Avetar
I was told this movie was something like Pocahontas crossed with Smurfs with gigantism… …I would add that it looks like it was set in a world inspired by Roger Dean paintings.
I saw this movie at the Imax Cinema, the largest 3D screen in the UK. It was pretty impressive, and the effects were immersive rather than some earlier 3D movies where the effects are obvious and detract from the overall film. The story itself was quite cheesy, loaded as it was with eco, anti colonial messages and some quite cartoon like characters, however this too fitted with the overall feel.
I enjoyed the whole experience very much.
Before hand I went to the The Sacred Made Real exhibition at the National Gallery, where I saw some absolutely amazing paintings and sculptures, that were truely moving...
‘The Sacred Made Real’ presents a landmark reappraisal of religious art from the Spanish Golden Age with works created to shock the senses and stir the soul.
Paintings, including masterpieces by Diego Velázquez and Francisco de Zurbarán, are displayed for the very first time alongside Spain’s remarkable polychrome wooden sculptures.
Inspiring devotion
The religious artists of 17th-century Spain pursued a quest for realism with uncompromising zeal and genius, creating works to inspire devotion among believers.
By displaying works side by side, this exhibition explores the intense dialogue between the arts of sculpture and painting, revealing that they were intricately linked and interdependent.
Hyperrealism
Sculptors often went to extraordinary lengths to achieve greater realism, introducing glass eyes and tears, as well as ivory teeth and human hair to their sculptures. The separate skill of polychroming, performed by specially trained painters, added to the effect with remarkable flesh tones.
‘The Sacred Made Real’ offers the opportunity to see an art form rarely seen outside Spain, featuring masters of polychrome sculpture, including Pedro de Mena, Juan Martínez Montañés and Gregorio Fernández. At the same time, it demonstrates that the painters of the Spanish Golden Age were able to achieve the same disconcerting realism on canvas.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
New wheels…
I got my new company car last week. I have upgraded from the little Vauxhall Astra to an equally little BMW 1 series. I didn’t want to pay extra for the metallic paint so was limited to the three base options, black, red and white – I thought the black was way too ‘common’, the red too ‘boy-racer’ so plumbed for the white, which Sue thinks is a bit too ‘Essex’.
Before the new car comes I was advised to clean out the crap from the shed and get it down to the dump in the old car. Not much fun and had to the spend ages cleaning the think for the hand-over.
The evening of the car delivery it started to snow, covering the village in several inches of fresh powered. In the morning the white car was lost under a pile of equally white snow. We decided to try and get out of the village and we almost made it without assistance until we hit a patch of ice at the last corner. Sue got out and started to push (I would have done it, honest, but she can’t drive). One moment she was visible in the rear view mirror… …then she wasn’t. We got help from a neighbour but Sue ended up with bruised knees and soggy trousers.
I have hardly driven it since as we have had freezing temperatures that have turned the snow into ice and fresh snow and sleet adding to the difficult conditions.
Before the new car comes I was advised to clean out the crap from the shed and get it down to the dump in the old car. Not much fun and had to the spend ages cleaning the think for the hand-over.
The evening of the car delivery it started to snow, covering the village in several inches of fresh powered. In the morning the white car was lost under a pile of equally white snow. We decided to try and get out of the village and we almost made it without assistance until we hit a patch of ice at the last corner. Sue got out and started to push (I would have done it, honest, but she can’t drive). One moment she was visible in the rear view mirror… …then she wasn’t. We got help from a neighbour but Sue ended up with bruised knees and soggy trousers.
I have hardly driven it since as we have had freezing temperatures that have turned the snow into ice and fresh snow and sleet adding to the difficult conditions.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Blow on the pie...
Just seen in an article in a newspaper in the UK is a report of a New Zealand police office giving a suspect thief an unusual piece of advice.
When the suspect said he was 'going up the raod to get me a pie', the office replied 'at three o'clock in the morning, that pie has been in the warming drawer for probably 12 hours, it'll be thermonuclear. You must always blow on the pie. Always blow on the pie, safer communities together, OK'
This exchange was filmed some years ago for a tv program but now it is an internet sensation and has appear on morning tv in NZ.
When the suspect said he was 'going up the raod to get me a pie', the office replied 'at three o'clock in the morning, that pie has been in the warming drawer for probably 12 hours, it'll be thermonuclear. You must always blow on the pie. Always blow on the pie, safer communities together, OK'
This exchange was filmed some years ago for a tv program but now it is an internet sensation and has appear on morning tv in NZ.
Thursday, December 03, 2009
Up In Smoke…
We had a whole bunch of friends around for Bonfire Night where we entertained with a supper and visited the local fireworks display. It was a lovely clear night and we were suitably amazed by the impressive display, issuing appropriate ‘ooh!’ and ‘ahh!’s as necessary.
Halloween…
Made a Jack-O-Lantern
For the first time ever I carved a pumpkin (home grown) for Halloween (though we don’t celebrate it – usually hiding behind closed curtains until the kids have gone to bed.
It looked pretty good and we displayed during our Bonfire Night Party
For the first time ever I carved a pumpkin (home grown) for Halloween (though we don’t celebrate it – usually hiding behind closed curtains until the kids have gone to bed.
It looked pretty good and we displayed during our Bonfire Night Party
More of wot I have heard…
Amazing Radio – the making of music
Amazing Tunes
I friend of mine who is into music and works part time as a Local Radio DJ, pointed me towards this new radio station and website. It seems to be unique in that it only plays unsigned artists and relies on sales generated from downloads to fund it. The concept is great and the music is pretty good too – of course you are unlikely to have heard any of it before.
'Amazing Radio is the world’s first radio station run by you… Taking the best from amazingtunes.com and presenting them on your DAB radio in the UK or online via our streaming service.
Spanning genres with ease, Amazing Radio plays great music from unsigned artists and best of all you get to decide what makes it on air and what doesn’t. amazingtunes.com allows you to buy, rate, playlist, tag and comment on your favourite tunes allowing us to understand what you want to hear on air.
So tune in to Amazing Radio and listen to music you’re about to love.'
Amazing Tunes
I friend of mine who is into music and works part time as a Local Radio DJ, pointed me towards this new radio station and website. It seems to be unique in that it only plays unsigned artists and relies on sales generated from downloads to fund it. The concept is great and the music is pretty good too – of course you are unlikely to have heard any of it before.
'Amazing Radio is the world’s first radio station run by you… Taking the best from amazingtunes.com and presenting them on your DAB radio in the UK or online via our streaming service.
Spanning genres with ease, Amazing Radio plays great music from unsigned artists and best of all you get to decide what makes it on air and what doesn’t. amazingtunes.com allows you to buy, rate, playlist, tag and comment on your favourite tunes allowing us to understand what you want to hear on air.
So tune in to Amazing Radio and listen to music you’re about to love.'
More of wot I have seen…
The Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club at the Wycombe Swan
http://www.buenavistasocialclub.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buena_Vista_Social_Club
http://www.worldcircuit.co.uk/#Home
The band is a part of a larger collective of musicians who play in the Cuban style. Some are quite venerable and have been around for ever, while a few are younger. All are energetic and extremely accomplished artist and were given opportunities to showcase their skills throughout the concert.
Unless you are particularly into this type of music I would suggest that their self titled album is a good one to get.
http://www.buenavistasocialclub.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buena_Vista_Social_Club
http://www.worldcircuit.co.uk/#Home
The band is a part of a larger collective of musicians who play in the Cuban style. Some are quite venerable and have been around for ever, while a few are younger. All are energetic and extremely accomplished artist and were given opportunities to showcase their skills throughout the concert.
Unless you are particularly into this type of music I would suggest that their self titled album is a good one to get.
More of wot I have read…
Nation by Terry Pratchett
This book was a pleasant departure from the Discworld series, and it addressed several different themes that are modern in concept even though the setting is historical. The author’s humour and style was familiar to those who have read his other books, but there were some more thoughtful elements apparent in this story.
‘Finding himself alone on a desert island when everything and everyone he knows and loved has been washed away in a huge storm, Mau is the last surviving member of his nation. He's also completely alone - or so he thinks until he finds the ghost girl. She has no toes, wears strange lacy trousers like the grandfather bird and gives him a stick which can make fire. Daphne, sole survivor of the wreck of the Sweet Judy, almost immediately regrets trying to shoot the native boy. Thank goodness the powder was wet and the gun only produced a spark. She's certain her father, distant cousin of the Royal family, will come and rescue her but it seems, for now, all she has for company is the boy and the foul-mouthed ship's parrot. ‘
Use of Weapons by Iain M Banks
This was an entertaining book and I felt it was quite familiar – I may have read it before, or perhaps he has written about the same characters in another story. I like the character development and the background setting.
‘The man known as Cheradenine Zakalwe was one of Special Circumstances' foremost agents, changing the destiny of planets to suit the Culture through intrigue, dirty tricks or military action.
The woman known as Diziet Sma had plucked him from obscurity and pushed him towards his present eminence, but despite all their dealings she did not know him as well as she thought.
The drone known as Skaffen-Amtiskaw knew both of these people. It had once saved the woman's life by massacring her attackers in a particularly bloody manner. It believed the man to be a burnt-out case. But not even its machine intelligence could see the horrors in his past.’
This book was a pleasant departure from the Discworld series, and it addressed several different themes that are modern in concept even though the setting is historical. The author’s humour and style was familiar to those who have read his other books, but there were some more thoughtful elements apparent in this story.
‘Finding himself alone on a desert island when everything and everyone he knows and loved has been washed away in a huge storm, Mau is the last surviving member of his nation. He's also completely alone - or so he thinks until he finds the ghost girl. She has no toes, wears strange lacy trousers like the grandfather bird and gives him a stick which can make fire. Daphne, sole survivor of the wreck of the Sweet Judy, almost immediately regrets trying to shoot the native boy. Thank goodness the powder was wet and the gun only produced a spark. She's certain her father, distant cousin of the Royal family, will come and rescue her but it seems, for now, all she has for company is the boy and the foul-mouthed ship's parrot. ‘
Use of Weapons by Iain M Banks
This was an entertaining book and I felt it was quite familiar – I may have read it before, or perhaps he has written about the same characters in another story. I like the character development and the background setting.
‘The man known as Cheradenine Zakalwe was one of Special Circumstances' foremost agents, changing the destiny of planets to suit the Culture through intrigue, dirty tricks or military action.
The woman known as Diziet Sma had plucked him from obscurity and pushed him towards his present eminence, but despite all their dealings she did not know him as well as she thought.
The drone known as Skaffen-Amtiskaw knew both of these people. It had once saved the woman's life by massacring her attackers in a particularly bloody manner. It believed the man to be a burnt-out case. But not even its machine intelligence could see the horrors in his past.’
More of wot I have seen…
More than a day in the air gives you plenty of time to watch movies, unfortunately there don’t always have a great selection to choose from. Here are some of those I saw.
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen
A bit of modern boys-own macho fun with all the elements covered – robots, shiny cars, sexy girls, explosions, more robots.
‘With the help of the Autobots, Sam and Mikaela must uncover the secret history of the Transformers presence on earth as they prepare for the return of an ancient Decepticon’.
The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3
I haven’t seen the original, but this seemed to be quite well conceived and was certainly well executed. The story was gripping and the main characters were very well played.
‘A New York subway dispatcher has his day thrown into chaos when a subway train is hijacked by a criminal mastermind who intends to kill passengers unless he receives a large ransom.’
Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs
More madcap adventures with those lovable prehistoric characters.
‘When Sid the Sloth gets into trouble after creating a makeshift family from hijacked dinosaur eggs, the rest of the Ice Age gang attempts to rescue him from a mysterious underground world.’
The Hangover
A fascinatingly disturbing movie with a potential cautionary tale about the dangers of alcohol and drugs that all seems to be ignored with the unsatisfying ending.
‘Doug and his friends head to Las Vegas for a bachelor party. However, the next morning his friends soon realise Doug is missing and that they have no recollection of the previous evening.’
Safari
A mad French comedy that relies on slapstick humour and very little plot.
‘When a tour organiser loses at poker to a feared mob, he is blackmailed into allowing an extra tourist to join his upcoming safari, and must ensure the safe delivery of a locked briefcase.’
EX
A soppy chick flick with a very saccharine aftertaste to it.
‘EX looks at a series of intertwined episodes that revolve around matters arising from the end of a love affair.’
Fermat's Room
This French film I liked very much for its outrageous concept and intellectual conceits.
‘Four mathematicians invited to solve a great enigma at an abandoned house discover they are in a shrinking room that will crush them to death if they do not discover what connects them.’
On a return journey from one side of the world to another there was plenty of opportunity for watching films and there were quite a few more that we saw that we have ignored either intentionally or by accident.
In addition to this we went out as a family and saw a new release at the cinema.
Surrogates
We saw this in NZ on the day it was released and being a Sci-Fi nut I enjoyed it very much. Sue was quite disturbed by the initial appearance of Bruce Willis’s surrogate. The world is well realised and the supporting websites are fun to trawl through.
And recently we saw at Dorking
2012
This is a bonkers movie so full of CGI effects that I guess it could have been made in a film lot just about anywhere. The effects are so wild that they lose all credibility and in doing so lose any impact too. Even so there is a certain satisfaction in watching wholesale destruction (primarily of America) knowing it is all fake – and as it takes a while to destroy the earth it is probably a large tub of pop-corn sort of movie.
And at Guildford
Men Who Stare at Goats
This was a mad and not all that well thought out story that suffered from a lack of direction. Even the all star cast could not lift the film above the mundane. The title refers to several experiments that the US and Soviet military were supposed to have been working on (though I understood these were back in the cold war days) to try and determine if it could be possible to use extrasensory powers to tactical advantage.
Rather than just explore the historical farce that surrounded these experiments in a historical context, the film makers tried to update it and make a political point – I think they missed the target.
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen
A bit of modern boys-own macho fun with all the elements covered – robots, shiny cars, sexy girls, explosions, more robots.
‘With the help of the Autobots, Sam and Mikaela must uncover the secret history of the Transformers presence on earth as they prepare for the return of an ancient Decepticon’.
The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3
I haven’t seen the original, but this seemed to be quite well conceived and was certainly well executed. The story was gripping and the main characters were very well played.
‘A New York subway dispatcher has his day thrown into chaos when a subway train is hijacked by a criminal mastermind who intends to kill passengers unless he receives a large ransom.’
Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs
More madcap adventures with those lovable prehistoric characters.
‘When Sid the Sloth gets into trouble after creating a makeshift family from hijacked dinosaur eggs, the rest of the Ice Age gang attempts to rescue him from a mysterious underground world.’
The Hangover
A fascinatingly disturbing movie with a potential cautionary tale about the dangers of alcohol and drugs that all seems to be ignored with the unsatisfying ending.
‘Doug and his friends head to Las Vegas for a bachelor party. However, the next morning his friends soon realise Doug is missing and that they have no recollection of the previous evening.’
Safari
A mad French comedy that relies on slapstick humour and very little plot.
‘When a tour organiser loses at poker to a feared mob, he is blackmailed into allowing an extra tourist to join his upcoming safari, and must ensure the safe delivery of a locked briefcase.’
EX
A soppy chick flick with a very saccharine aftertaste to it.
‘EX looks at a series of intertwined episodes that revolve around matters arising from the end of a love affair.’
Fermat's Room
This French film I liked very much for its outrageous concept and intellectual conceits.
‘Four mathematicians invited to solve a great enigma at an abandoned house discover they are in a shrinking room that will crush them to death if they do not discover what connects them.’
On a return journey from one side of the world to another there was plenty of opportunity for watching films and there were quite a few more that we saw that we have ignored either intentionally or by accident.
In addition to this we went out as a family and saw a new release at the cinema.
Surrogates
We saw this in NZ on the day it was released and being a Sci-Fi nut I enjoyed it very much. Sue was quite disturbed by the initial appearance of Bruce Willis’s surrogate. The world is well realised and the supporting websites are fun to trawl through.
And recently we saw at Dorking
2012
This is a bonkers movie so full of CGI effects that I guess it could have been made in a film lot just about anywhere. The effects are so wild that they lose all credibility and in doing so lose any impact too. Even so there is a certain satisfaction in watching wholesale destruction (primarily of America) knowing it is all fake – and as it takes a while to destroy the earth it is probably a large tub of pop-corn sort of movie.
And at Guildford
Men Who Stare at Goats
This was a mad and not all that well thought out story that suffered from a lack of direction. Even the all star cast could not lift the film above the mundane. The title refers to several experiments that the US and Soviet military were supposed to have been working on (though I understood these were back in the cold war days) to try and determine if it could be possible to use extrasensory powers to tactical advantage.
Rather than just explore the historical farce that surrounded these experiments in a historical context, the film makers tried to update it and make a political point – I think they missed the target.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
There and back again…
Well that was a short (but eventful) holiday in NZ, and now we are back trying to reset the old body clock and get back into the daily grind.
Our trip out included a leg on the new A380 double-deck airplane which is an amazing vehicle (just wish we could afforded to really experience it at its best)
Sue and I went with Jamie for a couple of weeks (less the time taken to get there and back and stopping off in Singapore) and spent our time there between Rotorua (known colloquially as Roto-Vegas) and Auckland (or just out in the country).
While in Rotorua we participated in several traditional activities such as:
Zorb (Jamie and I got into individual hamster balls along with a bath full of water and rolled down a hill on a slow spin cycle)
Luge (Travel up a hill in a gondola and then Jamie and I repeatedly slid down it again on a small wheeled sled)
Jet Boat Thermal Safari (Packed into a twin engine jet boat nicknamed the brute we rode down to geothermal park, wandered around it on foot, and returned again via jet boat and several 360 degree spins)
Polynesian Spa (Sit in sulphurous mineral hot pools until we became more wrinkly)
We had a couple of parties at Mum and Dad’s; one with selected neighbours and another for a couple of school friends and their families. It was good fun to catch up with every one (We have come to the conclusion that almost every memorable incident in our school years had something to do with Nic)
On the weekend we visited the Otara Market to soak in the culture and see if we could pick up a bargain or two.
We also visited Alexander Park Market where Mum and Dad have a stall before we went into Auckland to stay the evening.
The Shakespeare Hotel was our venue where we arranged to meet any friends who were available for a chat and a few drinks of the hotel’s own brewed beer.
A few people came and went and we enjoyed their company (except for Sue who was in her room suffering from an upset stomach). Craig stayed on with Jamie and me for a few more refreshing ales before a short tour of the town. Afterwards Jamie went out on his own to see if he could find any excitement (not much of a chance in Auckland on a Sunday night), he ended up in a bar with two others (one being the barman) feeling as he had walked into the start of a joke as they were a Scotsman and an Irishman with Jamie being the Englishman.
After picking up a car for the day we visited another friend for a coffee and drove around the waterfront towards my old hometown of Howick where we had a meal with an old work colleague.
Mid week we again went into town and this time the family stood around and watched as Jamie and I jumped off the tallest free standing structure in the southern hemisphere – twice (there was not many people doing the jump that day so we were given a chance to jump again for free, which Jamie ‘jumped’ at… …and I couldn’t let him think I was a coward)
Sue’s choice of activity was a wine tour, so we hoped to do this along with a trip to the beach to play on the sand yachts , unfortunately the wind was not strong enough, so we diverted and Jamie and Gary did electric go-karts instead. After this we went around the Scenic Drive to the wine area and stopped at Hallertau (because they brewed beer as well as made wine – unfortunately the wine was fruit wine and not to everyone’s taste). So we then went onto one of our favourites, Coopers Creek where we did enjoy a few samples before buying a couple of bottles. Unfortunately it was starting to get late in the day and we didn’t manage to get to any other vineyards.
After our visit we felt as if we were several sizes bigger as a result of the food and alcohol consumed. The portion sizes in NZ seem much bigger than we are used to (a light lunch at a café was a huge plate full and the fish and chips include two pieces of fish). We had a nice meal out in a good Auckland restaurant (the deserts were a work of art - what’s that foam stuff all about anyway?). Another good meal was had a local restaurant Chin Wags with the family. In Singapore too we out did ourselves when we ended up eating the largest and messiest chilli crab we have ever seen.
Our trip out included a leg on the new A380 double-deck airplane which is an amazing vehicle (just wish we could afforded to really experience it at its best)
Sue and I went with Jamie for a couple of weeks (less the time taken to get there and back and stopping off in Singapore) and spent our time there between Rotorua (known colloquially as Roto-Vegas) and Auckland (or just out in the country).
While in Rotorua we participated in several traditional activities such as:
Zorb (Jamie and I got into individual hamster balls along with a bath full of water and rolled down a hill on a slow spin cycle)
Luge (Travel up a hill in a gondola and then Jamie and I repeatedly slid down it again on a small wheeled sled)
Jet Boat Thermal Safari (Packed into a twin engine jet boat nicknamed the brute we rode down to geothermal park, wandered around it on foot, and returned again via jet boat and several 360 degree spins)
Polynesian Spa (Sit in sulphurous mineral hot pools until we became more wrinkly)
We had a couple of parties at Mum and Dad’s; one with selected neighbours and another for a couple of school friends and their families. It was good fun to catch up with every one (We have come to the conclusion that almost every memorable incident in our school years had something to do with Nic)
On the weekend we visited the Otara Market to soak in the culture and see if we could pick up a bargain or two.
We also visited Alexander Park Market where Mum and Dad have a stall before we went into Auckland to stay the evening.
The Shakespeare Hotel was our venue where we arranged to meet any friends who were available for a chat and a few drinks of the hotel’s own brewed beer.
A few people came and went and we enjoyed their company (except for Sue who was in her room suffering from an upset stomach). Craig stayed on with Jamie and me for a few more refreshing ales before a short tour of the town. Afterwards Jamie went out on his own to see if he could find any excitement (not much of a chance in Auckland on a Sunday night), he ended up in a bar with two others (one being the barman) feeling as he had walked into the start of a joke as they were a Scotsman and an Irishman with Jamie being the Englishman.
After picking up a car for the day we visited another friend for a coffee and drove around the waterfront towards my old hometown of Howick where we had a meal with an old work colleague.
Mid week we again went into town and this time the family stood around and watched as Jamie and I jumped off the tallest free standing structure in the southern hemisphere – twice (there was not many people doing the jump that day so we were given a chance to jump again for free, which Jamie ‘jumped’ at… …and I couldn’t let him think I was a coward)
Sue’s choice of activity was a wine tour, so we hoped to do this along with a trip to the beach to play on the sand yachts , unfortunately the wind was not strong enough, so we diverted and Jamie and Gary did electric go-karts instead. After this we went around the Scenic Drive to the wine area and stopped at Hallertau (because they brewed beer as well as made wine – unfortunately the wine was fruit wine and not to everyone’s taste). So we then went onto one of our favourites, Coopers Creek where we did enjoy a few samples before buying a couple of bottles. Unfortunately it was starting to get late in the day and we didn’t manage to get to any other vineyards.
After our visit we felt as if we were several sizes bigger as a result of the food and alcohol consumed. The portion sizes in NZ seem much bigger than we are used to (a light lunch at a café was a huge plate full and the fish and chips include two pieces of fish). We had a nice meal out in a good Auckland restaurant (the deserts were a work of art - what’s that foam stuff all about anyway?). Another good meal was had a local restaurant Chin Wags with the family. In Singapore too we out did ourselves when we ended up eating the largest and messiest chilli crab we have ever seen.
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
Wot is hot...
...in the 70’s
What do you remember about the 1970’s that was cool?
Soda Stream
Bata Bullets
Silly Putty
VHS vs BetaMax
C60 Cassette homemade mix tapes
Raleigh Twenty and Raleigh Rodeo bicycles
Banana toothpaste
Chicken Chow
Casio Digital Watch
Rubik’s Cube
Slinky
What else?
Thursday, September 24, 2009
See you at the bar…
We are coming over to NZ for a short visit during October and we are intending to be in a bar in Auckland on Sunday 18th to meet up with any old friends who can make it (venue to be confirmed).
Avast, me hearties…
A bunch of our regular gamers came over to our place on the weekend and celebrated ‘Talk like a Pirate Day’ this year by playing a table top role playing game where we were Privateers (not quite Pirates – we have a license you understand). It was great fun and I quite enjoyed playing the part of ‘Jolly’ Roger the Cabin Boy – especially when I nearly managed to take down the dastardly French Captain.
Probably the best Swedish TV cop show ever…
We had recently seen the British remake of, Wallander, with Kenneth Branagh in it and enjoyed it very much, so when we saw it again on the schedule we originally thought it was more of the same. It wasn’t until we started watching it that we realized it was the original Swedish series.
We really enjoyed the series, even more so than the English speaking adaptation (which was very good). The acting is fabulous, the scenery bleak and the music moody.
Thoroughly enjoyable
We really enjoyed the series, even more so than the English speaking adaptation (which was very good). The acting is fabulous, the scenery bleak and the music moody.
Thoroughly enjoyable
Empire Irregulars…
One of our friends suggested it might be a good idea to combine his interests in military uniforms and parading with morris dancing and start up a military morris side. I was thinking it might be fun to call it the Empire Irregulars and have the members choose items off uniforms from past British forces (Red Jacket, Pith Helmet etc) yet still have knee length trousers and bells on their ankles.
Hedgerow bounty…
Autumn is the time to harvest and we have been out in the nearby fields collecting Blackberries and Elderberries. We have had plenty to pick and so our freezer is full of berries and we have enjoyed puddings and I even made another batch of Elderberry Jam (too much sugar again, so it is very thick and sweet).
Summer-House warming…
One of our neighbours has had a new summer house put up in their back yard and we were invited over to celebrate with a drink and some nibbles. The construction is wonderful with a sizable decking around a well appointed building that is so good we all wanted to move into it. We had a great time talking to their friends and family and we well impressed with the rocket scientist.
Just slap it on all over…
Our house has desperately need some tender loving care taken on the exterior and recently we had the pointing repaired in preparation for repainting the woodwork and stonework around the windows and doors. Sue had the impression we could have it all done and dusted in a couple of hours. This was not quite the case, even though we have done the majority of it, with the not insignificant help of family, and the rest should be completed this weekend.
Operation Pied Piper…
We went along to a very enjoyable and informative talk at the local Westcott History Group on the subject of Operation Pied Piper as part of the remembrance of the start of WWII.
Operation Pied Piper was the code name for the evacuation of major cities on the day that war was declared, where many children were taken from possible danger zones to areas of relative safety in the countryside. The village of Westcott was host to two schools from London and this talk concentrated on them and what happened.
The Reading Room was packed with people; many of who were of a generation that could remember the events first hand (some even stood up and added to the talk with personal details). Several local children came in and acted out the roles of evacuees by reading out letters written by them to their parents. A woman also read out passages from the memories of the local lady responsible for the allocation of the children to suitable accommodation. I particularly like that she referred to her self as the Dumper and the children as the poor Dumplings. I think this episode and memories would make for an interesting children’s story, luckily I obtained a copy of the talk for reference. So you never know – another incomplete project.
Operation Pied Piper was the code name for the evacuation of major cities on the day that war was declared, where many children were taken from possible danger zones to areas of relative safety in the countryside. The village of Westcott was host to two schools from London and this talk concentrated on them and what happened.
The Reading Room was packed with people; many of who were of a generation that could remember the events first hand (some even stood up and added to the talk with personal details). Several local children came in and acted out the roles of evacuees by reading out letters written by them to their parents. A woman also read out passages from the memories of the local lady responsible for the allocation of the children to suitable accommodation. I particularly like that she referred to her self as the Dumper and the children as the poor Dumplings. I think this episode and memories would make for an interesting children’s story, luckily I obtained a copy of the talk for reference. So you never know – another incomplete project.
More wot I have read…
The Host by Stephenie Meyer
This is a new book from the author of the Twilght series, this time with aliens as the subject rather than the supernatural. It certainly has the potential to change young female reader’s attitudes in the same way and introducing them to Sci-Fi. It was well written and thought out with a lot of attention spent on characterisation and personal interactions and not so much on the whole alien thing.
'Melanie Stryder refuses to fade away.
Our world has been invaded by an unseen enemy. Humans become hosts for these invaders, their minds taken over while their bodies remain intact and continue their lives apparently unchanged. Most of humanity has succumbed.
When Melanie, one of the few remaining "wild" humans is captured, she is certain it is her end. Wanderer, the invading "soul" who has been given Melanie's body, was warned about the challenges of living inside a human: the overwhelming emotions, the glut of senses, the too vivid memories. But there was one difficulty Wanderer didn't expect: the former tenant of her body refusing to relinquish possession of her mind.
Wanderer probes Melanie's thoughts, hoping to discover the whereabouts of the remaining human resistance. Instead, Melanie fills Wanderer's mind with visions of the man Melanie loves—Jared, a human who still lives in hiding. Unable to separate herself from her body's desires, Wanderer begins to yearn for a man she has been tasked with exposing. When outside forces make Wanderer and Melanie unwilling allies, they set off on a dangerous and uncertain search for the man they both love.'
This is a new book from the author of the Twilght series, this time with aliens as the subject rather than the supernatural. It certainly has the potential to change young female reader’s attitudes in the same way and introducing them to Sci-Fi. It was well written and thought out with a lot of attention spent on characterisation and personal interactions and not so much on the whole alien thing.
'Melanie Stryder refuses to fade away.
Our world has been invaded by an unseen enemy. Humans become hosts for these invaders, their minds taken over while their bodies remain intact and continue their lives apparently unchanged. Most of humanity has succumbed.
When Melanie, one of the few remaining "wild" humans is captured, she is certain it is her end. Wanderer, the invading "soul" who has been given Melanie's body, was warned about the challenges of living inside a human: the overwhelming emotions, the glut of senses, the too vivid memories. But there was one difficulty Wanderer didn't expect: the former tenant of her body refusing to relinquish possession of her mind.
Wanderer probes Melanie's thoughts, hoping to discover the whereabouts of the remaining human resistance. Instead, Melanie fills Wanderer's mind with visions of the man Melanie loves—Jared, a human who still lives in hiding. Unable to separate herself from her body's desires, Wanderer begins to yearn for a man she has been tasked with exposing. When outside forces make Wanderer and Melanie unwilling allies, they set off on a dangerous and uncertain search for the man they both love.'
Thursday, September 03, 2009
All the best folk…
We went to the Towersey Folk Festival on the last bank holiday on August and had a brilliant time.
Three of us went along and camped the weekend at the site in Oxfordshire. Although it was grey and windy for most days, apart from Monday afternoon’s sunshine, we were lucky that it didn’t rain, as I am sure that could have dampened our spirits.
We were on the go all day seeing many concerts and acts, interspersed with some liberal consumption of alcohol and the regular burger before bed. Even though we kept busy we still missed seeing anything at the off site venues or the ceilidh tent (pronounced kay-lee, or if you are Sue, see-li-dah).
There wasn’t an act that we didn’t like though there were a few favourites and I now have a longer wish list on Amazon. The highlights for us were:
The Imagined Village – an exciting cosmopolitan folk collective demonstrating how tradition can be made contemporary and grow from it
The Spooky Men’s Chorale – ‘a vast, rumbling, black-clad behemoth’ group of Australian (led by a Kiwi) ‘blokes’ who sing in great harmony and like a bit of silliness. We also went to the Spooky Men’s – Sing Like a Bloke workshop, where a large group of people learnt the ‘Let Me Through’ song and then invaded the Market Square, singing at the top of our collective voices, much to the puzzlement of the other visitors.
Megan and Joe Henwood – a great young brother and sister act – winners of the BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Awards 2009 and an act to watch for
John Smith – another great new act, unbelievably unsigned
Chris Smither – an old school American Blues singer who sounds like he has been gargling gravel and looks a bit like a cross between Roy Orbison and Johnny Cash
Karine Polwart – a successful new Scots singer with an angelic voice
Devon Sproule – a quirky North American songstress with an unique sound that wasn’t universally liked by the old school folk audience. We had seen here last year at Womad and love her stuff
We also saw…
Roy Bailey – an old school folky, from before it was big the first time around. Popular with young and old alike
Mawkin – a fun modern folk group who are making waves on the new scene
The Lark Rise Band – this band were around before the TV series promoting the works of Flora Thompson with readings and song
4Square – a group of young, precocious and extremely talented youngsters who will undoubtedly go onto big things
Ross Ainslie and Jarlath Henderson with Ali Hutton – a talent couple of pipers with their friend
Pete Coe – another old school folky who has been around for a while and has a big following
Demon Barbers – the noisiest group we saw who like to keep things lively
Cupola – a talented group of traditional folk musicians
Various Dance sides and musical acts in the Market Square, Beer Tent and the Rope Circle.
Three of us went along and camped the weekend at the site in Oxfordshire. Although it was grey and windy for most days, apart from Monday afternoon’s sunshine, we were lucky that it didn’t rain, as I am sure that could have dampened our spirits.
We were on the go all day seeing many concerts and acts, interspersed with some liberal consumption of alcohol and the regular burger before bed. Even though we kept busy we still missed seeing anything at the off site venues or the ceilidh tent (pronounced kay-lee, or if you are Sue, see-li-dah).
There wasn’t an act that we didn’t like though there were a few favourites and I now have a longer wish list on Amazon. The highlights for us were:
The Imagined Village – an exciting cosmopolitan folk collective demonstrating how tradition can be made contemporary and grow from it
The Spooky Men’s Chorale – ‘a vast, rumbling, black-clad behemoth’ group of Australian (led by a Kiwi) ‘blokes’ who sing in great harmony and like a bit of silliness. We also went to the Spooky Men’s – Sing Like a Bloke workshop, where a large group of people learnt the ‘Let Me Through’ song and then invaded the Market Square, singing at the top of our collective voices, much to the puzzlement of the other visitors.
Megan and Joe Henwood – a great young brother and sister act – winners of the BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Awards 2009 and an act to watch for
John Smith – another great new act, unbelievably unsigned
Chris Smither – an old school American Blues singer who sounds like he has been gargling gravel and looks a bit like a cross between Roy Orbison and Johnny Cash
Karine Polwart – a successful new Scots singer with an angelic voice
Devon Sproule – a quirky North American songstress with an unique sound that wasn’t universally liked by the old school folk audience. We had seen here last year at Womad and love her stuff
We also saw…
Roy Bailey – an old school folky, from before it was big the first time around. Popular with young and old alike
Mawkin – a fun modern folk group who are making waves on the new scene
The Lark Rise Band – this band were around before the TV series promoting the works of Flora Thompson with readings and song
4Square – a group of young, precocious and extremely talented youngsters who will undoubtedly go onto big things
Ross Ainslie and Jarlath Henderson with Ali Hutton – a talent couple of pipers with their friend
Pete Coe – another old school folky who has been around for a while and has a big following
Demon Barbers – the noisiest group we saw who like to keep things lively
Cupola – a talented group of traditional folk musicians
Various Dance sides and musical acts in the Market Square, Beer Tent and the Rope Circle.
Shakespeare is always better outdoors…
Recently we went up to see my Uncle and go to the local production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Pendley Manor. The costumes and setting gave it a 1920’s feel and Puck was a fantastic with mannerisms that reminded me of Charlie Chaplin and Tommy Cooper.
There is something about watching Shakespeare outdoors that adds to the experience, I think it reminds me of earlier days when we went to see productions with friends at the Auckland University.
There is something about watching Shakespeare outdoors that adds to the experience, I think it reminds me of earlier days when we went to see productions with friends at the Auckland University.
Swingball Champion 1977…
We went to Sue’s Brother’s place a while back to help put up some guttering and to have a family get together. The weather was great and we sat out in the garden and played swingball, something I had not done for many years.
Thursday, August 06, 2009
Flying south…
We are planning a short visit down under to visit friends and family in NZ in October and to show Jamie around some of the sites (he wants to do the Sky-Jump and Zorbing). So we will try and set a date when we are in Auckland
Where has the sunshine gone…?
I know we shouldn’t expect too much of the British Summer but our hopes were initially lifted by a good spring and the promise by the forecaster’s of a BBQ Summer. Now that June and July have been predominately wet and gloomy the forecaster’s have revised there predictions for the worst.
On the plus side the wet weather has meant that we have not had to water the allotment, though we have not had much time outside and we are getting fed up with the wet and cold. We do have the occasional day of sunshine and heat, but it is unpredictable and short lived as another shower passes through to dampen our enthusiasm. Oh well, I guess it will soon be Christmas!
More banjos than is healthy…
We went to another festival recently, though on a much smaller scale and restricted musical theme as a local village held its 9th Surrey Mini Bluegrass Festival in the village hall. We have been to folk festivals, jazz festivals and now a bluegrass festival, and it seems there are similar types of people at each, just wearing different ‘uniforms’. It was a small, intimate and friendly atmosphere and we did hear some very talented musicians, and I even enjoyed one so much I bought their album.
Wood, Wire and Words are a family trio of husband and wife and wife’s dad who played a more accessible style of bluegrass that was centred on the lyrics of the young lead singer.
Wood, Wire and Words are a family trio of husband and wife and wife’s dad who played a more accessible style of bluegrass that was centred on the lyrics of the young lead singer.
Mad for Womad…
Our now regular trip to the Womad festival was not hampered greatly by the British summer weather and we managed to dress accordingly and shelter when necessary as the rains came and went. The site was prey good again though the organisers suffered problems with the toilets, and we mourned the lack of the Pieminister food stall and the small Little Italy Tent.
Again we saw and amazing selection of artists that most of us knew nothing of. There seemed to be a jazz influence to this year’s line-up culminating in the foremost Acid Jazz performer – Roy Ayers.
Some of the acts we saw included:
Caravan Palace downloaded their album)
Rachel Unthank and The Winterset (on my wish list)
Sarah Savoy & The Francadians (would love to get something of theirs)
17 Hippies (on my wish list)
Victor Deme (on my wish list)
Hindi Zahra
Hypnotic Brass Ensemble
Mec Yek
Solomon Burke
Roy Ayers
Youssou N’Dour
Spiro
Nneke
Ethiopiques
Los Desterrados
Long days (and nights) of prolonged drinking and festival atmosphere did produce some amusing incidents, like putting an order in for tea & toast in the middle of the night under the name of ‘fudgy-foo-foo’ and having another late night cuppa in a chi tent as kids inhaled ‘laughing-gas’ from balloons and a single mum smoked a joint as her baby slept in a pram nearby.
It was such an education for us innocents abroad in everyway.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Gently does it...
Titsey Place - House and Gardens
After an entertaining and excessive party recently we woke up gently the next day at our friend’s house to bright sunshine and a bacon butty. Paul, one of those celebrating a birthday, lived here and he took us out to where he worked at the grand and historic Titsey Place near Oxted. He spends most of his time out in the gardens and use his woodman skills to create impressive arches and other woven wood structures for the kitchen garden. It was a wonderful place with lovely different garden areas to stroll through and to slowly recover from a hard night before.
After an entertaining and excessive party recently we woke up gently the next day at our friend’s house to bright sunshine and a bacon butty. Paul, one of those celebrating a birthday, lived here and he took us out to where he worked at the grand and historic Titsey Place near Oxted. He spends most of his time out in the gardens and use his woodman skills to create impressive arches and other woven wood structures for the kitchen garden. It was a wonderful place with lovely different garden areas to stroll through and to slowly recover from a hard night before.
Poynter Pointing Party…
We enlisted the help of Sue’s family (the Poynter’s) to fix the mortar pointing around the windows at the back of the house that had been left neglected for many years and had crumbled away in areas exposing large gaps that let the weather in. Sue’s brother Dave and his eldest son Nick did the work as they have experience in building work, while I acted as gofer. Sue and her mum did domestic chores and prepared a sumptuous meal for us in the evening when Sue’s other brother and his wife joined us.
Writing unblocked...
I have finally got around to more writing, this time it was a short (2000 word) story for the Guardian Short Story Competition. I did rework something that I had started a few years ago, but after the initial fear about putting pen to paper again, I found I quite enjoyed the process. Hopefully this won’t be the end of things now. I will have to keep my eye out for other competitions where the deadline and restrictions give me focus.
A Picnic in the Park...
Reigate Priory
We took an afternoon off recently and went for a picnic in this delightful park on a Sunday. It is a large space with a variety of areas for perambulating, sports, children, views and lolling about. It was nice to see so many people out and about, families together, groups of friends and work colleagues and couples.
We took an afternoon off recently and went for a picnic in this delightful park on a Sunday. It is a large space with a variety of areas for perambulating, sports, children, views and lolling about. It was nice to see so many people out and about, families together, groups of friends and work colleagues and couples.
I know wot I like….
I have been asked to make a few musical recommendations on folk music. I can’t say that I am an authority on any genre as I tend to dip into many different styles of music, but I know what I like. These that I have chosen here a generally English folk, though they are more modern than traditional and so are influenced by the country’s more cosmopolitan nature.
Musical Recommendations – English Folk
Underneath the Stars by Kate Rusby
The most traditional of the four albums selected here, Kate has a clear and sweetly regional accent that lends itself well to the gentle and clean sound that she creates. This is a beautiful album for either background music or quiet contemplation. I would say this is a good album to introduce you to the folk style.
The Imagined Village
This is something quite different in that it is a determined attempt at moving the genre along to better represent the modern world. A great collective of people mixing folk stalwarts such as Martin and Eliza Carthy, The Copper Family, Chris Wood and Billy Bragg, with new borrowed cultural music from Sheila Chandra, rock influences like Paul Weller and Trans Global Underground and even poetry from Benjamin Zephaniah. This might not be for the old traditionalist, but it is very relevant to the new audience of today.
‘The Imagined Village is an ambitious reinvention of the English folk tradition, embracing modern-day culture in all the diversity. Classic folk songs are skilfully reworked with the sounds and voices of today, updating the tradition for a new generation.’
The Boy Bands Have Won by Chumbawamba
Folk has always had its political and protesting side to it and this band, like the Imagined Village, have set out trying to push the genre forward into the future. They are a very considered and thoughtful group who have a point to make even when you don’t realise it as you listen to the catchy tunes and often humorous lyrics.
‘The boy bands have won, and all the copyists and the tribute bands and the TV talent show producers have won, if we allow our culture to be shaped by mimicry, wether from lack of ideas or from exaggerated respect. You should never try to freeze culture. What you can do is recycle that culture. Take your older brother’s hand-me-down jacket and re-style it, re-fashion it to the point where it becomes your own. But don’t just regurgitate creative history, or hold art and music and literature as fixed, untouchable and kept under glass. The people who try to ‘guard’ any particular form of music are, like the copyists and manufactured bands, doing it the worst disservice, because the only thing that you can do to music that will damage it is not change it, not make it your own. Because then it dies, then it’s over, then it’s done, and the boy bands have won.’
Burlesque by Bellowhead
This is a big band with a big sound that is quite a contrast to the gentle sounds of Kate Rusby, as they relish the wall of sound that the mixture of instruments can achieve. They are all about entertainment and they take the traditional folk songs and add colour and lights to the sound.
‘M’Lords, Ladies and Gentlemen,
It gives me great pleasure – oh yes – to present these rare and glittering gems, these dazzling and delectable delights, these precious sparkling stones from the gilded coronet, the diamante tiara that is indeed the English music tradition.
So without further ado, pray sit back, recline and repose whilst we entertain and edify you, courtesy of the bold and brazen brass, soothing soniforous strings, rich and resplendent reeds, pantechnicon of outré percussion, and of course, vivacious, nay, effervescent vocals, that conjoin and coalesce to form the truly singular sui generis that is: Bellowhead!’
Musical Recommendations – English Folk
Underneath the Stars by Kate Rusby
The most traditional of the four albums selected here, Kate has a clear and sweetly regional accent that lends itself well to the gentle and clean sound that she creates. This is a beautiful album for either background music or quiet contemplation. I would say this is a good album to introduce you to the folk style.
The Imagined Village
This is something quite different in that it is a determined attempt at moving the genre along to better represent the modern world. A great collective of people mixing folk stalwarts such as Martin and Eliza Carthy, The Copper Family, Chris Wood and Billy Bragg, with new borrowed cultural music from Sheila Chandra, rock influences like Paul Weller and Trans Global Underground and even poetry from Benjamin Zephaniah. This might not be for the old traditionalist, but it is very relevant to the new audience of today.
‘The Imagined Village is an ambitious reinvention of the English folk tradition, embracing modern-day culture in all the diversity. Classic folk songs are skilfully reworked with the sounds and voices of today, updating the tradition for a new generation.’
The Boy Bands Have Won by Chumbawamba
Folk has always had its political and protesting side to it and this band, like the Imagined Village, have set out trying to push the genre forward into the future. They are a very considered and thoughtful group who have a point to make even when you don’t realise it as you listen to the catchy tunes and often humorous lyrics.
‘The boy bands have won, and all the copyists and the tribute bands and the TV talent show producers have won, if we allow our culture to be shaped by mimicry, wether from lack of ideas or from exaggerated respect. You should never try to freeze culture. What you can do is recycle that culture. Take your older brother’s hand-me-down jacket and re-style it, re-fashion it to the point where it becomes your own. But don’t just regurgitate creative history, or hold art and music and literature as fixed, untouchable and kept under glass. The people who try to ‘guard’ any particular form of music are, like the copyists and manufactured bands, doing it the worst disservice, because the only thing that you can do to music that will damage it is not change it, not make it your own. Because then it dies, then it’s over, then it’s done, and the boy bands have won.’
Burlesque by Bellowhead
This is a big band with a big sound that is quite a contrast to the gentle sounds of Kate Rusby, as they relish the wall of sound that the mixture of instruments can achieve. They are all about entertainment and they take the traditional folk songs and add colour and lights to the sound.
‘M’Lords, Ladies and Gentlemen,
It gives me great pleasure – oh yes – to present these rare and glittering gems, these dazzling and delectable delights, these precious sparkling stones from the gilded coronet, the diamante tiara that is indeed the English music tradition.
So without further ado, pray sit back, recline and repose whilst we entertain and edify you, courtesy of the bold and brazen brass, soothing soniforous strings, rich and resplendent reeds, pantechnicon of outré percussion, and of course, vivacious, nay, effervescent vocals, that conjoin and coalesce to form the truly singular sui generis that is: Bellowhead!’
More of wot I have seen…
Public Enemies
We recently saw this movie in the small cinema in Reigate. It relies a lot on the action and momentum to carry it along, which it does apace. The characters were fun too, if a little two dimensional, but that fitted with the almost cartoon feel to the story
We recently saw this movie in the small cinema in Reigate. It relies a lot on the action and momentum to carry it along, which it does apace. The characters were fun too, if a little two dimensional, but that fitted with the almost cartoon feel to the story
Fiddly French fingers…
Seen recently at the Dorking Folk Club was this artist who had amazing skills in guitar finger-picking. The intros to the songs were longer than the songs themselves. He was also a nice guy with a good sense of humour.
‘Claude Bourbon - A breathtaking fusion of Blues, Folk, Jazz, Classical and Spanish guitar. This accomplished artist offers tender, compelling performance through highly developed precision and instantly creates ambience – from haunting Spanish moods to lyrical, romantic jazz.
A formidable performer, Claude may have his roots in the blues, but he is inspired by music from all around the world, taking these sounds and weaving them into a performance of melodies that defy a label, all delivered with a gravely voice that has given him the nickname of "The Frog with the blues".’
‘Claude Bourbon - A breathtaking fusion of Blues, Folk, Jazz, Classical and Spanish guitar. This accomplished artist offers tender, compelling performance through highly developed precision and instantly creates ambience – from haunting Spanish moods to lyrical, romantic jazz.
A formidable performer, Claude may have his roots in the blues, but he is inspired by music from all around the world, taking these sounds and weaving them into a performance of melodies that defy a label, all delivered with a gravely voice that has given him the nickname of "The Frog with the blues".’
More wot I have read…
The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton
This was the second book from the same author that Sue enjoyed and suggested I read. Like the first one it too was slow to start and the author spent a lot of time setting the scene and fleshing out the characters. This story spanned several time periods and geographical locations but was nicely resolved. A good period drama.
‘Before her eyes the garden changed. Weeds and brambles, decades in the growing, receded. Leaves lifted from the ground, revealing paths and flowerbeds and a garden seat. Light was permitted entry once more…
1913
On the eve of the First World War a little girl is found abandoned after a gruelling ocean voyage from England to Australia. All she can remember of the journey is that a mysterious woman she calls the Authoress had promised to look after her. But the Authoress has vanished without trace.
1975
Now an old lady, Nell travels to England to discover the truth about her parentage. Her quest leads her to Cornwall, and to a beautiful estate called Blackhurst Manor, which had been owned by the Mountrachet family. What has prompted Nell’s journey after all these years.
2005
On Nell’s death her granddaughter, Cassandra, comes into a surprise inheritance. Cliff Cottage, in the grounds of Blackhurst Manor, is notorious amongst the locals for the secrets it holds – secrets about the doomed Mountrachet family. But it is at Cliff Cottage, abandoned for years, and in its forgotten garden, that Cassandra will uncover the truth about the family and why young Nell was abandoned all those decades before’
This was the second book from the same author that Sue enjoyed and suggested I read. Like the first one it too was slow to start and the author spent a lot of time setting the scene and fleshing out the characters. This story spanned several time periods and geographical locations but was nicely resolved. A good period drama.
‘Before her eyes the garden changed. Weeds and brambles, decades in the growing, receded. Leaves lifted from the ground, revealing paths and flowerbeds and a garden seat. Light was permitted entry once more…
1913
On the eve of the First World War a little girl is found abandoned after a gruelling ocean voyage from England to Australia. All she can remember of the journey is that a mysterious woman she calls the Authoress had promised to look after her. But the Authoress has vanished without trace.
1975
Now an old lady, Nell travels to England to discover the truth about her parentage. Her quest leads her to Cornwall, and to a beautiful estate called Blackhurst Manor, which had been owned by the Mountrachet family. What has prompted Nell’s journey after all these years.
2005
On Nell’s death her granddaughter, Cassandra, comes into a surprise inheritance. Cliff Cottage, in the grounds of Blackhurst Manor, is notorious amongst the locals for the secrets it holds – secrets about the doomed Mountrachet family. But it is at Cliff Cottage, abandoned for years, and in its forgotten garden, that Cassandra will uncover the truth about the family and why young Nell was abandoned all those decades before’
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Drunken legs…
The night before the longest day we went to a BBQ at our allotment that was hosted by a couple of guys who had rebuilt their impressive shed after vandals had burnt it down. They were expressing their thanks to all of those who offered assistance and support and the Allotment Holders Association promoted it as a gathering of tenants to get to know one another.
It was a pleasant evening and everyone enjoyed themselves meeting people that they previously had only seen the backsides of from a distance as they bent over their plots attending to their crops. There were young families with children running around, middle-aged people of all professions, older couples with their home made elderflower cordial, and an elegant woman who had been on the site since 1964.
As the evening drew in a core group of revellers were left, of which we were two. It was then that the flavoured vodkas emerged – home made infusions of Fennel, Mint, Strawberry and Vanilla. Sue was more sensible than I, who had never had vodka before (and by now was less inhibited by the application of red wine), to consume all of the shots. I knocked them back and even finished some of Sue’s. We were sitting around the shed having a laugh and a good time as it got later. We had planned to walk back to Westcott (which meant a 2 mile trek across the fields, through a wood and along a main road), so Sue suggested we get on our way as we had plans for the following morning. It was then that I noticed I had drunken legs, and as soon as tried to stand I was on my backside again. We mumbled apologies, thanks and goodnights and staggered off into the gloom. It wasn’t the last time I fell over, and Sue had a hard time keeping me upright – berating me as I swayed close to the road ‘If you get run over I will kill you!’
Needless to say the next day was mostly spent in a haze as I endeavoured to set up Sue’s Aunt’s Broadband and Video package.
I don’t think I will be trying vodka again in a hurry… …though the boys have promised to invite us back for their cider making enterprise!
It was a pleasant evening and everyone enjoyed themselves meeting people that they previously had only seen the backsides of from a distance as they bent over their plots attending to their crops. There were young families with children running around, middle-aged people of all professions, older couples with their home made elderflower cordial, and an elegant woman who had been on the site since 1964.
As the evening drew in a core group of revellers were left, of which we were two. It was then that the flavoured vodkas emerged – home made infusions of Fennel, Mint, Strawberry and Vanilla. Sue was more sensible than I, who had never had vodka before (and by now was less inhibited by the application of red wine), to consume all of the shots. I knocked them back and even finished some of Sue’s. We were sitting around the shed having a laugh and a good time as it got later. We had planned to walk back to Westcott (which meant a 2 mile trek across the fields, through a wood and along a main road), so Sue suggested we get on our way as we had plans for the following morning. It was then that I noticed I had drunken legs, and as soon as tried to stand I was on my backside again. We mumbled apologies, thanks and goodnights and staggered off into the gloom. It wasn’t the last time I fell over, and Sue had a hard time keeping me upright – berating me as I swayed close to the road ‘If you get run over I will kill you!’
Needless to say the next day was mostly spent in a haze as I endeavoured to set up Sue’s Aunt’s Broadband and Video package.
I don’t think I will be trying vodka again in a hurry… …though the boys have promised to invite us back for their cider making enterprise!
More wot I have read…
The House at Riverton by Kate Morton
This was a book that Sue enjoyed and suggested I read. I found it slow to start but the ending was nicely resolved without being too cutesy. A good period drama.
‘Summer 1924
One the eve of a glittering society party, by the lake of a grand English country house, a young poet takes his life. The only witnesses, sisters Hannah and Emmeline Hartford, will never speak to each other again.
Winter 1999
Grace Bradley, ninety-eight, one-time housemaid at Riverton Manor, is visited by a young director making a film about the poet’s suicide. Ghosts awaken and old memories – long consigned to the dark reaches of Grace’s mind – begin to sneak back through the cracks. A shocking secret threatens to emerge, something history has forgotten but Grace never could.
Set as the war-shattered Edwardian summer surrenders to the decadent twenties, The House at Riverton is a thrilling mystery and a compelling love story.’
This was a book that Sue enjoyed and suggested I read. I found it slow to start but the ending was nicely resolved without being too cutesy. A good period drama.
‘Summer 1924
One the eve of a glittering society party, by the lake of a grand English country house, a young poet takes his life. The only witnesses, sisters Hannah and Emmeline Hartford, will never speak to each other again.
Winter 1999
Grace Bradley, ninety-eight, one-time housemaid at Riverton Manor, is visited by a young director making a film about the poet’s suicide. Ghosts awaken and old memories – long consigned to the dark reaches of Grace’s mind – begin to sneak back through the cracks. A shocking secret threatens to emerge, something history has forgotten but Grace never could.
Set as the war-shattered Edwardian summer surrenders to the decadent twenties, The House at Riverton is a thrilling mystery and a compelling love story.’
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
The history of Ranmore village…
We recently went on an evening walk around what was the village of Ranmore. The shops, cottages and church served the nearby Denbies estate and were built by the then landowner who went on to become the 1st Lord Ashcombe. The shops, post office, dispensary, school and rectors house are now all private residences, but we were allowed a closer look at some of them and were allowed to walk across part of the Denbies estate to see where the grand old house used to stand and the views it commanded over the local area.
Gardens in bloom…
We have been spending more time out doors in gardens now that the weather has improved. We have planted much of our allotment even though the ground is still poor and we are not expecting a great yield – the strawberries are going great guns at the moment and Sue has made jams and frozen the excess that can’t be eaten fresh. Around home the garden is looking good and we are seeing where we can move some plants around next year to improve the display. We have also been helping out with the Westcott in Bloom preparations by clearing approaches to the village of overgrowing verges and helping plant out display beds that should improve our chances of getting an award.
Recently we also joined the Gardeners Club in an outing to Parham House in West Sussex to walk around their lovely free-form gardens and the historic 16th C house. The gardens have a variety of ‘rooms’ within the large walled area and outside that is the please gardens with lake, maze and parkland. The house has a great collection of paintings, artefacts and a very grand long gallery. Still privately owned and occupied Parham House and Gardens is well worth a visit.
Recently we also joined the Gardeners Club in an outing to Parham House in West Sussex to walk around their lovely free-form gardens and the historic 16th C house. The gardens have a variety of ‘rooms’ within the large walled area and outside that is the please gardens with lake, maze and parkland. The house has a great collection of paintings, artefacts and a very grand long gallery. Still privately owned and occupied Parham House and Gardens is well worth a visit.
More wot I have heard…
Wishful Thinking by Hot Club of Cowtown
This was the album that the band was promoting as part of their tour that we caught in Brighton recently. We have an earlier album (Continental Stomp – 2003) and this new one is similar but with a few more variations and is very enjoyable – I listened to it twice through on the way home on the weekend.
******
I have been into some aspects of the jazz genre for a while as my dad introduced me to traditional acts and I found acid-jazz/jazz-fusion later on. A friend in NZ gave me a list of his top jazz albums and I have recently tracked them down and bought them online.
Brilliant Corners by Thelonious Monk
This was the first album to be delivered, and it is described as challenging, provocative and disturbing. I know some jazz can be pretty weird, but I can’t say found it this album all that bad, in fact I found it was perfectly fine as background music.
Kind of Blue by Miles Davis
This is probably my favourite of this jazz classics group, and the one I was most familiar with. It has a smoky, late night club feel to it and is great to let it flow over you.
A Love Supreme by John Coltrane
I lot of these artists were familiar with each others work and often collaborated together and Coltrane features on the Miles Davis album. This, though, is one of his most celebrated albums and where it is a bit more ‘out there’ it is still well worth a listen to and has a lot going on in it.
Mingus Ah Um by Charles Mingus
Another very interesting jazz classic album, and for those keen on the genre it is full of really good stuff.
Also recommended by my jazz loving friend is this interesting album…
The Very Best of Play Bach by Jacques Loussier
I was unaware of his work until it was pointed out that he performed the ‘Hamlet Cigar’ music. This album is an easy listening joy that washes over the listener and gently carries them away. It is an antidote to the other albums above that require more active concentration on the behalf of the listener to get the most out of them. Where they are smoky jazz dive beats, this is a sophisticated cocktail bar soundtrack.
******
Made in Dakar by Orchestra Baobab
We saw these guys at the last Womad we went to and were impressed with their Afro-Cuban rhythms and beautifully orchestrated instruments and harmonious voices. For anyone who has an interest in World music and expanding their listening horizons this group would be high on my list along with the Buena Vista Social Club.
Sweet Fast River by Suntrap
We saw this group at our local folk club and were very impressed with their lovely songs. You can also find them on their own MySpace site.
This was the album that the band was promoting as part of their tour that we caught in Brighton recently. We have an earlier album (Continental Stomp – 2003) and this new one is similar but with a few more variations and is very enjoyable – I listened to it twice through on the way home on the weekend.
******
I have been into some aspects of the jazz genre for a while as my dad introduced me to traditional acts and I found acid-jazz/jazz-fusion later on. A friend in NZ gave me a list of his top jazz albums and I have recently tracked them down and bought them online.
Brilliant Corners by Thelonious Monk
This was the first album to be delivered, and it is described as challenging, provocative and disturbing. I know some jazz can be pretty weird, but I can’t say found it this album all that bad, in fact I found it was perfectly fine as background music.
Kind of Blue by Miles Davis
This is probably my favourite of this jazz classics group, and the one I was most familiar with. It has a smoky, late night club feel to it and is great to let it flow over you.
A Love Supreme by John Coltrane
I lot of these artists were familiar with each others work and often collaborated together and Coltrane features on the Miles Davis album. This, though, is one of his most celebrated albums and where it is a bit more ‘out there’ it is still well worth a listen to and has a lot going on in it.
Mingus Ah Um by Charles Mingus
Another very interesting jazz classic album, and for those keen on the genre it is full of really good stuff.
Also recommended by my jazz loving friend is this interesting album…
The Very Best of Play Bach by Jacques Loussier
I was unaware of his work until it was pointed out that he performed the ‘Hamlet Cigar’ music. This album is an easy listening joy that washes over the listener and gently carries them away. It is an antidote to the other albums above that require more active concentration on the behalf of the listener to get the most out of them. Where they are smoky jazz dive beats, this is a sophisticated cocktail bar soundtrack.
******
Made in Dakar by Orchestra Baobab
We saw these guys at the last Womad we went to and were impressed with their Afro-Cuban rhythms and beautifully orchestrated instruments and harmonious voices. For anyone who has an interest in World music and expanding their listening horizons this group would be high on my list along with the Buena Vista Social Club.
Sweet Fast River by Suntrap
We saw this group at our local folk club and were very impressed with their lovely songs. You can also find them on their own MySpace site.
More wot I have seen…
We went to see Hot Club of Cowtown recently with a couple of friends and we had one of the best nights ever as the band ripped up the club with an enthusiastic foot-stomping show. They are – as their name suggests – a band that incorporates the Hot Club of France sound with Country music into a hugely entertaining fusion. All of members of the band are amazingly talented musicians with the guitarist taking the Django Reinhardt role, the violinist the Stephane Grappelli, and the double bassist slapping out a thumping beat with support of the drummer.
The venue was an interesting and deceptive Komedia club in Brighton that is host of a variety of gigs including comedy, music and cabaret. It was a lively place with a mixed audience and a well stocked bar. Downstairs they have a coffee bar and a café that looks well patronised.
The venue was an interesting and deceptive Komedia club in Brighton that is host of a variety of gigs including comedy, music and cabaret. It was a lively place with a mixed audience and a well stocked bar. Downstairs they have a coffee bar and a café that looks well patronised.
More wot I have read…
My Name is Daphne Fairfax by Arthur Smith
I rattled through this book as it was a very entertaining read. I could hear Arthur Smith’s distinctive voice in the words as I read about his interesting life.
'My name is Arthur Smith, unless there's anybody here from the Streatham tax office. In which case, I'm Daphne Fairfax'. This has been Arthur's opening line at hundreds of stand-up comedy performances. In fact, he is neither Daphne nor Arthur. Friends and family know him as Brian. One of the 'alternative comedians' who shook up light entertainment in the eighties and nineties, Arthur (and Brian) is also a broadcaster, an opening bat for Grumpy Old Men, a West End playwright (his plays include An Evening with Gary Lineker) and a guest on innumerable radio and TV panel shows. In "My Name is Daphne Fairfax", he reflects on the nature of comedy and his days as a scruffy kid on the bombsites of Bermondsey, a wild-haired undergraduate, a road sweeper, an English teacher, a failed rock star, a boozed-up sexual adventurer and an intensive care patient who has been told never to drink again. Hilarious, scandalous and rude, his memoir incorporates a tender tribute to his parents and a vigorous account of the peculiar business of being alive.’
Breaking Dawn by Stephanie Meyer
The fourth book in the series that ties up the storylines for all the major characters nicely. This book got some bad press from the puritans as it celebrates the union between boy and girl, though I can’t see a problem with it as there is nothing graphic and the passion is highly romanticized.
It is an easy read, written as it is for young adults, but it is still entertaining and compulsive. Different in its approach from the previous books it allows the story to viewed from two characters point of view fleshing the second character out more while giving us a relief from the insecurities of the lead.
‘Don’t be afraid,’ I murmured. ‘We belong together.’
I was abruptly overwhelmed by the truth of my own words. This moment was so perfect, so right, there was no way to doubt it. His arms wrapped around me, holding me against him…It felt like every nerve ending in my body was a live wire.
‘Forever,’ he agreed.
I rattled through this book as it was a very entertaining read. I could hear Arthur Smith’s distinctive voice in the words as I read about his interesting life.
'My name is Arthur Smith, unless there's anybody here from the Streatham tax office. In which case, I'm Daphne Fairfax'. This has been Arthur's opening line at hundreds of stand-up comedy performances. In fact, he is neither Daphne nor Arthur. Friends and family know him as Brian. One of the 'alternative comedians' who shook up light entertainment in the eighties and nineties, Arthur (and Brian) is also a broadcaster, an opening bat for Grumpy Old Men, a West End playwright (his plays include An Evening with Gary Lineker) and a guest on innumerable radio and TV panel shows. In "My Name is Daphne Fairfax", he reflects on the nature of comedy and his days as a scruffy kid on the bombsites of Bermondsey, a wild-haired undergraduate, a road sweeper, an English teacher, a failed rock star, a boozed-up sexual adventurer and an intensive care patient who has been told never to drink again. Hilarious, scandalous and rude, his memoir incorporates a tender tribute to his parents and a vigorous account of the peculiar business of being alive.’
Breaking Dawn by Stephanie Meyer
The fourth book in the series that ties up the storylines for all the major characters nicely. This book got some bad press from the puritans as it celebrates the union between boy and girl, though I can’t see a problem with it as there is nothing graphic and the passion is highly romanticized.
It is an easy read, written as it is for young adults, but it is still entertaining and compulsive. Different in its approach from the previous books it allows the story to viewed from two characters point of view fleshing the second character out more while giving us a relief from the insecurities of the lead.
‘Don’t be afraid,’ I murmured. ‘We belong together.’
I was abruptly overwhelmed by the truth of my own words. This moment was so perfect, so right, there was no way to doubt it. His arms wrapped around me, holding me against him…It felt like every nerve ending in my body was a live wire.
‘Forever,’ he agreed.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Under canvas…
We had a long weekend away camping at Hollands Wood in the New Forest with a bunch of friends and we were lucky with unusually bright and hot Bank Holiday weather. Much of the time was spent sitting around the site drinking copiously, but we did manage a few short walks and one long (and painful) bicycle ride in the forest.
We were impressed with the site and its location in the middle of the forest was ideal, though you had to be careful to move any foodstuffs and not leave any out in the campsite when you retired at night as the ponies would be around in the morning rooting through it for their breakfast.
We were impressed with the site and its location in the middle of the forest was ideal, though you had to be careful to move any foodstuffs and not leave any out in the campsite when you retired at night as the ponies would be around in the morning rooting through it for their breakfast.
More wot I have seen…
Madeleine Peyroux is a French/Canadian singer songwriter with a soulful and mellow voice that transports the listener. She had a reputation of being stand-offish and difficult, but she was charming and engaging, and a little quirky… …which is not a bad thing.
She performed at the Brighton Dome which is an interesting venue and one that seemed to suit her very well.
The support act was from Sophie Hunger and her group from Switzerland who were very interesting and folksy (I have ordered her latest CD).
Cara Dillon is an Irish singer songwriter with the voice of an angel. She sings effortlessly with a clear and sweet sound and is supported by a talented band (including her husband Sam Lakeman – brother of Seth).
The venue was the Chequer Mead at East Grinstead, a smaller intimate theatre that suited this traditional folk music very well.
The support was from an unusual duo called Horses Brawl. They came from Norfolk and played a ‘mash-up’ of music that they say is rooted in renaissance, medieval, baroque and European folk traditions.
She performed at the Brighton Dome which is an interesting venue and one that seemed to suit her very well.
The support act was from Sophie Hunger and her group from Switzerland who were very interesting and folksy (I have ordered her latest CD).
Cara Dillon is an Irish singer songwriter with the voice of an angel. She sings effortlessly with a clear and sweet sound and is supported by a talented band (including her husband Sam Lakeman – brother of Seth).
The venue was the Chequer Mead at East Grinstead, a smaller intimate theatre that suited this traditional folk music very well.
The support was from an unusual duo called Horses Brawl. They came from Norfolk and played a ‘mash-up’ of music that they say is rooted in renaissance, medieval, baroque and European folk traditions.
More wot I have read…
The Blue Zone by Andrew Gross
This not the greatest book that I have ever read but it is not terrible either.
‘They were the perfect family. And he was the perfect family man. One day changed it all.
Arrested for racketeering, Ben Raab must take his family into America’s Witness Protection Program. Only his eldest daughter, Kate, stays on the outside.
But the Program’s perfect success rate is about to end. A case agent is tortured to death and Ben vanishes. The one person who might be able to find him is Kate.
Pursued by killers, forced to question everything she knows about her life, Kate is plunged into a terrifying existence for which nothing has prepared her.
Most people would call it certain death. The FBI calls it the Blue Zone.’
The Righteous Men by Sam Bourne
This book exposed me to a glimpse of what it might be like in a Jewish community, but otherwise the storyline and progress was a little to much like other better written books.
‘A series of murders as far apart as the backstreets of New York, the crowded slums of India and the pristine beaches of Cape Town can’t be connected, can they?
Rookie New York Times reporter Will Monroe thinks not – until his beautiful wife Beth is kidnapped. The men holding her seem ready to kill without hesitation.
Desperate, Will follows a sinister trail that leads to a mysterious cult – fanatical followers of one of the world’s oldest religions – right on his doorstep. Now he must unravel ancient prophecies and riddles buried deep in the Bible to find a secret worth killing for, a secret on which the fate of humanity may depend. But with more victims dying every hour and each clue wrapped in layers of code, time is running out…’
Unchained America by Dave Gorman
This was an interesting read for me as I would be quite keen to take a road trip across America. The journey through backwater towns where unusual people and sites were found was entertaining.
‘The plan was simple. Go to America. Buy a second-hand car. Drive coast-to-coast without giving any money to The Man. What could possibly go wrong? Dismayed by the relentless onslaught of faceless American chains muscling in where local businesses had once thrived, Dave Gorman set off on the ultimate American road trip - in search of the true, independent heart of the US of A. He would eat cherry pie from local diners, re-fuel at dusty gas stations on remote highways and stock up on supplies from Mom and Pop's grocery store. At least that was the idea. But in a world of 30,000 McDonalds, 13,000 Starbucks, and 4,200 Best Westerns, could it really be done? When did you last see an independent gas station? Gamely, Dave beds down in a Colorado trailer park, sleeps in an Oregon forest treehouse, and even spends Thanksgiving with a Mexican family in Kansas. But when his classic coast-to-coast trip mutates into an odyssey of near-epic proportions and he finds himself being threatened at gun point in Mississippi, Dave starts to worry about what's going to break down next. The car...or him?’
This not the greatest book that I have ever read but it is not terrible either.
‘They were the perfect family. And he was the perfect family man. One day changed it all.
Arrested for racketeering, Ben Raab must take his family into America’s Witness Protection Program. Only his eldest daughter, Kate, stays on the outside.
But the Program’s perfect success rate is about to end. A case agent is tortured to death and Ben vanishes. The one person who might be able to find him is Kate.
Pursued by killers, forced to question everything she knows about her life, Kate is plunged into a terrifying existence for which nothing has prepared her.
Most people would call it certain death. The FBI calls it the Blue Zone.’
The Righteous Men by Sam Bourne
This book exposed me to a glimpse of what it might be like in a Jewish community, but otherwise the storyline and progress was a little to much like other better written books.
‘A series of murders as far apart as the backstreets of New York, the crowded slums of India and the pristine beaches of Cape Town can’t be connected, can they?
Rookie New York Times reporter Will Monroe thinks not – until his beautiful wife Beth is kidnapped. The men holding her seem ready to kill without hesitation.
Desperate, Will follows a sinister trail that leads to a mysterious cult – fanatical followers of one of the world’s oldest religions – right on his doorstep. Now he must unravel ancient prophecies and riddles buried deep in the Bible to find a secret worth killing for, a secret on which the fate of humanity may depend. But with more victims dying every hour and each clue wrapped in layers of code, time is running out…’
Unchained America by Dave Gorman
This was an interesting read for me as I would be quite keen to take a road trip across America. The journey through backwater towns where unusual people and sites were found was entertaining.
‘The plan was simple. Go to America. Buy a second-hand car. Drive coast-to-coast without giving any money to The Man. What could possibly go wrong? Dismayed by the relentless onslaught of faceless American chains muscling in where local businesses had once thrived, Dave Gorman set off on the ultimate American road trip - in search of the true, independent heart of the US of A. He would eat cherry pie from local diners, re-fuel at dusty gas stations on remote highways and stock up on supplies from Mom and Pop's grocery store. At least that was the idea. But in a world of 30,000 McDonalds, 13,000 Starbucks, and 4,200 Best Westerns, could it really be done? When did you last see an independent gas station? Gamely, Dave beds down in a Colorado trailer park, sleeps in an Oregon forest treehouse, and even spends Thanksgiving with a Mexican family in Kansas. But when his classic coast-to-coast trip mutates into an odyssey of near-epic proportions and he finds himself being threatened at gun point in Mississippi, Dave starts to worry about what's going to break down next. The car...or him?’
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
More wot I have read…
Twilight Series by Stephanie Mayer
The first three books:
Twilight
New Moon
Eclipse
This series of books aimed at the American young adult market is very entertaining for the older reader too. Quite heavily charged with teenage angst I can see how it appeals to the hormonally imbalanced youth who have taken to it so well.
Twilight
‘When Isabella Swan moves to the gloomy town of Forks and meets the mysterious, alluring Edward Cullen, her life takes a thrilling and terrifying turn. With his porcelain skin, golden eyes, mesmerizing voice, and supernatural gifts, Edward is both irresistible and impenetrable. Up until now, he has managed to keep his true identity hidden, but Bella is determined to uncover his dark secret.
What Bella doesn’t realise is that the closer she gets to him, the more she is putting herself and those around her at risk. And it might be too late to turn back…’
New Moon
‘For Bella Swan, there is one thing more important than life itself: Edward Cullen. But being in love with a vampire is even more dangerous than Bella could ever have imagined. Edwards has already rescued Bella from the clutches of one evil vampire, but now, as their daring relationship threatens all that is near and dear to them, they realise their troubles may be just beginning…’
Eclipse
‘As Seattle is ravaged by a string of mysterious killings and a malicious vampire continuous her quest for revenge, Bella once again finds herself surrounded be danger. In the midst of it all, she is forced to choose between her love for Edward and her friendship with Jacob – knowing that her decision has the potential to ignite the ageless struggle between vampire and werewolf. With her graduation approaching, Bella has one more decision to make: life or death. But which is which?’
The first three books:
Twilight
New Moon
Eclipse
This series of books aimed at the American young adult market is very entertaining for the older reader too. Quite heavily charged with teenage angst I can see how it appeals to the hormonally imbalanced youth who have taken to it so well.
Twilight
‘When Isabella Swan moves to the gloomy town of Forks and meets the mysterious, alluring Edward Cullen, her life takes a thrilling and terrifying turn. With his porcelain skin, golden eyes, mesmerizing voice, and supernatural gifts, Edward is both irresistible and impenetrable. Up until now, he has managed to keep his true identity hidden, but Bella is determined to uncover his dark secret.
What Bella doesn’t realise is that the closer she gets to him, the more she is putting herself and those around her at risk. And it might be too late to turn back…’
New Moon
‘For Bella Swan, there is one thing more important than life itself: Edward Cullen. But being in love with a vampire is even more dangerous than Bella could ever have imagined. Edwards has already rescued Bella from the clutches of one evil vampire, but now, as their daring relationship threatens all that is near and dear to them, they realise their troubles may be just beginning…’
Eclipse
‘As Seattle is ravaged by a string of mysterious killings and a malicious vampire continuous her quest for revenge, Bella once again finds herself surrounded be danger. In the midst of it all, she is forced to choose between her love for Edward and her friendship with Jacob – knowing that her decision has the potential to ignite the ageless struggle between vampire and werewolf. With her graduation approaching, Bella has one more decision to make: life or death. But which is which?’
Up, up and away…
We have just been on a long weekend break to the beautiful Peak District and the heart of the country. We based ourselves at the historic market town of Bakewell, renowned for its tarts and puddings (though not to our tastes), which is a lovely town besides the river that has a friendly atmosphere and bucolic charm.
On our way to the town we stopped in at the nearby historic Chatsworth home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire. It is an impressive pile with grand gardens and lands as far as the eye can see. We were more impressed with the wonderful grounds with their long lacks, fountains and water terraces than we were with the house itself. We had a delightful picnic lunch sitting in the grounds in the bright sunshine
The following day we visited another historic home that had belonged to the Cavendish family, that of Hardwick Hall. We were very impressed with both the old and new halls that stand next to one another on the top of a hill overlooking the countryside.
Down into the valley we stopped at another National Trust property; that of the estate’s mill – Stainsby Mill, where we witnessed the water wheel powered millstones grinding grain into flour just as it did so long ago.
We returned to Bakewell to have another picnic lunch, this time on the banks of the river, before returning to our hotel to change for the evening.
We drove a couple of miles out of town to a little village of Rowsley where we parked up in the middle of a field. Here we had arranged to meet with others for a balloon ride over the countryside.
The weather was perfect and the organisers started to prepare the balloon as we were briefed. It turned out one person had tried 17 different occasions to fly over a 2 years before this day, each time to have it cancelled before it took off. Conditions though were right and the balloon was inflated and we clambered into the wicker basket to soar into the sky. The trip was sublime and gentle as we drifted up to over 4000 feet where we could see all around the Peak District, the town of Bakewell at out feet, Chatsworth over the hill, other stately homes, farms and rolling countryside. We could see a couple of other balloons in the sky with us and briefly a small airplane buzzed in between us and the Virgin balloon like the red baron. After the controlled landing in a farmer’s field we had a drink of champagne before being driven back to our car.
It was one of the best experiences we have ever had, and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.
On our way to the town we stopped in at the nearby historic Chatsworth home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire. It is an impressive pile with grand gardens and lands as far as the eye can see. We were more impressed with the wonderful grounds with their long lacks, fountains and water terraces than we were with the house itself. We had a delightful picnic lunch sitting in the grounds in the bright sunshine
The following day we visited another historic home that had belonged to the Cavendish family, that of Hardwick Hall. We were very impressed with both the old and new halls that stand next to one another on the top of a hill overlooking the countryside.
Down into the valley we stopped at another National Trust property; that of the estate’s mill – Stainsby Mill, where we witnessed the water wheel powered millstones grinding grain into flour just as it did so long ago.
We returned to Bakewell to have another picnic lunch, this time on the banks of the river, before returning to our hotel to change for the evening.
We drove a couple of miles out of town to a little village of Rowsley where we parked up in the middle of a field. Here we had arranged to meet with others for a balloon ride over the countryside.
The weather was perfect and the organisers started to prepare the balloon as we were briefed. It turned out one person had tried 17 different occasions to fly over a 2 years before this day, each time to have it cancelled before it took off. Conditions though were right and the balloon was inflated and we clambered into the wicker basket to soar into the sky. The trip was sublime and gentle as we drifted up to over 4000 feet where we could see all around the Peak District, the town of Bakewell at out feet, Chatsworth over the hill, other stately homes, farms and rolling countryside. We could see a couple of other balloons in the sky with us and briefly a small airplane buzzed in between us and the Virgin balloon like the red baron. After the controlled landing in a farmer’s field we had a drink of champagne before being driven back to our car.
It was one of the best experiences we have ever had, and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.
More wot I have read…
Lords of the Bow by Conn Iggulden
This was another charity shop purchase. This is the second in a trilogy, but I don’t think that matters. It is a ‘boys own’ sort of read and is entertaining in its own way, well written and researched without being overburdened with a desire to educate.
‘His warriors only have the bow, the horse and an iron discipline born from a land of ice, hunger and death. Genghis Khan, the greatest of the warriors, must unite the most warlike tribes on earth in order to forge a new nation from the wild plains and mountains of Mongolia.
To achieve this, he must break the ancient enemy who has kept his people divided; he must attack them in their fortresses and walled cities; he must find a new way of warfare, while at the same time coping with his restless generals, ambitious brothers and growing sons.’
This was another charity shop purchase. This is the second in a trilogy, but I don’t think that matters. It is a ‘boys own’ sort of read and is entertaining in its own way, well written and researched without being overburdened with a desire to educate.
‘His warriors only have the bow, the horse and an iron discipline born from a land of ice, hunger and death. Genghis Khan, the greatest of the warriors, must unite the most warlike tribes on earth in order to forge a new nation from the wild plains and mountains of Mongolia.
To achieve this, he must break the ancient enemy who has kept his people divided; he must attack them in their fortresses and walled cities; he must find a new way of warfare, while at the same time coping with his restless generals, ambitious brothers and growing sons.’
More wot I have seen…
Brass Monkey at the Electric Theatre in Guildford
We recently went to a live ‘gig’ at the Electric Theatre in Guildford, a lovely little venue built in what used to be an electricity power station. We saw a flyer for Brass Monkey at the local folk group and decided to give them a go as we recognised the names of a couple of the band members (Martin Carthy and John Kirkpatrick). The small venue had an intimate feel, though the seats we had at the back suffered from poor ventilation and it became quite hot and stuffy during the performance. The band played traditional folk songs but with a twist of having the less traditional brass instruments playing a major part. Probably not exactly our taste but interesting in their own right they were certainly very accomplished musicians and it was an enjoyable evening.
‘Brass Monkey – the five-piece band that started in 1980, sputtered to a halt in 1987, and burst back onto the scene with renewed vigour in 1997 – looked all set to build on the buzz of a re-energised come-back with regular new albums and annual tours. They had a unique sound, nobody else remotely resembled them, every live appearance was a wonderful success, and every new recording was greeted with joyous appreciation’
Shep Woolley at the Dorking Folk Club
This was an entertaining gig in the old folk tradition of comedy and music combining to give the audience a good time.
‘To some Shep is a folk singer who tells funny stories, to others he's a stand-up comedian who writes great songs and parodies. He can sing a protest song or belt out Long Tall Sally - he is definitely a great all-round performer who is the perfect guest for All Fool’s day!’
We recently went to a live ‘gig’ at the Electric Theatre in Guildford, a lovely little venue built in what used to be an electricity power station. We saw a flyer for Brass Monkey at the local folk group and decided to give them a go as we recognised the names of a couple of the band members (Martin Carthy and John Kirkpatrick). The small venue had an intimate feel, though the seats we had at the back suffered from poor ventilation and it became quite hot and stuffy during the performance. The band played traditional folk songs but with a twist of having the less traditional brass instruments playing a major part. Probably not exactly our taste but interesting in their own right they were certainly very accomplished musicians and it was an enjoyable evening.
‘Brass Monkey – the five-piece band that started in 1980, sputtered to a halt in 1987, and burst back onto the scene with renewed vigour in 1997 – looked all set to build on the buzz of a re-energised come-back with regular new albums and annual tours. They had a unique sound, nobody else remotely resembled them, every live appearance was a wonderful success, and every new recording was greeted with joyous appreciation’
Shep Woolley at the Dorking Folk Club
This was an entertaining gig in the old folk tradition of comedy and music combining to give the audience a good time.
‘To some Shep is a folk singer who tells funny stories, to others he's a stand-up comedian who writes great songs and parodies. He can sing a protest song or belt out Long Tall Sally - he is definitely a great all-round performer who is the perfect guest for All Fool’s day!’
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
More of wot I have read…
Fatal Revenant by Stephen Donaldson
This book, like all the others in this and the earlier Chronicles, was a difficult and frustrating read. There is now so much history in this world created by the author in seven previous books over thirty years, that there is a need for a lot of explanation that sometimes hinders the story. Also the author’s main characters are so flawed that you just want to throttle them, to shake some sense into them. Only one more book to go in this final trilogy.
‘Linden Avery watches from a balcony while Thomas Covenant and her adopted son, Jeremiah, ride desperately towards Revelstone. But their reunion has vast consequences which she could not have foreseen. Soon she is betrayed by people whom she most needs to trust. Transported deep into the Land’s past, she is forced to confront mysterious strangers, legendary heroes and ancient evils, and to stand alone against the malevolence of the Despiser’s minions.
When she finds herself abandoned in Garroting Deep, the most bloodthirsty of the Land’s long-dead forests, she reaches a fearsome decision; if she is to end the Despiser’s evil and her own son’s suffering, she must reshape reality. For this, she needs to find Loric’s krill, a weapon lost in the Hills of Andelain millennia ago. And she needs the aid of friends and allies who would turn against her if she revealed her intent.’
This book, like all the others in this and the earlier Chronicles, was a difficult and frustrating read. There is now so much history in this world created by the author in seven previous books over thirty years, that there is a need for a lot of explanation that sometimes hinders the story. Also the author’s main characters are so flawed that you just want to throttle them, to shake some sense into them. Only one more book to go in this final trilogy.
‘Linden Avery watches from a balcony while Thomas Covenant and her adopted son, Jeremiah, ride desperately towards Revelstone. But their reunion has vast consequences which she could not have foreseen. Soon she is betrayed by people whom she most needs to trust. Transported deep into the Land’s past, she is forced to confront mysterious strangers, legendary heroes and ancient evils, and to stand alone against the malevolence of the Despiser’s minions.
When she finds herself abandoned in Garroting Deep, the most bloodthirsty of the Land’s long-dead forests, she reaches a fearsome decision; if she is to end the Despiser’s evil and her own son’s suffering, she must reshape reality. For this, she needs to find Loric’s krill, a weapon lost in the Hills of Andelain millennia ago. And she needs the aid of friends and allies who would turn against her if she revealed her intent.’
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Catch the Kiwi...
We managed to catch up with our illusive and shy Kiwi friends on a couple of occasions recently. The first we collared Marc and Heather in London and after a quick circuit of the British Museum we had a meal at a local restaurant with them and Jamie. At that time Heather was just about to present her thesis and we now know she passed without comment and is now a doctor. Now she has the task of finding a ‘real’ job.
A few weeks later we met Heather again, this time when Mary was briefly in London on her way to Paris with work. We had a meal, reminisced, gossiped and looked and photos that Mary had brought with her.
A few weeks later we met Heather again, this time when Mary was briefly in London on her way to Paris with work. We had a meal, reminisced, gossiped and looked and photos that Mary had brought with her.
A Night on the Town...
Sue took me out for a meal for my birthday at a local restaurant, Two to Four, that we had passed many times. The name reflects its address on West Street and didn’t reveal anything about its character, which was cosy and classy at the same time. The older building was lovely restored and decorated to a high finish, the staff attentive but not intrusive. The food was superb, well balanced flavours, beautiful produce, and good portions that were not too large as to discourage additional courses. This is definitely a good place to come for a special treat.
Before we went to the restaurant we met at the Star, probably our favourite pub in Dorking. It is not the cheapest place to drink in but the atmosphere is special and welcoming to all.
Before we went to the restaurant we met at the Star, probably our favourite pub in Dorking. It is not the cheapest place to drink in but the atmosphere is special and welcoming to all.
Under the Surface...
Dorking Heritage Trail
We were quite aware of parts of the local history and we had recently been to a talk about the Dorking Caves. But while we were at the theatre (which doubles as the tourist information centre) we noticed that they were being opened up (once a month – closed for winter) and so we booked a tour that included a guided walk around the town first. We found out some additional information we had not known before and explored some parts of the town we had not seen. The underground tour was also a revelation as these caves exist in the heart of the town hidden away from the bustle behind an unimpressive door in a wall.
We were quite aware of parts of the local history and we had recently been to a talk about the Dorking Caves. But while we were at the theatre (which doubles as the tourist information centre) we noticed that they were being opened up (once a month – closed for winter) and so we booked a tour that included a guided walk around the town first. We found out some additional information we had not known before and explored some parts of the town we had not seen. The underground tour was also a revelation as these caves exist in the heart of the town hidden away from the bustle behind an unimpressive door in a wall.
All Song and Dance...
42nd Street
Dorking Dramatic & Operatic Society put on a large scale musical every year at the Dorking Halls. Last years performance was South Pacific, which was very good, this year it was 42nd Street – not a show we were familiar with so we did not fully appreciate the performance. Next year it is one of my personal favourite musicals – Return to the Forbidden Planet. The DDOS group do other performances throughout the year at a smaller venue behind the halls called the Green Room, which was a temporary structure for Canadian Troops during WWII.
La Cage aux Folles
Sue went on a girl’s night out to see this show and thoroughly enjoyed herself, saying that the guys did a great job including Graham Norton. I have seen the American version on film some time ago and enjoyed that.
‘The idyllic existence of Georges and the dazzling drag artiste Albin, star of the La Cage aux Folles club, is threatened when Georges’ son announces his engagement to the daughter of a right-wing politician, who wants to close down the local colourful nightlife! With a visit from the prospective in-laws imminent, they all decide to take drastic action to hide their lifestyle... but can they keep it up?’
Dorking Dramatic & Operatic Society put on a large scale musical every year at the Dorking Halls. Last years performance was South Pacific, which was very good, this year it was 42nd Street – not a show we were familiar with so we did not fully appreciate the performance. Next year it is one of my personal favourite musicals – Return to the Forbidden Planet. The DDOS group do other performances throughout the year at a smaller venue behind the halls called the Green Room, which was a temporary structure for Canadian Troops during WWII.
La Cage aux Folles
Sue went on a girl’s night out to see this show and thoroughly enjoyed herself, saying that the guys did a great job including Graham Norton. I have seen the American version on film some time ago and enjoyed that.
‘The idyllic existence of Georges and the dazzling drag artiste Albin, star of the La Cage aux Folles club, is threatened when Georges’ son announces his engagement to the daughter of a right-wing politician, who wants to close down the local colourful nightlife! With a visit from the prospective in-laws imminent, they all decide to take drastic action to hide their lifestyle... but can they keep it up?’
Old Folk...
At the Dorking Folk Club
We continue to support our local Folk Club and have seen many an accomplished artist there that we have never heard of before. We are becoming educated to what is almost an underground scene that has existing for some time now after its popularity in the sixties and seventies. Many of these artists have been plying their trade since that time and perfecting their own particular sound, the skill of which is making it all look so simple.
Mick Ryan and Paul Downes
also at
http://www.pauldownes.com/index.html
http://www.mickandpete.co.uk/
'An inspired pairing of two highly respected artists in their own right:
Mick Ryan is well known on the folk scene as a fine singer of traditional and original songs, writing for radio and a series of highly successful folk musicals such as 'A Tollpuddle Man',
'The Voyage' and 'The Navvy's Wife.'
Paul Downes has a rich musical background working with artists such as Phil Beer, Show of Hands and Pete Seeger. A great acoustic guitarist with a dazzling array of styles performed with effortless brilliance and also a wonderful singer of songs.
This talented duo combine a heartfelt and masterly performance of self penned and beautifully arranged material – a rare and memorable treat'
John James
‘One of the most spectacular and entertaining guitarists combined with a warm humour –
`Old Tyme’ gospel, Western swing or classical rags from a true exponent of the art’
We continue to support our local Folk Club and have seen many an accomplished artist there that we have never heard of before. We are becoming educated to what is almost an underground scene that has existing for some time now after its popularity in the sixties and seventies. Many of these artists have been plying their trade since that time and perfecting their own particular sound, the skill of which is making it all look so simple.
Mick Ryan and Paul Downes
also at
http://www.pauldownes.com/index.html
http://www.mickandpete.co.uk/
'An inspired pairing of two highly respected artists in their own right:
Mick Ryan is well known on the folk scene as a fine singer of traditional and original songs, writing for radio and a series of highly successful folk musicals such as 'A Tollpuddle Man',
'The Voyage' and 'The Navvy's Wife.'
Paul Downes has a rich musical background working with artists such as Phil Beer, Show of Hands and Pete Seeger. A great acoustic guitarist with a dazzling array of styles performed with effortless brilliance and also a wonderful singer of songs.
This talented duo combine a heartfelt and masterly performance of self penned and beautifully arranged material – a rare and memorable treat'
John James
‘One of the most spectacular and entertaining guitarists combined with a warm humour –
`Old Tyme’ gospel, Western swing or classical rags from a true exponent of the art’
More of wot I have seen…
Recently we went to see Ray LaMontagne at the Barbican.
This guy is a gravel-throated hero of the Americana/Blues sound. We have seen him before in a much smaller venue with just a bass player. This time his fame has grown and he has come with a full band that allows him to have a bigger sound – occasionally it might be too big as it threatens to drown out his particular vocal sound. A shy and otherwise uncommunicative artist he seems to let his music do the speaking for him, and the songs are full of emotion and passion.
I picked up his latest offer at the gig and found it to be equal to his previous albums with evidence of his experimenting with new ideas and sounds.
Gossip in the Grain by Ray LaMontagne – album review
The support artist for Ray was a young American Korean girl called Priscilla Ahn, who played solo to the packed auditorium and charmed everyone there with her personality and sensitive, sweet songs. I also bought her album and as I do enjoy a good female voice I was entranced with her offering, playing it through twice in a row.
A Good Day by Priscilla Ahn
This guy is a gravel-throated hero of the Americana/Blues sound. We have seen him before in a much smaller venue with just a bass player. This time his fame has grown and he has come with a full band that allows him to have a bigger sound – occasionally it might be too big as it threatens to drown out his particular vocal sound. A shy and otherwise uncommunicative artist he seems to let his music do the speaking for him, and the songs are full of emotion and passion.
I picked up his latest offer at the gig and found it to be equal to his previous albums with evidence of his experimenting with new ideas and sounds.
Gossip in the Grain by Ray LaMontagne – album review
The support artist for Ray was a young American Korean girl called Priscilla Ahn, who played solo to the packed auditorium and charmed everyone there with her personality and sensitive, sweet songs. I also bought her album and as I do enjoy a good female voice I was entranced with her offering, playing it through twice in a row.
A Good Day by Priscilla Ahn
More of wot I have heard…
I received several new CDs for my birthday that I had listed in the Amazon Wish List tool and have not been disappointed by any of them.
Some new Indie beats from bands that are relatively new to me. All of them are great pop sounds with cleaver lyrics and gentle sounds, but Fleet Foxes certainly do have something extra with virtually all tracks being top notch.
Fleet Foxes by Fleet Foxes
Scouting For Girls by Scouting For Girls
Peaceful The World Lays Me Down by Noah And The Whale
Compilation albums can give the listener a variety of different sounds that they may not come across otherwise, and I have found that the Late Night Tales series is very exciting with the compiling artists mixing favourites from days gone by with obscurities never heard of before. It often shows the influences and passions of those doing the selecting which is revealing. Nu Cool is a throwback to a time when I was first interested in music and the disco inspired sounds are an indulgence for me. Several of Mark Ronson’s tracks have made it to the mainstream and all of them are clever reinterpretations of songs you know done so well they often eclipse the original.
Late Night Tales compiled by Nouvelle Vague
and
Late Night Tales compiled by Fatboy Slim
Nu Cool - Lounge Grooves & Sassy Beats From Hed Kandi by Various Artists
Version by Mark Ronson
These two albums are both something away from the mainstream which is in it self something to celebrate. Bellowhead are the dance act of the folk scene with pounding rhythms and strong driving beats giving the genre a welcome boost with its energetic and well crafted music. Lambchop are a firm favourite of mine and have taken Country and Americana folk to new levels, sometimes it can be variable but this album is them at there best – truly sublime.
Burlesque by Bellowhead
Ohio by Lambchop
Some new Indie beats from bands that are relatively new to me. All of them are great pop sounds with cleaver lyrics and gentle sounds, but Fleet Foxes certainly do have something extra with virtually all tracks being top notch.
Fleet Foxes by Fleet Foxes
Scouting For Girls by Scouting For Girls
Peaceful The World Lays Me Down by Noah And The Whale
Compilation albums can give the listener a variety of different sounds that they may not come across otherwise, and I have found that the Late Night Tales series is very exciting with the compiling artists mixing favourites from days gone by with obscurities never heard of before. It often shows the influences and passions of those doing the selecting which is revealing. Nu Cool is a throwback to a time when I was first interested in music and the disco inspired sounds are an indulgence for me. Several of Mark Ronson’s tracks have made it to the mainstream and all of them are clever reinterpretations of songs you know done so well they often eclipse the original.
Late Night Tales compiled by Nouvelle Vague
and
Late Night Tales compiled by Fatboy Slim
Nu Cool - Lounge Grooves & Sassy Beats From Hed Kandi by Various Artists
Version by Mark Ronson
These two albums are both something away from the mainstream which is in it self something to celebrate. Bellowhead are the dance act of the folk scene with pounding rhythms and strong driving beats giving the genre a welcome boost with its energetic and well crafted music. Lambchop are a firm favourite of mine and have taken Country and Americana folk to new levels, sometimes it can be variable but this album is them at there best – truly sublime.
Burlesque by Bellowhead
Ohio by Lambchop
More of wot I have read…
No Time for Goodbye by Linwood Barclay
This book had an intriguing premise that was well played out through the story and even managed to keep a few secrets until the end. It had a good degree of suspense and the characters and storyline were well written.
‘One night, when Cynthia Archer was 14 years old, her family disappeared. Now, 25 years later, she’s about to learn what happened to her mother, father brother, and she might be better off never finding out.’
Remembrance Day by Henry Porter
This book is a little ‘boys-own’ in style and suffers from dated technology (it is interesting how much things have changed in such a short time that we take for granted now). It also plays heavily on stereotypes and preconceptions such that some elements of the story become predictable.
‘Constantine Lindow is waiting for his brother Eamonn outside a central London tube station when a bus turns into the street and explodes. The next day Con is arrested as the prime suspect for the bombing.
Con is determined to prove his innocence, but the only way he can do that is to find the real bomber. As he digs deeper, he finds himself confronted by his own brother's secret life - and the cold-blooded killers from his past.The trail leads Lindow halfway across the world and back to London, where he tracks down a killer with a genius for encryption codes. Only Lindow can crack the code. Only Lindow can stop that telephone ringing... ‘
Half a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
This a story based on real events of which I knew nothing about and for that reason alone it would have been an interesting read. But the author also manages to bring a real sense of humanities worst and best extremes that can be exposed in times of trouble. Well worth a read to educate your self about a little known struggle.
‘A masterly, haunting new novel from a writer heralded by The Washington Post Book World as "the 21st-century daughter of Chinua Achebe," Half of a Yellow Sun recreates a seminal moment in modern African history: Biafra's impassioned struggle to establish an independent republic in Nigeria, and the chilling violence that followed.
With astonishing empathy and the effortless grace of a natural storyteller, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie weaves together the lives of three characters swept up in the turbulence of the decade. Thirteen-year-old Ugwu is employed as a houseboy for a university professor full of revolutionary zeal. Olanna is the professor's beautiful mistress, who has abandoned her life of privilege in Lagos for a dusty university town and the charisma of her new lover. And Richard is a shy young Englishman in thrall to Olanna's twin sister, an enigmatic figure who refuses to belong to anyone. As Nigerian troops advance and they must run for their lives, their ideals are severely tested, as are their loyalties to one another
.
Epic, ambitious, and triumphantly realized, Half of a Yellow Sun is a remarkable novel about moral responsibility, about the end of colonialism, about ethnic allegiances, about class and race—and the ways in which love can complicate them all.’
This book had an intriguing premise that was well played out through the story and even managed to keep a few secrets until the end. It had a good degree of suspense and the characters and storyline were well written.
‘One night, when Cynthia Archer was 14 years old, her family disappeared. Now, 25 years later, she’s about to learn what happened to her mother, father brother, and she might be better off never finding out.’
Remembrance Day by Henry Porter
This book is a little ‘boys-own’ in style and suffers from dated technology (it is interesting how much things have changed in such a short time that we take for granted now). It also plays heavily on stereotypes and preconceptions such that some elements of the story become predictable.
‘Constantine Lindow is waiting for his brother Eamonn outside a central London tube station when a bus turns into the street and explodes. The next day Con is arrested as the prime suspect for the bombing.
Con is determined to prove his innocence, but the only way he can do that is to find the real bomber. As he digs deeper, he finds himself confronted by his own brother's secret life - and the cold-blooded killers from his past.The trail leads Lindow halfway across the world and back to London, where he tracks down a killer with a genius for encryption codes. Only Lindow can crack the code. Only Lindow can stop that telephone ringing... ‘
Half a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
This a story based on real events of which I knew nothing about and for that reason alone it would have been an interesting read. But the author also manages to bring a real sense of humanities worst and best extremes that can be exposed in times of trouble. Well worth a read to educate your self about a little known struggle.
‘A masterly, haunting new novel from a writer heralded by The Washington Post Book World as "the 21st-century daughter of Chinua Achebe," Half of a Yellow Sun recreates a seminal moment in modern African history: Biafra's impassioned struggle to establish an independent republic in Nigeria, and the chilling violence that followed.
With astonishing empathy and the effortless grace of a natural storyteller, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie weaves together the lives of three characters swept up in the turbulence of the decade. Thirteen-year-old Ugwu is employed as a houseboy for a university professor full of revolutionary zeal. Olanna is the professor's beautiful mistress, who has abandoned her life of privilege in Lagos for a dusty university town and the charisma of her new lover. And Richard is a shy young Englishman in thrall to Olanna's twin sister, an enigmatic figure who refuses to belong to anyone. As Nigerian troops advance and they must run for their lives, their ideals are severely tested, as are their loyalties to one another
.
Epic, ambitious, and triumphantly realized, Half of a Yellow Sun is a remarkable novel about moral responsibility, about the end of colonialism, about ethnic allegiances, about class and race—and the ways in which love can complicate them all.’
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
What have we been doing…
Anniversary
I had a few days leave left to use as Christmas approached and so I took the three days before off, which included our wedding anniversary. Sue treated me to the box set of the 4th series of 24, and so I over dosed on Jack Bower – and felt suitably jumpy afterwards.
Xmas
Christmas was the traditional affair where we ate lots of food and drank more than we should have and enjoyed the company of family and friends
Jamie came to visit and spent a good few days with us, which was very nice. He is doing well and has settled into his new place and new job making many friends and having a good time. As is usual he was spoilt rotten.
New Year
We like to be at home for New Years as it is too much of an expense and a hassle going out. This year we invited a few friends around and we had a Gaming Night, where we played silly games and ate and drank some more.
On New Years day we joined the History Group walk, which was blessed with good weather as we wandered of hill and across dale refreshing ourselves from the excesses of the festive season.
The dreaded ‘W’ word
We have been back to work for a few weeks now and it hardly seems that we have been away, we are both as busy as ever and nothing seems to have changed. We have started making plans for the year as this gives us something to aim for and a reason to carry on.
I had a few days leave left to use as Christmas approached and so I took the three days before off, which included our wedding anniversary. Sue treated me to the box set of the 4th series of 24, and so I over dosed on Jack Bower – and felt suitably jumpy afterwards.
Xmas
Christmas was the traditional affair where we ate lots of food and drank more than we should have and enjoyed the company of family and friends
Jamie came to visit and spent a good few days with us, which was very nice. He is doing well and has settled into his new place and new job making many friends and having a good time. As is usual he was spoilt rotten.
New Year
We like to be at home for New Years as it is too much of an expense and a hassle going out. This year we invited a few friends around and we had a Gaming Night, where we played silly games and ate and drank some more.
On New Years day we joined the History Group walk, which was blessed with good weather as we wandered of hill and across dale refreshing ourselves from the excesses of the festive season.
The dreaded ‘W’ word
We have been back to work for a few weeks now and it hardly seems that we have been away, we are both as busy as ever and nothing seems to have changed. We have started making plans for the year as this gives us something to aim for and a reason to carry on.
On the small screen…
Winter is a time of hibernation and we have been spending ever more time in front of the box.
- Dr Who Special (I am a fan, what can I say)
- The Royal Family at Christmas (cringe-worthy fun)
- Wallace and Grommet – A matter of loaf and death (superb)
- Demons (a new series a kin to a UK Buffy – bad accents though)
- Royal Variety Show (a Christmas staple)
- ER (the last series has just started on Freeview)
- My Name is Earl (one of the best comedies from across the pond)
We have been enjoying
- Apparitions (spooktastic!)
- Heroes (Mark – what’s not to like)
- Brothers and Sisters (Sue – good girly stuff)
- Life (a great new series with another English actor that has made good in the states)
- Dexter (we really shouldn’t like him)
DVDs including
- Mama Mia (a present for Sue)
- The illusionist
- Atonement
- The lady in the water
Various films over Xmas including
- The 39 steps (made for TV adaptation – quite good)
- Kinky Boots (a good laugh)
- Superman Returns (not so good, but very ‘Superman’)
- Dr Who Special (I am a fan, what can I say)
- The Royal Family at Christmas (cringe-worthy fun)
- Wallace and Grommet – A matter of loaf and death (superb)
- Demons (a new series a kin to a UK Buffy – bad accents though)
- Royal Variety Show (a Christmas staple)
- ER (the last series has just started on Freeview)
- My Name is Earl (one of the best comedies from across the pond)
We have been enjoying
- Apparitions (spooktastic!)
- Heroes (Mark – what’s not to like)
- Brothers and Sisters (Sue – good girly stuff)
- Life (a great new series with another English actor that has made good in the states)
- Dexter (we really shouldn’t like him)
DVDs including
- Mama Mia (a present for Sue)
- The illusionist
- Atonement
- The lady in the water
On the silver screen…
It has been a very long time since we last saw a film in a cinema (several years in fact) and we were probably not going to change that any time soon, until friends of ours invited us out.
The day the earth stood still
Probably not the best remake ever, but it was just as well that they selected the alien role for Keanu Reeves.
Yes Man
We went to the movies again with our friends and enjoyed this film much more, silly and slapstick though it was. It was interesting to see the Kiwi actor out of Flight of the Conchords in it too.
The day the earth stood still
Probably not the best remake ever, but it was just as well that they selected the alien role for Keanu Reeves.
Yes Man
We went to the movies again with our friends and enjoyed this film much more, silly and slapstick though it was. It was interesting to see the Kiwi actor out of Flight of the Conchords in it too.
More of wot I have read…
Human Traces by Sebastian Faulks
This was an interesting book and it is clear that the author has spent a lot of time researching his subject, unfortunately some of the extended passages detailing various psychiatric illnesses and treatments were too long, and frankly boring, for my tastes.
‘In the 1870s, two ambitious boys from different backgrounds, Jacques Rebiere and Thomas Midwinter, find themselves united by a determination to understand how the mind works and whether madness is the price we pay for being human.
As pioneering psychiatrists, their quest takes them from an English country lunatic asylum to the plains of Africa, the lecture rooms of Paris and the mountains of Austria and California. They are guided by Thomas’s devoted sister, Sonia, and by an ex-patient, Katharina, whose arrival exposes profound differences between them. As the concerns of the old century fade and the Fist world War divides Europe, the two friends are compelled to a tragic revision of all that they have loved and pursued.’
The Runes of the Earth by Stephen Donaldson
This is the first book in THE LAST CHRONICLES OF THOMAS COVENANT
It has been many years since I read the first and second trilogies and I remembered how I found the character’s human frailties frustrating. Well the author has continued this with this book and I again find myself almost shouting at the character to ‘get a grip’. Still this conflict of a damaged and worthless person from one world being thrust into another where they are powerful and can’t come to terms with it is what drives the story. It is a difficult read from that point of view, but I hope that is down to me not the author, as I like the basic premise.
‘Since their publication more than twenty years ago, the first six books in The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant have sold more than 10 million copies and have been published around the world. Now, with The Runes of the Earth, Donaldson returns to the Land, and the story of Thomas Covenant.
Struck down with a deadly disease, Covenant is abandoned by his wife and son. Alone and despairing, he is drawn into the Land, where the earth itself brings healing. He is welcomed as the reincarnation of a legendary saviour, but cannot - will not - accept this magical world is real. But the Land itself is under threat, and only Covenant has the power to save it.
As Covenant battles to save the world he has come to love, he is killed: his death is both the ultimate sacrifice and his redemption.
Now comes the book every fantasy reader has been waiting for. It's ten years on, and Dr. Linden Avery had thought she would never see the Land, or Covenant, her beloved, again. But Lord Foul has stolen her adopted son, and there is more at risk than the life of the boy she adores: Lord Foul is unmaking the very laws of nature and if he is not stopped, he could destroy everything.
And though Linden believes Covenant dead, he keeps sending her messages: 'Find me', and 'You're the only one who can do this', and 'Remember that I'm dead'.
The Land is in turmoil, and Lord Foul has plans for them all...’
This was an interesting book and it is clear that the author has spent a lot of time researching his subject, unfortunately some of the extended passages detailing various psychiatric illnesses and treatments were too long, and frankly boring, for my tastes.
‘In the 1870s, two ambitious boys from different backgrounds, Jacques Rebiere and Thomas Midwinter, find themselves united by a determination to understand how the mind works and whether madness is the price we pay for being human.
As pioneering psychiatrists, their quest takes them from an English country lunatic asylum to the plains of Africa, the lecture rooms of Paris and the mountains of Austria and California. They are guided by Thomas’s devoted sister, Sonia, and by an ex-patient, Katharina, whose arrival exposes profound differences between them. As the concerns of the old century fade and the Fist world War divides Europe, the two friends are compelled to a tragic revision of all that they have loved and pursued.’
The Runes of the Earth by Stephen Donaldson
This is the first book in THE LAST CHRONICLES OF THOMAS COVENANT
It has been many years since I read the first and second trilogies and I remembered how I found the character’s human frailties frustrating. Well the author has continued this with this book and I again find myself almost shouting at the character to ‘get a grip’. Still this conflict of a damaged and worthless person from one world being thrust into another where they are powerful and can’t come to terms with it is what drives the story. It is a difficult read from that point of view, but I hope that is down to me not the author, as I like the basic premise.
‘Since their publication more than twenty years ago, the first six books in The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant have sold more than 10 million copies and have been published around the world. Now, with The Runes of the Earth, Donaldson returns to the Land, and the story of Thomas Covenant.
Struck down with a deadly disease, Covenant is abandoned by his wife and son. Alone and despairing, he is drawn into the Land, where the earth itself brings healing. He is welcomed as the reincarnation of a legendary saviour, but cannot - will not - accept this magical world is real. But the Land itself is under threat, and only Covenant has the power to save it.
As Covenant battles to save the world he has come to love, he is killed: his death is both the ultimate sacrifice and his redemption.
Now comes the book every fantasy reader has been waiting for. It's ten years on, and Dr. Linden Avery had thought she would never see the Land, or Covenant, her beloved, again. But Lord Foul has stolen her adopted son, and there is more at risk than the life of the boy she adores: Lord Foul is unmaking the very laws of nature and if he is not stopped, he could destroy everything.
And though Linden believes Covenant dead, he keeps sending her messages: 'Find me', and 'You're the only one who can do this', and 'Remember that I'm dead'.
The Land is in turmoil, and Lord Foul has plans for them all...’
Remembrance Day…
On Tuesday 11th November we went to A Remembrance Day Special talk at the Westcott History Group.
The speaker was Andrew Tatham, who explained how a photograph of the officers of the 8th Royal Berkshire Regiment, taken on Salisbury Plain in July 1915, prompted a research project that focused on the First World War and those who fought in it.
He has a website called http://www.groupphoto.co.uk/ where he details what he has been doing and some of the information he has found out.
‘I have a group photograph of the officers of the 8th Royal Berkshire Regiment taken at their training camp on Salisbury Plain in July 1915. My aim when I started was to explore who those officers were - where they had come from, what happened to them, and what their families are doing now. So often wars are seen in isolation from the rest of history - well, I want to put the First World War in the context of the stories of these men and their families. One way that I have explored this is in the production of an Animated Film that shows all of their family trees growing over 136 years, mixed in with photos of their families and historical time markers, with contemporary music, and with the cycles of the moon and the seasons.
Andrew Tatham’
It was a very interesting and moving story that kept us entertained and made us think.
The speaker was Andrew Tatham, who explained how a photograph of the officers of the 8th Royal Berkshire Regiment, taken on Salisbury Plain in July 1915, prompted a research project that focused on the First World War and those who fought in it.
He has a website called http://www.groupphoto.co.uk/ where he details what he has been doing and some of the information he has found out.
‘I have a group photograph of the officers of the 8th Royal Berkshire Regiment taken at their training camp on Salisbury Plain in July 1915. My aim when I started was to explore who those officers were - where they had come from, what happened to them, and what their families are doing now. So often wars are seen in isolation from the rest of history - well, I want to put the First World War in the context of the stories of these men and their families. One way that I have explored this is in the production of an Animated Film that shows all of their family trees growing over 136 years, mixed in with photos of their families and historical time markers, with contemporary music, and with the cycles of the moon and the seasons.
Andrew Tatham’
It was a very interesting and moving story that kept us entertained and made us think.
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