was enjoyed by all. A local pub was selected for the ritual occupation as the massed Morris brought out their musical instruments and sang and drank into the night.
The weekend was superbly organised by Pete and included a tram ride between Seaton and Colyton down beside the bird spotter’s paradise of the Axe valley. We watched the Morris side dance and joined them in some cold refreshments at their allotted venues. A coach took the merry group on to Sidmouth where the dancing outside was put off by the increasingly inclement weather and the group again selected pubs at random to occupy. As alcohol levels increased the side became bolder and soon the regulars were in awe of the sight of several beery and unusually clad older men prancing around the bar alternatively waving hankies and bashing sticks together (having more members than is required for each dance means that the performers can alternate as they tire or require additional refreshment such that a constant barrage of concussive stick dances and percussive bells tied to the legs that accompanies the more musical concertinas, accordions and boron drives the landlord and any potential opposition into submission). Later it was back to Beer where we had some time to freshen up and relax before continuing on with the festivities. I came down to the dinner fashionable late blaming the headaches (I actually was watching the final Dr Who of the series – brilliant it has been too) where we ate some more, drank some more and, after the tables and chairs were pushed to side of the room, singing and traditional dancing ensued.
The following day we checked out and the group decamped arranging to meet at Lyme Regis where they danced on the Cobb as the sea spray plumed over the wall and then retired to a lovely pub at Axemouth for lunch and another dance before finally disbanding and dispersing quietly into the countryside from whence they came like the crack commando dance team they are.
We drove down to Beer in Dorset with my Aunt and Uncle, stopping midway for a sandwich a pint and a then at the National Trust property of Lytes Cary Manor (misheard by me as Light Scary Manor) before arriving in time to meet up with the others for another drink before dinner (you can see a theme starting to emerge).
The village of Beer is quaint and retains much of the feel of the original fishing village, albeit sanitised and more affluent than when it relied on that trade. The proximity to the sea did mean that the restaurant we had our evening meal in had a great fish menu that was enjoyed by all. A local pub was selected for the ritual occupation as the massed Morris brought out their musical instruments and sang and drank into the night.
The weekend was superbly organised by Pete and included a tram ride between Seaton and Colyton down beside the bird spotter’s paradise of the Axe valley. We watched the Morris side dance and joined them in some cold refreshments at their allotted venues. A coach took the merry group on to Sidmouth where the dancing outside was put off by the increasingly inclement weather and the group again selected pubs at random to occupy. As alcohol levels increased the side became bolder and soon the regulars were in awe of the sight of several beery and unusually clad older men prancing around the bar alternatively waving hankies and bashing sticks together (having more members than is required for each dance means that the performers can alternate as they tire or require additional refreshment such that a constant barrage of concussive stick dances and percussive bells tied to the legs that accompanies the more musical concertinas, accordions and boron drives the landlord and any potential opposition into submission). Later it was back to Beer where we had some time to freshen up and relax before continuing on with the festivities. I came down to the dinner fashionable late blaming the headaches (I actually was watching the final Dr Who of the series – brilliant it has been too) where we ate some more, drank some more and, after the tables and chairs were pushed to side of the room, singing and traditional dancing ensued.
The following day we checked out and the group decamped arranging to meet at Lyme Regis where they danced on the Cobb as the sea spray plumed over the wall and then retired to a lovely pub at Axemouth for lunch and another dance before finally disbanding and dispersing quietly into the countryside from whence they came like the crack commando dance team they are.
A vote for de-evolution…
We had a pretty good early spring this year, but that has since been overshadowed by a crappy summer so far. Floods have devastated parts of the country and everywhere else has become steadily waterlogged too. We are not too surprised with a certain amount of meteorological variability in this country, it being the stereotypical topic of choice here. It is expected that Wimbledon will be extended due to rain (why they don’t have a roof over central court is a mystery), that Glastonbury will be knee deep in mud and posh people will be paddling around the Hampton Court Flower Show, but we usually hope to see some sun in-between these events. Alas it is not to be this year and we, desperate for a chance to enjoy the great outdoors, look skyward for a little glimmer of light so that we can have a BBQ and use our new patio furniture. So it was that we took a chance and listened to tales that this weekend was going to be the hottest this year and made arrangements to cook over an open fire both Saturday and Sunday. We got away with it on Saturday when James and Nikala came over and we cooked Sue’s jerked pork and ate it outdoors and sat drinking and talking until nearly midnight. Sunday though was a different story and we pushed our luck by having a dozen people over (much too many to accommodate indoors) for the afternoon. Things started out promisingly as we had nibbles and drinks on the deck, but we noticed the sky darkening and occasional drops of rain as we started eating the prawn kebabs. Stoic British resolve was not enough and we had to repair to the house to consume the chicken kebabs as a thunderstorm passed overhead complete with dramatic lightning and tremendous thunder. Sue put the rack of ribs and sausages in the oven to cook and a short time later and a shout went out the sun had returned – so the brave and slightly damp folk returned to wipe down the furniture – determined to get back outside. By the time the food was cooked the sun had made a welcome appearance and we enjoyed the remainder of the afternoon as we steamed slightly under the sun’s rays. Unfortunately for us Sunday was St. Swithern’s day and tradition says that should it rain on this day then we are in for 40 days and 40 nights of more of the same. So I am considering de-evolution, as the concept of webbed feet and an ability to breathe under water sure could come in handy in the future. Still we don’t have a hose-pipe ban... ...at the moment.
More of wot I have heard…
Smoke of Home by Megson
We saw this duo live at the local folk club and we very impressed with their performance, so much so we bought the latest album. Megson are a talented young couple who manage to reinterpret traditional folk songs in a sympathetic, yet modern manner and also have written new and exciting contemporary folk that is more relevant to them and a modern audience. You are unlikely to hear much of them on the radio, apart from occasional specialist shows, but the do seem to be touring as much as they can at festivals and gigs throughout the UK and Europe. They are well worth checking out.
We saw this duo live at the local folk club and we very impressed with their performance, so much so we bought the latest album. Megson are a talented young couple who manage to reinterpret traditional folk songs in a sympathetic, yet modern manner and also have written new and exciting contemporary folk that is more relevant to them and a modern audience. You are unlikely to hear much of them on the radio, apart from occasional specialist shows, but the do seem to be touring as much as they can at festivals and gigs throughout the UK and Europe. They are well worth checking out.
Wot people say…
Some acquired names for company departments and activities…
The Jedi Council – The Employee Council
The Order Prevention Administration – Oracle Project Administration (the department the processes sales orders)
The Jedi Council – The Employee Council
The Order Prevention Administration – Oracle Project Administration (the department the processes sales orders)
More of wot I have watched…
Pick of Destiny
A very silly but mildly amusing film only recommended if you are keen on rock music and Jack Black at his maddest as he plays along with his TenaciousD colleague Kyle Gass. The official website is also mildly diverting if you have a few spare moments.
The Pursuit of Happyness
This is an entertaining movie that sometimes ladles the desperation on a little too thick (more than the real life story that it is based on) yet the interplay between will Smith and his real life son does touch the soul.
The Departed
The departed is a very good gangster movie that has enough intrigue and action to satisfy most fans of this genre. There is some very fine acting throughout with some wonderful actors taking on supporting roles, though occasionally the accents of a few jar a bit. Overall it is an edge of the seat rollercoaster ride that journeys quickly through the near two hours duration.
Casino Royal
Another James Bond movie can put of those who are not fans of the series, but this version has some significant differences that might attract those who did not like previous 007 stories and might put off those who did. This story is a darker and more authentic Ian Fleming retelling and the first outing by Daniel Craig is also dark and moody with more than a hint of the psychotic. As with most James Bond stories there are occasional plot holes and stretches of credibility but this film benefits from the new approach and from the film makers choice to use more ‘real’ stunts and less CGI (the parkour chase through the building sight is especially exciting). I enjoyed the film and I welcome more of the same from Daniel Craig.
Hot Fuzz
Hot Fuzz is a very good comedy movie from the makers of Shaun of the Dead and again staring the comedy duo of Simon Pegg and Nick Frost. In a similar vein to Shaun of the Dead and horror movies, hot Fuzz simultaneously pays homage and pokes fun at iconic references in the action/cop movie genre. It is supported by a fantastic cast of veteran British actors who flesh out the silly capers with some style. The official website is nicely put together and entertaining.
A very silly but mildly amusing film only recommended if you are keen on rock music and Jack Black at his maddest as he plays along with his TenaciousD colleague Kyle Gass. The official website is also mildly diverting if you have a few spare moments.
The Pursuit of Happyness
This is an entertaining movie that sometimes ladles the desperation on a little too thick (more than the real life story that it is based on) yet the interplay between will Smith and his real life son does touch the soul.
The Departed
The departed is a very good gangster movie that has enough intrigue and action to satisfy most fans of this genre. There is some very fine acting throughout with some wonderful actors taking on supporting roles, though occasionally the accents of a few jar a bit. Overall it is an edge of the seat rollercoaster ride that journeys quickly through the near two hours duration.
Casino Royal
Another James Bond movie can put of those who are not fans of the series, but this version has some significant differences that might attract those who did not like previous 007 stories and might put off those who did. This story is a darker and more authentic Ian Fleming retelling and the first outing by Daniel Craig is also dark and moody with more than a hint of the psychotic. As with most James Bond stories there are occasional plot holes and stretches of credibility but this film benefits from the new approach and from the film makers choice to use more ‘real’ stunts and less CGI (the parkour chase through the building sight is especially exciting). I enjoyed the film and I welcome more of the same from Daniel Craig.
Hot Fuzz
Hot Fuzz is a very good comedy movie from the makers of Shaun of the Dead and again staring the comedy duo of Simon Pegg and Nick Frost. In a similar vein to Shaun of the Dead and horror movies, hot Fuzz simultaneously pays homage and pokes fun at iconic references in the action/cop movie genre. It is supported by a fantastic cast of veteran British actors who flesh out the silly capers with some style. The official website is nicely put together and entertaining.
More of wot I have read…
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
‘Twelve-year-old Amir is desperate to gain the approval of his father and resolves to win the local kite-fighting tournament, to prove that he has the makings of a man. His loyal friend Hassan promises to help him – for he always helps Amir – but this is 1970s Afganistan and Hassan is merely a low-caste servant who is jeered at in the street, although Amir feels jealous of his natural courage and the place he holds in his father’s heart. But neither of the boys could forsee what would happen to Hassan on the afternoon of the tournament, which was to shatter their lives. After the Russians invade and the family is forced to flee to America, Amir realises that one day he must return, to find the one thing that his new world cannot grant him: redemption.’
‘Twelve-year-old Amir is desperate to gain the approval of his father and resolves to win the local kite-fighting tournament, to prove that he has the makings of a man. His loyal friend Hassan promises to help him – for he always helps Amir – but this is 1970s Afganistan and Hassan is merely a low-caste servant who is jeered at in the street, although Amir feels jealous of his natural courage and the place he holds in his father’s heart. But neither of the boys could forsee what would happen to Hassan on the afternoon of the tournament, which was to shatter their lives. After the Russians invade and the family is forced to flee to America, Amir realises that one day he must return, to find the one thing that his new world cannot grant him: redemption.’
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)